BACKGROUND Pandrug-resistant (PDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae has been reported sporadically in many countries and remains rare in Brazil. OBJECTIVES This study unravelled the genetic determinants involved with the PDR background of a clinical ST11 K. pneumoniae recovered in the Brazilian Amazon Region, where K. pneumoniae genomic and epidemiological information is scarce. METHODS Kp196 was submitted to the antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disk-diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. The whole genome sequencing was obtained and the sequence type was determined by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Its intrinsic and acquired resistome was assessed by Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and comparison with wild-type genes. FINDINGS The analyses revealed that Kp196 belonged to the pandemic ST11 and presented the PDR phenotype. Its acquired resistome was composed of a huge set of clinically relevant resistance determinants, including bla CTX-M-15 and bla NDM-1, all found in the vicinity of mobile platforms. Considering its intrinsic resistome, the multidrug resistance, especially to colistin, tigecycline and fluoroquinolones, was multifactorial and attributed to modifications (indels, missense mutations, and gene disruption) in several housekeeping genes (arnT/phoQ/mgrB/ramR/acrB/gyrA/parC/ompK35-36-37). The Kp196 intrinsic resistome was also observed in a ST11 environmental strain, although harbouring distinct acquired resistomes. CONCLUSIONS An accumulation of different resistance mechanisms regarding the intrinsic resistome accounts for a more stable resistome, strongly contributing to the Kp196 PDR phenotype.

Resumo O síndrome de CLOVES é um síndrome de hipercrescimento raro, causada por uma mutação somática ativadora no gene PIK3CA. Relatamos o caso de um menino de seis meses, que se apresentou com uma dermatose complexa, de evolução congénita. O exame físico revelou uma mancha eritematosa reticulada ocupando a parede torácica anterior à direita, onde apresentava demarcação muito bem delimitada na linha média. Apresentava ainda gigantismo nas mãos e nos pés, com aspecto “furrowed” acral. Posteriormente, desenvolveu lesões em placa papilomatosas na região cervical, sugestivas de nevo epidérmico. O estudo genético realizado na pele lesional confirmou a mutação PIK3CA, estabelecendo o diagnóstico de síndrome CLOVES. O presente caso destaca-se pela raridade desta entidade. A diferenciação precoce com outros síndromes de hipercrescimento é importante, principalmente por causa do pior prognóstico de Proteus. Além disso, realçamos a importância dos achados cutâneos e do papel do dermatologista na abordagem diagnóstica inicial destes casos.

Abstract CLOVES syndrome is a rare overgrowth syndrome caused by an activating somatic mutation in the PIK3CA gene. We report the case of a six-month-old male that presented with a complex dermatosis with evolution since birth. Physical examination revealed a reticulated erythematous patch that affected the right anterior chest wall, where it showed sharp demarcation at the midline. He also had gigantism of the hands and feet, with an acral furrowing of the skin. Later on, he developed papillomatous plaque lesions in the cervical region, suggestive of epidermal nevi. Genetic study performed on lesional skin confirmed the PIK3CA mutation, establishing the diagnosis of CLOVES syndrome. The present case stands out given the rarity of this entity. Early differentiation between other overgrowth syndromes is important, namely because of the worse prognosis of Proteus. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of cutaneous findings and the dermatologist’s role in the diagnostic approach to such cases.

BACKGROUND Mycolicibacterium fortuitum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with human and animal infection worldwide. Studies concerning this species are mainly represented by case reports, some of them addressing drug susceptibility with a focus on a specific geographic region, so there is a gap in relation to the global epidemiological scenario. OBJECTIVES We aimed determine the global epidemiological scenario of M. fortuitum and analyse its traits associated with pathogenicity. METHODS Based on publicly available genomes of M. fortuitum and a genome from Brazil (this study), we performed a genomic epidemiology analysis and in silico and in vitro characterisation of the resistome and virulome of this species. FINDINGS Three main clusters were defined, one including isolates from the environment, human and animal infections recovered over nearly a century. An apparent intrinsic resistome comprises mechanisms associated with macrolides, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and antitubercular drugs such as rifampin. Besides, the virulome presented Type VII secretion systems (T7SS), including ESX-1, ESX-3, ESX-4 and ESX-4-bis, some of which play a role on the virulence of Mycobacteriaceae species. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Here, M. fortuitum was revealed as a reservoir of an expressive intrinsic resistome, as well as a virulome that may contribute to its success as a global opportunist pathogen.

BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii outbreaks have been associated with pandemic International Clones (ICs), but the virulence factors involved with their pathogenicity are sparsely understood. Pigment production has been linked with bacterial pathogenicity, however, this phenotype is rarely observed in A. baumannii. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterise the reddish-brown pigment produced by A. baumannii strains, and to determine its biosynthetic pathway by genomic approaches. METHODS Pigment characterisation and antimicrobial susceptibility were conducted by phenotypic tests. The clonal relationship was obtained by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The genome of an A. baumannii was obtained for characterisation of genes involved with pigment production. FINDINGS The pyomelanin was the pigment produced by A. baumannii. Strains were extensively drug resistant and belonged to the IC-5/ST79. The pyomelanin biosynthetic pathway was determined and presented a particular architecture concerning the peripheral (tyrB, phhB and hpd) and central (hmgB, hmgC and hmgR) metabolic pathway genes. The identification of a distant HmgA homologue, probably without dioxygenase activity, could explain pyomelanin production. Virulence determinants involved with adherence (csuA/BABCDE and a T5bSS-carrying genomic island), and iron uptake (basABCDEFGHIJ, bauABCDEF and barAB) were characterised. MAIN CONCLUSION There is a biosynthetic pathway compatible with the pyomelanin production observed in persistent A. baumannii IC-5 strains.

BACKGROUND Shared traits between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are helpful in the understanding of the tree of life evolution. In bacteria and eukaryotes, it has been shown a particular organisation of tRNA genes as clusters, but this trait has not been explored in the archaea domain. OBJECTIVE Explore the occurrence of tRNA gene clusters in archaea. METHODS In-silico analyses of complete and draft archaeal genomes based on tRNA gene isotype and synteny, tRNA gene cluster content and mobilome elements. FINDINGS We demonstrated the prevalence of tRNA gene clusters in archaea. tRNA gene clusters, composed of archaeal-type tRNAs, were identified in two Archaea class, Halobacteria and Methanobacteria from Euryarchaeota supergroup. Genomic analyses also revealed evidence of the association between tRNA gene clusters to mobile genetic elements and intra-domain horizontal gene transfer. MAIN CONCLUSIONS tRNA gene cluster occurs in the three domains of life, suggesting a role of this type of tRNA gene organisation in the biology of the living organisms.

The presence of tRNA array, a region with high tRNA gene number and density, has been demonstrated in Mycobacterium genus. However, a recent phylogenomic study revealed the existence of five distinct monophyletic groups (genera) within this genus. Considering this new scenario, and based on in-silico analyses, we have identified and characterised the abundance and diversity of tRNA array units within Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium gen. nov., Mycolicibacillus gen. nov., and Mycobacteroides gen. nov. The occurrence and prevalence of tRNA arrays among the genera belonging to Actinobacteria indicate their possible role in the organismal fitness.

