Experimental Investigation of the Viscosity and Stability of Scleroglucan-Based Nanofluids for Enhanced Oil Recovery.

Biopolymers emerge as promising candidates for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications due to their molecular structures, which exhibit better stability than polyacrylamides under harsh conditions. Nonetheless, biopolymers are susceptible to oxidation and biological degradation. Biopolymers reinforced with nanoparticles could be a potential solution to the issue. The nanofluids' stability and performance depend on the nanoparticles' properties and the preparation method. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the preparation method and the nanoparticle type (SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2) on the viscosity and stability of the scleroglucan (SG). The thickening effect of the SG solution was improved by adding all NPs due to the formation of three-dimensional structures between the NPs and the SG chains. The stability test showed that the SG + Al2O3 and SG + TiO2 nanofluids are highly unstable, but the SG + SiO2 nanofluids are highly stable (regardless of the preparation method). According to the ANOVA results, the preparation method and standing time influence the nanofluid viscosity with a statistical significance of 95%. On the contrary, the heating temperature and NP type are insignificant. Finally, the nanofluid with the best performance was 1000 ppm of SG + 100 ppm of SiO2_120 NPs prepared by method II.

Genomic data of global clones of CTX-M-65-producing Escherichia coli ST10 from South American llamas inhabiting the Andean Highlands of Peru.

BACKGROUND: The global spread of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESßL)-producing Escherichia coli has been considered a One Health issue that demands continuous genomic epidemiology surveillance in humans and non-human hosts. OBJECTIVES: To report the occurrence and genomic data of ESßL-producing E. coli strains isolated from South American llamas inhabiting a protected area with public access in the Andean Highlands of Peru. METHODS: Two ESßL-producing E. coli strains (E. coli L1LB and L2BHI) were identified by MALDI-TOF. Genomic DNAs were extracted and sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq platform. De novo assembly was performed by CLC Genomic Workbench and in silico prediction was accomplished by curated bioinformatics tools. SNP-based phylogenomic analysis was performed using publicly available genomes of global E. coli ST10. RESULTS: Escherichia coli L1LB generated a total of 4 000 11 and L2BHI a total of 4 002 54 paired-end reads of ca.164 × and ca. 157 ×, respectively. Both E. coli strains were assigned to serotype O8:H4, fimH41, and ST10. The blaCTX-M-65 ESßL gene, along with other medically important antimicrobial resistance genes, was predicted. Broad virulomes, including the presence of the astA gene, were confirmed. The phylogenomic analysis revealed that E. coli L1LB and L2BHI strains are closely related to isolates from companion animals and human hosts, as well as environmental strains, previously reported in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. CONCLUSION: Presence of ESßL-producing E. coli ST10 in South American camelids with historical and cultural importance supports successful expansion of international clones of priority pathogens in natural areas with public access.

Mutación en 665G intrón 2 Y V281L+360 insT del gen CYP21A2 como causa de Hiperplasia Suprarrenal Congénita

