Insights into the Geographical Origins of the Cabo Verde Green Monkey.

The green monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus, L. 1766, native to West Africa, was introduced to the Cabo Verde Archipelago in the 16th century. Historical sources suggest that, due to the importance of Cabo Verde as a commercial entrepôt in the Atlantic slave trade, establishing the precise place of origin of this introduced species is challenging. Non-invasive fecal samples were collected from feral and captive green monkey individuals in Cabo Verde. Two mitochondrial fragments, HVRI and cyt b, were used to confirm the taxonomic identification of the species and to tentatively determine the geographic origin of introduction to the archipelago from the African continent. By comparing the new sequences of this study to previously published ones, it was shown that Cabo Verde individuals have unique haplotypes in the HVRI, while also showing affinities to several populations from north-western coastal Africa in the cyt b, suggesting probable multiple sources of introduction and an undetermined most probable origin. The latter is consistent with historical information, but may also have resulted from solely using mtDNA as a genetic marker and the dispersal characteristics of the species. The limitations of the methodology are discussed and future directions of research are suggested.

DISTRIBUTION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCI ISOLATED FROM FREE-LIVING SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (NASUA NASUA) IN AN URBAN PARK IN MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL.

The scientific information regarding staphylococci in procyonids is scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and pattern of antimicrobial resistance of staphylococcal species isolated from free-roaming coatis (Nasua nasua) in an urban park in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Rectal swabs from 55 free-living coatis were plated onto mannitol salt agar for isolating staphylococci, and species were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nuc, and sequencing of 16S rRNA and rpoB when needed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was investigated using the disk diffusion method, and the presence of the mecA gene was investigated by PCR. A total of 72.7% of the animals tested positive for staphylococci. Nine different species were identified, and Staphylococcus intermedius (60.4%) and S. delphini (20.9%) were the most frequently isolated species. Most of the isolates were susceptible to most of the antimicrobials evaluated, with a resistance pattern seen for penicillin (13.9%). One isolate was multidrug-resistant (MDR). The present study suggests that coatis are natural hosts of S. intermedius and S. delphini and, despite living in a heavily anthropized environment, the Staphylococcus spp. isolates showed a low incidence of drug resistance.

Orthopoxvirus Circulation in an Endemic Area in Brazil: Investigation of Infections in Small Mammals during an Absence of Outbreaks.

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is the causative agent of an emerging viral zoonosis called bovine vaccinia (BV). Several studies have documented characteristics of VACV infections in Brazil; however, the manner in which this virus is maintained in wildlife remains unknown. This work investigated the presence of viral DNA and anti-orthopoxvirus (OPXV) antibodies in samples collected from small mammals in a VACV-endemic area in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the absence of current outbreaks. Samples did not show amplification of OPXV DNA in molecular tests. However, 5/142 serum samples demonstrated the presence of anti-OPXV neutralizing antibodies in serological tests. These data reinforce the involvement of small mammals in the natural cycle of VACV, highlighting the need for further ecological studies to better understand how this virus is maintained in nature and to develop measures to prevent BV outbreaks.

Institutional Violence against Hospitalized Children: The Perception of Nursing Professionals / Violência institucional contra a criança hospitalizada: percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem / Violencia institucional hacia al niño hospitalizado: percepción de los profesionales de enfermería

Objective: To understand the perception of the Nursing team about institutional violence against hospitalized children. Materials and method: A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, performed at a large-size public hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, with 17 Nursing professionals working in the Pediatrics unit, to whom semi-structured interviews were applied between March and May 2019. The collected data were categorized in the NVIVO12 software and submitted for content analysis. Results: The results are presented in four categories: The professionals' lack of knowledge about institutional violence against hospitalized children; Recognition of institutional violence related to problems in the hospital infrastructure, Recognition of institutional violence in interpersonal relationships and Recognition of institutional violence in the care practices. Conclusions: It becomes necessary to apply policies to confront institutional violence, ranging from training the professionals to adapting the spaces and care practices to favor the children's hospitalization environment.

Objetivo: compreender a percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a violência institucional contra a criança hospitalizada. Materiais e método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, realizado em hospital público de grande porte, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, com 17 profissionais de enfermagem que atuavam na unidade pediátrica, com os quais foi aplicada entrevista semiestruturada, entre março e maio de 2019. Os dados coletados foram categorizados no software NVIVO12 e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: os resultados são apresentados em quatro categorias ­ o desconhecimento dos profissionais sobre violência institucional contra a criança hospitalizada; o reconhecimento da violência institucional relacionada aos problemas na infraestrutura hospitalar; nas relações interpessoais e nas práticas de cuidado. Conclusões: faz-se necessária a aplicação de políticas para o enfrentamento da violência institucional que vão desde o treinamento de profissionais até a adequação de espaços e práticas de cuidado como forma de favorecer o ambiente em que a criança se encontra hospitalizada.

