Biosynthetic gene clusters with biotechnological applications in novel Antarctic isolates from Actinomycetota.

Actinomycetota have been widely described as valuable sources for the acquisition of secondary metabolites. Most microbial metabolites are produced via metabolic pathways encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many secondary metabolites are not essential for the survival of bacteria, they play an important role in their adaptation and interactions within microbial communities. This is how bacteria isolated from extreme environments such as Antarctica could facilitate the discovery of new BGCs with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to isolate rare Actinomycetota strains from Antarctic soil and sediment samples and identify their metabolic potential based on genome mining and exploration of biosynthetic gene clusters. To this end, the strains were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms. The assemblies were annotated and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Finally, the BGCs present in each genome were identified using the antiSMASH tool, and the biosynthetic diversity of the Micrococcaceae family was evaluated. Taxonomic annotation revealed that seven strains were new and two were previously reported in the NCBI database. Additionally, BGCs encoding type III polyketide synthases (T3PKS), beta-lactones, siderophores, and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) have been identified, among others. In addition, the sequence similarity network showed a predominant type of BGCs in the family Micrococcaceae, and some genera were distinctly grouped. The BGCs identified in the isolated strains could be associated with applications such as antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and plant growth promoters, among others, positioning them as excellent candidates for future biotechnological applications and innovations. KEY POINTS: • Novel Antarctic rare Actinomycetota strains were isolated from soil and sediments • Genome-based taxonomic affiliation revealed seven potentially novel species • Genome mining showed metabolic potential for novel natural products.

Chromatin damage generated by DNA intercalators leads to degradation of RNA Polymerase II.

In cancer therapy, DNA intercalators are mainly known for their capacity to kill cells by inducing DNA damage. Recently, several DNA intercalators have attracted much interest given their ability to inhibit RNA Polymerase I transcription (BMH-21), evict histones (Aclarubicin) or induce chromatin trapping of FACT (Curaxin CBL0137). Interestingly, these DNA intercalators lack the capacity to induce DNA damage while still retaining cytotoxic effects and stabilize p53. Herein, we report that these DNA intercalators impact chromatin biology by interfering with the chromatin stability of RNA polymerases I, II and III. These three compounds have the capacity to induce degradation of RNA polymerase II and they simultaneously enable the trapping of Topoisomerases TOP2A and TOP2B on the chromatin. In addition, BMH-21 also acts as a catalytic inhibitor of Topoisomerase II, resembling Aclarubicin. Moreover, BMH-21 induces chromatin trapping of the histone chaperone FACT and propels accumulation of Z-DNA and histone eviction, similarly to Aclarubicin and CBL0137. These DNA intercalators have a cumulative impact on general transcription machinery by inducing accumulation of topological defects and impacting nuclear chromatin. Therefore, their cytotoxic capabilities may be the result of compounding deleterious effects on chromatin homeostasis.

Ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotypic analyses setting the tiger cats' hyperdimensional niches reveal a new species.

Recently, the tiger-cat species complex was split into Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus guttulus, along with other proposed schemes. We performed a detailed analysis integrating ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotype of the four originally recognized subspecies-tigrinus, oncilla, pardinoides, guttulus-and presented a new multidimensional niche depiction of the species. Species distribution models used > 1400 records from museums and photographs, all checked for species accuracy. Morphological data were obtained from institutional/personal archives. Spotting patterns were established by integrating museum and photographic/camera-trap records. Principal component analysis showed three clearly distinct groups, with the Central American specimens (oncilla) clustering entirely within those of the Andes, namely the pardinoides group of the cloud forests of the southern Central-American and Andean mountain chains (clouded tiger-cat); the tigrinus group of the savannas of the Guiana Shield and central/northeastern Brazil (savanna tiger-cat); and the guttulus group in the lowland forests of the Atlantic Forest domain (Atlantic Forest tiger-cat). This scheme is supported by recent genetic analyses. All species displayed different spotting patterns, with some significant differences in body measurements/proportions. The new distribution presented alarming reductions from the historic range of - 50.4% to - 68.2%. This multidimensional approach revealed a new species of the elusive and threatened tiger-cat complex.

