Experiences of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in Brazil: a qualitative study of people with dementia and their caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of investment in psychosocial treatments for people with dementia in Brazil. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a group-based intervention that has shown to have benefits on activities of daily living and mood for people with dementia in Brazil. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceived changes following CST groups. METHODS: Individual interviews were conducted with the participants of the group (n = 12) and their caregivers (n = 11). Framework analysis was used to inspect the data. RESULTS: Two main themes have emerged: 'Personal benefits of being part of the group', containing two subthemes: 'Benefits for caregivers' and 'Benefits for person with dementia' and 'Day-to-day changes', containing seven subthemes; 'Memory', Sociability', 'Language', 'Mood', 'Orientation', 'Everyday activities' and 'Behavioural and psychological symptoms'. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that CST groups led to perceived personal benefits for the people with dementia and caregivers and that there are perceived changes for the participants of the groups.

Tracking demands for seeking psychological help before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quanti-qualitative study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burdens on individuals and communities around the world. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the virus has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities with low income and socioeconomic status.ObjectiveTo shed light on the consequences of the pandemic on individuals from minorities and low-income areas, we investigate the main reasons that led patients who were referred to a social clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro to seek psychological treatment before (2019) and during the pandemic (2020 and 2021).MethodsWe conducted a quanti-qualitative study with a lexical analysis that evaluated 549 complaint forms of patients seeking treatment in these two distinct periods. Our analyses included descending hierarchical analysis (DHA) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA).ResultsFamily dynamics and communication factors play a dominant role in the reason for seeking therapy and psychological treatment. Additionally, our study suggested an increase in anxiety and panic attacks among other mental health issues associated with grief and losses during the pandemic years.ConclusionBased on these analyses, we can begin to identify a few changes in the main demand and redirection of complaints of patients during the period of COVID-19.

Tracking demands for seeking psychological help before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quanti-qualitative study

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burdens on individuals and communities around the world. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the virus has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities with low income and socioeconomic status. Objective To shed light on the consequences of the pandemic on individuals from minorities and low-income areas, we investigate the main reasons that led patients who were referred to a social clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro to seek psychological treatment before (2019) and during the pandemic (2020 and 2021). Methods We conducted a quanti-qualitative study with a lexical analysis that evaluated 549 complaint forms of patients seeking treatment in these two distinct periods. Our analyses included descending hierarchical analysis (DHA) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA). Results Family dynamics and communication factors play a dominant role in the reason for seeking therapy and psychological treatment. Additionally, our study suggested an increase in anxiety and panic attacks among other mental health issues associated with griefand losses during the pandemic years. Conclusion Based on these analyses, we can begin to identify a few changes in the main demand and redirection of complaints of patients during the period of COVID-19.

Gender Disparity in First and Senior Authorship in Brazilian Cardiology Journals. / Disparidade de Gênero na Autoria Principal e Sênior em Periódicos Brasileiros de Cardiologia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of women in clinical research, no assessment has been made of the fraction of women in a leadership positions in the Cardiology journals of the SBC. OBJECTIVES: To assess the fraction of female authors in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences (IJCS) and the Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol) over the last decades. METHODS: We searched the original articles of the ABC Cardiol, from 2000 to 2019, and of the IJCS, from 2010 to 2019. We surveyed the number of first and senior female authors and the total number of original articles from 2010 to 2019. We calculated the total proportion of female authorship and compared the first quinquennium with the second. Only data from the ABC Cardiol were analyzed to assess the temporal evolution of the two decades. We used the chi-square test to assess the differences within each journal and between them. The IBM® SPSS® software was used in the analyses. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, 1,157 original articles were published in the ABC Cardiol and 398 in the IJCS. We observed that women are more prevalent as first authors in the IJCS compared to the ABC Cardiol, but men prevail as senior authors in both journals. From 2010 to 2019, there was no significant change in the proportion of female authorship. Throughout the decades analyzed for the ABC Cardiol, there was a projection of linear growth of female authorship, with the slope of the line being greater in the first authorship than in senior authorship. CONCLUSIONS: There is gender disparity, with lower female representativeness in authorship in the articles from the Brazilian Cardiology journals analyzed: Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia and International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. We believe that based on these results, more efforts should be implemented in the search for gender equity in the cardiology scientific production published by these journals.

