The gut microbiota of wild birds undergoing rehabilitation as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant enterococci in a metropolitan area in Brazil.

Enterococci are ubiquitous usually commensal bacteria that can act as opportunistic pathogens frequently associated with resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes. A variety of animals may carry potentially harmful enterococci. In the present work, the occurrence and characteristics of enterococci recovered from the fecal microbiota of wild birds belonging to four families (Accipitridae, Cathartidae, Falconidae and Strigidae) were investigated. Enterococci were recovered from 104 (92.0%) fecal samples obtained from 113 birds, and 260 strains were selected for additional characterization. Enterococcus faecalis was the predominant species (63.8%), followed by Enterococcus hirae (16.2%), Enterococcus faecium (11.5%), Enterococcus gallinarum (5.4%), Enterococcus avium (1.5%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (0.8%), and Enterococcus raffinosus and Enterococcus cecorum (0.4% each). Major percentages (11.9% 75.0%) of nonsusceptibility were observed to quinolones (particularly to enrofloxacin), erythromycin, rifampin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline and streptomycin. Gentamicin and ampicillin resistances (13.3% each) were only detected among E. faecium. A total of 133 (51.2%) strains were MDR, showing a large variety of MDR profiles, composed by simultaneous resistance encompassing 3 to 12 antimicrobials. MDR strains were found in 68.2% of the birds. Antimicrobial resistance was associated with the presence of the aac(6')-aph(2″)-Ia, aph(2″)-Id, ant(6)-Ia, ant(9)-Ia, ant(9)-Ib, tet(M), tet(L), tet(S), erm(B), mef(A/E), msrC, and vat(D) genes. The most common virulence genes were efaA, gelE, ace, eeP, and asa1. PFGE analysis revealed a large genetic diversity among most of the strains. MLST performed for 35 E. faecalis strains revealed 23 different STs, whereas 14 STs were found among 18 E. faecium strains. Hospital-associated lineages ST22, ST25, ST56, ST1274 were identified. The results show that the wild birds investigated can carry a diversity of potentially hazardous enterococcal strains displaying multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, reinforcing the assumption that these animals provide an important target to monitor the circulation of microorganisms that deserve consideration under the One Health perspective.

A Cluster of Diutina catenulata Funguria in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hospitalized in a Tertiary Reference Hospital from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections, especially pulmonary aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and invasive candidiasis, have emerged as a significant health concern. Beyond Candida albicans, the most common cause of invasive candidiasis, other rare ascomycetous yeast species have been described in tertiary care units, potentially posing a broader health threat. We have isolated, from September 2020 to June 2021, nine Diutina catenulata strains from urine samples of six patients. This was intriguing as this fungus had not been previously identified in our institution, nor after June 2021. Therefore, we decided to outline the clinical features of the patients with this rare pathogen, to describe phenotypic characteristics, including antifungal susceptibility profiles, of this yeast species and to identify the genetic makeup through whole-genome sequencing analysis to evaluate if this was a cluster of genetically similar D. catenulata isolates in our institution. The strains were identified through MALDI-TOF MS analyses and Sanger sequencing of two rDNA regions. All patients yielding D. catenulata from urine samples needed ventilator support and used urinary catheters during hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19. None of them had received COVID-19 vaccines. Morphological and biochemical profiles of the nine strains were largely consistent, although fluconazole susceptibility varied, ranging from 4 to 32 µg/mL. Phylogenomic analysis revealed minimal genetic variation among the isolates, with low intrapopulation variation, supported by the identification of only 84 SNPs across all strains. Therefore, we propose that the yeast strains isolated were part of a cluster of D. catenulata funguria in the context of COVID-19.

Adaptation And Use of the Papworth Haemostasis Checklist - Clinical Outcomes Analysis at Hospital Estadual Mário Covas.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative bleeding is one of the main causes of complications in cardiovascular surgery, which highlights the importance of ensuring adequate intraoperative hemostasis, providing a better patient outcome. This study aimed to improve the prevention of postoperative bleeding in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of the Hospital Estadual Mário Covas (Santo André, Brazil) using an adapted version of the Papworth Haemostasis Checklist to assess the impact of this standardization on bleeding rate, postoperative complications, reoperation, and mortality. METHODS: This is a non-randomized controlled clinical trial, whose non-probabilistic sample consisted of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the abovementioned service within a two-year interval. The Papworth Haemostasis Checklist was adapted to the Brazilian laboratory parameters and the questions were translated into Portuguese. This checklist was used before the surgeon started the chest wall closure. Patients were followed up until 30 days after surgery. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically relevant. RESULTS: This study included 200 patients. After the checklist, a reduction in 24-hour drain output, postoperative complications, and reoperation was observed, although statistical significance was not reached. Finally, there was a significant reduction in the number of deaths (8 vs. 2; P=0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of the adapted checklist in our hospital proved to be an effective intervention to improve the prevention of postoperative bleeding, with a direct impact in the number of deaths in the study period. The reduction in deaths was possible thanks to the reduction in the bleeding rate, postoperative complications, and reoperations for bleeding.

