Deciphering the role of Staphylococcus aureus in Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation to cystic fibrosis lungs: bystander or intervener?

Microbiotec'17 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2017Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major responsible for the high mortality rate of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to the development of chronic infections. To long persist, P. aeruginosa uses sophisticated mechanisms to achieve fulladaptation, mainly triggered by the harsh environmental conditions of CF lungs. The influence of Staphylococcus aureus, a primary colonizer of CF lungs, in increasing P. aeruginosa pathogenicity has also been reported. The main objective of this study was to decipher the impact of S. aureus on P. aeruginosa pathogenicity using in vitro conditions mimicking CF lungs. [...]This study was supported by the FCT (UID/BIO/04469/2013), COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A mediação sociofamiliar no âmbito do acolhimento residencial

A intervenção junto das famílias de crianças e jovens em contexto de acolhimento residencial visa o reforço das suas competências pessoais, familiares e sociais através de intervenções focalizadas e orientadas para a reunificação familiar. Tendo em consideração a complexidade do trabalho que deve ser desenvolvido junto destas famílias, na articulação dos seus sistemas envolventes (familiar, institucional e social), urge a necessidade de se criar condições que agilizem este processo de comunicação e interação. A mediação assume um papel importante neste processo, nomeadamente junto das famílias vulneráveis e socialmente em risco e/ou perigo e das diversas instituições intervenientes na institucionalização de crianças e jovens. Apresenta-se uma proposta de mediação sociofamiliar que visa o empoderamento das famílias, o fortalecimento dos laços familiares e a sua participação na construção de alternativas viáveis, responsáveis e duradouras, com vista à reunificação familiar das crianças e jovens em acolhimento residencial. A mediação sociofamiliar consiste num trabalho de facilitação da comunicação entre indivíduos da mesma família e os seus sistemas sociais e de proteção como forma de tornar mais próximas as suas relações e interações, essenciais ao equilibrado desenvolvimento das crianças e jovens e ao (re)estabelecimento dos laços afetivos no interior do sistema familiar

Indução do trabalho de parto em primíparas com gestação de baixo risco

A indução do parto objetiva promover o nascimento antecipado por parto vaginal quando sua continuidade promove maior risco materno-fetal que sua interrupção. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar fatores relacionados à indicação de indução do trabalho de parto em primíparas e seu desfecho em uma maternidade-escola. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, realizado na MATER – Maternidade do Complexo Aeroporto em Ribeirão Preto-SP. O estudo incluiu 119 primigestas com registro em prontuário de indicação e submetidas à indução do trabalho de parto que deram a luz nessa maternidade de janeiro a junho de 2007. A indicação mais frequente de indução do trabalho de parto foram acorioamniorrexe prematura (58,8%), oligoâmnio (21%) e pós-datismo (16,8%). O misoprostol foi o fármaco mais indicado,37% isoladamente e 61,3% associado à ocitocina. A via de parto foi 63% vaginal. O sofrimento fetal agudo foi a principal indicação para cesárea (38,5%). A infecção materno-fetal foi a complicação identificada com índice de apenas 7,6%. Dos recém-nascidos, 68% obteve Apgar entre 8 e 10 no primeiro minuto de vida e 118 deles alcançaram esses índices no quintominuto. Os resultados confirmam a tendência de que esse procedimento é uma importante estratégia para reduzir os índices de cesárea

S. aureus modulates P. aeruginosa small-colony variants formation

EUROBIOFILMS 2017 - 5th European Congress on Microbial BiofilmsSome studies reported that, in polymicrobial consortia, some P. a eruginosa exoproducts suppresses the growth of S.aureus and provokes the emergence of SCV, associated with antimicrobial resistance, altered metabolism and reduced immunogenicity. However, the role of S.aureus in P.aerugionsa behavior has still not been deciphered. This work aimed to deeply investigate the phenotypic changes undergone by P. aeruginosa and S.aureus in a co-infection scenario. The cells recovered from 24 -h-old single and dual-species biofilms were inspected regarding their colony morphology differentiation, antibiotic susceptibility profiles and expression of virulence factors. The population analysis profiles showed the existence of two P.aeruginosa SCV resulting only from the dual-species biofilms. These SCV exhibited impressive ability to form biofilm, impaired swimming, twitching and swarming abilities, in comparison with the wild -type morphotype. Their morphologies remained unchangeable over 10 passages onto solid media, which may mean these phenotypic alterations were not adaptive. Yet, the two SCV were susceptible to the action of several classes of antibiotics. In conclusion, the presence of S.aureus in biofilms seemed to modulate some phenotypic alterations in P.aeruginosa that may be clinically relevant as two SCV were detected. As t he role of S. aureus over P. aeruginosa stills not full clear, some tests are being run to more comprehensively know how these P. aeruginosa SCV modulate the dual -species community response to in - use antimicrobials.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), through the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 and COMPETE 2020 (POCI- 01-0145-FEDER-006684), and FCT and the European Community fund FEDER, through COMPETE and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER -000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020. Grants of SPL (SFRH/BPD/95616/2013) and APM (UMINHO/BD/25/2016)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A PRÁTICA SEXUAL E O ENVELHECIMENTO

Qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study objectifying: to know whether sexual practice is exercised among the elderlypopulation; to identify factors that interfere in men’s and women’s sexual relationship; to identify which strategies are used by themto continue sexually active. Eighteen (18) elders, participants in UNATI – Alfenas, Minas Gerais State/ Brazil, were interviewed. Usingthe thematic content analysis, three categories were identified: aging - from acceptance to dissatisfaction - aging is positively coped. Theexercise of sexuality, menopause, erectile dysfunction, routine or lack of a partner are contributors for not exercising it. Culture, religionand education also influence sexuality. Coping in order to improve sexual life - visual stimulus strategies and replacement of sex foraffectionate touch were appointed. Sexual practice continues being exercised if the elderly are physically fit and have a partner. Sexualityremains in their lives, regardless the sexual act, by means of affectionate touch and affection exchanges.Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio con el objetivo de saber si existe la práctica sexual en el envejecimiento;identificar factores que interfieren en la relación; y saber las estrategias que los ancianos utilizan a fin de seguir siendo sexualmenteactivos. Fueron entrevistados 18 ancianos que participan en UNATI-MG. Por medio del análisis de contenido temático, fueronidentificadas tres categorías: Envejecer – de la aceptación a la insatisfacción: el envejecimiento es enfrentado positivamente por lamayoría. El ejercicio de la sexualidad con el envejecimiento – mujeres apuntan la menopausia, la rutina o falta de pareja como contribuyentesen las alteraciones sexuales; ya los hombres citan alteraciones de la frecuencia y erección. Enfrentamiento para mejorar la vida sexual:estrategias de estímulo visual y sustitución del sexo por la caricia fueron usadas. La práctica sexual continúa siendo ejercida si el ancianotiene condiciones físicas y pajera. La sexualidad permanece en sus vidas, independiente del acto sexual, como forma de caricia y cambiosde afecto.Estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, com o objetivo de conhecer se a prática sexual é exercida em uma populaçãode idosos; identificar fatores que interferem no relacionamento sexual homem e mulher; identificar quais estratégias são utilizadas porestes para continuarem a ser sexualmente ativos. Entrevistamos 18 idosos que participam da UNATI em Alfenas-MG. Mediante aanálise de conteúdo temática identificamos três categorias: Envelhecer: da aceitação à insatisfação, em que o envelhecimento é enfrentadopositivamente. O exercício da prática sexual, a menopausa, a disfunção eréctil, a rotina ou a falta de parceiros são fatores para o nãoexercício da mesma. A cultura, religião e a educação também influenciam na sexualidade. Enfrentamento para melhorar a vida sexual, o usode estímulo visual e substituição do ato sexual por carícias. A prática sexual continua sendo exercida se o idoso tem condições físicas eparceiro. A sexualidade permanece em suas vidas, independentemente do ato sexual, por meio de carícias e trocas de afeto

Parenting during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: changes in daily routines, co-parenting relationships, emotional experiences, and support networks

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged parental resources pertinent to coping with lockdowns. The main objective of this work was to study parenting during the COVID-19 lockdown. Specifically at focus were parental behaviors concerning key domains for the family (daily routine, co-parenting, emotional experience, and support network) and changes related to the pandemic and associated with the parents’ employment statuses. An online survey was carried out through an ad hoc questionnaire where participants completed questions about their sociodemographic data and rated how much their family routines, their co-parenting relationship, their emotional experiences, and the support available in the family network varied on a 5-point scale. The participants included 1384 parents, of which 286 responded to open questions regarding impactful experiences during the lockdown. The results showed differences in daily routine, co-parenting, emotional experience, and support network according to the parents’ employment statuses. Between-group comparisons showed that at-home parents caring for children with governmental aids generally revealed more positive parenting behavior changes, while at-home parents who were teleworking reported more difficulties in parent-child activities and co-parenting. Furthermore, the content analysis of the data confirmed how important themes such as family dynamics, professional activities, and the relationship with the school community were throughout the participants’ accounts of gains and losses. Overall, parents’ employment statuses are associated with diverse experiences during lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of family resources and parental resilience, particularly during circumstances jeopardizing the ever-sensitive work-family balance.This research was financially supported by Portuguese national funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) projects under the references UIDB/00317/2020 and UIDP/00317/2020

Viable but non-culturable state: a strategy for Staphylococcus aureus survivable in dual-species biofilms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

