Carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter spp. isolated in Spain from 2013 to 2015 produced a variety of carbapenemases including VIM-1, OXA-48, KPC-2, NDM-1 and VIM-2

Objectives: There is little information about carbapenemase-producing (CP) Citrobacter spp.We studied the molecular epidemiology and microbiological features of CP Citrobacter spp. isolates collected in Spain (2013-15). Methods: In total, 119 isolates suspected of being CP by the EUCAST screening cut-off values were analysed. Carbapenemases and ESBLs were characterized using PCR and sequencing. The genetic relationship among Citrobacter freundii isolates was studied by PFGE. Results: Of the 119 isolates, 63 (52.9%) produced carbapenemases, of which 37 (58.7%) produced VIM-1, 20 (31.7%) produced OXA-48, 12 (19%) produced KPC-2, 2 (3.2%) produced NDM-1 and 1 (1.6%) produced VIM- 2; 9 C. freundii isolates co-produced VIM-1 plus OXA-48. Fourteen isolates (22.2%) also carried ESBLs: 8 CTX-M-9 plus SHV-12, 2 CTX-M-9, 2 SHV-12 and 2 CTX-M-15. Fifty-seven isolates (90.5%) were C. freundii, 4 (6.3%) were Citrobacter koseri, 1 (1.6%) was Citrobacter amalonaticus and 1 (1.6%) was Citrobacter braakii. By EUCAST breakpoints, eight (12.7%) of the CP isolates were susceptible to the four carbapenems tested. In the 53 CP C. freundii analysed by PFGE, a total of 44 different band patterns were observed. Four PFGE clusters were identified: cluster 1 included eight isolates co-producing VIM-1 and OXA-48; blaVIM-1 was carried in a class 1 integron (intI-blaVIM-1 - aacA4-dfrB1-aadA1-catB2-qacE¿1/sul1) and blaOXA-48 was carried in a Tn1999.2 transposon. Conclusions: We observed the clonal and polyclonal spread of CP Citrobacter spp. across several Spanish geographical areas. Four species of Citrobacter spp. produced up to five carbapenemase types, including coproduction of VIM-1 plus OXA-48. Some CP Citrobacter spp. isolates were susceptible to the four carbapenems tested, a finding with potential clinical implications

Plastic pollution transcends marine protected area boundaries in the eastern tropical and south-eastern Pacific

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordData availability: Our dataset is fully available within the Supplementary Information.The Eastern Tropical and South-Eastern Pacific region is of global biodiversity importance. At COP26, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador committed to the expansion of existing MPAs to create a new Mega MPA, safeguarding the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. It offers a profound step forward in conservation efforts but is not specifically designed to protect against the more diffuse anthropogenic threats, such as plastic pollution. We combine published data with our own unpublished records to assess the abundance and distribution of plastic pollution in the region. Macro- and microplastic concentrations varied markedly and were not significantly different when comparing areas inside and outside existing MPA boundaries. These findings highlight the diffuse and complex nature of plastic pollution and its ubiquitous presence across MPA boundaries. Understanding the sources and drivers of plastic pollution in the region is key to developing effective solutions.UK Global Challenges Resource Fund (GCRF)Galapagos Conservation Trus

The Biochemical and Cellular Basis for Nutraceutical Strategies to Attenuate Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease

Future therapeutic intervention that could effectively decelerate the rate of degeneration within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) could add years of mobility and reduce morbidity associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Neurodegenerative decline associated with PD is distinguished by extensive damage to SNc dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons and decay of the striatal tract. While genetic mutations or environmental toxins can precipitate pathology, progressive degenerative succession involves a gradual decline in DA neurotransmission/synaptic uptake, impaired oxidative glucose consumption, a rise in striatal lactate and chronic inflammation. Nutraceuticals play a fundamental role in energy metabolism and signaling transduction pathways that control neurotransmission and inflammation. However, the use of nutritional supplements to slow the progression of PD has met with considerable challenge and has thus far proven unsuccessful. This review re-examines precipitating factors and insults involved in PD and how nutraceuticals can affect each of these biological targets. Discussed are disease dynamics (Sections 1 and 2) and natural substances, vitamins and minerals that could impact disease processes (Section 3). Topics include nutritional influences on α-synuclein aggregation, ubiquitin proteasome function, mTOR signaling/lysosomal-autophagy, energy failure, faulty catecholamine trafficking, DA oxidation, synthesis of toxic DA-quinones, o-semiquinones, benzothiazolines, hyperhomocyseinemia, methylation, inflammation and irreversible oxidation of neuromelanin. In summary, it is clear that future research will be required to consider the multi-faceted nature of this disease and re-examine how and why the use of nutritional multi-vitamin-mineral and plant-based combinations could be used to slow the progression of PD, if possible

