A Cyclam Salt as an Antifungal Agent: Interference with Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans Mechanisms of Virulence.

The importance of fungal infections, particularly those caused by yeasts, is increasing among the medical community. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans are amongst the high-priority fungal species identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are considered in the critical group, while Candida krusei is included in the medium-priority group. The cyclam salt H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 proved to be active against the growth of these three yeasts, and the aim of this work was to verify its interference with their virulence mechanisms, whether shared or unique. H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 significantly inhibited biofilm production and catalase activity, being able to interfere with C. albicans dimorphic transition and C. neoformans melanin production. At the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 had no antioxidant effect, as determined by the DPPH method. When using the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 reduced nitric oxide (NO) detection (the Griess reaction), but this effect was associated with a significant toxic effect on the cells.

Assessment of biofilm, enzyme production and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria from milk pre- and post-pasteurization pipelines in Algeria.

Bacterial biofilm is a major concern of dairy industry due to its association with milk contamination and its derived products. Algerian pasteurized milk shelf-life does not exceed one day, which may reflect the high level of contamination of this product and presence of extracellular enzymes such as lipases and proteases. This work aimed to investigate the microbial biodiversity in milk-processing surfaces of a dairy plant in Algeria. Therefore, stainless steel cylinders were placed in piping system of the dairy system before and after pasteurization of the milk, being removed after 7 days, for biofilm maturation and microorganism isolation and identification by mass spectrometry. Fifty-nine Gram-positive isolates were identified, namely Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus weithenstephanensis, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, twenty-four Gram-negative isolates were identified, namely Acinetobacter schindleri Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter xiangfangensis, Leclercia adecarboxylata, and Raoultella ornithinolytica. Bacterial isolates showed ability for production of extracellular enzymes, being 49 % capable of both proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Milk isolates were tested for the ability to form biofilms on stainless steel. The cell numbers recovered on plate count agar plates from stainless steel biofilms ranged from 3.52 to 6.92 log10 CFU/cm2, being the maximum number detected for Enterococcus casseliflavus. Bacterial isolates showed intermediate and/or resistant profiles to multiple antibiotics. Resistance to amoxicillin, cefoxitin and/or erythromycin was commonly found among the bacterial isolates.

Unveiling the Relevance of the Oral Cavity as a Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Site and Potential Source of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Staphylococcus aureus is both a human commensal and a pathogen, that causes serious nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Despite nostrils being considered its preferred host habitat, the oral cavity has been demonstrated to be an ideal starting point for auto-infection and transmission. The antibiotic resistance assessment of S. aureus is a priority and is often reported in clinical settings. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus in the oral and nasal cavities of healthy individuals. The participants (n = 101) were subjected to a demographic and clinical background survey, a caries evaluation, and to oral and nasal swabbing. Swabs were cultured in differential/selective media and S. aureus isolates were identified (MALDI-TOF MS) and tested for antibiotic susceptibility (EUCAST/CLSI). Similar S. aureus prevalence was found exclusively on nasal (13.9%) or oral (12.0%) habitats, whereas 9.9% of the population were simultaneous nasal and oral carriers. In oro-nasal cavities, similar antibiotic resistance rates (83.3-81.5%), including MDR (20.8-29.6%), were observed. Notably, 60% (6/10) of the simultaneous nasal and oral carriers exhibited different antibiotic resistance profiles between cavities. This study demonstrates the relevance of the oral cavity as an independent colonization site for S. aureus and as a potential source of antimicrobial resistance, a role which has been widely neglected so far.

Potential Pathogenic and Opportunistic Oral Bacteria in Early Life: The Role of Maternal Factors in a Portuguese Population.

