Anopheles darlingi polytene chromosomes: revised maps including newly described inversions and evidence for population structure in Manaus

Salivary gland polytene chromosomes of 4th instar Anopheles darlingi Root were examined from multiple locations in the Brazilian Amazon. Minor modifications were made to existing polytene photomaps. These included changes to the breakpoint positions of several previously described paracentric inversions and descriptions of four new paracentric inversions, two on the right arm of chromosome 3 and two on the left arm of chromosome 3 that were found in multiple locations. A total of 18 inversions on the X (n = 1) chromosome, chromosome 2 (n = 7) and 3 (n = 11) were scored for 83 individuals from Manaus, Macapá and Porto Velho municipalities. The frequency of 2Ra inversion karyotypes in Manaus shows significant deficiency of heterozygotes (p < 0.0009). No significant linkage disequilibrium was found between inversions on chromosome 2 and 3. We hypothesize that at least two sympatric subpopulations exist within the An. darlingi population at Manaus based on inversion frequencies.

Perfil lipídico y consumo de frutas y verduras en un grupo de jóvenes de 10 a 19 años, según el índice de masa corporal / Lipid profile and consumption of fruits and vegetables in a youth group from 10-19 years according to body mass index

Introducción: El exceso de peso en niños y adolescentes es una pandemia que aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Se ha estimado que aun en etapas tempranas de la vida, el exceso de peso se asocia con alteraciones metabólicas; sin embargo, es necesario establecer si en nuestro medio estas alteraciones se evidencian en población menor de 19 años. Objetivo: Comparar el perfil lipídico y la ingesta de frutas y verduras, según el índice de masa corporal, en un grupo de jóvenes de 10 a 19 años, de la empresa promotora de salud SURA, sede de Medellín. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, en el que participaron 103 jóvenes obesos, 120 con sobrepeso y 214 con un índice de masa corporal normal. En condiciones basales y ayuno de 10 horas, se evaluó colesterol total, c-LDL, c-HDL y triglicéridos. La ingesta de verduras y frutas se determinó mediante recordatorio de 24 horas. Resultados: Los datos de c-LDL en el grupo de obesos, sobrepeso y control fueron, respectivamente: 95 ± 32, 96 ± 53 y 80 ± 24 mg/dL (p = 0,000); para los mismos grupos, los datos de triglicéridos fueron: 116 ± 65, 112 ± 69 y 88 ± 52 mg/dL (p = 0,000). El c-HDL en los 3 grupos fue: 52 ± 14, 53 ± 12 y 56±14 mg/dL (p = 0,013), respectivamente. Se evidenció una asociación significativa entre el mayor consumo de frutas y la menor concentración de triglicéridos entre los participantes con sobrepeso (p = 0,035). No fue habitual la ingesta de frutas y verduras. Conclusiones: El alto índice de masa corporal promueve un perfil lipídico aterogénico. Son necesarias acciones para promover hábitos alimentarios saludables.

Introduction: Childhood overweight is a pandemic that increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. It has been estimated that being overweight is associated with metabolic disorders; even in early stages of life. However, it is necessary to establish whether this association is observed in Colombian population between 10-19 years old. Objective: To compare lipid profile and fruit and vegetable intakes, according to body mass index, in subjects aged 10-19 in a health insurance company (SURA) from Medellin. Methods: One hundred an three obese, 120 overweight, and 214 children with normal body mass index participated in a cross-sectional study. We compared total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides between groups; at baseline and after 10-hour fasting period. Fruit and vegetable intakes were determined by 24-hour dietary record. Results: LDL-C levels in obese, overweight and control group were, respectively: 95 ± 32, 96 ± 53 and 80 ± 24 mg/dL (P = .000). Triglycerides levels in the same groups were: 116 ± 65, 112 ± 69 and 88 ± 52 mg/dL (P = .000). HDL-C levels in the 3 groups were: 52 ± 14, 53 ± 12 and 56 ± 14 mg/dL (P = .013). A significant inverse association between fruit intake and triglyceride levels in overweight participants was observed (P = .035). Fruit and vegetable intake were unusual. Conclusions: A high body mass index promotes an atherogenic lipid profile. It is necessary to implement actions to promote healthy habits associated with diet.