Commonalities between the Atacama Desert and Antarctica rhizosphere microbial communities.

Plant-microbiota interactions have significant effects on plant growth, health, and productivity. Rhizosphere microorganisms are involved in processes that promote physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In recent years, the interest in microorganisms to improve plant productivity has increased, mainly aiming to find promising strains to overcome the impact of climate change on crops. In this work, we hypothesize that given the desertic environment of the Antarctic and the Atacama Desert, different plant species inhabiting these areas might share microbial taxa with functions associated with desiccation and drought stress tolerance. Therefore, in this study, we described and compared the composition of the rhizobacterial community associated with Deschampsia antarctica (Da), Colobanthus quitensis (Cq) from Antarctic territories, and Croton chilensis (Cc), Eulychnia iquiquensis (Ei) and Nicotiana solanifolia (Ns) from coastal Atacama Desert environments by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, we evaluated the putative functions of that rhizobacterial community that are likely involved in nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance of these plants. Even though each plant microbial rhizosphere presents a unique taxonomic pattern of 3,019 different sequences, the distribution at the genus level showed a core microbiome with a higher abundance of Haliangium, Bryobacter, Bacillus, MND1 from the Nitrosomonadaceae family, and unclassified taxa from Gemmatiamonadaceae and Chitinophagaceae families in the rhizosphere of all samples analyzed (781 unique sequences). In addition, species Gemmatirosa kalamazoonesis and Solibacter usitatus were shared by the core microbiome of both Antarctic and Desert plants. All the taxa mentioned above had been previously associated with beneficial effects in plants. Also, this microbial core composition converged with the functional prediction related to survival under harsh conditions, including chemoheterotrophy, ureolysis, phototrophy, nitrogen fixation, and chitinolysis. Therefore, this study provides relevant information for the exploration of rhizospheric microorganisms from plants in extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert and Antarctic as promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

Mammals' sperm microbiome: current knowledge, challenges, and perspectives on metagenomics of seminal samples.

Bacterial growth is highly detrimental to sperm quality and functionality. However, during the last few years, using sequencing techniques with a metagenomic approach, it has been possible to deepen the study of bacteria-sperm relationships and describe non-culturable species and synergistic and antagonistic relationships between the different species in mammalian animals. We compile the recent metagenomics studies performed on mammalian semen samples and provide updated evidence to understand the importance of the microbial communities in the results of sperm quality and sperm functionality of males, looking for future perspectives on how these technologies can collaborate in the development of andrological knowledge.

Synthesis of Antimicrobial Chitosan-Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Reusable Chitosan Fungal Beads.

Nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), have gained significant attention in recent years as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics for treating infectious diseases due to their ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms effectively. Ag NPs can be synthesized using fungi extract, but the method is not practical for large-scale production due to time and biomass limitations. In this study, we explore the use of chitosan to encapsulate the mycelia of the white-rot fungus Stereum hirsutum and form chitosan fungal beads for use in multiple extractions and nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The analysis revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were composed of chitosan-silver nanoparticles (CS-Ag NPs) with a size of 25 nm. The chitosan fungal beads were reused in three extractions and nanoparticle synthesis before they lost their ability to produce CS-Ag NPs. The CS-Ag NPs showed potent antimicrobial activity against phytopathogenic and human pathogenic microorganisms, including Pseudomonas syringae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, and 4 µg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of CS-Ag NPs was from 2- to 40-fold higher than Ag NPs synthesized using an aqueous extract of unencapsulated fungal biomass. The CS-Ag NPs were most effective at a pH of five regarding the antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that the chitosan fungal beads may be a promising alternative for the sustainable and cost-effective synthesis of CS-Ag NPs with improved antimicrobial activity.

Bacteria and Boar Semen Storage: Progress and Challenges.

Porcine breeding today is based on artificial insemination with chilled semen. This is stored at 5 °C with antibiotic supplementation to avoid bacteriospermia. There are many negative consequences on sperm quality and functionality as a result of bacterial contamination, as well as on the health of the sow. Nowadays, various techniques are being developed to reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and thus avoid the generation of antibiotic resistance genes. This review aims to inform about the bacterial contamination consequences of storing liquid semen from boar and to provide an update on current methods and alternatives to antibiotic use in cold storage.

Innovation in UK independent homecare services: A thematic narrative review.

This paper reports the findings of a thematic narrative review of peer-reviewed articles exploring innovation in UK independent homecare services published between January 2009-August 2021. Our analysis of 15 papers reveals four broad innovation types: personalised funding, operational models, workforce development and assistive technology. We conclude that research focused on innovation in independent homecare offers important insights into the positive and negative outcomes of different types of innovation for providers, care workers and people receiving care. There are, however, also areas which are neglected and need further elaboration, including more robust evidence of outcomes and clearer articulation of innovation processes.

MicroRNA-20a-5p Downregulation by Atorvastatin: A Potential Mechanism Involved in Lipid-Lowering Therapy.

The treatment of hypercholesterolemia is mainly based on statins. However, the response to pharmacological therapy shows high inter-individual variability, resulting in variable effects in both lipid lowering and risk reduction. Thus, a better understanding of the lipid-lowering mechanisms and response variability at the molecular level is required. Previously, we demonstrated a deregulation of the microRNA expression profile in HepG2 cells treated for 24 h with atorvastatin, using a microarray platform. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-20a-5p and hsa-miR-106a-5p in hypercholesterolemic patients before and after atorvastatin treatment and in HepG2 cells treated for 24 h with atorvastatin The miRNA hsa-mir-20a-5p was repressed after atorvastatin treatment in hypercholesteremic subjects and in HepG2 cells in culture. Repression of hsa-mir-20a-5p increased LDLR gene and protein expression in HepG2 cells, while hsa-mir-20a-5p overexpression reduced LDLR gene and protein expression.

Emergent Homecare Models Are Shaping Care in England: An Ethnographic Study of Four Distinct Homecare Models.

This chapter addresses the grand challenge of an aging society and the subsequent growing demand for in-home care for the elderly - often referred to as homecare. It examines how emergent homecare models in England differ from the "time and task" model and how they are shaping the care market. These models offer new approaches regarding what, how, and when care is delivered at home. Homecare providers face rising demand driven not only by population aging but also by market demand for personalized care, choice, continuity of care, and real-time availability. The landscape presents an opportunity for innovative models to become established, by offering a more inducing service design and value propositions that respond to customers' needs. Using the "business model canvas" to guide data collection, this study presents an ethnographic case analysis of four homecare organizations with distinct emergent homecare models. The study includes 14 months of field observation and 33 in-depth interviews. It finds that providers are becoming increasingly aware of evolving customer needs, establishing models such as the "uberization," "community-based," "live-in," and "preventative" described in the chapter. These models are becoming more pervasive and are mostly market-driven; however, some of their innovations are market shaping. The major innovations are in their value propositions, partnership arrangements, and customer segments. Their value propositions focus on well-being outcomes, including choice and personalization for care users; their workforces are perceived to be a major stakeholder segment, and their networks of partners offer access to complementary services, investments, and specialist knowledge.

MicroRNAs hsa-miR-618 and hsa-miR-297 Might Modulate the Pleiotropic Effects Exerted by Statins in Endothelial Cells Through the Inhibition of ROCK2 Kinase: in-silico Approach.

Several studies show that statin therapy improves endothelial function by cholesterol-independent mechanisms called "pleiotropic effects." These are due to the inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK kinase pathway, its inhibition being an attractive atheroprotective treatment. In addition, recent work has shown that microRNAs, posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, can affect the response of statins and their efficacy. For this reason, the objective of this study was to identify by bioinformatic analysis possible new microRNAs that could modulate the pleiotropic effects exerted by statins through the inhibition of ROCK kinases. A bioinformatic study was performed in which the differential expression of miRNAs in endothelial cells was compared under two conditions: Control and treated with simvastatin at 10 µM for 24 h, using a microarray. Seven miRNAs were differentially expressed, three up and four down. Within the up group, the miRNAs hsa-miR-618 and hsa-miR-297 present as a predicted target to ROCK2 kinase. Also, functional and enriched pathway analysis showed an association with mechanisms associated with atheroprotective effects. This work shows an in-silico approach of how posttranscriptional regulation mediated by miRNAs could modulate the pleiotropic effects exerted by statins on endothelial cells, through the inhibition of ROCK2 kinase and its effects.

Histological Evaluation and Gene Expression Profiling of Autophagy-Related Genes for Cartilage of Young and Senescent Rats.

Autophagy is a cellular mechanism that protects cells from stress by digesting non-functional cellular components. In the cartilage, chondrocytes depend on autophagy as a principal mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. This protective role diminishes prior to the structural damage that normally occurs during aging. Considering that aging is the main risk factor for osteoarthritis, evaluating the expression of genes associated with autophagy in senescent cartilage might allow for the identification of potential therapeutic targets for treatment. Thus, we studied two groups of young and senescent rats. A histological analysis of cartilage and gene expression quantification for autophagy-related genes were performed. In aged cartilage, morphological changes were observed, such as an increase in cartilage degeneration as measured by the modified Mankin score, a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and collagen II (Col2a1), and an increase in matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp13). Moreover, 84 genes associated with autophagy were evaluated by a PCR array analysis, and 15 of them were found to be significantly decreased with aging. Furthermore, an in silico analysis based on by two different bioinformatics software tools revealed that several processes including cellular homeostasis, autophagosome assembly, and aging-as well as several biological pathways such as autophagy, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling, PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT (serine/threonine kinase) signaling, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling-were enriched. In conclusion, the analysis identified some potential targets for osteoarthritis treatment that would allow for the development of new therapeutic strategies for this chronic disease.

Gangrenous appendicitis contained within a Spigelian hernia.

A 66-year-old man with abdominal pain had a 5-year-old mass subsequently identified as a Spigelian hernia. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a strangulated and gangrenous appendix contained within the hernia, necessitating an appendectomy. This case highlights the importance of early identification and exploration of this rare hernia, so that early management can prevent the development of more serious and dangerous symptoms.

Potential intravenous drug incompatibilities in a pediatric unit.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential intravenous drug incompatibilities and related risk factors in a pediatric unit. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted in the pediatric unit of a university hospital in Brazil. Data on prescriptions given to children aged 0-15 years from June to October 2014 were collected. Prescriptions that did not include intravenous drugs and prescriptions with incomplete dosage regimen or written in poor handwriting were excluded. Associations between variables and the risk of potential incompatibility were investigated using the Student's t test and ANOVA; the level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). Relative risks were calculated for each drug involved in potential incompatibility with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 222 children participated in the study; 132 (59.5%) children were male and 118 (53.2%) were aged between 0 and 2 years. The mean length of stay was 7.7±2.3 days. Dipyrone, penicillin G and ceftriaxona were the most commonly prescribed drugs. At least one potential incompatibility was detected in about 85% of children (1.2 incompatibility/patient ratio). Most incompatibilities detected fell into the non-tested (93.4%), precipitation (5.5%), turbidity (0.7%) or chemical decomposition (0.4%) categories. The number of drugs and prescription of diazepam, phenytoin, phenobarbital or metronidazole were risk factors for potential incompatibility. CONCLUSION: Most pediatric prescriptions involved potential incompatibilities, with higher prevalence of non-tested incompatibilities. The number of drugs and prescription of diazepam, phenobarbital, phenytoin or metronidazole were risk factors for potential incompatibilities. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o potencial de incompatibilidade dos medicamentos intravenosos, identificando possíveis fatores de risco em uma unidade pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico do tipo transversal realizado na unidade de pediatria de um hospital de ensino no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de junho a outubro de 2014 a partir da análise das prescrições de crianças (0 a 15 anos) hospitalizadas. Foram excluídas prescrições sem medicamento intravenoso e com posologia incompletas ou grafia inadequada. A associação entre as variáveis e o risco de potenciais incompatibilidades foi determinada pelo teste t de Student e ANOVA, considerando significativo para p<0,05. Calculou-se o risco relativo com intervalo de confiança de 95% de cada medicamento envolvido. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e vinte e duas crianças participaram do estudo, 132 (59,5%) eram do gênero masculino, 118 (53,2%) tinham idade entre 0 a 2 anos e estiveram internados em média 7,7±2,3 dias. Os medicamentos mais prescritos foram dipirona, penicilina G e ceftriaxona. Quase 85% das crianças apresentaram ao menos uma potencial incompatibilidade, razão de 1,2 incompatibilidades/paciente. Os tipos de incompatibilidades mais comuns foram: não testada (93,4%), precipitação (5,5%), turbidez (0,7%) e decomposição química (0,4%). Os fatores associados a potenciais incompatibilidades foram: número de medicamentos e a prescrição dos medicamentos diazepam, fenitoína, fenobarbital e metronidazol. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das prescrições pediátricas apresentou potenciais incompatibilidades e a incompatibilidade não testada foi o tipo mais comum. O número de medicamentos e a prescrição dos medicamentos diazepam, fenobarbital, fenitoína e metronidazol foram fatores de risco para potenciais incompatibilidades.

Potential intravenous drug incompatibilities in a pediatric unit / Potencial de incompatibilidade de medicamentos intravenosos em uma unidade pediátrica

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate potential intravenous drug incompatibilities and related risk factors in a pediatric unit. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study conducted in the pediatric unit of a university hospital in Brazil. Data on prescriptions given to children aged 0-15 years from June to October 2014 were collected. Prescriptions that did not include intravenous drugs and prescriptions with incomplete dosage regimen or written in poor handwriting were excluded. Associations between variables and the risk of potential incompatibility were investigated using the Student’s t test and ANOVA; the level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). Relative risks were calculated for each drug involved in potential incompatibility with 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 222 children participated in the study; 132 (59.5%) children were male and 118 (53.2%) were aged between 0 and 2 years. The mean length of stay was 7.7±2.3 days. Dipyrone, penicillin G and ceftriaxona were the most commonly prescribed drugs. At least one potential incompatibility was detected in about 85% of children (1.2 incompatibility/patient ratio). Most incompatibilities detected fell into the non-tested (93.4%), precipitation (5.5%), turbidity (0.7%) or chemical decomposition (0.4%) categories. The number of drugs and prescription of diazepam, phenytoin, phenobarbital or metronidazole were risk factors for potential incompatibility. Conclusion Most pediatric prescriptions involved potential incompatibilities, with higher prevalence of non-tested incompatibilities. The number of drugs and prescription of diazepam, phenobarbital, phenytoin or metronidazole were risk factors for potential incompatibilities.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o potencial de incompatibilidade dos medicamentos intravenosos, identificando possíveis fatores de risco em uma unidade pediátrica. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico do tipo transversal realizado na unidade de pediatria de um hospital de ensino no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de junho a outubro de 2014 a partir da análise das prescrições de crianças (0 a 15 anos) hospitalizadas. Foram excluídas prescrições sem medicamento intravenoso e com posologia incompletas ou grafia inadequada. A associação entre as variáveis e o risco de potenciais incompatibilidades foi determinada pelo teste t de Student e ANOVA, considerando significativo para p<0,05. Calculou-se o risco relativo com intervalo de confiança de 95% de cada medicamento envolvido. Resultados Duzentos e vinte e duas crianças participaram do estudo, 132 (59,5%) eram do gênero masculino, 118 (53,2%) tinham idade entre 0 a 2 anos e estiveram internados em média 7,7±2,3 dias. Os medicamentos mais prescritos foram dipirona, penicilina G e ceftriaxona. Quase 85% das crianças apresentaram ao menos uma potencial incompatibilidade, razão de 1,2 incompatibilidades/paciente. Os tipos de incompatibilidades mais comuns foram: não testada (93,4%), precipitação (5,5%), turbidez (0,7%) e decomposição química (0,4%). Os fatores associados a potenciais incompatibilidades foram: número de medicamentos e a prescrição dos medicamentos diazepam, fenitoína, fenobarbital e metronidazol. Conclusão A maioria das prescrições pediátricas apresentou potenciais incompatibilidades e a incompatibilidade não testada foi o tipo mais comum. O número de medicamentos e a prescrição dos medicamentos diazepam, fenobarbital, fenitoína e metronidazol foram fatores de risco para potenciais incompatibilidades.

Intravitreal administration of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells triggers a cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the Western world. The reduction in color/contrast sensitivity due to the loss of neural cells in the ganglion cell layer of the retina is an early event in the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, since they could differentiate into neuronal cells, produce high levels of neurotrophic factors and reduce oxidative stress. Our aim was to determine whether the intravitreal administration of adipose-derived MSCs was able to prevent the loss of retinal ganglion cells in diabetic mice. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL6 mice by the administration of streptozotocin. When retinal pro-damage mechanisms were present, animals received a single intravitreal dose of 2 × 10(5) adipose-derived MSCs or the vehicle. Four and 12 weeks later we evaluated: (a) retinal ganglion cell number (immunofluorescence); (b) neurotrophic factor levels (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)); (c) retinal apoptotic rate (TUNEL); (d) retinal levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage (ELISA); (e) electrical response of the retina (electroretinography); (f) pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factor levels (RT-qPCR and ELISA); and (g) retinal blood vessels (angiography). Furthermore, 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-MSC administration, the presence of donor cells in the retina and their differentiation into neural and perivascular-like cells were assessed (immunofluorescence and flow cytometry). RESULTS: MSC administration completely prevented retinal ganglion cell loss. Donor cells remained in the vitreous cavity and did not differentiate into neural or perivascular-like cells. Nevertheless, they increased the intraocular levels of several potent neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) and reduced the oxidative damage in the retina. Additionally, MSC administration has a neutral effect on the electrical response of the retina and did not result in a pathological neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal administration of adipose-derived MSCs triggers an effective cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of diabetic mice. Thus, MSCs represent an interesting tool in order to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with small terrestrial mammals in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil.

From June 2005 to November 2010, 43 small mammals encompassing 6 species of Didelphimorphia, 8 species of Rodentia, and 1 species of Lagomorpha were found parasitized by ticks in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Nine tick species, in total 186 specimens, were identified as follows: Amblyomma cajennense (larvae and nymphs) on opossums and rodents; Amblyomma ovale (nymphs) on rodents; Amblyomma parvum (nymphs) on rodents; Amblyomma coelebs (nymphs) on opossums; Amblyomma dubitatum (nymph) on opossums; Ixodes amarali (females, nymphs, and larvae) on opossums and rodents; Ixodes loricatus (male, females, nymph) on opossums; Ixodes schulzei (female) on rodents; and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (female) on rabbits. Most of the tick-host associations found in the present study have never been recorded in the literature; those include three new host records for I. amarali, four for A. cajennense, one for A. dubitatum, two for A. ovale, and one for A. coelebs. In addition, we provide the first record of A. coelebs in the state of Minas Gerais.

Impacto da intervenção educativa na aprendizagem de medidas profiláticas de escolares do Município de Cuité/PB / Impact of educational intervention in learning prophylactic measures for students in the city of CuitÚ/PB

A educação é comprovadamente uma medida profilática efetiva e tem sido utilizada em vários trabalhos de prevenção às parasitoses. Sendo assim, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o uso de palestrascomo estratégia educativa na aprendizagem de medidas profiláticas dasparasitoses, com intuito de prevenir e/ou diminuir o número de parasitadosno Município de Cuité, na Paraíba.

Education is a proven and effective prophylactic measure has been used in several studies of prevention of parasitic diseases. Thus, this study evaluated the use of lecture as an educational strategy in the learning of prophylactic measures of parasitic diseases, preventing and /or decrease the number of carriers in the city of Cuite, Paraiba.