Efecto de los antimaláricos sobre los diferentes dominios del índice de daño SLICC en pacientes de la cohorte GLADEL

Objetivos: estimar el efecto de los antimaláricos (AM) sobre los diferentes dominios del índice de daño SLICC (SDI). Métodos: se estudiaron pacientes con diagnóstico clínico reciente (≤2 años) de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) de la cohorte GLADEL

The white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) is a naturally susceptible definitive host for the zoonotic nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Costa Rica.

Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Strongylida, Angiostrongylidae) is a roundworm of rodents, which may cause a severe or fatal zoonosis in several countries of the Americas. A single report indicated that the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), acts as a potential free-ranging wildlife reservoir. Here we investigated the prevalence and features of A. costaricensis infection in two procyonid species, the white-nosed coati and the raccoon (Procyon lotor) from Costa Rica to better understand their possible role in the epidemiology of this zoonotic infection. Eighteen of 32 (56.2%) white-nosed coatis collected between July 2010 and March 2016 were infected with A. costaricensis but none of 97 raccoons from the same localities were diagnosed with this infection. First-stage larvae of A. costaricensis were obtained from feces of 17 fresh white-nosed coati carcasses by Baermann technique. Parasite identity was confirmed by morphology, histology and molecular characterization of target genes. These data demonstrate that the white-nosed coati is a naturally susceptible definitive host for A. costaricensis in Costa Rica contrary to findings in the raccoon

First report of a naturally patent infection of Angiostrongylus costaricensis in a dog

Angiostrongylus costaricensis is the zoonotic agent of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in several countries in North and South America. Rodents are recognized as the main definitive hosts of A. costaricensis, but other wildlife species can develop patent infections. Although, several human cases have been described in the literature, the role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of the infection is not clear. Here we review the literature available on A. costaricensis in mammals and describe the first confirmed fatal case of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in a 4-month-old dog, presented with intestinal perforation, peritonitis and faecal shedding of first-stage larvae. Parasite identity was confirmed by morphology, histology and molecular characterization of target genes. This is the first record of a naturally infected dog acting as a definitive host for A. costaricensis. These data suggest that dogs may potentially spread this parasite in urbanized areas

