Tapping into Tapajos: antibacterial potential of fungal strains isolated from decaying wood in the Brazilian Amazon.

The emergence of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials poses a significant health threat. To address this issue, exploring the fungal diversity in freshwater environments in the Amazon Forest has potential in the search for new antimicrobials. This study aimed to investigate the production of antibacterial metabolites by aquatic fungi from Amazon lakes, specifically Lake Juá and Lake Maicá (Brazil-PA). The fungal isolates were obtained from wood fragments submerged in these lakes, and the ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus (MRSA), ATCC 43300, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and E. coli (ESBL) NCTC 13353. Additionally, toxicity of the extracts (EtOAc with antimicrobial activity) against human fibroblasts MRC-5 was investigated. The study identified 40 fungal strains with antimicrobial screening, and the ethyl acetate extracts of Fluviatispora C34, Helicascus C18, Monodictys C15, and Fusarium solani LM6281 exhibited antibacterial activity. F. solani LM6281 showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/mL against S. aureus strains and MIC of 100 µg/mL against E. coli strains including ESBL. The cytotoxicity (IC50) of the extract (EtOAc) of F. solani LM6281 was 34.5 µg/mL. Preliminary studies of the TLC culture and RNM-H from the extract (EtOAc) of F. solani suggested the presence of substances from the class of terpenes, quinones, phenolics, and flavonoids. This study highlights the potential of submerged wood fungi in the Amazon region to produce antibacterial substances, thus identifying them as sources of novel bioactive compounds with potential use in the pharmaceutical industry and regional bioeconomy.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma as a differential diagnosis for sellar and suprasellar lesions in child: Case report and review of literature.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Its systemic form affects 4% of patients. Lesions in the Central Nervous System (CNS) occur in 2% of systemic cases. Sellar JXG should be one of the differential diagnoses for sellar lesions in young. This is a 15-year-old patient with non-specific headache, progressive visual loss and magnetic resonance imaging showing sellar lesion with suprasellar extension. The patient underwent microsurgery by pterional craniotomy with partial resection of the tumor. Pathology evidenced JXG. It progressively evolved with impairment of neuroendocrine functions, new lesions in different CNS locations and death two years after diagnosis. Sellar JXG without cutaneous manifestations is rare. There are no specific findings of the disease. Diagnosis requires additional tests, being defined by pathological analysis. Total resection presents a greater potential control comparing to partial resection. Even so, some patients may have progressive disease with poor clinical outcome.

Post-discharge mortality in adult patients hospitalized for tuberculosis: a prospective cohort study.

Determining outcomes and predictors of mortality following discharge from tuberculosis (TB) hospitalization is crucial to establish health policies. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes and, secondarily, predictors of mortality following discharge from TB hospitalization. This was a prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with TB (all forms) discharged from the hospital who began treatment during hospitalization. Out of 169 subjects included, 38 died during the 13-months of follow-up, within a median of 3 months (95%CI: 1.49-4.51). In the multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with death were age (HR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06, P=0.001), presence of sputum production (HR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.09-4.34, P=0.027), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (HR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.04-1.36, P=0.015). In conclusion, post-discharge mortality in subjects hospitalized for TB was 22.5%, with mean survival of 4.6 months. The mortality was higher in older subjects, in those who reported sputum production, and in those with a high comorbidity index.

Post-discharge mortality in adult patients hospitalized for tuberculosis: a prospective cohort study

Determining outcomes and predictors of mortality following discharge from tuberculosis (TB) hospitalization is crucial to establish health policies. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes and, secondarily, predictors of mortality following discharge from TB hospitalization. This was a prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with TB (all forms) discharged from the hospital who began treatment during hospitalization. Out of 169 subjects included, 38 died during the 13-months of follow-up, within a median of 3 months (95%CI: 1.49-4.51). In the multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with death were age (HR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06, P=0.001), presence of sputum production (HR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.09-4.34, P=0.027), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (HR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.04-1.36, P=0.015). In conclusion, post-discharge mortality in subjects hospitalized for TB was 22.5%, with mean survival of 4.6 months. The mortality was higher in older subjects, in those who reported sputum production, and in those with a high comorbidity index.

The Hubble constant troubled by dark matter in non-standard cosmologies.

