Main Agent Research Articles

Characterisation of Pelletal Lapilli in Explosive Melilitite–Carbonatite Eruptions: An Example from Mt. Vulture Volcano (Southern Italy)

Among the volcaniclastic products of melilitite–carbonatite eruptions, pelletal lapilli are often found, resulting in them being particularly useful for characterising the interface between the erupting magma and its volatile component. Pelletal lapilli, which were erupted during the most recent melilitite–carbonatite volcanic activity of the Mt. Vulture volcano, are characterised by a predominantly wehrlitic core with CO2-rich fluid inclusions and a Ca-rich outer portion composed of fine-grained xenocrystic debris of olivine and clinopyroxene, with microcrysts of haüyne and melilite laths (± calcite). The chemical composition of the olivine reflects the interaction with a proto-melilitite–carbonatite melt, which is the main metasomatic agent. The whole-rock analyses of the external portion of pelletal lapilli show values that are comparable with those of extrusive carbonatites. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the primary carbonatite melt was a significant contributor to the CO2-rich magma source that transported the lapilli to the surface. The modelling of the geometric data of the pelletal lapilli structure, together with inferences regarding the role of the CO2 gas phase, the main propellant in an ascending gas-dominated medium, allowed for the reconstruction of a possible scenario where the CO2 expansion and the fluidised spray granulation process are crucial during the volcanic conduit dynamics.

O ensino das artes no currículo educacional brasileiro e o pensamento de Ana Mae Barbosa

This writing aims to produce reflections on the productions of researcher Ana Mae Barbosa. Therefore, the question arises: What should arts teaching be like according to the thoughts of author Ana Mae Barbosa? To produce data for this qualitative research, documentary research was carried out on the CAPES journal portal. When briefly analyzing the current Brazilian educational legislation, the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) it is noted that Ana Mae Barbosa's thought was strongly considered, however, Arts Teaching still needs to overcome several challenges to develop the social function in society and the main agent for these transformations to occur is the teacher in this area of knowledge.

Development Using Bioluminescence Imaging of a Recombinant Anguillid Herpesvirus 1 Vaccine Candidate Associated with Normal Replication In Vitro but Abortive Infection In Vivo

Background/Objectives: Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV-1) (recently renamed Cyvirus anguillidallo 1) is the etiologic agent of a lethal disease that affects several eel species. It is thought to be one of the main infectious agents causing a population decline in wild eels and economic loss within the eel aquaculture sector. To date, no vaccines are available against AngHV-1. Recently, we developed a safe and efficacious live attenuated recombinant vaccine against Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3). This CyHV-3 recombinant vaccine encodes a deletion of ORF57. Orthologues of CyHV-3 ORF57 exist in Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2, ORF57) and AngHV-1 (ORF35). Methods: In the present study, using recombinant strains and bioluminescent in vivo imaging, we investigated the effect of AngHV-1 ORF35 deletion on virus replication in vitro, virulence in vivo, and the potential of an AngHV-1 ORF35-deleted recombinant as a vaccine candidate for the mass vaccination of eels by immersion. With this goal in mind, we produced ORF35-deleted recombinants using two parental strains: a UK strain and a recombinant derived from the former strain by insertion of a Luciferase–GFP reporter cassette into a non-coding intergenic region. Results: Analyses of ORF35-deleted recombinants led to the following observations: (i) AngHV-1 ORF35 is not essential for viral growth in cell culture, and its deletion does not affect the production of extracellular virions despite reducing the size of viral plaque. (ii) In contrast to what has been observed for CyHV-3 ORF57 and CyHV-2 ORF57, in vivo bioluminescent analyses revealed that AngHV-1 ORF35 is an essential virulence factor and that its deletion led to abortive infection in vivo. (iii) Inoculation of the AngHV-1 ORF35-deleted recombinant by immersion induced a protective immune response against a wild-type challenge. This protection was shown to be dose-dependent and to rely on the infectivity of AngHV-1 ORF35-deleted virions. Conclusions: This study suggests that the AngHV-1 ORF35 protein has singular properties compared to its orthologues encoded by CyHV-2 and CyHV-3. It also supports the potential of AngHV-1 ORF35-deleted recombinants for the mass vaccination of eels by immersion.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS OF MENINGITIS IN BRAZIL FROM 2001 TO 2022

Introduction: Meningitis is a worldwide pathology that has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Its pathophysiology consists of an inflammation that affects the meninges, especially in the subarachnoid space, cranial and spinal segments. Materials and methods: Descriptive study that used secondary data to examine the disease "meningitis" that occurred between 2001 and 2022. The data were obtained from the Database of the Department of Information and Informatics of the SUS (DATASUS), accessible at https:/ /datasus.saude.gov.br/informacoes-de-saude-tabnet/. Results: In the years 2001-2022, 452,392 cases were reported in Brazil. The prevalence in the North region reached a total of 18,836 cases, in the Northeast 82,106, Southeast = 236,345, South = 93,353 and Central-West = 21,752, highlighting the Southeast region with the highest prevalence of cases. Discussion: The Southeast region has a higher number of meningitis cases due to the local health infrastructure and population growth in this region. Viral meningitis is one of the most relevant causes as it affects individuals of all ages, being the cause of large epidemic outbreaks and bacterial is a condition of great importance, due to its high mortality and morbidity compared to viral meningitis, the main bacterial agent is Neisseria meningitidis. Conclusion: Meningitis is a serious public health problem due to its intensity of spread and its high morbidity and mortality rate, especially in children. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the importance of prophylactic methods such as vaccination, which are extremely effective in controlling and eradicating diseases. Keywords: Viral meningitis; Bacterial meningitis; Nursing; Epidemiology

Determination of antimicrobial resistance genes in patients with infected miscarriage. A rapid identification and optimized empirical therapy

BACKGROUND: The infectious factor during pregnancy remains the leading cause not only of maternal mortality, but also of premature pregnancy loss and subsequent reproductive function impairment. Patients with infected miscarriage represent a special cohort in terms of complexity of clinical decision-making, while the choice of antimicrobial chemotherapy is particularly difficult in conditions of accumulation of scientific knowledge about the main microbial agents. For adequate treatment, it is essential to use all modern methods of microbiota diagnosis and conduct regular monitoring of microorganism resistance in order to update empirical schemes of antibacterial therapy. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation relationship between antimicrobial resistance genes and identified microbial agents in patients with infected miscarriage in order to optimize empirical antimicrobial chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 42 samples of genital tract discharge in patients with infected miscarriage. The classical culture method was used to determine microorganism sensitivity to standard antibacterial drugs by the disc diffusion test. A molecular genetic study of the species composition of clinically significant microbial agents and genes of resistance to β-lactam and glycopeptide antibiotics was performed using Femoflor Screen and BakRezista GLA test systems (“DNA-Technology” LLC., Russia), respectively. RESULTS: In the cultural study, one microbial agent was identified in 59.5% of cases, two in 40.0% of cases, and three in 7.1% of cases. The following microorganisms were most frequently identified: Enterococcus spp. in 25.0% of cases, Esherichia coli in 16.7% of cases, and Candida spp. in 11.7% of cases. During the molecular genetic study, Lactobacillus spp. were identified in 64.3% of the samples, the microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis in 45.3% of the samples, Candida spp. in 23.8% of the samples, and Herpesviridae family viruses in 14.3% of the samples. In 45.2% of the samples, one to 14 genes of resistance to β-lactam and glycopeptide antibiotics were identified, while Tem (19.0%), Oxa-40-like (19.0%), Stx-M1 (14.3%), Ges (14.3%), Oxa-51-like (11.9%), and Van A/B (9.5%) were most frequently determined in the samples positive for resistance genes. Comparison between phenotypic susceptibility testing and genetic prediction for antibiotics resistance demonstrated that the specificity varied from 96.4 to 100%, and the sensitivity from 40.0 to 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of molecular genetic diagnostic methods allows for the identification of clinically significant urogenital tract infections and the detection of markers of their resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and glycopeptides in the shortest possible time. The data obtained make it possible to optimize the initial antimicrobial chemotherapy.

The Vendian and Early Cambrian of the Southwest, West and Northwest of the Eastern European Platform: categories of rivers that formed sedimentary

Based on data on the geochemical characteristics ((La/Yb)N, Eu/Eu* and content of Th) of clay rocks of Podolian Transnistria, South-Eastern Poland, Belarus and Volyn, Lithuania, the vicinity of St. Petersburg, South-Eastern White Sea region and Arctic Norway, categories of rivers that transported fine-grained aluminosiliconclastics to sinks that existed during the Vendian and Early Cambrian were reconstructed in the west of the East European Platform. The distribution of data points of clay rocks of the Volynian time on the (La/Yb)N–Eu/Eu* diagram with the fields of the composition of pelitic fraction of bottom sediments in the estuary of modern rivers of various categories allows us to assume that for Lithuania and Podolian Transnistria the feeding provinces were, among other things, paleowatersheds composed of volcanic formations. For Eastern Belarus and the South-Eastern White Sea region, the influence of erosion products supplied by rivers flowing through igneous/metamorphic terranes (crystalline basement) is noticeable. A significant part of the clastic material was carried by rivers that drained sedimentary formations, as well as large rivers, i.e. rivers whose length exceeded 1000 km and whose drainage area was more than 100,000 km2. The existence of the latter is confirmed by the presence of detrital zircon in the rocks of the Zhukov Formation of South-Eastern Poland, borrowed possibly from the rocks of Fennoscandia. In the Redkinian time, along with large rivers (rivers category 1) and rivers fed by the products of erosion of sedimentary formations (rivers category 2), transport of fine-grained clastics was also carried out by rivers that drained rocks of the crystalline basement ((rivers category 3; this is typical of Belarus and Volyn, the South-Eastern White Sea and Arctic Norway) and by rivers flowing through areas of distribution of volcanic associations (rivers category 4). The distribution of data points of the clay rocks of the Kotlin stage on the (La/Yb)N–Eu/Eu* diagram suggests that the main agents of transport of fine-grained aluminosiliconclastics to sinks at that time were large rivers and rivers fed by fine particulate matter due to the erosion of predominantly sedimentary rocks. The Early Cambrian paleowatersheds were apparently composed not only of crystalline rocks, but also of sedimentary formations. All of the above is in fairly good agreement with the previously established fact of a gradual increase in the contribution of erosion products of sedimentary rocks to the formation of Vendian–Early Cambrian sedimentary sequences from Podolian Transnistria to Arctic Norway.

In Vitro and In Vivo Leishmanicidal Activity of Beauvericin.

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease caused by more than 20 species of Leishmania parasites. Leishmania amazonensis and L. braziliensis are among the main causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis, presenting a broad spectrum of clinical forms. As these pathologies lead to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes, the discovery of alternative chemotherapeutic options is urgently required. In this investigation, a leishmanicidal bioassay-guided fractionation of the growth media extract produced by Aspergillus terreus P63 led to the isolation of the cyclic depsipeptide beauvericin (1). The viability of L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis and mammalian cells (macrophages and L929 fibroblasts) was assessed in 1 incubated cultures. Leishmania promastigotes were sensitive to 1, with EC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 μM. Microscopy analysis indicated that Leishmania spp. parasites showed morphological abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 1. L. amazonensis intracellular amastigotes were more sensitive to 1 than promastigotes (EC50 = 0.8 ± 0.1 μM), with a good selectivity index (22-30). 1 reduced the infectivity index at very low concentrations, maintaining the integrity of the primary murine host cell for up to the highest concentration tested for 1. In vivo assays of 1 conducted using BALB/c mice infected with stationary-phase promastigotes of L. amazonensis in the tail base presented a significant reduction in the lesion parasite load. A second round of in vivo assays was performed to assess the efficacy of the topical use of 1. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the total ulcerated area of mice treated with 1 when compared with untreated animals. Our results present promising in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal effects of beauvericin, emphasizing that systemic inoculation of 1 led to a decrease in the parasite load at the lesion site, whereas topical administration of 1 delayed the progression of leishmaniasis ulcers, a cure criterion established for cutaneous leishmaniasis management.

