Seasonal arsenic in catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) and the hydrochemical conditions of two areas in a Ramsar site on the Brazilian coast.

The construction of a data bank concerning metal and metalloid content of bioindicator fish from coastal areas is very important as it can help environmental managers in decision making. In natural conditions, the concentration of elements can be influenced by abiotic parameters such as water salinity. In this study, catfish Cathorops spixii were evaluated concerning the total arsenic (As) concentration in the muscle tissues of individuals subjected to different abiotic conditions in the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC), which was recently included on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance. Seventy-four catfish were seasonally caught in the northern and southern regions of the CIELC and their hydrochemical parameters were obtained. C. spixii from the southern, best preserved, area showed arsenic concentrations around ten times higher than the maximum limit established for fish intended for human consumption. However, these high concentrations of arsenic could be associated with the abiotic parameters of the water, such as salinity variations, in this area.

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered From an Amazonian Lake Near the City of Belém, Brazil.

Aquatic systems have been described as antibiotic resistance reservoirs, where water may act as a vehicle for the spread of resistant bacteria and resistance genes. We evaluated the occurrence and diversity of third generation cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative bacteria in a lake in the Amazonia region. This water is used for human activities, including consumption after appropriate treatment. Eighteen samples were obtained from six sites in October 2014. Water quality parameters were generally within the legislation limits. Thirty-three bacterial isolates were identified as Escherichia (n = 7 isolates), Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella (n = 5 each), Pseudomonas (n = 4), Shigella (n = 3), and Chromobacterium, Citrobacter, Leclercia, Phytobacter (1 isolate each). Twenty nine out of 33 isolates (88%) were resistant to most beta-lactams, except carbapenems, and 88% (n = 29) were resistant to antibiotics included in at least three different classes. Among the beta-lactamase genes inspected, the bla CTX-M was the most prevalent (n = 12 positive isolates), followed by bla TEM (n = 5) and bla SHV (n = 4). bla CTX-M-15 (n = 5), bla CTX-M-14 (n = 1) and bla CTX-M-2 (n = 1) variants were detected in conserved genomic contexts: bla CTX-M-15 flanked by ISEcp1 and Orf477; bla CTX-M-14 flanked by ISEcp1 and IS903; and bla CTX-M-2 associated to an ISCR element. For 4 strains the transfer of bla CTX-M was confirmed by conjugation assays. Compared with the recipient, the transconjugants showed more than 500-fold increases in the MICs of cefotaxime and 16 to 32-fold increases in the MICs of ceftazidime. Two isolates (Escherichia coli APC43A and Acinetobacter baumannii APC25) were selected for whole genome analysis. APC43A was predicted as a E. coli pathogen of the high-risk clone ST471 and serotype O154:H18. bla CTX-M-15 as well as determinants related to efflux of antibiotics, were noted in APC43A genome. A. baumannii APC25 was susceptible to carbapenems and antibiotic resistance genes detected in its genome were intrinsic determinants (e.g., bla OXA-208 and bla ADC-like). The strain was not predicted as a human pathogen and belongs to a new sequence type. Operons related to metal resistance were predicted in both genomes as well as pathogenicity and resistance islands. Results suggest a high dissemination of ESBL-producing bacteria in Lake Água Preta which, although not presenting characteristics of a strongly impacted environment, contains multi-drug resistant pathogenic strains.

Bioaccumulation of Total Mercury (THg) in Catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) with Different Sexual Maturity from Cananéia-Iguape Estuary, SP, Brazil.