In early life, maternal factors are of the utmost relevance for oral microbiome acquisition and maturation. Therefore, our study explored the impact of maternal factors, such as saliva and breastmilk colonization, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), type of delivery, oral health, and caregiving habits on the prevalence of potential pathogenic and opportunistic oral bacteria in early life. A total of 26 healthy mothers, 23 mothers with CRF, and their 50 children were included and samples (child's oral swabs, mother's saliva, and breastmilk) were collected 4 to 12 weeks after delivery and inoculated in selective and differential media for detection of non-fastidious Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to isolate potential pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria identified by MALDI-TOF MS (414 isolates). Within mother-child dyads, the same species were identified in 86% of the pairs and potential pathogenic microorganisms from the Staphylococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families were found to be statistically significantly concordant between mother-child samples, particularly in the healthy group. Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia oral colonization in mother-child pairs were associated with the presence of CRF. Breastfeeding was related to the early life oral colonization of Staphylococcus epidermidis in children from healthy mothers and C-section was associated with higher diversity of pathogens, independent of cardiovascular status (p = 0.05). This study reveals the presence of potential oral opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria in early life and highlights the importance of maternal factors in its acquisition.

Vertical Transmission and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Yeast Isolates from the Oral Cavity, Gut, and Breastmilk of Mother-Child Pairs in Early Life.

Yeast acquisition begins at birth; however, the contribution of the mother on yeast transmission to the offspring and associated resistance is yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to explore the vertical transmission of yeasts and their antifungal susceptibility profile in early life. Oral, fecal, and breastmilk samples were collected from 73 mother-child pairs four to twelve weeks after delivery and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The vertical transmission was studied by microsatellite genotyping. Antifungal susceptibility was determined for fluconazole, voriconazole, miconazole, anidulafungin, and nystatin by broth microdilution assay, following CLSI-M60 guidelines. A total of 129 isolates were identified from 53% mother-child pairs. We verified the vertical transmission of Candida albicans (n = three mother-child pairs) and Candida parapsilosis (n = one mother-child pair) strains, including an antifungal resistant strain transmitted from breastmilk to the gut of a child. Most isolates were susceptible to the tested antifungals, with the exception of four C. albicans isolates and one R. mucilaginosa isolate. The vertical transmission of yeasts happens in early life. This is the first work that demonstrated the role of the mother as a source of transmission of antifungal-resistant yeasts to the child.

Estimativa da prevalência oculta da hanseníase em um município do sul de Minas Gerais: onde estão os pacientes com hanseníase? / Estimation of the hidden prevalence of leprosy in a city in southern Minas Gerais: where are the leprosy patients? / Estimación de la prevalencia oculta de la lepra en una ciudad del sur de Minas Gerais: ¿dónde están los enfermos de lepra?

A hanseníase é uma doença crônica e infecto-contagiosa que possui diversas manifestações clínicas dermatológicas e neurológicas. Trata-se de um problema de saúde pública no Brasil devido aos elevados índices de novos casos. Assim, o Brasil é o segundo país com maior número de casos da doença no mundo e, portanto, necessita de uma vigilância epidemiológica efetiva. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo é estimar a taxa de prevalência oculta da hanseníase em Alfenas-MG de 2006 a 2020. Realizou-se, primeiramente, um estudo quantitativo e descritivo dos casos de hanseníase diagnosticados no município de Alfenas-MG a partir de 2001, provenientes da análise de dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Para o cálculo da taxa de prevalência oculta, foi utilizado o método proposto por Suárez e Lombardi e indicado pelas Organizações Pan-Americana e Mundial de Saúde/ Organização Mundial de Saúde. Comparando o resultado das décadas têm-se: queda de 82,16% de diagnósticos entre a primeira (n=314) e a segunda década (n=56); alta prevalência de pacientes multibacilares em ambas; incapacidade grau I e II em 55,10% dos pacientes na primeira década e, na segunda, 23,21% apresentaram incapacidade grau I e 0% incapacidade grau II; aumento de 1.093,70% da taxa de prevalência oculta da segunda década em relação ao período de 2006 à 2010. Destacamos que este estudo é essencial para que medidas de prevenção, controle e eliminação sejam elaboradas pelos órgãos competentes a fim de erradicar ou minimizar a hanseníase no sul de Minas Gerais. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Hanseníase; Prevalência; Notificação; Saúde Pública.

