Abstract Schyzocotyle acheilognathi is a fish tapeworm native to Asia but has been reported as an alien species on practically all other continents. Its invasive potential is due to its low host specificity and high adaptability to different environments, and its spread to new areas can result in economic and ecological impacts. Studies reporting this species in South America are still scarce, indicating the need to monitor its dispersion to new areas. Herein, tapeworms found in guppies, Poecilia reticulata, from an urban stream located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2021 were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization. As a result, 5/13 (38.5%) of the P. reticulata specimens evaluated were infected with intestinal tapeworms. It was verified a mean intensity of infection of 7.8 (1-25) and a mean abundance of infection of 3 (0-25). The morphology of the cestodes obtained was compatible with that of S. acheilognathi. Moreover, genetic analysis based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (Cox-1) revealed 97.89-99.77% similarity to isolates of this species from different localities. The possibility that S. acheilognathi is expanding to new regions of South America is discussed. continents environments impacts scarce Herein guppies Horizonte Gerais Brazil 202 characterization 513 5 13 5/1 38.5% 385 38 (38.5% P 78 7 8 7. 125 25 (1-25 025. 025 0 . (0-25) S Moreover Cox1 Cox (Cox-1 97.8999.77% 97899977 97.89 99.77% 97 89 99 77 97.89-99.77 localities discussed 20 51 5/ 38.5 (38.5 12 2 (1-2 02 (0-25 (Cox- 8999 97.8999.77 9789997 9789 97.8 9977 99.77 9 97.89-99.7 38. (38. (1- (0-2 (Cox 899 97.8999.7 978999 978 97. 997 99.7 97.89-99. (38 (1 (0- 97.8999. 97899 99. 97.89-99 (3 ( (0 97.8999 97.89-9 97.899 97.89-

Resumo Schyzocotyle acheilognathi é um cestoide de peixes nativos da Ásia, mas tem sido reportado como uma espécie exótica em praticamente todos os demais continentes. Seu potencial invasor ocorre devido à sua baixa especificidade por hospedeiros, assim como alta adaptabilidade a distintos ambientes. Sua dispersão para novas áreas pode resultar em impactos econômicos e ecológicos. Estudos que relatam essa espécie na América do Sul ainda são escassos, o que indica a necessidade de monitorar sua dispersão para novas áreas. Neste trabalho, cestoides encontrados em lebistes, Poecilia reticulata, de um córrego urbano, localizado em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, em abril de 2021, foram submetidos à caracterização morfológica e molecular. Como resultado, 5/13 (38,5%) dos espécimes de P. reticulata avaliados estavam infectados com cestoides intestinais. Verificou-se uma intensidade média de infecção de 7,8 (1-25) e uma abundância média de infecção de 3 (0-25). A morfologia dos cestoides obtidos foi compatível com a de S. acheilognathi. Além disso, a análise genética, baseada no gene citocromo c oxidase subunidade 1 (Cox-1), revelou 97,89-99,77% de similaridade com isolados dessa espécie provenientes de diferentes localidades. Dessa forma, discute-se a possibilidade de S. acheilognathi estar se expandindo para novas regiões da América do Sul. Ásia continentes hospedeiros ambientes ecológicos escassos trabalho lebistes urbano Horizonte Gerais Brasil 2021 molecular resultado 513 5 13 5/1 38,5% 385 38 (38,5% P intestinais Verificouse Verificou 78 7 8 7, 125 25 (1-25 025. 025 0 . (0-25) S disso genética Cox1, Cox1 Cox , (Cox-1) 97,8999,77% 97899977 97,89 99,77% 97 89 99 77 97,89-99,77 localidades forma discutese discute 202 51 5/ 38,5 (38,5 12 2 (1-2 02 (0-25 (Cox-1 8999 97,8999,77 9789997 9789 97,8 9977 99,77 9 97,89-99,7 20 38, (38, (1- (0-2 (Cox- 899 97,8999,7 978999 978 97, 997 99,7 97,89-99, (38 (1 (0- (Cox 97,8999, 97899 99, 97,89-99 (3 ( (0 97,8999 97,89-9 97,899 97,89-

