Anticancer Potential and Safety Profile of ß-Lapachone In Vitro.

Ipê is a plant of the Bignoniaceae family. Among the compounds extracted from this tree, lapachol is notable because its structural modification allows the production of ß-lapachone, which has anticancer properties. The objective of this work was to test this hypothesis at a cellular level in vitro and assess its potential safety for use. The following tests were performed: MTT cell viability assay, apoptotic index determination, comet assay, and micronucleus test. The results showed that ß-lapachone had a high cytotoxic capacity for all cell lines tested: ACP02 (gastric adenocarcinoma cells), MCF7 (breast carcinoma cells), HCT116 (colon cancer cells) and HEPG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma cells). Regarding genotoxicity, the exposure of cells to sublethal doses of ß-lapachone induced DNA damage (assessed by the comet assay) and nuclear abnormalities, such as nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds (assessed by the micronucleus test). All tested cell lines responded similarly to ß-lapachone, except for ACP02 cells, which were relatively resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the compound in the MTT test. Our results collectively indicate that although ß-lapachone showed antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, it also caused harmful effects in these cells, suggesting that the use of ß-lapachone in treating cancer should be carried out with caution.

Synthesis and evaluation of photophysical, electrochemical, and ROS generation properties of new chalcogen-naphthoquinones-1,2,3-triazole hybrids.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis encompassing the synthesis, structural elucidation, photophysical behavior, and electrochemical properties of a novel series of chalcogen-naphthoquinone-1,2,3-triazole hybrids. Employing a meticulously designed protocol, the synthesis of these hybrids, denoted as 11a-j, was achieved with remarkable efficiency (yielding up to 81%). This synthesis used a regioselective copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC). Furthermore, a detailed investigation into the photophysical characteristics, TDDFT calculations, electrochemical profiles, and photobiological attributes of compounds 11a-j was conducted. This exploration aimed to unravel insights into the excited state behaviors of these molecules, as well as their redox properties. Such insights are crucial for future applications of these derivatives in diverse biological assays.

Shellfish sanitation monitoring in La Spezia gulf: Chemometric evaluation of data from 2015 to 2021.

Shellfish sanitary controls are very important to guarantee consumer health because bivalve molluscs (BVM) are filter-feeders so they can accumulate pathogens, environmental contaminants and biotoxins produced by some algae, causing infections and food poisoning in humans after ingestion. The purpose of this work was to analyse with chemometric methods the historical data relating to routine analyses carried out by the competent authority (Liguria Local Health Unit, National Health Service) on the BVM reared in a shellfish farm located in the Gulf of La Spezia (Italy). Chemometric analysis was aimed at identifying any correlations between the variables, as well as any seasonal trends and similarities between the stations, in order to be able to provide further material for a more accurate risk assessment and to improve the monitoring organization for example by reducing sampling stations and/or sampling frequency. The dataset used included 31 variables classified as biotoxicological, microbiological and chemical variables, measured twice a week, monthly or half yearly respectively, for a total of 6 years (from 2015 to 2021), on samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis coming from 7 monitoring stations. The results obtained by the application of principal component analysis have shown positive alga-biotoxin correlations, as well as seasonal trends linked to algae growth, with a greater algal biomass and their toxins during the spring months. In addition, periods characterised by low rainfall were found to affect algal development, promoting especially species such as Dinophysis spp. Considering the microbiological and biotoxicological variables, significant differences between the monitoring stations were not found. However, stations could be distinguished on the basis of the nature of the predominant chemical pollutants.

Characterization of microRNAs and Target Genes in Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4 during Interaction with Pseudocercospora musae.

Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that perform post-transcriptional regulatory roles across diverse cellular processes, including defence responses to biotic stresses. Pseudocercospora musae, the causal agent of Sigatoka leaf spot disease in banana (Musa spp.), is an important fungal pathogen of the plant. Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing of small RNA libraries derived from leaf material in Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4 (resistant) after inoculation with fungal conidiospores and equivalent non-inoculated controls revealed 202 conserved miRNAs from 30 miR-families together with 24 predicted novel miRNAs. Conserved members included those from families miRNA156, miRNA166, miRNA171, miRNA396, miRNA167, miRNA172, miRNA160, miRNA164, miRNA168, miRNA159, miRNA169, miRNA393, miRNA535, miRNA482, miRNA2118, and miRNA397, all known to be involved in plant immune responses. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of gene targets indicated molecular activity terms related to defence responses that included nucleotide binding, oxidoreductase activity, and protein kinase activity. Biological process terms associated with defence included response to hormone and response to oxidative stress. DNA binding and transcription factor activity also indicated the involvement of miRNA target genes in the regulation of gene expression during defence responses. sRNA-seq expression data for miRNAs and RNAseq data for target genes were validated using stem-loop quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). For the 11 conserved miRNAs selected based on family abundance and known involvement in plant defence responses, the data revealed a frequent negative correlation of expression between miRNAs and target host genes. This examination provides novel information on miRNA-mediated host defence responses, applicable in genetic engineering for the control of Sigatoka leaf spot disease.

Sertraline has in vitro activity against both mature and forming biofilms of different Candida species.

Candida spp. infections are a serious health problem, especially in patients with risk factors. The acquisition of resistance, often associated with biofilm production, makes treatment more difficult due to the reduced effectiveness of available antifungals. Drug repurposing is a good alternative for the treatment of infections by Candida spp. biofilms. The present study evaluated the in vitro antibiofilm activity of sertraline in reducing the cell viability of forming and matured biofilms, in addition to elucidating whether effective concentrations are safe. Sertraline reduced biofilm cell viability by more than 80 % for all Candida species tested, acting at low and safe concentrations, both on mature biofilm and in preventing its formation, even the one with highest virulence. Its preventive mechanism seemed to be related to binding with ALS3. These data indicate that sertraline is a promising drug with anticandidal biofilm potential in safe doses. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the antibiofilm mechanism and possible application of pharmaceutical forms.

Produções literárias e audiovisuais nas periferias de Fortaleza: (re)inventando territórios de infâncias e juventudes periféricas / Literary and audiovisual productions on the peripheries of Fortaleza: (re)inventing peripheral childhood and youth territo

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir a reinvenção de territórios das infâncias e juventudes periféricas a partir de fotografias e poemas produzidos pelo fotógrafo Leo Silva e pelo poeta Talles Azigon (identificados após a aprovação do artigo) como modo de re-existência em Fortaleza. São problematizações advindas da realização de uma pesquisa-inter(in)venção de ethos cartográfico, junto a esses jovens, em que as imagens e os poemas emergem como dispositivos lúdicos na produção de movimentos contra-hegemônicos frente às "imagens oficiais" historicamente impostas sobre as periferias. Por meio dessas fotografias e poemas, e, portanto, da arte, a reivindicação dos territórios retrata e narra infâncias e juventudes de periferias de Fortaleza a partir de suas potências e não de suas precarizações. Como experimentação, o artigo foi produzido a partir desses poemas e fotografias, além de contar com as participações de (a ser identificado, caso o artigo seja aceito, pois atua como participante da escrita do artigo) e (a ser identificado, caso o artigo seja aceito, pois atua como participante da escrita do artigo) na elaboração do texto como um movimento decolonial de (des)habitar a escrita acadêmica.

This article aims to discuss the reinvention of territories of peripheral childhoods and youths based on photographs and poems produced by photographer Leo Silva and poet Talles Azigon (identified after acceptance of the article) as a way of re-existing in Fortaleza. These are problematizations arising from the realization of an inter(in)vention research of cartographic ethos, with these young people, in which images and poems emerge as playful devices in the production of counter-hegemonic movements against the "official images" historically imposed on the peripheries. Through these photographs and poems, and, therefore, through art, the claim of territories portrays and narrates childhoods and youths on the outskirts of Fortaleza from their strengths and not from their precariousness. As an experiment, the article was produced from these poems and photographs, in addition to counting on the participation of (to be identified if the article is accepted, as it acts as a participant in the writing of the article) and (to be identified if the article is accepted, as it acts as a participant in the writing of the article) in the elaboration of the text as a decolonial movement (dis)inhabiting academic writing.