In order to improve the knowledge of total mercury (THg) bioaccumulation in bioindicator species of sea catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) and taking into account the relatively recent approach with respect to estuarine fish on the Brazilian coast, 65 individuals were caught in the northern and southern regions of the Cananeia estuary to determine the concentration of the THg in muscles, gills, gonads and kidney of the Cathorops spixii and Genidens genidens specimens. The difference in the THg accumulation associated to the maturity of the catfish reflects a differential metabolism regarding THg bioaccumulation in adults (males and females) and juveniles. These observations reinforce the importance of considering the maturity of the individual in order to understand the bioaccumulation and metabolism of fish under different environmental stress and conditions. Furthermore, abiotic conditions such as salinity should be evaluated in association with metabolic/biological conditions of the fish's bioindicators, especially in environments with large natural or anthropogenic transition gradients.

Correction to: Bioaccumulation of Total Mercury (THg) in Catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) with Different Sexual Maturity from Cananéia-Iguape Estuary, SP, Brazil.

The original version of the article contained a mistake in the unit values. In the fourth paragraph of "Materials and Methods" section, the fourth sentence should read as: The obtained detection and quantification limits were 0.408 ng g-1 and 3.619 ng g-1, respectively, with circa 90% recovery compared with DORM-4, showing high precision and accuracy of the THg determination.

[Needs for dental prostheses and their use in elderly Brazilians according to the National Oral Health Survey (SBBrazil 2010): prevalence rates and associated factors]. / Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária em idosos brasileiros segundo a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010): prevalências e fatores associados.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of and need for dental prostheses among elderly Brazilians (65-74 years of age) and to verify associated factors. Data were analyzed from 7,496 elderly participants in the National Oral Health Survey in 2010 (SBBrazil 2010). Use of and need for dental prosthesis were the outcomes. The exposure variables included demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, dental services use, and self-rated oral health. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Prevalence rates for use of and need for dental prostheses were 78.2% and 68.7%, respectively. The Southeast Region had the highest prevalence of use (71.3%) and the greatest need for dental prostheses (82.9%). Multivariate Poisson regression analyses showed greater use of dental prostheses by women, individuals with 5 to 7 years of schooling, and users of private dental services, and lower use by black individuals and those with self-reported need for dental prostheses. Less need for dental prostheses was seen in women and in users of private services, and greater need in those with self-reported need for dental prostheses. Regional differences were seen in the distribution of use and need for dental prostheses. Still, the findings showed high prevalence rates for both outcomes in all regions of Brazil. Socioeconomic and demographic variables and use of dental services influenced the use of and need for dental prostheses.

Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária em idosos brasileiros segundo a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010): prevalências e fatores associados / Needs for dental prostheses and their use in elderly Brazilians according to the National Oral Health Survey (SBBrazil 2010): prevalence rates and associated factors / Uso y necesidad de prótesis dentales en ancianos brasileños, según la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Bucal (SBBrasil 2010): prevalencias y factores asociados

