Porcine rotavirus C strains carrying human-like NSP4 and NSP5.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus C (RVC) is an enteric pathogen that affects humans and animals around the world. METHODS: In this study, we characterized the genetic diversity of RVC strains detected in asymptomatic Brazilian pigs by sequencing the NSP4, NSP5 and VP6 genes. RESULTS: The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that 53 of 579 samples (9.2%) contained RVC. Positive samples were genotyped by sequencing gene segments NSP4, and NSP5. Most of the RCV strains encountered were classified into typically porcine genotypes: E1-H1. In two strains, BP182 and BP208, the NSP4 gene grouped with E2-RVC human strains with 94.2%-96.5% nucleotide identity, although the NSP5 gene was porcine-like (H1). In strain SD67, the NSP5 gene grouped with human H2-RVC with 92.5%-98.7% nucleotide identity and the NSP4 gene grouped with porcine strains (E1). Two strains (BP208 and SD67) were also genotyped by sequencing gene segment VP6. The VP6 gene grouped with porcine strains, I6 (89.3%-90.2% nucleotide identity) and I5 (88.7%-90.5% nucleotide identity), for strains BP208 and SD67, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results are indicative of genomic reassortment between RVC strains of human and porcine origin. In recent years, the incidence of RVC infection among humans has increased significantly. It is important to measure the frequency of interspecies transmission in order to monitor the evolution of these viruses and to identify rearranged strains that may lead to an epidemic.

Frequency of viral etiology in symptomatic adult upper respiratory tract infections

Aims: To determine the frequency of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections in non-hospitalized, symptomatic adults in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Methods: Respiratory samples (nasal/throat swabs) were collected between August 2010 and November 2012 and real time PCR was used to detect different viral pathogens. Results: Viruses were detected in 32.1% (43/134) of samples from 101 patients. Specifically, 9% (12/134) were positive for HBoV, 8.2% (11/134) were positive for HAdV, 5.2% (7/134) were positive for HRV, and 1.5% (2/134) were positive for FLUBV or HMPV, as single infections. HRSV-A, HPIV-3, and HCoV-HKU1 were detected in one (0.75%) sample each. Co-infections were detected in 4.8% (6/134) of the samples. Peaks of viral infections were observed in March, April, May, August, and October. However, positive samples were detected all year round. Only 23.3% (10/43) of the positive samples were collected from patients with febrile illness. Conclusion: Results presented in this report suggest that respiratory viral infections are largely under diagnosed in immunocompetent adults. Although the majority of young adult infections are not life-threatening they may impose a significant burden, especially in developing countries since these individuals represent a large fraction of the working force. .

Frequency of viral etiology in symptomatic adult upper respiratory tract infections.

AIMS: To determine the frequency of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections in non-hospitalized, symptomatic adults in the city of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: Respiratory samples (nasal/throat swabs) were collected between August 2010 and November 2012 and real time PCR was used to detect different viral pathogens. RESULTS: Viruses were detected in 32.1% (43/134) of samples from 101 patients. Specifically, 9% (12/134) were positive for HBoV, 8.2% (11/134) were positive for HAdV, 5.2% (7/134) were positive for HRV, and 1.5% (2/134) were positive for FLUBV or HMPV, as single infections. HRSV-A, HPIV-3, and HCoV-HKU1 were detected in one (0.75%) sample each. Co-infections were detected in 4.8% (6/134) of the samples. Peaks of viral infections were observed in March, April, May, August, and October. However, positive samples were detected all year round. Only 23.3% (10/43) of the positive samples were collected from patients with febrile illness. CONCLUSION: Results presented in this report suggest that respiratory viral infections are largely under diagnosed in immunocompetent adults. Although the majority of young adult infections are not life-threatening they may impose a significant burden, especially in developing countries since these individuals represent a large fraction of the working force.

Influenza A virus infection of healthy piglets in an abattoir in Brazil: animal-human interface and risk for interspecies transmission.

Asymptomatic influenza virus infections in pigs are frequent and the lack of measures for controlling viral spread facilitates the circulation of different virus strains between pigs. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the circulation of influenza A virus strains among asymptomatic piglets in an abattoir in Brazil and discuss the potential public health impacts. Tracheal samples (n = 330) were collected from asymptomatic animals by a veterinarian that also performed visual lung tissue examinations. No slaughtered animals presented with any noticeable macroscopic signs of influenza infection following examination of lung tissues. Samples were then analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction that resulted in the identification of 30 (9%) influenza A positive samples. The presence of asymptomatic pig infections suggested that these animals could facilitate virus dissemination and act as a source of infection for the herd, thereby enabling the emergence of influenza outbreaks associated with significant economic losses. Furthermore, the continuous exposure of the farm and abattoir workers to the virus increases the risk for interspecies transmission. Monitoring measures of swine influenza virus infections and vaccination and monitoring of employees for influenza infection should also be considered. In addition regulatory agencies should consider the public health ramifications regarding the potential zoonotic viral transmission between humans and pigs.

