Presence of trypanosomatids, with emphasis on Leishmania, in Rodentia and Didelphimorphia mammals of a rural settlement in the central Amazon region

BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids are widespread and cause diseases - such as trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis - in animals and humans. These diseases occur in both rural and urban regions due to unplanned growth and deforestation. Thus, wild and synanthropic reservoir hosts living in residential areas are risk factors. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the diversity of small mammals (rodents and marsupials), and the occurrence of trypanosomatids, especially Leishmania, in the rural settlement of Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas. METHODS Animals were collected using Sherman, Tomahawk, and Pitfall traps along 16 trails in four landscapes: continuous forest, forest with planting, planting, and peridomiciliar. Leishmania sp. was detected in liver samples by polymerase chain reaction targeting kDNA. FINDINGS Diversity was higher in forests with planting and lower around residences. In total, 135 mammals (81 rodents and 54 marsupials covering 14 genera) were captured. Rodents presented infection rates (IR) of 74% and marsupials of 48%. Rodents in domicile landscapes presented a higher IR (92.9%), while marsupials showed a higher IR in forests (53.3%). MAIN CONCLUSIONS The results suggest high prevalence of trypanosomatids across 12 mammalian genera possibly involved as reservoir hosts in the enzootic transmission of leishmaniasis in the Amazon's rural, peridomiciliar landscape.

Transmission-blocking compound candidates against Plasmodium vivax using P. berghei as an initial screening

BACKGROUND Different strategies for improvement of malaria control and elimination are based on the blockage of malaria parasite transmission to the mosquito vector. These strategies include the drugs that target the plasmodial sexual stages in humans and the early developmental stages inside mosquitoes. OBJECTIVES Here we tested Malaria Box compounds in order to evaluate their activity against male and female gametocytes in Plasmodium berghei, mosquito infection in P. vivax and ookinete formation in both species. METHODS/FINDINGS The membrane feeding assay and the development of ookinetes by a 24 h ex vivo culture and the ookinete yield per 1000 erythrocytes were used to test transmission-blocking potential of the Malaria Box compounds in P. vivax. For P. berghei we used flow cytometry to evaluate male and female gametocyte time course and fluorescence microscopy to check the ookinete development. The two species used in this study showed similar results concerning the compounds' activity against gametocytes and ookinetes, which were different from those in P. falciparum. In addition, from the eight Malaria Box compounds tested in both species, compounds MMV665830, MMV665878 and MMV665941 were selected as a hit compounds due the high inhibition observed. CONCLUSION Our results showed that P. berghei is suitable as an initial screening system to test compounds against P. vivax.

Contenido de grasa saturada y trans en panes de panaderías de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia / Saturated and trans fat content in the breads of bakeries in Medellín, Colombia

ANTECEDENTES: Se desconoce el contenido de grasas saturada (GS) y trans (Gtrans) en panes sin etiqueta y sin vigilancia por entidad regulatoria de Colombia. PROPÓSITO: Comparar el contenido de GS y Gtrans en panes de algunas panaderías de Medellín con lo reglamentado: 0,5 g/50 g de pan, para ambos tipos de grasa según resolución 2508 de 2012 del Ministerio de Salud. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se muestrearon 45 panes de tres tipos (aliñado, leche y croissant) en tres niveles socioeconómicos (NSE) según ubicación de la panadería. Se cuantificó grasa total gravimétricamente y GS y Gtrans por cromatografía de gases. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de GS y Gtrans con respecto a la grasa total extraíble fue 43,8% y 0,6% en pan aliñado, 37,4% y 0,6% en pan leche y 32,2% y 0,9% en pan croissant, sin diferencia significativa entre ellos (p= 0,155 y 0,184, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Comparado con la resolución 2508, el contenido de GS fue mayor al límite establecido en resolución y el contenido de Gtrans fue menor en pan aliñado, leche o croissant. Los panes evaluados en las panaderías del NSE bajo contenían mayor Gtrans que los otros.