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária entre os idosos brasileiros (65-74 anos) e verificar fatores associados. Foram analisados dados de 7.496 idosos participantes do Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal realizado em 2010 (SBBrasil, 2010). O uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária foram usados como desfechos. As variáveis de exposição incluíram características demográficas, socioeconômicas, de uso de serviços e de autopercepção da saúde bucal. Análises descritiva, bivariada e multivariada foram realizadas. A prevalência de uso e necessidade de prótese dentária foi de 78,2% e 68,7%, respectivamente. A Região Nordeste foi a que apresentou a menor prevalência de uso (71,3%) e a maior de necessidade prótese dentária (82,9%). As análises multivariadas por meio de regressão de Poisson revelaram maior uso de prótese dentária em mulheres, naqueles com 5 a 7 anos de estudos e nos que foram a serviço particular, e houve menor uso em indivíduos pretos e com necessidade autorreferida de prótese dentária. Menor necessidade de prótese dentária foi observada em mulheres e nos usuários de serviço particular, e maior naqueles que autorreferiram necessidade de prótese dentária. Diferenças regionais foram observadas na distribuição do uso e da necessidade de prótese dentária. Ainda assim, os achados revelaram altas prevalências de ambos os desfechos em todas as regiões. Variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e de uso de serviços influenciaram a ocorrência de uso e de necessidade de prótese dentária.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of and need for dental prostheses among elderly Brazilians (65-74 years of age) and to verify associated factors. Data were analyzed from 7,496 elderly participants in the National Oral Health Survey in 2010 (SBBrazil 2010). Use of and need for dental prosthesis were the outcomes. The exposure variables included demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, dental services use, and self-rated oral health. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Prevalence rates for use of and need for dental prostheses were 78.2% and 68.7%, respectively. The Southeast Region had the highest prevalence of use (71.3%) and the greatest need for dental prostheses (82.9%). Multivariate Poisson regression analyses showed greater use of dental prostheses by women, individuals with 5 to 7 years of schooling, and users of private dental services, and lower use by black individuals and those with self-reported need for dental prostheses. Less need for dental prostheses was seen in women and in users of private services, and greater need in those with self-reported need for dental prostheses. Regional differences were seen in the distribution of use and need for dental prostheses. Still, the findings showed high prevalence rates for both outcomes in all regions of Brazil. Socioeconomic and demographic variables and use of dental services influenced the use of and need for dental prostheses.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el uso y la necesidad de prótesis dentales entre los ancianos brasileiros (65-74 años) y verificar sus factores asociados. Se analizaron datos de 7.496 ancianos participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Bucal, realizada en 2010 (SBBrasil 2010). El uso y la necesidad de prétesis dentales se usaron como resultados. Las variables de exposición incluyeron características demográficas, socioeconómicas, de uso de servicios y de autopercepción de salud bucal. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados y multivariados. La prevalencia de uso y necesidad de prótesis dentales fue de un 78,2% y 68,7%, respectivamente. La región nordeste fue la que presentó la menor prevalencia de uso (71,3%) y la mayor de necesidad prótesis dentales (82,9%). Los análisis multivariados, mediante la regresión de Poisson, revelaron un mayor uso de prótesis dentales en mujeres, en aquellos con 5 a 7 años de estudios y en los que fueron a servicios privados, y hubo un menor uso en individuos negros y con necesidad autorreferida de prótesis dentales. Se observó una menor necesidad de prótesis dentales en mujeres y en los usuarios de servicios particulares, y mayor en aquellos que autoinformaron una necesidad de prótesis dentales. Se observaron diferencias regionales en la distribución del uso y necesidad de prótesis dentales. Incluso así, los hallazgos revelaron altas prevalencias de ambos en los resultados en todas las regiones. Variables socioeconómicas, demográficas y de uso de servicios influenciaron la ocurrencia de uso y necesidad de prótesis dentales.

Dental prosthesis use and/or need impacting the oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian adults and elders: Results from a National Survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of use of and need for dental prosthesis (DP) on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Brazilian adults and elders. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study, used data from the Brazilian Oral Health National Survey performed in 2010. The sample was representative of adults (35-44 years of age) and elders (65-74 years) at national level. Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire was used to assess the individuals' OHRQoL. Interest variables included use of and need for DP and location of tooth losses. Covariates included socioeconomic, behavioral and clinical characteristics. Associations were performed using Negative Binomial regression models, estimating the rate ratios (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: From the total of 17,398 individuals evaluated, 68.3% needed some type of DP, while the prevalence of DP usage was 49.2%. After adjustments, those needing prosthesis, regardless of already using prosthesis presented an impact more than 50% higher on OHRQoL, and those needing a greater the number of teeth to be replaced and those presenting losses on anterior and posterior regions had higher impact on OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that improvement of strategies focused on oral rehabilitation of adults and elders are crucial to promote population oral health. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The high prevalence of normative need for prosthetic rehabilitation in adult and elder Brazilian population impacts significantly on oral health-related quality of life highlighting the importance of providing prosthetic oral rehabilitation in this population.

Molecular analysis of the diversity of genus Psychrobacter present within a temperate estuary.

