Outcomes of severely ill patients with AIDS treated with efavirenz or dolutegravir: a multicenter, observational study.

Background: Currently, integrase inhibitors (INIs)-based ART regimens are the preferred initial therapy for AIDS patients. There is scarce information on the use of dolutegravir (DTG) among late-presenter people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives: To compare the effect of DTG- or efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens on the outcomes of patients with advanced AIDS. Methods: We compared two cohorts of consecutive symptomatic AIDS patients (WHO stage 4, CD4 count<50 cells/mL) starting therapy with DTG-based (2018-2021, prospective cohort) or EFV-based regimens (2013-2016, retrospective cohort) from five Brazilian cities. The main endpoints were early (all-cause) mortality, viral suppression at 24 and 48 weeks, changes in CD4 count, and changes in initial therapy (for any reason). Results: We included all eligible patients in a consecutive way (in both groups) until we reached 92 individuals per arm. The median baseline CD4 count (20 vs. 21 cells/mL) and the median HIV plasma viral load (5.5 copies/mL log10) were identical across the groups. Viral suppression rates were higher in the DTG group than in the EFV group at 24 (67.4% vs. 42.4%,) and 48 weeks (65.2% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). More patients in the DTG group presented with CD4 > 200 cells/mL compared to the EFV group at 48 weeks (45% vs. 29%, p = 0.03). Treatment changes (ITT, M = F) were significantly more frequent in the EFV group (1% vs. 17%, p < 0.0001). The relative mortality rate was 25% lower in the DTG group, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: We detected a higher rate of virological suppression and greater treatment durability in patients with advanced AIDS treated with DTG than in those treated with EFV.

Ontogeny of digestive enzymes in larvae of the Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris (Perciformes: Pomacentridae)

Introduction: The Clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the most popular fish species in the marine aquarium trade; however, there is a lack of information on their digestive physiology during larval ontogeny, valuable information needed for diet design and management protocols. Objective: To characterize the early digestive enzymes of A. ocellaris larvae. Methods: We used three pools (10 larvae each) and extracted 10 samples per tank, from just before hatching to the 38th day. We analyzed the specific activity of acid and alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase and lipase; and did acid and alkaline protease zymograms. Results: We detected all measured enzymes at hatching. Acid proteases increased in activity until the 38th day. Alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and leucine aminopeptidase had the same pattern, and maximum activity on the 8th day, decreasing at the 38th day. Lipase activity peaked on the 8th and 30th day. The acid zymogram had a single band, appearing on the 8th day. A total of eight alkaline proteases were revealed (154.2, 128.1, 104.0, 59.8, 53.5, 41.9, 36.5 and 25.1 KDa), with seven bands on the 1st day and all bands from the 3rd to 8th day, decreasing at two bands (41.9 and 25.1 KDa) in the 38th day. Conclusion: A. ocellaris has a functional stomach on the 8th day, and, on the 38th day, a digestive omnivore pattern with a tendency to carnivory.

Introducción: El pez payaso (Amphiprion ocellaris) es la especie de pez más popular en el comercio de acuarios marinos; sin embargo, falta información sobre su fisiología digestiva durante la ontogenia larval, información valiosa necesaria para protocolos de diseño y manejo dietético. Objetivo: Caracterizar las enzimas digestivas tempranas de larvas de A. ocellaris. Métodos: Usamos tres homogenados (con 10 larvas cada uno) y extrajimos 10 muestras por tanque, justo antes de la eclosión hasta el día 38. Analizamos la actividad específica de proteasas ácidas y alcalinas, tripsina, quimotripsina, leucina aminopeptidasa y lipasa; e hicimos zimogramas de proteasas ácidas y alcalinas. Resultados: Detectamos todas las enzimas medidas en la eclosión. La actividad de proteasas ácidas incrementó hasta el día 38. Proteasas alcalinas, tripsina, quimotripsina, y leucina aminopeptidasa tuvieron el mismo patrón, con actividad máxima en el octavo día, decreciendo en el día 38. Hubo picos en la actividad lipasa a los ocho y 30 días. El zimograma ácido tuvo una banda única, apareciendo al octavo día. Se hallaron ocho proteasas alcalinas (154.2, 128.1, 104.0, 59.8, 53.5, 41.9, 36.5 y 25.1 KDa), con siete bandas al primer día, y todas las bandas entre el tercer y octavo día, bajando a dos bandas (41.9 y 25.1 KDa) al día 38. Conclusión: A. ocellaris tiene un estómago funcional al octavo día, y, al día 38, un patrón digestivo omnívoro con tendencias carnívoras.

