Phenotypic variation among silverside populations (Atherinopsidae: Atherinella brasiliensis) from distinct environments in Northeastern Brazil.

The successful adaptation of populations to a wide range of environments is a central topic in ecology. Based on the assumption that body shape may affect survival, we evaluated to what extent biotic and abiotic factors are capable of inducing morphological changes in Brazilian silverside populations (Atherinella brasiliensis). To reach this goal, we compared 18 morphological traits of specimens from five ecosystems representing three types of environment (estuary, coastal lagoon, reservoir). Populations from estuaries displayed greater anal fin area and greater caudal fin aspect ratio and area. Populations from coastal lagoons had more compressed bodies, larger heads, and slightly broader caudal peduncles. The fish from estuaries and coastal lagoons had longer caudal peduncles, larger pelvic fins and larger eye area. Population from reservoir had more depressed bodies and greater oral protrusion. Food availability explained 31% of the observed ecomorphological patterns. Overall, the morphology of the respective populations was consistent with each type of environment, making it possible to associate phenotypic variation with habitat and feeding patterns, although abiotic factors were more significant than biotic factors. In conclusion, landlocked populations of A. brasiliensis are sustainable and add to current knowledge of phenotypical variability in a species widely distributed along the Western Atlantic coast.

Chronic Cystoisospora belli infection in a Colombian patient living with HIV and poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. / Infección crónica por Cystoisospora belli en un paciente colombiano con HIV y cumplimiento deficiente de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad

Cystoisospora belli is an intestinal Apicomplexan parasite associated with diarrheal illness and disseminated infections in humans, mainly immunocompromised individuals such as those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). An irregular administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV patients may increase the risk of opportunistic infections like cystoisosporiasis. We describe here a case of C. belli infection in a Colombian HIV patient with chronic gastrointestinal syndrome and poor adherence to HAART. His clinical and parasitological cure was achieved with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment. Although a reduction in the number of C. belli cases has been observed since the use of HAART, this parasite still has to be considered as a differential diagnosis of diarrheal disease in HIV/AIDS patients. Effective interventions enhancing adherence to HAART should be included in HIV patient care programs.

Cystoisospora belli es un parásito intestinal del filo Apicomplexa asociado con enfermedades diarreicas e infecciones diseminadas en humanos, principalmente en individuos inmunocomprometidos, como aquellos infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) o el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida). El cumplimiento inadecuado de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) puede aumentar el riego de infecciones oportunistas, incluida la cistoisosporiasis. Se describe el caso de infección por C. belli en un paciente colombiano con HIV, que presentó un síndrome gastrointestinal crónico e incumplía el tratamiento con la TARGA. Después del diagnóstico parasitológico, el paciente fue tratado con trimetoprimsulfametoxazol, lográndose la recuperación clínica y la cura parasitológica. Aunque se ha observado una reducción en el número de casos de C. belli desde la implementación de la TARGA, este parásito aún debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de las enfermedades diarreicas en pacientes con HIV/sida. Los programas de atención deben incluir intervenciones efectivas que potencien el cumplimiento de la TARGA en estos pacientes.

Chronic Cystoisospora belli infection in a Colombian patient living with HIV and poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy / Infección crónica por Cystoisospora belli en un paciente colombiano con HIV y cumplimiento deficiente de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad

Abstract | Cystoisospora belli is an intestinal Apicomplexan parasite associated with diarrheal illness and disseminated infections in humans, mainly immunocompromised individuals such as those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). An irregular administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV patients may increase the risk of opportunistic infections like cystoisosporiasis. We describe here a case of C. belli infection in a Colombian HIV patient with chronic gastrointestinal syndrome and poor adherence to HAART. His clinical and parasitological cure was achieved with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment. Although a reduction in the number of C. belli cases has been observed since the use of HAART, this parasite still has to be considered as a differential diagnosis of diarrheal disease in HIV/AIDS patients. Effective interventions enhancing adherence to HAART should be included in HIV patient care programs.

Resumen | Cystoisospora belli es un parásito intestinal del filo Apicomplexa asociado con enfermedades diarreicas e infecciones diseminadas en humanos, principalmente en individuos inmunocomprometidos, como aquellos infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) o el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida). El cumplimiento inadecuado de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) puede aumentar el riego de infecciones oportunistas, incluida la cistoisosporiasis. Se describe el caso de infección por C. belli en un paciente colombiano con HIV, que presentó un síndrome gastrointestinal crónico e incumplía el tratamiento con la TARGA. Después del diagnóstico parasitológico, el paciente fue tratado con trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol, lográndose la recuperación clínica y la cura parasitológica. Aunque se ha observado una reducción en el número de casos de C. belli desde la implementación de la TARGA, este parásito aún debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de las enfermedades diarreicas en pacientes con HIV/sida. Los programas de atención deben incluir intervenciones efectivas que potencien el cumplimiento de la TARGA en estos pacientes.

Utilidad del ultrasonido a la cabecera del paciente con neumotórax en infección por SARS-CoV-2. Reporte de caso / Usefulness of bedside ultrasound in patients with pneumothorax in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case report

It has been described that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present pneumothorax, either spontaneously, primarily due to constant cough, secondary to pneumonia caused by said disease, or iatrogenic due to mechanical ventilation that require high pressures, or traumatic due to urgent approaches, in a difficult airway such as that of these patients. The use of bedside ultrasonography has been gaining great relevance to complement clinical diagnosis, which has become a useful and reliable tool for personnel treating critically ill patients.

Se ha descrito que los pacientes con la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), pueden presentar neumotórax, ya sea de forma espontánea, primaria por la tos constante, secundaria a la neumonía causada por dicha enfermedad, o ya sea iatrogénica por la ventilación mecánica que requieren con altas presiones, o traumática por los abordajes urgentes, en una vía aérea difícil como la de estos pacientes. El uso de la ultrasonografía a la cabecera del paciente ha venido cobrando gran relevancia para complementar el diagnóstico clínico, la cual se ha convertido en una herramienta útil y fiable para el personal que atiende pacientes críticamente enfermos.

Innovative prototypes for cervical cancer prevention in low-income primary care settings: A human-centered design approach.

This article presents the design process of innovative prototypes for cervical cancer prevention in primary care centers located in low-income settings in Cali, Colombia, using the Human-Centered Design (HCD). The project was developed in collaboration with a public healthcare network comprised of 38 urban and rural centers with women between the ages of 25 and 65 years, healthcare providers of the cancer program, healthcare administrators and the general manager of said network. Our HCD process involved five stages: research, need synthesis, ideation and co-design process, prototyping and in-context usability testing. In practice, some of the stages are overlapped and iterated throughout the design process. We conducted observations, open-ended interviews and conversations, multi-stakeholder workshops, focus groups, systematic text condensation analyses and tests in real contexts. As a result, we designed four prototypes: (1) 'Encanto': An educational manicure service, (2) 'No le des la espalda a la citología': A media-based strategy, (3) An educational wireless queuing device in the waiting room, and (4) Citobot: A cervical cancer early detection device, system, and method. The tests carried out with each prototype showed their value, limitations and possibilities in terms of subsequent development and validation through public health research or clinical research. We recognize that a longer-term evaluation is required in order to determine whether the prototypes will be used regularly, integrated into cervical cancer screening services and effectively improve access to cytology as a screening test. We conclude that HCD is a useful for design-based prevention in the field of cervical cancer. The integration of this approach with public health research would allow the generation of evidence during to the formulation of policies and programs as well as optimize existing interventions and, ultimately, facilitate the scalability and financing of what actually works.

Freshwater fish richness baseline from the São Francisco Interbasin Water Transfer Project in the Brazilian Semiarid

Among Neotropical freshwater ecoregions, the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga (MNCE) is a fish knowledge gap. Its temporary drainages are receptors of the São Francisco interbasin water transfer project (SFR-IWT) in the Brazilian semiarid. We provide a comprehensive baseline of fish richness of the five SFR-IWT basins. Species richness, shared, endemic, threatened and non-native species were obtained using sampling, ichthyologic collections, literature and online repositories (306 localities). In total 121, species were recorded, 111 of them native, and 16 (14.41%) listed for all basins. Higher richness of native species (78, 70.27%) was recorded in the São Francisco lower-middle stretch (SFRE), including 23 endemic, 61 (54.95%) in MNCE basins (13 endemic), and 28 (25.23%) shared between both ecoregions. In the MNCE, 50 species were recorded in Jaguaribe (JAG), 39 in Piranhas-Açu, 36 in Paraíba do Norte, and 32 in Apodi-Mossoró (APO). The number of species shared between the SFRE and each receptor basin varied from 24 (23.08%, JAG) to 20 (22.22%, APO). JAG contains 81.97% of the receptor basins' species. Its higher richness and endemism deserve special attention regarding the ongoing hydrological changes. This study will help detect possible modifications in the ichthyofauna of the main MNCE drainages.(AU)

Dentre as ecorregiões dulcícolas neotropicais, a Nordeste Médio-Oriental (MNCE) é uma lacuna de conhecimento sobre peixes. Suas drenagens temporárias são receptoras do projeto de transposição do São Francisco (SFR-IWT) no semiárido brasileiro. Fornecemos uma linha de base abrangente da riqueza de peixes das cinco bacias do SFR-IWT. Riqueza de espécies, espécies compartilhadas, endêmicas, ameaçadas e não-nativas foram obtidas através de amostragem, coleções ictiológicas, literatura e repositórios online (306 localidades). No total, foram registradas 121 espécies, 111 nativas e 16 (14,41%) listadas para todas as bacias. A maior riqueza de espécies nativas (78, 70,27%) foi registrada no trecho sub-médio do São Francisco (SFRE), incluindo 23 endêmicas e 61 (54,95%) nas bacias da MNCE (13 endêmicas), e 28 (25,23 %) compartilhadas entre ambas ecorregiões. Na MNCE, foram registradas 50 espécies na Jaguaribe (JAG), 39 na Piranhas-Açu, 36 na Paraíba do Norte e 32 na Apodi-Mossoró (APO). O número de espécies compartilhadas entre SFRE e cada bacia receptora variou de 24 (23,08%, JAG) a 20 (22,22%, APO). JAG contém 81,97% das espécies das bacias receptoras. Sua maior riqueza e endemismo merecem atenção especial em relação às mudanças hidrológicas em curso. Este estudo ajudará a detectar possíveis modificações na ictiofauna das principais drenagens da MNCE.(AU)