The genus Mycobacterium is highly diverse and ubiquitous in nature, comprehending fast- and slow-growing species with distinct impact in public health. The plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer represents one of the major events in bacteria evolution. Here, we report the complete sequence of a 160,489 bp circular plasmid (pCBMA213_2) from an atypical and fast-growing environmental mycobacteria. This is a unique plasmid, in comparison with the characterised mycobacteria plasmids, harboring a type IV-like and ESX-P2 type VII secretion systems. pCBMA213_2 can be further explored for evolutionary and conjugation studies as well as a tool to manipulate DNA within this bacteria genus.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do uso de tratamento térmico e da radiação ultravioleta (UV-C) na prevenção de danos pelo frio em mangas cv. Tommy Atkins previamente armazenadas ou não sob condição injuriante, depois de transferidas para condição de ambiente. Frutos foram divididos em grupos: dois foram tratados hidrotermicamente (46,1 °C/90 min; 55 ºC/5 min) e dois foram expostos a radiação UV-C (1,14 kJ m-2; 2,28 kJ m-2). Esses grupos foram armazenados em condição injuriante (5 ºC por 14 dias), conforme estabelecido em testes preliminares. Outros grupos não tratados foram armazenados a 12 ºC ou 5 ºC. Após o período de armazenamento, foram transferidos para condição ambiente (21,9 °C; 55% HR) e avaliados quanto à qualidade. Todos os dados foram submetidos à análise multivariada como ferramenta para verificar o efeito simultâneo dos tratamentos sobre os parâmetros de qualidade. A análise multivariada indicou que o tratamento térmico afetou negativamente o desenvolvimento da cor normal da casca das mangas, reduziu a capacidade antioxidante e injuriou o fruto, como indicado pela elevada atividade da PAL. O dano pelo frio relacionou-se com a diminuição da atividade antioxidante e com o comprometimento da síntese de pigmentos na casca. A radiação UV-C minimizou o aparecimento dos sintomas de injúria pelo frio, especialmente a dose de 2,28 kJ m-2. Este tratamento não impediu o desenvolvimento da coloração característica ou afetou negativamente o amadurecimento.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) in the prevention of chilling injury in mangoes cv. Tommy Atkins previously stored or not under injury condition after their transference to ambient condition. Fruits were divided into groups: two were hydrothermally treated (46.1 ºC/90 min; 55 ºC/5 min) and two were exposed to UV-C radiation (1.14 kJ m-2; 2.28 kJ m-2). These groups were stored under chilling injury conditions (5 ºC for 14 days), as established in preliminary tests. Other untreated groups were stored at 12 ºC or 5 ºC. After the storage period, they were transferred to ambient conditions (21.9 ºC; 55% RH) and the quality was evaluated. All the data were submitted to multivariate analysis as the tool to verify the simultaneous effect of the treatments under the quality parameters. The multivariate analysis indicated that the hydrothermal treatments at 46.1 °C/90 min and 55 °C/5 min and the UV-C radiation at doses of 1.14 kJ m-2 and 2.28 kJ m-2 were effective in minimized the symptoms of chilling injury in mangoes ‘Tommy Atkins’ stored at 5 °C for 14 days. However, after their transference to environmental condition at 21.9 °C, only the UV-C kept this control, especially at a dose of 2.28 kJ m-2. This treatment did not prevent the development of the characteristic color or affected the normal ripening and allowed the conservation of fruit for a period of 14 days at 5 °C, plus seven days of storage at environmental condition, which corresponds to the shipping transportation plus the time for sale.

Os modelos orientadores da intervenção do psicólogo educacional sugerem uma multiplicidade de oportunidades/opções que cada profissional terá que fazer. A investigação tem sugerido que a aprendizagem cooperativa conduz todos os alunos a uma melhor eficácia na aprendizagem. Apesar de muitos psicólogos ainda adoptarem uma perspectiva de intervenção individual, o objectivo deste ensaio é discutir as diferentes abordagens através dos quais a intervenção do psicólogo educacional cria e sustenta modelos de educação inclusiva. Este ensaio tem por base a convicção de Vigotsky de que todas as crianças, independentemente das suas necessidades, devem ter direito a frequentar a escola de ensino regular. Iniciando com a análise de três eixos essenciais: inclusão, necessidades educativas especiais e psicologia; termina com algumas sugestões que ajudam a definir o modo como a psicologia educacional pode contribuir para o sucesso de todos os alunos no ensino regular.

The models guiding the intervention of the educational psychologist suggest a multiplicity of opportunities / options that each professional will have to take. Research has long suggested that learning together leads all students to better results (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, 1990, 1994; Slavin, 1991). Although many psychologists still work only with an individual perspective, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the ways in which the educational psychology can create and sustain authentic inclusion settings. This is based on Vigotsky’s belief that all children, in spite of their disabilities, should have access to the regular school system. Starting from the analysis of three key aspects inclusion, special education needs and psychology; it concludes with some suggestions that help define how the educational psychology can contribute to the success of all students in the regular school system.