Objetivo: comprender la percepción del equipo de enfermería acerca de la violencia institucional hacia el niño hospitalizado. Materiales y método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, realizado en hospital público de gran tamaño, en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, a 17 profesionales de enfermería que actuaban en la unidad pediátrica, a quienes se aplicó entrevista semiestructurada, entre marzo y mayo de 2019. Se recolectaron los datos, los que se categorizaron en el software NVIVO12 y se sometieron a análisis de contenido. Resultados: se presentan los resultados en cuatro categorías ­ el desconocimiento de los profesionales acerca de la violencia institucional hacia el niño hospitalizado; el reconocimiento de la violencia institucional relacionada a los problemas en la infraestructura hospitalaria; en las relaciones interpersonales y en las prácticas de cuidado. Conclusiones: es necesaria la aplicación de políticas para hacer frente a la violencia institucional que van desde la capacitación de profesionales hasta la adecuación de espacios y prácticas de cuidado como forma de favorecer el entorno en que el niño se encuentra hospitalizado.

First approach to assess the effects of nanoplastics on the soil species Folsomia candida: A mixture design with bisphenol A and diphenhydramine.

The terrestrial environment is one of the main recipients of plastic waste. However, limited research has been performed on soil contamination by plastics and even less assessing the effects of nanoplastics (NPls). Behind the potential toxicity caused per se, NPls are recognized vectors of other environmental harmful contaminants. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to understand whether the toxicity of an industrial chemical (bisphenol A - BPA) and a pharmaceutical (diphenhydramine - DPH) changes in the presence of polystyrene NPls to the terrestrial invertebrate Folsomia candida. Assessed endpoints encompassed organismal (reproduction, survival and behavior) and biochemical (neurotransmission and oxidative stress) levels. BPA or DPH, 28 d single exposures (1 to 2000 mg/kg), induce no effect on organisms' survival. In terms of reproduction, the calculated EC50 (concentration that causes 50% of the effect) and determined LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) were higher than the environmental concentrations, showing that BPA or DPH single exposure may pose no threat to the terrestrial invertebrates. Survival and reproduction effects of BPA or DPH were independent on the presence of NPls. However, for avoidance behavior (48 h exposure), the effects of the tested mixtures (BPA + NPls and DPH + NPls) were dependent on the NPls concentration (at 0.015 mg/kg - interaction: no avoidance; at 600 mg/kg - no interaction: avoidance). Glutathione S-transferase activity increased after 28 d exposure to 100 mg/kg DPH + 0.015 mg/kg NPls (synergism). The increase of lipid peroxidation levels found after the exposure to 0.015 mg/kg NPls (a predicted environmental concentration) was not detected in the mixtures (antagonism). The results showed that the effects of the binary mixtures were dependent on the assessed endpoint and the tested concentrations. The findings of the present study show the ability of NPls to alter the effects of compounds with different natures and mechanisms of toxicity towards soil organisms, showing the importance of environmental risk assessment considering mixtures of contaminants.

Parasitism in Rattus rattus and sympatric Achatina fulica by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in an urban park in southeast Brazil.

In this study, rodents (Rattus rattus) and mollusks (Achatina fulica) were captured in a small forest located in a large metropolitan city in Brazil, and they were examined to investigate possible parasitism by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The parasites were recovered as helminths from the pulmonary arteries of the synanthropic rodents and as third-stage larvae (with Metastrongylidae family characteristics) from the mollusks. To confirm the species, these larvae were used to experimentally infect Rattus norvegicus for the posterior recovery of adult helminths. To identify the adult helminths, morphological, morphometric, molecular, and phylogenetic techniques were employed. Furthermore, we also characterized the histological lesions associated with parasitism in naturally infected definitive hosts. Our results demonstrated the occurrence of a natural life cycle of A. cantonensis (with the presence of adult helminths) in definitive hosts, Rattus rattus, and third-stage larvae in an intermediate host, A. fulica. In free-living rodents, lesions of granulomatous pneumonia in the lungs and meningitis in the brain were also found. These results warn of the risk of accidental transmission of A. cantonensis to human residents around the park because of the extensive interaction among the fauna of the park, domestic animals, and the surrounding human population.

Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) saltpan sediments for pelotherapy application.

The present study aims to characterize sediments textural, geochemical and mineralogical composition used in a SPA for pelotherapy applications. Six samples were collected in two areas of an open-air saline SPA, a former saltpan in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). Sampling areas are predominantly composed by recent alluvium that had been affected by chemical industrial effluents for over 50 years. Samples < 2000, 63, and 2 µm fractions were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), for identification of mineral phases and chemical composition. SEM analysis was used for individual particles morphological characterization and chemical semi-quantification. Texture, mineral phases and chemical composition showed the influence of SPA pond beneficiation works. The two SPA areas revealed distinct mineral phases, one with higher quartz content, and the other with higher halite content, consistent with their environmental conditions. Illite constituted the most abundant mineral phase of the clay fraction. Preliminary results suggested concentrations of potential toxic elements (e.g., As, Cd) above reference values, representing a risk to the ecosystem and humans.

Leucemia plasmocitária primária: relato de caso e revisão sistemática sobre seus fatores prognósticos / Primary plasma cell leukemia: a case report and systematic review of prognostic factors / Leucemia primaria de células plasmáticas: reporte de caso y revisión sistemática de sus factores pronósticos

A leucemia de células plasmocitárias (LCP) é uma neoplasia hematológica rara, de caráter agressivo, ainda sem consenso quanto ao melhor esquema terapêutico e prognóstico da doença. Alguns estudos a consideram como uma variante do mieloma múltiplo. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um relato de caso e desenvolver uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre os fatores prognósticos relacionados a essa enfermidade. Esta revisão sistemática seguiu o protocolo PRISMA, utilizou o PubMED como base de dados, buscando estudos que avaliassem fatores prognósticos da LCP. Os estudos selecionados foram posteriormente avaliados quanto a sua qualidade pelo protocolo STROBE. A primeira busca identificou 260 artigos. Após aplicado critério de exclusão, dez foram selecionados. Destes, oito avaliaram fatores prognósticos clínicos e laboratoriais; cinco avaliaram, além disso, fatores citogenéticos; e um avaliou apenas a idade como fator prognóstico. A qualidade dos estudos, avaliada pelo protocolo STROBE, apresentou uma classificação média de 79,1%. Nos estudos analisados, idade > 65 ou > 60 anos, performance status ECOG > 2, hipercalcemia, aumento de lactato desidrogenase (LDH), aumento da creatinina, plaquetopenia e hipoalbuminemia foram encontrados como preditores de prognóstico ruim. Foram também demonstradas alterações citogenéticas consideradas de alto risco, como as translocações e deleções de genes. Diversas condições clínicas, laboratoriais e citogenéticas parecem estar associadas ao pior prognóstico na LCP. O conhecimento desses fatores pode interferir na prática clínica. Entretanto, ainda são necessários estudos mais robustos, multicêntricos e com maior número amostral para aprofundar o conhecimento sobre essa patologia.

Plasma Cell Leukemia (PCL) is rare and aggressive hematologic disorder, with no consensus on the best therapeutic scheme or disease prognosis. Some studies consider it to be a variant of multiple myeloma. This research sought to report a PCL case and to present a systematic literature review on its prognostic factor related. Bibliographic search followed the PRISMA protocol, and was conducted on the PubMED database to identify studies on PCL prognostic factors. Of the 260 articles identified, only ten were included after application of exclusion criteria. Of these, eight evaluated clinical and laboratorial prognostic factors; five assessed cytogenetic factors; and only one investigated age as a prognostic factor. Quality of the selected studies was evaluated by STROBE protocol, presenting a median classification of 79.1%. Age >65 or >60 years old, status performance ECOG>2, hypercalcemia, increased DHL, increased creatinine, thrombocytopenia, and hypoalbuminemia were the factors identified as predictors of a bad prognosis. Studies also showed high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities such as genetic translocation and deletions. Many clinical, laboratorial and cytogenetic conditions seem to be related to a worse PCL prognosis. Since knowledge of these factor can interfere in the clinical practice, more robust studies are needed on this pathology.