BACKGROUND: The content of saturated (GS) and trans (Gtrans) fats in unlabeled and breads that are not regulated by the Colombian government is unknown. PURPOSE: To compare the content of GS and Gtrans in breads of bakeries in Medellín with the following regulation: 0.5 g/50 g of bread, for both types of fat according to the 2012 Ministry of Health resolution #2508. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 breads of three types (seasoned, milk and croissant) were sampled at bakeries from three socioeconomic levels (NSE) according to the location. Total fat was quantified gravimetrically and GS and Gtrans by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The percentage of GS and Gtrans with respect to the total extractable fat was 43.8% and 0.6% in seasoned bread, 37.4% and 0.6% in milk bread and 32.2% and 0.9% in croissant bread, with no significant difference by bread type (p= 0.155 and 0.184, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GS content of sampled breadswas greater than the limit established in the resolution. Gtrans content was lower in seasoned bread andmilk bread compared to croissant. The breads evaluated in the bakeries of lower NSE contained higher Gtrans than the others.

Diversity of biting midges Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), potential vectors of disease, in different environments in an Amazonian rural settlement, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Culicoides transmit a variety of pathogens. Our aim was to survey the Culicoides species occurring in an Amazonian rural settlement, comparing abundance, richness, and diversity in different environments. METHODS: Culicoides were captured using CDC light traps. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Rényi indices were used to compare species diversity and evenness between environments, the equitability (J') index was used to calculate the uniformity of distribution among species, and similarity was estimated using the Jaccard similarity index. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance was applied to assess the influence of environment on species composition. A non-metric dimensional scale was used to represent the diversity profiles of each environment in a multidimensional space. RESULTS: 6.078 Culicoides were captured, representing 84 species (45 valid species/39 morphotypes). H' values showed the following gradient: forest > capoeira > peridomicile > forest edge. The equitability J' was greater in capoeira and forests compared to peridomiciles and the forest edge. The population compositions of each environment differed statistically, but rarefaction estimates indicate that environments of the same type possessed similar levels of richness. Species of medical and veterinary importance were found primarily in peridomiciles: C. paraensis, vector of Oropouche virus; C. insignis and C. pusillus, vectors of Bluetongue virus; C. filariferus, C. flavivenula, C. foxi, and C. ignacioi, found carrying Leishmania DNA. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that diversity was higher in natural environments than in anthropized environments, while abundance and richness were highest in the most anthropized environment. These findings suggest that strictly wild Culicoides can adapt to anthropized environments.

Identificación de mutaciones asociadas con resistencia a inhibidores de la transferencia de cadena de integrasa en pacientes VIH-1 positivos naive para tratamiento antirretroviral en Medellín, Colombia / Identification of mutations associated with resistance to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTI) in ART-naïve HIV- 1 patients in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo: Estimar las frecuencias de mutaciones y de polimorfismos adicionales asociados con resistencia a los fármacos inhibidores de la integrasa del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH-1). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en individuos VIH-1 positivos de la ciudad de Medellín, quienes no habían recibido tratamiento antirretroviral. En ellos se determinó, a través del método de 2-dideoxinucleótidos y el sistema ABI3730XL, la secuencia del gen de la integrasa del VIH-1 a partir del ARN viral circulante, la cual fue analizada en la base de datos de resistencia a medicamentos antirretrovirales de la Universidad de Stanford y según reportes de literatura científica. Resultados: Se encontraron las siguientes mutaciones (con sus respectivas frecuencias): una mutación mayor, E138K (1/46), tres mutaciones accesorias G163E (3/46), L74I (3/50) y E157Q (2/48), una mutación no polimórfica A128T (1/49) y otras dos mutaciones potencialmente asociadas con resistencia a inhibidores de integrasa S230N (9/39) y S119P/R/T (4/47, 2/47 y 14/47, respectivamente). Conclusiones: En las secuencias analizadas, llama la atención la presencia de al menos una mutación asociada a resistencia a inhibidores de integrasa en el 14% de los individuos estudiados, sugiriendo una pobre presión selectiva de este tipo de fármacos en la población viral circulante en la zona.

