A comprehensive study from the micro- to the nanometric scale: Evaluation of chilling injury in tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum).

Tomato fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during its postharvest handling at low temperature. The symptoms caused by this physiological disorder have been commonly evaluated by visual inspection at a macro-observation scale on fruit surface; however, the structure at deeper scales is also affected by CI. This work aimed to propose a descriptive model of the CI development in tomato tissue under the micro-scale, micro-nano-scale and nano-scale approaches using fractal analysis. For that, quality and fractal parameters were determined. In this sense, light microscopy, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were applied to analyse micro-, micro-nano- and nano-scales, respectively. Results showed that the morphology of tomato tissue at the micro-scale level was properly described by the multifractal behaviour. Also, generalised fractal dimension (Dq=0) and texture fractal dimension (FD) of CI-damaged pericarp and cuticle were higher (1.659, 1.601 and 1.746, respectively) in comparison to non-chilled samples (1.606, 1.578 and 1.644, respectively); however, FD was unsuitable to detect morphological changes at the nano-scale. On the other hand, lacunarity represented an appropriate fractal parameter to detect CI symptoms at the nano-scale due to differences observed between damaged and regular ripe tissue (0.044 and 0.025, respectively). The proposed multi-scale approach could improve the understanding of CI as a complex disorder to the development of novel techniques to avoid this postharvest issue at different observation scales.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Mild sensory symptoms during SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals.

INTRODUCTION: It is not yet possible to estimate the proportion of patients with COVID-19 who present distinguishable classical neurological symptoms and syndromes. The objective of this study is to estimate the incidence of sensory symptoms (hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia, and hyperalgesia) in physicians who have presented the disease at Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (HUFA) in Madrid; to establish the relationship between sensory symptoms and the presence of other signs of infection; and to study their association with the severity of COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study. HUFA physicians who presented SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1 March and 25 July 2020 were included in the study. A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed via corporate email. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected from professionals with PCR- or serology-confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 801 physicians and we received 89 responses. The mean age of respondents was 38.28 years. A total of 17.98% presented sensory symptoms. A significant relationship was found between the presence of paraesthesia and cough, fever, myalgia, asthaenia, and dyspnoea. A significant relationship was also found between paraesthesia and the need for treatment and admission due to COVID-19. Sensory symptoms were present from the fifth day of illness in 87.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infection can be associated with sensory symptoms, mostly in severe cases. Sensory symptoms often appear after a time interval, and may be caused by a parainfectious syndrome with an autoimmunity background.

Desmineralización de la Dentina Humana Producida por Irrigantes Endodónticos Combinados

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de soluciones de irrigación endodónticas solas y combinadas sobre iones calcio y fosfato de la dentina radicular ex vivo. Se emplearon 56 discos de dentina obtenidos del tercio medio radicular de premolares inferiores unirradiculares extraídos por razones ortodóncicas. Los discos se dividieron al azar en 8 grupos (n=7). Grupo I: agua destilada (AD), Grupo II: hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) 1 %, Grupo III: EDTA 17 %, Grupo IV: ácido maleico (AM) 5 %, Grupo V: ácido acético (AA) 5 %, Grupo VI: EDTA 17 % + NaClO 1 %, Grupo VII: AM 5 % + NaClO 1 %, Grupo VIII: AA 5 % + NaClO 1 %. Los segmentos de dentina permanecieron en contacto a 37° C durante 5 min y 2,5 minutos en cada solución cuando se usaron en forma sucesiva. Se determinó la concentración de iones calcio de las soluciones mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica y la concentración de iones fosfatos mediante colorimetría (Wienner Lab.). Los resultados se expresaron en mg/ml/gr de tejido. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó ANOVA y Test de Tukey. AA 5 % y EDTA 17 % se comportaron de manera similar utilizados solos durante 5 minutos, NaClO 1 % no mostró diferencias con el AD. AM 5 % eliminó significativamente más calcio y fosfato que todos los grupos. Todas las soluciones desmineralizaron la dentina, pero AM 5 % durante 5 min fue la solución que más afectó el componente inorgánico de la dentina.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate ex vivo irrigating solutions effect under calcium and phosphates dentin ions, using them alone and combined. In this study 56 dentin discs where used. They were obtained from middle third of mandibular single-root premolars extracted for orthodontics reasons. Discs were randomly divided into 8 groups (n:7). Group I: Distilled water (DW), Group II: 1 % sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Group III: 17 % EDTA, Group IV: 5 % maleic acid (MA), Group V: 5 % acetic acid (AA), Group VI: 17 % EDTA + 1 % NaOCl, Group VII: 5 % MA + 1 % NaOCl, Group VIII: 5 % AA + 1 % NaOCl. Dentin segments were kept in contact with irrigating solutions at 37°C for 5 minutes, when used alone, or for 2.5 minutes when used combined. After that, calcium ions (using absorption atomic spectrometry) and phosphorus ions (by colorimetry Wienner Lab.) were determined. Results were expressed in mg/ml/g tissue. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey test. 5 % AA and 17 % EDTA eliminated similar concentrations of calcium and phosphates ions from dentin at 5 minutes exposure time, while 1 % NaOCl did not present statistical differences with control. 5 % MA eliminated significantly more calcium and phosphates ions than the rest of analyzed groups. Every tested solutions demineralized human dentin, but 5 % MA used for 5 minutes did it the most.

