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Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients often exhibit a dyslipidemic sub-phenotype. Paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) is a serum glycoprotein associated with the high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C), and variability in PON1 activity depends on the PON1 genotypes. We investigated the influence of PON1c.192Q > R and PON1c.55L > M polymorphisms on PON1 activity and laboratory parameters and the association between PON1 activity and clinical manifestations in SCD patients. We recruited 350 individuals, including 154 SCD patients and 196 healthy volunteers, which comprised the control group. Laboratory parameters and molecular analyses were investigated from the participants' blood samples. We have found increased PON1 activity in SCD individuals compared to the control group. In addition, carriers of the variant genotype of each polymorphism presented lower PON1 activity. SCD individuals carrying the variant genotype of PON1c.55L > M polymorphism had lower platelet and reticulocyte counts, C-reactive protein, and aspartate aminotransferase levels; in addition to higher creatinine levels. SCD individuals carrying the variant genotype of PON1c.192Q > R polymorphism had lower triglyceride, VLDL-c, and indirect bilirubin levels. Furthermore, we observed an association between PON1 activity history of stroke and splenectomy. The present study confirmed the association between PON1c.192Q > R and PON1c.55L > M polymorphisms and PON1 activity, in addition to demonstrate their effects on markers of dislipidemia, hemolysis and inflammation, in SCD individuals. Moreover, data suggest PON1 activity as a potential biomarker related to stroke and splenectomy., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by the presence of the variant S hemoglobin (HbS). The homozygous genotype (HbSS) is sickle cell anemia (SCA), while the double heterozygous of HbS and HbC (HbSC) is defined as SC hemoglobinopathy. The pathophysiology is based on chronic hemolysis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and vaso-occlusion, which results in vasculopathy and serious clinical manifestations. Sickle leg ulcers (SLUs) are cutaneous lesions around the malleoli frequent in 20% of Brazilian patients with SCD. SLUs present a variable clinical and laboratory pattern modulated by several characteristics that are not fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate laboratory biomarkers and genetic and clinical parameters associated with the development of SLUs. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 69 SCD patients, 52 without SLU (SLU-) and 17 with active or previous SLU history (SLU+). The results showed a higher incidence of SLU in SCA patients and there was no observed association of α-3.7 Kb thalassemia in SLU occurrence. Alterations in NO metabolism and hemolysis were associated with clinical evolution and severity of SLU, in addition to hemolysis modulating the etiology and recurrence of SLU. Our multifactorial analyses demonstrate and extend the role of hemolysis driving the pathophysiological mechanism of SLU.