High Prevalence of Anal Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women Attending a Clinic for Prevention of Anal Cancer in Salvador, Brazil.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are highly vulnerable to anal sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Objectives-to evaluate the prevalence of anal STIs among MSM and TGW attending a referral clinic for anal cancer prevention. Methods-MSM and TGW attending a medical visit for high-resolution anoscopy in Salvador, Brazil, from February 2021 to June 2022 were screened for HPV, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection by PCR of anal swab and by serum VDRL titration for syphilis screening. They also responded to a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior. Results-we evaluated 141 participants: 117 (82.9%) MSM, 9 (6.4%) bisexual men (BSM), and 15 (10.6%) TGW. Most (111/141, 78.7%) were older than 30 years, 89 (63.1%) had over 12 years of education, and 124 (87.9%) had a family income of up to five minimum wages. At least one STI was detected in 112 (79.4%) of the participants (86.7% among TGW). HIV infection was detected in 102 (72.3%) participants; HIV frequency was higher in BSM (7/9, 88.9%) and in MSM (89/116, 76.1%) than in TGW (5/15, 33.3%). A lower income (p = 0.004) was predictive of anal STIs, while syphilis was significantly more frequent among participants with HIV (29.1% vs. 5,3%, for HIV positive and negative, respectively, p = 0.002). Presenting at least one active STI was also associated with having had group sex in the last year (p = 0.03) and with use of sexualized drugs (p = 0.02). Conclusions-MSM and TGW present a high vulnerability to anal STIs. Number of sexual partners, use of sexualized drugs, and lower income are predictive of a higher risk of acquiring an STI in such populations.

Development and Validation of a Transgender Health Care Humanization Scale.

Purpose: Stigma and discrimination against transgender people can lead to their segregation. Fighting stigma and discrimination is a crucial strategy to expand access to health services. The goals of the present study were to develop and validate a transgender health care humanization scale (THcH scale) to evaluate the perception of humanization in health care for transgender individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 340 health care providers aged ≥18 years. Participants answered a structured questionnaire when attending HIV/AIDS scientific meetings or at their place of work. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, using a polychoric matrix and robust diagonally weighted least squares extraction method. The number of retained factors was defined through the parallel analysis technique, with random permutation of the observed data and the use of Robust Promin rotation. Results: The interpretability of correlation matrix items was suggested by the Bartlett's sphericity tests (1633.7, df=91; p<0.001) and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Test (0.875). The factor structure showed adequate adjustment indices (χ2=44,200, df=52; root mean square error of approximation p<0.05; comparative fit index=0.968; Tucker-Lewis index=0.945; goodness-of-fit index = 0.995). Only one factor was retained by parallel analysis, explained by 54.17% of the variance of the construct and confirmed by the following indices: unidimensional congruence=0.902, explained common variance=0.828, and mean of item residual absolute loadings=0.279. Good reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha test (0.899). Conclusion: The THcH scale showed good psychometric properties. This self-report questionnaire, which can be completed in 5 min, may be useful in scientific research and could guide health care providers in expansion of a Health Humanization Policy and in deconstructing prejudice against transgender people in health care settings.

Insights into the Genital Microbiota of Women Who Experienced Fetal Death in Utero.