Abstract Over recent years, fish parasites of the genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793, have received increased attention due to both their ecological and their economic importance to aquaculture and fishery. As the studies about Cymothoa have increased this improve our understanding on the host specificity and distribution of these parasites. The aim of this paper was to review the current global geographic distribution, distribution patterns and parasite-host interactions patterns of Cymothoa spp. associated with fish from marine and brackish water bodies around the world. A total of 144 samples were analyzed, from which 23 species of Cymothoa were found parasitizing 84 teleost fish species of 35 families and 20 orders. Most of these parasites were found in the mouth of the host fish, including in wild fish. The highest occurrence of parasites was found in host species belonging to the families Carangidae and Lutjanidae. Host specificity was an important factor in the geographic distribution of Cymothoa species as also environmental temperature. Cymothoa indica, Cymothoa exigua and Cymothoa excisa were the species with lowest specificity for host family and widest geographic distribution. years Fabricius 1793 fishery parasitehost parasite spp world 14 analyzed 2 8 3 orders Lutjanidae temperature indica 179 1 17

Abstract This study investigated the spatial distribution, parasite interactions, and affinities of Branchiura parasites according to macrohabitat and surface type on fish from the Araguari River, Amapá State, in the Brazilian Amazon. This study presents novel information on the interactions of branchiuran species with host fish, and how the morphology of their attachment structures is associated with different host surface morphologies, with and without scales. A total of 558 fish specimens of 26 species were collected, of which 109 fish (10 species) were parasitized by at least one branchiuran parasite; these were selected for further study. The parasites were collected from the buccal cavity, gills, fins, and integument of the host fish. Parasites with suction discs (Argulus) were mainly associated to hosts with small scales and no scales, while parasites with hooks (Dolops) were mainly associated to hosts with large scales. Overall, parasites with suction discs were more specialized per site than those with hooks. distribution River State Amazon morphologies 55 2 10 (1 cavity gills fins Argulus (Argulus Dolops (Dolops Overall 5 1 (

Abstract The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain is one of the most frequent causative agents of childhood diarrhea and travelers’ diarrhea in low-and middle-income countries. Among the virulence factors secreted by ETEC, the exoprotein EtpA has been described as an important. In the present study, a new detection tool for enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria using the EtpA protein was developed. Initially, antigenic sequences of the EtpA protein were selected via in silico prediction. A chimeric recombinant protein, corresponding to the selected regions, was expressed in an E. coli host, purified and used for the immunization of mice. The specific recognition of anti-EtpA IgG antibodies generated was evaluated using flow cytometry. The tests demonstrated that the antibodiesdeveloped were able to recognize the native EtpA protein. By coupling these antibodies to magnetic beads for the capture and detection of ETEC isolates, cytometric analyses showed an increase in sensitivity, specificity and the effectiveness of the method of separation and detection of these pathogens. This is the first report of the use of this methodology for ETEC separation. Future trials may indicate their potential use for isolating these and other pathogens in clinical samples, thus accelerating the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. (ETEC travelers lowand low middleincome middle income countries important study E developed Initially prediction regions host mice antiEtpA anti cytometry isolates sensitivity samples diseases

Resumen A pesar de que Staphylococcus aureus incrementa su abundancia relativa en la psoriasis cuando se compara con el microbioma de personas sanas, no es el microorganismo más importante subyacente a la enfermedad. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos sobre el papel y las características moleculares de las cepas de S. aureus en pacientes con psoriasis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la portación nasal de este microorganismo, sus características fenotípicas y moleculares, y el impacto de factores del hospedador sobre dicha portación en estos pacientes. Se analizó la presencia de S. aureus en hisopados nasales de 46 voluntarios sanos y 50 pacientes con psoriasis mediante técnicas microbiológicas convencionales. Se encontró mayor portación en pacientes con psoriasis que en el grupo control (37,24% vs. 22,98%, respectivamente) y esta estuvo asociada al sexo (masculino), la edad (adultos) y la gravedad de la enfermedad (más frecuente en casos moderados a graves). El 12% de los aislamientos de S. aureus mostraron resistencia a betalactámicos, con resistencia acompañante a macrólidos, aminoglucósidos y fluoroquinolonas en grado variable. No se encontró resistencia a rifampicina, vancomicina, mupirocina o trimetroprima/sulfametoxazol. Se realizó una caracterización molecular preliminar de los aislamientos por amplificación de genes de virulencia mediante PCR. Si bien se identificaron factores relacionados con el hospedador que incrementan la portación nasal de S. aureus en pacientes con psoriasis, la caracterización molecular de las cepas no reveló ninguna característica genotípica predominante asociada a esta afección. Se necesitan más estudios genómicos y transcriptómicos para profundizar en esta caracterización.