Sickle leg ulcers (SLU) are malleoli lesions with exuberant hemolytic pathophysiology. The microRNAs are potential genetic biomarkers for several pathologies. Thereby, we aimed to assess the expression of circulating miR-199a-5p, miR-144, and miR-126 in association with hemolytic biomarkers in SLU. This cross-sectional study included 69 patients with sickle cell disease, 52 patients without SLU (SLU-) and 17 patients with active SLU or previous history (SLU+). The results demonstrated elevated expression of circulating miR-199a-5p and miR-144 in SLU+ patients while miR-126 expression was reduced. Circulating miR-199a-5p and miR-144 were associated with hemolytic biomarkers such as LDH, indirect bilirubin, AST, GGT, iron, ferritin, RBC, hemoglobin, and NOm, in addition to association with impaired clinical profile of SLU. Furthermore, in silico analyses indicated interactions of miR-199a-5p with HIF1A, Ets-1, and TGFB2 genes, which are associated with vasculopathy and reduced NO. In contrast, miR-126 was associated with an attenuating clinical profile of SLU, in addition to not characterizing hemolysis. In summary, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that hemolytic mechanism in SLU can be characterized by circulating miR-199a-5p and miR-144. The circulating miR-126 may play a protective role in SLU. Thus, these microRNAs can support to establish prognosis and therapeutic strategy in SLU.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. Citral has been studied in the pharmaceutical industry and has shown antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to analyze the antimicrobial activity of citral in inhibiting biofilm formation and modulating virulence genes, with the ultimate goal of finding a strategy for treating infections caused by MRSA strains. Citral showed antimicrobial activity against MRSA isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 5 mg/mL (0.5%) and 40 mg/mL (4%), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values between 10 mg/mL (1%) and 40 mg/mL (4%). The sub-inhibitory dose was 2.5 mg/mL (0.25%). Citral, in an antibiogram, modulated synergistically, antagonistically, or indifferent to the different antibiotics tested. Prior to evaluating the antibiofilm effects of citral, we classified the bacteria according to their biofilm production capacity. Citral showed greater efficacy in the initial stage, and there was a significant reduction in biofilm formation compared to the mature biofilm. qPCR was used to assess the modulation of virulence factor genes, and icaA underexpression was observed in isolates 20 and 48. For icaD, seg, and sei, an increase was observed in the expression of ATCC 33,591. No significant differences were found for eta and etb. Citral could be used as a supplement to conventional antibiotics for MRSA infections., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: The occurrence of diseases can alter coffee (Coffea arabica L.) metabolism, causing changes in the composition of coffee beans and beverage quality. However, little is known about which aspects of coffee quality are actually altered by rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk et Br.) and by its main control methods. The effect of chemical and genetic methods for the control of coffee rust on the quality of coffee beans and beverage was investigated., Results: Both genetic and chemical control reduce the damage caused by the disease in the composition of coffee beans. Genotypes with resistant ancestry, even with resistance breakdown, respond better to chemical control. The combination of genetic and chemical control favors an increase in the sugar content in the beans., Conclusions: Despite the fact that both genetic and chemical control are effective in reducing disease damage regarding the chemical composition of beans, the quality potential of Timor Hybrid genotypes associated with the cancellation of rust expression through the joint action of genetic and chemical control favors the composition of beans and, consequently, the quantitative assessment of sensory attributes, adding value to the final product. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Priapism is a urologic emergency characterized by an uncontrolled, persistent and painful erection in the absence of sexual stimulation, which can lead to penile fibrosis and impotence. It is highly frequent in sickle cell disease (SCD) associated with hemolytic episodes. Our aim was to investigate molecules that may participate in the regulation of vascular tone. Eighty eight individuals with SCD were included, of whom thirty-seven reported a history of priapism. Priapism was found to be associated with alterations in laboratory biomarkers, as well as lower levels of HbF. Patients with sickle cell anemia using hydroxyurea and those who received blood products seemed to be less affected by priapism. Multivariate analysis suggested that low HbF and NOm were independently associated with priapism. The frequency of polymorphisms in genes NOS3 and EDN1 was not statistically significant between the studied groups, and the presence of the variant allele was not associated with alterations in NOm and ET-1 levels in patients with SCD. The presence of the variant allele in the polymorphisms investigated did not reveal any influence on the occurrence priapism. Future studies involving larger samples, as well as investigations including patients in priapism crisis, could contribute to an enhanced understanding of the development of priapism in SCD., Competing Interests: The authors deny the existence of any conflicts of interest with regard to the publication of our results.

Human milk is the best nutrient for infants. The donor human milk is stored in a milk bank before pasteurization. However, the human milk is not sterile and could be colonized with different types of bacteria. Many studies have shown S. aureus to be the most prevalent potential pathogen detected in human milk. This study characterized 22 methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolates from raw human milk for the presence of virulence genes and agr type. Moreover, the genotypic as identified characterization was realized. The presence of virulence genes sei, seg, sec, seh, and etb was identified in resistant and sensitive strains. We observed the predominance of agr type II. The presence of SCCmec IV (67%, 4/6) and V (33%, 2/6) characterized resistant strains as CA-MRSA. Endemic lineages detected (ST1635/CC5-t002, ST5/CC5-t002, ST72/CC5-t126, ST1/CC1-t127, ST45/CC45-t065, and ST398/t1451) could be related to epidemic clones, such as USA800/ST5, USA700/ST72, USA400/ST1, USA600/ST45, and ST398. This study made it possible to understand the characteristics of virulence and clonality of some strains that circulate in breast milk in our region. The discovery of human milk colonization by MSSA and MRSA strains with molecular characteristics similar to infectious clones spread globally demonstrates the importance of monitoring strains that can spread and cause serious infections.