Apuntes sobre la formación del Psicólogo Escolar/educacional: revisión sistemática de 2009-2019 / Notas sobre a formação do psicólogo escolar/educacional: revisão sistemática de 2009-2019 / Notes on school/educational psychologist training: a systematic review 2009-2019

RESUMO Este texto objetiva analisar artigos científicos sobre Psicologia Escolar/Educacional, especificamente relacionados à formação de psicólogos. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática de artigos (2009-2019), pela plataforma Portal Periódicos CAPES, mediante os descritores "psicologia escolar AND formação do psicólogo" e "psicologia educacional AND formação do psicólogo". Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão e identificação de artigos repetidos, procedemos à seleção pela leitura das publicações, resultando um total de 26 artigos, em sua maioria publicados na Revista de Psicologia Escolar e Educacional. Nas discussões, identificamos o uso de práticas tradicionais, de instrumentais clínicos e práticas clínicas como ponto de problematização relacionado às formas de estigmatização e a ausência de referenciais teóricos próprios da Psicologia Escolar. Quanto à formação na área, emergem questões sobre formação inicial e continuada, pouco espaço curricular para Psicologia Escolar e a Psicologia Histórico-Cultural como alternativa metodológica para atuação.

RESUMEN Este texto tiene por objetivo analizar artículos científicos sobre Psicología escolar/educacional, específicamente relacionados a la formación de psicólogos. Realizamos una revisión sistemática de artículos (2009-2019), por la plataforma Portal Periódicos CAPES, utilizando los descriptores "psicología escolar AND formación del psicólogo" y "psicología educacional AND formación del psicólogo". Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión e identificación de artículos repetidos, procedemos la selección por la lectura de las publicaciones, resultando en un total de 26 artículos, en su mayoría publicados en la Revista de Psicología Escolar/Educacional. En las discusiones, identificamos el uso de prácticas tradicionales, de instrumentales y prácticas clínicos como punto de problematización relacionado a las formas de estigmatización y a la ausencia de referenciales teóricos propios de la Psicología Escolar. En lo que se refiere a la formación en el área, emergen cuestiones sobre formación inicial y continuada, poco espacio curricular para Psicología escolar y la Psicología Histórico-Cultural como alternativa metodológica para actuación.

ABSTRACT This article aims to analyze scientific articles about School and Educational Psychology, specifically related to the training of psychologists. We carried out a systematic review of articles (2009-2019), using the Portal Periódicos CAPES platform, using the descriptors "school psychology AND psychologist training" and "educational psychology AND psychologist training". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and identifying repeated articles, we proceeded with the selection by reading the publications, resulting in a total of 26 articles, mostly published in the Revista de Psicologia Escolar e Educational. In the discussions, we identified the use of traditional practices, clinical instruments and clinical practices as a questioning point related to forms of stigmatization and the absence of theoretical references specific to School Psychology. As for training in the area, questions emerge about initial and continuing training, little curricular space for School Psychology and Historical-Cultural Psychology as a methodological alternative for action.

Study on the Effect of Relaying on Norovirus Reduction from Crassostrea gigas Oysters.

Norovirus (NoV) is the most important cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide, mainly associated with the consumption of raw oysters. NoV is often present in oysters that comply with existing control standards for shellfish. Therefore, the improvement of post-harvest treatments and practices can represent one of the main strategies to reduce the incidence of viral diseases related to shellfish. This study aimed to investigate long-term relays for the reduction of NoV levels in live oysters, during the high-risk cold months, by transferring the oysters from a more contaminated site to two sites with lower NoV levels. The efficacy of relaying was evaluated by analyzing oyster samples collected at days 0 (T0) and 30 (T30) for NoV levels using a real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The NoV level at the relay sites was consistently lower than at the harvest site. The relay process for 30 days in seawater with a lower NoV level resulted in a decrease in the NoV load compared to day 0 with significant reductions depending on the site and genogroup of NoV considered. These results suggest that long-term relaying of oysters to reduce NoV levels is promising and could help growers to improve oyster safety; however, further investigations are needed.

