cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277192
title: Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from infection and colonization samples

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with healthcare-related infections, affecting mainly patients with underlying diseases and immunosuppression. This microorganism has several virulence mechanisms that favour its pathogenesis, including the production of biofilm. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic production of biofilms, the occurrence of quorum sensing (QS) genes, and the clonal profile of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from colonized/infected patients in a tertiary hospital in Recife-PE. METHODS: We obtained 21 isolates that were classified as infection isolates (II), and 10 colonization isolates (CI). The phenotypic analysis for biofilm production was performed quantitatively. The QS genes were detected by specific PCRs, and the clonal profile was assessed using ERIC-PCR. RESULTS: Of the 31 isolates, 58.1 % (18/31) were biofilm producers, of which 70 % (7/10) were CI and classified as weakly adherent; 52.4 % (11/21) of the II produced biofilms, and were classified as weak (38.1 %, (8/21)), moderate (9.5 %, (2/21)), and strongly adherent (4.8 %, (1/21)). All isolates harbored the QS genes analyzed. In the clonal analysis, 26 distinct genetic profiles were identified, highlighting the presence of a clone in four samples, i.e., one infection isolate, and 3 colonization isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of biofilm formation is important in P. aeruginosa in addition to the identification of colonization and infection isolates, especially from complex environments such as ICUs. Further, we define a strategy for monitoring and analyzing P. aeruginosa strains that can potentially cause infections in hospitalized patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277192.v1
title: Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from infection and colonization samples

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with healthcare-related infections, affecting mainly patients with underlying diseases and immunosuppression. This microorganism has several virulence mechanisms that favour its pathogenesis, including the production of biofilm. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic production of biofilms, the occurrence of quorum sensing (QS) genes, and the clonal profile of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from colonized/infected patients in a tertiary hospital in Recife-PE. METHODS: We obtained 21 isolates that were classified as infection isolates (II), and 10 colonization isolates (CI). The phenotypic analysis for biofilm production was performed quantitatively. The QS genes were detected by specific PCRs, and the clonal profile was assessed using ERIC-PCR. RESULTS: Of the 31 isolates, 58.1 % (18/31) were biofilm producers, of which 70 % (7/10) were CI and classified as weakly adherent; 52.4 % (11/21) of the II produced biofilms, and were classified as weak (38.1 %, (8/21)), moderate (9.5 %, (2/21)), and strongly adherent (4.8 %, (1/21)). All isolates harbored the QS genes analyzed. In the clonal analysis, 26 distinct genetic profiles were identified, highlighting the presence of a clone in four samples, i.e., one infection isolate, and 3 colonization isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of biofilm formation is important in P. aeruginosa in addition to the identification of colonization and infection isolates, especially from complex environments such as ICUs. Further, we define a strategy for monitoring and analyzing P. aeruginosa strains that can potentially cause infections in hospitalized patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277179
title: Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria species by multiplex real-time PCR with high-resolution melting

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species, as human pathogens, are increasing in the world, as is the difficulty of accurately identifying them. Differential diagnosis, especially between the M. tuberculosis complex and NTM species, and the characterization of NTM species is important. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a molecular system based on multiplex real-time PCR with high-resolution melting (HRM) for the identification and differentiation of NTM species of clinical importance of an endemic area for tuberculosis in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: The technical protocol of the molecular system was based on multiplex real-time PCR-HRM, and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of NTM species in mycobacterial clinical isolates from the studied region. The gold standard method was specific gene sequencing. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of multiplex real-time PCR-HRM modified for differentiation between NTM and M. tuberculosis were 90% and 100%, respectively. The PCR-HRM sensitivities for the characterization of NTM species (M. kansasii, M. abscesses, M. avium, and M. fortuitum) were 94.59%, 80%, 57.14%, and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The multiplex real-time PCR-HRM modified assay has the potential to rapidly and efficiently identify nontuberculous mycobacteria of clinical importance, which is crucial for immediate implementation of the appropriate therapy and thus avoiding complications and sequelae in patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277194.v1
title: Evaluation of the frequency of neuroimaging findings in congenital infection by Zika virus and differences between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of alterations