Introducción: La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita se caracteriza por la alteración en la biosíntesis de los corticoides suprarrenales, conllevando presentaciones clínicas variables que van desde formas leves hasta formas potencialmente mortales. Es la enfermedad endocrinológica más común, tiene una incidencia de 1/10.000 casos por año, el abordaje diagnóstico incluye cariotipo, electrolitos, niveles de 17-hidroxiprogesterona, testosterona, progesterona, ecografía pélvica en niñas y la confirmación se realiza con estudio molecular, el tratamiento se basa principalmente en la suplencia hormonal deficiente. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino con antecedente de hospitalización en su etapa neonatal por cuadro de deshidratación, fallo en el medro, hiponatremia, hiperkalemia y macropene, reporte de 17-OH progesterona de más de 2000 ng /dl considerándose hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita, iniciando tratamiento con hidrocortisona y fludrocortisona. Ingreso a los 8 años 6 meses con acné, acantosis nigricans, testículos aumentados de tamaño, macropene y edad ósea adelantada, se hizo la confirmación con estudio molecular que reportó variantes en 655G del intrón 2 (variante que afecta el procesamiento del RNA mensajero) en su alelo materno, y la doble mutación Val281Leu+360 insT (variante de inserción que produce un desplazamiento de la fase de lectura) localizada en el exón 7, en su alelo paterno. Conclusión: a pesar de que es una enfermedad de baja frecuencia puede generar una gran morbimortalidad en cualquier etapa de la vida por eso la importancia de tener sensibilidad sobre la enfermedad para sospecharla y así mejorar la calidad y pronóstico de los pacientes que la padecen. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is characterized by altered adrenal corticosteroid biosynthesis, leading to variable clinical presentations ranging from mild to life-threatening forms. It is the most common endocrinological disease, with an incidence of 1/10,000 cases per year, the diagnostic approach includes karyotype, electrolytes, levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, progesterone, pelvic ultrasound in girls and confirmation is performed with molecular study, treatment is based mainly on deficient hormone replacement. Clinical case: Male patient with a history of hospitalization in his neonatal stage due to dehydration, failure in the medro, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and macropenis, report of 17-OH progesterone of more than 2000 ng / dl being considered congenital adrenal hyperplasia, initiating treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. Admission at 8 years 6 months with acne, acanthosis nigricans, enlarged testicles, macropenis and advanced bone age, confirmation was made with molecular study that reported variants in 655G of intron 2 (variant that affects the processing of messenger RNA) in his maternal allele, and the double mutation Val281Leu+360 insT (insertion variant that produces a displacement of the reading phase) located in exon 7, in his paternal allele. Conclusion: although it is a low frequency disease, it can generate a great morbimortality at any stage of life, that is why it is important to be aware of the disease in order to suspect it and thus improve the quality and prognosis of the patients who suffer from it. (provided by Infomedic International)

Drug Delivery to the Brain: Recent Advances and Unmet Challenges.

Brain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise, treatments for central nervous system (CNS) diseases remain limited. Despite the significant advancement in drug development technology with emerging biopharmaceuticals like gene therapy or recombinant protein, the clinical translational rate of such biopharmaceuticals to treat CNS disease is extremely poor. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which separates the brain from blood and protects the CNS microenvironment to maintain essential neuronal functions, poses the greatest challenge for CNS drug delivery. Many strategies have been developed over the years which include local disruption of BBB via physical and chemical methods, and drug transport across BBB via transcytosis by targeting some endogenous proteins expressed on brain-capillary. Drug delivery to brain is an ever-evolving topic, although there were multiple review articles in literature, an update is warranted due to continued growth and new innovations of research on this topic. Thus, this review is an attempt to highlight the recent strategies employed to overcome challenges of CNS drug delivery while emphasizing the necessity of investing more efforts in CNS drug delivery technologies parallel to drug development.

Recent Advances in Nanotherapeutics for Neurological Disorders.

Neurological disorders remain a significant health and economic burden worldwide. Addressing the challenges imposed by existing drugs, associated side- effects, and immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases is essential for developing better therapies. The immune activation in a diseased state has complex treatment protocols and results in hurdles for clinical translation. There is an immense need for the development of multifunctional nanotherapeutics with various properties to address the different limitations and immune interactions exhibited by the existing therapeutics. Nanotechnology has proven its potential to improve therapeutic delivery and enhance efficacy. Promising advancements have been made in developing nanotherapies that can be combined with CRISPR/Cas9 or siRNA for a targeted approach with unique potential for clinical translation. Engineering natural exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dendritic cells (DCs), or macrophages to both deliver therapeutics and modulate the immune responses to tumors or in neurodegenerative disease (ND) can allow for targeted personalized therapeutic approaches. In the present review, we summarize and overview the recent advances in nanotherapeutics in addressing the existing treatment limitations and neuroimmune interactions for developing ND therapies and provide insights into the upcoming advancements in nanotechnology-based nanocarriers.

Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in human microglial cell line infected with HIV-1.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with a chronic inflammatory stage and continuous activation of inflammasome pathway. We studied the anti-inflammatory effects of the compound cannabidiol (CBD) in comparison with Δ (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ(9)-THC] in human microglial cells (HC69.5) infected with HIV. Our results showed that CBD reduced the production of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as MIF, SERPIN E1, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, MCP-1, CXCL1, CXCL10, and IL-1 ß compared to Δ(9)-THC treatment. In addition, CBD led to the deactivation of caspase 1, reduced NLRP3 gene expression which play a crucial role in the inflammasome cascade. Furthermore, CBD significantly reduced the expression of HIV. Our study demonstrated that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits significant therapeutic potential against HIV-1 infections and neuroinflammation.

Multi-functional auto-fluorescent nanogels for theranostics.

Here in the present article, the state of art for nanotechnology-enabled nanogel theranostics and the upcoming concepts in nanogel-based therapeutics are summarized. The benefits, innovation, and prospects of nanogel technology are also briefly presented.

One health clones of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli carried by synanthropic animals in Brazil.

WHO priority pathogens have disseminated beyond hospital settings and are now being detected in urban and wild animals worldwide. In this regard, synanthropic animals such as urban pigeons (Columba livia) and rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus) are of interest to public health due to their role as reservoirs of pathogens that can cause severe diseases. These animals usually live in highly contaminated environments and have frequent interactions with humans, domestic animals, and food chain, becoming sentinels of anthropogenic activities. In this study, we report genomic data of Escherichia coli strains selected for ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin resistance, isolated from pigeons and black rats. Genomic analysis revealed the occurrence of international clones belonging to ST10, ST155, ST224 and ST457, carrying a broad resistome to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and/or phenicols. SNP-based phylogenomic investigation confirmed clonal relatedness with high-risk lineages circulating at the human-animal-environmental interface globally. Our results confirm the dissemination of WHO priority CTX-M-positive E. coli in urban rodents and pigeons in Brazil, highlighting potential of these animals as infection sources and hotspot for dissemination of clinically relevant pathogens and their resistance genes, which is a critical issue within a One Health perspective.

Satellite and historical data, and statistical modeling to predict potential fishing zones for dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus (Perciformes: Coryphaenidae) in Colombian Pacific / Datos satelitales e históricos, y modelado estadístico, para predecir zonas de pesca potencial del pez dorado, Coryphaena hippurus (Perciformes: Coryphaenidae) en el Pacífico colombiano

Introduction: The prediction of potential fishing areas is considered one of the most immediate and practical approaches in fisheries and is an essential technique for decision-making in managing fishery resources. It helps fishermen reduce their fuel costs and the uncertainty of their fish catches; this technique allows to contribute to national and international food security. In this study, we build different combinations of predictive statistical models such as Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models. Objective: To predict the spatial distribution of PFZs of the dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus L.) in the Colombian Pacific Ocean. Methods: We built different combinations of Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models to predict the Catch Per Unit Effort of C. hippurus captured from 2002 to 2015 as a function of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea level anomaly, and bathymetry. Results: A Generalized Additive Model with Gaussian error distribution obtained the best performance for predicting PFZs for C. hipurus. Model validation was performed by calculating the Root Mean Square Error through a cross-validation approach. The R2 of this model was 50 %, which was considered suitable for the type of data used. January and March were the months with the highest Catch per Unit Effort values, while November and December showed the lower values. Conclusion: The predicted PFZs of C. hippurus with Generalized Additive Models satisfactorily with the results of previous research, suggesting that our model can be explored as a tool for the assessment, decision making, and sustainable use of this species in the Colombian Pacific Ocean.

