Abstract Introduction Anhedonia is defined as the reduced ability to feel pleasure and is a core symptom of various psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) was developed to assess the presence of anhedonia. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SHAPS. Methods In this study, the SHAPS (14 items) was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and validated using data obtained from 228 subjects within a clinical sample. Psychometric properties were assessed using item response theory (logistic models) and classical test theory (Cronbach’s alpha). We checked for external validity using a non-parametric correlation with an independent scale: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Depression subscale (HAD-D). Results The SHAPS presented good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.759 and adequacy to an IRT 1 parameter logistic (Rasch) model. The SHAPS presented significant correlation with the external measure HAD-D, with Spearman’s ρ = 0.249 (S = 1368914; p < 0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SHAPS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess hedonic tone.

BACKGROUND Biomphalaria glabrata snails are widely distributed in schistosomiasis endemic areas like America and Caribe, displaying high susceptibility to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. After the availability of B. glabrata genome and transcriptome data, studies focusing on genetic markers and small non-coding RNAs have become more relevant. The small RNAs have been considered important through their ability to finely regulate the gene expression in several organisms, thus controlling the functions like cell growth, metabolism, and susceptibility/resistance to infection. OBJECTIVE The present study aims on identification and characterisation of the repertoire of small non-coding RNAs in B. glabrata (Bgl-small RNAs). METHODS By using small RNA sequencing, bioinformatics tools and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we identified, characterised, and validated the presence of small RNAs in B. glabrata. FINDINGS 89 mature miRNAs were identified and five of them were classified as Mollusk-specific. When compared to model organisms, sequences of B. glabrata miRNAs showed a high degree of conservation. In addition, several target genes were predicted for all the mature miRNAs identified. Furthermore, piRNAs were identified in the genome of B. glabrata for the first time. The B. glabrata piRNAs showed strong conservation of uridine as first nucleotide at 5’ end, besides adenine at 10th position. Our results showed that B. glabrata has diverse repertoire of circulating ncRNAs, several which might be involved in mollusk susceptibility to infection, due to their potential roles in the regulation of S. mansoni development. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Further studies are necessary in order to confirm the role of the Bgl-small RNAs in the parasite/host relationship thus opening new perspectives on interference of small RNAs in the organism development and susceptibility to infection.

Catalysts were prepared by the heterogenization of the tributyltin(IV) methoxide (n-Bu3Sn(OMe)) and dibutyltin(IV) dimethoxide (n-Bu2Sn(OMe)2) on silica by two strategies: (i) anchoring of the organotin(IV) compounds on silica and (ii) anchoring of the organotin(IV) compounds on a silica gel functionalized with mercaptopropyl groups (SiO2–SH). The characterization results showed that, regardless of the method used to anchor the organotin species, the solids contained approximately 7-10% of Sn. The decrease or disappearance of the O–H and S–H stretching signals in the SiO2 and SiO2–SH spectra after the treatment with the organotin(IV) methoxide derivatives suggest the immobilization via O–Sn or S–Sn covalent bonds. The catalytic performance was evaluated in methanolysis of ethyl acetate, in comparison to the analogous homogeneous systems, and the order of reactivity is n-Bu2Sn(OMe)2 > n-Bu3Sn(OMe) > SiO2–SnBu2 > SiO2–S–SnBu2 > SiO2–SnBu3 > SiO2–S–SnBu3. The solids on which the organotin species were directly immobilized on activated SiO2 showed catalytic efficiencies slightly higher than those immobilized on thiol-functionalized silica. All of the solid catalysts were recovered and reused for recycling studies and characterized again after the reuse tests. A better interaction between n-Bu3Sn(OMe) and both supports was observed, as verified by the low leaching of Sn after the first catalytic reaction.

Abstract The incorporation of antimicrobials in the composites as an attempt to reduce bacterial adhesion without jeopardizing mechanical properties is a challenge for Dentistry. Objective: To evaluate the bacterial adhesion and physical properties of a composite containing the methacrylate triclosan- derivative monomer (TM). Methodology: TM was synthesized and added to an experimental composite. Samples were divided into two groups: Control and TM (13.4 wt%). Antibacterial Activity: Three specimens of each material were prepared and placed on bacterial suspensions of Streptococcus mutans for 1, 5 and 10 days. After these periods the counting of the colonies (log10) was performed. Assays was performed in triplicate. Physical Properties: Three-body Abrasion (TBA): Ten specimens of each material were prepared and stored at 37°C/24 h. The surface roughness (Ra) and hardness (KHN) were analyzed. Next, the specimens were submitted to abrasive wear (30,000 cycles) and re-evaluated for Ra and KHN; Sorption/solubility (SS): cylindrical specimens (n=10) were prepared and weighted. The specimens were immersed in deionized water for 7 days at 37°C and then their weight was verified again. SS were calculated using accepted formulas; Diametral tensile strength (DTS): specimens (n=10) underwent test performed in an Instron universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were submitted to appropriate statistical tests according to data distribution and assay (p<0.05). Results: Bacterial Adhesion: TM showed a significant reduction on biofilm accumulation in the evaluated periods: 1 day (1.537±0.146); 5 days (2.183±0.138) and 10 days (4.469±0.155) when compared with Control: 1 day (4.954±0.249); 5 days (5.498±0.257) and 10 days (6.306±0.287). Physical Properties: For TBA, SS and DTS no significant difference was found between groups Control and TM. The incorporation of methacrylate triclosan-based monomer in the experimental composite reduce bacterial adhesion of S. mutans and did not affect important polymer properties.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar dois períodos com diferentes esquemas empíricos para tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia, incluindo vancomicina ou oxacilina respectivamente, em unidade neonatal de referência com alta prevalência de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo. Métodos Estudo transversal, feito em unidade neonatal de referência, de 2011 a 2014. Os dados foram coletados diariamente por vigilância ativa em prontuário de recém-nascidos de risco. As infecções foram notificadas conforme critérios definidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. O banco de dados e a análise foram feitos em programa interno. Resultados Ocorreu redução significativa da notificação de infecções por Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0,008), sem notificações de endocardite, meningite e infecções de vias aéreas inferiores, além de redução na frequência de óbitos pelo microrganismo e sem alteração significativa nas incidências de infecções por bactérias Gram negativas e fungos. Houve aumento de infecções S. aureus coagulase negativo (p = 0,022), mas sem aumento de morbidade e mortalidade. Ocorreu redução na mediana do tempo de uso de oxacilina, de 11,5 para 6 dias (p < 0,001), com aumento de mediana de um dia de uso de vancomicina (p = 0,046). Conclusões A modificação do esquema empírico com uso de oxacilina revelou redução significativa das infecções por S. aureus, além da redução na frequência de infecção de foco profundo e mortalidade pelo microrganismo. Considera-se que oxacilina pode ser usada como esquema de tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia para se evitar o uso de antibióticos de largo espectro.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two different empiric treatments for late-onset neonatal sepsis, vancomycin and oxacillin, in a neonatal intensive care unit with a high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an neonatal intensive care unit from 2011 to 2014. Data from the medical records of at-risk newborns were collected daily. Infections were defined according to the National Health Surveillance Agency criteria. Data analysis was performed using an internal program. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p = 0.008), without endocarditis, meningitis, or lower respiratory tract infection, as well as a reduction in the frequency of deaths related to S. aureus infection. There were no significant changes in the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial or fungal infections. An increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections was observed (p = 0.022). However, there was no measured increase in related morbidity and mortality. There was a reduction in the median number of days of treatment with oxacillin from 11.5 to 6 days (p < 0.001) and an increase of one day in the median number of days of treatment with vancomycin (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Modification of the empiric treatment regimen for neonatal late-onset sepsis with use of oxacillin showed a significant reduction in S. aureus infections, as well as a reduction in the frequency of infections with major organ system involvement and mortality due to infection with this microorganism. As a result, oxacillin can be considered as an effective treatment for late-onset sepsis, making it possible to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics.