Mutagenic Evaluation of Fluoxetine and Fluoxetine-Galactomannan Complex Through the Analysis of Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Peripheral Leukocytes and Salmonella typhimurium/Microssome Assay / Avaliação Mutagênica de Fluoxetina e Complexo Fluoxetina-Galactomanana Através da Análise de Aberrações Cromossômicas em Leucócitos Periféricos Humanos e em Salmonella typhimurium / Ensaio Microssômico

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic potential of fluoxetine and fluoxetine-galactomannan. Methods: Chromosomal aberration test and Salmonella typhimurium/microsome mutagenicity assay. Results: The results showed that fluoxetine (250 µg/mL) can cause chromosomal breaks of treated leukocytes and increase the frequency of reversion of the tester strains of S. typhimurium / microsome assay only at the highest concentration (5 mg/mL), while fluoxetine encapsulated in galactomannan did not cause these changes (leukocytes and S. typhimuriums strains). Conclusion: In summary, fluoxetine showed a mutagenic effect detectable only at high concentrations in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic models. Furthermore, the fluoxetine/galactomannan complex, in this first moment, prevented the mutagenicity attributed to fluoxetine, emphasizing that the present encapsulation process can be an alternative in preventing these effects in vitro.

Objetivos: avaliar o potencial mutagênico da fluoxetina e da fluoxetina-galactomanana. Métodos: Teste de aberração cromossômica e ensaio de mutagenicidade de Salmonella typhimurium /microssoma. Resultados: a fluoxetina (250 µg/mL) pode causar quebras cromossômicas de leucócitos tratados e aumentar a frequência de reversão das cepas testadoras de S. typhimurium /microssoma apenas na concentração mais alta (5 mg/mL), enquanto a fluoxetina encapsulada em galactomanano não causou essas alterações (leucócitos e cepas de S. typhimurium). Conclusão: a fluoxetina mostrou um efeito mutagênico detectável apenas em altas concentrações em modelos eucarióticos e procarióticos. Além disso, o complexo fluoxetina/galactomanan, neste primeiro momento, evitou a mutagenicidade atribuída à fluoxetina, ressaltando que o presente processo de encapsulamento pode ser uma alternativa na prevenção desses efeitos in vitro.

Retrospective Investigation in Horses with Encephalitis Reveals Unnoticed Circulation of West Nile Virus in Brazil.

During these past years, several studies have provided serological evidence regarding the circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) in Brazil. Despite some reports, much is still unknown regarding the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of this virus in the country. Recently, genomic monitoring activities in horses revealed the circulation of WNV in several Brazilian regions. These findings on the paucity of genomic data reinforce the need for prompt investigation of WNV infection in horses, which may precede human cases of encephalitis in Brazil. Thus, in this study, we retrospectively screened 54 suspicious WNV samples collected between 2017 and 2020 from the spinal cord and brain of horses with encephalitis and generated three new WNV genomes from the Ceará and Bahia states, located in the northeastern region of Brazil. The Bayesian reconstruction revealed that at least two independent introduction events occurred in Brazil. The first introduction event appears to be likely related to the North American outbreak, and was estimated to have occurred in March 2013.The second introduction event appears to have occurred in September 2017 and appears to be likely related to the South American outbreak. Together, our results reinforce the importance of increasing the priority of WNV genomic monitoring in equines with encephalitis in order to track the dispersion of this emerging pathogen through the country.

Outbreak of canine distemper and coinfections in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and in three giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

Canine distemper outbreak and coinfections in three giant anteaters and in a maned wolf has been described. Three giant anteaters developed respiratory and digestive clinical signs after the introduction of a maned wolf to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The maned wolf and two anteaters died, and one anteater was euthanized. Post mortem and histopathologic exams revealed lesions associated with numerous intraepithelial inclusion bodies, mainly in the respiratory and digestive systems. Infection by distemper virus was confirmed in all animals by RT-PCR and gene sequencing, which revealed the Europe 1/ South America 1 strain, closely related to the strain from Canis familiaris. In addition to distemper, the animals had other comorbidities, such as toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis in the maned wolf and cutaneous candidiasis in an anteater. Considering the chronology of clinical manifestation in both species and the viral characterization, it is possible that the maned wolf was the source of infection to the anteaters. This study demonstrates the importance of implementing biosecurity measures in enclosures that house animals of different species, highlighting the importance of quarantine before introduction of new animals into the same environment.

