Soil fertility impact on recruitment and diversity of the soil microbiome in sub-humid tropical pastures in Northeastern Brazil.

Soil fertility is key point to pastures systems and drives the microbial communities and their functionality. Therefore, an understanding of the interaction between soil fertility and microbial communities can increase our ability to manage pasturelands and maintain their soil functioning and productivity. This study probed the influence of soil fertility on microbial communities in tropical pastures in Brazil. Soil samples, gathered from the top 20 cm of twelve distinct areas with diverse fertility levels, were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. The soils were subsequently classified into two categories, namely high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF), using the K-Means clustering. The random forest analysis revealed that high fertility (HF) soils had more bacterial diversity, predominantly Proteobacteria, Nitrospira, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes, while Acidobacteria increased in low fertility (LF) soils. High fertility (HF) soils exhibited more complex network interactions and an enrichment of nitrogen-cycling bacterial groups. Additionally, functional annotation based on 16S rRNA varied between clusters. Microbial groups in HF soil demonstrated enhanced functions such as nitrate reduction, aerobic ammonia oxidation, and aromatic compound degradation. In contrast, in the LF soil, the predominant processes were ureolysis, cellulolysis, methanol oxidation, and methanotrophy. Our findings expand our knowledge about how soil fertility drives bacterial communities in pastures.

Foodborne botulism outbreak involving different nationalities during the Rugby World Cup: critical role of credit card data and rapid international cooperation, France, September 2023.

In September 2023, a severe outbreak of type B botulism with fifteen cases was linked to consumption of canned sardines at a restaurant in Bordeaux, France, during the Rugby World Cup. The cases were from seven countries. One death was recorded. Outbreak investigation using credit card data, rapid communication between health authorities of the affected countries and broad media communication allowed identification of cases and exposed persons and prevented further severe outcomes.

Dataset for effects of the transition from dry forest to pasture on diversity and structure of bacterial communities in Northeastern Brazil.

The data included in this article supplement the research article titled "Forest-to-pasture conversion modifies the soil bacterial community in Brazilian dry forest Caatinga (manuscript ID: STOTEN-D-21-19067R1)". This data article included the analysis of 18 chemical variables in 36 composite samples (included 4 replicates) of soils from the Microregion of Garanhuns (Northeast Brazil) and also partial 16S rRNA gene sequences from genomic DNA extracted from 27 of these samples (included 3 best quality replicates) for paired-end sequencing (up to 2 × 300 bp) in Illumina MiSeq platform (NCBI - BioProject accession: PRJNA753707). Soils were collected in August 2018 in a tropical subhumid region from the Brazilian Caatinga, along with 27 composite samples from the aboveground part of pastures to determine nutritional quality based on leaf N content. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests of environmental data and the main alpha-diversity indices based on linear mixed models (LMM) were represented in the tables. In this case, the collection region (C1 - Brejão, C2 - Garanhuns, and C3 - São João) was the random-effect variable and adjacent habitats formed by a forest (FO) and two pastures (PA and PB succeeded by this forest) composed the fixed-effect variable (land cover), both nested within C. In addition, a table with similarity percentages breakdown (SIMPER) was also shown, a procedure to assess the average percent contribution of individual phyla and bacterial classes. The figures showed the details of the study location, sampling procedure, vegetation status through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), in addition to the general abundance and composition of the main bacterial phyla.

Forest-to-pasture conversion modifies the soil bacterial community in Brazilian dry forest Caatinga.