Introducción: La predicción de zonas potenciales de pesca se considera uno de los enfoques más inmediatos y efectivos en las pesquerías, es una técnica importante para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos pesqueros. Ayuda a los pescadores a reducir su costo de combustible y también a disminuir la incertidumbre de sus capturas, esta técnica permite contribuir a la seguridad alimentaria nacional e internacional. En este estudio, se construyeron diferentes combinaciones de modelos estadísticos predictivos como modelos lineales generalizados y modelos aditivos generalizados. Objetivo: predecir la distribución espacial de las zonas potenciales de pesca del pez dorado (Coryphaena hippurus L.) en el Pacífico colombiano. Métodos: La variable de respuesta se expresó en escala de captura por unidad de esfuerzo, es decir, el número de individuos de C. hippurus capturados por un número total de anzuelos disponibles entre 2002 y 2015. Temperatura de la superficie del mar, concentración de clorofila, anomalía del nivel del mar y batimetría, se utilizaron como variables explicativas para los meses de estacionalidad de C. hippurus (noviembre - marzo). Resultados: El modelo con mejor rendimiento para la predicción de zonas potenciales de pesca fue un modelo aditivo generalizado con distribución de error gaussiana y función de enlace de registro, que se seleccionó en función del criterio de información de Akaike, el R2 y la desviación explicada. La validación del modelo se realizó calculando el error cuadrático medio a través de un enfoque de validación cruzada. El ajuste de este modelo fue del 50 %, lo que puede considerarse adecuado para el tipo de datos utilizados. Enero y marzo fueron los meses con mayor captura por unidad de esfuerzo y noviembre-diciembre los meses con menor. Conclusión: Las zonas potenciales de pesca previstas coincidieron satisfactoriamente con investigaciones anteriores, lo que sugiere que nuestro modelo es una herramienta poderosa para la evaluación, toma de decisiones y uso sostenible de los recursos pesqueros de C. hippurus en el Pacífico colombiano.

Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review.

Despite the significant advances in neurology, the cure for neurodegenerative conditions remains a formidable task to date. Among various factors arising from the complex etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in pathogenesis. To this end, some phytocannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa (widely known as marijuana) have attracted significant attention as potential neurotherapeutics. The profound effect of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis, has led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system as a molecular target in the central nervous system (CNS). Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has recently emerged as a potential prototype for neuroprotective drug development due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its well-tolerated pharmacological behavior. This review briefly discusses the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in neurodegeneration and demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, highlighting its general mechanism of action and disease-specific pathways in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, we have summarized the preclinical and clinical findings on the therapeutic promise of CBD in PD and AD, shed light on the importance of determining its therapeutic window, and provide insights into identifying promising new research directions.

Isolation of an Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoS+/O4 Strain Belonging to the "High-Risk" Clone ST654 and Coproducer of NDM-1 and the Novel VIM-80.

The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic features of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate (P-469) emerging in Chile. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion and "colistin agar" test. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed by the Illumina NextSeq 2000 platform, and epidemiologically and clinically relevant data (i.e., sequence-type, serotype, mobile genetic elements, virulome, resistome, plasmidome, prophages, and CRISPR-Cas systems) were retrieved using multiple bioinformatic tools. The P-469 strain displayed an XDR profile, remaining susceptible to colistin. Genomic analysis revealed that this isolate belonged to the "high-risk" clone ST654 (CC654), serotype O4, and genotype exoS+. Strikingly, two CRISPR-Cas systems, five intact prophages sequences, and a broad resistome that included blaNDM-1 and the novel blaVIM-80 carbapenemase genes were predicted. Our results revealed the genomic characteristics of P. aeruginosa belonging to the high-risk clone ST654/O4 coproducing NDM-1 and VIM-80 in Chile, supporting that genomic surveillance is necessary to track the emergence and spread of epidemiologically successful WHO's critical priority pathogens in order to prevent their rapid dissemination.

