Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in northern sloth from Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUND The parasite Giardia duodenalis infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Giardia is genotyped into eight assemblages (A-H). Zoonotic assemblages A and B have already been identified in humans and wild and domestic animals (non-human primates and cats) from Brazilian Amazon and in the world. Due to its zoonotic/zooanthroponotic nature, surveillance initiatives and the definition of Giardia assemblages are important in order to characterise the epidemiological scenario and to implement further control measures. OBJECTIVES Determine assemblages of G. duodenalis in sloths from the Brazilian Amazon Region. METHODS Faecal parasitological examination of sloths from Amazonas State. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the beta giardin (BG), and genes from multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. FINDINGS Here, we identified, by microscopy, Giardia in two northern sloths (Bradypus tridactylus). These two samples were submitted to molecular assays and it was revealed that both were infected by G. duodenalis assemblage A. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they belong to assemblage A within sequences from humans and wild and domestic animals. CONCLUSION Therefore, besides showing, by the first time, the current presence of this parasite in sloths, our findings reveals that this wild animal species would be part of the zoonotic/zooanthroponotic scenario of this parasite in the Brazilian Amazon.

Unveiling the genome of a high-risk pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae emerging in the Brazilian Amazon Region, 2022

BACKGROUND Pandrug-resistant (PDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae has been reported sporadically in many countries and remains rare in Brazil. OBJECTIVES This study unravelled the genetic determinants involved with the PDR background of a clinical ST11 K. pneumoniae recovered in the Brazilian Amazon Region, where K. pneumoniae genomic and epidemiological information is scarce. METHODS Kp196 was submitted to the antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disk-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. The whole genome sequencing was obtained and the sequence type was determined by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Its intrinsic and acquired resistome was assessed by Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and comparison with wild-type genes. FINDINGS The analyses revealed that Kp196 belonged to the pandemic ST11 and presented the PDR phenotype. Its acquired resistome was composed of a huge set of clinically relevant resistance determinants, including bla CTX-M-15 and bla NDM-1, all found in the vicinity of mobile platforms. Considering its intrinsic resistome, the multidrug resistance, especially to colistin, tigecycline and fluoroquinolones, was multifactorial and attributed to modifications (indels, missense mutations, and gene disruption) in several housekeeping genes (arnT/phoQ/mgrB/ramR/acrB/gyrA/parC/ompK35-36-37). The Kp196 intrinsic resistome was also observed in a ST11 environmental strain, although harbouring distinct acquired resistomes. CONCLUSIONS An accumulation of different resistance mechanisms regarding the intrinsic resistome accounts for a more stable resistome, strongly contributing to the Kp196 PDR phenotype.

Heavy metal resistance in the Yanomami and Tunapuco microbiome

BACKGROUND The Amazon Region hosts invaluable and unique biodiversity as well as mineral resources. Consequently, large illegal and artisanal gold mining areas exist in indigenous territories. Mercury has been used in gold mining, and some has been released into the environment and atmosphere, primarily affecting indigenous people such as the Yanomami. In addition, other heavy metals have been associated with gold mining and other metal-dispersing activities in the region. OBJECTIVE Investigate the gut microbiome of two semi-isolated groups from the Amazon, focusing on metal resistance. METHODS Metagenomic data from the Yanomami and Tunapuco gut microbiome were assembled into contigs, and their putative proteins were searched against a database of metal resistance proteins. FINDINGS Proteins associated with mercury resistance were exclusive in the Yanomami, while proteins associated with silver resistance were exclusive in the Tunapuco. Both groups share 77 non-redundant metal resistance (MR) proteins, mostly associated with multi-MR and operons with potential resistance to arsenic, nickel, zinc, copper, copper/silver, and cobalt/nickel. Although both groups harbour operons related to copper resistance, only the Tunapuco group had the pco operon. CONCLUSION The Yanomami and Tunapuco gut microbiome shows that these people have been exposed directly or indirectly to distinct scenarios concerning heavy metals.

