Cultivating global antimicrobial stewardship: linguistic and cultural validation of the Australian National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey appropriateness assessment definitions for Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is driven by inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing. The National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) is an Australian-developed auditing platform to assist in the assessments of antimicrobial quality by antimicrobial stewardship programmes using consensus-based definitions. The NAPS has demonstrated to be transferable to other countries. Its adaptation to Portugal could improve knowledge about the quality of antimicrobial prescribing in the country. OBJECTIVES: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Australian Hospital NAPS appropriateness assessment definitions of antimicrobial prescribing for Portugal. METHODS: International recommendations on translation and adaptation of instruments were followed. Two panels of experts participated in the process, using Zoom® for discussions and interviews, and Google Forms® for assessing vignettes. A native English-speaking person proficient in Portuguese conducted the back-translation. SPSS v.28 and Excel® were used for validity calculation. RESULTS: The Portuguese version was well accepted, its implementation being perceived as desirable and feasible by the experts. Validation process showed a Fleiss' κ score of 0.483 (95% CI, 0.415-0.551, P < 0.005) for appropriateness, and an average agreement with the Australian NAPS team of 0.8 and 0.9, respectively, for appropriateness and reasons for inappropriateness. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Australian Hospital NAPS appropriateness assessment definitions of antimicrobial prescribing, the first to be translated from English, was deemed non-inferior to the original, was well accepted, considered to be desirable and feasible, and could inspire other countries, particularly other Portuguese-speaking countries, to adapt and validate them in their own contexts, reinforcing the possibility of transferring NAPS use beyond Australia.

Understanding the role of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors in pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy is a unique immunological situation in which a fetus-bearing paternal histocompatibility antigens can survive in a maternal environment without apparent rejection. To face this challenge, cells of the uterine immune system show characteristic changes in absolute number and composition during pregnancy. Particularly relevant to this process are uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and their cell surface receptors, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). The main purpose of this review is to outline the current body of knowledge on the involvement of KIRs in the complications of pregnancy. Implantation depends on the invasion of embryonic trophoblast cells into maternal uterine tissue and remodeling of the uterine spiral arterioles, which is essential for placental perfusion and successful pregnancy. The proper interaction between maternal KIRs and their ligands human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, expressed by the extravillous trophoblast cells, is crucial in this process. KIRs are a complex family that includes both activator and inhibitory receptors. The activation profile is genetically determined in each individual and leads to diverse levels of functionality for NK and T cells on engagement with specific HLA class I molecules. An association between different KIR alleles and HLA molecules has been reported in pregnancy complications, supporting the idea of a relevant role of these receptors in successful pregnancy.

Fragmentation of Valence and Carbon Core Excited and Ionized CH2FCF3 Molecule.

The photofragmentation dynamics of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) with photon energies from 12 eV up to 320 eV, surrounding the C 1s edge is discussed. The ionic moieties were measured in coincidence with the ejected electrons (PEPICO mode), and detected as a function of the photon energy. Around the C K core edge, the fragmentation profiles are examined regarding the site specific excitation of the CH2FCF3 molecule. In the present case, site-selectivity is favored by the distinct chemical environments surrounding both C atoms. NEXAFS spectrum at the C 1s edge simulation has been obtained at the TDDFT level and excited state geometry optimization calculations have been performed at the inner-shell multiconfigurational self-consistent field level. Our observations indicate that the C(H2F) 1s excitation to a highly repulsive potential expels a fluorine atom leaving the heavier radical fragment C2F3H2* which relaxes to the fundamental state of the ion C2F3H2+. On the other hand, the excitation from the C(F3) 1s carbon to a repulsive state in the C-C bond, leads to a C-C bond cleavage, explaining the observed site specific fragmentation.

Coffee berry borer in conilon coffee in the Brazilian Cerrado: an ancient pest in a new environment.

