Geographic EBV variants confound disease-specific variant interpretation and predict variable immune therapy responses.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a potent carcinogen linked to hematologic and solid malignancies, causing significant global morbidity and mortality. Therapy using allogeneic EBV-specific lymphocytes shows promise in certain populations, but the impact of EBV genome variation on these strategies remains unexplored. To address this, we sequenced 217 EBV genomes, including hematologic malignancies from Guatemala, Peru, Malawi, and Taiwan, and analyzed them alongside 1,307 publicly available EBV genomes from cancer, non-malignant diseases, and healthy individuals across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. These included the first NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) EBV genomes reported outside East Asia. Our findings indicate that previously proposed EBV genome variants specific to certain cancer types are more closely tied to geographic origin than cancer histology. This included variants previously reported to be specific to NKTCL but were prevalent in EBV genomes from other cancer types and healthy individuals in East Asia. After controlling for geographic region, we did identify multiple NKTCL-specific variants associated with a 7.8- to 21.9- fold increased risk. We also observed frequent variations in EBV genomes affecting peptide sequences previously reported to bind common MHC alleles. Finally, we found several non-synonymous variants spanning the coding sequences of current vaccine targets BALF4, BKRF2, BLLF1, BXLF2, BZLF1, and BZLF2. These results highlight the need to consider geographic variation in EBV genomes when devising strategies for exploiting adaptive immune responses against EBV-related cancers, ensuring greater global effectiveness and equity in prevention and treatment.

Genome-Wide Classification of Myb Domain-Containing Protein Families in Entamoeba invadens.

Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis, is the third leading cause of death among parasitic diseases globally. Its life cycle includes encystation, which has been mostly studied in Entamoeba invadens, responsible for reptilian amebiasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully understood. Therefore, we focused on the identification and characterization of Myb proteins, which regulate the expression of encystation-related genes in various protozoan parasites. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified 48 genes in E. invadens encoding MYB-domain-containing proteins. These were classified into single-repeat 1R (20), 2R-MYB proteins (27), and one 4R-MYB protein. The in-silico analysis suggests that these proteins are multifunctional, participating in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, telomere maintenance, and splicing. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed expression signatures of eimyb genes, suggesting a potential orchestration in the regulation of early and late encystation-excystation genes. Furthermore, we identified probable target genes associated with reproduction, the meiotic cell cycle, ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism, and endosomal transport. In conclusion, our findings suggest that E. invadens Myb proteins regulate stage-specific proteins and a wide array of cellular processes. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms governing encystation and unveils potential targets for therapeutic intervention in amebiasis.

Intervención psicoeducativa para el control de peso en mujeres embarazadas / Psychoeducational intervention for weight control in pregnant women

Introducción: Para controlar la obesidad gestacional es necesario diseñar e implementar intervenciones para mejorar la calidad de la alimentación y actividad física. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención psicoeducativa de enfermería para el control del peso gestacional en mujeres embarazadas mexicanas.Métodos: Estudio cuasi-experimetal. La muestra final fue de 34 participantes; n1=17 y n2=17. La intervención psicoeducativa consistió en 12 sesiones, que incluyó técnicas educativas, cognitivo conductuales y yoga prenatal, durante ocho semanas. El grupo control recibió atención rutinaria y adicional un folleto informativo de nutrición saludable. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas antes y después de la intervención, así como la tasa de retención en la intervención y la satisfacción de los participantes.Resultados: Las mujeres embarazadas que participaron en la intervención presentaron menor aumento de peso gestacional que las del grupo control (D ̅_1 = 5.17 ± 3.01 vs. (D ̅_2= 8.03 ± 4.06; t = -2.32, gl = 32, p = .026). La intervención resultó factible, dado que el 80% cumplió con las sesiones programadas y una aceptabilidad satisfactoria, el 76.5% de las participantes mencionó que la calidad del programa era excelente y el 100% mencionó que recibió la ayuda que esperaba.Conclusión: La intervención psicoeducativa favorece el control peso gestacional en el grupo experimental comparado con el grupo control. Las intervenciones psicoeducativas son recomendables para el manejo del aumento del peso durante el embarazo. (AU)

