Schistosoma mansoni infection in residents of a riverside community in Eastern Amazon.

Schistosoma mansoni worms cause a waterborne parasitic disease called schistosomiasis. It commonly affects individuals in lack of sanitation structure. In Brazil, Pará state has Belém as one of the worst sanitation-ranking places in 2023, where schistosomiasis transmission was already documented. This study reports the occurrence of schistosomiasis in residents of Ilha das Onças, an island next to Belém. Stool samples were obtained from participants over 2 years old, all residents from Furo do Rio Grande, one of the rivers on the island. The Kato-Katz technique was performed for parasite investigation in the stool samples. Each participant responded to a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The residences were georeferenced for map designing. Three out of 263 participants were S. mansoni positive, all men, ages ranging from 19 to 41 years old, with low parasitic load. Malacological surveys were carried out, but no Biomphalaria snails were found. Risk factors for schistosomiasis establishment are present on the island, and the lack of sanitation makes it a potential risk area. Malacological surveys are highly encouraged as preventive measures, as well as health surveillance for riverside populations, generating data that will help health authorities in the management and planning of preventive control actions.

Characteristics, clinical benefit and reimbursement of new authorisations for oncohaematology drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020. / Características, beneficio clínico y financiación de las nuevas autorizaciones de fármacos oncohematológicos en España entre 2017 y 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the authorisations and funding resolutions for new onco-hematological drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020, as well as the results of their main trials. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted between October and December 2022. Onco-hematology drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 2017 and 2020 were included, according to EFPIA patients W.A.I.T Indicator 2021 Survey. Authorisation information was obtained from the main study of the European Public Assessment Report (EPAR). Data were collected on medicines, their authorisation and main study, benefit shown, cost, and status and time to reimbursement. RESULTS: Forty-one new drugs authorised for 49 indications were identified. More than half (58.5%) were targeted therapies, and 61.2% were for the treatment of solid tumors (61.2%). Most had palliative intent (71.4%) and were indicated in relapsed or refractory disease (55.1%). Of the clinical trials, 57.1% were phase III and 63.3% were randomised. The primary endpoint was overall survival in 16.3%, increasing to 25.8% among randomised clinical trials. Regarding licensed drugs based on response rate, the median response rate was 56.4% (IQI 40.0-66.3). In those authorised on the basis of surrogate time-to-event endpoints, the median Hazard Ratio was 0.54 (IQI 0.38-0.57), and among those using overall survival was 0.71 (IQI 0.59-0.77). Globally, 22.4% had shown benefit in overall survival, with a median gain of 4 months (IQI 3.6-16.7). One third (33.3%) of the indications evaluable according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale showed substantial clinical benefit. Of the indications, 75.5% were funded, half (48.6%; 36.7% of the total) with restrictions. The median time to funding was 19.5 months (IQI 11.4-29.3). CONCLUSIONS: Most main clinical trials of new onco-haematology drugs approved in Spain used surrogate primary endpoint and, at the time of authorisation, few had shown to prolong overall survival. More than a third were uncontrolled clinical trials.

Geospatial analysis and prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections in an endemic area in Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and spatial distribution. METHODS: The study was conducted in four localities of Primavera Municipality, in Pará state. Data was obtained from the Decit 40/2012 project and the participants were divided into five age range categories for evaluation: children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly individuals. For the diagnostic tests, Kato-Katz slides were prepared to detect S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths eggs. The spatial distribution map and the Kernel Density Estimation were performed to assess the presence and location of infections. RESULTS: Stool samples revealed the presence of hookworms, S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Mono-, bi- and poly-parasitic infections were observed, with a significant prevalence of hookworm monoparasitism. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of children infected with soil-transmitted helminths confirms their significance as an ongoing public health problem in the poorest municipalities of Brazil. The Geographic Information System plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance and in the control of epidemics and endemic diseases, enabling accurate assessment and informed decision-making for their control.

Epidemiological profile of human toxocariasis in patients examined at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC/SVSA/MS) between 2014 and 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Toxocariasis is caused by nematodes of Toxocara genus, which infest dogs and cats, with humans serving as paratenic hosts. METHODS: The epidemiological profile of patients examined for toxocariasis between October 2014 and October 2019 at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC) was outlined. The frequency of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were evaluated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: From a total of 734 samples, 56% were from male (p < 0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from ≤11 years old individuals (p < 0.05). Pará state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p < 0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p < 0.05). The most affected age group was ≤11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Pará state, contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions in the control of this infection. Besides, health campaigns for domestic and stray animals, also can contribute to a more effective surveillance in controlling parasitic infections and encourages the One Health approach.

Experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni from Belém, Pará, Brazil: Strains newly isolated vs. laboratory maintained.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that occurs in locations with inadequate sanitation conditions. The geographic distribution of Schistosoma mansoni trematode depends directly on the presence of its intermediate host, Biomphalaria mollusks. Studies involving recently isolated and laboratory strains are not common due to the difficulty in cycle maintenance. This study evaluated the susceptibility and infectivity responses in intermediate and definitive hosts with strains of S. mansoni, one isolated and kept in laboratory environment for 34 years (BE) and the other recently collected (BE-I) METHODS: For experimental infection, a total of 400 B. glabrata mollusks were divided in four infection groups. Thirty mice were divided in two groups for infection with the two strains. RESULTS: It was possible to notice differences about S. mansoni infection in both strains. The laboratory strain was more harmful to freshly collected mollusks. Differences in the patterns of infection in mice could be observed. CONCLUSION: Particularities occurred in each group of infection by S. mansoni strains, despite having the same geographic origin. Effects from the parasite-host interaction are visible in terms of infection in definitive and intermediate hosts.

Aspectos do coping em pacientes adultos e idosos com câncer / Aspects of coping in adult and elderly patients with cancer

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o enfrentamento emocional, racional, espiritual ou de busca por suporte social dos portadores de câncer nas diferentes fases de estadiamento entre adultos e idosos. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, exploratório de abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados utilizando a Escala Modo de Enfrentamento de Problemas, com 182 participantes. O escore dos pacientes mais jovens foi superior, tanto para o foco no problema (p=0,031), quanto para a busca por suporte social (p=0,011). No que se refere à busca por suporte social, a média dos escores na doença localizada foi inferior à média dos escores na ausência de estadiamento (pacientes que há vários anos estavam sem nova progressão da doença ou os que já haviam terminado o tratamento) (p=0,039). Os achados evidenciaram a importância do conhecimento das estratégias de enfrentamento dos portadores de câncer e que a resposta aos estressores depende do contexto individual, coletivo e institucional onde os pacientes estão inseridos.

The aim of the study was to compare the emotional, rational, spiritual coping or the search for social support of cancer patients in the different stages between adults and the elderly. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected using the Problem Coping Mode Scale, with 182 participants. The score of younger patients was higher, both for the focus on the problem (p=0.031) and for the search for social support (p=0.011). Regarding the search for social support, the mean scores for localized disease were lower than the mean scores in the absence of staging (patients who had not progressed further in the disease for several years or those who had already completed treatment) (p. =0.039). The findings evidenced the importance of knowing the coping strategies of cancer patients and that the response to stressors depends on the individual, collective and institutional context in which patients are inserted.

COVID-19 e a assistência multiprofissional às pessoas com síndrome gripal: relato de experiência de Residentes Multiprofissionais em Atenção Básica

Objetivo: descrever as experiências vivenciadas pelos residentes do Programa de Residência em Atenção Básica da Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, no decorrer do período de enfrentamento à pandemia, em um Centro de Referência para COVID-19. Métodos: trata-se de um relato de experiência, descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, baseado na atuação e em ações realizadas pelos residentes, entre os meses de maio a julho de 2021, no município de Caicó, no Rio Grande do Norte. Resultados: durante esse período, os residentes atuaram na realização de testes por RT-PCR, testes rápidos e sorologias, além da detecção e acompanhamento dos casos suspeitos/confirmados da doença e, além disso, informações, consultas e resultados expressos. Considerações finais: essa experiência proporcionou aos residentes a socialização do conhecimento apreendido nesse cenário da pandemia da COVID-19, como agentes propagadores de informações, além de possibilitar a atuação dos residentes tanto na assistência direta quanto no gerenciamento das atividades do serviço de saúde em questão.

