is an important opportunistic pathogen that commonly causes nosocomial infections and contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality. We sought to investigate the antibiotic resistance profile, ...pathogenic potential and the clonal relationships between
(
= 25) isolated from patients and sources at a tertiary care hospital's intensive care units (ICUs) in the northern region of Brazil. Most of
isolates (
= 21, 84%) were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR) with high-level resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, tigecycline, and colistin. All the 25 isolates presented extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL), including carbapenemase producers, and carried the
(100%),
(100%),
variants (
= 24, 96%),
group (
= 21, 84%) and
group (
= 18, 72%) genes. The K2 serotype was found in 4% (
= 1) of the isolates, and the K1 was not detected. The virulence-associated genes found among the 25 isolates were
D (
= 24, 96%),
H-1 (
= 22, 88%),
B (100%),
A (
= 10, 40%),
S (
= 15, 60%). The genes related with efflux pumps and outer membrane porins found were
(100%),
C (
= 24, 96%),
K (
= 22, 88%),
K35 (
= 15, 60%), and
K36 (
= 7, 28%). ERIC-PCR was employed to determine the clonal relationship between the different isolated strains. The obtained ERIC-PCR patterns revealed that the similarity between isolates was above 70%. To determine the sequence types (STs) a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assay was used. The results indicated the presence of high-risk international clones among the isolates. In our study, the wide variety of MDR
harboring β-lactams and virulence genes strongly suggest a necessity for the implementation of effective strategies to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistant infections.
BACKGROUND There is evidence that intrauterine growth restriction, resulting in newborn girls that are small for gestational age (SGA), may be related to the onset of polycystic ovary syndrome ...(PCOS). Thus, we studied whether women born SGA have a higher prevalence of PCOS than women born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS This was a prospective birth cohort study of 384 women born at term between June 1, 1978, and May 31, 1979, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. After exclusion, 165 women effectively participated in this study, of whom 43 were SGA and 122 were AGA. The prevalence of PCOS was analysed. At a mean age of 29 years, the women agreed to follow the study protocol, which included: anamnesis, physical examination, serum tests follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate, 17-OH-progesterone, fasting insulin, sex steroid-binding globulin (SHBG) and fasting glucose and pelvic ultrasound. Data regarding gestational age, birthweight, age at menarche and maternal data were obtained from the files of the cohort. The adjusted relative risk (RR) values of the SGA, insulin resistance, body mass index, maternal smoking and parity variables were analysed using Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance for the prediction of PCOS. RESULTS The prevalence of PCOS was higher in the SGA group than in the AGA group adjusted RR = 2.44, 95% CI (1.39–4.28). Hyperandrogenism was more prevalent in the SGA women than in the AGA women (P = 0.011). Circulating SHBG was lower in the SGA women than in the AGA women (P = 0.041), but fasting insulinemia was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PCOS in SGA women was twice as high as in AGA women in our study population.
Studies showed that Brazilian Amazon indigenous territories (ITs) are efficient models for preserving forests by reducing deforestation, fires, and related carbon emissions. Considering the ...importance of ITs for conserving socio-environmental and cultural diversity and the recent climb in the Brazilian Amazon deforestation, we used official remote sensing datasets to analyze deforestation inside and outside indigenous territories within Brazil's Amazon biome during the 2013-2021 period. Deforestation has increased by 129% inside ITs since 2013, followed by an increase in illegal mining areas. In 2019-2021, deforestation was 195% higher and 30% farther from the borders towards the interior of indigenous territories than in previous years (2013-2018). Furthermore, about 59% of carbon dioxide (CO
) emissions within ITs in 2013-2021 (96 million tons) occurred in the last three years of analyzed years, revealing the magnitude of increasing deforestation to climate impacts. Therefore, curbing deforestation in indigenous territories must be a priority for the Brazilian government to secure these peoples' land rights, ensure the forests' protection and regulate the global climate.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highlighted due to their low toxicity, compatibility with the human body, high surface area to volume ratio, and surfaces that can be easily modified with ligands. ...Biosynthesis of AuNPs using plant extract is considered a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly approach. Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP), a product of bees, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Here, we described the biosynthesis of AuNPs using BRP extract (AuNP
) and its fractions (AuNP
, AuNP
, AuNP
) and evaluated their structural properties and their potential against microorganisms and cancer cells. AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 535 nm. The sizes and morphologies were influenced by the BRP sample used in the reaction. FTIR and TGA revealed the involvement of bioactive compounds from BRP extract or its fractions in the synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs. AuNP
and AuNP
exhibited antimicrobial activities against all strains tested, showing their efficacy as antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases. AuNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic activity both in T24 and PC-3 cells. AuNP
and AuNP
exhibited the highest in vitro cytotoxic effect. Also, the cytotoxicity of biogenic nanoparticles was induced by mechanisms associated with apoptosis. The results highlight a potential low-cost green method using Brazilian red propolis to synthesize AuNPs, which demonstrated significant biological properties.
