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Parvovirus infection affects several animal species, especially young animals. In birds, parvovirus infection has been described in Muscovy ducks, turkeys, and chickens, all of which had enteric diseases characterized by diarrhea. Chicken parvovirus (ChPV) has been detected in poultry around the world in animals affected by enteric problems, showing dwarfism, cloacal pasting, and diarrhea. In Brazil, ChPV was detected in chickens affected by diarrhea fifteen years ago. However, the genetic characteristics of ChPV circulating in chicken flocks were not determined. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to determine the genetic characteristics of the VP1 gene from ChPV detected in chickens affected by enteric diseases in Brazil. For this purpose, a molecular approach was used. Specific primers were designed to flank the complete VP1 gene of ChPV and amplify it using PCR. The amplified products from samples of chickens with enteric diseases were sequenced, and 22 complete CDs of the VP1 gene were obtained. These samples, compared to the ABU-P1 sequence, showed 17 sequences with high nucleotide (NT) similarity of 92.7–97.4% and amino acid (AA) similarity of 94.8–99.5% associated with Runting and Stunting syndrome (RSS); there were also five samples associated with hens with diarrhea with unusual jejunal dilatation (JD) that had less similarity than the RSS sequences (NT of 86.5% and AA of 93–93.1%). The phylogenetic analysis determined four groups. Group I had sequences from Korea. The second group included sequences from Korea, China, and Brazil (not included in this work). The third group had studied RSS sequences grouped with the ABU-P1 strain and sequences from China and the United States. Finally, the sequences from JD were clustered in a separate group with a bootstrap of 100%, a group that was denoted as group IV, and included sequences from China. RDP4 and SimPlot analysis showed one point of recombination with the sequences of group III ChPV in the JD sequences. Herein, we show that circulating strains of ChPV exhibit genetic differences in the VP1 gene in Brazilian chicken flocks. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to determine the probability of a new genetic group of ChPV based on the analysis of the complete genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) causes Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a fatal neurological disorder in Psittaciformes. Its diversity in South America is poorly known. We detected the first case of a genotype 2 (PaBV-2) infection in Cacatua galerita in Brazil, which presented severe neuropathies and PDD. Evolutionary analysis estimated a potential Brazilian (or South American) ancestor as the origin of this genotype and possibly other genotypes of the Orthobornavirus alphapsittaciforme species. Additionally, a progressive decline in the size of the effective population was observed, which could be related to various factors, such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. The emergence or reemergence of PaBVs related to ancestral strains in Brazil and South America is a matter of concern, as the spread of these viruses poses a risk to bird biodiversity and endangered species. These results underscore the need for surveillance studies in this region. Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) is an RNA virus that causes Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), neurological disorders, and death in Psittaciformes. Its diversity in South America is poorly known. We examined a Cacatua galerita presenting neuropathies, PDD, and oculopathies as the main signs. We detected PaBV through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and partial sequencing of the nucleoprotein (N) and matrix (M) genes. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inferences classified it as PaBV-2. The nucleotide identity of the sequenced strain ranged from 88.3% to 90.3% against genotype PaBV-2 and from 80.2% to 84.4% against other genotypes. Selective pressure analysis detected signs of episodic diversifying selection in both the N and M genes. No recombination events were detected. Phylodynamic analysis estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) as the year 1758 for genotype PaBV-2 and the year 1049 for the Orthobornavirus alphapsittaciforme species. Substitution rates were estimated at 2.73 × 10−4 and 4.08 × 10−4 substitutions per year per site for N and M, respectively. The analysis of population dynamics showed a progressive decline in the effective population size during the last century. Timescale phylogeographic analysis revealed a potential South American ancestor as the origin of genotypes 1, 2, and 8. These results contribute to our knowledge of the evolutionary origin, diversity, and dynamics of PaBVs in South America and the world. Additionally, it highlights the importance of further studies in captive Psittaciformes and the potential impact on endangered wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antigenic and molecular characteristics of BR-I infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs) isolated from Brazil are reported. IBVs isolated from commercial flocks with different clinical manifestations between 2003 and 2019 were submitted to antigenic and molecular characterization. The complete S1 glycoprotein gene of 11 field isolates was amplified and sequenced. The virus neutralization (VN) test showed 94.75% neutralization with a BR-I isolate and 30% or less against other worldwide reference strains. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses revealed 84.3–100% and 83.5–100% identity among them, respectively. The identity values ranged from 57.1 to 82.6% for nucleotides and from 46.6–84.4% for amino acids compared with those of other genotypes. By phylogenetic tree analysis, the Brazilian isolates were branched into the BR-I genotype (lineage GI-11), which was differentiated from foreign reference strains. Selective pressure analyses of BR-I IBVs revealed evolution under purifying selection (negative pressure) for the complete S1 gene but four specific sites (87, 121, 279, and 542) under diversifying selection (positive pressure). Profiles of cleavage sites and potential N-glycosylation sites differed from those of other genotypes. The low molecular relationship among the Brazilian viruses and foreign serotypes was concordant with the VN test results. The low antigenic relatedness (ranging from 5.3–30% between Brazilian genotype BR-I and reference IBV serotypes of North America, Europe, and Asia) indicates that the BR-I genotype is a different serotype, referred to for the first time and hereafter as serotype BR-I. Strains of the BR-I genotype presented robust antigenic and molecular similarity. BR-I strains evolved under purifying selection mode (negative pressure). The BR-I genotype originated in Brazil and dispersed to other countries. BR-I genotype viruses can be referred to as the BR-I serotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesian clove cigarettes—called "kretek" due to the crackling sound that can be heard when the product burns—are tobacco products containing clove and the "saus", a mixture of essential oils and plant extracts whose ingredients are mostly kept in secret. It is important to determine which ingredients those are to properly assess the effects that clove cigarettes can cause. An organoleptic, qualitative and quantitative analysis was made in 9 different brands of clove cigarettes obtained in Brazil. Nicotine, eugenol, menthol, and β-caryophyllene were quantified through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The samples presented 20 different compounds, and all samples had a different combination of the compounds. Nicotine concentrations were generally higher than eugenol, and lower than nicotine concentration in a conventional cigarette. One sample had menthol even though the cigarette pack did not inform that it was a menthol product. There were traces of 2 unusual substances. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat bacterial infections in respiratory airways, and octodrine is an amphetaminic stimulant used in nutritional supplements, considered as a substance of doping by the World Anti-Doping Association. The presence of both substances was not tested using certified reference materials, but its possible presence raises concern about the compounds in kretek cigarettes. There should be more studies about the contents of clove cigarettes, to improve antitobacco legislations and regulations. This way it would be possible to properly inform the risks of smoking clove cigarettes and to diminish the number of tobacco users throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, reports of chicken astrovirus (CAstV) infections in commercial birds have increased, affecting the poultry industries in Brazil and worldwide. The objective of this study was to use molecular methods to characterize the CAstV found in one breeding and three different incubation companies that reported increased embryonic mortality and the appearance of birds with white chick syndrome. RT-qPCR with SYBR green chemistry was used to determine the presence of the virus in the faeces of breeders, organs of neonatal chickens, and unhatched embryos. By sequencing the ORF2 gene that codes for the viral capsid, the strains responsible for these clinical signs were characterized using strains previously reported in Brazil, North America, Europe, and Asia. The percentage of identity of the amino acid sequences compared with those from group A was less than 41% (37.01% to 40.52%) and the identity with those from subgroups Bi, Bii, and Biii was less than 90% (81.81% to 89.85%). Therefore, the sequences were characterized within subgroup Biv with identity greater than 95% (95.26% to 99.59%), together with CAstV strains previously found in Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Using antigenicity prediction tools, 14 highly conserved peptides located on the surface of the capsid protein were considered potentially responsible for inducing the immune response in the host. Our data provide important information related to the increase in embryo mortality in vertically-infected birds, reinforcing the potential association of white chick syndrome with CAstV Biv subgroup. CAstV infections were found in farms and incubators with increased embryo mortality. Brazilian CAstV Biv strains were associated with white chick syndrome. Antigenic peptides were predicted on the surface of the capsid protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) is one of the most important diseases of apple, affecting a wide range of economically important cultivars. particularly Golden Delicious and its descendants. Caused mainly by species of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides xpecies complex (CGSC fructicola has been described as the most prevalent and aggressive species associated with GLS und apple bitter rot (ABR) in Brazil and Uruguay. Recently, new CGSC species, closely related to C fructicola, have been identified causing ABR, To verify the accuracy of species identification within the CGSC, we aimed to reevaluate the identity of representative GLS -causing isolates from Brazilian and Uruguayan populations. previously identified as C #m·ticola. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis based on APN2, ApMAT, CAL. GAPDH. GS, ITS. and TU!32 allocated these isolates in a monophyletic clade with C chrysophilum. This species was first desctibed as the causal agent of anthracnose in banana fruits in Brazil. and 1-ecent reports indicate its association with ABR in the United States. This is the first repon of C chrysophilum causing GLS dis - ease on apple worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several barriers for mental health help-seeking were identified among medical students, including minimizing mental illness. Studies examining aspects particular to those who perceive psychological impairment but do not access treatment are necessary for planning interventions. Aims: To identify help-seeking barriers based on the students' perception about their need for treatment and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing 436 Brazilian medical students (833 attending the medical school = 52.3% response rate). Data collection covered sociodemographic data, mental health, academic environment, and Beck Inventories of Depression (BDI) and Anxiety (BAI). Non-parametric tests and hierarchical logistic regression were used to compare students undergoing treatment, those willing to access treatment, and the ones reporting no need for treatment. Results: Among the 382 students who completed the survey (87.6% completion rate), 38.5% (n = 147) were in treatment, and 33% (n = 126) were in need. Moderate to severe risk of alcohol abuse was observed in 45.9% (n = 50) of students reporting no need for treatment. Regression models suggested that perceiving need for treatment - whether already undergoing it or not - was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.07-1.21]), female assigned sex (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.23-3.88]), LGBTQ+ (OR 2.47 [95% CI 1.09-5.60]) and reporting good relationship with the family (OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.08-0.83]). Models comparing students in treatment and those in need, pointed that the factors associated with lacking mental health care were age (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.82-0.99]), perception of a heavy workload (OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.35-4.38]) and good relationship with colleagues (OR 3.51 [95% CI 1.81-6.81]). Discussion: Social variables and the severity of depressive symptoms are positively associated with perceived need for treatment. Age and academic environment factors were related to help-seeking behavior among students with appropriate self-awareness. We discuss these findings' implications for planning interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The goiter, a neglected heterogeneous molecular disease, remains a major indication for thyroidectomies in its endemic regions. Objectives: This study analyzed differential gene expression in surgical specimens diagnosed with multi nodular and compared the data to that of thyroid tissue without multinodular goiter from patients undergoing thyroidectomy in Manaus-AM, Brazil using RNA-seq technology. Methodology: The transcriptome information of the surgical specimen fragments with and without multinodular goiter was accessed by Illumina HiSeq 2000 New Generation Sequencing (NGS) using the RNA-seq NEBNext® Ultra™ RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina®—#E7530L protocol and differential gene expression analysis. Results: Differences were found between the gene expression profiles of the diseased tissues and those of the healthy control tissues; at least 70 genes were differentially expressed. The HOTS gene was expressed only in multinodular goiter tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the gene expression profile of multinodular goiter is pro-tumoral and that HOTS can play a central role in multinodular goiter development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a retroviral pathogen capable of infecting several avian hosts and is associated with immunosuppression, anemia, proventriculitis, neoplasia, and runting–stunting syndrome. Its genome contains the three major genes, gag, pol, and env, and two flanking long terminal repeat (LTR) regions. Complete genome sequences of REV are limited in terms of geographical origin. The aim of this study was to characterize the complete genome of REV detected in Brazilian chickens with multiple viral coinfections and analyze the polymorphisms in the deduced amino acids sequences corresponding to its encoded proteins. We tested the presence and completeness of REV as well as other viral pathogens in samples from Brazilian poultry farms by qPCR. The complete genomes of two REV strains were sequenced by overlapping fragments through the dideoxy method. Phylogenetic analysis, pairwise identity matrix, polymorphism identification and protein modeling were performed along the entire genome. We detected REV in 65% (26/40) of the tested samples. Concomitant viral