La leucemia de células plasmáticas (LCP) es una neoplasia hematológica rara, de carácter agresivo, sin consenso sobre el mejor régimen terapéutico y pronóstico de la enfermedad. Algunos estudios la consideran como una variante del mieloma múltiple. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un reporte de caso y desarrollar una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre los factores pronósticos relacionados con esta enfermedad. Esta revisión sistemática siguió el protocolo PRISMA, utilizó PubMED como base de datos para la búsqueda de estudios que evaluaran los factores pronósticos para LCP. Los estudios seleccionados fueron posteriormente evaluados por su calidad mediante el protocolo STROBE. La primera búsqueda identificó 260 artículos. Después de aplicados los criterios de exclusión, se seleccionaron diez. De estos, ocho evaluaron los factores pronósticos clínicos y de laboratorio, cinco evaluaron también los factores citogenéticos y uno evaluó la edad solo como factor pronóstico. La calidad de los estudios, evaluada por el protocolo STROBE, presentó una calificación promedio del 79,1%. En los estudios analizados, la edad > 65 o > 60 años, el estado funcional ECOG > 2, la hipercalcemia, el aumento de lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH), el aumento de creatinina, la trombocitopenia y la hipoalbuminemia fueron los predictores de mal pronóstico. También se demostraron alteraciones citogenéticas que se consideraron de alto riesgo, como translocaciones y deleciones de genes. Varias condiciones clínicas, de laboratorio y citogenéticas parecen estar asociadas con peor pronóstico en LCP. El conocimiento de estos factores puede interferir en la práctica clínica. Sin embargo, aún se necesitan estudios más robustos, multicéntricos y con mayor tamaño muestral para profundizar en el conocimiento sobre esta patología.

Phenotypic characterization and multiple resistance analysis in an experimentally selected albendazole-resistant hookworm isolate.

For some nematodes, alterations that leads to a resistance genotype may be accompanied by other modifications, causing changes in the biology of the parasite, although the exact mechanisms of this relationship are still not very clear. These alterations can have deleterious effects on their survival or even potentiate their pathogenicity. In this study a phenotypic characterization was carried out to compare two Ancylostoma ceylanicum isolates, a wild type one, kept in the laboratory and an albendazole selected resistant isolate (AceyBZR2). Differences in some analyzed parameters, between the two strains, were registered, as patency period, number and size of the recovered worms, including differences in the body structures. The AceyBZR2 isolate showed to be less adapted to the host, leading to a smaller number of recovered worms. However, no difference on the female egg content was observed between the two isolates. Concerning blood evaluation, no differences were found between the wild type and AceyBZR2 isolates, related to hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. However, animals in the group infected with the wild type isolate had lower serum iron concentrations than animals in the AceyBZR2 group. The possibility that the AceyBZR2 isolate might be resistant to other drugs was evaluated and it was demonstrated that it does not present cross-resistance to ivermectin and nitazoxanide. However, when animals infected with the AceyBZR2 were treated with another drug from the benzimidazoles group (mebendazole), the cross-resistance effect was observed. Morphometric analyses were performed comparing female and male adult worms from the two isolates. The results presented here allow a better understanding of the parasite-host relationship and may constitute a useful basis for establishing future control strategies for soil-transmitted helminths.

A importância da popularização de primeiros socorros nas escolas para salvar vidas: Uma revisão integrativa / La importancia de la popularización de los primeros auxilios en las escuelas para salvar vidas: Una revisión integrativa / The importance of popularization of first aid in schools to save lives: An integrative review

Objetivo: Investigar o impacto da educação em primeiros socorros para escolares. Método:Realizada uma revisão de literatura do tipo integrativa, que utilizou a estratégia PICo para elaboração de pesquisa. A busca se deu entre os meses de maio a agosto de 2021 na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), a partir dos Descritores em Ciência da Saúde "Primeiros socorros, Ensino e Escolares" e no Medical Subject Headings (MESH) "First Aid", "Education" e "Students", totalizando 07 artigos publicados no período de 2011 à 2021. Resultados: Identificou-se que os escolares que tiveram aproximação com a temática primeiros socorros, principalmente com metodologias ativas, simulações realísticas, ajudam na prevenção de acidentes e quando estes ocorrerem podem manusear as emergências mais comuns para o salvamento de vidas. Conclusão: Desta forma, os estudantes compreendem a importância desta temática abordada nas escolas para salvar vidas, através de ações didáticas que focam nas principais emergências acometidas pela sociedade(AU)

Objective: To investigate the impact of education in first aid for schoolchildren. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, which used the PICo strategy for research design. The search took place between May and August 2021 in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), from the Health Science Descriptors "First Aid, Teaching and Schoolchildren" and in the Medical Subject Headings (MESH) "First Aid" , "Education" and "Students", totaling 07 articles published in the period from 2011 to 2021. Results: It was identified that students who had an approach to the theme first aid, especially with active methodologies, realistic simulations, help in the prevention of accidents and when they do occur they can handle the most common emergencies to save lives. Conclusion: In this way, students understand the importance of this topic addressed in schools to save lives, through didactic actions that focus on the main emergencies affected by society.(AU)

