Bahia State University

Summary: Background: Data on transgender women and travestis (TGW) concerning oral and anal detection of Treponema pallidum (TP) DNA are lacking. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral and anal TP DNA detection and the frequency of azithromycin resistance-associated mutations among TGW with high-titre syphilis in Brazil. Methods: We conducted a nested cross-sectional study as part of the TransOdara study among TGW in five Brazilian cities. Participants with high-titre syphilis (reactive treponemal test and VDRL titre ≥1:8) and an analysable oral or anal specimen underwent quantitative PCR targeting the tpp47 and polA genes to detect TP DNA. TP DNA-positive specimens were further analysed using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify mutations associated with azithromycin resistance. Findings: Among the 249 participants with high-titre serological syphilis and analysable sample, TP DNA was detected in 25 (10.0%, 95% CI 6.6–14.5): 14 (5.6%) from the oral site only, 6 (2.4%) from the anal site only, and 5 (2.0%) from both sites. Participants in whom TP DNA was detected were younger and more frequently reported STI symptoms and anogenital ulcers during the preceding six months. The detection rate increased with VDRL titre (odds ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.74–3.41 per doubling of titre for any oral or anal detection). Mutations associated with azithromycin resistance were observed in 76% (19/25, 95% CI 54.9–90.6) of participants in whom TP was detected. Interpretation: TP DNA was detected in 10% of participants with high-titre serological syphilis. Detection increased with higher VDRL titres, supporting an association between higher non-treponemal titres and mucosal TP DNA detection. These findings support continued epidemiological and molecular surveillance of syphilis and of azithromycin resistance in transgender populations. They do not support site-specific PCR screening: syphilis diagnosis remains serological, and benzathine benzylpenicillin G remains the treatment of choice. Funding: French National Agency for Research on AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and Emerging Infectious Diseases (ANRS/MIE).

Cashew apple bagasse (BAC) is a by-product obtained from the production of beverages based on the pseudo-fruit. Although it is commonly used for human and animal food or as a fertilizer, it adds very little economic value and is often wasted. Therefore, this study aims to carry out a systematic review of the applicability of BAC as a raw material for pharmaceutical and/or biotechnological products. This review was carried out according to the PRISMA© 2020 Checklist methodology. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to collect and peer-review papers, using the following descriptors: “(cashew apple OR cashew)” AND (“bagasse” OR “biomass” OR “by-product”), considering the interval between 2019 and 2025. We excluded review articles, out of scope papers that and undergraduate academic productions. A total of 168 papers were found. After excluding duplicates, the titles and abstracts were peer-reviewed. Of these, 147 were excluded because they were not suitable for the research, even after 7 papers were re-screened. Finally, 11 full texts were peer-reviewed according to eligibility criteria and only one of these was excluded from the final count (n = 10). The raw material was described in terms of its phytochemical and nutritional composition and its physicochemical and lignocellulosic characteristics. It was possible to highlight the potential application of this by-product as an intermediate or final product in the industrial production of cosmetic, biopharmaceutical and biotechnological products. Despite promising findings, logistical, economic, and manufacturing constraints remain, and further in vivo studies are required to confirm biosafety comprehensively.

Microalgae are recognized as promising sources of high-value bioactive compounds with applications in agricultural and pharmacological industries; however, conventional biomass harvesting methods may reduce yield, compromise bioactivity, and increase processing costs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of electroflocculation on biomass recovery and the preservation of antimicrobial activity of microalgal extracts, in comparison with centrifugation. Cultures of both species were harvested using electroflocculation and centrifugation, followed by biomass quantification and extraction of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was assessed against bacterial strains of clinical and industrial relevance, allowing a comparative evaluation of harvesting efficiency and bioactivity preservation. Electroflocculation resulted in higher biomass recovery compared to centrifugation for both microalgal species. In addition, extracts obtained from electroflocculated biomass exhibited higher antibacterial activity under the tested conditions, indicating improved preservation of bioactive compounds during the harvesting process. These findings demonstrate that electroflocculation is a clean, efficient, and sustainable method for microalgal biomass harvesting, suggesting advantages over conventional centrifugation in terms of yield and maintenance of antimicrobial activity, and supporting its application in biotechnological processes aimed at producing bioactive compounds from microalgae.

Dengue is one of the most rapidly expanding mosquito-borne viral diseases worldwide, posing a persistent public health challenge across tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we report the re-emergence of dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) in Paraguay following approximately 15 years without confirmed detection. In early 2025, twelve laboratory-confirmed cases were identified in the metropolitan region of Asunción through routine epidemiological surveillance and molecular diagnostics. To investigate the origin and evolutionary context of these infections, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction were performed. Genomic analyses classified the viruses within DENV-3 genotype III, lineage B.3.2, supporting the hypothesis of a recent external introduction of an emerging lineage rather than persistence or renewed transmission of previously circulating local strains. Temporal and phylogeographic inferences further indicated recent introduction events consistent with regional viral movement across South America, highlighting the dynamic nature of dengue transmission in highly connected urban settings. These findings provide early evidence of DENV-3 re-establishment in Paraguay and emphasize the epidemiological relevance of continuous molecular surveillance, particularly in countries experiencing intense and recurrent dengue activity driven by multiple serotypes. Strengthening genomic monitoring frameworks is essential to enable rapid detection of lineage introductions, characterize transmission pathways, and support timely public health decision-making. Enhanced integration of genomic, epidemiological, and entomological data will be critical to anticipate outbreak risk and guide targeted control strategies aimed at reducing dengue burden in Paraguay and the broader region.

We assessed the potential of Bacillus subtilis BSS.2162 to promote plant growth under water deficit conditions through genomic analyses and a greenhouse assay. The genome sequence has a total size of 4.1 Mb, with a GC content of 43.67