Goat Cheese Produced with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Extract and a Native Culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae: Characterization and Probiotic Survival.

The microbiological and biochemical properties of a goat cheese produced using Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract as a coagulant and the potentially probiotic autochthonous culture Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 were examined in comparison to a control cheese devoid of the autochthonous culture. Throughout a 60-day storage period at 6 ± 1 °C, lactobacilli maintained a count of above 8 log CFU/g. Additionally, its viability in cheeses subjected to the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated improvement over this period. Specifically, the recovery of lactobacilli above 6 log CFU/g was observed in 16.66% of the samples in the first day, increasing to 66.66% at both 30 and 60 days. While total coliforms were detected in both cheese trials, this sanitary parameter exhibited a decline in L. mucosae cheeses during storage, falling below the method threshold (<3 MPN/g) at 60 days. This observation suggests a potential biopreservative effect exerted by this microorganism, likely attributed to the higher acidity of L. mucosae cheeses at that point (1.80 g/100 g), which was twice that of the control trial (0.97 g/100 g). Furthermore, distinct relative proportions of >30 kDa, 30-20 kDa, and <20 kDa proteins during storage was verified for L. mucosae and control cheeses. Consequently, either the H. annuus seed extract or the L. mucosae CNPC007 autochthonous culture influenced the biochemical properties of the cheese, particularly in terms of proteolysis. Moreover, L. mucosae CNPC007 acidification property resulted in a biopreservative effect throughout the storage period, indicating the potential as a promising source of probiotics for this product.

Dengue fever as autochthonous infectious disease in Italy: Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Since August to November 2023, 82 cases of autochthonous or non-travel related Dengue virus (DENV) infection have been reported in Italy, highlighting a concerning trend of local transmission. We describe the clinical and laboratory findings of 10 autochthonous DENV in the metropolitan area of Rome admitted to the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases. METHOD AND RESULTS: Ten patients (3 males, 7 females; median age: 51) with classic dengue fever symptoms were admitted between August and November 2023. Laboratory tests confirmed dengue infection through DENV non-structural protein 1 and/or immunoglobulins (IgM/IgG) positive tests, moreover leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases were detected. A subset of patients underwent extensive biological sampling, including real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, to monitor DENV-RNA and antibody levels over 30 days. DENV-1 was detected in 8 patients and DENV-3 in 2. Upon admission specific IgM antibodies were found in 7 patients while IgG antibodies in 4 patients. DENV RNA was consistently detected in blood within the first 8 days but was less common in saliva and urine. No DENV RNA was detected after day 24. CONCLUSION: These findings contribute to the understanding of the clinical course of DENV infection in a non-endemic setting as integrated epidemiological and clinical model to increase syndromic surveillance and timely diagnosis of DENV infections.

Peri-domestic entomological surveillance using private traps allows detection of dengue virus in Aedes albopictus during an autochthonous transmission event in mainland France, late summer 2023.

While locally-acquired dengue virus (DENV) human infections occur in mainland France since 2010, data to identify the mosquito species involved and to trace the virus are frequently lacking. Supported by a local network gathering public health agencies and research laboratories, we analysed, in late summer 2023, mosquitoes from privately-owned traps within a French urban neighbourhood affected by a dengue cluster. The cluster, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, comprised three cases, including two autochthonous ones. Upon return from a recent visit to the French Caribbean Islands, the third case had consulted healthcare because of dengue-compatible symptoms, but dengue had not been recognised. For the two autochthonous cases, DENV-specific antibodies in serum or a positive quantitative PCR for DENV confirmed DENV infection. The third case had anti-flavivirus IgMs. No DENV genetic sequences were obtained from affected individuals but Aedes albopictus mosquitoes trapped less than 200 m from the autochthonous cases' residence contained DENV. Genetic data from the mosquito-derived DENV linked the cluster to the 2023-2024 dengue outbreak in the French Caribbean Islands. This study highlights the importance of raising mosquito-borne disease awareness among healthcare professionals. It demonstrates Ae. albopictus as a DENV vector in mainland France and the value of private mosquito traps for entomo-virological surveillance.

