Factor analysis applied in genomic selection studies in the breeding of Coffea canephora.

Brazil stands out worldwide in the production of coffee. The observed increases in its productivity and morpho agronomic traits are the results of the improvement of several methodologies applied in obtaining improved cultivars, among which the predictive methods of genetic value stand out. These contribute significantly to the selection of higher genotypes, increasing the genetic gain per unit time. In this context, genomic-wide selection (GWS) is a tool that stands out, since it allows predicting the future phenotype of an individual based only on molecular information. Performing joint selection of traits is the interest of most breeding programs, and factor analysis (FA) has been used to assist in this end. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of FA in the context of GWS, in genotypes of Coffea canephora. It was found that FA was efficient to elucidate the relationships between the traits and generate new variables. The factors formed can assist in the selection, as in addition to allowing joint interpretations, they present good estimates of predictive capacity, heritability and accuracy. Furthermore, high agreement was observed between the individuals selected based on the factors and those selected considering the individual traits. Additionally, it was observed agreement between the top 10% individuals selected based on the "vigor factor" and each variable individually. However, the selection based on "vigor factor" presented individuals with more suitable size from the phytotechnical point of view.

Prognostic value of kappa free light chains determination in first-ever multiple sclerosis relapse.

Given its highly variable clinical course, an unmet need for objective prognostic assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) persists. In this work, we suggest that CSF kappa free light chains (KFLC) determination at first relapse may provide insight into future disease activity and disability worsening. We quantified KFLC by nephelometry in paired CSF/serum samples of 28 patients, collected within one month of first-ever MS relapse, and explored correlations with clinical data on disease activity, retrospectively registered across a median follow-up time of 79 months. We documented KFLC ratio (CSF-FKLC/Serum-KFLC) as an independent predictor of second relapse occurrence and disability worsening at follow-up, in this cohort.

Genomic Study of a Clostridium difficile Multidrug Resistant Outbreak-Related Clone Reveals Novel Determinants of Resistance.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is prevalent in healthcare settings. The emergence of hypervirulent and antibiotic resistant strains has led to an increase in CDI incidence and frequent outbreaks. While the main virulence factors are the TcdA and TcdB toxins, antibiotic resistance is thought to play a key role in the infection by and dissemination of C. difficile. Methods: A CDI outbreak involving 12 patients was detected in a tertiary care hospital, in Lisbon, which extended from January to July, with a peak in February, in 2016. The C. difficile isolates, obtained from anaerobic culture of stool samples, were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing with Etest®strips against 11 antibiotics, determination of toxin genes profile, PCR-ribotyping, multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results: Of the 12 CDI cases detected, 11 isolates from 11 patients were characterized. All isolates were tcdA -/tcdB + and belonged to ribotype 017, and showed high level resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, imipenem, moxifloxacin, rifampicin and tetracycline. The isolates belonged to four genetically related MLVA types, with six isolates forming a clonal cluster. Three outbreak isolates, each from a different MLVA type, were selected for WGS. Bioinformatics analysis showed the presence of several antibiotic resistance determinants, including the Thr82Ile substitution in gyrA, conferring moxifloxacin resistance, the substitutions His502Asn and Arg505Lys in rpoB for rifampicin resistance, the tetM gene, associated with tetracycline resistance, and two genes encoding putative aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, aadE and aac(6')-aph(2″). Furthermore, a not previously described 61.3 kb putative mobile element was identified, presenting a mosaic structure and containing the genes ermG, mefA/msrD and vat, associated with macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramins resistance. A substitution found in a class B penicillin-binding protein, Cys721Ser, is thought to contribute to imipenem resistance. Conclusion: We describe an epidemic, tcdA -/tcdB +, multidrug resistant clone of C. difficile from ribotype 017 associated with a hospital outbreak, providing further evidence that the lack of TcdA does not impair the infectious potential of these strains. We identified several determinants of antimicrobial resistance, including new ones located in mobile elements, highlighting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the pathogenicity and epidemiological success of C. difficile.

Epidemiological profile of patients co-infected with visceral leishmaniasis and HIV/AIDS in Northeast, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) co-infection has been a research topic of interest worldwide. In Brazil, it has been observed that there is a relative underreporting and failure in the understanding and management of this important association. The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients with VL with and without HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We conducted an observational and analytical study of patients with VL followed in a Reference Service in the State of Maranhão, Brazil from 2007-2013. RESULTS: In total 126 patients were enrolled, of which 61 (48.4%) were co-infected with HIV/AIDS. There were more males among those with HIV/AIDS (85.2%, P>0.05) or with VL only (81.5%, P>0.05). These findings significantly differed based on age group (P<0.003); the majority of patients were aged 31-40 years (41.0%) and 21-30 years (32.3%) among those with and without HIV/AIDS co-infection, respectively. The incidence of diarrhea and splenomegaly significantly differed between the two groups (P=0.0014 and P=0.019, respectively). The myelogram parasitic examination was used most frequently among those with HIV/AIDS (91.8%), followed by those with VL only (69.2%). VL recurrences and mortality were significantly higher in the HIV/AIDS co-infected patients (P<0.0001 and P=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VL with or without HIV/AIDS co-infection were mostly adult men. Diarrhea was more frequent in HIV/AIDS co-infected patients, whereas splenomegaly was more common in patients with VL only. In the group of HIV/AIDS co-infected patients, there was a higher rate of VL recurrence and mortality.

