Comparative evaluation of two lures to attract female mosquitoes in an urban natural reserve during daytime.

The most widely used attractant to capture adult female mosquitoes is CO2. However, there are also baits available on the market that emit a scent resembling human skin. These baits were specifically designed to attract highly anthropophilic species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of CDC traps baited either with CO2 or with a commercial blend simulating skin odor, BG-Sweetscent, for trapping female mosquitoes during daylight hours in an urban reserve in the City of Buenos Aires. We employed a hurdle generalized linear mixed model to analyze trap capture probability and the number of mosquitoes captured per hour, considering the effects of attractant, mosquito species, and their interaction. Traps baited with CO2 captured ten mosquito species, while those baited with BG-Sweetscent captured six in overall significantly lower abundance. The odds of capturing mosquitoes were 292% higher for the CO2-baited traps than for those baited with BG-Sweetscent. No evidence of a combined effect of attractant type and species on female mosquito captures per hour was found. Results indicated that CDC traps baited with CO2 were more effective than those baited with BG-Sweetscent in capturing more mosquito species and a higher number of mosquitoes within each species, even if the species captured with CO2 exhibited a certain level of anthropophilia. This result has practical implications for mosquito surveillance and control in urban natural reserves.

Development and characterization of ceramic-polymeric hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration: incorporating of bioactive glass BG-58S into PDLLA matrix.

In recent years, there has been a notable surge of interest in hybrid materials within the biomedical field, particularly for applications in bone repair and regeneration. Ceramic-polymeric hybrid scaffolds have shown promising outcomes. This study aimed to synthesize bioactive glass (BG-58S) for integration into a bioresorbable polymeric matrix based on PDLLA, aiming to create a bioactive scaffold featuring stable pH levels. The synthesis involved a thermally induced phase separation process followed by lyophilization to ensure an appropriate porous structure. BG-58S characterization revealed vitreous, bioactive, and mesoporous structural properties. The scaffolds were analyzed for morphology, interconnectivity, chemical groups, porosity and pore size distribution, zeta potential, pH, in vitro degradation, as well as cell viability tests, total protein content and mineralization nodule production. The PDLLA scaffold displayed a homogeneous morphology with interconnected macropores, while the hybrid scaffold exhibited a heterogeneous morphology with smaller diameter pores due to BG-58S filling. The hybrid scaffold also demonstrated a pH buffering effect on the polymer surface. In addition to structural characteristics, degradation tests indicated that by incorporating BG-58S modified the acidic degradation of the polymer, allowing for increased total protein production and the formation of mineralization nodules, indicating a positive influence on cell culture.

Efeitos de um biomaterial de origem vegetal (equisetum hyemale) associado a hidrogel contendo ácido hialurônico na regeneração de defeito ósseo em maxila: um estudo preliminar / Effects of a plant-derived biomaterial (Equisetum hyemale) associated with a hyaluronic acid-containing hydrogel on the regeneration of a bone defect in the maxilla: a preliminary study