Influenza A virus infection of healthy piglets in an abattoir in Brazil: animal-human interface and risk for interspecies transmission

Asymptomatic influenza virus infections in pigs are frequent and the lack of measures for controlling viral spread facilitates the circulation of different virus strains between pigs. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the circulation of influenza A virus strains among asymptomatic piglets in an abattoir in Brazil and discuss the potential public health impacts. Tracheal samples (n = 330) were collected from asymptomatic animals by a veterinarian that also performed visual lung tissue examinations. No slaughtered animals presented with any noticeable macroscopic signs of influenza infection following examination of lung tissues. Samples were then analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction that resulted in the identification of 30 (9%) influenza A positive samples. The presence of asymptomatic pig infections suggested that these animals could facilitate virus dissemination and act as a source of infection for the herd, thereby enabling the emergence of influenza outbreaks associated with significant economic losses. Furthermore, the continuous exposure of the farm and abattoir workers to the virus increases the risk for interspecies transmission. Monitoring measures of swine influenza virus infections and vaccination and monitoring of employees for influenza infection should also be considered. In addition regulatory agencies should consider the public health ramifications regarding the potential zoonotic viral transmission between humans and pigs.

Anti-HSV activity of Hypnea musciformis cultured with different phytohormones

Four extracts from the seaweed Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen in Jacq.) J.V. Lamour. (Rhodophyta), collected directly from its natural habitat or cultivated in the presence of phytohormones, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the replication of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex viruses types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) strains. The main purpose was to determinate whether these growth conditions would affect the antiviral activity. Our results showed the possibility of improving the anti-HSV activity by using extracts from algae cultured in the presence of phytohormones.

Antiviral activity of the green marine alga Ulva fasciata on the replication of human metapneumovirus.

We evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100% of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.

Antiviral activity of the green marine alga Ulva fasciata on the replication of human metapneumovirus / Atividade antiviral da alga verde marinha Ulva fasciata na replicação do metapneumovírus humano

We evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100 percent of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.

Neste artigo, foi avaliada a atividade antiviral da alga marinha Ulva fasciata, coletada nas Praias do Forno e Rasa, em Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, sobre a replicação do metapneumovírus humano (HMPV). Os extratos desta alga foram preparados utilizando três diferentes metodologias, visando a comparação da atividade de diferentes grupos de compostos químicos que são obtidos dependendo da metodologia empregada. Quatro, do total de seis extratos foram capazes de inibir praticamente 100 por cento da replicação viral. Os resultados demonstram também que a maioria dos extratos (cinco, dos seis), possui atividade virucida e, portanto, possuem a habilidade de interagir com a partícula viral extracelularmente impedindo a infecção. Por outro lado, apenas dois extratos (coletado da Praia do Forno e, preparado através de maceração e maceração do decocto) foram capazes de se ligar a receptores celulares, impossibilitando assim a entrada das partículas virais nas células. Finalmente, apenas o extrato que foi preparado por maceração da alga coletada na Praia do Forno, demonstrou atividade intracelular. Até onde sabemos, este é um estudo pioneiro sobre a atividade antiviral de algas marinhas sobre o HMPV. É também o primeiro estudo sobre atividade antiviral sobre HMPV realizado no Brasil. O estudo também mostra o efeito de diferentes condições ambientais e procedimentos químicos utilizados na preparação do extrato sobre suas propriedades biológicas.

Cytotoxicity of intermaxillary orthodontic elastics of different colors: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: Natural latex does not fall into the category of materials known to be entirely inoffensive. The purpose of this in vitro study was to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the cytotoxicity between elastics of different colors and those from different manufacturers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different latex intraoral elastics of different colors (5/16 = 7.9 mm, mean load) were compared. The sample was divided into 7 groups of 24 elastics each: Group T (TP Orthodontics, natural latex elastics, control); Groups U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 and U6 (Uniden, natural latex elastics and colored elastics, namely, green, pink, yellow, red and purple, respectively). Cytotoxicity assays were performed by using cell culture medium containing epithelioid-type cells (Hep-2 line) derived from human laryngeal carcinoma. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by using the "dye-uptake" test, which was employed at two different moments (0 and 24 h). Data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Group T and all other groups (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 and U6) at 0 and 24 h. No statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between Groups U1 and U5, U1 and U6, U2 and U3, U2 and U4, U2 and U5, U2 and U6, U3 and U4, U3 and U5, U3 and U6, U4 and U5, U4 and U6, and U5 and U6 at 0 and 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The TP Orthodontics elastics promoted less cell lysis compared to the Uniden elastics regardless of their color.

Cytotoxicity of intraoral orthodontic elastics

Aim: The present study compared in vitro four types of latex intraoral elastics (5/16 = 7.9 mm, mean load) regarding their possible cytotoxic effects. Material and Methods: The sample was allocated to four groups of 24 elastics: Group A (American Orthodontics), Group M (Morelli), Group T (TP Orthodontics), and Group U (Uniden). Cytotoxicity assays were performed using cell culture medium containing epithelioid-type cells (Hep-2 line) derived from human laryngeal carcinoma. Two methods for evaluating the cytotoxicity, the agar overlay test and “dye-uptake” test, were employed at two different moments (0 and 24 h). Data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). Results: The results showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Groups T and M, T and U, A and M, and A and U, for dye-uptake test at 0 and 24 h. No cell lysis was found in Groups T and A for the agar overlay test, whereas 80% cell lysis was found in Groups M and U after 24 h according to the Stanford’s response index (RI). Conclusion: Both TP Orthodontics and American Orthodontics elastics evoked less cell lysis than Morelli and Uniden elastics.