Effects of neutrophil extracellular traps during human respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro / Efeitos das redes extracelulares dos neutrófilos durante a infecção in vitro pelo vírus sincicial respiratório

Abstract The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract diseases in young children worldwide, leading to a high number of hospitalizations and significant expenditures for health systems. Neutrophils are massively recruited to the lung tissue of patients with acute respiratory diseases. At the infection site, they release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can capture and/or inactivate different types of microorganisms, including viruses. Evidence has shown that the accumulation of NETs results in direct cytotoxic effects on endothelial and epithelial cells. Neutrophils stimulated by the hRSV-F protein generate NETs that are able to capture hRSV particles, thus reducing their transmission. However, the massive production of NETs obstructs the airways and increases disease severity. Therefore, further knowledge about the effects of NETs during hRSV infections is essential for the development of new specific and effective treatments. This study evaluated the effects of NETs on the previous or posterior contact with hRSV-infected Hep-2 cells. Hep-2 cells were infected with different hRSV multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.5 or 1.0), either before or after incubation with NETs (0.5-16 μg/mL). Infected and untreated cells showed decreased cellular viability and intense staining with trypan blue, which was accompanied by the formation of many large syncytia. Previous contact between NETs and cells did not result in a protective effect. Cells in monolayers showed a reduced number and area of syncytia, but cell death was similar in infected and non-treated cells. The addition of NETs to infected tissues maintained a similar virus-induced cell death rate and an increased syncytial area, indicating cytotoxic and deleterious damages. Our results corroborate previously reported findings that NETs contribute to the immunopathology developed by patients infected with hRSV.

Resumo O vírus sincicial respiratório humano (hRSV) é a causa mais comum de doenças graves do trato respiratório inferior em crianças pequenas em todo o mundo, resultando em grande número de hospitalizações e gastos significativos para os sistemas de saúde. Neutrófilos são recrutados em massa para o tecido pulmonar de pacientes com doenças respiratórias agudas. No local da infecção, eles liberam armadilhas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NETs) que podem capturar e/ou inativar diferentes tipos de microrganismos, incluindo vírus. Evidências demonstraram que o acúmulo de NETs resulta em efeitos citotóxicos diretos nas células endoteliais e epiteliais. Os neutrófilos estimulados pela proteína F do vírus sincicial respiratório (hRSV-F) geram NETs que são capazes de capturar partículas virais, reduzindo assim sua transmissão. No entanto, a produção maciça de NETs obstrui as vias aéreas e aumenta a gravidade da doença. Assim, um maior conhecimento sobre os efeitos das NETs durante as infecções por hRSV é essencial para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos específicos e eficazes. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos das NETs no contato prévio ou posterior à infecção de células Hep-2 com hRSV. As células Hep-2 foram infectadas com diferentes quantidades de hRSV (multiplicidade de infecção ou MOI 0,5 ou 1,0), antes ou após a incubação com NETs (0,5-16 μg/mL). Células infectadas e não tratadas mostraram redução da viabilidade celular e intensa coloração com azul de tripano, que foi acompanhada pela formação de sincícios numerosos e grandes. O contato prévio entre as NETs e as células não resultou em efeito protetor. As células em monocamadas mostraram um número e área de sincícios reduzidos, mas a morte celular foi semelhante àquela apresentada por células infectadas e não tratadas. A adição de NETs aos tecidos infectados manteve taxa de morte celular e formação de sincícios semelhantes àqueles induzidos pelo vírus em células não tratadas, indicando danos citotóxicos e deletérios. Nossos resultados corroboram achados relatados anteriormente de que as NETs contribuem para a imunopatologia desenvolvida por pacientes infectados com hRSV.

Effects of neutrophil extracellular traps during human respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro / Efeitos das redes extracelulares dos neutrófilos durante a infecção in vitro pelo vírus sincicial respiratório

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract diseases in young children worldwide, leading to a high number of hospitalizations and significant expenditures for health systems. Neutrophils are massively recruited to the lung tissue of patients with acute respiratory diseases. At the infection site, they release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can capture and/or inactivate different types of microorganisms, including viruses. Evidence has shown that the accumulation of NETs results in direct cytotoxic effects on endothelial and epithelial cells. Neutrophils stimulated by the hRSV-F protein generate NETs that are able to capture hRSV particles, thus reducing their transmission. However, the massive production of NETs obstructs the airways and increases disease severity. Therefore, further knowledge about the effects of NETs during hRSV infections is essential for the development of new specific and effective treatments. This study evaluated the effects of NETs on the previous or posterior contact with hRSV-infected Hep-2 cells. Hep-2 cells were infected with different hRSV multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.5 or 1.0), either before or after incubation with NETs (0.5–16 μg/mL). Infected and untreated cells showed decreased cellular viability and intense staining with trypan blue, which was accompanied by the formation of many large syncytia. Previous contact between NETs and cells did not result in a protective effect. Cells in monolayers showed a reduced number and area of syncytia, but cell death was similar in infected and non-treated cells. The addition of NETs to infected tissues maintained a similar virus-induced cell death rate and an increased syncytial area, indicating cytotoxic and deleterious damages. Our results corroborate previously reported findings that NETs contribute to the immunopathology developed by patients infected with hRSV.

