Gut microbiota transfer evidence from mother to newborn.

Early life microbiota is a risk factor for future diseases. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the transfer of gut microbiota from mother to newborn. A biological sample was collected from the anal mucosa of the pregnant women before delivery and from the newborns between 24 and 48 h after delivery, as it was not possible to collect a meconium sample at that time. The microbiome of the samples was analyzed by sequencing the hypervariable regions V3-V4 of the 16S gene. To determine the likelihood of microbiota transfer from mother to newborn and examine the relationship with the mode of delivery, we utilized Fisher's exact test and odds ratio. A weighted transfer ratio was employed as a comprehensive measure of transfer. A total of 5767 ASVs were identified in newborn samples (n = 30) and 7253 in maternal samples (n = 30). In the analysis of transfer correlated with the mode of delivery, we observed significant ASVs (p < 0.05). Vaginal delivery showed a positive probability of transfer (OR = 2.184 and WTR = 1.852). We found a negative correlation (OR < 1) between the abundance of maternal ASVs and the likelihood of microbiota transfer to the newborn in both delivery modes. The relationship was inversely proportional for both cesarean section (log10 = - 0.2229) and vaginal delivery (log10 = - 0.1083), with statistical significance observed only for cesarean section (p = 0.0083).  Conclusion: In our sample, the maternal gut microbiome was found to be associated with the infant gut microbiome, indicating evidence of ASV-specific transfer from the maternal microbiome to newborns. What is Known: • There is a relationship of early-life microbiota composition with future health outcomes. What is New: • This was the first study to evaluate maternal gut microbiota transfer to newborns in Brazil.

Identification of pesticides in water samples by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including pesticides, have been a trending topic and Brazil is the country with the highest usage of pesticides worldwide. This study aimed to measure the presence of pesticide residues in the water from different sources in the city of Porto Alegre. We analyzed 55 samples from drinking water treatment plants, public water sites, and sewage treatment plants from winter 2018 to summer 2020 by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Among 184 pesticides evaluated, 107 matched validation criteria (linearity, trueness, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility) and 15 of them were detected in different water samples, including seven insecticides, five antifungals, and three herbicides, with a wide range of toxicity levels and noticeable seasonal differences. For the worst-case scenario evaluation, 20 out of 22 (90.9%) samples exceeded the Risk Quotient of 1. The sum of pesticide concentrations exceeded 100 ng L-1 in 66.7% of samples in February 19 and in 75% of samples in February 20 and the total pesticide concentration has reached the worrisome mark of 1615 and 954.96 ng L-1 respectively. Therefore, our results make evident the need to promote public policies to achieve better water quality monitoring. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Among 184 pesticides evaluated, 107 matched validation criteria (linearity, trueness, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility). A total of 55 different water samples were analyzed, and 15 pesticides were detected and five quantified. For the worst-case scenario evaluation, 20 out of 21 samples exceeded the Risk Quotient of 1 on Feb/20. The pesticide concentrations sum exceeded 100 ng L-1 in 66.7% of samples on February 19 and in 75% of samples on February 20. It is mandatory to improve water monitoring to guide the development of public policies concerning its quality.