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Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) can be used to remove metals from wastewater, sewage, and contaminated areas. However, metals can be toxic to this group of bacteria. Sediments from port areas present abundance of SRB and also metal contamination. Their microbial community has been exposed to metals and can be a good inoculum for isolation of metal-resistant SRB. The objective of the study was to analyze how metals influence activity and composition of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Enrichment cultures were prepared with a different metal (Zn, Cr, Cu, and Cd) range concentration tracking activity of SRB and 16S rRNA sequencing in order to access the community. The SRB activity decreased when there was an increase in the concentration of the metals tested. The highest concentration of metals precipitated were 0.2 mM of Cd, 5.4 mM of Zn, 4.5 mM of Cu, and 9.6 mM of Cr. The more toxic metals were Cd and Cu and had a greater community similarity with less SRB and more fermenters (e.g., Citrobacter and Clostridium ). Meanwhile, the enrichments with less toxic metals (Cr and Zn) had more sequences affiliated to SRB genera (mainly Desulfovibrio ). A new Desulfovibrio species was isolated. This type of study can be useful to understand the effects of metals in SRB communities and help to optimize wastewater treatment processes contaminated by metals. The new Desulfovibrio species may be important in future studies on bioremediation of neutral pH effluents contaminated by metals.

The objectives of this study were to analyze the difference in ways in which metals polluting Brazilian port areas influence bacterial communities and the selection of resistant strains. The hypothesis tested was that port areas would have microbial communities significantly different from a pristine area, mainly due to a greater load of metals found in these areas. Sediment samples were collected in two port areas (Santos and São Sebastião) and one pristine area (Ubatuba). Total DNA was extracted and MiSeq sequencing was performed. A hundred strains were isolated from the same samples and were tested for metal resistance. The community composition was similar in the two port regions, but differed from the pristine area. Microbial diversity was significantly lower in the port areas. The phyla Proteobacteria , Cyanobacteria , and Thermodesulfobacteria exhibited positive correlations with copper and zinc concentrations. Chloroflex , Nitrospirae , Planctomycetes , and Chlorobi exhibited negative correlations with copper, chromium, and zinc. Cr and Zn had higher concentrations at port areas and were responsible to select more metal-resistant strains. Some genera were found to be able to easily develop metal resistance. The most isolated genera were Bacillus , Vibrio , and Pseudomonas . This type of study can illustrate, even in very complex natural environments, the influence of pollution on the community as a whole and the consequences of these changes.

Bacterial resistance is a rising problem all over the world. Many studies have showed that beach sands can contain higher concentration of microorganisms and represent a risk to public health. This paper aims to evaluate the densities and resistance to antimicrobials of Escherichia coli strains, isolated from seawater and samples. The hypothesis is that microorganisms show higher densities in contaminated beach sands and more antimicrobial resistance than the water column. Density, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria E. coli were evaluate in seawater and sands from two recreational beaches with different levels of pollution. At the beach with higher degree of pollution (Gonzaguinha), water samples presented the highest densities of E. coli ; however, higher frequency of resistant strains was observe in wet sand (71.9 %). Resistance to a larger number of antimicrobial groups was observe in water (betalactamics, aminoglycosides, macrolides, rifampicins, and tetracyclines) and sand (betagalactamics and aminoglycosids). In water samples, highest frequencies of resistance were obtain against ampicilin (22.5 %), streptomycin (15.0 %), and rifampicin (15.0 %), while in sand, the highest frequencies were observe in relation to ampicilin (36.25 %) and streptomycin (23.52 %). At the less polluted beach, Ilha Porchat, highest densities of E. coli and higher frequency of resistance were obtain in wet and dry sand (53.7 and 53.8 %, respectively) compared to water (50 %). Antimicrobial resistance in strains isolated from water and sand only occurred against betalactamics (ampicilin and amoxicilin plus clavulanic acid). The frequency and variability of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials in marine recreational waters and sands were related to the degree of fecal contamination in this environment. These results show that water and sands from beaches with a high index of fecal contamination of human origin may be potential sources of contamination by pathogens and contribute to the dissemination of bacterial resistance.

Abstract Araçá Bay, located in the city of São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil, is a protected area of substantial complexity. It represents the last remaining mangrove swamp preserve between the cities of Bertioga and Ubatuba on the northern coast of São Paulo State. This mangrove swamp has specific physical and chemical properties, and it shelters a wide variety of life, including fungi. These microorganisms are present in a variety of species with different morphophysiological features, and they have the ability to produce enzymes of biotechnological importance. The goal of this study was to quantify, isolate, and identify filamentous fungi in water and sediment samples from the Araçá Bay mangrove swamp in São Sebastião. Two samplings were performed in the summer and two were performed in the winter. The samples were collected from intertidal zones, and dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, salinity, and pH were measured in situ. The spread plate technique was used to inoculate the samples collected on plates with a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. A total of 208 colonies (68 from water samples and 140 from sediment samples) were isolated, and they were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Filamentous fungus density was higher in the sediment than in the water, and the samplings performed in the winter revealed a higher density than those performed in the summer. Though some of the environmental parameters were not ideal for fungal development, a high quantity of growth was nevertheless observed. When the isolated colonies were analyzed, the greatest diversity and species richness were found in the summer samples. The genera identified in all of the samples were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. The pathogenic species found from these genera were Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, Penicillium citrinum, and P. chrysogenum. These species are also able to produce enzymes that offer a variety of applications. The fungal community described herein represents the diversity found in this mangrove swamp during the period studied. Many of the fungus species found are pathogenic and may be useful due to their ability to produce specific enzymes applicable in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. Resumo A Baía do Araçá, localizada no município de São Sebastião (SP), é uma região protegida, de grande complexidade, mantendo o último remanescente preservado de manguezal entre Bertioga e Ubatuba, litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo. Manguezal caracteriza-se com propriedades físico-químicas específicas e abriga grande diversidade de seres vivos, entre eles os fungos. Estes microrganismos apresentam grande variedade de espécies e diferentes características morfofisiológicas com capacidade de produzir algumas enzimas de importância biotecnológica. Este trabalho teve como objetivo quantificar, isolar e identificar fungos filamentosos em amostras de água e de sedimento do manguezal da Baía do Araçá, São Sebastião, (SP). Foram realizadas 2 coletas no verão e 2 no inverno na região entremarés, medidos “in situ” os parâmetros oxigênio dissolvido (OD), temperatura, salinidade e pH. Utilizou-se a Técnica “Spread Plate” para inocular os materiais coletados, em placas com meio Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Foram isoladas 208 colônias (68 das amostras de água e 140 das amostras de sedimento) e identificadas pelas características morfofisiológicas. As densidades de fungos filamentosos foram maiores no sedimento em relação à água e nas coletas realizadas no inverno demonstraram maiores densidades do que no verão. Apesar de alguns parâmetros ambientais não se apresentarem ideais para o desenvolvimento dos fungos, observou-se alta quantidade de crescimento nas amostragens. Analisando as colônias isoladas, a maior diversidade e riqueza foram observadas na amostragem coletado no verão. Foram observados os gêneros Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp, Cladosporium sp e Fusarium sp em todas as amostragens, dos quais as espécies Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, Penicillium citrinum e P. chrysogenum identificados neste trabalho são considerados patogênicos mas também são espécies capazes de produzir enzimas aplicáveis em diversas atividades. A comunidade fúngica descrita apresenta a diversidade encontrada neste manguezal em relação à variedade ambiental no período estudado, sendo que muitos apresentam patogenicidade e podem ser uteis pela sua capacidade de produzir enzimas específicas aplicáveis nos estudos biotecnológicos e farmacêuticos.

Heavy metals influence the population size, diversity, and metabolic activity of bacteria. In turn, bacteria can develop heavy metal resistance mechanisms, and this can be used in bioremediation of contaminated areas. The purpose of the present study was to understand how heavy metals concentration influence on diversity and distribution of heavy metal-resistant bacteria in Araça Bay, São Sebastião, on the São Paulo coast of Brazil. The hypothesis is that activities that contribute for heavy metal disposal and the increase of metals concentrations in environment can influence in density, diversity, and distribution of heavy metal-resistant bacteria. Only 12 % of the isolated bacteria were sensitive to all of the metals tested. We observed that the highest percentage of resistant strains were in areas closest to the São Sebastião channel, where port activity occurs and have bigger heavy metals concentrations. Bacterial isolated were most resistant to Cr, followed by Zn, Cd, and Cu. Few strains resisted to Cd levels greater than 200 mg L⁻¹. In respect to Cr, 36 % of the strains were able to grow in the presence of as much as 3200 mg L⁻¹. Few strains were able to grow at concentrations of Zn and Cu as high as 1600 mg L⁻¹, and none grew at the highest concentration of 3200 mg L⁻¹. Bacillus sp. was most frequently isolated and may be the dominant genus in heavy metal-polluted areas. Staphylococcus sp., Planococcus maritimus, and Vibrio aginolyticus were also isolated, suggesting their potential in bioremediation of contaminated sites.

Antimicrobial resistance of marine heterotrophic bacteria to different antimicrobials agents were evaluated in seawater, dry and wet sands from three marine recreational beaches with different pollution levels. In all studied beaches, the greatest frequencies of resistance were found in relation to penicillin. On Gonzaguinha, the most polluted beach, 72.3% of all isolated strains showed simple resistance, whilst 8.33% had multiple resistance. The values found on Ilha Porchat beach, were 70.8% and 6.9% for simple and multiple resistances, respectively. On Guaraú, the less polluted beach, only 35.3% of isolated strains had simple resistance. Multiple resistance was not observed. While samples from Gonzaguinha and Ilha Porchat beach showed isolated strains resistant to seven and six different antimicrobial agents, respectively, samples from Guaraú beach were resistant only to penicillin and erytromicin. The positive correlations obtained between the degree of seawater contamination and frequency and variability of bacterial resistance indicate that polluted marine recreational waters and sands are sources of resistant bacteria contributing thus, to the dissemination of bacterial resistance.

This article explores the characterization of sports injuries among young athletes participating in the 2023 Paralympic School Games. Injuries during the physiological growth phase can not only compromise the development of sports skills but also harm the physical development expected for their age group. Adaptive mechanisms to training are the main determinants of the location of injuries, traumas and musculoskeletal complaints. This paper aimed to identify occurrence of sports injuries in para athletes during the 2023 School Paralympics. The study population consisted of students who participated in the national stage of the 2023 School Paralympics, held at the Paralympic Training Center in the state of São Paulo. The sample consisted of 640 para-athletes, 253 (60.5%) females and 387 (60.5%) males, with an average age of 14.06 years. Overall, 14.9% of the participants reported injuries/illness. The team with the highest percentage of injured members was from the state of Tocantins (14.8%). Most of the injured athletes had intellectual disabilities (41.46%), practiced athletics (56.9%) and were in the final years of elementary school (21.95%), with an average age of 14.56 years, and the majority were male (56.86%).

Lymphomas related to HIV are generally aggressive and have a poor prognosis, despite the use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and effective chemotherapy treatment. To determine survival and prognostic factors in children and adolescents living with HIV (CLWH) in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, who developed lymphomas, we performed a retrospective and observational study of vertically infected CLWH aged from 0 to 20 incomplete years during1995 to 2018 at five reference centers for cancer and HIV/AIDS treatment. Of the 25 lymphomas, 19 were AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM) and 6 were non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) probabilities were both 32.00% (95% CI = 13.72–50.23%), and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) probability was 53.30% (95% CI = 28.02–78.58%). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, performance status 4 (PS 4) was considered a poor prognostic factor for OS (HR 4.85, 95% CI = 1.81–12.97, p = 0.002) and EFS (HR 4.95, 95% CI = 1.84–13.34, p = 0.002). For the DFS, higher CD4+ T-cell counts were considered a better prognostic factor (HR 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76–0.97, p = 0.017) in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. This study demonstrates, for the first time, survival and prognostic factors for CLWH who developed lymphomas in RJ, Brazil.

The incidence of cancer in children living with HIV (CLWH) is high and lymphomas are the most common type of cancer in this population. The combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) changed the natural history of HIV infection. To determine the incidence and profile of these CLWH malignancies in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, we conducted a retrospective and observational study of vertically infected CLWH, ranging from 0–20 incomplete years, from 1995 to 2018, at five reference centers. The study period was divided into three eras in accordance with the widespread use of cART in Brazil. 1306 patients were included. Of the 25 lymphomas found, 19 were AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM); 6 were non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM). The incidence rate (IR) of lymphoma developing was 1.70 per 1000 children-year (95% CI 1.09–2.50). ADM development IR decreased from 2.09–1.75–0.19 per 1000 children-year (p < 0.001) through cART eras. Cumulative Nelson–Aalen hazards of developing ADM over a 20-year period were 3.73% in the Early-cART era, 3.07% in the Mid-cART era, and 0.32% in the Late-cART era (p = 0.013). This study demonstrates the IR of lymphoma in CLWH in RJ, Brazil, as well as the benefit of cART in reducing ADM and death occurrence in the Post-cART era.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbimortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite advances in clinical management, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, and effective predictive biomarkers are lacking. The Brazilian Longitudinal Study for the Investigation of Preeclampsia (ECLIPSE-BRAZIL) is a prospective cohort designed to investigate genetic, immunological, hemostatic, biochemical, and angiogenic profiles in pregnant women at risk for PE, aiming to identify biomarkers that effectively and affordably predict PE risk early in pregnancy. ECLIPSE-BRAZIL follows 500 to 1,000 pregnant women receiving care at the High-Risk Prenatal Care clinics in Belo Horizonte and Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Clinical and laboratory assessments are conducted at four gestational stages and postpartum for PE cases. Clinical data, including sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors, and blood and urine samples are systematically collected. Plasma and urine levels of inflammatory markers, angiogenic factors, oxidative stress parameters, extracellular vesicles, microRNAs, endothelial and platelet markers will be analyzed. Participants are stratified by PE development and gestational age at diagnosis. Standardized criteria and data protocols ensure rigor, while quality check and audits enhance data reliability. To minimize follow-up loss, participants are contacted frequently, with flexible sampling and the use of hospital records. ECLIPSE-BRAZIL will provide novel insights into PE pathophysiology, improving disease prediction and management. By studying a diverse population, we will identify biological signatures to inform health innovations: development of cost-effective diagnostic tools, point-of-care tests and simple clinical algorithms to identify women at risk before symptoms become severe. Finally, we will provide a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms driving PE and its subtypes, including endothelial function and immune response, which may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets. ECLIPSE-BRAZIL represents a major advancement in PE research, integrating a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, biochemical, and molecular markers throughout pregnancy. Its findings may inform public health policies and improve clinical practices worldwide. Not applicable. This is an observational cohort study approved by the Research Ethics Committees, as documented under the following CAAE numbers: 12471918.0.0000.5149, 12471918.0.3002.5119, 12471918.0.3003.5130, 12471918.0.3006.5545.