Novel insight into the genetic diversity of strongylid nematodes infecting South-East and East Asian primates.

With many non-human primates (NHPs) showing continued population decline, there is an ongoing need to better understand their ecology and conservation threats. One such threat is the risk of disease, with various bacterial, viral and parasitic infections previously reported to have damaging consequences for NHP hosts. Strongylid nematodes are one of the most commonly reported parasitic infections in NHPs. Current knowledge of NHP strongylid infections is restricted by their typical occurrence as mixed infections of multiple genera, which are indistinguishable through traditional microscopic approaches. Here, modern metagenomics approaches were applied for insight into the genetic diversity of strongylid infections in South-East and East Asian NHPs. We hypothesized that strongylid nematodes occur in mixed communities of multiple taxa, dominated by Oesophagostomum, matching previous findings using single-specimen genetics. Utilizing the Illumina MiSeq platform, ITS-2 strongylid metabarcoding was applied to 90 samples from various wild NHPs occurring in Malaysian Borneo and Japan. A clear dominance of Oesophagostomum aculeatum was found, with almost all sequences assigned to this species. This study suggests that strongylid communities of Asian NHPs may be less species-rich than those in African NHPs, where multi-genera communities are reported. Such knowledge contributes baseline data, assisting with ongoing monitoring of health threats to NHPs.

Heterologous versus homologous COVID-19 booster vaccination in previous recipients of two doses of CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil (RHH-001): a phase 4, non-inferiority, single blind, randomised study.

INTRODUCTION: The inactivated whole-virion SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac, Sinovac) has been widely used in a two-dose schedule. We assessed whether a third dose of the homologous or a different vaccine could boost immune responses. METHODS: RHH-001 is a phase 4, participant masked, two centre, safety and immunogenicity study of Brazilian adults (18 years and older) in São Paulo or Salvador who had received two doses of CoronaVac 6 months previously. The third heterologous dose was of either a recombinant adenoviral vectored vaccine (Ad26.COV2-S, Janssen), an mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech), or a recombinant adenoviral-vectored ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222, AstraZeneca), compared with a third homologous dose of CoronaVac. Participants were randomly assigned (5:6:5:5) by a RedCAP computer randomisation system stratified by site, age group (18-60 years or 61 years and over), and day of randomisation, with a block size of 42. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of anti-spike IgG antibodies 28 days after the booster dose in the heterologous boost groups compared with homologous regimen, using a non-inferiority margin for the geometric mean ratio (heterologous vs homologous) of 0·67. Secondary outcomes included neutralising antibody titres at day 28, local and systemic reactogenicity profiles, adverse events, and serious adverse events. This study was registered with Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, number RBR-9nn3scw. FINDINGS: Between Aug 16, and Sept 1, 2021, 1240 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups, of whom 1239 were vaccinated and 1205 were eligible for inclusion in the primary analysis. Antibody concentrations were low before administration of a booster dose with detectable neutralising antibodies of 20·4% (95% CI 12·8-30·1) in adults aged 18-60 years and 8·9% (4·2-16·2) in adults 61 years or older. From baseline to day 28 after the booster vaccine, all groups had a substantial rise in IgG antibody concentrations: the geometric fold-rise was 77 (95% CI 67-88) for Ad26.COV2-S, 152 (134-173) for BNT162b2, 90 (77-104) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and 12 (11-14) for CoronaVac. All heterologous regimens had anti-spike IgG responses at day 28 that were superior to homologous booster responses: geometric mean ratios (heterologous vs homologous) were 6·7 (95% CI 5·8-7·7) for Ad26.COV2-S, 13·4 (11·6-15·3) for BNT162b2, and 7·0 (6·1-8·1) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. All heterologous boost regimens induced high concentrations of pseudovirus neutralising antibodies. At day 28, all groups except for the homologous boost in the older adults reached 100% seropositivity: geometric mean ratios (heterologous vs homologous) were 8·7 (95% CI 5·9-12·9) for Ad26.COV2-S vaccine, 21·5 (14·5-31·9) for BNT162b2, and 10·6 (7·2-15·6) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Live virus neutralising antibodies were also boosted against delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron variants (B.1.1.529). There were five serious adverse events. Three of which were considered possibly related to the vaccine received: one in the BNT162b2 group and two in the Ad26.COV2-S group. All participants recovered and were discharged home. INTERPRETATION: Antibody concentrations were low at 6 months after previous immunisation with two doses of CoronaVac. However, all four vaccines administered as a third dose induced a significant increase in binding and neutralising antibodies, which could improve protection against infection. Heterologous boosting resulted in more robust immune responses than homologous boosting and might enhance protection. FUNDING: Ministry of Health, Brazil.

Genetic analysis of the tomato russet mite provides evidence of oligophagy and a widespread pestiferous haplotype.

Worldwide, the tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici (Eriophyidae), is a key pest on cultivated tomato in addition to infesting other cultivated and wild Solanaceae; however, basic information on TRM supporting effective control strategies is still lacking, mainly regarding its taxonomic status and genetic diversity and structure. As A. lycopersici is reported on different species and genera of host plants, populations associated with different host plants may constitute specialized cryptic species, as shown for other eriophyids previously considered generalists. The main aims of this study were to (i) confirm the TRM taxonomic unity of populations from different host plants and localities as well as the species' oligophagy, and (ii) to advance the understanding of TRM host relationship and invasion history. For this purpose, we evaluated the genetic variability and structure of populations from different host plants along crucial areas of occurrence, including the area of potential origin, based on DNA sequences of mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer, D2 28S) genomic regions. Specimens from South America (Brazil) and Europe (France, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands) were collected from tomato and other solanaceous species from the genera Solanum and Physalis. Final TRM datasets were composed of 101, 82 and 50 sequences from the COI (672 bp), ITS (553 bp) and D2 (605 bp) regions, respectively. Distributions and frequencies of haplotypes (COI) and genotypes (D2 and ITS1) were inferred; pairwise genetic distance comparisons, and phylogenetic analysis were performed, including Bayesian Inference (BI) combined analysis. Our results showed that genetic divergences for mitochondrial and nuclear genomic regions from TRM associated with different host plants were lower than those observed in other eriophyid taxa, confirming conspecificity of TRM populations and oligophagy of this eriophyid mite. Four haplotypes (cH) were identified from the COI sequences with cH1 being the most frequent, representing 90% of all sequences occurring in all host plants studied (Brazil, France, The Netherlands); the other haplotypes were present exclusively in Brazilian populations. Six variants (I) were identified from the ITS sequences: I-1 was the most frequent (76.5% of all sequences), spread in all countries and associated with all host plants, except S. nigrum. Just one D2 sequence variant was found in all studied countries. The genetic homogeneity among populations highlights the occurrence of a highly invasive and oligophagous haplotype. These results failed to corroborate the hypothesis that differential symptomatology or damage intensity among tomato varieties and solanaceous host plants could be due to the genetic diversity of the associated mite populations. The genetic evidence, along with the history of spread of cultivated tomato, corroborates the hypothesis of a South American origin of TRM.

Genomic Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Involving E484K Spike Mutation, Brazil.

Uncertainty remains about how long the protective immune responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 persists, and suspected reinfection in recovered patients has been reported. We describe a case of reinfection from distinct virus lineages in Brazil harboring the E484K mutation, a variant associated with escape from neutralizing antibodies.

Sustainable public procurement in a Brazilian higher education institution.

Public policies have required public agencies to adopt sustainable public procurement. It is necessary to understand the importance of the requirement for sustainable purchases to happen. Thus, this study aims to examine the main difficulties in adopting SPP at a public university in Brazil. To that end, research on the topic was carried out based on critical theory using qualitative methodology through a case study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups selected intentionally: requesters, purchasers and suppliers. Aspects related to the understanding of sustainability, SPP and the relationship between ethics and sustainability were analysed. The study revealed that the interviewees understand that ethics is directly related to the practice of sustainability, but it is a difficult issue because of its historical roots and changes in paradigms. Due to the complexity of the SPP theme, one of the main implementation difficulties mentioned by the interviewees was the lack of training. For suppliers, the understanding of sustainability was already consolidated, but it required agreement between being sustainable and economically viable for the company. Thus, this work sought to expose how those involved in SPP understood, refuted or validated sustainability issues in government procurement. Previous studies revealed the difficulties and conceptions of buyers, but we did not find research that investigated requesters and suppliers. It is hoped that this information will serve actions in favour of sustainable production and consumption and as a basis for other studies on sustainable public procurement.

Integrative taxonomy of Abacarus mites (Eriophyidae) associated with hybrid sugarcane plants, including description of a new species.

Phytophagous mites belonging to the Eriophyoidea are extremely diverse and highly host-specific. Their accurate morphological identification is hampered by their reduced size and simplified bodies and by the existence of cryptic species complexes. Previous studies have demonstrated the urgency of applying multisource methods to accurate taxonomic identification of eriophyoid mites, especially species belonging to the genus Abacarus. This genus comprises 65 species, of which 37 are associated with grasses and four with sugarcane Saccharum (Poaceae). Recently, Abacarus specimens very similar to Abacarus sacchari were collected from the sugarcane crop in Brazil; however, their taxonomic placement was uncertain. In this study, we used an integrative approach to determine whether A. aff. sacchari specimens belong to A. sacchari or constitute a cryptic species. Morphological data were combined with molecular phylogeny based on the nucleotide sequences of three markers, one mitochondrial (COI) and two nuclear (D2 region of 28S and ITS). Morphological differences were observed between A. aff. sacchari, A. sacchari and A. doctus. The phylogenetic relationships among these three taxa and the genetic distances separating them revealed an interspecific divergence. The results of the morphological and molecular methods were congruent and supported the existence of a new species: Abacarus neosacchari n. sp. Duarte and Navia, herein described. This species belongs to the Abacarus cryptic species complex associated with sugarcane in the Americas. The results of this study, presenting the occurrence of multiple Abacarus species associated with sugarcane, contribute to the knowledge on plants and mites diversity by adding up one more clue highlighting that plant hybridization can be an important mechanism contributing to the speciation of plant-feeding arthropods.

Molecular and morphological characterization of the predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae): surprising similarity between an Asian and American populations.

The accurate characterization of biological control agents is a key step in control programs. Recently, Amblyseius largoensis from Thailand were introduced in Brazil to evaluate their efficiency for the control of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica. The aim of this study was to confirm their identification and to characterize the population from Thailand, comparing it to populations of the Americas and Indian Ocean islands. In addition, a population of A. largoensis from New Caledonia, Oceania, of which DNA sequences were available, was included in phylogenetic analyses. Morphometric data obtained for the population of A. largoensis from Thailand were compared to those of populations from Reunion Island and the Americas through univariate and multivariate analyses. Two DNA fragments were amplified and sequenced: the nuclear ribosomal region ITSS and the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Haplotypes (12S rRNA) and genotypes (ITSS) were identified and phylogenetic analyses using both fragments were conducted separately and combined using maximum likelihood and the Bayesian information criterion. The integrative approach reveals morphometric and molecular variabilities among populations of A. largoensis and shows that the population identified as A. largoensis collected in Thailand, as well as that from New Caledonia, are conspecific to the populations of the Americas and Indian Ocean islands. Populations from the Americas and Asia are more related to each other than with that from the Indian Ocean islands. Hypotheses to explain this clustering are proposed. Data on the molecular intraspecific variability of this predatory mite from remote areas will be helpful for the development of molecular diagnosis.

The predatory mite Neoseiulus paspalivorus (Phytoseiidae) in Brazil: taxonomic status, reproductive compatibility and morphological and molecular variability.

The predatory mite Neoseiulus paspalivorus (De Leon) is often found in association with the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer. The identification of natural enemies is essential for the definition of biological control strategies. Therefore, the present study aimed to confirm whether the mite populations from different Northeastern Brazilian states identified as N. paspalivorus belong to the same species. This determination was accomplished through the study of morphometric variability in 33 anatomical characters and of molecular variability in two DNA fragments: Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA. This study also determined whether there is reproductive isolation between the two most morphologically distinct populations (Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba). Intraspecific morphometric variability was observed among the five populations of N. paspalivorus. Despite this variability, the crosses and backcrosses of the most morphologically distinct populations did not show reproductive incompatibility. The molecular analysis indicated the absence of genetic differences among the N. paspalivorus populations for the ITS fragment. Three haplotypes were identified for the COI fragment, and the genetic distance ranged from 0 to 0.2 %. Despite the morphometric differences, the results of the molecular and biological analysis corroborate the previous identification of N. paspalivorus for all of the studied populations. The present study contributes to the systematics of Phytoseiidae predatory mites and to the biological control of A. guerreronis by the accurate identification and characterization of one of its main natural enemies along extensive areas in Brazil.

Phylogenetic analyses reveal extensive cryptic speciation and host specialization in an economically important mite taxon.

The wheat curl mite (WCM) is a major pest in cereal crops around the world and the vector of at least four known pathogens capable of reducing yields in crops such as wheat, corn, barley, oats, millet and rye. Current taxonomy recognizes WCM as a single species, Aceriatosichella; however, recent genetic, physiological and ecological studies have shown that WCM is likely to be a species complex. In this study we assessed genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships among WCM from four continents and a wide range of host plants using DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial gene, one nuclear gene and a single nuclear intergenic spacer region. Phylogenetic analyses revealed 11 unique mite lineages associated with specific plant hosts including wheat and barley. Host associations were consistent across continents, often with a single haplotype dominating a host plant regardless of geographic origin. The genetic and ecological differences identified in this study support the notion that WCM is a species complex in need of major taxonomic revision. These findings have implications for control of WCM globally, particularly within the context of identifying plants that form 'green bridge' refuges, assessing disease transmission risk, and identifying resistance in cereal genotypes to WCM and associated pathogens.

Wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella, and transmitted viruses: an expanding pest complex affecting cereal crops.

The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella, and the plant viruses it transmits represent an invasive mite-virus complex that has affected cereal crops worldwide. The main damage caused by WCM comes from its ability to transmit and spread multiple damaging viruses to cereal crops, with Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Wheat mosaic virus (WMoV) being the most important. Although WCM and transmitted viruses have been of concern to cereal growers and researchers for at least six decades, they continue to represent a challenge. In older affected areas, for example in North America, this mite-virus complex still has significant economic impact. In Australia and South America, where this problem has only emerged in the last decade, it represents a new threat to winter cereal production. The difficulties encountered in making progress towards managing WCM and its transmitted viruses stem from the complexity of the pathosystem. The most effective methods for minimizing losses from WCM transmitted viruses in cereal crops have previously focused on cultural and plant resistance methods. This paper brings together information on biological and ecological aspects of WCM, including its taxonomic status, occurrence, host plant range, damage symptoms and economic impact. Information about the main viruses transmitted by WCM is also included and the epidemiological relationships involved in this vectored complex of viruses are also addressed. Management strategies that have been directed at this mite-virus complex are presented, including plant resistance, its history, difficulties and advances. Current research perspectives to address this invasive mite-virus complex and minimize cereal crop losses worldwide are also discussed.

Show me your best side: Lateralization of social and resting behaviors in feral horses.

Growing evidence shows a variety of sensorial and motor asymmetries in social and non-social interactions in various species, indicating a lateralized processing of information by the brain. Using digital video cameras on tripods and drones, this study investigated lateralization in frequency and duration of social behavior patterns, in affiliative, agonistic, and resting contexts, in a feral population of horses (Equus ferus caballus) in Northern Portugal, consisting of 37 individuals organized in eight harem groups. Affiliative interactions (including grooming) were more often performed, and lasted longer, when recipients were positioned to the right side. In recumbent resting (animals lying down) episodes on the left side lasted longer. Our results of an affiliative behavior having a right side tendency, provide partial support to the valence-specific hypothesis of Ahern and Schwartz (1979) - left hemisphere dominance for positive affect, affiliative behaviors. Longer recumbent resting episodes on the left side may be due to synchronization. However, in both instances it is discussed how lateralization may be context dependent. Investigating the position asymmetries of social behaviors in feral equids will contribute to a better understanding of differential lateralization and hemispheric specialization from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives.

SARS-CoV-2 Detection via RT-PCR in Matched Saliva and Nasopharyngeal Samples Reveals High Concordance in Different Commercial Assays.

BACKGROUND: Self-collected saliva samples can increase the diagnostic efficiency and benefit healthcare workers, patient care, and infection control. This study evaluated the performance of self-collected saliva samples compared to nasopharyngeal swabs using three commercial kits for the qualitative detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS: Matched nasopharyngeal and saliva samples were collected from 103 patients with either asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19. Both samples were evaluated using three commercial kits (TaqCheck, Allplex, and TaqPath). To evaluate sample stability, viral RNA extraction was performed in the presence or absence of an RNA-stabilizing solution. Storage conditions, including the duration, temperature, and stability after freezing and thawing of the samples, were also evaluated. RESULTS: All the saliva samples showed 100% concordance with the nasopharyngeal swab results using TaqCheck and Allplex kits, and 93% using TaqPath kit. No difference was observed in the samples that used the RNA-stabilizing solution compared to the group without the solution. The Ct values of the freeze-thawed samples after 30 days were higher than those on day 0; however, the results were consistent the fresh samples. CONCLUSION: The high concordance of SARS-CoV-2 detection via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in matched saliva and nasopharyngeal samples using different commercial assays reinforces the concept that self-collected saliva samples are non-invasive, rapid, and reliable for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Case Report of Rare Parathyroid Tumor with Atypical Presentation and Early Diagnosis.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare condition, accounting for 1% of cases of hyperparathyroidism. Other causes of hyperparathyroidism main group are single adenoma and parathyroid hyperplasia. The clinics presented by the patients are typical of hyperparathyroidism (fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and anorexia), bone impairment, pain, and fractures, in addition to affecting the renal system The diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma is most often done postoperatively by means of a histological study. The case report is a 49-year-old male patient who came to the emergency room of Mackenzie Evangelical University Hospital complaining of progressive "muscle weakness" and "joint" that started about 2 months ago. To raise the suspicion of parathyroid carcinoma, it is essential to perform the correlation of the clinical picture, biochemical values, and imaging exams, but to obtain the definitive diagnosis, intraoperative recognition of the tumor and the result of the histopathological examination of the resected tumor are necessary.

South American spider mites: new hosts and localities.

In order to contribute to taxonomic information on Tetranychid mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in South America, surveys were conducted in Brazil (15 States and the Federal District) and Uruguay (one Department); 550 samples of 120 plant species were collected. Tetranychid mite infestations were confirmed in 204 samples, and 22 species belonging to seven genera of the Bryobiinae and Tetranychinae subfamilies were identified on 58 different host plants. Thirty-six new plant hosts were found in Brazil, South America, and worldwide for the following species: Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor); Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar); Oligonychus anonae Paschoal; O. mangiferus (Rahman and Sapra); Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker and Sales; T. desertorum Banks, 1900 , T. evansi Baker and Pritchard; T. ludeni Zacher; T. mexicanus (McGregor); T. neocaledonicus André; and T. urticae Koch. Four new localities in Brazil were reported for Eotetranychus tremae De Leon; O. anonae; Panonychus ulmi (Koch); and T. gloveri Baker and Pritchard.