Development and evaluation of three multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification assays for fowl adenovirus serotype 4

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the main causative agent of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS), which has resulted in huge economic losses to the poultry industry in recent years. Hence, a rapid and simple visual detection method is needed for identification of FAdV-4. In this study, three multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) assays, basic MIRA, MIRA-qPCR and MIRA-LFD were developed for detection of FAdV-4. The amplification primers and reaction conditions were optimized, and the specificity and sensitivity of the assays were evaluated. The MIRA assays were specific for FAdV-4 with no cross-reaction with novel goose astrovirus, H9 subtype avian influenza virus, duck enteritis virus, Muscovy duck reovirus, or duck circovirus. The basic MIRA assay required only one primer pair and the reaction can be completed within 30 min at 36 °C. The MIRA-qPCR and MIRA-LFD assays were completed in 20 min with a minimum detection limit of 1 × 101 copies/μL and 1 × 102 copies/μL, respectively. The results of the MIRA-LFD assay can be observed directly with the naked eye, omitting the need for specialized instruments. The positive rate of three proposed MIRA assays were consistent with that of the conventional PCR assay. The MIRA assays are simple, rapid, and effective diagnostic tools for field detection of FAdV-4.

Distributed voltage control for multi-feeder distribution networks considering transmission network voltage fluctuation based on robust deep reinforcement learning

In the multi-feeder distribution network, the power balance between photovoltaics generations and load demands across regions is more complex. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a multi-agent distributed voltage control strategy based on robust deep reinforcement learning to reduce voltage deviation. The whole multi-feeder distribution network is divided into a main agent and several sub-agents, and a multi-agent distributed voltage control model considering the transmission network voltage fluctuations and the corresponding power fluctuations is established. Based on the information uploaded by sub-agents, the main agent models the uncertainty of the transmission network voltage fluctuations and the corresponding power fluctuations as a disturbance to the state, and a RDRL method is employed to determine the tap position of on-load tap changer. Furtherly, each sub-agent uses the second-order cone relaxation technique to adjust the reactive power outputs of the inverters on each feeder. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified in two real-world multi-feeder systems. The results show that the proposed method can achieve millisecond-level decision-making, with a voltage deviation only 1.28 % higher than the global optimal results, achieving near-optimal control. The proposed method also demonstrates robustness in handling transmission network uncertainties and partial measurement loss.

Transmission risk of vector-borne bacterial diseases (Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia canis) in Spain and Portugal

BackgroundEhrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are vector-borne bacterial diseases produced by intracellular rickettsial species of the genus Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma spp. (A. platys and A. phagocytophilum) have reported cases of zoonotic transmision and are the main bacterial agents of canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. They normally present an asymptomatic or mild course in domestic and wild animals with some lethal cases reported. The main vector of these diseases in Europe are the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), although only in the latter, the main host is the domestic dogs. The aim of this work is to apply an integrative approach to convert ecological niche models (ENMs) into potential transmission risk models and understand the relative contribution of the two potential vectors (R. sanguineus and I. ricinus) to spread both diseases in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands.ResultsTwo ENMs meeting all criteria were successfully generated for R. sanguineus and I. ricinus with human footprint being the most relevant explanatory variable. The novelty of the study lies in the combination of independent ENMs for both species to estimate the disease transmission risk of specific bacteria (E. canis, A. platys and A. phagocytophilum). Only the transmission risk maps that had higher contribution of R. sanguineus than I. ricinus showed relevant and positive significant correlations between risk and seroprevalence in either of the two species of bacteria (R ≥ 0.4; p < 0.05). Regarding Anaplasma spp., the map having 10% contribution of I. ricinus (10I) and 90% of R. sanguineus (90R) inferred 47.4% of infected dogs in very high-risk areas. In the case of E. canis, the model showing a proportion of 25I-75R showed better validation power (53.4% of infected dogs in very high-risk areas).ConclusionThe validation approach used in this study produced a good approximation to understand the relative contribution of the two tick species in bacterial disease transmission in dogs in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Rhipicephalus sanguineus appears as the main transmitter of both diseases in the study area (90% and 75% for anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis respectively), in accordance with its higher abundance and host preference. This estimate may help veterinary staff, clinicians and owners to optimize the control of these diseases in certain vulnerable areas, and thus reduce the risk of infection in risk areas.