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Congenital infection by the Zika virus (ZIKV) is responsible for severe abnormalities in the development of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ability of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) to detect patterns of involvement of the central nervous system in congenital ZIKV syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT and MR images from 34 patients with congenital ZIKV syndrome and evaluated the differences between the two methods in detecting alterations. RESULTS: The predominant radiographic finding was a simplified gyral pattern, present in 97% of cases. The second most common finding was the presence of calcifications (94.1%), followed by ventriculomegaly (85.3%), dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (85.3%), craniofacial disproportion and redundant scalp (79.4%), complete opercular opening (79.4%), occipital prominence (44.1%), cerebellar hypoplasia (14.7%), and pontine hypoplasia (11.8%). The gyral pattern was extensively simplified in most cases, and calcifications were located predominantly at the cortical-subcortical junction. CT was able to better identify calcifications (94.1% × 88.2%), while MRI presented better spatial resolution for the characterization of gyral pattern (97% × 94.1%) and corpus callosum dysgenesis (85.3% × 79.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Although congenital ZIKV syndrome does not present pathognomonic neuroimaging findings, some aspects, such as calcifications at the cortical-subcortical junction, especially when associated with compatible clinical and laboratory findings, are suggestive of intrauterine ZIKV infection.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277181.v1
title: Unsatisfactory long-term virological suppression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children in the Amazonas State, Brazil

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Achieving viral suppression (VS) in children is challenging despite the exponential increase in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We evaluated VS in children &gt;1 year of age and adolescents 5 years after they had begun ART, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. METHODS: HIV-infected, ART-naive children &gt;1 year of age between 1999 and 2016 were eligible. Analysis was stratified by age at ART initiation: 1-5 y, &gt;5-10 y, and &gt;10-19 y. CD4+ T-cell count and viral load were assessed on arrival at the clinic, on ART initiation, and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after ART initiation. The primary outcome was a viral load &lt;50 copies/mL 5 years after ART initiation. RESULTS: Ultimately, 121 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years (SD 3.5), mean CD4% was 17.9 (SD 9.8), and mean viral load was 4.6 log10 copies/ml (SD 0.8). Five years after ART initiation, the overall VS rate was 46.9%. VS by patient age group was as follows: 36.6% for 1-5 y, 53.3% for &gt;5-10 y, and 30% for &gt;10-19 y. Almost all children (90,4%) showed an increase in CD4%+ T cell count. There were no statistically significant predictors for detecting children who do not achieve VS with treatment. VS remained below 65% in all the evaluated periods. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable immunological improvement is seen in children after ART initiation. Further efforts are needed to maintain adequate long-term VS levels and improve the survival of this vulnerable population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277189
title: Congenital syphilis in Brazil: distribution of cases notified from 2009 to 2016

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis is considered a severe public health problem because it accounts for approximately 40% of the perinatal mortality rates, 25% of stillbirths, and 14% of neonatal deaths, in addition to causing severe consequences for the fetus. This study aimed to describe the rates of congenital syphilis in children under one year of age in Brazilian capitals from 2009 to 2016. METHODS: Ecological time series study, using rates of congenital syphilis in children under one year of age and living in Brazilian capitals. The Prais-Winsten regression model was used to assess the trend. RESULTS: A total of 44,056 cases of congenital syphilis in children under one year of age were reported in Brazilian capitals between 2009 and 2016. The highest rate of congenital syphilis in children under one year of age occurred in 2016 in Porto Alegre (31.07/1,000 live births). The Northeastern capitals showed high rates, particularly the capital Recife (23.67/1,000 live births). CONCLUSIONS: Congenital syphilis represents a major challenge for public policies. The need for improvements in the quality of prenatal care is highlighted, as it is essential to reduce the alarming rates.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277197.v1
title: Balance assessment in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: A good rating of the device in people with HTLV-1 in this population is essential for accuracy in prescribing data (walking). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the counterpart assessment methods that are best suited to patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study related stabilometric and kinematic variables of postural oscillations with Berg’s balance scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) in subjects with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic subjects. To assess the posterior and lateral postural projection, baropodometry and the Footwork® system was used, and the CVMob system was applied to kinematic parameters. The means comparison tests and correlations were applied with an alpha of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects (predominantly female) made up the sample. There was an increase in barodopometric oscillations, in the total oscillation area (p = 0.004), in the anteroposterior oscillation in the left (p = 0.015) and right views (p = 0.036), and in the lateral oscillation (p = 0.039) in the HAM/TSP group. Moderate correlations were found between oscillation baropodometry and the angular variation of the ankle, as well as with the BBS in the three angles and the TUG for lateral oscillation (p = 0.406). CONCLUSIONS: Each method has advantages and disadvantages, including cost accuracy. The best resources available at no additional cost for outpatient to use are the kinematic evaluation using a simple smartphone camera and free analysis software, and the TUG.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277193
title: High plasmid variability, and the presence of IncFIB, IncQ, IncA/C, IncHI1B, and IncL/M in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae with bla KPC and bla NDM from patients at a public hospital in Brazil.

