Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Monitoramento do comportamento alimentar e cuidado parental de um casal de corujas de vida livre (Tyto furcata) no ninho durante o período reprodutivo no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.(AU)

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.(AU)

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus)

Abstract Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Resumo Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Observational study on the breeding performance of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil / [Estudo observacional sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) no Brasil]

The objective of this study was to describe emus' breeding performance in Brazil at different ages, grouped in couples or colonies. The duration of the breeding season and the production of eggs per female housed were recorded, and the productivity and breeding variables were associated with the variation of the photoperiod. The total production of the flock was 180 eggs, and the breeding season lasted 167 days (April-September), a period with an average of 11 h and 11min of daylight. The breeding season lasted 113, 133 and 82 days, the numbers of eggs produced per female were 7.29, 25.67 and 17.3, and productivity values were 31.6, 38.6, and 45.4% in the groups of birds with ages of two, four and seven years, respectively. The breeding season in 2016 occurred between April and August in Brazil. Older birds tended to start breeding later. The production rate observations indicated that earlier peak production was associated with lower egg production potential. Finally, there was a tendency for better breeding performance of birds housed in couples than in groups with more birds.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o desempenho reprodutivo de emus de diferentes idades, agrupados em casais ou em colônias, no Brasil. A duração da estação reprodutiva e a produção de ovos por fêmea alojada foram registradas, a produtividade e as variáveis reprodutivas foram associadas às variações no fotoperíodo. A produção total do lote de aves foi de 180 ovos, e a estação reprodutiva durou 167 dias (abril-setembro), período que apresentou fotoperíodo médio de 11 horas e 11 minutos. Nos grupos de aves de dois, quatro e sete anos de idade, a estação reprodutiva durou 113,, 133 e 82 dias, o número de ovos por fêmea foi de 7,29, 25,67 e 17,3 e a produtividade foi de 31,6, 38,6 e 45,4%, respectivamente. A estação reprodutiva em 2016 ocorreu entre abril e agosto no Brasil. Aves mais velhas tenderam a iniciar o período reprodutivo mais tarde. As observações na taxa de produção podem indicar que quanto mais precoce o pico produtivo, menor o potencial de produção de ovos em emus. Houve a tendência ao melhor desempenho reprodutivo das aves alojadas em casais em comparação com as alojadas em colônias.(AU)

Detection and quantification of hepatitis E virus in the absence of IgG and IgM anti-HEV in HIV-positive patients.

AIMS: To improve RT-qPCR with an internal control and a synthetic standard curve to detect HEV in HIV co-infected patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) synthetic curve were designed, compared to the international reference panel for HEV genotypes, and tested to quantify and detect a reference panel for HEV genotypes. The detection limit of the RNA synthetic curve (50 copies per ml) was better than the DNA synthetic curve (100 copies per ml) and the WHO standard curve (250 copies per ml). Then, 280 serum samples from HIV-positive patients were tested for HEV RNA, which was detected in 3·6% of serum samples. The viral load ranged from 2 × 102 copies per ml to 4·78 × 108 copies per ml. HEV IgM/IgG antibodies were not detected in the RNA-positive patients. Sequencing analysis of HEV showed that the virus belongs to genotype 3 (HEV GT3). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time PCR was a useful tool to estimate co-infection with HEV/HIV, even in patients with low viral loads and undetectable anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV GT3) has been associated with silent chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in HIV-positive subjects worldwide, but there is a lack of data on this co-infection in Brazil.

Hepatitis B virus DNA stability in plasma samples under short-term storage at 42°C.

We evaluated the stability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in plasma samples stored at 42°C for external quality assessment (EQA) panels of viral load. To assess the stability of plasma samples containing different concentrations of HBV DNA, serial dilutions of HBV-infected samples with a viral load of 6.40 log(10) IU/mL were made to yield viral loads of 5, 4, and 3 log(10) IU/mL. These were incubated at 42°C for up to 7 days and then frozen at -70°C. Viral load testing for HBV DNA was performed for all samples using COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® HBV Test (v.2.0, Roche, Switzerland). Results were compared with fresh frozen plasma samples as a benchmark to establish acceptable measurements on the days following sample collection. Although the results of this study demonstrated a decrease in HBV DNA viral load ranging from 0.005 to 0.30 log(10) IU/mL after storage at 42°C for up to 7 days, these values did not exceed 0.5 log(10), which is the estimated intra-assay variation for molecular tests. Thus, the insignificant decrease in viral load suggests that shipment of HBV in plasma samples at temperatures of up to 42°C is permissible if they are frozen within 7 days.

Thuya occidentalis CH12 como tratamento alternativo da papilomatose canina / Thuya occidentalis CH12 as an alternative treatment to dog papilomatosis

RESUMO A papilomatose é uma doença de natureza crônica e pode causar tumores epiteliais e na mucosa. Não possui predileção por sexo, raça ou idade, mas comumente aparece em animais jovens. As lesões papilares ocorrem principalmente na mucosa bucal, nos lábios, língua e da faringe, além destes, também são encontradas na forma ocular e cutânea. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar a eficácia da Thuya occidentalis CH12, uma medicação homeopática de uso comum, no tratamento de cães com papilomatose. Os resultados positivos puderam ser vistos, em alguns casos, já na primeira semana do tratamento, em outros, após vinte dias, e o desaparecimento total das lesões, na maioria dos casos, ocorreu com quinze dias. Alicerçada no princípio da similitude, a homeopatia apóia-se na observação experimental de que toda substância capaz de provocar determinados sintomas em uma pessoa sadia, é capaz de curar estes mesmos sintomas em uma pessoa enferma. A Thuya occidentalis provou ser eficiente contra lesões de papilomavírus canina, e apresentou resultados rápidos e com um valor econômico acessível.

ABSTRACT The papillomatosis is a disease of chronic nature and can cause epithelial and mucosa tumors. . It may affect any gender, race or age but is most common in young animals. The papillary lesions occur mainly on the oral mucosa, in the lips, tongue and pharynx, besides appearing also in the eeyes and skin. This study aimed to report the effectiveness of the Thuya occidentalis CH12 , a homeopathic medication commonly used in the treatment of dogs with papillomatosis . The positive results could be noticed, in some cases, even in the first week of treatment , or after twenty days, with the total remission of the lesions occurring in most of the cases within fifteen days . Founded based on the similarity principle, the homeopathy relies on the experimental observation that any substance capable of causing certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure these same symptoms in a sick person. The Thuya occidentalis proved to be effective against canine papillomavirus lesions, and with fast results at an affordable economic value.

Gene expression during activation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia.

This study focuses on gene expression during crucial biological phenomena of the dimorphic fungal human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the conidia-to-yeast (C-Y) transition and the conidia-to-mycelia (C-M) germination. We studied 10 genes involved in different cellular functions: oxidative stress response (alternative oxidase (AOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), flavodoxin, conserved hypothetical protein (Y20)); cell metabolism (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH), cholestenol Delta-isomerase (ChDI), glycine dehydrogenase (GDh)) and heat shock response (Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)), and cell synthesis and wall structure (glucan synthase-1 (GS-1), α-1,3-glucan synthase (αGS), and mannosyltransferase (MT)). Gene expression was measured during the first 72 h and 96 h of C-Y and C-M, respectively, previously shown to be a fundamental time frame for the consolidation of these cellular processes. The gene expression of AOX, GAPDH, HSP90, MT, αGS, and GDh was significantly increased during the C-Y transition, while SOD, ChDI, GAPDH, MT, GDh, and GS-1 were increased during C-M germination. Additionally, some were highly expressed in each process: AOX, HSP90, and αGS during C-Y; SOD, ChDI, and GS-1 during C-M. Altogether, these data add new information regarding gene expression during the C-Y and C-M processes. Future research will be targeted to further characterize the true relevance of the studied genes during the morphological transition, either during adaptation to the environment or to the infected host.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium andersoni in Brazilian cattle.

Feces were collected from 68 dairy cattle, 1 to 12 mo of age, on 12 farms in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. All samples were subjected to molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) of the 18S rRNA. Four positive samples (4.54%) were sequenced and identified as Cryptosporidium andersoni. This species represents a risk for Brazilian cattle because infection can affect cattle productivity. Moreover, C. andersoni is considered a zoonotic species.

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves / Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de infecção por Cryptosporidium parvum em bezerros

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were detected in feces of dairy calves raised in Rio de Janeiro State and the risk factors involved in the infection were determined. A hundred calves aging up to 12-month-old from 13 dairy farms were sampled. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of oocysts. The zoonotic C. parvum species was detected in 45 percent animals. Statistical risk factors analyses revealed an association between infection and animals raised in technical systems such as the use of milking equipment, milking cooler, and water trough(P<0.05).

Detectaram-se oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum em fezes de bezerros leiteiros no estado do Rio de Janeiro e analisaram-se os fatores de risco envolvidos na infecção dos animais. Cem bezerros com idades de 0 a 12 meses, provenientes de 13 propriedades rurais, foram amostrados, e suas fezes examinadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase para a detecção dos oocistos. A espécie zoonótica C. parvum foi detectada em 45 por cento dos animais. As análises estatísticas dos fatores de risco revelaram haver associação entre infecção e animais criados em propriedades tecnificadas, que usam ordenha mecanizada, resfriamento de leite e fazendas que continham reservatórios de água à disposição dos animais (P<0,05).

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves / Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de infecção por Cryptosporidium parvum em bezerros

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were detected in feces of dairy calves raised in Rio de Janeiro State and the risk factors involved in the infection were determined. A hundred calves aging up to 12-month-old from 13 dairy farms were sampled. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of oocysts. The zoonotic C. parvum species was detected in 45 percent animals. Statistical risk factors analyses revealed an association between infection and animals raised in technical systems such as the use of milking equipment, milking cooler, and water trough(P<0.05).(AU)

Detectaram-se oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum em fezes de bezerros leiteiros no estado do Rio de Janeiro e analisaram-se os fatores de risco envolvidos na infecção dos animais. Cem bezerros com idades de 0 a 12 meses, provenientes de 13 propriedades rurais, foram amostrados, e suas fezes examinadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase para a detecção dos oocistos. A espécie zoonótica C. parvum foi detectada em 45 por cento dos animais. As análises estatísticas dos fatores de risco revelaram haver associação entre infecção e animais criados em propriedades tecnificadas, que usam ordenha mecanizada, resfriamento de leite e fazendas que continham reservatórios de água à disposição dos animais (P<0,05).(AU)

Cdc42p controls yeast-cell shape and virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is characterized by a multiple budding phenotype and a polymorphic cell growth, leading to the formation of cells with extreme variations in shape and size. Since Cdc42 is a pivotal molecule in establishing and maintaining polarized growth for diverse cell types, as well as during pathogenesis of certain fungi, we evaluated its role during cell growth and virulence of the yeast-form of P. brasiliensis. We used antisense technology to knock-down PbCDC42's expression in P. brasiliensis yeast cells, promoting a decrease in cell size and more homogenous cell growth, altering the typical polymorphism of wild-type cells. Reduced expression levels also lead to increased phagocytosis and decreased virulence in a mouse model of infection. We provide genetic evidences underlying Pbcdc42p as an important protein during host-pathogen interaction and the relevance of the polymorphic nature and cell size in the pathogenesis of P. brasiliensis.

Autoimmune thrombocytopenia related to chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Since the identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 as a causative agent for a number of the extrahepatic alterations related to HCV infection an underlying immune mediated pathogenetic mechanism has been postulated. HCV-associated thrombocytopenia may be considered complex and multifactorial in origin, since different mechanisms have been implicated in its pathophysiology. With respect to autoimmune thrombocytopenia in chronic HCV infection, the detection of specific antibodies against platelet glycoproteins have been reported only in a few studies, but no systematic study has been carried out. We examined the clinical, laboratory, and virological characteristics of a case series of 10 patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150.0 x 10(9)/L) related to chronic HCV infection. Cases, six males and four females, aged 57.1 +/- 12.6 years, presented high titers of antibodies against platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, GP Ia/IIa, and/or GP Ib/IX, and no other mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of HCV-associated thrombocytopenia was identified. Furthermore, cases were not associated with particular HCV genotype. Complete platelet response was observed in two patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, and partial platelet response was seen in two patients treated with anti-D Ig and one patient treated with corticosteroids. These findings indicate that an autoimmune mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of HCV-associated thrombocytopenia in a proportion of these patients.

Changes in hepatitis A virus seroepidemiology in HIV-infected Brazilian patients.

Shifting of hepatitis A virus (HAV) epidemiology from a high towards an intermediate endemicity pattern and use of antiretroviral therapy increased the risk of HIV/HAV coinfection in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of HAV markers in a cohort of HIV-infected patients from 1988 to 2004. The presence of serum anti-HAV antibodies and HAV-RNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction was investigated in 581 patients. Total anti-HAV antibodies was found in 464/581 (79.8%) patients, however, a changing epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis A among HIV-infected patients from 1988 to 2004 was observed. Among patients susceptible to HAV (n = 117), 5 (4.2%) were coinfected with HAV, all of them had IgM anti-HAV antibodies and were serum HAV-RNA-positive. The high prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in HIV-infected patients suggests that screening tests for anti-HAV antibodies should be performed before implementation of hepatitis A vaccination, especially in those patients from endemic countries.

Towards a molecular genetic system for the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

We herein report the development of a molecular toolbox for the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, specifically a more efficient transformation and a gene expression system. We evaluated several parameters that influence Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), such as co-cultivation conditions and host cell susceptibility. Our results show that cellular recovery and air drying of A. tumefaciens:P. brasiliensis mixtures are essential for ATMT. Overall, our data indicate a transformation efficiency of 78+/-9 transformants/co-cultivation (5+/-1 transformants/10(6) target cells). P. brasiliensis GFP-expressing isolates were also constructed by insertion of the GFP gene under the control of several fungal promoters. RT-PCR, epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis revealed Gfp visualization for all studied promoters but without significant differences in fluorescence and gene expression levels. Moreover, we present evidence for the occurrence of random single gene copy integration per haploid nuclei and the generation of homokaryon progeny, relevant for the future use in targeted mutagenesis and linking mutations to phenotypes.

Genome size and ploidy of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis reveals a haploid DNA content: flow cytometry and GP43 sequence analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate genome size and ploidy of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The cell cycle analysis of 10 P. brasiliensis isolates by flow cytometry (FCM) revealed a genome size ranging from 26.3+/-0.1Mb (26.9+/-0.1fg) to 35.5+/-0.2Mb (36.3+/-0.2fg) per uninucleated yeast cell. The DNA content of conidia from P. brasiliensis ATCC 60855-30.2+/-0.8Mb (30.9+/-0.8fg) -showed no significant differences with the yeast form, possibly excluding the occurrence of ploidy shift during morphogenesis. The ploidy of several P. brasiliensis isolates was assessed by comparing genome sizing by FCM with the previously described average haploid size obtained from electrophoretic karyotyping. The analysis of intra-individual variability of a highly polymorphic P. brasiliensis gene, GP43, indicated that only one allele seems to be present. Overall, the results showed that all analysed isolates presented a haploid, or at least aneuploid, DNA content and no association was detected between genome size/ploidy and the clinical-epidemiological features of the studied isolates. This work provides new knowledge on P. brasiliensis genetics/genomics, important for future research in basic cellular/molecular mechanisms and for the development/design of molecular techniques in this fungus.