Introduction of Chlamydia psittaci into a hospital area by feral pigeons

Pigeons are associated with zoonotic pathogens such as Chlamydia psittaci, the main causative agent of avian chlamydiosis, and related to psittacosis cases in humans worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of C. psittaci in feral pigeons (Columba livia) and environmental samples from places frequented by pigeons in a Brazilian hospital area. A cross-sectional study was carried out sampling feral pigeons, their droppings and nest material in a hospital area. Squares in a nearby region with a high density of pigeons were also sampled. Pigeon cloacal swabs (n=123) were collected from each bird, as well as pigeon droppings from the environment (n=77) and material from pigeon's nests (n=28). Chlamydiaceae-PCR targeting the 23S rRNA gene was used as screening. Positive samples were submitted to another PCR targeting the ompA gene of C. psittaci, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. C. psittaci was detected in 7.5% (17/228) of the samples, 7.3% (12/164) from the hospital area and 7.8% (5/64) from the squares. By sample type, 9.8% (12/123) of the pigeon cloacal swabs, 5.2% of droppings (4/77) and 3.6% of nest material (1/28) were positive for C. psittaci. All sequenced samples corresponded to C. psittaci genotype B. These results demonstrate the occurrence of C. psittaci in urban areas, with emphasis on a hospital area where immunocompromised individuals are present. Adopting a One health approach to prevent the proliferation of the pigeons, health education campaigns and specific recommendations for the hospital administration are essential. Guidance on practices such as not feeding the pigeons, avoiding contact or proximity and removing available areas for roosting and nesting, are measures that will reduce environmental contamination and risk of human exposure to C. psittaci.

Structure, relationships and diversity in the community of aphids and aphidophagous species in alfalfa.

There is a need for comprehensive research on the species structure and the population dynamics of the most common aphidophagous species. A critical factor of the effectiveness of aphid biocontrol is the ratio of beneficial polyphagous (generalist) to oligo- or monophagous (specialist) species within the various trophic groups. Aphids' population density and environmental conditions influence the development and potential feeding of useful insects. The present study aimed to determine the community structure, relationships and diversity between aphids and their aphidophagous species in alfalfa fields using the following methods: sweeping with an entomological net, the quadratic method, coloured sticky board method, route survey method and visual observations. Research on the structure of the aphid-aphidophagous community revealed that aphidophagous species belong to three groups: (1) polyphagous predatory bugs from the families Anthocoridae and Nabidae, (2) oligophagous and polyphagous predators from the families Coccinellidae, Syrphidae and Chrysopidae; and (3) monophagous and oligophagous parasitoids, primarily from the families Aphidiidae and Ichneumonidae. From mid-May to June, there was a sufficiently large potential for aphidophagous species (Coccinellidae, Syrphidae, Chrysopidae, Anthocoridae and Nabidae) to control aphids, while in September, predatory ladybirds from the Coccinellidae family were the main biological control agents. Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) exhibited the highest values of diversity, dominance and richness indices among insect groups in the aphid-aphidophagous community. The existence of diverse aphidophagous species in alfalfa fields suggests that these predators can complement each other, leading to effective biological control of aphids. The synergy among different predator species holds promise for enhancing the overall efficacy of integrated pest management strategies.

