Molecular Analysis Reveals a High Diversity of Anopheline Mosquitoes in Yanomami Lands and the Pantanal Region of Brazil.

Identifying the species of the subfamily Anophelinae that are Plasmodium vectors is important to vector and malaria control. Despite the increase in cases, vector mosquitoes remain poorly known in Brazilian indigenous communities. This study explores Anophelinae mosquito diversity in the following areas: (1) a Yanomami reserve in the northwestern Amazon Brazil biome and (2) the Pantanal biome in southwestern Brazil. This is carried out by analyzing cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene data using Refined Single Linkage (RESL), Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), and tree-based multi-rate Poisson tree processes (mPTP) as species delimitation approaches. A total of 216 specimens collected from the Yanomami and Pantanal regions were sequenced and combined with 547 reference sequences for species delimitation analyses. The mPTP analysis for all sequences resulted in the delimitation of 45 species groups, while the ASAP analysis provided the partition of 48 groups. RESL analysis resulted in 63 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). This study expands our scant knowledge of anopheline species in the Yanomami and Pantanal regions. At least 18 species of Anophelinae mosquitoes were found in these study areas. Additional studies are now required to determine the species that transmit Plasmodium spp. in these regions.

Environmental variables associated with anopheline larvae distribution and abundance in Yanomami villages within unaltered areas of the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Many indigenous villages in the Amazon basin still suffer from a high malaria burden. Despite this health situation, there are few studies on the bionomics of anopheline larvae in such areas. This publication aims to identify the main larval habitats of the most abundant anopheline species and to assess their associations with some environmental factors. METHODS: We conducted a 19-month longitudinal study from January 2013 to July 2014, sampling anopheline larvae in two indigenous Yanomami communities, comprised of four villages each. All natural larval habitats were surveyed every two months with a 350 ml manual dipper, following a standardized larval sampling methodology. In a third study area, we conducted two field expeditions in 2013 followed by four systematic collections during the long dry season of 2014-2015. RESULTS: We identified 177 larval habitats in the three study areas, from which 9122 larvae belonging to 13 species were collected. Although species abundance differed between villages, An. oswaldoi (s.l.) was overall the most abundant species. Anopheles darlingi, An. oswaldoi (s.l.), An. triannulatus (s.s.) and An. mattogrossensis were primarily found in larval habitats that were partially or mostly sun-exposed. In contrast, An. costai-like and An. guarao-like mosquitoes were found in more shaded aquatic habitats. Anopheles darlingi was significantly associated with proximity to human habitations and larval habitats associated with river flood pulses and clear water. CONCLUSIONS: This study of anopheline larvae in the Brazilian Yanomami area detected high heterogeneities at micro-scale levels regarding species occurrence and densities. Sun exposure was a major modulator of anopheline occurrence, particularly for An. darlingi. Lakes associated with the rivers, and particularly oxbow lakes, were the main larval habitats for An. darlingi and other secondary malaria vectors. The results of this study will serve as a basis to plan larval source management activities in remote indigenous communities of the Amazon, particularly for those located within low-order river-floodplain systems.

New classification of natural breeding habitats for Neotropical anophelines in the Yanomami Indian Reserve, Amazon Region, Brazil and a new larval sampling methodology.

Here we present the first in a series of articles about the ecology of immature stages of anophelines in the Brazilian Yanomami area. We propose a new larval habitat classification and a new larval sampling methodology. We also report some preliminary results illustrating the applicability of the methodology based on data collected in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in a longitudinal study of two remote Yanomami communities, Parafuri and Toototobi. In these areas, we mapped and classified 112 natural breeding habitats located in low-order river systems based on their association with river flood pulses, seasonality and exposure to sun. Our classification rendered seven types of larval habitats: lakes associated with the river, which are subdivided into oxbow lakes and nonoxbow lakes, flooded areas associated with the river, flooded areas not associated with the river, rainfall pools, small forest streams, medium forest streams and rivers. The methodology for larval sampling was based on the accurate quantification of the effective breeding area, taking into account the area of the perimeter and subtypes of microenvironments present per larval habitat type using a laser range finder and a small portable inflatable boat. The new classification and new sampling methodology proposed herein may be useful in vector control programs.