Aim: To estimate the frequencies of major and accessory mutations, as well as additional polymorphisms associated with resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (VIH-1) integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, focused on HIV-1 positive individuals from Medellín, recruited between 2013 and 2015, and that had not received antiretroviral therapy. In these patients, the sequence from HIV-1 integrase was determined from circulating viral RNA through Sanger chain termination method with the ABI3730XL system, and the sequences were analyzed using the HIV Drug Resistance Database from the University of Stanford, together with previous literature reports. Results: The following mutations associated with resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, along with its respective frequencies, were found: one major mutation, E138K (1/46), three accessory mutations, G163E (3/46), L74I (3/50) and E157Q (2/48); one non-polymorphic mutation, A128T (1/49); and two mutations potentially associated with resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, S230N (9/39) and S119P/R/T (4/47, 2/47 and 14/47, respectively). Conclusions: In the sequences analyzed, it is noteworthy the presence of at least one mutation related with resistance to integrase inhibitors in 14% of the studied patients, suggesting a poor selective pressure of this kind of drugs in the circulating viral population in our region.

Chicken eggs as a surveillance tool for malaria and leishmaniasis vector presence

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malaria and leishmaniases are transmitted by vectors during blood-feeding. Vector-infected animals develop antibodies against the vector's saliva. This study evaluated IgY antibody detection in the chicken eggs exposed to bites from Migonemyia migonei, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Anopheles aquasalis. METHODS: We used ELISA to quantify the antibody levels in the sera and exposed chicken eggs. RESULTS: High IgY levels were observed following immunization; furthermore, higher reactivity was observed in the eggs and species-specific immune response was observed post final immunization. CONCLUSIONS: Chicken eggs can be used as sentinels to surveil vector saliva antibodies.

Lutzomyia umbratilis from an area south of the Negro River is refractory to in vitro interaction with Leishmania guyanensis

BACKGROUND Lutzomyia umbratilis, the vector for Leishmania guyanensis in northern South America, has been found naturally infected with L. guyanensis only in areas north of the Negro and Amazon rivers. While populations of this sand fly species are also found in areas south of these rivers, these populations have never been reported to be infected and/or transmitting L. guyanensis. However, no studies on the corresponding host-parasite interactions are available. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the interaction between Lu. guyanensis promastigotes and field-collected Lu. umbratilis sand flies from Rio Preto da Eva and Manacapuru, which are located to the north and south, respectively, of the Negro River. METHODS Procyclic and metacyclic attachment was quantified using an in vitro system. FINDINGS Low attachment of parasites to the midguts of insects collected from Manacapuru was detected. Conversely, greater binding of metacyclic parasites was observed in the midguts of insects collected from Rio Preto da Eva, and this attachment was more pronounced than that observed for procyclics (p < 0.03). MAIN CONCLUSIONS The Lu. umbratilis population from an area south of the Negro River has lower in vitro interaction with L. guyanensis. The higher attachment of L. guyanensis to midguts of insects from Rio Preto da Eva may suggest better vector competence. These findings are in accordance with previously reported epidemiological information of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) transmission in the Amazon.

First evidence of Zika virus venereal transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is considered the main Zika virus (ZIKV) vector, and is thought to be responsible for the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil. Zika positive Ae. aegypti males collected in the field suggest that vertical and/or venereal transmission of ZIKV may occur. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that venereal transmission of ZIKV by Ae. aegypti can occur under laboratory conditions. METHODS Ae. aegypti collected in the city of Manaus, confirmed as negative for Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (AaM3V- strain), were reared under laboratory conditions and used for the experiments. The ZIKV used in this study was isolated from a patient presenting with symptoms; ZIKV was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Experiment 1: virgin male mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension; four days after injection, they were transferred to a cage containing virgin females of AaM3V- strain and left to copulate for five days. Experiment 2: virgin female mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were orally infected with a ZIKV suspension by blood feeding membrane assay; nine days after blood feeding, they were placed in cages with Ae. aegypti AaM3V- virgin males and left to copulate for four days. After copulation, all mosquitoes were individually evaluated for viral infection by RT-qPCR. FINDINGS The mean infection rate in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 was 45% and 35%, respectively. In both experiments, cycle threshold values ranged from 13 to 35, indicating the presence of viral genomes. MAIN CONCLUSION Ae. aegypti males intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension are infected and can transmit the virus to uninfected females by mating. Moreover, Ae. aegypti females orally infected with a ZIKV suspension can transmit the virus to uninfected males by copulation. This study shows that ZIKV infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes occurs not only during blood feeding, but also during copulation.

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.