infections were detected in 82.5% (33/40) of the samples and in 90% (9/10) of the farms. Multiple infections included up to seven viruses. Phylogenetic analysis classified both Brazilian strains into REV subtype 3, and the pairwise comparison indicated that strains from the USA and fowlpox virus (FWPV)-related strains were the most identical. The subdomain p18 in gag, the reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H in pol, and the surface (SU) in the env protein were the most polymorphic in genomic comparisons. The relevant motifs for each protein were highly conserved, with fewer polymorphisms in the fusion peptide, immunosuppression domain, and disulfide bonds on the surface (SU) and transmembrane (TM) of env. This is the first study to include complete genomes of REV in Brazil and South America detected in farms with multiple viral coinfections. Our findings suggest an involvement of REV as an immunosuppressor and active agent in the emergence and progression of multiple infectious diseases. We also found a possible etiological relationship between Brazilian strains and the USA and FWPV recombinant strains. This information highlights the need for epidemiological vigilance regarding REV in association with another pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age wi th a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. Results: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). Conclusions: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The objective of this study was to characterise circulating Brazilian avian reovirus (ARV) strains by genetic analysis of the σC protein encoded by segment 1 of the viral genome and compare these with those of viral strains used for immunising commercial poultry. 2. The analysis detected the presence of ARV genomes by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) in the enteric samples and the joint tissues (JT) of birds with signs of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis. Nucleotide sequencing used 16 strains (three commercial vaccines, 10 from enteric tissues and three from JT). The results indicated high variability in the amino acid sequences of 13 wild strains, showing between 40% and 75% similarity compared with the vaccine strains (S1133 and 2177). 3. The sequences were grouped into three well-defined clusters in a phylogenetic tree, two of these clusters together with previous Brazilian σC ARV sequences, and one cluster (VII) that was novel for Brazilian strains. Antigenic analysis showed that there were amino acids within putative epitopes located on the surface of the receptor-binding region of the σC protein with a high degree of variability. 4. The study confirmed the presence of ARV genetic variants circulating in commercial birds in Brazil, and according to the antigenic prediction, the possibility of antigenic variants appears to be high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of the study is to adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the nine-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ-SF-9). Methods: A convenience sample of Brazilian internet users aged between 18 and 89 years (72.7% female, mean age 38.7 years ± 13.5) was recruited online from September 2018 to July 2019 (test sample = 1,525; retest sample = 237). Participants responded to the adapted version of the PIUQ-SF-9, as well as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D-10) and sociodemographic questions. Results: A bifactor model with one general factor and three specific dimensions (obsession, neglect and control disorder) yielded the best fit indices [χ2 = 67.66, df = 15, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.048 (0.037–0.060), RMSEA p close = 0.587 and SRMR = 0.01]. McDonald's hierarchical omega coefficient was 0.76 for the general factor and varied between 0.16 and 0.33 for the specific dimensions. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.73 for the general factor and varied between 0.64 and 0.72 for the specific dimensions. The MIMIC model supported the scale's construct validity as the relationship of the predictors (age, time spent online, self-perception of problematic internet use, and depression symptoms) with the PIUQ-SF-9 factors was in line with the assumptions based on the literature. Conclusion: PIUQ-SF-9 seems to be a brief and culturally validated instrument with sound psychometric properties to be used in future studies on problematic internet use in the Brazilian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fowlpox (FP) is a common epitheliotropic disease in chickens that is usually controlled by live attenuated vaccines. However, there have been some reports of outbreaks of FP in recent years, even in vaccinated flocks, presenting as atypical lesions and feathering abnormalities in chickens. These findings can be associated with fowlpox virus (FPV) with the reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) integrated into its genome. In the present study, outbreaks of atypical FP were explored in vaccinated commercial laying hen flocks to determine the nature of the causative agent by histopathologic and molecular approaches. FPV and REV were detected and classified into subclade A1 of the genus Avipoxvirus and subtype 3 of REV (REV3), respectively. Additionally, heterogeneous populations of FPV with partial (containing only a remnant long terminal repeat—LTR) or total (all functional genes) integration of REV