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This study investigated the in vitro bioaccessibility of aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, lead, selenium, and zinc in three important species of farmed insects: the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Results show that all three insect species constitute excellent sources of essential elements (Fe, Cu and Zn) for the human diet, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance, i.e., 10%, 50%, and 92%, respectively. A higher accumulation of Se (≥1.4 mg Se/kg) was observed with increasing exposure concentration in A. domesticus, showing the possibility of using insects as a supplements for this element. The presence of Al and Fe nanoparticles was confirmed in all three species using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The results also indicate that Fe bioaccessibility declines with increasing Fe-nanoparticle concentration. These findings contribute to increase the nutritional and toxicological insights of farmed insects.
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Alumínio , Gryllidae , Ferro , Tenebrio , Oligoelementos , Animais , Oligoelementos/análise , Oligoelementos/metabolismo , Ferro/análise , Ferro/metabolismo , Gryllidae/metabolismo , Gryllidae/química , Tenebrio/química , Tenebrio/metabolismo , Alumínio/análise , Alumínio/metabolismo , Alumínio/química , Gafanhotos/química , Gafanhotos/metabolismo , Disponibilidade Biológica , Nanopartículas/química , Humanos , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Nanopartículas Metálicas/análise , Insetos Comestíveis/química , Insetos Comestíveis/metabolismo , Insetos/química , Insetos/metabolismoRESUMO
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by mosquito bites and causes chikungunya fever (CHIKF). CHIKV has a single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to a single serotype with three genotypes. The Asian lineage has recently emerged in the Western Hemisphere, likely due to travel-associated introduction. Genetic variation accumulates in the CHIKV genome as the virus replicates, creating new lineages. Whole genome sequencing is ideal for studying virus evolution and spread but is expensive and complex. This study investigated whether specific, highly variable regions of the CHIKV genome could recapitulate the phylogeny obtained with a complete coding sequence (CDS). Our results revealed that concatenated highly variable regions accurately reconstructed CHIKV phylogeny, exhibiting statistically indistinguishable branch lengths and tree confidence compared to CDS. In addition, these regions adequately inferred the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates from the American outbreak with similar results to the CDS. This finding suggests that highly variable regions can effectively capture the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates, offering a simpler approach for future studies. This approach could be particularly valuable for large-scale surveillance efforts.
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Febre de Chikungunya , Vírus Chikungunya , Variação Genética , Genoma Viral , Filogenia , Vírus Chikungunya/genética , Vírus Chikungunya/classificação , Vírus Chikungunya/isolamento & purificação , Febre de Chikungunya/virologia , Humanos , Genótipo , Sequenciamento Completo do Genoma/métodos , Evolução Molecular , Genômica/métodos , Fases de Leitura Aberta , Animais , RNA Viral/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Complete posterior atlantoaxial dislocation (PAAD) with an unfractured odontoid process is a rare condition where a dislocated but intact odontoid process is positioned ventrally to the anterior arch of C1. This lesion is related to transverse and alar ligament rupture secondary to hyperextension and rotatory traumatic injury and is often associated with neurological deficit. The treatment strategy remains controversial, and in many cases, odontoidectomy is required. Traditional approaches for odontoidectomy (transnasal and transoral) are technically demanding and are related to several complications. This article describes a 360° reduction and stabilization technique through a navigated anterior full-endoscopic transcervical approach (nAFETA) as a novel technique for odontoidectomy and C1-C2 anterior transarticular fixation supplemented with posterior fusion. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency room by ambulance after a motorcycle accident. On evaluation, incomplete ASIA B spinal cord injury was documented. Imaging revealed a complete PAAD. We performed a two-staged procedure, a nAFETA odontoidectomy plus C1-C2 anterior transarticular fixation followed by posterior C1-C2 wired fusion. At a 2-year follow-up, the patient had a 10-point Oswestry Disability Index score and neurological improvement to ASIA E. CONCLUSION: PAAD can be successfully treated through minimally invasive nAFETA. Noteworthy, the risks of the transoral and endonasal routes were avoided through this approach. In addition, nAFETA allows anterior transarticular fixation during the same procedure providing spinal stability. Further studies are required to expand the use of nAFETA in this field.