The genital atrium armature of some Brazilian sand fly females (Diptera: Phlebotominae) / Armadura do átrio genital de algumas fêmeas de flebotomíneos brasileiros (Diptera: Phlebotominae)

Phlebotomine sand flies are insects of medical importance. Species in the Neotropical region are highly diverse. Some of these species are considered cryptic species because of their morphological similarity between adult females of different species make identification especially difficult. The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the armature in the genital atrium (AGA) of some adult female sand flies, in order to discover new taxonomic characters that make it possible to distinguish between species that would otherwise be treated as cryptic by analysis of the AGA. The AGA of 16 Phlebotomine sand fly species are described. Distinct differences were found in relation to the shape and size of the armature, the presence or absence of spines on the armature, and the shape, size, and grouping patterns of the spines. These characters made it possible to distinguish between the species studied.

Os flebotomíneos são insetos de importância médica. Na região Neotropical existe grande diversidade de espécies. Algumas dessas espécies são consideradas espécies crípticas devido às semelhanças morfológicas entre fêmeas adultas de diferentes espécies, tornando a identificação especialmente difícil. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e descrever a armadura no átrio genital (AAG) de algumas fêmeas adultas de flebotomíneos, a fim de descobrir novos caracteres taxonômicos que tornem possível a distinção por análise da AAG entre as espécies que poderiam ser tratadas como espécies crípticas. Foram descritas a AAG de 16 espécies de flebotomíneos. Diferenças distintas foram encontradas em relação à forma e ao tamanho da armadura, a presença ou ausência de espinhos na armadura, e a forma, tamanho e padrões de agrupamento dos espinhos. Esses caracteres tornou possível a distinção entre as espécies estudadas.

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.

Suscetibilidade e resposta imune de mosquitos Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) da Região Amazônica Brasileira quando infectados experimentalmente por Plasmodium vivax / Susceptibility and immune response of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the Brazilian Amazon region when experimentally infected by Plasmodium vivax

A malária é um problema de saúde pública. O Brasil é o país sul-americano que mais casos aporta todo ano, a maioria deles ocorridos na região Amazônica. Até o presente não há nenhuma vacina eficaz contra a malária. O controle dessa doença baseia-se principalmente no combate vetorial. Um dos desafios atuais é encontrar novas moléculas úteis para bloquear a transmissão da malária no vetor, sendo necessário para isso conhecer a biologia da interação entre os parasitos e seus hospedeiros. A maioria dos grupos de pesquisa utiliza como modelos de laboratórios combinações não naturais de Anopheles – Plasmodium. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a suscetibilidade ao P. vivax em espécies Amazônicas de Anopheles, fêmeas de Anopheles darlingi, An. albitarsis s.l., An. nuneztovari s.l. e An. triannulatus s.l. e An.aquasalis foram infectadas com P. vivax utilizando um sistema de infecção experimental por membrana artificial...

Todas as espécies de Anopheles estudadas foram suscetíveis à infecção por P. vivax, porém a taxa de infecção e o numero de oocistos variaram significativamente entre elas. An. aquasalis (Spearman rho = 0.255, n = 386, p < 0.01) e An. darlingi (rho =0.518; n = 54, p < 0.01) mostraram uma correlação positiva entre o número de gametócitos e o número de oocistos formados. Também foi avaliada a via JAK/STAT de resposta imune em A. aquasalis, durante a fase tardia da infecção, e em A. darlingi, no início da infecção. A expressão dos genes STAT, PIAS e NOS foi avaliada por q-PCR. Em An. aquasalis a expressão dos genes estudados foi induzida a partir de 8 dPI (PIAS e NOS) e 12 dPI (STAT),e começou a diminuir aos 14dPI, provavelmente indicando a indução transitória desses genes na fase tardia da infecção. Em An. darlingi não foi observada a ativação dessa via imune durante a fase inicial da infecção com P. vivax. Estudos futuros devem ser realizados para saber de que forma os genes regulados pela via JAK/STAT podem modular o desenvolvimento do P. vivax em An. aquasalis, e outras vias de sinalização devem ser estudadas na resposta de An. darlingi à infecção pelo Plasmodium...