Urinary Aspergillosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic mycosis that generally affects the lungs. The fungus was cleared by the immune system of a healthy host. Extrapulmonary forms are very rare, and there are few reports of urinary aspergillosis. In this case report, we describe a 62-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with complaints of fever and dysuria. The patient had recurrent episodes of urinary tract infection and several hospitalizations. A computed tomography revealed an amorphous mass in the left kidney and bladder. After partial resection of the material was referred for analysis, Aspergillus infection was suspected and confirmed by culture. Successful treatment with voriconazole was provided. Diagnosis of localized primary renal Aspergillus infection in a patient with SLE requires careful investigation due to its benign presentation and lack of associated systemic clinical features.

Draft Genome Sequences of Four Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from American Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We report the draft genome sequences of four Enterococcus cecorum strains obtained from cloacal swab specimens collected from three healthy captive wild birds (two Coragyps atratus and one Parabuteo unicinctus) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The genome sizes ranged from 2.38 to 2.55 Mb.

Acute paracoccidioidomycosis worsened by immunosuppressive therapy due to a misdiagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, mostly in Brazil. The involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon and usually associated with the acute form. Recently, a cluster of acute PCM cases has been described in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We report a 42-year-old male, resident of Rio de Janeiro, presenting chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain in the past 3 years, previously diagnosed as Chron´s disease. When immunosuppressive therapy was prescribed, the patient evolved with worsening of the previous symptoms in addition to odynophagia, 20 kg-weight loss, disseminated skin lesions, diffuse lymphadenopathy and adrenal insufficiency. Histopathological and mycological examination of a skin lesion were compatible with PCM. Itraconazole was prescribed in high doses (400 mg/day). After seven months of treatment, the patient presented with acute abdominal pain which led to an emergent appendectomy, revealing the presence of the fungus. After 24 months, the patient reached clinical cure and recovered from adrenal insufficiency. We emphasize the importance of PCM as a differential diagnosis in patients with chronic diarrhea. The risk of fungal infections should be considered prior to initiating immunosupressive therapies, particularly in endemic areas.

Perspectives of topical formulations for melasma.

Melasma is acquired hyperpigmentation that mainly affects the face, can cause negative changes in self-esteem, and mostly affects women. Treatment is difficult, and different drugs can be used in mono or combination therapy. In this article, we present a brief overview of melasma, how to evaluate it, and a synthesis of the most commonly used topical therapies and their indications, including sunscreens, pharmacological agents, and plant extracts. Hydroquinone (4%) in monotherapy or combined with corticosteroids (dexamethasone and fluocinolone acetonide) and retinoids (tretinoin); arbutin (1%); methimazole (5%); kojic (2%), azelaic (20%), and tranexamic (5%) acids are the pharmacological agents that stand out. Correct application of these substances determines a variable improvement in melasma but often causes adverse reactions such as erythema, itching, and burning at the application site. Vitamin C can contribute to the reduction of melasma and have little or no adverse effects while sunscreens are normally used as coadjuvant therapies. In conclusion, we have compiled specific topical therapies for treating melasma and discussed those that are the most used currently. We consider it important that prescribers and researchers evaluate the best cost-benefit ratio of topical therapeutic options and develop new formulations, enabling efficacy in the treatment with safety and comfort during application, through the reduction of adverse effects.

Adaptation And Use of the Papworth Haemostasis Checklist - Clinical Outcomes Analysis at Hospital Estadual Mário Covas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative bleeding is one of the main causes of complications in cardiovascular surgery, which highlights the importance of ensuring adequate intraoperative hemostasis, providing a better patient outcome. This study aimed to improve the prevention of postoperative bleeding in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of the Hospital Estadual Mário Covas (Santo André, Brazil) using an adapted version of the Papworth Haemostasis Checklist to assess the impact of this standardization on bleeding rate, postoperative complications, reoperation, and mortality. Methods: This is a non-randomized controlled clinical trial, whose non-probabilistic sample consisted of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the abovementioned service within a two-year interval. The Papworth Haemostasis Checklist was adapted to the Brazilian laboratory parameters and the questions were translated into Portuguese. This checklist was used before the surgeon started the chest wall closure. Patients were followed up until 30 days after surgery. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically relevant. Results: This study included 200 patients. After the checklist, a reduction in 24-hour drain output, postoperative complications, and reoperation was observed, although statistical significance was not reached. Finally, there was a significant reduction in the number of deaths (8 vs. 2; P=0.05). Conclusion: The use of the adapted checklist in our hospital proved to be an effective intervention to improve the prevention of postoperative bleeding, with a direct impact in the number of deaths in the study period. The reduction in deaths was possible thanks to the reduction in the bleeding rate, postoperative complications, and reoperations for bleeding.