The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), and to evaluate the population fluctuation of the pest in the Brazilian Cerrado (Federal District). The study was conducted, between November 2014 and October 2015, at Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina/DF, Brazil) in an irrigated conilon coffee production area. In November 2014, 120 samples (ten berries/sample) were collected from berries that had fallen on the ground from the previous harvest. Between November 2014 and October 2015, insects were collected weekly, using traps (polyethylene terephthalate bottles) baited with ethyl alcohol (98 GL), ethyl alcohol (98 GL) with coffee powder, or molasses. Between January and July 2015, samples were collected fortnightly from 92 plants (12 berries per plant). All samples were evaluated for the presence of adult coffee berry borers. Samples from the previous harvest had an attack incidence of 72.4%. The baited traps captured 4062 H. hampei adults, and showed no statistical difference in capture efficiency among the baits. Pest population peaked in the dry season, with the largest percentage of captured adults occurring in July (31.0%). An average of 18.6% of the collected berries was attacked by the borer and the highest percentage incidence was recorded in July (33.2%). Our results suggest that the coffee berry borer, if not properly managed, could constitute a limiting factor for conilon coffee production in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Risk factors that influence sexual and reproductive health in Portuguese university students.

BACKGROUND: University students have unprotected sex and associate alcohol and/or drugs with sexual practices. These behaviours are risk factors for influencing sexual and reproductive health that can be targeted by nursing interventions. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the risk and protective factors influencing sexual and reproductive risk-taking behaviours in university students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional and correlational study in a sample of 1946 students. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire on the individual, environmental, cognitive and psychosocial factors related to knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, attitude for sexual and reproductive health, subjective norms, Condom Use Self-Efficacy and Sexual Sensation Seeking scales. RESULTS: Older male students were at higher risk for all risk behaviours studied. Students involved in committed relationships were at risk because of decreased condom use. Individuals who placed high importance on sexual sensation seeking were at increased risk. The higher the importance students placed on peers' opinion, the more protective their behaviours were. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that university students are exposed to sexual risks. Individual, cognitive and psychosocial factors influence the risk-taking behaviours. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The findings of this study should be further incorporated into health care with nurses' leadership, adapting healthcare services to the specific needs of this population and promoting educational programmes.

Life cycle inference and phylogeny of Ortholinea labracis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Ortholineidae), a parasite of the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax (Teleostei: Moronidae), in a Portuguese fish farm.

Ortholinea labracis n. sp. is described and its life cycle is inferred from a Southern Portuguese fish farm, with basis on microscopic and molecular procedures. This myxosporean parasite infects the urinary bladder of the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax and the intestinal epithelium of a marine oligochaete of the genus Tectidrilus. Myxospores subspherical in valvular view and ellipsoidal in sutural view measuring 7.6 ± 0.3 (6.8-8.7) µm in length, 7.2 ± 0.2 (6.7-7.7) µm in width and 6.5 ± 0.4 (5.8-7.7) µm in thickness. Two polar capsules, 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.6-3.4) µm long and 2.4 ± 0.1 (2.0-2.9) µm wide, located at the same level, but with divergent orientation and opening to opposite sides of the suture line. Sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene revealed a similarity of 100% between the analysed myxospores and triactinomyxon actinospores. The phylogenetic setting of O. labracis n. sp. shows subgrouping in correlation with tissue tropism, but identifies this parasite as another exception to the main division of Myxosporea into the main freshwater and marine lineages.

International multi-center evaluation of a novel chemiluminescence assay for the detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies.

OBJECTIVE: Anti-double stranded desoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are considered fairly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their quantification is useful for the clinical management of SLE patients. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the QUANTA Flash dsDNA chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) in comparison to an ELISA, using patients from five participating countries. The main focus was to evaluate the correlation between anti-dsDNA antibody results from the CIA and global SLE disease activity, as measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1431 samples (SLE, n = 843; disease controls, n = 588) from five countries (Canada, USA, Portugal, Sweden and Spain) were tested with QUANTA Flash dsDNA (Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA). Data obtained with the QUANTA Lite dsDNA SC ELISA (Inova Diagnostics) were available for samples from three sites (Canada, USA and Sweden, n = 566). The SLEDAI-2K scores were available for 805 SLE patients and a cut-off of > 4 was used to define active disease. RESULTS: QUANTA Flash dsDNA had a sensitivity of 54.3% for the diagnosis of SLE, combined with 89.8% specificity. Anti-dsDNA antibody levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in active SLE (SLEDAI-2K > 4; n = 232; median value 83.0 IU/mL) versus the inactive patients (n = 573; median value 22.3 IU/mL), and the SLEDAI-2K scoring correlated with their dsDNA antibody levels (Spearman's rho = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Similar but less pronounced findings were also found for the ELISA, in relation to disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: The QUANTA Flash dsDNA assay showed good clinical performance in a large international multi-center study. Additionally, the strong correlation between anti-dsDNA antibody results and SLEDAI-2K scores supported the potential utility of QUANTA Flash dsDNA for monitoring disease activity.