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION Antibiotic resistance in carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is acquired and disseminated mainly by plasmids. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of carbapenemase genes, analyze the genetic diversity by ERIC-PCR, and examine the most common plasmid incompatibility groups (Incs) in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae from colonization and infection in patients from a hospital in Brazil. METHODS Twenty-seven isolates of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae were selected and screened for the presence of carbapenemase genes and Incs by PCR, followed by amplicon sequencing. RESULTS The bla KPC and bla NDM genes were detected in 24 (88.8 %) and 16 (59.2 %) of the isolates, respectively. Thirteen isolates (48.1 %) were positive for both genes. The IncFIB (92.6 %) and IncQ (88.8 %) were the most frequent plasmids, followed by IncA/C, IncHI1B, and IncL/M, indicating that plasmid variability existed in these isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IncHI1B in Brazil. We found eight isolates with clonal relationship distributed in different sectors of the hospital. CONCLUSIONS The accumulation of resistance determinants, the variability of plasmid Incs, and the clonal dissemination detected in K. pneumoniae isolates demonstrate their potential for infection, colonization, and the dissemination of different resistance genes and plasmids.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277197
title: Balance assessment in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: A good rating of the device in people with HTLV-1 in this population is essential for accuracy in prescribing data (walking). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the counterpart assessment methods that are best suited to patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study related stabilometric and kinematic variables of postural oscillations with Berg’s balance scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) in subjects with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic subjects. To assess the posterior and lateral postural projection, baropodometry and the Footwork® system was used, and the CVMob system was applied to kinematic parameters. The means comparison tests and correlations were applied with an alpha of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects (predominantly female) made up the sample. There was an increase in barodopometric oscillations, in the total oscillation area (p = 0.004), in the anteroposterior oscillation in the left (p = 0.015) and right views (p = 0.036), and in the lateral oscillation (p = 0.039) in the HAM/TSP group. Moderate correlations were found between oscillation baropodometry and the angular variation of the ankle, as well as with the BBS in the three angles and the TUG for lateral oscillation (p = 0.406). CONCLUSIONS: Each method has advantages and disadvantages, including cost accuracy. The best resources available at no additional cost for outpatient to use are the kinematic evaluation using a simple smartphone camera and free analysis software, and the TUG.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277194
title: Evaluation of the frequency of neuroimaging findings in congenital infection by Zika virus and differences between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of alterations

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Congenital infection by the Zika virus (ZIKV) is responsible for severe abnormalities in the development of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ability of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) to detect patterns of involvement of the central nervous system in congenital ZIKV syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT and MR images from 34 patients with congenital ZIKV syndrome and evaluated the differences between the two methods in detecting alterations. RESULTS: The predominant radiographic finding was a simplified gyral pattern, present in 97% of cases. The second most common finding was the presence of calcifications (94.1%), followed by ventriculomegaly (85.3%), dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (85.3%), craniofacial disproportion and redundant scalp (79.4%), complete opercular opening (79.4%), occipital prominence (44.1%), cerebellar hypoplasia (14.7%), and pontine hypoplasia (11.8%). The gyral pattern was extensively simplified in most cases, and calcifications were located predominantly at the cortical-subcortical junction. CT was able to better identify calcifications (94.1% × 88.2%), while MRI presented better spatial resolution for the characterization of gyral pattern (97% × 94.1%) and corpus callosum dysgenesis (85.3% × 79.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Although congenital ZIKV syndrome does not present pathognomonic neuroimaging findings, some aspects, such as calcifications at the cortical-subcortical junction, especially when associated with compatible clinical and laboratory findings, are suggestive of intrauterine ZIKV infection.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277196.v1
title: Comparison of phenol-chloroform and a commercial deoxyribonucleic acid extraction kit for identification of bloodmeal sources from triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of triatomine bloodmeal sources is essential for understanding vector-host interactions in Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles. Expensive commercial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction kits are widely used for bloodmeal identification. This study assessed the performance of an inexpensive phenol-chloroform DNA extraction protocol for identification of triatomine bloodmeal sources, comparing it with a commercially available kit. METHODS: Both methods were used to obtain DNA from the intestinal contents of Triatoma brasiliensis blood-fed on either Columba sp., Mus musculus, or Gallus gallus. Subsequently, the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and compared with GenBank data. RESULTS: Twelve (80%) samples extracted with the commercial kit and four (26.7%) with phenol-chloroform were pure (according to the A260/A280 ratio). Samples extracted with phenol-chloroform, except for Columba sp. samples, had higher DNA concentration than those extracted with the commercial kit. Samples extracted using phenol-chloroform and blood-fed on G. gallus had significantly higher DNA concentration than those blood-fed on Columba sp. (p-value &lt;0.001) and M. musculus (p-value &lt;0.001). The 215-base-pair 12S rRNA fragment was amplified from all samples and produced reliable sequences, enabling the identification of the bloodmeal source, most of which showed identity and coverage above 95%. The phenol-chloroform method was much less expensive than the commercial kit but took considerably more time to perform. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that both DNA extraction methods produced reliable sequences enabling identification of triatomine bloodmeal sources but differed greatly in cost and time required.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277196
title: Comparison of phenol-chloroform and a commercial deoxyribonucleic acid extraction kit for identification of bloodmeal sources from triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of triatomine bloodmeal sources is essential for understanding vector-host interactions in Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles. Expensive commercial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction kits are widely used for bloodmeal identification. This study assessed the performance of an inexpensive phenol-chloroform DNA extraction protocol for identification of triatomine bloodmeal sources, comparing it with a commercially available kit. METHODS: Both methods were used to obtain DNA from the intestinal contents of Triatoma brasiliensis blood-fed on either Columba sp., Mus musculus, or Gallus gallus. Subsequently, the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and compared with GenBank data. RESULTS: Twelve (80%) samples extracted with the commercial kit and four (26.7%) with phenol-chloroform were pure (according to the A260/A280 ratio). Samples extracted with phenol-chloroform, except for Columba sp. samples, had higher DNA concentration than those extracted with the commercial kit. Samples extracted using phenol-chloroform and blood-fed on G. gallus had significantly higher DNA concentration than those blood-fed on Columba sp. (p-value &lt;0.001) and M. musculus (p-value &lt;0.001). The 215-base-pair 12S rRNA fragment was amplified from all samples and produced reliable sequences, enabling the identification of the bloodmeal source, most of which showed identity and coverage above 95%. The phenol-chloroform method was much less expensive than the commercial kit but took considerably more time to perform. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that both DNA extraction methods produced reliable sequences enabling identification of triatomine bloodmeal sources but differed greatly in cost and time required.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14277200.v1
title: Leprosy in children under 15 years of age in a municipality in northeastern Brazil: evolutionary aspects from 2003 to 2015

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION The Integrated Program of Leprosy Control was initiated in 2003 in the municipality of Buriticupu, Maranhão, Brazil, an area considered hyperendemic for leprosy. Here, we present the evolution of the indicators of leprosy within the established period in children aged &lt;15 years. METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on an active search for cases and spontaneous healthcare demand for leprosy, with an evolutionary analysis of the detection coefficient of new cases. We considered individuals aged &lt;15 years diagnosed with leprosy from January 2003 to December 2015. To evaluate the factors associated with clinical and operational forms, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were performed. RESULTS A total of 61 new cases were detected (6.9% of the total leprosy cases diagnosed in the municipality during the study period), and the majority was found in males (62.3%). The most frequent operational classification was paucibacillary (67.2%), and this association increased with age. The tuberculoid clinical form was the most prevalent in both sexes and in the age range of 10 to &lt;15 years. There was a reduction in the detection coefficient from 21.84/100,000 inhabitants in 2003 to 2.79/100,000 in 2015. CONCLUSIONS Despite the progress in the control of leprosy, this historical series shows that it is necessary to strengthen educational measures and implement control actions, so that the disease ceases to be a public health problem in the population aged &lt;15 years.