Metabolic alterations in Strongyloidiasis stool samples unveil potential biomarkers of infection.

Strongyloidiasis, a parasitosis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis in humans, is a very prevalent infection in tropical or subtropical areas. Gaps on public health strategies corroborates to the high global incidence of strongyloidiasis especially due to challenges involved on its diagnosis. Based on the lack of a gold-standard diagnostic tool, we aimed to present a metabolomic study for the assessment of stool metabolic alterations. Stool samples were collected from 25 patients segregated into positive for strongyloidiasis (n = 10) and negative control (n = 15) and prepared for direct injection high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Using metabolomics workflow, 18 metabolites were annotated increased or decreased in strongyloidiasis condition, from which a group of 5 biomarkers comprising caprylic acid, mannitol, glucose, lysophosphatidylinositol and hydroxy-dodecanoic acid demonstrated accuracy over 89% to be explored as potential markers. The observed metabolic alteration in stool samples indicates involvement of microbiota remodeling, parasite constitution, and host response during S. stercoralis infection.

A remarkable Newportia from the Colombian Andes, with the proposition of a new subgenus (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Newportiinae).

A new monotypic subgenus Newportia (Andeocryptops) subgen. n is described based on 18 specimens of N. (A.) shelleyi sp. n. This form is endemic to the Colombian Andes showing the following unique combination of morphological features: very short and thin, a cylindrical and not segmented ultimate tarsus 2, a "spinning-spur" (see below) on the ultimate tarsus 1, short paramedian sutures close to the anterior and posterior margins of cephalic plate, a tibial lateral spur and a glandular pore fields in the ultimate femur. An identification key to the Newportia subgenera, as well as a key to the Ectonocryptops, Ectonocryptoides and Andeocryptops species are included.

Sexual forms obtained in a continuous in vitro cultured Colombian strain of Plasmodium falciparum (FCB2).

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological control of malaria has been hampered by the appearance of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs and by the resistance of mosquito vectors to control measures. This has also been associated with weak transmission control, mostly due to poor control of asymptomatic patients associated with host-vector transmission. This highlights the importance of studying the parasite's sexual forms (gametocytes) which are involved in this phase of the parasite's life-cycle. Some African and Asian strains of Plasmodium falciparum have been fully characterized regarding sexual forms' production; however, few Latin-American strains have been so characterized. This study was aimed at characterizing the Colombian FCB2 strain as a gametocyte producer able to infect mosquitoes. METHODS: Gametocyte production was induced in in vitro cultured P. falciparum FCB2 and 3D7 strains. Pfap2g and Pfs25 gene expression was detected in FCB2 strain gametocyte culture by RT-PCR. Comparative analysis of gametocytes obtained from both strains was made (counts and morphological changes). In vitro zygote formation from FCB2 gametocytes was induced by incubating a gametocyte culture sample at 27 °C for 20 min. A controlled Anopheles albimanus infection was made using an artificial feed system with cultured FCB2 gametocytes (14-15 days old). Mosquito midgut dissection was then carried out for analyzing oocysts. RESULTS: The FCB2 strain expressed Pfap2g, Pfs16, Pfg27/25 and Pfs25 sexual differentiation-related genes after in vitro sexual differentiation induction, producing gametocytes that conserved the expected morphological features. The amount of FCB2 gametocytes produced was similar to that from the 3D7 strain. FCB2 gametocytes were differentiated into zygotes and ookinetes after an in vitro low-temperature stimulus and infected An. albimanus mosquitoes, developing to oocyst stage. CONCLUSIONS: Even with the history of long-term FCB2 strain in vitro culture maintenance, it has retained its sexual differentiation ability. The gametocytes produced here preserved these parasite forms' usual characteristics and An. albimanus infection capability, thus enabling its use as a tool for studying sexual form biology, An. albimanus infection comparative analysis and anti-malarial drug and vaccine development.

Behavior and abundance of Anopheles darlingi in communities living in the Colombian Amazon riverside.

In the past few years, relative frequencies of malaria parasite species in communities living in the Colombian Amazon riverside have changed, being Plasmodium vivax (61.4%) and Plasmodium malariae (43.8%) the most frequent. Given this epidemiological scenario, it is important to determine the species of anophelines involved in these parasites' transmission. This study was carried out in June 2016 in two indigenous communities living close to the tributaries of the Amazon River using protected human bait. The results of this study showed a total abundance of 1,085 mosquitos, of which 99.2% corresponded to Anopheles darlingi. Additionally, only two anopheline species were found, showing low diversity in the study areas. Molecular confirmation of some individuals was then followed by evolutionary analysis by using the COI gene. Nested PCR was used for identifying the three Plasmodium species circulating in the study areas. Of the two species collected in this study, 21.0% of the An. darlingi mosquitoes were infected with P. malariae, 21.9% with P. vivax and 10.3% with Plasmodium falciparum. It exhibited exophilic and exophagic behavior in both study areas, having marked differences regarding its abundance in each community (Tipisca first sampling 49.4%, Tipisca second sampling 39.6% and Doce de Octubre 10.9%). Interestingly, An. mattogrossensis infected by P. vivax was found for the first time in Colombia (in 50% of the four females collected). Analysis of An. darlingi COI gene diversity indicated a single population maintaining a high gene flow between the study areas. The An. darlingi behavior pattern found in both communities represents a risk factor for the region's inhabitants living/working near these sites. This highlights the need for vector control efforts such as the use of personal repellents and insecticides for use on cattle, which must be made available in order to reduce this Anopheline's abundance.

Combination of stem cells from deciduous teeth and electroacupuncture for therapy in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury: A pilot study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that causes profound economic and emotional impact in human patients and companion animal owners. It has been shown that the neurogenic effects of the stem cells are enhanced when combined with electroacupuncture (EA) in rodent models of SCI. To determine the safety and feasibility of combining transplantation of allogenic stem cells derived from canine exfoliated deciduous teeth (SCED) and EA in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury a canine pilot clinical study was conducted. A total of 16 individuals ranging from 5 to 11 years at 3 to 18 months of injury were investigated and randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (SCED, EA, SCED + EA, control). Mild neurological and functional improvements were seen in all 4 groups. There was no clinical progression or mortality of the cases occurred in a follow up of 7 months after procedure. The study shows that SCED transplantation and electroacupuncture were feasible, safe and potentially beneficial. However Long-term patient monitoring is necessary to rule out any delayed side effects and assess any further improvements.

The first Taeniolinum from the Andes Mountains and Colombia (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha).

Taeniolinum neusicus sp. n. is described based on 148 specimens collected at the eastern Colombian Andes. Detailed data on environmental and biological preferences are included in the description. The validity of characters such as the number of labral teeth and the clypeal setae to separate Taeniolinum species is also evaluated.

Macrosomía fetal en un hospital del Ministerio de Salud del Perú, de 2010 a 2014 / Fetal macrosomy in a Hospital of the Ministry of Health, Peru, from 2010 to 2014

Resumen Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de macrosomía fetal y sus factores de riesgo, y describir las complicaciones en los recién nacidos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo efectuado con base en la información registrada en el sistema informático perinatal del Hospital Vitarte. Se incluyeron los nacimientos únicos, a término, atendidos entre los meses de enero de 2010 a diciembre de 2014 y se excluyó a los recién nacidos óbitos. Para el análisis estadístico univariado y bivariado se utilizó X 2 y t de Student para p < 0.05 y regresión logística bivariada y multivariada para razón de momios con IC95%; se utilizó el programa SPSS 23. Resultados: La muestra de estudio fue de 16,060 recién nacidos y la prevalencia de macrosomía fetal de 8.1% (1298 de 16,060) con IC95% de 8.075-8.086%. Los factores de riesgo identificados para macrosomía fetal fueron: obesidad (RM: 2.762; IC95%: 2.370-3.220), postérmino (RM: 2.818; IC95%: 1.201-1.615), sobrepeso (RM: 1.806; IC95%: 1.552-2.102), multiparidad (RM: 1.393; IC95%: 1.201-1.615) y sexo masculino (RM: 1.556, IC95%: 1.382-1.752). En relación con las complicaciones se encontró que el Apgar bajo al minuto y la cesárea fueron más frecuentes en macrosómicos que en no macrosómicos. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de macrosomía fetal en el Hospital Vitarte se encuentra en el promedio mundial; sus principales factores de riesgo son modificables y las complicaciones son prevenibles. Se sugiere mejorar las intervenciones gestacionales y pregestacionales para lograr eficiencia y repercusiones en la prevención de macrosomía fetal.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of fetal macrosomia and its risk factors, and to describe complications in newborns. Materials and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study carried out based on the information registered in the perinatal computer system of Hospital Vitarte. Single births, at term, attended between the months of January 2010 and December 2014 were included and newborns were excluded. For the univariate and bivariate statistical analysis, X 2 and Student's t were used for p < 0.05 and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression for odds ratio with 95% CI; the SPSS 23 program was used. Results: The study sample was 16,060 newborns and the prevalence of fetal macrosomia was 8.1% (1298 of 16,060) with 95%CI of 8,075-8,086%. The risk factors identified for fetal macrosomia were: obesity (OR: 2,762; CI95%: 2,370- 3,220), post-term (OR: 2,818; CI95%: 1,201-1,615), overweight (OR: 1,806; CI95%: 1,552-2,102). Multiparity (OR: 1,393; 95%CI: 1,201-1,615) and male sex (OR: 1,556; CI95%: 1,382-1,752). In relation to the complications, it was found that the Apgar low to the minute and the caesarean section were more frequent in macrosomic than in non-macrosomic ones. Conclusions: The prevalence of fetal macrosomia in Hospital Vitarte is found in the world average; Its main risk factors are modifiable, and the complications are preventable. It is suggested to improve gestational and pre-gestational interventions to achieve efficiency and repercussions in the prevention of fetal macrosomia.

Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for experimental treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni using praziquantel-free and encapsulated into liposomes: assay in adult worms and oviposition.

The treatment of schistosomiasis depends on a single drug: praziquantel (PZQ). However, this treatment presents limitations such as low and/or erratic bioavailability that can contribute to cases of tolerance. Improvements to the available drug are urgently needed and studies with a controlled system of drug release, like liposomes, have been gaining prominence. The present study evaluated the activity and synergy between liposomal-praziquantel (lip.PZQ) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). Mice received doses of 60 or 100mg/kg PZQ or lip.PZQ, 50 days post-infection, and after the treatment, were exposed to HBO (3 atmosphere absolute - ATA) for 1h. The viability of adult worms and oviposition were analyzed, by necropsy and Kato-Katz examination performed after 15 days of treatment. A concentration of 100mg/kg of lip.PZQ+HBO was more effective (48.0% reduction of worms, 83.3% reduction of eggs/gram of feces) and 100% of the mice had altered of oograms (indicating interruption of oviposition) compared to other treatments and to the Control group (infected and untreated). It is known that PZQ requires participation of the host immune system to complete its antischistosomal activity and that HBO is able to stimulate the immune system. The drug became more available in the body when incorporated into liposomes and, used with HBO, the HBO worked as an adjuvant. This explains the decreases of oviposition and worms recovered form hepatic portal system.

Intra-farm risk factors for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae colonization at weaning age.

The objective of this study was to identify intra-farm risk factors that affected the colonization with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae at weaning age. Three farrow-to-wean farms were visited at least 5 times each. An average of 54 piglets were sampled at each visit and assayed by means of real-time PCR in nasal swabs. The proportion of PCR positive piglets was evaluated as a response to several variables including dam's PCR status, piglet serological status, and local climatic conditions during the lactation period, as well as other factors. All piglets at weaning age were negative to M. hyopneumoniae in 2 of the 3 farms. M. hyopneumoniae positive piglets were demonstrated in 5 of 7 weaning groups in 1 farm. The proportion of M. hyopneumoniae positive piglets in each weaning group at the positive farm was correlated with the proportion of positive dams in the group. The prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae at weaning increased with the piglet's age in the groups where at least one dam was positive. These results highlight the influence of the sow in the sow-to-piglet colonization process, as previously reported, and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of M. hyopneumoniae infections.

Arquitetura e estrutura dos rins de Gracilinanus microtarsus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) (Wagner, 1842) / Architecture and structure of the kidneys of Gracilinanus microtarsus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) (Wagner, 1842)

A cuíca Gracilinanus microtarsus é um marsupial sul-americano, pertencente à ordem Didelphimorphia e família Didelphidae. Foi estudada a anatomia macroscópica e microscópica dos rins de G. microtarsus. A espécie possui um par de rins localizados na região sublombar da cavidade abdominal adjacente à coluna vertebral, sendo o rim direito mais cranial que o esquerdo. Os rins possuem formato de feijão e ao corte longitudinal possuem áreas bem de nidas como córtex e medula renal, papila, cálice e pelve renal. Em G. microtarsus, o rim é unilobado, apresentando uma superfície lisa e estrutura microscópica similar à de cães e gatos.

Gracilinanus microtarsus is a South American marsupial that belongs to Didelphimorphia order and Didelphidae family. e gross and microscopic anatomy of the kidneys of G. microtarsus was studied. e species has a pair of kidneys located in the sublumbar region of the abdominal cavity, close to the spine. e right kidney is cranial to the le kidney, and both have a bean shape. In a longitudinal cut, the kidney has de ned areas, such as the renal cortex and medulla, as well as the renal papilla, calices and renal pelvis. e kidney of Gracilinanus microtarsus is classi ed as unilobed with a smooth surface and showing microscopic aspect similar to the kidneys of dogs and cats.

Surface acoustic cavitation understood via nanosecond electrochemistry. Part III: Shear stress in ultrasonic cleaning.

Acoustic cavitation is extensively used for cleaning purposes. However, little is known about the fundamental aspects of the cleaning process. Our previous electrochemical data suggested that acoustic bubbles were oscillating at a distance of only a few tens of nanometers above the surface [J. Phys. Chem. B 105 (2001) 12,087; E. Maisonhaute, B.A. Brookes, R.G. Compton, J. Phys. Chem. B 106 (2002) 3166-3172]. The flow velocities resulting from the bubble collapse lead to important drag and shear forces on the surface, responsible for cleaning and/or eroding the latter. We review here the forces acting on an adsorbed particle located on the surface, and develop arguments to explain why small adsorbates are harder to remove by sonication. Then, experimental results on particle desorption and surface effects brought about by ultrasound are presented and shown to agree with our theoretical predictions.

Electrochemical analysis of nucleic acids at boron-doped diamond electrodes.

Highly conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes are well suited for performing electrochemical measurements of nucleic acids in aqueous solution under diffusion-only control. The advantageous properties of this electrodic material in this context include reproducibility and the small background currents observed at very positive potentials, along with its robustness under extreme conditions so offering promising capabilities in future applications involving thermal heating or ultrasonic treatment. tRNA, single and double stranded DNA and 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP) have been studied and well defined peaks were observed in all cases, directly assignable to the electro-oxidation of deoxyguanosine monophosphate.