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The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a vector of dengue, Zika and other diseases, was introduced in Europe in the 1970s, where it is still widening its range. Spurred by public health concerns, several studies have delivered predictions of the current and future distribution of the species for this region, often with differing results. We provide the first joint analysis of these predictions, to identify consensus hotspots of high and low suitability, as well as areas with high uncertainty. The analysis focused on current and future climate conditions and was carried out for the whole of Europe and for 65 major urban areas. High consensus on current suitability was found for the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, Italy and the coastline between the western Balkans and Greece. Most models also agree on a substantial future expansion of suitable areas into northern and eastern Europe. About 83% of urban areas are expected to become suitable in the future, in contrast with ~ 49% nowadays. Our findings show that previous research is congruent in identifying wide suitable areas for Aedes albopictus across Europe and in the need to effectively account for climate change in managing and preventing its future spread.

Introdução: A candidemia é uma das infecções nasocomiais mais frequentes a nível mundial e apresenta diferentes espécies de Candida envolvidas com o desenvolvimento dessa patologia. Objetivo: Este estudo analisou os aspectos epidemiológicos e as diferentes espécies de Candida associadas à candidemia. Material e Métodos: Uma revisão de literatura foi realizada, através da leitura de artigos científicos publicados nas bases de dados Pubmed e Scielo nos últimos cinco anos. Utilizou-se as seguintes combinações de descritores: Candidemia, Candidemia e Prevalência, Candidemia e Incidência, Candidemia e Candida. Resultados: A candidemia é a infecção fúngica mais hostil atualmente encontrada e prevalente nas populações estudadas. A população mais afetada são os recém-nascidos. Apresenta altas taxas de mortalidade e disseminação em várias partes do mundo. A nutrição parenteral, a administração de antibióticos de amplo espectro, hospitalização prolongada, cirurgia prévia e colonização por Candida sp são os principais fatores de risco relatados na literatura. Múltiplas espécies fúngicas estão associadas a essa condição, porém C. albicans é a mais predominante, seguida por C. parapsilosis e C. tropicalis. Conclusões: A Candidemia é uma patologia prevalente e apresenta alta incidência e morbimortalidade nas populações estudadas das diferentes partes do mundo. C. albicans é a espécie mais associada, seguida por C. parapsilosis e C. tropicalis. Descritores: Candidemia; Prevalência; Incidência; Candida. Referências Treviño-Rangel RJ, Peña-López CD, Hernández-Rodríguez PA, Beltrán-Santiago D, González GM. Association between Candida biofilm-forming bloodstream isolates and the clinical evolution in patients with candidemia: An observational nine-year single center study in Mexico. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2018;35(1):11-16. Kaur H, Chakrabarti A. Strategies to Reduce Mortality in Adult and Neonatal Candidemia in Developing Countries. J Fungi (Basel). 2017;3(3):41. Wu PF, Liu WL, Hsieh MH, Hii IM, Lee YL, Lin YT et al. Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of candidemia isolates of non-albicans Candida species from cancer patients. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2017;6(10):e87. Vasilyeva NV, Raush ER, Rudneva MV, Bogomolova TS, Taraskina AE, Fang Y et al. Etiology of invasive candidosis agents in Russia: a multicenter epidemiological survey. Front Med. 2018;12(1):84-91. Barchiesi F, Orsetti E, Osimani P, Catassi C, Santelli F, Manso E. Factors related to outcome of bloodstream infections due to Candida parapsilosis complex. BMC Infect Dis. 2016;16:387. Barchiesi F, Orsetti E, Mazzanti S, Trave F, Salvi A, Nitti C, Manso E. Candidemia in the elderly: What does it change? PLoS One. 2017;12(5):e0176576. Benedict K, Roy M, Kabbani S, Anderson EJ, Farley MM, Harb S et al. Neonatal and pediatric candidemia: results from population-based active laboratory surveillance in four US locations, 2009-2015. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2018;7(3):e78-e85. Bhattacharjee P. Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, India. Curr Med Mycol. 2016;2(2):20-7. Breda GL, Tuon FF, Meis JF, Herkert PF, Hagen F, de Oliveira LZ, Dias VC, da Cunha CA, Queiroz-Telles F. Breakthrough candidemia after the introduction of broad spectrum antifungal agents: A 5-year retrospective study. Med Mycol. 2018;56(4):406-15 Caggiano G, Lovero G, De Giglio O, Barbuti G, Montagna O, Laforgia N et al. Candidemia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a retrospective, observational survey and analysis of literature Data. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7901763. Fu J, Ding Y, Wei B, Wang L, Xu S, Qin P, Wei L, Jiang L. Epidemiology of Candida albicans and non-C.albicans of neonatal candidemia at a tertiary care hospital in western China. BMC Infect Dis. 2017;17(1):329. Guzzetti LB, Vescina CM, Gil MF, Gatti BM. Candidemias en pediatría: distribución de especies y sensibilidad a los antifúngicos [Candidemia in Pediatrics: Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility]. Rev Argent Microbiol. 2017;49(4):320-22. Kofteridis DP, Valachis A, Dimopoulou D, Andrianaki AM, Christidou A, Maraki S, Spernovasilis NA, Samonis G. Factors Influencing Non-albicans Candidemia: A Case-Case-Control Study. 2017; 182(7-8):665-72. Kubiak DW, Farmakiotis D, Arons V, Hollins RM, Rostas SE, Weiser LM et al. Utility of in-house fluconazole disk diffusion susceptibility testing in the treatment of candidemia. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2016;84(3):223-26. Li D, Zhang W, Zheng S, Ma Z, Zhang P, Liu Z. Surveillance study of candidemia in cancer patients in North China. Med Mycol. 2013;51(4):378-84. Li D, Xia R, Zhang Q, Bai C, Li Z, Zhang P. Evaluation of candidemia in epidemiology and risk factors among cancer patients in a cancer center of China: an 8-year case-control study. BMC Infect Dis. 2017;17(1):536. Lortholary O, Renaudat C, Sitbon K, Desnos-Ollivier M, Bretagne S, Dromer F; French Mycoses Study Group. The risk and clinical outcome of candidemia depending on underlying Intensive Care Med. 2017; 43(5):652-62. Lovero G, De Giglio O, Montagna O, Diella G, Divenuto F, Lopuzzo M, Rutigliano S, Laforgia N, Caggiano G, Montagna MT. Epidemiology of candidemia in neonatal intensive care units: a persistent public health problem. Ann Ig. 2016;28(4):282-87. Márquez F, Iturrieta I, Calvo M, Urrutia M, Godoy-Martínez P. Epidemiología y susceptibilidad antifúngica de especies causantes de candidemia en la ciudad de Valdivia, Chile [Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of species producing candidemia in Valdivia, Chile]. Rev Chilena Infectol. 2017;34(5):441-46. Pinhati HM, Casulari LA, Souza AC, Siqueira RA, Damasceno CM, Colombo AL. Outbreak of candidemia caused by fluconazole resistant Candida parapsilosis strains in an intensive care unit. BMC Infect Dis. 2016;16(1):433. Siri L, Legarraga P, García P, González T, Rabagliati R. Cambios clínicos y epidemiológicos de candidemias en pacientes adultos desde 2000 a 2013. Rev Chilena Infectol. 2017;34(1):19-26. Spiers R, Smyth B, Lamagni T, Rooney P, Dorgan E, Wyatt T et al. The epidemiology and management of candidemia in Northern Ireland during 2002-2011, including a 12-month enhanced case review. Med Mycol. 2019;57(1):23-9. Tiraboschi IN, Pozzi NC, Farías L, García S, Fernández NB. Epidemiología, especies, resistencia antifúngica y evolución de las candidemias en un hospital universitario de Buenos Aires, Argentina, durante 16 años [Epidemiology, species, antifungal resistance and outcome of candidemia in a university hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 16 years]. Rev Chilena Infectol. 2017;34(5):431-40. Vena A, Bouza E, Valerio M, Padilla B, Paño-Pardo JR, Fernández-Ruiz M et al. Candidemia in non-ICU surgical wards: comparison with medical wards. PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0185339. Kelly MS, Benjamin DK Jr, Smith PB. The epidemiology and diagnosis of invasive candidiasis among premature infants. Clin Perinatol. 2015;42(1):105-17, viii-ix. Wu JQ, Zhu LP, Ou XT, Xu B, Hu XP, Wang X et al. Epidemiology and risk factors for non-Candida albicans candidemia in non-neutropenic patients at a Chinese teaching hospital. Med Mycol. 2011;49(5):552-55. Navalkele BD, Revankar S, Chandrasekar P. Candida auris: a worrisome, globally emerging pathogen. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2017;15(9):819-27. Spivak ES, Hanson KE. Candida auris: an Emerging Fungal Pathogen. J Clin Microbiol. 2018;56(2):e01588-17. Colombo AL, Guimarães T, Sukienik T, Pasqualotto AC, Andreotti R, Queiroz-Telles F et al. Prognostic factors and historical trends in the epidemiology of candidemia in critically ill patients: an analysis of five multicenter studies sequentially conducted over a 9-year period Intensive Care Med. 2014;40(10):1489-98. Gehring GM, Carrilho CMM, Pelisson M, Perugini M, Tano ZN. Candidemia: Revisão Bibliográfica. J Infect Control. 2015;4(4):1-19. Lepak A, Andes D. Fungal sepsis: optimizing antifungal therapy in the critical care setting. Crit Care Clin. 2011;27(1):123-47. Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, Clancy CJ, Marr KA, Ostrosky-Zeichner L et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(4):e1-50. Wisplinghoff H, Ebbers J, Geurtz L, Stefanik D, Major Y, Edmond MB et al. Nosocomial bloodstream infections due to Candida spp. in the USA: species distribution, clinical features and antifungal susceptibilities. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2014;43(1):78-81.