O tecido ósseo é um tecido naturalmente capaz de se autorregenerar. Entretanto, defeitos ósseos de maiores dimensões têm tal processo dificultado e, em situações de difícil reparação espontânea necessitam de auxílio de enxertos ou materiais apropriados para dar suporte à neoformação óssea. Hidrogéis são excelentes materiais a serem utilizados para esse fim, uma vez que são capazes de mimetizar a maioria das propriedades dos tecidos conjuntivos. Recentemente, despertou-se um interesse significativo no desenvolvimento de hidrogéis híbridos que pudessem ser utilizados em várias aplicações biomédicas. Uma diversidade de partículas é combinada a esse hidrogéis resultando em melhores propriedades. Dessa forma, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a influência de um scaffold contendo ácido hialurônico associado a um biovidro experimental de origem vegetal - Equisetum hyemale (BG-Carb), na regeneração de um defeito ósseo em maxila de camundongos. Nesse estudo preliminar, camundongos C57BL/6 (n = 3 por grupo e tempo experimental) (CEUA #042/2022) tiveram seu primeiro molar superior esquerdo extraído. Em seguida, uma ponta diamantada KGS #2128 (KG Soresen®), acoplada a um motor em baixa rotação (5000 rpm) foi utilizada para a realização de um defeito com a remoção do septo alveolar. Parte dos animais tiveram os defeitos preenchidos exclusivamente por HyStem®-HP (hidrogel à base de ácido hialurônico) (2 µL), enquanto a outra parte recebeu BG-Carb (1 µg) disperso em HyStem®-HP (2 µL). Após a eutanásia, as amostram foram processadas para análise histológica de rotina para histomorfometria, graduação do processo inflamatório, vascularização e neoformação óssea após 7 e 21 dias pós-cirúrgicos. Os resultados foram analisados considerando o nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Aos 7 dias, o grupo que recebeu a associação BG-Carb e HyStem®-HP apresentou maiores valores numéricos de neoformação óssea, todavia sem diferença significativa em relação ao uso exclusivo de HyStem®-HP (controle). Aos 21 dias, os grupos HyStem®-HP e BG- Carb associado a HyStem®-HP apresentaram resultados semelhantes tanto na quantificação de tecido ósseo como de conjuntivo. O escore total para graduação para cada material também foi semelhante aos 7 e 21 dias. Apesar disso, comparando-se cada material nos tempos 7 e 21 dias, o grupo HyStem®-HP apresentou aumento significativo de parâmetros qualitativos e quantitativos, demonstrando que a associação HyStem®-HP + BG-Carb apresentou neoformação óssea inicial mais robusta. A quantificação epitelial da região da cirurgia aos 21 dias em ambos os grupos revelou aumento significativo da espessura, continuidade e uniformidade do epitélio nos grupos tratados com o a associação dos biomateriais em relação ao controle. Nas condições experimentais deste estudo, tanto o uso do HyStem®-HP como do HyStem®-HP + BG-Carb podem promover neoformação óssea. No entanto, a associação do hidrogel à base de ácido hialurônico com o BG-Carb parece promover neoformação óssea inicial mais consistente e estimular a proliferação da mucosa adjacente à cirurgia com maior espessura do tecido epitelial.

Bone tissue is a naturally regenerative tissue. However, larger bone defects have a difficult time undergoing this process and require the assistance of grafts or appropriate materials to support new bone formation. Hydrogels are excellent materials to use for this purpose since they can mimic most of the properties of connective tissues. Recently, there has been significant interest in the development of hybrid hydrogels that can be used in various biomedical applications. A variety of particles can be combined with these hydrogels, resulting in better properties. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the influence of a scaffold containing hyaluronic acid associated with an experimental plant-derived bioactive glass - Equisetum hyemale (BG-Carb), on the regeneration of a mouse maxillary bone defect. In this preliminary study, C57BL/6 mice (n = 3 per group and experimental time) (CEUA # 042/2022) had their upper left first molar extracted. Then, a KGS # 2128 diamond bur (KG Soresen®), attached to a low- speed motor (5000 rpm), was used to create a defect with removal of the alveolar septum. Some of the animals had defects filled exclusively with HyStem®-HP (hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel) (2 µL), while the other part received BG-Carb (1 µg) dispersed in HyStem®-HP (2 µL). After euthanasia, the samples were processed for routine histological analysis for histomorphometry, grading of the inflammatory process, vascularization, and new bone formation after 7 and 21 post-surgical days. The results were analyzed considering a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). At 7 days, the group that received the BG-Carb and HyStem®-HP association showed higher numerical values of new bone formation, but without a significant difference compared to the exclusive use of HyStem®-HP (control). At 21 days, the HyStem®-HP and BG- Carb groups associated with HyStem®-HP showed similar results in both bone and connective tissue quantification. The total score for grading for each material was also similar at 7 and 21 days. However, comparing each material at 7 and 21 days, the HyStem®-HP group showed a significant increase in qualitative and quantitative parameters, demonstrating that the HyStem®-HP + BG-Carb association presented a more robust initial bone formation. The epithelial quantification of the surgery region at 21 days in both groups revealed a significant increase in thickness, continuity, and uniformity of the epithelium in the groups treated with the association of biomaterials compared to the control. Under the experimental conditions of this study, both the use of HyStem®-HP and HyStem®-HP + BG-Carb can promote bone formation. However, the association of the hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel with BG-Carb appears to promote a more consistent initial bone formation and stimulate the proliferation of the mucosa adjacent to the surgery with greater thickness of the epithelial tissue.