Chloroplast Genome Variation and Phylogenetic Relationships of Autochthonous Varieties of Vitis vinifera from the Don Valley.

The autochthonous grape varieties of the Don Valley, situated in southern Russia, constitute a distinctive element of regional cultural heritage. These varieties have been adapted over centuries to the region's specific local climatic and soil conditions. For the most part, these varieties are not imported from other countries. They are closely related to varieties found in Crimea and the North Caucasus. In this study, we obtained the first complete, unfragmented sequences of the chloroplast genomes of eight autochthonous varieties from the Don Valley and one from Crimea. We also performed a comparative analysis of their genomic features. The size of Vitis vinifera chloroplast genome sequences varied from 160,925 to 160,991 bp, depending on the cultivar, with a uniform GC ratio of 37.38%. Each genome consists of four subregions: a single copy region (LSC) ranging from 89,158 to 89,336 bp, a small single copy region (SSC) ranging from 19,070 to 19,073 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) in the range of 26,292 to 26,353 bp. The chloroplast genomes of the studied V. vinifera varieties contained 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The sequence divergence analysis has enabled the identification of four highly variable regions, which may be utilized as potential markers for phylogenetic analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of 58 to 61 SSRs and multiple long repeated sequences in the chloroplast genomes of these varieties. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences obtained and complete chloroplast genomes available from public databases indicated that the majority of autochthonous V. vinifera varieties do not have a direct origin from any European variety.

Autochthonous probiotic bacteria improve intestinal pathology and histomorphology, expression of immune and growth-related genes and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

The study isolated two strains of intestinal autochthonous bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum1 (MH155966.1) (L1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum2 (MH105076.1) (L2) from the Choobdeh Abadan region. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different strains of probiotic bacteria on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, histopathologic and histomorphometric characterization of the intestine, expression of immune and growth related genes, and evaluate Lates calcarifer resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus. To achieve this, for each treatment 60 L. calcarifer juveniles (75 ± 12 g) were randomly distributed in three fiberglass tanks (300 L) and fed for 45 days. The treatments were established as Diet 1 (control diet); L1 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 1); L2 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 2) with a bacterial concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/g. Nine fish from each treatment were sampled and examined, after euthanasia. The fish were placed 2 cm from the beginning of the intestine for microscopic sampling of villi height, villi width and thickness of the epithelium, with 3 treatments: The result showed differences in the mean values of total weight were found at the end of the experiment. After 45 days of culture, the fish fed with L1 had higher (P < 0.05) growth performance than the other treatment groups. But at the end of the trial, in L2, the digestive enzyme activities were higher (P < 0.05) than the other treatment groups. The fishes fed diets supplemented with the L2 group, like the digestive enzyme activities test, presented an increase in the thickness of the epithelium of the intestine, and villus height, and villus width were greatest in L2. Fish feeding with L1 and L2 probiotics induced higher transcription levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GMCFC), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-ß) genes in the gut, which may correlate with better immune and hematological parameters in these groups. The results of the challenge test revealed that the percentage of survival was significantly higher in L1 (76.2%) and L2 (80.95%) treatments than in the control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that host-derived probiotics (Lb. plantarum) have significant potential as important probiotics to enhance nutrient utilization, Digestive enzymes, and metabolism by increasing the gut surface area of Lates calcarifer juveniles at 45 days of culture.

Waste Combustion Releases Anthropogenic Nanomaterials in Indigenous Arctic Communities.

Arctic autochthonous communities and the environment face unprecedented challenges due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. One less-explored aspect of these challenges is the release and distribution of anthropogenic nanomaterials in autochthonous communities. This study pioneers a comprehensive investigation into the nature and dispersion of anthropogenic nanomaterials within Arctic Autochthonous communities, originating from their traditional waste-burning practices. Employing advanced nanoanalytical tools, we unraveled the nature and prevalence of nanomaterials, including metal oxides (TiO2, PbO), alloys (SnPb, SbPb, SnAg, SnCu, SnZn), chromated copper arsenate-related nanomaterials (CuCrO2, CuCr2O4), and nanoplastics (polystyrene and polypropylene) in snow and sediment near waste burning sites. This groundbreaking study illuminates the unintended consequences of waste burning in remote Arctic areas, stressing the urgent need for interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and sustainable waste management. These measures are crucial to safeguard the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the health of autochthonous communities.

Autochthonous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania tropica, Identified by Using Whole-Genome Sequencing, Sri Lanka.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is atypical in Sri Lanka because Leishmania donovani, which typically causes visceral disease, is the causative agent. The origins of recently described hybrids between L. donovani and other Leishmania spp. usually responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis remain unknown. Other endemic dermotropic Leishmania spp. have not been reported in Sri Lanka. Genome analysis of 27 clinical isolates from Sri Lanka and 32 Old World Leishmania spp. strains found 8 patient isolates clustered with L. tropica and 19 with L. donovani. The L. tropica isolates from Sri Lanka shared markers with strain LtK26 reported decades ago in India, indicating they were not products of recent interspecies hybridization. Because L. tropica was isolated from patients with leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka, our findings indicate L. donovani is not the only cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and potentially explains a haplotype that led to interspecies dermotropic L. donovani hybrids.

Analysis of patients with acute hepatitis E treated at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine in Kosice. / Analýza pacientov s akútnou hepatitídou E na Klinike infektológie a cestovnej medicíny v Kosiciach.

AIM: To analyse clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data of a cohort of patients with acute hepatitis E treated at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine (CITM) in Kosice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of hospital information system data on patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis E who were examined or hospitalized at CITM in 2015-2023. Statistical evaluation of the available data with a focus on epidemiology, course, and complications. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 62 patients. Fifty-eight percent were male. The mean age was 56 years. Seventy-four percent of patients were hospitalized, with a mean length of hospital stay of 10 days. The most common clinical manifestation was jaundice (in 40% of patients). Six patients had stool HEV RNA testing and all were confirmed to have genotype 3. In 5% of patients, the infection was classified as imported (they did not have HEV RNA tested), and 95% of cases were autochthonous. A history of contact with an HEV infected person was reported by 26% of patients. A history of preexisting liver disease was noted in 13% of patients who were confirmed with higher bilirubin, GMT, and ammonia levels. No statistically significant differences were found for patients with a history of immune deficiency. One patient with preexisting liver disease developed fulminant infection resulting in death. Four hepatitis E patients with neurological symptoms had lower bilirubin levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study cohort included predominantly older men. Genotype 3 was confirmed in all patients who underwent HEV RNA testing. Higher bilirubin, ammonia, and GMT levels were confirmed in patients with preexisting liver disease. Patients with neurological complications had lower bilirubin levels. One patient with preexisting liver disease died.

The effect of the production system on the proteomics profiles of the Longissimus thoracis muscle in Arouquesa cattle.

Arouquesa cattle breed is an autochthonous Portuguese breed produced under a traditional mountain system that need improvement without affecting beef quality. The aim of this work is to compare the proteomics profiles of the Longissimus thoracis muscle from Arouquesa animals produced under different production systems. Sixty weaners were produced under the following systems: traditional (TF) and traditional with starter feed supplementation (TF + S1) with weaning and slaughtering at 9 months, the S1 + S2 (weaning at 5 months and grower supplement until slaughter) and two rearing periods with finishing supplementation (TF + S3 and S3). Upon slaughter, samples of L. thoracis were taken and analyzed using a shotgun proteomics workflow. Several putative markers of beef quality for the Arouquesa breed were identified: VIM, FSCN1, SERPINH1, ALDH1A1, NDUFB5, ANXA1, PDK4, CEMIP2, NDUFB9, PDLIM1, OXCT1, MYH4. These proteins are involved in actin binding, skeletal muscle development and in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and they can influence mostly meat tenderness and color. We identified specific proteins for each group related to different metabolisms involved in several aspects that affect meat quality parameters. Our results demonstrate the link between production practices and putative meat characteristics, which have the potential to improve the traceability of certified products. SIGNIFICANCE: Arouquesa breed is produced in a sustainable system using natural resources and contributing to the economy of low-populated rural regions in Northern Portugal. Besides their economic relevance, producing autochthonous breeds can counter rural depopulation and maintain local heritage. Additionally, consumer awareness about product quality is increasing and PDO products contribute to satisfying this demand. However, it is necessary to increase production so that it is possible to sell these products outside the production region. To ensure robust traceability and that PDO label characteristics are maintained despite increasing production yield, product analysis is of paramount importance. For this reason, proteomic approaches can provide insight into how production changes will affect beef quality and generate putative biomarkers of certified production systems.

Lactococcus lactis MA5 is a potential autochthonous probiotic for nutrient digestibility enhancement and bacterial pathogen inhibition in hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus).

With the emergence of diseases, the U.S. catfish industry is under challenge. Current trends prefer autochthonous bacteria as potential probiotic candidates owing to their adaptability and capacity to effectively colonize the host's intestine, which can enhance production performance and bolster disease resistance. The objective of this study was to isolate an autochthonous bacterium as probiotic for hybrid catfish. Initially, an analysis of the intestinal microbiota of hybrid catfish reared in earthen ponds was conducted for subsequent probiotic development. Twenty lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the digesta of overperforming catfish, and most of the candidates demonstrated probiotic traits, including proteolytic and lipolytic abilities; antagonistic inhibition of catfish enteric bacterial pathogens, negative haemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility. Subsequent to this screening process, an isolate of Lactococcus lactis (MA5) was deemed the most promising probiotic candidate. In silico analyses were conducted, and several potential probiotic functions were predicted, including essential amino acids and vitamin synthesis. Moreover, genes for three bacteriocins, lactococcin A, enterolysin A and sactipeptide BmbF, were identified. Lastly, various protectant media for lyophilization of MA5 were assessed. These findings suggest that Lactococcus lactis MA5 can be an autochthonous probiotic from hybrid catfish, holding promise to be further tested in feeding trials.

In vitro probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestines of Muscovy ducks.

The current study was conducted to isolate, test and characterize molecularly and physiologically lactic acid bacteria from the intestines of Muscovy ducks to evaluate their probiotic potential for poultry farming. Three hundred lactic acid bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of Muscovy ducks were isolated. The strains were phenotypically characterized by observing cell morphology, performing Gram staining, catalase production, and testing their ability to grow in MRS broth at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations, bile concentration, and in compatibility tests between strains. Nine strains were selected based on their resilience. Eight strains were identified using molecular techniques. These strains exhibited significant tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and NaCl, essential for probiotic function. All isolates inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (DT104) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O86:H34 (EPEC), showcasing their antimicrobial potential. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin but high susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin. Growth was observed at various temperatures, indicating mesophilic characteristics. Compatibility tests confirmed their suitability for probiotic formulations. Genomic analysis identified the strains primarily as Enterococcus. Conclusively, the study identified eight out of nine selected lactic acid bacteria strains from Muscovy ducks as autochthonous probiotics, showing resilience to treatments and compatibility for consortium formulation. These strains are suitable for in vivo testing for potential poultry farming applications. Further research on their molecular mechanisms and in vivo effects is needed.

Base Characteristics, Preservation Methods, and Assessment of the Genetic Diversity of Autochthonous Breeds of Cattle, Sheep and Pigs in Serbia: A Review.

Preserving local autochthonous domestic animal populations and the products derived from them is a crucial aspect of managing human utilization of the biosphere. This management approach aims to ensure sustainable benefits for both present and future generations. The diversity of autochthonous domestic animal populations plays a vital role in the functionality and sustainability of the food production system. It encompasses both productive and non-productive aspects, contributing significantly to the overall health, nutrition, and food security of the landscape by providing a wide range of animal-derived food resources. Based on the data contained in the Draft Program of Rural Development, a significant presence of more than 44 autochthonous and local breeds of domestic animals has been noted in Serbia. In order to enable the sustainable preservation of local domestic animals, the competent Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia has, through a number of projects, implemented models for the preservation of local breeds on farms (in situ), as well as provided technical assistance to small farms that keep animal collections. It also helps the local population to procure animals, conducts product quality research, and provides opportunities to integrate conservation programs through tourism. Given that molecular characterization is a key factor for the preservation of autochthonous breeds, in the Republic of Serbia, DNA markers are used for identification and to investigate the belonging to a specific breeds or strain. All the mentioned activities led to an immediate increase in the number of animals, which is especially true for the autochthonous breeds of cattle (Busha), sheep (Sjenicka, Svrljiska, and Vlach-vitohorn) and pigs (Mangalitsa, Moravka, and Resavka) that are discussed in this paper. In addition to the significant measures undertaken to preserve animal genetic resources (AnGR), it is necessary to continue to work primarily on ex situ conservation in order to prevent the loss of their gene pools. However, regardless of the evident effort that has been made to preserve autochthonous genetic resources in Serbia, we believe that there is still a lot of room for further improvement. This primarily refers to advanced technologies that have not been applied so far, mostly related to the identification of genomic regions associated with economic traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to emerging climate changes. In this way, the production capacity and functional characteristics of autochthonous species and breeds of domestic animals in Serbia will be improved.

Traits of Mortadella from Meat of Different Commercial Categories of Indigenous Dairy Cattle.

The rising interest in healthier meat options prompted the exploration of alternatives to traditional pork-based products, incorporating meat from different livestock species, feeding regimens, and functional ingredients. This study investigates the production of healthier meat products by examining the physicochemical traits, fatty acid profile, and sensory properties of mortadella made with Cinisara meat of four young bulls and four adult cows, and four females of the Nebrodi Black Pig. All the animals were fed principally on natural resources. Nutritional analysis revealed different levels of moisture, protein, fat, and ash in raw materials, with pistachios contributing to a healthy fatty acid profile rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Formulations using cow meat exhibited higher fat content and caloric value, resulting in sensory attributes such as more intense color, improved fat cube adhesion, and pronounced odors compared to young bull and control mortadella. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated distinctive profiles influenced by the meat type used and, as expected, bovine products showed higher contents of rumenic and other conjugated linoleic acids. Pork mortadella displayed greater ω6 and ω3 values, with a healthier ω6/ω3 ratio comparable to those found in cow products. Young bull mortadella showed the worse atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. The findings underscore the impact of raw materials on the nutritional and sensory attributes of mortadella, emphasizing the necessity for interventions to enhance fatty acid composition in processed meat products.

Probiotic potential of autochthonous Lactobacillus species from buffalo calves in controlling multidrug resistant Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to investigate the probiotic potential of autochthonous Lactobacillus species isolated from buffalo calves against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. A total of 252 rectal swabs were collected from healthy neonatal buffalo calves under 30 days old from six districts of Andhra Pradesh, India in a completely randomized design from August 2019 to August 2021, of which 190 Lactobacillus strains were isolated based on cultural, morphological, biochemical and molecular tests. Out of 190 isolates, 57 showed high levels of auto-aggregation (> 80.00%) and hydrophobicity (> 60.00%) and 51 of the 57 isolates had a zone of inhibition greater than 15.00 mm in diameter against multidrug-resistant E. coli in an Agar well diffusion assay. Among the 51 isolates, 36 were found to be acid and bile tolerant and showed varying levels of sensitivity to antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin. Among the 36 isolates, Limosilactobacillus reuteri 178, L. reuteri 209, L. fermentum 182, L. fermentum 211, and Lactiplanti-bacillus plantarum 34 were non-hemolytic, and none of the isolates were able to hydrolyse gelatine. Therefore, these five autochthonous Lactobacillus species may be used in probiotic or synbiotic formulations against multidrug resistant E. coli in buffalo calves.