The release of modified mosquitoes to suppress/replace vectors constitutes a promising tool for vector control and disease prevention. Evidence regarding these innovative modification techniques is scarce and disperse. This work conducted a systematic review, gathering and analysing research articles from PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde databases whose results report efficacy and non-target effects of using modified insects for disease prevention, until 2016. More than 1500 publications were screened and 349 were analysed. Only 12/3.4% articles reported field-based evidence and 41/11.7% covered modification strategies’ post-release efficacy. Variability in the effective results (90/25.7%) questioned its reproducibility in different settings. We also found publications reporting reversal outcomes 38/10.9%, (e.g. post-release increase of vector population). Ecological effects were also reported, such as horizontal transfer events (54/15.5%), and worsening pathogenesis induced by natural wolbachia (10/2.9%). Present work revealed promising outcomes of modifying strategies. However, it also revealed a need for field-based evidence mainly regarding epidemiologic and long-term impact. It pointed out some eventual irreversible and important effects that must not be ignored when considering open-field releases, and that may constitute constraints to generate the missing field evidence. Present work constitutes a baseline of knowledge, offering also a methodological approach that may facilitate future updates., GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics largely used in the clinical practice against Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. Nevertheless, bacteria have developed several antimicrobial resistance mechanisms against such class of antibiotics. Ternary complexes of FQs, copper(II) and phenanthroline, known as metalloantibiotics, arise in an attempt to counteract an antibiotic resistance mechanism related to low membrane permeability. These metalloantibiotics seem to use an alternative influx route, independent of porins. The translocation pathways of five FQs and its metalloantibiotics were studied through biophysical experiments, allowing us to infer about the role of OmpF porin in the influx. The FQ-OmpF interaction was assessed in mimetic membrane systems differing on the lipidic composition, disclosing no interference of the lipidic composition. The drug-porin interaction revealed similar values for the association constants of FQs and metalloantibiotics with native OmpF. Therefore, OmpF mutants and specific quenchers were used to study the location-association relationship, comparing a free FQ and its metalloantibiotic. The free FQ revealed a specific association, with preference for residues on the centre of OmpF, while the metalloantibiotic showed a random interaction. Thereby, metalloantibiotics may be an alternative to pure FQs, being able to overcome some antimicrobial resistance mechanism of Gram-negative bacteria related to decreased membrane permeability.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Chaetomella pseudocircinoseta and Coniella pseudodiospyri on Eucalyptus microcorys leaves, Cladophialophora eucalypti, Teratosphaeria dunnii and Vermiculariopsiella dunnii on Eucalyptus dunnii leaves, Cylindrium grande and Hypsotheca eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus grandis leaves, Elsinoe salignae on Eucalyptus saligna leaves, Marasmius lebeliae on litter of regenerating subtropical rainforest, Phialoseptomonium eucalypti (incl. Phialoseptomonium gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus grandis × camaldulensis leaves, Phlogicylindrium pawpawense on Eucalyptus tereticornis leaves, Phyllosticta longicauda as an endophyte from healthy Eustrephus latifolius leaves, Pseudosydowia eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus sp. leaves, Saitozyma wallum on Banksia aemula leaves, Teratosphaeria henryi on Corymbia henryi leaves. Brazil, Aspergillus bezerrae, Backusella azygospora, Mariannaea terricola and Talaromyces pernambucoensis from soil, Calonectria matogrossensis on Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, Calvatia brasiliensis on soil, Carcinomyces nordestinensis on Bromelia antiacantha leaves, Dendryphiella stromaticola on small branches of an unidentified plant, Nigrospora brasiliensis on Nopalea cochenillifera leaves, Penicillium alagoense as a leaf endophyte on a Miconia sp., Podosordaria nigrobrunnea on dung, Spegazzinia bromeliacearum as a leaf endophyte on Tilandsia catimbauensis, Xylobolus brasiliensis on decaying wood. Bulgaria, Kazachstania molopis from the gut of the beetle Molops piceus. Croatia, Mollisia endocrystallina from a fallen decorticated Picea abies tree trunk. Ecuador, Hygrocybe rodomaculata on soil. Hungary, Alfoldia vorosii (incl.Alfoldia gen. nov.) from Juniperus communis roots, Kiskunsagia ubrizsyi (incl. Kiskunsagia gen. nov.) from Fumana procumbens roots. India, Aureobasidium tremulum as laboratory contaminant, Leucosporidium himalayensis and Naganishia indica from windblown dust on glaciers. Italy, Neodevriesia cycadicola on Cycas sp. leaves, Pseudocercospora pseudomyrticola on Myrtus communis leaves, Ramularia pistaciae on Pistacia lentiscus leaves, Neognomoniopsis quercina (incl. Neognomoniopsis gen. nov.) on Quercus ilex leaves. Japan, Diaporthe fructicola on Passiflora edulis × P. edulis f. flavicarpa fruit, Entoloma nipponicum on leaf litter in a mixed Cryptomeria japonica and Acer spp. forest. Macedonia, Astraeus macedonicus on soil. Malaysia, Fusicladium eucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus sp. twigs, Neoacrodontiella eucalypti (incl. Neoacrodontiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus urophylla leaves. Mozambique, Meliola gorongosensis on dead Philenoptera violacea leaflets. Nepal, Coniochaeta dendrobiicola from Dendriobium lognicornu roots. New Zealand, Neodevriesia sexualis and Thozetella neonivea on Archontophoenix cunninghamiana leaves. Norway, Calophoma sandfjordenica from a piece of board on a rocky shoreline, Clavaria parvispora on soil, Didymella finnmarkica from a piece of Pinus sylvestris driftwood. Poland, Sugiyamaella trypani from soil. Portugal, Colletotrichum feijoicola from Acca sellowiana. Russia, Crepidotus tobolensis on Populus tremula debris, Entoloma ekaterinae, Entoloma erhardii and Suillus gastroflavus on soil, Nakazawaea ambrosiae from the galleries of Ips typographus under the bark of Picea abies. Slovenia, Pluteus ludwigii on twigs of broadleaved trees. South Africa, Anungitiomyces stellenboschiensis (incl. Anungitiomyces gen. nov.) and Niesslia stellenboschiana on Eucalyptus sp. leaves, Beltraniella pseudoportoricensis on Podocarpus falcatus leaf litter, Corynespora encephalarti on Encephalartos sp. leaves, Cytospora pavettae on Pavetta revoluta leaves, Helminthosporium erythrinicola on Erythrina humeana leaves, Helminthosporium syzygii on a Syzygium sp. barkcanker, Libertasomyces aloeticus on Aloe sp. leaves, Penicillium lunae from Musa sp. fruit, Phyllosticta lauridiae on Lauridia tetragona leaves, Pseudotruncatella bolusanthi (incl. Pseudotruncatellaceae fam. nov.) and Dactylella bolusanthi on Bolusanthus speciosus leaves. Spain, Apenidiella foetida on submerged plant debris, Inocybe grammatoides on Quercus ilex subsp. ilex forest humus, Ossicaulis salomii on soil, Phialemonium guarroi from soil. Thailand, Pantospora chromolaenae on Chromolaena odorata leaves. Ukraine, Cadophora helianthi from Helianthus annuus stems. USA, Boletus pseudopinophilus on soil under slash pine, Botryotrichum foricae, Penicillium americanum and Penicillium minnesotense from air. Vietnam, Lycoperdon vietnamense on soil. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.

Background Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy may cause major congenital defects, including microcephaly, ocular, articular and muscle abnormalities, which are collectively defined as Congenital Zika Syndrome. Here, we performed an in-depth characterization of the effects of congenital ZIKV infection (CZI) in immunocompetent mice. Methods Pregnant dams were inoculated with ZIKV on embryonic day 5.5 in the presence or absence of a sub-neutralizing dose of a pan-flavivirus monoclonal antibody (4G2) to evaluate the potential role of antibody-dependent enhancement phenomenon (ADE) during short and long outcomes of CZI. Findings ZIKV infection induced maternal immune activation (MIA), which was associated with occurrence of foetal abnormalities and death. Therapeutic administration of AH-D antiviral peptide during the early stages of pregnancy prevented ZIKV replication and death of offspring. In the post-natal period, CZI was associated with a decrease in whole brain volume, ophthalmologic abnormalities, changes in testicular morphology, and disruption in bone microarchitecture. Some alterations were enhanced in the presence of 4G2 antibody. Interpretation Our results reveal that early maternal ZIKV infection causes several birth defects in immunocompetent mice, which can be potentiated by ADE phenomenon and are associated with MIA. Additionally, antiviral treatment with AH-D peptide may be beneficial during early maternal ZIKV infection. Fund This work was supported by the Brazilian National Science Council (CNPq, Brazil), Minas Gerais Foundation for Science (FAPEMIG), Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP), Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES), National Research Foundation of Singapore and Centre for Precision Biology at Nanyang Technological University.

