Mitochondrial variants of complex I genes associated with leprosy clinical subtypes.

Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection mainly caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects skin and peripheral nerves. Due to its ability to absorb carbon from the host cell, the bacillus became dependent on energy production, mainly through oxidative phosphorylation. In fact, variations in genes of Complex I of oxidative phosphorylation encoded by mtDNA have been associated with several diseases in humans, including bacterial infections, which are possible influencers in the host response to leprosy. Here, we investigated the presence of variants in the mtDNA genes encoding Complex I regarding leprosy, as well as the analysis of their pathogenicity in the studied cohort. We found an association of 74 mitochondrial variants with either of the polar forms, Pole T (Borderline Tuberculoid) or Pole L (Borderline Lepromatous and Lepromatous) of leprosy. Notably, six variants were exclusively found in both clinical poles of leprosy, including m.4158A>G and m.4248T>C in MT-ND1, m.13650C>A, m.13674T>C, m.12705C>T and m.13263A>G in MT-ND5, of which there are no previous reports in the global literature. Our observations reveal a substantial number of mutations among different groups of leprosy, highlighting a diverse range of consequences associated with mutations in genes across these groups. Furthermore, we suggest that the six specific variants exclusively identified in the case group could potentially play a crucial role in leprosy susceptibility and its clinical differentiation. These variants are believed to contribute to the instability and dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation during the infection, further emphasizing their significance.

MicroRNA biomarkers in leprosy: insights from the Northern Brazilian Amazon population and their implications in disease immune-physiopathology.

Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite persistent efforts to combat it leprosy remains a significant public health concern particularly in developing countries. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease is not yet fully understood hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. However, recent studies have shed light on the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression, as promising biomarkers in various disease, including leprosy. This study aimed to validate a set of nine circulating miRNAs to propose new biomarkers for early diagnosis of the disease. Hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-1291, hsa-miR-144-5p, and hsa-miR-20a-5p showed significant differential expression between non-leprosy group (non-LP) and leprosy group (LP), accurately discriminating between them (AUC > 0.75). In addition, our study revealed gender-based differences in miRNA expression in LP. Notably, hsa-miR-1291 showed higher expression in male LP, suggesting its potential as a male-specific biomarker. Similarly, hsa-miR-16-5p and hsa-miR-20a-5p displayed elevated expression in female LP, indicating their potential as female-specific biomarkers. Additionally, several studied miRNAs are involved in the dysregulation of apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, cell cycle, and immune system in leprosy. In conclusion, the validation of miRNA expression highlights several miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.

Whole mitogenome sequencing uncovers a relation between mitochondrial heteroplasmy and leprosy severity.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the mitochondria/immune system interaction has been proposed, so that variants of mitochondrial genome and levels of heteroplasmy might deregulate important metabolic processes in fighting infections, such as leprosy. METHODS: We sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome to investigate variants and heteroplasmy levels, considering patients with different clinical forms of leprosy and household contacts. After sequencing, a specific pipeline was used for preparation and bioinformatics analysis to select heteroplasmic variants. RESULTS: We found 116 variants in at least two of the subtypes of the case group (Borderline Tuberculoid, Borderline Lepromatous, Lepromatous), suggesting a possible clinical significance to these variants. Notably, 15 variants were exclusively found in these three clinical forms, of which five variants stand out for being missense (m.3791T > C in MT-ND1, m.5317C > A in MT-ND2, m.8545G > A in MT-ATP8, m.9044T > C in MT-ATP6 and m.15837T > C in MT-CYB). In addition, we found 26 variants shared only by leprosy poles, of which two are characterized as missense (m.4248T > C in MT-ND1 and m.8027G > A in MT-CO2). CONCLUSION: We found a significant number of variants and heteroplasmy levels in the leprosy patients from our cohort, as well as six genes that may influence leprosy susceptibility, suggesting for the first time that the mitogenome might be involved with the leprosy process, distinction of clinical forms and severity. Thus, future studies are needed to help understand the genetic consequences of these variants.

ncRNAs: an unexplored cellular defense mechanism in leprosy.