O vírus sincicial respiratório humano (hRSV) é a causa mais comum de doenças graves do trato respiratório inferior em crianças pequenas em todo o mundo, resultando em grande número de hospitalizações e gastos significativos para os sistemas de saúde. Neutrófilos são recrutados em massa para o tecido pulmonar de pacientes com doenças respiratórias agudas. No local da infecção, eles liberam armadilhas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NETs) que podem capturar e/ou inativar diferentes tipos de microrganismos, incluindo vírus. Evidências demonstraram que o acúmulo de NETs resulta em efeitos citotóxicos diretos nas células endoteliais e epiteliais. Os neutrófilos estimulados pela proteína F do vírus sincicial respiratório (hRSV-F) geram NETs que são capazes de capturar partículas virais, reduzindo assim sua transmissão. No entanto, a produção maciça de NETs obstrui as vias aéreas e aumenta a gravidade da doença. Assim, um maior conhecimento sobre os efeitos das NETs durante as infecções por hRSV é essencial para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos específicos e eficazes. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos das NETs no contato prévio ou posterior à infecção de células Hep-2 com hRSV. As células Hep-2 foram infectadas com diferentes quantidades de hRSV (multiplicidade de infecção ou MOI 0,5 ou 1,0), antes ou após a incubação com NETs (0,5–16 μg/mL). Células infectadas e não tratadas mostraram redução da viabilidade celular e intensa coloração com azul de tripano, que foi acompanhada pela formação de sincícios numerosos e grandes. O contato prévio entre as NETs e as células não resultou em efeito protetor. As células em monocamadas mostraram um número e área de sincícios reduzidos, mas a morte celular foi semelhante àquela apresentada por células infectadas e não tratadas. A adição de NETs aos tecidos infectados manteve taxa de morte celular e formação de sincícios [...].

Effects of neutrophil extracellular traps during human respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro

Abstract The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract diseases in young children worldwide, leading to a high number of hospitalizations and significant expenditures for health systems. Neutrophils are massively recruited to the lung tissue of patients with acute respiratory diseases. At the infection site, they release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can capture and/or inactivate different types of microorganisms, including viruses. Evidence has shown that the accumulation of NETs results in direct cytotoxic effects on endothelial and epithelial cells. Neutrophils stimulated by the hRSV-F protein generate NETs that are able to capture hRSV particles, thus reducing their transmission. However, the massive production of NETs obstructs the airways and increases disease severity. Therefore, further knowledge about the effects of NETs during hRSV infections is essential for the development of new specific and effective treatments. This study evaluated the effects of NETs on the previous or posterior contact with hRSV-infected Hep-2 cells. Hep-2 cells were infected with different hRSV multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.5 or 1.0), either before or after incubation with NETs (0.516 g/mL). Infected and untreated cells showed decreased cellular viability and intense staining with trypan blue, which was accompanied by the formation of many large syncytia. Previous contact between NETs and cells did not result in a protective effect. Cells in monolayers showed a reduced number and area of syncytia, but cell death was similar in infected and non-treated cells. The addition of NETs to infected tissues maintained a similar virus-induced cell death rate and an increased syncytial area, indicating cytotoxic and deleterious damages. Our results corroborate previously reported findings that NETs contribute to the immunopathology developed by patients infected with hRSV.

Resumo O vírus sincicial respiratório humano (hRSV) é a causa mais comum de doenças graves do trato respiratório inferior em crianças pequenas em todo o mundo, resultando em grande número de hospitalizações e gastos significativos para os sistemas de saúde. Neutrófilos são recrutados em massa para o tecido pulmonar de pacientes com doenças respiratórias agudas. No local da infecção, eles liberam armadilhas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NETs) que podem capturar e/ou inativar diferentes tipos de microrganismos, incluindo vírus. Evidências demonstraram que o acúmulo de NETs resulta em efeitos citotóxicos diretos nas células endoteliais e epiteliais. Os neutrófilos estimulados pela proteína F do vírus sincicial respiratório (hRSV-F) geram NETs que são capazes de capturar partículas virais, reduzindo assim sua transmissão. No entanto, a produção maciça de NETs obstrui as vias aéreas e aumenta a gravidade da doença. Assim, um maior conhecimento sobre os efeitos das NETs durante as infecções por hRSV é essencial para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos específicos e eficazes. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos das NETs no contato prévio ou posterior à infecção de células Hep-2 com hRSV. As células Hep-2 foram infectadas com diferentes quantidades de hRSV (multiplicidade de infecção ou MOI 0,5 ou 1,0), antes ou após a incubação com NETs (0,516 g/mL). Células infectadas e não tratadas mostraram redução da viabilidade celular e intensa coloração com azul de tripano, que foi acompanhada pela formação de sincícios numerosos e grandes. O contato prévio entre as NETs e as células não resultou em efeito protetor. As células em monocamadas mostraram um número e área de sincícios reduzidos, mas a morte celular foi semelhante àquela apresentada por células infectadas e não tratadas. A adição de NETs aos tecidos infectados manteve taxa de morte celular e formação de sincícios semelhantes àqueles induzidos pelo vírus em células não tratadas, indicando danos citotóxicos e deletérios. Nossos resultados corroboram achados relatados anteriormente de que as NETs contribuem para a imunopatologia desenvolvida por pacientes infectados com hRSV.

