Comparative analysis of the diet of Arctocephalus gazella (Pinnipedia), at two localities of the South Shetland Islands, with emphasis on the fish component

RESUMEN Se estudió la dieta de ejemplares macho no reproductivos de lobo fino antártico, Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) en dos localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur: Cabo Funes/Punta Stranger, Isla 25 de Mayo / Isla Rey Jorge y Punta Duthoit, Isla Nelson; por medio del análisis de 65 muestras de materia fecal colectadas en Febrero de 2012. En general, el krill antártico Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) y los peces fueron los taxa presa más consumidos, seguidos por pingüinos y cefalópodos. Entre los peces, los mictófidos fueron dominantes; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) fue la especie más importante en ambos apostaderos, seguido por Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) en Punta Stranger y por el nototénido Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) en Punta Duthoit. La similitud hallada en la composición dietaria de los agrupamientos de lobo estudiados sugiere áreas de alimentación en común. Nuestros resultados fueron comparados con aquellos reportados en la literatura para diferentes localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur y la región del Mar de Scotia. La ausencia de especies de nototenoideos demersales históricamente diezmadas en la dieta del lobo fino podría estar reflejando el impacto negativo que las pesquerías comerciales han tenido sobre algunas poblaciones de peces y enfatizar la necesidad de realizar un monitoreo a largo plazo de los hábitos alimentarios de A. gazella en el archipiélago de las Islas Shetland del Sur.

ABSTRACT We studied the diet of non-breeding male Antarctic fur Seals Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) at two different localities of the South Shetland Islands: Stranger Point, King George Island/Isla 25 de Mayo and Duthoit Point, Nelson Island, by the analysis of 65 faecal samples collected in February 2012. Overall, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) and fish were the main prey taxa followed by penguins and cephalopods. Myctophids were dominant among fish; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) was the most important prey species at both sampling sites, followed by Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) at Stranger Point and by the nototheniid Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) at Duthoit Point. The relative similarity found in the dietary composition of fur seals from both locations suggest they might have been sharing common feeding areas. Our results were compared with those reported in the literature for different localities of the South Shetland Islands and the Scotia Sea region. The absence of formerly harvested demersal notothenioid species in the diet of fur seals may reflect the negative impact that commercial fisheries had on some fish populations and supports the importance of implementing long-term monitoring studies on the feeding habits of A. gazella in the area.

Comparative analysis of the diet of Arctocephalus gazella (Pinnipedia), at two localities of the South Shetland Islands, with emphasis on the fish component / Análisis comparativo de la dieta de Arctocephalus gazella (Pinnipedia), en dos localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur, con énfasis en su componente íctico

We studied the diet of non-breeding male Antarctic fur Seals Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) at two different localities of the South Shetland Islands: Stranger Point, King George Island/Isla 25 de Mayo and Duthoit Point, Nelson Island, by the analysis of 65 faecal samples collected in February 2012. Overall, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) and fish were the main prey taxa followed by penguins and cephalopods. Myctophids were dominant among fish; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) was the most important prey species at both sampling sites, followed by Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) at Stranger Point and by the nototheniid Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) at Duthoit Point. The relative similarity found in the dietary composition of fur seals from both locations suggest they might have been sharing common feeding areas. Our results were compared with those reported in the literature for different localities of the South Shetland Islands and the Scotia Sea region. The absence of formerly harvested demersal notothenioid species in the diet of fur seals may reflect the negative impact that commercial fisheries had on some fish populations and supports the importance of implementing long-term monitoring studies on the feeding habits of A. gazella in the area.(AU)

Se estudió la dieta de ejemplares macho no reproductivos de lobo fino antártico, Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) en dos localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur: Cabo Funes/Punta Stranger, Isla 25 de Mayo / Isla Rey Jorge y Punta Duthoit, Isla Nelson; por medio del análisis de 65 muestras de materia fecal colectadas en Febrero de 2012. En general, el krill antártico Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) y los peces fueron los taxa presa más consumidos, seguidos por pingüinos y cefalópodos. Entre los peces, los mictófidos fueron dominantes; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) fue la especie más importante en ambos apostaderos, seguido por Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) en Punta Stranger y por el nototénido Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) en Punta Duthoit. La similitud hallada en la composición dietaria de los agrupamientos de lobo estudiados sugiere áreas de alimentación en común. Nuestros resultados fueron comparados con aquellos reportados en la literatura para diferentes localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur y la región del Mar de Scotia. La ausencia de especies de nototenoideos demersales históricamente diezmadas en la dieta del lobo fino podría estar reflejando el impacto negativo que las pesquerías comerciales han tenido sobre algunas poblaciones de peces y enfatizar la necesidad de realizar un monitoreo a largo plazo de los hábitos alimentarios de A. gazella en el archipiélago de las Islas Shetland del Sur.(AU)

Comparative analysis of the diet of Arctocephalus gazella (Pinnipedia), at two localities of the South Shetland Islands, with emphasis on the fish component / Análisis comparativo de la dieta de Arctocephalus gazella (Pinnipedia), en dos localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur, con énfasis en su componente íctico

We studied the diet of non-breeding male Antarctic fur Seals Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) at two different localities of the South Shetland Islands: Stranger Point, King George Island/Isla 25 de Mayo and Duthoit Point, Nelson Island, by the analysis of 65 faecal samples collected in February 2012. Overall, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) and fish were the main prey taxa followed by penguins and cephalopods. Myctophids were dominant among fish; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) was the most important prey species at both sampling sites, followed by Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) at Stranger Point and by the nototheniid Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) at Duthoit Point. The relative similarity found in the dietary composition of fur seals from both locations suggest they might have been sharing common feeding areas. Our results were compared with those reported in the literature for different localities of the South Shetland Islands and the Scotia Sea region. The absence of formerly harvested demersal notothenioid species in the diet of fur seals may reflect the negative impact that commercial fisheries had on some fish populations and supports the importance of implementing long-term monitoring studies on the feeding habits of A. gazella in the area.

Se estudió la dieta de ejemplares macho no reproductivos de lobo fino antártico, Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875) en dos localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur: Cabo Funes/Punta Stranger, Isla 25 de Mayo / Isla Rey Jorge y Punta Duthoit, Isla Nelson; por medio del análisis de 65 muestras de materia fecal colectadas en Febrero de 2012. En general, el krill antártico Euphausia superba (Dana, 1850) y los peces fueron los taxa presa más consumidos, seguidos por pingüinos y cefalópodos. Entre los peces, los mictófidos fueron dominantes; Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911) fue la especie más importante en ambos apostaderos, seguido por Electrona antarctica (Gunther, 1878) en Punta Stranger y por el nototénido Pleuragramma antarctica (Boulenger, 1902) en Punta Duthoit. La similitud hallada en la composición dietaria de los agrupamientos de lobo estudiados sugiere áreas de alimentación en común. Nuestros resultados fueron comparados con aquellos reportados en la literatura para diferentes localidades de las Islas Shetland del Sur y la región del Mar de Scotia. La ausencia de especies de nototenoideos demersales históricamente diezmadas en la dieta del lobo fino podría estar reflejando el impacto negativo que las pesquerías comerciales han tenido sobre algunas poblaciones de peces y enfatizar la necesidad de realizar un monitoreo a largo plazo de los hábitos alimentarios de A. gazella en el archipiélago de las Islas Shetland del Sur.

Phylogenetic MLSA and phenotypic analysis identification of three probable novel Pseudomonas species isolated on King George Island, South Shetland, Antarctica

Antarctica harbors a great diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae and yeasts. The Pseudomonas genus is one of the most diverse and successful bacterial groups described to date, but only eight species isolated from Antarctica have been characterized. Here, we present three potentially novel species isolated on King George Island. The most abundant isolates from four different environments, were genotypically and phenotypically characterized. Multilocus sequence analysis and 16S rRNA gene analysis of a sequence concatenate for six genes (16S, aroE, glnS, gyrB, ileS and rpoD), determined one of the isolates to be a new Pseudomonas mandelii strain, while the other three are good candidates for new Pseudomonas species. Additionally, genotype analyses showed the three candidates to be part of a new subgroup within the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex, together with the Antarctic species Pseudomonas antarctica and Pseudomonas extremaustralis. We propose terming this new subgroup P. antarctica. Likewise, phenotypic analyses using API 20 NE and BIOLOG® corroborated the genotyping results, confirming that all presented isolates form part of the P. fluorescens complex. Pseudomonas genus research on the Antarctic continent is in its infancy. To understand these microorganisms role in this extreme environment, the characterization and description of new species is vital.(AU)

OCORRÊNCIA E DIVERSIDADE DE HEMOSPORÍDEOS (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) EM AVES SILVESTRES BRASILEIRAS

Hemosporídeos aviários estão amplamente distribuídos nos continentes com exceção da Antártida. O gênero mais patogênico, o Plasmodium, é um parasito generalista associado à infecção em aves translocadas entre diferentes localidades, sendo reportados surtos e perda da biodiversidade em decorrência da infecção por este parasito. Os gêneros Haemoproteus e o Leucocytozoon, considerados parasitos especialistas, são relatados em infecções interespecíficas, associados a doença clínica e mortalidade em algumas espécies hospedeiras. Pesquisas em aves silvestres brasileiras registram ocorrência variada de Plasmodium e Haemoproteus enquanto o gênero Leucocytozoon, se limita a poucos relatos em aves na Floresta Amazônica, Pantanal e Mata Atlântica. O ciclo dos hemosporídeos são alterados tanto pela modificação de habitats, como pela introdução de aves e vetores infectados, por isso, a soltura de aves pode originar surtos bem como a introdução de novas linhagens em um dado ecossistema. Assim, a fim de investigar a presença de hemosporídeos (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus e Leucocytozoon) nas aves do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS) no Distrito Federal e estado de Goiás, amostras de 375 aves foram analisadas por diagnóstico molecular. A infecção por Leucocytozoon spp. foi observada em três indivíduos de seriema (Cariama cristata) (0,63% - 03/375) e por Plasmodium e/ou Haemoproteus em 18 espécies de aves silvestres (14,9% - 56/375). As ordens Psittaciformes (6,93% -26/375), Passeriformes (4,5% - 17/375) e Strigiformes (2,4% -9/375), apresentaram maior ocorrência de amostras positivas, no entanto não ocorreu diferença significativa entre as mesmas. Do total de 15 sequências genéticas obtidas, seis corresponderam ao Haemoproteus e nove ao Plasmodium. Sete aves estavam parasitadas com linhagens do gênero Plasmodium e oito do gênero Haemoproteus. Foram identificadas linhagens generalistas (P. nucleophilum linhagem DENPET03), linhagens especialistas de Haemoproteus registradas sobretudo em rapinantes (TYTAL3 KU421 e H3 KL2014) e linhagens consideradas filogeneticamente mais patogênicas como o Plasmodium sp. CRAM2876. Os dados do presente estudo sugerem que aves destinadas à soltura devem ser investigadas quanto a ii presença de hemosporídeos, evitando assim, a introdução de espécimes infectados no ambiente. A presença do Leucocytozoon em aves não-migratórias (C. cristata) confirma a ocorrência da transmissão do parasito no Cerrado. Contudo, como não foi possível identificar o parasito em esfregaços sanguíneos, novos estudos são necessários para esclarecer o parasitismo por Leucocytozoon em seriemas e certificar que as infecções não foram abortivas.

Avian Haemosporidian have a wide distribution except in Antarctica. The most pathogenic genus, Plasmodium, is a generalist parasite associated with infections in translocated birds, which have resulted in outbreaks and loss of biodiversity. The genera Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, are considered specialist parasites that have been reported in interspecific infections, associated with clinical disease and mortality in some host species. Research on Brazilian wild birds have recorded varying occurrences of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus while Leucocytozoon is limited to a few reports on birds in the Amazon, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest. The Haemosporidian cycle is affected by habitat modification and the introduction of infected birds and vectors, the reason why the release of birds can cause outbreaks as the local parasitic pressure increases when introducing new strains in an ecosystem. In order to investigate the presence of haemosporidians (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in birds at the Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS) in the Federal District and state of Goiás, we analyzed samples from 375 birds with molecular diagnosis. Infection of Leucocytozoon spp. was observed in three individuals of seriema (Cariama cristata) (0.63% - 03/375); Plasmodium and/or Haemoproteus occurred in 18 species of wild birds (14.9% - 56/375). The orders Psittaciformes (6.93% -26/375), Passeriformes (4.5% -17/375) and Strigiformes (2.4% -9/375), presented a higher occurrence of positive samples, however there was no significant difference between them. Of the total of 15 genetic sequences obtained, six corresponded to Haemoproteus and nine to Plasmodium. Seven birds were parasitized with lineages of the genus Plasmodium and eight of the genus Haemoproteus. We identified generalist strains (P. nucleophilum strain DENPET03), and specialist strains Haemoproteus, which were registered mainly in predators (TYTAL3 KU421 and H3 KL-2014); we also found strains considered phylogenetically more pathogenic such as Plasmodium sp. CRAM2876. The data from the present study suggest that birds destined for release should be examined for the presence of haemosporidians, which would minimize the introduction of infected specimens into the environment. The iv presence of Leucocytozoon in non-migratory birds (C. cristata) confirms the occurrence of parasite transmission in the Cerrado biome. However, as it was not possible to identify the parasite in blood smears, further studies are needed to clarify Leucocytozoon parasitism in seriemas and to certify that infections were not abortive.

Aves selvagens do Chile como indicadores biológicos de Enterobacterales portadores de carbapenemases ou beta-lactamases de espectro estendido

Bactérias resistentes aos antibióticos são uma das maiores ameaças às saúdes humana e animal. Entre estes organismos, os Enterobacterales produtores de beta-lactamases de espectro estendido (BLEE) ou carbapenemases comumente causam infeções difíceis de tratar, tanto em medicina humana como veterinária. Atualmente, são considerados patógenos de prioridade crítica pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para o desenvolvimento de novos antimicrobianos capazes de controlá-los. Recentes investigações reportam que animais selvagens são colonizados por Enterobacterales produtores de carbapenemases e BLEE, porém ainda existem lacunas críticas de conhecimento sobre o papel da fauna selvagem na evolução e disseminação destas consideradas super-bactérias. Neste estudo de vigilância epidemiológica de Enterobacterales produtores de BLEE ou carbapenemases, usando ferramentas microbiológicas e de sequenciamento de nova geração, analisamos amostras de aves silvestres admitidas em centros de reabilitação e aves de vida livre de diferentes ecoregiões do Chile, incluindo a Cordilheira dos Andes, deserto de Atacama, arquipélago de Chiloé e Patagonia, além da Antártica. Nossos resultados revelam que corujas e condores andinos admitidos em centros de reabilitação de fauna silvestre estavam colonizados por clones internacionais de Escherichia coli portadores de genes BLEE do tipo CTX-M. Uma das corujas (Bubo magellanicus) estava também colonizada por Salmonela enterica ser. Infantis da sequência tipo (ST) 32, que carregava o gene blaCTX-M-65. Por outro lado, em aves de vida livre, foi registrada uma ave migratória (Numenius phaeopus) colonizada por Serratia fonticola portando o gene cromossômico BLEE do tipo FONA; estudos de sequenciamento genômico e modelamento in silico determinaram que o mesmo correspondia a uma nova variante da família FONA, denominada como FONA-7. Em amostras de 5 condores de vida livre que se alimentavam em aterros sanitários na Cordilheira dos Andes, registramos E. coli produtoras da carbapenemase NDM-5 e genes BLEE (SHV-12 e CTX-M-177). Finalmente, em uma ilha do Arquipélago de Chiloé, sul do Chile, foram registrados os genes CTX-M-1 e CTX-M-55 em E. coli isoladas de três gaivotas migratórias (Leucophaeus pipixcan) e duas residentes (Chroicocephalus maculipennis). Enterobacterales portadores de BLEE e carbapenemases causam infeções nosocomiais e mortes humanas globalmente. Estas bactérias também têm sido isoladas em fauna selvagem, mas o verdadeiro impacto sobre as suas populações ainda não foi plenamente investigado. Nosso estudo revela que aves silvestres admitidas em centros de reabilitação de fauna silvestre e aves de vida livre em ambientes naturais do Chile estavam colonizadas por clones internacionais multirresistentes de E. coli e S. enterica serovar Infantis portadores de BLEE dos tipos CTX-M e SHV; uma S. fonticola carregando uma nova variante da família BLEE FONA; e a emergência da carbapenemase NDM-5 em E. coli multirresistente no Chile. Estes resultados ressaltam o papel da fauna silvestre como bioindicadores das linhagens de Enterobacterales resistentes às cefalosporinas de espectro estendido e carbapenêmicos no território chileno. Devido ao impacto da disseminação destes patógenos de prioridade crítica e à estreita conexão das populações humanas e fauna selvagem, este problema deve ser investigado com um enfoque de saúde única.

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a major threat to human and animal health. Among these organisms, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- or carbapenemase- producing Enterobacterales commonly cause infections both in human and veterinary medicine. Actually, are considered global critical-priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO) with a urgence in research and development of effective drugs and treatments. Recent studies reports that wild animals have been colonized by ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, nevertheless, critical gaps on the knowledge about the real role of wildlife in the evolution and spread of these superbugs. In this epidemiological surveillance study, using microbiologic and whole-genome sequencing tools, we analyzed wild bird samples admitted at wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRC) and free-living birds from several eco-regions of Chile, including the Andes Highlands, Atacama Desert, Chiloé Archipelago and Patagonia, besides Antarctica. Our results reveal that wild owls and Andean condors were colonized by international clones of ESBL CTX-M-types-carrying Escherichia coli. An owl (Bubo magellanicus) was also colonized by a Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis belonged to the sequence type (ST) 32 carrying a blaCTX-65 gene. On other hand, in free-living birds, was registered a migratory bird (Numenius phaeopus) colonized by an Serratia fonticola bearing the ESBL chromosomal gene FONA-type; whole-genome sequencing and in silico studies determined that belonged to a novel variant, designed as FONA-7. In samples of five wild Andean condors that fed on landfills at the Andes Highlands, we founded E. coli producers of carbapenemase NDM-5 and BLEE (SHV-12 e CTX-M-177) genes. Finally, in a Chiloé Archipelagos Island, South Chile, CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-55-producing E. coli were isolated from three migratory gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) and two resident gulls (Chroicocephalus maculipennis). ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales cause nosocomial infections and human deaths globally. The wildlife also has been colonized by these bacteria, but the real impact on their populations has not be investigated. Our study, reveal that birds admitted at WRC and free-living birds in natural environments of Chile, were colonized by international clones of multi-resistant E. coli e S. Infantis carrying the ESBL CTX-M and SHV-types; a novel ESBL FONA family variant carried by S. fonticola; and the emergence of multidrug-resistant NDM-5-producing E. coli clones in Chile. These results highlight the role of wild birds as bioindicators of Enterobacterales resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems in the Chilean territory. Due to the impact of the critical-priority pathogen dissemination, and the closely link of human and wildlife population, this issue should be investigated with a One Health approach.

INTERAÇÕES ECO-EPIDEMIOLÓGICAS ENTRE CÃES DOMÉSTICOS E A FAUNA SILVESTRE EM AGROECOSSISTEMAS

Cães e seres humanos compartilham os mesmos caminhos por pelo menos 14-100 mil anos e, atualmente, o cão doméstico (Canis lupus familiaris) é a espécie de carnívoro mais abundante e difundida do planeta, está presente em todos os continentes, exceto Antártida. Como conseqüência, cães representam um desafio global tanto para conservação da biodiversidade como para saúde pública, e esta problemática é ainda mais grave entre cães mantidos soltos e cães ferais em áreas rurais. No entanto, apesar da abrangência e da gravidade do problema, tanto a intensidade dos impactos causados por cães domésticos, como a eficácia de estratégias de manejo, ainda são incertas. Isso ocorre, pois estudos raramente quantificam aspectos básicos da ecologia dos cães. Aspectos que são cruciais tanto para compreensão dos processos de invasão biológica, como para elaboração de modelos epidemiológicos de dispersão de doenças. É nesta lacuna de conhecimento que buscamos nos aprofundar na presente tese de doutorado. Utilizando como modelo a população de cães de um agroecossistema de Cerrado no Brasil Central, realizamos um estudo longitudinal buscando elucidar como é a estrutura e a dinâmica populacional dos cães; de que forma eles utilizam o espaço e que fatores determinam seus caminhos; e como a população e o movimento dos cães podem ser modulados pelas pessoas. Com os estudos aqui apresentados, trouxemos avanços metodológicos, e reflexões de manejo, que contribuirão de forma substancial para aprofundar nossa compreensão de uma problemática comum a todas as partes do planeta. Vimos que, mesmo em uma população de tamanho estável, a estrutura populacional pode ser extremamente dinâmica, e este fluxo de indivíduos é regido essencialmente pelas pessoas. Observamos também que os cães têm um uso considerável da paisagem, ainda que eles permaneçam a maior parte do tempo ao redor de suas casas. Além disso, constatamos que os padrões de uso do espaço variam substancialmente a depender das características do indivíduo, do manejo e do papel social do cão na comunidade. Por fim, propomos estratégias de manejo que possam simultaneamente mitigar os impactos causados por cães e aprimorar o desempenho de suas funções na comunidade.

Dogs and humans share the same paths for 14-100 thousand years, and currently, the domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the most abundant and widespread carnivore on earth, being present in all the continents, except Antarctica. Accordingly, dogs represent a global threat for wildlife conservation and public health, and it is a growing issue, especially among free-ranging and feral dogs in rural areas. However, despite being a worldwide concern, the intensity of dogs impacts and the efficiency of management strategies are both poorly known. Studies rarely quantify the dogs ecological aspects, which are crucial for understanding the invasive processes, and for developing epidemiological models on disease spreading. These knowledge gaps were the focus of the present Ph.D. thesis. We did a long-term study with the rural dog population of an agroecosystem of the Brazilian Cerrado. We aimed to understand: the dogs population structure and dynamics, how is the dogs space use and which factors determine their paths, and how the people can modulate both the dogs population and movements. Our results brought methodological improvements and management insights which will contribute substantially to deepen our understanding of an issue that is common to all parts of the planet. We have shown that even in a stable size population, the population structure can be extremely dynamic, and the individuals inputs and outputs are essentially driven by the people. We also observed that dogs considerably use the landscape, even though they spend most of their time around their homes. Furthermore, we found that space use patterns vary substantially depending on the individual´s characteristics, the human management, and the dogs´ social role in the community. Finally, we propose management strategies that could, at the same time, reduce the dog impacts on wildlife and improve the fulfillment of their social functions in the community.

Cephalopoda as prey of juvenile Southern elephant seals at Isla 25 de Mayo/King George, South Shetland Islands / Cephalopoda como presa de juveniles de elefantes marinos del sur en la Isla 25 de Mayo/King George, Islas Shetland del Sur

El objetivo del presente estudio fue el de incrementar el conocimiento de los hábitos alimentarios del componente juvenil de la población de elefantes marinos del sur [Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)] de Isla 25 de Mayo, Islas Shetland del Sur, clase de edad cuya dieta es poco conocida . Un total de 60 ejemplares fueron sometidos a técnicas de lavaje estomacal durante primavera - verano de tres años consecutivos (2003, 2004 y 2005) de los cuales el 53,3 % (n = 32) presentaba restos alimentarios. El calamar antártico Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, 1921 fue el taxón presa dominante en términos de frecuencia de ocurrencia (68,7%), abundancia numérica (60,1%) y biomasa (51,5%), contribuyendo en un 84,1% al índice de importancia relativa total. Otros calamares presa de importancia fueron Slosarczykovia circumantartica Lipinski, 2001, en términos de ocurrencia (37,5%) y de abundancia numérica (14%), y Moroteuthis knipovitchi Filippova, 1972 en términos de biomasa (16%). Todos los taxa presa identificados se distribuyen al sur del Frente Polar Antártico, a excepción de Martialia hyadesi Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889, especie que presenta una distribución subantártica asociada a la Zona del Frente Polar. No hubo diferencias significativas intergenéricas ni interanuales en los tamaños de P. glacialis predados por los elefantes marinos. Sin embargo, se encontraron diferencias interanuales significativas en la composición taxonómica de la dieta. Esto estaría asociado a los cambios temporales en la disponibilidad de alimento en las áreas de forrajeo de los elefantes, que a su vez pudieron estar influenciados por las variaciones en las condiciones oceanográficas, como resultado de la Oscilación Austral del Niño (ENSO) que se produjo durante parte del período de estudio. Por otra parte, se observó cierta respuesta diferencial de machos y hembras a esta variación temporal, estando los primeros asociados a una predación sobre octópodos[...](AU)

The aim of the present study was to enhance the knowledge of the feeding habits of the juvenile component of the population of Southern elephant seals [Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)] from Isla 25 de Mayo, South Shetland Islands, age class whose diet information is scarce. A total of 60 individuals were stomach lavaged in the spring - summer seasons of three consecutive years (2003, 2004 and 2005) of which 53.3 % (n = 32) presented food remnants. The Antarctic glacial squid Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, 1921 was the dominant prey taxon in terms of frequency of occurrence (68.7%), numerical abundance (60.1%) and biomass (51.5%), contributing 84.1% to the total relative importance index. Other squid prey species of importance were Slosarczykovia circumantartica Lipinski, 2001 in terms of occurrence (37.5%) and numerical abundance (14%) and Moroteuthis knipovitchi Filippova, 1972 in terms of biomass (16%). All identified cephalopod prey taxa are distributed south of the Antarctic Polar Front, except for the squid Martialia hyadesi Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889 which has a circumpolar distribution associated to the Polar Frontal Zone. No significant differences in the sizes of P. glacialis preyed upon by elephant seals were found between sexes and years. However, significant interannual differences were found in the taxonomical composition of their diet. This would be associated with temporal changes in food availability at the foraging areas of seals, which in turn may have been influenced by changes in oceanographic conditions as a result of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon that occurred during part of the study period. Furthermore, a differential response of males and females to this temporal variation was observed, with the former being also associated to a predation on octopods. This would suggest a sexual segregation in foraging habits of this species from the early stages of its life cycle(AU)

Cephalopoda as prey of juvenile Southern elephant seals at Isla 25 de Mayo/King George, South Shetland Islands / Cephalopoda como presa de juveniles de elefantes marinos del sur en la Isla 25 de Mayo/King George, Islas Shetland del Sur

El objetivo del presente estudio fue el de incrementar el conocimiento de los hábitos alimentarios del componente juvenil de la población de elefantes marinos del sur [Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)] de Isla 25 de Mayo, Islas Shetland del Sur, clase de edad cuya dieta es poco conocida . Un total de 60 ejemplares fueron sometidos a técnicas de lavaje estomacal durante primavera - verano de tres años consecutivos (2003, 2004 y 2005) de los cuales el 53,3 % (n = 32) presentaba restos alimentarios. El calamar antártico Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, 1921 fue el taxón presa dominante en términos de frecuencia de ocurrencia (68,7%), abundancia numérica (60,1%) y biomasa (51,5%), contribuyendo en un 84,1% al índice de importancia relativa total. Otros calamares presa de importancia fueron Slosarczykovia circumantartica Lipinski, 2001, en términos de ocurrencia (37,5%) y de abundancia numérica (14%), y Moroteuthis knipovitchi Filippova, 1972 en términos de biomasa (16%). Todos los taxa presa identificados se distribuyen al sur del Frente Polar Antártico, a excepción de Martialia hyadesi Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889, especie que presenta una distribución subantártica asociada a la Zona del Frente Polar. No hubo diferencias significativas intergenéricas ni interanuales en los tamaños de P. glacialis predados por los elefantes marinos. Sin embargo, se encontraron diferencias interanuales significativas en la composición taxonómica de la dieta. Esto estaría asociado a los cambios temporales en la disponibilidad de alimento en las áreas de forrajeo de los elefantes, que a su vez pudieron estar influenciados por las variaciones en las condiciones oceanográficas, como resultado de la Oscilación Austral del Niño (ENSO) que se produjo durante parte del período de estudio. Por otra parte, se observó cierta respuesta diferencial de machos y hembras a esta variación temporal, estando los primeros asociados a una predación sobre octópodos[...]

The aim of the present study was to enhance the knowledge of the feeding habits of the juvenile component of the population of Southern elephant seals [Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)] from Isla 25 de Mayo, South Shetland Islands, age class whose diet information is scarce. A total of 60 individuals were stomach lavaged in the spring - summer seasons of three consecutive years (2003, 2004 and 2005) of which 53.3 % (n = 32) presented food remnants. The Antarctic glacial squid Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, 1921 was the dominant prey taxon in terms of frequency of occurrence (68.7%), numerical abundance (60.1%) and biomass (51.5%), contributing 84.1% to the total relative importance index. Other squid prey species of importance were Slosarczykovia circumantartica Lipinski, 2001 in terms of occurrence (37.5%) and numerical abundance (14%) and Moroteuthis knipovitchi Filippova, 1972 in terms of biomass (16%). All identified cephalopod prey taxa are distributed south of the Antarctic Polar Front, except for the squid Martialia hyadesi Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889 which has a circumpolar distribution associated to the Polar Frontal Zone. No significant differences in the sizes of P. glacialis preyed upon by elephant seals were found between sexes and years. However, significant interannual differences were found in the taxonomical composition of their diet. This would be associated with temporal changes in food availability at the foraging areas of seals, which in turn may have been influenced by changes in oceanographic conditions as a result of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon that occurred during part of the study period. Furthermore, a differential response of males and females to this temporal variation was observed, with the former being also associated to a predation on octopods. This would suggest a sexual segregation in foraging habits of this species from the early stages of its life cycle

Purification and characterization of cold-adapted beta-agarase from an Antarctic psychrophilic strain

An extracellular β-agarase was purified from Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ21, a Psychrophilic agar-degrading bacterium isolated from Antarctic Prydz Bay sediments. The purified agarase (Aga21) revealed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with an apparent molecular weight of 80 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature of the agarase were 8.0 and 30 °C, respectively. However, it maintained as much as 85% of the maximum activities at 10 °C. Significant activation of the agarase was observed in the presence of Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, K⁺; Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Sr²⁺ and EDTA inhibited the enzyme activity. The enzymatic hydrolyzed product of agar was characterized as neoagarobiose. Furthermore, this work is the first evidence of cold-adapted agarase in Antarctic psychrophilic bacteria and these results indicate the potential for the Antarctic agarase as a catalyst in medicine, food and cosmetic industries..(AU)

Análise das gônadas femininas de ouriços-do-mar antárticos Sterechinus neumayeri expostos à fração solúvel do petróleo (FSA) / Female gonads analysis of Antartic sea Sterechinus neumayeri exposed to soluble fraction of oil (FSA)

Due to the growth in oil extraction, products for the monitoring of marine waters where contamination may occur, become necessary. The Antarctic environment is ideal for the conduction of tests related to biomarkers, as it presents an extensive area free of this type of environmental impact. Experiments with Antarctic sea urchins (Sterechinus neumayeri) for the determination of biomarkers of oil pollution were conducted, aiming to determine a low cost, easy to obtain bioindicator for exactly this type of contamination. In order to do that, female gonads of S. neumayeri were exposed for 15 days to different concentrations of FSA (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 ppm) and were analyzed by specific histological techniques. During the experiments, it was found that some females had dark gonads, but no correlation with exposure to oil was established. There were no histological alterations from the effect of the FSA. Thus, we concluded that female gonads of S. neumayeri cannot be used as indicators of contamination caused by the acute exposure to FSA (15 days). This project contributes to the monitoring of oil contamination.

Em decorrência do crescimento da extração petrolífera, torna-se necessária a elaboração de produtos para o monitoramento de águas marinhas passíveis de contaminação. O ambiente antártico é ideal para a realização de testes relacionados aos bioindicadores, pois apresenta uma extensa área livre desse tipo de impacto ambiental. Assim, no verão de 2006, foram realizados experimentos com ouriços-do-mar antárticos Sterechinus neumayeri para a determinação de bioindicadores para a poluição petrolífera, objetivando-se determinar um bioindicador de baixo custo, fácil obtenção e preciso para esse tipo de contaminação. Para isso as gônadas femininas de S.neumayeri expostos por 15 dias a diferentes concentrações da FSA (0,4; 0,8 e 1,2 ppm) foram analisadas por meio de técnicas histológicas específicas. No decorrer dos experimentos observou-se que algumas fêmeas apresentavam suas gônadas escuras, mas nenhuma correlação à exposição com o petróleo foi estabelecida. E que não houve alterações histológicas decorrentes do efeito da FSA. Desse modo, concluí-se que as gônadas fêmininas de S.neumayeri não podem ser utilizadas como indicadoras da contaminação ocasionada pelo efeito agudo de exposição a FSA (15 dias). O presente projeto contribui para o monitoramento de contaminações petrolíferas.

Análise das gônadas femininas de ouriços-do-mar antárticos Sterechinus neumayeri expostos à fração solúvel do petróleo (FSA) / Female gonads analysis of Antartic sea Sterechinus neumayeri exposed to soluble fraction of oil (FSA)

Due to the growth in oil extraction, products for the monitoring of marine waters where contamination may occur, become necessary. The Antarctic environment is ideal for the conduction of tests related to biomarkers, as it presents an extensive area free of this type of environmental impact. Experiments with Antarctic sea urchins (Sterechinus neumayeri) for the determination of biomarkers of oil pollution were conducted, aiming to determine a low cost, easy to obtain bioindicator for exactly this type of contamination. In order to do that, female gonads of S. neumayeri were exposed for 15 days to different concentrations of FSA (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 ppm) and were analyzed by specific histological techniques. During the experiments, it was found that some females had dark gonads, but no correlation with exposure to oil was established. There were no histological alterations from the effect of the FSA. Thus, we concluded that female gonads of S. neumayeri cannot be used as indicators of contamination caused by the acute exposure to FSA (15 days). This project contributes to the monitoring of oil contamination.(AU)

Em decorrência do crescimento da extração petrolífera, torna-se necessária a elaboração de produtos para o monitoramento de águas marinhas passíveis de contaminação. O ambiente antártico é ideal para a realização de testes relacionados aos bioindicadores, pois apresenta uma extensa área livre desse tipo de impacto ambiental. Assim, no verão de 2006, foram realizados experimentos com ouriços-do-mar antárticos Sterechinus neumayeri para a determinação de bioindicadores para a poluição petrolífera, objetivando-se determinar um bioindicador de baixo custo, fácil obtenção e preciso para esse tipo de contaminação. Para isso as gônadas femininas de S.neumayeri expostos por 15 dias a diferentes concentrações da FSA (0,4; 0,8 e 1,2 ppm) foram analisadas por meio de técnicas histológicas específicas. No decorrer dos experimentos observou-se que algumas fêmeas apresentavam suas gônadas escuras, mas nenhuma correlação à exposição com o petróleo foi estabelecida. E que não houve alterações histológicas decorrentes do efeito da FSA. Desse modo, concluí-se que as gônadas fêmininas de S.neumayeri não podem ser utilizadas como indicadoras da contaminação ocasionada pelo efeito agudo de exposição a FSA (15 dias). O presente projeto contribui para o monitoramento de contaminações petrolíferas.(AU)

PESQUISA E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE AGENTES VIRAIS EM AVES ANTÁRTICAS POR MEIO DE TÉCNICAS MOLECULARES

Apesar de sua distribuição geográfica remota, as aves do continente antártico não estão protegidas dos efeitos de inúmeros patógenos, inclusive dos vírus. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre tais patógenos, bem como sobre suas potenciais consequências ecológicas para as populações de aves antárticas. Diante disso, o presente estudo propõe-se a investigar a presença de agentes virais em amostras de aves antárticas de três espécies de Sphenisciformes (pinguins), duas de Procellariiformes (petréis), uma de Charadriiformes (mandrião) e uma de Pelecaniformes (cormorão). Para tanto, empregaram-se diferentes técnicas moleculares. Técnicas de PCR e RT-qPCR de amplo espectro foram adotadas para investigar a presença de vírus minimamente relacionados com patógenos virais sabidamente capazes de infectar aves. Dentre eles, o vírus da influenza A pôde ser identificado em duas espécies, uma residente e uma migratória. Com base nos resultados obtidos por meio dessas técnicas moleculares, foi realizado um sequenciamento de alto desempenho para análise do viroma das espécies consideradas mais suscetíveis. Tal abordagem possibilitou entrever possíveis novas variantes tanto de vírus tipicamente infectantes de aves quanto de vírus infectantes de seres humanos, evocando a variabilidade desses vírus como importantes indicadores da dinâmica e da ecologia viral em espécies selvagens.

Despite their remote geographic distribution, birds in Antarctic continent are not beyond the effects of numerous pathogens, including viruses. However, little is known about such pathogens, as well as about their potential ecological consequences for Antarctic bird populations. The present study aims to investigate the presence of viral agents in samples of Antarctic birds, including three species of Sphenisciformes (penguins), two of Procellariiformes (petrels), one of Charadriiformes (skua) and one of Pelecaniformes (cormorant). For that, different molecular techniques were performed. Broad-spectrum PCR and RT-qPCR techniques were used to investigate the presence of important viral pathogens known to infect birds. Among them, influenza A virus could be identified in two species, one resident and one migratory. Based on the results obtained through these molecular techniques, high performance sequencing was performed for virome analysis of the species considered more susceptible. This approach made possible to glimpse both birds and human viruses possibly circulating amid these species, evoking the variability of viruses as important indicator of viral dynamics and ecology in wild species.

Biosurfactants production by yeasts using soybean oil and glycerol as low cost substrate

Biosurfactants are bioactive agents that can be produced by many different microorganisms. Among those, special attention is given to yeasts, since they can produce many types of biosurfactants in large scale, using several kinds of substrates, justifying its use for industrial production of those products. For this production to be economically viable, the use of residual carbon sources is recommended. The present study isolated yeasts from soil contaminated with petroleum oil hydrocarbons and assessed their capacity for producing biosurfactants in low cost substrates. From a microbial consortium enriched, seven yeasts were isolated, all showing potential for producing biosurfactants in soybean oil. The isolate LBPF 3, characterized as Candida antarctica, obtained the highest levels of production - with a final production of 13.86 g/L. The isolate LBPF 9, using glycerol carbon source, obtained the highest reduction in surface tension in the growth medium: approximately 43% of reduction after 24 hours of incubation. The products obtained by the isolates presented surfactant activity, which reduced water surface tension to values that varied from 34 mN/m, obtained from the product of isolates LBPF 3 and 16 LBPF 7 (respectively characterized as Candida antarctica and Candida albicans) to 43 mN/m from the isolate LPPF 9, using glycerol as substrate. The assessed isolates all showed potential for the production of biosurfactants in conventional sources of carbon as well as in agroindustrial residue, especially in glycerol.

The diversity, extracellular enzymatic activities and photoprotective compounds of yeasts isolated in Antarctica

The diversity of yeasts collected from different sites in Antarctica (Admiralty Bay, King George Island and Port Foster Bay and Deception Island) and their ability to produce extracellular enzymes and mycosporines were studied. Samples were collected during the austral summer season, between November 2006 and January 2007, from the rhizosphere of Deschampsia antarctica, ornithogenic (penguin guano) soil, soil, marine and lake sediments, marine water and freshwater from lakes. A total of 89 isolates belonging to the following genera were recovered: Bensingtonia, Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaryomyces, Dioszegia, Exophiala, Filobasidium, Issatchenkia (Pichia), Kodamaea, Leucosporidium, Leucosporidiella, Metschnikowia, Nadsonia, Pichia, Rhodotorula, and Sporidiobolus, and the yeast-like fungi Aureobasidium, Leuconeurospora and Microglossum. Cryptococcus victoriae was the most frequently identified species. Several species isolated in our study have been previously reported to be Antarctic psychophilic yeasts, including Cr. antarcticus, Cr. victoriae, Dioszegia hungarica and Leucosporidium scottii. The cosmopolitan yeast species A. pullulans, C. zeylanoides, D. hansenii, I. orientalis, K. ohmeri, P. guilliermondii, Rh. mucilaginosa, and S. salmonicolor were also isolated. Five possible new species were identified. Sixty percent of the yeasts had at least one detectable extracellular enzymatic activity. Cryptococcus antarcticus, D. aurantiaca, D. crocea, D. hungarica, Dioszegia sp., E. xenobiotica, Rh. glaciales, Rh. laryngis, Microglossum sp. 1 and Microglossum sp. 2 produced mycosporines. Of the yeast isolates, 41.7% produced pigments and/or mycosporines and could be considered adapted to survive in Antarctica. Most of the yeasts had extracellular enzymatic activities at 4ºC and 20ºC, indicating that they could be metabolically active in the sampled substrates.

Partial characterization of cold active amylases and proteases of Streptomyces sp. from Antarctica

The aim of this study was to isolate novel enzyme-producing bacteria from vegetation samples from East Antarctica and also to characterize them genetically and biochemically in order to establish their phylogeny. The ability to grow at low temperature and to produce amylases and proteases cold-active was also tested. The results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the 4 Alga rRNA was 100% identical to the sequences of Streptomyces sp. rRNA from Norway and from the Solomon Islands. The Streptomyces grew well in submerged system at 20ºC, cells multiplication up to stationary phase being drastically increased after 120 h of submerged cultivation. The beta-amylase production reached a maximum peak after seven days, while alpha-amylase and proteases were performing biosynthesis after nine days of submerged cultivation at 20ºC. Newly Streptomyces were able to produce amylase and proteases in a cold environment. The ability to adapt to low temperature of these enzymes could make them valuable ingredients for detergents, the food industry and bioremediation processes which require low temperatures.

Micoplasmas hemotrópicos em felinos domésticos na cidade de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

A anemia infecciosa felina é uma doença causada por bactérias pertencentes ao gênero Mycoplasma, que compreendem um grupo distinto, pois são encontradas aderidas à superfície dos eritrócitos, no entanto, são incapazes de romper a membrana celular. São conhecidas como hemoplasmas ou micoplasmas hemotrópicos. Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum e Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, são as espécies capazes de infectar felinos domésticos. A infecção pelos hemoplasmas está presente em quase todos continentes, exceto na Antártida. A doença pode variar de uma forma assintomática a grave e fatal, dependendo da espécie envolvida e da susceptibilidade do hospedeiro. A principal forma de diagnóstico da infecção é através da reação em cadeia do polimerase (PCR), método bastante sensível e específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a frequência da infecção por hemoplasmas felinos na cidade de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil e, também analisar os parâmetros hematológicos dos animais positivos, assim como o sexo e a idade. Dessa forma, foram analisadas 192 amostras de sangue de felinos domésticos provenientes do Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LACVetUFSM). Hemograma, extração de DNA e PCR, para as três espécies de hemoplasmas supracitadas, foram realizados, bem como a análise do histórico clínico, sexo e idade. A frequência total de micoplasmas hemotrópicos encontrada foi de 14,6%, sendo que, 7,83% foram positivos para Candidatus M. haemominutum, 4,17% para Mycoplasma haemofelis, 1,56% para Candidatus M. turicensis, 0,52% para Candidatus M. haemominutum e Mycoplasma haemofelis e 0,52% para Candidatus M. turicensis e Candidatus M. haemominutum. Quanto ao sexo 10,95% de amostras infectadas eram de machos, enquanto que 3,65% eram de fêmeas. Os animais até quatro anos de idade foram mais acometidos pela infecção do que os felinos mais velhos e, apenas 3 animais apresentaram anemia, não foram observadas alterações no leucograma dos animais positivos. Sendo assim, foi possível verificar que a infecção causada por estes organismos está presente na cidade de Santa Maria e, que o Candidatus M. haemominutum é a espécie mais frequente associada à infecção, além disso, os felinos machos e jovens são mais acometidos.

Feline infectious anemia is a disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Mycoplasma, comprising a different group since they are found attached to the surface of erythrocytes, however, are unable to break the cell membrane. They are known as hemoplasmas or mycoplasma Hemotrophic. Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, are species capable of infecting domestic cats. Infection by hemoplasmas is present in almost all continents except Antarctica. The disease can vary from asymptomatic to severe and fatal form, depending upon the species involved and host susceptibility. The main tool for diagnosing the infection is by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), highly sensitive and specific method. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of infection hemoplasmas cats in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and also analyze the hematological parameters of positive animals, as well as sex and age. Thus, it analyzed 192 blood samples from domestic cats from the Laboratory of Analyzes Clinics Veterinaries at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LACVet-UFSM). CBC, DNA extraction and PCR for the three species hemoplasmas above were performed, and the analysis of the medical history, age and sex. The overall frequency of Hemotrophic mycoplasmas found was 14.6%, and, 7.83% were positive for Candidatus M. haemominutum, 4.17% for Mycoplasma haemofelis, 1.56% for Candidatus M. turicensis, 0.52% for Candidatus M. haemominutum and Mycoplasma haemofelis and 0.52% for Candidatus M. turicensis and Candidatus M. haemominutum. The sex 10.95% of infected samples were males, while 3.65% were females. The animals up to four years of age were most affected by the infection than older cats and only 3 animals had anemia, there were no changes in white blood cell count of positive animals. Thus, it observed that the infection caused by these organisms is present in the city of Santa Maria and the Candidatus M. haemominutum is the most common species associated with infection, in addition, males and young cats are most affected.

Development and population growth of Hydra viridissima Pallas, 1766 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) in the laboratory

Hydras, the most representative freshwater Cnidaria, are of common occurrence in bodies of water in every continent except Antarctica. This study was planned with the aim of maintaining a population of Hydra viridissima in laboratory culture to enable the determination of the individual and population growth-rates of this species, as well as its population doubling time and generation time, with a view to employing these common animals as test-organisms in ecotoxicological assays. The organisms were maintained in reconstituted water at 20 ± 2 °C, illuminated at 800 lux with a photoperiod of 12 hours light: 12 hours dark, and were fed on neonates of the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii (3 or 4 neonates per hydra, 3 times a week). The individual growth-rate (k) of the species was 0.43, the maximum length of the column 2.53 mm and the generation time 6.6 ± 1.5 days on average. The hydra population showed an intrinsic growth-rate (r) of 0.0468, according to the fitted curve, and a doubling time of 14.8 ± 2.63 days. Hydra viridissima is easy to grow in the laboratory and performs well in the conditions used in this study. It is thus a promising candidate test-organism for ecotoxicological studies.