Leprosy is a chronic and infectious-contagious disease that has several dermatological and neurological clinical manifestations. It is a public health problem in Brazil due to the high rates of new cases. Thus, Brazil is the second country with the highest number of cases of the disease in the world and, therefore, requires effective epidemiological surveillance. Thus, the aim of this study is to estimate the hidden prevalence rate of leprosy in Alfenas-MG from 2006 to 2020, from the analysis of secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. To calculate the hidden prevalence rate, the method proposed by Suárez and Lombardi and recommended by the Pan American and World Health Organizations/World Health Organization was used. Comparing the results of the decades, there is: a drop of 82.16% in diagnoses between the first (n=314) and the second decade (n=56); high prevalence of multibacillary patients in both; grade I and II disability in 55.10% of patients in the first decade and, in the second, 23.21% had grade I disability and 0% grade II disability; 1,093.70% increase in the prevalence rate in the second decade compared to the period from 2006 to 2010. We emphasize that this study is essential for prevention, control and elimination measures to be developed by the competent bodies in order to eradicate or minimize leprosy in the south of Minas Gerais.

La lepra es una enfermedad crónica e infecto-contagiosa que presenta diversas manifestaciones clínicas dermatológicas y neurológicas. Constituye un problema de salud pública en Brasil debido a las altas tasas de nuevos casos. Así, Brasil es el segundo país con mayor número de casos de la enfermedad en el mundo y, por lo tanto, requiere una vigilancia epidemiológica eficaz. Así, el objetivo de este estudio es estimar la tasa de prevalencia oculta de lepra en Alfenas-MG de 2006 a 2020, a partir del análisis de datos secundarios obtenidos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria. Para el cálculo de la tasa de prevalencia oculta se utilizó el método propuesto por Suárez y Lombardi y recomendado por las Organizaciones Panamericana y Mundial de la Salud/Organización Mundial de la Salud. Comparando los resultados de las décadas, se observa: una caída de 82,16% en los diagnósticos entre la primera (n=314) y la segunda década (n=56); alta prevalencia de pacientes multibacilares en ambas; discapacidad grado I y II en 55,10% de los pacientes en la primera década y, en la segunda, 23,21% tenían discapacidad grado I y 0% discapacidad grado II; aumento de 1.093,70% en la tasa de prevalencia en la segunda década en comparación con el período de 2006 a 2010. Destacamos que este estudio es esencial para las medidas de prevención, control y eliminación a ser desarrolladas por los órganos competentes con el fin de erradicar o minimizar la lepra en el sur de Minas Gerais.

First Report of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' in Laboratory-Kept Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) Maintained in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Health monitoring programs in animals used as experimental models are essential, since only disease-free subjects are considered suitable for research purposes. In laboratory-kept animals, hemoplasmas have been described as an important confounding variable. Different hemoplasma species have been detected infecting non-human primates (NHP) from Brazil. However, the occurrence of hemoplasma species in laboratory-kept NHP in Brazil has not-yet been assessed. Accordingly, this study aimed (i) to screen laboratory-kept rhesus monkeys for hemoplasmas, (ii) to verify if any of the hemoplasma-positive animals demonstrate hematological abnormalities, and (iii) to assess the genotype diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP from Brazil. Five out of eight (62.5%; 95% CI: 3.05-8.63) rhesus monkeys tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. by PCR. Sequencing, phylogenetic, distance, and genotype diversity analyses of partial 16S rRNA gene demonstrate that rhesus monkeys were infected by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' (formerly 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque'). Assessments of partial 16S rRNA diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP suggest that at least four genetically diverse groups may occur in Brazil. Although no hematological abnormalities were demonstrated in rhesus monkeys evaluated herein, future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of 'Ca. M. haematomacacae' as a confounding variable on research studies.

