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Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia =... 2024To analyze the transmission dynamics of dengue, a public health problem in Brazil and the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH).
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the transmission dynamics of dengue, a public health problem in Brazil and the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH).
METHODS
The spatiotemporal evolution of the occurrence of dengue in the municipality of Contagem, state of Minas Gerais, a region with high arbovirus transmission, was analyzed. Furthermore, epidemic and non-epidemic periods were analyzed, based on probable cases of dengue. This is an ecological study that used the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) national database. The analyses were carried out considering the period from epidemiological week (EW) 40 of 2011 to 39 of 2017. Spatial analysis tools (crude and smoothed incidence rate, directional distribution ellipse, global Moran index and local Moran index, and spatial scanning time with definition of epidemiological risk) were used.
RESULTS
The 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016 epidemic cycles presented high incidence rates. The disease was concentrated in more urbanized areas, with a small increase in cases throughout the municipality. Seven statistically significant local clusters and areas with a high rate of cases and accentuated transmission in epidemic cycles were observed throughout the municipality. Spatial autocorrelation of the incidence rate was observed in all periods.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study highlight a significant and heterogeneous increase in dengue notifications in Contagem over the years, revealing distinct spatial patterns during epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Geoprocessing analysis identified high-risk areas, a piece of knowledge that can optimize the allocation of resources in the prevention and treatment of the disease for that municipality.
Topics: Humans; Dengue; Brazil; Incidence; Epidemics; Spatio-Temporal Analysis; Cities; Time Factors; Disease Notification
PubMed: 38896646
DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720240023 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2024The impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection over the immune response and the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are not yet completely understood.
BACKGROUND
The impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection over the immune response and the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are not yet completely understood.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the expression of innate immune receptors in three distinct mouse lineages (BALB/c, C57BL/6 and Swiss) during experimental S. mansoni infection with LE strain.
METHODS
The parasite burden, intestinal tissue oogram and presence of hepatic granulomas were evaluated at 7- and 12-weeks post infection (wpi). The mRNA expression for innate Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, their adaptor molecules, and cytokines were determined at 2, 7 and 12 wpi in the hepatic tissue by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
FINDINGS
Swiss mice showed 100% of survival, had lower parasite burden and intestinal eggs, while infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 presented 80% and 90% of survival, respectively, higher parasite burden and intestinal eggs. The three mouse lineages displayed distinct patterns in the expression of innate immune receptors, their adaptor molecules and cytokines, at 2 and 7 wpi.
MAIN CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of S. mansoni infection is related to a dynamic early activation of innate immunity receptors and cytokines important for the control of developing worms.
Topics: Animals; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Immunity, Innate; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Cytokines; Mice; Schistosoma mansoni; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Toll-Like Receptors; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Parasite Egg Count; Male; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, Immunologic
PubMed: 38896633
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240013 -
Microbial Genomics Jun 2024Since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in Malawi in 2011, there has been persistent carriage of vaccine serotype (VT) , despite...
Expansion of pneumococcal serotype 23F and 14 lineages with genotypic changes in capsule polysaccharide locus and virulence gene profiles post introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Blantyre, Malawi.
Since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in Malawi in 2011, there has been persistent carriage of vaccine serotype (VT) , despite high vaccine coverage. To determine if there has been a genetic change within the VT capsule polysaccharide (cps) loci since the vaccine's introduction, we compared 1022 whole-genome-sequenced VT isolates from 1998 to 2019. We identified the clonal expansion of a multidrug-resistant, penicillin non-susceptible serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 lineage, a serotype 14 GPSC9-ST782 lineage and a novel serotype 14 sequence type GPSC9-ST18728 lineage. Serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 had an I253T mutation within the capsule oligosaccharide repeat unit polymerase Wzy protein, which is predicted to alter the protein pocket cavity. Moreover, serotype 23F GPSC14-ST2059 had SNPs in the DNA binding sites for the cps transcriptional repressors CspR and SpxR. Serotype 14 GPSC9-ST782 harbours a non-truncated version of the large repetitive protein (Lrp), containing a Cna protein B-type domain which is also present in proteins associated with infection and colonisation. These emergent lineages also harboured genes associated with antibiotic resistance, and the promotion of colonisation and infection which were absent in other lineages of the same serotype. Together these data suggest that in addition to serotype replacement, modifications of the capsule locus associated with changes in virulence factor expression and antibiotic resistance may promote vaccine escape. In summary, the study highlights that the persistence of vaccine serotype carriage despite high vaccine coverage in Malawi may be partly caused by expansion of VT lineages post-PCV13 rollout.