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Dengue is a significant disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. The disease is caused by four virus (DENV) serotypes and is transmitted to humans by female Aedes aegypti mosquito bites infected with the virus and vertically to their progeny. Current strategies to control dengue transmission focus on the vector. In this study, we describe an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), using a monoclonal antibody against the non-structural dengue virus protein 1 (NS1), to detect DENV2 in Ae. aegypti eggs. The assay detects NS1 in eggs homogenates with 87.5% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity and it is proposed as a tool for the routine entomovirological surveillance of DENV 2 in field mosquito populations.
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Throughout its lifecycle, Entamoeba histolytica encounters a variety of stressful conditions. This parasite possesses Heat Shock Response Elements (HSEs) which are crucial for regulating the expression of various genes, aiding in its adaptation and survival. These HSEs are regulated by Heat Shock Transcription Factors (EhHSTFs). Our research has identified seven such factors in the parasite, designated as EhHSTF1 through to EhHSTF7. Significantly, under heat shock conditions and in the presence of the antiamoebic compound emetine, EhHSTF5, EhHSTF6, and EhHSTF7 show overexpression, highlighting their essential role in gene response to these stressors. Currently, only EhHSTF7 has been confirmed to recognize the HSE as a promoter of the EhPgp5 gene (HSE_EhPgp5), leaving the binding potential of the other EhHSTFs to HSEs yet to be explored. Consequently, our study aimed to examine, both in vitro and in silico, the oligomerization, and binding capabilities of the recombinant EhHSTF5 protein (rEhHSTF5) to HSE_EhPgp5. The in vitro results indicate that the oligomerization of rEhHSTF5 is concentration-dependent, with its dimeric conformation showing a higher affinity for HSE_EhPgp5 than its monomeric state. In silico analysis suggests that the alpha 3 α-helix (α3-helix) of the DNA-binding domain (DBD5) of EhHSTF5 is crucial in binding to the major groove of HSE, primarily through hydrogen bonding and salt-bridge interactions. In summary, our results highlight the importance of oligomerization in enhancing the affinity of rEhHSTF5 for HSE_EhPgp5 and demonstrate its ability to specifically recognize structural motifs within HSE_EhPgp5. These insights significantly contribute to our understanding of one of the potential molecular mechanisms employed by this parasite to efficiently respond to various stressors, thereby enabling successful adaptation and survival within its host environment.
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Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP , Entamoeba histolytica , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas , Proteínas de Protozoários , Sítios de Ligação , Simulação por Computador , Entamoeba histolytica/genética , Entamoeba histolytica/metabolismo , Resposta ao Choque Térmico/genética , Ligação Proteica , Multimerização Proteica , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Proteínas de Protozoários/química , Elementos de Resposta , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/química , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/genética , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/metabolismoRESUMO
Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis, is the third leading cause of death among parasitic diseases globally. Its life cycle includes encystation, which has been mostly studied in Entamoeba invadens, responsible for reptilian amebiasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully understood. Therefore, we focused on the identification and characterization of Myb proteins, which regulate the expression of encystation-related genes in various protozoan parasites. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified 48 genes in E. invadens encoding MYB-domain-containing proteins. These were classified into single-repeat 1R (20), 2R-MYB proteins (27), and one 4R-MYB protein. The in-silico analysis suggests that these proteins are multifunctional, participating in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, telomere maintenance, and splicing. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed expression signatures of eimyb genes, suggesting a potential orchestration in the regulation of early and late encystation-excystation genes. Furthermore, we identified probable target genes associated with reproduction, the meiotic cell cycle, ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism, and endosomal transport. In conclusion, our findings suggest that E. invadens Myb proteins regulate stage-specific proteins and a wide array of cellular processes. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms governing encystation and unveils potential targets for therapeutic intervention in amebiasis.