The reproductive effort of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Copepoda: Caligidae): insights into the egg production strategy of parasitic copepods.

The reproductive effort of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Müller O. F., 1776), a caligid copepod, which is commonly found infecting the European flounder, Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus, 1758), is studied in detail for the first time. Seasonal variation in body dimensions and reproductive effort are analysed. Data for 120 ovigerous females, 30 from each season of the year, were considered in the analyses. Females were larger and produced a larger number of smaller eggs in winter, than during the summer. The relationship between egg number and egg size is similar to that recorded for other copepods exploiting fish hosts. Much of the recorded variation was also similar to that reported for a copepod parasitic on an invertebrate host, which suggests the possibility of a general trend in copepod reproduction. Overall, our results provide further support for the hypothesis that there is an alternation of summer and winter generations.

The challenges of asymmetric mating - the influence of male and female size on the reproductive output of Acanthochondria cornuta (Chondracanthidae).

The reproductive strategy of Acanthochondria cornuta, a parasitic copepod with dwarf, hyperparasitic males, is described in detail. The potential impact of male parasitism on the reproductive output was evaluated by determining the size of each sex and the female's fecundity, egg size and total reproductive effort for each pair/trio throughout the four seasons of the year. Marked seasonal differences were observed in female size and reproductive output, suggesting two distinct generations, but no differences were observed for male size. No statistically significant correlations were observed between male size and any measure of reproductive effort, but females with larger males had lower fecundity. A trade-off between egg number and egg size was recorded. Overall, the reproductive effort in A. cornuta seems to be determined mostly by female size, and larger females do not hold smaller males.

EPA guidance on mental health and economic crises in Europe.

This European Psychiatric Association (EPA) guidance paper is a result of the Working Group on Mental Health Consequences of Economic Crises of the EPA Council of National Psychiatric Associations. Its purpose is to identify the impact on mental health in Europe of the economic downturn and the measures that may be taken to respond to it. We performed a review of the existing literature that yields 350 articles on which our conclusions and recommendations are based. Evidence-based tables and recommendations were developed through an expert consensus process. Literature dealing with the consequences of economic turmoil on the health and health behaviours of the population is heterogeneous, and the results are not completely unequivocal. However, there is a broad consensus about the deleterious consequences of economic crises on mental health, particularly on psychological well-being, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol abuse, and suicidal behaviour. Unemployment, indebtedness, precarious working conditions, inequalities, lack of social connectedness, and housing instability emerge as main risk factors. Men at working age could be particularly at risk, together with previous low SES or stigmatized populations. Generalized austerity measures and poor developed welfare systems trend to increase the harmful effects of economic crises on mental health. Although many articles suggest limitations of existing research and provide suggestions for future research, there is relatively little discussion of policy approaches to address the negative impact of economic crises on mental health. The few studies that addressed policy questions suggested that the development of social protection programs such as active labour programs, social support systems, protection for housing instability, and better access to mental health care, particularly at primary care level, is strongly needed.