were identified by heterologous PCRs and detected considering reference integration sites. These results indicate the mechanism of chimeric genome FPV‐REV associated with outbreaks and atypical clinicopathological manifestations in commercial laying hens for the first time in Brazil and in South America. In addition, this study demonstrates the emergence of REV integrated in the FPV genome in Brazilian chicken flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek's disease virus (MDV) and the reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) are two of the primary oncogenic viruses that significantly affect chickens. In Brazil, there have been no previous published reports on the presence of field REV alone or in coinfection. This retrospective study analyzes samples from a case of lymphoproliferative lesions from a backyard chicken flock. MDV and REV were detected by PCR and classified as MDV1 and REV3, respectively, through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis based on the glycoprotein B (gB) genes for MDV and the polymerase (pol) and envelope (env) genes for REV. Real-time PCR reactions were performed for MDV to rule out the presence of the Rispens vaccine strain. This is the first report of the presence of REV in coinfection with a MDV clinical case in Brazil and the first molecular characterization of REV in South America. This study highlights the importance of molecular diagnosis for REV and MDV in poultry. In addition, this study highlights the distribution of these two viruses worldwide and the latent risk of them solely or in coinfection to this part of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is common, before and after gastric bypass surgery. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a large group of candidates for bariatric surgery in Brazil and South America has not been studied. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and associated factors in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Southern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study involving all patients presenting for bariatric surgery at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, from January 2013 to June 2018. Data were extracted from the patients' electronic medical records. Patients who were taking multivitamin supplements or vitamin D supplements, who had renal insufficiency, or had missing data for 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were excluded. Results: A total of 291 patients were included. Mean subjects' age was 44.9 (SD 10.7) years, and BMI 49.3 (SD 8.3) kg/m2; 76.6% of the study patients were women, and 87.3% were white. More than half the patients (55.3%) were vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D ≤ 19.9 ng/ml), and 37.1% had insufficient levels (20–29.9 ng/mL). Mean vitamin D level was 19.2 ng/mL (SD 7.6). An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and BMI. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in patients with higher BMI [PR 1.02; CI 95% (1.00–1.03)], higher fasting glucose [PR 1.01; CI 95% (1.00–1.01)], in nonwhite patients [PR 1.58; CI 95% (1.30–1.92)] and during autumn/winter season [PR 1.41; CI 95% (1.14–1.75)]. Conclusions: Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is very high among patients presenting for bariatric surgery in Southern Brazil, and the known associated factors are confirmed in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Evaluate the main etiologies and clinical characteristics of male urethral stricture disease (USD) in Brazil. Methods: This multicentric study was performed using retrospective data collected from six Brazilian referral centers of urethral reconstruction. The database comprised data from 899 patients with USD who had undergone surgical treatment from 2008 to 2018. Age, stricture site and primary stricture etiology were identified for each patient. Results: The mean age was 52.13 ± 16.9 years. The most common etiology was iatrogenic (43.4%), followed by idiopathic (21.7%), trauma (21.5%) and inflammatory (13.7%). Of the iatrogenic causes, 59% were secondary to urethral instrumentation (60% by urethral catheterization and 40% by transurethral procedures), 24.8% by other procedures (prostatectomy, radiotherapy, postectomy) and 16.2% by failed hypospadia repairs. Pelvic fracture urethral distraction injuries were responsible for most of the trauma-related strictures (62.7%). When stratified by age, the most common stricture etiology was trauma in the 0–39 years old group (42.8%), idiopathic in the 40–59 years old group (32.4%) and iatrogenic in patients over 60 years old (68%). In regard to the stricture site, 80% presented with an anterior urethral stricture and 20% with a posterior stenosis. In the anterior stenosis group, the most common stricture site was bulbar (39.5%). Conclusion: In Brazil, as in many developed countries, the most common cause of urethral stricture diseases is iatrogenic, especially urethral catheterization. These findings emphasize the need of a careful urethral manipulation and a better training of healthcare professionals. Trauma is still responsible for a great proportion of strictures and inflammatory etiologies are now less frequently observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The presence of parvovirus in chickens with enteric disease was investigated in commercial flocks in Brazil. 2. The intestinal contents of chickens exhibiting clinical signs of diarrhoea, weight loss or mortality were examined, and chicken parvovirus (chPV) was identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The samples were sequenced and inoculated into specific-pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated eggs to isolate the virus. 3. Necropsies showed that the embryos were dwarfish, haemorrhagic and oedematous. The presence of chPV was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. 4. The molecular characterisation of chPV strains circulating in the Brazilian flocks showed that they were genetically related to sequences from North America, Europe and Asia. Phylogenetic analyses clustered the Brazilian chPV sequences with those from Europe (Croatia, Hungary) and Asia (South Korea). 5. This study is the first report of the molecular characterisation of chPV circulating in the commercial flocks in Brazil and indicates high genetic similarity with chPV sequences from around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 140 Fusarium graminearum isolates from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, representing three populations at least 150 km from one another, were examined for trichothecene genotype based on PCR amplification of portions of the Tri3 and Tri12 genes and a species-specific (Fg16F/R) primer pair. Genetic diversity was assessed in a sample of 103 F. graminearum lineage 7 ( F. graminearum sensu stricto) isolates using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The 15-ADON genotype was dominant, followed by the NIV genotype (2-18% prevalence), across all three populations. All NIV-type isolates were in lineage 2 ( F. meridionale) and all 15-ADON-type isolates were in lineage 7. Isolates with the same haplotype were rare and genotypic diversity was uniformly high (≥98% of the count), suggesting that recombination has played a significant role. The number of migrants ( Nm) was estimated between 5 and 6 across all loci and all populations, but the high frequency of private alleles (up to 30%) suggests a historical, rather than contemporary, gene flow. Regarding linkage disequilibrium, 0·8, 1·5 and 2·2% of the locus pairs from the three populations were in disequilibrium, which is lower than values reported in other locations. Thus, Brazilian populations differ from those found in Europe, North America and most of Asia in the presence of a significant frequency (7·8%) of isolates of the NIV genotype in lineage 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We established for the first time the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women in Manaus Amazonas Brazil using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Methods: 106 women were studied at a public university hospital fertility clinic for infertility problems correlated with chlamydia infection. Social-economic and clinical information was obtained before medical examination to obtain samples for the amplification of C. trachomatis DNA plasmid. Results: The prevalence of chlamydial infection among infertile women was 52.8, and 51.8% of the positive participants were older than 30 years of age (p = 0.8697). Of the 56 women positive for C. trachomatis, 31 (55.4%) had never given birth, while 9 (16%) had a pregnancy resulting in fetal death. Our findings also revealed that these patients had a low socio-economic status and high unemployment (p = 0.0274), and a significant association of 5% (p < 0.05) of chlamydial infection with family income. Conclusions: Due to the high prevalence of C. trachomatis, concerns about effects on reproductive health and fertility are undertaken. Therefore, we believe it is extremely necessary to implement large-scale PCR-based screening as part of routine clinical detection programs concerning preventive effects of chlamydial infection among this population. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fusarium head blight is a disease of primary concern to small-grain cereals of Brazil, including barley. Its main causal agent, Fusarium graminearum species complex (Fg complex)¸ is able to produce mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), that usually contaminate grain. Strains that produce DON may also produce its acetylated derivatives: 3-acetyl-DON (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl-DON (15-ADON). Ninety two isolates were obtained from samplings of barley grain during three years (2007, 2008 and 2009) from several fields in both southern and northern production regions of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. These isolates were examined for polymerase chain-reaction-based (PCR) trichothecene genotype based on the amplification of portions of Tri3 and Tri12. There was no effect of year or region on the proportion of trichothecene genotypes. Overall, 66% of the strains (61/92) were 15-ADON, 4.4% (4/92) were 3-ADON and 29.3% (27/92) were NIV. The overall NIV/DON ratio estimated (0.41) was five times higher than that found in previous studies with strains from wheat grown in the same region. Species identification of nine strains representing the trichothecene genotypes, based on comparisons of DNA sequences of portions of the PHO, RED and URA genes with sequences from curated reference isolates of Fusarium from GenBank, revealed that they belong to F. graminearum sensu stricto (four 15-ADON and one 3-ADON strain), F. meridionale (three NIV strains) and F. austroamericanum (one 3-ADON strain). These results add to the current regional knowledge of trichothecene genotypes and species within the Fg complex affecting barley in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A total of 82 fungal isolates was obtained from wheat kernel samples affected by fusarium head blight collected from 20 locations in southern Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to characterize trichothecene mycotoxin genotypes [deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and two acetylated derivatives of DON]. To identify isolates that producing DON and NIV, portions of the Tri13 gene were amplified. To identify 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) genotypes, portions of Tri3 and Tri12 were amplified. Nearly all of the isolates studied (76/82) were of the DON/15-ADON genotype. Six of the isolates were of the NIV genotype. The DON/3-ADON genotype was not observed. Portions of three genes were sequenced from representative isolates of the NIV and DON/15-ADON genotypes and compared with sequences from curated reference isolates of Fusarium in GenBank.blast queries for individual gene sequences and pairwise comparisons of percentage identity and percentage divergence based on 1676 bp of concatenated DNA sequence suggested that the isolates representing the DON/15-ADON genotype were Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto and the isolates representing the NIV genotype were Fusarium meridionale. This is the first detailed report of trichothecene mycotoxin genotypes of F. graminearum and F. meridionale in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern mangrove coast of Brazil comprises the Brazilian states of Amapá, Pará and Maranhão. Fishes from the coastal mangrove region form a principal component of the local fishery, and account for 58% of all fish landed. The most commonly landed fishes are those of the family Sciaenidae. Cynoscion acoupa is one of the most exploited sciaenid species, with over 600 tons landed each year. Therefore, we developed 17 microsatellite markers to investigate genetic variability and population structuring of this species along the coast of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken parvovirus (ChPV) is an agent frequently associated with runting stunting syndrome (RSS). This syndrome has been reported in association with ChPV in many countries, including Brazil; however, studies characterizing the virus on a molecular level are scarce, and ChPV pathogenicity in day-old chicks remains unclear. The aim of the present work was to establish the molecular characteristics of ChPV, determine the pathogenicity of ChPV in SPF chicks and detect and quantify ChPV by qPCR in several tissues and chicks of different ages. The experimental challenge was performed at one day of age, and daily and weekly observations were performed and five birds from each experimental group (mock and infected birds) were euthanized to perform the different analysis. ChPV genome copies were detected and quantified by qPCR in gut, spleen, thymus, kidney, pancreas, proventriculus and bursa. Clinically, the infected group presented with diarrhea 24 h post-infection, which persisted until 42 days of age. The small intestine was distended, and its contents were aqueous and foamy. Enteritis and dilated crypts with cyst shapes were observed in intestinal segments. Acute pancreatitis associated with lymphocytic nodules, infiltrating lymphocytes and plasma cells between the pancreatic acinus was observed. Koch's postulate was demonstrated and the genetic characterization of the VP1 gene showed that the Brazilian ChPV isolate belongs to the ChPV II group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Poultry production in Brazil is a very important economic activity that provides chicken meat and eggs to global markets. Chicken astrovirus is an enteric virus related to enteric problems in chickens of several ages, but which primarily affects young chickens. Chicken astrovirus has been associated with white chick syndrome (WCS) worldwide. The objective of this investigation is to detect and molecularly characterize chicken astrovirus (CAstV) associated with WCS, determine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions and cytokine expression in the jejunum, liver, spleen and thymus of chicks naturally infected with WCS. White chick syndrome (WCS) is an emergent disease that affects hatchability and hatched chicks, resulting in high mortality and economic losses, and is related to chicken astrovirus (CAstV). This syndrome has been reported in several countries worldwide, and groups A iii and B vi of CAstV have been determined; however, in Brazil, the virus has not been genotyped. The innate immunity of chicks affected by WCS or any CAstV is poorly understood and studied, and it is important to determine whether relative cytokine expression occurs during the early stages of the life of chicks. The aim of the present investigation is to detect and molecularly characterize CAstV associated with WCS, examine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions in the jejunum and spleen, and determine cytokine expression in the jejunum, liver, spleen and thymus of chicks naturally infected with WCS. To do so, we applied a pathological and molecular approach for CAstV detection and characterization, as well as the quantification of the relative mRNA expression of several cytokine genes. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences obtained herein classified CAstV as uniquely belonging to group B iv, showing a high similarity of nucleotides (NT) (75.7–80.6%) and amino acids (AA) (84.2–89.9%) with the members of group B and a low similarity of NT (46.7–47.9%) and AA (37.8–38.9%) with the virus belonging in group A. CAstV was also detected and quantified in the serum, spleen, thymus and jejunum, the latter being the organ where CAstV had the highest viral concentration. However, this organ did not present any microscopical alterations. In contrast, we observed necrotic hepatitis in the liver of the affected subjects. On the other hand, we observed the activation of several T helper 1 (Th1)- and T helper 2 (Th2)-cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-15, TGF-β4, TNF-SF-15 and t-BET), without being able to control the viral replication due to the high concentration of viral particles in some organs, principally in the gut. One possible role of these cytokines is contributing to the control of inflammation and cell protection of intestinal cells, principally during the early activation of immune responses. However, the fact that these responses are not mature enough to control the viral infection means that more studies need to be carried out to elucidate this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the avian diseases with the greatest impact on poultry farming worldwide. In Brazil, strain BR-I (GI-11) is the most prevalent in poultry flocks. The present study aimed to develop a seminested RT-PCR assay specific for the diagnosis of BR-I IBV in Brazilian samples, targeting subunit 1 of the S gene. The detection limit of this assay was 10 copies of the IBV genome. In this study, 62.24% of 572 organ pools from the 5 regions of Brazil tested positive in a 3′UTR screening, and 84.83% were typed as BR-I IBV. BR-I was detected in the respiratory, digestive and urogenital tracts in pooled samples from all Brazilian geographical regions and in all the breeding systems analyzed. Specificity and sensitivity tests as well as phylogenetic analysis successfully confirmed the expected clustering of the sequences detected by this assay with the BR-I (GI-11) group. The nested PCR described in this study represents a suitable and valuable tool in the diagnosis, epidemiology, monitoring and vaccination decisions of IBV. • The seminested RT-PCR represents a useful tool in the diagnosis and epidemiology for monitoring IBV traits. • This IBV genotype GI-11 is highly disseminated in Latin America and its molecular characterization was presented in comparison with other genotypes. • The seminested RT-PCR represents a useful tool in the diagnosis, epidemiology, and monitoring of vaccination programs for IBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brazil is a continental-sized country divided into five geographic regions, each one with different history of colonization and human settlement. Manaus, located at the North region, is the capital of Amazonas. It suffered large populational influx mainly during the Rubber Age (1870–1920), and due to the Zona Franca de Manaus (established in 1967). Goiás is a Middle-Western state and its population increased with the discovery of gold, on the 17th century. The Federal District was relocated from Rio de Janeiro to the Middle-West in 1960, and since then has received people from all other regions of Brazil. Therefore, this population has been being considered as a reflex of Brazil''s population. Here we describe the distribution of the DRD2TaqI A, B and D haplotypes in Federal District, Manaus and Goiás. For this purpose, a total of 353 samples from Manaus (42), Federal District (134) and Goiás (177) were analyzed by using PCR and RFLP techniques. Data were analyzed employing Arlequin 3.11 and GENEPOP 3.4. Manaus was the only population that showed absence of a haplotype (haplotype 7) and also the lowest frequency of haplotype 6, indicating lower African parental contribution than the Middle-Western populations. Contrary to our expectations, all populations showed low frequencies of haplotype 8, a characteristically European marker. The DRD2TaqI haplotype is an AIM with great power of discrimination, therefore being recommended in the analysis of genetic mixture, but it would be necessary to expand the set of AIM markers to obtain a more concrete admixture pattern in those populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peach palm is a native Amazonian fruit species with broad genetic diversity in its wild and domesticated populations. This study completed the molecular characterization and genetic analysis of the accessions in the Peach Palm genebank, Brazil, using RAPD markers. Eight primers generated 132 markers, of which 128 were polymorphic. Average heterozigosity was 0.35, with 95.5% polymorphism. The genetic variability within the landraces (HS) was 0.32, while genetic divergence (GST) was 0.09 among the four well-represented landraces. The average gene flow was 5.0, with high gene flow between the Solimões and Pampa Hermosa (Nm=10.07), and between the Putumayo and Solimões (Nm=10.73) landraces, all western landraces. The dendrograms of the Nei's and Rogers' genetic distances of the well-represented landraces presented similar groupings to previous analyses, with the Solimões, Putumayo and Pampa Hermosa landraces grouped together in western Amazonia, and distant from the Pará landrace in central and eastern Amazonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]