Distribution and prevalence of the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae in northernmost Europe: analysis of three salmonid species.

Global climate change is altering the abundance and spread of many aquatic parasites and pathogens. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) of salmonids caused by the myxozoan Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae is one such emerging disorder, and its impact is expected to increase with rising water temperature. Yet, the distribution and prevalence of T. bryosalmonae in Northern Europe remain poorly characterized. Here, we studied 43 locations in 27 rivers in northernmost Norway and Finland to describe T. bryosalmonae infection frequency and patterns in 1389 juvenile salmonids. T. bryosalmonae was discovered in 12 out of 27 rivers (44%) and prevalence ranged from 4.2 to 55.5% in Atlantic salmon and from 5.8 to 75% in brown trout among infected rivers. In sympatric populations, brown trout was more frequently infected with T. bryosalmonae than was salmon. Age-specific parasite prevalence patterns revealed that in contrast to lower latitudes, the infection of juvenile fish predominantly occurs during the second summer or later. Temperature monitoring over 2 yr indicated that the mean water temperature in June was 2.1 to 3.2°C higher in rivers containing T. bryosalmonae compared to parasite-free rivers, confirming the important role of temperature in parasite occurrence. Temporal comparison in T. bryosalmonae prevalence over a 10 yr period in 11 rivers did not reveal any signs of contemporary parasite spread to previously uninfected rivers. However, the wide distribution of T. bryosalmonae in rivers flowing to the Barents Sea indicates that climate change and heat waves may cause new disease outbreaks in northern regions.

[Joubert syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1]. / Síndrome de Joubert y neurofibromatosis de tipo 1.

TITLE: Síndrome de Joubert y neurofibromatosis de tipo 1.

Detection of selection signatures in farmed coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) using dense genome-wide information.

Animal domestication and artificial selection give rise to gradual changes at the genomic level in populations. Subsequent footprints of selection, known as selection signatures or selective sweeps, have been traced in the genomes of many animal livestock species by exploiting variation in linkage disequilibrium patterns and/or reduction of genetic diversity. Domestication of most aquatic species is recent in comparison with land animals, and salmonids are one of the most important fish species in aquaculture. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), cultivated primarily in Chile, has been subjected to breeding programs to improve growth, disease resistance traits, and flesh color. This study aimed to identify selection signatures that may be involved in adaptation to culture conditions and traits of productive interest. To do so, individuals of two domestic populations cultured in Chile were genotyped with 200 thousand SNPs, and analyses were conducted using iHS, XP-EHH and CLR. Several signatures of selection on different chromosomal regions were detected across both populations. Some of the identified regions under selection contained genes such anapc2, alad, chp2 and myn, which have been previously associated with body weight in Atlantic salmon, or sec24d and robo1, which have been associated with resistance to Piscirickettsia salmonis in coho salmon. Findings in our study can contribute to an integrated genome-wide map of selection signatures, to help identify the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic diversity in coho salmon.