Epidemiological profile of patients co-infected with visceral leishmaniasis and HIV/AIDS in Northeast, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) co-infection has been a research topic of interest worldwide. In Brazil, it has been observed that there is a relative underreporting and failure in the understanding and management of this important association. The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients with VL with and without HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We conducted an observational and analytical study of patients with VL followed in a Reference Service in the State of Maranhão, Brazil from 2007-2013. RESULTS: In total 126 patients were enrolled, of which 61 (48.4%) were co-infected with HIV/AIDS. There were more males among those with HIV/AIDS (85.2%, P>0.05) or with VL only (81.5%, P>0.05). These findings significantly differed based on age group (P<0.003); the majority of patients were aged 31-40 years (41.0%) and 21-30 years (32.3%) among those with and without HIV/AIDS co-infection, respectively. The incidence of diarrhea and splenomegaly significantly differed between the two groups (P=0.0014 and P=0.019, respectively). The myelogram parasitic examination was used most frequently among those with HIV/AIDS (91.8%), followed by those with VL only (69.2%). VL recurrences and mortality were significantly higher in the HIV/AIDS co-infected patients (P<0.0001 and P=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VL with or without HIV/AIDS co-infection were mostly adult men. Diarrhea was more frequent in HIV/AIDS co-infected patients, whereas splenomegaly was more common in patients with VL only. In the group of HIV/AIDS co-infected patients, there was a higher rate of VL recurrence and mortality.

Actinomicose ovariana em paciente não usuária de dispositivo intrauterino / Ovarian Actinomycosis in a non-IUD user

Neste relato é descrito caso de Actinomicose ovariana, estendendo-se ao epíploon, em mulher de 49 anos não usuária de DIU, com dor abdominal, febre, diarreia, massa abdominal palpável e irritação peritoneal, que foi submetida à laparotomia exploradora, seguida de ooferectomia unilateral, devido a abscesso tubo ovariano esquerdo.

Here we report the case of ovarian Actinomycosis extending to the omentum, in a non-IUD user, a 49-year-old woman with abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, palpable abdominal mass and peritoneal irritation, who underwent laparotomy followed by unilateral oophorectomy due to left tube ovarian abscess.

Análise ecocardiográfica da função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo após infarto do miocárdio em ratos / Echocardiographyc analysis of the ventricular diastolic function after myocardial infarction in rats

Objetivo: Avaliar a função ventricular diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo(VE)pelo ecocardiograma(ECO)uma e três semanas pós infarto agudo do miocárdio(IAM).Método: Utilizaram-se 19 ratas Wistar com peso médio de 209 gramas. Os animais foram distribuídos em: grupo A, controle(n=7)submetido a ECO e não infartado; grupo B, infartado(n=9), submetido a ECO após uma semana(grupo B1, n=9) e 3 semanas(grupo B3, n=8) do IAM. Três animais morreram no transoperatório e um após o primeiro ECO. Realizou-se anestesia com cetamina(50 mg/Kg/peso) e xilazina(10 mg/kg/peso)intraperitoneal, intubação e ventilação. O IAM foi induzido por ligadura da artéria descendente anterior após toracotomia esquerda. Avaliou-se a função cardíaca por ECO modelo 21275A HP Sonos 1500 com transdutor de 7,5/5,5 MHz e a função diastólica pelo Doppler transmitral com avaliação das ondas A e E, e volume atrial esquerdo(VAE). O IAM foi confirmado por análise histopatológica na terceira semana.Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa na velocidade das ondas E(A=62 cm/s, B1=65 cm/s, B3=69 cm/s) e onda(A=43 cm/s, B1=40 cm/s, B3=41 cm/s)entre os grupos. Observou-se aumento significativo no VAE grupo A vs B1 e grupo A vs B3(A= 0,05 ml vs B1=0,15 ml, p=0,04 e A vs B3=0,14 ml, p=0,01). Todos os animais apresentaram IAM na terceira semana.Conclusões: VAE parece ser útil para definição diastólica do VE pós-IAM. O VAE pode refletir aumento da pressão diastólica final do VE, secundário à disfunção sistólica e/ou diastólica