Clinical features and long-term outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus: comparative data of childhood, adult and late-onset disease in a national register.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects predominantly women at reproductive age but may present at any age. Age at disease onset has a modulating effect on presentation and course of disease, but controversies persist regarding its impact on long-term outcome. Our aims were to characterize clinical features, co-morbidities and cumulative damage in childhood-onset, adult-onset and late-onset SLE. Patients with childhood-onset SLE fulfilling ACR 1997 criteria were identified in a nationwide register-Reuma.pt/SLE (N = 89) and compared with adult-onset and late-onset counterparts matched 1:1:1 for disease duration. 267 SLE patients with mean disease duration of 11.9 ± 9.3 years were analyzed. Skin (62 %), kidney (58 %), neurological (11 %) and hematologic involvement (76 %) were significantly more common in childhood-onset SLE and disease activity was higher in this subset than in adult- and late-onset disease (SLEDAI-2K 3.4 ± 3.8 vs. 2.2 ± 2.7 vs. 1.6 ± 2.8, respectively; p = 0.004). Also, more childhood-onset patients received cyclophosphamide (10 %) and mycophenolate mofetil (34 %). A greater proportion of women (96 %), prevalence of arthritis (89 %) and anti-SSA antibodies (34 %) were noted in the adult-onset group. There was a significant delay in the diagnosis of SLE in older ages. Co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disease were significantly more frequent in late-onset SLE, as well as the presence of irreversible damage evaluated by the SLICC/ACR damage index (20 vs. 26 vs. 40 %; p < 0.001). Greater organ involvement as well as the frequent need for immunosuppressants supports the concept of childhood-onset being a more severe disease. In contrast, disease onset is more indolent but co-morbidity burden and irreversible damage are greater in late-onset SLE, which may have implications for patients' management.

Ocular and craniofacial phenotypes in a large Brazilian family with congenital aniridia.

Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by varying degrees of iris hypoplasia that are associated with additional ocular abnormalities. More than 90% of the causal mutations identified are found in the PAX6 gene, a transcription factor of critical importance in the process of neurogenesis and ocular development. Here, we investigate clinical, molecular, and craniofacial features of a large Brazilian family with congenital aniridia. Among the 56 eyes evaluated, phenotype variation encompassed bilateral total aniridia to mild iris defects with extensive variation between eyes of the same individual. PAX6 molecular screening indicated a heterozygous splice mutation (c.141 + 1G>A). Thus, we hypothesize that this splicing event may cause variation in the expression of the wild-type transcript, which may lead to the observed variation in phenotype. Affected individuals were more brachycephalic, even though their face height and cephalic circumference were not significantly different when compared to those of non-affected relatives. From this, we infer that the head shape of affected subjects may also be a result of the PAX6 splice-site mutation. Our data summarize the clinical variability associated with the ocular phenotype in a large family with aniridia, and help shed light on the role of PAX6 in neurocranial development.

The educational and professional status of clinical embryology and clinical embryologists in Europe.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the recognition of clinical embryology and the current status of clinical embryologists in European countries, regarding educational levels, responsibilities and workload, and need for a formal education in assisted reproductive technology (ART)? SUMMARY ANSWER: It is striking that the profession of clinical embryology, almost 40 years after the introduction of IVF, is still not officially recognized in most European countries. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Reproductive medicine has developed into a sophisticated multidisciplinary medical branch since the birth of Louise Brown 37 years ago. The European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) has recognized reproductive medicine as a subspeciality and has developed a subspeciality training for gynaecologists in collaboration with the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). However, nothing similar exists for the field of clinical embryology or for clinical embryologists. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A questionnaire about the situation in clinical embryology in the period of 2012-2013 in the respective European country was sent to ESHRE National representatives (basic scientists only) in December 2013. At this time, 28 European countries had at least one basic scientist in the ESHRE Committee of National Representatives. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The survey consisted of 46 numeric, dichotomous (yes/no) or descriptive questions. Answers were obtained from 27 out of 28 countries and the data were tabulated. Data about the numbers of 'ESHRE Certified Embryologists' were taken from the ESHRE Steering Committee for Embryologist Certification. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In 2012, more than 7000 laboratory staff from 1349 IVF clinics in 27 European countries performed over 700 000 fresh and frozen ART cycles. Despite this, clinical embryology is only recognized as an official profession in 3 out of 27 national health systems. In most countries clinical embryologists need to be registered under another profession, and have limited possibilities for organized education in clinical embryology. Mostly they are trained for practical work by senior colleagues. ESHRE embryologist certification so far constitutes the only internationally recognized qualification; however this cannot be considered a subspecialization. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data were obtained through different methods, by involving national embryologist societies and cycle registers, collecting information from centre to centre, and in some cases by individual assessment of the situation. For these reasons, the results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This paper presents the current status of clinical embryology and clinical embryologists in Europe and is an important step towards implementation of clinical embryology as an officially recognized profession. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: No.

