Mansonella sp. and associated Wolbachia endosymbionts in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) in periurban areas from Midwestern Brazil.

Coatis (Nasua nasua) are wild carnivorous well adapted to anthropized environments especially important because they act as reservoirs hosts for many arthropod-borne zoonotic pathogens. Information about filarioids from coatis and associated Wolbachia spp. in Brazil is scant. To investigate the diversity of filarial nematodes, blood samples (n = 100 animals) were obtained from two urban areas in midwestern Brazil and analyzed using blood smears and buffy coats and cPCR assays based on the cox1, 12S rRNA, 18S rRNA, hsp70 and myoHC genes for nematodes and 16S rRNA for Wolbachia. When analyzing coati blood smears and buffy coats, 30% and 80% of the samples presented at least one microfilaria, respectively. Twenty-five cox1 sequences were obtained showing 89% nucleotide identity with Mansonella ozzardi. Phylogenetic analyses clustered cox1 sequences herein obtained within the Mansonella spp. clade. Sequences of both myoHC and two hsp70 genes showed 99.8% nucleotide identity with Mansonella sp. and clustered into a clade within Mansonella sp., previously detected in coatis from Brazil. Two blood samples were positive for Wolbachia, with a 99% nucleotide identity with Wolbachia previously found in Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella atelensis and in ectoparasites of the genus Pseudolynchia, Melophagus and Cimex. The study showed a high prevalence of Mansonella sp. in the coati population examined, suggesting that this animal species play a role as reservoirs of a novel, yet to be described, species within the Onchocercidae family.

Molecular detection of Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in coatis (Nasua nasua) and associated ticks from midwestern Brazil.

Procyonids are reservoirs of many zoonotic infectious diseases, including tick-borne pathogens. The role of coatis (Nasua nasua) in the epidemiology of piroplasmids and Rickettsia has not been fully addressed in Brazil. To molecularly study these agents in coatis and associated ticks, animals were sampled in two urban areas in Midwestern Brazil. Blood (n = 163) and tick (n = 248) DNA samples were screened by PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and gltA genes of piroplasmids and Rickettsia spp., respectively. Positive samples were further molecularly tested targeting cox-1, cox-3, ß-tubulin, cytB, and hsp70 (piroplasmid) and ompA, ompB, and htrA 17-kDa (Rickettsia spp.) genes, sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. All coatis' blood samples were negative for piroplasmids, whereas five pools of ticks (2%) were positive for two different sequences of Babesia spp.. The first from Amblyomma sculptum nymphs was close (i.e., ≥ 99% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. previously found in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris); the second from Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae was identical (100% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. detected in opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and associated ticks. Four samples (0.8%) were positive by PCR to two different Rickettsia spp. sequences, being the first from Amblyomma sp. larva identical to Rickettsia belli and the second from A. dubitatum nymph identical to Rickettsia species from Spotted Fever Group (SFG). The detection of piroplasmids and SFG Rickettsia sp. highlights the importance of Amblyomma spp. in the maintenance of tick-borne agents in urban parks where humans and wild and domestic animals are living in sympatry.

Longitudinal dynamics and health impact of Hepatozoon procyonis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) on naturally infected ring-tailed coatis Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Midwestern Brazil.