Many members of the genus Psychrobacter are endemic in extremely cold and saline environments and the genus has been described as only marginally successful in warmer habitats. In a previous study the Psychrobacter genus was, unexpectedly, the most frequently isolated bacterial genus from the sea-surface microlayer (SML) and the underlying water (UW) of a temperate estuary (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). Here we analysed the diversity in Psychrobacter populations inhabiting this estuary. Samples were collected at three dates and three locations from sea-SML and UW. Isolated Psychrobacter strains were well-adapted to temperatures and salt concentrations above the ones described as optimal for most members of this genus. Hydrocarbon-degrading potential was not confirmed for these strains. We developed and optimized a reliable and specific denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)-based method for the analysis of Psychrobacter populations in aquatic systems. DGGE profiles inferred that Psychrobacter populations were very stable in the estuary, a strong indication for the presence of well-adapted phylotypes. The analysis of genus-specific clone libraries revealed a surprisingly high diversity among Psychrobacter in Ria de Aveiro. Results indicated that novel species were probably cultivated. Significant differences between sea-SML and UW Psychrobacter communities were revealed. Observed diversity trends may be related to environmental factors such as salinity and/or anthropogenic pressures such as contamination with hydrocarbons.

Analysis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from the surface microlayer and underlying water of an estuarine environment.

We compared the prevalence of cultivable antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in the surface microlayer (SML) and underlying waters (UW) of an estuary. Prevalence of resistant bacteria was determined in antibiotic-supplemented agar. Bacterial isolates from the UW (n=91) and SML (n=80), selected in media without antibiotic, were characterized concerning susceptibility against nine antibiotics. The presence of genes bla(TEM), bla(OXA-B), bla(SHV), bla(IMP), tet(A), tet(B), tet(E), tet(M), cat, sul1, sul2, sul3, aadA, IntI1, IntI2, and IntI3 was assessed by PCR. The variable regions of integrons were sequenced. Ampicillin- and streptomycin-resistant bacteria were significantly more prevalent in SML. Resistance levels among the bacterial collections were generally low, preventing detection of significant differences between SML and UW. The tet(E) gene was detected in two Aeromonas isolates and tet(M) was detected in a Pseudomonas isolate. Gene sul1 was amplified from three Aeromonas isolates. Prevalence of intI genes was 2.11%. Cassette arrays contained genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides and chloramphenicol. A higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the SML, although only detectable when bacteria were selected in antibiotic-supplemented agar, suggests that SML conditions select for antibiotic resistance. Results also showed that antibiotic resistance was uncommon among estuarine bacteria and the resistance mechanisms are probably predominantly intrinsic.

Prevalence and diversity of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in untreated drinking water in Portugal.

We examined the prevalence and diversity of carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) in untreated drinking water. Prevalence was estimated in plate count agar (PCA) and R2A media with or without antibiotics. Clonal relatedness of isolates was established by repetitive extragenic palindroitic (REP)-PCR. Phylogeny was based on the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disc diffusion methods. Genes encoding beta-lactamases and integrases were inspected by PCR. CRB ranged from 0.02% to 15.9% of cultivable bacteria, while ampicillin-resistant bacteria ranged from 1.5% to 31.4%. Carbapenem-resistant isolates affiliated with genera Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Sphingobacterium, Acidovorax, Caulobacter, Cupriavidus, and Sphingomonas. CRB were highly resistant to beta-lactams, but mostly susceptible to other classes. Transmissible beta-lactamase genes and integrase genes were not detected. The genus-specific bla(L1) was detected in 61% of the Stenotrophomonas isolates. Contrarily to what has been reported for extensively used antibiotics, low levels of carbapenem resistance were detected in untreated drinking water, often represented by intrinsically resistant genera. Production of chromosomal-encoded carbapenemases was the prevalent carbapenem resistance mechanism. Results suggest that the dissemination of anthropogenic-derived carbapenem resistance is at an early stage. This presents an opportunity to rationally develop monitoring strategies to identify dissemination routes and assess the impact of human actions in the environmental resistome.