Effect of retained placenta and clinical mastitis on reproduction parameters, immune response, and steroidogenic receptors gene expression in postpartum crossbred dairy cows.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retained placenta (RP) and clinical mastitis (CM) on the reproductive efficiency of crossbred dairy cows during the postpartum period and the effect in some innate immune system indicators. For this, two experiments were carried out. In the first, a total of 232 cows were evaluated and divided as: healthy control (n = 184), RP (n = 22), and CM (n = 26) groups. The RP and CM was evaluated until 30 days postpartum (DPP) and reproductive rates were measured. In experiment 2, cows were divided in control (n = 10), RP (n = 10), and CM (n = 30) groups. Between 40 and 50 DPP, clinical, gynecological examination and endometrial cytobrush were performed to evaluate subclinical endometritis (SE) and gene expression of interleukins 1ß (IL-1ß) and 6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), estrogen α (ESR1), and progesterone (PGR) receptors by qRT-PCR analysis. In experiment 1, the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) was lower in RP and CM groups and pregnancy rate at 150 days decreased in CM group. Calving-to-1st AI interval and days open were shorter in healthy cows. In experiment 2, the occurrence of SE was 26.7% and higher in RP and CM groups. The expression of IL-1ß increased in RP and CM groups, while IL-6 was less expressed in RP group. The CCL5, ESR1, and PGR were similar between groups. In conclusion, cows with RP and CM had their reproductive efficiency negatively affected and had they initial pro-inflammatory response improved by the increase of IL-ß.

Running or crossing? Children's expression of voluntary motion in English, German, and French.

Much research has focused on the expression of voluntary motion (Slobin, 2004; Talmy, 2000). The present study contributes to this body of research by comparing how children (three to ten years) and adults narrated short, animated cartoons in English and German (satellite-framed languages) vs. French (verb-framed). The cartoons showed agents displacing themselves in variable Manners along different Paths (Path saliency and variance were specifically manipulated in four item types). Results show an increase with age across languages in how much information participants expressed. However, at all ages, more motion information was encoded in English and German than in French. Furthermore, language-specific features impacted the content and its organization within utterances in discourse, showing more variation within and across Path types in French than in the satellite-framed languages, resulting in later achievement of adult-like descriptions in this language. The discussion highlights the joint impact of cognitive and typological features on language development.

