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Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Cathedral is located in Mariana, the first capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the first seat of the bishopric. Owing to this heritage, the Cathedral has an artistic collection composed of altarpieces with execution attributed to the renowned artists in the eighteenth-century Brazil. These are unique relics that build the religious, artistic, and social culture of the Brazilian city, listed as National Heritage (NH) by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN). It is, therefore, crucial to preserve these artworks and ensure proper health of the restorers. The assessment of air quality is a vital microbiological parameter to ensure the health of the visitors of the Brazilian Cathedral and to preserve this building of historical relevance. The isolation and identification of cultivable fungal species in the indoor air are essential for treatment against microbial growth to avoid the biodeterioration of the artworks and to prevent possible human infections. Fifteen distinct taxa were identified, and three fungal species of clinical relevance were detected inside the Cathedral: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichophyton rubrum. The values obtained with regard to colony-forming unit (CFU) count, in the air inside the Cathedral, are in accordance with the Brazilian legislation and the World Health Organization (WHO). Majority species of filamentous fungi exhibited potential deterioration risks as producers of extracellular enzymes, acids, and pigments, such as Purpureocillum lilacinum, which presented proteolytic activity and the lowest pH value, and Stachybotrys chartarum, which showed high ICMC values and pigment production. In addition, these fungi populations obtained include pathogenic fungi, with the potential infection in humans, particularly systemic, cutaneous, and opportunistic mycoses. Therefore, appropriate measures for human health, such as the use of appropriate masks by conservators and restorers, are necessary to avoid mild and severe fungal infections.

This study aimed to isolate and identify the population of filamentous fungi colonizing a cotton painting, whose conservation status was compromised and showed signs of biodeterioration due to dirt accumulation and microbial metabolism. In addition, microbiological techniques such as cultivation-dependent approach and molecular biology were used to identify microbial populations and to eliminate their metabolic action. For this, the nondestructive anoxic atmosphere technique was used, in which the microbial metabolism was affected by the absence of oxygen. Prior to exposure to an anoxic atmosphere, only one fungal species, Aspergillus niger, was identified at 12 points sampled in the obverse and reverse of the artwork; no fungal species persisted as a result of anoxic treatment. These results showed that exposure to anoxic conditions was effective for the total elimination of isolated fungal strains as well as their spores. In conclusion, this study proved the unprecedented effectiveness of a nondestructive technique for artwork on textile colonized by black fungi species. Thus, this interdisciplinary work involving conservation, microbiology, and chemistry presents a tool to eliminate microorganisms, while maintaining the integrity of artwork and safety of the restorer, that can be applied prior to artwork restoration.

This study aimed to determine the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of Agelas dispar on biofilm-producing Candida species. The methanolic extract of A. dispar was obtained and the fraction Ag2 showed inhibitory activity for all 13 Candida strains tested, in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 0.15625 mg/mL. Antifungal activity of fungicidal nature was seen between 5.0 and 0.3125 mg/mL of extract against the strains. All the strains were classified as biofilm producers. The methanolic extract Ag2 was tested at concentrations of 2.5 and 1.25 mg/mL for antibiofilm activity against the biofilm formation and maturation in all the strains of the genus Candida. Treated and untreated biofilm samples were selected for visualization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM allowed the visualization of the quantitative decrease in the microbial community, alterations of structural morphology, and destruction of both the formation and maturation of biofilms, at the cellular level. The mechanism of action of this fraction is suggested to be at the plasma membrane and/or cell wall alteration level. Therefore, the use of the methanolic extract of A. dispar may be a promising antifungal and antibiofilm therapeutic strategy against different species of the genus Candida.

This study aimed to isolate and identify the population of filamentous fungi colonizing a cotton painting, whose conservation status was compromised and showed signs of biodeterioration due to dirt accumulation and microbial metabolism. In addition, microbiological techniques such as cultivation-dependent approach and molecular biology were used to identify microbial populations and to eliminate their metabolic action. For this, the nondestructive anoxic atmosphere technique was used, in which the microbial metabolism was affected by the absence of oxygen. Prior to exposure to an anoxic atmosphere, only one fungal species

This study aims at identifying the populations of filamentous fungi present on a Brazilian contemporary painting, whose conservation status was compromised and showed evident signs of deterioration by microbial action. In addition, to correlate the biodeterioration potential of the isolated fungal strains, cellulolytic activity testing was performed and, finally, the biocide treatment against microbial growth was carried out. A total of nine isolates of filamentous fungi were detected and three distinct taxa were identified: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum. The detection of the enzymatic activity of the isolates by cellulolytic plate assay revealed the potential of filamentous fungal species in causing the deterioration of paintings. Our results showed that the presence of each strain of filamentous fungi correlated with the distribution of the paint colour, suggesting a tropism of certain species for specific dyes used. In addition, strains of A. niger showed a lower enzymatic activity index, despite the aesthetic damage that this fungal specie caused on the artwork. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the identification of the microbiota obtained from the painting may help contrasting its biodeterioration and it described a successful antifungal treatment on a contemporary art piece. Contemporary art in Brazil arose from postmodernism, through the artistic manifestations included in the Neoconcrete Manifest of 1959, as well as with the use of innovative techniques. It was a consequence of the interaction between concept and language, displayed by the artists on a set of unconventional materials and objects. Despite being a 20th century painting, the concern of the artist to keep the art object in a good conservation state has driven the realization of this work and these microbial prospecting studies, associated with artwork deterioration, may contribute to the preservation of the Brazilian contemporary heritage.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina caused by different yeasts of the genus Candida which is responsible for infection in pregnant patients who attended Maternidade Escola Januario Cicco, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. From 41 samples, 19 yeasts were identified phenotypically as Candida albicans and one as Candida glabrata which is reported as the non-albicans species most frequently isolated from vulvovaginitis. The susceptibility to selected antifungal agents (flucytosine, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin and micafungin) was determined, and the association between patient-related signs and symptoms aided the construction of an epidemiological profile. Antifungal susceptibility testing performed by automated method showed that all strains were sensitive to the drugs tested, including the C. glabrata specimen despite its known resistance or dose-dependent susceptibility to azole derivatives. Regarding patient signs and symptoms, no statistically significant association between these and the establishment of VVC was found. It can be concluded that the laboratorial diagnosis of VVC is necessary prior to the administration of treatment, since only 48·78% of the patients had VVC but for all of them antifungal therapy were prescribed. Significance and impact of the study Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a problem that affects a significant number of pregnant women worldwide. This type of fungal infection generates great discomfort due to the symptomatology and difficulties of diagnosis and treatment. In view of the scarcity of data in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, regarding studies carried out on fungal populations of the genus Candida associated with VVC in pregnant women, this study considered relevant, the phenotypic and genotypic identification of the species, to estimate the prevalence, to determine their susceptibility to the antifungal and to correlate with signs and symptoms.

This study aimed to evaluate the action of organic acids produced by the fungal population associated with the biodeterioration process of the Twelve Prophets of Aleijadinho, a set of soapstone sculptures in Congonhas, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this, samples of fungi were obtained from the surface of each of the 12 outdoor stone sculptures that comprise the set of Prophets. The identification of the colonizing filamentous fungi was performed by classical microbiology and molecular methods. Some species of filamentous fungi-dependent cultivation were detected, and the presence of species Aspergillus versicolor, Curvularia lunata, Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium citrinum and Pseudocercospora norchiensis indicated a connection with the excretion of organic acids. The acids produced by each of these fungal species were analysed quantitatively by chromatographic methods, revealing potential biodeterioration by the action of acidic metabolites excreted in the stone.Minas Gerais, Brazil, is vulnerable to the activities of mineral extraction industries, posing an imminent risk to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized cities, e.g. Congonhas. Many of these municipalities hold many soapstone religious sculptures and historical monuments. Consequently, soapstone is susceptible to filamentous fungi attack causing irreversible biodeterioration. Despite the concern related to nondestructive sampling of 18th century sculptures, in this study, we have discussed the factors that lead to biodeterioration of soapstone due to organic acid excretion by the fungi that damage the stone, thereby providing an insight in conserving and preserving the soapstone monuments.