Objetivo: Investigar el impacto de la educación en primeros auxilios para escolares. Método: Se realizó una revisión integrativa de la literatura, que utilizó la estrategia PICo para el diseño de la investigación. La búsqueda se realizó entre mayo y agosto de 2021 en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), a partir de los Descriptores de Ciencias de la Salud "Primeros Auxilios, Enseñanza y Escolares" y en los Encabezamientos Médicos (MESH) "Primeros Auxilios", "Educación" y " Estudiantes", totalizando 07 artículos publicados en el período de 2011 a 2021. Resultados: Se identificó que los estudiantes que tuvieron un acercamiento al tema primeros auxilios, especialmente con metodologías activas, simulacros realistas, ayudan en la prevención de accidentes y cuando lo hacen pueden manejar las emergencias más comunes para salvar vidas. Conclusión: De esta manera, los estudiantes comprenden la importancia de este tema abordado en las escuelas para salvar vidas, a través de acciones didácticas que se enfocan en las principales emergencias afectadas por la sociedad.(AU)

Characterization of cultivable intestinal microbiota in Rhynchophorus palmarum Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and determination of its cellulolytic activity.

Rhynchophorus palmarum Linnaeus is an agricultural pest that affects various palm crops, including coconut (Cocos nucifera) plantations which are prominent in the economy of Northeastern Brazil. Characterization of the intestinal microbiota of R. palmarum, as well as elucidation of aspects related to the biochemistry and physiology of the insect's digestion, is essential for intervention in specific metabolic processes as a form of pest control. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the intestinal microbiota of R. palmarum and investigate its ability to degrade cellulosic substrates, to explore new biological control measures. Intestinal dissection of eight adult R. palmarum insects was performed in a laminar flow chamber, and the intestines were homogenized in sterile phosphate-buffered saline solution. Subsequently, serial dilution aliquots of these solutions were spread on nutritive agar plates for the isolation of bacteria and fungi. The microorganisms were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with a time-of-flight mass spectrometry and evaluated for their ability to degrade cellulose. Fourteen bacterial genera (Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Citrobacter, Enterococcus, Kerstersia, Lactococcus, Micrococcus, Proteus, Providencia, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Staphylococcus) and two fungal genera (Candida and Saccharomyces)-assigned to the Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Ascomycota phyla-were identified. The cellulolytic activity was exhibited by six bacterial and one fungal species; of these, Bacillus cereus demonstrated the highest enzyme synthesis (enzymatic index = 4.6). This is the first study characterizing the R. palmarum intestinal microbiota, opening new perspectives for the development of strategies for the biological control of this insect.

Clostridioides difficile and multi-drug-resistant staphylococci in free-living rodents and marsupials in parks of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The global emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious threat to human and animal health. Recent studies have shown that synanthropic animals can act as reservoirs and disseminators of pathogens and resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococcal species and Clostridioides difficile isolated from the feces of free-living rodents and marsupials from two urban parks in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. During a 12-month period, fecal samples from 159 free-living animals, including 136 rodents and 23 marsupials, were collected from two urban parks in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Staphylococcus spp. were more likely to be isolated from rodents than marsupials (p = 0.0164). Eight different staphylococcal species were isolated from 36 (26.5%) rodents and one marsupial (4.3%). S. saprophyticus (48.6%) was the most frequently isolated species, and almost a quarter of the isolates (24.3%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, four (10.8%) of which were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Two (5.4%) strains were resistant to cefoxitin and were then classified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and one also tested positive for the mecA gene. C. difficile was isolated from two rodents (1.5%), and one strain was toxigenic and classified as ribotype 064. One isolate was resistant to rifampicin, but both strains were susceptible to all other antimicrobials tested, including metronidazole and vancomycin. All C. difficile isolates and all staphylococcal strains resistant to antimicrobials were recovered from the same park. The present study suggests that free-living rodents in Belo Horizonte (Brazil) are mainly colonized by S. saprophyticus and may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp. and C. difficile strains. This is the first study to evaluate the presence of staphylococci and C. difficile from free-living opossums and suggest a low fecal shedding of these organisms by these mammals.