New classification of natural breeding habitats for Neotropical anophelines in the Yanomami Indian Reserve, Amazon Region, Brazil and a new larval sampling methodology

Here we present the first in a series of articles about the ecology of immature stages of anophelines in the Brazilian Yanomami area. We propose a new larval habitat classification and a new larval sampling methodology. We also report some preliminary results illustrating the applicability of the methodology based on data collected in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in a longitudinal study of two remote Yanomami communities, Parafuri and Toototobi. In these areas, we mapped and classified 112 natural breeding habitats located in low-order river systems based on their association with river flood pulses, seasonality and exposure to sun. Our classification rendered seven types of larval habitats: lakes associated with the river, which are subdivided into oxbow lakes and nonoxbow lakes, flooded areas associated with the river, flooded areas not associated with the river, rainfall pools, small forest streams, medium forest streams and rivers. The methodology for larval sampling was based on the accurate quantification of the effective breeding area, taking into account the area of the perimeter and subtypes of microenvironments present per larval habitat type using a laser range finder and a small portable inflatable boat. The new classification and new sampling methodology proposed herein may be useful in vector control programs.

The impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms on patterns of non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries in a football player population according to ethnicity / Impacto de los polimorfismos de nucleótido único en los patrones de lesiones de tejido muscular esqueletico, sin mecanismo de contacto, en una población de jugadores de fútbol según la etnia

Background and objective: The prevention, diagnosis, and management of non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTIs) related to participation in sports are key components of sport and exercise medicine. Epidemiological data have demonstrated the existence of interindividual differences in the severity of NCMSTIs, indicating that these injuries occur as a consequence of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including genetic variations. Subjects and methods: We have collected data on NCMSTIs suffered by 73 elite players of White, black African and Hispanic ethnicity of European football over the course of three consecutive seasons. We have also examined eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to tissue recovery and tissue repair in blood drawn from the players and correlated our findings with type and severity of injuries in each ethnic group. Results: The frequency of the SNPs varied among the three ethnic sub-groups (p < 0.0001). Among Whites, a significant relationship was observed between ligament injuries and ELN (p = 0.001) and between tendinous injuries and ELN (p = 0.05) and IGF2 (p = 0.05). Among Hispanics, there was a significant relation between muscle injuries and ELN (p = 0.032) and IGF2 (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Interracial genotypic differences may be important in the study of NCMSTIs. A genetic profile based on SNPs may be useful tool to describe each individual's injuribility risk and provide specific treatment and preventive care for football players (AU)

Fundamento y objetivo: La prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries(NCMSTI, «lesiones musculoesqueléticas producidas por el mecanismo de no contacto») son factores clave en el deporte y en la medicina deportiva. La interacción entre factores extrínsecos e intrínsecos, incluyendo en estos últimos los factores genéticos, es determinante en la causalidad de las NCMSTI. Sujetos y métodos: Se han recogido las lesiones sufridas por 73 jugadores de fútbol profesional de diferentes razas (caucásicos, africanos subsaharianos e hispánicos), ocurridas durante 3 temporadas consecutivas. Se analizó la presencia de single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP, «polimorfismos genéticos de un solo nucleótido») en un conjunto de genes relacionados con la reparación y la regeneración del tejido a partir de sangre obtenida de los jugadores, y se correlacionó con el tipo y grado de lesión en cada grupo racial. Resultados: La frecuencia de aparición de los SNP varía en las 3 poblaciones estudiadas (p < 0,0001). En cuanto a la población caucásica, se observa una relación estadísticamente significativa entre lesiones ligamentosas y ELN (p = 0,001) y entre lesión tendinosa y ELN (p = 0,05) e IGF2 (p = 0,05). En cuanto a la población hispánica, existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la lesión muscular y ELN (p = 0,032) e IGF2 (p = 0,016). Conclusiones: Las diferencias genotípicas interraciales pueden ser importantes en el estudio de las NCMSTI. Un perfil genético basado en los SNP podría ser una herramienta útil para describir el riesgo individual de un individuo a lesionarse y poder aplicar de esta manera los tratamientos preventivos adecuados (AU)

The impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms on patterns of non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries in a football player population according to ethnicity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevention, diagnosis, and management of non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTIs) related to participation in sports are key components of sport and exercise medicine. Epidemiological data have demonstrated the existence of interindividual differences in the severity of NCMSTIs, indicating that these injuries occur as a consequence of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including genetic variations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We have collected data on NCMSTIs suffered by 73 elite players of White, black African and Hispanic ethnicity of European football over the course of three consecutive seasons. We have also examined eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to tissue recovery and tissue repair in blood drawn from the players and correlated our findings with type and severity of injuries in each ethnic group. RESULTS: The frequency of the SNPs varied among the three ethnic sub-groups (p<0.0001). Among Whites, a significant relationship was observed between ligament injuries and ELN (p=0.001) and between tendinous injuries and ELN (p=0.05) and IGF2 (p=0.05). Among Hispanics, there was a significant relation between muscle injuries and ELN (p=0.032) and IGF2 (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Interracial genotypic differences may be important in the study of NCMSTIs. A genetic profile based on SNPs may be useful tool to describe each individual's injuribility risk and provide specific treatment and preventive care for football players.

Aspectos ecológicos da transmissão da Malária em área indígena Yanomami, Brasil / Ecological aspects of malaria transmission in Yanomami indian area, Brazil

A malária se constitui numa das principais endemias em populações indígenas na Amazônia. Porém, fatores modeladores da dinâmica da transmissão são ainda pouco entendidos, tais como os determinantes da sua heterogeneidade espacial e da ocorrência de surtos sazonais de elevadas taxas de morbimortalidade. Neste estudo, buscamos determinar a fauna, aspectos ecológicos e taxa de infecção plasmodial de anofelinos em três áreas indígenas Yanomami (Parafuri, Toototobi e Marari). Considerando as trêsáreas, as espécies mais abundantes foram An. oswaldoi s.l. e An. darlingi, quejuntas corresponderam a 59,5 por cento dos 6.333 anofelinos adultos capturados. NoToototobi, as espécies mais frequentes foram An. oswaldoi s.l. (47,3 por cento) e An.intermedius (31,8 por cento), em Parafuri foram An. oswaldoi s.l. (48,7 por cento) e An. darlingi(42,5 por cento) e, em Marari An. nuneztovari s.l. (54,9 por cento) e An. darlingi (21,6 por cento). [...] Foram processados 2.014 e 461 anofelinos para a detecção de esporozoítos dentre os coletados nos Polo Base Marari e Toototobi,respectivamente. Sete An. darlingi foram positivos para P. vivax, com taxas deinfecção de 1,63 por cento, 1,52 por cento e 2,02 por cento nas comunidades de Alapusi, Gasolina e Taibrapa, respectivamente. As taxas de inoculação entomológica correspondentes nestas comunidades foram de 65,4, 58,6 e 48,3 picadas infetantes por pessoa por ano no peridomicílio. Identificamos 160 criadouros,sendo 54 em Toototobi, 53 em Parafuri e 53 em Marari e propusemos umanova classificação de criadouros naturais em oito tipos, baseada principalmente na associação com os pulsos de inundação, sazonalidade e grau de exposição ao sol...