The present study aims to explore the diversity patterns of cultivable filamentous fungi and establish the ecological interactions that occur within the mycological community on soapstone in two distinct places: Architectural Complex of Caraca and Congonhas town, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. A total of 200 isolates of filamentous fungi were detected and 72 distinct taxa were identified using molecular tools. The rock-inhabiting fungal communities were comprised of cosmopolitan taxa, which displayed high diversity and richness, but low dominance indexes at two of the sampling sites over the course of 12 months. The detection of organic acids secreted by the isolated filamentous fungal species revealed the potential for deterioration of the model stone by these fungi. Our results suggest that the isolated fungal communities of the two Brazilian localities have the ability to adapt to environmental adversities over the four seasons of the year, predicting adaptive population dynamics in the stone colonization. We conclude that this study on the ecological dynamics of the rock-inhabiting fungal communities can help to understand the competitive interactions between the environmental fungi. In addition, these fungi may contribute to the preservation of the Brazilian historical heritage that is vulnerable to environmental conditions.

The presence of sulphur in fossil fuels and the natural environment justifies the study of sulphur-utilising bacterial species and genes involved in the biodesulphurisation process. Technology has been developed based on the natural ability of microorganisms to remove sulphur from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon chains. This biotechnology aims to minimise the emission of sulphur oxides into the atmosphere during combustion and prevent the formation of acid rain. In this study, the isolation and characterization of desulphurising microorganisms in rhizosphere and bulk soil samples from Antarctica that were either contaminated with oil or uncontaminated was described. The growth of selected isolates and their capacity to utilise sulphur based on the formation of the terminal product of desulphurisation via the 4S pathway, 2-hydroxybiphenyl, was analysed. DNA was extracted from the isolates and BOX-PCR and DNA sequencing were performed to obtain a genomic diversity profile of cultivable desulphurising bacterial species. Fifty isolates were obtained showing the ability of utilising dibenzothiophene as a substrate and sulphur source for maintenance and growth when plated on selective media. However, only seven genetically diverse isolates tested positive for sulphur removal using the Gibbs assay. DNA sequencing revealed that these isolates were related to the genera Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas.

A presença natural do enxofre no meio ambiente e nos combustíveis fósseis justifica a ocorrência tanto de espécies bacterianas, quanto de genes específicos, associados ao processo de biodessulfurização. Esta tecnologia, baseada no metabolismo dos microrganismos, consiste na retirada do enxofre presente nas cadeias dos hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (PAH’s), visando minimizar as emissões de óxidos sulfurosos na atmosfera, no processo de refino, além de evitar a formação e precipitação da chuva ácida no meio ambiente. Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a presença dos microrganismos dessulfurizadores, a partir de amostras de solos rizosféricos e não-rizosféricos, contaminados com petróleo e não-contaminados e em solos oligotróficos coletadas no Continente Antártico. Para isso, foram obtidos isolados bacterianos os quais foram submetidos a testes de capacidade de dessulfurização, em função da formação do produto final do metabolismo microbiano, o 2-hidroxibifenil, evidenciando a cinética do processo de dessulfurização do dibenzotiofeno através de técnicas espectrofotométricas. Além disso, também foram utilizadas técnicas moleculares de extração de DNA, BOX-PCR e sequenciamento de DNA, no intuito de se obter um perfil genômico e filogenético da comunidade microbiana cultivável presente nestas amostras. Deste modo, foram obtidos 50 isolados com capacidade de utilizar o dibenzotiofeno como fonte energética, independente da rota metabólica, sendo que a maioria apresentou forma de cocos (68%) com coloração Gram-positiva (44%). Após a seleção dos isolados, através do ensaio de Gibb’s, obteve-se 7 isolados com metabolismo de dessulfurização, sendo que a partir da curva de crescimento, em função da formação do 2-hidroxibifenil, verificou-se que uma estirpe possuía altos índices de dessulfurização, em relação aos demais isolados. O sequenciamento revelou que os 7 isolados pertencem aos gêneros Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., e à espécie Pseudomonas corrugata. The presence of sulfur in nthe natural environment and fossil fuels justifies the occurrence of both species, and specific genes involved in the process of biodesulfurization. This technology, based on the metabolism of microorganisms, consists of removing the sulfur present in chains of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) to minimize emissions of sulfur oxides in the atmosphere, in the refining, and prevent the formation and precipitation of acid rain in the environment. This work aimed to investigate the occurence the microorganisms with desulfurization ability, from samples of soil collected from the Antarctic Continent. For this reason was tested the growth of selected isolates with desulfurization capacity, due to the formation of the end product of microbial metabolism, 2-hydroxibifenyl, showing the kinetics of the desulfurization process of dibenzothiophene by spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, molecular techniques were used for DNA extraction, BOX-PCR and DNA sequencing in order to obtain a profile of genomic and phylogenetic culturable microbial community present in these samples. Thus, was obtained 50 isolates with the ability to use dibenzothiophene as an energy source, most of which had the form of cocci (68%) with Gram-positive cell wall (44%). After the selection of isolates, by testing Gibb's, obtained a 7 isolates with desulfurization metabolism, and the growth curve, due to the formation of 2-hydroxybiphenyl showed only a strain with high levels of desulfurization, for other strains. The sequencing revealed that the 7 isolates belong to the genus Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and the species Pseudomonas corrugata.