The aim of this work was to achieve a better understanding of the bacterial pathogens associated with stillbirths that would serve to inform clinical interventions directed at reducing this adverse pregnancy outcome. A prospective observational study was conducted with the participation of 22 women from northern Peru, of whom 11 experienced fetal death in utero and 11 delivered preterm births. Swabs were taken from the vagina, placenta, amniotic fluid and axilla of the infant at birth by Caesarean section. The bacterial populations in the vagina and the amniotic space of each participant were determined by employing the amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. The sequence data were analysed using bioinformatics tools. The work showed differences in the composition of the genital microbiomes of women who experienced preterm birth or fetal death in utero. There were no differences in the alpha diversity between the genital microbiotas of both groups of women, but there were more different taxa in the vagina and amniotic space of the preterm participants. Lactobacillus spp. was less abundant in the stillbirth cases. E. coli/Shigella, Staphylococcus, Gardnerella, Listeria and Bacteroides taxa were associated with the stillbirths. In each woman, there was a minimal concordance between the bacterial populations in the vagina and amniotic space.

Microencapsulation of Bacillus Strains for Improving Wheat (Triticum turgidum Subsp. durum) Growth and Development.

Bio-formulation technologies have a limited impact on agricultural productivity in developing countries, especially those based on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Thus, calcium alginate microbeads were synthesized and used for the protection and delivery of three beneficial Bacillus strains for agricultural applications. The process of encapsulation had a high yield per gram for all bacteria and the microbeads protected the Bacillus strains, allowing their survival, after 12 months of storage at room temperature. Microbead analysis was carried out by observing the rate of swelling and biodegradation of the beads and the released-establishment of bacteria in the soil. These results showed that there is an increase of around 75% in bead swelling on average, which allows for larger pores, and the effective release and subsequent establishment of the bacteria in the soil. Biodegradation of microbeads in the soil was gradual: in the first week, they increased their weight (75%), which consistently results in the swelling ratio. The co-inoculation of the encapsulated strain TRQ8 with the other two encapsulated strains showed plant growth promotion. TRQ8 + TRQ65 and TRQ8 + TE3T bacteria showed increases in different biometric parameters of wheat plants, such as stem height, root length, dry weight, and chlorophyll content. Thus, here we demonstrated that the application of alginate microbeads containing the studied strains showed a positive effect on wheat plants.

HIV, HTLV, and Hepatitis B and C Infection in Blood Donors in Bahia, Brazil from 2008 to 2017.

Although blood transfusion is an important therapeutic resource, transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are still a cause for concern. Measures to mitigate this risk involve improvement of donor screening criteria and improvements in laboratory tests, especially the use of nucleic acid test (NAT). In this retrospective study we evaluated HIV, HTLV, HCV and HBV infection rates in blood donors of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Foundation of Bahia (Hemoba), Brazil, through serological and NAT results and the characteristics of donors. From February/2008 to December/2017, 777,446 blood donations were made. Most donors were male, aged 25-44 years, black and mixed race, and single or divorced. The density-type incidence (DTI; per 100,000) for each virus was 91.1 for HBV; 66.5 for HCV; 54.3 for HIV; and 33.9 for HTLV, with a decreasing trend observed over the period studied, except in the last biennium. NAT detected only 1 donor in immunological window for HIV (0.46/100,000 donations) and 3 donors in immunological window for HBV (1.8/100,000 donations). Serological positivity for all viruses studied was higher in the metropolitan region of Salvador, the state capital. Conclusion: DTI rates show a decreasing trend over the years studied, with a predominance of HBV infection. NAT allowed the detection of donors in immunological window periods, having an important role in improving transfusion safety.

Polycationic Surfaces Promote Whole-Cell Immobilization and Induce Microgranulation of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 for Enhanced Biobutanol Production.

Immobilization is a common strategy used to protect microbial cells to improve the performance of bioprocesses. However, the interaction mechanism between the cells and the immobilization material is generally poorly understood. In this study, we employed natural polysaccharide-based materials as immobilization carriers for clostridial fermentation in an attempt to enhance the production of butanol (a valuable biofuel/biochemical but highly toxic to the host cells) and meanwhile elucidate the interaction mechanisms related to immobilization. The utilization of chitosan powder as the immobilization carrier enhanced butanol productivity by 97% in the fermentation with Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 and improved butanol titer by 21% in the fermentation with Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. Additionally, analogue derivatives using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and cotton cationized on the surface with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrymethylammonium (CHPTA) and 2-chloro-N,N-diethylaminoethyl chloride (DEAEC) were prepared and used as immobilization carriers for similar fermentation conditions. The CHPTA derivatives showed slightly increased production of butanol and total solvent with C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum. Overall, our results indicated that the interaction between the cell and the carrier material occurs through a double mechanism involving adsorption immobilization and induced aggregation. This work provides insights concerning the effects of the chemical properties of the carrier material (such as the cation density and surface area) on fermentation performance, enabling a better understanding of the interaction between bacterial cells and the cationic materials. The derivatization strategies employed in this study can be applied to most cellulosic materials to modulate the properties and enhance the interaction between the cell and the carrier material for immobilization, thus improving the bioprocess performance.