Characterization of Oral Enterobacteriaceae Prevalence and Resistance Profile in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing public-health concern worldwide. Patients exhibit compromised immunity and are more prone to infection than other populations. Therefore, oral colonization by clinically relevant members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, major agents of both nosocomial and dialysis-associated infections with frequent prevalence of antibiotic resistances, may constitute a serious risk. Thus, this study aimed to assess the occurrence of clinically relevant enterobacteria and their antibiotic resistance profiles in the oral cavity of CKD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (CKD-PD) and compare it to healthy controls. Saliva samples from all the participants were cultured on MacConkey Agar and evaluated regarding the levels of urea, ammonia, and pH. Bacterial isolates were identified and characterized for antibiotic resistance phenotype and genotype. The results showed that CKD-PD patients exhibited significantly higher salivary pH, urea, and ammonia levels than controls, that was accompanied by higher prevalence and diversity of oral enterobacteria. Out of all the species isolated, only the prevalence of Raoultella ornithinolytica varied significantly between groups, colonizing the oral cavity of approximately 30% of CKD-PD patients while absent from controls. Antibiotic resistance phenotyping revealed mostly putative intrinsic resistance phenotypes (to amoxicillin, ticarcillin, and cephalothin), and resistance to sulfamethoxazole (~43% of isolates) and streptomycin (~17%). However, all isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested and multidrug resistance isolates were only found in CKD-PD group (31,6%). Mobile genetic elements and resistance genes were detected in isolates of the species Raoultella ornithinolytica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter asburiae, mostly originated from CKD-PD patients. PD-related infection history revealed that Enterobacteriaceae were responsible for ~8% of peritonitis and ~ 16% of exit-site infections episodes in CKD-PD patients, although no association was found to oral enterobacteria colonization at the time of sampling. The results suggest that the CKD-induced alterations of the oral milieu might promote a dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiome, namely the proliferation of clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae potentially harboring acquired antibiotic resistance genes. This study highlights the importance of the oral cavity as a reservoir for pathobionts and antibiotic resistances in CKD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Association of Murine Double Minute 2 polymorphisms with gastric cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the 5th most common type of cancer, with the 3rd highest mortality rate worldwide in both sexes. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein is the major negative regulator of p53, and genetic polymorphisms in this gene have shown to be associated with several types of cancer. In the present study, a literature search was performed using PubMed and Scopus with the following key word combinations 'gastric cancer AND polymorphism AND MDM2'. Studies were carefully revised according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify eligible studies that matched the inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between the different genetic polymorphisms and GC risk, by calculating the odds ratios (OR) and the confidence intervals (CI), with a 5% level of significance. A total of 11 manuscripts studied MDM2 polymorphisms in GC: rs937283 (n=1), rs3730485 (n=1) and rs2279744 (n=9). Both the rs937283 and rs3730485 reports showed an association with GC; however, there was only one study on each of these polymorphisms in the literature. A meta-analysis was performed for the rs2279744 polymorphism, of which studies showed a positive association between the G allele and risk of GC, either in the dominant model (OR=1.46; 95% CI 1.21-1.75; P<0.001) or recessive model (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.45-1.87; P<0.001). In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms in MDM2 seemed to be associated with an increased risk of GC development, nevertheless, the number of studies were relatively low and the studied populations were primarily Chinese. The present meta-analysis emphasizes the need for additional studies in other populations to corroborate the association of these polymorphisms with GC.

Risk factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the mortality-associated risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 will impact clinical decisions. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal study included patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of ≥2 (hazard ratio 4.614; 95% confidence interval =2.210-9.634; p<0.001) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of >5 (hazard ratio=2.616; 95% confidence interval=1.303-5.252; p=0.007) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on admission can identify coronavirus disease patients at increased risk of death and guide subsequent clinical decisions.

The prevalence and risk-factors of oral HPV DNA detection among HIV-infected men between men who have sex with men and heterosexual men.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinomas are becoming more common with epidemiological impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- positive individuals. Objective: We evaluated prevalence and risk factors for oral HPV DNA among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) or heterosexual men. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 255 HIV-infected men with different sexual orientation 142 MSM and 113 heterosexual men, who answered a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural data. Oral swab and mouthwash samples were analysed by polymerase chain reaction and genotyped by AnyplexTM II 28 (Seegene®). Results: Oral HPV was detected in 17.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 13.5-22.8%), 17.6% in MSM and 17.7% in heterosexual men (p = .984). Multiple HPV infections were detected in 86.7% of HPV-positive men. HPV 56 (13.7%) was the most prevalent high-risk genotype, HPV 66 (7.8%) and HPV 70 (12.3%) were the most prevalent probable HR and low-risk HPV genotypes (12.3% and 7.1%, respectively). At multivariable analysis models, oral HPV was associated with >100 lifetime sexual partners (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.73; 95% CI 1.42-9.77) or lifetime tongue-kissing partners (OR 3.20; 95% CI 1.22-8.39) and lower education level (OR 2.90; 95% CI 1.08-7.78 and 2.74; 95% CI 1.04-7.27, respectively). Conclusions: Oral HPV prevalence was similar between HIV-infected MSM and heterosexual men. Oral HPV was associated with lifetime sexual partners, lifetime tongue-kissing partners and being undergraduate, independently of sexual orientation.

Risk factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Understanding the mortality-associated risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 will impact clinical decisions. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal study included patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of ≥2 (hazard ratio 4.614; 95% confidence interval =2.210-9.634; p<0.001) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of >5 (hazard ratio=2.616; 95% confidence interval=1.303-5.252; p=0.007) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on admission can identify coronavirus disease patients at increased risk of death and guide subsequent clinical decisions.