Uso de Tai Chi para la salud del adulto mayor: revisión bibliográfica / Use of Tai Chi for the health of the elderly: A bibliographic review / Uso do Tai Chi para a saúde de idosos: uma revisão bibliográfica

RESUMEN Introducción: La población de adultos mayores está incrementando y se observa la necesidad emergente de implementar estrategias dirigidas a recuperar o conservar su salud para que puedan gozar de una vejez plena. Técnicas como el Tai Chi podrían contribuir, ya que han mostrado tener múltiples beneficios para quien la práctica, tales como mejoras en la concentración, memoria, marcha, equilibrio, reducción del riesgo de caídas, fortalecimiento del sistema cardiovascular, reducción del estrés y la depresión, entre otros beneficios. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica del uso del Tai Chi para conservar la salud del adulto mayor. Desarrollo: Revisión bibliográfica realizada durante el periodo 2013-2019 en distintas bases de datos como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect y Google Académico. Se utilizaron las palabras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando los criterios de elegibilidad se seleccionaron 29 artículos. Resultados: Gran porcentaje de los artículos revisados estudian la atención de síntomas físicos que deterioran la movilidad del adulto mayor, sin embargo, también se encontraron investigaciones dirigidas a la parte psicológica, como el estrés, la ansiedad, el insomnio, la depresión y el enfado-tensión, en las cuales la práctica del Tai Chi demostró mejoría. Conclusiones: El Tai Chi es una terapia alternativa para prevenir y conservar la salud del adulto mayor, fácil de aprender y de bajo costo. En la revisión bibliográfica realizada no se reportan reacciones adversas durante ni después de la práctica de la técnica; el profesional de enfermería puede recomendarla ampliamente para ser implementada como un cuidado dirigido al adulto mayor.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The population of older adults is increasing and an emergent need to implement strategies aimed at recovering or maintaining their health is observed. In this sense, techniques such as Tai Chi could contribute because they have demonstrated bringing diverse benefits for those who practice them, including improvements in the concentration, memory, gait, and equilibrium, a reduction in the risk of falls, a strengthening of the cardiovascular system, and a reduction of stress and depression, among other benefits. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the use of Tai Chi as a health promoter and preserver among older adults. Development: This bibliographic review was conducted during 2013-2019 on the Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect and Academic Google databases. The keywords used were Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, and Tai Chi. After filtering through the eligibility criteria, 29 articles were selected for the review. Results: An important percentage of the articles were focused on the attention to physical symptoms which impair the mobility of older adults; nevertheless, some studies addressed psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and anger-tension, as well. In these studies, the practice of Tai Chi was associated with health improvements among older adults. Conclusions: Tai Chi is an alternative therapy to promote and maintain health among older adults. This technique is easy to learn, and its practice is not expensive. No adverse reactions during or after the practice of this technique were reported in the studies of this literature review. Therefore, the nursing professional can recommend Tai Chi practice to be implemented as a complementary healthcare measure for older adults.

RESUMO Introdução: A população de idosos está aumentando e observa-se a necessidade emergente de implementação de estratégias que visem a recuperação ou preservação da saúde para que possam desfrutar de uma velhice plena. Técnicas como o Tai Chi podem contribuir, dado que têm se mostrado múltiplos benefícios para quem o pratica, tais como melhora na concentração, memória, marcha, equilíbrio, redução do risco de quedas, fortalecimento do sistema cardiovascular, redução de estresse e depressão, entre outros benefícios. Objetivo: Analisar a evidência científica do uso do Tai Chi na preservação da saúde de idosos. Desenvolvimento: Revisão bibliográfica realizada no período 2013-2019 em diferentes bases de dados como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect e Google Academic. Foram utilizadas as palavras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando os critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 29 artigos. Resultados: Grande porcentagem dos artigos revisados estuda a atenção aos sintomas físicos que prejudicam a mobilidade do idoso, porém, as pesquisas também foram direcionadas à parte psicológica, como estresse, ansiedade, insônia, depressão e raiva-tensão, em que a prática do Tai Chi demonstrou melhora. Conclusões: O Tai Chi é uma terapia alternativa para prevenir e preservar a saúde do idoso, de fácil aprendizado e de baixo custo. Na revisão bibliográfica realizada, não foram relatadas reações adversas durante ou após a prática da técnica; o profissional de enfermagem pode recomendar veementemente que seja implementada como cuidado ao idoso.

The supporting role of the teres major muscle, an additional component in glenohumeral stability? An anatomical and radiological study.

