Ten Years of HIV Diagnosis in a Dermatology and Venereology Department: A Retrospective Study on Demographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Characteristics. / [Artículo traducido] Diez años de diagnóstico de VIH en un Departamento de Dermatología y Venereología: un estudio retrospectivo sobre características demográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission remains an important health issue, with a high burden that is felt across the world. This work aims to analyze the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with HIV in a Department of Dermatology and Venereology. A retrospective observational study was conducted from all health records of newly diagnosed patients with HIV from a Dermatology unit from January 2011 to December 2020. A total of 134 patients with new HIV diagnoses were included in the analysis. Concurrent dermatological or venereal diseases were diagnosed in 91.0% of the patients (n=122), being the most common conditions syphilis (22.4%, n=30) and urethritis (14.9%, n=20). Out of all the patients with diagnoses of concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (41.0%, n=55), syphilis was reported in 81.8% of the patients (n=45), gonorrhea in 9.1% (n=5), and chlamydia in 5.5% (n=3). We present a large patient database on the clinical conditions associated with newly diagnosed HIV, concluding that infectious diseases were the most common conditions associated with newly diagnosed HIV.

Ten Years of HIV Diagnosis in a Dermatology and Venereology Department: A Retrospective Study on Demographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Characteristics.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission remains an important health issue, with a high burden that is felt across the world. This work aims to analyze the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with HIV in a Department of Dermatology and Venereology. A retrospective observational study was conducted from all health records of newly diagnosed patients with HIV from a Dermatology unit from January 2011 to December 2020. A total of 134 patients with new HIV diagnoses were included in the analysis. Concurrent dermatological or venereal diseases were diagnosed in 91.0% of the patients (n=122), being the most common conditions syphilis (22.4%, n=30) and urethritis (14.9%, n=20). Out of all the patients with diagnoses of concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (41.0%, n=55), syphilis was reported in 81.8% of the patients (n=45), gonorrhea in 9.1% (n=5), and chlamydia in 5.5% (n=3). We present a large patient database on the clinical conditions associated with newly diagnosed HIV, concluding that infectious diseases were the most common conditions associated with newly diagnosed HIV.

Acylation of glycerolipids in mycobacteria.

We report on the existence of two phosphatidic acid biosynthetic pathways in mycobacteria, a classical one wherein the acylation of the sn-1 position of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) precedes that of sn-2 and another wherein acylations proceed in the reverse order. Two unique acyltransferases, PlsM and PlsB2, participate in both pathways and hold the key to the unusual positional distribution of acyl chains typifying mycobacterial glycerolipids wherein unsaturated substituents principally esterify position sn-1 and palmitoyl principally occupies position sn-2. While PlsM selectively transfers a palmitoyl chain to the sn-2 position of G3P and sn-1-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), PlsB2 preferentially transfers a stearoyl or oleoyl chain to the sn-1 position of G3P and an oleyl chain to sn-2-LPA. PlsM is the first example of an sn-2 G3P acyltransferase outside the plant kingdom and PlsB2 the first example of a 2-acyl-G3P acyltransferase. Both enzymes are unique in their ability to catalyze acyl transfer to both G3P and LPA.

Impacted estuaries on the Brazilian Amazon coast near port regions influence histological and enzymatic changes in Sciades herzbergii (Ariidae, Bloch, 1794).

Enzymatic (glutathione S-transferase, GST and catalase, CAT) and histological biomarkers in S. herzbergii are important for the analysis of impacted estuaries in port regions of the Brazilian Amazon coast. Fish specimens were collected in two areas in the rainy and dry seasons: Porto Grande (potentially impacted region) and Ilha dos Caranguejos (less impacted region). Sediment samples were collected for chemical analysis. Morphometric, histological, and enzymatic biomarker analyzes were performed. The analysis of the sediments collected in the potentially impacted region showed levels of iron, aluminum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above the limits allowed by CONAMA legislation. Histological changes in the gills and liver, as well as GST and CAT activities, were high in fish collected at the port. Analyzes suggest that fish in the potentially impacted region are subject to pollutants that compromise their health.