Virulence, agr groups, antimicrobial resistance and epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis / Virulência, grupos agr, resistência a antimicrobianos e epidemiologia de isolados de Staphylococcus aureus obtidos de vacas com mastite

Fifty-two Staphylococcus aureus recovered from papillary ostium and milk samples collected from cows with subclinical mastitis and milking environments in three small dairy herds located in southeastern Brazil were subjected to PCR identification based on the thermonuclease (nuc) gene. All the strains were submitted to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and we investigated the sequence types (STs), agr groups (I-IV), virulence genes encoding for Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs), biofilm-associated proteins, bi-component toxins, pyrogenic toxin superantigens, and enterotoxins. Screening for oxacillin resistance (2-6 µg/ml oxacillin), beta-lactamase activity assays, and PCR for the mecA/mecC genes detected 26 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus(MSSA) and 26 mec-independent oxacillin-nonsusceptible S. aureus (MIONSA). While MSSA isolates were found to be susceptible to all antimicrobial agents tested, or only resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, MIONSA isolates were multidrug-resistant. ST126-agr group II MSSA isolates were prevalent in milk (n=14) and carried a broad set of virulence genes (clfA, clfB, eno, fnbA, fiB, icaA, icaD, lukED, hla, and hlb), as well as the ST126-agr group II MIONSA isolated from milking liners (n=1), which also carried the eta gene. ST1-agr group III MIONSA isolates (n=4) were found in papillary ostium and milk, but most MIONSA isolates (n=21), which were identified in both papillary ostium and milking liners, were agr-negative and assigned to ST126. The agr-negative and agr group III lineages showed a low potential for virulence. Studies on the characterization of bovine-associated MSSA/MIONSA are essential to reduce S. aureus mastitis to prevent economic losses in dairy production and also to monitor the zoonotic potential of these pathogens associated with invasive infections and treatment failures in healthcare.

Cinquenta e dois isolados de Staphylococcus aureus obtidos de amostras colhidas do óstio papilar, do leite de vacas com mastite subclínica e do ambiente de ordenha em três fazendas de rebanhos leiteiros localizadas no sudeste do Brasil foram identificados por PCR para o gene da termonuclease (nuc). Todos os isolados foram testados para sensibilidade a antimicrobianos e foram investigados os sequence types (STs), grupos agr (I-IV) e genes de virulência que codificam Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs), proteínas associadas a biofilme, toxinas bi-componentes, toxinas pirogênicas com propriedades de superantígenos e enterotoxinas. Triagem para detecção de resistência à oxacilina (2-6 µg/ml oxacilina), ensaios de atividade de enzimas beta-lactamases e PCR para os genes mecA/mecC detectaram 26 estirpes de S. aureus sensíveis à meticilina (methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, MSSA) e 26 estirpes de S. aureus mec-negativas não sensíveis à meticilina (mec-independent oxacillin-nonsusceptible S. aureus, MIONSA). Enquanto os isolados MSSA foram sensíveis a todos os agentes antimicrobianos testados, ou apenas resistentes à penicilina e ampicilina, os isolados MIONSA foram multirresistentes. MSSA ST126-agr grupo II foram prevalentes no leite (n= 14) e apresentaram um amplo conjunto de genes de virulência (clfA, clfB, eno, fnbA, fiB, icaA, icaD, lukED, hla e hlb), assim como o isolado MIONSA ST126-agr grupo II proveniente de um insuflador (n= 1), o qual também apresentou o gene eta. MIONSA ST1-agr grupo III (n= 4) foram identificados no óstio papilar e leite, mas a maioria dos isolados MIONSA (n= 21), encontrados em óstios papilares e insufladores, foram agr-negativos e pertenceram ao ST126. As linhagens agr-negativas e agr grupo III apresentaram baixo potencial de virulência. Estudos sobre a caracterização de MSSA/MIONSA associados a bovinos são essenciais para a redução da mastite causada por S. aureus e de perdas econômicas na produção leiteira e, também, para o monitoramento do potencial zoonótico desses patógenos associados a infecções invasivas e falhas de tratamento em ambientes hospitalares.

Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements from Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) isolates from dogs in a center for veterinary diagnostics in Brazil / Cassetes cromossômicos estafilocócicos mec de isolados do grupo Staphylococcus intermedius (GSI) de cães em um centro veterinário de diagnósticos no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Methicillin resistance in the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) has emerged in small animal practice. Methicillin-resistant SIG (MRSIG) members have been implicated as causes of infections in both companion animals and humans. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements carry the mecA/C genes, which encode for the transpeptidase PBP2a (PBP2') responsible for β-lactam antibiotic resistance in staphylococci. This study examined the SCCmec types of MRSIG isolates from different clinical specimens of dogs that exhibited methicillin MIC ≥ 0.5 μg/mL by an automated identification and susceptibility system in a Center for Veterinary Diagnostics in São Paulo, Brazil. Susceptibility to methicillin was determined by broth microdilution testing, and Oxoid® M.I.C.Evaluator® strips. PBP2a production was detected using a latex agglutination assay. SCCmec typing was performed according to the International Working Group on the Classification of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Elements (IWG-SCC) guidelines. SCCmec type II (2A), SCCmec type III (3A), composite SCC structures consisting of a class A mec gene complex in addition to multiple ccr gene complexes, and non-typable SCCmec elements were reported in these MRSIG isolates. SCCmec type variants differing from those so far acknowledged by IWG-SCC were found, indicating new rearrangements in the genetic context of mecA in these canine MRSIG isolates.

RESUMO: A resistência à meticilina no grupo Staphylococcus intermedius (GSI) tem aumentado na clínica de pequenos animais. Membros GSI resistentes à meticilina (GSIRM) têm sido causas de infecções tanto em animais de companhia e humanos. Cassetes cromossômicos estafilocócicos mec (SCCmec) carregam os genes mecA/C, que codificam a transpeptidase PBP2a (PBP2') responsável pela resistência aos antibióticos β-lactâmicos em estafilococos. Nosso objetivo foi investigar os elementos SCCmec de GSIRM isolados de diferentes amostras clínicas de cães que exibiram CIM de meticilina ≥ 0,5 μg/mL por meio de um sistema automatizado em um Centro Veterinário de Diagnósticos em São Paulo, Brasil. A sensibilidade à meticilina foi determinada por meio do teste de microdiluição em caldo e fitas Oxoid® M.I.C.Evaluator®. A produção de PBP2a foi detectada usando um ensaio de aglutinação de látex. A tipagem dos elementos SCCmec foi realizada de acordo com as diretrizes do International Working Group on the Classification of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Elements (IWG-SCC). SCCmec tipo II (2A), SCCmec tipo III (3A), SCC compostos de um complexo mec de classe A com múltiplos complexos ccr, e elementos SCCmec não tipáveis foram encontrados nesses isolados GSIRM. Variantes que diferem dos elementos SCCmec reconhecidos até o momento pelo IWG-SCC foram encontradas, indicando novos rearranjos no contexto genético de mecA nesses isolados GSIRM caninos.

Coexistence of the Oxazolidinone Resistance-Associated Genes cfr and optrA in Enterococcus faecalis From a Healthy Piglet in Brazil.

Oxazolidinones are one of the most important antimicrobials potentially active against glycopeptide- and ß-lactam-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. Linezolid-the first oxazolidinone to be approved for clinical use in 2000 by the US Food and Drug Administration-and the newer molecule in the class, tedizolid, inhibit protein synthesis by suppressing the formation of the 70S ribosomal complex in bacteria. Over the past two decades, transferable oxazolidinone resistance genes, in particular cfr and optrA, have been identified in Firmicutes isolated from healthcare-related infections, livestock, and the environment. Our goals in this study were to investigate the genetic contexts and the transferability of the cfr and optrA genes and examine genomic features, such as antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid incompatibility types, and CRISPR-Cas defenses of a linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis isolated in feces from a healthy pig during an antimicrobial surveillance program for animal production in Brazil. The cfr gene was found to be integrated into a transposon-like structure of 7,759 nt flanked by IS1216E and capable of excising and circularizing, distinguishing it from known genetic contexts for cfr in Enterococcus spp., while optrA was inserted into an Inc18 broad host-range plasmid of >58 kb. Conjugal transfer of cfr and optrA was shown by filter mating. The coexistence of cfr and optrA in an E. faecalis isolated from a healthy nursery pig highlights the need for monitoring the use of antibiotics in the Brazilian swine production system for controlling spread and proliferation of antibiotic resistance.

A influência do sobrepeso/ obesidade sobre o uso do levonorgestrel como método contraceptivo de emergência / The influence of overweight/obesity over the use of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive method