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) present both chronic and acute inflammatory events. The TGF- β pathway is known to play a role in immune response, angiogenesis, inflammation, hematopoiesis, vascular inflammation, and cell proliferation. Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3 ( TGFBR3 ) gene have been linked to several inflammatory diseases. This study investigated associations between two TGFBR3 haplotypes and classical laboratory parameters, as well as clinical manifestations, in SCD. We found that individuals with the GG haplotype presented higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, total proteins, and globulin than individuals with non-GG haplotypes. In addition, the GG haplotype was associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Individuals with the CGG haplotype presented increased plateletcrit, TC, LDL-C levels, and non-HDL cholesterol. The CCG haplotype was also associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Our findings suggest that individuals with the GG and CGG haplotypes of TGFBR3 present important alterations in lipid profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Rayra P. Santiago et al.)

Individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) present chronic anemia, hemolysis, an exacerbated inflammatory response, and heterogeneous clinical complications, which may be modulated by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β ) pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate polymorphisms ( rs1805110 and rs7526590 ) of the transforming growth factor beta receptor III gene ( TGFBR3 ) with regard to laboratory biomarkers and clinical manifestations in individuals with SCA. Hematological, biochemical, immunological, and genetic analyses were carried out, as well as serum endothelin-1 measurements. The minor allele (A) of the TGFBR3 rs1805110 polymorphism was associated with increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte counts, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, and endothelin levels, as well as decreased platelet distribution width (PDW) and the occurrence of bone alterations. The minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 was associated with increased red cell distribution width, PDW, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and indirect bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, as well as lower ferritin levels and the occurrence of leg ulcers. Our data suggest that the minor allele (A) of TGFBR3 rs1805110 is associated with inflammation and bone alterations, while the minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 is related to hemolysis and the occurrence of leg ulcers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Rayra Pereira Santiago et al.)

Differences in hydroxyurea response in sickle cell anemia may arise due to a series of factors with genetic factors appearing to be predominant. This study aims to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes and solute carriers on hydroxyurea response, in patients with sickle cell anemia. For that purpose, a total number of 90 patients with sickle cell anemia were recruited, 45 were undergoing hydroxyurea treatment, while 45 were not under the treatment. Association analyses were performed between CYP3A4 (rs2740574), CYP2D6 (rs3892097), CAT (rs7943316 and rs1001179), and SLC14A1 (rs2298720) variants and laboratory parameters. According to our findings, patients with hydroxyurea treatment demonstrated higher HbF levels and a significant improvement in hemolytic, hepatic, inflammatory, and lipid parameters in comparison to those without the treatment. We also found significant associations between the CYP2D6 (rs3892097), CAT (rs7943316 and rs1001179), and SLC14A1 (rs2298720) variants and an improvement of the therapeutic effects, specifically the hemolytic, hepatic, inflammatory, lipid, and renal parameters. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of the investigated variants, and their strong association with hydroxyurea efficacy in patients with sickle cell anemia, which may be considered in the future as genetic markers., (Copyright © 2020 Yahouédéhou, Neres, da Guarda, Carvalho, Santiago, Figueiredo, Fiuza, Ndidi, de Oliveira, Fonseca, Nascimento, Rocha, Adanho, da Rocha, Adorno and Goncalves.)

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen of clinical importance related to a variety of infections., Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze the molecular and epidemiological characteristics of S. aureus obtained from healthcare professionals (HCP) of a hospital in southwestern Bahia, Brazil., Methods: Samples were collected from hands, nasal cavity, and laboratory coats of 80 HCP. The bacterial isolates recovered from 240 samples were identified as S. aureus, and then analyzed for their antimicrobial resistance profile, genotypic characterization, and pathogenicity., Findings: 178 isolates were identified as S. aureus , being mostly isolated from the nasal cavity. Thirty isolates (16.8%) were characterized as MRSA. The virulence gene frequency varied according to isolate source. All virulence genes were identified in at least one hand isolate. Isolates from laboratory coats did not show seb and pvl. Isolates from the nasal cavity did not exhibit pvl. The SCCmec type I was identified in 56.7% of MRSA isolates. Among MRSA isolates, 14 PFGE pulsotypes were characterized, with profile A being predominant (nine isolates). Clonal complexes CC5, CC45, and CC398 were found. MRSA isolates induced cytokine gene expression in macrophages, with IL-10 and IL-17 being expressed more often., Conclusion: We found a high colonization rate for S. aureus among HCP. Moreover, we observed that MRSA strains presented different virulence factors and could induce cytokine gene expression, indicating an urgent need to control colonization rates of HCP by MRSA isolates in order to protect hospital patients and the general public., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Introduction: Clinical complications in sickle cell anemia (SCA) are heterogeneous and involve several molecules. It has been suggested that SCA individuals present a dyslipidemic phenotype and that lipid parameters are associated with severe clinical complications, such as pulmonary hypertension. We sought to investigate associations between lipid parameters and clinical manifestations, as well as other laboratory parameters in a population of pediatric SCA patients., Methods: Our cross-sectional evaluation included 126 SCA patients in steady state and who were not undergoing lipid-lowering therapy. Hematological and biochemical parameters were characterized, and previous clinical manifestations were investigated., Results: Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were increased in patients with a previous history of pneumonia, which also positively correlated with HbS levels. Decreased LDL-C levels were also associated with leg ulcers and anemia. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were associated with pain crises, increased viscosity, and decreased hemolysis. Several studies have determined that lipids play a role in the vascular impairment seen in SCA, which was corroborated by our findings., Conclusions: In sum, our results suggest that total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels are associated with hemolysis and anemia markers and, most importantly, with clinical complications related to vasculopathy in SCA., Competing Interests: The authors have not received any funding or benefits from industry companies or otherwise to conduct this study., (Copyright © 2020 Caroline Conceição da Guarda et al.)

This paper presents a cost- and time-effective wearable inertial sensor system, the InertialLAB. It includes gyroscopes and accelerometers for the real-time monitoring of 3D-angular velocity and 3D-acceleration of up to six lower limbs and trunk segment and sagittal joint angle up to six joints. InertialLAB followed an open architecture with a low computational load to be executed by wearable processing units up to 200 Hz for fostering kinematic gait data to third-party systems, advancing similar commercial systems. For joint angle estimation, we developed a trigonometric method based on the segments' orientation previously computed by fusion-based methods. The validation covered healthy gait patterns in varying speed and terrain (flat, ramp, and stairs) and including turns, extending the experiments approached in the literature. The benchmarking analysis to MVN BIOMECH reported that InertialLAB provides more reliable measures in stairs than in flat terrain and ramp. The joint angle time-series of InertialLAB showed good waveform similarity (>0.898) with MVN BIOMECH, resulting in high reliability and excellent validity. User-independent neural network regression models successfully minimized the drift errors observed in InertialLAB's joint angles (NRMSE < 0.092). Further, users ranked InertialLAB as good in terms of usability. InertialLAB shows promise for daily kinematic gait analysis and real-time kinematic feedback for wearable third-party systems., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) consists of a group of hemoglobinopathies in which individuals present highly variable clinical manifestations. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most severe form, while SC hemoglobinopathy (HbSC) is thought to be milder. Thus, we investigated the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters by comparing each SCD genotype. We designed a cross-sectional study including 126 SCA individuals and 55 HbSC individuals in steady-state. Hematological, biochemical and inflammatory characterization was performed as well as investigation of previous history of clinical events. SCA patients exhibited most prominent anemia, hemolysis, leukocytosis and inflammation, whereas HbSC patients had increased lipid determinations. The main cause of hospitalization was pain crises on both genotypes. Vaso-occlusive events and pain crises were associated with hematological, inflammatory and anemia biomarkers on both groups. Cluster analysis reveals hematological, inflammatory, hemolytic, endothelial dysfunction and anemia biomarkers in HbSC disease as well as SCA. The results found herein corroborate with previous studies suggesting that SCA and HbSC, although may be similar from the genetic point of view, exhibit different clinical manifestations and laboratory alterations which are useful to monitor the clinical course of each genotype., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hemolytic disease in which vaso-occlusion is an important pathophysiological mechanism. The treatment is based on hydroxyurea (HU), which decreases leukocyte counts and increases fetal hemoglobin synthesis. Different cell types are thought to contribute to vaso-occlusion. Nevertheless, the role of monocytes subsets remains unclear. We investigated frequencies of monocytes subsets in blood and their response to HU therapy, testing their ability to express pro-inflammatory molecules and tissue factor (TF). We identified major changes in monocyte subsets, with classical monocytes (CD14 ++ CD16 - ) appearing highly frequent in who were not taking HU, whereas those with patrolling phenotype (CD14 dim CD16 + ) were enriched in individuals undergoing therapy. Additionally, HU decreased the production of TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6, IL-8 as well as TF by the LPS-activated monocytes. Likewise, frequency of TF-expressing monocytes is increased in patients with previous vaso-occlusion. Moreover, activated monocytes expressing TF produced several pro-inflammatory cytokines simultaneously. Such polyfunctional capacity was dramatically dampened by HU therapy. The frequency of classical monocytes subset was positively correlated with percentage cytokine producing cells upon LPS stimulation. These findings suggest that classical monocytes are the subset responsible for multiple pro-inflammatory cytokine production and possibly drive inflammation and vaso-occlusion in SCA which is damped by HU.