FUNDAMENTO: Apesar da importância das mulheres na pesquisa clínica, não existe uma avaliação da fração de mulheres em posições de autoria nos periódicos de cardiologia da SBC. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a fração de mulheres autoras na International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences (IJCS) e nos Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol) nas últimas décadas. MÉTODOS: Realizamos busca dos artigos originais dos ABC Cardiol, entre 2000 e 2019, e da IJCS, entre 2010 e 2019. Foi feito levantamento do número de primeiras e últimas autoras e do total de artigos originais de 2010 a 2019. Calculamos as proporções totais de autorias femininas e comparamos o primeiro quinquênio com o segundo. Para avaliar a evolução temporal das duas décadas, analisamos apenas dados dos ABC Cardiol. Utilizamos o teste Qui-quadrado para analisar as diferenças dentro de cada revista e entre ambas. O software IBM® SPSS® foi utilizado nas análises. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: De 2010 a 2019, foram publicados 1157 artigos originais nos ABC Cardiol e 398 na IJCS. Observamos que as mulheres têm maior predominância como primeiras autoras na IJCS em relação aos ABC Cardiol, mas os homens predominam como últimos autores em ambos. De 2010 a 2019, não houve modificação significativa na proporção de autorias femininas. Ao longo das décadas analisadas para os ABC Cardiol, houve projeção de crescimento linear de autorias femininas, sendo que a inclinação da reta é maior na projeção da primeira autoria que na autoria sênior. CONCLUSÕES: Há disparidade de gênero com menor representatividade feminina nas autorias dos artigos dos periódicos cardiológicos brasileiros analisados: Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia e International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. Acreditamos que a partir destes resultados mais esforços devam ser implementados em busca de equidade de gênero na produção científica cardiológica veiculada por estes periódicos.

Disparidade de Gênero na Autoria Principal e Sênior em Periódicos Brasileiros de Cardiologia / Gender Disparity in First and Senior Authorship in Brazilian Cardiology Journals

Resumo Fundamento: Apesar da importância das mulheres na pesquisa clínica, não existe uma avaliação da fração de mulheres em posições de autoria nos periódicos de cardiologia da SBC. Objetivos: Avaliar a fração de mulheres autoras na International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences (IJCS) e nos Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol) nas últimas décadas. Métodos: Realizamos busca dos artigos originais dos ABC Cardiol, entre 2000 e 2019, e da IJCS, entre 2010 e 2019. Foi feito levantamento do número de primeiras e últimas autoras e do total de artigos originais de 2010 a 2019. Calculamos as proporções totais de autorias femininas e comparamos o primeiro quinquênio com o segundo. Para avaliar a evolução temporal das duas décadas, analisamos apenas dados dos ABC Cardiol. Utilizamos o teste Qui-quadrado para analisar as diferenças dentro de cada revista e entre ambas. O software IBM® SPSS® foi utilizado nas análises. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: De 2010 a 2019, foram publicados 1157 artigos originais nos ABC Cardiol e 398 na IJCS. Observamos que as mulheres têm maior predominância como primeiras autoras na IJCS em relação aos ABC Cardiol, mas os homens predominam como últimos autores em ambos. De 2010 a 2019, não houve modificação significativa na proporção de autorias femininas. Ao longo das décadas analisadas para os ABC Cardiol, houve projeção de crescimento linear de autorias femininas, sendo que a inclinação da reta é maior na projeção da primeira autoria que na autoria sênior. Conclusões: Há disparidade de gênero com menor representatividade feminina nas autorias dos artigos dos periódicos cardiológicos brasileiros analisados: Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia e International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. Acreditamos que a partir destes resultados mais esforços devam ser implementados em busca de equidade de gênero na produção científica cardiológica veiculada por estes periódicos.