The prediction of the length of stay at the moment of hospital admission is of outmost importance. Many studies have used lineal models to predict this variable, but there are inherent limitations to these models. The use of non lineal models has been scarce. Aim: To develop a non lineal model to predict length of stay in intensive care units. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of 294 patients admitted to two intensive care units in Santiago, Chile. The severity of the disease motivating the admission was nominally quantified. This and other physiological variables were included in the model. The length of stay was modeled using Artificial Neural Networks. Results: The model yielded an error of 8.7% (3.6 ± 0.4 days, CI 95%) and a correlation coefficient of 0.9 (p <0.001) for the prediction of length of stay. Using net sensitivity analysis, the model determined that gastrointestinal diseases, infections and respiratory problems were the main causes of prolongation of intensive care unit stay. Conclusions: Intensive care units should have, in the future, computer systems that gather vital information to predict length of stay (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 71-78)

Um experimento com Saccharum spp. foi conduzido, tendo como objetivo desenvolver uma nova metodologia de produção de mudas desta espécie, utilizando três resíduos agroindustriais prensados, como substrato. Foram estudadas diferentes proporções de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, torta de filtro de usina e casca de coco na composição do substrato. O sistema de blocos prensados, de origem finlandesa, foi comparado ao sistema convencional. A qualidade das mudas, no final da rotação no viveiro, foi avaliada através do diâmetro de colo, número de perfilhos por planta, peso de matéria seca das partes aérea, radicular e total e o desempenho das mudas 12 meses após o plantio, através do comprimento, diâmetro, número de entrenós e peso dos colmos. Os três resíduos mostraram condições de serem utilizados em mistura para o preparo de blocos prensados. Os blocos prensados de origem finlandesa e os preparados com bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e torta de filtro de usina, misturados, respectivamente, nas proporções de 70 e 30 %, v v-1, foram os mais adequados para a produção de mudas de Saccharum spp.. As médias dos parâmetros morfológicos das mudas produzidas pelo sistema utilizado pelosistema convencional foram classificadas entre as mais baixas do experimento.

An experiment with Saccharum spp. was carried out to develop a new methodology for plantlet production using pressed industrial residues as substrate. The proportions of sugar cane bagasse, sugar plant filter cake and coconut husk in the substrate composition were analyzed along with the advantages of the Finland pressed block and the conventional systems used for plantlet production. The seedlings quality at the and of the plant propagation stage was evaluated through plantlet diameter and height, shoot and root, total dry weights, and performance at the twelfth month. Selection for planting was based on stem length, diameter, quantity and weight . The three residues tested were suitable to be used in a mixture to prepare pressed blocks. Imported blocks and the ones prepared with both, sugar cane bagasse and the sugar plant filter cake mixed, 70 and 30%, v v-1 respectively, were the most suitable. The average morphological parameters of the plantlets produced by the conventional system were classified among the lowest.

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o potencial de regeneração de raízes (P.R.R.) e seu efeito sobre o desempenho após o plantio de mudas de Eucalyptus camaldulensis e E. urophylla, produzidas em tubetes e em blocos prensados, utilizando os seguintes substratos: 1) composto orgânico de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar + torta de filtro de usina açucareira (3:2; v:v) + 0,6% N (uréia) e 2) casca decomposta de eucalipto + vermiculita (7:3; v:v). O P.R.R. foi avaliado, após a poda das raízes laterais a 2 cm da raiz pivotante, através do número, comprimento, peso de matéria seca, área superficial, volume e ritmo de crescimento das raízes regeneradas. No campo, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto à sobrevivência, nos dois primeiros meses e quanto ao crescimento em altura e diâmetro ao nível do solo, até o décimo mês. As mudas produzidas em blocos prensados apresentaram maiores valores de P.R.R. e maior crescimento após o plantio. O substrato que conferiu melhores características às mudas foi a casca de eucalipto decomposta + vermiculita, mas essa diferença não foi mantida no campo, exceto para a altura do E. urophylla. O P.R.R. não apresentou correlações lineares com a sobrevivência das mudas no campo, mas correlacionou-se positivamente com o crescimento em altura e diâmetro ao nível do solo, nos primeiros meses após o plantio.