The Standard Cosmological Model has experienced tremendous success at reproducing observational data by assuming a universe dominated by a cosmological constant and dark matter in a flat geometry. However, several studies, based on local measurements, indicate that the universe is expanding too fast, in disagreement with the Cosmic Microwave Background. Taking into account combined data from CMB, Baryon Acoustic Oscillation, and type Ia Supernovae, we show that if the mechanism behind the production of dark matter particles has at least a small non-thermal origin, one can induce larger values of the Hubble rate [Formula: see text], within the [Formula: see text]CDM, to alleviate the trouble with [Formula: see text]. In the presence of non-standard cosmology, however, we can fully reconcile CMB and local measurements and reach [Formula: see text]-74 [Formula: see text].

Multiresistance and virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pigs / [Multirresistência e fatores de virulência de Staphylococcus aureus isolados de suínos]

The emergence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (LA-MRSA) and the potential role of pigs in the evolution of these strains has led to increased interest in research of these microorganisms. However, this has contributed to a lack of research in the isolation and characterization of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains (MSSA). In this study, the prevalence of S. aureus in pigs in the nursery and finishing stages were analyzed. The susceptibility profiles to antibiotics, tolerance to heavy metals, and biofilm production of the isolates were evaluated using phenotypic and genotypic techniques. A total of 1,250 colonies suggestive of Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from 128 pigs, of which 63.6% (n = 795) belonged to this microbial genus. Sixty-seven colonies isolated from 34 animals (26.5%) were confirmed as S. aureus (8.4%). No strains resistant to copper, zinc, or methicillin were detected; however, all strains presented a resistance profile to at least three different classes of antimicrobials and 21 produced biofilms. These data are of concern, as they indicate the need for increased surveillance in the use of antimicrobials as well as reinforce the importance of studies on MSSA strains.(AU)

A emergência de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à meticilina associadas à pecuária (LA-MRSA) e o papel potencial dos suínos na evolução dessas cepas têm levado ao aumento do interesse na pesquisa desses microrganismos. No entanto, isso tem contribuído para a falta de estudos sobre o isolamento e a caracterização de cepas de S. aureus sensíveis à meticilina (MSSA). Neste estudo, foi analisada a prevalência de S. aureus em suínos nas fases de creche e terminação. Os perfis de suscetibilidade aos antibióticos, a tolerância a metais pesados e a produção de biofilme dos isolados foram avaliados por meio de técnicas fenotípicas e genotípicas. Um total de 1.250 colônias sugestivas de Staphylococcus spp. foi isolado de 128 suínos, das quais 63,6% (n = 795) pertenciam a esse gênero microbiano. Sessenta e sete colônias isoladas de 34 animais (26,5%) foram confirmadas como S. aureus (8,4%). Nenhuma cepa resistente ao cobre, ao zinco ou à meticilina foi detectada; entretanto, todas as cepas apresentaram perfil de resistência a pelo menos três classes diferentes de antimicrobianos e 21 produziam biofilme. Esses dados são preocupantes, pois indicam a necessidade de maior vigilância no uso de antimicrobianos, bem como reforçam a importância de estudos com cepas de MSSA.(AU)

Relationships between depression and food intake in climacteric women.

Objective: This study evaluated the associations between food intake - especially omega-3 (n-3) - and depressive symptoms in climacteric women.Methods: Four hundred climacteric women were included in this research. The Kupperman Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and a 3-day food diary were used to investigate climacteric symptoms, depressive symptoms, and food intake, respectively. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric variables were also explored.Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between depression and climacteric symptoms, climacteric phase, previous history of depression, antidepressant drug use, family income, sleep pattern, and consumption of carbohydrates, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and B12. No association was observed between n-3 consumption and depression.Conclusion: Climacteric symptoms and food intake are important factors linked to depression during the climacteric period. Further studies are needed to clarify the changes in this phase of women's lives, as well as to investigate the role of the diet in the depression treatment or prevention.

Determination of Phenolic Acids in Sugarcane Vinasse by HPLC with Pulse Amperometry.