The First Two Cases of Monkeypox Infection in MSM in Bahia, Brazil, and Viral Sequencing.

Monkeypox infection is rapidly spreading across the world. Despite the increasing number of cases, only a few reports have been published, and most are on people living without HIV. We report here the first two cases of monkeypox infection in Bahia, Brazil, one of them in a person living with HIV, on stable treatment. Both cases had a similar evolution, with a limited number of lesions and mild symptoms, with a complete recovery after 7-10 days. The potential route of transmission was via oral sex for the first case and was undefined for the second one. Both cases were confirmed through detection of the viral genome by PCR, and the partial sequence of the first case indicates the infection was caused by the West African clade. These cases confirm that monkeypox infection is currently being transmitted in Brazil and that people living with HIV on stable treatment are not likely to present a more severe form of monkeypox.

SARS-CoV-2 Incidence, signs and symptoms and main risk factors for COVID-19 infection in Health Care Workers: A hospital-wide survey in Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is the third country most affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world. Health care workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection. Despite the increasing numbers of studies on the topic, There are gaps in the knowledge of characteristics and risk factors for infection of HCWS. This information is important to design preventive strategies and to mitigate the disease impact. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, to identify factors associated, and to describe symptoms reported by healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: All HCWs were evaluated in a cross-sectional study conducted between May and September 2020, using self-administered questionnaires, and screening all participants for SARS-COV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies by rapid tests. Reactive IgG samples were retested by ELISA and IgM-positive test had a saliva sample retest by RT-PCR. Univariate associations were estimated by a non-adjusted incidence proportion ratio. Variables associated with COVID-19 incidence at p < 0.20 were selected for inclusion in a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 2083 HCWs were included, mean age 41±10 years, 71.8% women, and 77.8% non-white. Of these, 271 (13.0%) and 25 (1.2%) HCWs tested positive for IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, respectively, and three had a positive RT-PCR. Ancillary work [Odds Ratio (OR): 4.96], elementary education (OR: 2.91), high school education (OR: 2.89), and catholic religion (OR: 2.16) were associated with an increased likelihood of a positive IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Anosmia [Incidence Proportion Ratio (IPR): 7.41] and ageusia (IPR:8.51) were the most frequent associated symptoms. CONCLUSION: HCWs with low mean family income, lower level of schooling, ancillary workor being black had a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Social vulnerability was an important risk factor for COVID-19 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 Incidence, signs and symptoms and main risk factors for COVID-19 infection in Health Care Workers: A hospital-wide survey in Salvador, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Brazil is the third country most affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world. Health care workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection. Despite the increasing numbers of studies on the topic, There are gaps in the knowledge of characteristics and risk factors for infection of HCWS. This information is important to design preventive strategies and to mitigate the disease impact. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, to identify factors associated, and to describe symptoms reported by healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: All HCWs were evaluated in a cross-sectional study conducted between May and September 2020, using self-administered questionnaires, and screening all participants for SARS-COV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies by rapid tests. Reactive IgG samples were retested by ELISA and IgM-positive test had a saliva sample retest by RT-PCR. Univariate associations were estimated by a non-adjusted incidence proportion ratio. Variables associated with COVID-19 incidence at p < 0.20 were selected for inclusion in a binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2083 HCWs were included, mean age 41±10 years, 71.8% women, and 77.8% non-white. Of these, 271 (13.0%) and 25 (1.2%) HCWs tested positive for IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, respectively, and three had a positive RT-PCR. Ancillary work [Odds Ratio (OR): 4.96], elementary education (OR: 2.91), high school education (OR: 2.89), and catholic religion (OR: 2.16) were associated with an increased likelihood of a positive IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Anosmia [Incidence Proportion Ratio (IPR): 7.41] and ageusia (IPR:8.51) were the most frequent associated symptoms. Conclusion: HCWs with low mean family income, lower level of schooling, ancillary workor being black had a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Social vulnerability was an important risk factor for COVID-19 infection.

