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Murillo E, Nagy V, Menchaca D, Deli J, Agócs A. Changes in the Carotenoids of Zamia dressleri Leaves during Development. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:1251. [PMID: 38732466 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
It has been observed that the leaves of some Zamia species undergo a kind of "reverse ripening"; that is, they change from their original brown color to green during development. We assumed that this strange color change was due to the change in carotenoid composition, so we followed the changes for several weeks. The detailed carotenoid composition and content at different stages of development of the leaves was determined with HPLC-DAD focusing on the changes in red and yellow carotenoids. The total and relative amounts of red and yellow carotenoids were determined simultaneously from one measurement from a saponified and/or unsaponified extract. At the beginning of development, the concentration of red carotenoids was higher than that of the yellow ones; it decreased drastically until 22 days and continued to decrease slowly until they completely disappeared. The concentration of yellow carotenoids decreased at the beginning as well, but after 22 days it started to increase. The amount of red carotenoids started to decrease when the leaflet stopped growing. Lutein is the main component in old leaflets, which is not a red carotenoid precursor. Red carotenoids can always be found in their esterified form in the leaves. These findings support the hypothesis that red and yellow carotenoid accumulation are independent and probably have different functions in the leaflet. The strange color change was explained based on the compartmentalization of red and yellow carotenoids and on the changing activity of the enzyme capsanthin-capsorubin synthase responsible for the synthesis of red carotenoids capsorubin and capsanthin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Murillo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Exact Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Panama, Panama City 0824, Panama
| | - Veronika Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dania Menchaca
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Exact Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Panama, Panama City 0824, Panama
| | - József Deli
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus u. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Agócs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Rodriguez C, Ibáñez R, Olmedo DA, Ng M, Spadafora C, Durant-Archibold AA, Gutiérrez M. Anti-Trypanosomal Bufadienolides from the Oocytes of the Toad Rhinella alata (Anura, Bufonidae). Molecules 2023; 29:196. [PMID: 38202779 PMCID: PMC10779871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are widely known as a prolific source of bioactive metabolites. In this work, we isolated and characterized compounds with antiparasitic activity from the oocytes of the toad Rhinella alata collected in Panama. Bio-guided isolation and structural elucidation were carried out using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The organic extract was subjected to solid phase extraction followed by HPLC purification of the fraction with in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. Seven steroids (1-7) of the bufadienolide family were isolated, and their structures were determined using NMR and MS analyses; of these 19-formyl-dyscinobufotalin, (3) is reported as a new natural product. Compounds 1 and 3-7 resulted in a good anti-trypanosomal activity profile. Among these, 16β-hydroxyl-hellebrigenin (1) and bufalin (7) showed significant selectivity values of >5 and 2.69, respectively, while the positive control benznidazole showed a selectivity of 18.81. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis showed compounds 1, 3 and 7 interact through H-bonds with the amino acid residues GLN-19, ASP-158, HIS-159 and TRP-177 from cruzipain at the catalytic site. Given the lack of therapeutic options to treat American trypanosomiasis, this work can serve as the basis for further studies that aim for the development of bufadienolides or their derivatives as drugs against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelario Rodriguez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur 522510, India
| | - Roberto Ibáñez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon 0843-03092, Panama;
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama
| | - Dionisio A. Olmedo
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña (CIFLORPAN), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama;
| | - Michelle Ng
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, INDICASAT AIP, Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (M.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, INDICASAT AIP, Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (M.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Armando A. Durant-Archibold
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá 0824-03366, Panama
| | - Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá 0843-01103, Panama; (C.R.); (A.A.D.-A.)