Logro educativo de las instituciones con estudiantes de minorias étnicas en Colombia / Educational achievement of institutions with ethnic minority students in Colombia / Realização educacional de instituições com estudantes de minorias étnicas na Colômbia

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar las diferencias en el rendimiento académico de las instituciones educativas colombianas rurales que atendieron a estudiantes pertenecientes a minoras étnicas con respecto a las demás instituciones rurales. Mediante un modelo logístico ordinal, se estima la asociación entre las características de los colegios y del contexto con el desempeno bajo, medio, o alto en las pruebas estandarizadas Saber 11° de 2019. Se evidenció que siete de cada diez instituciones educativas con estudiantes de minor'as étnicas tuvieron un bajo desempeno. En contraste, cuatro de cada diez estudiantes tuvieron bajo desempeno en el resto de las instituciones educativas rurales. El bajo acceso a una adecuada infraestructura y a docentes calificados afectó significativamente el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Además, el menor logro educativo se asoció a la implementación de modelos educativos flexibles, ausencia de personal de apoyo administrativo y al reducido tarmano de las sedes educativas que atendieron a minorias étnicas. Por tanto, se recomienda priorizar mejoras en la infraestructura educativa, formación docente y en la gestión escolar, para disminuir las brechas en el logro educativo.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to analyze the differences in the academic performance of rural Colombian educational institutions that served students belonging to ethnic minorities concerning other rural institutions. Using an ordinal logistic model, the association between the characteristics of the schools and the context is estimated with low-, medium-, or high-performance in the 2019 Saber 11 standardized tests. Seven out of ten educational institutions with students of ethnic minorities had a low achievement. In contrast, four out of ten students had low performance in the rest of the rural educational institutions. Low access to adequate infrastructure and qualified teachers significantly affected students' academic performance. In addition, the lower educational achievement was associated with the implementation of flexible educational models, the absence of administrative support personnel, and the small size of the educational centers that served ethnic minorities. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize improvements in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and school management to reduce educational achievement gaps.

RESUMO O objectivo desta investigação era analisar as diferenças no desempenho académico das instituições educativas rurais colombianas que servem estudantes de minorias étnicas em relação a outras instituições rurais. Utilizando um modelo ordinal logit, estimamos a associação entre as características da escola e do contexto com baixo, médio, ou alto desempenho nos testes padronizados de 20I9 Saber Descobriu que sete em cada dez escolas com alunos de minorias étnicas tiveram um mau desempenho. Em contraste, quatro em cada dez estudantes tiveram um desempenho deficiente nas restantes escolas rurais. O baixo acesso a infra-estruturas adequadas e a professores qualificados afectou significativamente o desempenho académico dos estudantes. Além disso, o menor aproveitamento escolar foi associado à implementação de modelos educativos flexíveis, à falta de pessoal de apoio administrativo e à pequena dimensão das escolas ao serviço das minorias étnicas. Por conseguinte, recomenda-se que se dê prioridade à melhoria das infraestruturas educativas, à formação de professores e à gestão escolar; a fim de reduzir as lacunas no desempenho escolar.

Phylogeographical Landscape of Citrobacter portucalensis Carrying Clinically Relevant Resistomes.

During a surveillance study conducted to assess the occurrence and genomic landscape of critical priority pathogens circulating at the human-animal-environment interface in Brazil, as part of the Grand Challenges Explorations-New Approaches to Characterize the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance program, two multidrug-resistant (MDR) Citrobacter portucalensis carrying blaCTX-M-15 extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) genes, isolated from green sea turtles, were characterized. Genomic and phylogeographical analysis of C. portucalensis genomes available in public databases revealed the intercontinental dissemination of clades carrying different arrays of clinically relevant genes conferring resistance to carbapenems, broad-spectrum cephalosporins, cephamycins, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones, disinfectants, and heavy metals. Our observations suggest that C. portucalensis could be emerging as critical priority bacteria of both public and One Health importance worldwide. IMPORTANCE The global spread of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens beyond the hospital setting is a critical issue within a One Health context that integrates the human-animal-environment interfaces. On the other hand, next-generation sequencing technologies along with user-friendly and high-quality bioinformatics tools have improved the identification of bacterial species, and bacterial resistance surveillance. The novel Citrobacter portucalensis species was proposed in 2017 after taxonomic reclassification and definition of the strain A60T isolated in 2008. Here, we presented genomic data showing the occurrence of multidrug-resistant C. portucalensis isolates carrying blaCTX-M-15 ESBL genes in South America. Additionally, we observed the intercontinental dissemination of clades harboring a broad resistome to clinically relevant antibiotics. Therefore, these findings highlight that C. portucalensis is a global MDR bacteria that carries intrinsic blaCMY- and qnrB-type genes and has become a critical priority pathogen due to the acquisition of clinically relevant resistance determinants, such as ESBL and carbapenemase-encoding genes.

