Self-rated health of Brazilian women of childbearing age: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sociodemographic factors, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors associated with negative self-rated health among Brazilian women of childbearing age. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 26,071 Brazilian women of reproductive age. Estimated prevalence of self-rated health according to sociodemographic characteristics, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Occurrence of two or more of the diseases and conditions presented a prevalence of negative self-rated health almost three times higher than none. There was a positive association between negative self-rated health and older age groups, lower education, black or brown skin color/race, living in the north and northeast regions, physical inactivity, being a smoker, and presence of one or more of the diseases and conditions. CONCLUSION: There are differences in self-rated health, reflecting social inequalities.

Perfil clínico-metabólico de pacientes pé diabéticos frequentadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Altamira, Pará, Brasil / Clinical-metabolic profile of diabetic foot patients attendinga Basic Health Unit in Altamira, Pará, Brazil

Introdução: o pé diabético é de origem neuropática e representa uma das complicações do diabetes mellitus, abrange várias condições patológicas, que incluem neuropatia, doença arterial periférica, neuroartropatia de Charcot, ulceração do pé e, em alguns casos, amputação. Objetivo: descrever o perfil clínico-metabólico de pacientes pé diabéticos frequentadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Material e Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório com abordagem quantitativa. Foram avaliados 15 pacientes portadores de úlceras do pé diabético atendidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Altamira, estado do Pará, Brasil. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de acordo com os indicadores dos perfis investigados. Resultados: todos os pacientes possuem diabetes tipo II, baixos níveis de renda familiar e escolaridade. O Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) foi de 92%, circunferência abdominal 93%, proteína C reativa ultrassensível, interleucina-6 e hemoglobina glicada estavam superiores ao normal em mais da metade dos doentes, assim como a vitamina D estava deficiente em mais da metade dos pacientes. Conclusões: há barreiras ao manejo adequado dos portadores de pé diabético na atenção básica da cidade de Altamira que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de complicações macro e microvasculares. Recomendações técnicas direcionadas aos gestores locais contribuem para a atenção básica na região.

Introduction: the diabetic foot is of neuropathic origin and represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, encompasses several pathological conditions, including neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, Charcot neuroarthropathy, foot ulceration, osteomyelitis and, in some cases, amputation. Objective: to describe the clinical-metabolic profile of diabetic foot patients attending a Basic Health Unit (BHU). Material and Method: this is a descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Fifteen patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated at the Basic Health Unit in Altamira, state of Pará, Brazil, were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis according to the indicators of the investigated profiles. Results: all patients have Type 2 Diabetes, low level of family income and education. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was 92%, abdominal circumference (93%), Ultrasensitive C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6 and glycated hemoglobin were higher than normal in more than half of the patients, as well as vitamin D was deficient in more of half of the patients. Conclusions: there are barriers to the proper management of patients with diabetic foot in primary care in the city of Altamira that can contribute to the development of macro and microvascular complications. Technical recommendations directed at local managers contribute to primary care in the region.