Entomological Surveillance of Aedes Mosquitoes: Comparison of Different Collection Methods in an Endemic Area in RIO de Janeiro, Brazil.

Using collection methods for Aedes adults as surveillance tools provides reliable indices and arbovirus detection possibilities. This study compared the effectiveness of different methods for collecting Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and detecting arboviruses circulating in field-caught female specimens. Collection sites were defined in urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes in two Brazilian cities. Collections were performed using Adultraps (ADT), BG-Sentinel (BGS), CDC-like traps (CDC), and indoor (ASP-I) and outdoor (ASP-O) aspiration during the rainy and dry seasons of 2015 and 2016. Generalized linear mixed models were used to model the effectiveness of each collection method. A total of 434 Ae. aegypti and 393 Ae. albopictus were collected. In total, 64 Ae. aegypti and sixteen Ae. albopictus female pools were tested for DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV, or YFV; none were positive. Positivity and density were linear at low densities (<1 specimen); thereafter, the relationship became non-linear. For Ae. aegypti, ADT and CDC were less effective, and ASP-I and ASP-O were as effective as BGS. For Ae. albopictus, all collection methods were less effective than BGS. This study highlights the need for an integrated surveillance method as an effective tool for monitoring Aedes vectors.

Evaluation of Methods to Collect Diurnal Culicidae (Diptera) at Canopy and Ground Strata, in the Atlantic Forest Biome.

Hand-held insect nets are the standard method for capturing vector mosquitoes of sylvatic arboviruses; however, occupational risks and biases due to individual skill and attractiveness are important limitations. The use of chemical attractants and automatic traps could be an alternative to resolve these limitations. This study compares the yields achieved using nets with those employing electrical traps with CO2 and BG-Lure®, near the ground and in the canopy strata (6.0 and 8.0 m high). The study was conducted at the Cantareira State Park, which is in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. In the 18 collections performed, 3570 specimens of 52 taxa were obtained. The most frequent species captured near the ground were Wyeomyia confusa and Limatus durhamii, whereas Sabethes albiprivus, Sabethes purpureus, and Haemagogus leucocelaenus were the most frequent in the canopy. The nets resulted in greater species richness and abundance, followed by the trap employing CO2. The combination of CO2 traps with BG-Lure® did not improve performance. The use of BG-Lure® alone resulted in low abundance and a low number of species. Our results demonstrate that the use of traps with CO2 can be complementary to collections with nets; however, for species of epidemiological interest such as those of the genera Haemagogus and Sabethes, especially in the canopy, the net remains the method of choice.

Giardiasis in urban and rural Amazonas, Brazil is driven by zoonotic and cosmopolitan A and B assemblages

BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and other mammals and causes giardiasis worldwide. Giardia is genotyped into eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B considered zoonotic. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the assemblages of G. duodenalis from individuals living in rural and urban areas of the Amazonas State. METHODS 103 human faecal specimens microscopically positive for the presence of Giardia obtained from four municipalities in Amazonas and four animal faecal specimens were genotyped based on the sequences of two genes, triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) and β-giardin (BG). FINDINGS In humans, assemblage A was the most represented with the identification of sub-assemblages AI, AII and AIII based on BG and sub-assemblages AI and AII based on TPI. Similarly, there is a diversity of sub-assemblage B considering BG (B and BIII) and TPI (B, BIII and BIV). In addition, we characterised homogeneous and heterogeneous genotypes comprising assemblages/sub-assemblages A and B in individuals from urban and rural areas. Here, for the first time, it was genotyped Giardia that infects animals from the Brazilian Amazon region. We identified sub-assemblage AI in one Ateles paniscus and two Felis catus and sub-assemblage BIV in one Lagothrix cana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, humans and animals from the urban and rural Amazon share Giardia genotypes belonging to assemblages A and B, which are found in cosmopolitan regions around the world.

Ovitraps Provide a Reliable Estimate of Wolbachia Frequency during wMelBr Strain Deployment in a Geographically Isolated Aedes aegypti Population.