Leprosy is an infectious disease primarily caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Mycobacterium leprae. Although it has been considered eradicated in many countries, leprosy continues to be a health issue in developing nations. Besides the social stigma associated with it, individuals affected by leprosy may experience nerve damage leading to physical disabilities if the disease is not properly treated or early diagnosed. Leprosy is recognized as a complex disease wherein socioenvironmental factors, immune response, and host genetics interact to contribute to its development. Recently, a new field of study called epigenetics has emerged, revealing that the immune response and other mechanisms related to infectious diseases can be influenced by noncoding RNAs. This review aims to summarize the significant advancements concerning non-coding RNAs in leprosy, discussing the key perspectives on this novel approach to comprehending the pathophysiology of the disease and identifying molecular markers. In our view, investigations on non-coding RNAs in leprosy hold promise and warrant increased attention from researches in this field.

Green trees preservation: A sustainable source of valuable mushrooms for Ethiopian local communities.

In Ethiopia, Pinus radiata and Pinus patula are extensively cultivated. Both plantations frequently serve as habitats for edible fungi, providing economic and ecological importance. Our study aims were: (i) to investigate how plantation age and tree species influence the variety of edible fungi and sporocarps production; (ii) to determine edaphic factors contributing to variations in sporocarps composition; and (iii) to establish a relationship between the most influencing edaphic factors and the production of valuable edible mushrooms for both plantation types. Sporocarps were collected weekly from permanent plots (100 m2) established in 5-, 14-, and 28-year-old stands of both species in 2020. From each plot, composite soil samples were also collected to determine explanatory edaphic variables for sporocarps production and composition. A total of 24 edible species, comprising 21 saprophytic and three ectomycorrhizal ones were identified. Agaricus campestroides, Morchella sp., Suillus luteus, Lepista sordida, and Tylopilus niger were found in both plantations. Sporocarp yields showed significant variation, with the highest mean production in 28-year-old stands of both Pinus stands. Differences in sporocarps variety were also observed between the two plantations, influenced by factors such as pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity. Bovista dermoxantha, Coprinellus domesticus, and A. campestroides made contributions to the variety. The linear regression models indicated that the abundance of specific fungi was significantly predicted by organic matter. This insight into the nutrient requirements of various fungal species can inform for a better plantation management to produce both wood and non-wood forest products. Additionally, higher sporocarps production in older stands suggests that retaining patches of mature trees after the final cut can enhance fungal habitat, promoting diversity and yield. Thus, implementing this approach could provide supplementary income opportunities from mushroom sales and enhance the economic outputs of plantations, while mature trees could serve as a source of fungal inoculum for new plantations.

Specialized active leprosy search strategies in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon identifies a hypermutated Mycobacterium leprae strain causing primary drug resistance.