Numerical study of the most stable contact angle of drops on tilted surfaces.

We present results for the most stable contact angle using a numerical implementation of the tilting plate method of Montes et al. (Montes Ruiz-Cabello, F. J.; Rodriguez-Valverde, M. A.; Cabrerizo-Vilchez, M. Soft Matter 2011, 7, 10457-10461). Comparison with the experimental results is made, obtaining a good agreement in most situations. In addition, the evolution of the contact angles of a tilted drop with a fixed circular line is analyzed. This analysis allows one to theoretically predict the most stable contact angle for tilted drops.

Characterization of damage in Portuguese lupus patients: analysis of a national lupus registry.

BACKGROUND: Although the survival rate has considerably improved, many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop irreversible organ damage. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this paper are to characterize cumulative damage in SLE patients and identify variables associated with its presence and severity. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of SLE patients from the Portuguese Lupus register Reuma.pt/SLE in whom damage assessment using the SLICC/ACR-Disability Index (SDI) was available was performed. Predictor factors for damage, defined as SDI ≥ 1, were determined by logistic regression analyses. A sub-analysis of patients with severe damage (SDI ≥ 3) was also performed. RESULTS: In total, 976 patients were included. SDI was ≥1 in 365 patients, of whom 89 had severe damage. Musculoskeletal (24.4%), neuropsychiatric (24.1%) and ocular (17.2%) domains were the most commonly affected. Older age, longer disease duration, renal involvement, presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and current therapy with steroids were independently associated with SDI ≥ 1. The subpopulation with severe damage had, in addition, a greater interval between the first manifestation attributable to SLE and the clinical diagnosis as well as and more frequently early retirement due to SLE. CONCLUSIONS: This large lupus cohort confirmed that demographic and clinical characteristics as well as medication are independently associated with damage. Additionally, premature retirement occurs more often in patients with SDI ≥ 3. Diagnosis delay might contribute to damage accrual.

Congenital malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and perinatal results in IVF/ICSI newborns resulting from very poor quality embryos: a case-control study.

AIMS: To explore whether the transfer of very poor quality (VPQ) embryos is associated with an increase in congenital malformations or perinatal problems. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 74 children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) resulting exclusively from the transfer of VPQ embryos were compared with 1,507 children born after the transfer of top morphological quality (TQ) embryos over the same period of time in the same centers. RESULTS: The prevalence of birth defects in children resulting from VPQ embryos was 1.35% (1/74), similar to the 1.72% (26/1,507) when only TQ embryos were transferred; the rate of chromosomal abnormalities detected was also similar (0.0 vs. 0.4%), as was perinatal mortality. After correcting for multiplicity (higher in the TQ group), the aforementioned parameters remained similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Congenital malformations and perinatal complications do not seem to be more common in children born after transfer of VPQ embryos in IVF/ICSI cycles. Given our preliminary data, which need to be confirmed in much larger studies, when only VPQ embryos are available for transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles, we do not believe that they should be discarded with the intention of avoiding birth defects or perinatal complications.

Numerical and functional responses to the presence of a competitor--the case of Aggregata sp. (Apicomplexa: Aggregatidae) and Octopicola superba (Copepoda: Octopicolidae).

Evidence of interference competition between the eimeriorin coccidian Aggregata sp. and the octopicolid copepod Octopicola superba at the level of the gills of naturally infected Octopus vulgaris is evaluated. Numerical and functional responses are considered for analysis, and the fundamental and realized spatial niches (FSNs and RSNs) are measured as part of the study. While it was not possible to measure the FSN of Aggregata sp., the analysis of the infection levels of O. superba recorded for non-concomitantly and concomitantly infected hosts suggests that the gills and body skin constitute, respectively, the main and accessory sites of infection of the parasite. According to the evidence found, the gills function mainly as an accessory site of infection of Aggregata sp., in specimens in which the caecum and intestine are massively infected. Evidence for a negative interaction between Aggregata sp. and O. superba has been found while controlling for a potential confounding effect of host size. Furthermore, the presence of O. superba on gill lamellae appears to have been negatively affected by the presence of Aggregata sp., while this latter remained mostly undisturbed. The mean number of oocysts of Aggregata sp. in the gills was higher in spring and summer, which were also the seasons presenting the broadest RSN for O. superba.