Mortalidade materna: perfil dos óbitos maternos ocorridos no estado do Maranhão no período de 2010 a 2019 / Maternal mortality: profile of maternal deaths that occurred in the state of Maranhão from 2010 to 2019 / Mortalidad materna: perfil de las muertes maternas ocurridas en el estado de Maranhão de 2010 a 2019

Objetivo: Analisar os casos de óbitos maternos no Estado do Maranhão no período de 2010 a 2019, uma vez que, os números de óbitos maternos são um importante indicador sobre as condições de vida da população e atenção à saúde da mulher, onde a maior parte dos casos ocorre entre mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade. Metodolo- gia: Trata-se de estudo ecológico de série temporal, com uso de dados secundários pro- venientes de sistemas de informação em saúde. Resultados: Foi observado que, mulheres com baixo nível de escolaridade, pardas e entre a faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos foram as mais afetadas. Foi evidenciado ainda que, o ano de 2010 trouxe maior incidência de casos, onde posteriormente houve um declínio entre o espaço temporal de 2015 a 2019, vale destacar que os municípios de São Luís, Imperatriz e Caxias foram os locais com maiores proporções de casos de óbitos notificados. Considerações finais: Neste sentido, a enfermagem exerce importante papel para a diminuição do número de óbitos maternos, pois os profissionais da enfermagem têm contato direto com as gestantes durante todo o pré-natal, possibilitando a descoberta precoce de patologias nas mulheres. Destaca-se ainda que a equipe multidisciplinar que atuam na atenção primária podem realizar busca ativa e ofertar um tratamento integral as mulheres durante toda a gravidez e puerpério.

Objective: To analyze the cases of maternal deaths in the State of Maranhão from 2010 to 2019, since the numbers of maternal deaths are an important indicator of the living conditions of the population and attention to women's health, where the Most cases occur among vulnerable women. Methodology: This is an ecological time series study, using secondary data from health information systems. Results: It was observed that women with a low level of education, brown and between the ages of 20 and 29 years were the most affected. It was also evidenced that the year 2010 brought a higher incidence of cases, where later there was a decline between the time period from 2015 to 2019, it is worth noting that the municipalities of São Luís, Imperatriz and Caxias were the places with the highest proportions of cases of reported deaths. Final considerations: In this sense, nursing plays an important role in reducing the number of maternal deaths, as nursing professionals have direct contact with pregnant women throughout the prenatal period, enabling the early discovery of pathologies in women. It is also noteworthy that the multidisciplinary team working in primary care can carry out an active search and offer comprehensive treatment to women throughout pregnancy and the puerperium.

Objetivo: Analizar los casos de muertes maternas en el Estado de Maranhão de 2010 a 2019, ya que los números de muertes maternas son un indicador importante de las condiciones de vida de la población y atención a la salud de las mujeres, donde la mayoría de los casos ocurren entre mujeres vulnerables. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio de series temporales ecológicas, utilizando datos secundarios de los sistemas de información en salud. Resultados: Se observó que las mujeres con bajo nivel educativo, morenas y entre 20 y 29 años de edad fueron las más afectadas. También se evidenció que el año 2010 trajo una mayor incidencia de casos, donde luego hubo una disminución entre el período de tiempo de 2015 a 2019, se destaca que los municipios de São Luís, Imperatriz y Caxias fueron los locales con mayor proporciones de casos de muertes notificadas. Consideraciones finales: En este sentido, la enfermería juega un papel importante en la reducción del número de muertes maternas, ya que los profesionales de enfermería tienen contacto directo con las gestantes durante todo el período prenatal, posibilitando el descubrimiento precoz de patologías en la mujer. También cabe destacar que el equipo multidisciplinar que trabaja en atención primaria puede realizar una búsqueda activa y ofrecer un tratamiento integral a la mujer durante todo el embarazo y el puerperio.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Commensal Enterococcus faecalis Strains Isolated from American Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Brazil.

We report the draft genome sequences of two commensal Enterococcus faecalis strains (designated Ca-2 and Ca-18) recovered from the cloacae of two healthy American black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The strains were found to carry a variety of antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes.