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Objectives: To investigate an unusual cluster of Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3/VIII human infections that occurred in Creuse (France) during the summer 2008, and to perform retrospective and prospective analyses of yersiniosis cases to get a better view of the general trend. Methods: 33 pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains isolated between 2008 and 2010 in Creuse were subjected to phenotypic and molecular typing. The database of the Yersinia National Reference Laboratory was used to compare the number of human cases over 23 years in Creuse and at the national level. Results: The 33 isolates had three distinct phenotypes and a high genetic diversity, ruling out a unique source of contamination. A long-term analysis of yersiniosis cases in Creuse showed a progressive increase over years, with a peak in 2008 and a subsequent decrease. This trend contrasted with the national cases that showed an opposite pattern. Conclusions: Local environmental conditions were most likely responsible for a transient expansion of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains in Creuse.

Cases of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection increased in France during the winter of 2004–05 in the absence of epidemiologic links between patients or strains. This increase represents transient amplification of a pathogen endemic to the area and may be related to increased prevalence of the pathogen in rodent reservoirs.

Leishmaniases, a group of diseases caused by the species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of Leishmania infections, and several mediators that regulate inflammatory responses are potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), an endogenous protein endowed with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, has emerged as a potential player. We have shown that during L. braziliensis infection, deficiency of AnxA1 exacerbates inflammatory responses but does not affect parasite burden. Here, we have investigated the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, given the non-healing and progressive lesions characteristic of this infectious model. Infection of AnxA1 KO BALB/c mice resulted in increased lesion size and tissue damage associated with higher parasite burdens and enhanced inflammatory response. Notably, therapeutic application of the AnxA1 peptidomimetic Ac2–26 improves control of parasite replication and increases IL-10 production in vivo and in vitro, in both WT and AnxA1 KO mice. Conversely, administration of WRW4, an inhibitor of FPR2/3, resulted in larger lesions and decreased production of IL-10, suggesting that the effects of AnxA1 during L. amazonensis infection are associated with the engagement of these receptors. Our study illuminates the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, demonstrating its impact on the susceptibility phenotype of BALB/c mice. Furthermore, our results indicate that targeting the AnxA1 pathway by using the Ac2–26 peptide could represent a promising alternative for new treatments for leishmaniasis.

A cirurgia bariátrica é indicada para pessoas com obesidade grave que não obtiveram sucesso no tratamento clínico, especialmente quando apresentam outras comorbidades associadas. Sabe-se que a avaliação de aspectos psicológicos é importante em todas as etapas do tratamento cirúrgico. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as dimensões da qualidade de vida e da imagem corporal antes e após a cirurgia bariátrica, identificando possíveis mudanças nessas dimensões após o procedimento. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal com avaliações no período pré-operatório e no 1o, 6 o, 12 o e 18 o mês após a cirurgia. Foram utilizados como instrumentos: um questionário sociodemográfico, Inventário de Depressão Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade Beck (BAI), WHOQOL-breve, Escala Brasileira de Figuras de Silhuetas para Adultos e Questionário Multidimensional sobre as Relações com o próprio Corpo (MBSRQ-AS). Participaram do estudo 109 indivíduos na etapa pré-cirúrgica, sendo 84% do sexo feminino. Houve aumento significativo da percentagem de peso perdido (PPP) em todos os tempos da avaliação (p < 0,001). Os resultados das escalas BAI e BDI mostraram sintomas de intensidade mínima. Em relação à qualidade de vida constatou-se melhora significativa nas dimensões física, psicológica e ambiental, e a avaliação da imagem corporal mostrou que após a cirurgia as mudanças foram positivas, especialmente no que se refere à satisfação corporal e a avaliação da aparência. Em estudos futuros recomenda-se investigar se aspectos como a preocupação com o sobrepeso e um alto investimento na aparência poderiam se relacionar a emergência de disfunções alimentares em períodos superiores a 24 meses de cirurgia.