The daily use of the planctomycete Rhodopirellula rubra as an alternative or supplementary food source for Daphnia magna and its feasibility in the nutrition of transgenerational populations were studied. The life history parameters, fatty acids (saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated; SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs), glycogen and protein contents of organisms during feeding assays and of the first generation were analysed. An increase in the yields of D. magna with the increase of the cell concentration of R. rubra was evident, but overall, bacteria supplied as the only food source was nutritionally insufficient as observed for all the parameters analysed. However, when R. rubra was added as supplement to the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata a significant improvement in the life history parameters was observed namely in the reproductive output and the somatic growth rate. The identified SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs were the fatty acids more abundant in daphniids, and the feed regimens influenced daphniids fatty acid profiles. Additionally, the mixed diet resulted in a larger number and size of offspring in the different F1 broods as also observed with the results of F0 generation. The pink colouration present in D. magna body and eggs confirmed that bacteria were absorbed, the pigment(s) retained and passed on to the next generation. Our results showed that R. rubra can play an essential role in D. magna diet as a nutritional supplement showing potential biotechnological applications.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:35:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-02-19 FEDER - COMPETE Program Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Project CMDT: Past and present population genetics of the vector Aedes aegypti: a tool for dengue control policies FCT Historically known as the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti invaded Madeira Island in 2005 and was the vector of the island's first dengue outbreak in 2012. We have studied genetic variation at 16 microsatellites and two mitochondrial DNA genes in temporal samples of Madeira Island, in order to assess the origin of the invasion and the population structure of this mosquito vector. Our results indicated at least two independent colonization events occurred on the island, both having a South American source population. In both scenarios, Venezuela was the most probable origin of these introductions, a result that is in accordance with the socioeconomic relations between this country and Madeira Island. Once introduced, Ae. aegypti has rapidly expanded along the southern coast of the island and reached a maximum effective population size (N-e) in 2012, coincident with the dengue epidemic. After the outbreak, there was a 10-fold reduction in N-e estimates, possibly reflecting the impact of community-based vector control measures implemented during the outbreak. These findings have implications for mosquito surveillance not only for Madeira Island, but also for other European regions where Aedes mosquitoes are expanding. Univ Nova Lisboa, Inst Higiene & Med Trop, Global Hlth & Trop Med, Lisbon, Portugal Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Parasitol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Museum Nat Hist Funchal, RAM, Madeira, Portugal Univ Cent Venezuela, Inst Med Trop, Secc Entomol Med, Caracas, Venezuela IP RAM, Dept Saude Planeamento & Adm Geral, Inst Adm Saude & Assuntos Sociais, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Madeira Reg Govt, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Hlth & Social Affairs, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Parasitol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil FEDER - COMPETE Program: PTDC/SAU-EPI/115853/2009 Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia: PTDC/SAU-EPI/115853/2009 Project CMDT: Past and present population genetics of the vector Aedes aegypti: a tool for dengue control policies: Pest-OE/SAU/LA0018/2011 FCT: SFRH/BD/98873/2013 FCT: SFRH/BPD/72532/2010 : GHTM-UID/Multi/04413/2013

Biogeographical analyses using species lists of wood-inhabiting, poroid Hymenochaetales and Polyporales were performed to infer the relationship of major Neotropical morphoclimatic domains: Amazon, Atlantic and Caatinga moist forests. Parsimony analysis of endemicity, UPGMA clustering and NMDS ordination were computed with data of 18 localities and 245 species, all indicating that the northern Atlantic Forest is more related to the Amazon than to its southern portion. Also the results agree with the hypothesis that the Brejos Nordestinos is a distinct biota from both the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Annual temperature and rainfall are strongly related with the resulting NDMS site scores. A distance similarity decay of similarity analysis suggests a moderate to low, but statistically significant, influence of the geographic distance on assemblages' composition. The limited distribution of many poroid fungal taxa also emphasizes the fragility of these organisms to habitat loss.

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are antibiotics widely used in clinical practise, but the development of bacterial resistance to these drugs is currently a critical public health problem. In this context, ternary copper complexes of FQ (CuFQPhen) have been studied as a potential alternative. In this study, we compared the passive diffusion across the lipid bilayer of one of the most used FQ, ciprofloxacin (Cpx), and its ternary copper complex, CuCpxPhen, that has shown previous promising results regarding antibacterial activity and membrane partition. A combination of spectroscopic studies and molecular dynamics simulations were used and two different model membranes tested: one composed of anionic phospholipids, and the other composed of zwitterionic phospholipids. The obtained results showed a significantly higher membrane permeabilization activity, larger partition, and a more favourable free energy landscape for the permeation of CuCpxPhen across the membrane, when compared to Cpx. Furthermore, the computational results indicated a more favourable translocation of CuCpxPhen across the anionic membrane, when compared to the zwitterionic one, suggesting a higher specificity towards the former. These findings are important to decipher the influx mechanism of CuFQPhen in bacterial cells, which is crucial for the ultimate use of CuFQPhen complexes as an alternative to FQ to tackle multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The use of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to study sterol and sphingolipid-enriched lipid domains as diverse as the ones found in mammalian and fungal membranes is herein described. We first address how to prepare liposomes that mimic raft-containing membranes of mammalian cells and how to use fluorescence spectroscopy to characterize the biophysical properties of these membrane model systems. We further illustrate the application of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study nanodomain reorganization upon interaction with small bioactive molecules, phenolic acids, an important group of phytochemical compounds. This methodology overcomes the resolution limits of conventional fluorescence microscopy allowing for the identification and characterization of lipid domains at the nanoscale.We continue by showing how to use fluorescence spectroscopy in the biophysical analysis of more complex biological systems, namely the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells and the necessary adaptations to the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa , evaluating the global order of the membrane, sphingolipid-enriched domains rigidity and abundance, and ergosterol-dependent properties.

Aedes albopictus, also known as the “Asian Tiger Mosquito”, is an invasive mosquito species to Europe causing high concern in public health due to its severe nuisance and its vectorial capacity for pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika. Consequently, the responsible authorities implement management activities to reduce its population density, possibly to below noxious and epidemiological thresholds. In urban areas, these aims are difficult to achieve because of the species’ ability to develop in a wide range of artificial breeding sites, mainly private properties. This document (Management Plan) has been structured to serve as a comprehensive practical and technical guide for stakeholders in organizing the vector control activities in the best possible way. The current plan includes coordinated actions such as standardized control measures and quality control activities, monitoring protocols, activities for stakeholders and local communities, and an emergency vector control plan to reduce the risk of an epidemic.

Background: The frequency and intensity of arboviral epidemics is steadily increasing and posing an intractable public health burden. Current vector control methods are proving ineffectual and despite progress in the development of high technology approaches, there is an urgent need for the development of tools for immediate implementation. Several studies suggest that the auto-dissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) is a promising new approach to larviciding although there is little detail on the conditions under which it is optimally effective. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of the approach in urban and rural sites in Madeira, Portugal.Results: Auto-dissemination of PPF through adapted Biogents Sentinel traps (BGSTs) resulted in a modest but consistent impact on both juvenile and adult mosquito populations, but with considerable spatial heterogeneity. This heterogeneity was related to the distance from the BGST dissemination station as well as the local density of adult mosquitoes. There was evidence that the impact of PPF was cumulative over time both locally and with gradual spatial expansion.Conclusions: The density of adult mosquitoes and the spatial distribution of dissemination devices are key factors in mediating efficacy. In addition, urban topography may affect the efficiency of auto-dissemination by impeding adult mosquito dispersal. Further studies in a range of urban landscapes are necessary to guide optimal strategies for the implementation of this potentially efficacious and cost-effective approach to larviciding.

Since its emergence in Yap Island in 2007, Zika virus (ZIKV) has affected all continents except Europe. Despite the hundreds of cases imported to European countries from ZIKV-infested regions, no local cases have been reported in localities where the ZIKV-competent mosquito Aedes albopictus is well established. Here we analysed the vector competence of European Aedes (aegypti and albopictus) mosquitoes to different genotypes of ZIKV. We demonstrate that Ae. albopictus from France was less susceptible to the Asian ZIKV than to the African ZIKV. Critically we show that effective crossing of anatomical barriers (midgut and salivary glands) after an infectious blood meal depends on a viral load threshold to trigger: (i) viral dissemination from the midgut to infect mosquito internal organs and (ii) viral transmission from the saliva to infect a vertebrate host. A viral load in body ≥4800 viral copies triggered dissemination and ≥12,000 viral copies set out transmission. Only 27.3% and 18.2% of Ae. albopictus Montpellier mosquitoes meet respectively these two criteria. Collectively, these compelling results stress the poor ability of Ae. albopictus to sustain a local transmission of ZIKV in Europe and provide a promising tool to evaluate the risk of ZIKV transmission in future outbreaks. publishersversion published

Sensitive techniques for the detection of Plasmodium (Aconoidasida: Plasmodiidae) sporozoites in field-collected malaria vectors are essential for the correct assessment of risk for malaria transmission. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol targeting Plasmodium mtDNA proved to be much more sensitive in detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes than the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP-ELISA). However, because of the relatively high costs associated with equipment and reagents, RT-PCRs are mostly used to assess the outcomes of experimental infections in the frame of research experiments, rather than in routine monitoring of mosquito infection in the field. The present authors developed a novel mtDNA-based nested PCR protocol, modified from a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Plasmodium recognition in human blood samples, and compared its performance with that of routinely used CSP-ELISAs in field-collected Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae) samples. The nested PCR showed 1.4-fold higher sensitivity than the CSP-ELISA. However, nested PCR results obtained in two laboratories and in different replicates within the same laboratory were not 100% consistent, probably because the copy number of amplifiable Plasmodium mtDNA was close in some specimens to the threshold of nested PCR sensitivity. This implies that Plasmodium-positive specimens should be confirmed by a second nested PCR to avoid false positives. Overall, the results emphasize the need to use molecular approaches to obtain accurate estimates of the actual level of Plasmodium circulation within malaria vector populations.

