Goat Cheese Produced with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Extract and a Native Culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae: Characterization and Probiotic Survival.

The microbiological and biochemical properties of a goat cheese produced using Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract as a coagulant and the potentially probiotic autochthonous culture Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 were examined in comparison to a control cheese devoid of the autochthonous culture. Throughout a 60-day storage period at 6 ± 1 °C, lactobacilli maintained a count of above 8 log CFU/g. Additionally, its viability in cheeses subjected to the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated improvement over this period. Specifically, the recovery of lactobacilli above 6 log CFU/g was observed in 16.66% of the samples in the first day, increasing to 66.66% at both 30 and 60 days. While total coliforms were detected in both cheese trials, this sanitary parameter exhibited a decline in L. mucosae cheeses during storage, falling below the method threshold (<3 MPN/g) at 60 days. This observation suggests a potential biopreservative effect exerted by this microorganism, likely attributed to the higher acidity of L. mucosae cheeses at that point (1.80 g/100 g), which was twice that of the control trial (0.97 g/100 g). Furthermore, distinct relative proportions of >30 kDa, 30-20 kDa, and <20 kDa proteins during storage was verified for L. mucosae and control cheeses. Consequently, either the H. annuus seed extract or the L. mucosae CNPC007 autochthonous culture influenced the biochemical properties of the cheese, particularly in terms of proteolysis. Moreover, L. mucosae CNPC007 acidification property resulted in a biopreservative effect throughout the storage period, indicating the potential as a promising source of probiotics for this product.

In vitro probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestines of Muscovy ducks.

The current study was conducted to isolate, test and characterize molecularly and physiologically lactic acid bacteria from the intestines of Muscovy ducks to evaluate their probiotic potential for poultry farming. Three hundred lactic acid bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of Muscovy ducks were isolated. The strains were phenotypically characterized by observing cell morphology, performing Gram staining, catalase production, and testing their ability to grow in MRS broth at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations, bile concentration, and in compatibility tests between strains. Nine strains were selected based on their resilience. Eight strains were identified using molecular techniques. These strains exhibited significant tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and NaCl, essential for probiotic function. All isolates inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (DT104) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O86:H34 (EPEC), showcasing their antimicrobial potential. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin but high susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin. Growth was observed at various temperatures, indicating mesophilic characteristics. Compatibility tests confirmed their suitability for probiotic formulations. Genomic analysis identified the strains primarily as Enterococcus. Conclusively, the study identified eight out of nine selected lactic acid bacteria strains from Muscovy ducks as autochthonous probiotics, showing resilience to treatments and compatibility for consortium formulation. These strains are suitable for in vivo testing for potential poultry farming applications. Further research on their molecular mechanisms and in vivo effects is needed.

Dengue, chikungunya y el mosquito vector en el límite Sur de distribución durante la epidemia 2023, Argentina / Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina

Resumen Objetivos : Monitorear la actividad de oviposición del mosquito Aedes aegypti y de casos de dengue y chikun gunya en cuatro localidades de Argentina templada, durante la epidemia del 2023. Métodos : Durante el verano y otoño del 2023, se mo nitoreó semanalmente mediante ovitrampas la actividad de oviposición del mosquito vector, y se registró el arribo de casos con dengue o chikungunya a Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca y Laprida. Resultados : La variación mensual del porcentaje de trampas positivas fue similar en las tres primeras localidades; en Laprida no se detectó el mosquito. Por el contrario, se observó una diferencia significativa del porcentaje de trampas que alguna vez resultó positiva en cada localidad, siendo mayor en Olavarría (83%), que en Bahía Blanca (67%) y Tandil (49%). Respecto a las enfermedades, se registraron 18 casos importados de dengue y 3 de chikungunya. Además, se registró el primer caso autóctono de dengue en la región, siendo el más austral hasta el momento. Conclusión : Es imprescindible sensibilizar y capacitar a los integrantes de los sistemas de salud de las nue vas regiones expuestas al Ae. aegypti para la detección temprana de casos, y a la población en general para potenciar las acciones de prevención.

Abstract Objectives : To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic. Methods : During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered. Results : Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the con trary, a significant difference was observed in the per centage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southern most until known. Conclusion : It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance pre vention actions.

[Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina]. / Dengue, chikungunya y el mosquito vector en el límite sur de distribución durante la epidemia 2023, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic. METHODS: During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered. RESULTS: Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the contrary, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southernmost until known. CONCLUSION: It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance prevention actions.

OBJETIVOS: Monitorear la actividad de oviposición del mosquito Aedes aegypti y de casos de dengue y chikungunya en cuatro localidades de Argentina templada, durante la epidemia del 2023. Métodos: Durante el verano y otoño del 2023, se monitoreó semanalmente mediante ovitrampas la actividad de oviposición del mosquito vector, y se registró el arribo de casos con dengue o chikungunya a Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca y Laprida. RESULTADOS: La variación mensual del porcentaje de trampas positivas fue similar en las tres primeras localidades; en Laprida no se detectó el mosquito. Por el contrario, se observó una diferencia significativa del porcentaje de trampas que alguna vez resultó positiva en cada localidad, siendo mayor en Olavarría (83%), que en Bahía Blanca (67%) y Tandil (49%). Respecto a las enfermedades, se registraron 18 casos importados de dengue y 3 de chikungunya. Además, se registró el primer caso autóctono de dengue en la región, siendo el más austral hasta el momento. Conclusión: Es imprescindible sensibilizar y capacitar a los integrantes de los sistemas de salud de las nuevas regiones expuestas al Ae. aegypti para la detección temprana de casos, y a la población en general para potenciar las acciones de prevención.

Assessment of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from an artisanal Colombian cheese.

Lactic Acid Bacteria play an important role in the milk fermentation processes of traditional cheeses and have become an important target for the development of novel cheese cultures because of their ability to confer health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of 12 Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains previously isolated and molecularly identified from an artisanal Colombian Double-Cream Cheese. Probiotic properties, including safety (hemolysis and sensibility to antibiotics), pH and bile salt tolerance, auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and exopolysaccharide production, were examined. None of the strains were hemolytic, and Pediococcus (16, 18) and Lactobacillus (28, 29) were found to be sensitive to all antibiotics. Moreover, all the strains tolerated pH (3.0, 6.5 and 8.0) and bile salt conditions (0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 % w/v). Pediococcus pentosaceus (16), Leuconostoc citreum (17), Pediococcus acidilactici (18), Enterococcus faecium (21,22), Enterococcus faecalis (24) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (29) exhibited medium autoaggregation and affinity to chloroform. Six of the strains exhibited a ropy exopolysaccharide phenotype. Antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, was found to be strain dependent, with the strains 16, 18, 21, 26, 28 and 29 presenting a higher inhibition (>4 mm) against all of them. According to Principal Component Analysis, P. pentosaceus (16), Leu. mesenteroides (26), L. casei (28), L. fermentum (29), and E. faecium (21) showed strong probiotic properties. Our findings suggest that five strains out of the 12 sampled strains are potential probiotics that could be used in the processing of traditional dairy products on an industrial scale to improve their quality.

ß-Glucosidase activity and antimicrobial properties of potentially probiotic autochthonous lactic cultures.

Background: The demand for lactic acid bacteria products, especially probiotics, has increased. Bacteria that increase polyphenol bioavailability and act as bio preservatives are sought after. This study aims to identify autochthonous lactic acid cultures from EMBRAPA that demonstrate ß-glucosidase activity and inhibitory effect on microbial sanitary indicators. Methods: Cell-free extracts were obtained by sonicating every 5 s for 40 min. The extracts were mixed with cellobiose and incubated at 50 °C. The reaction was stopped by immersing the tubes in boiling water. The GOD-POD reagent was added for spectrophotometer readings. Antimicrobial activity was tested against reference strains using the agar well diffusion method. Lactic cultures in MRS broth were added to 0.9 cm wells and incubated. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured to determine the extension of inhibition. Results: Only L. rhamnosus EM1107 displayed extracellular ß-glucosidase activity, while all autochthonous strains except L. plantarum CNPC020 demonstrated intracellular activity for this enzyme. L. plantarum CNPC003 had the highest values. On the other hand, L. plantarum CNPC020, similarly to L. mucosae CNPC007, exhibited notable inhibition against sanitary indicators. These two strains significantly differed from the other five autochthonous cultures regarding S. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 inhibition (P < 0.05). However, they did not differ from at least one positive control in terms of inhibition against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and E. coli ATCC 25922 (P > 0.05). Therefore, it is advisable to consider these cultures separately for different technological purposes, such as phenolics metabolism or bio preservative activity. This will facilitate appropriate selection based on each specific property required for the intended product development.

Effect of Oral Administration with Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 on the Hematological Profile, Relative Weight of Digestive Organs, and Cecal Traits in Growing Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration with L. plantarum CAM6 on the hematological profile, relative weight of digestive organs, and cecal traits in growing pigs. A total of 36 castrated male pigs [(Landrace × Pietrain) × Duroc] aged 49 to 139 days old were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups with 12 animals per treatment. The treatments included a control diet without additives (CTRL), a positive control with subtherapeutic antibiotics (TRT1), and CTRL supplemented with 5 mL Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 preparation providing 109 CFU/pig/day (TRT2). The TRT2 group showed a higher (p ≤ 0.05) small intestine length and the cecum relative weight compared to the CTRL group. Moreover, L. plantarum CAM6 supplementation promoted (p ≤ 0.05) increased thickness of the muscular and mucosal layers, as well as enhanced depth and width of the cecal crypts. The TRT2 group also showed well-defined crypts without lesions, while the CTRL and TRT1 groups exhibited congestion, lymphocytic infiltration in the crypt, and intestinal-associated lymphoid tissue atrophy, respectively. Additionally, TRT2 stimulated (p ≤ 0.05) the growth of the autochthonous cecal microbiota compared to other experimental groups. Overall, the results indicate that oral administration of L. plantarum CAM6 improved intestinal health and enhanced the growth of autochthonous cecal lactic acid bacteria and had no impact on the complete blood count in growing pigs.

Correlation between natural microbial load and formation of ropy slime affecting the superficial color of vacuum-packaged cooked sausage.

The present study outlines a comprehensive correlation between the natural microbial load, which is predominantly composed of heat-resistant sporous-forming Bacillus, and the changes in the original properties related to the superficial color of vacuum-packaged cooked sausages. For this purpose, microbial growth curves were plotted by stimulating the growth of the natural microbiota in sausage packages at different temperatures. The correlations were investigated during sample incubation by the instrumental evaluation of color and the ropy slime detection on the sausage surface. The entrance of the natural microbiota into the stationary phase (ca. 9.3 log cfu/g) resulted in changes in the superficial color, which was demonstrated by the discoloration of vacuum-packaged cooked sausages. Therefore, it seems to be a suitable borderline for predictive models applied in durability studies that aim to estimate the period in which vacuum-packaged cooked sausages keep their typical superficial color, anticipating product refusal in markets.

Safety Evaluation of Goat Milk Added with the Prebiotic Inulin Fermented with the Potentially Probiotic Native Culture Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 in Co-culture with Streptococcus thermophilus QGE: Analysis of Acute and Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity.

Despite functional goat milk products having emerged due to their importance for human nutrition and health, few studies have assessed the safety of consumption of goat dairy products containing potentially probiotic autochthonous lactic acid bacteria supplemented with prebiotic carbohydrates. Aiming this field, this study evaluated the safety of goat's milk fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus QGE, the autochthonous Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 culture, and the prebiotic inulin, through single- and repeated-dose oral toxicity tests (SDT and RDT, respectively) in animals. Ten female Swiss Webster mice were used for SDT evaluation - 2 groups, SDTc (20 mL/kg of filtered water) and SDTt (20 mL/kg of fermented milk) - and 40 Wistar rats for RDT - RDT3, RDT6, and RDT12 (treated with fermented milk at doses of 3 mL/kg, 6 mL/kg, and 12 mL/kg, respectively) and also RDTc (12 mL/kg of filtered water). For SDT, no signs of mortality or toxicity were observed, and the animals maintained the expected weight gain and feed intake. The RDT trials did not show mortality or signs of toxicity, as well as no change in body weight and organs, in the hematological and biochemical parameters, and also in relation to morphology and histology. Since the fermented milk did not cause any toxic effect in the conditions evaluated, it can be said that its no-adverse effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be higher than 20 mL/kg/day. Thus, the fermented milk with L. mucosae CNPC007 and inulin was considered to be of low toxicity, safe for use in rodents, and allowed for use in further studies.

A case of canine visceral leishmaniasis of unknown origin in Curitiba (state of Paraná, Brazil) treated successfully with miltefosine / Caso de leishmaniose visceral canina de origem desconhecida em Curitiba (Estado do Paraná, Brasil) tratado com sucesso com miltefosina

There are no records of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. In 2020, a male French bulldog (CW01), approximately 2 years old was taken by its owners to a private veterinarian clinic. The suspicion of CVL was confirmed by means of a serology test (ELISA/IFAT reagent), rapid chromatographic immunoassay (DPP®) (ELISA - Biomanguinhos®), parasitological culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The animal routinely frequented parks in Curitiba and was taken on several trips to the municipalities of Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú (Santa Catarina) and to Matinhos (Paraná) where CVL had not previously been reported. Treatment was initiated orally with Milteforan™ which resulted in a significant reduction in the parasitic load. The suspicion of autochthony was investigated through entomological research. A total of 10 traps were installed, one at the animal's home, seven in adjacent city blocks and two in a forest edge. No sandflies were trapped in the dog's home and adjacent houses. The traps in the forest edge caught one Migonemyia migonei female and five Brumptomyia spp. females. This case serves as a warning of the possible introduction of CVL in the city of Curitiba.(AU)

Não há registros de casos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) no município de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Em 2020, um "bulldog" francês macho (CW01), com aproximadamente 2 anos de idade, foi levado por seus donos a uma clínica veterinária particular. A suspeita de LVC foi confirmada por meio de teste sorológico (reagente ELISA/IFAT), imunoensaio cromatográfico rápido (DPP®) (ELISA - Biomanguinhos®), cultura parasitológica e reação quantitativa em cadeia da polimerase (qPCR). O animal frequentava, rotineiramente, parques de Curitiba e foi levado em diversas viagens para Bombinhas e Balneário Camboriú (Santa Catarina) e para Matinhos (Paraná), onde a LVC não havia sido relatada anteriormente. O tratamento foi iniciado por via oral com Milteforan™ (Virbac) o que resultou em redução significativa da carga parasitária. A suspeita de autóctone foi investigada por meio de pesquisa entomológica. Foram instaladas 10 armadilhas, uma na casa do animal, sete em quarteirões adjacentes e duas na borda da mata. Nenhum inseto foi capturado na casa do proprietário do animal e nas casas adjacentes. As armadilhas na borda da mata capturaram uma fêmea de Migonemyia migonei e cinco Brumptomyia spp. fêmeas. Este caso serve de alerta para a possível introdução da LVC na cidade de Curitiba.(AU)

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of industrial autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the selection of well-adapted bioethanol-producing strains.

In northwestern Argentina, sugarcane-derived industrial fermentation is being extensively used for bioethanol production, where highly adaptive native strains compete with the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae traditionally used as starter culture. Yeast populations of 10 distilleries from Tucumán (Argentina) were genotypic and phenotypic characterized to select well-adapted bioethanol-producing autochthonous strains to be used as starter cultures for the industrial production of bioethanol fuel. From the 192 isolates, 69.8% were identified as S. cerevisiae, 25.5% as non-Saccharomyces, and 4.7% as Saccharomyces sp. wild yeasts. The majority of S. cerevisiae isolates (68.5%) were non-flocculating yeasts, while the flocculating strains were all obtained from the only continuous fermentation process included in the study. Simple Sequence Repeat analysis revealed a high genetic diversity among S. cerevisiae genotypes, where all of them were very different from the original baker's strain used as starter. Among these, 38 strains multi-tolerant to stress by ethanol (8%), temperature (42.5 °C) and pH (2.0) were obtained. No major differences were found among these strains in terms of ethanol production and residual sugars in batch fermentation experiments with cell recycling. However, only 10 autochthonous strains maintained their viability (more than 80%) throughout five consecutive cycles of sugarcane-based fermentations. In summary, 10 autochthonous isolates were found to be superior to baker's yeast used as starter culture (S. cerevisiae Calsa) in terms of optimal technological, physiological and ecological properties. The knowledge generated on the indigenous yeast populations in industrial fermentation processes of bioethanol-producing distilleries allowed the selection of well-adapted bioethanol-producing strains.

Transmisión directa del SARS-CoV-2 entre contactos en Santiago de Cuba / Direct Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Among Contacts in Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: El virus SARS-CoV-2 se propaga, principalmente, entre personas que están en estrecho contacto, de ahí la importancia de la detección de contactos y conocer las formas de transmisión entre estos. Objetivo: Identificar las principales formas de transmisión directa entre contactos de casos importados y autóctonos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal sobre dos poblaciones: los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba en el último trimestre de 2020 y los contactos directos declarados por dichos casos. En busca de la mejor representatividad se empleó un diseño de muestreo estratificado en dos etapas. Para la recolección del dato primario se empleó la entrevista; para resumir la información, el número y el porcentaje; para detectar posibles diferencias, las pruebas de hipótesis de una proporción y de comparación de proporciones mediante el Minitab v. 19 y para elaborar los gráficos el Microsoft Excel 2016. Resultados: El promedio de contactos fue mayor entre los casos autóctonos, con predominio de compañeros de trabajo, vecinos e hijos. La relación contacto-caso en los importados fue amigo(a), chofer y suegro(a), mientras que en los autóctonos fue hijo(a). Hubo menor empleo de acciones preventivas y predominio de contactos extradomiciliarios en los importados. Los contactos de los importados fueron hospitalizados con mayor frecuencia y presentaron mayor proporción de asintomáticos que los de los autóctonos, pero no hubo diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: No se obtuvo un patrón diferenciado de transmisión, excepto que la transmisión característica de los autóctonos fue entre padre e hijo y en los importados fue entre amigos(AU)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 spreads, mainly, through close contact among people, hence the importance of detecting contacts of confirmed cases and identifying the mode of transmission between them. Objective: To identify the main modes of direct transmission among contacts of imported and autochthonous cases. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in two populations: the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba in the last quarter of 2020, and their declared direct contacts. In the search of the best representativeness, a two-stage stratified sampling method was used. The interview was used to collect the primary data; numbers and percentage, to summarize the information; the one-sample proportion hypothesis test and the compare proportions test using Minitab v.19, to identify possible differences across groups; and Microsoft Excel 2016, to produce the graphics. Results: The average number of contacts was higher among the autochthonous cases, prevailing the co-workers, neighbors and children. The contact-case relationship in imported cases was friend, driver, and mother or father-in-law; while in the autochthonous cases, it was son or daughter. Preventive actions were less used, and extra-domiciliary contacts of imported cases predominated. Contacts of imported cases were hospitalized more often, and had a higher proportion of asymptomatic than the autochthonous cases, but there was no significant differences. Conclusions: A differentiated pattern of transmission was not obtained; except that, transmission among autochthonous cases was between parent and child; while in imported cases, it was between friends(AU)

In vitro bacterial probiotic selection from Nannostomus beckfordi, an Amazon ornamental fish / [Seleção in vitro de bactérias probióticas do peixe ornamental Amazônico Nannostomus beckfordi]

This study aimed to isolate and select in vitro bacteria with probiotic potential for the Amazon ornamental fish Nannostomus beckfordi. For isolate, twelve fish underwent surgery procedure to remove their intestinal tract, macerate and then inoculate in the plate petri containing de Man Rugosa Sharped Agar (MRS). After bacterial growth (48 hours at 35ºC), selected strains were inoculated in MRS broth and submitted to resistance test with NaCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%), pH (4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) and bile salts (5% w/v). Inhibition test against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas Jandaei was also performed. Within the isolated strains group (23 strains), only six (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6) showed probiotic potential. Strains S1 and S6 showed the greater resistance for NaCl (0.5% and 1%) and pH (5 and 6), but only S1 obtained better results to resist the bile salts. Even against pathogenic bacteria, the S1 showed the best results with inhibition halos greater than 9 mm. In the end, this bacterial strain (S1) was identified as Enterococcus faecium 11037CHB. Thus, this is the first report regarding isolated autochthonous bacterium E. faecium with probiotic potential of N. beckfordi.

O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e selecionar in vitro bactérias com potencial probiótico do peixe ornamental Amazônico Nannostomus beckfordi. Para o isolamento, retirou-se o intestino de 12 espécimes, que foram macerados, homogeneizados e semeados em placa de petri contento Ágar Man Rogosa e Sharpe (MRS). Posteriormente ao crescimento bacteriano (48 horas a 35ºC), as cepas selecionadas foram mantidas em caldo MRS e submetidas a testes de resistência a NaCl (0,5, 1,0, 1,5, 2,0 e 2,5 e 3,0%), pH (4, 5, 6, 8 e 9) e sais biliares (5% p/v). O antagonismo foi realizado frente as bactérias patogênicas Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Streptococcus agalactiae e Aeromonas jandaei. Das cepas isoladas (23 cepas), apenas seis (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 e C6) apresentaram potencial probiótico. As cepas C1 e C6 tiveram maior resistência (p<0,05) para o NaCl (0,5 e 1%) e pH (5 a 6), na presença de sais biliares somente a C1 teve a melhor resistência de crescimento. Para o antagonismo frente as bactérias patogênicas, a C1 apresentou halo de inibição maior que 9 mm. Sendo esta cepa bactéria (C1) identificada como Enterococcus faecium 11037 CHB. Portanto, este é o primeiro relato do isolamento da bactéria autóctone E. faecium em N. beckfordi com potencial probiótico.

Biodiversity and succession of lactic microbiota involved in Brazilian buffalo mozzarella cheese production.

The biodiversity and succession of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) involved in the production and storage of Brazilian buffalo mozzarella cheese were evaluated. The isolates were characterized by Gram staining and catalase test, by the ability to grow at different conditions: temperatures, pH, concentrations of NaCl, and production of CO2 from glucose. The biodiversity and succession of 152 LAB isolated during cheese production were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR), and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) techniques. Most of the strains grow well at 30 °C and are tolerant to 6.5% of NaCl, and in general, the best pH for growing was 9.6. Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Enterococcus sp. were prevalent and present in almost all steps of production. The LAB strains are typically found in the traditional Italian cheese, except the Leuconostoc citreum species. Sixty clusters were obtained by RAPD-PCR with 85% of similarity (114 isolates) while most of the LAB was clustered with 100% of similarity by the RFLP-PCR technique. The applied techniques enabled a valuable elucidation of the LAB biodiversity and succession, contributing to a better understanding of the specific microbial cultures with a technological aptitude of this cheese.

Report of autochthonous cases of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in vulnerable, susceptible areas of Southeastern Mexico

ABSTRACT Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is an endemic disease in several Mexican States with the main endemic areas located in the South-Southeast region of the country, where 90% of Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana cases are registered. The Southeast region is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan States. Campeche and Quintana Roo register more than 60% of the cases in the country each year, while in Yucatan the reports are of imported cases due to residents traveling to endemic areas. However, since 2015, autochthonous cases have been diagnosed by health authorities in municipalities with no previous transmission records. We aimed to identify Leishmania parasite species involved in autochthonous cases by means of the PCR technique. The present study included 13 autochthonous cases of LCL with clinical and parasitological diagnoses during 2018 and 2019 by health authorities, without specific identification of the causal agent. Tissue samples were taken by scraping the margins of active lesions and then they were spotted onto an FTATM Elute Microcard. Next, DNA was eluted and used for PCR amplification of specific Leishmania genus and L. (L.) mexicana species-specific fragments. Molecular analysis showed evidence that L. (L.) mexicana was the causal agent of LCL in 12 of the 13 patients; in one patient, PCR was not performed due to the patient's refusal to participate in the study. Identifying Leishmania species that cause LCL is necessary to define efficient treatment schemes and control strategies for the disease in vulnerable and susceptible areas of the Yucatan State's municipalities.

Seagrass contribution to blue carbon in a shallow karstic coastal area of the Gulf of Mexico.

Seagrass meadows provide multiple ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. However, seagrass meadows are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Determining the magnitude of the carbon stocks in seagrass meadows at the regional scale allows for the estimation of their global magnitude and identification of their importance in regional environmental mitigation strategies. The objective of the present study was to determine the structure of seagrass meadows in the Los Petenes Biosfera Reserve (LPBR) and evaluate their contributions to sinks of carbon in this system, located in Yucatan, which is considered the region with the largest seagrass extension in Mexico. Analyses of the seagrass meadows were executed following standardized protocols (spectral analysis, and isotope and carbon stock analyses). The LPBR stores an average of 2.2 ± 1.7 Mg C ha-1 in living biomass and 318 ± 215 Mg C ha-1 in sediment (top 1 m), and this carbon stock decreases with water depth. The seagrass community extends 149,613 ha, which represents the largest organic carbon stock (47 Tg C) documented in seagrass meadows in Mexico. Macroalgae and seagrass represent 76% of the organic carbon stored in sediment. If LPBR seagrass meadows are lost due to natural or anthropogenic impacts, 173 Tg CO2eqemissions could be released, which corresponds to the emissions generated by fossil fuel combustion of 27% of the current Mexican population. This information emphasizes the importance of seagrass meadows as a carbon sink in the region and their contribution to climate change mitigation, thus allowing for the implementation of necessary conservation strategies.

Parasites of Native and Invasive Rodents in Chile: Ecological and Human Health Needs.

Invasive populations are a threat to biodiversity, resulting in the loss of species, and also a threat to human health, participating in the reservoir of diseases. Rodents are among the most important invasive species worldwide. Chile is a country that features island conditions in terms of geography and has been widely invaded by allochthonous rodents. In this mini-review, we updated the literature on macro-parasites infecting both native and invasive rodents and of vector-borne pathogens in continental Chile in order to assess the relative importance of invasive rodents from both ecological and public health points of view. A total of 174 parasite species were found, with Siphonaptera representing the most diverse group. When examining how parasites are shared between native and introduced rodents, the analysis suggests that parasites circulate freely within recipient populations, and are not significantly transmitted from source populations. Further, generalist parasites are typically more prone to being shared between native and introduced rodents. Most zoonotic parasites were reported in invasive rodents, suggesting that these rodents must represent a public health concern. Although several vector-borne pathogens have been reported in rodents or ectoparasites, most of the recently emerging research has illustrated that there is a lack of evidence on rodent-vector-borne zoonoses in most pathogens.

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...