Introduction: Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a public health concern in endemic countries, particularly in Brazil. In this study, we conducted an active surveillance campaign in the hyperendemic city of Castanhal in the northeastern part of the state of Pará using clinical signs and symptoms combined with serological and molecular tools to diagnose new cases and to identify drug resistance of circulating M. leprae strains and their distribution in the community. Methods: During an active surveillance of one week, we enrolled 318 individuals using three different strategies to enroll subjects for this study: (i) an active survey of previously treated cases from 2006 to 2016 found in the Brazil National Notifiable Disease Information System database (n = 23) and their healthy household contacts (HHC) (n = 57); (ii) an active survey of school children (SC) from two primary public schools in low-income neighborhoods (n = 178), followed by visits to the houses of these newly diagnosed SC (n = 7) to examine their HHC (n = 34) where we diagnosed additional new cases (n = 6); (iii) and those people who spontaneously presented themselves to our team or the local health center with clinical signs and/or symptoms of leprosy (n = 6) with subsequent follow-up of their HHC when the case was confirmed (n = 20) where we diagnosed two additional cases (n = 2). Individuals received a dermato-neurological examination, 5 ml of peripheral blood was collected to assess the anti-PGL-I titer by ELISA and intradermal earlobe skin scrapings were taken from HHC and cases for amplification of the M. leprae RLEP region by qPCR. Results: Anti-PGL-I positivity was highest in the new leprosy case group (52%) followed by the treated group (40.9%), HHC (40%) and lowest in SC (24.6%). RLEP qPCR from SSS was performed on 124 individuals, 22 in treated cases, 24 in newly diagnosed leprosy cases, and 78 in HHC. We detected 29.0% (36/124) positivity overall in this sample set. The positivity in treated cases was 31.8% (7/22), while in newly diagnosed leprosy cases the number of positives were higher, 45.8% (11/23) and lower in HHC at 23.7% (18/76). Whole genome sequencing of M. leprae from biopsies of three infected individuals from one extended family revealed a hypermutated M. leprae strain in an unusual case of primary drug resistance while the other two strains were drug sensitive. Discussion: This study represents the extent of leprosy in an active surveillance campaign during a single week in the city of Castanhal, a city that we have previously surveyed several times during the past ten years. Our results indicate the continuing high transmission of leprosy that includes fairly high rates of new cases detected in children indicating recent spread by multiple foci of infection in the community. An unusual case of a hypermutated M. leprae strain in a case of primary drug resistance was discovered. It also revealed a high hidden prevalence of overt disease and subclinical infection that remains a challenge for correct clinical diagnosis by signs and symptoms that may be aided using adjunct laboratory tests, such as RLEP qPCR and anti-PGL-I serology.

Association of apoptosis-related variants to malaria infection and parasite density in individuals from the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: In malaria infection, apoptosis acts as an important immunomodulatory mechanism that leads to the elimination of parasitized cells, thus reducing the parasite density and controlling immune cell populations. Here, it was investigated the association of INDEL variants in apoptotic genes-rs10562972 (FAS), rs4197 (FADD), rs3834129 and rs59308963 (CASP8), rs61079693 (CASP9), rs4647655 (CASP3), rs11269260 (BCL-2), and rs17880560 (TP53)-and the influence of genetic ancestry with susceptibility to malaria and parasite density in an admixed population from the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: Total DNA was extracted from 126 malaria patients and 101 uninfected individuals for investigation of genetic ancestries and genotypic distribution of apoptosis-related variants by Multiplex PCR. Association analyses consisted of multivariate logistic regressions, considering the following comparisons: (i) DEL/DEL genotype vs. INS/DEL + INS/INS; and (ii) INS/INS vs. INS/DEL + DEL/DEL. RESULTS: Individuals infected by Plasmodium falciparum had significantly higher African ancestry proportions in comparison to uninfected controls, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections. The INS/INS genotype of rs3834129 (CASP8) seemed to increase the risk for P. falciparum infection (P = 0.038; OR = 1.867; 95% CI 0.736-3.725), while the DEL/DEL genotype presented a significant protective effect against infection by P. falciparum (P = 0.049; OR = 0.446; 95% CI 0.185-0.944) and mixed infection (P = 0.026; OR = 0.545; 95% CI 0.281-0.996), and was associated with lower parasite density in P. falciparum malaria (P = 0.009; OR = 0.383; 95% CI 0.113-1.295). Additionally, the INS/INS genotype of rs10562972 (FAS) was more frequent among individuals infected with P. vivax compared to P. falciparum (P = 0.036; OR = 2.493; 95% CI 1.104-4.551), and the DEL/DEL genotype of rs17880560 (TP53) was significantly more present in patients with mono-infection by P. vivax than in individuals with mixed infection (P = 0.029; OR = 0.667; 95% CI 0.211-1.669). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, variants in apoptosis genes are associated with malaria susceptibility and parasite density, indicating the role of apoptosis-related genetic profiles in immune responses against malaria infection.

Transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Brazilian state of Pará.