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Amebíase , Entamoeba histolytica , Entamoeba , Humanos , Entamoeba/genética , Entamoeba/metabolismo , Entamoeba histolytica/genética , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Regulação da Expressão GênicaRESUMO
To determine the role that the IL-4/IL13 receptor plays in the development of alternatively activated macrophages (AAM or M2) and their role in the regulation of immunity to the extraintestinal phase of the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps, we followed the infection in a mouse strain lacking the IL-4Rα gene (IL-4Rα-/-) and in the macrophage/neutrophil-specific IL-4Rα-deficient mouse strain (LysMcreIL-4Rα-/lox or cre/LoxP). While 100% of T. crassiceps-infected IL-4Rα+/+ (WT) mice harbored large parasite loads, more than 50% of th eIL-4Rα-/- mice resolved the infection. Approximately 88% of the LysMcreIL-4Rα-/lox mice displayed a sterilizing immunity to the infection. The remaining few infected cre/LoxP mice displayed the lowest number of larvae in their peritoneal cavity. The inability of the WT mice to control the infection was associated with antigen-specific Th2-type responses with higher levels of IgG1, IL-4, IL-13, and total IgE, reduced NO production, and increased arginase activity. In contrast, IL-4Rα-/- semi-resistant mice showed a Th1/Th2 combined response. Furthermore, macrophages from the WT mice displayed higher transcripts for Arginase-1 and RELM-α, as well as increased expression of PD-L2 with robust suppressive activity over anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated T cells; all of these features are associated with the AAM or M2 macrophage phenotype. In contrast, both the IL-4Rα-/- and LysMcreIL-4Rα-/lox mice did not fully develop AAM or display suppressive activity over CD3/CD28 stimulated T cells, reducing PDL2 expression. Additionally, T-CD8+ but no T-CD4+ cells showed a suppressive phenotype with increased Tim-3 and PD1 expression in WT and IL-4Rα-/-, which were absent in T. crassiceps-infected LysMcreIL-4Rα-/lox mice. These findings demonstrate a critical role for the IL-4 signaling pathway in sustaining AAM and its suppressive activity during cysticercosis, suggesting a pivotal role for AAM in favoring susceptibility to T. crassiceps infection. Thus, the absence of these suppressor cells is one of the leading mechanisms to control experimental cysticercosis successfully.
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Resumen: El pueblo Kankuamo es uno de los 102 pueblos originarios de Colombia, que se encuentran en el proceso de desarrollo de estrategias para la autogestión de salud individual y colectiva. Este artículo tiene como objetivo investigar, identificar y analizar, de forma colaborativa e intercultural, los factores que influyen en el bienestar del pueblo Kankuamo, utilizando el Enfoque de Capacidades propuesto por Amartya Sen. Con este fin, se llevaron a cabo tres grupos focales con la participación de 37 personas de las 15 comunidades del resguardo Kankuamo. Las transcripciones fueron analizadas mediante un análisis temático. De los grupos focales surgieron tres temas centrales para el bienestar de los Kankuamo: (i) armonía entre la naturaleza y los seres humanos, (ii) convivencia social y (iii) autodeterminación. Estos temas reflejan los principios y valores fundamentales que guían a la comunidad hacia el bienestar, la expansión de sus capacidades, la armonía y el desarrollo integral. Los resultados sugieren que los aspectos materiales desempeñan un papel secundario en el concepto de bienestar de la comunidad Kankuamo, y además confirman que es fundamental considerar una visión colectiva de capacidades, no solo individuales, en contextos indígenas. Estudios como este pueden contribuir al desarrollo de enfoques más contextualmente apropiados para evaluar y medir la calidad de vida y el bienestar de las comunidades indígenas, incluyendo el pueblo Kankuamo.
Abstract: The Kankuamo people are one of the 102 native peoples of Colombia, who are developing strategies for individual and collective health self-management. This article aims to investigate, identify and analyze, collaboratively and interculturally, the factors that influence the well-being of the Kankuamo people, using the Capabilities Approach proposed by Amartya Sen. To this end, three focus groups were conducted with the participation of 37 people from the 15 communities of the Kankuamo reservation. The transcripts were analyzed by means of a thematic analysis. Three central themes for the well-being of the Kankuamo emerged from the focus groups: (i) harmony between nature and human beings, (ii) social coexistence and (iii) self-determination. These themes reflect the fundamental principles and values that guide the community towards a good life, expansion of their capabilities, harmony and holistic development. The results suggest that material aspects play a secondary role in the Kankuamo community's concept of good life, and confirm that it is fundamental to consider a collective vision of capabilities, not only individual ones, in indigenous contexts. Studies such as this one can contribute to the development of more contextually appropriate approaches to assess and measure the quality of life and well-being of Indigenous communities, including the Kankuamo people.