Suscetibilidade e resposta imune de mosquitos Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) da Região Amazônica Brasileira quando infectados experimentalmente por Plasmodium vivax

A malária é um problema de saúde pública. O Brasil é o país sul-americano que mais casos aporta todo ano, a maioria deles ocorridos na região Amazônica. Até o presente não há nenhuma vacina eficaz contra a malária. O controle dessa doença baseia-se principalmente no combate vetorial. Um dos desafios atuais é encontrar novas moléculas úteis para bloquear a transmissão da malária no vetor, sendo necessário para isso conhecer a biologia da interação entre os parasitos e seus hospedeiros. A maioria dos grupos de pesquisa utiliza como modelos de laboratórios combinações não naturais de Anopheles – Plasmodium. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a suscetibilidade ao P. vivax em espécies Amazônicas de Anopheles, fêmeas de Anopheles darlingi, An. albitarsis s.l., An. nuneztovari s.l. e An. triannulatus s.l. e An.aquasalis foram infectadas com P. vivax utilizando um sistema de infecção experimental por membrana artificial.

Todas as espécies de Anopheles estudadas foram suscetíveis à infecção por P. vivax, porém a taxa de infecção e o numero de oocistos variaram significativamente entre elas. An. aquasalis (Spearman rho = 0.255, n = 386, p < 0.01) e An. darlingi (rho =0.518; n = 54, p < 0.01) mostraram uma correlação positiva entre o número de gametócitos e o número de oocistos formados. Também foi avaliada a via JAK/STAT de resposta imune em A. aquasalis, durante a fase tardia da infecção, e em A. darlingi, no início da infecção. A expressão dos genes STAT, PIAS e NOS foi avaliada por q-PCR. Em An. aquasalis a expressão dos genes estudados foi induzida a partir de 8 dPI (PIAS e NOS) e 12 dPI (STAT),e começou a diminuir aos 14dPI, provavelmente indicando a indução transitória desses genes na fase tardia da infecção. Em An. darlingi não foi observada a ativação dessa via imune durante a fase inicial da infecção com P. vivax. Estudos futuros devem ser realizados para saber de que forma os genes regulados pela via JAK/STAT podem modular o desenvolvimento do P. vivax em An. aquasalis, e outras vias de sinalização devem ser estudadas na resposta de An. darlingi à infecção pelo Plasmodium.

Factores de riesgo ambientales y componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes con exceso de peso / Environmental risk factors and metabolic syndrome components in overweight youngsters

Introducción. Factores de riesgo ambientales, como el consumo de alimentos y la actividad física, son determinantes en la etiología del síndrome metabólico y sus componentes en jóvenes con exceso de peso. Objetivo. Explorar la asociación entre factores de riesgo ambientales y presencia de componentes del síndrome metabólico en jóvenes entre 10 y 18 años, con exceso de peso en Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. En la población de estudio se evaluaron la composición corporal por antropometría, la presión arterial, el perfil lipídico, la glucemia, la insulinemia, la ingestión de alimentos y la actividad física. Resultados. La prevalencia de los componentes del síndrome metabólico fue de 40,9 % para hipertrigliceridemia; 20,9 % para hipertensión; 15,6 % para c-HDL bajas; 4,0 % para circunferencia de cintura alta, y 0,9 % para la hiperglucemia; la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico fue de 3,1 %. Se encontró diferencia estadística (p<0,005) entre el consumo de kilocalorías, carbohidratos totales y simples, y la presencia de los componentes; no se encontró asociación entre el nivel de actividad física y la presencia de componentes (p>0,05). En el modelo de regresión logística se encontró una mayor probabilidad de tener, al menos, un componente si el joven era de sexo masculino (p=0,022), tenía un mayor índice de masa corporal (IMC) (p=0,019) y si se ubicaba en el cuarto cuartil de consumo de carbohidratos simples (p=0,036). Conclusiones. Los factores de riesgo ambientales asociados con los componentes del síndrome metabólico en este estudio fueron el mayor consumo de calorías, carbohidratos complejos y simples, todos relacionados directamente con el IMC; por el contrario, el nivel de actividad física, los antecedentes familiares y los personales no mostraron ninguna asociación. El síndrome metabólico sólo se presentó en jóvenes con obesidad.