The recent emergence and established presence of Aedes aegypti in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, was responsible for the first autochthonous outbreak of dengue in Europe. The island has not reported any dengue cases since the outbreak in 2012. However, there is a high risk that an introduction of the virus would result in another autochthonous outbreak given the presence of the vector and permissive environmental conditions. Understanding the dynamics of a potential epidemic is critical for targeted local control strategies. Here, we adopt a deterministic model for the transmission of dengue in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The model integrates empirical and mechanistic parameters for virus transmission, under seasonally varying temperatures for Funchal, Madeira Island. We examine the epidemic dynamics as triggered by the arrival date of an infectious individual; the influence of seasonal temperature mean and variation on the epidemic dynamics; and performed a sensitivity analysis on the following quantities of interest: the epidemic peak size, time to peak, and the final epidemic size. Our results demonstrate the potential for summer and autumn season transmission of dengue, with the arrival date significantly affecting the distribution of the timing and peak size of the epidemic. Late-summer arrivals were more likely to produce large epidemics within a short peak time. Epidemics within this favorable period had an average of 11% of the susceptible population infected at the peak, at an average peak time of 95 days. We also demonstrated that seasonal temperature variation dramatically affects the epidemic dynamics, with warmer starting temperatures producing large epidemics with a short peak time and vice versa. Overall, our quantities of interest were most sensitive to variance in the date of arrival, seasonal temperature, transmission rates, mortality rate, and the mosquito population; the magnitude of sensitivity differs across quantities. Our model could serve as a useful guide in the development of effective local control and mitigation strategies for dengue fever in Madeira Island., Author summary The presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Madeira Island had recently caused the first local outbreak of dengue in Europe. The island is at risk of another local transmission if triggered by the introduction of the dengue virus by an infected person. Using a mathematical model for the transmission of dengue, we examine the dynamics of a potential epidemic triggered by the arrival of an infected person on the island. We also examine the impact of seasonal temperature variation on the epidemic dynamics. Our results show the potential for summer and autumn season transmission of dengue on the island, and that the arrival date of an infectious person affects the distribution of the timing and peak size of the epidemic. Late summer arrivals were more likely to produce a rapid epidemic. We also show that seasonal temperature variation dramatically affects the epidemic dynamics. With warmer starting temperatures, epidemics peak faster, producing a large final epidemic size. Our model could be useful to estimate the risk of an epidemic outbreak and as a guide for local control and mitigation strategies for dengue on the island.

Aedes-borne arboviruses have spread globally with outbreaks of vast impact on human populations and health systems. The West African archipelago of Cape Verde had its first outbreak of Dengue in 2009, at the time the largest recorded in Africa, and was one of the few African countries affected by the Zika virus epidemic. Aedes aegypti was the mosquito vector involved in both outbreaks. We performed a phylogeographic and population genetics study of A. aegypti in Cape Verde in order to infer the geographic origin and evolutionary history of this mosquito. These results are discussed with respect to the implications for vector control and prevention of future outbreaks. Mosquitoes captured before and after the Dengue outbreak on the islands of Santiago, Brava, and Fogo were analyzed with two mitochondrial genes COI and ND4, 14 microsatellite loci and five kdr mutations. Genetic variability was comparable to other African populations. Our results suggest that A. aegypti invaded Cape Verde at the beginning of the Holocene from West Africa. Given the historic importance of Cape Verde in the transatlantic trade of the 16th-17th centuries, a possible contribution to the genetic pool of the founding populations in the New World cannot be fully discarded. However, contemporary gene flow with the Americas is likely to be infrequent. No kdr mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance were detected. The implications for vector control and prevention of future outbreaks are discussed. publishersversion published

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of visceral fat and meat from lambs. Eighteen six-month-old Santa Ines male lambs (18.9 ± 2.4 kg of body weight (BW)) were used. Animals were assigned to two treatments according to their sexual condition: uncastrated (U) or castrated (C). During a 98-day experimental period, animals were kept on an Andropogon gayanus grass pasture area of 1 ha and supplemented with 200 g/animal/day of concentrate mixture. Water and mineral salt were available ad libitum. The lambs were weighed fortnightly, and at the last day of the trial, they were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and fatty acids profile of perirenal fat and longissimus lumborum muscle samples. Castrated lambs showed higher BW than U during most part of the experiment (p 0.05) (U, 0.74 and C, 0.76%). The cis-9, cis-12 C18:2n-6 (U, 10.6 and C, 6.86%) fatty acid and the PUFA:SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio (U, 0.36 and C, 0.25) were higher in the muscle of U lambs (p

The modification and release of insects to suppress or replace natural insect vectors constitutes a promising tool for vector control and disease prevention, facing the unprecedented global emergence of vector-borne diseases. Little is known regarding these innovative modification strategies and available evidence is not standardized turning it difficult to reflect on their actual efficacy and eventual effects. This work conducted a systematic review, gathering and analyzing research articles from PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde databases whose results directly report efficacy and effects of the use of modified insects for disease prevention until 2016. Within more than 1500 publications that were screened a total of 349 where analyzed. A total of 12/3.4% reported field-based evidence, and 41/11.7% covered modification stretagies’ efficacy after insects’ release, their epidemiology impact or its long-term efficacy. Examples of successful results were the replacement of natural field populations by wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in 5 weeks, and the elimination of a population in laboratory cages after transgenic mosquitoes release over 10–20 weeks. Variability in the effective results were described (90/25.7%) questioning its reproducibility in different settings. We also found 38/10.9% publications reporting reversal outcomes, such as an increase of vector population after release. Ecological effects such as horizontal transfer events to non-target species (54/15.5%), and wolbachia-induced worsening pathogenesis on mammal filarial diseases (10/2.9%) were also reported. Present work revealed promising outcomes of both suppressing and replacing approaches. However, it also revealed a need of field-based evidence mainly regarding epidemiologic and long-term impact of insect modification strategies. It pointed out some eventual irreversible and important effects that must not be ignored when considering open-field releases, and that may constitute constraints to generate the missing field evidence. Moreover, the level of variability of existing evidence suggests the need of local/specific evidence in each setting of an eventual release.

International audience; Background Aedes spp. mosquitoes mainly transmit the arboviruses dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in urban areas, causing a severe public health problem. In 2012-2013, a major dengue outbreak occurred on Madeira Island where the mosquito Aedes aegypti was the only vector. Up to now, the competence of Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit DENV or CHIKV remains unknown. This study aimed to assess experimentally the ability of Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit these viruses. Results: By orally exposing mosquitoes to CHIKV (NC/2011-568) and DENV-2 (Bangkok), the vector competence of two field-collected Ae. aegypti populations, i.e. Funchal and Paúl do Mar, was evaluated. We found that both populations were similarly infected and ensured the dissemination and transmission of CHIKV at the same rates. With DENV-2, viral dissemination was significantly higher in the Funchal population compared to Paúl do Mar. We found no significant differences in transmission rates between populations.ResultsBy orally exposing mosquitoes to CHIKV (NC/2011-568) and DENV-2 (Bangkok), the vector competence of two field-collected Ae. aegypti populations, i.e. Funchal and Paúl do Mar, was evaluated. We found that both populations were similarly infected and ensured the dissemination and transmission of CHIKV at the same rates. With DENV-2, viral dissemination was significantly higher in the Funchal population compared to Paúl do Mar. We found no significant differences in transmission rates between populations.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study has demonstrated for the first time the ability of temperate European Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit DENV and CHIKV. As our results suggest, there is a potential risk for the local transmission of DENV and CHIKV if introduced to Madeira or continental Europe where Aedes albopictus is present. Our results highlight the need for continuing vector surveillance and control on Madeira Island to future-proof the Island against mosquito-borne epidemics.

O Brasil ocupa posição de destaque na produção e geração de energia renovável de origem agrícola e o dendezeiro está entre as oleaginosas que apresentam maior potencial para produção de biodiesel. A dendeicultura encontrou na região Baixo Sul da Bahia condições edafoclimáticas ideais para seu cultivo, apesar de enfrentar alguns entraves, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao baixo nível tecnológico da cadeia produtiva e a presença predominante de plantios antigos que ultrapassam o período de potencial produção da cultura. A investigação da ocorrência de fungos micorrízicas arbusculares constitui um dos componentes ecológicos importantes em plantios e ecossistemas quando se deseja obter o máximo de associação das espécies micorrízicas em benefício de espécies vegetais. Assim, com o objetivo de avaliar a ocorrência de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares foram coletadas amostras de solo e raízes em plantas de dendê das variedades Dura e Tenera, em três diferentes áreas de plantios de dendezeiros definidas como AR-1(área 1), AR-2 (área 2) e AR-3 (área 3), localizados no município de Valença-BA. Foi realizada a determinação da densidade de esporos nas amostras de solo e a taxa de colonização micorrízica nas amostras de raízes. A partir dos resultados obtidos, constatou-se maior densidade de esporos no solo rizosférico de plantas da variedade Tenera (valores entre 91,2 e 446,6 esporos/30g de solo) em comparação às plantas da variedade Dura (valores entre 41,8 e 292,4 esporos/30 g de solo). Plantas da variedade Tenera também apresentaram maior taxa de colonização micorrízica quando comparadas às plantas da variedade Dura. Independente da variedade estudada, na AR-3 foi registrada maior densidade de esporos e colonização micorrízica, em relação às demais áreas. Abstract The production and generation of renewable energy of agricultural origin plays an important role in Brazil. Among the oilseeds, oil palm has great potential for biodiesel production. Despite facing obstacles regarding the low technological level of the production chain and the predominant presence of old plantations, oil palm has found ideal edaphoclimatic conditions in Bahia’s Baixo Sul region. Among several beneficial microorganisms associated with plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi stand out for promoting improvements in plant nutrition and plant health, making them resistant to adverse environmental factors. Thus, in order to assess the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, soil and roots samples were collected from oil palm plants of Dura and Tenera varieties, in three different oil palm field areas defined as: AR-1 (area 1), AR- 2 (area 2) and AR-3 (area 3), located in the municipality of Valença, Bahia. The spore density in soil samples and the rate of mycorrhizal colonization in root samples were determined. A higher density of spores was found in the rhizospheric soil of the variety Tenera (values ranging from 91.2 to 446.6 spores / 30 g of soil) compared to plants of the variety Dura (values ranging from 41.8 to 292.4 spores / 30 g of soil). Oil palm plants of Tenera variety also showed a higher rate of mycorrhizal colonization when compared to plants of Dura variety. Regardless of the variety, AR-3 revealed a higher density of spores and mycorrhizal colonization compared to the other areas. Keywords: Mycorrhizal colonization, Oil palm, Spontaneous planting.

This report describes a survey of RNA and DNA viruses carried out in adult mosquitoes from Angola, raised under laboratory conditions from field-collected immature forms. This viral genomic survey was performed using different sets of primers targeting groups of arboviruses with a considerable impact on human health, including flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and phleboviruses. Furthermore, the viral survey that was performed also included detection of densoviruses. The obtained results did not reveal the presence of recognizable pathogenic arboviruses but allowed the identification of insect-specific flaviviruses from two genetic lineages and a single lineage of brevidensoviruses. These viruses, collectivelly detected in Anopheles sp. and Culex pipiens s.l. mosquitoes, were most probably transmitted vertically.