Malaria and Its Prevention: Socio-acceptability in the Application of Insecticides-treated Bed Nets Among Household Heads in the Rural Village Community of Mazabuka, Zambia

@#Introduction: Malaria poses immerse public health challenges in the world as it is still causing significant morbidity and mortality especially in endemic regions such as Zambia. One of the effective tools in preventing malaria is the application of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). This study aims to explored the socio-acceptability of malaria and ITNs among rural village community of Mazabuka, Zambia. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 177 respondents via two different approached methods; focus group discussions and one-to-one interviews to assess the level of KAP of the respondents about malaria and ITNs. Results: Most of the respondents (98.7%) possessed ITNs that were provided free of charge by the Ministry of Health Zambia. Overall, the knowledge and attitude of respondents on malaria and ITNs were at moderate levels of 68.1% and 71.8%, respectively. In contrast, the level of practice was poor with only 36.2% of positive response. Although 92.1% of the respondents answered correctly on the association between malaria and mosquito bites, myths and misconceptions were still common as some of them still attributed malaria to drinking dirty waters (32.8%), bad weather (15.8%), witchcraft (3.4%), and bathing dirty water (19.8%). The practice was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.003), but not attitude (p=0.230). Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents with high knowledge level and tertiary education were more likely to use ITNs correctly (OR=2.957; OR=21.739, respectively). Conclusion: The present study showed that the knowledge gaps were remained among the villagers as misconceptions and their believe of myths were still exist.

Segmentation of retinal vessels by fusing contour information and conditional generative adversarial / 生物医学工程学杂志

The existing retinal vessels segmentation algorithms have various problems that the end of main vessels are easy to break, and the central macula and the optic disc boundary are likely to be mistakenly segmented. To solve the above problems, a novel retinal vessels segmentation algorithm is proposed in this paper. The algorithm merged together vessels contour information and conditional generative adversarial nets. Firstly, non-uniform light removal and principal component analysis were used to process the fundus images. Therefore, it enhanced the contrast between the blood vessels and the background, and obtained the single-scale gray images with rich feature information. Secondly, the dense blocks integrated with the deep separable convolution with offset and squeeze-and-exception (SE) block were applied to the encoder and decoder to alleviate the gradient disappearance or explosion. Simultaneously, the network focused on the feature information of the learning target. Thirdly, the contour loss function was added to improve the identification ability of the blood vessels information and contour information of the network. Finally, experiments were carried out on the DRIVE and STARE datasets respectively. The value of area under the receiver operating characteristic reached 0.982 5 and 0.987 4, respectively, and the accuracy reached 0.967 7 and 0.975 6, respectively. Experimental results show that the algorithm can accurately distinguish contours and blood vessels, and reduce blood vessel rupture. The algorithm has certain application value in the diagnosis of clinical ophthalmic diseases.

“House Plasmodial Prevalence Index” Another Relevant Indicator of Evaluating a Malaria Vector Control Operations, Example of Capango Village (Benguela Province, Angola)

The WHO fascicule “Information systems for the evaluation of malaria control programmes” identified as outcome target “the proportion of households targeted for use of nets using at least one impregnated bednet” [1].The parasitological evaluation of the efficacy of vector control programme is mainly based on the plasmodial prevalence rate evaluated by cross sectional or longitudinal surveys on representative sample of the human population targeted.For the new “House plasmodial” index we decided to combinethe 2 indicators: the classical human plasmodial prevalence and house considering as positive any house with “at least one symptomless inhabitant having at least one positive thick film during the survey”. We used this new indicator when analyzing data gained during 24 regularly done parasitological surveys during 5 years in Capango village where a vector control (VC) programme was implemented using both Long Lasting Nets PermaNet© 2.0 and deltamethrin treated wall lining called ZeroFly© inside every house. Surveys were done during 2 years before VC and 3 years after.It appeared that the House Plasmodial positive index showed the same trends and level as the classical human plasmodial prevalence and clearly indicated the impact of vector control in reducing the overall plasmodial prevalence in the targeted village.On the other hand it appeared repeating surveys identified “frequently positive houses” (=found positive in some 50% of surveys) and therefore to be prioritized for controland those “scarcely positive” (20% of surveys). The House Plasmodial Prevalence index appeared relevant and reliable, interesting to be used in vector control programme while easy to get and should be considered in other epidemiological situation.

Toxoplasma gondii infection damages the perineuronal nets in a murine model

BACKGROUND Behavioral and neurochemical alterations associated with toxoplasmosis may be influenced by the persistence of tissue cysts and activation of an immune response in the brain of Toxoplasma gondii-infected hosts. The cerebral extracellular matrix is organised as perineuronal nets (PNNs) that are both released and ensheath by some neurons and glial cells. There is evidences to suggest that PNNs impairment is a pathophysiological mechanism associated with neuropsychiatric conditions. However, there is a lack of information regarding the impact of parasitic infections on the PNNs integrity and how this could affect the host's behavior. OBJECTIVES In this context, we aimed to analyse the impact of T. gondii infection on cyst burden, PNNs integrity, and possible effects in the locomotor activity of chronically infected mice. METHODS We infected mice with T. gondii ME-49 strain. After thirty days, we assessed locomotor performance of animals using the open field test, followed by evaluation of cysts burden and PNNs integrity in four brain regions (primary and secondary motor cortices, prefrontal and somesthetic cortex) to assess the PNNs integrity using Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) labeling by immunohistochemical analyses. FINDINGS AND MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed a random distribution of cysts in the brain, the disruption of PNNs surrounding neurons in four areas of the cerebral cortex and hyperlocomotor behavior in T. gondii-infected mice. These results can contribute to elucidate the link toxoplasmosis with the establishment of neuroinflammatory response in neuropsychiatric disorders and to raise a discussion about the mechanisms related to changes in brain connectivity, with possible behavioral repercussions during chronic T. gondii infection.