A critical review on some closely related species of Tetranychus sensu stricto (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the public DNA sequences databases.

Taxonomic misidentification of the specimens used to obtain DNA sequences is a growing problem reported for different groups of organisms, which threatens the utility of the deposited sequences in public DNA databases. This paper provides new evidence of misidentifications in molecular DNA public databases in phytophagous mites of the Tetranychidae family belonging to the group Tetranychus (Tetranychus). Several species in this group are of economic and quarantine importance in agriculture and among them Tetranychus urticae, a highly polyphagous mite causing outbreaks in many crops worldwide, is certainly the most studied. We analyzed and evaluated the identity of 105 GenBank accessions of ITS2 rDNA and 138 COI mtDNA sequences which were deposited as T. urticae and those of 14 other taxa morphologically closely related to Tetranychus sensu stricto. In addition, ITS2 and COI sequences of 18 T. urticae samples collected for this study and identified by morphological criteria, were generated and included in the analyzed dataset. Among the deposited sequences in the GenBank database, numerous cases of apparently mistaken identities were identified in the group Tetranychus s. str., especially between T. urticae, T. cinnabarinus, T. kanzawai and T. truncatus. Unreliable sequences (misidentified or dubious) were estimated at nearly 30%. In particular the analysis supports the invalidity of the controversial species status of T. cinnabarinus. More generally, it highlights the need of using combined morphological and molecular approaches to guarantee solid species diagnostics for reliable sequence accessions in public databases.

Novel polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives from Clusia burle-marxii.

Three new caged polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives named burlemarxiones D-F (1-3) were isolated from the hexane extract of Clusia burle-marxii trunks. Burlemarxione D (1) contains the tetracyclo[8.3.1.03,11.05,10]tetradecane core skeleton also observed for burlemarxione A, its probable immediate precursor. However, two additional rings are formed to produce an unprecedented complex-caged core skeleton. These additional rings could be formed by a radical cyclization reaction of one prenyl group at C-5 with C-1 and C-33, followed by oxidative dehydrogenation (rearomatization) or by an intramolecular [4 + 2] radical cycloaddition (Diels-Alder reaction), followed by an enolization reaction (rearomatization). Burlemarxiones E and F were isolated after methylation with diazomethane that was necessary to avoid the interconversion of the pair of ß-diketones in tautomeric equilibrium. The proposed biosynthetic pathway for burlemarxiones D-F involves the condensation of either lavandulyl pyrophosphate or 2-(1-methylvinyl)-hexa-5-enyl pyrophosphate with the acylphloroglucinol derivative 6-benzoyl-5-hydroxy-5-cyclohexen-1,3-dione, followed by consecutive prenylation reactions. Therefore, Clusia burle-marxii reinforces the claim that the genus Clusia is an important source of sophisticated caged polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives.

Efficacy of Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF®) as an adjunct treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) promotes challenging immune and inflammatory phenomena. Though various therapeutic possibilities have been tested against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most adequate treatment has not yet been established. Propolis is a natural product with considerable evidence of immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, and experimental data point to potential against viral targets. We hypothesized that propolis can reduce the negative effects of COVID-19. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, open-label, single-center trial, hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients were treated with a standardized green propolis extract (EPP-AF®ï¸) as an adjunct therapy. Patients were allocated to receive standard care plus an oral dose of 400 mg or 800 mg/day of green propolis for seven days, or standard care alone. Standard care included all necessary interventions, as determined by the attending physician. The primary end point was the time to clinical improvement, defined as the length of hospital stay or oxygen therapy dependency duration. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and need for intensive care or vasoactive drugs. Patients were followed for 28 days after admission. RESULTS: We enrolled 124 patients; 40 were assigned to EPP-AF®ï¸ 400 mg/day, 42 to EPP-AF®ï¸ 800 mg/day, and 42 to the control group. The length of hospital stay post-intervention was shorter in both propolis groups than in the control group; lower dose, median 7 days versus 12 days (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.23 to -0.07; p = 0.049) and higher dose, median 6 days versus 12 days (95% CI -7.00 to -1.09; p = 0.009). Propolis did not significantly affect the need for oxygen supplementation. In the high dose propolis group, there was a lower rate of acute kidney injury than in the controls (4.8 vs 23.8%), (odds ratio [OR] 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.84; p = 0.048). No patient had propolis treatment discontinued due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of propolis to the standard care procedures resulted in clinical benefits for the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially evidenced by a reduction in the length of hospital stay. Consequently, we conclude that propolis can reduce the impact of COVID-19.

Feral horses' (Equus ferus caballus) behavior toward dying and dead conspecifics.

In the rapidly expanding field of comparative thanatology, reports from a wide range of taxa suggest that some aspects of a concept of death may be shared by many non-human species. In horses, there are only a few anecdotal reports on behaviors toward dead conspecifics, mostly concerning domestic individuals. Here, we describe the case of a 2-month-old, free-ranging male foal that died around 12 h after being found severely injured due to a presumed wolf attack, focusing on other individuals' reactions to the dying foal. We also placed camera traps near horse carcasses to investigate reactions by other horses. Kin and non-kin of both sexes showed unusual interest in the dying foal. However, horses appeared to avoid dead conspecifics. Recording individual reactions to dead and dying conspecifics in naturalistic settings will enhance our knowledge about death-related behaviors in horses, allowing comparisons with other species that have been more thoroughly studied, to understand the evolutionary basis of these behaviors.

Developmental changes in the endocrine stress response in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus).

Non-invasive measures of stress are crucial for captive and conservation management programs. The adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) has recently been adopted as a stress marker, but there is little investigation of its relationship to glucocorticoids (GC), well-known indicators of stress. This study examined the influence of age, reproductive state and environment on GC and DHEAS levels in orangutans, to test whether the GC/DHEAS ratio can provide an index of stress response in primates. We measured fecal GC (fGC) and fecal DHEAS (fDHEAS) concentrations in 7 captive orangutans from zoological parks in Japan and 22 wild orangutans from Danum Valley Conservation Area, Malaysia. We found that in a stressful condition (transportation), fDHEAS levels increased 2 days after the fGC response, which occurred 1 day after the stressor. One pregnant female had elevated levels of both hormones, and a higher fGC/fDHEAS ratio than baseline. Females in the first year of lactation had fGC levels and the fGC/fDHEAS ratio significantly higher than both baseline and females in the second and subsequent years of lactation. There was no effect of age on fGC levels, but the fGC/fDHEAS ratio was higher in infants than adults and adolescents. fDHEAS concentrations were lower in infants than juveniles, adolescents and adults, a phenomenon known as adrenarche, shared with humans and other great apes. We suggest that changes in DHEAS during orangutan life history are associated with changes in the dynamics of maintaining homeostasis that vary with age and reproductive state. The GC/DHEAS ratio index is useful to evaluate age-related abilities of responding to stressful challenges.

Polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives with a novel tetracyclo[8.3.1.03,11.05,10]tetradecane core skeleton from Clusia burle-marxii exhibited cytotoxicity against GL-15 glioblastoma-derived human cell line.

Three new polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives (1-3) were identified in the hexane extract of Clusia burle-marxii trunks, through the isolation and structural elucidation of their methyl derivatives, along with two known polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives sampsonine N (4) and obdeltifolione C (5). Burlemarxiones A (1) and B (2) show an unprecedent tetracyclo[8.3.1.03,11.05,10]tetradecane core skeleton. These compounds are a pair of ß-diketones in tautomeric equilibrium, whereas isonemorosonol (3) is the respective ß-diketone pair in tautomeric equilibrium with nemorosonol. Burlemarxione A methyl derivative (1a) and sampsonine N exhibited strong in vitro cytotoxic activity against GL-15 glioblastoma-derived human cell line.