Carboxymethylcellulose biofunctionalized ternary quantum dots for subcellular-targeted brain cancer nanotheranostics.

Among the most lethal forms of cancer, malignant brain tumors persist as one of the greatest challenges faced by oncologists, where nanotechnology-driven theranostics can play a critical role in developing novel polymer-based supramolecular nanoarchitectures with multifunctional and multi-modal characteristics to fight cancer. However, it is virtually a consensus that, besides the complexity of active delivering anticancer drugs by the nanocarriers to the tumor site, the current evaluation methods primarily relying on in vitro assays and in vivo animal models have been accounted for the low translational effectiveness to clinical applications. In this view, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has been increasingly recognized as one of the best preclinical models to study the effects of anticancer drugs on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, in this study, we designed, characterized, and developed novel hybrid nanostructures encompassing chemically functionalized carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with mitochondria-targeting pro-apoptotic peptide (KLA) and cell-penetrating moiety (cysteine, CYS) with fluorescent inorganic semiconductor (Ag-In-S, AIS) for simultaneously bioimaging and inducing glioblastoma cancer cell (U-87 MG, GBM) death. The results demonstrated that the CMC-peptide macromolecules produced supramolecular vesicle-like nanostructures with aqueous colloidal stability suitable as nanocarriers for passive and active targeting of cancer tumors. The optical properties and physicochemical features of the nanoconjugates confirmed their suitability as photoluminescent nanoprobes for cell bioimaging and intracellular tracking. Moreover, the results in vitro demonstrated a notable killing activity towards GBM cells of cysteine-bearing CMC conjugates coupled with pro-apoptotic KLA peptides. More importantly, compared to doxorubicin (DOX), a model anticancer drug in chemotherapy that is highly toxic, these innovative nanohybrids nanoconjugates displayed higher lethality against U-87 MG cancer cells. In vivo CAM assays validated these findings where the nanohybrids demonstrated a significant reduction of GBM tumor progression (41% area) and evidenced an antiangiogenic activity. These results pave the way for developing polymer-based hybrid nanoarchitectonics applied as targeted multifunctional theranostics for simultaneous imaging and therapy against glioblastoma while possibly reducing the systemic toxicity and side-effects of conventional anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Comparison of the physico-chemical impact of chlorhexidine and silver nanoparticles on orthodontic appliances made with laser and silver solder: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical changes in orthodontic devices made with laser and silver solder after immersion in different antiseptic solutions. METHODS: Wire/band assemblies were fabricated using different types of solders (silver and laser). The devices were immersed in different antimicrobial solutions (chlorhexidine - CHX 0.12% and Silver nanoparticles - NAg 0.12% and 0.18%). Non-immersion in solution and immersion in artificial saliva were used as initial and negative control, respectively (n=12). Surface morphological analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The quantitative analysis of the chemical elements present after the immersions in the solutions was analysed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Bonferroni, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Greater amounts of copper, silver and zinc were released from silver soldering, on the other hand, iron, nickel, and chromium ions were the most prevalent metal ions in laser soldering. Regarding mouthwashes, the lowest amounts of metal ions were released in CHX, and the highest amounts of ions were released in the 0.12% NAg and 0.18% NAg solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Laser welding seems to be less susceptible to corrosion. The different antiseptic solutions did not contribute to an increase in ion release.

