ABSTRACT The primates that inhabit the rainforest surrounding the city of Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil) have long been recognised as potentially important reservoirs of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (ERIDs). PCR amplification of filarial sequences from wild-caught Simulium oyapockense has been used to incriminate potentially important Amazon-region ERID bridge vectors by showing they had previously fed on non-human primates. The broader use of filarial parasite sequences for the incrimination of biting insects as potentially important zoonotic disease vectors is limited by a paucity of primate-derived filarial parasite reference sequences which can be matched to the PCR amplified sequences obtained from insect-vector vectors. Here we have used shotgun sequencing to obtain reference data from an adult Dipetalonema gracile parasite which was found infecting a wild pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor) in a peripheral region of Manaus. We report the parasite´s complete mitochondrial genome (which is 13,647 base pairs in length), 894,846 base pairs of its Wolbachia genome and 6,426 base pairs of its ribosomal DNA locus (spanning from the start of its 18S subunit to the end of its 28S subunit). Despite being critically endangered, S. bicolor is commonly encountered around the periphery of Manaus and in urban forest fragments. The reported sequences may be a useful reference tool for identifying ERID bridge vectors and potentially provide some insights into the amount and the nature of contact between primate pathogen reservoirs and the residents of Manaus.

RESUMO Os primatas que habitam a floresta tropical ao redor da cidade de Manaus (Amazonas, Brasil) há muito são reconhecidos como reservatórios potencialmente importantes de doenças infecciosas emergentes e reemergentes. Sequências de DNA de parasitas filariais detectadas por PCR em amostras de Simulium oyapockense foram usadas para demonstrar que eles haviam se alimentado anteriormente de primatas não humanos e, dessa maneira, incriminar vetores-ponte da região amazônica. O uso mais amplo de detecção de parasitas filariais para a incriminação de vetores-ponte é limitado por uma escassez de sequências referência de parasitas filarias obtidas de hospedeiros. Aqui nós usamos o sequenciamento tipo shotgun para obter dados de referência de um parasita adulto Dipetalonema gracile encontrado infectando um sauim-de-coleira, Saguinus bicolor no entorno de Manaus. Relatamos o genoma mitocondrial completo do parasita (que tem 13.647 pares de bases de comprimento), 894.846 pares de bases de seu genoma de Wolbachia e 6.426 pares de bases de seu locus de DNA ribossômico (desde o início de sua subunidade 18S até o final de sua subunidade 28S). Apesar de criticamente ameaçado, S. bicolor é comumente encontrado no entorno de Manaus e em fragmentos florestais urbanos. As sequências relatadas podem ser uma ferramenta de referência útil para identificar vetores ponte e potencialmente fornecer algumas informações sobre o contato entre reservatórios de patógenos de primatas e os moradores de Manaus.

Abstract It is described for the first time the synthesis and characterization of NiMn2O4 employing the Mn ores from the Amazon Region as starting material, instead of using commercial reagents as normally occurs in its synthesis process. Initially, an Mn ore was transformed into a single product, the octahedral layer (OL) manganese oxide with Ni2+ ions interlayer (Ni-OL-2), which was used as a matrix to obtain NiMn2O4 by thermal decomposition. The following techniques were used for characterization: X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies. The results revealed that Mn oxide ore composed of nsutite mineral transformed into a well-ordered crystalline Ni-OL-2 phase, after the hydrothermal and cation exchange process. The thermal decomposition of Ni-OL-2 produced the nickel manganite phase at 850 °C with spherical ball morphology and crystal sizes in the range of 200-300 nm.

Resumen Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia del gen mecA en Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (MRSA) aislados de pacientes atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel en la región Cajamarca, Perú; asimismo, determinar cuál de los dos antibióticos usados como screening fenotípico tiene mayor utilidad para explicar la presencia de dicho gen. Métodos: se analizaron 71 aislamientos bacterianos provenientes de muestras del Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, la identificación de S. aureus se llevó a cabo mediante el equipo MicroScan. El screening fenotípico para resistencia a meticilina se realizó mediante la técnica de difusión, con discos de cefoxitina y oxacilina. La extracción de ADN se realizó mediante shock térmico, la detección del gen mecA se realizó mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS v.25. Resultados: de los 71 aislados, 40 (56,3%) fueron MRSA portadores del gen mecA, la mayoría de estos aislamientos correspondieron a pacientes hospitalizados 22 (31,0%), siendo más frecuentes en muestras de secreción bronquial 27 (38,0%). El screening fenotípico con disco de cefoxitina predijo mejor la presencia del gen mecA [P=0,010; Exp(B)= 12,3] en comparación con el disco de oxacilina. Conclusiones: este estudio demostró alta frecuencia de MRSA mecA positivo en muestras de origen clínico, principalmente de pacientes hospitalizados. Es importante establecer medidas de vigilancia para identificar MRSA en todos los hospitales de la región.

Abstract Objective: to determine the frequency of the mecA gene in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from patients treated at a third-level hospital in the Cajamarca region, Peru; as well as, to determine which of the two antibiotics used as phenotypic screening is more useful in explaining the presence of said gene. Methods: 71 bacterial isolates were analyzed from samples obtained from the Hospital Regional Docente of Cajamarca. The identification of S. aureus was carried out using the MicroScan system. Phenotypic screening for resistance to methicillin was performed using the diffusion technique with cefoxitin and oxacillin discs. DNA extraction was performed by heat shock, mecA gene detection was performed through polymerase chain reaction. For data analysis, the statistical software SPSS v.25 was used. Results: from 71 isolates, 40 (56,3%) were MRSA carriers of the mecA gene, the majority of these isolates corresponded to hospitalized patients 22 (31,0%), being more frequent in bronchial secretion samples 27 (38,0%). Phenotypic screening with cefoxitin disc was a better predictor for the presence of the mecA gene [P=0,010; Exp(B)= 12,3] compared to the oxacillin disc. Conclusions: It is shown a high frequency of positive MRSA mecA in samples of clinical origin, mainly from hospitalized patients. It is important to establish surveillance guidelines to identify MRSA in all hospitals in the region.

ABSTRACT Objective: Perfectionist beliefs about emotions impact the experience and expression of emotions, being linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety. Given the influence of culture in the representation and expression of emotion, it is possible that beliefs vary across countries, but few empirical studies have been conducted on the theme. This study aims to compare Brazilian and British samples regarding their beliefs about emotional experience and expression. Methods: The current study compared a total of 960 Brazilian and British participants, with the samples having a similar profile in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. Participants answered online the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Beliefs about Emotions Scale (BES). This study aims to compare Brazilian and British samples with regard to beliefs about emotional experience and expression. Results: Significant differences between samples were found for beliefs about emotions. As hypothesized, Brazilians scored lower on unhelpful beliefs about emotions, except for beliefs about experiencing negative feelings and emotional control. Differences in total BES scores remained even after the inclusion of depression and anxiety as covariates. Conclusions: Results suggest higher endorsement of perfectionist beliefs in a European versus a Latin American context, but highlight that this pattern depends on the specific beliefs being studied. These differences should be considered when working with people from different cultural backgrounds and developing cultural adaptations for clinical interventions and psychopathology models.

RESUMO Objetivo: Crenças perfeccionistas sobre emoções afetam a experiência e expressão de emoções, estando relacionadas a níveis aumentados de depressão e ansiedade. Dada a influência da cultura na representação e expressão de emoções, é possível que as crenças variem entre os países, mas poucos estudos empíricos foram realizados sobre o tema. Este estudo tem o objetivo de comparar amostras brasileiras e britânicas em relação às suas crenças sobre a experiência emocional e expressão. Métodos: O presente estudo comparou um total de 960 participantes brasileiros e britânicos, com as amostras tendo um perfil semelhante em termos de idade, gênero e etnia. Os participantes responderam on-line à Escala de Ansiedade Generalizada (GAD-7), ao Questionário de Saúde do Paciente (PHQ-9) e à Escala de Crenças sobre Emoções (BES). Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as amostras em relação às crenças sobre emoções. Como hipotetizado, os brasileiros obtiveram pontuações mais baixas em crenças prejudiciais sobre emoções, exceto nas crenças sobre experienciar sentimentos negativos e controle emocional. As diferenças nos escores totais da BES permaneceram mesmo após a inclusão de depressão e ansiedade como covariáveis. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem maior endosso de crenças perfeccionistas em um contexto europeu, em comparação com um contexto latino-americano, mas destacam que esse padrão depende das crenças específicas estudadas. Essas diferenças devem ser consideradas ao trabalhar com pessoas de diferentes origens culturais e no desenvolvimento de adaptações culturais para intervenções clínicas e modelos de psicopatologia.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae como aditivo para la preparación de ensilado de avena y cebada en dos tiempos de fermentación (21 y 42 días). Se prepararon minisilos de avena y cebada y se evaluaron cuatro niveles de levadura (0, 15, 30 y 45 g/kg FV). Los minisilos fueron abiertos a los 21 y 42 días. Se prepararon tres repeticiones de ensilado para cada combinación de ensilado x nivel de levadura x tiempo de ensilado. Los valores de composición bromatológica del ensilado de avena en términos de proteína cruda (PC), materia mineral (MM), fibra detergente neutra (FDN), fibra detergente ácida (FDA), extracto etéreo (EE) y pH aumentaron cuando se agregó la levadura con relación al control, pero disminuyó la materia seca (MS). La calidad del ensilado de cebada en términos de MS, PC, FDN, FDA y EE mejoró al agregar 30 y 45 g/kg de levadura, en comparación al control; sin embargo, disminuyó para EE y pH. Los resultados demuestran que la inoculación de S. cerevisiae en los dos tiempos de fermentación incrementa el contenido de PC, EE, MM y pH del ensilado; sin embargo; el alto nivel de pH no permite conservar la calidad del ensilado. Se concluye que el mejor valor nutricional se obtuvo con la adición de S. cerevisiae de 45 g/ kg a los 42 días de fermentación en ambos ensilados, aunque disminuye algunos parámetros de importancia.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an additive for the preparation of oat and barley silage in two fermentation times (21 and 42 days). Oat and barley minisilos were prepared using four levels of yeast (0, 15, 30 and 45 g/kg FV). The minisilos were opened at 21 and 42 days. Three silage replicates were prepared for each combination of silage x yeast level x silage time. The bromatological composition values of the oat silage in terms of crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (FDA), ethereal extract (EE) and pH increased when the yeast was added in relation to the control, but the dry matter (DM) decreased. The quality of the barley silage in terms of DM, CP, NDF, FDAand EE improved when adding 30 and 45 g/kg of yeast, compared to the control; however, it decreased for EE and pH. The results show that the inoculation of S. cerevisiae in the two fermentation times increases the content of CP, EE, MM and pH of the silage; nevertheless; the high pH level does not allow proper conservation of the quality of the silage. It is concluded that the best nutritional values were obtained with the addition of S. cerevisiae of 45 g/kg at 42 days of fermentation in both silages, although it decreases some important parameters.

Resumo A artrite reumatóide (AR) está entre as doenças autoimunes e inflamatórias crônicas mais prevalentes no mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer uma estimativa conjunta da prevalência da AR na América do Sul por meio de uma meta-análise dos estudos epidemiológicos disponíveis. Buscas sistemáticas nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science (atualizado em maio de 2019) foram seguidas por uma busca sistemática na literatura cinzenta para identificar artigos e relatórios de pesquisa originais, publicados após 2000, fornecendo dados de prevalência de AR em qualquer país da América do Sul. Foi realizada uma meta-análise da proporção de dados agrupados ponderados, com heterogeneidade entre experimentos avaliada pelo índice relativo de inconsistência. Análises de sensibilidade e de subgrupos também foram realizadas. Foram incluídos um total de 25 artigos, representando 27 estudos de base populacional. A prevalência agrupada de AR resultou em 0,48% com 591.981 casos em uma população de 114.537.812 indivíduos (I2=99%). Brasil e Colômbia apresentaram as menores taxas de prevalência de AR 0,22% e 0,24%, respectivamente. A prevalência da AR na população indígena foi maior 1,45%, e estudos pelo método COPCORD relataram também as maiores taxas 1,07%.

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish a pooled estimate of the RA prevalence in South America by means of a meta-analysis of the available epidemiologic studies. Systematic searches in PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (updated May 2019) were done followed by a systematic grey literature search to identify original research articles and reports, published after 2000, providing data of RA prevalence in any South American country. Proportion meta-analysis of weighted pooled was performed, with between-trial heterogeneity assessed by the inconsistency relative index. Sensitivity analyses and sub-group analyses were also done. A total of 25 articles, representing 27 population-based studies were included. Pooled prevalence of RA resulted in 0.48% with 591,981 cases in a population of 114,537,812 individuals (I2=99%). Brazil and Colombia presented the lowest rates of RA prevalence 0.22%, and 0.24%, respectively. RA prevalence in indigenous population was higher 1.45%, and studies using COPCORD method reported also the highest rates 1.07%.

Resumo A artrite reumatóide (AR) está entre as doenças autoimunes e inflamatórias crônicas mais prevalentes no mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer uma estimativa conjunta da prevalência da AR na América do Sul por meio de uma meta-análise dos estudos epidemiológicos disponíveis. Buscas sistemáticas nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science (atualizado em maio de 2019) foram seguidas por uma busca sistemática na literatura cinzenta para identificar artigos e relatórios de pesquisa originais, publicados após 2000, fornecendo dados de prevalência de AR em qualquer país da América do Sul. Foi realizada uma meta-análise da proporção de dados agrupados ponderados, com heterogeneidade entre experimentos avaliada pelo índice relativo de inconsistência. Análises de sensibilidade e de subgrupos também foram realizadas. Foram incluídos um total de 25 artigos, representando 27 estudos de base populacional. A prevalência agrupada de AR resultou em 0,48% com 591.981 casos em uma população de 114.537.812 indivíduos (I2=99%). Brasil e Colômbia apresentaram as menores taxas de prevalência de AR 0,22% e 0,24%, respectivamente. A prevalência da AR na população indígena foi maior 1,45%, e estudos pelo método COPCORD relataram também as maiores taxas 1,07%.

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish a pooled estimate of the RA prevalence in South America by means of a meta-analysis of the available epidemiologic studies. Systematic searches in PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (updated May 2019) were done followed by a systematic grey literature search to identify original research articles and reports, published after 2000, providing data of RA prevalence in any South American country. Proportion meta-analysis of weighted pooled was performed, with between-trial heterogeneity assessed by the inconsistency relative index. Sensitivity analyses and sub-group analyses were also done. A total of 25 articles, representing 27 population-based studies were included. Pooled prevalence of RA resulted in 0.48% with 591,981 cases in a population of 114,537,812 individuals (I2=99%). Brazil and Colombia presented the lowest rates of RA prevalence 0.22%, and 0.24%, respectively. RA prevalence in indigenous population was higher 1.45%, and studies using COPCORD method reported also the highest rates 1.07%.

Abstract The Japanese invasive jumping snail Ovachlamys fulgens is a pest of ornamental plants and an intermediate host of a nematode that causes eosinophilic meningitis. We expand its distribution to eight municipalities from Rio de Janeiro State, and one locality from the Paraná State, and generated for the first time partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for Brazilian populations. External morphology, reproductive system, shell, radula, and jaw were also analyzed and described. Twenty-one lots were collected from Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, Magé, Miguel Pereira, Petrópolis, Teresópolis, Nova Friburgo, Bom Jardim and Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro State, and from Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná State. External morphology, shell and reproductive system were typical of O. fulgens, with some peculiarities found in the shell and radula. A single haplotype was found, which was 100% similar to sequences of COI available in GenBank for specimens from Japan and Argentina. The species seems to be adapted to many habitats and be rapidly expanding its distribution in Southeastern and Southern Brazil, and other South America countries. We highlight the importance of monitoring O. fulgens, considering its potential to compete with native mollusks, attack several plants, and be a transmitter of diseases.

Resumo O gênero Setaria é mundialmente conhecido parasitando mamíferos selvagens e domésticos, sendo registradas 43 espécies, das quais cinco ocorrem no continente americano. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a ocorrência, morfologia e morfometria de S. labiatopapillosa em B. taurus e B. bubalis na Ilha de Marajó, Brasil. Foram realizadas inspeções de carcaça de 420 bovinos em dois abatedouros no Pará. Os nematódeos foram encontrados sobre as vísceras brancas e serosa do intestino delgado, sendo limpos e conversados para análise por microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As características morfológicas e morfométricas são compatíveis com S. labiatopapillosa parasitando ambas as espécies, com prevalência de 25% (B. bubalis) e 24% (B. taurus). Informações obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura foram adicionadas à descrição da espécie, além de ampliar a distribuição desse parasito no território nacional.

Abstract The genus Setaria is known worldwide for parasiting wild and domestic mammals, with 43 species registered, of which five occur in the American continent. The objective of this study was to characterize the occurrence, morphology and morphometry of S. labiatopapillosa in B. taurus and B. bubalis in Marajó Island, Brazil. Carcass inspections of 420 cattle were carried out in two slaughterhouses in Pará. The nematodes were found on the white and serous viscera of the small intestine, being cleaned and discussed for analysis by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological and morphometric characteristics are compatible with S. labiatopapillosa parasitizing both species, with a prevalence of 25% (B. bubalis) and 24% (B. taurus). Information obtained by scanning electron microscopy was added to the description of the species, in addition to expanding the distribution of this parasite in the national territory.

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is among the major pathogens involved in food poisoning, and meat contaminated with S. aureus coagulase positive is considered a public health risk because the bacterium is resistant to several conventional antimicrobials. Mycocins are substances produced by yeasts that secrete glycoproteins, which can also be called toxin killers, they have an inhibitory action on other microorganisms. The Wickerhamomyces anomalus, is one of the microorganisms capable of producing these mycocins, resulting in the action of disturbances on the cell wall of the pathogen causing deleterious effects. This work aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the mycocins produced by W. anomalus WA45 against the 29 strains of S. aureus coagulase positive isolated from bovine, porcine and chicken meat and 1 standard strain. The antimicrobial action of the mycocins present on the culture supernatant of W. anomalus WA45 was tested by microdilution and the results were satisfactory, since 100% inhibition of strains of S. aureus coagulase positive. We concluded that the mycocins present in the supernatant of W. anomalus WA45 showed antimicrobial action, being candidates for the development of new products for the biocontrol and bioconservation of meat.

Abstract Background Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, amoxicillin (AMX) is the most widely consumed antibiotic in the world. Consequently, there is great interest in the development of new technologies that allow the removal of this type of contaminant, as exposure to antibiotic residues can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. In this work, AMX adsorption from aqueous solution was investigated using nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The nanoadsorbents were prepared by the coprecipitation method, annealed at 300 to 700 °C, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy (ME) and vibratory sample magnetometry (VSM). Nanoparticle size, pH and temperature were found to significantly affect the amount of adsorbed AMX. The pseudo-second order kinetic model described the adsorption process and the adsorption isotherm fitted to the Freundlich model. AMX adsorption capacity was 104-45 mg g−1 (miligram of AMX per gram of ferrite) for ferrite annealed at 300-700 °C, respectively. The nanoadsorbents employed showed higher AMX removal efficiency when compared to other iron oxides. Moreover, the good reuse results obtained showed their great potential for antibiotic removal by adsorption.

Abstract: This article is a review of the use of organic amendments in the immobility of cadmium in contaminated agricultural soils. Cadmium (Cd) has become a global problem since industrialization began and since the implementation of intensive agricultural practices. Cadmium remains as an omnipresent environmental problem since it is a highly toxic metal that persists in the soil for long periods due to its minimal microbial and chemical loss. Currently, there is public awareness about the implications of agricultural soils contaminated with cadmium. Therefore, there is increased interest in developing and applying cost-effective, friendly, and environmentally friendly techniques such as in situ immobilization using organic amendments. It is concluded that organic amendments have the potential value to reduce Cd uptake by plants and improve immobilization by adsorption, ion exchange, complexation and precipitation.

Resumen: El presente artículo es una revisión sobre el uso de las enmiendas orgánicas en la inmovilidad del cadmio en suelos agrícolas. El cadmio (Cd), se ha convertido en un problema global desde la industrialización y la implementación de prácticas agrícolas intensivas. En la actualidad, sigue siendo un problema ambiental omnipresente ya que es un metal altamente tóxico que persiste en el suelo por largos periodos debido a su mínima pérdida microbiana y química. Actualmente, existe conciencia pública sobre las implicaciones de los suelos agrícolas contaminados con cadmio y por ello ha aumentado el interés en desarrollar y/o aplicar técnicas rentables, amigables y respetuosas con el ambiente como la inmovilización in situ utilizando enmiendas orgánicas. Se concluye que las enmiendas orgánicas tienen el valor potencial para reducir la captación de Cd por las plantas y mejorar la inmovilización por procesos de adsorción, intercambio iónico, complejación y precipitación.