Abstract Background: Despite the importance of women in clinical research, no assessment has been made of the fraction of women in a leadership positions in the Cardiology journals of the SBC. Objectives: To assess the fraction of female authors in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences (IJCS) and the Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol) over the last decades. Methods: We searched the original articles of the ABC Cardiol, from 2000 to 2019, and of the IJCS, from 2010 to 2019. We surveyed the number of first and senior female authors and the total number of original articles from 2010 to 2019. We calculated the total proportion of female authorship and compared the first quinquennium with the second. Only data from the ABC Cardiol were analyzed to assess the temporal evolution of the two decades. We used the chi-square test to assess the differences within each journal and between them. The IBM® SPSS® software was used in the analyses. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: From 2010 to 2019, 1,157 original articles were published in the ABC Cardiol and 398 in the IJCS. We observed that women are more prevalent as first authors in the IJCS compared to the ABC Cardiol, but men prevail as senior authors in both journals. From 2010 to 2019, there was no significant change in the proportion of female authorship. Throughout the decades analyzed for the ABC Cardiol, there was a projection of linear growth of female authorship, with the slope of the line being greater in the first authorship than in senior authorship. Conclusions: There is gender disparity, with lower female representativeness in authorship in the articles from the Brazilian Cardiology journals analyzed: Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia and International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. We believe that based on these results, more efforts should be implemented in the search for gender equity in the cardiology scientific production published by these journals.

Structural basis for a bacterial Pip system plant effector recognition protein.

A number of plant-associated proteobacteria have LuxR family transcription factors that we refer to as PipR subfamily members. PipR proteins play roles in interactions between bacteria and their plant hosts, and some are important for bacterial virulence of plants. We identified an ethanolamine derivative, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethylamino) acetamide (HEHEAA), as a potent effector of PipR-mediated gene regulation in the plant endophyte Pseudomonas GM79. HEHEAA-dependent PipR activity requires an ATP-binding cassette-type active transport system, and the periplasmic substrate-binding protein (SBP) of that system binds HEHEAA. To begin to understand the molecular basis of PipR system responses to plant factors we crystallized a HEHEAA-responsive SBP in the free- and HEHEAA-bound forms. The SBP, which is similar to peptide-binding SBPs, was in a closed conformation. A narrow cavity at the interface of its two lobes is wide enough to bind HEHEAA, but it cannot accommodate peptides with side chains. The polar atoms of HEHEAA are recognized by hydrogen-bonding interactions, and additional SBP residues contribute to the binding site. This binding mode was confirmed by a structure-based mutational analysis. We also show that a closely related SBP from the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 does not recognize HEHEAA. However, a single amino acid substitution in the presumed effector-binding pocket of the P. syringae SBP converted it to a weak HEHEAA-binding protein. The P. syringae PipR depends on a plant effector for activity, and our findings imply that different PipR-associated SBPs bind different effectors.

Adolescent nutrition monitoring the Health Program in School / Acompanhamento nutricional de adolescentes no Programa Saúde na Escola

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence are important public health problems. In this context, the school has been identified as a favorable environment for carrying out health education programs. The Health at School Program and its important performance stand out. Thus, considering these discussions, they ask: How are the actions developed by the Health at School Program, focused on nutrition, being implemented?OBJECTIVE: Analyze the teenager monitoring in the School Health Program (PSE in Brazil) opposite actions to the nutritional aspects of adolescentsMETHODS: This is a descriptive, qualitative study in Juazeiro municipality North-Ce, with the subject 18 nurses of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) inserted in the PES that municipalityRESULTS: Nurses have limited assistance in the face of food practices, which implies in its operations; report having difficulty performing their actions outside the conventional health units and focus on strategies for a food menuCONCLUSION: The monitoring of adolescents in the School Health Program ahead nutritional value is still limited to preventive practices involving specific actions, limited to a Sfood education focused on the health problem and not the needs of adolescents