Introduction: To control gestational obesity, it is necessary to design and implement interventions to improve the quality of diet and physical activity. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducational nursing intervention for the control of gestational weight in Mexican pregnant women. Methods: quasi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 34 participants; n1=17 y n2=17. The psychoeducational intervention consisted of 12 sessions, which included educational, cognitive behavioral techniques and prenatal yoga, for eight weeks. The control group received routine care and a prospectus additional healthy nutrition. We realized anthropometric measurements before and after the intervention, as well as the retention rate in the intervention and the satisfaction of the participants. Results: Pregnant women who participated in the intervention had less gestational weight gain than those in the control group (𝐷ഥଵ = 5.17 ± 3.01 vs. (𝐷ഥଶ= 8.03 ± 4.06; t = -2.32, gl = 32, p = .026). The intervention was feasible, given that 80% complied with the scheduled sessions and satisfactory acceptability, 76.5% of the participants mentioned that the quality of the program was excellent and 100% mentioned that they received the help they expected. Conclusion: The psychoeducational intervention favors gestational weight control in the experimental group compared to the control group. Psychoeducational interventions are recommended for the management of weight gain during pregnancy. (AU)

El concepto del estrés de aculturación desde la mirada del inmigrante hispano en los Estados Unidos / The concept of acculturation stress from the perspective of the Hispanic immigrant in the United States

Objetivo principal: Clarificar el significado de estrés de aculturación del inmigrante hispano, además de conocer cada una de las dimensiones y características propias del concepto, con la finalidad de comprender mejor las necesidades de la persona inmigrante que vive en los Estados Unidos. Metodología: El análisis de concepto se hizo a través de los ocho pasos propuestos por Walker y Avant. Resultados principales: Se identificaron tres dimensiones del concepto estrés de aculturación: (1) estresores personales, (2) estresores del entorno y (3) estresores sociales. Como antecedentes del concepto se identificó el arrepentimiento, la culpa y negación. En general, las consecuencias se reflejan en la salud mental del inmigrante hispano. Además, se reconoció los instrumentos de medición que evalúan el estrés de aculturación. Conclusión principal: Se obtuvo una definición clara del concepto estrés de aculturación desde la perspectiva del inmigrante hispano, que ayudará a estimar la validez de constructo de las mediciones de este concepto. Las dimensiones reportadas con mayor frecuencia son consideradas en el inventario de estrés en hispanos, sin embargo, se recomienda analizar la validez de constructo del concepto. Sería importante considerar las consecuencias derivadas del estrés de aculturación en la prevención y tratamiento de la salud mental. (AU)

Objective: Clarify the meaning of acculturation stress for the Hispanic immigrant, in addition to knowing each of the dimensions and characteristics of the concept, in order to better understand the needs of the immigrant living in the United States. Methods: The concept analysis was done through the eight steps proposed by Walker and Avant. Results: Three dimensions of the acculturation stress concept were identified: (1) personal stressors, (2) environmental stressors and (3) social stressors. Repentance, guilt, and denial were identified as antecedents in the concept. In general, the consequences are reflected in the mental health of the Hispanic immigrant. In addition, the measurement instruments that assess acculturation stress were recognized. Conclusions: A clear definition of the acculturation stress concept was obtained, which will help to estimate the construct validity of the measurements of this concept. The most frequently reported dimensions are considered in the stress inventory in Hispanics; however, it is recommended to analyze the construct validity of the concept. It would be important to consider the consequences derived from acculturation stress in the prevention and treatment of mental health. (AU)

A scoping review of the methods used in patients with liver cirrhosis to assess body composition and their nutritional findings.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Body composition (BC) assessment in cirrhosis has a wide variety of methods with no consensus on the best tools for each body component in patients with Liver Cirrhosis (LC). We aimed to conduct a systematic scoping review of the most frequent body composition analysis methods and nutritional findings published in liver cirrhosis patients. METHODS: We searched for articles in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. Keywords selected the BC methods and parameters in LC. RESULTS: Eleven methods were found. The most frequently used were computed tomography (CT) 47.5%, Bioimpedance Analysis 35%, DXA 32.5%, and anthropometry 32.5%. Up to 15 BC parameters were reported from each method. CONCLUSIONS: The vast heterogeneity in the results found during the qualitative analysis and imaging methods must reach a consensus to achieve a better clinical practice and improve nutritional treatment, as the physiopathology in LC compromises the nutritional status directly.