Freshwater fish richness baseline from the São Francisco Interbasin Water Transfer Project in the Brazilian Semiarid

Among Neotropical freshwater ecoregions, the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga (MNCE) is a fish knowledge gap. Its temporary drainages are receptors of the São Francisco interbasin water transfer project (SFR-IWT) in the Brazilian semiarid. We provide a comprehensive baseline of fish richness of the five SFR-IWT basins. Species richness, shared, endemic, threatened and non-native species were obtained using sampling, ichthyologic collections, literature and online repositories (306 localities). In total 121, species were recorded, 111 of them native, and 16 (14.41%) listed for all basins. Higher richness of native species (78, 70.27%) was recorded in the São Francisco lower-middle stretch (SFRE), including 23 endemic, 61 (54.95%) in MNCE basins (13 endemic), and 28 (25.23%) shared between both ecoregions. In the MNCE, 50 species were recorded in Jaguaribe (JAG), 39 in Piranhas-Açu, 36 in Paraíba do Norte, and 32 in Apodi-Mossoró (APO). The number of species shared between the SFRE and each receptor basin varied from 24 (23.08%, JAG) to 20 (22.22%, APO). JAG contains 81.97% of the receptor basins' species. Its higher richness and endemism deserve special attention regarding the ongoing hydrological changes. This study will help detect possible modifications in the ichthyofauna of the main MNCE drainages.(AU)

Dentre as ecorregiões dulcícolas neotropicais, a Nordeste Médio-Oriental (MNCE) é uma lacuna de conhecimento sobre peixes. Suas drenagens temporárias são receptoras do projeto de transposição do São Francisco (SFR-IWT) no semiárido brasileiro. Fornecemos uma linha de base abrangente da riqueza de peixes das cinco bacias do SFR-IWT. Riqueza de espécies, espécies compartilhadas, endêmicas, ameaçadas e não-nativas foram obtidas através de amostragem, coleções ictiológicas, literatura e repositórios online (306 localidades). No total, foram registradas 121 espécies, 111 nativas e 16 (14,41%) listadas para todas as bacias. A maior riqueza de espécies nativas (78, 70,27%) foi registrada no trecho sub-médio do São Francisco (SFRE), incluindo 23 endêmicas e 61 (54,95%) nas bacias da MNCE (13 endêmicas), e 28 (25,23 %) compartilhadas entre ambas ecorregiões. Na MNCE, foram registradas 50 espécies na Jaguaribe (JAG), 39 na Piranhas-Açu, 36 na Paraíba do Norte e 32 na Apodi-Mossoró (APO). O número de espécies compartilhadas entre SFRE e cada bacia receptora variou de 24 (23,08%, JAG) a 20 (22,22%, APO). JAG contém 81,97% das espécies das bacias receptoras. Sua maior riqueza e endemismo merecem atenção especial em relação às mudanças hidrológicas em curso. Este estudo ajudará a detectar possíveis modificações na ictiofauna das principais drenagens da MNCE.(AU)

A multiple hypothesis approach to explain species richness patterns in neotropical stream-dweller fish communities.

Several hypotheses are used to explain species richness patterns. Some of them (e.g. species-area, species-energy, environment-energy, water-energy, terrestrial primary productivity, environmental spatial heterogeneity, and climatic heterogeneity) are known to explain species richness patterns of terrestrial organisms, especially when they are combined. For aquatic organisms, however, it is unclear if these hypotheses can be useful to explain for these purposes. Therefore, we used a selection model approach to assess the predictive capacity of such hypotheses, and to determine which of them (combined or not) would be the most appropriate to explain the fish species distribution in small Brazilian streams. We perform the Akaike's information criteria for models selections and the eigenvector analysis to control the special autocorrelation. The spatial structure was equal to 0.453, Moran's I, and require 11 spatial filters. All models were significant and had adjustments ranging from 0.370 to 0.416 with strong spatial component (ranging from 0.226 to 0.369) and low adjustments for environmental data (ranging from 0.001 to 0.119) We obtained two groups of hypothesis are able to explain the richness pattern (1) water-energy, temporal productivity-heterogeneity (AIC = 4498.800) and (2) water-energy, temporal productivity-heterogeneity and area (AIC = 4500.400). We conclude that the fish richness patterns in small Brazilian streams are better explained by a combination of Water-Energy + Productivity + Temporal Heterogeneity hypotheses and not by just one.

Production and evaluation of the recombinant antigen TES-30 of Toxocara canis for the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis.

INTRODUCTION: Toxocara canis is a pathogenic nematode of canines which can be accidentally transmitted to humans. Although serology is the most important diagnostic tool for this zoonosis, diagnostic kits use crude excretion/secretion antigens, most of them being glycoproteins which are not species-specific and may cross-react with antibodies generated against other parasites.  OBJECTIVES: To produce the rTES-30 recombinant antigen of Toxocara canis and evaluate it in the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gene that codes for TES-30 was cloned in the expression vector pET28a (+) using single-stranded oligonucleotides united by PCR. The protein rTES-30 was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromotography. Seroreactivity of rTES-30 was evaluated by immunoblot. Given that there is no gold standard test, the behaviour of the antigen was compared with the method that is routinely used to immunodiagnose toxocariasis, i.e., the conventional ELISA technique using excretion/secretion antigens.  RESULTS: The rTES-30 was produced from an Escherichia coli LB culture which yielded 2.25 mg/L of the antigen with a purity of 95%. The results obtained showed 73% (46/63) concordance of reactivity between the rTES-30 immunoblot and the conventional ELISA, and 100% concordance with the nonreactive sera (21). Nineteen of the 21 sera positive for other parasitoses reacted with ELISA, while only seven of these were positive with the rTES-30 immunoblot. Concordance between the ELISA and the immunoblot was moderate (kappa coefficient: 0.575; 95% CI: 0.41- 0.74).  CONCLUSIONS: The data presented show the potential of the rTES-30 inmunoblot for confirmation of possible ELISA positives, not only in epidemiological studies, but also as a candidate for the development of diagnostic tests for ocular toxocariasis in Colombia.