An overview of malaria transmission from the perspective of Amazon Anopheles vectors

In the Americas, areas with a high risk of malaria transmission are mainly located in the Amazon Forest, which extends across nine countries. One keystone step to understanding the Plasmodium life cycle in Anopheles species from the Amazon Region is to obtain experimentally infected mosquito vectors. Several attempts to colonise Ano- pheles species have been conducted, but with only short-lived success or no success at all. In this review, we review the literature on malaria transmission from the perspective of its Amazon vectors. Currently, it is possible to develop experimental Plasmodium vivax infection of the colonised and field-captured vectors in laboratories located close to Amazonian endemic areas. We are also reviewing studies related to the immune response to P. vivax infection of Anopheles aquasalis, a coastal mosquito species. Finally, we discuss the importance of the modulation of Plasmodium infection by the vector microbiota and also consider the anopheline genomes. The establishment of experimental mosquito infections with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites that could provide interesting models for studying malaria in the Amazonian scenario is important. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the parasites in New World vectors is crucial in order to better determine the interaction process and vectorial competence.

Variant in CAPN10 gene and environmental factors show evidence of association with excess weight among young people in a Colombian population / Una variante del gen CAPN10 y los factores ambientales muestran asociación con el exceso de peso en jóvenes colombianos.

Introduction : Obesity results from interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the effect of three gene variants and environmental factors on obesity and overweight in young people aged 10 to 18 years in a Colombian population. Materials and methods: A total of 424 subjects were selected and separated into three groups for a cross-sectional study; 100 obese and 112 overweight subjects were matched with 212 normal-weight controls. Associations were evaluated between excess weight and three genetic polymorphisms ( UCP3- rs1800849, FTO -rs17817449, and CAPN10 -rs3842570), as well as the family history, the time spent watching television and playing video games, and the diet. Results: A family history of obesity, the time spent watching television and playing video games, the lack of breastfeeding, a low consumption of cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and a high consumption of fast foods were characteristics typically found in obese individuals compared to controls. A significant association between genotype I/I (SNP19 of CAPN10 ) and excess weight was found even with an active lifestyle. In addition, significant associations between the C/C genotype of the UCP3 gene and the G/G and T/T genotypes of the FTO gene and excess weight were found only in young sedentary individuals. Conclusions: In this population, inadequate diet and sedentary lifestyle increased the risk of excess weight. Genotype I/I of SNP19 in CAPN10 was significantly associated with excess weight. In contrast, FTO and UCP3 variants exhibited effects only in sedentary environments.

Introducción. La obesidad resulta de la interacción entre factores de riesgo genéticos y ambientales. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de tres variantes genéticas y factores ambientales en el exceso de peso en jóvenes de 10 a 18 años de Medellín, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal en 424 jóvenes divididos en tres grupos: 100 obesos, 112 jóvenes con sobrepeso, y, pareados con ellos, 212 jóvenes con peso adecuado, que conformaron el grupo de control. Se evaluó la asociación entre tres polimorfismos genéticos ( UCP3 -rs1800849, FTO -rs17817449 y CAPN10 -rs3842570) y el exceso de peso, así como su interacción con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad, el tiempo dedicado a ver televisión y a jugar videojuegos y el consumo de alimentos. Resultados. Los antecedentes familiares de obesidad, la dedicación de más de dos horas al día a ver televisión y jugar videojuegos, la falta de lactancia materna, el bajo consumo de cereales, legumbres, frutas y verduras y el gran consumo de comidas rápidas fueron más frecuentes entre los obesos que en los controles. Se observó una asociación significativa entre el genotipo I/I (SNP19 del CAPN10 ) y el exceso de peso, incluso en los jóvenes que llevaban una vida activa. Además, se encontró una asociación significativa entre los genotipos C/C del UCP3 y G/G y T/T del FTO y el exceso de peso, pero solo en los jóvenes sedentarios. Conclusiones. En esta población, la alimentación inadecuada y el sedentarismo aumentaron el riesgo de exceso de peso. El genotipo I/I de SNP19 del CAPN10 se asoció significativamente con el exceso de peso. Algunas variantes del FTO y el UCP3 mostraron tener efecto solo en jóvenes sedentarios.