A contracepção de emergência tem como objetivo prevenir uma gravidez indesejada após uma relação sexual desprotegida, falha do método contraceptivo regular ou agressão sexual. Dentre os métodos disponíveis atualmente, destaca-se a pílula hormonal de levonorgestrel (LNG) como uma das principais estratégias utilizadas, tendo em vista o perfil de segurança desse fármaco e a facilidade de acesso e utilização dele. No entanto, embora o efeito de tal molécula seja satisfatório, pesquisas sugerem que altos índices de massa corporal implicam uma redução da eficácia contraceptiva da pílula de LNG. Nesse sentido, esse estudo visa evidenciar, mediante revisão de literatura, a relação entre esse fármaco e sua competência em mulheres com sobrepeso ou obesidade, bem como expor quais medidas devem ser tomadas para evitar a gravidez indesejada nessas pacientes. Embora existam divergências, foi observado que a maior parte dos estudos indica que a composição corporal das pacientes pode influenciar na eficácia contraceptiva da molécula de LNG, de forma sinérgica ou não com outros fatores, especialmente quando considerado o IMC > 25 kg/m² ou peso > 75 kg, uma vez que o risco de gravidez pode aumentar de 1,5 até 4,4 vezes quando comparado aos padrões de normalidade, com tendência de crescimento em relação aos parâmetros de sobrepeso/obesidade.(AU)

The main goal of the emergency contraceptive is to prevent a non-planned pregnancy after the sexual relationship without condom, after the fail of the usual contraceptive or the sexual assault. Among all the currently available methods, the hormonal pill of levonorgestrel (LNG) has its importance as one of the most used strategies, due of its safety, easy access and use. However, in spite of the fact that this molecule has a good effect, some researches suggest that a high level of the body mass reduces the efficacy of the contraceptive pill of LNG. In this context, this study objective is to clarify, by using literature review, the relation between this drug and its competence in overweight/obese women, as well to expose which other options could be taken to avoid a non-planned pregnancy in those patients. Despite of the fact that there are divergences, the most part of the studies shows that patient's body composition can influence on the contraceptive effectiveness of the LNG molecule, sinergically or not to other factors, especially when the IMC > 25 kg/m² or the body weight > 75 kg, once the pregnancy risk can be raised from 1,5 to 4,4 times when compared to regular standards, with growth tendency when related to overweigh/obesity parameters.(AU)

Nodular and sclerosing gastritis caused by Cylicospirura felineus in a puma (Puma concolor).

An adult male puma (Puma concolor), hit by a car in an urban area, died three days later despite the therapeutic support provided. At necropsy, multiple firm nodules were identified in the gastric mucosa. The nodules were coated by an intact mucosa with a central opening from which reddish and cylindrical nematodes protruded into the lumen. Twenty-seven nematodes were retrieved for morphological and morphometric evaluations. During histopathological examination of the gastric tissue, the adult nematodes appear in longitudinal and transverse sections, surrounded by thick bands of collagen, interspersed with mixed inflammatory infiltrates. The nematodes had an eosinophilic cuticle with caudal serrated projections (bulbar type), coelomyarian musculature, pseudocoelom, and females with uterus containing numerous larvated eggs, characteristics consistent with the Cylicospirura genus. Morphologically, female nematodes had six large tricuspid teeth in the oral cavity and the vulva had an opening anterior to the esophagus-intestinal junction. Male nematodes had five pairs of small papillae near the tip of the tail. These findings were consistent with Cylicospirura felineus. This parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular gastric wall lesions in wild felids.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of red propolis embedded mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

This work brings the promise of MCM-41 mesoporous silica as a vehicle for red propolis for the development of controlled release drugs and delivery to a specific target site. The synthesis of MCM-41 by the sol-gel method with a pore size of approximately 3.6 nm and the incorporation of red propolis extract by the physical adsorption method in ethanolic medium were easily accomplished with around 15% encapsulation. MCM-41 and MCM-41 with red propolis (MCM-41/Pr) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy, and an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (UPLC-DAD). In vitro release of encapsulated red propolis was analyzed in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2, 7.4, and 7.6. An in vitro test for MCM-41/Pr antioxidant activity was performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl as well as analysis of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus by the well diffusion method. UPLC-DAD analysis showed that the integrity of the red propolis constituents was maintained after the embed process, and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were preserved.

Transferable Resistance Gene optrA in Enterococcus faecalis from Swine in Brazil.

OptrA is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-F protein that confers resistance to oxazolidinones and phenicols and can be either plasmid-encoded or chromosomally encoded. Here, we isolated 13 Enterococcus faecalis strains possessing a linezolid MIC of ≥4 mg/liter from nursery pigs in swine herds located across Brazil. Genome sequence comparison showed that these strains possess optrA in different genetic contexts occurring in 5 different E. faecalis sequence type backgrounds. The optrA gene invariably occurred in association with an araC regulator and a gene encoding a hypothetical protein. In some contexts, this genetic island was able to excise and form a covalently closed circle within the cell; this circle appeared to occur in high abundance and to be transmissible by coresident plasmids.