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation with pulsed amperometric detection of phenolic acids at a glassy carbon electrode is described. Chromatographic separation was carried out in isocratic conditions using 0.20 mol·L-1 acetic acid (pH 5.0)/water (80 : 20, v/v) as mobile phase under constant working potential mode of 0.80 V. Chromatographic peaks presented high resolution and separation. Calibration curves exhibited excellent correlation coefficients, above 0.995. Linear ranges of the analytes, in mg L-1, were of 0.018-18 (gallic acid), 0.146-19 (vanillic acid), 0.13-17 (caffeic acid), 0.016-16 (ferulic acid), and 0.008-17 (p-coumaric acid), respectively. Limits of detection ranged from 1.6 to 97 µg·L-1 and precision varied in 1.73-3.78% interval. Concentrations of 19 ± 0.51 mg·L-1 and 7.8 ± 2.5 mg·L-1 were found for vanillic and caffeic acids, respectively, in a sugarcane vinasse sample. Gallic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids were not detected. Recovery results demonstrated that the proposed method is accurate, and it can be used to detect and quantify phenolic acids in sugarcane vinasse without any influence of interferents.

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Birth weight, biological maturation and obesity in adolescents: a mediation analysis.

This study was aimed to investigate associations between birth weight and multiple adiposity indicators in youth, and to examine potential mediating effects by biological maturation. This was a school-based study involving 981 Brazilian adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. Birth weight was reported retrospectively by mothers. Maturation was estimated by age of peak height velocity. Adiposity indicators included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and percent body fat estimated from triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Multilevel mediation analyses were performed using the Sobel test, adjusted for chronological age, gestational age, cardiorespiratory fitness and socio-economic status. Except for body fat in girls, biological maturation partly or fully mediated (P<0.05) positive relationships between birth weight with all other obesity indicators in both sexes with their respective values of indirect effects with 95% confidence intervals: BMI [boys: 0.44 (0.06-0.82); girls: 0.38 (0.13-0.64)], waist circumference [boys: 1.14 (0.22-2.05); girls: 0.87 (0.26-1.48)] and body fat [boys: 0.60 (0.13-1.07)]. To conclude, birth weight is associated with elevated obesity risk in adolescence and biological maturation seems to at least partly mediate this relationship.

Spatial patterns of distribution and the influence of seasonal and abiotic factors on demersal ichthyofauna in an estuarine tropical bay.

This study focused on the influence of local-scale environmental factors on key metrics of fish community structure and function at Guanabara Bay, an estuarine system that differs from all other south-western Atlantic estuaries due to the influence of an annual low-intensity upwelling event during late spring and summer, between November and March, when a warm rainy climate prevails. The spatial patterns of the bottom temperature and salinity were more heterogeneous during the rainy season than the dry season, being linked to total precipitation and seasonal oceanographic events. The study identified 130 species and 45 families, placing Guanabara Bay as one of the most species-rich tropical estuarine ecosystems, far exceeding 22 other Brazilian estuaries. These results, in addition to characteristics such as a relatively well-preserved mangrove forest, high productivity and favourable conditions for the growth and reproduction of estuarine species, indicate that Guanabara Bay plays a central role in supporting large populations of fishes, including commercially important species.

Cocaine/levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis with retiform purpura and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.

Levamisole has been increasingly used as an adulterant of cocaine in recent years, emerging as a public health challenge worldwide. Levamisole-associated toxicity manifests clinically as a systemic vasculitis, consisting of cutaneous, hematological, and renal lesions, among others. Purpura retiform, cutaneous necrosis, intravascular thrombosis, neutropenia, and less commonly crescentic nephritis have been described in association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and other autoantibodies. Here we report the case of a 49-year-old male who was a chronic cocaine user, and who presented spontaneous weight loss, arthralgia, and 3 weeks before admission purpuric skin lesions in the earlobes and in the anterior thighs. His laboratory tests on admission showed serum creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL, white blood count 3,800/µL, hemoglobin 7.3 g/dL, urinalysis with 51 white blood cells/µL and 960 red blood cells/µL, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 1.20. Serum ANCA testing was positive (>1:320), as well as serum anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Urine toxicology screen was positive for cocaine and levamisole, with 62.8% of cocaine, 32.2% of levamisole, and 5% of an unidentified substance. Skin and renal biopsies were diagnostic for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, respectively. The patient showed a good clinical response to cocaine abstinence, and use of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide. Last serum creatinine was 1.97 mg/dL, white blood cell count 7,420/µL, and hemoglobin level 10.8 g/dL. In levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis, the early institution of cocaine abstinence, concomitant with the use of immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases, may prevent permanent end organ damage and associate with better clinical outcomes.