Topics: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Humans; Serogroup; Malawi; Bacterial Capsules; Pneumococcal Infections; Vaccines, Conjugate; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Virulence; Genotype; Whole Genome Sequencing; Bacterial Proteins; Virulence Factors; Child, Preschool; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Infant; Male
PubMed: 38896467
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001264 -
Studies in Mycology Jun 2023is acknowledged as a highly ubiquitous genus including saprobic, parasitic, or endophytic fungi that inhabit a variety of environments. Species of this genus are...
is acknowledged as a highly ubiquitous genus including saprobic, parasitic, or endophytic fungi that inhabit a variety of environments. Species of this genus are extensively exploited in industrial, commercial, pharmaceutical, and biocontrol applications, and proved to be a rich source of novel and bioactive secondary metabolites. has been recognised as a taxonomically difficult group of ascomycetes, due to the reduced and high plasticity of morphological characters, wide ecological distribution and substrate range. Recent advances in molecular phylogenies, revealed that is highly polyphyletic and members of belong to at least three distinct orders of , of which numerous orders, families and genera with acremonium-like morphs remain undefined. To infer the phylogenetic relationships and establish a natural classification for acremonium-like taxa, systematic analyses were conducted based on a large number of cultures with a global distribution and varied substrates. A total of 633 cultures with acremonium-like morphology, including 261 ex-type cultures from 89 countries and a variety of substrates including soil, plants, fungi, humans, insects, air, and water were examined. An overview phylogenetic tree based on three loci (ITS, LSU, ) was generated to delimit the orders and families. Separate trees based on a combined analysis of four loci (ITS, LSU, , ) were used to delimit species at generic and family levels. Combined with the morphological features, host associations and ecological analyses, acremonium-like species evaluated in the present study are currently assigned to 63 genera, and 14 families in and , mainly in the families , and and five new hypocrealean families, namely , , , and . Among them, 17 new genera and 63 new combinations are proposed, with descriptions of 65 new species. Furthermore, one epitype and one neotype are designated to stabilise the taxonomy and use of older names. Results of this study demonstrated that most species of grouped in genera of , including the type . . A phylogenetic backbone tree is provided for , in which 183 species are recognised and 39 well-supported genera are resolved, including 10 new genera. Additionally, and are proposed as potential DNA barcodes for the identification of taxa in . L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. : L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, K. Fletcher, F.C. Küpper & P. van West, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Lechat & J. Fourn., L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai, Rämä & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Trichothecium hongkongense L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Malloch) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Tad. Ito .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Negroni) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Sigler ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Pers.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Summerb. ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams & Lodha) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Berk. & Broome) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Thirum. & Sukapure) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Malloch & Cain) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Malloch & Cain) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (C.A. Jørg.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Lechat & Gardiennet) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (P. Karst.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Berk. & Broome) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (R.F. Castañeda) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Sawada) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Jaap) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Samuels)L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (J.F. Li .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Fuckel) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Matr.)L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Gams & Sivasith.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Nicot) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams & Veenb.-Rijks) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Nicot) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (A. Giraldo ) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Petch) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams & J. Lacey) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; : (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (K.L. Pang .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams .) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; (C.H. Dickinson) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, (G. Sm.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. J.C. Schmidt ex Fr. Matr. Hou LW, Giraldo A, Groenewald JZ, Rämä T, Summerbell RC, Zang P, Cai L, Crous PW (2023). Redisposition of acremonium-like fungi in . : 23-203. doi: 10.3114/sim.2023.105.02.
PubMed: 38895703
DOI: 10.3114/sim.2023.105.02 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024infections elicit strong humoral immune responses to two main groups of antigens expressed by blood-stage parasites: merozoite antigens that are involved in the...
infections elicit strong humoral immune responses to two main groups of antigens expressed by blood-stage parasites: merozoite antigens that are involved in the erythrocyte invasion process and variant surface antigens that mediate endothelial sequestration of infected erythrocytes. Long-lived B cells against both antigen classes can be detected in the circulation for years after exposure, but have not been directly compared. Here, we studied the phenotype of long-lived memory and atypical B cells to merozoite antigens (MSP1 and AMA1) and variant surface antigens (the CIDRα1 domain of PfEMP1) in Ugandan adults before and after local reduction of transmission. After a median of 1.7 years without infections, the percentage of antigen-specific activated B cells declined, but long-lived antigen-specific B cells were still detectable in all individuals. The majority of MSP1/AMA1-specific B cells were CD95CD11c memory B cells, which are primed for rapid differentiation into antibody-secreting cells, and FcRL5T-bet atypical B cells. On the other hand, most CIDRα1-specific B cells were CD95CD11c memory B cells. CIDRα1-specific B cells were also enriched among a subset of atypical B cells that seem poised for antigen presentation. These results point to differences in how these antigens are recognized or processed by the immune system and how -specific B cells will respond upon re-infection.
PubMed: 38895251
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.596978 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In this paper, a wide-band, low-profile antenna is presented for a high-integration phased array system. The proposed antenna, implemented using a tightly coupled array,...
In this paper, a wide-band, low-profile antenna is presented for a high-integration phased array system. The proposed antenna, implemented using a tightly coupled array, operates over roughly the X-K frequency band and is performant at 8 GHz-18.5 GHz. The antenna can scan to ±60 degrees in both the E- and H-planes. Compared to previous tightly coupled antennas with smaller element spacing, the antenna in this paper reaches 9.4 mm, which corresponds to 0.58 λ of high frequency, suitable for engineering application conditions in production. The antenna can be soldered to BGA T/R chips in this space. Additionally, to facilitate flexible assembly for large arrays, the antenna is manufactured modularly using four elements and its parasitic radiation is analyzed. Then, a method for repressing parasitic radiation is presented. Finally, the antenna is fabricated and measured in a microwave chamber, exhibiting an excellent pattern and scanning radiation. The measured performance agrees with the full-wave finite array simulations.