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3
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González Y, Mojica-Flores R, Moreno-Labrador D, Pecchio M, Rao KSJ, Ahumedo-Monterrosa M, Fernández PL, Larionov OV, Lakey-Beitia J. Tetrahydrocurcumin Derivatives Enhanced the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis. Molecules 2023; 28:7787. [PMID: 38067518 PMCID: PMC10708537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrocurcumin, the most abundant curcumin transformation product in biological systems, can potentially be a new alternative therapeutic agent with improved anti-inflammatory activity and higher bioavailability than curcumin. In this article, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities of tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives. Eleven tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives were synthesized via Steglich esterification on both sides of the phenolic rings of tetrahydrocurcumin with the aim of improving the anti-inflammatory activity of this compound. We showed that tetrahydrocurcumin (2) inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production but not PGE2 production. Three tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives inhibited TNF-α production, five inhibited IL-6 production, and three inhibited PGE2 production. The structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that two factors could contribute to the biological activities of these compounds: the presence or absence of planarity and their structural differences. Among the tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives, cyclic compound 13 was the most active in terms of TNF-α production, showing even better activity than tetrahydrocurcumin. Acyclic compound 11 was the most effective in terms of IL-6 production and retained the same effect as tetrahydrocurcumin. Moreover, acyclic compound 12 was the most active in terms of PGE2 production, displaying better inhibition than tetrahydrocurcumin. A 3D-QSAR analysis suggested that the anti-inflammatory activities of tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives could be increased by adding bulky groups at the ends of compounds 2, 11, and 12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisett González
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama; (Y.G.); (D.M.-L.); (P.L.F.)
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Randy Mojica-Flores
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
| | - Dilan Moreno-Labrador
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama; (Y.G.); (D.M.-L.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Marisín Pecchio
- Center for Academic Affairs and Collaboration, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
| | - K. S. Jagannatha Rao
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram 522 302, India;
| | - Maicol Ahumedo-Monterrosa
- Natural Products Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia;
| | - Patricia L. Fernández
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama; (Y.G.); (D.M.-L.); (P.L.F.)
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Oleg V. Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Johant Lakey-Beitia
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Oviedo DC, Tratner AE, Pinzón MS, Rodríguez-Araña S, Pauli-Quirós E, Chavarría C, Rodríguez CP, Britton GB. Resilience mediates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a sample of adults in Panama. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1235935. [PMID: 38034306 PMCID: PMC10687484 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1235935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Previous studies have shown that resilience mitigates these symptoms, however there is limited research exploring the link between resilience and mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central America. Objective To examine the role of resilience as it relates to the perceived effect of the pandemic on mental health symptoms. Methods A sample of 480 adults in Panama were recruited from March to May 2021 to complete an online survey. The online survey consisted of sociodemographic questions and scale measures assessing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, resilience, and social support. Results Results indicated that resilience mediated the relationship between the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health symptoms; participants who felt more personally affected by the pandemic reported more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms via decreased resilience. Further analyses revealed that resilience was moderated by sex and social support, showing that the indirect effect of resilience was greater for women and individuals who perceived low social support. Discussion These findings contribute to a growing body of research documenting the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and reveal potential mechanisms through which pandemic-related distress decreases resilience, thereby increasing symptoms of mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Oviedo
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA), Panama, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) SENACYT, Panama, Panama
| | - Adam E. Tratner
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) SENACYT, Panama, Panama
- Florida State University, Panama, Panama
| | - María Sofía Pinzón
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA), Panama, Panama
| | - Sofía Rodríguez-Araña
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
| | - Elianne Pauli-Quirós
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA), Panama, Panama
| | - Carlos Chavarría
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA), Panama, Panama
| | - Camilo Posada Rodríguez
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
| | - Gabrielle B. Britton
- Centro de Neurociencias y Unidad de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) SENACYT, Panama, Panama
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5
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Rivera-Mondragón A, Marrone M, Bruner-Montero G, Gaitán K, de Núñez L, Otero-Palacio R, Añino Y, Wcislo WT, Martínez-Luis S, Fernández-Marín H. Assessment of the Quality, Chemometric and Pollen Diversity of Apis mellifera Honey from Different Seasonal Harvests. Foods 2023; 12:3656. [PMID: 37835310 PMCID: PMC10572316 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The parameters for assessing the quality of honey produced by Apis mellifera are standardized worldwide. The physicochemical properties of honey might vary extensively due to factors such as the geographical area where it was produced and the season in which it was harvested. Little information is available on variations in honey quality among different harvest periods in tropical areas, and particularly in neotropical dry forests. This study describes variations in seventeen physicochemical parameters and the pollen diversity of honey harvested from beehives during the dry season in February, March, and April 2021, in the dry arc of Panama. Potassium is the most abundant mineral in honey samples, and its concentration increases during the harvest period from February to April. A PCA analysis showed significant differences among the samples collected during different harvest periods. The pollen diversity also differs among honey samples from February compared with March and April. The results indicate that climatic conditions may play an important role in the quality of honey produced in the dry arc of Panama. Furthermore, these results might be useful for establishing quality-control parameters of bee honey produced in Panama in support of beekeeping activities in seasonal wet-dry areas of the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Rivera-Mondragón
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña (CIFLORPAN), Departamento de Química Medicinal y Farmacognosia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama;
- Instituto Especializado de Análisis (IEA), Universidad de Panamá, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama; (K.G.); (L.d.N.)