Deployment of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia has been identified as a promising strategy to reduce dengue, chikungunya, and Zika transmission. We investigated whether sampling larvae from ovitraps can provide reliable estimates on Wolbachia frequency during releases, as compared to the expensive adult-based BG-Sentinel. We conducted pilot releases in a semi-field system (SFS) divided into six cages of 21 m2, each with five ovitraps. Five treatments were chosen to represent different points of a hypothetical invasion curve: 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of Wolbachia frequency. Collected eggs were counted and hatched, and the individuals from a net sample of 27% of larvae per treatment were screened for Wolbachia presence by RT-qPCR. Ovitrap positioning had no effect on egg hatching rate. Treatment strongly affected the number of eggs collected and also the hatching rate, especially when Wolbachia was at a 10% frequency. A second observation was done during the release of Wolbachia in Rio under a population replacement approach when bacterium frequency was estimated using 30 BG-Sentinel traps and 45 ovitraps simultaneously. By individually screening 35% (N = 3904) of larvae collected by RT-qPCR, we were able to produce a similar invasion curve to the one observed when all adults were individually screened. If sampling is reduced to 20%, monitoring Wolbachia frequency with 45 ovitraps would be roughly half the cost of screening all adult mosquitoes captured by 30 BG-Sentinels. Our findings support the scale-up of Wolbachia releases, especially in areas with limited resources to afford massive trapping with BG-Sentinel traps.

The mosquito electrocuting trap as an exposure-free method for measuring human-biting rates by Aedes mosquito vectors.

BACKGROUND: Entomological monitoring of Aedes vectors has largely relied on surveillance of larvae, pupae and non-host-seeking adults, which have been poorly correlated with human disease incidence. Exposure to mosquito-borne diseases can be more directly estimated using human landing catches (HLC), although this method is not recommended for Aedes-borne arboviruses. We evaluated a new method previously tested with malaria vectors, the mosquito electrocuting trap (MET) as an exposure-free alternative for measuring landing rates of Aedes mosquitoes on people. Aims were to (i) compare the MET to the BG-sentinel (BGS) trap gold standard approach for sampling host-seeking Aedes vectors; and (ii) characterize the diel activity of Aedes vectors and their association with microclimatic conditions. METHODS: The study was conducted over 12 days in Quinindé (Ecuador) in May 2017. Mosquito sampling stations were set up in the peridomestic area of four houses. On each day of sampling, each house was allocated either a MET or a BGS trap, which were rotated amongst the four houses daily in a Latin square design. Mosquito abundance and microclimatic conditions were recorded hourly at each sampling station between 7:00-19:00 h to assess variation between vector abundance, trapping methods, and environmental conditions. All Aedes aegypti females were tested for the presence of Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. RESULTS: A higher number of Ae. aegypti females were found in MET than in BGS collections, although no statistically significant differences in mean Ae. aegypti abundance between trapping methods were found. Both trapping methods indicated female Ae. aegypti had bimodal patterns of host-seeking, being highest during early morning and late afternoon hours. Mean Ae. aegypti daily abundance was negatively associated with daily temperature. No infection by ZIKV, DENV or CHIKV was detected in any Aedes mosquitoes caught by either trapping method. CONCLUSION: We conclude the MET performs at least as well as the BGS standard and offers the additional advantage of direct measurement of per capita human-biting rates. If detection of arboviruses can be confirmed in MET-collected Aedes in future studies, this surveillance method could provide a valuable tool for surveillance and prediction on human arboviral exposure risk.

Composition and Vertical Stratification of Phlebotomine Sand Fly Fauna and the Molecular Detection of Leishmania in Forested Areas in Rondônia State Municipalities, Western Amazon, Brazil.

This study examined sand fly diversity and the natural infection of sand flies by Leishmania in three localities in Rondônia State: Santo Antônio and São Vicente farm, which are anthropized environments, and the Jamari FLONA, which has not been anthropized. Sand flies were collected in canopies and at ground level using CDC light traps and BG-Sentinel CO2 traps. Female sand flies were grouped into pools that were subjected to DNA extraction and the samples were subjected to PCR to detect and identify Leishmania. A total of 6696 specimens were examined and 52 species were identified. Abundance was greater in canopies than at ground level (n = 5657 and n = 1039, respectively); however, fauna composition was more diverse at ground level. A total of 4870 specimens were collected using CDC light traps and 1826 specimens were collected using BG-Sentinel traps. The presence of Leishmania DNA was detected in 12 pools, and Leishmania species profiles were identified in three of these pools: one pool of Psychodopygus amazonensis and one pool of Psychodopygus chagasi infected with Le. (Vi.) braziliensis, and one pool of Psychodopygus davisi infected with Le. (Le.) amazonensis. Sand flies are sensitive to environmental modification and species diversity is greater in regions that have experienced less anthropization. Although the annual infection rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis is high in Rondônia State, the role that sand flies play in the leishmaniasis transmission cycle remains poorly understood. The high abundance of Ps. davisi and Trichophoromyia auraensis and the presence in these species of natural infection by Leishmania spp. suggest that these species are acting as vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Rondônia.