Introduction: After three years since the beginning of the pandemic, the new coronavirus continues to raise several questions regarding its infectious process and host response. Several mutations occurred in different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, such as in the spike gene, causing the emergence of variants of concern and interest (VOCs and VOIs), of which some present higher transmissibility and virulence, especially among patients with previous comorbidities. It is essential to understand its spread dynamics to prevent and control new biological threats that may occur in the future. In this population_based retrospective observational study, we generated data and used public databases to understand SARS-CoV-2 dynamics. Methods: We sequenced 1,003 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from naso-oropharyngeal swabs and saliva samples from Pará from May 2020 to October 2022. To gather epidemiological data from Brazil and the world, we used FIOCRUZ and GISAID databases. Results: Regarding our samples, 496 (49.45%) were derived from female participants and 507 (50.55%) from male participants, and the average age was 43 years old. The Gamma variant presented the highest number of cases, with 290 (28.91%) cases, followed by delta with 53 (5.28%). Moreover, we found seven (0.69%) Omicron cases and 651 (64.9%) non-VOC cases. A significant association was observed between sex and the clinical condition (female, p = 8.65e-08; male, p = 0.008961) and age (p = 3.6e-10). Discussion: Although gamma had been officially identified only in December 2020/January 2021, we identified a gamma case from Belém (capital of Pará State) dated May 2020 and three other cases in October 2020. This indicates that this variant was circulating in the North region of Brazil several months before its formal identification and that Gamma demonstrated its actual transmission capacity only at the end of 2020. Furthermore, the public data analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 dispersion dynamics differed in Brazil as Gamma played an important role here, while most other countries reported a new infection caused by the Delta variant. The genetic and epidemiological information of this study reinforces the relevance of having a robust genomic surveillance service that allows better management of the pandemic and that provides efficient solutions to possible new disease-causing agents.

Substrate Optimization for Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) Mushroom Production in Ethiopia.

Edible mushrooms are seen as a way of increasing dietary diversity and achieving food security in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to develop substrates using locally available agro-industrial by-products and animal manures to enhance the production of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms in Ethiopia. The hypothesis was L. edodes mushroom production on seven different substrates: 100% sugarcane bagasse (S1), 80% sugarcane bagasse, 20% cow dung (S2), horse manure (S3), chicken manure (S4), cottonseed hulls (S5), sugarcane filter cake (S6), and sugarcane trash (S7). Mushroom yield and biological efficiency were significantly affected by substrate type (p < 0.05). A significantly higher yield (434.33 g/500 g of substrate) and biological efficiency (86.83%) were obtained using substrate S4 while lower yield (120.33 g/500 g) and biological efficiency (24.33%) were obtained using substrate S7 than when using other substrates. The largest first flush of mushrooms was obtained on S4, and five flushes were produced on this substrate. S4 also had the highest biological efficiency, the highest nitrogen content, and the lowest C:N. Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are crucial for Shiitake mushroom growth. Thus, substrate S4 would be a viable option for cultivating Shiitake mushrooms, particularly in regions where chicken manure is readily available. Substrate S2 also provided high yields and rapid fructification and would be a suitable alternative for Shiitake mushroom cultivation.

Leprosy among children in an area without primary health care coverage in Caratateua Island, Brazilian Amazon.

Introduction: The detection of leprosy in children is an important epidemiological marker of the disease, indicating the community's early exposure to Mycobacterium leprae and active transmission of the infection. Methods: In order to detect new cases among children by combining clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, we conducted an active case finding among individuals under 15 years old on Caratateua Island, located in the city of Belém, in the Pará state, an endemic region in the Amazon. Dermato-neurological examination, collection of 5 mL of peripheral blood for IgM anti-PGL-I antibody titration, and intradermal scraping for bacilloscopy and amplification of the specific RLEP region by qPCR were performed. Results: Out of the 56 examined children, 28/56 (50%) new cases were identified. At the time of evaluation, 38/56 (67.8%) children presented one or more clinical alterations. Seropositivity was detected in 7/27 (25.9%) new cases and 5/24 (20.8%) undiagnosed children. DNA amplification of Mycobacterium leprae was observed in 23/28 (82.1%) of new cases and in 5/26 (19.2%) of non-cases. Out of the total cases, 11/28 (39.2%) were exclusively diagnosed by clinical evaluation performed during the active case finding. Seventeen new cases (60.8%) were detected considering the clinical alterations found in addition to positive results for qPCR. In this group, 3/17 (17.6%) qPCR-positive children presented significant clinical changes 5.5 months after the first evaluation. Discussion: Our research detected a number of cases 5.6 times higher compared to the total number of pediatric cases recorded throughout the year 2021 in the municipality of Belém, which shows a critical scenario of underdiagnosing of leprosy among children under 15 years old in the region. We propose the use of qPCR technique to identify new cases among children with oligosymptomatic or early disease in endemic areas, in addition to the training of Primary Health Care professionals and the implementation of the Family Health Strategy coverage in the visited area.