Perspectivas de enfermería en atención primaria y promoción de salud en los adolescentes durante la pandemia / Nursing perspectives in primary care nursing and adolescent health promotion during the pandemic

Sr. Director: A inicios de la pandemia por la enfermedad de coronavi-rus (Covid‑19), producida por el virus SARS-CoV-2, las autoridades en salud emitieron recomendaciones a todos los países a fin de salva-guardar la integridad física de la población [Fragmento de texto].(AU)

Características sociodemográficas asociadas a la adherencia del tratamiento en adultos con Diabetes Tipo 2 / Sociodemographical characteristics associated with adherence to treatment in adults with type 2 Diabetes

Resumen: Objetivo: Establecer la asociación de las características sociodemográficas y la adherencia al tratamiento en personas adultas mexicanas con Diabetes Tipo 2. Materiales y Método: Diseño descriptivo transversal, la población estuvo constituida por adultos mayores de 18 de edad con diagnóstico de DT2, que acudieron a una clínica de diabetes de un hospital público. La muestra estuvo constituida por 100 participantes, se incluyeron adultos conscientes, con diagnóstico de DT2, con evolución mínima de tres años con la enfermedad. Para medir la adherencia al tratamiento se utilizó el Test de Adherencia al Tratamiento de Morisky, Green y Levine. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (62%), los participantes entre 50 a 59 años fueron los que más participaron (59%); cerca de la mitad de los participantes había concluido la primaria (46%), y la mayoría de ellos reportaron tener pareja (69%). El 23% de los participantes reportaron tener 3 años con DT2, solo el 38% de los encuestados realizan ejercicio físico de 10 a 15 minutos al día y el 28% no realizaba ejercicio físico; la mayoría se encontraba con un tratamiento farmacológico basado en hipoglucemiantes orales (82%). La edad se asoció con la adherencia al tratamiento (p<0.005). Conclusiones: La edad fue la única característica sociodemográfica que se asoció significativamente con la adherencia al tratamiento en personas adultas mexicanas con Diabetes Tipo 2. El personal de salud, principalmente los que se encuentran en el primer nivel de atención, deben de enfocarse a promover la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes que padecen DT2, teniendo en cuenta sus características sociodemográficas, particularmente la edad.

Abstract: Objective: To establish the association of sociodemographic characteristics and treatment adherence in Mexican adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was made in Mexican adults over 18 years with Type 2 Diabetes who attended a diabetes clinic of a public hospital. The sample were 100 adults. Conscious adults, diagnosed with DT2, with a minimum evolution of three years with the diagnostic were included. The Morisky, Green and Levine´s test was used to identify the adherence to the treatment. Results: The female sex predominated (62%), the adults between 50-59 years were the most representative group (59%); el 46% had primary school and 69% were married. The 23% of the sample has 3 years with the diagnostic, only 38% of the respondents do exercise 10-15 minutes a day and 28% did not do exercise; the majority report having a pharmacological treatment based on oral hypoglycemic agents (82%). The age was associate with the adherence to the treatment (p<.005). Conclusions: Age was the only sociodemographic characteristic that was significantly associated with adherence to treatment in Mexican adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Health personnel, mainly those at the first level of care, should focus on promoting adherence to treatment in patients suffering from DT2, taking into account their sociodemographic characteristics, especially age.

Corrigendum: The sole DNA ligase in Entamoeba histolytica is a high-fidelity DNA ligase involved in DNA damage repair.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00214.].

Low-cost transcriptional diagnostic to accurately categorize lymphomas in low- and middle-income countries.

Inadequate diagnostics compromise cancer care across lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We hypothesized that an inexpensive gene expression assay using paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from LMICs could distinguish lymphoma subtypes without pathologist input. We reviewed all biopsy specimens obtained at the Instituto de Cancerología y Hospital Dr. Bernardo Del Valle in Guatemala City between 2006 and 2018 for suspicion of lymphoma. Diagnoses were established based on the World Health Organization classification and then binned into 9 categories: nonmalignant, aggressive B-cell, diffuse large B-cell, follicular, Hodgkin, mantle cell, marginal zone, natural killer/T-cell, or mature T-cell lymphoma. We established a chemical ligation probe-based assay (CLPA) that quantifies expression of 37 genes by capillary electrophoresis with reagent/consumable cost of approximately $10/sample. To assign bins based on gene expression, 13 models were evaluated as candidate base learners, and class probabilities from each model were then used as predictors in an extreme gradient boosting super learner. Cases with call probabilities < 60% were classified as indeterminate. Four (2%) of 194 biopsy specimens in storage <3 years experienced assay failure. Diagnostic samples were divided into 70% (n = 397) training and 30% (n = 163) validation cohorts. Overall accuracy for the validation cohort was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%-91%). After excluding 28 (17%) indeterminate calls, accuracy increased to 94% (95% CI: 89%-97%). Concordance was 97% for a set of high-probability calls (n = 37) assayed by CLPA in both the United States and Guatemala. Accuracy for a cohort of relapsed/refractory biopsy specimens (n = 39) was 79% and 88%, respectively, after excluding indeterminate cases. Machine-learning analysis of gene expression accurately classifies paraffin-embedded lymphoma biopsy specimens and could transform diagnosis in LMICs.