INTRODUÇÃO: O sobrepeso e a obesidade na infância e na adolescência constituem importantes problemas de saúde pública. Nesse contexto, a escola vem sendo apontada como um ambiente favorável para realização de programas de educação em saúde. Destaca-se o Programa Saúde na Escola e sua importante atuação. Assim, considerando essas discussões, questionam-se: Como estão sendo implementadas as ações desenvolvidas pelo Programa Saúde na Escola, voltadas para nutrição?OBJETIVO: Analisar o acompanhamento do adolescente no Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE) frente a ações voltadas para os aspectos nutricionais dos adolescentesMÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado no município de Juazeiro do Norte-Ce, tendo como sujeitos 18 enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) inseridos no PSE do referido município. Utilizou-se como técnica para coleta do material a entrevista semiestruturada e organizados seguindo a proposta da análise de conteúdoRESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se que os enfermeiros tem uma assistência limitada frente às praticas alimentares, o que implica na sua atuação; compreendem a educação em saúde na escola como intervenções pontuais e preventivista, assim como, relatam ter dificuldades em executar suas ações fora das unidades convencionais de saúde e focam em estratégias voltadas para um cardápio alimentar não na perspectiva de promover a saúde, atuando quando o problema é detectadoCONCLUSÃO: O acompanhamento dos adolescentes no Programa Saúde na Escola frente aos aspectos nutricionais ainda está limitada a práticas preventivistas, envolvendo ações pontuais, limitadas a uma educação alimentar focada no problema de saúde e não nas necessidades dos adolescentes

A plant-responsive bacterial-signaling system senses an ethanolamine derivative.

Certain plant-associated Proteobacteria sense their host environment by detecting an unknown plant signal recognized by a member of a LuxR subfamily of transcription factors. This interkingdom communication is important for both mutualistic and pathogenic interactions. The Populus root endophyte Pseudomonas sp. GM79 possesses such a regulator, named PipR. In a previous study we reported that PipR activates an adjacent gene (pipA) coding for a proline iminopeptidase in response to Populus leaf macerates and peptides and that this activation is dependent on a putative ABC-type transporter [Schaefer AL, et al. (2016) mBio 7:e01101-16]. In this study we identify a chemical derived from ethanolamine that induces PipR activity at picomolar concentrations, and we present evidence that this is the active inducer present in plant leaf macerates. First, a screen of more than 750 compounds indicated ethanolamine was a potent inducer for the PipR-sensing system; however, ethanolamine failed to bind to the periplasmic-binding protein (PBP) required for the signal response. This led us to discover that a specific ethanolamine derivative, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethylamino) acetamide (HEHEAA), binds to the PBP and serves as a potent PipR-dependent inducer. We also show that a compound, which coelutes with HEHEAA in HPLC and induces pipA gene expression in a PipR-dependent manner, can be found in Populus leaf macerates. This work sheds light on how plant-associated bacteria can sense their environment and on the nature of inducers for a family of plant-responsive LuxR-like transcription factors found in plant-associated bacteria.

An aryl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing signal produced by a dimorphic prosthecate bacterium.

Many species of Proteobacteria produce acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) compounds as quorum-sensing (QS) signals for cell density-dependent gene regulation. Most known AHL synthases, LuxI-type enzymes, produce fatty AHLs, and the fatty acid moiety is derived from an acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) intermediate in fatty acid biosynthesis. Recently, a class of LuxI homologs has been shown to use CoA-linked aromatic or amino acid substrates for AHL synthesis. By using an informatics approach, we found the CoA class of LuxI homologs exists primarily in α-Proteobacteria. The genome of Prosthecomicrobium hirschii, a dimorphic prosthecate bacterium, possesses a luxI-like AHL synthase gene that we predicted to encode a CoA-utilizing enzyme. We show the P. hirschii LuxI homolog catalyzes synthesis of phenylacetyl-homoserine lactone (PA-HSL). Our experiments show P. hirschii obtains phenylacetate from its environment and uses a CoA ligase to produce the phenylacetyl-CoA substrate for the LuxI homolog. By using an AHL degrading enzyme, we showed that PA-HSL controls aggregation, biofilm formation, and pigment production in P. hirschii These findings advance a limited understanding of the CoA-dependent AHL synthases. We describe how to identify putative members of the class, we describe a signal synthesized by using an environmental aromatic acid, and we identify phenotypes controlled by the aryl-HSL.