Validation of a Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate and determine at pretest level the reliability of the Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study employed 37 head and neck cancer patients. Each patient signed an informed consent and responded to the Portuguese version of the questionnaire in the form of an interview. This was repeated again after 2 weeks. A standard single question provided a validity check. Data were analyzed using Cronbach's α to test its reliability and total and interitem correlation, and intraclass correlation to determine its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity supported by objective measurements as salivary secretion was also investigated. Significance was set at .05. RESULTS: Cronbach's α was 0.91 and 0.89 for the first and second test administrations, respectively, which indicates that the internal consistency was excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficient value for the test-retest reliability was 0.70. The correlation between the total score of the questionnaire and standard single dry mouth question was 0.72 for the first round, indicating a good correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Demonstrating very good psychometric properties, the Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire is a valid tool and can be considered a reliable instrument to measure xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Histological biomarkers and biometric data on trahira Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces, Characiformes, Erythrinidae): a bioindicator species in the Mearim river, Brazilian Amazon.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of environmental contamination in a protected area in the Brazilian Amazon. For this, two areas were chosen along the Mearim River: the reference area (A1) and the potentially contaminated area (A2), where water samples were collected, for physicochemical and microbiological analyses, as well as specimens of Hoplias malabaricus, for the evaluation of biometric data and incidence of branchial lesions. The physicochemical analyzes of the water from both areas showed contamination (low levels of dissolved oxygen, tubidity and high iron concentrations, especially in A2). The microbiological analyzes showed that all water samples showed total coliform values higher than those acceptable by CONAMA and WHO (with higher values in A2), in addition to E. coli values higher than those allowed by legislation in A2. Regarding biometric data, male and female fishes were significantly longer and heavier in A1 during the dry and rain seasons and the gonadosomatic index also showed higher values in A1 than in A2 in both seasons. H. malabaricus showed gill lesions of minimal to moderate pathological importance in A1 and A2, indicating that specimens from both areas of the Mearim River showed biological responses to contamination. The observed changes in the water quality, bimetic parameters and the histological analyzes of the specimens of H. malabaricus directly reflect on the quality and health of the fishes in the Mearim River, and point to the urgent need for prevention and remediation of contamination in these ecosystems.

Mitigation of the effects of salt stress in cowpea bean through the exogenous aplication of brassinosteroid.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume widely cultivated by small, medium and large producers in several Brazilian regions. However, one of the concerns for the production of cowpea in Brazil in recent years is the low rainfall activity in these regions, which generates the accumulation of salts on the surface. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on growth parameters and enzyme activity in cowpea plants at different concentrations of brassinosteroids. Experiment was developed in a greenhouse using a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of three levels of brassinosteroids (0, 3 and 6 µM EBL) and three levels of salt stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). Growth factors (height, diameter and number of leaves) decreased in the saline condition. With the presence of brassinosteroid the height did not increase, but the number of leaves did, mainly in the saline dosage of 100 mM NaCl. In the variable membrane integrity, brassinosteroid was efficient in both salinity dosages, the same not happening with the relative water content, where the saline condition did not affect the amount of water in the vegetable, with the application of brassino it remained high, decreasing only at dosage 100 mM NaCl. The nitrate reductase enzyme was greatly affected in the root system even with the application of increasing doses of brassino. Therefore, brassinosteroids as a promoter of saline tolerance in cowpea seedlings was positive. The concentration of 3µM of EBL provided the most satisfactory effect in tolerating the deleterious effects of the saline condition. The same cannot be concluded for the concentration of 6µM of EBL that did not promote tolerance to some variables.