Efecto del all-trans ácido retinoico en la producción de citocinas por células mononucleares de sangre periférica (CMSP) en niños con desnutrición aguda / Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in children with acute malnutrition

Objetivo: comparar el efecto del all-trans ácido retinoico en la producción de citocinas por células mononucleares de sangre periférica (CMSP) entre niños con desnutrición aguda moderada (Dn-M), grave (Dn-G) y un grupo control de niños eutróficos (Eu). Metodología: estudio cuasi-experimental in vitro que evaluó el efecto de diferentes dosis de atRA (0, 17, 30 y 50 nM) sobre la concentración de citocinas (L-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF- e IL-12p70) en CMSP de 21 niños, distribuidos en 3 grupos: 7 con desnutrición moderada (Dn-M); 7 con desnutrición grave (Dn-G) y 7 eutróficos (Eu). Resultados: aunque 71% de los niños desnutridos (Dn-G y Dn-M) manifestaron signos de infección, presentaron una población de leucocitos y linfocitos más baja que los Eu. En los niños Dn-G se reportaron unos valores de proteína C reactiva (CRP) significativamente mayores que en los otros dos grupos y simultáneamente menor edad, menor estatura (T/E) y menor hemoglobina. Los valores de IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα e IL-10 en CMSP fueron mayores en Dn-M que en Dn-G y Eu. En la comparación entre grupos se encontró que con 50 nM de atRA el valor medio de la IL-8 fue significativamente menor y el de IL-10 mayor en Dn-G comparados con los otros grupos; de acuerdo al análisis MANOVA estas diferencias se atribuyeron al hecho de pertenecer al grupo (Dn-G) y no a la dosis de atRA (50 nM). El análisis del efecto de las diferentes dosis de atRA al interior de cada grupo mostró una disminución significativa con 50nM de atRA de IL-8 en Dn-G y de IL-10 en Eu. En Dn-M aumentó la IL-12p70 con dosis de 17 nM. Conclusión: el atRA influye en la producción de citocinas, pero el principal determinante de la concentración es el tipo de desnutrición.

Objective: To compare the effect of all-trans retinoic acid in the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) among children with moderate malnutrition (Dn-M), severe (Dn-G) and a control group of children eutrophic (Eu). Methodology: Quasi-experimental research in vitro, to assess the effect of different doses of atRA (0, 17, 30 and 50 nM) on the concentration of cytokines (L-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-12p70) in PBMC of 21 children, divided into three groups: seven with moderate malnutrition (Dn-M), 7 with severe malnutrition (Dn-G) and 7 healthy children (Eu). Results: Although 71% of malnourished children (Dn-G and Dn-M) showed signs of infection, had a population of leukocytes and lymphocytes lower than the Eu. Children Dn-G reported a concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), significantly higher than the other two groups and simultaneously younger, shorter (T/E) and lower hemoglobin. The concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and IL-10 in PBMC was higher in Dn-M than in Dn-G and Eu. Comparison between groups was found that 50 nM of atRA concentration of IL-8 was significantly lower and the higher IL-10 in Dn-G compared with the other two groups. MANOVA analyses indicate these differences were attributed to the fact to belonging the group (Dn-G) and not the dose of atRA (50 nM). Analysis of the effect of different doses of atRA in each group showed a significant decrease with 50nM of atRA of IL-8 in Dn-G and IL-10 in Eu. IL-12p70 increased with doses of 17 nM in Dn-M. Conclusion: atRA affects the production of cytokines but the main determinant of concentration is the type of malnutrition.