Self-rated health of Brazilian women of childbearing age: a cross-sectional study / Autoevaluación de la salud de mujeres brasileñas en edad fértil: estudio transversal / Autoavaliação de saúde das mulheres brasileiras em idade reprodutiva: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate sociodemographic factors, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors associated with negative self-rated health among Brazilian women of childbearing age. Method: Cross-sectional study with 26,071 Brazilian women of reproductive age. Estimated prevalence of self-rated health according to sociodemographic characteristics, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted prevalence ratios. Results: Occurrence of two or more of the diseases and conditions presented a prevalence of negative self-rated health almost three times higher than none. There was a positive association between negative self-rated health and older age groups, lower education, black or brown skin color/race, living in the north and northeast regions, physical inactivity, being a smoker, and presence of one or more of the diseases and conditions. Conclusion: There are differences in self-rated health, reflecting social inequalities.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar factores sociodemográficos, enfermedades y condiciones no transmisibles y factores de riesgo conductuales asociados con la autoevaluación negativa de la salud entre mujeres brasileñas en edad fértil. Método: Estudio transversal con 26.071 mujeres brasileñas en edad reproductiva. Prevalencia estimada de salud autovalorada según características sociodemográficas, enfermedades y trastornos no transmisibles y factores de riesgo conductuales. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson para estimar las tasas de prevalencia ajustadas y no ajustadas. Resultados: La aparición de dos o más de las enfermedades y agravios mostró una prevalencia de autoevaluación negativa de la salud casi tres veces mayor que ninguna. Hubo una asociación positiva entre la autoevaluación negativa de la salud y los grupos de mayor edad, menor educación, color de piel/raza negra o morena, vivir en las regiones norte y noreste, inactividad física, ser fumador y la presencia de una o más de las enfermedades y condiciones. Conclusión: Existen diferencias en la autoevaluación de la salud, lo que refleja desigualdades sociales.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar fatores sociodemográficos, doenças e agravos não transmissíveis e fatores de risco comportamentais associados à autoavaliação de saúde negativa das mulheres brasileiras em idade reprodutiva. Método: Estudo transversal com 26.071 mulheres brasileiras em idade reprodutiva. Estimadas prevalências da autoavaliação de saúde segundo características sociodemográficas, doenças e agravos não transmissíveis e fatores de risco comportamentais. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para estimar as razões de prevalência ajustadas e não ajustadas. Resultados: Ocorrência de duas ou mais das doenças e agravos apresentou prevalência de autoavaliação de saúde negativa quase três vezes maior do que nenhuma. Houve associação positiva entre autoavaliação de saúde negativa e maiores faixas etárias, menor escolaridade, cor da pele/raça preta ou parda, viver nas regiões norte e nordeste, inatividade física, ser fumante e presença de uma ou mais das doenças e agravos. Conclusão: Existem diferenças na autoavaliação de saúde, refletindo em iniquidades sociais.

Palliative Care for the Elderly in the Healthcare System: A Scoping Review / Cuidado paliativo al anciano en la Red de Atención de Salud: una revisión de alcance / Cuidado paliativo à pessoa idosa na Rede de Atenção à Saúde: uma revisão de escopo

Objective: To map the scientific evidence related to the organization of palliative care practices provided for the elderly in the Healthcare System. Materials and methods: This is a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute's method. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, VHL/Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane databases, identifying 1,150 articles managed using the Endnote software. After the selection, the study sample consisted of 12 articles. The data were organized in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, submitted to descriptive analysis, and discussed with the literature. Results: The relevance of palliative care practices for older adults to be organized in the Healthcare System was noted, focusing on primary healthcare, at home, and interdisciplinary coordination. However, there is still a fragmented offer of this care with limited considerations regarding the challenges and possibilities of its effectiveness. Conclusions: The mapping of scientific evidence on the subject shows that discussions regarding the insertion of palliative care in the Healthcare System are modest. The studies explore the role of primary care as the organizer of these practices, although in a fragmented perspective, with limited coordination between the Healthcare System services.

Objetivo: mapear las evidencias científicas relacionadas con la organización de las prácticas de cuidado paliativo al anciano en la Red de Atención de Salud. Materiales y método: scoping review por el método Joanna Briggs Institute. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, BVS/Lilacs, Embase y Cochrane, con identificación de 1150 artículos, los cuales fueron gerenciados por el software Endnote. Luego de la selección, 12 artículos compusieron la amuestra del estudio. Los datos se ordenaron en planilla del Microsoft Excel, se sometieron a análisis descriptivo y se discutieron con la literatura. Resultados: se observó que la organización de las prácticas de cuidado paliativo al adulto mayor desde la Red de Atención de Salud, con enfoque en la atención primaria de salud, en la residencia y en la articulación interdisciplinaria es importante. Sin embargo, aun hay fragmentación en la oferta de este cuidado, con limitadas consideraciones en cuanto a los retos y posibilidades de su efectuación en todos los niveles de atención. Conclusiones: el mapeo de las evidencias científicas sobre el tema demuestra que son modestas las discusiones en torno de la inserción de los cuidados paliativos en la Red. Los estudios exploran el rol de la atención primaria de salud como ordenadora de estas prácticas, aunque en una perspectiva fragmentada, con poca articulación entre los servicios de la Red.

