Low occurrence of Hepatitis A virus in water samples from an urban area of Southern Brazil

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a member of Picornaviridae family, is the main causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in the world, mainly in developing countries. HAV may be present in contaminated water and food and its presence is often associated to a lesser extent with socioeconomic factors and environmental quality. The main goals in the present study were to standardize a cell culture combined to a polymerase chain reaction protocol for the detection and quantification of viral viability and analyze whether the virus could be found in water samples collected in four urban streams of Sinos River watershed. Virus recovery was assayed from known virus concentrations measured in experimentally contaminated raw and ultrapure water (MilliQ®). Recovery rates ranged from 270% in raw water to 15,000% in ultrapure water. In a second step, a qPCR coupled to a previous passage in cells, demonstrated more analytical sensitivity when compared to samples assayed without a previous passage in cell cultures. HAV genome was detected in only 1 of 84 samples analyzed, pointing to a very low occurrence of HAV in water samples in the studied region. These findings are remarkable, since no more than 5% of the domestic sewage in this area is treated pointing to a low occurrence of HAV in the population living nearby during the study period

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity evaluation of Cymbopogon spp hydroethanolic extracts

Cymbopogon citratus and C. nardus are noteworthy among the several existing plant species displaying medicinal properties, due to the potential pharmacological activity of these species, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-trypanosomal activities. The objective of this study was to carry out in vitro toxicity tests of plant extracts from both species and analyze potential antiviral activity against Human mastadenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-5). Two cell lines (A549 and VERO) were used and mitochondrial and lysosomal viability were determined by the MTT and neutral red assay, respectively, after two exposure times (24 hours and six days). The aim of these assays was to counteract the behavior of the extracts against the different cell lines and determine their non-toxic concentration range, in order to evaluate possible antiviral activity against HAdV-5. Plaque reduction and inhibition index of viral titer assays were performed using the maximum non-cytotoxic concentrations (MNCC) of each extract. The results indicate MNCC at 625 μg/mL for all extracts, except for Cymbopogon nardus obtained with 80% ethanol (CN80), which showed toxicity at concentrations higher than 312.5 μg/mL. CN80 was the only extract that displayed potential activity against HAdV-5, at a concentration of 75 μg/mL, becoming a candidate for extract fraction purification and/or the isolation of substances related to the observed antiviral activity

Screening for antiviral activity of two purified saponin fractions of Quillaja spp. against Yellow Fever Virus and Chikungunya Virus

Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) and Chikungunya Virus (CHIV) are neglected reemerging pathogens that cause comorbidities worldwide. Since no antiviral drug is prescribed for those infections, there is a demand on researching compounds that inhibit viral replication. Saponins are amphiphilic compounds that already demonstrated in vitro activity against enveloped virus. Therefore, two purified saponin fractions from Quillaja spp. were evaluated regarding their antiviral potential against YFV and CHIKV. The cell line used in this study was VERO (African green monkey kidney cells) since it is permissive to the replication of both viruses. The antiviral activity of both saponins fractions was screened using the plaque reduction assay protocol. Although saponins did not inhibited YFV replication, they strongly inhibited CHIKV. To confirm the absence of antiviral activity of Quillaja saponins against YFV, the cytopathic effect inhibition assay was performed also. Further studies are required to determine the antiviral mechanisms involved in the CHIKV inhibition

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant in Southern Brazil and reinfection of the same patient by P.2

Multiple variants of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) have been constantly reported across the world. The B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated the P.1 variant of concern (VOC), recently named as the Gamma variant by the newly WHO nomenclature proposal, and P.2 as a variant of interest (VOI). Here we describe an early case of P.1 primary infection in Southern Brazil in late November 2020, soon after the emergence of the variant in Manaus, Northern Brazil. The same male patient was reinfected by another B.1.1.28 variant, namely P.2, in March, 2021. The genomic analysis confirmed genetically significant differences between the two viruses recovered in both infections, the P.1 lineage in the first episode and P.2 in the reinfection. Due the very early detection of P.1, we have also investigated the circulation of P.1 in the same region by differential RT-qPCR, showing that this was an isolated case of P.1 at the time of detection, and this variant has disseminated and became prominent from late January to the end of March, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 recent reports of reinfection have raised critical questions on whether and how well a first infection protects against reinfection

Elaboração de fichas técnicas de preparações à base de Ora-Pro-Nóbis: o valor nutricional da PANC brasileira / Elaboration of technical sheets of preparations based on Ora-Pro-Nóbis: the nutritional value of the brazilian UFP

O instrumento que pode reunir os indicadores essenciais à produção adequada de preparações é a Ficha Técnica de Preparação (FTP) que completa, abrange todos os indicadores técnicos e ainda pode ser acrescida da análise nutricional de macro e micronutrientes e custo total. A utilização da FTP beneficia todo o preparo, facilitando a reprodução/execução da receita, e permite estimar o valor nutricional das preparações para compor planos alimentares. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo consiste em elaborar fichas técnicas de preparações à base de ora-pro-nóbis para divulgar o valor nutricional da PANC brasileira através da reprodução de receitas de baixo custo de preparações à base de ora-pro-nóbis, analisando todos os componentes da Ficha Técnica (Per Capita), pesos bruto e líquido, fatores de correção e cocção, medidas caseiras, porção, técnica de preparo, rendimento e custo, análise química dos ingredientes). Trata-se de um estudo de caráter analítico e descritivo iniciado a partir da coleta de dados teóricos sobre as preparações para a reprodução das receitas, visando a análise química das preparações à base de ora-pro-nóbis. Das 22 receitas selecionadas para compor o cardápio semanal, 19 foram reproduzidas no Laboratório de Técnica Dietética (LTD) do curso de Nutrição do CESMAC, Maceió-AL: salada de folhas cruas, omelete, ora-pro-nóbis refolgada, arroz, feijão tropeiro, sorvete, chá, purê, peixe, escondidinho de frango com ora-pro-nóbis, suchá, farofa, torta de limão e ora-pro-nóbis, bolo, frango, refrigerante, flau, vinagrete e feijão caseiro. As preparações foram distribuídas em um cardápio para cinco dias, cada um contendo: entrada, guarnição, prato principal, acompanhamento, sobremesa e bebida.  As folhas de ora-pro-nóbis foram coletadas na horta de plantas medicinais do Centro Universitário Cesmac, localizada em Marechal Deodoro-AL. Pode-se observar que o acréscimo da ora-pro-nóbis contribuiu com significativo aumento do aporte proteico das preparações, principalmente em preparações que originalmente não são tidas como fontes proteicas, como por exemplo, bebidas (chá, suchá, refrigerante caseiro), sobremesas (bolo, torta, sorvete e flau gourmet), guarnições (purê, refolgado de folhas e farofa) e acompanhamentos (arroz e feijão). Notou-se, ainda, que haveria a possibilidade de aumentar a quantidade de ora-pro-nóbis em todas as 19 preparações, de forma que não alterasse as características organolépticas das preparações e aumentasse a oferta proteica. A popularização das PANC representa ganhos importantes do ponto de vista cultural, econômico, social e nutricional, considerando a tradição no cultivo e a sua contribuição em termos nutricionais. Trata-se, portanto, de uma questão de segurança e de soberania alimentar estimular a produção e consumo das plantas alimentícias não-convencionais.

O efeito do uso da melatonina no tratamento das doenças inflamatórias intestinais: uma revisão integrativa

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and the two most common types are Crohn's disease (DC) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both diseases have relapsing immune function. In the extreme context, a melatonin (LMT), is triggered enzymatically from L-tryptophan, has been shown to be a versatile hormone favorable in the treatment of DII disease. Based on the main complications associated with an IBD, the objective of this review is to integrate the decision-making of the main clinical actors related to the use of MLT in the treatment of Crohn's disease (DC) and ulcerative colitis (RCU). For that, an integrative review was performed considering the bibliographies selected in the main databases. The MLT appears to play a significant role in GIT, with no gastrointestinal side effects, with free radical effects, local anti-inflammatory activity, and a moderation of visceral. Thus, it appears to be a promising alternative in the treatment of IBD.Las Enfermedades Inflamatorias intestinales (DII) se caracterizan por la inflamación del tracto gastrointestinal y los dos tipos más comunes son: enfermedad de Crohn (DC) y Retocolite Ulcerativa (RCU). Ambas enfermedades tienen por característica la activación inmune recidivante. En este contexto, la melatonina (MLT), un indol formado enzimáticamente a partir del L-triptófano, se ha mostrado como una hormona versátil favorable en el tratamiento de la enfermedad DII. Ante las principales complicaciones asociadas a DII, el objetivo de la presente revisión integrativa fue levantar los principales hallazgos científicos relacionados con el uso de la MLT en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn (DC) y Retocolite Ulcerativa (RCU). Para ello, se realizó una revisión integrativa considerando bibliografías seleccionadas en las principales bases de datos. La MLT parece desempeñar un papel importante en el TGI, considerando efectos relacionados con la regulación de la motilidad gastrointestinal, eliminación de radicales libres, actividad antiinflamatoria local, así como la moderación de la sensación visceral. Así, parece ser una alternativa prometedora en el tratamiento de las DII.As Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais (DII) se caracterizam pela inflamação do trato gastrointestinal e os dois tipos mais comuns são: doença de Crohn (DC) e Retocolite Ulcerativa (RCU). Ambas as doenças têm por característica a ativação imune recidivante. Dentro desse contexto, a melatonina (MLT), um indol formado enzimaticamente a partir do L-triptofano, tem se mostrado como um hormônio versátil favorável no tratamento da doença DII. Diante das principais complicações associadas a DII, o objetivo da presente revisão integrativa foi levantar os principais achados científicos relacionados ao uso da MLT no tratamento da DC e RCU. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa considerando-se bibliografias selecionadas nas principais bases de dados. A MLT parece desempenhar papel importante no TGI, considerando efeitos relacionados a regulação da motilidade gastrointestinal, eliminação de radicais livres, atividade anti-inflamatória local, bem como a moderação da sensação visceral. Assim, parece ser uma alternativa promissora no tratamento das DII

Population expansion of the invasive Pomacentridae Chromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833) in Southern Brazilian coast: long-term monitoring, fundamental niche availability and new records

Human-mediated species invasions are recognized as a leading cause of global biotic homogenization and extinction. Studies on colonization events since early stages, establishment of new populations and range extension are scarce because of their rarity, difficult detection and monitoring. Chromis limbata is a reef-associated and non-migratory marine fish from the family Pomacentridae found in depths ranging between 3 and 45 m. The original distribution of the species encompassed exclusively the eastern Atlantic, including the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is also commonly reported from West Africa between Senegal and Pointe Noire, Congo. In 2008, vagrant individuals of C. limbata were recorded off the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, South Brazil (27° 41' 44″ S, 48° 27' 53″ W). This study evaluated the increasing densities of C. limbata populations in Santa Catarina State shoreline. Two recent expansions, northwards to São Paulo State and southwards to Rio Grande do Sul State, are discussed, and a niche model of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) was performed to evaluate suitable C. limbata habitats. Brazilian populations are established and significantly increasing in most sites where the species has been detected. The distributional boundaries predicted by the model are clearly wider than their known range of occurrence, evidencing environmental suitability in both hemispheres from areas where the species still does not occur. Ecological processes such as competition, predation and specially habitat selectivity may regulate their populations and overall distribution range. A long-term monitoring programme and population genetics studies are necessary for a better understanding of this invasion and its consequences to natural communities.CNPq, Grant/Award Number: CNPq 475367/2006-5; ECOPERE-SE Project; FAPES, Grant/Award Number: PROFIX program No 10/2018 -T.O.: 348/2018; FAPESC, Grant/Award Number: Biodiversidade Marinha do Estado de Santa Catarina Project PI: A.L. FAPESC 4302/2010-8; FAPESC/CNPq, Grant/Award Number: SISBIOTA-Mar project PI: S.R.F. CNPq 563276/2010-0; FAPESC 6308/2011-8; Petrobras (BR), Grant/Award Number: MAArE Project; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superiorinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ATLANTIC-PRIMATES: a dataset of communities and occurrences of primates in the Atlantic Forests of South America

Primates play an important role in ecosystem functioning and offer critical insights into human evolution, biology, behavior, and emerging infectious diseases. There are 26 primate species in the Atlantic Forests of South America, 19 of them endemic. We compiled a dataset of 5,472 georeferenced locations of 26 native and 1 introduced primate species, as hybrids in the genera Callithrix and Alouatta. The dataset includes 700 primate communities, 8,121 single species occurrences and 714 estimates of primate population sizes, covering most natural forest types of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina and some other biomes. On average, primate communities of the Atlantic Forest harbor 2 ± 1 species (range = 1–6). However, about 40% of primate communities contain only one species. Alouatta guariba (N = 2,188 records) and Sapajus nigritus (N = 1,127) were the species with the most records. Callicebus barbarabrownae (N = 35), Leontopithecus caissara (N = 38), and Sapajus libidinosus (N = 41) were the species with the least records. Recorded primate densities varied from 0.004 individuals/km 2 (Alouatta guariba at Fragmento do Bugre, Paraná, Brazil) to 400 individuals/km 2 (Alouatta caraya in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). Our dataset reflects disparity between the numerous primate census conducted in the Atlantic Forest, in contrast to the scarcity of estimates of population sizes and densities. With these data, researchers can develop different macroecological and regional level studies, focusing on communities, populations, species co-occurrence and distribution patterns. Moreover, the data can also be used to assess the consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and disease outbreaks on different ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, species invasion or extinction, and community dynamics. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this Data Paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data. © 2018 by the The Authors. Ecology © 2018 The Ecological Society of Americ

Community structure of shallow rocky shore fish in a tropical bay of the southwestern Atlantic

Abstract Southwestern Atlantic Ocean rocky shores sustain important reef fish communities. However, those communities in tropical regions are not well understood, especially in Brazil. In this present article we assess community parameters of reef fishes such as composition, trophic organization and their relationships with physical and biological factors on four tropical rocky shores in Todos os Santos Bay, southwestern Atlantic. During six months, a total of 80 visual censuses were performed, in which 3,582 fish belonging to 76 species were recorded. Territorial herbivorous fish and turf algae were dominant at all the sites. The spatial variability of fish community structure was related to the benthic cover composition and depth. The high abundance of territorial herbivores and mobile invertebrate feeders could be associated with high levels of turf cover, low wave exposure and shallow waters. Moreover, this fact could be a consequence of the low density of roving herbivores and large carnivores probably due to the pressure of intense fishing activity. Thus complementary studies are needed to evaluate the actual conservation status of these rocky shore reefs, singularly located habitats connecting inner and outer reefs in Todos os Santos Bay