The extensive use of insecticides for vector control has led to the development of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti populations on a global scale, which has significantly compromised control actions. Insecticide resistance, and its underlying mechanisms, has been investigated in several countries, mostly in South American and Asian countries. In Africa, however, studies reporting insecticide resistance are rare and data on resistance mechanisms, notably knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, is scarce. In this study, the recently described V410L kdr mutation is reported for the first time in old world Ae. aegypti populations, namely from Angola and Madeira island. Two additional kdr mutations, V1016I and F1534C, are also reported for the first time in populations from Angola and Cape Verde. Significant associations with the resistance phenotype were found for both V410L and V1016I individually as well as for tri-locus genotypes in the Angolan population. However, no association was found in Madeira island, probably due to the presence of a complex pattern of multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms in the local Ae. aegypti population. These results suggest that populations carrying the same kdr mutations may respond differently to the same insecticide, stressing the need for complementary studies when assessing the impact of kdr resistance mechanisms in the outcome of insecticide-based control strategies., Author summary One of the pillars for the prevention of Aedes-transmitted arboviral infections has been vector control, which is primarily based on the use of chemical insecticides. However, extensive use of insecticides has led to the development of insecticide resistance, undermining the sustainability of control programs. Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene have been associated with knockdown resistance in many insect species including Aedes aegypti. In Africa, in spite of the use of insecticides for vector control in many countries, data on insecticide resistance and its underlying mechanisms remain scarce. In this study, we report for the first time the occurrence of a recently described kdr mutation, V410L, in Old World Ae. aegypti from Angola and Madeira island. Two other kdr mutations, V1016I and F1534C, were also identified in populations from Angola and Cape Verde, extending our knowledge about the distribution of these mutations in Africa. We found significant associations between kdr genotypes and the resistance phenotype but only in the Angolan population. These results suggest that populations carrying the same kdr mutations may respond differently to the same insecticide, stressing the need for complementary studies when assessing the impact of kdr resistance in the outcome of insecticide-based vector control.

International audience; BACKGROUND:Seasonal outbreaks of dengue often result in hundreds of dengue-suspected cases where a clinical diagnosis cannot be confirmed. Usually, during large outbreaks of dengue and other pathogens that can cause acute febrile illnesses, the search for secondary pathogens with similar disease outcomes is rare.METHODS:Using total RNA sequencing and targeted diagnostic assays, we discovered an outbreak of parvovirus B19 in dengue-suspected patients that occurred from November 2013 to February 2014.RESULTS:Of the 182 cases investigated, 63% were viremic for the B19 virus. Moreover, we found that >43% of infected patients had no serological evidence of prior infection. Parvovirus B19 is a typical childhood infection, yet we observed that 82% of the infected patients were adults. Additionally, we perceived that infected adults had significantly higher presentations of myalgia than in children. We also obtained viral protein (VP) 1/VP2 gene nucleotide sequences from 43 patients.CONCLUSIONS:Our results support the utility of next-generation sequencing for symptomatic patients with unknown etiologies during seasonal outbreaks of dengue and other arborviruses. Our findings could improve the vigilance of hospitals and laboratories by raising awareness of co-circulating pathogens such as parvovirus B19 that may be hidden in plain sight.

International audience; Aedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses , remains of great medical and public health concern. There is little doubt that the ancestral home of the species is Africa. This mosquito invaded the New World 400-500 years ago and later, Asia. However, little is known about the genetic structure and history of Ae. aegypti across Africa, as well as the possible origin(s) of the New World invasion. Here, we use ~17,000 genome-wide single nucleotide polymor-phisms (SNPs) to characterize a heretofore undocumented complex picture of this mosquito across its ancestral range in Africa. We find signatures of human-assisted migrations, connectivity across long distances in sylvan populations, and of local ad-mixture between domestic and sylvan populations. Finally, through a phylogenetic analysis combined with the genetic structure analyses, we suggest West Africa and especially Angola as the source of the New World's invasion, a scenario that fits well with the historic record of 16th-century slave trade between Africa and Americas.

The poroid fungi are macroscopic fungi whose fertile surface is usually poroid. Most of them are saprobes on dead wood and play fundamental role in nutrient cycling, mostly releasing carbon removed from the atmosphere by autotrophic organisms. Despite their importance, little is known about factors affecting polypore occurrence in the Neotropics. In this study, it was tested what abiotic and/or biotic conditions shapes distinct polypore communities in the Atlantic Rain Forest in Northeast Brazil by comparing (1) the composition of the species between coastal and montane forest and between dry and rainy season; (2) the similarities among areas against distance, and (3) the abundance of the species on logs of different sizes and decay stages. One hundred and ten transects (sampling units) were visited from 2008 to 2014, resulting in 138 species of poroid fungi, 80 % of them of infrequent occurrence. According to the Analysis of Similarity and PERMANOVA, the fungal communities did not form distinct groups in relation to the forest type or season, but the areas were different from each other and the variation can be partially explained by the distance among them when using linear regression. The poroid fungi were more frequently recorded in logs of decay stage 1 and 2 and their size had little, if none, effect on polypore occurrence. Thus, we suggest the protection of every fragment of any type of Atlantic Rain Forest and that dead wood should be not removed from a forest in order to protect polypore diversity.

Fomitopsis feei (Fr.) Kreisel and F. lilacinogilva (Berk.) J. E. Wright & J. R. Deschamps are reported as new to the Brazilian Amazonia and the State of Pernambuco, F. feei to the Brazilian semi-arid, F. cupreorosea (Berk.) J. Carranza & Gilb. to the States of Amazonas, Para and Pernambuco, and F. nivosa (Berk.) Gilb. & Ryvarden to the Brazilian semi-arid, to Northeast Brazil and to the States of Acre, Rondonia and Roraima. A key to the species of Fomitopsis reported for the Neotropics are provided.

Impacts of introgressive hybridisation may range from genomic erosion and species collapse to rapid adaptation and speciation but opportunities to study these dynamics are rare. We investigated the extent, causes and consequences of a hybrid zone between Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae in Guinea-Bissau, where high hybridisation rates appear to be stable at least since the 1990s. Anopheles gambiae was genetically partitioned into inland and coastal subpopulations, separated by a central region dominated by A. coluzzii. Surprisingly, whole genome sequencing revealed that the coastal region harbours a hybrid form characterised by an A. gambiae-like sex chromosome and massive introgression of A. coluzzii autosomal alleles. Local selection on chromosomal inversions may play a role in this process, suggesting potential for spatiotemporal stability of the coastal hybrid form and providing resilience against introgression of medically-important loci and traits, found to be more prevalent in inland A. gambiae.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia: Banksiophoma australiensis (incl. Banksiophoma gen. nov.) on Banksia coccinea, Davidiellomyces australiensis (incl. Davidiellomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae, Didymocyrtis banksiae on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Disculoides calophyllae on Corymbia calophylla, Harknessia banksiae on Banksia sessilis, Harknessia banksiae-repens on Banksia repens, Harknessia banksiigena on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Harknessia communis on Podocarpus sp., Harknessia platyphyllae on Eucalyptus platyphylla, Myrtacremonium eucalypti (incl. Myrtacremonium gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtapenidiella balenae on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella pleurocarpae on Eucalyptus pleurocarpa, Paraconiothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Paraphaeosphaeria xanthorrhoeae on Xanthorrhoea sp., Parateratosphaeria stirlingiae on Stirlingia sp., Perthomyces podocarpi (incl. Perthomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus sp., Readeriella ellipsoidea on Eucalyptus sp., Rosellinia australiensis on Banksia grandis, Tiarosporella corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla, Verrucoconiothyrium eucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus sp., Zasmidium commune on Xanthorrhoea sp., and Zasmidium podocarpi on Podocarpus sp. Brazil: Cyathus aurantogriseocarpus on decaying wood, Perenniporia brasiliensis on decayed wood, Perenniporia paraguyanensis on decayed wood, and Pseudocercospora leandrae-fragilis on Leandra fragilis. Chile: Phialocephala cladophialophoroides on human toe nail. Costa Rica: Psathyrella striatoannulata from soil. Czech Republic: Myotisia cremea (incl. Myotisia gen. nov.) on bat droppings. Ecuador: Humidicutis dictiocephala from soil, Hygrocybe macrosiparia from soil, Hygrocybe sangayensis from soil, and Polycephalomyces onorei on stem of Etlingera sp. France: Westerdykella centenaria from soil. Hungary: Tuber magentipunctatum from soil. India: Ganoderma mizoramense on decaying wood, Hodophilus indicus from soil, Keratinophyton turgidum in soil, and Russula arunii on Pterigota alata. Italy: Rhodocybe matesina from soil. Malaysia: Apoharknessia eucalyptorum, Harknessia malayensis, Harknessia pellitae, and Peyronellaea eucalypti on Eucalyptus pellita, Lectera capsici on Capsicum annuum, and Wallrothiella gmelinae on Gmelina arborea. Morocco: Neocordana musigena on Musa sp. New Zealand: Candida rongomai-pounamu on agaric mushroom surface, Candida vespimorsuum on cup fungus surface, Cylindrocladiella vitis on Vitis vinifera, Foliocryphia eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus sp., Ramularia vacciniicola on Vaccinium sp., and Rhodotorula ngohengohe on bird feather surface. Poland: Tolypocladium fumosum on a caterpillar case of unidentified Lepidoptera. Russia: Pholiotina longistipitata among moss. Spain: Coprinopsis pseudomarcescibilis from soil, Eremiomyces innocentii from soil, Gyroporus pseudocyanescens in humus, Inocybe parvicystis in humus, and Penicillium parvofructum from soil. Unknown origin: Paraphoma rhaphiolepidis on Rhaphiolepsis indica. USA: Acidiella americana from wall of a cooling tower, Neodactylaria obpyriformis (incl. Neodactylaria gen. nov.) from human bronchoalveolar lavage, and Saksenaea loutrophoriformis from human eye. Vietnam: Phytophthora mekongensis from Citrus grandis, and Phytophthora prodigiosa from Citrus grandis. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Background Aedes aegypti is a major mosquito vector of arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika. In 2005, Ae. aegypti was identified for the first time in Madeira Island. Despite an initial insecticide-based vector control program, the species expanded throughout the Southern coast of the island, suggesting the presence of insecticide resistance. Here, we characterized the insecticide resistance status and the underlying mechanisms of two populations of Ae. aegypti from Madeira Island, Funchal and Paúl do Mar. Methodology/Principal findings WHO susceptibility bioassays indicated resistance to cyfluthrin, permethrin, fenitrothion and bendiocarb. Use of synergists significantly increased mortality rates, and biochemical assays indicated elevated activities of detoxification enzymes, suggesting the importance of metabolic resistance. Microarray-based transcriptome analysis detected significant upregulation in both populations of nine cytochrome P450 oxidase genes (including four known pyrethroid metabolizing enzymes), the organophosphate metabolizer CCEae3a, Glutathione-S-transferases, and multiple putative cuticle proteins. Genotyping of knockdown resistance loci linked to pyrethroid resistance revealed fixation of the 1534C mutation, and presence with moderate frequencies of the V1016I mutation in each population. Conclusions/Significance Significant resistance to three major insecticide classes (pyrethroid, carbamate and organophosphate) is present in Ae. aegypti from Madeira Island, and appears to be mediated by multiple mechanisms. Implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies including rotation of insecticides with alternative modes of action, and methods other than chemical-based vector control are strongly advised to delay or reverse the spread of resistance and achieve efficient control., Author summary Aedes aegypti is the major mosquito vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika worldwide. After its introduction in Madeira, it took a few years for the first dengue outbreak to occur in the region. Control strategies rely mostly on the use of insecticides but their efficiency is often being hampered by the ability of mosquitoes to resist to the compounds used. In fact, previous vector control programs using insecticides failed to eradicate, or even, to limit the spread of Ae. aegypti in Funchal, and now, the mosquito is widely distributed throughout the southern coast of the island. Bioassays to determine insecticide susceptibility profiles were carried-out in two populations of Madeira Island and the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed insecticide resistance phenotype were investigated. Transcription levels of detoxification genes were analysed, and screenings for kdr mutations, V1016I and F1534C, associated with pyrethroid resistance were performed. Our study showed the up-regulation of several detoxification genes of multiple enzyme families associated with metabolic resistance, and the presence of the two kdr mutations, with the F1534C being fixed. Another suggested mechanism probably involved in the resistance phenotype is cuticle thickening, as several cuticle genes were found overexpressed. This study reinforces the importance of alternative control strategies to suppress Ae. aegypti population and thus reduce the likelihood of arbovirus transmission in the region.