DISTRIBUCIÓN ESPACIAL Y TEMPORAL DE LA RABIA CANINA EN LA HABANA DURANTE EL PERIODO 2009-2018

Canine rabies is a current health problem, very important for public health, livestock production and the economy. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatio-temporal distribution of canine rabies in the period 2009-2018 in Havana, Cuba. A descriptive, retrospective, passive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. For the statistical analysis, the Epidat software, version 3.1, based on a Microsoft Excel matrix, was used. The epidemiological indicators were determined: prevalence of cases, monthly time series and cumulative trend of outbreaks. While, for the spatial analysis, the geographic coordinates were calculated from the centroid of each municipality. For visualization, the QGIS version 3.0.1 program and the GEOCUBA cartographic bases were used. The comparison of proportions was made for the positive cases between the peripheral and central areas, which were graphed in the statistical package BlueSky Statistics version 6.0.7. As a result, it was obtained that the highest population density of canines/km2 is found in the group of municipalities 10 of October - Centro Habana-Habana Vieja; followed in decreasing order by the West group (La Lisa-Playa-Marianao-Regla) and the lowest population density in the Cotorro-Guanabacoa-Habana del Este group. Highly significant proportions of foci were revealed in the peripheral geographical areas, compared to the central ones. It was shown in the monthly time series of rabies foci, a parallel behavior in time from 2009 to 2013, with an increase between February 2014 and October 2015, and a peak in the month of August, in addition there was a decrease in the month of November 2018. It is concluded that there is a trend towards significant variations in the spatial and temporal distribution of canine rabies in Havana in the period 2009-2018. Keywords: epidemiology - hydrophobia - lyssavirus - dogs - zoonosisLa rabia canina es un problema de salud vigente, muy importante para la salud pública, la producción ganadera y la economía. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la distribución espacio-temporal de la rabia canina en el periodo 2009-2018 en La Habana, Cuba. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo de forma pasiva y de corte transversal. Para el análisis estadístico se empleó el software Epidat, versión 3.1, basado en matriz de Microsoft Excel. Se determinaron los indicadores epidemiológicos: prevalencia de casos, serie temporal mensual y tendencia acumulada de focos. Mientras que, para el análisis espacial, se calcularon las coordenadas geográficas a partir del centroide de cada municipio. Para la visualización se utilizó el programa QGIS versión 3.0.1 y las bases cartográficas de GEOCUBA. Se realizó la comparación de proporciones para los casos positivos entre las áreas periféricas y centrales, las que se graficaron en el paquete estadístico BlueSky Statistics versión 6.0.7. Como resultado se obtuvo que la mayor densidad poblacional de caninos/km2 se encuentra en el conjunto de los municipios 10 de Octubre - Centro Habana-Habana Vieja; seguido en orden decreciente del conjunto del Oeste (La Lisa-Playa-Marianao-Regla) y la menor densidad poblacional en el grupo Cotorro-Guanabacoa-Habana del Este. Se reveló proporciones altamente significativas de focos en las áreas geográficas periféricas, respecto a las centrales. Se mostró en la serie temporal mensual de focos rábicos, un comportamiento paralelo en el tiempo desde el año 2009 hasta el 2013, con incremento entre febrero de 2014 hasta octubre de 2015, y un pico en el mes de agosto, además hubo una disminución en el mes de noviembre del 2018. Se concluye que existe una tendencia a variaciones significativas en la distribución espacial y temporal de la rabia canina en La Habana en el periodo 2009-2018. Palabras clave: epidemiología - hidrofobia - lyssavirus - perros - zoonosi

Integrating morphological and genetic data at different spatial scales in a cosmopolitan marine turtle species: challenges for management and conservation

Patterns of genetic structure in highly mobile marine vertebrates may be accompanied by phenotypic variation. Most studies in marine turtles focused on population genetic structure have been performed at rookeries. We studied whether genetic and morphological variation of the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is consistent geographically, focusing on foraging grounds. An association between population genetic structure and body shape variation at broad (inter-lineage) and fine (foraging grounds) scales was predicted and analysed using mitochondrial DNA and geometric morphometrics. Although genetic and phenotypic differentiation patterns were congruent between lineages, no fine-scale association was found, suggesting adaptive divergence. Connectivity among Pacific foraging grounds found here suggests that temperatures of ocean surface currents may influence the genetic structure of\ua0C. mydas\ua0on a broad scale. Our results suggest that vicariance, dispersal, life-history traits and ecological conditions operating in foraging grounds have shaped the intraspecific morphology and genetic diversity of this species. Considering a range of geographic and temporal scales is useful when management strategies are required for cosmopolitan species. Integrating morphological and genetic tools at different spatial scales, conservation management is proposed based on protection of neutral and adaptive diversity. This approach opens new questions and challenges, especially regarding conservation genetics in cosmopolitan species

The number of flares patients experience impacts on damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort

Purpose To determine the association between the number of flares systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience and damage accrual, independently of other known risk factors. Methods SLE patients (34 centres, nine Latin American countries) with a recent diagnosis (≤2 years) and ≥3 evaluations were studied. Disease activity was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and damage with the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI). Flare was defined as an increase ≥4 points in the SLEDAI between two study visits. An ambidirectional case- crossover design was used to determine the association between the number of flares and damage accrual. Results 901 patients were eligible for the study; 500 of them (55.5%) experienced at least one flare, being the mean number of flares 0.9 (SD: 1.0). 574 intervals from 251 patients were included in the case-crossover design since they have case and control intervals, whereas, the remaining patients did not. Their mean age at diagnosis was 27.9 years (SD: 11.1), 213 (84.9%) were women. The mean baseline SDI and SLEDAI were 1.3 (1.3) and 13.6 (8.1), respectively. Other features were comparable to those of the entire sample. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, the number of flares, regardless of their severity, was associated with damage accrual (SDI) OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.94, p<0.001 (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.24, p=0.006 for severe and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.83, p=0.001for mild-moderate). Conclusions The number of flares patients experience, regardless of their severity, increases the risk of damage accrual, independently of other known risk factors74610191023sem informaçã