Soils comprise a huge fraction of the world's biodiversity, contributing to several crucial ecosystem functions. However, how the forest-to-pasture conversion impact soil bacterial diversity remains poorly understood, mainly in the Caatinga biome, the largest tropical dry forest of the world. Here, we hypothesized that forest-to-pasture conversion would shape the microbial community. Thus, the soil bacterial community was assessed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing into the Illumina MiSeq platform. Then, we analyzed ecological patterns and correlated the bacterial community with environmental parameters in forest, and two distinct pastures areas, one less productive and another more productive. The variation in soil properties in pastures and forest influenced the structure and diversity of the bacterial community. Thus, the more productive pasture positively influenced the proportion of specialists and the co-occurrence network compared to the less productive pasture. Also, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were abundant under forest, while Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi were abundant under pastures. Also, the more productive pasture presented a higher bacterial diversity, which is important since that a more stable and connected bacterial community could benefit the agricultural environment and enhance plant performance, as can be observed by the highest network complexity in this pasture. Together, our findings elucidate a significant shift in soil bacterial communities as a consequence of forest-to-pasture conversion and bring important information for the development of preservation strategies.

Snakes of the Pernambuco Endemism Center, Brazil: diversity, natural history and conservation.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the largest and richest tropical rainforests on the planet, being one of the 25 world priorities for conservation. The Atlantic Forest portion located north of the São Francisco River corresponds to the Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC). We describe the snake composition of the PEC, providing information about the diversity, natural history and geographical distribution of the species, based on records from five scientific collections and additional information from the literature. A total of 78 species of snakes distributed in eight families was registered in the Pernambuco Endemism Center. The Caatinga is the Brazilian biome that most shares species with the PEC, followed by Cerrado. On the other hand, seven species are considered endemic of this region. Most of the snake species in the PEC have been registered in forest (94.8%), followed by "Brejos Nordestinos" (46.1%), Tabuleiros (43.5%), Restingas (14.1%) and Mangroves (5.1%). The PEC snake fauna includes mainly terrestrial species (60.2%) and cryptozoic and/or fossorial species (21.7%), but also presents a high richness of semi-arboreal and arboreal species (29.5%). Vertebrates are the main food item consumed by the species (78% of species), among the main prey are mammals, lizards, and amphibians. Most species show a strictly nocturnal activity period (50%), followed by strictly diurnal (38%). The PEC is the most degraded and least known region of the Atlantic Forest, yet it has revealed a high richness of snake species, including seven endemic species. It is emphasized that regional conservation efforts need to be intensified, because few forests in the region are formally protected, and the majority consist of small and poorly protected fragments, which means that many species in the region may be in risk of extinction.

Ensaio sobre o método clínico na psicanálise com crianças / Essay on the clinical method in children psychoanalysis / Essai sur la méthode clinique en psychanalyse avec des enfants / Ensayo sobre el método clínico en el psicoanálisis con niños

A finalidade deste ensaio é discutir a qualidade do método clínico na psicanálise com crianças, a partir das contribuições de D. W. Winnicott sobre o brincar e o conceito elasticidade da técnica de S. Ferenczi. Uma vinheta ilustra como novas estratégias clínicas de escuta e enquadramento interrogam os valores metodológicos e éticos, problematizando o campo da técnica. Concluímos que a qualidade da ação terapêutica passa pelo esforço do analista em salvaguardar a capacidade criativa e livre em sua arte de psicanalisar.

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the quality of the clinical method in children psychoanalysis, based on the contributions by D.W. Winnicott regarding the play and the elasticity concept of the S. Ferenczi technique. A vignette illustrates how new clinical strategies of listening and framing interrogate methodological and ethical values, problematizing the field of technique. We conclude that the quality of the therapeutic action goes through the analyst's effort to safeguard the creative and free capacity in his art of performing psychoanalysis.

Le but de cet essai est de discuter la qualité de la méthode clinique en psychanalyse chez des enfants, à partir des contributions de D.W. Winnicott sur le concept de jeu et d'élasticité de la technique de S. Ferenczi. Une vignette illustre comment de nouvelles stratégies cliniques d'écoute et de cadrage interrogent des valeurs méthodologiques et éthiques, rendant problématique le domaine de la technique. Nous concluons que la qualité de l'action thérapeutique passe par l'effort de l'analyste dans la sauvegarde de la capacité créative et libre dans l'exercice de son art de la psychanalyse.

