Whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated from Brazilian patients with mild illness during the 2014 season

The influenza A(H3N2) virus has circulated worldwide for almost five decades and is the dominant subtype in most seasonal influenza epidemics, as occurred in the 2014 season in South America. In this study we evaluate five whole genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses detected in patients with mild illness collected from January-March 2014. To sequence the genomes, a new generation sequencing (NGS) protocol was performed using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. In addition to analysing the common genes, haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix, our work also comprised internal genes. This was the first report of a whole genome analysis with Brazilian influenza A(H3N2) samples. Considerable amino acid variability was encountered in all gene segments, demonstrating the importance of studying the internal genes. NGS of whole genomes in this study will facilitate deeper virus characterisation, contributing to the improvement of influenza strain surveillance in Brazil.     

The vulnerable Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux) and Haplospiza unicolor Cabanis as new hosts for Isospora sporophilae Carvalho-Filho,Meireles, Ribeiro & Lopes, 2005 (Eimeriidae) in Brazil

Systematic Parasitology - Isospora sporophilae Carvalho-Filho, Meireles, Ribeiro & Lopes, 2005 was morphologically and molecularly identified from the double-collared seedeater Sporophila...     

Time-concentration interplay in insecticide resistance among populations of the Neotropical coffee leaf miner,Leucoptera coffeella

1. Leucoptera coffeella is one of the main coffee pests in the Neotropical region and particularly important in crops cultivated under full sun, as in Brazil. The intensive use of insecticides in the last two decades, including molecules of recent use such as chlorantranilprole, has not been successful in suppressing this pest species.
2. Thus, study aimed to detect insecticide resistance and determine the levels of resistance to commercial formulations of the insecticides chlorantraniliprole, chlorpyrifos and thiamethoxam in populations of L. coffeella from Arabica coffee fields in western and the highlands of the state Bahia (Brazil). Furthermore, as the expression of insecticide toxicity varies with the length of exposure and the compound concentration, what is frequently neglected, these two variables were considered while determining the levels of resistance in nine populations.
3. Moderate levels of resistance were detected to chlorantranilprole in two populations, whereas the others exhibited low levels of resistance. All populations were resistant to thiamethoxam ranging from low to moderate levels. Low levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos were detected in all populations from western, but none from highlands region.
4. The western presents a more concerning scenario of insecticide resistance the L. coffeella, but the phenomenon requires attention in both regions.

     

Effect of excess water in an oxisol on ammonium,nitrate, iron and manganese availability and nutrient uptake of two tropical forage species

Summary A glasshouse experiment was conducted to determine how reduction conditions would affect plant nutrient availability and uptake in a red-yellow latosol (Acrustox). Soil analysis showed that the most important changes were a marked increase in extractable iron and an inhibition of nitrification. The grass andropogon (Andropogon gayanus Kunth var.bisquamulatus (Hoechst) Hack) and the legume stylo (Stylosanthes capitata (Vog)) responded differently to reducing conditions.Andropogon showed low P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn content in the shoots but an intense coating of oxidized iron was observed on the surface of roots. Stylo plants, on the other hand, showed no iron deposition on the root surfaces but a high iron content in the shoots. No decreased P, Ca or Mg content was observed in this case. It was concluded that in water saturated soil, reduction took place and plant performance was affected not only by restricted root development but by preventing P, Ca and Mg uptake in andropogon and increasing Fe uptake in stylo plants. It is suggested that restricted P, Ca and Mg uptake by andropogen would be the result of iron deposition on root surfaces.     

High productivity by Fish Eagles on a polluted dam near Harare

Mundy, P.J. & Couto, J.T. 2000. High productivity by Fish Eagles on a polluted dam near Harare. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 11–14.

Lake Chivero, in the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park west of Harare, is the capital city's main reservoir of drinking water. It has been the subject of five surveys for pesticides and/or heavy metals in the period 1974–1995. The (geometric) average DDE residue level in seven Fish Eagle eggs collected in 1980 was 53 ppm dry weight. By 1995, DDT levels had considerably declined. There are now five pairs of Fish Eagles on Lake Chivero (1996), at a very low density of 14.8 km shoreline per pair. In the 14-year period, 1984–1997, 40 pair-occupations have been found and inspected, which produced 64 fledglings. One nest had fledglings in 11 years, and on three occasions broods of three were produced from it. A fourth brood of three was produced at another nest. The dam receives treated sewage effluent from the city and is now highly eutrophic; this has contributed to the eagles' breeding performance.     

Structural patterns of Lepidoptera galls and the case of Andescecidium parrai (Cecidosidae) galls on Schinus polygama (Anacardiaceae)

Journal of Plant Research - Gall anatomical and metabolic peculiarities are determined by the feeding habit of the gall inducer, but develop under the constraints of the host plants. The chewing...     

Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030: Time to reset targets for 2025

Paul De Lay and co-authors introduce a Collection on the design of targets for ending the AIDS epidemic.     

Hyperepilithics—An overlooked life form of vascular plants on tropical vertical rock walls

Vascular epiphytes are a characteristic life form in many tropical regions and often occur growing on bare rocks. South America has the highest diversity. Here, we describe a neglected life form: hyperepilithics adapted and restricted to growing on vertical (inclination above 70°) and bare rock walls without having roots intruding the substrate. Hyperepilithics are in particular present on Brazilian inselbergs and dominated by highly specialized Bromeliaceae, mainly of the genera Stigmatodon, Tillandsia and Alcantarea, whereas Orchidaceae surprisingly has a low representation. An overview of this habitat, the life form hyperepilithics and a comparison with similar paleotropical habitats (mainly inselbergs in Western/Eastern Africa and India) are provided. Attention is drawn to hyperepilithics as a most promising and not yet exploited source for a sustainable urban ‘vertical gardening’, for example in tropical megacities.