Identification of Brazilian wild-type isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus based on polyphasic approach including MALDI-TOF MS technique

Currently is accpeted that the majority of the unknown species in the world are in the tropics and Brazil possibly holds more than 25% of this biodiversity. In the filamentous fungi case the number of new species described for science in Brazil is very small when compared with the potentiality of the region. In addition, there is expected to find a large biological variability inside of described and new fungal species. Species belonging to the Aspergillus genus are responsible for invasive aspergillosis. This is gaining prominent position because of their capability to affect immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients and aspergillosis is most commun mould infection more recognised worldwide. A better understanding about the regional fungal traits can help to a fast and effective treatment of patients with aspergillosis. In order to set up a collection containing regional fungal strains with clinical relevance to attend the great variability (morphology, biochemical, genomics and proteomics patterns) of the Brazilian fungal population 13 wild-type Aspergillus isolates from section Fumigati were studied. They were isolated from the five official Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Centre-east, Southeast and South) and identified based on a polyphasic approach which is. based on morphological, biochemical, molecular biology and spectral analyses by MALDI-TOF MS. After collected, purified and identified all 13 Aspergilli isolates were preserved at Filamentous Fungi Collection of Ribeirão Preto (CFF-RP), São Paulo, Brazil. Data obtained from the polyphasic approach led to a final fungal identification at species level. Overall, MALDI-TOF MS was the fast technique for identify the species. However, molecular biology was the gold standard for the species identification once it was used to validate data obtained from the other techniques mentioned above. Moreover, either MALDI-TOF MS or molecular biology should not be used as a single step for fungal identification.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Brazil) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, Brazil)

Using a polyphasic approach to identify wild Brazilian fungal strains

[Aim] The species must be delineated based on a polyphasic approach, including morphology, physiology, profile of secondary metabolites and molecular biology [1]. According to Santos et al. [2;3] it is clearer that spectral analyses add value to the polyphasic approach. This work aimed to perform a polyphasic approach based on morphological, biochemical and spectral analysis by MALDI-TOF ICMS for identify Aspergilli isolates from different environments of Brazil

Identification of brazilian aspergilli based on a polyphasic approach including MALDI-TOF ICMS

Publicado em "Biological resource centres : closing the gap between science and society : abstracts book...". ISBN 978-972-97916-5-9Microbial culture collections were established to preserve cultures of fungi and bacteria for taxonomical studies. However, nowadays they are also important for the ex situ conservation of microbial biodiversity. They are responsible for collecting, cataloguing, identifying and preserving strains for biomedical research, teaching, industry, agriculture, etc. Hence, this current work performed a polyphasic study based on morphology, biochemistry and MALDI-TOF ICMS to identify aspergilli from different environments in Brazil. Thirteen isolates of Aspergillus spp. deposited at the Filamentous Fungi Collection of Ribeirão Preto (CFF-RP) were analysed. Strains were grown on Czapek-Dox Agar (CZA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) at 30°C for morphology. Biochemical characterisation (production of ochratoxin A and fumonisin B2) was performed by HPLC. The MALDI-TOF ICMS analysis were performed on an Axima LNR system (Kratos Analytical, Shimadzu, Manchester, UK) equipped with a nitrogen laser (337 nm), using a mass range from m/z=2000 to 20000 Da and Escherichia coli DH5α strain for external calibration. The fungal identifications were performed using SARAMIS software (AnagnosTech mbH, Postdam-Golm, Germany). One A. thermomutatus was an OTA producer. In contrast, fumonisin B2 was no detected for all strains studied. The MALDI-TOF ICMS results corroborated the morphological identifications. Of the 13 isolates, 38, 31, 15.5 and 15.5% were A. fumigates, A. niveus, A. thermomutatus and A. ochraceus, respectively. These results contribute to knowledge about microbial biodiversity from the Brazilian environment

Microscopic chemical characterization and reactivity in cementing systems of elephant grass leaf ashes

[EN] Many agrowastes are being used for energy production by combustion in power plants. This process generates huge amounts of ash, which has a potential pozzolanic activity for blending with Portland cement or hydrated lime. In this paper, the ash obtained from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum var. purple) leaves (EGLs) was studied, including the silicon content and its distribution, the presence of other compounds, and in addition, the presence of silica bodies (phytoliths). Combustion temperatures of 450 and 650°C produced an unaltered inorganic skeleton (spodogram), whereas at 850°C, there is a sintering process because of high potassium content in the ash. Phytoliths and different types of hairs were identified, and they contained high percentages of silica. Magnesium (mainly as periclase) was distributed in the most porous parts in the interior of the leaves. The silica can react with calcium hydroxide (pozzolanic reaction) forming calcium silicate hydrates (observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis). Fixed lime percentages at 28 curing days (63%) indicated the high reactivity of EGL ashes in calcium hydroxide pastes due to the pozzolanic reaction. This study demonstrates the possibility of the reuse of ashes from EGLs for the production of environmental-friendly cements.Rosello Caselles, J.; Soriano Martinez, L.; Savastano, H.; Borrachero Rosado, MV.; Santamarina Siurana, MP.; Paya Bernabeu, JJ. (2018). Microscopic chemical characterization and reactivity in cementing systems of elephant grass leaf ashes. Microscopy and Microanalysis. 24(6):593-603. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927618015192S59360324

Effects Of A Low Dose Of Fish Oil On Inflammatory Markers Of Brazilian Hiv-infected Adults On Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized, Parallel, Placebo-controlled Trial.

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected subjects have been limited by an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a low dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory marker concentrations in HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART). This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of 3 g fish oil/day (540 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA plus 360 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) or 3 g soy oil/day (placebo) for 24 weeks in 83 male and non-pregnant female HIV-infected adults on ART. There were no differences between groups for the measures at baseline. Multilevel analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between the longitudinal changes in high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (Wald Chi2 = 0.17, p = 0.918), fibrinogen (Wald Chi2 = 3.82, p = 0.148), and factor VIII (Wald Chi2 = 5.25, p = 0.073) with fish oil. No significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serum concentrations were observed with fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, a low dose of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA plus DHA) in fish oil capsules did not change hs-CRP, fibrinogen, factor VIII, IL6, IL1-beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations in HIV-infected subjects on ART. Further investigations should consider the assessment of more sensitive inflammatory markers or higher doses to evaluate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Registered at the Nederlands Trial Register, Identifier no. NTR1798.76520-652

Effects of a low dose of fish oil on inflammatory markers of brazilian HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy: a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected subjects have been limited by an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a low dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory marker concentrations in HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of 3 g fish oil/day (540 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA plus 360 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) or 3 g soy oil/day (placebo) for 24 weeks in 83 male and non-pregnant female HIV-infected adults on ART. Results: There were no differences between groups for the measures at baseline. Multilevel analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between the longitudinal changes in high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (Wald Chi2 = 0.17, p = 0.918), fibrinogen (Wald Chi2 = 3.82, p = 0.148), and factor VIII (Wald Chi2 = 5.25, p = 0.073) with fish oil. No significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serum concentrations were observed with fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. Conclusions: Compared to placebo, a low dose of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA plus DHA) in fish oil capsules did not change hs-CRP, fibrinogen, factor VIII, IL6, IL1-beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations in HIV-infected subjects on ART. Further investigations should consider the assessment of more sensitive inflammatory markers or higher doses to evaluate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Registered at the Nederlands Trial Register, Identifier no. NTR17987865206528FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2008/50970-8; 2009/55532-

Aplicación de lógica difusa en la evaluación de vulnerabilidad de contaminación del agua subterránea

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la potencialidad de la lógica difusa para evaluar la vulnerabilidad del agua subterránea a la contaminación. Se propone el uso de lógica difusa que representa el conocimiento como un predicado difuso principal compuesto por operaciones lógicas entre predicados simples, cuyo valor de verdad puede ser determinado objetivamente. Los predicados se formalizaron a partir de variables: profundidad de la capa freática, pendiente del terreno y textura del suelo. Se diseñó un software en entorno MATLAB para realizar el procesamiento difuso. Juntamente se realizó una encuesta entre profesionales vinculados a la gestión ambiental del Partido de Gral. Pueyrredón a fin de indagar acerca de la modalidad de presentación del mapa final de vulnerabilidad. El resultado final se comparó con el mapa de vulnerabilidad obtenido mediante la metodología tradicional (método DRASTIC-P), mostrando un buen ajuste espacial habiendo utilizado menos variables. El resultado de la encuesta mostró la preferencia por etiquetas con categorización cualitativa tradicional.The aim of this work is to analyze the potentiality of Fuzzy Logic to assess the groundwater pollution vulnerability. Fuzzy Logic Predicates are proposed as a natural extension of a Boolean Predicates Logic, where knowledge is represented as a Main Fuzzy Predicate that can be evaluated using numerical variables to determine a degree of groundwater pollution vulnerability. Those variables are: depth water table, land slope and soil texture. Software has been developed using MATLAB® to illustrate the fuzzy processing. The final result was compared with a vulnerability map that has been obtained with traditional methodology (DRASTIC-P Method). It was showed a good spatial adjustment having used less variables. In order to inquire about the best caption of the final vulnerability map, it was conducted a survey among professionals involved in Environmental Management at Partido General Pueyrredón. The preferred result was the traditional qualitative categorization labels.Universidad Nacional de La Plat