RESUMO A lagarta Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) é a principal praga da cultura do milho no Brasil. A ação de substância química de defesa de planta, na biologia e comportamento de inseto é pouco estudada. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a ação de rutina e os efeitos na biologia da lagarta S. frugiperda, utilizando-se dieta artificial acrescida com este flavonoide. O trabalho consistiu de quatro tratamentos: dieta normal (testemunha) e dieta com adição de 1,0; 2,0 e 3,0 mg g-1 de rutina. As lagartas foram avaliadas diariamente, observando os parâmetros biológicos: período, peso e viabilidade larval, período, peso e viabilidade pupal, longevidade de adultos e ciclo total. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com 25 repetições. O flavonoide rutina mostrou-se influenciar de forma negativa a biologia de S. frugiperda por prolongar o período larval, diminuir o peso larval e pupal e viabilidade pupal. A adição de rutina nas diferentes concentrações prolongou o ciclo de S. frugiperda. O uso de planta com atividade inseticida tem potencial como estratégia em MIP.

ABSTRACT The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of maize crops in Brazil. The effects of plant metabolites on the biology and behavior of insects is little studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of rutin on the biology of the S. frugiperda by using artificial diets containing rutin. The study evaluated four treatments: regular diet (control group) and diets containing 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg g-1 of rutin. The following biological variables parameters of the larvae were evaluated daily: development time (days), larval and pupal weight (g) and viability (%), adult longevity and total life cycle (days). A completely randomized experimental design was used with 25 replication. The rutin flavonoid negatively affected the biology of S. frugiperda by prolonging the larval development time, reducing the weight of larvae and pupae and decreasing the viability of the pupae. The addition of different concentrations of rutin prolonged the S. frugiperda life cycle. The use of plant with insecticidal activity has the potential with strategy in IPM.

Loque americana é uma grave doença de propagação mundial em abelhas causada pelo Paenibacillus larvae. Extratos de plantas são conhecidos por diminuir ou inibir o crescimento dessa bactéria. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos de Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, e Nasturtium officinale contra o P. larvae e avaliar a toxicidade dos extratos em abelhas. A atividade in vitro dos extratos contra P. larvae foi avaliada pelo método de microdiluição e as concentrações inibitórias mínimas (MICs) também foram determinadas. As concentrações utilizadas no ensaio de toxicidade foram estabelecidas baseadas nos valores de MIC e pelo método de aplicação por pulverização. O P. larvae foi suscetível aos extratos brutos de C. officinalis e N. officinale avaliados. Para a C. domestica, apenas as frações acetato de etila (EtAc) e butanólica (BuOH) tiveram atividade contra P. larvae. Análises de toxicidade em abelhas não mostraram toxidade para o extrato bruto de N. officinale e fração BuOH de C. domestica durante os 15 dias de tratamento, no entanto, ocorreram algumas mortes de abelhas durante os três primeiros dias de tratamento com C. officinalis e fração EtAc de C. domestica. Os resultados com essas espécies foram pela primeira vez descritos e mostraram que o extrato bruto de N. officinale e a fração BuOH de C. domestica ambos não apresentaram efeitos tóxicos nas concentrações testadas pelo método de aplicação por pulverização e podem ser uma alternativa útil para o tratamento ou prevenção da loque americana.

American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious worldwide spreading disease in bees caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Plants extracts are known to decrease or inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, and Nasturtium officinale extracts against the P. larvae and to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts in bees. In vitro activity against P. larvae of the extracts was evaluated by micro dilution method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. The concentrations used in the toxicity test were established based on the MIC values and by the spraying application method. The P. larvae was susceptible to the evaluated crude extract of C. officinalis and N. officinale. To C. domestica, only the ethyl acetate (EtAc) fraction and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions had activity against P. larvae. Toxicity analysis in bees showed no toxicity for N. officinale crude extract and for C. domestica BuOH fraction during 15 days of treatment, however, some deaths of bees occurred during the first three days of treatment with C. officinalis and C. domestica EtAc fraction. The results with these species were firstly described and showed that N. officinale crude extract and C. domestica BuOH fraction both presented not toxic effects in the concentration tested by the spraying application method, and can be a useful alternative for treatment or prevention of AFB.