The morphometric study on lice affecting Galea spixii helps in understanding the taxonomy of this Phithraptera. The study aimed to perform morphometry of Gliricola quadrisetosa specimens recovered in G. spixii . Analyses were performed using light optical microscope. Data were presented as simple average and standard deviation. Males and females showed an average length of body of 98,01 + 2,43 and 117,97 + 4,75 ?m; from the underside of the head 16,42 + 3,41 and 18,43 + 2,61 ?m; prothorax 12,43 + 0,91 and 13,79 + 1,13 ?m and pterothorax 13,57 + 1,07 and 14,88 + 1,84 ?m, respectively. The male genitalia lodged in their basal plate showed length of its external and internal lateral margin of 28,86 + 1,29 and 21,88 + 1,91 ?m; external internal branch of 2,94 + 0,38 and 7, 25 + 0,72 ?m. In the female genitalia, the length of the upper and lower portions were, respectively, 25,35 + 2,32 and 28,18 + 2,86 ?m. The 11 bristles had an average length of 2,99 + 0,17 ?m. The measurements will help to standardize the taxonomy of Gliricola quadrisetosa recovered in Galea spixii . KEYWORDS: Ectoparasite, lice, taxonomy.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue and a number of other diseases worldwide. Because of the domestic nature of this mosquito, the relative importance of macroclimate in shaping its distribution has been a controversial issue. We have captured here the worldwide macroclimatic conditions occupied by A. aegypti in the last century. We assessed the ability of this information to predict the species' observed distribution using supra-continental spatially-uncorrelated data. We further projected the distribution of the colonized climates in the near future (2010-2039) under two climate-change scenarios. Our results indicate that the macroclimate is largely responsible for setting the maximum range limit of A. aegypti worldwide and that in the near future, relatively wide areas beyond this limit will receive macroclimates previously occupied by the species. By comparing our projections, with those from a previous model based strictly on species-climate relationships (i.e., excluding human influence), we also found support for the hypothesis that much of the species' range in temperate and subtropical regions is being sustained by artificial environments. Altogether, these findings suggest that, if the domestic environments commonly exploited by this species are available in the newly suitable areas, its distribution may expand considerably in the near future.

Background Culex univittatus and Culex perexiguus mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are competent arbovirus vectors, but with unclear morphological differentiation. In Europe, and in the Iberian Peninsula in particular, the presence of either or both species is controversial. However, in order to conduct adequate surveillance for arboviruses in this region, it is crucial to clarify whether Cx. univittatus is present or not, as well as to critically assess existing differentiation tools. This study aimed to clarify this situation, by morphological and molecular phylogenetic comparison of Iberian specimens deemed as Cx. univittatus, with others of South African origin, i.e. from the type-locality region. Methods Thus, morphological characteristics useful to distinguish both species, such as midfemur pale line, hindfemur R ratio, seta g R1 ratio, seta f shape, length of ventral arm of phalosome and number of setae on IX tergal abdominal segment, were observed. A phylogenetic analysis based on cox1 mtDNA, of which there were no sequences from Cx. univittatus yet available in the GenBank database, was performed. Results This analysis showed that Iberian and South African specimens are morphologically similar, except for the length of the ventral arm of the phalosome, which was higher in the Iberian specimens. Although the Iberian specimens could not be accurately identified using BOLD Systems, phylogenetic analysis still grouped these closer to South African Cx. univittatus, than to Cx. perexiguus from Turkey and Pakistan, despite the observed segregation of both taxa as two individual monophyletic clusters with shared common ancestry. Conclusions This survey demonstrates that the West Nile virus vector Cx. univittatus is present in the Iberian Peninsula. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1877-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Since its emergence in 2007 in Micronesia and Polynesia, the arthropod-borne flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread in the Americas and the Caribbean, following first detection in Brazil in May 2015. The risk of ZIKV emergence in Europe increases as imported cases are repeatedly reported. Together with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV), ZIKV is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Any countries where these mosquitoes are present could be potential sites for future ZIKV outbreak. We assessed the vector competence of European Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) for the currently circulating Asian genotype of ZIKV. Methodology/Principal Findings Two populations of Ae. aegypti from the island of Madeira (Funchal and Paul do Mar) and two populations of Ae. albopictus from France (Nice and Bar-sur-Loup) were challenged with an Asian genotype of ZIKV isolated from a patient in April 2014 in New Caledonia. Fully engorged mosquitoes were then maintained in insectary conditions (28°±1°C, 16h:8h light:dark cycle and 80% humidity). 16–24 mosquitoes from each population were examined at 3, 6, 9 and 14 days post-infection to estimate the infection rate, disseminated infection rate and transmission efficiency. Based on these experimental infections, we demonstrated that Ae. albopictus from France were not very susceptible to ZIKV. Conclusions/Significance In combination with the restricted distribution of European Ae. albopictus, our results on vector competence corroborate the low risk for ZIKV to expand into most parts of Europe with the possible exception of the warmest regions bordering the Mediterranean coastline., Author Summary In May 2015, local transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) was reported in Brazil and since then, more than 1.5 million human cases have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean. This arbovirus, primarily found in Africa and Asia, is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Viremic travelers returning from America to European countries where Ae. albopictus is established could become the source for local transmission of ZIKV. In order to estimate the risk of seeding ZIKV into local mosquito populations, the susceptibility of European Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to ZIKV was measured using experimental infections. We demonstrated that Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti from Europe were not very susceptible to ZIKV. The threat for a Zika outbreak in Europe should be limited.

Mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, are becoming important models for studying invasion biology. We characterized genetic variation at 12 microsatellite loci in 79 populations of Ae. aegypti from 30 countries in six continents, and used them to infer historical and modern patterns of invasion. Our results support the two subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus and Ae. aegypti aegypti as genetically distinct units. Ae. aegypti aegypti populations outside Africa are derived from ancestral African populations and are monophyletic. The two subspecies co-occur in both East Africa (Kenya) and West Africa (Senegal). In rural/forest settings (Rabai District of Kenya), the two subspecies remain genetically distinct, whereas in urban settings, they introgress freely. Populations outside Africa are highly genetically structured likely due to a combination of recent founder effects, discrete discontinuous habitats and low migration rates. Ancestral populations in sub-Saharan Africa are less genetically structured, as are the populations in Asia. Introduction of Ae. aegypti to the New World coinciding with trans-Atlantic shipping in the 16th to 18th centuries was followed by its introduction to Asia in the late 19th century from the New World or from now extinct populations in the Mediterranean Basin. Aedes mascarensis is a genetically distinct sister species to Ae. aegypti s.l. This study provides a reference database of genetic diversity that can be used to determine the likely origin of new introductions that occur regularly for this invasive species. The genetic uniqueness of many populations and regions has important implications for attempts to control Ae. aegypti, especially for the methods using genetic modification of populations., Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores

Although the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is not clear, they can interact electrostatically with the cell membranes of microorganisms. New ocellatin-PT peptides were recently isolated from the skin secretion of Leptodactylus pustulatus. The secondary structure of these AMPs and their effect on Leishmania infantum cells, and on different lipid surface models was characterized in this work. The results showed that all ocellatin-PT peptides have an -helix structure and five of them (PT3, PT4, PT6 to PT8) have leishmanicidal activity; PT1 and PT2 affected the cellular morphology of the parasites and showed greater affinity for leishmania and bacteria-mimicking lipid membranes than for those of mammals. The results show selectivity of ocellatin-PTs to the membranes of microorganisms and the applicability of biophysical methods to clarify the interaction of AMPs with cell membranes., This work was partially supported by grants from INCT Nanobiotecnologia and PVE Project (MCT/CNPq), the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET), and the Agencia Nacional de Promocion Científica y Tecnologica (ANPCyT). M.M.M.is a researcher at CONICET. This work has also been supported through project UID/MULTI/04378/2013-POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007728 with financial support from FCT/MEC through national funds and co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out at Centro de Materiais da Universidade do Porto, CEMUP. Peter Eaton is supported by a Ciência sem Fronteiras grant via CNPq, and his lab work is supported by financial support from FCT/MEC through national funds and co-financed by FEDER, under the partnership agreement PT2020. Alexandra Pl acido and Ana Georgina Gomes-Alves are grateful to FCT for their grants SFRH/BD/97995/2013 and SFRH/BD/93766/2013, financed by POPH–QREN–Tipologia 4.1–Formação Avançada, subsidized by Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior. Nuno Vale thanks Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2) and Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP) for co-funding refurbishment of the Porto Peptide Synthesis Facility (POPUP) through operation NORTE-07-0162-FEDER000111. NV thanks Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER (European Union) for funding through project grant IF/00092/2014. Work in AMT laboratory was supported by Project “NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000002-Host-Pathogen Interactions” cofunded by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte under QREN, through FEDER and FCT. None of the funding bodies were involved in study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

The Culex pipiens complex includes two widespread mosquito vector species, Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The distribution of these species varies in latitude, with the former being present in temperate regions and the latter in tropical and subtropical regions. However, their distribution range overlaps in certain areas and interspecific hybridization has been documented. Genetic introgression between these species may have epidemiological repercussions for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. Bayesian clustering analysis based on multilocus genotypes of 12 microsatellites was used to determine levels of hybridization between these two species in Macaronesian islands, the only contact zone described in West Africa. The distribution of the two species reflects both the islands' biogeography and historical aspects of human colonization. Madeira Island displayed a homogenous population of Cx. pipiens, whereas Cape Verde showed a more intriguing scenario with extensive hybridization. In the islands of Brava and Santiago, only Cx. quinquefasciatus was found, while in Fogo and Maio high hybrid rates (̃40%) between the two species were detected. Within the admixed populations, second-generation hybrids (̃50%) were identified suggesting a lack of isolation mechanisms. The observed levels of hybridization may locally potentiate the transmission to humans of zoonotic arboviruses such as WNV. publishersversion published

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a public health problem. Currently, chemotherapy is the only available treatment for this disease, and the drugs used, nifurtimox and benzonidazol, present high toxicity levels. An alternative for replacing these drugs are natural extracts from Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) used in traditional medicine because of their antimicrobial and biological activities.In this study, we evaluated the extract of M. charantia for its antiepimastigote, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities.An ethanol extract of leaves from M. charantia was prepared. To research in vitro antiepimastigote activity, T. cruzi CL-B5 clone was used. Epimastigotes were inoculated at a concentration of 1 × 10(5) cells/mL in 200 µl tryptose-liver infusion. For the cytotoxicity assay, J774 macrophages were used. The antifungal activity was evaluated by microdilution using strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.The effective concentration capable of killing 50% of parasites (IC(50)) was 46.06 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was ≤ 1024 µg/mL. Metronidazole showed a potentiation of its antifungal effect when combined with an extract of M. charantia.Our results indicate that M. charantia could be a source of plant-derived natural products with antiepimastigote and antifungal-modifying activity with moderate toxicity.

Malaria is dependent on environmental factors and considered as potentially re-emerging in temperate regions. Remote sensing data have been used successfully for monitoring environmental conditions that influence the patterns of such arthropod vector-borne diseases. Anopheles atroparvus density data were collected from 2002 to 2005, on a bimonthly basis, at three sites in a former malarial area in Southern Portugal. The development of the Remote Vector Model (RVM) was based upon two main variables: temperature and the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra satellite. Temperature influences the mosquito life cycle and affects its intra-annual prevalence, and MODIS NDVI was used as a proxy for suitable habitat conditions. Mosquito data were used for calibration and validation of the model. For areas with high mosquito density, the model validation demonstrated a Pearson correlation of 0.68 (p0.05) and a modelling efficiency/Nash-Sutcliffe of 0.44 representing the model's ability to predict intra- and inter-annual vector density trends. RVM estimates the density of the former malarial vector An. atroparvus as a function of temperature and of MODIS NDVI. RVM is a satellite data-based assimilation algorithm that uses temperature fields to predict the intra- and inter-annual densities of this mosquito species using MODIS NDVI. RVM is a relevant tool for vector density estimation, contributing to the risk assessment of transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and can be part of the early warning system and contingency plans providing support to the decision making process of relevant authorities.

Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. (Leguminosae), a tree in Northeast Brazil (Chapada do Araripe), is used in popular medicine to treat different processes such as inflammation and infectious diseases, mainly caused by bacterial pathogens.This study determined the modulatory and antimicrobial activity of the hydroethanol extract of dried stem bark, the most used form of this natural product, as a remedy by the traditional communities, against standard and clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.The antibacterial and modulatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves were obtained by maceration/hydrodistillation method and assayed by microdilution.In the microbiological assays, growth inhibition was demonstrated by this extract against the bacterial strains tested, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 512 μg/mL. However, when a subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8 = 64 μg/mL) was combined with conventional antimicrobial drugs (gentamicin, kanamycin, amikacin and neomycin), the extract showed a potentiating effect, reducing the MIC for all drugs assayed in a range between 312.5 and 2.4 μg/mL.We indicate that the extract of S. rotundifolium showed potential synergistic antibiotic activity. With the results obtained, these extracts proved to be a promising source of antibacterial and modulatory agents.

Longitudinal mosquito surveys were carried out in southern Portugal from 2004 to 2007, in a wetland area (Comporta, District of Setúbal) and around the perimeter of a dam irrigation plant that created the largest artificial lake in Europe, 250 km(2) (Alqueva, Districts of Evora and Beja). Our aim was to study the diversity, abundance, and seasonal dynamics of mosquitoes, comparing these two different areas, to screen mosquitoes for West Nile Virus (WNV), an arboviral agent already detected in Portugal, because these areas are populated with abundant avian fauna. Monthly collections of adult mosquitoes were carried out by Centers for Disease Control light-traps with CO(2) and by indoor resting collections. Mosquitoes were identified and screened for arboviruses by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction directed toward amplification of a 217-bp fragment of the NS5 gene. Mosquito peak densities were observed in July-August in Comporta and May-June, with a plateau in July-October, in Alqueva. However, densities were far higher in Comporta area (220,821 specimens) than in Alqueva area (9442 specimens), with a clear difference in species distribution, as in Comporta the predominant species was Culex theileri (85%), followed by Aedes caspius (6%), Anopheles atroparvus (4%), and Culex pipiens sensu latu (s.l.) (3%), whereas in Alqueva the predominant species was Cx. pipiens s.l. (56%), followed by An. atroparvus (18%), Cx. theileri (14%), and Culiseta longiareolata (9%). Female mosquitoes (8842 in 175 pools) of the species Ae. caspius, An. atroparvus, Culex mimeticus, Cx. pipiens Sensu latu (s.l.), Cx. theileri, and Culex univittatus were screened and found to be negative for WNV genomic RNA. Although there was no detection of WNV sequences in mosquitoes, vigilance should continue as the circulation of virus has been previously detected more than once in Portugal, in humans, animals, and mosquitoes, and in other surrounding Mediterranean countries.

Leishmania infantum cytosolic tryparedoxin (LiTXN1) can be regarded as a potential candidate for drug targeting. This redox active molecule, which belongs to the thioredoxin superfamily, is one constituent of the hydroperoxide elimination cascade in L. infantum and may also be involved in other cellular processes such as DNA synthesis or host-parasite interaction. In order to validate LiTXN1 as a drug target we have employed a gene replacement strategy. We observed that substitution of both chromosomal LiTXN1 alleles was only possible upon parasite complementation with an episomal copy of the gene. Furthermore, contrary to control parasites carrying the empty vector, both the insect and the mammalian stages of L. infantum retained the episomal copy of LiTXN1 in the absence of drug pressure. These results confirm the essentiality of LiTXN1 throughout the life cycle of the parasite, namely in the disease-causing amastigote stage. In addition, the data obtained showed that disruption of one allele of this gene leads only to a 25% reduction in the expression of LiTXN1. Even though this does not affect promastigote growth and susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide, ex vivo infection assays suggest that wild-type levels of LiTXN1 are required for optimal L. infantum virulence.

Circulation of West Nile virus in Portugal was demonstrated by serological surveys, and the virus was isolated in 1969 from Anopheles maculipennis s.l. A survey of the whole country was carried out (2001-2004) to assess the abundance of mosquito species and to screen them for arbovirus infection. A total of 770 collections yielded 32460 mosquitoes of 15 species. The regions with the highest abundance of mosquitoes were the coastal and estuarine districts of Santarém, Setúbal and Faro. Culex pipiens s.l., An. maculipennis s.l., Cx. theileri and Ochlerotatus caspius were the most abundant and widespread, accounting for 92% of mosquitoes caught. Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and Cx. pipiens s.l. were present all over the country. Culex theileri and. Oc. caspius were more abundant in the southern and coastal areas, respectively. A total of 2355 mosquito pools were screened by RT-PCR for flaviviruses, of which 987 pools were also screened for bunyaviruses. Culex pipiens s.l. and Cx. univittatus collected in 2004 in the southern district of Faro were found to be infected with West Nile virus. The density and proximity of these mosquitoes to the human populations may constitute a public health threat in the case of involvement in arbovirus transmission cycles.