Intervenções não farmacológicas implementadas por enfermeiros no controlo da dor em cuidados paliativos: protocolo scoping review / Non-pharmacological pain-relief interventions implemented by nurses in palliative care: scoping review protocol

Objetivo: Identificar e mapear a evidência científica existente no âmbito das intervenções não farmacológicas implementadas por enfermeiros, com o objetivo de proporcionar controlo da dor, da pessoa em situação paliativa. Metodologia: Protocolo de Scoping review com base na metodologia proposta pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Na pesquisa e identificação dos estudos, serão usadas as bases de dados eletrónicas MEDLINE (via Pubmed), CINAHL Complete (via EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scielo, JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, Scopus. Adicionalmente, a pesquisa de estudos não publicados incluirá o Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP) e o OpenGrey. A estratégia de pesquisa abrangerá todos os artigos publicados em português, espanhol e inglês, nos últimos 5 anos. Resultados: Os resultados serão apresentados em formato narrativo, recorrendo a tabelas, de acordo com o objetivo, foco e questão de revisão. O mapeamento das intervenções não farmacológicas implementadas por enfermeiros, no âmbito do controlo da dor, irá contribuir para a disseminação da evidência disponível. Conclusão: Espera-se que a presente scoping review contribua para a análise crítica das intervenções não farmacológicas implementadas pelos enfermeiros neste âmbito, dado o potencial impacte destas no controlo da dor e na qualidade dos cuidados prestados.

Objetivo: Identificar y mapear la evidencia científica existente en el ámbito de las intervenciones no farmacológicas implementadas por enfermeras, con el objetivo de proporcionar el control del dolor a la persona en situación paliativa. Método: Protocolo de scoping review, según la metodología de Instituto Joanna Briggs. En la estrategia de investigación e identificación de estudios, se utilizarán las bases de datos electrónicas CINAHL Complete (vía EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (vía Pubmed), Registro Cochrane Central de Ensayos Controlados, Base de Datos Cochrane de Revisiones Sistemáticas, Scielo, JBI Library of Systematic Reviews. Scopus. A su vez, la búsqueda de estudios inéditos incluirá el Repositorio Científico de Acceso Abierto de Portugal (RCAAP) y OpenGrey. La estrategia de búsqueda incluirá todos los artículos publicados en portugués, español e inglés en los últimos 5 años. Resultados: Los resultados se presentarán en formato narrativo, mediante tablas, de acuerdo con el objetivo, enfoque y pregunta de revisión. El mapeo de las intervenciones no farmacológicas, en el ámbito del control del dolor, contribuirá para la difusión de la evidencia disponible. Conclusión: Se espera que la presente revisión contribuya para el análisis crítico de las intervenciones no farmacológicas en esta área, dado el potencial impacto de estas en el control del dolor y en la cualidad de los cuidados prestados.

Aim: To identify and map the existing scientific evidence within the scope of non-pharmacological interventions implemented by nurses with the objective of providing pain relief to the people in a palliative situation. Method: This study followed the scoping review protocol based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. In regard to the research strategy and identification of studies, the following electronic databases were consulted: MEDLINE (via Pubmed), CINAHL Complete (via EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scielo, JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. In addition, the search for unpublished studies included the Scientific Repository for Open Access of Portugal (RCAAP) and OpenGrey. The research strategy included all the articles published in Portuguese, Spanish and English in the last 5 years. Results: Following the main objective, focus and research question, the results will be presented in a narrative format, using tables. The mapping of the non-pharmacological interventions implemented by nurses focused on pain relief will contribute to the dissemination of the available evidence. Conclusion: It is expected that the present scoping review will contribute to the critical analysis of non-pharmacological interventions implemented by nurses in this area given the potential impact of these on pain relief and the quality of care provided.

Mycolicibacterium fortuitum genomic epidemiology, resistome and virulome

BACKGROUND Mycolicibacterium fortuitum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with human and animal infection worldwide. Studies concerning this species are mainly represented by case reports, some of them addressing drug susceptibility with a focus on a specific geographic region, so there is a gap in relation to the global epidemiological scenario. OBJECTIVES We aimed determine the global epidemiological scenario of M. fortuitum and analyse its traits associated with pathogenicity. METHODS Based on publicly available genomes of M. fortuitum and a genome from Brazil (this study), we performed a genomic epidemiology analysis and in silico and in vitro characterisation of the resistome and virulome of this species. FINDINGS Three main clusters were defined, one including isolates from the environment, human and animal infections recovered over nearly a century. An apparent intrinsic resistome comprises mechanisms associated with macrolides, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and antitubercular drugs such as rifampin. Besides, the virulome presented Type VII secretion systems (T7SS), including ESX-1, ESX-3, ESX-4 and ESX-4-bis, some of which play a role on the virulence of Mycobacteriaceae species. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Here, M. fortuitum was revealed as a reservoir of an expressive intrinsic resistome, as well as a virulome that may contribute to its success as a global opportunist pathogen.