Does helimulching after severe wildfire affect soil fungal diversity and community composition in a Mediterranean ecosystem?

Straw helimulching was applied to an area with a high soil erosion risk one month after the Navalacruz megafire (Iberian Central System, Ávila, Spain) to mitigate soil erosion and to maintain soil quality. To determine whether the soil fungal community, which is key to soil and vegetation recovery after fire, is altered by straw mulching, we examined the effect of helimulching one year after its application. Three hillside zones were chosen with two treatments in each zone (mulched and non-mulched plots), with three replicates of each treatment. Chemical and genomic DNA analyses of soil samples from mulched and non-mulched plots were performed to assess the soil characteristics and the soil fungal community composition and abundance. The total fungal operational taxonomic unit richness and abundance did not differ between treatments. However, there was an increase in the richness of litter saprotrophs, plant pathogens and wood saprotrophs associated with the application of straw mulch. The total fungal composition of mulched and non-mulched plots differed significantly. Fungal composition at the phylum level correlated with the soil potassium content and marginally with the pH and phosphorus content. The application of mulch promoted the dominance of saprotrophic functional groups. Fungal composition according to guilds was also significantly different between treatments. As conclusion, the application of mulch could mean a faster recovery of saprotrophic functional groups that will be responsible for decomposing the available dead fine fuel.

Into the void: ECM fungal communities involved in the succession from rockroses to oak stands.

Oak forests accompanied by Cistus species are a common landscape in the Mediterranean basin. It is argued that Cistus dominated fields serve as recruitment areas for Quercus seedlings, as they help in the transmission of the fungal community through vegetative succession in these ecosystems. To test these assumptions, we analyzed the fungal community in terms of its richness and composition, taking into account the effects of host (Oaks vs. Cistus) and forest structure, mainly based on age. Edaphic variables related to the different structures were also analyzed to examine how they evolve through succession and relate to shifts in the fungal community. No differences in fungal richness were observed between old Cistus stands and younger Quercus, while a brief increase in ECM richness was observed. Community composition also showed a greater overlap between old Cistus and young Quercus stands. We suggest that the most important step in fungal transfer from one host to another is the shift from the oldest Cistus fields to the youngest Quercus stands, with the genera Amanita, Cortinarius, Lactarius, Inocybe, Russula, and Tomentella probably playing a major role. In summary, our work has also revealed the network of fungal community structure in the succession of Cistus to Oak stands, it would suggest that the fungi share niches and significantly enhance the ecological setting of the transition from Cistus to Oak stands.

Co-responses of bacterial and fungal communities to fire management treatments in Mediterranean pyrophytic ecosystems.