As hidras, os mais representativos Cnidaria de água doce, são organismos comuns em corpos de água doce de todos os continentes, exceto na Antártida. O objetivo do presente estudo foi manter o cultivo em laboratório da espécie Hydra viridissima, determinando-se o crescimento individual e populacional desta espécie, assim como seu tempo de duplicação da população e de geração, visando sua utilização como organismo-teste em ensaios ecotoxicológicos. Os organismos foram mantidos em água reconstituída, a uma temperatura de 20 ± 2 °C, com luminosidade de 800 lux e fotoperíodo de 12 horas luz/ 12 horas escuro, e foram alimentados com neonatas do Cladocera Ceriodaphnia silvestrii (3 a 4 neonatas por indivíduo). A taxa de crescimento individual (k) obtida foi de 0,43, o comprimento máximo da coluna das hidras foi de 2,53 mm e o tempo de geração foi, em média, de 6,6 ± 1,5 dias. A espécie apresentou uma taxa intrínseca de crescimento populacional (r) igual a 0,0468 para a curva ajustada e um tempo de duplicação da população de 14,8 ± 2,63 dias. A espécie Hydra viridissima é de fácil cultivo em laboratório e apresentou um bom desempenho nas condições testadas, sendo, portanto, um potencial organismo-teste para estudos ecotoxicológicos.

Enzymatic resolution of (R,S)-ibuprofen and (R,S)-ketoprofen by microbial lipases from native and commercial sources

The enantioselectivity (E) of native lipases from Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor javanicus, Penicillium solitum and Rhizopus javanicus in the resolution of (R,S)-ibuprofen and (R,S)-ketoprofenenantiomers by esterification reaction with 1-propanol in isooctane was compared with known commercial Candida rugosa (Sigma) and Candida antarctica (Novozym®435) lipases. In the resolution of (R,S)-ibuprofen, C. rugosa lipase showed good selectivity (E = 12) while Novozym®435 (E = 6.7) and A. niger (E = 4.8) lipases had intermediate selectivities. Other enzymes were much less selective (E around 2.3 and 1.5), under tested conditions. After preliminary optimization of reaction conditions (water content, enzyme concentration and presence of additives) the enantioselectivity of native A. niger lipase could be enhanced substantially (E = 15). All tested lipases showed low selectivity in the resolution of (R,S)-ketoprofen because poor ester yields and low enantiomeric excess of the acid remaining were achieved.

A enantioseletividade (E) das lipases nativas de Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor javanicus, Penicillium solitum e Rhizopus javanicus na resolução dos enantiômeros do (R,S)-ibuprofeno e (R,S)-cetoprofeno na reação de esterificação com 1-propanol em isoctano foi comparada com as lipases comerciais de Candida rugosa (Sigma) e Candida antarctica (Novozym®435). A lipase de C. rugosa mostrou boa enantioseletividade (E = 12) comparada com as da Novozym®435 (E = 6.7), de A. niger (E=4.8) e com as outras lipases que foram muito menos seletivas (E por volta de 2.3 e 1.5) na resolução do (R,S)-ibuprofeno, dentro das condições testadas. Após uma otimização preliminar das condições da reação (conteúdo de água, concentração da enzima e presença de aditivos) a enantioseletividade da lipase de A. niger pôde ser substancialmente aumentada (E = 15). Todas as lipases testadas mostraram baixa seletividade na resolução de (R,S)-cetoprofeno, resultando baixos rendimentos de éster e de excesso enantiomérico do ácido não esterificado.

Epidemiologia e caracterização molecular do vírus da Influenza em quatro espécies de pinguins na Região Antártica / Epidemiology and molecular characterization of the influenza virus in four penguin species of the antartic region

O Vírus da influenza, apesar de todas as epidemias e pandemias referirem-se a infecções em seres humanos, não está restrita a espécie humana e é capaz de causar debilidade ou mortalidade em várias outras espécies, incluindo cavalos, suínos, mamíferos marinhos e aves, entre outros. Estudos ecológicos das viroses de influenza conduziram a hipótese que todas as que acometem mamíferos derivam de reservatórios destes vírus em aves. Mesmo com programas de monitoramento contínuo de aves silvestres em alguns países do mundo que possuem casos originados pelos vírus aviário H5N1, pouco foi feito na Antártica e por isso, o presente trabalho foi realizado nas estações de verão antártico de 2006, 2007 e 2008 em duas localidades no território Antártico, a Península Keller, localizada na Ilha Rei George e na ilha Elefante 61°08S, 55°07W, a primeira onde está situada a Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz-EACF e a segunda onde está localizada uma base de apoio a estudos avançados. Para este estudo foi realizada a coleta de 283 amostras de quatro diferentes espécies de pinguins: Pygoscelis adeliae; P. papua; P. antarctica; Aptenodytes patagonicus. Para o diagnóstico das amostras colhidas, foi aplicada a detecção direta dos produtos amplificados pelo método de RT-PCR em gel de agarose confirmados pelo método de Real-Time PCR (Applied Biosystems) e pelo RT-PCR-GeneScan no laboratório de Virologia Clínica e Molecular, do Departamento de Microbiologia, da Universidade de São Paulo. Os resultados obtidos em nosso estudo foram 8 amostras positivas em pinguins para o vírus Influenza A. As amostras positivas por RT-PCR foram encaminhadas para o laboratório de Influenza do Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children\'s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA, para isolamento em ovos embrionados, não havendo crescimento de vírus da influenza A. Quatro destas amostras positivas puderam ser sequenciadas e comparadas com sequências de Influenza A depositadas no Genbank apresentando uma identidade de 96,8 % a 100 % entre elas e o controle tendo este último uma identidade de 100% com as do banco de dados, confirmando a presença do vírus nestas aves

Epidemics and pandemics of influenza usually refer to infections in human beings. The influenza virus is not, however, restricted to humans and can cause infirmity and death in other species including horses, swine, marine mammals, birds, and others. Ecological studies of viral infections have led to the hypothesis that the influenza viruses that attack mammals have their origin in the accumulation of these viruses in birds (avian flu). In some countries with influenza cases caused by the avian H5N1 virus, there was monitoring of wild birds but little had been done in Antarctica. The present work was therefore carried out during the Antarctic summer seasons of 2006, 2007, and 2008 in two Antarctic locations: The Commander Ferraz Antarctic Station, on the Keller Peninsula of King George Island, and at the Base of Advanced Studies located on Elephant Island (61°08S, 55°07W). Two hundred eighty-three (283) samples from four different penguin species Pygoscelis adeliae, Pygoscelis papua, Pygoscelis antarctica; and Aptenodytes patagonicus were collected for this study. Diagnoses of the samples were performed not only by application of direct detection and amplification according to the RT-PCR method in agar-gel, but also by Real-Time PCR (Applied Biosystems), and by RT-PCR gene scan at the Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Virology of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Sao Paulo. Eight of the penguin samples tested positive for the Influenza-A virus. The positive samples, as determined by RT-PCR, were sent to the Influenza Laboratory of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, to be isolated in egg embryos where no further growth of the Influenza-A virus took place. Four of these positive samples could be sequenced and compared with those of Influenza-A on deposit at the Gene Bank and ranged from 96.85 to 100% when compared with the control samples (100% positive), thus confirming the presence of the virus in the tested birds