Antiretroviral therapy and Kaposi's sarcoma trends and outcomes among adults with HIV in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) remains the most frequent malignancy in persons living with HIV (PWH) in Latin America. We examined KS trends and outcomes from Latin American clinical sites in the era of increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: Cohorts in Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Honduras, Argentina and Chile contributed clinical data of PWH ≥16 years old from 2000 to 2017, excluding patients with KS diagnosed before clinic enrolment. We compared KS incidence over time using multivariable incidence rate ratios. Predictors of KS before/at or after ART initiation and of mortality after KS were examined using Cox regression. RESULTS: Of 25 981 PWH, 481 had incident KS, including 200 ART-naïve and 281 ART-treated patients. From 2000 to 2017, the incidence of KS decreased from 55.1 to 3.0 per 1000 person-years. In models adjusting for CD4 and other factors, the relative risk for KS decreased from 2000 to 2008. Since 2010, the adjusted risk of KS increased in the periods before and ≤90 days after ART initiation but decreased >90 days after ART. In addition to low CD4 and male-to-male sex, KS risk after ART was associated with age and history of other AIDS-defining illnesses. Mortality after KS (approximately 25% after five years) was not associated with either year of KS diagnosis nor timing of diagnosis relative to ART initiation. CONCLUSIONS: KS incidence in Latin America has remained stable in recent years and risk is highest before and shortly after ART initiation. Early diagnosis of HIV and ART initiation remain critical priorities in the region.

Identification and Investigation of Autolysin Genes in Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum Strain N1-4 for Enhanced Biobutanol Production.

Biobutanol is a valuable biochemical and one of the most promising biofuels. Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 is a hyperbutanol-producing strain. However, its strong autolytic behavior leads to poor cell stability, especially during continuous fermentation, thus limiting the applicability of the strain for long-term and industrial-scale processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of autolysin genes within the C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum genome related to cell autolysis and further develop more stable strains for enhanced butanol production. First, putative autolysin-encoding genes were identified in the strain based on comparison of amino acid sequence with homologous genes in other strains. Then, by overexpressing all these putative autolysin genes individually and characterizing the corresponding recombinant strains, four key genes were pinpointed to be responsible for significant cell autolysis activities. Further, these key genes were deleted using CRISPR-Cas9. Fermentation characterization demonstrated enhanced performance of the resultant mutants. Results from this study reveal valuable insights concerning the role of autolysins for cell stability and solvent production, and they provide an essential reference for developing robust strains for enhanced biofuel and biochemical production.IMPORTANCE Severe autolytic behavior is a common issue in Clostridium and many other microorganisms. This study revealed the key genes responsible for the cell autolysis within Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum, a prominent platform for biosolvent production from lignocellulosic materials. The knowledge generated in this study provides insights concerning cell autolysis in relevant microbial systems and gives essential references for enhancing strain stability through rational genome engineering.

Hongos detectados en la entomofauna asociada a Espeletia pycnophylla / Fungi detected in insects associated to Espeletia pycnophylla