La finalidad de este ensayo es discutir la calidad del método clínico en el psicoanálisis con niños, desde las contribuciones de D. W. Winnicott sobre el juego y el concepto elasticidad de la técnica de S. Ferenczi. Una viñeta ilustra cómo nuevas estrategias clínicas de escucha y encuadramiento interrogan los valores metodológicos y éticos, problematizando el campo de la técnica. Concluimos que la calidad de la acción terapéutica pasa por el esfuerzo del analista para salvaguardar la capacidad creativa y libre en su arte de psicoanalizar.

Dieser Artikel diskutiert die Qualität der klinischen Methode in der Psychoanalyse von Kindern anhand der Beiträge von D. W. Winnicott über das Spiel und das Konzept der Elastizität der Technik von S. Ferenczi. Eine Vignette veranschaulicht, wie neue klinische Strategien des Zuhörens und des Einstufens methodische und ethische Werte in Frage stellen und die Technik problematisieren. Wir schließen daraus, dass die Qualität der therapeutischen Wirkung von den Bemühungen des Analytikers getragen wird, die schöpferischen und freien Fähigkeiten seiner psychoanalytischen Vorgehensweise zu sichern.

Ecological diversity of a snake assemblage from the Atlantic Forest at the south coast of Paraíba, northeast Brazil.

Despite an increase in studies focusing on snake ecology and composition in the northeastern Atlantic Forest, several poorly studied sites and environments remain. The aim of this study was to assess species richness and natural history attributes of the snakes of an assemblage in the Restinga, Tabuleiro and Forest environments of the Atlantic Forest of the south coast of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. A total of 151 individuals of 27 species, 23 genera, and six families of snakes were found. The most effective sampling methods were time-constrained searches and incidental encounters. Species sampled most frequently were the blindsnake Epictiaborapeliotes, the Boa Constrictor Boaconstrictor, the Brown Vinesnake Oxybelisaeneus, and the Brazilian False Coral Snake Oxyrhopustrigeminus. The snake fauna is characterized mainly by terrestrial species found in open-area environments of Restinga and Tabuleiro, and with most species feeding on amphibians and small mammals. The rarefaction curve did not reach the asymptote and new species should be recorded for south coast of Paraíba in future studies. Despite the richness and composition of snakes of the south coast being similar to other areas in the state, there is a lack of some species typically linked to forests, and this is probably because of the high level of deforestation that the south area of the state has suffered.

Molecular association of pathogenicity and resistance to multiple antimicrobials in Acinetobacter baumannii strains recovered from patients with diverse infectious diseases / Associação molecular de fatores de patogenicidade e resistência a múltiplos antimicrobianos em linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii recuperados de pacientes com doenças infecciosas diversas

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The success of Acinetobacter baumannii infections can be attributed to its various virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence and correlation between different resistance and virulence factors in clinical A. baumannii strains. METHODS: Study conducted at a University Hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The confirmation of Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex was performed by detecting the blaOXA-51 gene through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as the search for genes: blaOXA-23, 24, 58, 143, blaVIM-1, csuE, ompA and ISAba1. Antimicrobials and metallo-betalactamase (MβL) expression were evaluated by E-test®; and genetic diversity, by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. Biofilm formation was classified into four categories according to the mean optical density obtained. RESULTS: 98.4% (61/62) of the strains were resistant to meropenem; 71%, to ceftazidime; and 61.3%, to ampicillin-sulbactam; while 98.4% were sensitive to polymyxin B; and 48.4%, to tigecycline. The production of MβL was detected in 95.2% of the strains. The blaOXA-51 gene was detected in all strains tested; blaVIM-1, in 83.9%; and ISAba1, in 90.3%. On the other hand, the csuE and ompA genes were present in 43.5% and 53.2% of the strains, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a possible correlation between gentamicin resistant samples and those that were positive for the ompA gene. The csuE gene correlated positively with ISAba1.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O sucesso das infecções por Acinetobacter baumannii pode ser atribuído a seus vários fatores de virulência e a mecanismos de resistência a antimicrobianos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença e a correlação entre diferentes fatores de resistência e virulência em amostras clínicas de A. baumannii. MÉTODOS: Estudo conduzido em um hospital universitário em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A confirmação do complexo Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus foi realizada pela detecção do gene blaOXA-51, por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), assim como a pesquisa dos genes: blaOXA-23, 24, 58, 143, blaVIM-1, csuE, ompA e ISAba1. Os antimicrobianos e a expressão das metalobetalactamases (MβL) foram avaliados pelo E-test®; e a diversidade genética, por enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. A formação de biofilme foi classificada em quatro categorias de acordo com a média da densidade ótica obtida. RESULTADOS: Do total de amostras, 98, 4% (61/62) foram resistentes ao meropenem; 71%, a ceftazidime; e 61, 3%, a ampicilina-sulbactam; enquanto 98, 4% foram sensíveis a polimixina B; e 48, 4%, a tigeciclina. A produção de MβL foi detectada em 95, 2% das amostras. O gene blaOXA-51 foi detectado em todas as amostras testadas; blaVIM-1, em 83, 9%; e ISAba1, em 90, 3%. Por outro lado, os genes csuE e ompA estiveram presentes em 43, 5% e 53, 2% das amostras, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Houve uma possível correlação entre as amostras resistentes a gentamicina e aquelas positivas para o gene ompA. O gene csuE correlacionou-se positivamente com ISAba1.

