Sustained Reduction of the Dengue Vector Population Resulting from an Integrated Control Strategy Applied in Two Brazilian Cities

Aedes aegypti has developed evolution-driven adaptations for surviving in the domestic human habitat. Several trap models have been designed considering these strategies and tested for monitoring this efficient vector of Dengue. Here, we report a real-scale evaluation of a system for monitoring and controlling mosquito populations based on egg sampling coupled with geographic information systems technology. The SMCP-Aedes, a system based on open technology and open data standards, was set up from March/2008 to October/2011 as a pilot trial in two sites of Pernambuco -Brazil: Ipojuca (10,000 residents) and Santa Cruz (83,000), in a joint effort of health authorities and staff, and a network of scientists providing scientific support. A widespread infestation by Aedes was found in both sites in 2008–2009, with 96.8%–100% trap positivity. Egg densities were markedly higher in SCC than in Ipojuca. A 90% decrease in egg density was recorded in SCC after two years of sustained control pressure imposed by suppression of >7,500,000 eggs and >3,200 adults, plus larval control by adding fishes to cisterns. In Ipojuca, 1.1 million mosquito eggs were suppressed and a 77% reduction in egg density was achieved. This study aimed at assessing the applicability of a system using GIS and spatial statistic analysis tools for quantitative assessment of mosquito populations. It also provided useful information on the requirements for reducing well-established mosquito populations. Results from two cities led us to conclude that the success in markedly reducing an Aedes population required the appropriate choice of control measures for sustained mass elimination guided by a user-friendly mosquito surveillance system. The system was able to support interventional decisions and to assess the program’s success. Additionally, it created a stimulating environment for health staff and residents, which had a positive impact on their commitment to the dengue control program.     

Cell recruitment and cytokines in skin mice sensitized with the vaccine adjuvants: saponin, incomplete Freund's adjuvant, and monophosphoryl lipid A

Vaccine adjuvants are substances associated with antigens that are fundamental to the formation of an intense, durable, and fast immune response. In this context, the use of vaccine adjuvants to generate an effective cellular immune response is crucial for the design and development of vaccines against visceral leishmaniasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate innate inflammatory response induced by the vaccine adjuvants saponin (SAP), incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA), and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). After a single dose of adjuvant was injected into the skin of mice, we analyzed inflammatory reaction, selective cell migration, and cytokine production at the injection site, and inflammatory cell influx in the peripheral blood. We found that all vaccine adjuvants were able to promote cell recruitment to the site without tissue damage. In addition, they induced selective migration of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The influx of neutrophils was notable at 12 h in all groups, but at other time points it was most evident after inoculation with SAP. With regard to cytokines, the SAP led to production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-4. IFA promoted production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-10. We also observed that MPL induced high production of IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, in addition to IL-6, IL-17, and IL-10. In peripheral blood, values of certain cell populations in the local response changed after stimulation. Our data demonstrate that the three vaccine adjuvants stimulate the early events of innate immune response at the injection site, suggesting their ability to increase the immunogenicity of co-administered antigens. Moreover, this work provides relevant information about elements of innate and acquired immune response induced by vaccine adjuvants administered alone.     

Cyclodextrin production and genetic characterization of cyclodextrin glucanotranferase of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paenibacillus graminis</Emphasis>

Paenibacillus graminis strains were described recently as cyclodextrin (CD) producers. Cyclodextrins are produced by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) which has not been characterized in P. graminis. Similar amounts of α- and β-CDs were produced by P. graminis (MC22.13) and P. macerans (LMD24.10^T). Primers were designed to sequence the gene encoding CGTase from P. graminis. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and P. graminis CGTase protein showed to be closer (79.4% protein identity) to P. macerans |P31835|. Hybridization studies suggested that the gene encoding CGTase is located in different positions in the genomes of P. macerans and P. graminis.     