This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly detect Hepatozoon procyonis in ring-tailed coatis' (Nasua nasua) blood and associated ticks from central-western Brazil, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state and also evaluate the impact of the protozoa in blood parameters and coati´s health. Samplings were performed in a conservation area Parque Estadual do Prosa (PEP) and in a Brazilian Air Force Private Area namely Vila da Base Aérea (VBA), between March 2018 and April 2019. We collected 165 blood samples, 61 from recaptured coatis. Peripheral blood smears were stained with Romanovsky-type stain for H. procyonis parasitemia assessment. DNA extracted from blood samples and ticks (Amblyomma spp.) were submitted to a nested PCR (nPCR) assay based on the 18S rRNA gene for Hepatozoon spp. Out of 104 individuals sampled, 80 (77%) were positive for H. procyonis in at least one capture. Overall, 67/165 (40.6%) blood smears showed H. procyonis gametocytes (PEP: 41/63 - 65%; VBA: 26/102 - 25.5%). Parasitemia based on 500 assessed leucocytes ranged from 1 (0.2%) to 50 (10%) and 1 (0.2%) to 25 (5%), from animals sampled in PEP and VBA, respectively. Fluctuation on the parasitemia was observed during recaptures. nPCR results showed higher positivity when compared to blood smears, i.e. 112/165 (68%) positive blood samples [PEP: 41/63 (65%), VBA: 26/102 (25.5%)]. In total, 63/248 (25.4%) tick DNA samples were positive at nPCR for Hepatozoon sp., including 32/87 (37%) pools (1 to 10 larvae) of Amblyomma larvae, 21/105 (20%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma sculptum nymphs, 9/43 (21%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma dubitatumnymphs, and 1/12 (8%) A. sculptum adult female. The partial 18S rRNA sequence from one coati's blood sample and one representative of each positive tick species randomly selected from each area for sequencing (1,000 bp) showed 100% identity with sequences of H. procyonis from GenBank previously detected in coatis. Regarding H. procyonis infection, no statistical differences were obtained when comparing males vs. females (p-value 0.67), immature animals vs. adults (p-value 0.31), rainy vs. dry season (p-value 0.51) and sampling location (p-value 0.42). No noticeable alteration in blood parameters or heath status was observed in parasite animals. H. procyonis circulates in a high prevalence in coatis from central-western Brazil. Parasitemia fluctuates among different coatis' recaptures and apparently the infection has no influence in coatis' hematological and clinical parameters.

Genomic analysis and proteomic response of the chromium-resistant and phenanthrene-degrading strain Streptomyces sp. MC1.

AIM: Chemically disparate toxic organic and/or inorganic molecules produced by anthropogenic activities often hinder the bioremediation process. This research was conducted to understand the capacity of Streptomyces sp. MC1 to remove chemically disparate toxics such as Cr(VI) or phenanthrene. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genomic, metabolic modeling and proteomic approaches were used in this study. Our results demonstrated that Streptomyces sp. MC1 has the genetic determinants to remove Cr(VI) or degrade phenanthrene. Proteomics showed that these genetic determinants were expressed. Metabolic versatility of the strain was confirmed by two metabolic models in complex and minimal media. Interestingly, our results also suggested a connection between the degradation of phenanthrene and synthesis of specialized metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Streptomyces sp. MC1 has the genetic and physiological potential to remove Cr(VI) or degrade phenanthrene SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The probability of a microorganism to survive in the presence of different contaminants depends on its genetic potential and the ability to express it. The genetic and proteomic profiles obtained for Streptomyces sp. MC1 can be recommended as model and predict if other Streptomyces strains can be used in bioremediation processes. Our work also hypothesized that intermediates of the phenanthrene degradation serve as precursors for the specialized metabolism.

Impact of Covid-19 on farming systems in Europe through the lens of resilience thinking.

Context: Resilience is the ability to deal with shocks and stresses, including the unknown and previously unimaginable, such as the Covid-19 crisis. Objective: This paper assesses (i) how different farming systems were exposed to the crisis, (ii) which resilience capacities were revealed and (iii) how resilience was enabled or constrained by the farming systems' social and institutional environment. Methods: The 11 farming systems included have been analysed since 2017. This allows a comparison of pre-Covid-19 findings and the Covid-19 crisis. Pre-Covid findings are from the SURE-Farm systematic sustainability and resilience assessment. For Covid-19 a special data collection was carried out during the early stage of lockdowns. Results and conclusions: Our case studies found limited impact of Covid-19 on the production and delivery of food and other agricultural products. This was due to either little exposure or the agile activation of robustness capacities of the farming systems in combination with an enabling institutional environment. Revealed capacities were mainly based on already existing connectedness among farmers and more broadly in value chains. Across cases, the experience of the crisis triggered reflexivity about the operation of the farming systems. Recurring topics were the need for shorter chains, more fairness towards farmers, and less dependence on migrant workers. However, actors in the farming systems and the enabling environment generally focused on the immediate issues and gave little real consideration to long-term implications and challenges. Hence, adaptive or transformative capacities were much less on display than coping capacities. The comparison with pre-Covid findings mostly showed similarities. If challenges, such as shortage of labour, already loomed before, they persisted during the crisis. Furthermore, the eminent role of resilience attributes was confirmed. In cases with high connectedness and diversity we found that these system characteristics contributed significantly to dealing with the crisis. Also the focus on coping capacities was already visible before the crisis. We are not sure yet whether the focus on short-term robustness just reflects the higher visibility and urgency of shocks compared to slow processes that undermine or threaten important system functions, or whether they betray an imbalance in resilience capacities at the expense of adaptability and transformability. Significance: Our analysis indicates that if transformations are required, e.g. to respond to concerns about transnational value chains and future pandemics from zoonosis, the transformative capacity of many farming systems needs to be actively enhanced through an enabling environment.

Medición ecográfica del grosor del cartílago femoral en rodilla de jóvenes universitarios sanos / Ultrasound measurement of femoral cartilage thickness in the knee of healthy young university students

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: El cartílago articular (CA) siempre está afectado en cualquier articulación con artrosis (A). La ecografía puede ser una herramienta útil en la monitorización de los cambios en el CA. El propósito del presente estudio es medir ecográficamente el grosor del CA en el fémur distal en jóvenes estudiantes y determinar su relación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC), masa muscular, grasa corporal y la práctica deportiva. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal observacional con voluntarios sanos, entre 15 y 25 años. Se recogieron datos antropométricos y se midió el grosor del cartílago femoral de la rodilla en cinco puntos. Además, se midió en un subgrupo el porcentaje de músculo y de grasa corporal. RESULTADOS: En el estudio se incluyeron 100 sujetos. La edad promedio fue de 20 años (± 2,5). El IMC promedio fue 23 kg/m2 (± 3,1). El CA tuvo un mayor grosor en los hombres y en los deportistas vs. las mujeres y los sedentarios, con diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Al comparar el IMC con el grosor del CA no se encontró ninguna relación significativa; sin embargo, sólo dos participantes tenían IMC > 30. CONCLUSIONES: El grosor del cartílago tiene una relación directamente proporcional con el porcentaje de músculo, e inversamente proporcional con el porcentaje de grasa. El IMC no es un buen parámetro al evaluar el comportamiento dinámico del cartílago en jóvenes no obesos

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Articular cartilage (AC) is always affected in any joint with osteoarthritis. Ultrasound can be a useful tool in monitoring changes in the AC. The purpose of the present study is to ultrasound measure the thickness of the AC in the distal femur in young students and determine its relationship with body mass index (BMI), muscle mass, body fat and sports practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with healthy volunteers, between 15 and 25 years old. Anthropometric data were collected and the thickness of the femoral cartilage of the knee was measured at 5 points. In addition, the percentage of muscle and body fat was measured in a subgroup. RESULTS: 100 subjects were included in the study. The average age was 20 years (± 2.5). The average BMI was 23 kg/m2 (± 3.1). AC was thicker in men and sportsmen, versus women and sedentary people, with a statistically significant difference. When comparing BMI with AC thickness no significant relationship was found; however, only 2 participants had BMI > 30. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilage thickness has a direct relationship with the percentage of muscle, and inversely with the percentage of fat. BMI is not a good parameter when evaluating the dynamic behaviour of cartilage in non-obese youths

Ultrasound measurement of femoral cartilage thickness in the knee of healthy young university students. / Medición ecográfica del grosor del cartílago femoral en rodilla de jóvenes universitarios sanos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Articular cartilage (AC) is always affected in any joint with osteoarthritis. Ultrasound can be a useful tool in monitoring changes in the AC. The purpose of the present study is to ultrasound measure the thickness of the AC in the distal femur in young students and determine its relationship with body mass index (BMI), muscle mass, body fat and sports practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with healthy volunteers, between 15 and 25 years old. Anthropometric data were collected and the thickness of the femoral cartilage of the knee was measured at 5 points. In addition, the percentage of muscle and body fat was measured in a subgroup. RESULTS: 100 subjects were included in the study. The average age was 20 years (± 2.5). The average BMI was 23 kg/m2 (± 3.1). AC was thicker in men and sportsmen, versus women and sedentary people, with a statistically significant difference. When comparing BMI with AC thickness no significant relationship was found; however, only 2 participants had BMI > 30. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilage thickness has a direct relationship with the percentage of muscle, and inversely with the percentage of fat. BMI is not a good parameter when evaluating the dynamic behaviour of cartilage in non-obese youths.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 improves biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with wheat bran.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum CRL1446, with feruloyl esterase (FE) activity, on metabolic biomarkers and intestinal microbiota of mice with high fat diet-induced Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and supplemented with wheat bran as a source of esterified ferulic acid. Six-week-old male Swiss albino mice developed the components of MS when fed with high fat diet supplemented with wheat bran (HFD + WB) for 14 weeks. Positive impact of L. fermentum CRL1446 administration on these animals was reflected in a decrease in body weight gain and adiposity index compared to the animals that did not receive the probiotic strain. In addition, a decrease in plasma leptin levels, improvement of inflammatory profile, reduction of fatty infiltration in hepatocytes and modification of lipid profile (increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels) were observed. On the other hand, L. fermentum CRL1446 reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, improving the HOMA index in mice with MS. Postprandial glucose levels were also reduced in the oral glucose tolerance test. Consumption of L. fermentum CRL1446 with HFD + WB (HFD + WB-Lf mice group) had a great impact on host metabolism, modulating intestinal microbiota, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes abundance being observed. Increased intestinal FE activity, improved oxidative status and increased abundance of 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid and butyric acid concentration in colonic content, were also demonstrated in HFD + WB-Lf mice. Results obtained suggest that supplementation with L. fermentum CRL1446 enhances beneficial effects of a bran diet, attenuating the risk factors associated with MS.

Possible mechanisms involved in the effect of the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin on endothelial function in rats with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition associated with a greater risk of various disorders (e.g., diabetes and heart disease). In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, an acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin causes relaxation of aortic rings. Since the outcome of a subchronic rosuvastatin treatment is unknown, the present study explored its effect on acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation of aortic rings from rats with metabolic syndrome. Animals were submitted to a 16-week treatment, including a standard diet, a cafeteria-style diet (CAF-diet), or a CAF-diet with daily rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/kg). After confirming the development of metabolic syndrome in rats, aortic segments were extracted from these animals (those treated with rosuvastatin and untreated) and the acetylcholine-induced relaxant effect on the corresponding rings was evaluated. Concentration-response curves were constructed for this effect in the presence/absence of L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), tetraethylammonium (TEA), apamin plus charybdotoxin, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, and cycloheximide pretreatment. Compared to rings from control rats, acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation decreased in rings from animals with metabolic syndrome, and was maintained at a normal level in animals with metabolic syndrome plus rosuvastatin treatment. The effect of rosuvastatin was inhibited by L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, TEA, apamin plus charybdotoxin, but unaffected by 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. In conclusion, the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin to rats with metabolic syndrome improved the acetylcholine-induced relaxant response, involving stimulation of the NO/cGMP/PKG/Ca2+-activated K+ channel pathway.

Possible mechanisms involved in the effect of the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin on endothelial function in rats with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition associated with a greater risk of various disorders (e.g., diabetes and heart disease). In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, an acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin causes relaxation of aortic rings. Since the outcome of a subchronic rosuvastatin treatment is unknown, the present study explored its effect on acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation of aortic rings from rats with metabolic syndrome. Animals were submitted to a 16-week treatment, including a standard diet, a cafeteria-style diet (CAF-diet), or a CAF-diet with daily rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/kg). After confirming the development of metabolic syndrome in rats, aortic segments were extracted from these animals (those treated with rosuvastatin and untreated) and the acetylcholine-induced relaxant effect on the corresponding rings was evaluated. Concentration-response curves were constructed for this effect in the presence/absence of L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), tetraethylammonium (TEA), apamin plus charybdotoxin, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, and cycloheximide pretreatment. Compared to rings from control rats, acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation decreased in rings from animals with metabolic syndrome, and was maintained at a normal level in animals with metabolic syndrome plus rosuvastatin treatment. The effect of rosuvastatin was inhibited by L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, TEA, apamin plus charybdotoxin, but unaffected by 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. In conclusion, the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin to rats with metabolic syndrome improved the acetylcholine-induced relaxant response, involving stimulation of the NO/cGMP/PKG/Ca2+-activated K+ channel pathway.

Tratamiento con electrocirugía del rinofima moderado-grave / Electrosurgery for the Treatment of Moderate or Severe Rhinophyma

El rinofima se considera el estado final de la rosácea, siendo una condición desfigurante progresiva y poco común. Existen diferentes alternativas quirúrgicas como la dermoabrasión, la criocirugía, la escisión con escalpelo, la electrocirugía y el láser CO2. Estas 2 últimas técnicas son las más efectivas en el manejo del rinofima. Se describe una serie de casos de pacientes con rinofima moderado-grave que recibieron manejo con electrocirugía de alta frecuencia en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Simón Bolívar y práctica privada entre 2012 y 2016. Todos los pacientes mostraron respuesta estética satisfactoria basada en el criterio médico y la percepción del paciente. Tres pacientes presentaron cicatrices hipertróficas manejadas con infiltraciones y bandas de silicona. Dos pacientes presentaron eritema persistente. Ningún caso requirió un segundo tiempo quirúrgico, ni infección grave. La electrocirugía es una de las técnicas vigentes más coste-efectivas y de fácil realización por el dermatólogo para el tratamiento del rinofima

Rhinophyma, a rare and progressive disfiguring condition, is thought to be the final stage of rosacea. Several surgical treatments are available, including dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, electrosurgery, and carbon dioxide laser. The last 2 techniques are the most effective for the management of rhinophyma. We describe a series of cases of moderate or severe rhinophyma treated with high-frequency electrosurgery in the dermatology department of Hospital Simón Bolivar and in private clinics in Bogota, Colombia, between 2012 and 2016. The cosmetic result, as assessed by both the clinicians and the patients, was satisfactory in all cases. Three patients presented hypertrophic scars that were treated with steroid injections and silicone gel sheeting. Two patients presented persistent erythema. However, there were no serious infections and none of the patients required further surgery. Electrosurgery is one of the simplest and most cost-effective techniques currently available for the treatment of rhinophyma by dermatologists

Electrosurgery for the Treatment of Moderate or Severe Rhinophyma. / Tratamiento con electrocirugía del rinofima moderado-grave.

Rhinophyma, a rare and progressive disfiguring condition, is thought to be the final stage of rosacea. Several surgical treatments are available, including dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, electrosurgery, and carbon dioxide laser. The last 2 techniques are the most effective for the management of rhinophyma. We describe a series of cases of moderate or severe rhinophyma treated with high-frequency electrosurgery in the dermatology department of Hospital Simón Bolivar and in private clinics in Bogota, Colombia, between 2012 and 2016. The cosmetic result, as assessed by both the clinicians and the patients, was satisfactory in all cases. Three patients presented hypertrophic scars that were treated with steroid injections and silicone gel sheeting. Two patients presented persistent erythema. However, there were no serious infections and none of the patients required further surgery. Electrosurgery is one of the simplest and most cost-effective techniques currently available for the treatment of rhinophyma by dermatologists.

Central nervous system development-related microRNAs levels increase in the serum of gestational diabetic women during the first trimester of pregnancy.

MicroRNAs are heterochronic molecules important during brain development, which could be altered by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To explore these molecules in maternal serum, we performed an RT-qPCR analysis. Our results revealed the heterochronic character of some neural development-related microRNA in serum samples of pregnant women. In relation to the first trimester, higher levels of miR-183-5p, -200b-3p, and -125-5p in the second trimester, and higher levels of miR-137 in the third trimester, were found. Furthermore, an insult such as GDM led to higher levels of miR-183-5p, -200b-3p, -125-5p, and -1290 relative to the control in the first trimester, which might be related to changes in neurogenesis and cell proliferation. An in silico analysis suggested that increased microRNAs in the second trimester in the control contributed to cell proliferation and neuron differentiation and that the rise in miR-137 in the third trimester led to neuron maturation. In the diabetic, higher levels of the microRNAs in the first trimester suggested alterations in cell proliferation and neuron differentiation. In conclusion, we showed that fetal-related microRNAs can be detected in the serum of pregnant woman and exhibit temporary regulation during pregnancy and that microRNAs involved in cell proliferation and neuron differentiation are upregulated under GDM.

Anaplasmataceae agents among wild mammals and ectoparasites in Brazil.

Anaplasmataceae agents comprise obligate intracellular bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua (coati), 78 Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), seven Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), 110 wild rodents, 30 marsupials, and 42 dogs were sampled in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. In addition, ectoparasites found parasitizing the animals were collected and identified. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae agents in wild mammals, domestic dogs and ectoparasites, by molecular and serological techniques. Overall, 14 (17·9%) C. thous, seven (16·6%) dogs and one (3·2%) N. nasua were seroreactive to Ehrlichia canis. Nine dogs, two C. thous, one N. nasua, eight wild rodents, five marsupials, eight Amblyomma sculptum, four Amblyomma parvum, 13 A. sculptum nymphal pools, two Amblyomma larvae pools and one Polygenis (Polygenis) bohlsi bohlsi flea pool were positive for Ehrlichia spp. closely related to E. canis. Seven N. nasua, two dogs, one C. thous, one L. pardalis, four wild rodents, three marsupials, 15 A. sculptum, two Amblyomma ovale, two A. parvum and one Amblyomma spp. larval pools were positive for Anaplasma spp. closely related to A. phagocytophilum or A. bovis. The present study provided evidence that wild animals from Brazilian Pantanal are exposed to Anaplasmataceae agents.

Detection of Leishmania spp. in Bats from an Area of Brazil Endemic for Visceral Leishmaniasis.

The multihost parasites Leishmania spp. infect a broad range of wild mammalian species including bats. Several species of bats have adapted to a variety of food resources and shelters in urban areas. This study aimed to detect Leishmania spp. DNA in bats present in forest fragments located in metropolitan areas endemic for leishmaniasis in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 80 individuals, including eight species of Phyllostomidae and one species of Vespertilionidae. Thirty of the 80 bats were positive for Leishmania spp. using conventional PCR, all belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. Eighteen samples tested by real-time PCR (qPCR) using specific primers for the kDNA of Leishmania infantum were positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report detecting Leishmania spp. in Platyrrhinus incarum in addition to being the first reported detection of L. infantum in the bat species Phyllostomus discolor, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Artibeus planirostris and Artibeus lituratus. Our results show that bats can host Leishmania spp. in areas endemic for leishmaniasis, which must be taken into account in disease control operations by public health authorities.

Muerte fetal: caracterización epidemiológica / Stillbirth: epidemiological characterization

La muerte fetal es la defunción del feto antes de su expulsión o separación completa del cuerpo de la madre, independientemente de la duración del embarazo. En un alto porcentaje se desconocen sus causas, aunque la literatura ha establecido como factores de riesgo la hipoxia intrauterina y las malformaciones congénitas. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, con el objetivo de determinar, a través de revisión de las historias clínicas, las características epidemiológicas de las muertes fetales en la Maternidad Dr. José Luis Facchin de Boni, en el período enero 2007 marzo 2013. La población fue 1236 gestantes con diagnóstico de muerte fetal, determinando una tasa de 56,28 muertes fetales por cada 1000 nacimientos y abortos. La mayoría de dichas muertes fetales (85,03%) ocurrieron por debajo de las 37 semanas, con predominio del sexo masculino. Además los factores médicos como el síndrome anémico, los obstétricos como las malformaciones fetales y las complicaciones hemorrágicas fueron los más frecuentemente encontrados en los casos de muerte fetal. Otro hallazgo importante de la investigación, fue que el peso de los fetos muertos fue menor que el peso de los nacidos vivos de la misma edad gestacional.

Stillbirth is the death of the fetus before their expulsion or complete separation of the body of the mother, regardless of the length of pregnancy. A high percentage of its causes are unknown, although the literature has established as risk factors intrauterine hypoxia and birth defects. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in order to determine, through review of medical records, the epidemiological characteristics of stillbirths in the Maternidad Dr. José Luis Facchin Boni, between January 2007 and March 2013. The population was 1236 pregnant women diagnosed with stillbirth, determining a rate of 56.28 stillbirths per 1000 births and abortions. Most of these stillbirths (85.03%) were below 37 weeks, with predominance of males. Medical factors such as anemic syndrome, the obstetric factors such as fetal malformations and hemorrhagic complications were most frequently found in cases of stillbirth. Another important finding of the research was that the weight of dead fetuses was less than the weight of live births of the same gestational age.

Hidrotórax fetal primario: manejo antenatal / Fetal hydrothorax primary: handling antenatal

Hidrotórax fetal (HF) es la presencia de líquido en la cavidad pleural del tórax. Puede ser aislado o asociado con Hídrops y ascitis fetal. La incidencia 1:15.000 embarazos. Si es aislado, la causa más frecuente es quilotórax congénito, anomalía primaria del sistema linfático. En recién nacido (RN) es frecuente en el sexo masculino, primario y generalmente bilateral. En el feto, el secundario con prevalencia 1:1500 nacidos vivos y generalmente causado por isoinmunización, infecciones, cardiopatías, cromosomopatías, malformaciones de placenta y cordón umbilical. La edad promedio del diagnóstico son 27 semanas, reconociéndose ultrasonográficamente como un área anecoica alrededor de los pulmones. Su pronóstico depende fundamentalmente de la causa y secundariamente de su magnitud, lateralidad y presencia de hídrops. La mortalidad se estima en 25%, variando de 15% cuando es aislado y 95% asociado a hídrops. La mayoría, empeoran con el embarazo, haciéndose bilateral, puede genera compresión esofágica en Hidrotórax fetal primario (HFP) asociados a polihidramnios 72%. Se reporta caso de HFP, en paciente de 20 años con 25 semanas de gestación, cuyo hallazgo ultrasonográfico documenta derrame pleural derecho, se realiza toracocentesis intrauterina, obteniendo 25cc de líquido amarillento, posteriormente hay disminución del derrame pleural. Se obtuvo en cesárea segmentaria electiva a las 37 semanas + 6 días; RN femenino en estables condiciones generales, no requirió intubación ni soporte ventilatorio artificial. La evacuación intrauterina alivió la presión intratorácica, permitiendo una expansión satisfactoria de ambos pulmones y evitando la insuficiencia respiratoria del R.

Fetal hydrothorax (FH) is the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity of the chest. It may be isolated or associated with fetal hydrops and ascites. The incidence 1: 15,000 pregnancies If it is isolated, the most common cause is congenital chylothorax primary abnormality of the lymphatic system. In Newborn (RN) is common in males, usually bilateral primary and sex. In the fetus is secondary with prevalence 1: 1500 live births caused by isoimmunization, infections, heart disease, chromosomal abnormalities, malformations of placenta and umbilical cord. The average age of diagnosis is 27 weeks, ultrasonographically recognized as an anechoic area around the lungs. His prognosis mainly depends on the cause and secondarily of its size, laterality and presence of hydrops. The mortality is estimated at 25%, varying from 15% when it is isolated and 95% associated with hydrops. Most worsen bilateral becoming pregnancy can generate esophageal compression in primary fetal Hydrothorax (HFP) associated with polyhydramnios 72%. HFP case is reported, a patient of 20 years with 25 weeks of gestation, whose ultrasonographic finding documents right pleural effusion, intrauterine thoracentesis is done, obtaining 25cc yellowish liquid, then no decrease in the pleural effusion. It was obtained segmental elective Caesarean at 37 weeks + 6 days; Female RN in stable conditions did not require intubation or artificial ventilatory support. Intrauterine evacuation intrathoracic pressure relieved, allowing a satisfactory expansion of both lungs and respiratory distress avoiding RN.

Escherichia coli-induced temporal and differential secretion of heat-shock protein 70 and interleukin-1ß by human fetal membranes in a two-compartment culture system.

INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli is recognized as an etiological bacteria associated with chorioamnionitis and the preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes. This pathological condition induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and degradative metalloproteinases, which are considered biological markers secreted in an acute stage of infection. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are an important component of the innate immunity response and are found in different pathological conditions. They have not been previously measured in human fetal membranes in response to infectious conditions. We hypothesized that the choriodecidual tissue and amniotic epithelium secreted temporal and differential Hsp-60, Hsp-70, and interleukin (IL)-1ß mediated by E. coli infection. METHODS: Fetal membranes were mounted in a two-compartment culture system and infected with two passes of live E. coli at different doses (10², 104, 105, and 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL) and intervals of incubation (3, 6, and 24 h). The culture medium was collected, and Hsp-60, Hsp-70, and IL-1ß were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: After 3 and 6 h of infection, E. coli induced an increase in Hsp-70 secretion in the choriodecidual tissue. However, after 24 h of incubation, Hsp-70 was downregulated and we observed an increase in IL-1ß secretion. By contrast, E. coli induced a lower Hsp-60 secretion in the amnion compared to Hsp-70. DISCUSSION: Human fetal membranes responded actively to E. coli infection, with an increase in Hsp-70 during the first hours of infection. After 24 h, there was an increase in the liberation of IL-1ß.