Cg1246, a new player in mycolic acid biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Mycolic acids are key components of the complex cell envelope of Corynebacteriales. These fatty acids, conjugated to trehalose or to arabinogalactan form the backbone of the mycomembrane. While mycolic acids are essential to the survival of some species, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, their absence is not lethal for Corynebacterium glutamicum, which has been extensively used as a model to depict their biosynthesis. Mycolic acids are first synthesized on the cytoplasmic side of the inner membrane and transferred onto trehalose to give trehalose monomycolate (TMM). TMM is subsequently transported to the periplasm by dedicated transporters and used by mycoloyltransferase enzymes to synthesize all the other mycolate-containing compounds. Using a random transposition mutagenesis, we recently identified a new uncharacterized protein (Cg1246) involved in mycolic acid metabolism. Cg1246 belongs to the DUF402 protein family that contains some previously characterized nucleoside phosphatases. In this study, we performed a functional and structural characterization of Cg1246. We showed that absence of the protein led to a significant reduction in the pool of TMM in C. glutamicum, resulting in a decrease in all other mycolate-containing compounds. We found that, in vitro, Cg1246 has phosphatase activity on organic pyrophosphate substrates but is most likely not a nucleoside phosphatase. Using a computational approach, we identified important residues for phosphatase activity and constructed the corresponding variants in C. glutamicum. Surprisingly complementation with these non-functional proteins fully restored the defect in TMM of the Δcg1246 mutant strain, suggesting that in vivo, the phosphatase activity is not involved in mycolic acid biosynthesis.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycan-like polymers are present in an acidophilic biofilm from a sulfidic cave.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) are negatively charged extracellular polymeric substances that occur in biofilms from various environments. Yet, it remains unclear whether these polymers are acquired from the external environment or produced by microbes in the biofilm. To resolve this, we analyzed the presence of sGAGs in samples of an acidophilic biofilm collected from Sulfur Cave in Puturosu Mountain (Romania), an environment that is largely inaccessible to contamination. A maximum of 55.16 ± 2.06 µg sGAG-like polymers were recovered per mg of EPS. Enzymatic treatment with chondroitinase ABC resulted in a decrease of the mass of these polymers, suggesting the structure of the recovered sGAG is similar to chondroitin. Subsequent FT-IR analysis of these polymers revealed absorbance bands at 1230 cm-1, 1167 cm-1 and 900 cm-1, indicating a possible presence of polysaccharides and sulfate. Analysis of genomic sequences closely related to those predominant in the acidophilic biofilm, contained genes coding for sulfotransferase (an enzyme needed for the production of sGAG), which supports the hypothesis of microbial synthesis of sGAGs within the biofilm.

Larval trematodes hosted by Biomphalaria straminea in the Brazilian semiarid region: implications for schistosomiasis control.

The present study aimed to identify larval trematodes shed by snails found in water bodies used by urban communities in a former schistosomiasis endemic area in the state of Piauí, in the Brazilian semiarid region. A malacological survey was performed followed by analysis of the cercariae shed by the snails after light exposure. Biomphalaria straminea specimens (n=1,224) were obtained from all seven collection sites. Cercariae shed by snails were i) single tailed, in which one type of cercariae was identified ( Echinostoma cercariae), and ii) with bifurcated tail (brevifurcate apharyngeate distome, brevifurcate pharyngeate distome, and longifurcate pharyngeate distome [strigeocercaria]). Brevifurcate apharyngeate distome were further examined and the presence of spikes in swimming membranes enabled the identification of Spirorchiidae cercariae in all individuals, demonstrating the absence of cercariae compatible with Schistosoma mansoni . Nevertheless, the accurate diagnosis of S. mansoni circulation in former endemic areas is still necessary.

Complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas con la asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración en candidatos a trasplante cardiaco urgente / Infectious complications associated with short-term mechanical circulatory support in urgent heart transplant candidates

