A diverse portfolio of marine protected areas can better advance global conservation and equity.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely used for ocean conservation, yet the relative impacts of various types of MPAs are poorly understood. We estimated impacts on fish biomass from no-take and multiple-use (fished) MPAs, employing a rigorous matched counterfactual design with a global dataset of >14,000 surveys in and around 216 MPAs. Both no-take and multiple-use MPAs generated positive conservation outcomes relative to no protection (58.2% and 12.6% fish biomass increases, respectively), with smaller estimated differences between the two MPA types when controlling for additional confounding factors (8.3% increase). Relative performance depended on context and management: no-take MPAs performed better in areas of high human pressure but similar to multiple-use in remote locations. Multiple-use MPA performance was low in high-pressure areas but improved significantly with better management, producing similar outcomes to no-take MPAs when adequately staffed and appropriate use regulations were applied. For priority conservation areas where no-take restrictions are not possible or ethical, our findings show that a portfolio of well-designed and well-managed multiple-use MPAs represents a viable and potentially equitable pathway to advance local and global conservation.

Dynamic Immune Profile in French Toxoplasmosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii infection is usually benign in Europe due to the strong predominance of type II strains. Few studies have been conducted to examine the immunological course of infection in humans and have yielded conflicting results, maybe influenced by heterogeneous parasite strains. METHODS: We measured 23 immune mediators in 39, 40, and 29 sera of French noninfected, acutely infected, and chronically infected immunocompetent pregnant women, respectively. RESULTS: Four different cytokine patterns were identified regarding their dynamics through infection phases. For 11 of the cytokines (IFN-ß, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, CXCL9, CCL2, and CSF2) the serum levels were significantly elevated during acute infection. The inflammatory mediators IL-1ß, IL-17A, IL-18, TNF-α, and CSF3 remained unchanged during acute infection, while they were significantly lower in chronically infected compared to noninfected patients. As for the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-ß and CCL5, their levels remained significantly elevated during chronic infection. We also observed a significant negative correlation of several cytokine concentrations with IgG levels, indicating a rapid decline of serum concentrations during the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an anti-inflammatory pattern in chronically infected patients in a type II dominated setting and demonstrate the highly dynamic immune situation during acute infection.

Babesia crassa-Like Human Infection Indicating Need for Adapted PCR Diagnosis of Babesiosis, France.

Human babesiosis in Europe is caused by multiple zoonotic species. We describe a case in a splenectomized patient, in which a routine Babesia divergens PCR result was negative. A universal Babesia spp. PCR yielded a positive result and enabled classification of the parasite into the less-described Babesia crassa-like complex.

Impacts of protected areas vary with the level of government: Comparing avoided deforestation across agencies in the Brazilian Amazon.

Protected areas (PAs) are the leading tools to conserve forests. However, given their mixed effectiveness, we want to know when they have impacts internally and, if they do, when they have spillovers. Political economy posits roles for the level of government. One hypothesis is that federal PAs avoid more internal deforestation than state PAs since federal agencies consider gains for other jurisdictions. Such political differences as well as economic mechanisms can cause PA spillovers to vary greatly, even from "leakage," more deforestation elsewhere, to "blockage," less deforestation elsewhere. We examine internal impacts and local spillovers for Brazilian Amazon federal and state agencies. Outside the region's "arc of deforestation," we confirm little internal impact and show no spillovers. In the "arc," we test impacts by state, as states are large and feature considerably different dynamics. For internal impacts, estimates for federal PAs and indigenous lands are higher than for state PAs. For local spillover impacts, estimates for most arc states either are not significant or are not robust; however, for Pará, federal PAs and indigenous lands feature both internal impacts and local spillovers. Yet, the spillovers in Pará go in opposite directions across agencies, leakage for indigenous lands but blockage for federal PAs, suggesting a stronger external signal from the environmental agency. Across all these tools, only federal PAs lower deforestation internally and nearby. Results suggest that agencies' objectives and capacities are critical parts of the contexts for conservation strategies.

Toxoplasma gondii ROP16 kinase silences the cyclin B1 gene promoter by hijacking host cell UHRF1-dependent epigenetic pathways.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common infections in the world due to the lifelong persistence of this parasite in a latent stage. This parasite hijacks host signaling pathways through epigenetic mechanisms which converge on key nuclear proteins. Here, we report a new parasite persistence strategy involving T. gondii rhoptry protein ROP16 secreted early during invasion, which targets the transcription factor UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING fingers domain 1), and leads to host cell cycle arrest. This is mediated by DNMT activity and chromatin remodeling at the cyclin B1 gene promoter through recruitment of phosphorylated UHRF1 associated with a repressive multienzymatic protein complex. This leads to deacetylation and methylation of histone H3 surrounding the cyclin B1 promoter to epigenetically silence its transcriptional activity. Moreover, T. gondii infection causes DNA hypermethylation in its host cell, by upregulation of DNMTs. ROP16 is already known to activate and phosphorylate protective immunity transcription factors such as STAT 3/6/5 and modulate host signaling pathways in a strain-dependent manner. Like in the case of STAT6, the strain-dependent effects of ROP16 on UHRF1 are dependent on a single amino-acid polymorphism in ROP16. This study demonstrates that Toxoplasma hijacks a new epigenetic initiator, UHRF1, through an early event initiated by the ROP16 parasite kinase.

Land-use and land-cover change shape the sustainability and impacts of protected areas.

Protected areas (PAs) remain the dominant policy to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services but have been shown to have limited impact when development interests force them to locations with lower deforestation pressure. Far less known is that such interests also cause widespread tempering, reduction, or removal of protection [i.e., PA downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD)]. We inform responses to PADDD by proposing and testing a bargaining explanation for PADDD risks and deforestation impacts. We examine recent degazettements for hydropower development and rural settlements in the state of Rondônia in the Brazilian Amazon. Results support two hypotheses: (i) ineffective PAs (i.e., those where internal deforestation was similar to nearby rates) were more likely to be degazetted and (ii) degazettement of ineffective PAs caused limited, if any, additional deforestation. We also report on cases in which ineffective portions were upgraded. Overall our results suggest that enhancing PAs' ecological impacts enhances their legal durability.

Locally acquired infection with Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiense (=Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense) in France: the importance of molecular diagnosis.

Diphyllobothriasis is a parasitic fish-borne disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Dibothriocephalus (=Diphyllobothrium). The majority of reported cases are attributed to D. latum, based on morphological identification of eggs or proglottids. However, numerous reports in recent years suggested that other Dibothriocephalus species could be involved in human infections, mainly after consumption of salmonid fish. Among these, D. nihonkaiense has been predominantly reported from Eastern Asia and probably underestimated in the rest of the world. We report here a clinical case of D. nihonkaiense in a French patient (without history of travel abroad) after consumption of salmon. Suspected on morphological characteristics, the final identification of D. nihonkaiense was performed using molecular methods by sequencing nad1, cox1, and 5.8S rRNA (containing ITS1 and 2) genes sequences. The patient was successfully treated by a single dose of praziquantel. Reports of diphyllobothriasis due to D. nihonkaiense are rare outside Asia, but worldwide demand of seafood could lead to the globalization of cases and reflect the need to monitor the distribution of Dibothriocephalus species. Thus, clinical parasitologists should be aware of this risk and able to raise the possibility of infections by non-endemic Dibothriocephalus species in order to use the proper molecular tools.

Mitespotting: approaches for Aculops lycopersici monitoring in tomato cultivation.

Aculops lycopersici is a major pest in tomato cultivation worldwide, and lately its relevance in German tomato cultivation has increased markedly. Aculops lycopersici causes damage to tomato plants by feeding on the surface of leaves, stem and fruits and can lead to the loss of whole plants. Given the small size of the pest, A. lycopersici infestation may go unnoticed for quite a length of time. When discovered symptoms can be easily confused with those of diseases. In addition to these issues A. lycopersici has a very high reproduction rate. In this study, fluorescence measurements were performed on the stem of A. lycopersici-inoculated potted tomato plants and these were compared with a visual bare eye assessment and a sticky tape imprint method for classification of these plants as either infested or healthy. The best correct classification rate was achieved with sticky tape, but this method is time intensive, which makes it unsuitable for large-scale monitoring in practice. Classification based on a ridge regression performed on stem fluorescence measurements was at least as good as the classification based on the visual assessment, and detection was robust against symptoms of drought stress. In a second trial the specificity of stem fluorescence measurements for A. lycopersici against Trialeurodes vaporariorum was tested successfully. The fluorescence method is promising as this method allows for high automation and thereby has the potential to increase monitoring efficacy in practice considerably. The relevance of the tested monitoring methods for practical tomato cultivation and the next steps to be taken are discussed.

Molecular diagnosis of Pseudoterranova decipiens s.s in human, France.

BACKGROUND: Anisakis and Pseudoterranova are the main genera involved in human infections caused by nematodes of the Anisakidae family. Species identification is complicated due to the lack of differential morphological characteristics at the larval stage, thus requiring molecular differentiation. Pseudoterranova larvae ingested through raw fish are spontaneously eliminated in most cases, but mechanical removal by means of endoscopy might be required. To date, only very few cases of Pseudoterranova infection have been reported in France. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old woman from Northeastern France detected, while brushing her teeth, a larva exiting through her mouth. The patient who presented with headache, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps reported having eaten baked cod. The worm was a fourth-stage larva with a size of 22 × 0.9 mm, and molecular biology identified it as Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu stricto (s. s.). In a second P. decipiens infection case, occurring a few months later, a worm exited through the patient's nose after she had eaten raw sea bream. CONCLUSION: These two cases demonstrate that Pseudoterranova infection is not uncommon among French patients. Therefore, molecular techniques should be more widely applied for a better characterization of anisakidosis epidemiology in France.

The hide and seek of Plasmodium vivax in West Africa: report from a large-scale study in Beninese asymptomatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is considered to be absent from western Africa, where the prevalence of Duffy-negative red blood cell phenotype proves to be high. Several studies have, however, detected P. vivax infection cases in this part of Africa, raising the question of what is the actual prevalence of P. vivax in local populations. METHODS: The presence of P. vivax was investigated in a large population of healthy blood donors in Benin using microscopy, serology and molecular detection. The seroprevalence was measured with species-specific ELISA using two recombinant P. vivax proteins, namely rPvMSP1 and rPvCSP1. Specific molecular diagnosis of P. vivax infection was carried out using nested-PCR. The performances and cut-off values of both rPvCSP1 and rPvMSP1 ELISA were first assessed using sera from P. vivax-infected patients and from non-exposed subjects. RESULTS: Among 1234 Beninese blood donors, no parasites were detected when using microscopy, whereas 28.7% (354/1234) of patients exhibited had antibodies against rPvMSP1, 21.6% (266/1234) against rPvCSP1, and 15.2% (187/1234) against both. Eighty-four samples were selected for nested-PCR analyses, of which 13 were positive for P. vivax nested-PCR and all Duffy negative. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study highlight an unexpectedly high exposure of Beninese subjects to P. vivax, resulting in sub-microscopic infections. This suggests a probably underestimated and insidious parasite presence in western Africa. While the vaccination campaigns and therapeutic efforts are all focused on Plasmodium falciparum, it is also essential to consider the epidemiological impact of P. vivax.

Interleukin-6-driven inflammatory response induces retinal pathology in a model of ocular toxoplasmosis reactivation.

Ocular inflammation is one of the consequences of infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Even if lesions are self-healing in immunocompetent persons, they pose a lifetime risk of reactivation and are a serious threat to vision. As there are virtually no immunological data on reactivating ocular toxoplasmosis, we established a model of direct intravitreal injection of parasites in previously infected mice with a homologous type II strain. Two different mouse strains with variable ability to control retinal infection were studied in order to describe protective and deleterious reaction patterns. In Swiss-Webster mice, which are already relatively resistant to primary infection, no peak of parasite load was observed upon reinfection. In contrast, the susceptible inbred strain C57BL/6 showed high parasite loads after 7 days, as well as marked deterioration of retinal architecture. Both parameters were back to normal on day 21. C57BL/6 mice also reacted with a strong local production of inflammatory and Th1-type cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17A, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), while Swiss-Webster mice showed only moderate expression of the Th2 cytokine IL-31. Interestingly, rapid intraocular production of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was observed in Swiss-Webster but not in C57BL/6 mice. We then localized the cellular source of different immune mediators within the retina by immunofluorescence. Finally, neutralization experiments of IFN-γ or IL-6 demonstrated the respective protective and deleterious roles of these cytokines for parasite control and retinal integrity during reinfection. In conclusion, we developed and immunologically characterized a promising mouse model of reactivating ocular toxoplasmosis.

First Case of Human Cerebral Taenia martis Cysticercosis.

Taenia martis is a tapeworm affecting mustelids, with rodents serving as intermediate hosts. The larval stage (cysticercus) has been found before only rarely in humans or primates. We hereby describe a case of cerebral T. martis cysticercosis in a French immunocompetent patient, confirmed by DNA analyses of biopsy material.

Description of vertebral and liver alveolar echinococcosis cases in Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

BACKGROUND: Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, is a fox tapeworm widely distributed in Europe with an increase of endemic area in recent years. Many mammal species including humans and non-human primates can be infected by accidental ingestion of eggs. CASE PRESENTATION: In March 2011, a 5-year-old zoo-raised male cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented a paresis of the lower limbs which evolved into paralysis. Lesions in liver and vertebra were observed on tomography scan. E. multilocularis infection was diagnosed post-mortem by morphological and histological examination and detection of Em DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Serodiagnosis of other primates of the colony using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negative. In June 2013, at necroscopy, a hepatic and a paravertebral masses were detected in a second cynomolgus macaque of the same colony. Serology and DNA isolated from hepatic and abdominal cysts confirmed E. multilocularis infection. CONCLUSIONS: We described hear vertebral and liver localization of alveolar echinococcosis in non-human primates. The animals lived in an indoor/outdoor housing facility, where the probable mode of contamination is by ingestion of food foraging around the enclosure which could be contaminated with fox feces. Serological survey in the facility should allow us to estimate the risk of human contamination and the zoonotic risk of monkey infection due to environmental contamination.

Ocular cytokinome is linked to clinical characteristics in ocular toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: To determine the cytokine levels in aqueous humor (AH) of Colombian patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), and to correlate them with their clinical characteristics. METHODS: 27 Cytokines/chemokines were assayed in 15 AH samples (nine patients with diagnosis of OT biologically-confirmed and six controls that underwent cataract surgery). Correlations were assessed between cytokine/chemokine levels, type of inflammatory response (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg), and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Th2 predominant response was related to more severe clinical features. The presence of VEGF and IL-5 was related to higher number of recurrences. Growth factors (VEGF, FGF, PDGF-ß), were related to higher number of lesions. Patients infected by type-I/III strains had a particular intraocular cytokine-pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Th2 response was related to more severe clinical characteristics in patients infected by Type I/III strains. IL-5 and VEGF were associated with recurrences. We correlate for the first time, specific cytokine-patterns with clinical characteristics and with the infecting Toxoplasma strain.

The ears of the African elephant: unexpected high seroprevalence of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae in healthy populations in Western Africa.

BACKGROUND: Malaria Is A Life-Threatening Pathology In Africa. Plasmodium Falciparum And Plasmodium Vivax Attract The Most Focus Because Of Their High Prevalence And Mortality. Knowledge About The Prevalence Of The Cryptic Pathogens Plasmodium Ovale And Plasmodium Malariae Is Limited. Thanks To Recombinant Tools, Their Seroprevalence Was Measured For The First Time, As Well As The Prevalence Of Mixed Infections In A Malaria-Asymptomatic Population In Benin, A Malaria-Endemic Country. METHODS: A Panel Of 1,235 Blood Donations Collected Over Ten Months In Benin Was Used For Validation Of The Recombinant Tools. Recombinant P. Falciparum, P. Malariae, P. Ovale MSP1, And P. Falciparum AMA1 Were Engineered And Validated On A Biobank With Malaria-Infected Patients (N = 144) Using A Species-Speific ELISA Test (Recelisa). Results Were Compared To An ELISA Using A Native P. Falciparum Antigen (NatELISA). RESULTS: Among Microscopically Negative African Blood Donors, 85% (1,050/1,235) Present Antibodies Directed To Native P. Falciparum, 94.4% (1,166/1,235) To rPfMSP1 And rPfAMA1, 56.8% (702/1,235) To rPoMSP1, 67.5% (834/1235) To rPmMSP1 And 45.3% Of The Malaria Seropositive Population Had Antibodies Recognizing The Three Species. CONCLUSION: A High Rate Of Antibodies Against P. Ovale And P. Malariae Was Found In Asymptomatic Blood Donors. The Proportion Of Mixed Infections Involving Three Species Was Also Unexpected. These Data Suggest That Determining Seroprevalence For These Cryptic Species Is An Appropriate Tool To Estimate Their Incidence, At The Eve Of Upcoming Anti-P. Falciparum Vaccination Campaigns.

Müller cell activation and photoreceptor depletion in a mice model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis.

Müller glial cells are critically involved in retinal inflammatory processes. Here, we investigate the activation of Müller cells in a model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Four weeks after infection, retinal sections were studied immunohistochemically using the markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Müller cells showed strong up-regulation of both markers, as well as a deteriorated morphology in all infected retinas. Moreover, cell density and color intensity of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of photoreceptors were decreased. Our results indicate that the severe retinal damage and loss of vision observed in human OT may be not only directly caused by infection but rather mediated by infection induced reactive gliosis.

Tackling debt, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Experience tells us how to maximize debt-for-nature effectiveness.

Indigenous lands, protected areas, and slowing climate change.

Recent climate talks in Copenhagen reaffirmed the crucial role of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). Creating and strengthening indigenous lands and other protected areas represents an effective, practical, and immediate REDD strategy that addresses both biodiversity and climate crises at once.

Primary musculoskeletal hydatid cyst of the thigh: Diagnostic and curative challenge for an unusual localization.

Primary muscular echinococcosis is an uncommon localization of hydatid cysts. The nonspecific clinical presentation and possible post-therapeutic complications lead to problems for the diagnosis of this infection and the support of the patient. The authors describe an unusual case of double hydatid cyst of the vastus intermedius muscle. After a precise preoperative evaluation based on clinical, radiological and biological examinations, a surgical excision by pericystectomy combined with perioperative chemotherapy enabled the authors to treat the patient and to prevent postoperative complications. The diagnostic tools and the treatment of this particular type of echinococcosis are discussed.

L'échinococcose musculaire primaire est un foyer inhabituel des kystes hydatiques. La présentation clinique non spécifique et les complications post-thérapeutiques éventuelles peuvent s'associer à des difficultés à diagnostiquer cette infection et à soutenir le patient. Les auteurs décrivent un cas inhabituel de double kyste hydatique du muscle vaste intermédiaire. Après une évaluation préopératoire détaillée fondée sur des examens clinique, radiologique et biologique, les auteurs ont traité le patient en procédant à une excision chirurgicale par périkystectomie conjuguée à une chimiothérapie périopératoire, ce qui a permis d'éviter les complications postopératoires. Ils présentent également les outils diagnostiques et le traitement de ce type d'échinococcose.

Interleukin 17A as an effective target for anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic treatment of toxoplasmic uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of posterior uveitis in immunocompetent subjects. The requirement of limiting both parasite multiplication and tissue destruction suggests that the balance between T-helper (Th) 17 and T-regulatory cells is an important factor in toxoplasmosis-induced retinal damage. METHODS: In a prospective clinical study of acute ocular toxoplasmosis, we assessed the cytokine pattern in aqueous humors of 10 affected patients. To determine the immunological mechanisms, we evaluated intraocular inflammation, parasite load, and immunological responses using messenger RNA and protein levels in a mouse model. Anti-interleukin 17A (IL-17A) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were administered with the parasite to evaluate the role of IL-17A. RESULTS: Severe ocular inflammation and cytokine patterns comparable to human cases were observed, including IL-17A production. Neutralizing IL-17A decreased intraocular inflammation and parasite load in mice. Detailed studies revealed up-regulation of T-regulatory and Th1 pathways. When interferon γ (IFN-γ) was neutralized concomitantly, the parasite multiplication rate was partially restored. CONCLUSIONS: Local IL-17A production by resident cells plays a central role in the pathology of ocular toxoplasmosis. The balance between Th17 and Th1 responses (especially IFN-γ) is crucial for the outcome of infection. This data reveals new in vivo therapeutic approaches by repressing inflammatory pathways using intravitreal injection of IL-17A mAbs.