West Nile Virus in Brazil.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) was first sequenced in Brazil in 2019, when it was isolated from a horse in the Espírito Santo state. Despite multiple studies reporting serological evidence suggestive of past circulation since 2004, WNV remains a low priority for surveillance and public health, such that much is still unknown about its genomic diversity, evolution, and transmission in the country. Methods: A combination of diagnostic assays, nanopore sequencing, phylogenetic inference, and epidemiological modeling are here used to provide a holistic overview of what is known about WNV in Brazil. Results: We report new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) and northeastern (Piauí) states isolated from equine red blood cells. A novel, climate-informed theoretical perspective of the potential transmission of WNV across the country highlights the state of Piauí as particularly relevant for WNV epidemiology in Brazil, although it does not reject possible circulation in other states. Conclusion: Our output demonstrates the scarceness of existing data, and that although there is sufficient evidence for the circulation and persistence of the virus, much is still unknown on its local evolution, epidemiology, and activity. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate preparedness for future epidemics with spill-over potential to humans.

Combinations of Blue and Red LEDs Increase the Morphophysiological Performance and Furanocoumarin Production of Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul in vitro.

Brosimum gaudichaudii is a plant species with medicinal relevance due to its furanocoumarin accumulation. The accumulation of these compounds in the root promotes predatory extractivism, which threatens the conservation of the species. In addition, little is known about the conditions for culturing of this species in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate how the application of different spectra of LEDs (white, blue, red, and combinations of blue and red at 1:1 and 3:1 ratios) can impact the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of B. gaudichaudii under different in vitro conditions. To evaluate the production of furanocoumarins in its leaves, which are easy-to-collect perennial organs, we cultured nodal segments in 50-mL tubes with MS medium under 100 µmol m-2 s-1 light and a photoperiod of 16 h for 50 days. We then submitted the seedlings biometric, anatomical, biochemical, and physiological evaluations. The different spectral qualities influenced several characteristics of the seedlings. Plants grown under red light showed greater stem elongation and larger and thinner leaves, strategies aimed at capturing a higher ratio of radiant energy. Exposure to the blue/red ratio of 1:1 induced increases in the concentration of the furanocoumarin psoralen, probably due to the diversion of carbon from primary metabolism, which resulted in lower growth. Cultivation under blue light or blue:red light at 3:1 triggered anatomical and physiological changes that led to higher production of secondary metabolites in the leaves, and at the 3:1 ratio, the seedlings also had a high growth rate. These results highlight the fundamental role of light in stimulating the production of secondary metabolites, which has important implications for the production of compounds of interest and indirect consequences for the conservation of B. gaudichaudii.

Norovirus Persistence in Oysters to Prolonged Commercial Purification.

Depuration is generally the main treatment employed for bivalve mollusks harvested from contaminated sites. Commercial depuration has demonstrated to be effective for removal of bacterial pathogens, although it probably provides only limited efficacy against human enteric viruses. We evaluated the quantitative reduction of norovirus (NoV) genogroups I and II in naturally contaminated oysters after 1, 4, and 9 days of depuration. The process was conducted in an authorized depuration plant, and NoV concentration was determined by RT-qPCR according to ISO 15216-1:2017 method. Regardless of the NoV genogroup, our results showed no significant reduction in NoV concentration after 1 day of depuration. Higher mean reduction (68%) was obtained after 4 days of treatment, while no further increase was observed after 9 days. Overall, reduction was highly variable, and none of the trials showed statistically significant reduction in NoV RNA concentration at the end of each depuration period. Indeed, NoV concentration remained high in 70% of samples even after 9 days of depuration, with values ranging between 4.0 × 102 and 2.3 × 104 g.c./g. These results indicate that an extension of commercial depuration time does not appear to be effective for reducing or eliminating NoV in oysters.

Active Circulation of Madariaga Virus, a Member of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Complex, in Northeast Brazil.

Madariaga virus (MADV) is a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex that circulates in Central and South America. It is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne pathogen, belonging to the family Togaviridae. Disturbances in the natural transmission cycle of this virus result in outbreaks in equines and humans, leading to high case fatality in the former and acute febrile illness or neurological disease in the latter. Although a considerable amount of knowledge exists on the eco-epidemiology of North American EEEV strains, little is known about MADV. In Brazil, the most recent isolations of MADV occurred in 2009 in the States of Paraíba and Ceará, northeast Brazil. Because of that, health authorities have recommended vaccination of animals in these regions. However, in 2019 an equine encephalitis outbreak was reported in a municipality in Ceará. Here, we present the isolation of MADV from two horses that died in this outbreak. The full-length genome of these viruses was sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses performed. Pathological findings from postmortem examination are also discussed. We conclude that MADV is actively circulating in northeast Brazil despite vaccination programs, and call attention to this arbovirus that likely represents an emerging pathogen in Latin America.