Public health concerns exist surrounding the epidemic of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and the rapid growth of transplantation in developing countries, including endemic zones of active arbovirus ...transmission, as well as travel to such regions by potential organ donors and recipients. Few data exist regarding the clinical characteristics of ZIKV infection in immunocompromised hosts. Laboratory screening protocols for transplantation to differentiate ZIKV infections from other endemic viral diseases and for the detection of possible donor‐derived infection have not been stated. The diagnosis of ZIKV infection remains a challenge, fueled by the lack of standardized commercially available diagnostic tests and validated reference diagnostic laboratories, as well as the limited duration of ZIKV viremia. In this small series, ZIKV infection in renal and liver recipients presented without rash, conjunctivitis, or neurological symptoms, and with abnormal graft function, thrombocytopenia, and bacterial superinfection. We report the first case series of ZIKV infection in solid organ recipients, with a description of clinical and laboratory features and therapeutic management.
In this study, the authors describe the features of Zika infection in solid organ transplant. See the editorial from Blumberg and Fishman on page 599.
Recent advances have improved our understanding of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). These have included the recognition that angiotensin (Ang)‐(1‐7) is a biologically active product of the RAS ...cascade. The identification of the ACE homologue ACE2, which forms Ang‐(1‐7) from Ang II, and the GPCR Mas as an Ang‐(1‐7) receptor have provided the necessary biochemical and molecular background and tools to study the biological significance of Ang‐(1‐7). Most available evidence supports a counter‐regulatory role for Ang‐(1‐7) by opposing many actions of Ang II on AT1 receptors, especially vasoconstriction and proliferation. Many studies have now shown that Ang‐(1‐7) by acting via Mas receptor exerts inhibitory effects on inflammation and on vascular and cellular growth mechanisms. Ang‐(1‐7) has also been shown to reduce key signalling pathways and molecules thought to be relevant for fibrogenesis. Here, we review recent findings related to the function of the ACE2/Ang‐(1‐7)/Mas axis and focus on the role of this axis in modifying processes associated with acute and chronic inflammation, including leukocyte influx, fibrogenesis and proliferation of certain cell types. More attention will be given to the involvement of the ACE2/Ang‐(1‐7)/Mas axis in the context of renal disease because of the known relevance of the RAS for the function of this organ and for the regulation of kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Taken together, this knowledge may help in paving the way for the development of novel treatments for chronic inflammatory and renal diseases.
This living systematic review aims to summarize evidence on the prevalence of oral signs and symptoms in patients with COVID-19. The review was reported per the PRISMA checklist, and the literature ...search was conducted in 6 databases and in gray literature. Studies published in any language mentioning oral symptoms and signs in patients with COVID-19 were included. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. The certainty of evidence was evaluated through GRADE assessment. After a 2-step selection, 40 studies were included: 33 cross-sectional and 7 case reports. Overall, 10,228 patients (4,288 males, 5,770 females, and 170 unknown) from 19 countries were assessed. Gustatory impairment was the most common oral manifestation, with a prevalence of 45% (95% CI, 34% to 55%; I2 = 99%). The pooled eligible data for different taste disorders were 38% for dysgeusia and 35% for hypogeusia, while ageusia had a prevalence of 24%. Taste disorders were associated with COVID-19 (odds ratio OR, 12.68; 95% CI, 6.41 to 25.10; I2 = 63%; P < 0.00001), mild/moderate severity (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.49; I2 = 66%; P = 0.005), and female patients (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.17; I2 = 70%; P = 0.0007). Oral mucosal lesions presented multiple clinical aspects, including white and erythematous plaques, irregular ulcers, small blisters, petechiae, and desquamative gingivitis. Tongue, palate, lips, gingiva, and buccal mucosa were affected. In mild cases, oral mucosal lesions developed before or at the same time as the initial respiratory symptoms; however, in those who required medication and hospitalization, the lesions developed approximately 7 to 24 d after onset symptoms. Therefore, taste disorders may be common symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and should be considered in the scope of the disease’s onset and progression. Oral mucosal lesions are more likely to present as coinfections and secondary manifestations with multiple clinical aspects (PROSPERO CRD42020184468).
