Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil / Dieta do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica, Brasil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Effects of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics on the polychaete Hediste diversicolor: Behavioural, regenerative, and biochemical responses.

Plastics, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), have been regarded as pollutants of emerging concern due to their effects on organisms and ecosystems, especially considering marine environments. However, in terms of NPs, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the effects of size and polymer on marine invertebrates, such as benthic organisms. Therefore, this study aimed to understand, regarding behavioural, physiological, and biochemical endpoints (neurotransmission, energy metabolism, antioxidant status, and oxidative damage), the effects of 50 nm waterborne polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) NPs (0.5 to 500 µg/L) on the marine benthic polychaete Hediste diversicolor, a key species in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Results demonstrated that worms exposed to PMMA NPs had a shorter burrowing time than control organisms. Nevertheless, worms exposed to PMMA NPs (0.5 and 500 µg/L) decreased cholinesterase activity. Energy metabolism was decreased at 50 and 500 µg/L, and glycogen content decreased at all concentrations of PMMA NPs. Enzymes related to the antioxidant defence system (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) displayed increased activities in H. diversicolor specimens exposed to concentrations between 0.5 and 500 µg/L, which led to no damage at the cell membrane and protein levels. In this study, polychaetes also displayed a lower regenerative capacity when exposed to PMMA NPs. Overall, the data obtained in this study emphasize the potential consequences of PMMA NPs to benthic worms, particularly between 0.5 and 50 µg/L, with polychaetes exposed to 50 µg/L being the most impacted by the analysed NPs. However, since sediments are considered to be sinks and sources of plastics, further studies are needed to better understand the impacts of different sizes and polymers on marine organisms, particularly benthic species.

Deep brain stimulation of the dorsal raphe induces anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects and alters serotonin immunoreactivity.

Previously we showed that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the dorsal region (DRD) and of the lateral wings of the dorsal raphe (lwDR) respectively decreases anxiety and panic-like responses in the elevated T-maze (ETM). This study investigates neurobiological alterations which might respond for these behavioral effects. Male Wistar rats were submitted to high-frequency stimulation (100 µA, 100 Hz) of the DRD or of the lwDR for 1 h, and subsequently tested in the avoidance or escape tasks of the ETM. Since serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are first line pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders, we also tested the effects of chronic fluoxetine administration (10 mg/kg, IP, 21 days) on a separate group of rats. An open field was used for locomotor activity assessment. Additionally, we evaluated c-Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) in serotonergic cells of the dorsal raphe (DR). Results showed that DBS of the DRD decreases avoidance reactions, an anxiolytic-like effect, without altering escape or locomotor activity. Both fluoxetine and DBS of the lwDR decreased escape responses in the ETM, a panicolytic-like effect, without altering avoidance measurements or locomotor activity. While DBS of the DRD decreased double immunostaining in the DRD, DBS of the lwDR increased Fos-ir and double immunostaining in the DRD and lwDR. Fluoxetine also increased double immunostaining in the lwDR and in the DRV but decreased it in the DRD. These results suggest that both the anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects of DBS and fluoxetine are related to 5-HT modulation in different subnuclei of the DR.

Does silicon help to alleviate water deficit stress and in the recovery of Dipteryx alata seedlings?

Water deficit to causes serious problems in the growth and development of plants, impairing their metabolism. Thus, it is necessary to use agents that can mitigate plant damage. This study assesses the potential of silicon to mitigate water deficit stress in Dipteryx alata Vogel seedlings and to help in their recovery after the resumption of irrigation. The study analyzed four water regimes: (I) Continuous irrigation; (II) Water deficit without Si; (III) Water deficit + 0.75 mL Si; and (IV) Water deficit + 1.50 mL Si. Seedlings were evaluated in four periods: (1) (T0 - time zero) at the beginning of the experiment, before irrigation suspension; (2) (P0) when the photosynthetic rates (A) of seedlings under irrigation suspension reached values close to zero, period in which irrigation was resumed; (3) (REC) when A reached values ​​close to those of seedlings under continuous irrigation, characterizing the recovery period; and (4) (END) 45 days after REC, when seedlings were kept under continuous irrigation, similar to the control. Application of 0.75 mL Si alleviates damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of D. alata seedlings that remain longer under water deficit, and contributes to faster physiological recovery after the resumption of irrigation. D. alata seedlings have recovery potential after the stress period, regardless of Si application.

Does parental exposure to nanoplastics modulate the response of Hediste diversicolor to other contaminants: A case study with arsenic.

Plastic pollution is a serious problem in aquatic systems throughout the world. Despite the increasing number of studies addressing the impact of macro- and microplastics on biota, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the effects of nanoplastics alone and in combination with other contaminants. Among the aquatic contaminants that may interact with nanoplastics is arsenic (As), a metalloid found in estuarine and coastal ecosystems, pernicious to benthic organisms. This study aimed to understand how a parental pre-exposure to 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) would influence the response of Hediste diversicolor to exposure to arsenic in terms of behaviour, neurotransmission, antioxidant defences and oxidative damage, and energy metabolism. The obtained data revealed an increase in burrowing time and a significant inhibition in cholinesterase activity in all polychaetes exposed to As, regardless of the pre-exposure to PS NPs. Oxidative status was altered particularly in parentally exposed organisms, with damage detected in terms of lipid peroxidation at 50 µg/L and protein carbonylation at 50 and 250 µg As/L exposed organisms when compared to control. Overall, data shows that parental pre-exposure to plastics influences the response of aquatic organisms, increasing their susceptibility to other contaminants. Thus, more studies should be performed with other environmental contaminants, to better understand the potential increased risk associated with the presence of nanoplastics to aquatic ecosystems.

Molecular docking studies and evaluation of the antiretroviral activity and cytotoxicity of the species Lafoensia pacari Saint-Hilaire.

Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction - neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

Age and sex influence the response in lipid metabolism of dehydrated Wistar rats.

Aging is associated a decrease in thirst sensation, which makes old people more susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration produces energy metabolism alterations. Our objective was to determinate the effect of water deprivation (WD) in the lipid metabolism of old male and female rats. Here we show that in the state of WD, aging and sex alters retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (R-WAT) weight of rats, WD old female rats had more lipolysis products than old male rats, a sexual dimorphism in the hormonal response related with metabolism of the adipose tissue of old rats during WD, the expression of P-para mRNA in R-WAT did not present any alteration in animals submitted to WD, the expression of Aqp7 mRNA in R-WAT is altered by WD, age, and sex. Also, WD stimulated an increase in the plasma concentration of oxytocin and the expression of mRNA of the oxytocin receptors in R-WAT.

Effects of graphene oxide nanosheets in the polychaete Hediste diversicolor: Behavioural, physiological and biochemical responses.

Numerous applications exist for graphene-based materials, such as graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. Increased concentrations of GO nanosheets in the environment have the potential to have a large negative effect on the aquatic environment, with consequences for benthic organisms, such as polychaetes. The polychaete Hediste diversicolor mobilises the sediments, hence altering the availability of contaminants and the nutrients biogeochemical cycle. As such, this study proposes to assess the effects of different GO nanosheet concentrations on the behaviour, feeding activity, mucus production, regenerative capacity, antioxidant status, biochemical damage and metabolism of H. diversicolor. This study evidenced that H. diversicolor exposed to GO nanosheets had a significantly lower ability to regenerate their bodies, took longer to feed and burrow into the sediment and produced more mucus. Membrane oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) increased in exposed specimens. The increased metabolic rate (ETS) evidenced a higher energy expenditure in exposed organisms (high use of ready energy sources - soluble sugars) to fight the toxicity induced by GO nanosheets, such as SOD activity. The increase in SOD activity was enough to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by GO on cytosol at the lowest concentrations, avoiding the damage on proteins (lower PC levels), but not on membranes (LPO increase). This study revealed that the presence of GO nanosheets, even at the lower levels tested, impaired behavioural, physiological, and biochemical traits in polychaetes, suggesting that the increase of this engineered nanomaterial in the environment can disturb these benthic organisms, affecting the H. diversicolor population. Moreover, given the important role of this group of organisms in coastal and estuarine food webs, the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients, and sediment oxygenation, there is a real possibility for repercussions into the estuarine community.

The skin redoxome.

Redoxome is the network of redox reactions and redox active species (ReAS) that affect the homeostasis of cells and tissues. Due to the intense and constant interaction with external agents, the human skin has a robust redox signalling framework with specific pathways and magnitudes. The establishment of the skin redoxome concept is key to expanding knowledge of skin disorders and establishing better strategies for their prevention and treatment. This review starts with its definition and progress to propose how the master redox regulators are maintained and activated in the different conditions experienced by the skin and how the lack of redox regulation is involved in the accumulation of several oxidation end products that are correlated with various skin disorders.

Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil.

The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Spleen and lung virome analysis of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) collected on the southern Brazilian coast.

South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) are believed to reach the coast of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) through sea currents. They live in colonies and are frequently found resting on the beach. However, it is also common to find dead pinnipeds on beaches, sharing the environment with humans, domestic animals and other wild species on the coast and facilitating the transmission of pathogens. In the present study, a metagenomic approach was applied to evaluate the viral diversity in organs of fur seals found deceased along the coast of the state of RS, southern Brazil. The lungs and spleens of 29 animals were collected, macerated individually, pooled separately (one pool for lungs and another for spleens) and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences more closely related to members of the Anelloviridae and Circoviridae families were detected. Nine putative new species of anellovirus and one putative new genus, named Nitorquevirus, were described. Additionally, the circovirus sequences found in the lungs of A. australis have a common ancestor with PCV3, a proposed swine pathogen. Our study expanded the knowledge about viral communities in pinnipeds and could be useful for monitoring new viruses and potential viral sharing among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.

Deep Brain Stimulation of the dorsal raphe abolishes serotonin 1A facilitation of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic currents in the ventral hippocampus.

In a previous study we showed that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the rat dorsal subregion of the dorsal raphe (DRD), which sends serotonergic projections to forebrain areas, such as the ventral hippocampus, induces anxiolytic-like effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate neurobiological alterations which might underline these behavioral effects. For that, we tested the influence of DBS upon the neuromodulatory action of serotonin on excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs) in the ventral hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were submitted to high-frequency stimulation (100 µA, 100 Hz) of the DRD for 1 h during three consecutive days. On the third day, immediately after the DBS procedure, animals were euthanized. Slices of the ventral hippocampus were processed for whole cell patch clamp recordings of AMPA-receptor (AMPAR) mediated EPSCs in the CA1 area. As reported by others, we confirmed that in pre-weaning rats a high affinity 5-HT1A receptor agonist (8-OH-PIPAT, 0.5-5nM) inhibits EPSCs. However, in adult rats (non-operated or sham-operated), 8-OH-PIPAT (0.5-5 nM) increased EPSC amplitude, an effect blocked by the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100,635 (200 nM). Importantly, in adult rats exposed to DBS, the 5-HT1A agonist was devoid of effect. Taken together these results show that: 1) changes in 5-HT1A receptor-mediated hippocampal synaptic transmission occur with age; 2) these changes lead to a facilitatory effect of 5-HT1A receptors; 3) DBS blocks this serotonergic facilitatory action. These observations suggest that an alteration in serotonin modulation of limbic areas may underlie the psychotherapeutic effects of DBS.

Effect of dairy by-products as milk replacers on quality attributes of ice cream.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ricotta whey (RW), cheese whey (CW), and butter whey (BUW) as replacers of whole milk (WM) at different ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0) in the physicochemical and sensory qualities of ice cream. All formulations, including a commercial sample used as reference, were analyzed for nutritional composition, energy value, pH, titratable acidity (TA), melting behavior, desorption index, instrumental color properties, instrumental hardness, and consumer sensory testing. Overall, the addition of RW, CW, and BUW increased the moisture content, TA, melting rate, and redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values but decreased the pH, lightness (L*) value, energy value, levels of ash, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate. As exception, CW did not influence the TA, and BUW resulted in lower lipid reduction and in lower hardness changes, and it did not affect the content of ash, protein, and a* and b* values of ice creams. Any ice cream formulation had dietary fibers and a desorption index. Ricotta whey and CW at all ratios and BUW at 25% did not affect overall liking compared with the commercial sample, whereas purchase intention was only decreased by the addition of BUW from 50 to 100%. Ricotta whey at 75 and 100% decreased melting velocity and creaminess, and BUW at 50, 75, and 100% increased hardness, TA, and cream flavor but decreased creaminess, which contributed negatively to overall liking. Therefore, the evaluated dairy by-products, especially RW and CW, have great potential for replacing milk in ice creams.

The use of Hediste diversicolor in the study of emerging contaminants.

The contamination of aquatic environments has been the focus of research to understand effects on ecosystems and its species. Benthic organisms are considered potential targets since sediments act as sources and sinks for environmental contaminants. This review presents information on the effects of three types of emerging contaminants: pharmaceuticals (tested concentrations between 0.1 ng/L - 250 mg/L and 0.01 ng/g - 2.5 µg/g), metal-based nanoparticles (<100 nm) (tested concentrations between 10 µg/L - 1 mg/L and 5 - 140 µg/g) and micro(nano)plastics (tested concentrations between 5 µg/L - 50 mg/L and 10 - 50 mg/kg), on the polychaete Hediste diversicolor, a key species in estuarine/coastal ecosystems. Data shows that these contaminants promote alterations in burrowing activity (lowest concentration inducing effects: 10 ng/L), neurotransmission and damage related parameters (lowest concentration inducing effects: 100 ng/L). The characteristics of this polychaete, such as regenerative capacity, make the use of this species in biomedical studies involving environmental contaminants valuable.

Virome of crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) from southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) are wild canids distributed in South America. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild canids may share viral pathogens, including rabies virus (RABV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). To characterize the virome of these wild canid species, the present work evaluated the spleen and mesenteric lymph node virome of 17 crab-eating and five Pampas foxes using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Organ samples were pooled and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Additional PCR analyses were performed to identify the frequencies and host origin for each virus detected by HTS. Sequences more closely related to the Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae and Anelloviridae families were detected, as well as circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. CDV was found only in crab-eating foxes, whereas CPV-2 was found in both canid species; both viruses were closely related to sequences reported in domestic dogs from southern Brazil. Moreover, the present work reported the detection of canine bocavirus (CBoV) strains that were genetically divergent from CBoV-1 and 2 lineages. Finally, we also characterized CRESS DNA viruses and anelloviruses with marked diversity. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding wild canid viruses that can potentially be shared with domestic canids or other species.

Liver virome of healthy pigs reveals diverse small ssDNA viral genomes.

Brazil is a major exporter of pork meat worldwide. Swine liver is a common ingredient in food consumed by humans, thus emphasizing the importance of evaluating the presence of associated pathogens in swine liver. To obtain knowledge, this study aimed to provide insights into the viral communities of livers collected from slaughtered pigs from southern Brazil. The 46 livers were processed and submitted for high-throughput sequencing (HTS). The sequences were most closely related to Anelloviridae, Circoviridae and Parvoviridae families. The present work also describes the first Brazilian PCV1 and the first PPV6 and PPV7 from South America. Virus frequencies revelead 63% of samples positive for TTSuV1, 71% for TTSuVk2, 10.8% for PCV, 13% for PPV and 6% for PBov. This report addresses the diversity of the liver virome of healthy pigs and expands the number of viruses detected, further characterizing their genomes to assist future studies.

Behavior and biochemical responses of the polychaeta Hediste diversicolor to polystyrene nanoplastics.

Plastic debris has been reaching the world's oceans since it started being used. Multiple studies have been addressing the effects of microplastics in various organisms but, despite the increased scientific awareness, there is still a significant gap in knowledge when it comes to small-sized plastic particles of sizes below 100 nm. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of waterborne 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) on the marine polychaeta Hediste diversicolor, a keystone species in intertidal and coastal environments, in terms of behavior, neurotransmission, oxidative status, energy metabolism and oxidative damage. Results of PS NPs characterization showed an aggregation along the time and with increasing concentrations. Results also revealed a considerable impact of PS NPs on ecologically relevant endpoints like cholinesterase (ChE) and burrowing, but no increases in most of the parameters associated with oxidative stress. Protein carbonylation was found to be more sensitive to PS NPs effects than lipid peroxidation. Behavioral alterations induced by PS NPs may affect nutrient cycling and (endo-)benthic fauna. The data revealed in this study highlighted the potential consequences of NPs to benthic organisms and the need for further studies.

Highly divergent cattle hepacivirus N in Southern Brazil.

The genus Hepacivirus includes 14 species (Hepacivirus A-N). In this study, we determined a partial genome sequence of a highly divergent bovine hepacivirus (hepacivirus N, HNV) isolate from cattle in Southern Brazil. Previously described HNV isolates have shared 80-99.7% nucleotide sequence identity in the NS3 coding region. However, the sequence determined in this study had 72.6% to 73.8% nucleotide sequence identity to known HNV NS3 sequences. This high divergence could be seen in a phylogenetic tree, suggesting that it represents a new genotype of HNV. These data expand our knowledge concerning the genetic variability and evolution of hepaciviruses.

Characterization of the viral genomes present in commercial batches of horse serum obtained by high-throughput sequencing.

Horses are often used as blood donors for commercial horse serum (HS) production and to manufacture biologicals. HS is an alternative for fetal bovine serum (FBS) used as a supplement for cell culture and vaccine production. Furthermore, HS is also frequently obtained in order to produce antisera toxins and pathogens. The advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has promoted changes in virus detection, since previous knowledge of targets is not required. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the virome of five different batches of commercial HS from New Zealand (three batches) and Brazil and the United States (one batch each) using HTS. Each HS pool were processed and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences-related to viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae, Herpesviridae, and Parvoviridae families were detected. Particularly, equine hepacivirus (EqHV), equine pegivirus (EPgV), and Theiler's disease-associated virus (TDAV) were more frequent found in the batches analyzed. The presence of viral genomes in cell culture sera illustrates that these commercial sera can contain a mixture of different viruses and, therefore, can be regarded as potentially infectious for susceptible hosts. Moreover, the innocuity of commercial HS is important for the efficiency and security of diagnostics and the production of biological products.