RESUMEN Algunas especies del género Espeletia sp. (Asteraceae) son afectados por hongos fitopatógenos e insectos en páramos de los Andes del Norte, amenazando su permanencia y la prestación de servicios que se les atribuye, como la regulación del ciclo hídrico. La escaza información sobre la afectación en el páramo de Paja Blanca (Nariño, Colombia), dificulta la comprensión de la dinámica del fenómeno y la formulación de estrategias de manejo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar cambios en la composición de las comunidades de insectos asociados a E. pycnophylla durante el declive de las poblaciones de frailejones y evaluar si reflejan modificaciones en los hongos, asociados a dichos insectos. Para ello, se colectaron insectos en plantas de E. pycnophylla sanas y afectadas, a los que se aplicó índices ecológicos, para identificar posibles modificaciones en la diversidad y la composición; además, se aislaron e identificaron morfológica y molecularmente hongos, a partir de estructuras corporales de los insectos. Como resultado, se identificó una diversidad de insectos considerable y que no hay modificación en su composición de insectos entre los dos estados de frailejón analizados. Se logró aislar hongos, como Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis sp., Epicoccum nigrum, Cladosporium sp., a partir de estructuras de los géneros de insectos Neomyopites sp., Diabrotica sp., Bradysia sp. y Dyscolus sp. Este estudio aporta información sobre la entomofauna presente en E. pycnopylla del páramo de Paja Blanca y hongos asociados a estructuras corporales, como el canal alimentario y aparato bucal de los insectos.

ABSTRACT Some species of the genus Espeletia sp. (Asteraceae) are affected by phytopathogenic fungi and insects in the paramos of the Northern Andes, threatening their permanence and the provision of services attributed to them such as the regulation of the water cycle. The scarce information about the impact on the Paja Blanca páramo (Nariño, Colombia) makes it difficult to understand the dynamics of the phenomenon and the formulation of management strategies. The goal of this research was to identify changes in the composition of the insect communities associated to E. pycnophylla during the decline of the frailejon populations and to evaluate if these reflect modifications in the fungi associated with those insects. For this, insects were collected in healthy and affected E. pycnophylla plants to which ecological indices were applied to identify possible changes in diversity and composition, Also fungi were isolated and identified morphologically and molecularly from body structures of insects. As result, a considerable diversity of insects was identified and no modification in their composition of insects between the two states of frailejón were found. It was possible to isolate fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis sp., Epicoccum nigrum, Cladosporium sp. from structures of the insect genera Neomyopites sp., Diabrotica sp., Bradysia sp. and Dyscolus sp. This study provides information about the entomofauna present in E. pycnopylla from the Paja Blanca páramo and fungi associated with body structures such as the alimentary canal and the oral system of insects.

Enhancing the tolerance of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum to lignocellulosic-biomass-derived inhibitors for efficient biobutanol production by overexpressing efflux pumps genes from Pseudomonas putida.

Furan aldehydes and phenolic compounds generated during biomass pretreatment can inhibit fermentation for biofuel production. Efflux pumps actively transport small molecules out of cells, thus sustaining normal microbial metabolism. Pseudomonas putida has outstanding tolerance to butanol and other small molecules, and we hypothesize that its efflux pump could play essential roles for such robustness. Here, we overexpressed efflux pump genes from P. putida to enhance tolerance of hyper-butanol producing Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum to fermentation inhibitors. Interestingly, overexpression of the whole unit resulted in decreased tolerance, while overexpression of the subunit (srpB) alone exerted significant enhanced robustness of the strain. Compared to the control, the engineered strain had enhanced capability to grow in media containing 17% more furfural or 50% more ferulic acid, and produced ~14 g/L butanol (comparable to fermentation under regular conditions without inhibitors). This study provided valuable reference for boosting microbial robustness towards efficient biofuel production from lignocellulosic materials.

Caracterización de Fusarium spp. asociado con la pudrición basal de la cebolla de rama / Characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with the basal rot of the green onion

RESUMEN El departamento de Nariño ocupa el cuarto lugar como productor de cebolla de rama, a nivel nacional. En los últimos años, su producción y área de cultivo se han reducido por múltiples limitantes, destacándose, como la más importante, la susceptibilidad al ataque de hongos causantes de pudriciones radicales, los cuales, perjudican el sistema productivo y la rentabilidad. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar morfológica y molecularmente las poblaciones de Fusarium, asociados a la enfermedad de pudrición basal de cebolla de rama. Para ello, en los municipios de Pasto, Potosi y Buesaco, se colectaron plantas con síntomas de pudrición basal, acompañada de necrosis de raíces y ablandamiento de tejido. En el laboratorio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Universidad de Nariño, se sembraron tejidos en medio PDA y, a continuación, se purificaron los aislamientos para su posterior caracterización morfológica y molecular. El estudio morfológico, se realizó usando claves taxonómicas para el género Fusarium y la caracterización molecular con cebadores específicos para el género Fusarium y mediante secuenciación. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis filogenético de la variabilidad intraespecífica. Los resultados de la caracterización morfológica y molecular corroboran la presencia de dos especies dentro del género asociadas a esta patología, F. oxysporum f sp. cepae y F. solani. Los análisis filogenéticos muestran alta variabilidad intraespecífica entre los aislamientos de F. oxysporum y F. solani, formando dos complejos Fusarium oxysporum (FOSC) y Fusarium solani (FSSC), manifestando que estas especies no parten de un ancestro común.