Seasonal dynamics of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in the northernmost state of Brazil: a likely port-of-entry for dengue virus 4

Roraima is the northernmost state of Brazil, bordering both Venezuela and Guyana. Appropriate climate and vector conditions for dengue transmission together with its proximity to countries where all four dengue serotypes circulate make this state, particularly the capital Boa Vista, strategically important for dengue surveillance in Brazil. Nonetheless, few studies have addressed the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti in Boa Vista. In this study, we report temporal and spatial variations in Ae. aegypti population density using ovitraps in two highly populated neighbourhoods; Centro and Tancredo Neves. In three out of six surveys, Ae. aegypti was present in more than 80 percent of the sites visited. High presence levels of this mosquito suggest ubiquitous human exposure to the vector, at least during part of the year. The highest infestation rates occurred during the peak of the rainy seasons, but a large presence was also observed during the early dry season (although with more variation among years). Spatial distribution of positive houses changed from a sparse and local pattern to a very dense pattern during the dry-wet season transition. These results suggest that the risk of dengue transmission and the potential for the new serotype invasions are high for most of the year.

Larval ontogeny and morphological variations of Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz) (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil / Ontogenia larval e variações morfológicas de Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz) (Diptera: Simuliidae) do Rio Grande do Norte

Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz) is an antropophilic species widely distributed in Central and South America. It is the vector of Onchocerca volvulus in a Brazilian focus and has been considered a plague in several areas of this country. The objective of this study was to determine the number of larval instars and to describe the morphological variations and teratologies of a population of P. incrustata from the Pium river, Rio Grande do Norte State. The number of larval instars was determined measuring the head capsule lateral length of 3,164 larvae. The larval instars were determined using the measurement frequency distribution, Student's t-test, the Dyar and Crosby growth rules. Eight larval instars were determined for P. incrustata. A high rate of teratologies (9.6 percent) in the hypostomium and variations in the lateral serrations and the latero-mandibular process were found.

Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz) é uma espécie antropofílica amplamente distribuída na América Central e do Sul. No foco brasileiro de oncocercose é considerada vetora de Onchocerca volvulus, sendo praga em outras regiões do país. Este estudo teve por objetivos determinar o número de estádios larvais e descrever as variações morfológicas e teratologias de uma população de P. incrustata do rio Pium, Rio Grande do Norte. O número de estádios larvais dessa espécie foi determinado medindo o comprimento lateral da cápsula cefálica de 3.164 larvas. Os estádios larvais foram determinados usando distribuição de frequências, teste-t de Student, regra de Dyar e de crescimento de Crosby. Foram identificados oito estádios larvais para P. incrustata. Foi encontrada uma elevada taxa de teratologias (9,6 por cento) no hipostômio, variações nas serrações laterais e no processo látero-mandibular.

Cambios en la presión arterial en un grupo de voluntarios normotensos después del consumo de diferentes dosis de café filtrado / Changes in blood pressure in a group of normotense volunteers after consumption or different doses of filtered coffee

No es clara la asociación entre el consumo de café y los cambios en los niveles de presión arterial; si bien algunos estudios muestran una correlación positiva, otros no logran confirmarla. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el cambio en los niveles de presión arterial en un grupo de voluntarios normotensos sometidos al consumo de diferentes dosis de café filtrado. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, clínico controlado, en el cual se conformaron cuatro grupos y se sometieron por un período de seis semanas al consumo de diferentes cantidades de café filtrado: el grupo uno no consumió café, el grupo dos consumió 200 mL, el tres 400 mL y el cuatro 600 mL. Antes y al final de la intervención, en cada sujeto se midieron los niveles de presión arterial; en el grupo control se midió la concentración de cafeína antes, durante y al final de la intervención. Los resultados mostraron grupos comparables por género, edad e índice de masa corporal, sin diferencias significativas en las condiciones basales. Después de la intervención, la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica no mostró diferencia intragrupos, excepto en el grupo cuatro en el cual disminuyó significativamente (p=0,006) la presión arterial diastólica. Entre grupos los cambios en los niveles de presión sistólica y diastólica no fueron significativos (p=0,510 y 0,430 respectivamente). En conclusión, el consumo de diferentes dosis de café filtrado no ocasionó en sujetos normotensos cambios significativos en los niveles de presión arterial; el grupo que se abstuvo de tomar café no mostró disminución significativa de la presión arterial.