Swine influenza A virus subtypes circulating in Brazilian commercial pig herds from 2012 to 2019.

The swine influenza A virus (SIAV) subtypes/lineages H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1 of seasonal human origin are widespread in Brazilian swine herds. A monovalent inactivated H1N1pdm09 vaccine was licensed in Brazil in 2014. However, there are concerns about its efficacy due to the limited vaccine cross-protection against heterologous viruses and the potential for exacerbated reactions against vaccine strains. Thus, monitoring SIAVs subtypes/lineages that are circulating in the Brazilian swine population is important, by applying a fast and efficient diagnostic test in herd field samples. A RT-PCR assay was developed, using primers specific for HA subtyping of Brazilian SIAV, and was used to evaluate the occurrence of subtypes from samples collected between 2012 and 2019. From 167 field samples positive for influenza A, 117 were subtyped by nested RT-PCR assay. A higher occurrence of H1N1pdm was observed from 2012 to 2015, H3N2 in 2017, and H1hu in 2017 to 2019. A hemagglutination inhibition test was performed in serum samples received from 2017 to 2019, confirming these data. The molecular data highlights the importance of H1hu and H3N2 detection since there are no vaccines available for the subtypes/lineages and raises an alert of H1hu for its potential to infect humans. Serological data suggest a cyclical profile of occurrence between the H3N2 and H1N1pdm over time. Monitoring SIAVs circulating in Brazilian swine herds is necessary, which provides the relevant information for field veterinarians to apply effective control measures on the properties.

Enteric Organisms Detected in Feces of Dogs With Bloody Diarrhea: 45 Cases.

Bloody diarrhea is a common condition in dogs, but studies evaluating the enteropathogens involved specifically in adult dogs are scarce. In the present study, stool samples from 45 adult dogs with bloody diarrhea were evaluated for the four enteric organisms mainly reported in these cases: canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella spp. In addition, the samples were also tested for coronavirus, rotavirus, Giardia spp., and Escherichia coli pathotypes to provide a better understanding of possible co-occurrence. Vaccination status, diet, and clinical outcome were also obtained when available. CPV-2b was identified in 17 dogs (37.8%), being the most frequent cause of bloody diarrhea, including completely vaccinated adult dogs. Toxigenic C. difficile and C. perfringens netF+ were detected in 6 (13.3%) and 5 (11.1%) dogs, in some cases in a co-occurrence with other enteric organisms. Three fatal cases of salmonellosis were identified in dogs fed a raw meat-based diet, raising the risks associated with this increasing practice.

Retrospective and prospective studies of transmissible viral proventriculitis in broiler chickens in Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence and pathologic findings of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) associated with the chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV) in commercial broiler chickens in southeastern Brazil. Seventy-three broilers, 25-36 d old, with a history of reduced growth, were referred to our veterinary pathology services from 2013 to 2017. Broilers were clinically examined, weighed, and euthanized for postmortem examination. Broilers of different ages with proventricular histologic lesions were positive for CPNV by RT-PCR; however, the intensity of histologic lesions was higher among 33-d-old animals, and viral RNA detection was more frequent among those that were 28 d old. In the proventriculi of 35 of 73 (48%) broilers, lesions were characterized by glandular epithelial necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrates, and metaplasia of glandular epithelium to ductal epithelium. In 24 of 73 (36%) broilers with histologic TVP-compatible lesions, CPNV was detected by RT-PCR for the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene. Broilers with histologic lesions were lighter than expected compared to the Cobb 500 standard weight. TVP has not been reported previously in broiler chickens in Brazil, to our knowledge.