Spatial and temporal analysis of estuarine bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton using culture-dependent and culture-independent methodologies.

Bacterioneuston may play a key role in water-air exchange of gases and in processing organic matter and pollutants that accumulate at the sea-surface microlayer (SML). However, the phylogenetic diversity of bacterioneuston has been poorly characterized. We analyzed 24 samples each from the SML and underlying water (UW) at three sites in the Ria de Aveiro estuary, Portugal. Cultivation and culture-independent techniques were used to compare bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton. Culturable heterotrophic bacteria were enriched in the SML. The culturable community was dominated by Psychrobacter and Acinetobacter. The presence of high numbers of Psychrobacter was a notable result. Differences were confined to a few genera overrepresented in UW samples (Kocuria, Agrococcus and Vibrio). 16S rDNA DGGE profiles were highly stable in terms of number and position of bands between sampling sites and dates but cluster analysis revealed a slight tendency for grouping according to sampled layer. SML-specific DGGE bands affiliated with Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Low similarity between nucleotide sequences of DGGE-bands and previously reported sequences suggest the occurrence of SML-specific populations. Enrichment of SML for Pseudomonas and Aeromonas was questioned and the diversity of both communities was analyzed. Consistent differences between SML and UW aeromonads communities were not identified. In terms of Pseudomonas, a culturable operational taxonomic unit was consistently overrepresented within SML samples. Taken together, our results indicate that the similarity between SML and UW communities depends on spatial and temporal factors.

Total mercury in sediments and in Brazilian Ariidae catfish from two estuaries under different anthropogenic influence.

Santos-São Vicente estuary, located in São Paulo State, Brazil, has a history of contamination by inorganic chemicals such as mercury (Hg). In the 1980s the Cubatão was considered one of the most polluted sites in the world as a consequence of the intense industrial activities located in the city close to the estuary. To provide data and evaluate the local biota, total mercury (THg) contents were determined in sediments and in fish, Cathorops spixii, from different areas of the Santos-São Vicente estuary. For comparison, samples were also collected in a non-polluted system with similar hydrochemistry characteristics, the Cananeia estuary. The water characteristics and THg levels in sediment and fish samples confirmed a high human influence in the Santos-São Vicente estuary. The lowest THg values, observed in Cananeia, were evidence of low anthropogenic influence. High values observed in Santos-São Vicente show the necessity for a monitoring program.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis), an anciently consumed stimulant from the Amazon rain forest: the seeded-fruit transcriptome.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) is a plant native to the central Amazon basin. Roasted seed extracts have been used as medicinal beverages since pre-Colombian times, due to their reputation as stimulants, aphrodisiacs, tonics, as well as protectors of the gastrointestinal tract. Guarana plants are commercially cultivated exclusively in Brazil to supply the national carbonated soft-drink industry and natural product stores around the world. In this report, we describe and discuss the annotation of 15,387 ESTs from guarana seeded-fruits, highlighting sequences from the flavonoid and purine alkaloid pathways, and those related to biotic stress avoidance. This is the largest set of sequences registered for the Sapindaceae family.

Identification of Chromobacterium violaceum genes with potential biotechnological application in environmental detoxification.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative bacterium found in a wide variety of tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The complete genome sequence of C. violaceum ATCC 12472 is now available, and it has considerable biotechnological potential for various applications, such as environmental detoxification, as well as medical and agricultural use. We examined the biotechnological potential of C. violaceum for environmental detoxification. Three operons, comprising the ars operon, involved in arsenic resistance, the cyn operon, involved in cyanate detoxification, and the hcn operon, encoding a cyanase, responsible for biogenic production of cyanide, as well as an open reading frame, encoding an acid dehalogenase, were analyzed in detail. Probable catalytic mechanisms for the enzymes were determined, based on amino acid sequence comparisons and on published structural information for these types of proteins.