Trimetazidine reduces formation of neutrophil extracellular traps via inhibiting autophagy / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effects of trimetazidine (TMZ)on theformationof neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in vitro and its relationship associated with cell autophagy. Methods The bone marrow neutrophils of mice were extracted by density gradient centrifugation,and NETs induction model was established using ox-LDL. Furthermore, TMZ, autophagy inhibitor LY294002 and autophagy inducer Rapamycin were added to disturb the induction of NETs induced by ox-LDL. The production of NETs marker MPO-DNA and the content of cfDNA/nets in the supernatantwere observed. Meanwhile, Western blot was employed to determine the protein expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO),beclin-l and LC3b in neutrophils. Results Treatment of ox-LDL to adhered neutrophils could lead to the formation of extracellular MPO-DNA and cfDNA/nets generation in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. The protein expression of LC3b,beclin-1 and MPO in neutrophils was up-regulated after treatedwith ox-LDL. TMZ pretreatment significantly inhibited NETs release and reduced the protein expression of LC3b,beclin-1 and MPO in neutrophils,which could be simulated by PI3K/AKT pathway blocker LY294002, while AKT/mTOR inhibitor rapamycin preconditioning did the opposite. Conclusions Ox-LDL-induces the formation of NETs in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. TMZ could down-regulate the level of autophagy and neutrophils, inhibit the induction of ox-LDL on NETs and reduce the release of NETs.

Peces del Golfo de Nicoya, Pacífico, Costa Rica: actualización de las listas de los buques científicos Skimmer y Victor Hensen

Introducción: Desde mediados del siglo XX el estuario del Golfo de Nicoya (10o N & 85o W) ha sido la fuente principal de numerosos recursos pesqueros, como los moluscos, crustáceos y peces. El estuario está actualmente bajo impactos crecientes locales, regionales y globales. Las expediciones a bordo de los buques científicos Skimmer (1979-1980) y Víctor Hensen (1993-1994) aportaron datos multidisciplinarios en apoyo de políticas de manejo. Sin embargo, actualmente se necesita información actualizada. Objetivos: Actualizar las listas publicadas de peces recolectados en ambas expediciones y sugerir nuevas áreas de investigación para una futura evaluación del estado del ecosistema. Métodos: En el buque Skimmer las capturas de peces cubrieron un ámbito de profundidad de 10 a 50 m, con una red tipo otter. En el buque V. Hensen las capturas se hicieron entre 10 y 240 m de profundidad, con redes tipo otter y beam. En ambos cruceros se hizo a bordo la identificación de las especies y la medición de sus longitudes totales. Para actualizar las listas de especies se procedió a la verificación de los nombres vigentes con base en literatura reciente y la página World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). Agregamos a la lista los nombres de las especies identificadas en años recientes para el estuario y catalogados en la Colección Ictiológica del Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica. Resultados: El total de especies identificadas es de 268 para ambos buques. Una especie de Syacium está pendiente de identificación. Del total, 19 especies corresponden a peces cartilaginosos y 249 a peces óseos. Los Scianeidae (corvinas) y los lenguados estuvieron representados por 31 y 32 especies, respectivamente. El género Symphurus (lenguados) fue el más diverso, con 11 especies. Dieciocho especies fueron identificadas después de la publicación de las listas originales. Ocho especies fueron descritas con base en ejemplares recolectados por ambos buques: Gymnothorax phalarus, Notarius biffi, N. cookei, Ophicthus mecoptera, O. melope, Sphoeroides rosenblatti, Trinectes xanthurus y Urotrygon cimar. Las especies presentes en más del 50 % de las 20 estaciones del Skimmer, fueron: Prionotus horrens (16), Sphoeroides trichocephalus (14), Syacium ovale (13) y Synodus scituliceps (13). En las 12 estaciones del V. Hensen, fueron: Porichthys margaritatus (9), S. scituliceps (8), Bollmannia chlamydes (6), Symphurus callopterus (6), S. elongatus (6) y Synodus evermanni (6). Los cinco peces de mayor longitud capturados por ambos buques, fueron: la raya látigo Hypanus longus (117 cm), el congrio Cynoponticus coniceps (103 cm), el bagre Sciades dowii (87 cm), la raya Narcine brancroftii (80 cm) y la corvina reina Cynoscion albus (75 cm). La longitud total máxima promedio de 137 especies medidas en el Skimmer fue de 26 cm y de 29 cm para las 164 medidas en el V. Hensen. Conclusiones: En vista del incremento del número de usuarios de los recursos estuarinos, es urgente una evaluación multidisciplinaria del ecosistema en apoyo a la propuesta de nuevas políticas de manejo. Los resultados facilitarían actualizar el Modelo Trófico del Golfo de Nicoya, una herramienta de manejo disponible desde 1998 y basada principalmente en datos obtenidos durante los cruceros del Skimmer y V. Hensen. Tensores del ecosistema, como la extracción de recursos, el ingreso de contaminantes y su posible relación con la disrupción endocrina, así como la presencia de barreras naturales como la hipoxia en la boca del estuario, deben ser incluidos en esa futura evaluación.