As infecções fúngicas causam grande comprometimento à saúde e à qualidade de vida da população, geralmente apresentando tratamentos insatisfatórios, e são vistas como um problema estético e muitas vezes negligenciado. Nas últimas décadas houve um aumento na prevalência destas infecções, devido à elevada incidência de imunodeficiências, terapias imunossupressoras e idade da população, aliados à melhoria dos cuidados médicos em geral. Esse aumento é provavelmente mais acentuado do que mostram os inquéritos epidemiológicos, principalmente devido à falta de diagnóstico micológico. A melhora dos cuidados médicos, o aumento das solicitações de diagnóstico micológico, bem como a otimização das metodologias de isolamento e identificação de fungos nos laboratórios clínicos são essenciais para melhorar o cuidado com o paciente e diminuir custos relativos à falha de um tratamento empírico. Diante deste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi otimizar as metodologias utilizadas no diagnóstico micológico e realizar um estudo epidemiológico das dermatomicoses, em atendimento ambulatorial no Laboratório de Micologia do Posto Médico de Guarnição de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Por meio da anamnese dos pacientes foi possível traçar o perfil epidemiológico relativo à idade, gênero e patologia de base, bem como a localização da lesão, resultado do exame direto e cultura fúngica das amostras suspeitas, no período de setembro de 2019 a novembro de 2020. Foram analisados 76 pacientes, sendo que 43 são do sexo feminino, representando 56,58%. Do total de pacientes, 27,63% são pessoas ativas em relação a ocupação, seguidos por 21,05% de pensionistas. Dentre as principais atividades informadas pelos participantes, temos prática de esportes, correspondendo a 30,26% e 27,63% correspondendo a trauma local. O material mais utilizado foi raspado subungueal Hálux, direito e esquerdo, sendo que correspondem a 25,77% cada. Dos 163 exames micológicos direto, 120 mostraram positivo (73,62%) e 89 culturas fúngicas (54,60%) deram positivas. Nossos estudos reafirmam que o serviço de rotina adequado e otimizado de diagnóstico micológico auxilia a prática clínica gerando diagnóstico mais preciso e confiável para o paciente, e na prescrição do tratamento adequado a cada quadro clínico. Além disto, os dados epidemiológicos podem auxiliar no delineamento de estratégias profiláticas com impacto para a comunidade. Fungal infections have a great implication in the population’s health and quality of life, generally with unsatisfactory treatments, and they are seen as an aesthetic problem and often neglected. In the last decades, there was an increase in the prevalence of these infections, due to the high incidence of immunodeficiencies, immunossupressive therapies and age of the population, combined with improved medical care in general. This increase is probably more pronounced than epidemiological surveys show, mainly due to the lack of mycological diagnosis. Improved medical care, increased requests for mycological diagnosis, as well as the optimization of the methodologies for the isolation and identification of fungi in clinical laboratories are essential to improve patient care and reduce costs related to failure of empirical treatment. In this context, the objective of this study was to optimize the methodologies used in mycological diagnosis and to conduct an epidemiological study of dermatomycosis, in outpatient care at the Mycology Laboratory of the Posto Médico de Guarnição, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Through patients’ anamnesis, it was possible to trace the epidemiological profile related to age, gender and underlying pathology, as well as the location of the lesion, direct examination result and fungal culture, from September 2019 to November 2020. Seventy-six patients were analyzed, of which 43 were female, representing 56.58%. Of the total number of patients, 27.63% are active people in relation to occupation, followed by 21.05% of pensioners. Among the main health/activity problems, we have sports practice corresponding to 30.26% and 27.63% corresponding to local trauma. The most used material was subunual shaved hallux, right and left, corresponding to 25,77%, respectively. Of the 163 direct mycological tests, 120 were positive (73.62%) and 89 of the fungal culture results (54.60%) were positive. Our studies reaffirm that the adequate and optimized routine service of mycological diagnosis helps clinical practice generating more accurate and reliable diagnosis for the patient, and in the prescription of appropriate treatment to each clinical picture. In addition, epidemiological data may assist in delineating prophylactic strategies with an impact on the community.