Distribution of dengue vectors in neighborhoods with different urbanization types of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are vectors of dengue viruses, which cause endemic disease in the city of Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, Brazil. More than 53 thousand cases have been registered in this city since the first epidemic in 1998. We evaluated the hypothesis that different ecological conditions result in different patterns of vector infestation in Manaus, by measuring the infestation level in four neighborhoods with different urbanization patterns, during the rainy (April), dry (August), and transitional (November) seasons. Ae. aegypti predominated throughout the study areas and sampling periods, representing 86 percent of all specimens collected in oviposition traps. High frequencies of houses positive for both species were observed in all studied sites, with Ae. aegypti present in more than 84 percent of the houses in all seasons. Ae. albopictus, on the other hand, showed more spatial and temporal variation in abundance. We found no association between infestation level and house traits. This study highlights the homogeneity of dengue vector distribution in Manaus.

Trichomycetes (Zygomycota) in the digestive tract of arthropods in Amazonas, Brazil

Eight species of Harpellales and three species of Eccrinales (Zygomycota: Trichomycetes) were found associated with the digestive tract of arthropods from terrestrial and aquatic environments in the central Amazon region of Brazil. New species of Harpellales include: Harpella amazonica, Smittium brasiliense, Genistellospora tropicalis in Simuliidae larvae and Stachylina paucispora in Chironomidae larvae. Axenic cultures of S. brasiliense were obtained. Probable new species of Enterobryus (Eccrinales), Harpella, and Stachylina (Harpellales) are described but not named. Also reported are the previously known species of Eccrinales, Passalomyces compressus and Leidyomyces attenuatus in adult Coleoptera (Passalidae), and Smittium culisetae and Smittium aciculare (Harpellales) in Culicidae and Simuliidae larvae, respectively. Comments on the distribution of some of these fungi and their hosts in the Neotropics are provided

Factores de riesgo de accidentes en niños que consultaron al Policlínico Infantil de Medellín Diciembre 1 de 1998 - marzo 6 de 1999 / Risk factors for accidents in children that consulted to the emergency unit of San Vicente de Paul Children´s Hospital of Medellin, Colombia, December 1, 1998 - March 6, 1999

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo prospectivo para identificar los factores de riesgo para accidentes en los niños menores de 12 años que consultaron por esta causa al Policlínico Infantil de Medellín, desde diciembre 1 de 1998 hasta marzo 6 de 1999. Se compararon dichos factores durante un período de vacaciones escolares y uno de actividad académica de igual duración.Se trabajó con 1.185 pacientes. La distribución por sexo fue: 771 niños (65 por ciento) y 414 niñas (35 por ciento); el 76,9 por ciento (912 pacientes) procedían de Medellín y su área metropolitana. El lugar del accidente fue como sigue: en la calle 582 niños (49 por ciento); en el hogar 496 niños (41,9 por ciento), en la escuela 32 niños (2,7 por ciento) y en otros sitios 75 niños (6,3 por ciento). Se encontraban solos en el momento del accidente 199 niños (16,8 por ciento), con otros niños 512 (43,2 por ciento) y con adultos 474 (40 por ciento). El principal tipo de accidente fue el mecánico en 1.077 casos (90,9 por ciento); 740 niños sufrieron caídas lo que representó el 62,5 por ciento de todos los accidentes. El accidente por vehículos de motor representó el 10,3 por ciento (123 casos). El trauma fue leve en 1.128 niños (95,2 por ciento). La letalidad fue del 0,7 por ciento (8 niños), especialmente por trauma craneoencefálico debido a accidentes de tránsito y heridas por arma de fuego. El trauma fue más grave en los menores de 2 años.Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la frecuencia de traumas entre el período de vacaciones y el académico, con más accidentes durante las vacaciones.Se recomienda iniciar programas de prevención de accidentes especialmente en el hogar, dirigidos a los padres y cuidadores de los menores, con énfasis en las etapas de desarrollo de los niños y los riesgos para los diferentes tipos de accidentes.