Introduction: Since the middle of the XXth century the Gulf of Nicoya estuary (10o N & 85o W) has been the main source of numerous fishing resources, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. The estuary is presently under the increasing impact of local, regional and global stressors. The expeditions on board the R.V. Skimmer (1979-1980) and R.V. Hensen (1993-1994) research vessels provided multidisciplinary data on the estuary in support of management policies. However, updated information is still needed. Objectives: To update the published lists of fish species from both expeditions and make suggestions for new research areas for future evaluations of the ecosystem. Methods: The fish collections by the Skimmer covered a depth range of 10 to 50 m using an otter trawl net, and those aboard the Victor Hensen were made between 10 and 228 m depth using otter and beam trawl nets. The identification of the fish species and the measurement of its lenghts were made on board of both vessels. The species names were updated based on recent literature and the web page World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). The list of species identified in recent years based on voucher specimens from the estuary and deposited in the Ichthyology Collection of the Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica, was also included. Results: The total number of identified species from both vessels is 268. A species of Syacium is yet undescribed. Of the total, 19 are cartilaginous fishes and 249 are bony fishes. The Sciaenidae and the flatfishes were represented by 31 and 32 species, respectivley. The flatfish genus Symphurus was the most diverse, with 11 species. Eighteen species were identified after the publication of the original lists. Eight species were described based on specimens collected during the expeditions: Gymnothorax phalarus, Notarius biffi, N. cookei, Ophicthus mecoptera, O. melope, Sphoeroides rosenblatti, Trinectes xanthurus and Urotrygon cimar. The species present in more than 50% of the 20 Skimmer stations, were: Prionotus horrens (16 stations), Sphoeroides trichocephalus (14), Syacium ovale (13) and Synodus scituliceps (13). In the 12 stations of the V. Hensen there were: Porichthys margaritatus (9), S. scituliceps (8), Bollmannia chlamydes (6), Symphurus callopterus (6), S. elongatus (6), and Synodus evermanni (6). The five longer specimens collected by both vessels, were: the longtail sting ray Hypanus longus (117 cm), the pike conger Cynoponticus coniceps (103 cm), the brown sea catfish Sciades dowii (87 cm), the electric ray Narcine brancroftii (80 cm), and the queen corvina Cynoscion albus (75 cm). The average total length for 137 species measured during the Skimmer cruises was 26 cm, and 29 cm for the 164 measured during the V. Hensen survey. Conclusions: In view of the increasing number of users of the estuarine resources, it is urgent a multidisciplinary evaluation of the ecosystem in support of new management policies. The expected results may facilitate updating the Gulf of Nicoya Trophic Model, a management tool available for the estuary since 1998 and based mainly on information gathered during both expeditions. Ecosystem stressors, such as the extraction of resources, the input of pollutants and its possible link to endocrine disruption, as well as the presence of natural barriers such as hypoxia at deeper waters at the mouth of the estuary must be taken into account in a future evaluation.

Bio-efficacy of Long Lasting Insecticidal Mosquito Nets (LLINs) on Malaria Vector Anopheles Mosquitoes in Malaria-Endemic Areas of Myanmar

Sixty used Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) from six malaria endemicareas of States and Regions of Myanmar were assessed for their bio-efficacy againstAnopheles mosquitoes. Total ten nets were collected from the randomly selectedhousehold of each area. Insecticide susceptibility and bio-efficacy test were doneaccording to WHO testing method. Results revealed that a total of 4470 mosquitoes of 12Anopheles species including main vector and secondary vectors were collected in highdensity in Beelin, Taungoo, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kamamaung and Hpa-an. All collectedmosquitoes were found susceptible to insecticides as recommended by the WHO. Bioefficacy of PermaNet 2.0, DAWA TANA, Yorkool, BASF, Net protect and Yahe LLINs netswere 12(100%), 11/12(91.67%), 4(100%), 8(100%), 5(100%) and 19(100%)respectively. The DAWA TANA net had 20% sensitivity after repetitive washing. Thesensitivity of LLINs nets was higher for all selected areas of States and Regions inMyanmar. The study suggested that there is need to distribute a large number of effectiveLLINs nets in malaria endemic areas as well as the replacement of expired, less effectiveand very old LLINs nets with a new one is also necessary. LLINs nets are very effectiveAnopheles mosquitoes control tools and it can reduce the human-vector contact effectively.Moreover, research on bio-efficacy evaluations of the LLINs nets is required regularly tomaintain and control the transmission of malaria through Anopheles mosquitoes.