PubMed: 38894088
DOI: 10.3390/s24113295 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024In this paper, the characteristics of 40 so far described virophages-parasites of giant viruses-are given, and the similarities and differences between virophages and... (Review)
Review
Virophages, Satellite Viruses, Virophage Replication and Its Effects and Virophage Defence Mechanisms for Giant Virus Hosts and Giant Virus Defence Systems against Virophages.
In this paper, the characteristics of 40 so far described virophages-parasites of giant viruses-are given, and the similarities and differences between virophages and satellite viruses, which also, like virophages, require helper viruses for replication, are described. The replication of virophages taking place at a specific site-the viral particle factory of giant viruses-and its consequences are presented, and the defence mechanisms of virophages for giant virus hosts, as a protective action for giant virus hosts-protozoa and algae-are approximated. The defence systems of giant viruses against virophages were also presented, which are similar to the CRISPR/Cas defence system found in bacteria and in Archea. These facts, and related to the very specific biological features of virophages (specific site of replication, specific mechanisms of their defensive effects for giant virus hosts, defence systems in giant viruses against virophages), indicate that virophages, and their host giant viruses, are biological objects, forming a 'novelty' in biology.
Topics: Giant Viruses; Satellite Viruses; Virophages; Virus Replication; Gene Silencing
PubMed: 38892066
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115878 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Despite the precarious state of marine turtles as a highly endangered species, our understanding of their diseases remains limited. This case report presents a detailed...
Despite the precarious state of marine turtles as a highly endangered species, our understanding of their diseases remains limited. This case report presents a detailed pathological investigation of spirorchiidiasis, a blood fluke infection that poses a substantial threat to marine turtles. This retrospective study examined three cases of spirorchiid-infected sea turtles, specifically, green sea turtles stranded on Jeju Island, South Korea. Premortem examination of the three spirorchiid-infected green sea turtles demonstrated nonspecific clinical symptoms; blood analysis revealed dehydration, malnutrition, and anemia. Computed tomography scans provided insights into severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, including the mass present in the joint region. Post-mortem examinations consistently indicated severe lung lesions and systemic manifestations, with histopathological examination confirming the presence of spirorchiid ova across various organs. Despite the global prevalence of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles, disease severity varies regionally. This report provides a detailed demonstration of the pathology of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles from Northeast Asia.
PubMed: 38891758
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111711 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024is a generalist zoonotic parasite that involves a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and felines as definitive hosts. Recent studies have proved...
is a generalist zoonotic parasite that involves a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and felines as definitive hosts. Recent studies have proved significant positive associations between human population density and seroprevalence in wildlife. However, there is limited data regarding wildlife in urban areas, where the highest human density occurs. The present study aimed to analyse the exposure in urban hedgehogs from the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, NE Spain. One hundred eighteen hedgehogs were analysed for the presence of antibodies (modified agglutination test; n = 55) and parasite DNA (qPCR; heart = 34; brain = 60). Antibodies were detected in 69.09% of hedgehogs. DNA was not detected in any of the analysed samples. The present study reports a high seroprevalence in urban hedgehogs in areas surrounding Barcelona, the most densely human-populated area of NE Spain, reinforcing the association between human population density and environmental oocysts. The lack of detection by molecular techniques warrants more studies. In the last few decades, the distribution and abundance of European hedgehogs have declined, including their urban populations. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of on hedgehog populations.
PubMed: 38891643
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111596 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Fleas (Siphonaptera) are ectoparasitic hematophagous insects responsible for causing bites and itchy skin conditions in both humans and animals. Furthermore, they can...
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are ectoparasitic hematophagous insects responsible for causing bites and itchy skin conditions in both humans and animals. Furthermore, they can act as vectors of different pathogens of a wide variety of diseases worldwide, including bartonellosis, rickettsiosis, and bubonic plague. Accurate identification of fleas is necessary for the study of their epidemiology, prevention, and control. In addition to traditional morphological classification approaches and molecular biology techniques, geometric morphometrics is increasingly proving to be a useful complementary tool for discriminating between Siphonaptera taxa. With the objective of determining the capacity of this technique to identify and differentiate synanthropic fleas, a principal component analysis was carried out on populations of , , and collected in distinct regions of Andalusia (Spain). The analysis carried out on 81 male and female specimens revealed factorial maps that allowed the differentiation of the populations under study, with only partial overlaps that did not prevent their correct identification. Global size differences were also detected, with a slightly larger size in males and a bigger size in females. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the role of geometric morphometrics as a useful complementary technique in taxonomic studies of arthropods, especially in the case of flea specimens lacking representative morphological features.
PubMed: 38891629
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111582