Prevalence of bacteriuria and bacterial resistance in adolescents from the center of the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Urinary tract infections and bacteriuria are common in the pediatric population, and antibiotic resistance is increasing significantly. Recurrent urinary infections, symptomatic or asymptomatic, are a risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease in adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacteriuria diagnosed by culture to identify the main causal agents and sensitivity to antibiotics in adolescents from the central region of the state of Tlaxcala. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 905 adolescents from 11 to 18 years old who lived in the central region of the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Bacteriuria was evaluated by positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase, and urine culture with antibiogram. Multivariate logistic regression models were executed to evaluate the risk of presenting bacteriuria, with a confidence level of 95%. A total of 31 participants had a positive urine culture, with a bacteriuria prevalence of 3.4%, of which 29 cases were asymptomatic. The most frequent agent was Escherichia coli) in both sexes (28.6% in men and 29.7% in women) and regarding bacterial resistance: E. coli presented greater resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfametoxazol and ceftriaxone. The risk factors associated with bacteriuria were female sex, sexual activity, use of contraceptives, and greater consumption of sweetened beverages. Bacteriuria is common in this adolescent population, so its early identification is necessary to treat it, and to prevent its complications.

Occurrence and distribution of the microsporidium Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. in apiaries in Brazil - Systematic review

Nosemosis is one of the main diseases of bees, caused by microsporidia of the genus Vairimorpha (Nosema). The main etiologic agents are Vairimorpha apis and Vairimorpha ceranae. These pathogens are widely distributed around the world, and in Brazil, they have already been reported in some states, but these data have never been gathered in a review. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the occurrence and distribution of the microsporidium Vairimorpha spp. in apiaries in Brazil. The search was done in the SciELO, PubMed, DOAJ, and Capes Journals (Scopus) databases. 14 articles were selected and published in English and Portuguese. In the included publications, only eight Brazilian states were referred (Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo). No work was conducted in the northern of the country, and most of the publications are concentrated in the southern and southeastern. Regarding the Vairimorpha species, only V. apis and V. ceranae were investigated, and V. ceranae was predominantly detected. Most of the studies were done only with the Africanized bee Apis mellifera. This review showed which Brazilian regions have never been explored in terms of incidence and distribution of these pathogens, revealing a gap to be filled by the country's beekeeping surveillance and health systems. In addition, because of the great Brazilian biodiversity, it is evident that the occurrence and distribution of these pathogens also need to be investigated with other bee species.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis

Interrelation Between Pathoadaptability Factors and Crispr-Element Patterns in the Genomes of Escherichia coli Isolates Collected from Healthy Puerperant Women in Ural Region, Russia.

Escherichia coli is a commensal and opportunistic bacterium widely distributed around the world in different niches including intestinal of humans and animals, and its extraordinary genome plasticity led to the emergence of pathogenic strains causing a wide range of diseases. E. coli is one of the monitored species in maternity hospitals, being the main etiological agent of urogenital infections, endometriosis, puerperal sepsis, and neonatal diseases. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of E. coli isolates obtained from the maternal birth canal of healthy puerperant women 3-4 days after labor. According to whole genome sequencing data, 31 sequence types and six phylogenetic groups characterized the collection containing 53 isolates. The majority of the isolates belonged to the B2 phylogroup. The data also includes phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles, virulence factors, and plasmid replicons. Phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance testing did not demonstrate extensive drug resistance traits except for two multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates. The pathogenic factors revealed in silico were assessed with respect to CRISPR-element patterns. Multiparametric and correlation analyses were conducted to study the interrelation of different pathoadaptability factors, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence genomic determinants carried by the isolates under investigation. The data presented will serve as a valuable addition to further scientific investigations in the field of bacterial pathoadaptability, especially in studying the role of CRISPR/Cas systems in the E. coli genome plasticity and evolution.

Generalized Mycobacteriosis in HIV Patients

The objective: to evaluate clinical, laboratory and instrumental signs of generalized mycobacteriosis (MB) in HIV patients.Subjects and Methods. Generalized MB was diagnosed in 83 patients with HIV, patients. 57.8% (48 people) were men, while 42.2% (35 people) were women. The average age of patients was 39.2 years (from 19 to 63 years).Results. The M. avium complex was the main etiological agent of generalized MB in HIV patients (97.6%). The most frequent clinical manifestations included fever (80/83 (96.1%)); abdominal discomfort and pain, diarrhea (53/83 (63.8%)), and decreased body weight (56/83 (67%)). The median CD4+ count in the group was 50 cells/μL. In 52% (43/83) of cases, generalized MB developed concurrently with other opportunistic or secondary infections (CMVI, pneumocystis pneumonia, and candidiasis). In 70% of cases (55/78), NTMs were isolated from two or more biological specimens. The positive result of blood culture for NTM had the greatest clinical significance (in 32/60 (53%) of the examined patients).