KRas4B-PDE6δ complex stabilization by small molecules obtained by virtual screening affects Ras signaling in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The GTPase KRas4B has been utilized as a principal target in the development of anticancer drugs. PDE6δ transports KRas4B to the plasma membrane, where it is released to activate various signaling pathways required for the initiation and maintenance of cancer. Therefore, identifying new small molecules that prevent activation of this GTPase by stabilizing the KRas4B-PDE6δ molecular complex is a practical strategy to fight against cancer. METHODS: The crystal structure of the KRas4B-PDE6δ heterodimer was employed to locate possible specific binding sites at the protein-protein interface region. Virtual screening of Enamine-database compounds was performed on the located potential binding sites to identify ligands able to simultaneously bind to the KRas4B-PDE6δ heterodimer. A molecular dynamics approach was used to estimate the binding free-energy of the complex. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. G-LISA was used to measure Ras inactivation. Western blot was used to measure AKT and ERK activation. MIA PaCa-2 cells implanted subcutaneously into nude mice were treated with D14 or C22 and tumor volumes were recorded. RESULTS: According to the binding affinity estimation, D14 and C22 stabilized the protein-protein interaction in the KRas4B-PDE6δ complex based on in vitro evaluation of the 38 compounds showing antineoplastic activity against pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells. In this work, we further investigated the antineoplastic cellular properties of two of them, termed D14 and C22, which reduced the viability in the human pancreatic cancer cells lines MIA PaCa-2, PanC-1 and BxPC-3, but not in the normal pancreatic cell line hTERT-HPNE. Compounds D14 and C22 induced cellular death via apoptosis. D14 and C22 significantly decreased Ras-GTP activity by 33% in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Moreover, D14 decreased AKT phosphorylation by 70% and ERK phosphorylation by 51%, while compound C22 reduced AKT phosphorylation by 60% and ERK phosphorylation by 36%. In addition, compounds C22 and D14 significantly reduced tumor growth by 88.6 and 65.9%, respectively, in a mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two promising compounds, D14 and C22, that might be useful as therapeutic drugs for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment.

First Report of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), the Asian Tiger Mosquito, in Ecuador.

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse), (Diptera: Culicidae), the Asian tiger mosquito, is one of the most widespread invasive vector-borne disease insect in tropical and temperate zones. This species has invaded the Americas over the past 3 decades and has spread to six countries. We report Ae. albopictus in Guayaquil city, the first time it has been identified in Ecuador. Outdoor BG-Sentinel traps without lures collected a total of 21 Ae. albopictus.

Correlación cito-colpo-histológica en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino en el Hospital Básico Píllaro en Ecuador / Cito-Colpo-Histological Correlation in Premalignant Cervical Lesions

Introducción: el cáncer cervicouterino es una de las amenazas más graves para la vida de las mujeres. Actualmente en el mundo lo padecen más de un millón de ellas. En Ecuador, ocupa el segundo lugar en incidencia y causa 1,2 por ciento de muertes anuales en el país. Su detección oportuna es posible gracias a la citología cervicovaginal que contribuye eficazmente a detectar lesiones precancerosas y disminuir significativamente el carcinoma del cuello uterino. El estudio de la paciente se complementa con colposcopia y toma de biopsia para aumentar la certeza diagnóstica. En algunos casos, no se ha observado una buena correlación diagnóstica. Objetivo: determinar la relación citocolpohistológica en pacientes atendidas con Papanicolaou alterado en consulta de Patología del Tracto Genital Inferior. Métodos: se revisaron 82 historias clínicas de pacientes atendidas con Papanicolaou alterado en la consulta de Patología del Tracto Genital Inferior en el Hospital Básico Píllaro de Ecuador desde abril de 2015 hasta abril de 2016. Resultados: del total de pacientes, 32,9 por ciento tenían entre 30 y 39 años de edad; 90,2 por ciento iniciaron sus relaciones sexuales durante la adolescencia. De ellas, 89 por ciento tuvo entre una y cinco parejas sexuales; 59,7 por ciento tuvo entre uno y tres partos. Existió un 21,4 por ciento de correlación cito-colposcópica en el diagnóstico de las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo grado. La relación colpo-histológica mostró un 87,5 por ciento de coincidencias en las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo grado y en las lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado un 71,4 por ciento. Conclusiones: el inicio precoz de la actividad sexual, las múltiples parejas sexuales y la multiparidad continúan resaltando en la aparición de las lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino(AU)

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most serious threats to the lives of women. In the world today, more than a million of them suffer from it. In Ecuador, it ranks second in incidence and causes 1.2 percent of annual deaths in the country. Its timely detection is possible thanks to cervicovaginal cytology that contributes effectively to detecting precancerous lesions and significantly decreasing carcinoma of the cervix. The patient's study is complemented by colposcopy and biopsy to increase diagnostic certainty even when good diagnostic correlation has not been observed in some cases. Objective: Determine the cyto-colpo-histological relationship in patients treated due to altered Papanicolaou, in consultation of Pathology of the Lower Genital Tract in Píllaro Basic Hospital. Ecuador. Methods: In the present study, we reviewed 82 clinical records of patients treated with altered Papanicolaou in the Lower Genital Tract Pathology consultation at the Píllaro Basic Hospital, Ecuador from April 2015 to April 2016. Results: 32.9 percent of patients aged 30 to 39 years; 90.2 percent started sexual intercourse throughout adolescence. 89 percent had one to five sexual partners. 59.7 percent had one to three deliveries. There was 21.4 percent cyto-colposcopic correlation in the diagnosis of low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). The colpo-histological relationship showed 87.5 percent of coincidences in the LSIL and 71.4 percent. showed high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)(AU)

Performance of cold-preserved rat liver Microorgans as the biological component of a simplified prototype model of bioartificial liver.

AIM: To develop a simplified bioartificial liver (BAL) device prototype, suitable to use freshly and preserved liver Microorgans (LMOs) as biological component. METHODS: The system consists of 140 capillary fibers through which goat blood is pumped. The evolution of hematocrit, plasma and extra-fiber fluid osmolality was evaluated without any biological component, to characterize the prototype. LMOs were cut and cold stored 48 h in BG35 and ViaSpan® solutions. Fresh LMOs were used as controls. After preservation, LMOs were loaded into the BAL and an ammonia overload was added. To assess LMOs viability and functionality, samples were taken to determine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and ammonia detoxification capacity. RESULTS: The concentrations of ammonia and glucose, and the fluids osmolalities were matched after the first hour of perfusion, showing a proper exchange between blood and the biological compartment in the minibioreactor. After 120 min of perfusion, LMOs cold preserved in BG35 and ViaSpan® were able to detoxify 52.9% ± 6.5% and 53.6% ± 6.0%, respectively, of the initial ammonia overload. No significant differences were found with Controls (49.3% ± 8.8%, P < 0.05). LDH release was 6.0% ± 2.3% for control LMOs, and 6.2% ± 1.7% and 14.3% ± 1.1% for BG35 and ViaSpan® cold preserved LMOs, respectively (n = 6, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This prototype relied on a simple design and excellent performance. It's a practical tool to evaluate the detoxification ability of LMOs subjected to different preservation protocols.

A study to identify the presence of Aedes Spp. using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larval/pupal surveys in communities around Belmopan, Cayo District.

The knowledge of the presence of Aedes Spp. mosquitoes is very important for the prevention and control of emerging and remerging diseases caused by Arboviruses such as: Yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. While Chikungunya and Dengue are endemic to Belize, Zika is currently a threat with local transmission having been established in several Caribbean and Central American Countries. The objective of the study is to survey the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the communities of San Martin, Salvapan and Las Flores, Belmopan City. The study was conducted from March 14 to April 2, 2016 whereby adult mosquitoes were captured using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larvae/pupae collection surveys were also done. Three hundred meter zone(s) were determined within localities and 1 BG-Sentinel® trap was deployed for 3 days at 24-hour intervals both indoors and outdoors at 2 residences randomly selected in each community. Larvae/Pupae collection surveys were done at 5 private premises within the predetermined zones in each of the three communities. Captured larvae and Pupae were reared for 6 days and adults obtained were used for identification. The identification of adult Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was done using a stereoscopic microscope and pictorial keys that are used for the identification of mosquitoes. The presence of Ae. aegypti was identified in all 3 communities through both adult mosquito and larvae/pupae collections. However, Ae. albopictus was present only in San Martin and Salvapan communities. The presence of Ae. aegypti and/or Ae. albopictus will determine which appropriate vector control interventions are needed considering the different characteristic breeding habitats of these mosquitoes.(AU)

Temporal abundance of Aedes aegypti in Manaus, Brazil, measured by two trap types for adult mosquitoes

A longitudinal study was conducted in Manaus, Brazil, to monitor changes of adult Aedes aegypti (L.) abundance. The objectives were to compare mosquito collections of two trap types, to characterise temporal changes of the mosquito population, to investigate the influence of meteorological variables on mosquito collections and to analyse the association between mosquito collections and dengue incidence. Mosquito monitoring was performed fortnightly using MosquiTRAPs (MQT) and BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps between December 2008-June 2010. The two traps revealed opposing temporal infestation patterns, with highest mosquito collections of MQTs during the dry season and highest collections of BGS during the rainy seasons. Several meteorological variables were significant predictors of mosquito collections in the BGS. The best predictor was the relative humidity, lagged two weeks (in a positive relationship). For MQT, only the number of rainy days in the previous week was significant (in a negative relationship). The correlation between monthly dengue incidence and mosquito abundance in BGS and MQT was moderately positive and negative, respectively. Catches of BGS traps reflected better the dynamic of dengue incidence. The findings help to understand the effects of meteorological variables on mosquito infestation indices of two different traps for adult dengue vectors in Manaus.

A1BG and C3 are overexpressed in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III.

The present study aimed to analyze sera proteins in females with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, grade III (CIN III) and in healthy control females, in order to identify a potential biomarker which detects lesions that have a greater probability of cervical transformation. The present study investigated five sera samples from females who were Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16+ and who had been histopathologically diagnosed with CIN III, as well as five sera samples from healthy control females who were HPV-negative. Protein separation was performed using two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and the proteins were stained with Colloidal Coommassie Blue. Quantitative analysis was performed using ImageMaster 2D Platinum 6.0 software. Peptide sequence identification was performed using a nano-LC ESIMS/MS system. The proteins with the highest Mascot score were validated using western blot analysis in an additional 55 sera samples from the control and CIN III groups. The eight highest score spots that were found to be overexpressed in the CIN III sera group were identified as α-1-B glycoprotein (A1BG), complement component 3 (C3), a pro-apolipoprotein, two apolipoproteins and three haptoglobins. Only A1BG and C3 were validated using western blot analysis, and the bands were compared between the two groups using densitometry analysis. The relative density of the bands of A1BG and C3 was found to be greater in all of the serum samples from the females with CIN III, compared with those of the individuals in the control group. In summary, the present study identified two proteins whose expression was elevated in females with CIN III, suggesting that they could be used as biomarkers for CIN III. However, further investigations are required in order to assess the expression of A1BG and C3 in different pre-malignant lesions.

Calcium carbonate precipitation by heterotrophic bacteria isolated from biofilms formed on deteriorated ignimbrite stones: influence of calcium on EPS production and biofilm formation by these isolates.

Heterotrophic CaCO3-precipitating bacteria were isolated from biofilms on deteriorated ignimbrites, siliceous acidic rocks, from Morelia Cathedral (Mexico) and identified as Enterobacter cancerogenus (22e), Bacillus sp. (32a) and Bacillus subtilis (52g). In solid medium, 22e and 32a precipitated calcite and vaterite while 52g produced calcite. Urease activity was detected in these isolates and CaCO3 precipitation increased in the presence of urea in the liquid medium. In the presence of calcium, EPS production decreased in 22e and 32a and increased in 52g. Under laboratory conditions, ignimbrite colonization by these isolates only occurred in the presence of calcium and no CaCO3 was precipitated. Calcium may therefore be important for biofilm formation on stones. The importance of the type of stone, here a siliceous stone, on biological colonization is emphasized. This calcium effect has not been reported on calcareous materials. The importance of the effect of calcium on EPS production and biofilm formation is discussed in relation to other applications of CaCO3 precipitation by bacteria.

