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Mast cells (MC) play a central role in the early containment of bacterial infections, such as that caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L.m). The mechanisms of MC activation induced by L.m infection are well known, so it is possible to evaluate whether they are susceptible to targeting and modulation by different drugs. Recent evidence indicates that valproic acid (VPA) inhibits the immune response which favors L.m pathogenesis in vivo. Herein, we examined the immunomodulatory effect of VPA on L.m-mediated MC activation. To this end, bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) were pre-incubated with VPA and then stimulated with L.m. We found that VPA reduced MC degranulation and cytokine release induced by L.m. MC activation during L.m infection relies on Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) engagement, however VPA treatment did not affect MC TLR2 cell surface expression. Moreover, VPA was able to decrease MC activation by the classic TLR2 ligands, peptidoglycan and lipopeptide Pam3CSK4. VPA also reduced cytokine production in response to Listeriolysin O (LLO), which activates MC by a TLR2-independent mechanism. In addition, VPA decreased the activation of critical events on MC signaling cascades, such as the increase on intracellular Ca2+ and phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and -p65 subunit of NF-κB. Altogether, our data demonstrate that VPA affects key cell signaling events that regulate MC activation following L.m infection. These results indicate that VPA can modulate the functional activity of different immune cells that participate in the control of L.m infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape structure can affect waterbird distributions across wetlands. In the Caribbean region, little focus has been given to the studies testing how waterbird communities are affected by the landscape structure of coastal wetlands. We investigated the effects of landscape configuration on waterbird communities in southwestern Cuba and evaluated the contribution of the configuration of lagoons, mangrove and anthropogenic land use to waterbird diversity. Additionally, we identified the scale at which descriptors of waterbird community are most sensitive to landscape variables. We conducted waterbird surveys at 14 sampling points in coastal wetlands of southwestern Cuba during fall migration of 2016. Landscape structure was described with five landscape variables at three spatial scales. We found that at 6 km scale, mangrove mean patch area had a negative influence on waterbird abundance, while the percentage of landscape covered by lagoons had a positive effect at 2 km. However, a higher percentage of both mangroves and lagoons had an influence in waterbird composition variation at 2 km. The percentage of anthropogenic land use did not affect any response variable at the evaluated scales. Detecting the scale at which two important landscape resources (lagoons and mangroves) influence waterbird populations is an important tool for the successful management of these habitats. Study of these features could contribute to the adequate planning of protected areas along the coast of Cuba and the Caribbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine parvovirus type II (CPV-2) infection induces canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), which in turn promotes sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Mortality in this disease is usually registered within 48–72 h post-hospitalization, the critical period of the illness. It has been recently described that the use of an immunomodulator, whose major component is monomeric ubiquitin (mUb) without the last two glycine residues (Ub∆GG), in pediatric human patients with sepsis augments survival. It is known that CXCR4 is the cell receptor of extracellular ubiquitin in humans. This work aimed to explore the effect of one immunomodulator (human Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract-hDLE) as a therapeutic auxiliary in puppies with sepsis and SIRS induced by CPE. We studied two groups of puppies with CPV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The first group received conventional treatment (CT) and vehicle (V), while the second group received CT plus the immunomodulator (I). We assessed both groups' survival, clinical condition, number of erythrocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes during the hospitalization period. In addition, hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma proteins and cortisol values, as well as norepinephrine/epinephrine and serotonin concentration were determined. Puppies treated with CT + I showed 81% survival, mild clinical signs, and a significant decrease in circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes in the critical period of the treatment. In contrast, the CT + V group presented a survival of 42%, severe clinical status, and no improvement of the parameters evaluated in the critical period of the disease. We determined in silico that human Ub∆GG can bind to dog CXCR4. In conclusion, the administration of a human immunomodulator (0.5 mg/day × 5 days) to puppies with CPE under six months of age reduces the severity of clinical signs, increases survival, and modulates inflammatory cell parameters. Further studies are necessary to take full advantage of these clinical findings, which might be mediated by the human Ub∆GG to canine CXCR4 interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcosis is a bacterial disease in tilapia that produces economic losses, caused mainly by Streptococcus agalactiae and S. iniae. It is treated using oxytetracycline and florfenicol, which when inappropriately used promotes the selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The disease has been mainly associated with stress events such as variations in temperature. The aims of the present study were (1) to detect by molecular methods two species of Streptococcus sp. in a tilapia farm, (2) to relate their presence to physicochemical parameters in the culture system, and (3) to detect the presence of ARGs in tilapia tissues and/or ponds. Tilapia grow-out ponds (n = 30) were sampled, collecting 15 individuals per pond. The physicochemical parameters of water were measured in each pond. Per pond, organs such as the liver, spleen, brain, and eyes were collected from each individual. Then, each organ type was pooled with the respective organ of the other individuals, processed for DNA extraction, and used for PCR analyses to determine the presence of S. agalactiae and S. iniae and for the detection of ARGs (tetM, tetO, fexA, and ermB). The correlations between the presence of S. agalactiae and water physicochemical parameters were determined. Sixty percent of the ponds and 46% of the organ pools were positive for S. agalactiae, whereas S. iniae was not detected. The positive samples showed the following resistance genes: tet(O) (29.1%), tet(M) (12.7%), and erm(B) (1.8%). A moderate but significant positive correlation was found between temperature and the presence of S. agalactiae. This work reported the molecular detection of two species of Streptococcus and ARGs, providing information that allows fast and effective control of these pathogens in tilapia farming. In addition, a future complementary study on Streptococcus sp. serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance genes from tilapia cultured in Costa Rica could also contribute to increase the knowledge of S. agalactiae infections in tilapia farming worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug commonly used for epileptic seizure control. Recently, it has been shown that VPA alters the activation of several immune cells, including Natural Killer (NK) cells, which play an important role in the containment of viruses and intracellular bacteria. Although VPA can increase susceptibility to extracellular pathogens, it is unknown whether the suppressor effect of VPA could affect the course of intracellular bacterial infection. This study aimed to evaluate the role of VPA during Listeria monocytogenes (L.m) infection, and whether NK cell activation was affected. We found that VPA significantly augmented mortality in L.m infected mice. This effect was associated with increased bacterial load in the spleen, liver, and blood. Concurrently, decreased levels of IFN-γ in serum and lower splenic indexes were observed. Moreover, in vitro analysis showed that VPA treatment decreased the frequency of IFN-γ-producing NK cells within L.m infected splenocytes. Similarly, VPA inhibited the production of IFN-γ by NK cells stimulated with IL-12 and IL-18, which is a crucial system for early IFN-γ production in listeriosis. Finally, VPA decreased the phosphorylation of STAT4, p65, and p38, without affecting the expression of IL-12 and IL-18 receptors. Altogether, our results indicate that VPA increases the susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes infection and suggest that NK cell is one of the main targets of VPA, but further work is needed to ascertain this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate different families of applicable models available for utility mapping between World Health Organization Quality of Life for HIV-abbreviated version (WHOQOL-HIV Bref) and EQ-5D-3L and to propose an optimised algorithm to estimate health utilities of people living with HIV.Methods: Estimation dataset was collected between July 2014 and September 2016 in a cross-sectional study including 1526 people living with HIV/Aids (PLWH) under care at the Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-FIOCRUZ, in Brazil. Data of WHOQOL-HIV Bref and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were collected. Fisher's exact tests were used for testing WHOQOL-HIV Bref response frequencies among groups of responses to each of the five EQ-5D-3L domains. Multiple correspondence analyses (MCA) were used to inspect the relationships between both instrument responses. Different families of applicable models available for utility mapping between WHOQOL-HIV Bref and EQ-5D-3L were adjusted for the prediction of disutility.Results: Candidate models' performances using mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) were similarly good, which was evidenced by the overlapping of its 95% confidence intervals of the mean tenfold cross-validation or estimated generalisation errors. However, the Hurdle Logistic-Log-Normal model was better on average according to generalisation errors both in the prediction of Brazilian utility values (MAE = 0.1037, MSE = 0.0178, and RMSE = 0.1332) and for those of the UK (MAE = 0.1476, MSE = 0.0443, and RMSE = 0.2099).Conclusions: Mapping EQ-5D-3L responses or deriving health utilities directly from WHOQOL-HIV Bref responses can be a valid alternative for settings with no preference-based health utility data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, supporting the most extensive wetlands in the region. Of the ~370 bird species in this country, approximately 40% are wetland-dependent and most are migratory. Knowledge of bird use of Cuba's wetlands is critical for regional conservation. This study characterized waterbird assemblages in Cuban south coastal wetlands, reports spatio-temporal variations in waterbird diversity and suggests conservation strategies. We conducted 543 surveys across six wetlands (2011–2013). We recorded 110 species. Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) and Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) were the dominant species. The site with the highest richness and waterbird abundance was Humedal Sur de Los Palacios. Differences in waterbird composition were identified among sites and seasons but not among years. No differences were found in spatial or temporal variability in abundance among sites, seasons or years. Assemblage composition was not spatially dependent on the location of wetlands. Twelve species were at abundance levels exceeding 1% of their estimated global population. This study highlights the global importance of the Cuban south coast to waterbird conservation, particularly during fall migration and the uniqueness of Humedal Sur de Los Palacios. We encourage creation of new Ramsar sites, an Important Bird Area and a new protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Methods: A cross-sectional study including PLWHA receiving usual HIV-care at Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI/Fiocruz) was conducted between 2014 and 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The EQ-5D-3L assessed HRQoL; PHQ-2 and ASSIST were used for screening depression and substance use, respectively. Clinical variables were obtained from the INI/Fiocruz cohort database, and structured questions evaluated intimate partner violence, sexual abstinence and relationship status. Data were analysed using multivariable Tobit regression model.Results: A total of 1480 PLWHA were included: 64.7% were male at birth (38.4% men who have sex with men [MSM], 24.3% heterosexual men and 2% transgender women [TGW]); median age was 43.1 years, and 95.8% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. The median EQ-5D-3L utility score was 0.801. Results showed that the following factors: MSM and women; older age; lower educational level; no engagement in a relationship; depression screening positive; polysubstance use; and, detectable viral load were independently associated with worse HRQoL.Conclusions: PLWHA under care at INI/Fiocruz presented good HRQoL. Polysubstance use, depression and lower educational level were among the factors negatively associated with HRQoL. This was the first time that the EQ-5D-3L utility scores were calculated for a considerable number of PLWHA in Brazil, which is a fundamental piece of information for future cost-effectiveness analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of previous investigations, this study seeks for individual, relationship and community characteristics among women living with their partner associated with intimate partner violence [IPV] victimization. The sample of 19,131 women was taken from the 2016 Peru Demographic and Health Survey. A binomial logistic regression model showed among the most significant risk factors: heavy drinking by the woman's partner (OR = 8.655, p < .001), having witnessed parental domestic violence (OR = 1.496, p < .001) and having experienced physical punishment during childhood (OR = 1.306, p < .001). Other factors related to higher odds of IPV at the individual level include employment and low educational attainment. Relationship risk factors comprise, 25 to 29 years of relationship duration, living in cohabitation, previous unions and low socioeconomic status. At the community level, living in an urban residence increases the likelihood of abuse. These findings highlight the need to include these factors, in the IPV prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gene encoding a carboxylesterase produced by Geobacillus thermoleovoras CCR11 was cloned in the pET-3b cloning vector, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Gene sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 750 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 250 amino acid residues (27.3 kDa) named CaesCCR11. The enzyme showed its maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 5-8, with preference for C4 substrates, confirming its esterase nature. It displayed good resistance to temperature, pH, and the presence of organic solvents and detergents, that makes this enzyme biotechnologically applicable in the industries such as fine and oleo-chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis, biodiesel production, detergents, and food industries. A 3D model of CaesCCR11 was predicted using the Bacillus sp. monoacyl glycerol lipase bMGL H-257 structure as template (PBD code 3RM3, 99 % residue identity with CaesCCR11). Based on its canonical α/β hydrolase fold composed of 7 β-strands and 6 α-helices, the α/β architecture of the cap domain, the GLSTG pentapeptide, and the formation of distinctive salt bridges, we are proposing CaesCCR11 as a new member of family XV of lipolytic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene for a Geobacillus thermoleovorans CCR11 thermostable lipase was recovered by PCR and cloned. Four genetic constructions were designed and successfully expressed in E. coli: (i) the lipase structural gene ( lipCCR11) in the PinPoint Xa vector; (ii) the lipase structural gene ( lipACCR11) in the pET-28a(+) vector; (iii) the lipase structural gene minus the signal peptide ( lipMatCCR11) in the pET-3b vector; and (iv) the lipase structural gene plus its own promoter ( lipProCCR11) in the pGEM-T cloning vector. The lipase gene sequence analysis showed an open reading frame of 1,212 nucleotides coding for a mature lipase of 382 residues (40 kDa) plus a 22 residues signal peptide. Expression under T7 and T7 lac promoter resulted in a 40- and 36-fold increase in lipolytic activity with respect to the original strain lipase. All recombinant lipases showed an optimal activity at pH 9.0, but variations were found in the temperature for maximum activity and the substrate specificity among them and when compared with the parental strain lipase, especially in the recombinant lipases that contained fusion tags. Therefore, it is important to find the appropriate expression system able to attain a high concentration of the recombinant lipase without compromising the proper folding of the protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A personal method for the treatment of the suprazygomatic SMAS and its results are presented. By acting on the suprazygomatic fibromuscular layer in the rhytidectomy, the surgeon can avoid tension on the cutaneous layer, and possible consequences thereof, as well as diminish the probabilities of damaging the facial nerve. At the same time, desired effects as a result of pulling on 'crow's feet', wrinkles, lateral eyebrows, and wrinkles on the lateral forehead are enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]