A Novel and Divergent Gyrovirus with Unusual Genomic Features Detected in Wild Passerine Birds from a Remote Rainforest in French Guiana.

Sequence-independent amplification techniques have become important tools for virus discovery, metagenomics, and exploration of viral diversity at the global scale, especially in remote areas. Here, we describe the detection and genetic characterization of a novel gyrovirus, named GyV11, present in cloacal, oral, and blood samples from neotropical wild birds in French Guiana. The molecular epidemiology revealed the presence of GyV11 only in passerine birds from three different species at a low prevalence (0.73%). This is the first characterization and prevalence study of a gyrovirus carried out in resident wild bird populations in a remote region, and provides evidence of the fecal-oral route transmission and local circulation of the virus. The molecular phylogeny of gyroviruses reveals the existence of two distinct gyrovirus lineages in which GyV11 is phylogenetically distinct from previously reported gyroviruses. Furthermore, GyV11 is placed basal in the gyrovirus phylogeny, likely owing to its ancestral origin and marked divergence. This study also provides important insights into the ecology, epidemiology, and genomic features of gyroviruses in a remote neotropical rainforest. The pathogenesis of this virus in avian species or whether GyV11 can infect humans and/or chickens needs to be further investigated.

A novel group of avian astroviruses from Neotropical passerine birds broaden the diversity and host range of Astroviridae.

Metagenomics is helping to expand the known diversity of viruses, especially of those with poorly studied hosts in remote areas. The Neotropical region harbors a considerable diversity of avian species that may play a role as both host and short-distance vectors of unknown viruses. Viral metagenomics of cloacal swabs from 50 Neotropical birds collected in French Guiana revealed the presence of four complete astrovirus genomes. They constitute an early diverging novel monophyletic clade within the Avastrovirus phylogeny, representing a putative new astrovirus species (provisionally designated as Avastrovirus 5) according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification criteria. Their genomic organization shares some characteristics with Avastrovirus but also with Mamastrovirus. The pan-astrovirus RT-PCR analysis of the cloacal samples of 406 wild Neotropical birds showed a community-level prevalence of 4.9% (5.1% in passerines, the highest described so far in this order of birds). By screening birds of a remote region, we expanded the known host range of astroviruses to the avian families Cardinalidae, Conopophagidae, Furnariidae, Thamnophilidae, Turdidae and Tyrannidae. Our results provide important first insights into the unexplored viral communities, the ecology, epidemiology and features of host-pathogen interactions that shape the evolution of avastroviruses in a remote Neotropical rainforest.

Cerebral palsy: the meaning of physical therapy for mother caregivers / Paralisia cerebral: o significado da fisioterapia na visão de mães cuidadoras

Abstract Introduction: Exercise therapy, as applied by a physiotherapist, aims to improve the acquisition of functional skills by children with cerebral palsy (CP). Treatment instructions are given to mothers, but are frequently not followed. Objective: To get to know the meaning of the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of children with CP, according to their mothers' perception; and to check mothers' compliance with physiotherapists' recommendations at home. Methods: This was a qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 11 mother caregivers. Data were collected through interviews based on a guide questions about the meaning of the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of children with CP, and about the continuity of care outside the outpatient setting. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using Bardin's content analysis technique. Results: These women have a positive perception of the physical therapy treatment; they value and recognize the benefits, by emphasizing that it provides for the physical, psychological and social recovery of their children. Mothers are aware of the benefits of treatment and that it is important to continue treatment at home. They show themselves willing and able to implement the recommendations given by the physical therapist, and demonstrate their constant concern for the welfare of their children. Conclusion: Physiotherapists should work more intensively with mothers who fail to adhere to home treatment programs. They should try and identify the reasons for their non-compliance, offer them guidance, advice, and assistance in order to clarify doubts and help solve difficulties faced by caregivers.

Resumo Introdução: O fisioterapeuta busca melhorar a aquisição das habilidades funcionais da criança com paralisia cerebral. São repassadas orientações importantes sobre o tratamento para as mães, que muitas vezes não são seguidas. Objetivo: Conhecer o significado do tratamento fisioterapêutico para a recuperação de crianças com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral, partindo do olhar de suas mães; verificar se essas mulheres cumprem as orientações fisioterapêuticas no ambiente domiciliar. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo descritivo-exploratório. Foram realizadas entrevistas com 11 mães cuidadoras. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada baseada em perguntas norteadoras relacionadas ao significado da fisioterapia na vida da criança acometida sob o ponto de vista da mãe e sobre a continuidade do tratamento fora do ambiente ambulatorial. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas, e analisadas com o Método da Análise do Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Foi possível constatar que estas mulheres têm uma percepção positiva do tratamento fisioterapêutico na vida do filho; valorizam e reconhecem os benefícios do tratamento, enfatizando a recuperação da criança no aspecto físico, psicológico e social. Observou-se a conscientização dessas mulheres sobre o tratamento e sua continuidade domiciliar; elas se mostram disponíveis e ativas na execução das orientações passadas, demonstrando-se preocupadas em sempre oferecer auxílio em benefício do filho. Conclusão: O fisioterapeuta deve atuar de forma mais intensiva nos casos de não adesão ao tratamento domiciliar, buscando identificar a causa da não realização das atividades, orientando, aconselhando, e oferecendo suporte para sanar dúvidas e dificuldades enfrentadas por essas cuidadoras.