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), Senacyt, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-03081, Panama;
| | - Maravi Marrone
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-01103, Panama;
| | - Gaspar Bruner-Montero
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), Senacyt, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-03081, Panama;
- Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Gustavo Lara Street, City of Knowledge, Clayton 0843-01853, Panama;
| | - Katerin Gaitán
- Instituto Especializado de Análisis (IEA), Universidad de Panamá, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama; (K.G.); (L.d.N.)
| | - Leticia de Núñez
- Instituto Especializado de Análisis (IEA), Universidad de Panamá, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama; (K.G.); (L.d.N.)
| | | | - Yostin Añino
- Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Gustavo Lara Street, City of Knowledge, Clayton 0843-01853, Panama;
- Museo de Invertebrados G. B. Fairchild, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City P.O. Box 00017, Panama
| | - William T. Wcislo
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama;
| | - Sergio Martínez-Luis
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), Senacyt, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-03081, Panama;
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-01103, Panama;
| | - Hermógenes Fernández-Marín
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), Senacyt, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-03081, Panama;
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Clayton 0843-01103, Panama;
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama;
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Degracia AB, Jiménez JÁ, Alvarado AB, Valdespino RA, Altamiranda-Saavedra M. Evaluation of the Effect of the ENSO Cycle on the Distribution Potential of the Genus Anastrepha of Horticultural Importance in the Neotropics and Panama. Insects 2023; 14:714. [PMID: 37623424 PMCID: PMC10455666 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Climate variability has made us change our perspective on the study of insect pests and pest insects, focusing on preserving or maintaining efficient production systems in the world economy. The four species of the genus Anastrepha were selected for this study due to their colonization and expansion characteristics. Models of the potential distribution of these species are scarce in most neotropical countries, and there is a current and pressing demand to carry out this type of analysis in the face of the common scenarios of climate variability. We analyzed 370 presence records with statistical metrics and 16 bioclimatic variables. The MaxEnt method was used to evaluate the effect of the ENSO cycle on the potential distribution of the species Anastrepha grandis (Macquart), Anastrepha serpetina (Wiedemann), Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), and Anastrepha striata (Schiner) as imported horticultural pests in the neotropics and Panama. A total of 3472 candidate models were obtained for each species, and the environmental variables with the greatest contribution to the final models were LST range and LST min for A. grandis, PRECIP range and PRECIP min for A. serpentina, LST range and LST min for A. obliqua, and LST min and LST max for A. striata. The percentage expansion of the range of A. grandis in all environmental scenarios was 26.46 and the contraction of the range was 30.80; the percentage expansion of the range of A. serpentina in all environmental scenarios was 3.15 and the contraction of the range was 28.49; the percentage expansion of the range of A. obliqua in all environmental scenarios was 5.71 and the contraction of the range was 3.40; and the percentage expansion of the range of A. striata in all environmental scenarios was 41.08 and the contraction of the range was 7.30, and we selected the best model, resulting in a wide distribution (suitable areas) of these species in the neotropics that was influenced by the variability of climatic events (El Niño, Neutral, and La Niña). Information is provided on the phytosanitary surveillance systems of the countries in areas where these species could be established, which is useful for defining policies and making decisions on integrated management plans according to sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Batista Degracia
- Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá (IDIAP), C. Carlos Lara 157, Ciudad del Saber 0843-03081, Panama
| | - Julián Ávila Jiménez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Avenida Central del Norte 39-115, Tunja 150003, Colombia;
| | - Anovel Barba Alvarado
- Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama/National Research System of Senacyt-Panama, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama; (A.B.A.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Randy Atencio Valdespino
- Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama/National Research System of Senacyt-Panama, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama; (A.B.A.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
- Grupo de Investigación Bioforense, Tecnológico de Antioquia Institución Universitaria, Medellín 050005, Colombia;
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Moreno A, González C, Góndola J, Chavarría O, Ortiz A, Castillo J, Castillo Mewa J, