Infection of novel reassortant H1N2 and H3N2 swine influenza A viruses in the guinea pig model.

Novel H1N2 and H3N2 swine influenza A viruses (IAVs) were identified in commercial farms in Chile. These viruses contained H1, H3 and N2 sequences, genetically divergent from IAVs described worldwide, associated with pandemic internal genes. Guinea pigs were used as human surrogate to evaluate the infection dynamics of these reassortant viruses, compared with a pandemic H1N1 virus. All viruses replicated and were shed in the upper respiratory tract without prior adaptation although H1N2 viruses showed the highest shedding titers. This could have public health importance, emphasizing the need to carry out further studies to evaluate the zoonotic potential of these viruses.

Protocol for the development of a core outcome set for pelvic girdle pain, including methods for measuring the outcomes: the PGP-COS study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is an important cause of disability and economic cost worldwide. There is a need for effective preventative and management strategies. Emerging studies measure a variety of outcomes rendering synthesis and translation to clinical practice difficult. A Core Outcome Set (COS) can address this problem by ensuring that data are relevant, useful and usable for making well-informed healthcare choices. The aim of this study is to develop a consensus-based PGP-COS, including agreement on methods (e.g. instruments) for measuring the construct outcomes in the COS for use in research and clinical practice. Furthermore, as there is uncertainty as to whether incorporating stakeholder interviews in addition to conducting a systematic review to determine an initial list of outcomes for the Delphi survey, or, whether using different rating scales in a Delphi survey impacts on the final COS, we propose to embed two methodological studies within the PGP-COS development process to address these questions. METHODS: The PGP-COS study will include five phases: (1) A systematic review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with 15 patients (three countries) to form the initial list of outcomes for the Delphi survey; (2) A 3-round Delphi including patients, clinicians, researchers and service providers; (3) A systematic review of methods for measuring the outcomes in the preliminary PGP-COS identified in the Delphi survey; (4) A face-to-face consensus meeting to agree on the final PGP-COS and methods for measuring the COS; (5) Global dissemination. To address the methodological questions, we will assess the number and type of outcomes, in the final PGP-COS, that were exclusively derived from the interviews. Secondly, we will randomise Delphi survey participants to either a 5-point or 9-point importance rating scale, and examine potential differences in 'important' ratings between the groups. DISCUSSION: There is currently no COS for measuring/monitoring PGP in trials and clinical practice. A PGP-COS will ensure that relevant outcomes are measured using appropriate measurement instruments for patients with PGP globally. CORE OUTCOME SET REGISTRATION: This PGP-COS was registered with COMET (Core Outcome Measures for Effectiveness Trials) in January 2017 ( http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/958 ).

Assessment of the nature interactions of ß-amyloid protein by a nanoprobe method.

We present a method based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess the work of adhesion between the interfaces of gold AFM tips functionalized with three peptides derived from ß-sheet breaker LPFFD [CLPFFD-NH2 (i0) and their isomers CDLPFF-NH2 (i1) and CLPDFF-NH2 (i2)], and the beta-amyloid protein (Aß1-42). ß-Amyloid protein was deposited onto a highly oriented graphite (HOPG) surface as protofibrils and fibrils. The presence of the residues Leu (L), Phe (F), and Phe (F), which are also present in the native sequence, confirm that the peptides are able to bind to the aggregates of Aß1-42 fibrils and protofibrils. Force of adhesion data were directly obtained from the maximum force on retraction, and the work of adhesion was calculated from the Jhonson-Kendall-Roberts model (JKR-Model). Both the polar and dispersive contributions to the surface energy of the peptides i0, i1, and i2, as well as Aß1-42 fibrils and protofibrils, were determined by means of measuring the contact angle and using the two-fluid method. The macroscopic energies of the functionalized gold surfaces do not differ significantly between isomers, which confirms the similar nature of the peptides i0, i1, and i2 but suggests that the macroscopic measurements are not able to distinguish specific sequences. The nanoprobe reveals a typical adhesion work value associated with the interaction of protofibrils with i0 and i2; this value is three times higher than that of i1. The difference is attributed to the hydrophobic nature of protofibrils, the predominant exposition of hydrophobic residues of the peptides i0 and i2, with respect to i1, and the degree of functionalization. i0 and i2 presented a slight adhesion with Aß fibrils, which is associated with the exposed hydrophilic groups of these fibrils (onto HOPG) compared to the protofibrils. However, i1 showed interaction with both Aß fibrils and protofibrils. For this, we propose an explanation based on the fact that the peptide i1 locates itself adjacent to the gold surface of the probe, concealing their hydrophobic groups and therefore decreasing the probability of interaction with Aß fibrils and protofibrils. The peptide-gold nano probe represents a useful tool to study the nanobiointeractions of functionalized nanoparticles with amyloid aggregates.

Novel influenza A viruses in pigs with zoonotic potential, Chile.

Novel H1N2 and H3N2 swine influenza A viruses (IAVs) have recently been identified in Chile. The objective of this study was to evaluate their zoonotic potential. We perform phylogenetic analyses to determine the genetic origin and evolution of these viruses, and a serological analysis to determine the level of cross-protective antibodies in the human population. Eight genotypes were identified, all with pandemic H1N1 2009-like internal genes. H1N1 and H1N2 were the subtypes more commonly detected. Swine H1N2 and H3N2 IAVs had hemagglutinin and neuraminidase lineages genetically divergent from IAVs reported worldwide, including human vaccine strains. These genes originated from human seasonal viruses were introduced into the swine population since the mid-1980s. Serological data indicate that the general population is susceptible to the H3N2 virus and that elderly and young children also lack protective antibodies against the H1N2 strains, suggesting that these viruses could be potential zoonotic threats. Continuous IAV surveillance and monitoring of the swine and human populations is strongly recommended.IMPORTANCEIn the global context, where swine serve as crucial intermediate hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs), this study addresses the pressing concern of the zoonotic potential of novel reassortant strains. Conducted on a large scale in Chile, it presents a comprehensive account of swine influenza A virus diversity, covering 93.8% of the country's industrialized swine farms. The findings reveal eight distinct swine IAV genotypes, all carrying a complete internal gene cassette of pandemic H1N1 2009 origin, emphasizing potential increased replication and transmission fitness. Genetic divergence of H1N2 and H3N2 IAVs from globally reported strains raises alarms, with evidence suggesting introductions from human seasonal viruses since the mid-1980s. A detailed serological analysis underscores the zoonotic threat, indicating susceptibility in the general population to swine H3N2 and a lack of protective antibodies in vulnerable demographics. These data highlight the importance of continuous surveillance, providing crucial insights for global health organizations.

Clinical, sociodemographic and environmental predicting factors for relapse in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and recurrent illness characterized by manic, mixed or depressive episodes, alternated with periods of euthymia. Several prognostic factors are associated with higher rates of relapse, which is crucial for the identification of high-risk individuals. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature regarding the impact of sociodemographic, clinical and environmental factors, in clinical relapses, recurrences and hospitalizations due to mood episodes in BD. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science) was conducted to integrate current evidence about the impact of specific risk factors in these outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by the type of factors assessed. Family and personal psychiatric history, more severe previous episodes, earlier age of onset, and history of rapid cycling are associated with clinical relapses, along with lower global functioning and cognitive impairments. Unemployment, low educational status, poorer social adjustment and life events are also associated with higher frequency of episodes, and cannabis with a higher likelihood for rehospitalization. LIMITATIONS: Small sample sizes, absence of randomized clinical trials, diverse follow-up periods, lack of control for some confounding factors, heterogeneous study designs and diverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although current evidence remains controversial, several factors have been associated with an impaired prognosis, which might allow clinicians to identify patients at higher risk for adverse clinical outcomes and find modifiable factors. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of each risk factor in the mentioned outcomes.

Cross-protection of commercial vaccines against Chilean swine influenza A virus using the guinea pig model as a surrogate.

Influenza A virus poses a significant threat to public health and the swine industry. Vaccination is the primary measure for controlling the disease, but the effectiveness of vaccines can vary depending on the antigenic match between vaccine strains and circulating strains. In Chile, H1N1pdm09 and other lineages H1N2 and H3N2 have been detected in pigs, which are genetically distinct from the strains included in commercial vaccines. This study aimed to evaluate the cross-protection by commercial vaccines against strains circulating in Chile using the guinea pig model. For this study, four circulating strains [A/swine/Chile/H1A-7/2014(H1N2), A/swine/Chile/H1B-2/2014(H1N2), A/swine/Chile/H1P-12/2015(H1N1), and A/swine/Chile/H3-2/2015(H3N2)] were selected. Guinea pigs were divided into vaccinated and control groups. The vaccinated animals received either a multivalent antigenically heterologous or monovalent homologous vaccine, while the control animals remained unvaccinated. Following vaccination, all animals were intranasally challenged, and nasal wash samples were collected at different time points post-infection. The results showed that the homologous monovalent vaccine-induced hemagglutinin-specific antibodies against the Chilean pandemic H1N1pdm09 strain. However, the commercial heterologous multivalent vaccine failed to induce hemagglutinin-specific antibody titers against the H1N2 and H3N2 challenge strains. Furthermore, the homologous monovalent vaccine significantly reduced the duration of viral shedding and viral titers specifically against the Chilean pandemic H1N1pdm09 strain and heterologous multivalent vaccine only partial. These findings highlight the importance of regularly updating vaccine strains to match the circulating field strains for effective control of swine influenza. Further research is needed to develop vaccines that confer broader protection against diverse strains of swine influenza A virus.

Manic episode in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a case report.

Psychiatric comorbidity is common in cancer patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care. While depressive symptoms in pancreatic cancer have been studied, there is limited attention given to manic symptoms. This case report aims to contribute to the knowledge of pancreatic cancer psychiatric comorbidities by describing a case of a patient with stage IV pancreatic cancer who presented a sudden onset manic episode. The patient, a 61-year-old male with stage IV pancreatic cancer, presented at the Emergency Room with abrupt behavioural changes suggestive of a manic episode of 2 weeks of evolution. The patient had been undergoing chemotherapy and short 3-day cycles of corticosteroids for the past 9 months but had been off this treatment for 20 days when the episode began. Acute organic causes were ruled out. The patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit, where organic screening was expanded and treatment with antipsychotics and a mood stabiliser was initiated with subsequent remission of symptoms after 2 weeks. This case shows a manic episode as a rare psychiatric complication in pancreatic cancer. In the literature reviewed, four other similar cases have been observed. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology and explore possible treatment strategies.

Molecular surveillance of potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir hosts in wildlife rehabilitation centers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has become the most devastating zoonotic event in recent times, with negative impacts on both human and animal welfare as well as on the global economy. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered a human virus, it likely emerged from animals, and it can infect both domestic and wild animals. This constitutes a risk for human and animal health including wildlife with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 horizontal transmission back and forth between humans and wild animals. AIM: Molecular surveillance in different wildlife rehabilitation centers and wildlife associated institutions in Chile, which are critical points of animal-human interaction and wildlife conservation, especially since the aim of wildlife rehabilitation centers is to reintroduce animals to their original habitat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted in six WRCs and three wildlife associated institutions. A total of 185 samples were obtained from 83 individuals belonging to 15 different species, including vulnerable and endangered species. Each specimen was sampled with two different swabs: one oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal according to the nostril diameter, and/or a second rectal sample. RNA was extracted from the samples and two different molecular assays were performed: first, a conventional RT-PCR with pan-coronavirus primers and a second SARS-CoV-2 qPCR targeting the N and S genes. RESULTS: All 185 samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study constitutes the first report on the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 from wildlife treated in rehabilitation centers in Chile, and supports the biosafety procedures adopted in those centers.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of the biodistribution of a 18F-labeled conjugate gold-nanoparticle-peptide with potential biomedical application.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively used in biological applications because of their biocompatibility, size, and ease of characterization, as well as an extensive knowledge of their surface chemistry. These features make AuNPs readily exploitable for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In a previous work, we studied ex vivo distribution of the conjugate C(AuNP)-LPFFD for its potential uses in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we covalently labeled the conjugate with [(18)F]-fluorobenzoate to study the in vivo distribution of the AuNP by positron emission tomography (PET). After intravenous administration in rat, the highest concentration of the radiolabeled conjugate was found in the bladder and urine with a lower proportion in the intestine, demonstrating progressive accumulation compatible with biliary excretion of the conjugate. The conjugate also accumulated in the liver and spleen. PET imaging allowed us to study the in vivo biodistribution of the AuNPs in a noninvasive and sensitive way using a reduced number of animals. Our results show that AuNPs can be covalently and radioactively labeled for PET biodistribution studies.

Circulation patterns of human seasonal Influenza A viruses in Chile before H1N1pdm09 pandemic.

Understanding the diversity and circulation dynamics of seasonal influenza viruses is key to public health decision-making. The limited genetic information of pre-pandemic seasonal IAVs in Chile has made it difficult to accurately reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of these viruses within the country. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile. We sequenced the complete genome of 42 historic IAV obtained between 1996 and 2007. The phylogeny was determined using HA sequences and complemented using other segments. Time-scale phylogenetic analyses revealed that the diversity of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile was influenced by continuous introductions of new A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 lineages and constant viral exchange between Chile and other countries every year. These results provide important knowledge about genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile, which can help design optimal surveillance systems and prevention strategies. However, future studies with current sequences should be conducted.

Ubiquitous influenza A virus in Chilean swine before the H1N1pdm09 introduction.

Influenza A virus (IAV) was a neglected swine pathogen in South America before the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (A(H1N1)pdm2009). The A(H1N1)pdm2009 strain has widely spread among the Chilean swine population and co-circulates with endemic H1N2 and H3N2 viruses. The presence of IAV as a swine pathogen in Chilean swine before the 2009 pandemic is unknown. To understand the IAV in swine prior to 2009, aY retrospective study of samples from pigs affected with respiratory diseases was conducted. Ninety formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded lung tissues belonging to 21 intensive pig production companies located in five different administrative regions of Chile, collected between 2005 and 2008, were evaluated. The tissues were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC), identifying that 9 out of 21 farms (42.8%) and 31 out of 90 (34.4%) samples were IAV positive. Only three out of the 31 IHC-positive samples were positive upon RNA extraction and rtRT-PCR analysis. Partial nucleotide sequences were obtained from one sample and characterized as an H3N2 subtype closely related to a human seasonal H3N2 IAVs that circulated globally in the mid-90s. These results indicate that IAV was circulating in swine before 2009 and highlight the value of conducting retrospective studies through genomic strategies to analyse historical samples.

Case Report: First Report and Phylogenetic Analysis of Porcine Astroviruses in Chile.

Porcine Astrovirus (PoAstV) causes mild diarrhea in young pigs and is considered an emerging virus in the swine industry worldwide. PoAstV has high genetic diversity and has been classified into five genetic lineages, PoAstV1-5. In Chile, only human astroviruses have been reported. This study aimed to determine the presence and genetic diversity of PoAstV circulating in intensive pig farms in Chile. Seventeen Chilean intensive swine farms from Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, Ñuble and Araucanía regions were sampled. A selection of oral fluid and fecal material samples from 1-80 days-old pigs were collected and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The circulation of PoAstV was confirmed in all studied farms. We obtained complete or partial sequences of PoAstV-2 (n = 3), PoAstV-4 (n = 2), and PoAstV-5 (n = 7). In 15 out of 17 farms, we detected more than one lineage co-circulating. Phylogenetic analyses grouped the seven PoAstV-5 strains in a monophyletic cluster, closely related to the United States PoAstV-5 strains. The three PoAstV-2 were located into two separate sub-clusters. PoAstV-4 sequences are also grouped in two different clusters, all related to Japanese strains. Thus, our results indicate that PoAstV circulates in Chile with high frequency and diversity. However, the lack of reference sequences impairs local evolution patterns establishment and regional comparisons. This is the first contribution of PoAstV genomes in Latin America; more studies are needed to understand the diversity and impact of PoAstV on swine health.

A core outcome set for research and clinical practice in women with pelvic girdle pain: PGP-COS.

BACKGROUND: Inconsistent reporting of outcomes in clinical trials of women with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) hinders comparison of findings and the reliability of evidence synthesis. A core outcome set (COS) can address this issue as it defines a minimum set of outcomes that should be reported in all clinical trials on the condition. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based COS for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in PGP during pregnancy and postpartum for use in research and clinical practice. METHODS: A systematic review of previous studies on PGP and semi-structured interviews with women were undertaken to identify all outcomes that were reported in prior studies and that are relevant to those experiencing the condition. Key stakeholders (clinicians, researchers, service providers/policy makers and individuals with PGP) then rated the importance of these outcomes for including in a preliminary PGP-COS using a 3-round Delphi study. The final COS was agreed at a face-to-face consensus meeting. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on five outcomes for inclusion in the final PGP-COS. All outcomes are grouped under the "life impact" domain and include: pain frequency, pain intensity/severity, function/disability/activity limitation, health-related quality of life and fear avoidance. CONCLUSION: This study identified a COS for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in pregnancy-related and postpartum-related PGP in research and clinical settings. It is advocated that all trials, other non-randomised studies and clinicians in this area use this COS by reporting these outcomes as a minimum. This will ensure the reporting of meaningful outcomes and will enable the findings of future studies to be compared and combined. Future work will determine how to measure the outcomes of the PGP-COS. CORE OUTCOME SET REGISTRATION: This PGP-COS was registered with COMET (Core Outcome Measures for Effectiveness Trials) in January 2017 (http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/958).

Domestic dog origin of Carnivore Protoparvovirus 1 infection in a rescued free-ranging guiña (Leopardus guigna) in Chile.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is one of the most important pathogens affecting both wild and domestic carnivores. Here, we reported the genetic characterization of canine parvovirus (CPV-2) strains from a rescued guiña (Leopardus guigna) and domestic dogs from Chile. Guiña strain was classified as CPV-2c, and phylogenetic analysis of the complete coding genome showed that the guiña CPV-2c strain shares a recent common ancestor with Chilean domestic dogs' strains. These viruses showed >99% identity and exhibited three changes in the NS1 protein (V596A, E661K and L582F). This is the first detection and genetic characterization of CPV-2c infection in guiña worldwide, and one of the few comparative studies that show the source of infection was domestic dogs. The current findings highlight the fact that guiña is a susceptible species to protoparvovirus infection and that domestic dogs represent an important threat to its conservation. The CPV-2 cross-species transmission between domestic dogs and guiña should be taken into account for protection programmes of this endangered species.

Seasonal evaluation of spermatogenesis of the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus in the Caatinga biome.

This study was aimed to characterize the spermatogenic process and its seasonal variation in Desmodus rotundus, in the Caatinga biome, a water-limited ecosystem, with marked water restriction during most of the year. Collections of adult animals were performed during the dry and rainy seasons, and after euthanasia, their testes were processed histologically to perform morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyzes. The percentage of seminiferous epithelium, number of Leydig cells per gram of testis, and population of Sertoli cells and A-type spermatogonia presented by D. rotundus were significantly higher in the rainy season, while the percentage of lumen, mitotic index, support capacity performed by Sertoli cells, and overall yield of spermatogenesis were higher in the dry season. The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed activity of the aromatase enzyme in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes and spermatids, as well as the presence of androgen receptors in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. FGF2 activity was detected in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, as well as secondary spermatocytes and rounded and elongated spermatids, while the BCL-2 protein was expressed in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, secondary spermatocytes, and rounded spermatids. The activity of these molecules was similar in both seasons, and associated with the morphometric findings, indicates maintenance in the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium throughout the year. The seasonal study of D. rotundus spermatogenesis indicates a continuous spermatogenesis pattern and suggests a greater production of spermatozoa in the rainy season in the Caatinga biome.