Personal protective measures of pregnant women against Zika virus infection / Medidas de proteção individual de gestantes contra a infecção pelo zika vírus

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the adherence of pregnant women to personal protective measures against mosquito bites, recommended by the Ministry of Health, and to investigate the factors associated with the non-adoption of these measures. METHODS We interviewed 177 pregnant women between November 2016 and February 2017 in the 10 basic health units of the municipality of Propriá, state of Sergipe, two located in the rural area and eight in the urban area, during prenatal appointments, to raise information about the use of preventive measures against the vector transmission of Zika virus. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and the odds ratio was calculated. The independent variables were grouped by the analysis of principal components, and the dependents (the use of repellent, mosquito nets, garments, screens and insecticides) were analyzed using the logistic regression method. RESULTS Among the measures recommended by the Ministry of Health, mosquito nets were the most used by pregnant women living in rural areas and with low education level, while the repellents were more used by women in the urban area and with higher education level. Women in a vulnerable socio-economic situation presented a risk 2.4 times higher for not using screens in their homes, 1.9 times higher for not changing clothes and 2.5 times higher for not using repellent than pregnant women in better economic conditions. CONCLUSIONS The socioeconomic status of pregnant women, especially among the less privileged, influenced the use of protective measures against Zika virus, from the purchase of repellent, clothing, insecticides to other resources in the municipality of Propriá, SE.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a adesão de gestantes às medidas de proteção individual contra picadas de mosquitos, recomendadas pelo Ministério da Saúde e investigar os fatores associados à não adoção dessas medidas. MÉTODOS Foram entrevistadas 177 gestantes entre novembro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017 nas 10 unidades básicas de saúde da cidade de Propriá, SE, duas localizadas na zona rural e oito na zona urbana, durante as consultas de pré-natal, para levantar informações sobre o uso de medidas preventivas contra a transmissão vetorial do zika vírus. Os dados foram analisados utilizando métodos de estatística descritiva, teste do qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher, e foi calculado o odds ratio . As variáveis independentes foram agrupadas por meio da análise de componentes principais, e as dependentes (uso de repelentes, mosquiteiros, vestimentas, telas e inseticidas) foram analisadas pelo método de regressão logística. RESULTADOS Entre as medidas recomendadas pelo Ministério da Saúde, o uso de mosquiteiros foi a mais utilizada por gestantes residentes na zona rural e de baixa escolaridade, enquanto os repelentes foram mais utilizados por mulheres da zona urbana e com maior tempo de estudo. Mulheres com situação socioeconômica vulnerável apresentaram risco 2,4 vezes maior de não utilizar telas em suas residências, 1,9 vezes maior de não mudar o modo de se vestir e 2,5 vezes maior de não usar repelentes do que gestantes em melhores condições econômicas. CONCLUSÕES A condição socioeconômica das gestantes, especialmente entre as mulheres menos favorecidas, influenciou o uso das medidas de proteção contra o zika vírus, desde a compra de repelentes, vestimentas, inseticidas até outros recursos na cidade de Propriá, SE.

Perineuronal nets-a double-edged sword regulating neuropsychiatric disorders / 中国药理学通报

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are unique extracellular matrix (ECM) structures surrounding parvalbumin (PV) positive intemeurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The intact structure of PNNs is critical to the function of CNS. PNNs regulate the function of GABA neurons, inhibit the damage of neurons induced by reactive oxygen species, and also participate in the regulation of neuroplasticity and the development of central nervous system. They will change in quantity and quality after mental disorders, aging, memory and drug abuse. Here the focus is on how the PNNs protect interneuron and control plasticity , and on the role of PNNs in memory in normal aging, Alzheimer's disease and drug addiction, and the association with altered PNNs formation. Understanding the molecular mechanism on PNNs would offer insights into new treatments of relevant diseases.

Conocimientos sobre malaria y prácticas de uso de mosquiteros insecticidas de larga duración en dos departamentos de Colombia / Knowledge of malaria and long-lasting insecticidal net use practices in two departments of colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar los conocimientos sobre malaria y prácticas del uso de mosquiteros tratados con insecticidas en los departamentos de Antioquia y Chocó en Colombia, 2013. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal y descriptivo con muestreo probabilístico de conglomerados, estratificado y bietápico. La encuesta dirigida a jefes de hogar se elaboró usando diez preguntas sobre conocimientos, transmisión, síntomas y medidas preventivas contra la malaria, utilizado en los cuestionarios de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud en Colombia 2007, e involucrando 13 preguntas sobre los mosquiteros insecticidas de larga duración (MILD), tenencia, uso, motivos de no uso, efectos secundarios sobre la salud a corto plazo, lavado y secado. Resultados. 2078 residentes respondieron la encuesta. El 89% (IC 95%: 87,5-89,9) en Antioquia y el 94% (IC 95%: 93,0-94,0) en Chocó reconoce las causas, síntomas, tratamiento y métodos de prevención. En Antioquia el 86% (IC 95%: 84,9-87,3) tuvo al menos un mosquitero y 72% (IC 95%: 70,0-73,4) lo usó diariamente, y para el departamento de Chocó fue de 93% (IC 95%: 92,2-94,4) y 73% (IC 95%: 72,0-74,4) respectivamente. Conclusiones. Hay altos niveles de conocimiento sobre malaria; sin embargo, el cuidado de los mosquiteros no está de acuerdo a lo recomendado para aumentar su vida útil, por lo tanto, se requieren estrategias sociales propias para cada departamento.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the knowledge about malaria and use practice of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in the departments of Antioquia and Chocó in Colombia, 2013. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional and descriptive study with probability sampling of clusters, stratified and two-staged. The head of household survey was developed using ten questions on knowledge, transmission, symptoms and preventive measures against malaria, used in the questionnaires of the 2007 National Health Survey in Colombia, as well as 13 questions on long-lasting insecticidal nets, tenure, use, reasons for non-use, short-term health side effects, washing and drying. Results. 2078 residents responded to the survey. 89% (95% CI: 87.5-89.9) in Antioquia and 94% (95% CI: 93.0-94.0) in Chocó recognized the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention methods. In Antioquia, 86% (95% CI: 84.9-87.3) had at least one mosquito net and 72% (95% CI: 70.0-73.4) used it daily; and for the department of Chocó, it was 93% (95% CI: 92.2-94.4) and 73% (95% CI: 72.0-74.4), respectively. Conclusions. There are high levels of knowledge about malaria; however, the care of the mosquito nets does not follow the recommendations to increase their useful life, therefore, specific social strategies are required for each department.