A case of envenomation by neotropical Opisthoglyphous snake Thamnodynastes pallidus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Colubridae: Dipsadinae: Tachymenini) in Brazil.

This is a case report of a bite by an Opisthoglyphous snake Thamnodynastes pallidus (Linnaeus, 1758) in an undergraduate herpetologist observed at the Universidade Federal da Paraiba (Rio Tinto, PB, Brazil). The female victim was bitten in her left hand between the index finger and the middle finger and presented symptoms of local envenomation such as bleeding, itching, pain in the wound and swelling. The patient was first seen at the University and afterwards at home during the 36 hours following the incident, when the symptoms disappeared. This is the first case report of an accident by T. pallidus in a human being in Brazil.

Agronomic performance of carrot fertilized with roostertree [Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. BR.] in two growing seasons / Desempenho agronômico da cenoura adubada com flor-de-seda [Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. BR.] em duas épocas de cultivo

Because vegetables have a fast production cycle, they require fertilization in quantities and at ideal times to obtain maximum productivity, and green manure is an alternative practice to the use of mineral fertilizers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different amounts of roostertree [Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.] biomass and its incorporation times in two growing seasons, in the agronomic performance of carrots. The experiment was conducted on an experimental farm at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) in the autumn-winter period (March-July 2012) and the spring-summer period (September-December 2012). The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were arranged in a factorial 4 x 4 design; the first factor consists of four amounts of roostertree biomass (5.4, 8.8, 12.2 and 15.6 t ha-1 on a dry basis), and the second factor consists of four times of incorporation of this manure into the soil (0, 10, 20 and 30 days before sowing the carrots). The carrot cultivar used was Brasília. The following traits were evaluated: plant height, number of leaves per plant, root dry mass, total and commercial yield of roots. The best agronomic performance of carrot cultivar Brasília was found with the amount of roostertree biomass of 15.6 t ha-1, in the time of incorporation into the soil of 10 days before seeding. The cultivation in the autumn-winter showed higher total and commercial productivities of carrot roots fertilized with roostertree.

As hortaliças, por possuírem ciclo rápido de produção, demandam adubações em quantidades e momentos ideais para a obtenção da máxima produtividade, sendo a adubação verde uma prática alternativa ao uso de fertilizantes minerais. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes quantidades de biomassa de flor-de-seda [Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.] e seus tempos de incorporação, em duas épocas de cultivo, no desempenho agronômico da cenoura. O experimento foi conduzido em campo experimental pertencente à Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), nos períodos outono-inverno (março a julho de 2012) e primavera-verão (setembro a dezembro de 2012). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com o primeiro fator constituído por quatro quantidades de biomassa de flor-de-seda (5,4; 8,8; 12,2 e 15,6 t ha-1 em base seca), e o segundo fator, por quatro tempos de incorporação ao solo deste adubo (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias antes da semeadura da cenoura - DAS). A cultivar de cenoura utilizada foi a Brasília. Foram avaliados a altura de plantas, número de folhas por planta, massa seca de raízes, produtividades total e comercial de raízes. O melhor desempenho agronômico da cenoura cv. Brasília foi obtido com a quantidade de flor-deseda de 15,6 t ha-1, no tempo de incorporação ao solo de 10 dias antes da semeadura. O cultivo no outono-inverno promoveu maiores produtividades total e comercial às raízes de cenoura adubada com flor-de-seda.