Abstract Although Staphylococcus aureus increases its relative abundance in psoriasis when compared with the microbiome of healthy subjects, it is not the most important microorganism underlying this disease. However, there is scant data on the role and molecular features of S. aureus strains in psoriasis; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate nasal carriage of this microorganism, its phenotypic and molecular characteristics as well as the impact of host factors on its carriage in psoriatic patients. The presence of S. aureus was analyzed in nasal swabs from 46 healthy volunteers and 50 psoriatic patients by conventional microbiology techniques. Nasal carriage of S. aureus was higher in psoriatic patients than in the control group (37.24% vs 22.98%, respectively), being associated to sex (male), age (adults) and severity of the disease (more frequent in moderate and severe cases). Determination of antibiotic resistance detected 12% of (-lactam resistant isolates, with variable accompanying resistance to macrolides, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. No resistance to rifampicin, vancomycin, mupirocin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was found. A preliminary molecular characterization of the isolates was performed by PCR amplification of virulence genes. Molecular characterization of the strains did not reveal a predominant strain in psoriatic patients. Although we established host factors related to increased carriage of S. aureus in psoriatic patients, we could not establish the predominance of one type of strain. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the isolated strains would be necessary to address this point.

ABSTRACT Mistletoe is an important nutritional resource for the frugivorous ornithological fauna in several ecosystems. However, in great intensity, they can reduce the vigor of their host trees, requiring adequate management in urban afforestation, without depleting this source of food for birds. The hypothesis that there are hemiparasites with host specificity was the reason for this study. Thus, a floristic census of the trees was carried out at UFMT, campus Cuiabá; the infestation by genus of hemiparasite present was recorded, in quantity and degree of infestation, in addition to the quantification of seeds of the hemiparasite germinated without the development of the vegetative part, whose cotyledons necrotized and died. A total of 4265 tree individuals were evaluated, distributed in 46 families, in which 16,52% were identified of the genera Phoradendron, Psittacanthus, and Struthanthus, of which about 90,0% were Psittacanthus. The highest infestation occurred in 24 families, highlighting Fabaceae (28,3%) and Combretaceae (25,6%), and the species Terminalia catappa, Anadenanthera peregrina, and Vatairea macrocarpa. The presence of germinated seeds of the hemiparasite with dead cotyledons varies between tree species and between individuals of the same species. The highlight was in Rutaceae, Arecaceae, and Rubiaceae, and in the species Acrocomia aculeata, Caryocar villosum, and Genipa americana L. that present individuals with natural control potential, even with the presence of frugivorous ornithological fauna and the dispersion of the hemiparasite. In general, the intensity and degree of infestation are low, and there is no infestation in the Caryocaceae, Rutaceae, and Rubiaceae families, highlighting the species Caryocar villosum, Murraya paniculata and Alibertia edulis. ecosystems However afforestation birds study Thus UFMT Cuiabá recorded part died 426 evaluated 4 families 1652 16 52 16,52 Phoradendron Psittacanthus Struthanthus 900 90 0 90,0 2 28,3% 283 28 3 (28,3% 25,6%, 256 25,6% , 25 6 (25,6%) catappa peregrina macrocarpa Rutaceae Arecaceae aculeata villosum L potential general low Caryocaceae edulis 42 165 1 5 16,5 9 90, 28,3 (28,3 25,6 (25,6% 16, 28, (28, 25, (25,6 (28 (25, (2 (25 (