This study investigated the effects of hydroxyurea (HU) on hematological, biochemical and inflammatory parameters in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in association with βS haplotype and α-thalassemia. We included 22 children with SCA who were followed for an average of 14.5 months. Laboratory parameters were assessed by electronic methods, and molecular analysis was investigated by PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. Results showed significant increases in hemoglobin, HbF, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, glucose, HDL-C and albumin levels, as well as significant decreases in MCHC and AST levels, WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and reticulocytes, in children during HU therapy. HbF levels were positively correlated with hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and total protein, yet negatively correlated with MCHC, RDW, AAT and AST during HU therapy (p<0.05). Children who carried the Central African Republic haplotype, in response to HU therapy, presented significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, triglycerides and uric acid levels, as well as significant decreases in MCHC, AST and direct bilirubin levels, WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and reticulocytes. Those with the Benin haplotype presented increases in HbF and albumin levels, and a reduction in platelet counts (p<0.05). Children with α-thalassemia presented decreased ALT during HU use, while those without this deletion presented increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, HDL-C and albumin, as well as decreases in MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, reticulocytes and AST (p<0.05). Hence, regardless of its use in association with βS haplotypes or α-thalassemia, HU seems to be linked to alterations in hemolytic, inflammatory, hepatic, lipid and glycemic profiles., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Purpose: Comparative genomic analysis of strains may help us to better understand the wide diversity of their genetic profiles. The aim of this study was to analyse the genomic features of the resistome and virulome of Brazilian first methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and their relationship to other Brazilian and international MRSA strains., Methodology: The whole genomes of three MRSA strains previously isolated in Vitória da Conquista were sequenced, assembled, annotated and compared with other MRSA genomes. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and the pan-genome and accessory and core genomes were constructed. The resistomes and virulomes of all strains were identified.Results/Key findings. Phylogenetic analysis of all 49 strains indicated different clones showing high similarity. The pan-genome of the analysed strains consisted of 4484 genes, with 31 % comprising the gene portion of the core genome, 47 % comprising the accessory genome and 22 % being singletons. Most strains showed at least one gene related to virulence factors associated with immune system evasion, followed by enterotoxins. The strains showed multiresistance, with the most recurrent genes conferring resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and macrolides., Conclusions: Our comparative genomic analysis showed that there is no pattern of virulence gene distribution among the clones analysed in the different regions. The Brazilian strains showed similarity with clones from several continents.