Aberturas del cordón de arena de la laguna costera Imboassica (Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) no alteran la abundancia de los peces comerciales / Openings of the sand bar in the coastal lagoon Imboassica (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) dont change the number of commercial fish individuals

La laguna Imboassica (estado de Rio de Janeiro), tuvo de 1993 a 2001 cuatro aberturas del cordón de arena que la separa del mar. Durante este período fueron realizadas 28 colectas de peces, siendo 55.6% de las especies de valor comercial clasificada en guildas funcionales como: residentes en lagunas costeras (RLC), marina-dependientes (MD), visitantes marinas (VM) y de agua dulce (D). La captura por unidad de esfuerzo (CPUE) de las especies de interés comercial en los períodos antes y después de las aberturas fue obtenida de acuerdo al tiempo y área de exposición de las redes. No hubo variaciones significativas en la abundancia de todas las guildas antes y después de las aberturas del cordón de arena. Fue observada una tendencia de aumento en la abundancia de individuos de las especies VM, RCL y MD en los períodos posteriores a abertura del cordón de arena. Cuando este permaneció cerrado por aproximadamente tres años, fueron realizadas 21 colectas de peces, con aumento en la abundancia de dulcicolas y disminución de otras guildas (VM, RCL y MD). La producción pesquera de la laguna Imboassica es considerada baja y varia por la abertura y cierre del cordón arenoso.(AU)

The coastal lagoon Imboassica (Rio de Janeiro State) had from 1993 to 2004 four openings of the sand bar that separates it from the ocean. During this period, 28 samples of fish fauna occurred; 55.6% with commercial value classified in functional guilds as: residents of coastal lagoons (RLC), marine dependent (MD), marine visitors (VM) and from freshwater (D). The catch per unit effort CPUE from the fish species with commercial value during the periods before and after the openings was availed according to exposure time and area of the gill nets. It was observed a growing trend of the individuals VM, RCL and MD with commercial interest during the periods after the openings of the sand bar. When the sand bar remained closed for at least three years, it was observed an increase on the abundance of freshwater fish, as a reduction on other guilds (VM, RCL and MD). The fish production in Imboassica lagoon is considered low and varies in function of the opening and closing of the sand bar.(AU)

Aberturas del cordón de arena de la laguna costera Imboassica (Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) no alteran la abundancia de los peces comerciales / Openings of the sand bar in the coastal lagoon Imboassica (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) dont change the number of commercial fish individuals

La laguna Imboassica (estado de Rio de Janeiro), tuvo de 1993 a 2001 cuatro aberturas del cordón de arena que la separa del mar. Durante este período fueron realizadas 28 colectas de peces, siendo 55.6% de las especies de valor comercial clasificada en guildas funcionales como: residentes en lagunas costeras (RLC), marina-dependientes (MD), visitantes marinas (VM) y de agua dulce (D). La captura por unidad de esfuerzo (CPUE) de las especies de interés comercial en los períodos antes y después de las aberturas fue obtenida de acuerdo al tiempo y área de exposición de las redes. No hubo variaciones significativas en la abundancia de todas las guildas antes y después de las aberturas del cordón de arena. Fue observada una tendencia de aumento en la abundancia de individuos de las especies VM, RCL y MD en los períodos posteriores a abertura del cordón de arena. Cuando este permaneció cerrado por aproximadamente tres años, fueron realizadas 21 colectas de peces, con aumento en la abundancia de dulcicolas y disminución de otras guildas (VM, RCL y MD). La producción pesquera de la laguna Imboassica es considerada baja y varia por la abertura y cierre del cordón arenoso.

The coastal lagoon Imboassica (Rio de Janeiro State) had from 1993 to 2004 four openings of the sand bar that separates it from the ocean. During this period, 28 samples of fish fauna occurred; 55.6% with commercial value classified in functional guilds as: residents of coastal lagoons (RLC), marine dependent (MD), marine visitors (VM) and from freshwater (D). The catch per unit effort CPUE from the fish species with commercial value during the periods before and after the openings was availed according to exposure time and area of the gill nets. It was observed a growing trend of the individuals VM, RCL and MD with commercial interest during the periods after the openings of the sand bar. When the sand bar remained closed for at least three years, it was observed an increase on the abundance of freshwater fish, as a reduction on other guilds (VM, RCL and MD). The fish production in Imboassica lagoon is considered low and varies in function of the opening and closing of the sand bar.

Producción y evaluación del antígeno recombinante TES-30 de Toxocara canis para el inmunodiagnóstico de toxocariasis / Production and evaluation of the recombinant antigen TES-30 of Toxocara canis for the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis

Introducción. Toxocara canis es un nematodo patógeno de cánidos que accidentalmente puede ser transmitido a los humanos. A pesar de la importancia de la serología para el diagnóstico de esta zoonosis, los kits diagnósticos usan antígenos crudos de excreción-secreción, en su mayoría glucoproteínas que no son específicas de especie, por lo cual pueden presentarse reacciones cruzadas con anticuerpos generados contra otros parásitos. Objetivos. Producir el antígeno recombinante TES-30 de T. canis y evaluarlo para el inmunodiagnóstico de la toxocariasis. Materiales y métodos. Se clonó el gen que codifica TES-30 en el vector de expresión pET28a (+), usando oligonucleótidos de cadena sencilla unidos mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). La proteína rTES-30 se purificó por cromotografia de afinidad (Ni 2+ ). La reacción serológica de rTES-30 se evaluó mediante immunoblot . Teniendo en cuenta que no existe una prueba de referencia , se observó el comportamiento del antigeno en comparación con la prueba de rutina para el inmunodiagnóstico de la toxocariasis, es decir, la técnica ELISA convencional con antígenos de excreción-secreción. Resultados. El rTES-30 se produjo a partir de un cultivo de Escherichia coli LB, con un rendimiento de 2,25 mg/l y 95 % de pureza. La concordancia de la reacción entre el immunoblot rTES-30 y la ELISA convencional, fue de 73 % (46/63) y de 100 % con los 21 sueros no reactivos. De los 21 sueros con diagnóstico de otras parasitosis, 19 fueron reactivos con ELISA, mientras que tan solo siete fueron positivos con el immunoblot rTES-30. La concordancia entre la ELISA y el immunoblot fue moderada (índice kappa de 0,575; IC 95% 0,41-0,74). Conclusiones. Los datos presentados respaldan la utilidad del immunoblot r TES-3 0 para la confirmación de los posibles positivos por ELISA, no solo en los estudios epidemiológicos, sino también, como candidato para el desarrollo de pruebas diagnósticas de la toxocariasis ocular en Colombia.

Introduction: Toxocara canis is a pathogenic nematode of canines which can be accidentally transmitted to humans. Although serology is the most important diagnostic tool for this zoonosis, diagnostic kits use crude excretion/secretion antigens, most of them being glycoproteins which are not species-specific and may cross-react with antibodies generated against other parasites. Objectives: To produce the rTES-30 recombinant antigen of Toxocara canis and evaluate it in the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis. Materials and methods: The gene that codes for TES-30 was cloned in the expression vector pET28a (+) using single-stranded oligonucleotides united by PCR. The protein rTES-30 was purified by Ni 2+ affinity chromotography. Seroreactivity of rTES-30 was evaluated by immunoblot. Given that there is no gold standard test, the behaviour of the antigen was compared with the method that is routinely used to immunodiagnose toxocariasis, i.e., the conventional ELISA technique using excretion/secretion antigens. Results: The rTES-30 was produced from an Escherichia coli LB culture which yielded 2.25 mg/L of the antigen with a purity of 95%. The results obtained showed 73% (46/63) concordance of reactivity between the rTES-30 immunoblot and the conventional ELISA, and 100% concordance with the non-reactive sera (21). Nineteen of the 21 sera positive for other parasitoses reacted with ELISA, while only seven of these were positive with the rTES-30 immunoblot. Concordance between the ELISA and the immunoblot was moderate (kappa coefficient: 0.575; 95% CI: 0.41- 0.74). Conclusions: The data presented show the potential of the rTES-30 inmunoblot for confirmation of possible ELISA positives, not only in epidemiological studies, but also as a candidate for the development of diagnostic tests for ocular toxocariasis in Colombia.

Encephalitozoon intestinalis Inhibits Dendritic Cell Differentiation through an IL-6-Dependent Mechanism.

Microsporidia are a group of intracellular pathogens causing self-limited and severe diseases in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, respectively. A cellular type 1 adaptive response, mediated by IL-12, IFNγ, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells has been shown to be essential for host resistance, and dendritic cells (DC) play a key role at eliciting anti-microsporidial immunity. We investigated the in vitro response of DC and DC precursors/progenitors to infection with Encephalitozoon intestinalis (Ei), a common agent of human microsporidosis. Ei-exposed DC cultures up-regulated the surface expression of MHC class II and the costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40, only when high loads of spores were used. A vigorous secretion of IL-6 but not of IL-1ß or IL-12p70 was also observed in these cultures. Ei-exposed DC cultures consisted of immature infected and mature bystander DC, as assessed by MHC class II and costimulatory molecules expression, suggesting that intracellular Ei spores deliver inhibitory signals in DC. Moreover, Ei selectively inhibited the secretion of IL-12p70 in LPS-stimulated DC. Whereas Ei-exposed DC promoted allogeneic naïve T cell proliferation and IL-2 and IFNγ secretion in DC-CD4+ T cell co-cultures, separated co-cultures with bystander or infected DCs showed stimulation or inhibition of IFNγ secretion, respectively. When DC precursors/progenitors were exposed to Ei spores, a significant inhibition of DC differentiation was observed without shifting the development toward cells phenotypically or functionally compatible with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Neutralization experiments demonstrated that this inhibitory effect is IL-6-dependent. Altogether this investigation reveals a novel potential mechanism of immune escape of microsporidian parasites through the modulation of DC differentiation and maturation.

Ichthyofauna of the humid forest enclaves in the tablelands of Ibiapaba and Araripe, Northeastern Brazil / Ictiofauna dos enclaves de floresta úmida nos planaltos da Ibiapaba e do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Humid highland forest enclaves are remnants of Atlantic Forest found in tablelands within the Caatinga biome (Northeastern Brazil), which emerged during interglacial periods in the Pleistocene. These ecosystems have a highly diverse and endemic fish fauna. Most earlier surveys have focused on the tableland of Borborema (Pernambuco and Paraíba States). In this study we surveyed the fish fauna of the humid forest enclaves in the tablelands of Ibiapaba and Araripe, based on samples collected in the rainy season (March and April) between 2009 and 2014. The 45 sampling points covered rivers, streams and reservoirs in five river basins belonging to three ecoregions. The species were listed according to drainage divide, and endemism was determined for each ecoregion and for the Caatinga. Our area was more species-rich (n=59) than Borborema (n=27). The samples included five introduced species and 29 species endemic to the Caatinga (49.1% of the sampled species). The distribution of Parotocinclus haroldoi was expanded to the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion (Timonha river basin, Ceará State). Our study intends to make a significant contribution to current knowledge of the ichthyofauna in humid highland forest enclaves of semiarid Northeastern Brazil, identified as a priority in the conservation of the biodiversity in the Caatinga.

Resumo Florestas úmidas são enclaves de Mata Atlântica em regiões elevadas inseridas no bioma Caatinga que surgiram no Pleistoceno em eventos interglaciais. Esses ecossistemas abrigam alta diversidade de espécies para diversos táxons e elevadas taxas de endemismo. A maioria dos levantamentos de peixes nesses ecossistemas foi realizada no Planalto da Borborema, nos Estados de Pernambuco e Paraíba. Dessa forma, visando conhecer a ictiofauna de dois enclaves de florestas úmidas no nordeste brasileiro, foram feitas coletas no período chuvoso (Março e Abril) entre 2009 e 2014 no Planalto da Ibiapaba e na Chapada do Araripe. Foram amostrados 45 pontos em rios, riachos e reservatórios em cinco bacias hidrográficas e três ecorregiões. A lista de espécies por drenagem e o endemismo foi definido para cada ecorregião e para a Caatinga. A riqueza de peixes (59 espécies) foi superior quando comparada a dos enclaves da Borborema (27), com cinco espécies introduzidas e 29 endêmicas para a Caatinga, o que representa 49,1% das espécies capturadas. Destaca-se a expansão de ocorrência de Parotocinclus haroldoi para a ecorregião do Mid-Northeastern Caatinga, na microbacia do rio Timonha, no Estado do Ceará. Este estudo pretende contribuir com informações inéditas para o conhecimento ictiofaunístico dos ecossistemas aquáticos dos brejos de alitude do semiárido brasileiro, apontadas como prioritárias para conservação da biodiversidade da Caatinga.

Fish assemblage of the Santo Anastácio reservoir (Ceará State, Brazil) / Assembléia de peixes no açude Santo Anastácio (Ceará, Brasil)

Located on the campus of the Federal University of Ceará, the Santo Anastácio reservoir is a hypereutrophic ecosystem which has been the object of ecological research over the last four decades. The present study describes the current fish assemblage of the reservoir and discusses variations observed since 1977. Fish were sampled monthly between October 2009 and March 2010 using gillnets and seine nets in three zones. The fishes were identified, measured (standard length; cm) and weighed (g) to evaluate aspects of structure (richness, diversity, biomass and size) and spatial distribution of the icthyofauna in the reservoir. The fish assemblage in the reservoir was found to have changed considerably over time. Several fish species reported in earlier studies, such as Leporinus friderici, Eigenmannia virescens, Serrasalmus brandtii and Betta sp., were not registered in our samples from 2009 and 2010. The predominance of species tolerant to hypoxic and eutrophic ecosystems, such as Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia vivipara, Poecilia reticulata and Hoplosternum littorale, as well as the scarcity of Prochilodus brevis and Hypostomus pusarum, illustrate the influence of environmental conditions and the introduction of exotic species on fish richness. The icthyofauna of the Santo Anastácio reservoir consisted of relatively few species. The sampled zones did not varysignificantly with regard to community structure. Despite the small number of species, the resevoirs population of O. niloticus is exploited by local subsistence fishermen.(AU)

O açude Santo Anastácio, localizado no campus da Universidade Federal do Ceará, é um ecossistema hipereutrófico e tem sido alvo de pesquisas ecológicas nas últimas quatro décadas. Este estudo compilou dados da ictiofauna, analisando a variação da assembléia desde 1977. Em três zonas do açude foram realizadas coletas mensais, entre outubro de 2009 a março de 2010, utilizando-se de redes de espera e redes de arrasto (picaré). Os peixes foram identificados, medidos (comprimento padrão; cm) e pesados (g), para avaliar aspetos da estrutura (riqueza, diversidade, biomassa e tamanho) e distribuição espacial no reservatório. O açude apresentou mudanças na composição íctica no tempo avaliado. Espécies como Leporinus friderici, Eigenmannia virescens, Serrasalmus brandtii e Betta sp., registradas em estudos anteriores, não foram capturadas nas coletas realizadas entre 2009 e 2010. A dominância de espécies de peixes com adaptações a situações de hipóxia e maior eutrofização, como Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia vivipara, Poecilia reticulata e Hoplosternum littorale, além da baixa abundância de Prochilodus brevis e Hypostomus pusarum, sugerem a influência das condições do ambiente e da introdução de espécies exóticas na riqueza local. Observou-se que a ictiofauna do açude Santo Anastácio apresentou um baixo número de espécies e os aspectos relacionados à estrutura da comunidade não variaram significativamenteentre as zonas amostradas. Entretanto, a população de O. nilocticus sustenta a pesca artesanal dos moradores de seu entorno.(AU)

Fish assemblage of the Santo Anastácio reservoir (Ceará State, Brazil) / Assembléia de peixes no açude Santo Anastácio (Ceará, Brasil)

Located on the campus of the Federal University of Ceará, the Santo Anastácio reservoir is a hypereutrophic ecosystem which has been the object of ecological research over the last four decades. The present study describes the current fish assemblage of the reservoir and discusses variations observed since 1977. Fish were sampled monthly between October 2009 and March 2010 using gillnets and seine nets in three zones. The fishes were identified, measured (standard length; cm) and weighed (g) to evaluate aspects of structure (richness, diversity, biomass and size) and spatial distribution of the icthyofauna in the reservoir. The fish assemblage in the reservoir was found to have changed considerably over time. Several fish species reported in earlier studies, such as Leporinus friderici, Eigenmannia virescens, Serrasalmus brandtii and Betta sp., were not registered in our samples from 2009 and 2010. The predominance of species tolerant to hypoxic and eutrophic ecosystems, such as Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia vivipara, Poecilia reticulata and Hoplosternum littorale, as well as the scarcity of Prochilodus brevis and Hypostomus pusarum, illustrate the influence of environmental conditions and the introduction of exotic species on fish richness. The icthyofauna of the Santo Anastácio reservoir consisted of relatively few species. The sampled zones did not varysignificantly with regard to community structure. Despite the small number of species, the resevoir’s population of O. niloticus is exploited by local subsistence fishermen.

O açude Santo Anastácio, localizado no campus da Universidade Federal do Ceará, é um ecossistema hipereutrófico e tem sido alvo de pesquisas ecológicas nas últimas quatro décadas. Este estudo compilou dados da ictiofauna, analisando a variação da assembléia desde 1977. Em três zonas do açude foram realizadas coletas mensais, entre outubro de 2009 a março de 2010, utilizando-se de redes de espera e redes de arrasto (picaré). Os peixes foram identificados, medidos (comprimento padrão; cm) e pesados (g), para avaliar aspetos da estrutura (riqueza, diversidade, biomassa e tamanho) e distribuição espacial no reservatório. O açude apresentou mudanças na composição íctica no tempo avaliado. Espécies como Leporinus friderici, Eigenmannia virescens, Serrasalmus brandtii e Betta sp., registradas em estudos anteriores, não foram capturadas nas coletas realizadas entre 2009 e 2010. A dominância de espécies de peixes com adaptações a situações de hipóxia e maior eutrofização, como Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia vivipara, Poecilia reticulata e Hoplosternum littorale, além da baixa abundância de Prochilodus brevis e Hypostomus pusarum, sugerem a influência das condições do ambiente e da introdução de espécies exóticas na riqueza local. Observou-se que a ictiofauna do açude Santo Anastácio apresentou um baixo número de espécies e os aspectos relacionados à estrutura da comunidade não variaram significativamenteentre as zonas amostradas. Entretanto, a população de O. nilocticus sustenta a pesca artesanal dos moradores de seu entorno.

Population features of Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) at Santo Anastacio Reservoir, Brazil / Características poblacionales de Hoplosternum littorale(Hancock, 1828) (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) en el reservorioSanto Anastácio, Brazil

Objective. The length-weight relationship and condition factor of fish are indicators of physiological well-being and may be related to reproduction and feeding periods. These attributes were evaluated for a population of Hoplosternum littorale sampled in the Santo Anastácio Reservoir (Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil). Materials and methods. One hundred and fifty-five specimens were collected with gillnets between October 2009 and March 2010, and standard length (cm), total weight (g), sex and gonadal maturation stage were registered. Results. The observed length-weight relationship indicated negative allometric adjustment (2.72). Only seventy individuals were evaluated for the condition factor analysis, sexual determination and gonadal state classification. Condition factor values peaked in November and plummeted in February, no statistical differences in sex ratio (χ²=13.683; p=0.057) were observed. Mature females were collected throughout the study period. Conclusions. The results indicate that the population of H. littorale in the Santo Anastácio reservoir presents growth deficiency and changes in reproductive strategy in this hypereutrophic environment.

