Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis strains linked to multiple outbreaks in Brazil.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) has become the prevalent serovar isolated from gastroenteritis cases in Brazil since the 1990s. To better understand the genomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship amongst SE epidemic isolates from Brazil, 30 SE isolates from a variety of implicated foods and case patients of outbreaks between 1999 and 2006 were selected for genome comparison analyses. SE genomes were also compared against publicly available Brazilian SE isolates from pre- and postepidemic period. MLST analysis revealed that all isolates belong to sequence type (ST) 11. A total of seven Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) (SPI-1, SPI-3-5, SPI-13, SPI14, and C63PI) were identified in the evaluated genomes and all studied SE genomes carried similar prophage profiling. Resistome analysis revealed the presence of resistance genes to aminoglycosides [aac(6')laa, aph(3")-lb, aph(6)-ld], as well as point mutations in gyrA. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that certain isolates have circulated in Brazil for years and been involved in distinct outbreaks.

Ethanol, acetaldehyde, and methanol in the gas phase and rainwater in different biomes and urban regions of Brazil.

In the context of the increasing global use of ethanol biofuel, this work investigates the concentrations of ethanol, methanol, and acetaldehyde, in both the gaseous phase and rainwater, across six diverse urban regions and biomes in Brazil, a country where ethanol accounts for nearly half the light-duty vehicular fuel consumption. Atmospheric ethanol median concentrations in São Paulo (SP) (12.3 ± 12.1 ppbv) and Ribeirão Preto (RP) (12.1 ± 10.9 ppbv) were remarkably close, despite the SP vehicular fleet being ∼13 times larger. Likewise, the rainwater VWM ethanol concentration in SP (4.64 ± 0.38 µmol L-1) was only 26 % higher than in RP (3.42 ± 0.13 µmol L-1). This work demonstrated the importance of evaporative emissions, together with biomass burning, as sources of the compounds studied. The importance of biogenic emissions of methanol during forest flooding was identified in campaigns in the Amazon and Atlantic forests. Marine air masses arriving at a coastal site led to the lowest concentrations of ethanol measured in this work. Besides vehicular and biomass burning emissions, secondary formation of acetaldehyde by photochemical reactions may be relevant in urban and non-urban regions. The combined deposition flux of ethanol and methanol was 6.2 kg ha-1 year-1, avoiding oxidation to the corresponding and more toxic aldehydes. Considering the species determined here, the ozone formation potential (OFP) in RP was around two-fold higher than in SP, further evidencing the importance of emissions from regional distilleries and biomass burning, in addition to vehicles. At the forest and coastal sites, the OFP was approximately 5 times lower than at the urban sites. Our work evidenced that transition from gasoline to ethanol or ethanol blends brings the associated risk of increasing the concentrations of highly toxic aldehydes and ozone, potentially impacting the atmosphere and threatening air quality and human health in urban areas.

Mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of ciprofloxacin against Salmonella enterica of epidemic and poultry origin.

Salmonella isolates resistant or with reduced susceptibility to quinolones increased in recent years. The mutant prevention concentration (MPC) is a new alternative that can prevent the selection and multiplication of resistant Salmonella spp. strains. The MPC of ciprofloxacin (CipMPC) was evaluated for 312 Salmonella enterica strains of epidemic and poultry origin susceptible and resistant to nalidixic acid (NAL). The CipMPC for NAL-susceptible strains were in the range from 0.002 to 4 µg/ml and for NAL-resistant strains, it ranged from 0.004 to 16 µg/ml. The average MPC/MIC ratio for NAL-resistant strains was higher than NAL susceptible. S. Enteritidis showed the highest CipMPC and the highest MPC/MIC ratio also for NAL-resistant strains and with mutations in gyrA. Serovar Corvallis, a NAL-resistant strain without mutations, and of poultry origin showed the highest CipMPC value. The lowest value was observed for epidemic NAL-susceptible strains serovars Typhimurium and London. The average MPC/MIC ratio for strains with mutations in Aspartate 87 was higher than that mutated in Serine 83. The results show the importance of MPC in determining the correct dosage of Cip for treatment of Salmonella spp.

Detection of quinolone-resistance mutations in salmonella spp. Strains of epidemic and poultry origin.

Mutations into codons Aspartate-87 (62%) and Serine-83 (38%) in QRDR of gyrA were identified in 105 Salmonella strains resistant to nalidixic acid (94 epidemic and 11 of poultry origin). The results show a high incidence of mutations associated to quinolone resistance but suggest association with others mechanisms of resistance.

Genomic investigation of antimicrobial resistance determinants and virulence factors in Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from contaminated food and human stool samples in Brazil.

This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence factors and identified serovars in 37 Salmonella enterica strains isolated from human stool and contaminated foods linked to outbreaks that occurred in Brazil over 7 years using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Phylogenetic analysis of selected serovars (S. Typhimurium, S. Infantis, S. London, and S. Johannesburg) was performed. Ten distinct serovars were identified and, 51% of the tested strains (n = 19) showed disagreement with the previous conventional serotyping. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants or plasmids varied among the strains. Resistome analysis revealed the presence of resistance genes to aminoglycosides [aac (6')-laa, aph (3″)-lb, aph (6)-ld, aadA1 and aadA2], sulfonamides (sul1), trimethoprin (dfrA8), fosfomycin (fosA7) and tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC), as well as point mutations in parC (T57S) and gyrA (S83F). Plasmidome showed the presence of IncHI2, IncHI2A, IncFIB (S), IncFII (S), IncI1 and p0111 plasmids. Eight Salmonella pathogenicity islands and up to 102 stress and/or virulence genes were identified in the evaluated genomes. Virulence genes of K88 fimbrial adhesin were first reported in S. enterica (S. Pomona, S. Bredeney and S. Mbandaka strains). pilW gene was first identified in S. Pomona. Phylogenetic analysis showed that some serovars circulated in Brazil for decades, primarily within the poultry production chain. Findings highlighted the virulence and AMR determinants in strains that may lead to recurring food outbreaks.

Effect of refrigeration and frozen storage on the Campylobacter jejuni recovery from naturally contaminated broiler carcasses.

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common thermophilic Campylobacter associated with human enteritis in many countries. Broilers and their by-products are the main sources for human enteritis. Refrigeration and freezing are used to control bacterial growth in foods. The effect of these interventions on survival of Campylobacter jejuni is yet not quite understood. This study evaluated the effect of storage temperature on the survival of C. jejuni in chicken meat stored for seven days at 4°C and for 28 days at -20°C. The influence of selective enrichment on recovery of Campylobacter was also evaluated. Thirty fresh chicken meat samples were analyzed and 93.3% was contaminated with termotolerant Campylobacter spp. with average count of 3.08 Log10 CFU/g on direct plating. After refrigeration, 53.3% of the analyzed samples tested positive for Campylobacter and the average count was 1.19 Log10 CFU/g. After storage at -20°C, 36.6% of the samples were positive with a verage count of 0.75 Log10 CFU/g. C. jejuni was detected after enrichment, respectively, in 50% of the fresh, 36.7% of the refrigerated and 33.3% of the frozen meat samples analyzed. No difference was detected for the recovery of C. jejuni from fresh, refrigerated or frozen samples after selective enrichment, showing that this microorganism can survive under the tested storage conditions.

Draft Genome Sequences of 26 Salmonella Isolates Associated with Multiple Outbreaks in Brazil.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates are the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Here, we report the draft genomes of 26 Salmonella isolates of food and clinical origin, belonging to four serovars, associated with outbreaks from 1999 to 2006 in the south of Brazil.

Draft Genome Sequences of 30 Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Isolates Associated with Multiple Outbreaks in Brazil.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis has been the prevalent serovar isolated from gastroenteritis cases in Brazil since the 1990s. Here, we report the draft genomes of 30 S Enteritidis isolates originating from a variety of patients and implicated foods during outbreaks between 1999 and 2006 in Brazil.

Flood Season Microbiota from the Amazon Basin Lakes: Analysis with Metagenome Sequencing.

Despite an apparent geographic separation of the Amazon water bodies, they are an interconnected system. During floods, the microbiota of rivers, lakes, and soil combines. This study used metagenomics sequencing to survey the microbiota of the Amazon Basin lakes during flood season, showing important patterns in microbial communities.

Metagenome Sequencing of Prokaryotic Microbiota Collected from Rivers in the Upper Amazon Basin.

Tropical freshwater environments, like rivers, are important reservoirs of microbial life. This study employed metagenomic sequencing to survey prokaryotic microbiota in the Solimões, Purus, and Urucu Rivers of the Amazon Basin in Brazil. We report a rich and diverse microbial community.

Metagenomics Analysis of Microorganisms in Freshwater Lakes of the Amazon Basin.

The Amazon Basin is the largest hydrographic basin on the planet, and the dynamics of its aquatic microorganisms strongly impact global biogeochemical cycles. However, it remains poorly studied. This metagenome project was performed to obtain a snapshot of prokaryotic microbiota from four important lakes in the Amazon Basin.

Minimally invasive treatment of gynecomastia by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision: report of a case series

Introduction: Gynecomastia (GM) is a benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue in men. Some cases need surgical intervention. Traditional open surgery by semicircular inferior periareolar incision is the most common surgical approach. In order to obtain better esthetic results, some alternatives to open surgery have been proposed, such as liposuction, endoscopic mastectomy, and vacuum-assisted excision (VAE). Objective: To describe the technical surgical approach of ultrasound-guided VAE of GM and its results from a case series. Method: This is an evaluation of seven GM cases submitted to ultrasound-guided VAE with a 10G needle using the ENCOR® BD whole circumference automated breast biopsy system in Redimasto ­ Redimama, a Brazilian breast center. The result was considered good or satisfactory when it showed minimal remaining gland, good symmetry, no retraction, necrosis, hypertrophic scar, or displacement of the nipple-areola complex. All patients answered a questionnaire to evaluate their satisfaction and perception of the procedure. Results: Seven (7) patients with Simon grade 1 and 2 bilateral GM underwent ultrasound-guided VAE. No case of displacement, necrosis, or retraction of the nipple-areola complex, post-procedure bleeding, infection, skin necrosis, or asymmetry was detected. No patient reported decrease or change in nipple sensation or erection. All patients had bruises and hematomas that spontaneously resolved within 30 days. All results were considered good or excellent by patients and surgeons. Conclusion: Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided VAE is an excellent alternative for the treatment of GM. It is better indicated for Simon grade 1 and 2 GM, with good and excellent esthetic results, small scar, and low rates of nipple and areolar complications. It allows an outpatient procedure with low morbidity (local anesthesia) and fast recovery.

Amazon River dissolved load: temporal dynamics and annual budget from the Andes to the ocean.

The aim of the present study is to estimate the export fluxes of major dissolved species at the scale of the Amazon basin, to identify the main parameters controlling their spatial distribution and to identify the role of discharge variability in the variability of the total dissolved solid (TDS) flux through the hydrological cycle. Data are compiled from the monthly hydrochemistry and daily discharge database of the "Programa Climatologico y Hidrologico de la Cuenca Amazonica de Bolivia" (PHICAB) and the HYBAM observatories from 34 stations distributed over the Amazon basin (for the 1983-1992 and 2000-2012 periods, respectively). This paper consists of a first global observation of the fluxes and temporal dynamics of each geomorphological domain of the Amazon basin. Based on mean interannual monthly flux calculations, we estimated that the Amazon basin delivered approximately 272 × 10(6) t year(-1) (263-278) of TDS during the 2003-2012 period, which represents approximately 7 % of the continental inputs to the oceans. This flux is mainly made up by HCO3, Ca and SiO2, reflecting the preferential contributions of carbonate and silicate chemical weathering to the Amazon River Basin. The main tributaries contributing to the TDS flux are the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers (approximately 50 % of the TDS production over 14 % of the Amazon basin area) due to the weathering of carbonates and evaporites drained by their Andean tributaries. An Andes-sedimentary area-shield TDS flux (and specific flux) gradient is observed throughout the basin and is first explained by the TDS concentration contrast between these domains, rather than variability in runoff. This observation highlights that, under tropical context, the weathering flux repartition is primarily controlled by the geomorphological/geological setting and confirms that sedimentary areas are currently active in terms of the production of dissolved load. The log relationships of concentration vs discharge have been characterized over all the studied stations and for all elements. The analysis of the slope of the relationship within the selected contexts reveals that the variability in TDS flux is mainly controlled by the discharge variability throughout the hydrological year. At the outlet of the basin, a clockwise hysteresis is observed for TDS concentration and is mainly controlled by Ca and HCO3 hysteresis, highlighting the need for a sampling strategy with a monthly frequency to accurately determine the TDS fluxes of the basin. The evaporite dissolution flux tends to be constant, whereas dissolved load fluxes released from other sources (silicate weathering, carbonate weathering, biological and/or atmospheric inputs) are mainly driven by variability in discharge. These results suggest that past and further climate variability had or will have a direct impact on the variability of dissolved fluxes in the Amazon. Further studies need to be performed to better understand the processes controlling the dynamics of weathering fluxes and their applicability to present-day concentration-discharge relationships at longer timescales.

Variação espacial de cátions, ânions e variáveis físico-químicas no rio Solimões-Amazonas entre Manaus e Jutaí, bacia amazônica / Spatial variation of cations, anions and physicochemical variables in the Solimões-Amazonas River, between Manaus and Jutaí, Amazon Basin

Cátions e ânions majoritários são espécies químicas de grande importância nos diversos compartimentos aquáticos, porém, pouco abordados de forma exclusiva na bacia amazônica. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica espacial de Na+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Cl- e SO4 2- em um trecho do rio Solimões-Amazonas, levando-se em consideração a alcalinidade, potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), condutividade elétrica (CE), sólidos totais em suspensão (STS) e carbono orgânico total (COT). As coletas foram realizadas em maio, julho e setembro de 2012 em sete pontos na calha principal do rio Solimões-Amazonas e na foz de alguns dos principais tributários: rios Jutaí, Juruá, Japurá e Purus. Os cátions e ânions foram analisados por cromatografia de íons, STS por gravimetria, pH por potenciometria, alcalinidade por titulação potenciométrica, CE por condutimetria e o COT por oxidação catalítica por combustão. As concentrações médias dos cátions seguiram esta ordem Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>K+ e dos ânions SO4 2->Cl-. De montante à jusante a tendência foi diminuição nas concentrações de cátions e ânions, das variáveis pH, CE, STS e alcalinidade, além do aumento das concentrações de COT. O presente estudo evidenciou mudanças nas características químicas sofridas pelo rio Solimões em seu curso. O aporte dos tributários pode ser apontado como um dos fatores responsáveis por essas modificações.

Major cations and anions are chemical species with great importance in different water compartments. However, no specific attention has been given to them in the Amazon basin. This study aimed to assess the spatial dynamic of Na+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Cl- and SO4 2- in a specific section of the Solimões-Amazonas river taking into account the alkalinity, hydrogen potential (pH), conductivity electric (EC), total suspended solids (TSS) and total organic carbon (TOC). Samples were collected in May, July and September 2012 in seven points in the Solimões-Amazonas River and in the mouth of some of its main tributaries: rivers Jutaí, Juruá, Japurá and Purus. Cations and anions were analyzed by ion chromatography, TSS by gravimetry, pH by potentiometry, alkalinity by potentiometric titration, EC by conductimetry and TOC by catalytic oxidation combustion. The average cation concentrations followed this order: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and anion SO4 2- > Cl. From the upstream of the river towards its downstream section there was a tendency for a decrease in cations and anions accumulation, pH, EC, TSS and alkalinity. On the other hand, there was an increase in TOC. The present study showed changes in chemical characteristics of Solimões River along its course. It was observed the contribution of the tributary rivers as one of the responsible factors for these changes.

Avaliação de diferentes alíquotas de enxaguadura para a contagem pelo método direto de Campylobacter spp. em carcaças de frango resfriadas / Evaluation of the different rinse volumes for performing the direct technique for Campylobacter spp. enumeration in chilled broiler carcasses

O método direto de detecção e contagem de Campylobacter spp. em carne de frango é de fácil execução, porém os volumes de 100 μL e de 400 μL, preconizados em algumas metodologias, muitas vezes impossibilitam a contagem de colônias pela ocorrência de crescimento confluente ou de microbiota contaminante. O objetivo do presente estudo foi de avaliar os diferentes volumes de enxaguadura de carne de frango com a finalidade de minimizar a interferência da microbiota contaminante, sem comprometer a sensibilidade do método. Os volumes de enxaguadura de 5, 10,50, 100 e 400 μL foram testados utilizando-se os meios seletivo diferenciais ágar carvão cefoperazona desoxicolato modificado (mCCDA) e ágar Bolton modificado. A presença de Campylobacter spp. foi confirmada por métodos fenotípicos e por PCR. No entanto, a estratégia de utilização de volumes menores do que 100 μL de enxaguadura não melhoraram o isolamento e a contagem de colônias de Campylobacter, porque houve diminuição da sensibilidade do ensaio. A provável solução para minimizar a interferência da microbiota contaminante seria desenvolver novos meios seletivos ou incorporá-los aos antimicrobianos já existentes...

Detection of quinolone-resistance mutations in Salmonella spp. strains of epidemic and poultry origin

Mutations into codons Aspartate-87 (62 percent) and Serine-83 (38 percent) in QRDR of gyrA were identified in 105 Salmonella strains resistant to nalidixic acid (94 epidemic and 11 of poultry origin). The results show a high incidence of mutations associated to quinolone resistance but suggest association with others mechanisms of resistance.