O adolescente na rede e a rede no adolescente: reflexões sobre as conexões virtuais e suas incidências na subjetividade / The teenager on the web and the web on the teenager: reflections about virtual connections and its effects on the subjectivity

Partindo da consideração de que o uso da tecnologia tem produzido novas formas de circulação afetiva e constituição dos laços sociais, interrogamos os efeitos dessas transformações enquanto possibilidade de mediação ao processo analítico. Para tanto, este trabalho discute a presença da virtualidade na adolescência contemporânea, destacando a escrita nos blogs como uma via de elaboração psíquica, produção subjetiva e espaço de ressignificação. A partir de fragmentos da análise de uma jovem, refletimos como as conexões virtuais podem promover um espaço intermediário entre a constituição de si e a construção de um lugar no mundo(AU)

Starting from the consideration that the use of technology has produced new forms of affective circulation and formation of social ties, we questioned the effects of these changes as a possibility for mediation to the analytical process. Therefore, this paper discusses the presence of virtuality in contemporary adolescence, emphasizing writing in blogs as a psychic development pathway, subjective production and redefinition of space. From fragments of a teenager analysis, reflect how virtual connections can promote an intermediate space between the constitution itself and the construction of a place in the world(AU)

Por uma ética do cuidado na psicanálise da criança / For an ethic of care in child psychoanalysis / Par une éthique du soin dans la Psychanalyse des enfants / Por una ética de cuidado en el Psicoanálisis del niño

Ao refletir sobre a função do cuidado na constituição psíquica, este artigo discute os aspectos fundamentais para se pensar a clínica psicanalítica com crianças, marcada por um exercício ético. O estilo clínico de Winnicott e de Ferenczi, tomado como referência, favorece a proposição de que a dimensão intersubjetiva mostra-se como um elemento central à ética do cuidado em psicanálise, podendo contribuir para movimentar as práticas de cuidado na infância.(AU)

Reflecting on the role of care in psychic constitution, this article discusses the fundamental aspects to think about the psychoanalytic treatment of children, marked by an ethical exercise. The clinical style of Winnicott and Ferenczi, taken as reference, favors the proposition that the intersubjective dimension shows up as a central element to the ethics of care in psychoanalysis, which may help to put the practices of care in childhood in motion.(AU)

En réfléchissant sur le rolê du soin dans la constitution psychique, cet article aborde les aspects fondamentaux concernants le sujet du traitement psychanalytique des enfants, qui est marqué par un exercice éthique. Le style clinique de Winnicott et Ferenczi, pris comme référance, mettre en évidence l'idée selon laquelle la dimension intersubjective se présente comme un élément central de l'éthique du soin de la psychanalyse, peuvent aider à faire avancer les pratiques du soin dans l'enfance.(AU)

A través de la reflexión sobre la función de "cuidado" en la constitución psíquica, este artículo discute los aspectos fundamentales para que se piense el tratamiento psicoanalítico de niños, marcado por un ejercicio ético. El estilo clínico de Winnicott y Ferenczi, tomado como referencia, favorece la proposición de que la dimensión intersubjetiva se muestra como un elemento central a la ética de cuidado en Psicoanálisis, pudiendo contribuir para el movimiento de las prácticas de cuidado en la infancia.(AU)

Por uma ética do cuidado na psicanálise da criança / For an ethic of care in child psychoanalysis / Par une éthique du soin dans la Psychanalyse des enfants / Por una ética de cuidado en el Psicoanálisis del niño

Ao refletir sobre a função do cuidado na constituição psíquica, este artigo discute os aspectos fundamentais para se pensar a clínica psicanalítica com crianças, marcada por um exercício ético. O estilo clínico de Winnicott e de Ferenczi, tomado como referência, favorece a proposição de que a dimensão intersubjetiva mostra-se como um elemento central à ética do cuidado em psicanálise, podendo contribuir para movimentar as práticas de cuidado na infância.

Reflecting on the role of care in psychic constitution, this article discusses the fundamental aspects to think about the psychoanalytic treatment of children, marked by an ethical exercise. The clinical style of Winnicott and Ferenczi, taken as reference, favors the proposition that the intersubjective dimension shows up as a central element to the ethics of care in psychoanalysis, which may help to put the practices of care in childhood in motion.

En réfléchissant sur le rolê du soin dans la constitution psychique, cet article aborde les aspects fondamentaux concernants le sujet du traitement psychanalytique des enfants, qui est marqué par un exercice éthique. Le style clinique de Winnicott et Ferenczi, pris comme référance, mettre en évidence l'idée selon laquelle la dimension intersubjective se présente comme un élément central de l'éthique du soin de la psychanalyse, peuvent aider à faire avancer les pratiques du soin dans l'enfance.

A través de la reflexión sobre la función de "cuidado" en la constitución psíquica, este artículo discute los aspectos fundamentales para que se piense el tratamiento psicoanalítico de niños, marcado por un ejercicio ético. El estilo clínico de Winnicott y Ferenczi, tomado como referencia, favorece la proposición de que la dimensión intersubjetiva se muestra como un elemento central a la ética de cuidado en Psicoanálisis, pudiendo contribuir para el movimiento de las prácticas de cuidado en la infancia.

Os sentidos da saúde na obra de Donald Winnicott / The meanings of health in Donald Winnicott’s work

Pretende-se neste ensaio abordar os sentidos da palavra “saúde” na obra de Donald Winnicott, com o objetivo de mostrar a sua complexidade conceitual e suas relações com o processo de amadurecimento.(AU)

It is intended in this essay to address the sense of the word ‘health’ in the work of Donald Winnicott, as the aim of showing its conceptual complexity and its relations with the ripening process.(AU)

Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from bloodstream infections recovered in the Hospitals of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly causes nosocomial bloodstream infections and the emergence of a variety of ß-lactamases (BLs) is worrying. In 5 hospitals in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the presence of phenotypes encoding BL genes was established and the genetic diversity of the P. aeruginosa strains recovered from bloodstream infections was analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolates were investigated using a disk diffusion (DD) method and the Etest, for encoding metallo-ß-lactamases (MBLs), oxacillinases and cephalosporinases. Genes and genetic diversity were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genotyping and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. RESULTS: Twelve strains (30%) were positive for MBLs by Etest and DD, 15 were cephalosporinase-positive and 87.5% were positive for blaSPM-1 and blaVIM-1. Twenty-three strains (57.5%) were grouped into profile A, 32.5% into profile B and 10% into profile C by RAPD genotyping. ERIC-PCR revealed a varying degree of similarity between strains, ranging from 45 to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest distinct clonal populations in the 5 hospitals studied, indicating a potentially problematic epidemiological situation in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Resistance markers and genetic diversity in Acinetobacter baumannii strains recovered from nosocomial bloodstream infections.

