DST Systems

About: DST Systems is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 1341 authors who have published 1336 publications receiving 25018 citations.

Sensitization of Candida albicans biofilms to fluconazole by terpenoids of plant origin.

Abstract: Infections associated with the biofilms of Candida albicans are a challenge to antifungal treatment. Combinatorial therapy involving plant molecules with antifungal drugs would be an effective complementary approach against drug-resistant Candida biofilms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three bioactive terpenoids (carvacrol, eugenol and thymol) in combination with fluconazole against planktonic cells, biofilm development and mature biofilms of C. albicans. Activities of the selected molecules were tested using a microplate-based methodology, while their combinations with fluconazole were performed in a checkerboard format. Biofilms were quantitated by XTT-metabolic assay and confirmed by microscopic observations. Combinations of carvacrol and eugenol with fluconazole were found synergistic against planktonic growth of C. albicans, while that of thymol with fluconazole did not have any interaction. Biofilm development and mature biofilms were highly resistant to fluconazole, but susceptible to three terpenoids. Sensitization of cells by sub-inhibitory concentrations of carvacrol and eugenol resulted in prevention of biofilm formation at low fluconazole concentrations, i.e. 0.032 and 0.002 mg ml(-1), respectively. Addition of thymol could not potentiate activity of fluconazole against biofilm formation by C. albicans. Fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) for carvacrol-fluconazole and eugenol-fluconazole combinations for biofilm formation were 0.311 and 0.25, respectively. The FICI value of 1.003 indicated a status of indifference for the combination of thymol and fluconazole against biofilm formation. Eugenol and thymol combinations with fluconazole did not have useful interaction against mature biofilms of C. albicans, but the presence of 0.5 mg ml(-1) of carvacrol caused inhibition of mature biofilms at a significantly low concentration (i.e. 0.032 mg ml(-1)) of fluconazole. The study indicated that carvacrol and eugenol combinations with fluconazole would be a potential alternative strategy for prevention and control of biofilm-associated C. albicans infections.

Sem Direito de Amar?: A Vontade de Ter Filhos Entre Homens (e Mulheres) Vivendo Com o HIV

Abstract: Many challenges persist beyond achievements on HIV prevention and care. This article discusses results of a study that interviewed 250 men living with HIV who have sex with women and their perception of reproductive health care, compared to studies among positive women. 43% of men and 17-20% of women want to have children, most significantly the childless. 85% of men have sex and the level of reproduction knowledge and being HIV positive is low. Despite the technology that allowed parenthood without infecting one's partner and children, results show low attention and respect, even in the golden standard centers investigated. The authors suggest as a key aspect of the training and programming related to HIV prevention and care: the ethical and constitutional obligation of promoting and protecting reproductive rights, challenging stigma anti-family associated to HIV and criticizing essencialists' notions about family and gender as having a universal and " natural" definition.

Prevalent Serum Antibody Is Not a Marker of Immune Protection against Acquisition of Oncogenic HPV16 in Men

Abstract: There appear to be differences in the way that men and women react to prior HPV exposure, such that the presence of HPV serum antibodies offers a suitable marker to predict immune protection against future genital infections in women, but not in men.