Autochthonous organic matter input in reservoirs: Limited methane oxidation in sediments fails to suppress methane emission.

The interception of rivers leads to the accumulation of substantial organic matter in reservoirs, exerting a significant influence on greenhouse gas emissions. The diverse imported organic matter, coupled with sedimentary heterogeneity and intricate microbial processes, gives rise to seasonal variations in methane emissions from reservoirs. In this study, sediment cores were supplemented with terrestrial or autochthonous carbon to emulate reservoir carbon input across different seasons, thereby investigating methane emission potential and associated microbial mechanisms within the sediment cores. Results demonstrated that autochthonous organic matter enhanced sediment organic content, thereby providing more substrates for the methanogenic process and fostering the proliferation of methanogens (with a relative abundance of 47.17 % to 60.66 %). Notably, the dominant genera of Methanosaeta, Methanosarcina, and Candidatus Methanomethylicus were boost on the surface layer of sediment. Concurrently, the introduction of autochthonous organic carbon spurred an increase in methane-oxidizing microbe, reaching up to 5.59 %, with Methylobacter and Candidatus Methanoperedens as the predominant species, which led to a downward migration of the functional microbial group in the sediment. Under the priming impact of autochthonous carbon, however, the methane oxidation probably doesn't consume the substantial methane produced in sediment. Consequently, the sediment functions as a hotspot for methane release into the overlying water, highlighting the necessity to include summer as critical periods for integrated assessments, particularly during algae bloom.

Effect of Inoculation with Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria on Flavor, Texture, and Color Formation of Dry Sausages with NaCl Partly Substituted by KCl.

The effects of inoculating lactic acid bacteria (LAB), specifically Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Latilactobacillus sakei, Latilactobacillus curvatus, and Weissella hellenica on the flavor, texture, and color formation of dry sausages in which NaCl was partially substituted by 40% KCl, were explored in this study. It was found that LAB inoculation increased the presence of ketones, alcohols, acids, esters, and terpenes. It also reduced the pH, moisture, protein, and fat content, improving the b*-value, flavor, and texture of the sausages. Notably, L. sakei inoculation showed the most significant improvement in dry sausages with NaCl substitutes, especially on the reduction of bitterness. Meanwhile, there was a close positive correlation between the LAB count with the alcohols and esters formation of dry sausage with NaCl substitution (p < 0.05). These findings offer insight into improving the product characteristics of dry sausages using NaCl substitutes.

Dengue, chikungunya y el mosquito vector en el límite Sur de distribución durante la epidemia 2023, Argentina / Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina

Resumen Objetivos : Monitorear la actividad de oviposición del mosquito Aedes aegypti y de casos de dengue y chikun gunya en cuatro localidades de Argentina templada, durante la epidemia del 2023. Métodos : Durante el verano y otoño del 2023, se mo nitoreó semanalmente mediante ovitrampas la actividad de oviposición del mosquito vector, y se registró el arribo de casos con dengue o chikungunya a Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca y Laprida. Resultados : La variación mensual del porcentaje de trampas positivas fue similar en las tres primeras localidades; en Laprida no se detectó el mosquito. Por el contrario, se observó una diferencia significativa del porcentaje de trampas que alguna vez resultó positiva en cada localidad, siendo mayor en Olavarría (83%), que en Bahía Blanca (67%) y Tandil (49%). Respecto a las enfermedades, se registraron 18 casos importados de dengue y 3 de chikungunya. Además, se registró el primer caso autóctono de dengue en la región, siendo el más austral hasta el momento. Conclusión : Es imprescindible sensibilizar y capacitar a los integrantes de los sistemas de salud de las nue vas regiones expuestas al Ae. aegypti para la detección temprana de casos, y a la población en general para potenciar las acciones de prevención.