Fauna of Culicidae in rural areas of Porto Velho and the first record of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola (Coquillet, 1906), for the state of Rondônia, Brazil / Fauna de Culicidae em áreas rurais de Porto Velho e primeiro registro de Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola (Coquillet, 1906), para o estado de Rondônia, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge concerning the fauna of Culicidae in the Brazilian Amazon States contributes to current understanding of the bionomics of the insects collected and makes it possible to observe changes in the fauna over time. METHODS: The Culicidae were captured with a BG-Sentinel® trap in extra-domiciliary area of two rural regions of Porto Velho in June and July of 2007 and 2008. RESULTS: A total of 10,695 Culicidae was collected, belonging to nine genera: Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, Aedes, Aedeomyia, Anopheles, Uranotaenia and Wyeomyia. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola was recorded in the State of Rondônia for the first time.

INTRODUÇÃO: O conhecimento da fauna de culicídeos em estados da Amazônia Brasileira auxilia no conhecimento da bionomia dos insetos obtidos, além de possibilitar a observação de modificações da fauna ao decorrer do tempo. MÉTODOS: As capturas dos culicídeos foram realizadas em área extradomiciliar de duas zonas rurais de Porto Velho, durante junho e julho, nos anos de 2007 e 2008, com a armadilha BG-Sentinel®. RESULTADOs: Foram coletados 10.695 culicídeos, distribuídos em nove gêneros: Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, Aedes, Aedeomyia, Anopheles, Uranotaenia e Wyeomyia. CONCLUSÕES: Foi registrada pela primeira vez no estado a presença de Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola.

Carbon dioxide baited trap catches do not correlate with human landing collections of Anopheles aquasalis in Suriname

Three types of carbon dioxide-baited traps, i.e., the Centers for Disease Control Miniature Light Trap without light, the BioGents (BG) Sentinel Mosquito Trap (BG-Sentinel) and the Mosquito Magnet® Liberty Plus were compared with human landing collections in their efficiency in collecting Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) aquasalis mosquitoes. Of 13,549 total mosquitoes collected, 1,019 (7.52 percent) were An. aquasalis. Large numbers of Culex spp were also collected, in particular with the (BG-Sentinel). The majority of An. aquasalis (83.8 percent) were collected by the human landing collection (HLC). None of the trap catches correlated with HLC in the number of An. aquasalis captured over time. The high efficiency of the HLC method indicates that this malaria vector was anthropophilic at this site, especially as carbon dioxide was insufficiently attractive as stand-alone bait. Traps using carbon dioxide in combination with human odorants may provide better results.

Are light traps baited with kairomones effective in the capture of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia intermedia? An evaluation of synthetic human odor as an attractant for phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

Phlebotomine sand flies are often captured with human bait and/or light traps, either with or without an animal bait. More recently, synthetic attractants have been used as bait in traps to improve the capture of phlebotomine sand flies as well as other insects of medical and veterinary importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the kairomone 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and the synthetic human odor BG-Mesh LureTM (BGML - lactic acid, caproic acid and ammonia) baited in modified CDC light traps on the capture of phlebotomine sand flies. The experiments followed the 5x5 Latin square design. Among the species caught, Lutzomyia intermedia apparently presented a dose-dependent response to octenol. The response obtained with the BGML, alone or in combination with octenol (5 mg/h), indicated some degree of attractiveness of these baits to different phlebotomine sand fly species. Octenol seems to be more attractive to L. intermedia than to Lutzomyia longipalpis, while the BGML presented a higher success in capturing L. longipalpis. When the components of the BGML were used separately, there was no increase in catching the female of L. intermedia. Apparently, there was no synergistic effect between the octenol and the BGML. In conclusion, the octenol and the BGML were demonstrated to be possible baits to attract some phlebotomine sand fly species.