Escore de risco de Framingham em pacientes diabéticos da estratégia de saúde da família / Framingham risk score among diabetic patients in the family health strategy / Puntuación de riesgo de Framingham en pacientes diabéticos de la estrategia de salud familiar

A maioria dos indivíduos com diabetes mellitus também apresenta obesidade, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e dislipidemia. Por esse motivo, preconiza-se a Estratificação de Risco de Framingham (ERF), de modo a identificar o risco de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) em dez anos. Este estudo analisa a prevalência de diabetes mellitus para determinar o risco cardiovascular pelo ERF na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF), visando um cuidado integral para a prevenção de DCV. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de corte transversal com população (n = 746) dividida em 150 indivíduos diabéticos (apenas quatro do tipo 1) e 596 não diabéticos a partir de 3.325 prontuários. Foi identificado 57,9% (n = 432) de indivíduos com baixo risco (ERF < 10%); 24,7% (n = 185) em médio risco (ERF 10-20%), e 17,2% (n = 129) em alto risco (ERF > 20%). Os diabéticos de baixo risco representam 23,3% (n = 35/150); 36,6% (n = 55/150) com médio risco e 40% (n = 60/150) com alto risco. Os grupos são significativamente distintos entre si quanto ao ERF (P < 0, 0001) ao comparar os subgrupos de risco (baixo, médio, alto), assim como as taxas de glicemia (P < 0,0001). A prevalência de médio e alto risco aumenta a partir dos 48 anos de idade; o sexo feminino prevalece em todos os níveis de risco e faixas etárias. O risco cardiovascular para diabéticos é 2,5 vezes maior; há impacto aumentado se concomitante com hipertensão, tabagismo, obesidade, sedentarismo e etilismo. O panorama do risco cardiovascular, determinado pelo ERF, é relevante para o uso clínico pela equipe de saúde básica ao lidar com pacientes diabéticos.

Most individuals with diabetes mellitus also present obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Hence, the Framingham Risk Stratification (ERF) is recommended to identify the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in 10 years. This study analyzes the prevalence of diabetes mellitus to determine cardiovascular risk using the ERF in the Family Health Strategy, aiming at comprehensive care for CVD prevention. Cross-sectional research was conducted with 746 patients divided into 150 diabetic individuals (only four with type 1) and 596 non-diabetic individuals, identified from 3,325 medical records. Of the total, 57.9% (n = 432) were low-risk individuals (ERF < 10%), 24.7% (n = 185) medium risk (ERF 10-20%), and 17.2% (n = 129) high risk (ERF > 20%). Among diabetics, 23.3% (n = 35/150) were at low risk, 36.6% (n = 55/150) at medium risk, and 40% (n = 60/150) at high risk. The groups are significantly different regarding ERF (P < 0.0001), and when comparing risk subgroups (low, medium, high) and blood glucose rates (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of medium and high risk increases from 48 years of age. Women prevails at all risk levels and age groups. Diabetics have a 2.5 times higher cardiovascular risk, presenting an increased impact if concomitant with hypertension, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcoholism. The panorama of cardiovascular risk determined by the ERF is relevant for clinical use by primary care staff when treating diabetic patients.