Álcool e drogas na adolescência: processo de trabalho no programa saúde na escola / Alcohol and drugs in adolescence: work process in health in school program

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is characterized as a transition period between childhood and adult life that imposes great physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes. During that period, the adolescent is exposed and vulnerable to the consumption of alcohol and drugs, and has been an scenery where nurses who works in the School Health Programs (SHP) interact with them. In this sense, the interaction between education and health can influence adolescents to become questioners of the risks they are exposed and look together for better options to improve their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the perception and health practices of Nurses working in the School Health Programs of prevention of alcohol and drugs during adolescence. METHODS: This is a descriptive and qualitative study carried out in the city of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil, with 18 nurses participating in the SHP, who implement actions with adolescents in schools. The data collection took place through a semi structured interview and their organization through thematic analysis. : The participants affirmed that the importance of their actions and work is directed to prevent the use of alcohol and drugs among adolescents, excluding the precepts of health promotion. They pointed out that the interaction between education and health is characterized as an effective strategy in the prevention of damages caused by the use of alcohol and drugs, emphasizing the participation of family members during the process of elaboration, application and continuity. It was also evidenced that the educational practices are performed mostly through lectures, characterizing a work centred on clinical, individual and curative practice. CONCLUSION: Nurses understand that the interaction between health and education is an effective strategy to prevent the use of alcohol and drugs in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of family participation in the process of construction and support of this context. However, it is possible to identify that the actions developed by these professionals are still restricted to modify some behaviours such as to improve their willing of sharing new knowledge.

INTRODUÇÃO: A adolescência é caracterizada como um período de transição no desenvolvimento entre a infância e a vida adulta que impõe grandes mudanças físicas, cognitivas e psicossociais. Frente a isso, o adolescente encontra-se exposto e vulnerável ao consumo de álcool e drogas, que tem sido um meio para a atuação do enfermeiro através do Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE). Nesse sentido, a interação entre educação e saúde pode influenciar os adolescentes a tornarem-se questionadores dos riscos a que estão expostos e alcançar em conjunto, uma melhor qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Analisar a percepção e práticas de saúde dos Enfermeiros atuantes no Programa Saúde na Escola, frente ao uso de álcool e drogas na adolescência. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo realizado no município de Juazeiro do Norte, CE, tendo como participantes 18 enfermeiros atuantes no PSE. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada e a organização por meio de análise temática. RESULTADOS: Os participantes afirmaram que a importância de sua atuação está voltada para ações de prevenção ao uso de álcool e drogas entre adolescentes, excluindo os preceitos da promoção da saúde. Apontaram que a interação entre educação e saúde se caracteriza como estratégia eficaz na prevenção de danos causados pelo uso de álcool e drogas, ressaltando a participação dos familiares durante o processo de elaboração, aplicação e continuidade. Ainda evidenciou-se que as práticas educativas são realizadas em sua maioria através de palestras, caracterizando um trabalho centrado na prática clínica, individual e curativa. CONCLUSÃO: Os enfermeiros compreendem que a interação entre saúde e educação consiste em uma estratégia eficaz na prevenção do uso de álcool e drogas no público adolescente, ressaltando a importância da participação dos familiares no processo de construção e apoio deste contexto. Porém, é possível identificar que as ações desenvolvidas por esses profissionais ainda se restringem a modificação de comportamentos inadequados, sem o compartilhamento de novos conhecimentos.

A LuxR Homolog in a Cottonwood Tree Endophyte That Activates Gene Expression in Response to a Plant Signal or Specific Peptides.