Fractional dose is an important strategy to increase access to vaccines. This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A non-inferiority non-randomized controlled trial compared a half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 with the full dose, with an interval of 8 to 10 weeks, in individuals aged 18–49 years. The primary endpoints were the incidence rate of new cases/1,000 person-year at 90 days after 14 days of the second dose, confirmed by RT-PCR and new cases registered at SUS National Health Surveillance Database (e-SUS VS). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD) by chemiluminescence and the neutralizing antibodies by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) were titrated. The soluble biomarkers were quantified with a multiplex immunoassay. Follow-up was 90 days after 14 days of the second dose. A total of 29,598 individuals were vaccinated. After exclusion, 16,570 individuals who received half a dose and 6,402 who received full doses were analyzed. The incidence of new cases confirmed by RT-PCR of half dose was non-inferior to full dose (23.7 vs. 25.7 cases per 1,000 persons-year [coefficient group -0.09 CI95%(-0.49 to 0.31)], even after adjusting for age and sex. There were no deaths or hospitalization after immunization of either group. Immunogenicity was evaluated in a subsample (N=558) compared to 154 healthcare workers who received a full dose. The seroconversion rate in seronegative individuals at baseline half dose was 99.8%, similar to that of the full dose (100%). Geometric mean concentration (95% CI; BAU/mL) were half dose = 188 (163-217) and full dose = 529 (423–663) (p < 0.001). In seropositive subjects at baseline (pre-immune individuals), the first dose induced very high and similar IgG-S in half dose 1,359 (1,245-1,483) and full dose 1,354 (1,048–1,749) BAU/mL. A half dose induced a high increase in plasma chemokines, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokines, and growth factors. The frequency of adverse events was similar. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. A half dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is as effective, safe, and immunogenic as the full dose. The immune response in pre-immune (seropositive in the baseline) individuals indicates that the half dose may be a booster dose schedule.

Abstract Background Assisted partner notification services (APNS) may increase HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment, but they are not formally implemented in Mexico, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW). This study aimed to explore the awareness of and need for HIV partner notification, as well as to outline potential strategies for APNS based on identified barriers and facilitators. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore partner notification with MSM, TW, and counselors. Afterwards, brainstorm sessions were carried out to produce strategies for implementing APNS. Results Most participants reported experiences with informal partner notification and serostatus disclosure, but not with APNS. Only one counselor indicated assisting notification systematically. The main barriers for notifying or disclosing mentioned by both MSM and TW included fear of (violent) reactions, discrimination and lacking contact information of casual partners. Participants thought it was easier to inform a formal partner, conditional of being well informed about HIV. Given current stigma and lack of awareness, it was suggested that APNS should be preceded by HIV awareness efforts, and be provided by counselors or peers to mitigate potential rejection or violent reactions. Conclusions While APNS are not formally implemented in Mexico, all participants supported the service, indicating that APNS could potentially enhance early HIV diagnosis in Mexico. Strategies to implement such services need to be flexible addressing the individual needs of participants, guaranteeing the safety of more vulnerable participants.

Innate immune cells present a dual role during leishmaniasis: they constitute the first line of host defense but are also the main host cells for the parasite. Response against the infection that results in the control of parasite growth and lesion healing depends on activation of macrophages into a classical activated phenotype. We report an essential role for the microbiota in driving macrophage and monocyte-derived macrophage activation towards a resistance phenotype against Leishmania major infection in mice. Both germ-free and dysbiotic mice showed a higher number of myeloid innate cells in lesions and increased number of infected cells, mainly dermal resident and inflammatory macrophages. Despite developing a Th1 immune response characterized by the same levels of IFN-γ production as the conventional mice, germ-free mice presented reduced numbers of iNOS+ macrophages at the peak of infection. Absence or disturbance of host microbiota impaired the capacity of bone marrow-derived macrophage to be activated for Leishmania killing in vitro, even when stimulated by Th1 cytokines. These cells presented reduced expression of inos mRNA, and diminished production of microbicidal molecules, such as ROS, while presenting a permissive activation status, characterized by increased expression of arginase I and il-10 mRNA and higher arginase activity. Colonization of germ-free mice with complete microbiota from conventional mice rescued their ability to control the infection. This study demonstrates the essential role of host microbiota on innate immune response against L. major infection, driving host macrophages to a resistance phenotype.