La mayoría de las personas que padecen diabetes mellitus también tiene obesidad, hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS) y dislipidemia. Por este motivo, se recomienda la Estratificación de Riesgo de Framingham (ERF) para identificar el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) en 10 años. Este estudio busca analizar la prevalencia de la diabetes mellitus para determinar el riesgo cardiovascular utilizando la ERF en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar, con el objetivo de proporcionar una atención integral para la prevención de las ECV. Este es un estudio de corte transversal con una población (n = 746) dividida en 150 individuos diabéticos (solo 4 de tipo 1) y 596 individuos no diabéticos desde 3.325 historias clínicas. Se identificaron un 57,9% (n = 432) de individuos de bajo riesgo (ERF <10%); el 24,7% (n = 185) de riesgo medio (ERF 10-20%) y el 17,2% (n = 129) de alto riesgo (ERF > 20%). Los diabéticos de bajo riesgo constituyen el 23,3% (n = 35/150); con riesgo medio el 36,6% (n = 55/150) y con riesgo alto el 40% (n = 60/150). Los grupos son significativamente diferentes entre sí con respecto a la ERF (P < 0,0001) al comparar subgrupos de riesgo (bajo, medio, alto) y las tasas de glucosa en sangre (P < 0,0001). La prevalencia de riesgo medio y alto aumenta a partir de los 48 años; el género femenino predomina en todos los niveles de riesgo y grupos de edad. El riesgo cardiovascular para los diabéticos es 2,5 veces mayor; hay un mayor impacto si es concomitante con hipertensión, tabaquismo, obesidad, inactividad física y alcoholismo. El panorama de riesgo cardiovascular, determinado por la ERF, es relevante para el uso clínico por parte del equipo básico de salud cuando se trata de pacientes diabéticos.

The use of the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine cassette assay for the diagnosis and assessment of cure of Schistosoma mansoni infections in an endemic area of the Amazon region.

INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis is a poverty-related disease that affects people in 78 countries worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test performance using sensitive parasitological methods as a reference standard (RS) in individuals before and after treatment. METHODS: The RS was established by combining the results of 16 Kato-Katz slides and the Helmintex® method. Positivity rates of the POC-CCA test and Kato-Katz and Helmintex® methods were calculated before treatment and 30 days afterward. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and kappa coefficient before treatment were determined by comparing the methods. The cure rate was defined 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: Among the 217 participants, the RS detected a total of 63 (29.0%) positive individuals. The POC-CCA test identified 79 (36.4%) infections. The evaluation of POC-CCA test performance in relation to the RS revealed a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 74.0%, accuracy of 70.5%, and kappa coefficient of 0.33. Out of the 53 remaining participants after treatment, a total of 45 (81.1%) showed egg negative results, and 8 (18.9%) were egg positive according to the RS. A total of 5 (9.4%) egg-positive and 37 (69.8%) egg-negative individuals were positive by the POC-CCA test. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the POC-CCA test has potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection, yielding better results than 16 Kato-Katz slides from three different stool samples. However, the immunochromatographic test lacks sufficient specificity and sensitivity for verifying the cure rate after treatment.

The use of the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine cassette assay for the diagnosis and assessment of cure of Schistosoma mansoni infections in an endemic area of the Amazon region

Abstract INTRODUCTION Schistosomiasis is a poverty-related disease that affects people in 78 countries worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test performance using sensitive parasitological methods as a reference standard (RS) in individuals before and after treatment. METHODS The RS was established by combining the results of 16 Kato-Katz slides and the Helmintex® method. Positivity rates of the POC-CCA test and Kato-Katz and Helmintex® methods were calculated before treatment and 30 days afterward. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and kappa coefficient before treatment were determined by comparing the methods. The cure rate was defined 30 days after treatment. RESULTS Among the 217 participants, the RS detected a total of 63 (29.0%) positive individuals. The POC-CCA test identified 79 (36.4%) infections. The evaluation of POC-CCA test performance in relation to the RS revealed a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 74.0%, accuracy of 70.5%, and kappa coefficient of 0.33. Out of the 53 remaining participants after treatment, a total of 45 (81.1%) showed egg negative results, and 8 (18.9%) were egg positive according to the RS. A total of 5 (9.4%) egg-positive and 37 (69.8%) egg-negative individuals were positive by the POC-CCA test. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the POC-CCA test has potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection, yielding better results than 16 Kato-Katz slides from three different stool samples. However, the immunochromatographic test lacks sufficient specificity and sensitivity for verifying the cure rate after treatment.

Concordance of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test for the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis in a low endemicity area.

BACKGROUND: The Kato-Katz technique is recommended worldwide for the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis, detecting parasite eggs in feces of infected people. However, new tests have been developed in order to facilitate diagnosis, e.g. by detection of specific antigens secreted by schistosomes, such as the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test (POC-CCA) compared to the Kato-Katz technique in a low prevalence area in the Amazon Region, located in the municipality of Primavera, State of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Positivity rates of the POC-CCA test and the Kato-Katz technique were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa coefficient were determined by comparing both methods. The reference standard was established using 16 Kato-Katz slides, 12 of the first fecal sample, two of the second and two of the third one. The study also included the concordance between POC-CCA results and different numbers and combinations of Kato-Katz slides. RESULTS: The prevalence of schistosomiasis according to the reference standard or POC-CCA test reached a rate of 9.4% or 23.9%, respectively, among a total of 372 participants. The positivity rates by the Kato-Katz technique increased from 2.4 to 9.4%, according to the increase in the number of slides examined and fecal samples collected. A sensitivity of 55.6%, specificity 76.9%, accuracy 76% and κ coefficient of 0.06 was observed by comparing one slide of the first sample and POC-CCA. Comparing 6 slides from three different samples, two slides of each, with POC-CCA resulted in a sensitivity of 58.3%, specificity 78.4%, accuracy 77% and κ coefficient of 0.16. Finally, the comparison of 16 slides from three different samples with POC-CCA revealed a sensitivity of 65.7%, specificity 80.4%, accuracy 79%, and κ coefficient of 0.27. CONCLUSIONS: The immunochromatographic test has the potential to be an important tool to combat schistosomiasis because of its practicality and applicability but should be applied with caution in low prevalence areas and in programs that aim to eliminate this disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CAAE#21824513.9.0000.5091 . January 31st, 2014.

Analysis of All-Terrain Vehicle Trauma Data: Implications for Increased Regulation and Injury Prevention.

To determine the incidence and severity of all-terrain vehicle crashes (ATVCs) compared with motorcycle crashes (MCCs) in all critically injured patients. Prospective data were retrospectively reviewed on 1840 patients involved in ATVCs and MCCs admitted to a rural level one trauma center over 16 years. ATVC patients (n = 655) were younger (25 vs 38, P < 0.0001), more likely female (20% vs 11%, P < 0.001), less severely injured (13.5 vs 16, P < 0.0001), had similar Glasgow Coma Score (13.3 vs 13.4, p = NS), less helmet use (6% vs 69%, P < 0.0001), more closed head injuries (59.7% vs 54.3%, P < 0.05), more facial injuries (16.9%vs 12.5%, P < 0.05), and lower mortality rate (2.8% vs 5.9%, P < 0.01) compared with MCC patients (n = 1172). Pediatric patients involved in ATVC were more common (29.8% vs 4.8%, P < 0.001), had decreased helmet use (12% vs 59%, P < 0.001) and decreased mortality (3.5% vs 14.3%, P < 0.01). Further injury prevention efforts regarding helmet use and increased regulations regarding ATVCs are needed to decrease the morbidity associated with these recreational vehicles.

Multigene assessment of the species boundaries and sexual status of the basidiomycetous yeasts Cryptococcus flavescens and C. terrestris (Tremellales).

Cryptococcus flavescens and C. terrestris are phenotypically indistinguishable sister species that belong to the order Tremellales (Tremellomycetes, Basidiomycota) and which may be mistaken for C. laurentii based on phenotype. Phylogenetic separation between C. flavescens and C. terrestris was based on rDNA sequence analyses, but very little is known on their intraspecific genetic variability or propensity for sexual reproduction. We studied 59 strains from different substrates and geographic locations, and used a multilocus sequencing (MLS) approach complemented with the sequencing of mating type (MAT) genes to assess genetic variation and reexamine the boundaries of the two species, as well as their sexual status. The following five loci were chosen for MLS: the rDNA ITS-LSU region, the rDNA IGS1 spacer, and fragments of the genes encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), the translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1) and the p21-activated protein kinase (STE20). Phylogenetic network analyses confirmed the genetic separation of the two species and revealed two additional cryptic species, for which the names Cryptococcus baii and C. ruineniae are proposed. Further analyses of the data revealed a high degree of genetic heterogeneity within C. flavescens as well as evidence for recombination between lineages detected for this species. Strains of C. terrestris displayed higher levels of similarity in all analysed genes and appear to make up a single recombining group. The two MAT genes (STE3 and SXI1/SXI2) sequenced for C. flavescens strains confirmed the potential for sexual reproduction and suggest the presence of a tetrapolar mating system with a biallelic pheromone/receptor locus and a multiallelic HD locus. In C. terrestris we could only sequence STE3, which revealed a biallelic P/R locus. In spite of the strong evidence for sexual recombination in the two species, attempts at mating compatible strains of both species on culture media were unsuccessful.

Comparative genomics suggests primary homothallism of Pneumocystis species.

UNLABELLED: Pneumocystis species are fungal parasites of mammal lungs showing host specificity. Pneumocystis jirovecii colonizes humans and causes severe pneumonia in immunosuppressed individuals. In the absence of in vitro cultures, the life cycle of these fungi remains poorly known. Sexual reproduction probably occurs, but the system of this process and the mating type (MAT) genes involved are not characterized. In the present study, we used comparative genomics to investigate the issue in P. jirovecii and Pneumocystis carinii, the species infecting rats, as well as in their relative Taphrina deformans. We searched sex-related genes using 103 sequences from the relative Schizosaccharomyces pombe as queries. Genes homologous to several sex-related role categories were identified in all species investigated, further supporting sexuality in these organisms. Extensive in silico searches identified only three putative MAT genes in each species investigated (matMc, matMi, and matPi). In P. jirovecii, these genes clustered on the same contig, proving their contiguity in the genome. This organization seems compatible neither with heterothallism, because two different MAT loci on separate DNA molecules would have been detected, nor with secondary homothallism, because the latter involves generally more MAT genes. Consistently, we did not detect cis-acting sequences for mating type switching in secondary homothallism, and PCR revealed identical MAT genes in P. jirovecii isolates from six patients. A strong synteny of the genomic region surrounding the putative MAT genes exists between the two Pneumocystis species. Our results suggest the hypothesis that primary homothallism is the system of reproduction of Pneumocystis species and T. deformans. IMPORTANCE: Sexual reproduction among fungi can involve a single partner (homothallism) or two compatible partners (heterothallism). We investigated the issue in three pathogenic fungal relatives: Pneumocystis jirovecii, which causes severe pneumonia in immunocompromised humans; Pneumocystis carinii, which infects rats; and the plant pathogen Taphrina deformans. The nature, the number, and the organization within the genome of the genes involved in sexual reproduction were determined. The three species appeared to harbor a single genomic region gathering only three genes involved in sexual differentiation, an organization which is compatible with sexual reproduction involving a single partner. These findings illuminate the strategy adopted by fungal pathogens to infect their hosts.

Yeast biogeography and the effects of species recognition approaches: the case study of widespread basidiomycetous species from birch forests in Russia.

Understanding diversity and distribution patterns of fungi, including yeasts, ultimately depends on accuracy of species recognition. However, different approaches to yeast species recognition often result in different entities or operational taxonomic units. We studied the effects of using different yeast species recognition approaches, namely morphological species recognition (MSR) and phylogenetic species recognition (PSR), on the distribution patterns of widespread basidiomycetous yeasts. Hence, we have revised a collection of yeast fungi isolated from spatially remote birch forests in the Moscow Region and Western Siberia with molecular typing and identification tools. PCR fingerprinting and rDNA sequencing analyses of strains of nine species previously identified on the basis of morphological and physiological tests (MSR) yielded 21 phylogenetic species (PSR), including three currently undescribed taxa. The number of distinct phylogenetic species comprised within a single morphospecies ranged from one to seven. A total of ten species were found in both regions, whereas the distribution of 11 yeasts was restricted to a single region only. Both geographical region and type of substrate (plant or soil) influence yeast distribution. Cryptococcus wieringae, C. victoriae, C. magnus, and Leucosporidium scottii were frequently found on plant substrates, whereas C. terricola and C. podzolicus were associated to soil substrates. Occurrence of C. magnus, C. albidus and Sporobolomyces roseus was found to depend on the geographical region. Microsatellite-PCR fingerprinting, MSP-PCR, applied to studying yeast intraspecific variability revealed three different types of distribution: (a) variability that depends on geographical factors (Curvibasidium cygneicollum, C. podzolicus, C. victoriae), (b) genetic identity irrespectively of the region of isolation (Rhodotorula pinicola, C. terricola), and (c) high degree of genetic variability that did not correlate with region of sampling (C. albidus and C. magnus).

