First Isolation and Genome Sequence Analysis of West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes in Brazil.

West Nile virus is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly of the genus Culex. In Brazil, serological studies have already indicated the circulation of the virus since 2003, with the first human case detected in 2014. The objective of the present paper is to report the first isolation of WNV in a Culex (Melanoconion) mosquito. Arthropods were collected by protected human attraction and CDC light bait, and taxonomically identified and analyzed by viral isolation, complement fixation and genomic sequencing tests. WNV was isolated from samples of Culex (Melanoconion) mosquitoes, and the sequencing analysis demonstrated that the isolated strain belonged to lineage 1a. The finding of the present study presents the first evidence of the isolation and genome sequencing of WNV in arthropods in Brazil.

Microbiome and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a possible interplay on iron metabolism and its impact on tumor microenvironment.

There is increasing evidence showing positive association between changes in oral microbiome and the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Alcohol- and nicotine-related products can induce microbial changes but are still unknown if these changes are related to cancerous lesion sites. In an attempt to understand how these changes can influence the OSCC development and maintenance, the aim of this study was to investigate the oral microbiome linked with OSCC as well as to identify functional signatures and associate them with healthy or precancerous and cancerous sites. Our group used data of oral microbiomes available in public repositories. The analysis included data of oral microbiomes from electronic cigarette users, alcohol consumers, and precancerous and OSCC samples. An R-based pipeline was used for taxonomic and functional prediction analysis. The Streptococcus spp. genus was the main class identified in the healthy group. Haemophilus spp. predominated in precancerous lesions. OSCC samples revealed a higher relative abundance compared with the other groups, represented by an increased proportion of Fusobacterium spp., Prevotella spp., Haemophilus spp., and Campylobacter spp. Venn diagram analysis showed 52 genera exclusive of OSCC samples. Both precancerous and OSCC samples seemed to present a specific associated functional pattern. They were menaquinone-dependent protoporphyrinogen oxidase pattern enhanced in the former and both 3',5'-cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (purine metabolism) and iron(III) transport system ATP-binding protein enhanced in the latter. We conclude that although precancerous and OSCC samples present some differences on microbial profile, both microbiomes act as "iron chelators-like" potentially contributing to tumor growth.

Mercury in fish and sediment of Purus River, Acre State, Amazon / Mercúrio em peixe e em sedimento do Rio Purus, Estado do Acre, Amazônia

Abstract Core subject To quantify the Hg content of sediment and fish collected along the Purus River (Acre State, Amazon) in order to identify if those samples could be a potential route of Hg exposure to the population of Manoel Urbano (a riverside community). Methods The total mercury (THg) was quantified using the Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption technique. Results We collected 06 samples of sediment and 264 samples of fish. The Hg in sediments ranged between 0.038 and 0.065 µg.g–1.The results indicate that sediment is in agreement with “uncontaminated” Amazonian rivers. The carnivorous species presented the highest level of Hg on muscle (mean 0.927 μg/g–1), followed by piscivorous (mean 0.873 μg.g–1), planktophagus (mean 0.566 μg.g–1), omnivorous (mean 0.533 μg.g–1) and detritivorous (mean 0.176 μg/g–1). Fourty four percent (44%) of the total species collected presented mean levels of THg on muscle, a percentage greater than the threshold recommended by WHO. Conclusion Some species may be a route for Hg exposure. The sediment is within the normality. The authors suggest that other factors, such as culture and society, should be considered for future researches in order to promote the population healths.

Resumo Tema central Quantificar o teor de mercúrio (Hg) em sedimentos e em peixes coletados ao longo do rio Purus, no Estado do Acre, Região Amazônica, a fim de identificar se essas amostras conferem uma via potencial de exposição do Hg para a população de Manoel Urbano (uma comunidade ribeirinha). Métodos O mercúrio total (HgT) foi quantificado utilizando a técnica de absorção atômica por vapor frio. Resultados Seis amostras de sedimentos e 264 amostras de peixes foram coletadas. O Hg em sedimentos de fundo variou entre 0,038 e 0,065 μg.g–1 (média de 0,050 μg.g–1). Os resultados indicam que os sedimentos estão de acordo com rios amazônicos “não contaminados”. As espécies carnívoras apresentaram o mais alto nível de Hg no músculo (média de 0,927 μg/g–1), seguido por piscívoros (média de 0,873 μg/g–1), planctófagos (média de 0,566 μg/g–1), onívoros (média de 0,533 μg/g–1) e detritívoros (média de 0,176 μg/g–1). Além disso, 44% do total de espécies coletadas apresentaram níveis médios de HgT no músculo superior ao limite recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Conclusão Algumas espécies podem ser uma via para a exposição ao Hg. O sedimento encontra-se dentro na normalidade. Os autores consideram que outros fatores, como a cultura e a sociedade, devem ser considerados para pesquisas futuras a fim de promover a saúde dessa população.