The modification of landscapes by anthropic action, mainly due to urbanization, exerts strong pressure on birds. Public parks and other green areas offer favorable conditions for birds in cities throughout the year. Nannopterum brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789), the Neotropic cormorant, is one of the most frequent and abundant piscivorous water birds in urban parks, rivers and reserves. The present study aimed to describe the behavioral repertoire of N. brasilianus and evaluated possible behavioral changes in the dry and rainy seasons, in an urban area in Uberlândia (MG). The study was conducted in Sabiá Municipal Park, from December 2013 to November 2014, totaling 184 hours of observation. The fixed-point sampling method was used, in four ponds in the park. Observations were made in the morning, using the focal animal and ad libitum (record of all occurrences) techniques. In all, 164 records of the species were obtained. The behavioral repertoire included 15 behavioral acts, notably perching and preening. Some behaviors varied between the seasons (χ² = 62.05, df = 14, p

RESUMO Fotogrametria é um método de avaliação postural que fornece informações baseadas no referencial de marcadores anatômicos. No plano sagital, uma das principais avaliações está relacionada ao fio de prumo, apresentando divergências a respeito da colocação do marcador de referência maleolar na bibliografia. Alguns defendem que seja feita exatamente sobre o centro do maléolo lateral, enquanto outros defendem a colocação um pouco à frente do maléolo lateral. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar se a modificação da posição do marcador maleolar influencia os resultados do procedimento. Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico transversal, com delineamento comparativo intrassujeitos. Foram avaliados 44 indivíduos saudáveis (25 mulheres e 19 homens; 27±6 anos; 170±11cm; 71±15Kg) utilizando o protocolo e software DIPA© para investigação das variáveis (teste do fio de prumo e pulsão da pelve) no plano sagital, com o marcador maleolar em duas posições: (1) no centro do maléolo lateral e (2) à frente do maléolo lateral. A análise realizada segundo os métodos estatístico, descritivo (distribuição de frequências, média e desvio padrão) e inferencial (testes de Shapiro Wilk, t de Student dependente e Wilcoxon, α=0,05). Para ambas as variáveis, a posição do marcador maleolar exerceu influência estatisticamente significativa (p0,05) a classificação postural. Os resultados sugerem que o ponto de referência vertical para a fotogrametria, baseado no marcador maleolar pode ser de escolha do avaliador.

Photogrammetry is a relatively simple and objective instrument of evaluation that provides accurate and reproducible quantitative results, if applied rigorously, existing nowadays several protocols. The main purpose was to systematically review the utilized feet positioning to conduct a semi-static postural evaluation through photogrammetry. It was performed a systematic review of observational studies and clinic trials using the keywords “photogrammetry” and “spinal postural evaluation” to conduct searches on scientific databases. The eligibility criteria adopted were: utilize the photogrammetry to evaluate children, teenagers, adults or elders with or without pathologies; explicit the utilized feet positioning to conduct the evaluation; and be written in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The methodological quality was assessed by Downs and Black scale and the strength of evidence by the best evidence synthesis. It was found 1.786 articles and 40 were included in this review. The main feet positioning found were: self-referred, separated and in parallel, united and in parallel and standard self-referred. The review exhibited strong strength of evidence in the methodological quality assessment. Considering the main feet positioning found, it is considered primordial that the selection of evaluation methodology respects the specific instructions of each analysis protocol or software.

Abstract Introduction: Changes in body structure positioning are associated with muscle flexibility and joint mobility, but evidence of this relationship is still incipient. Objective: To identify evidences of correlation between parameters regarding static body posture in orthostasis and spine and pelvis flexibility and/or mobility. Methods: Systematic review guided by the PRISMA Statement and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration (PROSPERO: CRD42015026298). A search of the BIREME, EMBASE, PubMed and Science Direct databases was carried out, considering the beginning of the databases until January 16, 2017, with the terms and Boolean operators “posture” AND “spine” OR “pelvis” AND “range of motion, articular” OR “movement”. To be included in the review, studies should present observational or clinical trial methodological designs, have sampled healthy individuals, present correlation or association test results between static posture and mobility/flexibility in the sagittal plane, and be published in Spanish, English or Portuguese. The methodological quality was evaluated by the Downs & Black scale and evidence by the GRADE system. Results: A total of 5,326 studies were obtained, seven of which were included after the establishment of the eligibility criteria. All studies presented high methodological quality, although a considerable heterogeneity regarding the choice of instruments and evaluation protocols was noted, reflecting contradictory results. Therefore, the present systematic review presents a moderate strength of evidence. Conclusion: No definitive evidence is yet available concerning the possible relationship between body posture and spine and pelvis flexibility and mobility.

O presente artigo relata a experiência de uma prática integradora vivenciada em um projeto de iniciação científica intitulado “Resgate da Memória sobre a produção da uva e do vinho a partir da década de 1940 no município de Videira, Santa Catarina”. O projeto envolve três áreas do saber – Biologia, Geografia e História – e dois cursos de Educação Profissional Técnica Integrada ao Ensino Médio - Agropecuária e Eletroeletrônica – oferecidos pelo Instituto Federal Catarinense Câmpus Videira. O desenvolvimento do projeto fomentou entre as professoras envolvidas algumas reflexões a respeito da integração entre o Ensino Médio e a Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio. Durante as diversas etapas da pesquisa de iniciação científica, foi possível perceber a importância da interdisciplinaridade, da pesquisa como princípio pedagógico e da cultura como um dos eixos fundamentais para a formação humana.

A model of skin infection with Leishmania amazonensiswith low doses of parasites is compared to infection with high doses of L. amazonensis and low and high doses of Leishmania major. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 10³ or 10(6) parasites in the ear and the outcome of infection was assessed. The appearance of lesions in mice infected with 10³ parasites was delayed compared to mice infected with 10(6) Leishmania and parasites were detectable at the infection site before lesions became apparent. Mice infected with L. amazonensisdisplayed persistent lesions, whereas infection with L. major spontaneously healed in all groups, although lymphocytes persisted at the site of infection after healing. Macrophages persisted only in L. amazonensis-infected mice. High-dose L. amazonensis-infected mice produced lower levels of IFN-γ and TNF than mice infected with L. major. No correlation between the persistence of parasites and IL-10 levels and the production of nitric oxide or urea by macrophages was found. We conclude that infection with low doses of L. amazonensisin the dermis changes the course of infection by delaying the appearance of lesions. However, low-dose infection does not change the outcomes of susceptibility and cytokine production described for subcutaneous infection with high numbers of parasites.

Os fatores que envolvem os processos da dinâmica da floresta influenciam a sua biodiversidade e, portanto, a qualidade da floresta. A definição de estratégias que envolve a proteção e o uso adequado da floresta manejada e a recuperação de áreas já degradadas tornam-se possível com o estudo da estrutura e dinâmica da floresta primária por meio de informações como a mortalidade, o recrutamento e a permanência das árvores no sistema florestal. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a dinâmica de uma floresta não perturbada e fazer projeções da dinâmica florestal usando a matriz de transição probabilística (Cadeia de Markov). As taxas de recrutamento, mortalidade e incremento foram determinadas a partir de inventários florestais realizados em dois transectos, nos sentidos Norte-Sul e Leste-Oeste (20 x 2500 m cada, totalizando 10 ha), localizados no km 50 da BR 174, na estrada vicinal ZF-2, Manaus/AM, nos anos de 2000 e 2004. A floresta acumulou 8,34 t.ha-1.ano-1 de biomassa fresca acima do solo. De acordo com projeção para 2008, o número total de árvores diminuirá em 2,67% (de 5987 indivíduos (2004) para 5827 (2008)) e a mortalidade será 15% maior (de 264 (2004) para 311 (2008)). O teste Qui-quadrado mostrou que não há diferença significativa (1% de probabilidade) entre as informações coletadas e projetadas. Esses resultados permitem concluir que a Cadeia de Markov é um eficiente instrumento para projetar a dinâmica da floresta natural, contribuindo para o planejamento em curto prazo das atividades que utilizam os recursos florestais.To combine protection and utilization of forest resources in the tropics, the understanding of forest dynamics is essential. It is also important in the definition of strategies for rehabilitation of degraded areas. In Forestry, forest dynamics could be translated as the understanding of recruitment, mortality and biomass increment rates over time. For this study, these rates were estimated based on measurements carried out in 2000 and 2004 over two transects measuring 20 by 2500 m (5 hectares) each, in Manaus region. This paper deals with forest dynamics of a pristine forest based on the probabilistic transition matrix (the first-order Markov Chain) approach. The main objective is to report 4-year (2000 to 2004) changes in the forest structure. Diameter distribution and tree mortality will be projected ahead to 2008 (t+2), based upon a 4-year period of observations completed in 2004 (t+1) and its immediate past in 2000 (t). In terms of fresh aboveground biomass, this site accumulated 8.34 t.ha-1.ano-1. The chi ² test has shown no statistical difference (p = 0.01) between observed diameter frequency and the expected projected by Markov Chain. This result indicates that the Markov Chain approach is a reliable tool to project the forest dynamics on a short-term basis. In 2008, the total number of individuals will have a decrease of 2.7%, and the mortality rate will 15% higher than in 2004.