This study characterized 30 MRSA isolates from intensive care unit (ICU) environment and equipment surfaces and healthy children. The SCCmec types I, IVa and V were detected in HA-MRSA isolates while CA-MRSA showed the SCCmec type IVa and V. Most isolates were classified as agr group II. All isolates presented the sei gene, and only HA-MRSA were positive for etb e tst genes. Three genotypes were related to Pediatric (ST5/SCCmecIV) and Berlin (ST45/SCCmecIV) clones. The present study showed molecular similarity between CA- and HA-MRSA isolates in hospital and community settings in a Brazilian region., (Copyright © 2019 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Hydroxyurea (HU) was approved to be used in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) because of its anti-sickling potential. However, there is variability in HU response among SCD patients and this can be due to physiological, socioeconomic, environmental, metabolic and/or genetic factors. The present review focuses on the latter two. Three quantitative trait loci, HBG2, BCL11A and HMIP, have been suggested as important markers for HU response. Other genes (ASS1, KLF10, HAO2, MAP3K5, PDE7B, TOX, NOS1, NOS2A, FLT1, ARG1, ARG2, UGT1A1, OR51B5/6, SIN3A, SALL2, SAR1A, UTB, OCTN1, CYP2C9, AQP9, MPO, CYP2E1, and GSTT1) have also been considered. Studies implicate catalase, urease, horseradish peroxidase and enzymes of CYP450 family in HU metabolism. However, little is known about these enzymes. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate the metabolic pathway of HU, which will facilitate pharmacogenomic studies and help in identification of candidate genes for predicting HU response.

Background: The nonracial leukopenia may be a result of exposure to polycyclic derivatives (benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX)) and may arise from a possible change in the bone marrow microenvironment. The present study sought to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes with hematological and biochemical profiles., Methods: We evaluated 89 African descendant children, exposed indirectly to benzene derivatives. Laboratory parameters were investigated by automated methods and genetic polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP and PCR multiplex., Results: Children with leukopenia had significantly decreased white blood cells (WBCs) and platelet counts, which is not consistent with benign leukopenia. In the same group, we have found that carriers of the CYP2E1 variant allele had decreased WBC and lymphocytes. Those with NQO1 variant allele had decreased WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts. Carriers of the MPO variant allele had decreased WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts and an elevated free iron level. Children with GSTT and GSTM null exhibited decreased WBC, neutrophil, basophil, and lymphocyte counts. Our multivariate analysis model reveals that females were independently associated with leukopenia., Conclusion: Our results suggest that the polymorphisms investigated were associated with hematological changes in the studied population. These alterations could be heightened by exposure to benzene derivatives.

This study investigated associations between SNPs in genes encoding metabolizing drug enzymes and laboratory parameters in sickle cell anemia patients under hydroxyurea (SCA-HU + ). We evaluated hematologic and biochemical parameters by electronic methods and SNPs by PCR-RFLP and multiplex PCR in 35 SCA-HU + patients and 67 SCA-HU - patients. The HbS, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and fractions levels, and leukocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, and erythroblast counts were reduced in SCA-HU + patients ( p < 0.05). Moreover, they presented higher HbF, C-reactive protein, and ferritin levels and elevated MCH and MCV values ( p < 0.05). Genotype frequencies of variants GA + AA of MPO -463G>A and c1c2 + c2c2 of CYP2E1 -1293G>C/-1053C>T were higher in SCA-HU + patients ( p < 0.05). Independent associations were found between the variant A allele and lower total cholesterol, between c2 allele and low alpha-1 antitrypsin and between the null GSTT1 variant and high indirect and total bilirubin in SCA-HU + patients. In SCA-HU - patients, independent associations were found between the variant A allele and high uric acid and between c2 allele and high urea. Our results suggest that SNPs MPO -463G>A, CYP2E1 -1293G>C/-1053C>T, and GSTT1 can be associated with alterations in lipid, inflammatory, renal, hemolytic, and hepatic profiles. However, further studies are needed to elucidate these associations.

Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have increasingly been reported in healthy communities. This study aimed to assess the rate of S. aureus in general and MRSA in particular from nasal secretion of children in daycare centers in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil. The isolates were identified based on morphology, biochemical tests and by PCR. Detection of virulence genes, biofilm production, and susceptibility test by disk diffusion agar were performed. MRSA isolates were characterized by spa, SCCmec, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). S. aureus were recovered from 70 (47.3%) of 148 children. Among the 11 MRSA strains (15.7%), two SCCmec types (IV and V) were detected. MLST identified four STs related to three clonal complexes (CC): 5, 45, and 398. Four spa types were found circulating in this setting. Resistance of S. aureus isolates to ampicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and tetracycline was 80%, 32.8%, 7.1%, 7.1% and 4.3%, respectively. One isolate presented intermediate resistance to vancomycin detected by Etest methodology. All strains were biofilm producers. The virulence genes seb, sec, spa, and pvl were detected in some isolates. This study revealed a high rate of children carrying MRSA among healthy attendees in daycare centers in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

We report here the draft genome sequences of two community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains, C18 and C80, isolated from healthy children from day care centers. To our knowledge, these are the first draft genome sequences of CA-MRSA ST398/CC398/Scc mec V and CA-MRSA ST5/CC5/Scc mec IVa isolated from healthy children in Brazil., (Copyright © 2017 de Carvalho et al.)

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus aureus strain LC33, isolated from human breast milk in Brazil. This microorganism has been typed as ST1/t127/sccmecV. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain isolated from human breast milk., (Copyright © 2017 de Almeida et al.)

This study proposes to implement an alternative and effective strategy for local treatment of disease provoked by S. aureus . For the analysis of possible anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil, after establishing an air pouch model, 48 male mice of Balb/c were treated, infected, and euthanized at 4 and 8 h. Thus, the total and differential white blood cells were counted in the animal's blood, and cytokines IL-1 β , IL-6, and TNF- α were titrated using ELISA in the air pouch lavage. Moreover, TNF- α , IL-1 β , and IL-6 gene expression was analyzed through an RT-qPCR array, and S. aureus was quantified using qPCR. Our results, p < 0.05, showed that EOC reduced the quantity of microorganisms. The group of mice treated with essential oil citral showed a significant decrease in TNF- α levels in tests demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity. There is no data about the mutual influence of the air pouch model, essential oil citral, and S. aureus . Thus, considering the interaction of these variables and the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil citral, we demonstrated, by alternative local treatment, a new antimicrobial agent that is not an antibiotic., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no competing interests regarding the publication of this paper.

In a coffee plantation of a coffee 'Acaiá' cultivar (Coffea arabica), on the Midwest of Minas Gerais in Capitólio city, a different kind of coffee tree was found (1989), possibly due to a mutation. It presented larger leaves and grains than those of conventional coffee trees and was named as "Big Coffee VL." The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic diversity of Big Coffee VL progenies cultivated at Universidade Federal de Lavras, by evaluating growth and production traits, based on genetic distances and clusters. The experiment was established in a lattice design with 100 progenies of this coffee tree and 23 repetitions. Traits evaluated were vigor, plant height, stem diameter, node number of plagiotropic branches, pair numbers of plagiotropic branches, and productivity. Genetic divergence was evaluated by multivariate procedures: Mahalanobis generalized distance, clustering methods, and principal component analysis. Genetic distances were estimated using Mahalanobis distance and presented variations from 0.04 to 18.70. The most similar progenies were P23 and P29 and the most dissimilar progenies were G8 and P14. The progenies were divided into three groups, with P14 present as an isolated group. Thus, it was possible to observe the existence of genetic variability among the progenies of Big Coffee VL, which can be used in breeding programs to increase grain size. Progenies G8 and P14 presented the highest genetic distance, and were the most suitable for future integration of crossings in plant breeding programs.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major staple food in the developing world, provides a basic carbohydrate diet for over half a billion people living in the tropics. Despite the iron abundance in most soils, cassava provides insufficient iron for humans as the edible roots contain 3-12 times less iron than other traditional food crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. With the recent identification that the beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis (strain GB03) activates iron acquisition machinery to increase metal ion assimilation in Arabidopsis, the question arises as to whether this plant-growth promoting rhizobacterium also augments iron assimilation to increase endogenous iron levels in cassava. Biochemical analyses reveal that shoot-propagated cassava with GB03-inoculation exhibit elevated iron accumulation after 140 days of plant growth as determined by X-ray microanalysis and total foliar iron analysis. Growth promotion and increased photosynthetic efficiency were also observed for greenhouse-grown plants with GB03-exposure. These results demonstrate the potential of microbes to increase iron accumulation in an important agricultural crop and is consistent with idea that microbial signaling can regulate plant photosynthesis.