Introduction. The environmental risk factors such as food intake and physival activity, are determinants in the etiology of metabolic syndrome in overweight adolescents. Objective. To explore the association between environmental risk factors and components presence of metabolic syndrome in overweight youngsters in Medellín. Materials and methods. Adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 were selected for a cross sectional study. Body composition by anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, food intake and physical activity level were assessed in the study population. Results. The prevalence for metabolic syndrome components of hypertriglyceridemia was 40.9%; hypertension, 20.9%; low HDLc, 15.6%; high waist circumference, 4.0%, and hyperglycemia, 0.9%; the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 3.1%. There was a statistical difference (p<0.005) between the consumption of calories, simple and total carbohydrates and the presence of the components; no association was found between the level of physical activity and the presence of components (p>0.05). The logistic regression model showed a higher probability of having at least one component if the youngster was male (p=0.022), with a higher BMI (Body Mass Index)(p=0.019) and was located in the fourth simple carbohydrates consumption quartile (p=0.036). Conclusions. Environmental risk factors associated with components of metabolic syndrome were the increased consumption of calories, simple and complex carbohydrates, all directly related to the BMI. In contrast, the level of physical activity, family history and personal risk factors showed no association. The metabolic syndrome only occurred in youngsters with obesity.

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.

Inflammatory response in Colombian children with severe protein-energymalnutrition before and after nutritional intervention / Respuesta inflamatoria en niños colombianos con desnutrición grave antes y después del tratamiento nutricional

Aim: To evaluate the changes in C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines in severely malnourished children, before nutritional intervention and at the moment of restoring appetite. Methodology: To assess changes in inflammatory mediators, 20 severely malnourished children under 5 years of age, 10 with kwashiorkor and 10 with marasmus were studied. Hemoglobin, total serum proteins, albumin, ferritin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α, and IL-12p70) were determined.Results: Upon hospital admission, the mean values of C-reactive protein in kwashiorkor and marasmus patients (16.3±19.0 mg/l and 23.1±27.9 mg/l, respectively) indicated an inflammatory response process with no difference between both groups (p=1.0). Total protein, albumin, transferrin and ceruloplasmin in children with kwashiorkor were significantly lower than in marasmic children (p=0.003, p=0.007, p=0.035, p=0.007, respectively). All cytokines, except IL-12p70, showed significantly higher concentrations in kwashiorkor than in marasmic children. After the stabilization phase, concentrations of C-reactive protein decreased significantly in both groups and albumin increased to normal values, but cytokines remained high. Conclusion: These results show that malnourished children are able to synthesize C-reactive protein in response to an infectious process. Additionally, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and depletion of albumin in children with kwashiorkor suggest that these inflammatory mediators could be critical biomarkers during clinical phases of kwashiorkor.

Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en la concentración de proteína C reactiva y citocinas pro-inflamatorias en niños con desnutrición aguda grave antes del tratamiento nutricional y al recuperar el apetito. Metodología: Se evaluó en 20 niños menores de 5 años con desnutrición aguda grave, 10 con marasmo y 10 con kwashiorkor, el cambio en la respuesta inflamatoria mediante la concentración de ferritina, transferrina, proteínas totales, albúmina, ceruloplasmina, proteína C reactiva y citocinas pro-inflamatorias (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α y IL-12p70).Resultados: Al momento de la admisión, la concentración promedio de proteína C reactiva en niños con kwashiorkor y marasmo (16.3±19.0 mg/l y 23.1±27.9 mg/l, respectivamente) indicaron un proceso inflamatorio activo en ambos grupos (p=1.0). Las proteínas totales, la albúmina, la transferrina y la ceruloplasmina fueron significativamente menores en niños con kwashiorkor que en niños con marasmo (p=0.003, p=0.007, p=0.035, p=0.007, respectivamente). Todas las citocinas, excepto la IL-12p70, mostraron una concentración significativamente mayor en niños con kwashiorkor que en marasmáticos. Después de la fase de estabilización la concentración de proteína C reactiva disminuyó de manera significativa en ambos grupos y la albúmina aumentó a concentraciones normales, pero las citocinas permanecieron altas. Conclusión: Estos resultados muestran que los niños desnutridos graves son capaces de sintetizar proteínas de fase aguda como la proteína C reactiva en respuesta a un proceso infeccioso. Adicionalmente, las mayores concentraciones de citocinas pro-inflamatorias y la mayor depleción de albúmina ocurrida en niños con kwashiorkor sugieren que esos mediadores inflamatorios pueden ser biomarcadores críticos durante las fases clínicas del kwashiorkor.

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.