The gastrointestinal tract houses a complex and diverse community of microbes. In recent years, an increased understanding of the importance of intestinal microbiota for human physiology has been gained. In the steady state, commensal microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with the host and possess critical and distinct functions, including directly influencing immunity. This means that recognition of commensal antigens is necessary for the development of complete immune responses. Therefore, the immune system must face the challenge of maintaining mucosal homeostasis while dealing with undue passage of commensal or pathogenic microbes, as well as the host nutritional status or drug use. Disruption of this fine balance has been associated with the development of several intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the modulation of host-microbe interactions and how the breakdown of this homeostatic association can lead to intestinal inflammation and pathology.

RESUMO: Tiranídeos (Aves: Tyrannidae) são aves com ampla riqueza comportamental e que ocorrem em uma enorme variedade de ambientes, incluindo áreas urbanas. Este estudo objetivou verificar e comparar o comportamento de forrageio de Pitangus sulphuratus e de Tyrannus melancholicus no ambiente urbano. O trabalho foi realizado na cidade de Uberlândia, MG, de abril a dezembro de 2009, totalizando 280 horas de esforço amostral. Foram amostradas 72 parcelas, duas vezes por estação - seca e chuvosa. As observações foram realizadas no período da manhã, em sessões de 50 min. Foram registrados comportamentos de procura e de ataque, tipo e número de substratos de procura, tempo de procura e de ataque; direção, substrato e distância percorrida no ataque; altura do substrato; tamanho e tipo de item alimentar; manipulação; comportamento pós-ataque. A estratégia de procura "estático" e os substratos de procura "árvores" foram mais frequentes para as duas espécies. Predominaram as estratégias de ataque "investir-atingir" para T. melancholicus e "investir-pousar" para P. sulphuratus. A direção de ataque "diagonal abaixo" foi utilizada com maior frequência pelas duas espécies, mas T. melancholicus atacou presas principalmente no "ar" e P. sulphuratus na "grama". O principal item alimentar foi "artrópode". Para a maioria das variáveis, T. melancholicus apresentou valores médios maiores do que P. sulphuratus, exceto para tempo médio de procura em vôo e número de poleiros na procura. Embora T. melancholicus apresente comportamentos mais especializados no item alimentar e na forma de captura, as duas espécies pesquisadas mostraram ampla plasticidade comportamental com aspectos generalistas, o que favorece a sobrevivência das duas espécies em ambientes urbanos.

Leishmania major-infected TNF receptor 1 deficient (TNFR1 KO) mice resolve parasitism but fail to resolve lesions, while wild-type mice completely heal. We investigated the cell composition, cytokine production, and apoptosis in lesions from L. major-infected TNFR1 KO and wild-type (WT) mice. Chronic lesions from L. major-infected TNFR1 KO mice presented larger number of CD8+ T and Ly6G+ cells. In addition, higher concentrations of mRNA for IFN-γ CCL2 and CCL5, as well as protein, but lower numbers of apoptotic cells, were found in lesions from TNFR1 KO mice than in WT, at late time points of infection. Our studies showed that persistent lesions in L. major-infected TNFR1 KO mice may be mediated by continuous migration of cells to the site of inflammation due to the presence of chemokines and also by lower levels of apoptosis. We suggest that this model has some striking similarities to the mucocutaneous clinical form of leishmaniasis.

Abstract In order to analyze the pathogenicity and antagonism between grapevine rootstocks and soil microorganisms, plant growth-promoting bacteria with antibiotic effect were selected from the phytopathogen Ilyonectria liriodendri, 2T-VSC-101 isolated monosporic, in in vitro antibiosis tests. The bacterial access that produced the largest zone of inhibition was used in the seedling biotization of the grapevine rootstocks P1103, IBBT481 and VR039-16. From the interaction between isolates of plant growth-promoting bacteria and Ilyonectria liriodendri isolate resulted in three bacterial isolates with control of the mycelial growth of the phytopathogen, all of the Burkholderia gender.However, the highest control bacterium, Burkholderia catarinensis sp.nov. isolated POA 89, was found to be detrimental to the in vitro development of rootstocks, causing them to die. The cultivation through culture medium modified with sand was adequate for the in vitro growth of the rootstocks and appropriate for the observation of the black foot disease’s characteristic symptoms. From the ex vitro cultures with the IBBT481 rootstock and the microorganisms, there were results in favorable effects to the plants inoculated with the bacterium in combination with the phytopathogen. It also demonstrated the difficulty of acclimatization and growth of this access in a greenhouse.