Resumo: O povo Kankuamo é um dos 102 povos indígenas da Colômbia que estão em processo de desenvolvimento de estratégias para a autogestão da saúde individual e coletiva. Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar, identificar e analisar, de forma colaborativa e intercultural, os fatores que influenciam o bem-estar do povo Kankuamo, usando a Abordagem de Capacidades proposta por Amartya Sen. Para isso, foram realizados três grupos focais com a participação de 37 pessoas das 15 comunidades da reserva Kankuamo. Análise temática foi usada nas transcrições. Três temas centrais para o bem-estar dos Kankuamo emergiram dos grupos focais: (i) harmonia entre a natureza e os seres humanos, (ii) coexistência social e (iii) autodeterminação. Esses temas refletem os princípios e valores fundamentais que orientam a comunidade para o bem-estar, a expansão de suas capacidades, a harmonia e o desenvolvimento integral. Os resultados sugerem que os aspectos materiais desempenham um papel secundário no conceito de bem-estar da comunidade Kankuamo e confirmam ainda que é essencial considerar uma visão coletiva das capacidades, e não apenas individual, em contextos indígenas. Estudos como este podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de abordagens mais adequadas ao contexto para avaliar e medir a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar das comunidades indígenas, incluindo o povo Kankuamo.
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Resumen: Introducción: el bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la espina (ESPB, por sus siglas en inglés) es un procedimiento seguro, en teoría menos exigente que las técnicas convencionales de anestesia regional torácica. Se utiliza para el tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. En la revisión de la literatura, no se encontraron informes de su uso como una técnica única en el dolor agudo de fractura de escápula. Presentación de caso: se reporta un caso clínico de ESPB como técnica experimental para el control del dolor postoperatorio agudo en fracturas de la escápula con aplicación a nivel T2. Se llevó a cabo postoperatorio con disminución de dolor después de 10 minutos de realizado, con una calificación de cero en la escala análoga del dolor. En este caso el ESPB fue realizado en el postoperatorio inmediato, con lo que se logró una disminución total del dolor a los 10 minutos, con posterior control de dolor a las 36 horas. Conclusión: este caso muestra la efectividad de ESPB como técnica experimental para control de dolor postoperatorio en fractura de escápula.
Abstract: Introduction: the erector spine plane block (ESPB) is a safe procedure, technically is less demanding than conventional thoracic regional anesthesia techniques. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. In the literature review, no reports of its use as a single technique in the acute pain of scapula fracture were found. Case presentation: ESPB is reported in a case as an experimental technique for controlling acute postoperative pain in scapula fractures with an application at the T2 level. It was performed postoperatively with a decrease in pain after 10 minutes and a score of zero on the analog pain scale. In this case, the ESPB was performed in the immediate postoperative period, achieving a total decrease in pain at 10 minutes, with subsequent pain control at 36 hours. Conclusion: this case shows the effectiveness of ESPB as an experimental technique for postoperative pain control in scapula fractures.
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BACKGROUND: Colombia has experienced decades of conflict between the government and non-state actors. Attacks on healthcare have been a grave but regular facet of that violence. In response, the Misión Médica (MM) program was developed to support, protect, and defend healthcare. Sporadic violence continues, with many recent attacks perpetrated not by armed actors but by residents. Given the history of conflict and ongoing violence, we sought to capture the perspectives of both healthcare workers (HCWs) and community members (CMs) regarding the characteristics and impacts of attacks on health in Colombia to gain insight into how to better prevent violence and mitigate its impacts. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2021 in seven departments in Colombia in regions that witnessed attacks on healthcare. Questionnaires were administered to HCWs and CMs via purposive sampling, probing their experiences with attacks on health with both closed and open-ended questions. The categorical responses were stratified by health worker vs. non-health worker and descriptively analyzed. Narrative responses were analyzed via a hybrid deductive/inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Seventy-three individuals participated in the study (36 HCWs and 37 cm). Approximately 77% of HCWs believed that attacks on healthcare impacted health outcomes while 68% of CMs did not see a direct connection between violence against healthcare and poor health outcomes. Awareness of the MM program was significantly different between HCWs (83.3%) and CMs (37.8%). The survey responses explored the characteristics of attacks on health, compounded impacts of violence on the health system, personal impacts, and perspectives on mitigation efforts. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that: (1) attacks on healthcare are context-dependent and require a local lens for mitigation and management; (2) both HCWs and CMs have critical perspectives that must be considered, (3) the impacts of violence against healthcare are complex and compounded and (4) that awareness of the legal protections of the Geneva Conventions must be combined with education on the health impacts for robust protection strategies. Critically, Both CMs and HCWs experience fear and psychosocial ramifications of these attacks, suggesting the need for stronger protections and resources to support the health workforce and the local community.