Mental health of healthcare workers of Latin American countries: a review of studies published during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Identify and review articles that evaluated mental health of HCW of Latin American countries (except Brazil), published during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: We systematically searched EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, PUBMED/ Medline, Web of Science, PePSIC, and Scielo for articles published during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two independent researchers reviewed titles and abstracts and then, for eligible studies, extracted data from full texts. Outcomes included mental health variables, country where the study was conducted, period of data collection, healthcare professional categories, study design, mental health measurements and main outcomes. The quality and risk assessment was also performed. RESULTS: Out of 248 records identified, 24 initially were assessed for eligibility. From those, 17 studies matched eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Higher scores of anxiety were reported in different studies, as well as an increased level of depression among HCW. Being a female, younger age, and closer distance of the epicenter of the outbreak increased the likelihood to develop mental health disorder. Concerns and fear related to COVID-19 have a greater impact on stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that COVID-19 pandemic had been worse for HCW from Latin America, showing the harmful effects of burnout on their health. Greater psychological distress, as well as anxiety and depression had been experienced by HCW from Latin America in their fight against COVID-19, demonstrating the importance of psychological well-being policies for them during and post- the pandemic.

WHO Critical Priority Escherichia coli as One Health Challenge for a Post-Pandemic Scenario: Genomic Surveillance and Analysis of Current Trends in Brazil.

The dissemination of carbapenem-resistant and third generation cephalosporin-resistant pathogens is a critical issue that is no longer restricted to hospital settings. The rapid spread of critical priority pathogens in Brazil is notably worrying, considering its continental dimension, the diversity of international trade, livestock production, and human travel. We conducted a nationwide genomic investigation under a One Health perspective that included Escherichia coli strains isolated from humans and nonhuman sources, over 45 years (1974-2019). One hundred sixty-seven genomes were analyzed extracting clinically relevant information (i.e., resistome, virulome, mobilome, sequence types [STs], and phylogenomic). The endemic status of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-positive strains carrying a wide diversity of blaCTX-M variants, and the growing number of colistin-resistant isolates carrying mcr-type genes was associated with the successful expansion of international ST10, ST38, ST115, ST131, ST354, ST410, ST648, ST517, and ST711 clones; phylogenetically related and shared between human and nonhuman hosts, and polluted aquatic environments. Otherwise, carbapenem-resistant ST48, ST90, ST155, ST167, ST224, ST349, ST457, ST648, ST707, ST744, ST774, and ST2509 clones from human host harbored blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 genes. A broad resistome to other clinically relevant antibiotics, hazardous heavy metals, disinfectants, and pesticides was further predicted. Wide virulome associated with invasion/adherence, exotoxin and siderophore production was related to phylogroup B2. The convergence of wide resistome and virulome has contributed to the persistence and rapid spread of international high-risk clones of critical priority E. coli at the human-animal-environmental interface, which must be considered a One Health challenge for a post-pandemic scenario. IMPORTANCE A One Health approach for antimicrobial resistance must integrate whole-genome sequencing surveillance data of critical priority pathogens from human, animal and environmental sources to track hot spots and routes of transmission and developing effective prevention and control strategies. As part of the Grand Challenges Explorations: New Approaches to Characterize the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Program, we present genomic data of WHO critical priority carbapenemase-resistant, ESBL-producing, and/or colistin-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from humans and nonhuman sources in Brazil, a country with continental proportions and high levels of antimicrobial resistance. The present study provided evidence of epidemiological and clinical interest, highlighting that the convergence of wide virulome and resistome has contributed to the persistence and rapid spread of international high-risk clones of E. coli at the human-animal-environmental interface, which must be considered a One Health threat that requires coordinated actions to reduce its incidence in humans and nonhuman hosts.