Objetivo: mapear as evidências científicas relacionadas à organização das práticas do cuidado paliativo à pessoa idosa na Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Materiais e método: scoping review pelo método Joanna Briggs Institute. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, BVS/Lilacs, Embase e Cochrane, sendo identificados 1150 artigos, os quais foram gerenciados pelo software Endnote. Após a seleção, 12 artigos compuseram a amostra do estudo. Os dados foram organizados em planilha do Microsoft Excel, submetidos à análise descritiva e discutidos com a literatura. Resultados: observou-se a importância de as práticas de cuidado paliativo à pessoa idosa serem organizadas na Rede de Atenção à Saúde, com foco na atenção primária à saúde, no domicílio e na articulação interdisciplinar. Contudo, ainda há fragmentação na oferta desse cuidado, com limitadas considerações quanto aos desafios e possibilidades da sua efetivação em todos os níveis de atenção. Conclusões: o mapeamento das evidências científicas sobre o tema mostra que são modestas as discussões em torno da inserção dos cuidados paliativos na Rede. Os estudos exploram o papel da atenção primária como ordenadora dessas práticas, ainda que em uma perspectiva fragmentada, com pouca articulação entre os serviços da Rede.

Motivação para mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas: intervenção breve como estratégia motivacional / Motivation for change in alcohol consumption: brief intervention as a motivational strategy / Motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol: la intervención breve como estrategia motivacional

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o efeito da intervenção breve na motivação para mudança do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Método: estudo experimental, de follow-up, realizado com 43 participantes em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foi aplicado o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a Régua de Prontidão para Mudança e um questionário socioeconômico. Resultados: o grupo experimental apresentou mediana igual a 10 pontos (fase de manutenção) no início e após 30 dias. No segmento, mediana igual a oito pontos (estágio de ação). O grupo- controle, mediana igual a oito pontos no início e após 30 dias (fase de ação). No segmento, a mediana igual a sete pontos (fase de planejamento). Na avaliação intermediária de 30 dias, notou-se que houve diferença estatística na motivação entre os dois grupos (p=0,029). Conclusão: concluiu-se que a Intervenção Breve foi eficaz para manter a motivação nos estágios de ação e manutenção da mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the effect of brief intervention on motivation to change alcohol consumption. Method: experimental, follow-up study, conducted with 43 participants in two Basic Health Units. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Change Readiness Ruler, and a socioeconomic questionnaire were applied. Results: The experimental group showed a median equal to 10 points (maintenance stage) at the beginning and after 30 days. In the segment, the median was equal to eight points (action stage). The control group had a median equal to eight points at the beginning and after 30 days (action stage). In the segment, median equal to seven points (planning stage). In the 30-day intermediate evaluation, it was noted that there was a statistical difference in motivation between the two groups (p=0.029). Conclusion: it was concluded that the Brief Intervention was effective in maintaining motivation in the stages of action and maintenance of change in the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el efecto de una intervención breve sobre la motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol. Método: Estudio experimental, de seguimiento, realizado con 43 participantes en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud. Se aplicó el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, la Regla de Disposición al Cambio y un cuestionario socioeconómico. Resultados: el grupo experimental mostró una mediana igual a 10 puntos (fase de mantenimiento) al principio y después de 30 días. En el segmento, la mediana era igual a ocho puntos (etapa de acción). El grupo de control tenía una mediana igual a ocho puntos al principio y después de 30 días (etapa de acción). En el segmento, la mediana es igual a siete puntos (fase de planificación). En la evaluación intermedia de 30 días, se observó que había una diferencia estadística en la motivación entre los dos grupos (p=0,029). Conclusión: se concluyó que la Intervención Breve fue eficaz para mantener la motivación en las etapas de acción y mantenimiento del cambio en el consumo de alcohol.