The action of metaloproteinases in the atherosclerotic diseases / Ação das metaloproteinases nas doenças ateroscleróticas

Cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and are epidemic events involving the atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in particular. There are a wide variety of factors and markers associated with the development and aggravation of these diseases, including atherosclerosis. Subclinical Atherosclerosis can bedetermined by serum inflammatory markers present in the atherogenic process. Such markers can take a direct or indirect indicator role on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The extracellular matrix metalloproteinases are biomarkers closely related into modifying and remodeling of vascular wall and other tissues and can represent predictive value patterns to support diagnosis. This review discusses the function and types of matrix metalloproteinases and its use as an indicator of support for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

As doenças cardiovasculares compreendem a maior prevalência de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo, sendo uma epidemia da qual se destacam a aterosclerose e a doença arterial coronária. Há grande diversidade de fatores e marcadores associados ao desenvolvimento e agravo dessas doenças, incluindo a aterosclerose, que subclinicamente pode ser evidenciada pela determinação de marcadores inflamatórios séricos participantes do processo aterogênico. Tais biomarcadores são considerados medidas diretas ou indiretas de doença cardiovascularaterosclerótica. As metaloproteinases estão relacionadas com amodificação/remodelamento da parede vascular e outros tecidos, podendo representar parâmetros com valor preditivo para o apoio diagnóstico. Esta revisão aborda o mecanismo de ação e os tipos de metaloproteinases de matriz, bem como seu uso como indicador de apoio no diagnóstico da aterosclerose.

Entrenamiento en endoscopia con modelos “ex vivo” y “simuladores virtuales: nuevos métodos de enseñanza / Endoscopy training by using ex vivo and simulators: a new teaching tool

En las últimas décadas, el modelo tradicional de enseñanza de la endoscopia digestiva ha sido en base al método tutorial profesor-alumno, basado en modelos teóricos. Hoy en día, los simuladores presentan las ventajas de la realidad virtual. El aparato manipulado es similar al utilizado en la práctica clínica, es seguro, lo que permite un uso ilimitado, con mejor costobeneficio para las instituciones y con un rendimiento superior con respecto a otros modelos de entrenamiento. Por otra parte, los simuladores biológicos son una herramienta viable, accesible y asequible para simular lesiones gastrointestinales, lo que permite la formación en endoscopia con un alto grado de similitud en el aspecto endoscópico. En la presente revisión, analizamos ambos modelos, presentando sus ventajas para el entrenamiento del endoscopista de los tiempos actuales...

In recent decades, the traditional teaching model of gastrointestinal endoscopy has been based on the teacher-student tutorial method based on theoretical models. Today, simulators have the advantages of virtual reality. The handling apparatus is similar to that used in clinical practice; it is safe, which allows unlimited use, cost-effective for institutions and with superior performance over other training models. Besides, biological simulators are a viable, accessible and affordable tool to simulate gastrointestinal lesions, allowing training in endoscopy with a high degree of similarity in the endoscopic appearance. In this review, we analyze both models, showing its advantages for the training of the endoscopist of the times...

[Endoscopy training by using ex vivo and simulators: a new teaching tool]. / Entrenamiento en endoscopia con modelos "ex vivo" y "simuladores virtuales": nuevos métodos de enseñanza.

In recent decades, the traditional teaching model of gastrointestinal endoscopy has been based on the teacher-student tutorial method based on theoretical models. Today, simulators have the advantages of virtual reality. The handling apparatus is similar to that used in clinical practice; it is safe, which allows unlimited use, cost-effective for institutions and with superior performance over other training models. Besides, biological simulators are a viable, accessible and affordable tool to simulate gastrointestinal lesions, allowing training in endoscopy with a high degree of similarity in the endoscopic appearance. In this review, we analyze both models, showing its advantages for the training of the endoscopist of the times.