Genome-wide and structural analysis of the Myb-SHAQKYF family in Entamoeba histolytica.

Amoebiasis is the third leading cause of death among protozoon parasitic diseases in the lower-middle income countries. Understanding the molecular events that control gene expression such as transcription factors, their DNA binding mode and target sequences can help to develop new antiamoebic drugs against Entamoeba histolytica. In this paper we performed a genome and structural analysis of a specific transcription factor. The genome of E. histolytica codifies for 9 EhMybSHAQKYF proteins, which are a family within a large group of 34 Myb-DNA-binding domain (Myb-DBD) containing proteins. Here we compared Entamoeba Myb-SHAQKYF proteins with Myb-like proteins from the Reveille (RVE) family, important regulators of plant circadian networks. This comparison could lead to stablish their role in E. histolytica life cycle. We show that the ehmybshaqkyf genes are differentially expressed in trophozoites under basal cell culture conditions. An in-silico analysis predicts that members of this group harbor a highly conserved and structured Myb-DBD and a large portion of intrinsically disordered residues. As the Myb-DBD of these proteins harbors a distinctive Q[VI]R[ST]HAQK[YF]F sequence in its putative third α-helix, we consider relevant to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of one of them. An NMR structure of the Myb-DBD of EhMybS3 shows that this protein is composed of three α-helices stabilized by a hydrophobic core, similar to Myb proteins of different kingdoms. It is remarkable that despite not sharing similarities in their amino acid sequences, the structure of the Myb-DBD of the EhMybS3 is well conserved in this early branching eukaryote.

Quantitative systematic review: Methods used for the in vivo measurement of body composition in pregnancy.

AIMS: Because of the increased overall prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity among racial-ethnic groups, we conducted a review of published methods for body composition measurement during pregnancy considering at present there is no consensus on the best practices and type of study design that researchers should use for this purpose. DESIGN: Quantitative systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Library of Health. Search dates from 1997-2016. REVIEW METHODS: Search of articles indexed in selected databases from 1997-2016. Studies were published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Graphs were carried out using data visualization software. RESULTS: From the 112 included studies, 70 were prospective cohorts, 30 cross-sectional studies, 10 randomized controlled trial, and two retrospective studies. Cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trial depicted a positive correlation with significant trend. CONCLUSIONS: Although several methods for body composition measurement exist, only bioelectrical impedance analysis, displacement plethysmography, and displacement plethysmography show a significant growing trend. Use of data visualization allows understanding various associations among categorical variables, with a graphical display of their multidimensional behaviour. IMPACT: Public and private health-care institution evaluating pregnancy women. Health-care personnel, including nursing professional, dealing with measurements of body composition during pregnancy will find reading this manuscript beneficial.

Vaccine efficacy of recombinant BmVDAC on Rhipicephalus microplus fed on Babesia bigemina-infected and uninfected cattle.

Rhipicephalus microplus is the most widely distributed tick worldwide and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. It directly affects hosts (especially in large infestations) by feeding on blood and piercing the skin and indirectly affects hosts as a vector of pathogens that cause infectious diseases, such as bovine babesiosis. Current research on the control of ticks is focused on integrated tick control programmes, including vaccination treatment with acaricides and completely blocking pathogen transmission. Our previous studies showed that R. microplus VDAC (BmVDAC) expression is modulated by Babesia bigemina infection. VDAC is a mitochondrial protein with multiple functions in addition to its primary role as a central component of the apoptotic machinery. In this paper, we evaluated BmVDAC as an anti-tick vaccine and its capacity to block the infection of Babesia bigemina in ticks. Our results demonstrate that rBmVDAC is immunogenic and that antibodies specifically recognize the native protein from midguts of R. microplus. Immunization with rBmVDAC afforded an 82% efficacy against R. microplus infestation in the group of vaccinated cattle compared with the control group. In contrast, rBmVDAC showed a lower efficacy of 34% against tick infestation in cattle vaccinated with rBmVDAC, infested with R. microplus and infected with B. bigemina. The main effect on ticks fed in vaccinated and infected cattle was a 34% reduction in egg fertility (DF) compared to ticks fed on the control group. There was no reduction in the B. bigemina parasite levels of ticks fed on rBmVDAC-vaccinated cattle. These results suggest that the rBmVDAC protein could be tested as a vaccine for the control of tick infestation.

Re-conceptualizing functional status through experiences of young adults with inflammatory arthritis.

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of inflammatory arthritis on young adults' activity participation using quantitative and qualitative methods to advance the field's conceptualization of functional status. Young adults diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis completed (1) the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index to determine functional status and (2) the day reconstruction method to explore experiential dimensions of function, including functional performance, functional satisfaction, and severity of arthritis symptoms during activities on the previous day. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine relationships between functional status, experiential variables, and demographic variables. Open-ended questions were provided for participants to report ways that arthritis affected their participation that were not otherwise reflected within survey questions; responses were numerically coded using summative content analysis. Among 37 participants (24.8 ± 3.3 years old), 70% reported moderate-to-severe disability. On average, participants experienced pain, stiffness, or fatigue for more than 50% of their waking hours. Functional status significantly correlated with functional performance (r = - 0.39, p = 0.02) and satisfaction (r = - 0.39, p = 0.02), yet did not correlate with stiffness or fatigue severity or duration of symptoms throughout the day. Participants described strategies that improved their ability to participate in certain activities but reduced their overall quality of activity engagement and caused emotional distress. Young adults with arthritis may experience more significant functional limitations than previously reported. Traditional measures of functional assessment may not capture experiential components of activity that affect participation, such as severity of stiffness or fatigue or the duration of symptoms throughout the day.

Effectiveness of Interventions for Hepatitis B and C: A Systematic Review of Vaccination, Screening, Health Promotion and Linkage to Care Within Higher Income Countries.

Viral hepatitis is a significant global health concern, particularly within low-middle income countries. Diseases historically affecting low-middle income countries, such as viral hepatitis, have become increasingly prevalent within high-income countries due to globalisation and mass international migration. High prevalence of viral hepatitis in migrant populations is of particular concern due to the associated morbidity and mortality, as well as the increased risk of vertical and horizontal transmission in the community. This is compounded by the asymptomatic nature of hepatitis, meaning many of those affected are unaware of their infection status. Long-term effects of viral hepatitis can include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Therefore, the health needs of vulnerable migrants within high-income countries due to issues associated with viral hepatitis require attention. This includes assessment of measures such as targeted health education, increased screening, linkage to appropriate treatment and follow-up care. Additionally, it is necessary to address migrant healthcare barriers, such as language, economic and social barriers. It is imperative that vulnerable migrant groups gain appropriate access to health services to prevent disease transmission and the widening of health-related disparities within high-income countries.

Psychometric properties of the Scale of Attitudes towards Pregnancy and Weight Gain in Mexican population / Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Actitudes hacia el Embarazo y el Aumento de Peso en población mexicana

Abstract Introduction Physical changes during pregnancy trigger a positive or negative emotional response to the body image of the future mother. Since this response can affect the health of the mother and the fetus, it is necessary to have valid instruments to evaluate body image in pregnant women. Objective To validate in Spanish the Scale of Attitudes towards Pregnancy and Weight Gain in Mexican population. Method The study was conducted in two phases: it was culturally adapted to determine the linguistic validity and then its psychometric properties were verified through confirmatory exploratory factor analysis. Results Participants included 520 pregnant women over 18 attending prenatal consultation, with a mean age of 23.56 ± 5.89 and with a mean of 33.20 ± 6.69 gestation weeks. The exploratory analysis defined five components that explain 56.04% of the total variance of the 18 items with acceptable internal consistency (α = 78). Factor analysis confirmed five factors (negative attitude towards the increase of gestational weight, positive body image, control of gestational weight, concern over gestational weight and restrictive behavior in response to gestational weight) with adequate fit indices (χ2/gl = 2.57, IFI = .90, CFI = .90, RMSEA = .05 (90% CI [.048, .062], p =.12), SRMR = .05) Discussion and conclusion The instrument has good psychometric properties and is recommended as a valid tool for assessing attitudes toward body image in Mexican women during the period of pregnancy.

Resumen Introducción Los cambios físicos del embarazo propician una respuesta emocional positiva o negativa hacia la imagen corporal de la futura madre. Como esta respuesta puede afectar tanto la salud de ella como la del producto, es necesario contar con instrumentos válidos para evaluar la imagen corporal en mujeres embarazadas. Objetivo Validar en español la Escala de Actitudes hacia el Embarazo y el Aumento de Peso en población mexicana. Método El estudio se llevó a cabo en dos fases: una adaptación transcultural para determinar la validez lingüística y después una verificación de las propiedades psicométricas por medio de un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. Resultados Participaron 520 mujeres embarazadas mayores de 18 años que asistieron a consulta prenatal, con una media de edad de 23.56 ± 5.89 años y con un promedio de 33.20 ± 6.69 semanas de gestación. El análisis exploratorio definió cinco componentes que explican el 56.04% de la varianza total de los 18 reactivos y una consistencia interna aceptable (α = .78). El análisis factorial confirmó cinco factores (actitud negativa hacia el aumento del peso gestacional, imagen corporal positiva, control de peso gestacional, preocupación por el peso gestacional y conducta restrictiva hacia el peso gestacional) con índices de ajuste adecuados (χ2/gl = 2.57, IFI = .90, CFI = .90, RMSEA = .05 (IC 90% [.048, .062], p =.12), SRMR = .05). Discusión y conclusión El instrumento tiene buenas propiedades psicométricas y se recomienda como herramienta válida para evaluar las actitudes hacia la imagen corporal en mujeres mexicanas durante el periodo del embarazo.

Implementation science: Epidemiology and feeding profiles of the Chagas vector Triatoma dimidiata prior to Ecohealth intervention for three locations in Central America.

The Ecohealth strategy is a multidisciplinary data-driven approach used to improve the quality of people's lives in Chagas disease endemic areas, such as regions of Central America. Chagas is a vector-borne disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In Central America, the main vector is Triatoma dimidiata. Because successful implementation of the Ecohealth approach reduced home infestation in Jutiapa department, Guatemala, it was scaled-up to three localities, one in each of three Central American countries (Texistepeque, El Salvador; San Marcos de la Sierra, Honduras and Olopa, Guatemala). As a basis for the house improvement phase of the Ecohealth program, we determined if the localities differ in the role of sylvatic, synanthropic and domestic animals in the Chagas transmission cycle by measuring entomological indices, blood meal sources and parasite infection from vectors collected in and around houses. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with taxa specific primers to detect both, blood sources and parasite infection, was used to assess 71 T. dimidiata from Texistepeque, 84 from San Marcos de la Sierra and 568 from Olopa. Our results show that infestation (12.98%) and colonization (8.95%) indices were highest in Olopa; whereas T. cruzi prevalence was higher in Texistepeque and San Marcos de la Sierra (>40%) than Olopa (8%). The blood meal source profiles showed that in Olopa, opossum might be important in linking the sylvatic and domestic Chagas transmission cycle, whereas in San Marcos de la Sierra dogs play a major role in maintaining domestic transmission. For Texistepeque, bird was the major blood meal source followed by human. When examining the different life stages, we found that in Olopa, the proportion bugs infected with T. cruzi is higher in adults than nymphs. These findings highlight the importance of location-based recommendations for decreasing human-vector contact in the control of Chagas disease.

Telomeric Repeat-Binding Factor Homologs in Entamoeba histolytica: New Clues for Telomeric Research.

Telomeric Repeat Binding Factors (TRFs) are architectural nuclear proteins with critical roles in telomere-length regulation, chromosome end protection and, fusion prevention, DNA damage detection, and senescence regulation. Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite responsible of human amoebiasis, harbors three homologs of human TRFs, based on sequence similarities to their Myb DNA binding domain. These proteins were dubbed EhTRF-like I, II and III. In this work, we revealed that EhTRF-like I and II share similarity with human TRF1, while EhTRF-like III shares similarity with human TRF2 by in silico approach. The analysis of ehtrf-like genes showed they are expressed differentially under basal culture conditions. We also studied the cellular localization of EhTRF-like I and III proteins using subcellular fractionation and western blot assays. EhTRF-like I and III proteins were enriched in the nuclear fraction, but they were also present in the cytoplasm. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that these proteins were located at the nuclear periphery co-localizing with Lamin B1 and trimethylated H4K20, which is a characteristic mark of heterochromatic regions and telomeres. We found by transmission electron microscopy that EhTRF-like III was located in regions of more condensed chromatin. Finally, EMSA assays showed that EhTRF-like III forms specific DNA-protein complexes with telomeric related sequences. Our data suggested that EhTRF-like proteins play a role in the maintenance of the chromosome ends in this parasite.