Faucets and keyboards as a major reservoir of gram-negative bacilli in a regional hospital in Northeast Brazil

Infections related to healthcare assistance represent a major public health problem worldwide, and the main etiological agents associated with these infections are microorganisms also found on inanimate hospital surfaces. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of bacterial contamination of hospital surfaces is essential for professionals working in these services. Objective: To evaluate the contamination of inanimate surfaces by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in a Regional Hospital in Northeast Brazil. Methods: This is an observational and cross-sectional study. Samples were collected from different hospital wards using a sterile swab soaked in saline solution. They were then plated on MacConkey agar and incubated at 36°C for 48 hours. The bacterial isolates were counted and identified using the Gram staining method, TSI agar, and oxidase test. Results: Out of the 150 samples collected, 71 showed no microbiological growth, 11 showed growth of filamentous fungi, and 66 showed growth of Colony Forming Units (CFU). A total of 132 morphologically distinct colonies were identified, with 55 identified as yeasts and 77 as GNB. In the evaluation of hospital wards, the Adult Emergency Room and the Orthopedic Surgical Clinic showed the highest growth of GNB. Regarding the surfaces studied, the most contaminated were faucets, computer keyboards, mattresses, and beds. Conclusions: Hospital areas with higher human traffic are the most contaminated, particularly on frequently handled objects. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on disinfecting these surfaces to break the transmission chain of these etiological agents.

Do white-footed mice, the main reservoir of the Lyme disease pathogen in the United States, clinically respond to the borrelial tenancy?

As white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus, are considered the primary animal reservoir of Borreliella burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bb), the main agent of Lyme disease (LD) in the United States, these animals represent the most relevant model to study borrelial spirochetes in the context of their natural life cycle. Previous studies have consistently demonstrated that although white-footed mice respond immunologically to the invasion of the Lyme pathogen, P. leucopus adults do not develop a clinically detectable disease. This tolerance, which is common for mammalian reservoirs of different pathogens, contrasts with detrimental anti-borrelial responses of C3H mice, a widely used animal model of LD, which always result in a clinical manifestation (e.g., arthritis). The current investigation is a follow-up of our recent study that already showed a relative quiescence of the spleen transcriptome for Bb-infected white-footed mice compared to the infected C3H mice. In an effort to identify the mechanism behind this tolerance, in this study, we have evaluated an extensive list of hematological and biochemical parameters measured in white-footed mice after their 70-day-long borrelial infection. Despite missing reference intervals for Peromyscus mice, our sex- and age-matched uninfected controls allowed us to assess the blood and serum parameters. In addition, for our assessment, we also utilized behavioral, immunological, and histological analyses. Collectively, by using the metrics reported herein, the present results have demonstrated clinical unresponsiveness of P. leucopus mice to the borrelial infection, presenting no restriction to a long-term host-pathogen co-existence.

A REVIEW ON EFFECTIVENESS OF AROMATHERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Aromatherapy has been used as an alternative medicine and complementary therapy, for the effective treatment of mental health and well-being. Essential oil is the main agents, which is abstracted from the flower, bark, roots, leaves or certain parts of plants which contains aromatic molecules in the cells of the plants (Steflitsch &amp; Steflitsch, 2008). Objectives: this study aims to know the effectiveness of aromatherapy on mental health and well-being. Aromatherapy may be utilized to provide advantages through inhalation, topical application, and baths. Aromatherapy can treat depression, indigestion, headaches, sleeplessness, muscular discomfort, respiratory problems, skin illnesses, swollen joints, and urinary issues (Ali, et al, 2015). Aromatherapy can be benefited by adopting a balanced and healthy diet, as well as taking precautions recommended by health specialists and aromatherapist. This review paper is based on secondary data collected through literature searches in electronic journals and book reviews, which were analyse and assess articles from certain journals utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, Academia, Science Direct, Web of Science, and the Library Search.