Effect of refrigeration and frozen storage on the campylobacter jejuni recovery from naturally contaminated broiler carcasses

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common thermophilic Campylobacter associated with human enteritis in many countries. Broilers and their by-products are the main sources for human enteritis. Refrigeration and freezing are used to control bacterial growth in foods. The effect of these interventions on survival of Campylobacter jejuni is yet not quite understood. This study evaluated the effect of storage temperature on the survival of C. jejuni in chicken meat stored for seven days at 4ºC and for 28 days at -20ºC. The influence of selective enrichment on recovery of Campylobacter was also evaluated. Thirty fresh chicken meat samples were analyzed and 93.3 percent was contaminated with termotolerant Campylobacter spp. with average count of 3.08 Log10 CFU/g on direct plating. After refrigeration, 53.3 percent of the analyzed samples tested positive for Campylobacter and the average count was 1.19 Log10 CFU/g. After storage at -20ºC, 36.6 percent of the samples were positive with a verage count of 0.75 Log10 CFU/g. C. jejuni was detected after enrichment, respectively, in 50 percent of the fresh, 36.7 percent of the refrigerated and 33.3 percent of the frozen meat samples analyzed. No difference was detected for the recovery of C. jejuni from fresh, refrigerated or frozen samples after selective enrichment, showing that this microorganism can survive under the tested storage conditions.

Avaliação epidemiológica de surtos de salmonelose ocorridos no período de 1999 a 2008 no Estado do Paraná, Brasil / Epidemiological data of salmonellosis outbreaks occured between 1999 and 2008 in Parana State, Brazil

No Paraná, são poucas as informações sobre a prevalência dos sorovares e fagotipos de Salmonella envolvidos em surtos. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de conhecer o perfil epidemiológico dos surtos de salmonelose notificados no Estado do Paraná entre janeiro de 1999 e dezembro de 2008. Neste período ocorreram 286 surtos nos quais 5.641 pessoas foram expostas, 2.027 (35,9%) manifestaram sintomas da doença e 881 (16,3%) foram hospitalizadas. Cinquenta e dois municípios do Paraná (13,0%) notificaram surtos de salmonelose. Alimentos à base de ovos, carnes e derivados e produtos classificados como alimentos variados foram, respectivamente, associados a 45,0; 34,8 e 20,2% dos surtos. O sorovar prevalente foi Enteritidis, encontrado em 87,8% das cepas isoladas de pacientes e em 80,6% das cepas provenientes dos alimentos envolvidos nos surtos. Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 foi o fagotipo predominante, porém foi observada maior prevalência de PT9 a partir de 2003. Do total de surtos analisados, 49,7% estiveram associados a reuniões familiares. Esse fato sugere que as ações da Vigilância Sanitária devem assumir um caráter educativo, tanto para trabalhadores de estabelecimentos comerciais quanto para manipuladores domésticos.

Epidemiological data of foodborne diseases in Brazil are scarce. In Paraná State, there is little information on the prevalence of Salmonella serovars and fagotypes involved in outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological data of salmonellosis outbreaks notified in Paraná State between January 1999 and December 2008. During the study period, 286 Salmonella outbreaks occurred and a total of 5,641 people were exposed, 2,027 (35.9%) became ill, and 881 (16.3%) were hospitalized. Fifty-two cities (13.0%) in Paraná notified Salmonella outbreaks. Eggs and egg products, meat and meat products and other foods were, respectively, associated with 45.0, 34.8 and 20.2% of the notified outbreaks. Serovar Enteritidis was prevalent and identified in 87.8% of the strains isolated from patients and in 80.6% of the strains isolated from food involved in outbreaks. Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 was the prevalent phagotype. However, a prevalence of PT9 occurred after 2003. Of the total number of outbreaks analyzed, 49.7% occurred in residences. This result indicates that educational actions of the State Food Safety and Inspection Service should be for both commercial and domestic food handlers.

Pandora revista: considerações sobre a mulher, sua saúde e seus direitos / Pandora magazine: considerations about women, their health and their rights

Para a discussão relacionada à mulher e à sua saúde, leva-se em consideração a historicidade do papel desempenhado por ela na vida social brasileira nos séculos XIX e XX. Os aspectos relativos à saúde feminina, à ênfase na maternidade, à discussão das relações de gênero e ao direito de exercer a cidadania são algumas das muitas inquietações e preocupações constantes para os profissionais da saúde.