ABSTRACT The department of Nariño occupies the fourth place as producer of green onion nationwide. In recent years, its production and cultivation area has been reduced by multiple limitations, highlighting as the most important, the susceptibility to the attack of fungi causing radical problems, which harm the productive system and profitability. This study was carried out in order to morphologically and molecularly characterizes Fusarium populations associated with green onion basal rot disease. For this, in Pasto, Potosi and Buesaco municipalities, plants were collected with basal rot symptoms, tissue deterioration and root necrosis. In the Plant Health laboratory of the University of Nariño, tissues were planted in PDA medium and subsequently the isolates were purified for further morphological and molecular characterization. The morphological study was carried out using taxonomic keys for the genus Fusarium and molecular characterization with specific primers for the genus Fusarium, and by sequencing. Finally, a phylogenetic analysis of the intraspecific variability was carried out. Morphological and molecular characterization results corroborate the presence of two species within the genus associated with this pathology, F. oxusporum f sp. cepae and F. solani. Phylogenetic analyzes show high intraspecific variability between the isolates of F. oxysporum and F. solani, forming two Fusarium oxysporum (FOSC) complexes and Fusarium solani (FSSC), evidencing that these species do not start from a common ancestor.

Early and Successful Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Normalizes Survival Time in Patients Coinfected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Virus Type 1.

BACKGROUND: Coinfection with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with shorter survival for adults and children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although the reasons remain a matter of debate. We evaluated the factors associated with survival time in a large cohort of HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected and HIV-monoinfected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). METHODS: In a nested, retrospective case-control study (1:1), we reviewed medical records of people with HIV infection on cART in a referral AIDS center in Salvador, Brazil. We matched 149 patients coinfected with HTLV-1 (cases) by age at HIV diagnosis and sex, to an equal number of HTLV-uninfected persons (controls). Death rates, survival time, baseline and current CD4 cell count, last HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load (pVL), and causes of death were compared between groups. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 2.1 person-years (76 deaths, 53 among coinfected patients). Survival time for cases (16.7 ± 0.7 years) was significantly shorter than for controls (18.1 ± 0.4 years; P = .001). Among patients with pVL >50 copies/mL, coinfected patients had a shorter survival time (8.4 ± 0.8 years) than monoinfected ones (12.9 ± 1.4 years; P = .02), regardless of pVL magnitude. However, survival time did not differ for HIV-monoinfected (19.0 ± 0.4 years) or coinfected patients (20.2 ± 0.6 years) presenting with pVL <50 copies/mL (P = .5). Deceased coinfected patients had higher initial CD4 count (417 ± 219 cells) than monoinfected ones with the same outcome (177 ± 160 cells; P = .004), while survivors had similar CD4 cell count at baseline, regardless of HTLV status. CONCLUSIONS: Successful cART is able to normalize survival for coinfected patients and should be introduced for all coinfected patients, regardless of CD4 cell count.HIV/human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 coinfection is believed to decrease survival of coinfected patients. In this case-control study, we demonstrate that successful combination antiretroviral therapy (last HIV viral load <50 copies/mL) is able to improve survival of coinfected patients to levels observed for those monoinfected.