Cistus scrublands are pyrophytic ecosystems and occur widely across Mediterranean regions. Management of these scrublands is critical to prevent major disturbances, such as recurring wildfires. This is because management appears to compromise the synergies necessary for forest health and the provision of ecosystem services. Furthermore, it supports high microbial diversity, opening questions of how forest management practices impact belowground associated diversity as research related to this issue is scarce. This study aims to investigate the effects of different fire prevention treatments and site history on bacterial and fungi co-response and co-occurrence patterns over a fire-risky scrubland ecosystem. Two different site histories were studied by applying three different fire prevention treatments and samples were analyzed by amplification and sequencing of ITS2 and 16S rDNA for fungi and bacteria, respectively. The data revealed that site history, especially regarding fire occurrence, strongly influenced the microbial community. Young burnt areas tended to have a more homogeneous and lower microbial diversity, suggesting environmental filtering to a heat-resistant community. In comparison, young clearing history also showed a significant impact on the fungal community but not on the bacteria. Some bacteria genera were efficient predictors of fungal diversity and richness. For instance, Ktedonobacter and Desertibacter were a predictor of the presence of the edible mycorrhizal bolete Boletus edulis. These results demonstrate fungal and bacterial community co-response to fire prevention treatments and provide new tools for forecasting forest management impacts on microbial communities.

Unaltered fungal community after fire prevention treatments over widespread Mediterranean rockroses (Halimium lasianthum).

Mediterranean ecosystems are frequently invaded by pyrophytic scrubs such as Halimium lasianthum that colonize areas traditionally used by livestock. A diverse fungal community is associated with this kind of vegetation, playing an important ecological role in these ecosystems. However, uncontrolled expansion of these shrubs considerably increases the risk of wildfires in these stands and, hence, fire-prevention treatments are needed. To investigate the long-term effects of two different forest-fire-prevention treatments on the soil fungal community, we analyzed these communities 9 years after prescribed burning or mechanical shredding were carried out in scrubland dominated by H. lasianthum. Neither of the fire-prevention treatments had a negative long-term effect on the abundance or richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, saprotrophs and lichenized fungi experienced negative effects. Soil fertility significantly affected the distribution of fungi according to their functional groups, and pH was the most influential variable in terms of the distribution of edible species. Our findings indicate that forest management practices to prevent forest fires does not negatively affect the fungal community in the long-term, but for lichens and decomposers. Moreover, prescribed burning is suggested as a more economical way of reducing the risk of wildfires without affecting the ecology of the fungal community.

Actualización en fibrosis quística: uso de exacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor/en pacientes con fibrosis quística port-trasplante pulmonar / Use of exacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in cystic patients post lung transplantation

El uso de moduladores de CFTR en pacientes con fibrosis quística post trasplante pulmonar es un tema todavía controversial. Varias publicaciones reportan los beneficios del modulador elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor en los síntomas extrapulmonares de la fibrosis quística, especialmente enfermedad sinusal, síntomas gastrointestinales y diabetes. Un número alto de pacientes debe discontinuar el tratamiento por mala tolerancia, sin embargo, no se describen interacciones de importancia con el tratamiento inmunosupresor. Se debe considerar para su uso los riesgos versus beneficios en forma individual en cada paciente.

The use of CFTR modulators in patients with cystic fibrosis after lung transplantation is still a controversial issue. Several publications report the benefits of the use of the modulator elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on extrapulmonary symptoms of cystic fibrosis, especially sinus disease, gastrointestinal symptoms and diabetes. A high number of patients must discontinue treatment due to poor tolerance; however, no significant interactions with immunosuppressive treatment have been described. The individual risk-benefit of each patient should be considered for its use.

Actualización del manejo de microbacterias no tuberculosas / Update on the management of non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Desde el año 2007 se han generado guías de diagnóstico y tratamiento de micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNTB), la última de las cuales fue desarrollada en el año 2020 por ATS/ERS/ESCMID/IDSA, en ella se actualizan los criterios diagnósticos, los criterios para determinar el inicio de tratamiento y recomendaciones de esquema de antibióticos para las especies más frecuentes. En paralelo se han ido desarrollando terapias alternativas como la fagoterapia. El objetivo de la presente revisión es dar a conocer los cambios que traen estas últimas guías y actualizar algunas de las últimas novedades con respecto al manejo de las micobacterias no tuberculosas.