UNLABELLED: Homologs of the LuxR acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signal receptor are prevalent in Proteobacteria isolated from roots of the Eastern cottonwood tree, Populus deltoides Many of these isolates possess an orphan LuxR homolog, closely related to OryR from the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae OryR does not respond to AHL signals but, instead, responds to an unknown plant compound. We discovered an OryR homolog, PipR, in the cottonwood endophyte Pseudomonas sp. strain GM79. The genes adjacent to pipR encode a predicted ATP-binding cassette (ABC) peptide transporter and peptidases. We purified the putative peptidases, PipA and AapA, and confirmed their predicted activities. A transcriptional pipA-gfp reporter was responsive to PipR in the presence of plant leaf macerates, but it was not influenced by AHLs, similar to findings with OryR. We found that PipR also responded to protein hydrolysates to activate pipA-gfp expression. Among many peptides tested, the tripeptide Ser-His-Ser showed inducer activity but at relatively high concentrations. An ABC peptide transporter mutant failed to respond to leaf macerates, peptone, or Ser-His-Ser, while peptidase mutants expressed higher-than-wild-type levels of pipA-gfp in response to any of these signals. Our studies are consistent with a model where active transport of a peptidelike signal is required for the signal to interact with PipR, which then activates peptidase gene expression. The identification of a peptide ligand for PipR sets the stage to identify plant-derived signals for the OryR family of orphan LuxR proteins. IMPORTANCE: We describe the transcription factor PipR from a Pseudomonas strain isolated as a cottonwood tree endophyte. PipR is a member of the LuxR family of transcriptional factors. LuxR family members are generally thought of as quorum-sensing signal receptors, but PipR is one of an emerging subfamily of LuxR family members that respond to compounds produced by plants. We found that PipR responds to a peptidelike compound, and we present a model for Pip system signal transduction. A better understanding of plant-responsive LuxR homologs and the compounds to which they respond is of general importance, as they occur in dozens of bacterial species that are associated with economically important plants and, as we report here, they also occur in members of certain root endophyte communities.

Burkholderia dipogonis sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Dipogon lignosus in New Zealand and Western Australia.

Seven strains, ICMP 19430T, ICMP 19429, ICMP 19431, WSM4637, WSM4638, WSM4639 and WSM4640, were isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots of the invasive South African legume Dipogon lignosus (subfamily Papilionoideae, tribe Phaseoleae) in New Zealand and Western Australia, and their taxonomic positions were investigated by using a polyphasic approach. All seven strains grew at 10-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and with 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum growth in the absence of NaCl). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strains showed 99.0-99.5 % sequence similarity to the closest type strain, Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJNT, and 98.4-99.7 % sequence similarity to Burkholderia caledonica LMG 19076T. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (21.0 % of the total fatty acids in strain ICMP 19430T), C16 : 0 (19.1 %), C17 : 0 cyclo (18.9 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 10.7 %) and C19 : 0 cyclov ω8c (7.5 %). The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized aminophospholipids and phospholipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content of strain ICMP 19430T was 63.2 mol%. The DNA­DNA relatedness of the novel strains with respect to the closest neighbouring members of the genus Burkholderia was 55 % or less. On the basis of 16S rRNA and recA gene sequence similarities and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data,these strains represent a novel symbiotic species in the genus Burkholderia, for which the name Burkholderia dipogonis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain ICMP 19430T (=LMG28415T=HAMBI 3637T).

Plant-Influenced Gene Expression in the Rice Endophyte Burkholderia kururiensis M130.

Burkholderia kururiensis M130 is one of the few rice endophytic diazotrophic bacteria identified thus far which is able to enhance growth of rice. To date, very little is known of how strain M130 and other endophytes enter and colonize plants. Here, we identified genes of strain M130 that are differentially regulated in the presence of rice plant extract. A genetic screening of a promoter probe transposon mutant genome bank and RNAseq analysis were performed. The screening of 10,100 insertions of the genomic transposon reporter library resulted in the isolation of 61 insertions displaying differential expression in response to rice macerate. The RNAseq results validated this screen and indicated that this endophytic bacterium undergoes major changes in the presence of plant extract regulating 27.7% of its open reading frames. A large number of differentially expressed genes encode membrane transporters and secretion systems, indicating that the exchange of molecules is an important aspect of bacterial endophytic growth. Genes related to motility, chemotaxis, and adhesion were also overrepresented, further suggesting plant­bacteria interaction. This work highlights the potential close signaling taking place between plants and bacteria and helps us to begin to understand the adaptation of an endophyte in planta.