Importance of N2-Fixation on the Productivity at the North-Western Azores Current/Front System,and the Abundance of Diazotrophic Unicellular Cyanobacteria

To understand the impact of the northwestern Azores Current Front (NW-AzC/AzF) system on HCO₃⁻-and N₂-fixation activities and unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (UCYN) distribution, we combined geochemical and biological approaches from the oligotrophic surface to upper mesopelagic waters. N₂-fixation was observed to sustain 45–85% of the HCO₃⁻-fixation in the picoplanktonic fraction performing 47% of the total C-fixation at the deep chlorophyll maximum north and south of the AzF. N₂-fixation rates as high as 10.9 μmol N m^-3 d^-1 and surface nitrate δ¹⁵N as low as 2.7‰ were found in the warm (18–24°C), most saline (36.5–37.0) and least productive waters south of the AzF, where UCYN were the least abundant. However, picoplanktonic UCYN abundances up to 55 cells mL^-1 were found at 45–200m depths in the coolest nutrient-rich waters north of the AzF. In this area, N₂-fixation rates up to 4.5 μmol N m^-3 d^-1 were detected, associated with depth-integrated H¹³CO₃⁻-fixation rates at least 50% higher than observed south of the AzF. The numerous eddies generated at the NW-AzC/AzF seem to enhance exchanges of plankton between water masses, as well as vertical and horizontal diapycnal diffusion of nutrients, whose increase probably enhances the growth of diazotrophs and the productivity of C-fixers.     

Anti-Sporothrix Antibody Detection in Domestic Cats as an Indicator of a Possible New Occurrence Area for Sporotrichosis in North Brazil

Mycopathologia - Feline sporotrichosis has emerged as an important public health issue in some countries, especially Brazil. Currently, zoonotic transmission of Sporothrix brasiliensis by domestic...     

The impact of management practices and past demographic history on the genetic diversity of red deer (Cervus elaphus): an assessment of population and individual fitness

The influences of management practices and past demographic history on genetic diversity are of critical relevance to sustainable practices and the conservation of wildlife populations. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is an interesting model species to address these questions because it has a wide geographical distribution and it has been intensively managed for humans in the last decades. In the present study, we have analyzed the impact of recent management practices on the genetic diversity of Iberian red deer populations and assessed the genetic variation effects on population and individual fitness‐related traits. Four populations subjected to distinct management systems were selected: Cabañeros (CB) and Doñana (DN), not hunted populations; Fraga/Caspe (FG/CP), open hunting area with very low or absent management; and PE, fenced private hunting estate founded 31 years ago through the introduction of deer of different origins. Ten microsatellites were amplified in a total of 172 individuals. Additionally, several fitness‐related traits such as the presence of tuberculosis compatible lesions (TBCL), spleen weight (SW), and body length (BL) were estimated. We found a marked genetic variation and differentiation among populations, suggesting a strong population structure. In the fenced population, the introduction of genetically distinct animals has led to high genetic variability (no evidence of inbreeding) despite intensive management. Lower levels of genetic diversity were observed in two historically isolated natural populations (DN and FG/CP). The past demographic history of Iberian populations appears to be more relevant than the current management policy in shaping the genetic variability of natural populations. Population genetic diversity may correlate with life‐history traits and disease susceptibility, which could compromise the conservation and management of these wildlife populations. Although no significant effects of individual genetic diversity (general and local effect hypotheses) were observed on TBCL, SW and BL, some single‐locus effects had almost significant trends for the TBCL and SW traits. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111 , 209–223.     

FOXP3 and CTLA4 overexpression in multiple myeloma bone marrow as a sign of accumulation of CD4+ T regulatory cells

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) development involves a series of genetic abnormalities and changes in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, favoring the growth of the tumor and failure of local immune control. T regulatory (Treg) cells play an important role in dampening anti-tumor immune responses while T-helper-17 (Th17) cells seem to be critical for the eradication of malignant cells. The aim of our study was to characterize the expression of Treg- and Th17-related genes in total myeloma BM samples to assess their role as biomarkers, prognostic factors, and possible therapeutic targets in this incurable disease.

Methods

Expression of markers for Treg (FOXP3, CTLA4) and Th17 cells (RORγt) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in BM aspirates of 46 MM patients, four patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, five solitary plasmacytomas, and five healthy BM donors. Gene expression was evaluated regarding an influence on the patients’ overall survival (OS).

Results

FOXP3 and CTLA4 presented a sixfold (p = 0.02) and 30-fold higher expression (p = 0.03), respectively, in MM patients than in controls. RORγt expression was similar in MM patients and controls. Median OS of MM patients was 16.8 (range 4.5–29.1) months, and international staging system was the only independent prognostic factor for patients survival.

Conclusions

Overexpression of FOXP3 and CTLA4 in total BM samples suggests a local accumulation of immunosuppressive Tregs, the MM tumor environment, possibly dampening anti-tumor host immune responses. Therapeutic approaches targeting Treg cells and restoring local anti-tumor immunity may provide new treatment strategies for this incurable malignancy.