Since 2007, guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculous Mycobacteria have been generated, the latest of which was developed by ATS/ERS/ESCMID/IDSA, in which the diagnostic criteria, and the criteria for determining the initiation of treatment and antibiotic scheme recommendations for the most frequent species are updated. At the same time, alternative therapies such as phage therapy have been developed. The objective of this review is to show the changes that these latest guidelines bring and update some of the latest developments regarding the management of non-tuberculous Mycobacteria.

[Prenatal presentation of pleuropulmonary blastoma associated to DICER1 syndrome: differential diagnosis of congenital pulmonary malformation]. / Blastoma Pleuropulmonar de presentación antenatal asociado a Síndrome DICER1: diagnóstico diferencial de Malformación Pulmonar Congénita.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common pediatric malignant primary lung tumor. It's associated with the DICER1 gene pathogenic germline variants. Antenatal presentation is infrequent and poses a challenge in the differential diagnosis of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). OBJECTIVE: to report a case of unusual presentation of PPB associated with DICER1 syndrome and to describe the difficulty in differentiating it from CPAM. CLINICAL CASE: Male patient with prenatal diagnosis of hypervascular left lung lesion, with mediastinal shift and progressive growth, initially interpreted as CPAM. He was born at 38 weeks, requiring transitory treatment with positive pressure due to ventilatory impairment. A CT scan with contrast showed a large multilocular cystic mass containing air causing mass effect, requiring open left upper lobectomy. Histology results were compatible with type I PPB, with negative margins, and positive genetic study for DICER1 syndrome. Seven weeks post-resection, an aerial image was detected in the upper left side of the chest, with progressive growth, requiring a new tumor resection and upper segmentectomy, with biopsy corresponding to recurrence of type I PPB with negative margins. He received adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, with follow-up for 2 years, remaining asymptomatic, without recurrence, and with negative screening for other neoplasms associated with DICER1 syndrome. Among the family history, the mother had papillary thyroid cancer and tested positive for the mutation. CONCLUSION: PPB is a rare cancer, difficult to distinguish from CPAM, especially in its antenatal presentation. Nowing its association with DICER1 syndrome and performing a genetic study are key to the early detection of BPP and the search for other tumors associated with the syndrome.

Forest Type and Site Conditions Influence the Diversity and Biomass of Edible Macrofungal Species in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian forests are rich in valuable types of non-wood forest products, including mushrooms. However, despite their nutritional, economic, and ecological importance, wild edible mushrooms have been given little attention and are rarely documented in Ethiopia. In this study, we assessed mushroom production levels in natural and plantation forests and the influence of climate and environmental variables on mushroom production. Sporocarps were sampled weekly from July to August 2019 at a set of permanent plots (100 m2) in both forest systems. We analyzed 63 plots to quantify sporocarp species' richness and fresh weight as well as to elucidate the degree of influence of forest types and site conditions, including soil and climate. Morphological analyses were used to identify fungi. In total, we recorded 64 wild edible fungal species belonging to 31 genera and 21 families from the plots established in the natural and plantation forests. A significantly greater total number of edible fungi were collected from natural forests (n = 40 species) than from plantations. Saprotrophs (92.19%) were the dominant guild whereas ectomycorrhizal fungi represented only 6.25% of species. Ecologically and economically important fungal species such as Agaricus campestroides, Tylopilus niger, Suillus luteus, Tricholoma portentosum, and Morchella americana were collected. The sporocarp yield obtained from plantation forests (2097.57 kg ha-1 yr-1) was significantly greater than that obtained from natural forests (731.18 kg ha-1 yr-1). The fungal community composition based on sporocarp production was mainly correlated with the organic matter, available phosphorus, and total nitrogen content of the soil, and with the daily minimum temperature during collection. Accordingly, improving edible species' richness and sporocarp production by maintaining ecosystem integrity represents a way of adding economic value to forests and maintaining biological diversity, while providing wood and non-wood forest products; we propose that this approach is imperative for managing Ethiopian forests.

Association between SNPs in microRNAs and microRNAs-Machinery Genes with Susceptibility of Leprosy in the Amazon Population.