Structure of understory bird communities in Atlantic Forest Remnants in Northeastern Brazil / Estrutura das comunidades de aves de remanescentes de Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil

The Atlantic Forest in the State of Paraíba integrates the Pernambuco Center of Endemism. The present work investigated understory bird communities of three of its remnants using ten mist nets installed at eight different points of the forest understory of each area. We captured 333 birds of 44 species and 19 families. Bird richness and abundance did not differ between the three remnants (KW = 6.08; p = 0.04 and KW = 10.54; p = 0.004). The composition was little similar among them, and each area presented high species diversity and evenness. The most captured species were Arremon taciturnus (n = 40), Chiroxiphia pareola (n = 32) and Conopophaga melanops (n = 28). C. melanops has a local threat status of “vulnerable” and is considered endemic. Endangered and endemic species each represented 15.91% of the captures. Both Reserva Biológica Guaribas areas had the highest number of threatened species, while Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Engenho Gargaú showed the highest number of endemic and understory insectivorous species, which indicates a better quality status in comparison to the other two. These results show the importance of the remnants to bird conservation in Northeastern Brazil.

A Mata Atlântica do Estado da Paraíba integra o Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco. O presente estudo investigou comunidades de aves de sub-bosque de três remanescentes da região, por meio da captura com redes de neblina. Dez redes foram posicionadas no sub-bosque florestal em oito pontos distintos ao longo de cada remanescente. Foram capturados 333 indivíduos de 44 espécies, divididas em 19 famílias. A riqueza e a abundância diferiram entre as comunidades amostradas (KW = 6,08; p = 0,04 e KW = 10,54; p = 0,004). A composição específica foi pouco similar entre elas e cada área apresentou elevada diversidade e equitabilidade na distribuição de espécies. As espécies mais representativas foram Arremon taciturnus (n = 40), Chiroxiphia pareola (n = 32) e Conopophaga melanops (n = 28), sendo este último táxon vulnerável e endêmico. As duas áreas da Reserva Biológica Guaribas tiveram o maior número de espécies ameaçadas, enquanto que a Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Engenho Gargaú apresentou o maior número de espécies endêmicas, assim como de insetívoros de sub-bosque, sugerindo melhor qualidade em comparação aos outros dois. Esses resultados apontam a importância que os remanescentes estudados têm para a conservação da avifauna no nordeste brasileiro.

Modeling in petri nets of a dispersed system in a physical rehab / Modelado en redes petri de un sistema disperso en una rehabilitación física / Modelagem em redes petri de um sistema disperso numa reabilitação física

Considering the lack of resources in health centers located in rural zones, a part of Colombian population goes affected by the quality of the health Service received. If this is added the low level socioeconomic of some rural population, it is generated a geographic vulnerability. For that reason in this work is presented a Service Oriented Architecture that has as objective support health centers with low technical resources with technology that allows a physical rehab attention independently of the localization of patient and health professional. By way of this, a distributed system it is proposed, using a dispersed communication media like the internet. It is planned to make a modeling process based on a formal tool like the Petri Nets to assure the definition of the services, assistant dispositive teleoperation and the integration and coordination of the system.

Considerando la falta de recursos en centros de salud ubicados en zonas rurales, una parte de la población colombiana se ve afectada por la calidad del Servicio de Salud recibido. Si se suma el bajo nivel socioeconómico de cierta población rural, se genera una vulnerabilidad geográfica. Por ello en este trabajo se presenta una Arquitectura Orientada a Servicios que tiene como objetivo apoyar centros de salud con bajos recursos técnicos con tecnología que permita una atención física de rehabilitación independientemente de la ubicación del paciente y profesional de la salud. De esta manera, se propone un sistema distribuido, utilizando un medio de comunicación disperso como Internet. Para asegurar la definición de los servicios, el asistente de teleoperación dispositiva y la integración y coordinación del sistema, se planea realizar un proceso de modelización basado en una herramienta formal como las redes de Petri.

Considerando a falta de recursos em centros de saúde localizados em zonas rurais, uma parte da população colombiana vê-se afetada pela qualidade do Serviço de Saúde recebido. Ao somar-se o baixo nível socioeconómico de alguma população rural, gera-se uma vulnerabilidade geográfica. Por isso neste trabalho apresenta-se uma arquitetura orientada a serviços que tem como objetivo apoiar centros de saúde com baixos recursos técnicos com tecnologia que permite uma atenção física de reabilitação independentemente da localização do paciente e profissional da saúde. Desta maneira, propõe-se um sistema distribuído, utilizando um médio de comunicação disperso como Internet. Para assegurar a definição dos serviços, o assistente de tele operação dispositiva e a integração e coordenação do sistema, planeja-se realizar um processo de modelização baseado numa ferramenta formal como as redes de Petri.

Gestión espacial de riesgos entomoecológicos en Santiago de Cuba / Space management of entomoecologic risks in Santiago de Cuba

Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo, de tipo ecológico, en el municipio de Santiago de Cuba, en el año 2015, con el propósito de identificar la existencia de patrones espaciales respecto a la infestación por Stegomyia aegypti y así desarrollar un análisis pronóstico espacial al respecto. Para ello se utilizaron variables simples y complejas, resumidas y con utilización de paradigmas de la complejidad (redes neuronales y gestión geoespacial). Se observó que la dispersión aleatoria de Stegomyia aegypti condiciona patrones difusos de la infestación, mayormente definida por la dinámica social, más que por las propias características biológicas del vector. De igual modo, la utilización de la Epidemiología panorámica proveyó nuevas aristas de conocimientos en el análisis del problema

An observational, descriptive and ecological study was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, in the year 2015, with the purpose of identifying the existence of space patterns regarding the Stegomyia aegypti infestation and in this way developing a space prognosis analysis in this respect. Thus, summarized simple and complex variables were used, as well as complexity paradigms (neuronal nets and geospace management). It was observed that the randomized dispersion of Stegomyia aegypti conditions diffuse patterns of the infestation, mostly defined by the social dynamics, more than by the common biological characteristics of the vector. In the same way, the use of the panoramic Epidemiology provided new edges of knowledge in the analysis of the problem

Growth, photosynthetic pigments and production of essential oil of long-pepper under different light conditions

ABSTRACT Piper hispidinervum C. DC. is popularly known as long-pepper and it owns a commercial value due to the essential oil it produces. Long-pepper oil is rich in safrole and eugenoln components that have insecticidal, fungicidal and bactericidal activity. It has been establish that to medicinal plants light influences not only growth but also essential oil production. The growth, the content of photosynthetic pigments and the essential oil production of Piper hispidinervum at greenhouses with different light conditions was evaluated. The treatments were characterized by cultivation of plants for 180 days under different light conditions, produced by shading greenhouses with 50% and 30% of natural incident irradiance, two colored shading nets red (RN) and blue (BN) both blocking 50% of the incident radiation and one treatment at full-sun (0% of shade). The results showed that the treatments of 50% shade and RN and BN were the ones which stimulated the greater growth. Blue and red light also had the best production of photosynthetic pigments. Essential oil yielded more under full sun therefore this is the most indicated condition to produce seedlings for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Bio-efficacy, physical integrity, community usage and washing practices of mosquito nets treated with ICON MAXX long-lasting insecticidal treatment in India

BACKGROUND New brands of potential long lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) and LLIN treatment kits require field evaluation before they are used in a vector control programme. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-efficacy, usage, washing practice and physical integrity of nets treated with LLIN treatment kit, ICON MAXX in a phase III field trial in Odisha state, India. METHODS A total of 300 polyester nets treated with ICON MAXX and 140 polyester nets treated conventionally with lambda-cyhalothrin CS 2.5% ITNs were distributed. The bio-efficacy was evaluated with WHO cone bioassay. The chemical analysis of netting pieces was done at the beginning, after 12 and 36 months of the trial. FINDINGS After one year of distribution of nets, the bioassay showed 100% mortality on both ITNs and ICON MAXX treated nets. At 36 months, the overall pass rate was 58.8% and the mean lambda-cyhalothrin content of LLINs was 34.5 mg ai/m2, showing a loss of 44.4% of the original concentration. CONCLUSION ICON MAXX treated LLIN was found to retain bio-efficacy causing 97% knockdown of Anopheles stephensi up to 30 months and met the WHOPES criteria. However, the desired bio-efficacy was not sustained up to 36 months.

Short and long term evaluation of the efficiency of PermaNet® 2. 0 bed net against environmental factors and washing using bioassay tests

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to examine the resistance of PermaNet® 2.0 bed nets against repeated washing and environmental factors by using bioassay tests. After 5, 15 and 21 washings with detergents and by using bioassay tests, the resistance of 40 PermaNet® 2.0 bed nets was compared with that of 40 bed nets conventionally treated with one K-O tablet. To examine the long-term resistance, 31 PermaNet® 2.0 bed nets were also distributed among villagers, and were re-collected to perform bioassay tests after 1, 2 and 5 years. In the first phase of this study, the insecticidal effect of the conventionally-treated nets significantly decreased due to repeated washings (P < 0.001); however, it was not significant regarding PermaNet® 2.0 bed nets (P = 0.92 in continuous exposure and P = 0.12 in mortality tests). In the long-term phase of this study, the time required for knockdown of PermaNet® 2.0 increased over the first 2 years and then decreased. In addition, the mortality rate decreased over the first 2 years and then increased. In conclusion, it seems that the technique used by the manufacturer for impregnation of PermaNet® 2.0 bed nets has an acceptable efficiency in comparison with conventional techniques.

Wash resistance and bio-efficacy of Olyset

Objective To determine the wash resistance of Olyset