Malaria is a major endemic disease in indigenous populations in theAmazon. However, modulating factors of the transmission dynamics are poorlyunderstood, such as the determinants influencing its spatial hetereogeneity andthe occurrence of seasonal outbreaks associated with high rates of morbidityand mortality. In the present study, we intend to determine the faunalcomposition, ecological aspects and infection rates of the anophelines occurringin three Yanomami areas (Parafuri, Toototobi and Marari) of Brazil. Wecollected a total of 6,333 adult anophelines and the most abundant species,considering the three areas, were An. oswaldoi s.l. and An. darlingi, whichtogether accounted for 59.5 percent of the total collected. In Toototobi, the mostfrequent species were An. oswaldoi s.l. (47.3 percent) and An. intermedius (31.8 percent), inParafuri were An. oswaldoi s.l. (48.7 percent) and An. darlingi (42.5 percent) and in Marariwere An. nuneztovari s.l. (54.9 percent) and An. darlingi (21.6 percent). [...] A total of 2,014 anophelines from Marari were processed for sporozoites detectionand 461 from Toototobi. We found 7 An. darlingi infected with P. vivax in Marari,with infectivity rates of 1.63 percent, 1.52 percent and 2.02 percent in Alapusi, Gasolina andTaibrapa communities respectively. Based in the peridomiciliary collections, theEntomological Inoculation Rates (EIR) calculated for these communities were65.4, 58.6 and 48.3 infective bites per person per year respectively. Weidentified 160 breeding sites; 54 in Toototobi, 53 in Parafuri and 53 in Marariand we proposed a new larval habitat nomenclature divided in 8 types, basedmainly in the association with river flood pulses, seasonality and degree of sunexposure...

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with non-contact soft tissue injuries in elite professional soccer players: influence on degree of injury and recovery time.

BACKGROUND: The biological mechanisms involved in non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTI) are poorly understood. Genetic risk factors may be associated with susceptibility to injuries, and may exert marked influence on recovery times. METHODS: Data on type and degree of injury and recovery time were collected in 73 male professional soccer players (43 White, 11 Black Africans and 19 Hispanics) who suffered total of 242 injuries (203 muscle, 24 ligament, and 15 tendon injuries). One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the following genes were analyzed: Elastin (ELN); Titin (TTN); SRY-related HMG-box (SOX15); Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2); Chemokine, CC motif, ligand 2 (CCL2); Collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1); Collagen type 5 alpha 1 (COL5A1), and Tenascin C (TNC). RESULTS: There was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of injury and the IGF2 genotype (P = 0.034). In addition, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of muscle injury and CCL2 (P = 0.026) Finally, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between ELN and degree of injury (p = 0.009) and recovery time (P = 0.043). There was no evidence of a statistically significant association between any of the genes studied and degree of injury or recovery time for tendon injuries. CONCLUSION: SNPs in the IGF2, CCL2, and ELN genes may be associated to the degree and recovery time of NCMSTI.

Impact of dams and irrigation schemes in Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) bionomics and malaria epidemiology.

Irrigation schemes and dams have posed a great concern on public health systems of several countries, mainly in the tropics. The focus of the present review is to elucidate the different ways how these human interventions may have an effect on population dynamics of anopheline mosquitoes and hence, how local malaria transmission patterns may be changed. We discuss different studies within the three main tropical and sub-tropical regions (namely Africa, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas). Factors such as pre-human impact malaria epidemiological patterns, control measures, demographic movements, human behaviour and local Anopheles bionomics would determine if the implementation of an irrigation scheme or a dam will have negative effects on human health. Some examples of successful implementation of control measures in such settings are presented. The use of Geographic Information System as a powerful tool to assist on the study and control of malaria in these scenarios is also highlighted.

Impact of dams and irrigation schemes in Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) bionomics and malaria epidemiology / Impacto de hidrelétricas e campos de irrigação na bionomia dos anofelinos (Diptera:Culicidae) e na epidemiologia da malária

Irrigation schemes and dams have posed a great concern on public health systems of several countries, mainly in the tropics. The focus of the present review is to elucidate the different ways how these human interventions may have an effect on population dynamics of anopheline mosquitoes and hence, how local malaria transmission patterns may be changed. We discuss different studies within the three main tropical and sub-tropical regions (namely Africa, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas). Factors such as pre-human impact malaria epidemiological patterns, control measures, demographic movements, human behaviour and local Anopheles bionomics would determine if the implementation of an irrigation scheme or a dam will have negative effects on human health. Some examples of successful implementation of control measures in such settings are presented. The use of Geographic Information System as a powerful tool to assist on the study and control of malaria in these scenarios is also highlighted.

