Detection of the emerging rotavirus G!@P(8) genotype at high frequency in brazil in 2014: Successive replacement of predominant strains after vaccine introduction

The continuum characterization of rotavirus (RVA) genotypes is essential to understand how vaccine introduction could impact virus epidemiology. In the present study, an unexpected rapid changing pattern of RVA genotypes distribution in Brazilian population during three followed seasons is described. From January/2012 to December/2014, a total of 3441 fecal specimens were collected from collaborating centers across Southern, Southeastern and Midwest of Brazil. All specimens were screened for RVA using ELISA, and genotyped by RT-PCR. Differences in proportions were tested using Chi-Squares. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RVA was detected in 19.7% (677/3441). Among RVA positive cases (n=677), a total of 652 (96.3%) samples were successfully amplified by RT-PCR. G3P[8] remained prevalent in 2012 (37.6%, 69/185) and 2013 (40.1%, 74/186) (χ(2)=0.107, p=0.743), but declined markedly in 2014 (3.5%, 10/281) (χ(2)=71.770, p=0.000). G12P[8] was second highest strain in 2012 (22.7%, 42/185), decrease rapidly in 2013 (2.7%, 5/186) (χ(2)=26.224, p=0.000) and re-emerged as the predominant genotype in 2014 (86.6%, 243/281) (χ(2)=118.299, p=0.000). From July/2014, G12P[8] was the single genotype detected in all regions studied. The sudden emergence, spread and predominance of G12P[8] strain in Brazil, raised the hypothesis of a possible G12 outbreak being in progress. Nationally, the long term decline in gastroenteritis hospitalization observed in the country after RVA vaccine introduction was confirmed. Nevertheless, the sharp increase in diarrhea hospitalization prevalence from 2013 to 2014 observed in Southern and Southeastern regions is consistent with what appears to be an outbreak of G12P[8]. Continued surveillance is needed to verify the effectiveness of the RotarixTM vaccine in Brazil together with potential emergence of unusual genotypes.

Rotavirus genotypes and the indigenous children of Brazilian midwest in the vaccine era, 2008-2012: footprints of animal genome

World group A rotavirus (RVA) surveillance data provides useful estimates of the disease burden, however, indigenous population might require special consideration. The aim of this study was to describe the results of G­ and P­types from Brazilian native children ≤3 years. Furthermore, selected strains have been analyzed for the VP7, VP6, VP4, and NSP4 encoding genes in order to gain insight into genetic variability of Brazilian strains. A total of 149 samples, collected during 2008­2012, were tested for RVA using ELISA and PAGE, following by RT­PCR and sequencing. RVA infection was detected in 8.7% of samples (13/149). Genotype G2P[4] was detected in 2008 and 2010, G8P[6] in 2009, and G3P[8] in 2011. The phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes grouped the Brazilian G2P[4] and G3P[8] strains within the lineages currently circulating in humans worldwide. However, the phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 and NSP4 from the Brazilian G2P[4] strains, and the VP7 and NSP4 from the Brazilian G3P[8] strains suggest a distant common ancestor with different animal strains (bovine, caprine, and porcine). The epidemiological and genetic information obtained in the present study is expected to provide an updated understanding of RVA genotypes circulating in the native infant population, and to formulate policies for the use of RVA vaccines in indigenous Brazilian people. Moreover, these results highlight the great diversity of human RVA strains circulating in Brazil, and an in­depth surveillance of human and animal RVA will lead to a better understanding of the complex dynamics of RVA evolution

Nivel óptimo de proteínas en la dieta para alevines de Prochilodus mariae / Optimal dietary protein levels for Prochilodus mariae alevins

The purpose of this work was to determine the optimal protein level to feed alevins of coporo (Prochidolus mariae) fish. Four diets were formulated with growing levels of crude protein (15, 25, 35 and 45%) with similar energy values (between 19,6 and 20,4 KJ g-1). Three trials were performed for each diet. The animals were acclimated and fed a commercial diet during one week and after that time the test diets were administered ad libitum three times a day during 41 days. Fifty five frys per fishbowl were placed with an initial mean weight of 0,32 ± 0,04 g. Three periods of fourteen days each were registered and at the end of each period weight gain (GP) and food consumption per fish tank was determined. The zootechnical parameters, final mean weights (PMF), total weight gain (GTP), specific growth rate (TCE) and daily growth index (ICD) of the fish did not show significant differences between the diets with protein levels of 35% and 45% proteins, indicating that a diet with 35% protein is adequate for a good development of the fish in this stage.

El propósito de este trabajo fue determinar el óptimo proteico en la alimentación de alevines de coporo (Prochidolus mariae). Se formularon 4 dietas con niveles crecientes de proteína cruda (15, 25, 35 y 45%), y valores energéticos similares entre 19,6 y 20,4 KJ g-1, de manera que sean isocalóricas. Se realizaron tres repeticiones por cada dieta (n=3). Los alevines fueron aclimatados y alimentados con una dieta comercial durante una semana y luego de este tiempo se le suministraron las dietas a ensayar ad libitum tres veces al día durante 41 días. Se colocaron 55 alevines por pecera con peso medio inicial de 0,32g ± 0,04. Se llevó un registro durante tres períodos, de catorce días cada uno, al final de cada período se determinó la ganancia de peso (GP) y el consumo de alimento por pecera. Los parámetros zootécnicos, pesos medios finales (PMF), ganancia total de peso (GTP), tasa de crecimiento específico (TCE) e índice de crecimiento diario (ICD) de los peces, no presentaron diferencias significativas entre las dietas con 35 y 45% de proteínas, lo que indica que una dieta con 35% de proteínas, es adecuada para un buen desarrollo del pez en este estadio.