Muscle coordination plays an important role in glenohumeral stability. The rotator cuff and the long head of the biceps are considered the primary dynamic stabilizers muscles. However, the fact that a subgroup of patients with a massive tear in the rotator cuff were able to keep a normal function, should make us question this traditional view. We hypothesize that the teres major which is also a monoarticular scapulohumeral muscle, although it is not part of the conjoined tendon of the rotator cuff, can play a role in glenohumeral stability by a direct support of the humeral head generated by the particular posteroanterior location of this muscle under the humeral head and which, as far as we know, has not been written up previously. This particular effect could appear while the arm is being lifted and the humeral head could be leaning on against the teres major muscle belly underneath it. An anatomical a radiological study was carried out to substantiate our hypothesis. Two cadaver specimens were used for the anatomical study. Frist body was studied through conventional dissection. The second body was analysed through sectional anatomy. Then a radiological study was carried out using magnetic resonance imaging in a healthy male volunteer. Both anatomically and radiologically, the anteroinferior surface of the humeral head was showed firmly resting against the muscle belly of the teres major, to the point of misshaping it from 110 degrees of arm elevation with external rotation. The specific contribution of this effect to the glenohumeral stability needs to be confirmed by further studies and can help us to prevent the high incidence of glenohumeral dislocations.

Theoretical and experimental study of the LR-115 detector response in a non-commercial radon monitor.

B.trαcks, a simulation program for SSNTD's sensitivity, has been developed to study the response of LR-115 (cellulose nitrate) and CR-39 (poly allyl glycol carbonate) nuclear track detectors. Detectors are located inside detector holders and are used for radon measurements. The program incorporates a variety of special features gathered together to achieve good agreement between theoretical approach and experimental results. The input parameters to study the detector response are radon exposure, geometry and dimensions of a detector holder (it can be cylindrical, conical or semi-spherical), entrance type for radon gas, detector type, and V function (four different functions were selected from literature). The output results are detector response and radon progeny distribution onto internal chamber walls. In this article, the response of the LR-115, which is placed inside a non-commercial-conductive radon monitor based on diffusion chambers called G2, was theoretically and experimentally studied. The common Monte Carlo simulation procedure and an alternative approach that replicates how monitors are exposed to different radon exposures were used as theoretical approaches. Experimental methodology was conducted in a radon test chamber from Italy (MI.AM s.r.l.). Comparison results of both theoretical and experimental methodology are presented and discussed. One of the major results, among others, shows that the monitor material (conductive or non-conductive) does not influence the LR-115 response.

Follow-up of infants born to mothers with autoinmune thyroid disease. What should not be screened? / Seguimiento del hijo de madre con patología tiroidea autoinmune. ¿Qué no debemos cribar?

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid dysfunction is a common problem in pregnant women. It is usually of an autoimmune origin, with Hashimotós thyroiditis and Graves disease being the most common conditions. Although hormonal changes and transplacental antibody transfer may occur, specific neonatal screening has not been shown to be useful. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective study of newborns of women with autoimmune thyroid disease born at a level III university hospital (November 2013-December 2016). Neonates were selected during their stay at the maternity. Babies with perinatal asphyxia were excluded. Data were collected from the clinical histories of mothers and newborns. RESULTS: A total of 191 neonates were included. Ninety percent of mothers had been diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Only 5.8% of newborns had some laboratory disorder, consisting of slightly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, which returned to normal at the age of one month and did not correlate to thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. Transient hyperthyrotropinemia was diagnosed in one newborn and required thyroxin treatment during the first year of life. Among newborns from mothers with Graves disease, 36.8% had some abnormal laboratory value during the first 7 days of life, but there were no cases of hyperthyroidism and only one of transient hyperthyrotropinemia. CONCLUSIONS: Experience at our hospital in screening of newborns from hypothyroid mothers reveals a high number of laboratory controls with a poor diagnostic yield. No relationship was found between thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and thyroid dysfunction. We support the recommendations to continue testing serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and FT4 levels at 48h of life in newborns of mothers with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Correction to: PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars.

The two co-authors of the mentioned above article were incorrect. The correct are authors should have been "P. A. Beltrán" instead of "P. A. B. Roa" and "J. F. Diaz-Coto" instead of "L. Diaz Soto".

PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars.