Leprosy is a chronic neurodermatological disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. Recent studies show that SNPs in genes related to miRNAs have been associated with several diseases in different populations. This study aimed to evaluate the association of twenty-five SNPs in genes encoding miRNAs related to biological processes and immune response with susceptibility to leprosy and its polar forms paucibacillary and multibacillary in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 114 leprosy patients and 71 household contacts were included in this study. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan Open Array Genotyping. Ancestry-informative markers were used to estimate individual proportions of case and control groups. The SNP rs2505901 (pre-miR938) was associated with protection against the development of paucibacillary leprosy, while the SNPs rs639174 (DROSHA), rs636832 (AGO1), and rs4143815 (miR570) were associated with protection against the development of multibacillary leprosy. In contrast, the SNPs rs10739971 (pri-let-7a1), rs12904 (miR200C), and rs2168518 (miR4513) are associated with the development of the paucibacillary leprosy. The rs10739971 (pri-let-7a1) polymorphism was associated with the development of leprosy, while rs2910164 (miR146A) and rs10035440 (DROSHA) was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing multibacillary leprosy.

The effect of natural disturbances on forest biodiversity: an ecological synthesis.

Disturbances alter biodiversity via their specific characteristics, including severity and extent in the landscape, which act at different temporal and spatial scales. Biodiversity response to disturbance also depends on the community characteristics and habitat requirements of species. Untangling the mechanistic interplay of these factors has guided disturbance ecology for decades, generating mixed scientific evidence of biodiversity responses to disturbance. Understanding the impact of natural disturbances on biodiversity is increasingly important due to human-induced changes in natural disturbance regimes. In many areas, major natural forest disturbances, such as wildfires, windstorms, and insect outbreaks, are becoming more frequent, intense, severe, and widespread due to climate change and land-use change. Conversely, the suppression of natural disturbances threatens disturbance-dependent biota. Using a meta-analytic approach, we analysed a global data set (with most sampling concentrated in temperate and boreal secondary forests) of species assemblages of 26 taxonomic groups, including plants, animals, and fungi collected from forests affected by wildfires, windstorms, and insect outbreaks. The overall effect of natural disturbances on α-diversity did not differ significantly from zero, but some taxonomic groups responded positively to disturbance, while others tended to respond negatively. Disturbance was beneficial for taxonomic groups preferring conditions associated with open canopies (e.g. hymenopterans and hoverflies), whereas ground-dwelling groups and/or groups typically associated with shady conditions (e.g. epigeic lichens and mycorrhizal fungi) were more likely to be negatively impacted by disturbance. Across all taxonomic groups, the highest α-diversity in disturbed forest patches occurred under moderate disturbance severity, i.e. with approximately 55% of trees killed by disturbance. We further extended our meta-analysis by applying a unified diversity concept based on Hill numbers to estimate α-diversity changes in different taxonomic groups across a gradient of disturbance severity measured at the stand scale and incorporating other disturbance features. We found that disturbance severity negatively affected diversity for Hill number q = 0 but not for q = 1 and q = 2, indicating that diversity-disturbance relationships are shaped by species relative abundances. Our synthesis of α-diversity was extended by a synthesis of disturbance-induced change in species assemblages, and revealed that disturbance changes the ß-diversity of multiple taxonomic groups, including some groups that were not affected at the α-diversity level (birds and woody plants). Finally, we used mixed rarefaction/extrapolation to estimate biodiversity change as a function of the proportion of forests that were disturbed, i.e. the disturbance extent measured at the landscape scale. The comparison of intact and naturally disturbed forests revealed that both types of forests provide habitat for unique species assemblages, whereas species diversity in the mixture of disturbed and undisturbed forests peaked at intermediate values of disturbance extent in the simulated landscape. Hence, the relationship between α-diversity and disturbance severity in disturbed forest stands was strikingly similar to the relationship between species richness and disturbance extent in a landscape consisting of both disturbed and undisturbed forest habitats. This result suggests that both moderate disturbance severity and moderate disturbance extent support the highest levels of biodiversity in contemporary forest landscapes.