Evaluation of rK39 rapid diagnostic tests for canine visceral leishmaniasis : longitudinal study and meta-analysis

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania infantum. It is an important veterinary disease, and dogs are also the main animal reservoir for human infection. The disease is widespread in the Mediterranean area, and parts of Asia and South and Central America, and is potentially fatal in both dogs and humans unless treated. Diagnosis of canine infections requires serological or molecular tests. Detection of infection in dogs is important prior to treatment, and in epidemiological studies and control programmes, and a sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic test would be very useful. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been developed, but their diagnostic performance has been reported to be variable. We evaluated the sensitivity of a RDT based on serological detection of the rK39 antigen in a cohort of naturally infected Brazilian dogs. The sensitivity of the test to detect infection was relatively low, but increased with time since infection and the severity of infection. We then carried out a meta-analysis of published studies of rK39 RDTs, evaluating the sensitivity to detect disease and infection. The results suggest that rK39 RDTs may be useful in a veterinary clinical setting, but the sensitivity to detect infection is too low for operational control programmes

Heterogeneities in leishmania infantum infection : using skin parasite burdens to identify highly infectious dogs

Background: The relationships between heterogeneities in host infection and infectiousness (transmission to arthropod vectors) can provide important insights for disease management. Here, we quantify heterogeneities in Leishmania infantum parasite numbers in reservoir and non-reservoir host populations, and relate this to their infectiousness during natural infection. Tissue parasite number was evaluated as a potential surrogate marker of host transmission potential. Methods: Parasite numbers were measured by qPCR in bone marrow and ear skin biopsies of 82 dogs and 34 crab-eating foxes collected during a longitudinal study in Amazon Brazil, for which previous data was available on infectiousness (by xenodiagnosis) and severity of infection. Results: Parasite numbers were highly aggregated both between samples and between individuals. In dogs, total parasite abundance and relative numbers in ear skin compared to bone marrow increased with the duration and severity of infection. Infectiousness to the sandfly vector was associated with high parasite numbers; parasite number in skin was the best predictor of being infectious. Crab-eating foxes, which typically present asymptomatic infection and are non-infectious, had parasite numbers comparable to those of non-infectious dogs. Conclusions: Skin parasite number provides an indirect marker of infectiousness, and could allow targeted control particularly of highly infectious dogs

Aplicación de técnicas multicriterio en estudios de sistemas hídricos en el partido de General Pueyrredón, provincia de Buenos Aires

El agua subterránea es la única fuente de abastecimiento para la población y soporte esencial de las diversas actividades que se desarrollan en el sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires; constituye, además, un insumo esencial en los servicios ecológicos de los ecosistemas. El objetivo del trabajo fue generar una priorización de subcuencas hidrológicas para la gestión de los recursos hídricos subterráneos a través de un modelo multicriterio que pueda ser utilizado como herramienta de prevención y planificación del mismo. A partir del análisis de la red de drenajes en la zona mediante el modelo Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) se delimitaron siete subcuencas de interés. Dichas subcuencas se tomaron como alternativas del modelo de decisión Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) utilizando el software Criterium Decision Plus (CDP). Se definieron tres criterios de decisión: ubicación de las potenciales fuentes puntuales de contaminación; ubicación de los pozos públicos de extracción de agua para consumo humano y; profundidad del agua subterránea. Los resultados obtenidos destacan dos de las subcuencas estudiadas como las de mayor prioridad, las cuales presentan numerosas fuentes puntuales de potencial contaminación y pozos de extracción de agua para consumo humano.Eje temático: Legislación del Agua, Planificación y Economía de agu