Introducción y objetivos: El uso de dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración como puente a trasplante es frecuente en España. Se desconocen la epidemiología y la repercusión de las complicaciones infecciosas en estos pacientes. Métodos: Descripción sistemática de la epidemiología y análisis de la repercusión pronóstica de las complicaciones infecciosas en un registro multicéntrico retrospectivo de pacientes tratados con dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración como puente a trasplante cardiaco urgente entre 2010 y 2015 en 16 hospitales españoles. Resultados: Se estudió a 249 pacientes; 87 (34,9%) de ellos tuvieron un total de 102 infecciones. La vía respiratoria fue la localización más frecuente (n=47; 46,1%). En 78 casos (76,5%) se obtuvo confirmación microbiológica; se aislaron en total 100 gérmenes causales, con predominio de bacterias gramnegativas (n=58, 58%). Los pacientes con complicaciones infecciosas presentaron mayor mortalidad durante el periodo de asistencia circulatoria mecánica (el 25,3 frente al 12,3%; p=0,009) y menor probabilidad de recibir un trasplante (el 73,6 frente al 85,2%; p=0,025) que los pacientes sin infección. La mortalidad posoperatoria tras el trasplante fue similar en ambos grupos (con infección, el 28,3%; sin infección, el 23,4%; p=0,471). Conclusiones: Los pacientes tratados con dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración como puente al trasplante cardiaco están expuestos a un alto riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas, las cuales se asocian con una mayor mortalidad en espera del órgano (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Short-term mechanical circulatory support is frequently used as a bridge to heart transplant in Spain. The epidemiology and prognostic impact of infectious complications in these patients are unknown. Methods: Systematic description of the epidemiology of infectious complications and analysis of their prognostic impact in a multicenter, retrospective registry of patients treated with short-term mechanical devices as a bridge to urgent heart transplant from 2010 to 2015 in 16 Spanish hospitals. Results: We studied 249 patients, of which 87 (34.9%) had a total of 102 infections. The most frequent site was the respiratory tract (n=47; 46.1%). Microbiological confirmation was obtained in 78 (76.5%) episodes, with a total of 100 causative agents, showing a predominance of gram-negative bacteria (n=58, 58%). Compared with patients without infection, those with infectious complications showed higher mortality during the support period (25.3% vs 12.3%, P=.009) and a lower probability of receiving a transplant (73.6% vs 85.2%, P=.025). In-hospital posttransplant mortality was similar in the 2 groups (with infection: 28.3%; without infection: 23.4%; P=.471). Conclusions: Patients supported with temporary devices as a bridge to heart transplant are exposed to a high risk of infectious complications, which are associated with higher mortality during the organ waiting period (AU)

Circumstances of the ambulatory prescription of quinolones in Urology and opportunities for intervention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (AMSP) seldom focus on ambulatory prescribing. Our AMSP primarily supervises in-hospital prescribing, but as we aim to include the ambulatory setting, we sought opportunities for intervention on ambulatory quinolone prescription. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected the prescriptions made by urologists during 2018 for analysis, and manually checked them for adequacy. RESULTS: We analyzed 237 prescriptions. Of 136 therapeutic prescriptions, 18.4% had no reported diagnosis and 31.6% had no reported symptoms. Most patients (60.3%) did not have any urinalysis or urine culture; among those who had, 27.7% had a urinalysis not suggestive of urinary tract infection and 67.4% had a positive culture, 83.9% of which had a suitable oral alternative to quinolones. Antimicrobial therapy was not indicated in 13.9% of cases; when it was, quinolones were considered inadequate in 67.8% of cases. Incorrect duration was found in 51.1% of cases. Forty-six prescriptions were made for prophylaxis; all of these were considered inadequate. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of inadequate ambulatory quinolone prescriptions in Urology. Many followed incomplete recordings, lack of laboratory use, or inattention to alternatives. Treatment duration and quinolone choice were frequently inadequate. Quinolone prescribing for prophylaxis was always considered inadequate. These prescribing errors could serve as a starting point for future interventions.

Perception of fungi by farmers in the Cerrado / Percepção de agricultores do Cerrado sobre os fungos

Fungi are important in several aspects of human life. In particular, to agriculture, pathogenic fungi are of great importance, as they are responsible for production losses of the most diverse types. Because of this, knowledge about pathogenic fungus is of extreme importance for farmers and professionals working in agricultural areas. Among farmers who use specific agroecological practices, this knowledge is even more valuable, since by not adopting conventional methods of production, they resort to non-invasive alternatives that are less or not harmful at all to the environment in consideration of production management methods. This study aimed to assess farmer perception in the Cerrado biome in the city of Goiás (GO), Brazil, in order to understand their ethnomycological perceptions to verify historical management practices, their knowledge about phytopathogenic fungi, and how these producers perceive fungi. We used the theoretical reference method "From peasant to peasant" formulated by ANPA - National Association of Small Farmers. Some aspects of farmers' ethnomycological knowledge are discussed. These ease identification the representatives of the Fungi Kingdom is associated with organisms that present easily recognizable characteristics, such as wood-ears or disease-causing fungi. In general, farmers are able to identify representatives of the Fungi Kingdom that are found in their daily lives. The perception of farmers about fungi, a group still much unknown by society, is very relevant for future actions of ethnomycology.