RESUMO As ervas-de-passarinho compõem um importante recurso nutricional para a fauna ornitológica frugívora em vários ecossistemas. Porém, em grande intensidade, podem diminuir o vigor de suas árvores hospedeiras sendo necessário manejo adequado na arborização urbana, sem exaurir essa fonte de alimento aos pássaros. A hipótese de que existam hemiparasitos com especificidade de hospedeiro foi a motivação para este trabalho. Assim, foi realizado censo florístico arbóreo na UFMT, campus Cuiabá; registrada a infestação por gênero de hemiparasito presente, em quantidade e grau de infestação, além da quantificação de sementes do hemiparasito germinadas sem o desenvolvimento da parte vegetativa, cujos cotilédones necrosaram e morreram. Avaliaram-se 4265 indivíduos arbóreos, distribuídos em 46 famílias nas quais 16.52% foram identificados os gêneros Phoradendron, Psittacanthus e Struthanthus, dos quais cerca de 90.0% eram Psittacanthus: A maior infestação ocorreu em 24 famílias, destacando-se Fabaceae (28.3%) e Combretaceae (25.6%) e as espécies Terminalia catappa, Anadenanthera peregrina e Vatairea macrocarpa: A presença de sementes germinadas do hemiparasito com cotilédones mortos é variável entre as espécies arbóreas e entre os indivíduos da mesma espécie. O destaque foi em Rutaceae, Areacaceae e Rubiaceae, e nas espécies Acrocomia aculeata, Caryocar villosum e Genipa americana L: que apresentam indivíduos com potencial natural de controle, mesmo com a presença da fauna ornitológica frugívora e a dispersão do hemiparasito. De forma geral, a intensidade e o grau de infestação são baixos e não há infestação nas famílias Caryocaceae, Rutaceae e Rubiaceae, com destaque para as espécies Caryocar villosum, Murraya paniculata e Alibertia edulis. ervasdepassarinho ervas passarinho ecossistemas Porém urbana pássaros trabalho Assim UFMT Cuiabá presente vegetativa morreram Avaliaramse Avaliaram se 426 arbóreos 4 1652 16 52 16.52 Phoradendron Struthanthus 900 90 0 90.0 2 destacandose destacando 28.3% 283 28 3 (28.3% 25.6% 256 25 6 (25.6% catappa macrocarpa espécie Rubiaceae aculeata L controle geral Caryocaceae edulis 42 165 1 5 16.5 9 90. 28.3 (28.3 25.6 (25.6 16. 28. (28. 25. (25. (28 (25 (2 (

ABSTRACT Parasites infecting migratory birds all over the world are still under investigation. The identification of parasitic taxa infecting ardeids was done concerning their morphological and morphometric features. A total of 20 Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae) specimens were collected and investigated for nematode parasites. Only one nematode species, belonging to the Heterakidae family, has been identified, with a prevalence rate of 40% (8/20) among infected egrets. The Heterakis species isolated from the lumen of the ceca of the egret host is morphologically and morphometric compatible with Heterakis gallinarum. Additionally, utilizing the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, maximum parsimony based on the Tamura-Nei model was used to infer the phylogeny of the recovered Heterakis species. The query sequences revealed 99.61% and 97.11% identities for the 18S (MK844591.1) and COI (MF066715.1) genes of the previously mentioned H. gallinarum. In addition to clarifying several morphological features of H. gallinarum, this study also provided new DNA data for this species. The combination of morphological and molecular data could be helpful to other veterinaries in finding a way to treat and control this infection in the cattle egret. investigation 2 Ardeidae (Ardeidae parasites family identified 40 8/20 820 8 (8/20 egrets gallinarum Additionally S rRNA (COI TamuraNei Tamura Nei 9961 99 61 99.61 9711 97 11 97.11 MK844591.1 MK8445911 MK MK844591 1 (MK844591.1 MF066715.1 MF0667151 MF MF066715 (MF066715.1 H 4 8/2 82 (8/2 996 9 6 99.6 971 97.1 MK844591. MK84459 (MK844591. MF066715. MF06671 (MF066715. 8/ (8/ 99. 97. MK8445 (MK844591 MF0667 (MF066715 (8 MK844 (MK84459 MF066 (MF06671 ( MK84 (MK8445 MF06 (MF0667 MK8 (MK844 MF0 (MF066 (MK84 (MF06 (MK8 (MF0 (MK (MF