Unlabelled: Validation studies of physical anthropology methods in the different population groups are extremely important, especially in cases in which the population variations may cause problems in the identification of a native individual by the application of norms developed for different communities., Objective: This study aimed to estimate the gender of skeletons by application of the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995), previously used in a population sample from Northeast Brazil., Material and Methods: The accuracy of this method was assessed for a population from Southeast Brazil and validated by statistical tests. The method used two mandibular measurements, namely the bigonial distance and the mandibular ramus height. The sample was composed of 66 skulls and the method was applied by two examiners. The results were statistically analyzed by the paired t test, logistic discriminant analysis and logistic regression., Results: The results demonstrated that the application of the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995) in this population achieved very different outcomes between genders, with 100% for females and only 11% for males, which may be explained by ethnic differences. However, statistical adjustment of measurement data for the population analyzed allowed accuracy of 76.47% for males and 78.13% for females, with the creation of a new discriminant formula., Conclusion: It was concluded that methods involving physical anthropology present high rate of accuracy for human identification, easy application, low cost and simplicity; however, the methodologies must be validated for the different populations due to differences in ethnic patterns, which are directly related to the phenotypic aspects. In this specific case, the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995) presented good accuracy and may be used for gender estimation in Brazil in two geographic regions, namely Northeast and Southeast; however, for other regions of the country (North, Central West and South), previous methodological adjustment is recommended as demonstrated in this study.

Bis(mexylamino)triazines have been identified as a family of compounds showing an exceptional propensity to form glassy phases as opposed to crystals. The particularities of this family of compounds are their ability to self-assemble through hydrogen bonding in well-defined patterns to form supramolecular aggregates which pack poorly and the wide range of glass transition temperatures (T(g)) that can be attained through minor structural modifications. Representative bis(mexylamino)triazines were studied by rheology to establish correlations between their rheological properties and their molecular structure, and all compounds were found to behave in a similar fashion except for the temperature at which glass transition takes place. FTIR and NMR spectroscopy experiments were performed on the molecular glasses studied herein; comparisons between the viscosity, T(g), hydrogen bonding, and association constant (K(a)) in CDCl3 solution have revealed a relationship between the rheological properties, the T(g) of the molecular glasses, and the extent and strength of hydrogen bonding present in the material.

Gastric carcinoma with duodenal invasion is reported in 11% to 33.3% of surgical specimens. In spite of this high frequency, it is not easily recognised during the surgical proceeding or at gross examination. The study of risk factors like histological type, tumor stage and extension of duodenal invasion can be useful in establishing the best surgical approach in order to diminish the risk of local recurrence. We report 50 cases of distal gastric carcinoma in which we analysed the tumor extension in the different layers of the duodenal wall; duodenal invasion was correlated with histological type, level of infiltration in the gastric wall and presence of vascular invasion. Duodenal invasion was observed in 27 cases (54%), 17/32 of intestinal type (53%), 9/10 of diffuse type (90%) e 1/8 of non-classifiable tumours (12.5%). Diffuse type carcinoma was the most important risk factor for invasion (OR = 11; CI 95%: 1.20 to 254.16; P < 0.01). Most of the cases (21/27, 77%) were stage III or IV. The submucosal layer was the most frequent (22/27 cases, 81%) and also most extensively (8.21 +/- 9.75 mm) invaded. We conclude that the risk of duodenal invasion is higher in diffuse type tumours and in stage III or IV. Distal surgical resection should be wider in these cases and determined by frozen section biopsy specimen at the point of transection.