INTRODUCTION: Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases, resulting in better outcomes. However, their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. Following patent expiration for biologicals, the availability of biosimilars, which typically are less expensive due to lower development costs, provides additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. The availability of biosimilars in North American and Latin American countries is evolving, with differing regulations and clinical indications. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present the consensus statement on biosimilars in rheumatology developed by Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR). METHODS: Using a modified Delphi process approach, the following topics were addressed: regulation, efficacy and safety, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. Consensus was achieved when there was agreement among 80% or more of the panel members. Three Delphi rounds were conducted to reach consensus. Questionnaires were sent electronically to panel members and comments about each question were solicited. RESULTS: Eight recommendations were formulated regarding regulation, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. CONCLUSION: The recommendations highlighted that, after receiving regulatory approval, pharmacovigilance is a fundamental strategy to ensure safety of all medications. Registries should be employed to monitor use of biosimilars and to identify potential adverse effects. The price of biosimilars should be significantly lower than that of reference products to enhance patient access. Biomimics are not biosimilars and, if they are to be marketed, they must first be evaluated and approved according to established regulatory pathways for novel biopharmaceuticals. KEY POINTS: • Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases. • Their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. • Biosimilars typically are less expensive, providing additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. • PANLAR presents its consensus on biosimilars in rheumatology.

Flavonoids from the Amazon plant Brosimum acutifolium induce C6 glioma cell line apoptosis by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing AKT phosphorylation.

Glioblastoma, which is highly invasive and has a poor patient prognosis, is the most common type of brain tumor. Flavonoids have known antiproliferative and antineoplastic effects, such as apoptosis induction and tumor growth inhibition. We investigated the effects of treatment with three flavonoids (BAS-1, BAS-4, and BAS-6) isolated from the Amazon plant Brosimum acutifolium on the proliferation and migration of the C6 glioma cell line. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay, and morphological changes were evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis was determined using Annexin V-FITC-propidium iodide (PI) staining. A hemolysis assay was used to evaluate plasma membrane injury. Antiproliferative effects were assessed by wound migration and colony formation assays. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) was determined using JC-1 dye and flow cytometry. To identify the flavonoid targets, western blotting was performed. BAS-1 and BAS-4 reduced C6 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. BAS-6 showed no effect. Due to its high toxicity toward primary glial cells and its high hemolytic index, BAS-1 was not used in the remaining experiments. BAS-4 treatment did not induce cytotoxicity in primary glial cells; however, in glioma cells, it suppressed migration and invasion and led to apoptosis through mitochondrial damage, ΔΨm loss, cell cycle arrest, and reduced AKT phosphorylation, which is a component of the main cell survival pathway. We conclude that BAS-4 showed potential activity against glioma by inducing apoptosis mediated by ΔΨm loss and AKT pathway disruption, and future studies should further evaluate BAS-4 as a promising antineoplastic agent against glioblastoma.

Occurrence of Borrelia and Borreliella species in Ixodes ricinus collected from roe deer in northwestern Spain.

Ixodes ricinus, comprising the predominant tick species in Europe, can transmit important human pathogens, including Borreliella spp., the causal agent of Lyme borreliosis. One hundred and seventy five roe deer hunted in two areas (plateau and mountain) of Galicia (northwest Spain) were examined for the presence of ticks; all roe deer were infested by I. ricinus. Nymphs (n = 1000), males (n = 1449) and females (n = 1000) of I. ricinus were analysed in pools of up to 10 ticks to detect both Borreliella and Borrelia DNA. The average number of I. ricinus per roe deer was similar in both areas, regardless of the life stage; although the percentage of Borreliella and Borrelia positive pools was higher in ticks collected from roe deer hunted in the plateau area, no significant differences were detected. Sequence analysis at the flagellin gene allowed the identification of four Borreliella species (Borreliella afzelii, Borreliella garinii, Borreliella lusitaniae and Borreliella valaisiana) and Borrelia miyamotoi in adult males; only B. valaisiana and B. miyamotoi were detected in nymphs and all females were negative. All Borreliella and Borrelia species found in roe deer were previously identified in questing I. ricinus collected in the same study area, although the prevalence was lower in the present study. The analysis of male I. ricinus ticks collected from roe deer gives a good estimation of Borreliella diversity in questing ticks.