Valoración de dietas para alevines de Colossoma macropomum utilizando como fuentes proteicas harinas: de lombriz (Eisenia foetida), soya (Glycine max) y caraotas (Phaseolus vulgaris) / Evaluation of diets for Colossoma macropomum alevins, using earthworm (Eiseniafoetida) flour, soybean (Glycine max) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) as proteins sources

The current study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating two alternative diets in the feeding of Colossoma macropomum alevins using earthworm flour (Eisenia foetida), soybean (Glycine max) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) as the protein source and as fishmeal substitute and was compared with a control diet. The diets were formulated with a crude protein with a theoretical 32% protein. The body composition of C. macropomum fed the different diets showed that protein was between 47,3%% and 48,6% and the lipid content was found between 21,2% and24,3% not showing significant differences between diets (p>0,05). According to the results obtained there is a reason to think that a total substitution of fishmeal by earthworm meal, soybean and beans would be successful in feeding C. macropomum alevins.

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de valorar dos dietas alternativas en la alimentación de alevines de cachama negra (Colossoma macropomum), utilizando como fuentes proteicas harinas de lombriz (Eisenia foetida), soya (Glycine max) y caraotas (Phaseolus vulgaris) como sustituto de la harina de pescado, comparándolo con una dieta testigo. Las dietas se formularon con un porcentaje teórico de proteína bruta de 32%. En cuanto a la composición corporal de las cachamas alimentadas con las dietas, el % de proteína se determinó entre 47,3 y 48,6 y % de lípidos entre 21,2 y 24,3; sin presentar diferencias significativas (p>0,05). De acuerdo a los resultados se puede concluir que una sustitución total de la harina de pescado por harina de soya- lombriz, y de soya-caraota conduciría a buenos resultados para la alimentación de alevines de cachama negra.

[Treatment of post menopausal osteoporosis with intravenous pamidronate in patients with esophagogastric pathology]. / Tratamiento de la osteoporosis postmenopáusica con pamidronato intravenoso en pacientes con patología esofagogástrica.

Pamidronate is an effective inhibitor of bone resorption; for this reason it is used in the treatment of high bone turnover diseases and osteoporosis. Because of potential gastric and esophagic side effects their oral use is limited in patients with active pathology in these organs. With the aim to evaluate the usefulness and to establish the ideal schedule of treatment of intravenous pamidronate, we assayed pamidronate infusions (APDIV) in 20 postmenopausal women with active gastroesophagical diseases. Ten of these patients received 30 or 45 mg weekly until they achieved an average dose of 157.50 +/- 9.28 mg/year in one month (range: 120-180 mg) (Group A). Another comparable ten women's group received 30 or 45 mg every three months or 90 mg every six months; the achieved average dose in this group was 166.50 +/- 6.87 mg/year (range: 120-180 mg) (Group B). All patients received 1,000 mg elemental calcium daily. Bone mineral density in lumbar spine significantly increased in both groups, but this increment (delta DMO%) was higher in group B. Bone mineral density in femoral neck was only increased in group A. Parathyroid hormone (iPTH) significantly increased at the third month but returned to basal values at the end of the year in both groups. Parameters of bone remodeling such as osteocalcin (BGP), pyridinoline and deoxipyridinolin decreased progressively and remained low at the end of the year. The treatment was well tolerated: only two patients in group A and one in Group B experienced fever and pseudoflu syndrome; phlebitis was present in one patient in the second group. In conclusion, intravenous Pamidronate is an effective and safe treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis specially in these patients with esophagicor gastric disorders. Future trials are needed to clarify the ideal dose and schedule of treatment.

[Association between Paget's disease and primary hyperparathyroidism]. / Asociación entre enfermedad de Paget e hiperparatiroidismo primario.

Association between primary hyperparathyroidism and Paget's disease of bone is extremely uncommon, despite the relatively high incidence of both entities. The mechanism of this association remains unknown. Dramatic changes in parathyroid function are found in patients with Paget's disease and, on the other hand, the evolution of Paget's disease is influenced by parathyroid functional disorders. We reviewed 175 patients with Paget's disease and 60 with primary hyperparathyroidism, followed during 10 years. We only found 5 cases with the association of the two diseases. Approximately equal number were male and female (ratio: 1.5/1) patients and the average age was 63.60 +/- 2.65 years. Hypercalcemia in Paget's patients, and in increase in alkaline phosphatase in post parathyroid adenoma surgery patients were the clues that suggested the presence of the second disease. Surgical treatment was indicated in 3 patients, and the others were treated with antiresorptive drugs. We also reviewed the cases published since 1934, comparing their diagnostic, clinical, treatment and evolution features with our own cases.