The objective of this research was to determine the root potential regeneration (P.R.R.) and its effect on the field performance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. urophylla seedlings grown in tubes and pressed blocks, with the following substrates: 1) sugarcane bagasse + filter cake (3:2; v:v) + 0.6% N (urea), and 2) decomposed eucalyptus bark + vermiculite (7:3; v:v). After cutting the lateral roots 2 cm away from the tap-root, the P.R.R. was evaluated measuring some characteristics of the regenerated roots such as: number, length, dry weight, area, volume, and growth rhythm. In the field, the survival was evaluated in the first two months, height growth and diameter at the soil level every other month, and number of primary lateral roots and deformations in 10 month-old plants. Compared to the seedlings grown in tubes, seedlings grown in pressed blocks showed higher values of the P.R.R., and a better growth in the field. In the nursery, decomposed eucalyptus bark + vermiculite was the best growing substrate. However, except for E. urophylla height, all other characteristics measured in the field, as well as for E. camaldulensis, did not differ among the studied substrata. The P.R.R. did not show linear correlation with seedling survival in the field, but it was positively correlated with height and diameter at the ground level, in the first months after planting.

Foram estudados 36 indivíduos habitantes de uma fazenda no interior do Estado de Minas Gerais nove dos quais adquiriram a forma linfonodular de toxoplasmose entre maio e agosto de 1976, apresentando títulos de anticorpos pela imunofluorescênciaindireta - IF - entre 1:4096 e 1:32000 na classe IgG e entre 1:16 e 1:8000 na classe IgM. Doze das 36 pessoas da fazenda foram consideradas como casos "duvidosos", assim definidos ou por apresentarem quadro clínico compatível com toxoplasmose adquirida apesar de baixos títulos de anticorpos, ou por não apresentarem nítido quadro clínico, mas com evidências sorológicas de infecção recente pelo T. gondii. As outras 15 pessoas estudadas não mostraram evidências clínicas ou sorológicas de infecção recente. As informações coletadas sugerem duas possíveis principais formas de transmissão: a) carne de porco mal cozida durante um churrasco na fazenda; b) solo e vegetais contaminados com oocistos de T. gondii (ciclo gato-rato). O acompanhamento sorológico da população humana, nove meses após, demonstrou títulos ainda elevados na classe IgG embora com tendência ao declínio e soros não reagentes na classe IgM. Após três anos os títulos na classe IgG eram quase compatíveis com os títulos observados em inquéritos sorológicos em outras populações brasileiras.

Thirty-six persons living on a farm located in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) were studied. Nine of them had the glandular form of toxoplasmosis, between May and August, 1976. These nine cases of toxoplasmosis were confirmed serologically by immunefluorescence-IF-, presenting IgG antibody titres between 1:4096 and 1:32000 and IgM antibody titres between 1:16 and 1:8000. Twelve out of thirty-six persons studied were considered to be "dubious cases". They were defined either by presenting a clinical picture compatible with acquired toxoplasmosis, yet having low serologic titres, or inversely they did not have a clear clinical picture but had serologic evidence of recent Toxoplasma infection. Fifteen out of thirty-six persons studied showed neither serologic nor clinical evidence of recent Toxoplasma infection. The epidemiologic information suggests two possible modes of transmission: a) poorly cooked pork at a barbecue party; b) farm vegetables and soil contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts (rat-cat cycle). Serologic follow-up nine months later in the human farm population demonstrated still high IgG titres, yet they tended to decline and IgM titres became negative. Three years later most of the IgG titres continued to decline and were almost compatible with the titres obtained in Brazilian population surveys.