BackgroundDivergent selection can be a major driver of ecological speciation. In insects of medical importance, understanding the speciation process is both of academic interest and public health importance. In the West Nile virus vectorCulex pipiens, intraspecific pipiens and molestus forms vary in ecological and physiological traits. Populations of each form appear to share recent common ancestry but patterns of genetic differentiation across the genome remain unknown. Here, we undertook an AFLP genome scan on samples collected from both sympatric and allopatric populations from Europe and the USA to quantify the extent of genomic differentiation between the two forms.ResultsThe forms were clearly differentiated but each exhibited major population sub-structuring between continents. Divergence between pipiens and molestus forms from USA was higher than in both inter- and intra-continental comparisons with European samples. The proportion of outlier loci between pipiens and molestus (≈3 %) was low but consistent in both continents, and similar to those observed between sibling species of other mosquito species which exhibit contemporary gene flow. Only two of the outlier loci were shared between inter-form comparisons made within Europe and USA.ConclusionThis study supports the molestus and pipiens status as distinct evolutionary entities with low genomic divergence. The low number of shared divergent loci between continents suggests a relatively limited number of genomic regions determining key typological traits likely to be driving incipient speciation and/or adaptation of molestus to anthropogenic habitats.

A major requirement to perform structural studies with membrane proteins is to define efficient reconstitution protocols that ensure a high incorporation degree and protein directionality and topology that mimics its in vivo conditions. For this kind of studies, protein reconstitution in membrane systems via a detergent-mediated pathway is usually successfully adopted because detergents are generally used in the initial isolation and purification of membrane proteins. This study reports OmpF reconstitution in preformed Escherichia coli liposomes followed by detection of its insertion by analyzing modifications on membrane structure by two different techniques: steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and dynamic light scattering. Another important issue is protein directionality. For OmpF, it is known that interaction with polyamines promotes channel blockage. In this work, the spermine–OmpF interaction was evaluated using surface plasmon resonance, and protein directionality was confirmed.

13 páginas, 5 figuras, The recent emergence in Europe of invasive mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease associated with both invasive and native mosquito species has prompted intensified mosquito vector research in most European countries. Central to the efforts are mosquito monitoring and surveillance activities in order to assess the current species occurrence, distribution and, when possible, abundance, in order to permit the early detection of invasive species and the spread of competent vectors. As active mosquito collection, e.g. by trapping adults, dipping preimaginal developmental stages or ovitrapping, is usually cost-, time- and labour-intensive and can cover only small parts of a country, passive data collection approaches are gradually being integrated into monitoring programmes. Thus, scientists in several EU member states have recently initiated programmes for mosquito data collection and analysis that make use of sources other than targeted mosquito collection. While some of them extract mosquito distribution data from zoological databases established in other contexts, community-based approaches built upon the recognition, reporting, collection and submission of mosquito specimens by citizens are becoming more and more popular and increasingly support scientific research. Based on such reports and submissions, new populations, extended or new distribution areas and temporal activity patterns of invasive and native mosquito species were found. In all cases, extensive media work and communication with the participating individuals or groups was fundamental for success. The presented projects demonstrate that passive approaches are powerful tools to survey the mosquito fauna in order to supplement active mosquito surveillance strategies and render them more focused. Their ability to continuously produce biological data permits the early recognition of changes in the mosquito fauna that may have an impact on biting nuisance and the risk of pathogen transmission associated with mosquitoes. International coordination to explore synergies and increase efficiency of passive surveillance programmes across borders needs to be established., This research was supported by Science and Technology Support Program of Sichuan Province (Grant No. 2015SZ0201), Special Fund for Agroscientific Research in the Public Interest (Grant No. 201203062) and Chang-jiang Scholars and the Innovative Research Team in University (Grant No. IRT0848).

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-12T17:28:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2018-11-12T17:37:04Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S2175-78602015000401033.pdf: 947946 bytes, checksum: a99ef4ce93dda8cd40df3283b1018ed4 (MD5) Resumo Até 2010, o conhecimento sobre a diversidade de fungos do Brasil estava registrado em publicações esparsas de taxonomia e ecologia e em algumas poucas listas de espécies. Com a publicação do Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil, e a disponibilização da lista online, tem sido possível agregar o conhecimento disperso. A versão ora apresentada acrescenta 2.111 nomes de espécies aos 3.608 listados em 2010. São citadas 5.719 espécies de fungos distribuídas em 1.246 gêneros, 102 ordens e 13 divisões, consistindo em considerável aumento em relação a 2010, quando estavam registrados 924 gêneros e 78 ordens. Predominam os Basidiomycota (2.741 espécies, em 22 ordens) e Ascomycota (1.881 espécies, em 41 ordens). A Mata Atlântica possui a maior quantidade de registros, com 3.017 espécies, seguido pela Amazonia (1.050), Caatinga (999), Cerrado (638) e Pampa e Pantanal com 84 e 35 espécies, respectivamente. A região Nordeste tem a maior riqueza (2.617 especies), seguida pelo Sudeste (2.252), Sul (1.995), Norte (1.301) e Centro Oeste (488 espécies). Em relação aos Estados da Federação, São Paulo (1.846 espécies), Pernambuco (1.611) e Rio Grande do Sul (1.377) são os mais diversos. Abstract Knowledge about the Brazilian fungal diversity was, until 2010, recorded in few taxonomy and ecology publications, as well as in a handful of species lists. With the publication of the Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil and the continued availability of an online list, it has been possible to aggregate this dispersed knowledge. The version presented here adds 2,111 species names to the 3,608 listed in 2010. A total of 5,719 species of fungi distributed in 1,246 genera, 102 orders and 13 phyla represents a considerable increase over the last five years, when only 924 genera and 78 orders were registered. Basidiomycota (2,741 species in 22 orders) and Ascomycota (1,881 species in 41 orders) predominate over other groups. The Atlantic Rainforest has the largest number of records, with 3,017 species, followed by Amazon Rainforest (1,050), Caatinga (999), Cerrado (638) and Pampa and Pantanal with 84 and 35 species, respectively. The Northeast region has the greatest richness (2,617 species), followed by Southeast (2,252), South (1,995), North (1,301) and Central-West (488 species). Regarding the States of the Federation, São Paulo with 1,846 species, Pernambuco with 1,611 and Rio Grande do Sul with 1,377 species are the most diverse. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro Secretaria do Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo Instituto de Botânica Núcleo de Pesquisa em Micologia Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Depto. Botânica Lab. Micologia Universidade Federal de Sergipe Depto. Biociências ABL Herbarium Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Depto. Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia Faculdade São Lucas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Centro de Biociências Depto. Botânica Ecologia e Zoologia Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco Centro de Ciências Agrárias Empresa Brazileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana Depto. Ciências Biológicas Centro de Pesquisas do Cacau Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Inst. Biociências Depto. Botânica Universidade Federal da Paraíba Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi Coordenação de Botânica Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz Depto. Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas Universidade Federal de Lavras Depto. Fitopatologia Lab. Sistemática e Ecologia de Fungos Instituto Federal de São Paulo Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Inst. Biociências de Rio Claro Depto. Bioquímica e Microbiologia Universidade Federal do Paraná Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Inst. Biociências de Rio Claro Depto. Bioquímica e Microbiologia

Dengue virus (DENV) is the arbovirus with the widest impact on human health. Although its dispersal is partially conditioned by environmental constraints that limit the distribution of its main vector (Aedes aegypti), DENV has been spreading geographically in recent times, but mostly afflicting tropical and subtropical regions. With no prophylactic vaccine or specific therapeutics available, vector control remains the best alternative to restrain its circulation. Moreover, the establishment of thriving vector populations in peri urban environments brings humans and viruses together, opening the possibility for the occurrence of unexpected outbreaks. Europe is no exception: such was the case of Madeira in 2012. In addition to its impact on the health of the local population, health services, and economy, this outbreak revealed how difficult it may be to control the circulation of pathogenic arboviruses, especially taking into consideration that Europe is already partially colonized by another DENV vector, Aedes albopictus.

To determine if mating or gonotrophic age influenced the biting behaviour of Anopheles gambiae s.s., a series of all-night landing captures was performed on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea. On São Tomé 49% and on Príncipe 56% of the newly emerged An. gambiae taking their first bloodmeal were virgins. On each island, with the exception of recently mated insects on Príncipe, all age-groups had similar biting cycles. The biting cycle on Príncipe resembled that observed on continental Africa, with a peak in the latter part of the night. Peak biting on São Tomé, however, occurred before midnight. Estimated daily survival rates were 0.77 and 0.29 for São Tomé and Príncipe, respectively. Mating does not affect the biting behaviour of An. gambiae on these islands.

Islands are choice settings for experimental studies of vector control strategies based on transgenic insects. Before considering this approach, knowledge of the population structure of the vector is essential. Genetic variation at 12 microsatellite loci was therefore studied in samples of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s., collected from six localities of São Tomé island (West Africa). The objectives were (i) to assess the demographic stability and effective population size of A. gambiae from these sites, (ii) to determine population differentiation and (iii) to relate the observed patterns of population structure with geographic, ecological and historical aspects of the vector on the island. Significant population differentiation, revealed by FST and RST statistics, was found between the southernmost site, Porto Alegre, and northern localities. The observed patterns of population substructure are probably a result of restrictions to gene flow in the less inhabited, more densely forested and mountainous south. In all localities surveyed, A. gambiae appeared to be experiencing a demographic expansion, consistent with a relatively recent (ca. 500 years) founder effect. The results are discussed with respect to current and future prospects of malaria vector control.