Objetivo. La relación peso-longitud y el factor de condición son indicadores del estado fisiológico en peces y pueden estar relacionados con la reproducción y los períodos de alimentación. Se realizó una evaluación de estos parámetros en Hoplosternum littorale en el reservorio Santo Anastácio, localizado en la ciudad de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron ciento-cincuenta y cinco muestras entre octubre de 2009 y marzo de 2010 utilizando redes de enmalle, y se registraron datos de longitud (cm), peso total (g), sexo y estado de maduración de órganos sexuales. Resultados. La relación peso-longitud presentó un crecimiento alométrico negativo (2.72). Para el análisis del factor de condición, la determinación del sexo y la clasificación del estado gonadal fueron analizados únicamente en 70 individuos. En noviembre se presentaron los valores mas altos del factor de condición, y los mas bajos se presentaron en febrero, sin diferencia en la proporción sexual (χ2=13.683, p=0.057). Durante todo el tiempo del estudio se capturaron hembras maduras. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican que la especie H. littorale presenta deficiencias en el crecimiento y cambios en la estrategia reproductiva en el ambiente hipereutrófico que habitan.

Amerindian mtDNA haplogroups and celiac disease risk HLA haplotypes in mixed-blood Latin American patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Risk haplotypes have been described in celiac disease (CD), but the influence of native genes on CD in Hispanic Americans is unknown. The aim of the study was to measure the frequency of Amerindian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups (inherited by the maternal line) in mixed-blood patients with CD from Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, and to assess the relation between these and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and haplotypes and clinical presentations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical history, histological data, and genetic studies were conducted following 2 protocols: a case-control study of 72 Chilean patients with CD and controls, and an assessment of 43 (additional) samples of celiac patients from Chile, 96 from Argentina, and 57 from Uruguay, compared with the mtDNA frequency in the corresponding country. HLA typing was performed by a commercial kit, and mtDNA was determined by means of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms analysis. RESULTS: A total of 73.6% of cases had typical presentations. The most frequent HLA alleles were HLA-DQB*201 and 202. No-DQ2/DQ8 HLA haplotypes were found in 7% of cases. mtDNA frequencies for typical Amerindian haplogroups were found in 71% of cases and 64% of controls (P χ2 = 0.016); in the comparative analysis, mtDNA distribution was not different from the figures reported for the respective general country population. No relation was found between haplotypes or haplogroups and clinical presentations. CONCLUSIONS: mtDNA haplogroups A/B/C/D were frequently found in celiac patients and controls, but no relations appeared between haplogroups, haplotypes, and clinical presentations.

Broad histopathologic patterns of non-glabrous skin and glabrous skin from patients with a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus-part 1.

A prospective, controlled epidemiologic survey performed in El Bagre, Colombia revealed a new variant of endemic pemphigus disease, occurring in a gold mining region. The disease resembled Senear-Usher syndrome, and occurred in an endemic fashion. The aim of this study is to describe the most frequent histopathologic patterns in non-glabrous skin and in glabrous skin observed in these patients, and their clinical correlation. The study was performed on non-glabrous skin biopsies of 30 patients from the dominantly clinical affected areas (either on the chest, arms or face). Simultaneously, biopsies from the palms were obtained in 10 randomly chosen patients of the 30 total patients. The specimens were examined following hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The most common blisters observed were subcorneal, although in some cases intraspinous and subepidermal blisters were visualized. Our results showed a very heterogeneous pattern of histopathologic patterns in non-glabrous skin, which seemed to correlate with the clinical features. The most common pattern was typical pemphigus foliaceus-like, with some lupus erythematosus-like features. A non-specific, chronic dermatitis pattern prevailed in the clinically controlled patients taking daily corticosteroids. In the patients who have had the most severe and relapsing pemphigus, early sclerodermatous changes and scleredermoid alterations prevailed in their reticular dermis. In addition to the scleredermoid alterations, the reticular dermis showed a paucity of appendageal structures. On the contrary, in the palms, a similar pattern was seen in all cases, including thickening of the stratum corneum, hypergranulosis, edema in the papillary and reticular dermis and a dermal perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The direct immunofluorescence of the glabrous vs. the non-glabrous skin also showed some differences. We conclude that the histopathologic features of this new variant of endemic pemphigus are complex, therefore, classical histopathologic features previously described for superficial, endemic pemphigus cannot be used alone to diagnose this disease.

Vertical segregation of two species of Hyphessobrycon(Characiformes: Characidae) in the Cabiúnas coastal lagoon, southeastern Brazil

Segregation in the use of the water column by two congeneric species of Characidae, Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus and H. luetkenii, was investigated through underwater observations in the Cabiúnas coastal lagoon in northeastern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The use of the water column by the two species differed significantly. Hyphessobrycon luetkenii occupied mainly the uppermost stratum, with 79% of the observations within 20 cm of the surface; whereas H. bifasciatus was more common between 20 cm and 40 cm below the surface (55% of the observations). Predation pressure, macrophyte cover and nutrient distribution may influence this vertical segregation. (AU)

A segregação na coluna d'água por duas espécies congenéricas de caracídeos, Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus e H. luetkenii, foi investigada através de observações subaquáticas na lagoa costeira Cabiúnas, nordeste do Rio de Janeiro. O padrão do uso da coluna d'água diferiu significativamente. Hyphessobrycon luetkenii ocupou principalmente o estrato superior, com 79% das observações até 20 cm da superfície, enquanto H. bifasciatus foi mais comum entre 20 e 40 cm abaixo da superfície (55% das observações). Pressão de predação e distribuição das macrófitas e dos nutrientes são fatores que poderiam influenciar a segregação vertical entre as espécies de Hyphessobrycon. (AU)