Polymyxin B Heteroresistance and Adaptive Resistance in Multidrug- and Extremely Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging pathogen associated with nosocomial infections and multidrug resistance. Polymyxin B has been used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii but an increase in polymyxin B resistance has been observed. We aimed to determine the diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility, presence of polymyxin B heteroresistance and adaptive resistance in 72 A. baumannii clinical isolates from two public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. The isolates were identified by sequencing of rpoB gene. Determination of the genetic diversity of isolates was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and oxacillinases genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. The polymyxin B heteroresistance was analyzed by population analysis profile and adaptive resistance was evaluated after serial daily passages of isolates in broth containing increasing polymyxin B concentrations. The results showed that 49% of the isolates were collected from respiratory system and 62% were MDR, while 35% were extensively drug resistant. Additionally, all the isolates carried blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-51-like genes and ISAba1, while 1% had blaOXA-24-like gene. The association of ISAba1-blaOXA-23 was found in 96% of the isolates. Polymyxin B heteroresistance was found in 36% of the isolates and polymyxin B adaptive resistance was not found in the isolates. Our study demonstrated the high resistance to antimicrobials used in clinical practice and the spread of oxacillinases genes and insertion sequence (IS). We also reported the presence of heteroresistance to polymyxin B used as a last-resort therapy for MDR A. baumannii.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: differential adherence to HEp-2 and A-549 cells.

Acinetobacter baumannii has been associated with antimicrobial resistance and ability to form biofilms. Furthermore, its adherence to host cells is an important factor to the colonization process. Therefore, this study intended to identify some virulence factors that can explain the success of A. baumannii in causing nosocomial infections. We studied 92 A. baumannii isolates collected from hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Isolates were identified and the susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined. Oxacilinase type ß-lactamase encoding genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and genetic diversity was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, biofilm formation on polystyrene plates using crystal violet staining was quantified, and adherence to human cell lines was evaluated. Eighty-six isolates were multidrug-resistant, of which 93% were carbapenem-resistant. All isolates had the blaOXA-51 gene and 94% had the blaOXA-23 gene, other searched blaOXA genes were not detected. PFGE typing showed two predominant clones, and biofilm production was observed in 79% of isolates. A. baumannii isolates adhered better to HEp-2 cell compared with A-549 cell. Clones A, B, E, and F showed a significantly increased adherence to HEp-2 compared with adherence to A-549 cell. Our findings revealed that A. baumannii isolates had high frequencies of resistance to antimicrobial agents, ability to form biofilm, and capacity to adhere to HEp-2 cells.

Centromeric enrichment of LINE-1 retrotransposons and its significance for the chromosome evolution of Phyllostomid bats.

Despite their ubiquitous incidence, little is known about the chromosomal distribution of long interspersed elements (LINEs) in mammalian genomes. Phyllostomid bats, characterized by lineages with distinct trends of chromosomal evolution coupled with remarkable ecological and taxonomic diversity, represent good models to understand how these repetitive sequences contribute to the evolution of genome architecture and its link to lineage diversification. To test the hypothesis that LINE-1 sequences were important modifiers of bat genome architecture, we characterized the distribution of LINE-1-derived sequences on genomes of 13 phyllostomid species within a phylogenetic framework. We found massive accumulation of LINE-1 elements in the centromeres of most species: a rare phenomenon on mammalian genomes. We hypothesize that expansion of these elements has occurred early in the radiation of phyllostomids and recurred episodically. LINE-1 expansions on centromeric heterochromatin probably spurred chromosomal change before the radiation of phyllostomids into the extant 11 subfamilies and contributed to the high degree of karyotypic variation observed among different lineages. Understanding centromere architecture in a variety of taxa promises to explain how lineage-specific changes on centromere structure can contribute to karyotypic diversity while not disrupting functional constraints for proper cell division.

Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Rifampicin Strongly Stimulated Biofilm Production in S. aureus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen and a frequent cause of infections associated with biofilm production in implantable medical devices. Biofilm production can be induced by sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of certain antibiotics, but few studies have researched this occurrence in S. aureus. In this study, we investigated the effect of sub-MICs of rifampicin and minocycline on biofilm production by five clinical and five non-clinical S. aureus isolates. METHODS: Microtiter Plate assay and Congo Red Agar Test were used to analyze the biofilm production. The biofilm composition was evaluated by the detachment assay with sodium metaperiodate and proteinase K. RESULTS: Rifampicin sub-MICs induced very high biofilm formation in seven isolates that were non-producers in Tryptic Soy Broth. In one producer isolate, the biofilm formation level was not affected by sub-MICs of this drug. Sub-MICs of minocycline did not induce biofilm production in all isolates tested and in two producer isolates, instead, MIC/2 and MIC/4 inhibited biofilm production. The results of the drugs in combination were similar to those with rifampicin alone. The biofilm matrix was identified as polysaccharide, except for one producer isolate, classified as proteinaceous. Polysaccharide biofilm producer isolates, when grown on Congo Red Agar without sucrose, but with sub-MICs of rifampicin, showed results in agreement with those obtained in Microtiter Plate Test. CONCLUSION: The high biofilm production induced by sub-MICs of rifampicin has potential clinical relevance, because this is one of the drugs commonly used in the impregnation of catheters. In addition, it is used adjunctively to treat certain S. aureus infections.

Accuracy of a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for diagnosis of group B Streptococcus colonization in a cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data regarding Xpert performance to detect Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in HIV-infected pregnant women. We evaluated the accuracy of a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in a cohort of HIV-infected women. METHODS: At 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, a pair of combined rectovaginal swabs were collected for two GBS assays in a cohort of sequentially included HIV-infected women in Rio de Janeiro: (1) culture; and (2) real-time PCR assay [GeneXpert GBS (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA)]. Using culture as the reference, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative-likelihood ratios were estimated. RESULTS: From June 2012 to February 2015, 337 pregnant women met inclusion criteria. One woman was later excluded, due to failure to obtain a result in the index test; 336 were included in the analyses. The GBS colonization rate was 19.04%. Sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert GBS assay were 85.94% (95% CI: 75.38-92.42) and 94.85% (95% CI: 91.55-96.91), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 79.71% (95% CI: 68.78-87.51) and 96.63% (95% CI: 93.72-98.22), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GeneXpert GBS is an acceptable test for the identification of GBS colonization in HIV-infected pregnant women and represents a reasonable option to detect GBS colonization in settings where culture is not feasible.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype at invasion front of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis influences oncological outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to evaluate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a useful prognostic marker in penile carcinoma (PC), and establish an objective criterion to define EMT in PC specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 149 consecutive cases surgically treated for PC were retrospectively selected. E-cadherin (E-CAD) and vimentin immunohistochemical expressions were evaluated. A combined analysis was performed using both markers to determine EMT status. To establish a normal control to E-CAD expression, we included 14 cases from circumcisions from patients without any neoplastic disease and 77 cases of tumor-free margins. The analyses of tumor samples were evaluated in 2 different areas of the tumor. The first one was in the tumor core. The second analyses were performed on the deepest infiltrative edge of the tumor, nominated invasion front. Cases were classified into EMT absent group, partial EMT group and complete EMT group. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were used. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine which variables influenced survival. RESULTS: Tumor specimens presented a significant loss of expression of E-CAD when compared with normal epithelium. Vimentin expression in more than 10% of tumor cells was observed in 50 cases. EMT status was associated with histologic grade, pattern of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and perineural and vascular invasion. Further, 10-year OS and CSS rates in patients with presence and absence of complete EMT status were 38.0% and 55.6%; and 48.0% and 91.9%, respectively. EMT status significantly affected CSS and OS rates even after patients were grouped based on lymph node involvement status. The presence of complete EMT status was associated with both CSS and OS rates. Patients in the complete EMT group had a higher risk of death from cancer (hazard ratio = 7.6, P<0.001) and overall death (hazard ratio = 3.0, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study represents an evidence of the prognostic effect of EMT in PC. We encourage the study of EMT markers in other centers to validate our findings and confirm its importance in such tumors.

Emergence of polymyxin B-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospitals in Rio de Janeiro / Emergência de Acinetobacter baumannii resistente a polimixina B em hospitais do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii has been considered a prevalent pathogen in hospitals, raising concern in the medical community due to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial resistance. Since it is a subject that arouses much interest, it has been increasingly studied. Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, the use of polymyxins was reestablished. The polymyxins have been considered the only option for the treatment of severe infections caused by MDR A. baumannii. Objective: To investigate the susceptibility profile of A. baumannii to polymyxin B. Material and method: 92 clinical isolates from two public hospitals in the Rio de Janeiro city were studied using broth microdilution method. Results: Most of the isolates were resistant to polymyxin B, 81.5% (n = 75), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged between 4-64 mcg/ml. Conclusion: These results are a concern since currently the polymyxins have been considered the most effective therapeutic option against MDR isolates of A. baumannii.