In this study, phenotypic and genotypic methods were used to detect metallo-ß-lactamases, cephalosporinases and oxacillinases and to assess genetic diversity among 64 multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains recovered from blood cultures in five different hospitals in Brazil from December 2008 to June 2009. High rates of resistance to imipenem (93.75%) and polymyxin B (39.06%) were observed using the disk diffusion (DD) method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Using the disk approximation method, thirty-nine strains (60.9%) were phenotypically positive for class D enzymes, and 51 strains (79.6%) were positive for cephalosporinase (AmpC). Using the E-test, 60 strains (93.75%) were positive for metallo-ß-lactamases (MßLs). All strains were positive for at least one of the 10 studied genes; 59 (92.1%) contained blaVIM-1, 79.6% contained blaAmpC, 93.7% contained blaOXA23 and 84.3% contained blaOXA51. Enterobacteria Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis revealed a predominance of certain clones that differed from each other. However, the same band pattern was observed in samples from the different hospitals studied, demonstrating correlation between the genotypic and phenotypic results. Thus, ERIC-PCR is an appropriate method for rapidly clustering genetically related isolates. These results suggest that defined clonal clusters are circulating within the studied hospitals. These results also show that the prevalence of MDR A. baumannii may vary among clones disseminated in specific hospitals, and they emphasize the importance of adhering to appropriate infection control measures.

Composition of a snake assemblage inhabiting an urbanized area in the Atlantic Forest of Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil / Composição de uma taxocenose de serpentes em uma área urbana na Mata Atlântica da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, but also one of the most highly threatened, with only around six percent of its original cover remaining. Despite the increase in the number of studies on the ecology of Brazilian snakes during the last two decades, there are still very few works on snake assemblages in the Northeast region and almost nothing about snakes inhabiting urbanized areas in Atlantic Forest domain. Herein we describe the snake assemblage from the urban area of Rio Tinto city in Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil. We present data on composition, distribution and some natural history. Also, we compare the snake diversity of the urban area with the diversity in two nearby natural patches. We recorded 161 individuals of 25 species in 16 genera from the urban area of Rio Tinto and the most common species were Helicops angulatus, Bothrops leucurus, Epicrates assisi, and Philodryas patagoniensis. Most snake species were non-venomous, but some venomous snakes were abundant in the urban area and people must be cautious when dealing with these. Rarefaction curves did not reach stability and new species should be added to the Rio Tinto snake list in future studies.

A Mata Atlântica é uma das ecorregiões mundiais que apresenta maior diversidade, entretanto é também uma das mais ameaçadas com apenas seis por cento de sua cobertura vegetal original preservada. Apesar do aumento no número de trabalhos sobre ecologia de serpentes brasileiras durante as últimas duas décadas, ainda são poucos os estudos sobre as taxocenoses de serpentes da região Nordeste do Brasil e praticamente nada está publicado sobre serpentes encontradas em áreas urbanas na Mata Atlântica nordestina. Este trabalho apresenta uma descrição da taxocenose de serpentes da área urbana de Rio Tinto, cidade localizada no litoral norte da Paraíba. O trabalho focou a composição, distribuição e alguns aspectos da história natural das espécies de serpentes. Além disso, a diversidade de serpentes encontrada na área urbana foi comparada à de outras taxocenoses de serpentes presentes em unidades de conservação nas proximidades de Rio Tinto. Foram registradas 161 serpentes de 25 espécies e 16 gêneros para a área urbana de Rio Tinto, sendo as espécies mais comuns Helicops angulatus, Bothropsleucurus, Epicrates assisi e Philodryas patagoniensis. A maioria das espécies não são venenosas, entretanto, algumas serpentes venenosas apresentaram grande abundância e a população local deve ser cuidadosa ao lidar com estas serpentes. As curvas de rarefação não atingiram a assíntota e novas espécies devem ser registradas para Rio Tinto em estudos futuros.

Dose-dependent hepatic response to subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are synthetic hormone derivatives of testosterone and are mainly used to enhance athletic performance and muscle mass, but medical applications also have been described. Short- and long-term side effects have been demonstrated in many organs, but the liver adverse effects are the most common and serious ones associated with AAS use. However, these effects have been supported by few clinical and experimental studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatic function and structure after 5 wk of nandrolone decanoate administration at three different doses. METHODS: Twenty-seven adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, clinical, intermediate, and suprapharmacological doses of nandrolone decanoate during 5 wk. RESULTS: The biochemical studies showed that nandrolone decanoate administration leads to a dose-dependent increase in serum levels of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.01), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.001), as well as a significant decrease in total proteins (P < 0.01), bilirubin (P < 0.05), total cholesterol and fractions (P < 0.05), and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Although a significant statistical difference was found for AST, ALT, and ALP when compared with the control group, their values remained within the normal range. The number of Kupffer cells was increased in the liver parenchyma (P < 0.05), and the content of collagen was increased in the central lobular vein wall, in the hepatic parenchyma, and in the portal space (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that subchronic treatment with nandrolone decanoate, mainly administered at higher-than-clinical doses, are potentially deleterious to the liver, leading to incipient fibrosis.