Abstract Objectives : To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic. Methods : During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered. Results : Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the con trary, a significant difference was observed in the per centage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southern most until known. Conclusion : It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance pre vention actions.

The inputs of autochthonous organic carbon driven by mangroves reduce metal mobility and bioavailability in intertidal regions.

The significance of mangroves in carbon storage is widely acknowledged. However, the potential role of carbon enhancement driven by mangroves in mitigating the risk of metal exposure remains unclear. In this study, a natural mangrove reserve located in Futian was selected to investigate the potential role of autochthonous organic carbon on metal bioavailability. The presence of mangroves seemed to have little effect on the accumulations of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI/III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) in surface sediments. Metal mobility and bioavailability, however, were found to be directly influenced by the presence of mangroves. Compared with mudflat, mangrove sediments exhibited an obvious in the bioavailability of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI/III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) by 19-79 %, with the highest reduction occurring in the interior of mangroves dominated by K. obovata. Mangroves also significantly enhanced the accumulation of organic carbon in sediments, regardless of carbon components. Moreover, the results from random forest analysis further showed that autochthonous organic carbon was the most important carbon component that negatively related to metal bioavailability. In summary, this is the first study to provide a linkage between mangrove cover and increased autochthonous organic carbon input, which decreases metal bioavailability. The present data also suggest that mangroves are an efficient natural barrier to alleviate the risk of metal exposure in intertidal regions.

[Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina]. / Dengue, chikungunya y el mosquito vector en el límite sur de distribución durante la epidemia 2023, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic. METHODS: During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered. RESULTS: Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the contrary, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southernmost until known. CONCLUSION: It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance prevention actions.

OBJETIVOS: Monitorear la actividad de oviposición del mosquito Aedes aegypti y de casos de dengue y chikungunya en cuatro localidades de Argentina templada, durante la epidemia del 2023. Métodos: Durante el verano y otoño del 2023, se monitoreó semanalmente mediante ovitrampas la actividad de oviposición del mosquito vector, y se registró el arribo de casos con dengue o chikungunya a Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca y Laprida. RESULTADOS: La variación mensual del porcentaje de trampas positivas fue similar en las tres primeras localidades; en Laprida no se detectó el mosquito. Por el contrario, se observó una diferencia significativa del porcentaje de trampas que alguna vez resultó positiva en cada localidad, siendo mayor en Olavarría (83%), que en Bahía Blanca (67%) y Tandil (49%). Respecto a las enfermedades, se registraron 18 casos importados de dengue y 3 de chikungunya. Además, se registró el primer caso autóctono de dengue en la región, siendo el más austral hasta el momento. Conclusión: Es imprescindible sensibilizar y capacitar a los integrantes de los sistemas de salud de las nuevas regiones expuestas al Ae. aegypti para la detección temprana de casos, y a la población en general para potenciar las acciones de prevención.

The efficient applications of native flora for phytorestoration of mine tailings: a pan-global survey.

Mine tailings are the discarded materials resulting from mining processes after minerals have been extracted. They consist of leftover mineral fragments, excavated land masses, and disrupted ecosystems. The uncontrolled handling or discharge of tailings from abandoned mine lands (AMLs) poses a threat to the surrounding environment. Numerous untreated mine tailings have been abandoned globally, necessitating immediate reclamation and restoration efforts. The limited feasibility of conventional reclamation methods, such as cost and acceptability, presents challenges in reclaiming tailings around AMLs. This study focuses on phytorestoration as a sustainable method for treating mine tailings. Phytorestoration utilizes existing native plants on the mine sites while applying advanced principles of environmental biotechnology. These approaches can remediate toxic elements and simultaneously improve soil quality. The current study provides a global overview of phytorestoration methods, emphasizing the specifics of mine tailings and the research on native plant species to enhance restoration ecosystem services.