RESUMO Os parasitas que infectam as aves migratórias em todo o mundo ainda estão sendo investigados. A identificação dos táxons parasitas que infectam os ardeídeos foi feita com base em suas características morfológicas e morfométricas. Um total de 20 espécimes de Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae) foi coletado e investigado quanto a parasitas nematoides. Apenas uma espécie de nematoide, pertencente à família Heterakidae, foi identificada, com uma taxa de prevalência de 40% (8/20) entre as garças infectadas. A espécie Heterakis isolada do lúmen do ceco do hospedeiro garça é morfológica e morfometricamente compatível com Heterakis gallinarum. Além disso, utilizando os genes parciais da subunidade pequena do RNA ribossômico (18S rRNA) e da subunidade I da citocromo c oxidase mitocondrial (COI), a parcimônia máxima baseada no modelo Tamura-Nei foi usada para inferir a filogenia das espécies de Heterakis recuperadas. As sequências de consulta revelaram 99,61% e 97,11% de identidades para o 18S (MK844591.1) e COI (MF066715.1) do H. gallinarum mencionado anteriormente. Além de esclarecer várias características morfológicas do H. gallinarum, este estudo também forneceu novos dados de DNA para essa espécie. A combinação de dados morfológicos e moleculares pode ser útil para que outros veterinários encontrem uma maneira de tratar e controlar essa infecção na garça-vaqueira. investigados morfométricas 2 Ardeidae (Ardeidae nematoides nematoide Heterakidae identificada 40 8/20 820 8 (8/20 infectadas disso S rRNA COI, , (COI) TamuraNei Tamura Nei recuperadas 9961 99 61 99,61 9711 97 11 97,11 MK844591.1 MK8445911 MK MK844591 1 (MK844591.1 MF066715.1 MF0667151 MF MF066715 (MF066715.1 H anteriormente garçavaqueira. garçavaqueira vaqueira. vaqueira garça-vaqueira 4 8/2 82 (8/2 (COI 996 9 6 99,6 971 97,1 MK844591. MK84459 (MK844591. MF066715. MF06671 (MF066715. 8/ (8/ 99, 97, MK8445 (MK844591 MF0667 (MF066715 (8 MK844 (MK84459 MF066 (MF06671 ( MK84 (MK8445 MF06 (MF0667 MK8 (MK844 MF0 (MF066 (MK84 (MF06 (MK8 (MF0 (MK (MF

Abstract Monogeneans are a diverse group of flatworms, being ectoparasites of marine and freshwater fish, with great morphological and ecological variety. Analyzes of monogenetics in fish with great habitat diversity such as snappers are scarce in the literature, which already emphasizes the need for an update in this regard. The presente study found, morphologically characterized and mapped the geographic distribution and in known hosts the species Microcotyloides incisa and Microcotyloides impudicus, describing the first occurrence of these monogeneans for South America and in new hosts. The survey of hosts in the literature shows that M. incisa seems to have a greater Affinity with congener species of Lutjanidae and fish from other families, which may indicate a preference or specificity for fish of this family because they are congeners of their host type. The introduction of these parasites into South American waters may have occurred due to the migratory behavior of snappers, which are well distributed along the Mexican coast, where the parasites are usually reported. Here, we also bring the first occurrence of M. incisa for Lutjanus analis and Lutjanus jocu and M. impudicus for Ocyurus chrysurus and Lutjanus synagris, helping in the mapping and distribution of these monogenetic species in the Americas. flatworms variety regard found M families type coast reported Here synagris Americas

ABSTRACT The ringtail cat (Bassariscus astutus) is a small mammal native to North America, whose role as a host for parasites is poorly understood. The present study aimed to use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to systematically collect and analyze the species that parasitize B. astutus. 55 species were identified from 23 scientific studies published between 1945 and 2021. 83.3 % of these were arthropod ectoparasites, mainly from the Ixodidae and Pulicidae families. It was identified that the louse Neotrichodectes thoracicus and the cestode Taenia pencei could present some type of specificity towards B. astutus. On the other hand, the Chao1, Chao2, Jack1, Jack2, and Bootstrap estimators were used to estimate parasite richness, which showed that the species inventory is still incomplete. We expect our results to be helpful in exposing the lack of information about the species that parasitize B. astutus, especially endoparasites.

RESUMEN El cacomixtle (Bassariscus astutus) es un pequeño mamífero nativo de Norteamérica, cuyo rol como hospedero de parásitos es poco conocido. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo utilizar la lista de verificación PRISMA para recopilar de manera sistemática y analizar a las especies que parasitan B. astutus. Se identificaron a 55 especies provenientes de 23 estudios científicos publicados entre 1945 al 2021. El 83.3 % de estas fueron ectoparásitos artrópodos, principalmente de las familias Ixodidae y Pulicidae. Se identificó que el piojo Neotrichodectes thoracicus y el cestodo Taenia pencei podrían presentar algún tipo de especificidad hacia B. astutus. Por otro lado, se utilizaron los estimadores Chao1, Chao2, Jack1, Jack2 y Bootstrap para estimar la riqueza de parásitos, los cuales mostraron que el inventario de especies continúa incompleto. Se espera que estos resultados sean útiles para exponer la falta de información sobre las especies que parasitan a B. astutus, en especial de los endoparásitos.

Abstract New morphological, morphometric and scanning electron microscopy data of a nematode of the family Anisakidae, recovered from a specimen of Kogia sima, a cetacean that died off the northern coast of Brazil, are presented in this paper. Morphological features such as the violin-shaped ventricle and short and equal spicules, as well as the distribution of post-cloacal papillae and specificity for the definitive host (Kogiidae cetaceans) demonstrate similarity to Skrjabinisakis paggiae. This research records Kogia sima and S. paggiae on the estuarine coast of Pará, northern Brazil. morphological Anisakidae Brazil paper violinshaped violin shaped spicules postcloacal post cloacal Kogiidae cetaceans S Pará

Resumo São apresentados, neste trabalho, novos dados morfológicos, morfométricos e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura de um nematoide da família Anisakidae, recuperado de Kogia sima, um cetáceo que veio a óbito na costa norte do Brasil. Características morfológicas, como o ventrículo em forma de violino, espículos curtos e iguais, além da distribuição de papilas pós-cloacais e especificidade pelo hospedeiro definitivo (cetáceos Kogiidae) demonstram similaridade a Skrjabinisakis paggiae. Esta pesquisa registra Kogia sima e S. paggiae na costa estuarina paraense, norte do Brasil. apresentados trabalho morfológicos Anisakidae Brasil morfológicas violino iguais póscloacais pós cloacais cetáceos Kogiidae S paraense

ABSTRACT Adult individuals of Amblyomma tigrinum were collected for the first time from a Molina’s hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga), captured in a rural area of north-central Chile, which were described and identified morphologically. There are scarce studies that address the role of the skunk as ectoparasite host; however, the great plasticity of A. tigrinum to inhabit different environments and its strict to moderate specificity for Carnivora order suggest this mephitid as a potentially suitable host for this tick species.

RESUMEN Se colectan por primera vez individuos adultos de Amblyomma tigrinum en un chingue (Conepatus chinga), capturado en área rural del norte-centro de Chile, los cuales fueron descritos e identificados morfológicamente. Existen escasos estudios que aborden el rol del chingue como hospedador de ectoparásitos; sin embargo, la gran plasticidad de A. tigrinum para habitar diferentes ambientes y su especificidad estricta a moderada por el orden Carnivora sugieren a este mefítido como un hospedador potencialmente adecuado para esta especie de garrapata.

ABSTRACT Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), triggers a pathophysiological process linked not only to viral mechanisms of infectivity, but also to the pattern of host response. Drug repurposing is a promising strategy for rapid identification of treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and several attractive molecular viral targets can be exploited. Among those, 3CL protease is a potential target of great interest. Objective: The objective of the study was to screen potential 3CLpro inhibitors compounds based on chemical fingerprints among anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and respiratory system agents. Methods: The screening was developed based on a drug property prediction framework, in which the evaluated property was the ability to inhibit the activity of the 3CLpro protein, and the predictions were performed using a dense neural network trained and validated on bioassay data. Results: On the validation and test set, the model obtained area under the curve values of 98.2 and 76.3, respectively, demonstrating high specificity for both sets (98.5% and 94.7%). Regarding the 1278 compounds screened, the model indicated four anti-inflammatory agents, two anticoagulants, and one respiratory agent as potential 3CLpro inhibitors. Conclusions: Those findings point to a possible desirable synergistic effect in the management of patients with COVID-19 and provide potential directions for in vitro and in vivo research, which are indispensable for the validation of their results.

RESUMO Poucas fontes de resistência do trigo à Pyricualria oryzae B.C. Couch and L.M. Kohn em trigo são conhecidas, estando a principal ligada a uma translocação do segmento 2NS/2AS de Aegilops ventricosa, seguida por outros genes como Rmg8 e Rmg7 localizados nos cromossomas 2B (trigo hexaplóide) e 2A (trigo tetraplóide), respectivamente. É igualmente conhecido que este fungo apresenta especificidade de hospedeiro e uma grande variabilidade genética, pelo que o objectivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta fenotípica do trigo com translocação 2NS/2AS, Rmg8 e Rmg7 para Pyricularia oryzae pathotype Triticum do Paraguai. Para este fim, as infecções foram avaliadas com isolados autóctones e foi observada uma reacção de resistência nos materiais com a translocação do segmento 2NS/2AS e uma reacção de susceptibilidade moderada à suscetível nos materiais com os genes Rmg8 e Rmg7, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT There are few known sources of resistance to Pyricularia oryzae B.C. Couch and L.M. Kohn in wheat, the major of which is linked to a translocation of the 2NS/2AS segment of Aegilops ventricosa, followed by other genes such as Rmg8 and Rmg7 located on chromosomes 2B (hexaploid wheat) and 2A (tetraploid wheat), respectively. The pathogen is also known to have host specificity and wide genetic variability; therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic response of wheat carrying 2NS/2AS, Rmg8 and Rmg7 translocation to Pyricularia oryzae pathotype Triticum from Paraguay. The infections were evaluated with autochthonous isolates, indicating a resistance reaction for materials carrying translocation of the 2NS/2AS segment and a susceptibility reaction that was moderate to susceptible for materials with Rmg8 and Rmg7 genes, respectively.

RESUMEN Se conocen pocas fuentes de resistencia a Pyricualria oryzae B.C. Couch and L.M. Kohn en trigo. La mayor respuesta de resistencia esta vinculada a una translocación del segmento 2NS/2AS de Aegilops ventricosa, seguido de otros genes como Rmg8 y Rmg7 localizados en los cromosomas 2B (trigo hexaploide) y 2A (trigos tetraploide) respectivamente. Es conocido que este patógeno presenta especificidad por hospederos y una amplia variabilidad genética. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta fenotipica de trigos con presencia de translocación 2NS/2AS o Rmg8 o Rmg7 a Pyricularia oryzae patotipo Triticum prevalente en Paraguay. Las evaluaciones de espigas con aislados autoctonos mostraron una reacción de resistencia en los materiales con la translocacion del segmento 2NS/2AS y una reaccion de susceptibilidad moderada a susceptibilidad en los materiales con el gen Rmg8 y Rmg7 respectivamente.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from 10 Paspalum genotypes and evaluate the effect of their inoculation on P. regnellii, P. atratum, and P. malacophyllum genotypes. The bacterial population ranged from undetectable to 107 bacterial cells per gram of fresh matter in the Paspalum genotypes. Initially, we isolated 164 bacteria from rhizospheric soil and roots of the Paspalum genotypes using media N-free LG agar plate, semi-solid NFb, and LGI. The isolates were characterized genetically and physiologically. The sequencing of 16S rRNA showed the presence of many genera, and some are new in association with Paspalum. The most common was Bacillus followed by Rhizobium, Paraburkholderia, Enterobacter, Cupriavidus, Pseudomonas, Dyadobacter and Acinetobacter. Thirty-eight per cent of isolates produced siderophores, 25 % produced solubilized phosphate, and only 9 % produced indolic compounds. Three greenhouse experiments were performed in randomized blocks with six replicates using representative bacterial strains isolated from P. regnellii, P. malacophyllum and P. atratum cv. Pojuca. We also included strain Sp245 (Azospirillum baldaniorum), uninoculated control, and nitrogen control (150 kg N ha−1). There was an increase of up to 53 % in shoot dry matter in P. regnellii inoculated with strain Sp245 and the shoots accumulated more N. In contrast, only small effects were observed for the other Paspalum genotypes inoculated with PGPR from the host genotypes. This study shows a high diversity of diazotrophic rhizosphere bacteria and suggests no strain specificity between the bacterial isolates and the Paspalum genotypes.

Abstract Screaming Cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) is highly specialized parasitizing only three species, ma- king records of new hosts very informative. During 2017 we studied nesting success on roadsides in Argentine Pampas. Fifty-seven nests (46%) belonged to the known host Brown-and-yellow Marshbirds (Pseudoleistes vires- cens). Four nests belonged to Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus); one contained a Screaming Cowbird nestling that fledged with two of the host. We discuss similarities and differences among the Scarlet-headed Blackbird and old hosts. More studies are needed to confirm the regular parasitism of Scarlet-headed Blackbird by Screaming Cowbird, and to better understand their high specificity in host selection.