RESUMO Introdução: Acinetobacter baumannii tem sido considerado um patógeno prevalente nos hospitais, gerando preocupação na comunidade médica por conta de seu extenso espectro de resistência aos antimicrobianos. Por ser um assunto que desperta muito interesse, tem sido cada vez mais estudado. Devido à emergência de bactérias Gram-negativas resistentes a múltiplas drogas (MDR), o uso de polimixinas foi reestabelecido. As polimixinas têm sido consideradas a única opção para o tratamento de infecções graves causadas por A. baumannii MDR. Objetivo: Investigar o perfil de suscetibilidade de A. baumannii à polimixina B. Material e método: Foram estudados 92 isolados clínicos provenientes de dois hospitais da rede pública do município do Rio de Janeiro por meio da técnica de microdiluição em caldo. Resultados: A maioria dos isolados foi resistente à polimixina B, 81,5% (n = 75), apresentando valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) entre 4-64 mcg/ml. Conclusão: Esses resultados são preocupantes, já que atualmente as polimixinas têm sido consideradas a opção terapêutica mais eficaz contra isolados de A. baumannii MDR.

Patterns of rDNA and telomeric sequences diversification: contribution to repetitive DNA organization in Phyllostomidae bats.

Chromosomal organization and the evolution of genome architecture can be investigated by physical mapping of the genes for 45S and 5S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) and by the analysis of telomeric sequences. We studied 12 species of bats belonging to four subfamilies of the family Phyllostomidae in order to correlate patterns of distribution of heterochromatin and the multigene families for rDNA. The number of clusters for 45S gene ranged from one to three pairs, with exclusively location in autosomes, except for Carollia perspicillata that had in X chromosome. The 5S gene all the species studied had only one site located on an autosomal pair. In no species the 45S and 5S genes collocated. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe for telomeric sequences revealed fluorescence on all telomeres in all species, except in Carollia perspicillata. Non-telomeric sites in the pericentromeric region of the chromosomes were observed in most species, ranged from one to 12 pairs. Most interstitial telomeric sequences were coincident with heterochromatic regions. The results obtained in the present work indicate that different evolutionary mechanisms are acting in Phyllostomidae genome architecture, as well as the occurrence of Robertsonian fusion during the chromosomal evolution of bats without a loss of telomeric sequences. These data contribute to understanding the organization of multigene families and telomeric sequences on bat genome as well as the chromosomal evolutionary history of Phyllostomidae bats.

Molecular epidemiology of CTX-M producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from bloodstream infections in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: emergence of CTX-M-15

OBJECTIVE: The present studywas designed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of CTX-M producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli isolated from bloodstream infections at tertiary care hospitals in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 231 nonduplicate Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from five Brazilian hospitals between September 2007 and September 2008. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Isolates showing resistance to third-generation cephalosporins were screened for ESBL activity by the double-disk synergy test. The presence of blaCTX-M , blaCTX-M-15 and blaKPC genes was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification andDNA sequencing. The molecular typing of CTX-M producing isolateswas performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ninety-three isolates were screened as ESBL positive and 85 (91%) were found to carry CTX-M-type, as follows: K. pneumoniae 59 (49%), E. cloacae 15 (42%), and E. coli 11 (15%). Ten isolates resistant for carbapenems in K. pneumoniae were blaKPC-2 gene positive. Among CTX-M type isolates, CTX-M-15 was predominant in more than 50% of isolates for K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and E. cloacae. PFGE analysis of CTX-M producing isolates showed the predominance of CTX-M-15 in 10 of 24 pulsotypes in K. pneumoniae, 6 of 13 in E. cloacae and 3 of 6 in E. coli. CTX-M-15 was also predominant among KPC producing isolates. In conclusion, this study showed that CTX-M-15 was circulating in Rio de Janeiro state in 2007-2008. This data reinforce the need for continuing surveillance because this scenario may have changed over the years.

Chromosomal evolution of rDNA and H3 histone genes in representative Romaleidae grasshoppers from northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Grasshoppers from the Romaleidae family are well distributed in the Neotropical Region and represent a diversified and multicolored group in which the karyotype is conserved. Few studies have been conducted to understand the evolutionary dynamics of multigene families. Here, we report the chromosomal locations of the 18S and 5S rDNA and H3 histone multigene families in four grasshopper species from the Romaleidae family, revealed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: The 5S rDNA gene was located in one or two chromosome pairs, depending on the species, and was found in a basal distribution pattern. Its chromosomal location was highly conserved among these species. The 18S rDNA was located in a single medium-sized chromosomal pair in all species analyzed. Its chromosomal location was near the centromere in the proximal or pericentromeric regions. The location of the H3 histone gene was highly conserved, with slight chromosomal location differences among some species. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a megameric chromosome carrying both the chromosomal markers 18S rDNA and the H3 histone genes, thereby expanding our understanding of such chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS: The 5S and 18S rDNA genes and the H3 histone genes showed a conservative pattern in the species that we analyzed. A basal distribution pattern for 5S rDNA was observed with a location on the fourth chromosomal pair, and it was identified as the possible ancestral bearer. The 18S rDNA and H3 histone genes were restricted to a single pair of chromosomes, representing an ancestral pattern. Our results reinforce the known taxonomic relationships between Chromacris and Xestotrachelus, which are two close genera.

Chromosome mapping of ribosomal genes and histone H4 in the genus Radacridium (Romaleidae).

In this study, two species of Romaleidae grasshoppers, Radacridium mariajoseae and R.nordestinum, were analyzed after CMA3/DA/DAPI sequential staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the location of the 18S and 5S rDNA and histone H4 genes. Both species presented karyotypes composed of 2n = 23, X0 with exclusively acrocentric chromosomes. CMA3 (+) blocks were detected after CMA3/DA/DAPI staining in only one medium size autosome bivalent and in the X chromosome in R. mariajoseae. On the other hand, all chromosomes, except the L1 bivalent, of R. nordestinum presented CMA3 (+) blocks. FISH analysis showed that the 18S genes are restricted to the X chromosome in R. mariajoseae, whereas these genes were located in the L2, S9 and S10 autosomes in R. nordestinum. In R. mariajoseae, the 5S rDNA sites were localized in the in L1 and L2 bivalents and in the X chromosome. In R. nordestinum, the 5S genes were located in the L2, L3, M4 and M5 pairs. In both species the histone H4 genes were present in a medium size bivalent. Together, these data evidence a great variability of chromosome markers and show that the 18S and 5S ribosomal genes are dispersed in the Radacridium genome without a significant correlation.

Chromosomal diversification of diploid number, heterochromatin and rDNAs in two species of Phanaeus beetles (Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae).

The genus Phanaeus is included in the tribe Phanaeini, one of the most diverse tribes within the subfamily Scarabaeinae in terms of chromosomal characteristics. However, so far the species of this genus were not studied with differential cytogenetic techniques, limiting any inference of the probable mechanisms responsible for this diversity. In this work, several techniques were applied with the aim of cytogenetically characterizing two Phanaeus species. The karyotype found for Phanaeus (Notiophanaeus) chalcomelas was 2n = 12, neo-XY, and that of P. (N.) splendidulus was 2n = 20, Xyp, considered primitive for the family Scarabaeidae. The chromosomes of both species showed a high amount of constitutive heterochromatin (CH), with blocks rich in base pairs GC (CMA3 (+)). Moreover, in P. (N.) chalcomelas the marks revealed by C-banding and fluorochrome staining were different in size, showing CH variability. Sites of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were identified in one autosomal pair of P. (N.) chalcomelas and in five autosomal pairs of P. (N.) splendidulus. On the other hand, only one autosomal pair exhibited 5S rDNA sequences in these species. The results suggest that the karyotype differentiation of the Phanaeus species studied here involved pericentric inversions and centric fusions, as well as mechanisms related to amplification and dispersion of CH and rDNA sequences.