Intervenções humanas como projetos de irrigação e usinas hidrelétricas, tem se transformado em graves problemas de saúde em muitos países, especialmente naqueles localizados nos trópicos. No presente artigo discutimos os efeitos que essas intervenções causam a dinâmica populacional dos anofelinos e nos padrões de transmissão de malaria. Foram revisados estudos feitos nas três principais regiões geográficas dos trópicos e sub-trópicos (África, Ásia e o Pacífico e Américas). Constatamos que os padrões da transmissão da malária antes da introdução dos empreendimentos, as medidas de controle, os movimentos demográficos, os padrões comportamentais das comunidades humanas e a bionomia dos anofelinos locais determinarão se o estabelecimento de campos de irrigação e/ou usinas hidrelétricas podem influenciar negativamente na saúde das pessoas. São apresentados exemplos de medidas de controle bem sucedidas nesses cenários. A utilização de Sistemas de Informação Geográfico tem sido destacada como uma importante ferramenta para subsidiar o estudo e controle da malária em áreas sob impacto ambiental.

Development of a portable biosensor for screening neurotoxic agents in water samples.

A high sensitive portable biosensor system capable of determining the presence of neurotoxic agents in water has been developed. The system consists of (i) a screen-printed electrode with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immobilized on it, (ii) a self-developed portable potentiostat with an analog to digital (A/D) converter and a serial interface for transferring data to a portable PC and (iii) an own designed software, developed with Lab-Windows CVI, used to record and process the measurements. The system has been developed to perform high precision amperometrical measurements with low drifts, low noise and a good reproducibility. In the configuration depicted, the percentage of AChE inhibition is proportional to the content of neurotoxic agents in a sample. This type of measurement is performed by the steady-state method from the first steady current (by a phosphate buffer solution) and the second steady current (by an enzymatic reaction produced by the addition of acetylthiocholine chloride to the solution). Validation was performed by analyzing spiked water samples containing pesticides. The design is specially suited for screening purposes, does not need sample preconcentration, is totally autonomous and suitable for the field detection of neurotoxic agents in water.

La muerte / Death

El factor intercultural es indispensable para la reflexión. En este artículo se aborda la visión más directa de este especial sobre el Duelo, sobre el tema de fondo de todas nuestras conciencias: la muerte y la pregunta de ¿qué hay después de ella? El autor nos ofrece elementos de reflexión sobre conceptos (asumidos en unos casos, rechazados en otros, pero siempre polémicos) que nos ayudan a adentrarnos más en el verdadero misterio de la vida: la muerte y lo que le sigue (AU)

[Death]. / La muerte.

Intercultural factors are essential for reflection. In this article, the authors deals with a more direct vision on the special edition about Grief and Mourning, about the topic which lies in the depths of all of our consciences: death and the question what lies beyond death? The author provides us elements to reflect about concepts, some accepted in various cases, rejected in others, but always polemical, which help us to penetrate farther into the real mystery of life: death and what follows death.

Theoretical study of alkyl-pi and aryl-pi interactions. Reconciling theory and experiment.

Quantum mechanical and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical calculations in conjunction with continuum solvation models have been used to analyze CH-pi interactions in model systems of aryl- and alkyl-aromatic interactions, as well as in a model folding system designed to study those interactions. High level calculations reproduced accurately the interaction of CH-pi interactions in both alkyl- and aryl-based model systems. Dispersion effects dominate the interaction, but the electrostatics term is also relevant for aryl CH-pi interactions. Theoretical calculations were also used to examine the influence of CH-pi interactions in determining the conformational flexibility of folding models. Finally, a critical comparison of the results obtained from high level calculations on model systems and the experimental data derived for folding models in apolar solvents was carried out, which allowed us to reconcile the apparent discrepancy found between both data.