Efeitos da suplementação oral com creatina sobre o metabolismo e a morfologia hepática em ratos / Effects of creatine oral supplementation on the hepatic metabolism and morphology of rats

A creatina é uma amina nitrogenada e tem sido utilizada principalmente por atletas e praticantes de atividade física que desejam aumentar a massa muscular e o desempenho físico. Entretanto seu uso não está somente relacionado à prática esportiva, pois inúmeros trabalhos apresentam efeitos benéficos na prática médica. Alguns estudos demonstraram que a suplementação oral com creatina resulta em aumento da sua biodisponibilidade plasmática e também de seus estoques em inúmeros órgãos. Entretanto, estudos sobre possíveis efeitos tóxicos da suplementação com creatina são escassos. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os possíveis efeitos tóxicos da suplementação oral com creatina sobre a função e morfologia hepáticas em ratos após 14 dias de suplementação oral com creatina na dose de 0.5 g/kg/dia. A função hepática foi avaliada através de testes bioquímicos e a estrutura hepática foi avaliada através da massa hepática relativa e da análise histológica. Os resultados demonstraram que 14 dias de suplementação com creatina não alteraram a função hepática quando comparado os grupos controle e suplementado: AST (39.5 x 44.4 U/L), ALT (18.6 x 30.8 U/L), ALP (38.5 x 31.4 U/L), GGT (134.8 x 143.8 U/L), proteínas totais (5.1 x 5.5 g/dl), triglicérides (141.0 x 141.0 mg/dl), colesterol total (130.1 x 126.2 mg/dl), colesterol LDL (36.1 x 36.1 mg/dl), colesterol HDL (65.6 x 62.4 mg/dl), colesterol VLDL (25.0 x 28.0 mg/dl), e também estrutura hepática, exceto nos níveis plasmáticos de albumina (3.0 x 3.5 mg/dl - p<0.02). Nossos resultados demonstraram claramente que, ao menos na dose utilizada, a suplementação oral com creatina não induziu a nenhum tipo de efeito tóxico sobre o fígado.

Creatine is a nitrogenated amine and it has been used mainly by athletes and physical activity practitioners who wish to increase muscle mass and performance. However its use is not just related to sports practice, once several studies have shown beneficial effects on medical practice. Some studies have demonstrated that oral creatine supplementation increases its plasmatic bioavailability and also its concentration in several organs. However, studies about the possible toxic effects followed by creatine supplementation are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the hepatic structure and function in rats after 14 days of oral creatine supplementation at dose of 0.5g/kg/day. The hepatic function was evaluated through biochemical assays and the hepatic structure was analyzed through the relative hepatic mass and histological analysis. The results showed that 14 days of creatine supplementation did not alter the hepatic function and structure when compared with the control and supplemented groups, AST (39.5 x 44.4 U/L), ALT (18.6 x 30.8 U/L), ALP (38.5 x 31.4 U/L), GGT (134.8 x 143.8 U/L), total proteins (5.1 x 5.5 g/dl), triglycerides (141.0 x 141.0 mg/dl), total cholesterol (130.1 x 126.2 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (36.1 x 36.1 mg/dl), HDL cholesterol (65.6 x 62.4 mg/dl), VLDL cholesterol (25.0 x 28.0 mg/dl), and also the hepatic structure, except for the albumin plasmatic levels (3.0 x 3.5 mg/dl - p<0.02). Our results clearly demonstrated that, at least at the used dosage, oral creatine supplementation did not induce any toxic effect on the liver.