Percepção dos fungos por agricultores do Cerrado – Fungos são organismos importantes em vários aspectos da vida humana. Em particular, para a agricultura, fungos patogênicos são de grande importância, pois são responsáveis por perdas de produção dos mais diversos tipos. Por isso, o conhecimento sobre fungos patogênicos é de extrema importância para agricultores e profissionais que trabalham em áreas agrícolas. Entre os agricultores que utilizam práticas agroecológicas, esse conhecimento é ainda mais valioso, pois, ao não adotar métodos convencionais de produção, recorrem a alternativas não invasivas que são menos ou não prejudiciais ao meio ambiente, considerando os métodos de gerenciamento da produção. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção de um grupo de agricultores do bioma Cerrado, na cidade de Goiás (GO), Brasil, a fim de compreender suas percepções etnomicológicas, de modo a verificar práticas históricas de manejo, seu conhecimento sobre fungos fitopatogênicos e como esses produtores percebem os fungos, de modo geral. Utilizamos o método "de camponês para camponês", formulado pela ANPA – Associação Nacional de Pequenos Agricultores. Discutimos alguns aspectos do conhecimento etnomicológico destes agricultores. A facilidade de identificação de representantes fúngicos está associada a organismos que apresentam características facilmente reconhecíveis, como estereótipo orelha-de-pau ou fungos causadores de doenças em cultivares. Em geral, os agricultores do estudo são capazes de identificar representantes do Reino Fungi que são encontrados em suas vidas cotidianas. A percepção dos agricultores sobre os fungos, um grupo ainda muito desconhecido pela sociedade, é muito relevante para ações futuras dentro da etnomicologia.

Perception of fungi by farmers in the Cerrado

Abstract Fungi are important in several aspects of human life. In particular, to agriculture, pathogenic fungi are of great importance, as they are responsible for production losses of the most diverse types. Because of this, knowledge about pathogenic fungus is of extreme importance for farmers and professionals working in agricultural areas. Among farmers who use specific agroecological practices, this knowledge is even more valuable, since by not adopting conventional methods of production, they resort to non-invasive alternatives that are less or not harmful at all to the environment in consideration of production management methods. This study aimed to assess farmer perception in the Cerrado biome in the city of Goiás (GO), Brazil, in order to understand their ethnomycological perceptions to verify historical management practices, their knowledge about phytopathogenic fungi, and how these producers perceive fungi. We used the theoretical reference method From peasant to peasant formulated by ANPA - National Association of Small Farmers. Some aspects of farmers ethnomycological knowledge are discussed. These ease identification the representatives of the Fungi Kingdom is associated with organisms that present easily recognizable characteristics, such as wood-ears or disease-causing fungi. In general, farmers are able to identify representatives of the Fungi Kingdom that are found in their daily lives. The perception of farmers about fungi, a group still much unknown by society, is very relevant for future actions of ethnomycology.

Resumo Percepção dos fungos por agricultores do Cerrado Fungos são organismos importantes em vários aspectos da vida humana. Em particular, para a agricultura, fungos patogênicos são de grande importância, pois são responsáveis por perdas de produção dos mais diversos tipos. Por isso, o conhecimento sobre fungos patogênicos é de extrema importância para agricultores e profissionais que trabalham em áreas agrícolas. Entre os agricultores que utilizam práticas agroecológicas, esse conhecimento é ainda mais valioso, pois, ao não adotar métodos convencionais de produção, recorrem a alternativas não invasivas que são menos ou não prejudiciais ao meio ambiente, considerando os métodos de gerenciamento da produção. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção de um grupo de agricultores do bioma Cerrado, na cidade de Goiás (GO), Brasil, a fim de compreender suas percepções etnomicológicas, de modo a verificar práticas históricas de manejo, seu conhecimento sobre fungos fitopatogênicos e como esses produtores percebem os fungos, de modo geral. Utilizamos o método de camponês para camponês, formulado pela ANPA Associação Nacional de Pequenos Agricultores. Discutimos alguns aspectos do conhecimento etnomicológico destes agricultores. A facilidade de identificação de representantes fúngicos está associada a organismos que apresentam características facilmente reconhecíveis, como estereótipo orelha-de-pau ou fungos causadores de doenças em cultivares. Em geral, os agricultores do estudo são capazes de identificar representantes do Reino Fungi que são encontrados em suas vidas cotidianas. A percepção dos agricultores sobre os fungos, um grupo ainda muito desconhecido pela sociedade, é muito relevante para ações futuras dentro da etnomicologia.

Perception of fungi by farmers in the Cerrado / Percepção de agricultores do Cerrado sobre os fungos

Fungi are important in several aspects of human life. In particular, to agriculture, pathogenic fungi are of great importance, as they are responsible for production losses of the most diverse types. Because of this, knowledge about pathogenic fungus is of extreme importance for farmers and professionals working in agricultural areas. Among farmers who use specific agroecological practices, this knowledge is even more valuable, since by not adopting conventional methods of production, they resort to non-invasive alternatives that are less or not harmful at all to the environment in consideration of production management methods. This study aimed to assess farmer perception in the Cerrado biome in the city of Goiás (GO), Brazil, in order to understand their ethnomycological perceptions to verify historical management practices, their knowledge about phytopathogenic fungi, and how these producers perceive fungi. We used the theoretical reference method "From peasant to peasant" formulated by ANPA - National Association of Small Farmers. Some aspects of farmers' ethnomycological knowledge are discussed. These ease identification the representatives of the Fungi Kingdom is associated with organisms that present easily recognizable characteristics, such as wood-ears or disease-causing fungi. In general, farmers are able to identify representatives of the Fungi Kingdom that are found in their daily lives. The perception of farmers about fungi, a group still much unknown by society, is very relevant for future actions of ethnomycology.

Percepção dos fungos por agricultores do Cerrado ­ Fungos são organismos importantes em vários aspectos da vida humana. Em particular, para a agricultura, fungos patogênicos são de grande importância, pois são responsáveis por perdas de produção dos mais diversos tipos. Por isso, o conhecimento sobre fungos patogênicos é de extrema importância para agricultores e profissionais que trabalham em áreas agrícolas. Entre os agricultores que utilizam práticas agroecológicas, esse conhecimento é ainda mais valioso, pois, ao não adotar métodos convencionais de produção, recorrem a alternativas não invasivas que são menos ou não prejudiciais ao meio ambiente, considerando os métodos de gerenciamento da produção. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção de um grupo de agricultores do bioma Cerrado, na cidade de Goiás (GO), Brasil, a fim de compreender suas percepções etnomicológicas, de modo a verificar práticas históricas de manejo, seu conhecimento sobre fungos fitopatogênicos e como esses produtores percebem os fungos, de modo geral. Utilizamos o método "de camponês para camponês", formulado pela ANPA ­ Associação Nacional de Pequenos Agricultores. Discutimos alguns aspectos do conhecimento etnomicológico destes agricultores. A facilidade de identificação de representantes fúngicos está associada a organismos que apresentam características facilmente reconhecíveis, como estereótipo orelha-de-pau ou fungos causadores de doenças em cultivares. Em geral, os agricultores do estudo são capazes de identificar representantes do Reino Fungi que são encontrados em suas vidas cotidianas. A percepção dos agricultores sobre os fungos, um grupo ainda muito desconhecido pela sociedade, é muito relevante para ações futuras dentro da etnomicologia.

Larval trematodes hosted by Biomphalaria straminea in the Brazilian semiarid region: implications for schistosomiasis control

@#The present study aimed to identify larval trematodes shed by snails found in water bodies used by urban communities in a former schistosomiasis endemic area in the state of Piauí, in the Brazilian semiarid region. A malacological survey was performed followed by analysis of the cercariae shed by the snails after light exposure. Biomphalaria straminea specimens (n=1,224) were obtained from all seven collection sites. Cercariae shed by snails were i) single tailed, in which one type of cercariae was identified (Echinostoma cercariae), and ii) with bifurcated tail (brevifurcate apharyngeate distome, brevifurcate pharyngeate distome, and longifurcate pharyngeate distome [strigeocercaria]). Brevifurcate apharyngeate distome were further examined and the presence of spikes in swimming membranes enabled the identification of Spirorchiidae cercariae in all individuals, demonstrating the absence of cercariae compatible with Schistosoma mansoni. Nevertheless, the accurate diagnosis of S. mansoni circulation in former endemic areas is still necessary.

Lesions caused by anisakid and capillariid in Cairina moschata raised on Marajó island, state of Pará, Brazil / [Lesões por anisakideos e capillariideos em Cairina moschata criados na Ilha de Marajó, estado do Pará, Brasil]

The Muscovy duck is a commercially important bird on the island of Marajó usually raised in a peculiar system that includes supplying fish viscera to the birds under semi-extensive farming conditions. This enables a risk of contamination and losses in the production of these birds, resulting from injuries caused by helminth infections, especially nematodes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes caused by nematodes of the genera: Eucoleus, Anisakis and Contracaecum. Thirty-three ducks with lesions in the esophagus and ventricle were analyzed. Histopathological exams showed a mild inflammatory infiltrate in the submucosa of the esophagus caused by the fixation of E. contortus and third stage larvae of Anisakis sp., and we recorded third stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. parasitizing the ventricle, this being the first record of this parasite in ducks in Brazil.(AU)

O pato doméstico é uma ave amplamente comercializada na Ilha de Marajó, com um peculiar manejo que inclui a oferta de vísceras de peixes aos animais em criações semiextensivas, propiciando, assim, risco de contaminação e perdas na produção dessas aves decorrentes de lesões oriundas de infecções por helmintos, especialmente os nematódeos. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar as alterações histopatológicas causadas por nematódeos dos gêneros: Eucoleus, Anisakis e Contracaecum. Foram analisados 33 patos, e três exemplares apresentaram lesões no esôfago e no ventrículo. Exames histopatológicos demonstraram discreto infiltrado inflamatório na submucosa do esôfago ocasionado pela fixação de E. contortus e larvas de terceiro estágio de Anisakis sp., bem como foram registradas larvas de terceiro estágio de Contracaecum sp. parasitando o ventrículo, sendo esse o primeiro registro desse parasito em patos no Brasil.(AU)

Perception of fungi by farmers in the Cerrado.

Fungi are important in several aspects of human life. In particular, to agriculture, pathogenic fungi are of great importance, as they are responsible for production losses of the most diverse types. Because of this, knowledge about pathogenic fungus is of extreme importance for farmers and professionals working in agricultural areas. Among farmers who use specific agroecological practices, this knowledge is even more valuable, since by not adopting conventional methods of production, they resort to non-invasive alternatives that are less or not harmful at all to the environment in consideration of production management methods. This study aimed to assess farmer perception in the Cerrado biome in the city of Goiás (GO), Brazil, in order to understand their ethnomycological perceptions to verify historical management practices, their knowledge about phytopathogenic fungi, and how these producers perceive fungi. We used the theoretical reference method "From peasant to peasant" formulated by ANPA - National Association of Small Farmers. Some aspects of farmers' ethnomycological knowledge are discussed. These ease identification the representatives of the Fungi Kingdom is associated with organisms that present easily recognizable characteristics, such as wood-ears or disease-causing fungi. In general, farmers are able to identify representatives of the Fungi Kingdom that are found in their daily lives. The perception of farmers about fungi, a group still much unknown by society, is very relevant for future actions of ethnomycology.