[Non-syndromic cleft lip/cleft palate and C677T methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase variant in Mexican children]. / Variante C677T del gen metileno-tetrahidrofolato reductasa en niños mexicanos con labio/paladar hendido no sindrómico.

BACKGROUND: Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is a common malformation. The aetiology is multifactorial. An incidence of 1.1-1.39 per 1000 new births had been reported in Mexico. The folic acid intake in preconceptional stage has been reported to prevent malformations such as neural tube defects (NTD) and NSCLP. The C677T variant of the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is responsible of a thermolabile form, related to decrease of folate and increase homocysteine. This variant has been associated with CLP, in different populations, but results are still controversial. Our objective was to determine the allelic (AF) and genotypic frequency (GF) of the MTHFR-C677T variant in Mexican children with NSCLP. METHODS: Transverse comparative study in 67 Mexican children with NSCLP and a control group with 70 unrelated Mexican individuals without NSCLP. RESULTS: The AF in NSCLP was 39 %. There was no statistical difference between AF in the two groups (39 versus 41). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, genotype C677T was not a major risk factor for this malformation, however, sample size, other genes implicated and genes-environment interactions must be considered.

Testicular characterization and spermatogenesis of the hematophagous bat Diphylla ecaudata.

Diphylla ecaudata is a hematophagous bat endemic of South America, with food preference for bird blood. Given the lack of information about the reproductive activity of this species, this study aimed to describe the testicular morphology and histomorphometry of D. ecaudata in order to understand its reproductive biology, specially spermatogenesis. The animals were collected in Lajes city, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Following euthanasia, the testes were histologically processed for morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Their average body weight was 24.64g, with a gonadosomatic index of 0.49%, tubulesomatic index of 0.47%, and a total of 32.20m of seminiferous tubules per gram of testis. The pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic phases accounted for 56.20%, 9.30%, and 34.50% of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, respectively. The ultrastructure of spermiogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals and the perforatorium was not observed in the sperm. Androgen receptors were detected in Sertoli cell nuclei and Leydig cell cytoplasm, while aromatase enzyme was detected only in Sertoli cell nuclei. FGF2 and BCL-2 activities were detected in the cytoplasm of zygotene and pachytene primary spermatocytes, as well as round and elongated spermatids. D. ecaudata showed testicular pattern similar to other mammals and characteristics common to other bat species. This species stood out for its high efficiency of Sertoli cells, which presented high capacity to support germ cells, besides the highest sperm production rates among those already recorded. This study is the first step towards the knowledge of D. ecaudata reproduction and the first description of its spermatogenesis.

Looking for variable molecular markers in the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus: first comparison across genes.

The quick spread of the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Europe constitutes an outstanding example of recent human-aided biological invasion with dramatic economic losses. We screened for the first time a set of five nuclear and mitochondrial genes from D. kuriphilus collected in the Iberian Peninsula, and compared the sequences with those available from the native and invasive range of the species. We found no genetic variability in Iberia in none of the five genes, moreover, the three genes compared with other European samples showed no variability either. We recorded four cytochrome b haplotypes in Europe; one was genuine mitochondrial DNA and the rest nuclear copies of mitDNA (numts), what stresses the need of careful in silico analyses. The numts formed a separate cluster in the gene tree and at least two of them might be orthologous, what suggests that the invasion might have started with more than one individual. Our results point at a low initial population size in Europe followed by a quick population growth. Future studies assessing the expansion of this pest should include a large number of sampling sites and use powerful nuclear markers (e. g. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) to detect genetic variability.

Reemergence of H3N8 Equine Influenza A virus in Chile, 2018.

A new outbreak of equine Influenza A virus (IAV) was reported in Chile in January 2018, 6 years after its last report in 2012. Equine IAV was detected by rtRT-PCR, followed by virus isolation and full genome sequencing. Genetic characterization of equine IAV classified the virus within clade 1 of the Florida sublineage. Although this is the same sublineage that caused an outbreak in Chile in 2012, the virus has a high similarity to other cocirculating viruses that were recently identified in Europe and Asia. The Chilean 2018 equine influenza (EI) outbreak was caused by an H3N8 strain circulating globally that spread through horse movements.