Atrazine is an herbicide commonly used in several countries. Due to its long half-life, associated with its use in large scales, atrazine residues remain as environmental pollutants in water bodies. ...Phytoremediation is often pointed out as an interesting approach to remove atrazine from the aquatic environment, but its practical application is limited by the high toxicity of this herbicide. Here, we characterize the damages triggered by atrazine in Pistia stratiotes, evaluating the role of nitric oxide (NO), a cell-signaling molecule, in increasing the tolerance to the pollutant and the phytoremediation potential of this species. Pistia stratiotes plants were exposed to four treatments: Control; Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (0.05 mg L−1); Atrazine (ATZ) (150 μg L−1) and ATZ + SNP. The plants remained under those conditions for 24 h for biochemical and physiological analysis and 3 days for the evaluation of relative growth rate. The presence of atrazine in plant cells triggered a series of biochemical and physiological damages, such as the increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species, damages to cell membranes, photosynthesis impairment, and negative carbon balance. Despite this, the plants maintained greater growth rates than other aquatic macrophytes exposed to atrazine and showed high bioconcentration and translocation factors. The addition of SNP, a NO donor, decreased the herbicide toxicity, with an increase of over 60% in the IC50 value (Inhibitor Concentration). Indeed, the NO signaling action was able to increase the tolerance of plants to atrazine, which resulted in increments in pollutant uptake and translocation, with the maintenance of overall cell (e.g. membranes) and organs (root system) structure, and the functioning of central physiological processes (e.g. photosynthesis). These factors allowed for more quickly and efficient removal of the pollutant from the environment, reducing costs, and increasing the viability of the phytoremediation process.
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•Atrazine phytoremediation was evaluated in P. stratiotes, with or without nitric oxide.•Nitric oxide addition maximized plant’s phytoremediation potential through two ways.•Increased pollutant bioconcentration and translocation but decreased its toxicity.•Maintained structure of roots and cells and the functioning of physiological processes.•Nitric oxide increases the viability of phytoremediation.
Nitric oxide decreases the toxicity of atrazine and maintains the cell structure and physiological processes of Pistia stratiotes, increasing the efficiency of phytoremediation.
The drivers and impacts of Amazon forest degradation Lapola, David M; Pinho, Patricia; Barlow, Jos ...
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science),
01/2023, Letnik:
379, Številka:
6630
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Approximately 2.5 × 10
square kilometers of the Amazon forest are currently degraded by fire, edge effects, timber extraction, and/or extreme drought, representing 38% of all remaining forests in the ...region. Carbon emissions from this degradation total up to 0.2 petagrams of carbon per year (Pg C year
), which is equivalent to, if not greater than, the emissions from Amazon deforestation (0.06 to 0.21 Pg C year
). Amazon forest degradation can reduce dry-season evapotranspiration by up to 34% and cause as much biodiversity loss as deforestation in human-modified landscapes, generating uneven socioeconomic burdens, mainly to forest dwellers. Projections indicate that degradation will remain a dominant source of carbon emissions independent of deforestation rates. Policies to tackle degradation should be integrated with efforts to curb deforestation and complemented with innovative measures addressing the disturbances that degrade the Amazon forest.
As it is the case in all animal food production systems, it is often necessary to treat farmed fish for diseases and parasites. Quite frequently, fish farmers still rely on the aggressive use of ...copper to control bacterial infections and infestations by ecto-parasites, and to manage the spread of diseases. The susceptibility of the neotropical fish Rhamdia quelen to copper was here evaluated at different waterborne copper concentrations (2, 7 or 11μgCuL−1) for 96h, through a multi biomarkers approach. Liver histopathological findings revealed leukocyte infiltration, hepatocyte vacuolization and areas of necrosis, causing raised levels of lesions upon exposure to 7 and 11μgCuL−1. Decreased occurrence of free melano-macrophages and increased densities of melano-macrophage centers were noted upon exposure to 11μgCuL−1. Gills showed damages on their secondary lamellae already at 2μgCuL−1; hypertrophy and loss of the microridges of pavement cells at 7 and 11μgL−1, and increased in chloride cell (CC) apical surface area (4.9-fold) and in CC density (1.5-fold) at 11μgCuL−1. In the liver, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx) and glutathione concentration (GSH) remained unchanged, compared to the control group. However, there was inhibition of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) at all copper concentrations tested. Glutathione reductase activity (GR) was reduced and levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were increased at 11μgCuL−1. Glutathione S-transferase activity (GST) at 7μgCuL−1 and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) at both 7 and 11μgCuL−1 were reduced. However, copper exposure did not alter brain and muscle acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Osmoregulatory function was also disturbed, in agreement with the above-mentioned changes noted in the gills, as detected by plasma osmolality reduction in the group exposed to 11μgCuL−1, and plasma chloride reduction at 2μgCuL−1. These concentrations also, coherently, lead to inhibition of branchial carbonic anhydrase activity. In the kidney, increased carbonic anhydrase activity was measured in the groups exposed to 2 and 7μgCuL−1. When these effects are compared to data available in the literature for other freshwater fish, also for 96h of exposure, R. quelen appears as a relatively sensitive species. In addition, the concentrations employed here were quite low in comparison to levels used for disease control in real culture practices (ranging from 4μgCuL−1 used against bacteria to 6000μgCuL−1 against fungal infections). We can conclude that the concentrations frequently employed in aquaculture are in fact not safe enough for this species. Such data are essential for the questioning and establishment of new policies to the sector.
► The susceptibility of the fish Rhamdia quelen to copper was evaluated/ R. quelen was shown to be a relatively sensitive species. ► Exposure to copper induces biochemical, morphological, and physiological effects. ► Concentrations frequently employed in aquaculture are in fact not safe enough.
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