Giardiasis in urban and rural Amazonas, Brazil is driven by zoonotic and cosmopolitan A and B assemblages

BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and other mammals and causes giardiasis worldwide. Giardia is genotyped into eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B considered zoonotic. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the assemblages of G. duodenalis from individuals living in rural and urban areas of the Amazonas State. METHODS 103 human faecal specimens microscopically positive for the presence of Giardia obtained from four municipalities in Amazonas and four animal faecal specimens were genotyped based on the sequences of two genes, triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) and β-giardin (BG). FINDINGS In humans, assemblage A was the most represented with the identification of sub-assemblages AI, AII and AIII based on BG and sub-assemblages AI and AII based on TPI. Similarly, there is a diversity of sub-assemblage B considering BG (B and BIII) and TPI (B, BIII and BIV). In addition, we characterised homogeneous and heterogeneous genotypes comprising assemblages/sub-assemblages A and B in individuals from urban and rural areas. Here, for the first time, it was genotyped Giardia that infects animals from the Brazilian Amazon region. We identified sub-assemblage AI in one Ateles paniscus and two Felis catus and sub-assemblage BIV in one Lagothrix cana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, humans and animals from the urban and rural Amazon share Giardia genotypes belonging to assemblages A and B, which are found in cosmopolitan regions around the world.

Oficina "MemorIdade": impactos na cognição e queixa de memória em idosos de um Centro de Convivência / Cognitive stimulation "MemorIdade": impacts on cognition and subjective memory complaint in the elderly of a Senior Center / Taller "MemorIdade": impactos en las quejas de cognición y memoria en personas mayores en un Centro Comunitario

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos promovidos por uma oficina de memória na cognição e queixa subjetiva de memória, em idosos de um Centro de Convivência. Dez idosos participaram da oficina, que constou de nove encontros semanais que abordaram diversos aspectos, com foco na memória episódica, operacional, e na linguagem. Foi observada melhora significativa nos domínios cognitivos memória e linguagem após a oficina, bem como aumento das queixas subjetivas de memória.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects promoted by a cognitive stimulation program on cognition and subjective memory complaint in elderly people of a Senior Center. Ten elderly people participated in the program, which consisted of nine weekly meetings that addressed several aspects, focusing on episodic and operational memory, and language. Significant improvement in memory and language cognitive domains after the workshop was observed, as well as increased subjective complaints of memory.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos promovidos por un taller de memoria sobre cognición y quejas de memoria subjetiva en personas mayores en un Centro Comunitario. Diez personas mayores participaron en el taller, que consistió en nueve reuniones semanales que abordaron diversos aspectos, centrándose en la memoria episódica, operativa y del lenguaje. Se observó una mejora significativa en los dominios cognitivos de memoria y lenguaje después del taller, así como un aumento en las quejas de memoria subjetiva.

Exploring tRNA gene cluster in archaea

BACKGROUND Shared traits between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are helpful in the understanding of the tree of life evolution. In bacteria and eukaryotes, it has been shown a particular organisation of tRNA genes as clusters, but this trait has not been explored in the archaea domain. OBJECTIVE Explore the occurrence of tRNA gene clusters in archaea. METHODS In-silico analyses of complete and draft archaeal genomes based on tRNA gene isotype and synteny, tRNA gene cluster content and mobilome elements. FINDINGS We demonstrated the prevalence of tRNA gene clusters in archaea. tRNA gene clusters, composed of archaeal-type tRNAs, were identified in two Archaea class, Halobacteria and Methanobacteria from Euryarchaeota supergroup. Genomic analyses also revealed evidence of the association between tRNA gene clusters to mobile genetic elements and intra-domain horizontal gene transfer. MAIN CONCLUSIONS tRNA gene cluster occurs in the three domains of life, suggesting a role of this type of tRNA gene organisation in the biology of the living organisms.