Effects of clinical mastitis and puerperal diseases on reproductive efficiency of dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of clinical mastitis (CM) occurring before or after the first AI postpartum, and puerperal diseases (PD) on the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), number of AI/conception, and days open (DO) of two different dairy herds (Girolando and Holstein). The CM, PD (retained placenta and metritis), and reproductive data were collected from two dairy farms throughout 1 year. Both farms were located in the southern region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. One herd was composed of Girolando cows and the other of Holstein cows. Cows were inseminated after estrus detection or submitted to timed AI. Only CM cases (clots in milk accompanied or not by udder inflammation) that occurred before or after first AI postpartum (from calving until 35 days after the first AI) were considered. There were no effects of CM, PD, or both diseases on the reproductive efficiency of the Girolando herd. In the Holstein herd, a reduce P/AI and prolonged DO were verified for those affected by ≥ 2 CM cases. Holstein cows with CM also required more inseminations to become pregnant. A decrease in the P/AI and an increase in the number of AI/conception and DO were observed in cows of the Holstein herd that developed only CM, only PD, and for those diagnosed with both diseases. In summary, considering that some management differences exist between the two dairy farms, CM occurrence (before or after the first AI postpartum) and puerperal diseases negatively affected the reproductive efficiency of the Holstein herd. However, these diseases did not compromise the reproductive efficiency of the Girolando herd.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and distribution in self-collected samples from female university students in Maputo.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and distribution among female university students in Maputo, Mozambique, and evaluate the determinants of HPV infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 504 female university students between February and April 2017. Cervicovaginal self-collected samples were analyzed for HPV genotypes by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and AnyplexTM II HPV28 Detection kit (Seegene® ). RESULTS: The prevalence of any HPV genotype was 28.6% (144/504). Single and multiple HPV infections were detected in 76 (15.1%) and 68 (13.5%) participants, respectively. Prevalence of high-risk HPV was significantly higher than that of low-risk HPV (P<0.001). HPV16 was the most frequent genotype, followed by HPV58, HPV66, HPV52, HPV18, HPV56, HPV61, and HPV70. The prevalence of genotypes covered by the bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccine was 14.3%, 15.9%, and 23.4%, respectively. Number of sexual partners over lifetime and in the past 12 months was associated with HPV infection (P<0.001 and P=0.039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of HPV genotype-specific prevalence among young women is important to set up strategies for HPV vaccination. The findings suggest that introduction of the nonavalent HPV vaccine might be the way forward in the present low-resource setting. In addition, self-sampling was useful for HPV detection and genotyping.

Purified glycerin in balanced diets for chicken broilers from 8 to 21 days old / Glicerina purificada em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade

This paper aimed to evaluate the metabolizability, performance and economic viability of purified glycerin inclusion in balanced diets fed to chicken broilers from 8 to 21 days old. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 100 broilers (14 days old) were distributed in a completely randomized design into two treatments, with five replications of 10 broilers. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a test diet, in which purified glycerin replaced 10% of the control diet. In the second experiment, 200 broilers (8 days old) were distributed in a completely randomized design into four treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6% of purified glycerin inclusion), with five replications of 10 broilers. The weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, final weight, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (DMMC), crude protein (CPMC) and gross energy (GEMC), and the cost of feed per kg of broiler produced were evaluated. The AME, AMEn, DMMC, CPMC and GEMC from the purified glycerin were 3790 and 3560 kcal/kg, and 83.72, 71.52 and 86.27%, respectively. The glycerin levels did not affect (p>0.05) any of the performance characteristics (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight). The lowest feeding cost and the highest gross margin were obtained for broilers fed with 6% purified glycerin. The inclusion of 6% purified glycerin in balanced diets for broilers from 8 to 21 days old was technically and economically feasible.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a metabolizabilidade, o desempenho zootécnico e a viabilidade econômica da inclusão de glicerina purificada, em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo que, no primeiro experimento, foram utilizados 100 pintos de 14 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com dois tratamentos, cinco repetições de 10 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e uma dieta teste, na qual a glicerina purificada substituiu 10% da dieta referência. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 200 pintos de 8 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com quatro tratamentos (0, 2, 4 e 6% de inclusão de glicerina purificada) e cinco repetições de 10 aves. Foram determinados o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, peso final, energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca (CMMS), proteína bruta (CMPB), energia bruta (CMEB) e o custo da alimentação por kg de frango produzido. A EMA, EMAn e os CMMS, CMPB, CMEB da glicerina purificada obtida foram de 3790, 3560 Kcal/kg e 83,72, 71,52, 86,27%, respectivamente. Observou-se que a inclusão de glicerina purificada não afetou (p>0,05) o desempenho (ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e peso final). O menor custo com a alimentação e a maior margem bruta foi obtido com os frangos alimentados com 6% de inclusão de glicerina purificada. A inclusão de 6% de glicerina purificada em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade, mostrou-se técnica e economicamente viável.

Hepatitis E virus in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections, especially by HEV-3, are frequently associated with asymptomatic infection or self-limiting acute hepatitis, although it has been described as a cause of chronic infection, especially in immunocompromised hots. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients have been recognized as an important risk group for HEV infection due to their prolonged immunosuppression state. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to perform a systematic review of published data to evaluate HEV infection prevalence among HSCT recipients. STUDY DESIGN: Literature search was performed concerning published manuscripts regarding 'hepatitis E virus AND stem cell transplantation' following the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using the MetaXL software to estimate the overall prevalence of HEV infection according to the different diagnostic approaches (HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgM and/or IgG detection). RESULTS: A total of 7 manuscripts were included for data analysis, with 6 studies performed in Europe and 1 study in China. Regarding HEV RNA detection, the overall HEV infection prevalence was 1.50% (95% CI: 0.70-2.60). The overall anti-HEV IgM seroprevalence was 2.00% (95% CI: 0.30-4.50), and anti-HEV IgG was 11.4% (95% CI: 1.80-26.3). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review reveals that the overall prevalence of HEV infection in HSCT patients differ according to the diagnostic, thus emphasizing the need of more studies to increase the data regarding prevalence and incidence in HSCT recipients.

High-Risk human papillomavirus genotype distribution in the Northern region of Portugal: Data from regional cervical cancer screening program.

High-Risk Human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) full genotyping methods have been described as of great potential use in epidemiology and preventive strategies, including cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. We characterized the prevalence and distribution of HR-HPV genotypes in cervico-vaginal samples obtained from the Regional Cervical Cancer Screening Program from the Northern Region of Portugal. HR-HPV genotyping was performed using Anyplex™ II HPV-HR Detection kit in 105,458 women enrolled between August 2016 and December 2017. HR-HPVs were detected in 10,665 women (10.2%) with a prevalence ranging from 6.2 to 17.1% depending on age, and from 8.7 to 10.7% depending on geographical location. Multiple infections with two or more HR-HPVs were detected in 2736 (25.7%) of HR-HPV women ranging from 16.5 to 31.0% depending on age. Amongst HR-HPV positive women, HPV-16 (17.5%), HPV-39 (16.7%), HPV-31 (15.0%), HPV-68 (13.2%), HPV-52 (10.7%) and HPV-51 (10.6%) were the most common genotypes in our population, being HPV-16 more frequent in women aged from 30 to 45 years and HPV-39 in 50-65 years. Results also show that HPV16/18 are present in 22.1% and HPV16/18/31/33/45/52/58 in 47.6% of HR-HPV positive women. This is the largest study on HR-HPV genotyping for Cervical Cancer Screening in European populations and provides critical data for program management and vaccine policy.