Water-extractable priority contaminants in LUFA 2.2 soil: back to basics, contextualisation and implications for use as natural standard soil.

The natural LUFA 2.2 standard soil has been extensively used in hazard assessment of soil contaminants, combining representation with ecological relevance for accurate risk evaluation. This study revisited the water-extractable fraction of LUFA 2.2 soil, through consecutive soil wet-dry cycles and discusses implications of use as standard substrate in derivation of ecotoxicological data and toxicity thresholds. Potentially bioavailable contents of metals (177.9-888.7 µg/l) and the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 0.064-0.073 µg/l) were dependent on the number of soil wetting-drying cycles applied. Such contents were screened based on current EU guidelines for surface waters and reported toxicological benchmarks for aquatic organisms. Aqueous concentrations generally fit within recommended Environmental Quality Standards (EQS), except for Hg (0.13-0.22 µg/l; >Maximum Allowable Concentration-MAC-of 0.07 µg/l) and for the sum of benzo(g,h,i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (0.005 µg/l; >double the Annual Average of 0.002 µg/l). Further, aqueous As, Zn, Cd, Ni and Cr concentrations exceeded 'lower benchmark' values for aquatic organisms, possibly reflecting an inadequate derivation for ecotoxicological data. In turn, PAHs in LUFA 2.2 soil aqueous extracts, whilst individually, are not likely to constitute a hazard to test biota exposed to its aqueous fractions. This study urges for potentially bioavailable fractions of reference and standard natural soils to be adequately characterized and addressed as part of the research aim, experimental approach and design, as well as the expected scope of the outcomes.

Detection and characterization of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in apiaries with stationary and migratory management in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina.

In Argentina, migratory activity in search of floral diversity has become a common approach to maximizing honey production. The Entre Ríos province possesses a floral diversity that allows beekeepers to perform migratory or stationary management. Beyond the impact caused by transhumance, migratory colonies in this province start and end the season in monoculture areas. To study the effect of these practices on viral infection, we assayed for the presence, abundance and genetic characterization of the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in honey bees from apiaries with both types of management. In migratory apiaries, DWV was detectable in 86.2% of the colonies at the beginning of the season (September 2018), and 66% at the end of the season (March 2019). On the other hand, DWV was detected in 44.11% and 53.12% of stationary samples, at the beginning and the end of the season, respectively. Sequence analysis from migratory and stationary colonies revealed that all samples belonged to DWV-A type. The highest viral loads were detected in migratory samples collected in September. Higher DWV presence and abundance were associated with migratory management and the sampling time. Based on our findings we propose that the benefit of migration to wild flowering areas can be dissipated when the bee colonies end the season with monoculture.

Phylogenetic analysis of bluetongue virus serotype 4 field isolates from Argentina.

Bluetongue is an insect-transmitted viral disease of ruminant species, which represents a major barrier to the international trade of animals and their products. Bluetongue virus (BTV) has a genome composed of ten linear segments of dsRNA, which code for at least ten different viral proteins. In South America, serological evidence for the presence of BTV has been found in Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Chile. Brazil and Argentina are the only South American countries where BTV has been isolated. In Brazil, only one BTV isolate, serotype 12, has been reported, whereas in Argentina five BTV serotype 4 isolates have been obtained from cattle without clinical signs. Three of these five isolates were isolated during 1999-2001, whereas two of them were obtained as part of the present work. This study describes sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of segment (Seg)-2, Seg-3, Seg-6, Seg-7 and Seg-10 of the first Argentinian field isolates of BTV. The analysis of Seg-2 and Seg-6 resulted in a single cluster of Argentinian sequences into the serotype 4 clade. In addition, the Argentinian sequences grouped within the nucleotype A clade, along with reference strains. The analysis of Seg-3, Seg-7 and Seg-10 showed that the Argentinian isolates grouped into the western topotype, indicating that the circulating virus had an African/European origin. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Argentinian sequences present a South American genetic identity, suggesting an independent lineage evolution.