Identification and characterization of a polyomavirus in the thornback skate (Raja clavata).

Members of the family Polyomaviridae have a circular double-stranded DNA genome that have been identified in various hosts ranging from mammals to arachnids. Here we report the identification and analysis of a complete genome sequence of a novel polyomavirus, Raja clavata polyomavirus (RcPyV1), from a cartilaginous fish, the thornback skate (Raja clavata). The genome sequence was determined using a metagenomics approach with an aim to provide baseline viral data in cartilaginous fish in different ecosystems. The RcPyV1 genome (4,195 nucleotides) had typical organization of polyomavirus, including early antigens (small T; Large T) encoded on one strand and late viral proteins (VP1; VP2) on the complementary strand. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the large T-antigen revealed that RcPyV1 clusters with a polyomavirus obtained from another cartilaginous fish, the guitarfish polyomavirus 1 (GfPyV1). These two share ~ 56% pairwise identity in LT and VP1 protein sequences. These analyses support the hypothesis that cartilaginous fishes have a specific lineage of polyomaviruses.

Growth and maturity of the lesser-spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) in the southern Portuguese continental coast.

Growth and reproductive parameters were estimated for Scyliorhinus canicula from the south-western Portuguese coast. The sample consisted of 148 specimens with total length ranging from 187 to 580 mm (82 males and 66 females). Maximum ages assigned to males and females were 12 and 13 years, respectively. Linf and k were estimated as 63.6 cm and 0.16 year-1 for males and 63.2 and 0.15 year-1 for females. Length and age at first maturity were estimated as 42.6 cm and 6 years for males and 44.5 cm and 7 years for females.

Genetic population structure of the Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo): contribution of mtDNA control region to fisheries management.

Marine fisheries management models have traditionally considered biological parameters and geopolitical boundaries. The result is the existence of fisheries management units that do not match genetic populations. However, this panorama is changing with the contribution of genetic and genomic data. Pagellus bogaraveo is a commercially important sparid in the northeast Atlantic, with three stock components being considered by ICES: the Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Iberian waters and the Azores. The northern stock collapsed (1975-1985) and is essential to characterize the genetic makeup of the species, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, where it is managed as a single stock. The mitochondrial control region was used to screen the intraspecific diversity and population structure of individuals from six locations across the species range. The genetic diversity found is similar among sites, and there is differentiation between the Azores and the remaining locations.

Estimation of risk assessment of some heavy metals intake through black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) consumption in Portugal.

The intake of Cd, methyl-Hg, and Pb through consumption of black scabbardfish (BSF) (Aphanopus carbo) in Portugal as well as the associated probability of exceeding the respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) was estimated. For this purpose, the contamination levels of heavy metals in this fish species were combined with constructed consumption scenarios or with a hypothesized consumption distribution. Whereas Cd and Pb posed no serious risk, the consumption of at least one portion of BSF per month as well as the hypothetical study in the Portuguese population produced nonnegligible probabilities of surpassing the PTWI for Me-Hg. Risk assessment for Portuguese consumers revealed a higher risk regarding Me-Hg, 1.19% and 1.81% with the plug-in (PI) and the tail estimation (TE) estimators, respectively. On the other hand, the risk for Cd and Pb was less than 1 in 100,000. TE was more realistic and accurate for Cd and Pb. Concerning Me-Hg, TE and PI estimators produced similar results. Furthermore, the limitations of a deterministic approach were shown.

Experiência em treinamento com a aplicação do material audiovisual elaborado pela Campanha Nacional Contra a Tuberculose

Os autores apresentam revisão sobre o diagnóstico diferencial de afecções que cursam com quatro sinais ou sintomas de aparelho respiratório: tosse,expectoração,dispnéia e sibilos. Também são focalizados aspectos da fisiopatogenia de algumas doenças e sua conduta