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection among men who have sex with men in Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first retrovirus discovered in humans and is endemic in several parts of the world. Because of risk behaviors, mainly sexual, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring HTLV-1 infection. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection, to characterize genetically HTLV-1 sequences and to identify risk behaviors associated with this infection among MSM in Central Brazil. A total of 430 MSM were enrolled in this study and three were shown to be HTLV-1 infected, prevalence of 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.4-0.9). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HTLV-1 positive samples belonged to Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup A. Although the prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection found in this study was similar to that observed among Brazilian blood donors, additional HTLV-1 preventive interventions need to be further implemented because this population is engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

Complete plasmid sequence carrying type IV-like and type VII secretion systems from an atypical mycobacteria strain

The genus Mycobacterium is highly diverse and ubiquitous in nature, comprehending fast- and slow-growing species with distinct impact in public health. The plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer represents one of the major events in bacteria evolution. Here, we report the complete sequence of a 160,489 bp circular plasmid (pCBMA213_2) from an atypical and fast-growing environmental mycobacteria. This is a unique plasmid, in comparison with the characterised mycobacteria plasmids, harboring a type IV-like and ESX-P2 type VII secretion systems. pCBMA213_2 can be further explored for evolutionary and conjugation studies as well as a tool to manipulate DNA within this bacteria genus.

Pyometra and Pregnancy with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome / Piometria e gravidez com síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich

ABSTRACT We describe a Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) patient with previous history of infertility who got pregnant without treatment and presented a pyometra in the contralateral uterus throughout the gestational period, despite multiple antibiotic treatments. Due to the uterus' congenital anomaly and the possibility of ascending infection with subsequent abortion, this pregnancy was classified as high-risk. We believe that the partial horizontal septum in the vagina may have contributed to the closure of the gravid uterus cervix, thus ensuring that the pregnancy came to term, with an uneventful vaginal delivery.

RESUMO Os autores descrevem uma paciente com síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (SHWW) e história prévia de infertilidade, que engravidou espontaneamente. Durante todo o período gestacional apresentou, apesar da instituição de antibioticoterapia, um piometra localizado ao útero não gravídico. Devido à anomalia congênita uterina e ao risco de infeção ascendente, com possível desfecho obstétrico desfavorável, esta gravidez foi classificada de alto risco. O septo vaginal horizontal e parcial poderá ter contribuído para ausência de disseminação da infecção, permitindo que a gravidez tenha chegado a termo, com um parto vaginal, sem intercorrências.

Genome-wide analyses of HTLV-1aD strains from Cape Verde, Africa

We characterised and reported the first full-length genomes of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 subgroup HTLV-1aD (CV21 and CV79). This subgroup is one of the major determinants of HTLV-1 infections in North and West Africa, and recombinant strains involving this subgroup have been recently demonstrated. The CV21 and CV79 strains from Cape Verde/Africa were characterised as pure HTLV-1aD genomes, comparative analyses including HTLV-1 subtypes and subgroups revealed HTLV-1aD signatures in the envelope, pol, and pX regions. These genomes provide original information that will contribute to further studies on HTLV-1a epidemiology and evolution.

Effects of environment, dietary regime and ageing on the dengue vector microbiota: evidence of a core microbiota throughout Aedes aegypti lifespan

Abstract Mosquito midgut microbiota is a key component of vector competence, as gut bacteria can disturb pathogen development. In this study, we addressed the microbiota composition of Aedes aegypti during its lifespan, under field conditions. We also investigated the possible effects of environment, dietary regime and ageing on the gut community composition. We employed culture independent and dependent approaches to characterise vector microbiota. There was evidence of a lifelong stable core microbiota after mosquitoes were released into an urban settlement, where they presumably fed on a range of vertebrate hosts and carbohydrate sources. This core was formed mainly of bacteria belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas and Stenotrophomonas and to the families Oxalobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Comamonadaceae. We showed that both dietary regime and age were associated with the abundance of some bacterial groups in the Ae. aegypti microbiota. The majority of the bacterial groups we identified have been detected in the midgut of Ae. aegypti from laboratory and wild populations, indicating a possible core microbiota associated with this mosquito species. Our findings suggest that Ae. aegypti harbours a stable bacterial community during its adult life, similar to mosquito populations from distinct geographic areas, which may be further explored for arbovirus biocontrol strategies.

Phylogenetic analyses of chikungunya virus among travelers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2014-2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that emerged in Brazil by late 2014. In the country, two CHIKV foci characterized by the East/Central/South Africa and Asian genotypes, were established in North and Northeast regions. We characterized, by phylogenetic analyses of full and partial genomes, CHIKV from Rio de Janeiro state (2014-2015). These CHIKV strains belong to the Asian genotype, which is the determinant of the current Northern Brazilian focus, even though the genome sequence presents particular single nucleotide variations. This study provides the first genetic characterisation of CHIKV in Rio de Janeiro and highlights the potential impact of human mobility in the spread of an arthropod-borne virus.

Genomic analysis of a nontoxigenic, invasive Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain from Brazil

We report the complete genome sequence and analysis of an invasive Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain that caused endocarditis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was selected for sequencing on the basis of the current relevance of nontoxigenic strains for public health. The genomic information was explored in the context of diversity, plasticity and genetic relatedness with other contemporary strains.

Parvovirus B19 1A complete genome from a fatal case in Brazil

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infects individuals worldwide and is associated with an ample range of pathologies and clinical manifestations. B19V is classified into three distinct genotypes, all identified in Brazil. Here, we report a complete sequence of a B19V genotype 1A that was obtained by high-throughput metagenomic sequencing. This genome provides information that will contribute to the studies on B19V epidemiology and evolution.

Complete genome sequence of a clinical Bordetella pertussis isolate from Brazil

There has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases in Brazil and around the world. Here, the genome of a clinical Bordetella pertussis strain (Bz181) that was recently isolated in Brazil is reported. Analysis of the virulence-associated genes defining the pre- and post-vaccination lineages revealed the presence of the prn2-ptxS1A-fim3B-ptxP3 allelic profile in Bz181, which is characteristic of the current pandemic lineage. A putative metallo-β-lactamase gene presenting all of the conserved zinc-binding motifs that characterise the catalytic site was identified, in addition to a multidrug efflux pump of the RND family that could confer resistance to erythromycin, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating pertussis disease.

Moderadores do impacto de percepções de responsabilidade social das empresas no comprometimento organizacional: um estudo no setor cerâmico português / Moderators of the impact of corporate social responsibility perceptions on organizational commitment: a portuguese ceramic sector study

Na presente investigação pretendeu-se esclarecer o papel de variáveis individuais (gênero e idade) e profissionais (antiguidade e função) dos colaboradores na relação entre as suas percepções de responsabilidade social das empresas (RSE) e os níveis de comprometimento organizacional, na sua dimensão pessoal (CP), exibidos pelos mesmos. Uma amostra de 289 colaboradores de 13 empresas portuguesas do setor cerâmico respondeu ao Questionário de Responsabilidade Social das Empresas (Inverno e Rebelo, 2008) e ao Questionário de Comprometimento Organizacional (ASH-II) (Quijano, Aparício, Bonavia, Masip, Navarro e Ruiz, 1999). Com vista a testar o efeito moderador das variáveis mencionadas, foram utilizadas regressões hierárquicas. Os resultados sugerem que o gênero e a função moderam o impacto de percepções de RSE, na sua dimensão externa, no comprometimento pessoal. Contrariamente ao esperado, nem a antiguidade, nem a idade dos colaboradores moderaram a relação entre as duas variáveis.

In the present research, we intended to clarify the role of individual (gender and age) and professional variables (workers' tenure and job) of the workers in the relationship between their corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions and the levels of organizational commitment, in its personal dimension (PC), expressed by them. A sample of 289 workers from 13 Portuguese ceramic companies filled out the Corporate Social Responsibility Questionnaire (Inverno & Rebelo, 2008) and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (ASH-II) (Quijano, Aparício, Bonavia, Masip, Navarro & Ruiz, 1999). With the purpose of testing the moderator effect of the variables aforesaid, hierarchical regressions were conducted. The results point out that gender and job moderate the impact of CSR perceptions, in its external dimension, on personal commitment. Contrary to our expectations, neither workers' tenure, nor their age, revealed to moderate the relationship between CSR and personal commitment.