Immunity to the Staphylococcus aureus leaderless four-peptide bacteriocin aureocin A70 is conferred by AurI, an integral membrane protein.

Aureocin A70, which is produced by Staphylococcus aureus A70, is the only four-component bacteriocin described thus far. The genetic determinants responsible for its production are arranged as three transcriptional units encoded by the 7.9-kb plasmid pRJ6. While the transcriptional unit formed by the genes aurABCD encodes the bacteriocin structural peptides, a second divergent gene, aurT, codes for an ABC transporter involved in bacteriocin externalization. The third transcriptional unit is composed of two genes, orfAB, whose functions were hitherto unknown. RT-PCR analysis of orfAB expression revealed that they are arranged as an operon. When orfAB, either with or without the transcriptional terminator found downstream of orfB, was expressed in two different S. aureus strains sensitive to aureocin A70, all strains became immune to this bacteriocin. Cloning of orfB alone, with or without the transcriptional terminator, confirmed orfB participation in immunity, although full immunity was not observed. An increase in immunity was achieved when two copies of orfB were cloned oriented with the exogenous Plac promoter present in the expression vector pT181mcs. orfB (here referred to as aurI) was shown to be responsible for aureocin A70 immunity, but the full immunity phenotype seems to depend on translational coupling involving orfA, which encodes a putative transcriptional regulator, and aurI.

Auditoria do Sistema Único de Saúde: um estudo de caso do componente estadual de auditoria de Pernambuco (CEA/SUS/PE), 2010 – 2013 / Audit of the Unified Health System: a case study of the state audit component of Pernambuco (CEA/SUS/PE), 2010 - 2013

A auditoria é uma ferramenta que visa à melhoria da qualidade da gestão e responsabilização da política. Este estudo de caso objetivou analisar o CEA/SUS/PE, segundo suas características operacionais e percepção dos seus auditores, no período de 2010-2013. A abordagem utilizada foi quali-quantitativa, com a aplicação da Tríade de Donabedian na organização das categorias e da estatística descritiva e condensação de significados na análise dos dados. Os resultados encontrados indicaram que na Estrutura, - há insuficiência no número de auditores [...], com 39,3 por cento dos auditores enfermeiros; inexistência do cargo de auditor do SUS e o Sisaud que - trouxe mudanças positivas para a auditoria do SUS [...]. No Processo, foram encontradas 268 auditorias (57,8 por cento com objeto Assistência; 38,8por cento demandadas pelo SNA federal e 90,3por cento realizadas de forma direta), 10 ações de educação continuada e 13 ações de cooperação técnica, e a relação do CEA/SUS/PE com outros setores foi caracterizada como - enriquecedora para o processo de trabalho [...]. No Resultado, 5,9 por cento dos municípios pernambucanos possuem auditoria do SUS implantada; - há um avanço no que diz respeito à evidência das contribuições trazidas pelas auditorias [...]; porém, quanto às dificuldades, há barreiras - estruturais, [...], número aquém de auditores...

The organization of the quorum sensing luxI/R family genes in Burkholderia.

Members of the Burkholderia genus of Proteobacteria are capable of living freely in the environment and can also colonize human, animal and plant hosts. Certain members are considered to be clinically important from both medical and veterinary perspectives and furthermore may be important modulators of the rhizosphere. Quorum sensing via N-acyl homoserine lactone signals (AHL QS) is present in almost all Burkholderia species and is thought to play important roles in lifestyle changes such as colonization and niche invasion. Here we present a census of AHL QS genes retrieved from public databases and indicate that the local arrangement (topology) of QS genes, their location within chromosomes and their gene neighborhoods show characteristic patterns that differ between the known Burkholderia clades. In sequence phylogenies, AHL QS genes seem to cluster according to the local gene topology rather than according to the species, which suggests that the basic topology types were present prior to the appearance of current Burkholderia species. The data are available at http://net.icgeb.org/burkholderia/.