Changes health-related quality of life in HIV-infected patients following initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a longitudinal study

Abstract Background: Several tools have been developed to evaluate HIV health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during and after antiretroviral therapy (ART). Few longitudinal studies evaluated the effect of ART on the quality of life of HIV patients. Objective: To evaluate changes in HRQoL in HIV-infected individuals one year after initiating ART. Methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2016 to July 2018. Data on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of 91 HIV-infected patients were collected prior to initiation of ART and one year thereafter. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the questionnaires 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and HIV/AIDS-targeted quality of life (HAT-QoL) were administered in both periods. Asymptomatic individuals, aged ≥18 years, were included in the study. Patients who discontinued treatment were excluded. The association between predictors of physical and mental HRQoL was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Patients were predominantly male (78.0%), mean age 35.3 ± 10.7 years, with no stable relationship (80.2%), and no comorbidities (73.6%). Most of the SF-36 domains improved after one year, particularly Physical Function (p = 0.0001), General Health (p = 0.0001), Social Functioning (p = 0.0001), Mental Health (p = 0.001), and Mental Component Summary (p = 0.004). HAT-QoL domains improved in the Overall Function (p = 0.0001), Life Satisfaction (p = 0.0001), Provider Trust (p = 0.001), and Sexual Function (p = 0.0001) domains. Sex (p = 0.032), age (p = 0.001), income (p = 0.007), and stable relationship (p = 0.004) were good predictors of the Physical Component Summary. Sex (p = 0.002) and stable relationship (p = 0.038) were good predictors of the Mental Component Summary. SF-36 and HAT-QoL scales presented strong correlations, except for Medication Concerns (0.15-0.37), HIV Mastery (0.18-0.38), Disclosure Worries (−0.15 to 0.07), and Provider Trust (−0.07 to 0.15). Conclusions: ART improved HRQoL after one year of use. The HAT-QoL and SF-36 correlated well and are good tools to evaluate HRQoL in HIV-infected patients on ART.

Changes health-related quality of life in HIV-infected patients following initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Several tools have been developed to evaluate HIV health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during and after antiretroviral therapy (ART). Few longitudinal studies evaluated the effect of ART on the quality of life of HIV patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in HRQoL in HIV-infected individuals one year after initiating ART. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from May 2016 to July 2018. Data on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of 91 HIV-infected patients were collected prior to initiation of ART and one year thereafter. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the questionnaires 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and HIV/AIDS-targeted quality of life (HAT-QoL) were administered in both periods. Asymptomatic individuals, aged ≥18 years, were included in the study. Patients who discontinued treatment were excluded. The association between predictors of physical and mental HRQoL was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly male (78.0%), mean age 35.3 ±â€¯10.7 years, with no stable relationship (80.2%), and no comorbidities (73.6%). Most of the SF-36 domains improved after one year, particularly Physical Function (p = 0.0001), General Health (p = 0.0001), Social Functioning (p = 0.0001), Mental Health (p = 0.001), and Mental Component Summary (p = 0.004). HAT-QoL domains improved in the Overall Function (p = 0.0001), Life Satisfaction (p = 0.0001), Provider Trust (p = 0.001), and Sexual Function (p = 0.0001) domains. Sex (p = 0.032), age (p = 0.001), income (p = 0.007), and stable relationship (p = 0.004) were good predictors of the Physical Component Summary. Sex (p = 0.002) and stable relationship (p = 0.038) were good predictors of the Mental Component Summary. SF-36 and HAT-QoL scales presented strong correlations, except for Medication Concerns (0.15-0.37), HIV Mastery (0.18-0.38), Disclosure Worries (-0.15 to 0.07), and Provider Trust (-0.07 to 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: ART improved HRQoL after one year of use. The HAT-QoL and SF-36 correlated well and are good tools to evaluate HRQoL in HIV-infected patients on ART.

Prevalence of cryptococcosis in Atlántico, department of Colombia assessed with an active epidemiological search.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis is the second most frequent cause of opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in Colombia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cryptococcosis in the Colombian department of Atlántico. METHODS: An active search for cryptococcosis cases was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in health institutions by distributing surveys to clinicians and characterizing samples phenotypically and genotypically. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cryptococcosis cases were identified (81.6% men, 76.3% HIV patients). The calculated annual prevalence was 5.08/1 million inhabitants. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI was isolated in 34 cases. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the basis for passive surveillance of cryptococcosis.