Recent advances, status, and opportunities of magneto-electric nanocarriers for biomedical applications.

Magneto-electric (ME) materials with core-shell architecture where the core is made of magnetic materials have emerged as an attractive nanomaterial due to the coupling of magnetic and electric properties in the same material and the fact that both fields can be controlled which allows an on-demand, transport and release of loaded cargo. Over the last decade, biomedical engineers and researchers from various interdisciplinary fields have successfully demonstrated promising properties ranging from therapeutic delivery to sensing, and neuromodulation using ME materials. In this review, we systematically summarize developments in various biomedical fields using the nanoforms of these materials. Herein, we also highlight various promising biomedical applications where the ME nanocarriers are encapsulated in other materials such as gels and liposomes and their potential for promising therapeutics and diagnostic applications.

A new fastening system for temporary pacing with active-fixation leads: effectiveness and safety.

AIMS: Temporary cardiac pacing with active-fixation leads (TPAFL) using a reusable permanent pacemaker generator has been shown to be safer than lead systems without fixation. However, TPAFL requires the off-label use of pacemaker leads and generators. We designed a fastening system to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure: the KronoSafe System®. To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the KronoSafe System® for temporary pacing in a series of patients receiving TPAFL. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective cohort of 20 patients undergoing TPAFL between August 2019 and June 2020 was recruited in a Spanish region. The temporary pacemaker was implanted through jugular access and secured with the KronoSafe System®. R-wave detection, lead impedance, and capture threshold were assessed every 48 h. Complications associated with the procedure or occurring during TPAFL were recorded. There were no complications associated with temporary pacing, and the therapy was effective in all cases. TPAFL was used for a mean of 7.6 days (maximum 25 days), and 84.56% of the time in a cardiology ward. CONCLUSION: TPAFL secured using the KronoSafe system® provides safe and stable cardiac stimulation for patients requiring temporary cardiac pacing.

Genomic Analysis of Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Urban Rivers Confirms Spread of Clone Sequence Type 277 Carrying Broad Resistome and Virulome Beyond the Hospital.

The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens beyond hospital settings is both a public health and an environmental problem. In this regard, high-risk clones exhibiting a multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotype have shown rapid adaptation at the human-animal-environment interface. In this study, we report genomic data and the virulence potential of the carbapenemase, São Paulo metallo-ß-lactamase (SPM-1)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (Pa19 and Pa151) isolated from polluted urban rivers, in Brazil. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a wide resistome to clinically relevant antibiotics (carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, sulfonamides, phenicols, and fluoroquinolones), biocides (quaternary ammonium compounds) and heavy metals (copper), whereas the presence of exotoxin A, alginate, quorum sensing, types II, III, and IV secretion systems, colicin, and pyocin encoding virulence genes was associated with a highly virulent behavior in the Galleria mellonella infection model. These results confirm the spread of healthcare-associated critical-priority P. aeruginosa belonging to the MDR sequence type 277 (ST277) clone beyond the hospital, highlighting that the presence of these pathogens in environmental water samples can have clinical implications for humans and other animals.

FONA-7, a Novel Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Variant of the FONA Family Identified in Serratia fonticola.

Serratia fonticola is a human pathogen widely found in the environment, with birds being reported as possible natural hosts. During an epidemiological and genomic surveillance study conducted to monitor the occurrence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in South American wild birds, we identified an ESBL-positive S. fonticola in a fecal sample collected from a Hudsonian Whimbrel, during its non-breeding range on the Pacific Coast of Chile. Whole genome sequencing analysis and "in silico" modeling revealed a novel variant of the class A ESBLs FONA family, designated FONA-7, which shows 96.28% amino acid identity with FONA-6; with amino acid substitutions occurring in the signal peptide sequence (Thr22→Ser), and in the mature protein (Ser39→Asn and Thr227→Ile). This finding denotes that migratory birds can be potential vectors for the transboundary spread of ESBL-producing bacteria, creating a further theoretical risk for the origin of novel plasmid-encoded ß-lactamases.