Regulon studies and in planta role of the BraI/R quorum-sensing system in the plant-beneficial Burkholderia cluster.

The genus Burkholderia is composed of functionally diverse species, and it can be divided into several clusters. One of these, designated the plant-beneficial-environmental (PBE) Burkholderia cluster, is formed by nonpathogenic species, which in most cases have been found to be associated with plants. It was previously established that members of the PBE group share an N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing (QS) system, designated BraI/R, that produces and responds to 3-oxo-C14-HSL (OC14-HSL). Moreover, some of them also possess a second AHL QS system, designated XenI2/R2, producing and responding to 3-hydroxy-C8-HSL (OHC8-HSL). In the present study, we performed liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis to determine which AHL molecules are produced by each QS system of this group of bacteria. The results showed that XenI2/R2 is mainly responsible for the production of OHC8-HSL and that the BraI/R system is involved in the production of several different AHLs. This analysis also revealed that Burkholderia phymatum STM815 produces greater amounts of AHLs than the other species tested. Further studies showed that the BraR protein of B. phymatum is more promiscuous than other BraR proteins, responding equally well to several different AHL molecules, even at low concentrations. Transcriptome studies with Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 and B. phymatum STM815 revealed that the BraI/R regulon is species specific, with exopolysaccharide production being the only common phenotype regulated by this system in the PBE cluster. In addition, BraI/R was shown not to be important for plant nodulation by B. phymatum strains or for endophytic colonization and growth promotion of maize by B. phytofirmans PsJN.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Rice Endophyte Burkholderia kururiensis M130.

Burkholderia kururiensis M130 is one of the few characterized rice endophytes and was isolated from surface-sterilized rice roots. This bacterium shows strong growth-promoting effects, being able to increase rice yields. Here we present its draft genome sequence, which contains important traits for endophytic life and plant growth promotion.

Retroflexão e evisceração da vesícula urinária decorrente de ruptura dos órgãos genitais em cadela / Retroflexion and evisceration of the urinary bladder due to rupture of the genitals organs in bitch

O presente relato descreve o caso de uma fêmea canina, adulta, sem raça definida, que havia parido há 45 dias e, posteriormente, apresentou ruptura uterina e vaginal com retroflexão e evisceração de bexiga, condição raramente observada em cadelas. O reposicionamento da vesícula urinária e a ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH) foram realizados por meio de abordagem cirúrgica, entretanto, o animal veio a óbito durante o segundo procedimento citado. Nesse caso acredita-se que as lesões no trato reprodutor provavelmente ocorreram durante o parto, sendo o óbito atribuído ao quadro de choque séptico.

The current study describes a case of a female dog, adult, mixed breed, 45 days after delivery, which later showing uterine and vaginal rupture with bladder retroflexion and evisceration, condition that is rarely observed in dogs. The replacement of the bladder and ovariosalpingohisterectomy (OSH) were performed by surgical approach, however the animal died during the second procedure. In this case, we believe that the damage in the reproductive tract probably occurred during labor and the death was attributed to septic shock.

Classifying the topology of AHL-driven quorum sensing circuits in proteobacterial genomes.

Virulence and adaptability of many Gram-negative bacterial species are associated with an N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) gene regulation mechanism called quorum sensing (QS). The arrangement of quorum sensing genes is variable throughout bacterial genomes, although there are unifying themes that are common among the various topological arrangements. A bioinformatics survey of 1,403 complete bacterial genomes revealed characteristic gene topologies in 152 genomes that could be classified into 16 topological groups. We developed a concise notation for the patterns and show that the sequences of LuxR regulators and LuxI autoinducer synthase proteins cluster according to the topological patterns. The annotated topologies are deposited online with links to sequences and genome annotations at http://bacteria.itk.ppke.hu/QStopologies/.