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior O milho (Zea mays L.) é uma das culturas de maior importância para o agronegócio brasileiro em face do advento do milho safrinha associado a novas técnicas agrícolas e à utilização e incorporação de terras não cultivadas, principalmente em regiões de Cerrado, e da demanda da agroindústria de rações de aves, suínos e bovinos. O aumento de produção nesta cultura gera maior demanda por insumos e torna o agronegócio brasileiro altamente dependente do mercado externo no que se refere à utilização de adubação fosfatada, visto que cerca de 50% deste adubo no Brasil é proveniente de importação. Micro-organismos solubilizadores de fósforo estão sendo utilizados como alternativa para otimizar a eficiência na utilização de fósforo (P) por meio da biossolubilização de rochas fosfáticas e produção de ácidos orgânicos. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho objetivou selecionar e caracterizar micro-organismos rizosféricos de milho solubilizadores de fosfato in vitro com potencial para biossolubilização de rochas fosfáticas, avaliar a dinâmica enzimática de fosfatases ácida e alcalina de solo rizosférico de milho cultivado em diferentes manejos de adubação fosfatada para seleção de bactérias potencialmente eficientes na biossolubilização de P e prospectar grupos funcionais de bactérias eficientes na solubilização de P para uso como inoculantes em culturas de grãos. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Milho e Sorgo safra na safra 2015/16, distribuído em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, esquema de parcela subdividida, com quatro estirpes e três tipos de adubação distribuídos em faixas: Super Fosfato Triplo (SFT), Fosfato de Araxá (FA), uma mistura da metade da dose com SFT e outra metade com Fosfato de Araxá (STFA) e controle sem fósforo (P0). Os inoculantes foram constituídos de bactérias rizosféricas e endofíticas de milho (B70L, B119, B2084, B2082). A atividade biológica de P no solo foi mensurada pela determinação das fosfatases ácida e alcalina. Os resultados mostraram a ocorrência de diferença significativa (p≤0,05) entre os tratamentos com adubação e tipos de inoculantes. Independente do tipo de inoculante, a maior atividade de ambas as fosfatases ocorreu no tratamento sem adubação. Nos tratamentos inoculados com a cepa B70L, independente do tipo de adubação, ocorreram os maiores valores das enzimas, indicando que esta cepa estimulou a atividade biológica do solo relacionada à ciclagem de P. As bactérias deste estudo são potencialmente úteis para agregar valor fertilizante aos fosfatos de baixa solubilidade. Os ensaios de solubilização de P foram realizados em meio NBRIP contendo fosfato de ferro e alumínio, em meio fitato de sódio e no ensaio com solubilização de rocha a fonte de P foi fosfato de Araxá. A produção de ácidos orgânicos (AO) foi mensurada por HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Todas as estirpes apresentaram eficiência relativa de solubilização in vitro. Com relação à produção de AOs, houve diferença estatística segundo o tipo de ácido e a fonte de P. Para o estudo da microbiota não cultivável, foram coletadas amostras de solo rizosférico e não rizosférico contendo o genótipo de milho DKB 390 no estádio de floração, sendo os tratamentos constituídos das adubações de P utilizadas no plantio: Super Fosfato Triplo (SFT), Fosfato de Rocha Itafós (FRI), Fosfato Reativo Bayóvar (FRB) e tratamento testemunha sem adição de fosfato. O perfil da comunidade de bactérias foi analisado por meio da construção de bibliotecas de amplicons rRNA 16S e sequenciamento na plataforma Illumina Miseq .A riqueza estimada não variou significativamente para a rizosfera. A rizosfera e o bulk soil apresentaram diversidade para a comunidade microbiana. Observou-se abundância de táxons bacterianos relacionados à solubilização de fósforo no solo fertilizado por fosfato de rocha.