While considerable research has focused on studying individual-species, we now face the challenge of determining how interspecies interactions alter bacterial behaviours and pathogenesis. Of particular interest is the ecological behaviour between P. aeruginosa-S. aureus, since microbial communities containing both pathogens can display enhanced virulence. Curiously, their interaction is often reported as competitive under laboratory conditions. Here we investigate the interaction between P. aeruginosa-S. aureus in a biofilm co-culture model. The growth of 24- and 48h-old dual-species biofilms was monitored by CFU and flow-cytometry counting, and the gene expression profile inspected by qPCR. Plating experiments showed that S. aureus growth significantly decreased from 24- up to 72-h of growth in dual-species biofilms with P. aeruginosa, suggesting a clear competitive advantage for P. aeruginosa after 24-h. The gene expression profile showed that P. aeruginosa PA14 significantly overexpressed several key virulence-related genes (pqsE, rhlR, pvdE and lasI) after 24-h of growth with S. aureus ATCC 25923, comparatively with singles-pecies biofilms, which could justify the rapid decline of S. aureus population after 24-h of co-culture with P. aeruginosa. Nevertheless, the isolated strain P. aeruginosa 362668 non-mucoid exhibited a reverse pattern by downregulated the expression of those genes during dual-species growth. As P. aeruginosa exoproducts in addition to cause S. aureus lysis or inhibition may also induce biofilm dispersion, the bulk-fluid of 48-h biofilms was analysed by culture counts and flow-cytometry. Interestingly, while no S. aureus cells were detected by CFU, flow-cytometry data revealed the presence of S. aureus in high numbers (~6 Log). The metabolic activity of S. aureus cells was confirmed by measure the expression levels of sodA gene. In conclusion, the presence of S. aureus in a viable but non-cultivable state within dual-species biofilms with P. aeruginosa underscores the impact of interspecies interactions on antibiotic efficacy in the context of polymicrobial infections.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2019 unit; European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte for the BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004); COMPETE2020 and FCT for the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029841. The authors also thank FCT for the PhD Grant of Andreia Patrícia Magalhães [grant number SFRH/BD/132165/2017]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Transthyretin is involved in depression-like behaviour and exploratory activity

Transthyretin (TTR), the major transporter of thyroid hormones and vitamin A in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), binds the Alzheimer β-peptide and thus might confer protection against neurodegeneration. In addition, altered TTR levels have been described in the CSF of patients with psychiatric disorders, yet its function in the CNS is far from understood. To determine the role of TTR in behaviour we evaluated the performance of TTR-null mice in standardized tasks described to assess depression, exploratory activity and anxiety. We show that the absence of TTR is associated with increased exploratory activity and reduced signs of depressive-like behaviour. In order to investigate the mechanism underlying these alterations, we measured the levels of cathecolamines. We found that the levels of noradrenaline were significantly increased in the limbic forebrain of TTR-null mice. This report represents the first clear indication that TTR plays a role in behaviour, probably by modulation of the noradrenergic system.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Programa Operacional "Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovação" POCTI/NSE/37315/2001

Co-cultivation of Thermoanaerobacter strains with a methanogenic partner enhances glycerol conversion

Glycerolrich waste streams produced by the biodiesel, bioethanol and oleochemical industries can be treated and valorized by anaerobic microbial communities to produce methane. As current knowledge of the microorganisms involved in thermophilic glycerol conversion to methane is scarce, thermophilic glyceroldegrading methanogenic communities were enriched. A coculture of Thermoanaerobacter and Methanothermobacter species was obtained, pointing to a nonobligately syntrophic glycerol degradation. This hypothesis was further studied by incubating Thermoanaerobacter brockii subsp. finnii and T. wiegelii with glycerol (10 mM) in pure culture and with different hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The presence of the methanogen accelerated glycerol fermentation by the two Thermoanaerobacter strains up to 3.3 mM day1, corresponding to 12 times higher volumetric glycerol depletion rates in the methanogenic cocultures than in the pure bacterial cultures. The catabolic pathways of glycerol conversion were identified by genome analysis of the two Thermoanaerobacter strains. NADH and reduced ferredoxin formed in the pathway are linked to proton reduction, which becomes thermodynamically favourable when the hydrogen partial pressure is kept low by the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic partner.The authors thank Ruben Gonçalves for preparing the thermophilic biomass and Andreia Salvador for the sup port with the microbial communities’ analysis. This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2019 unit, Project SAICTPAC/0040/2015 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016403) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER 000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 – Programa Opera cional Regional do Norte. The authors also acknowledge the financial support of FCT and European Social Fund through the grants attributed to C.P. Magalhaes (SFRH/BD/132845/2017) and A.L. Arantes (PD/BD/128030/2016).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio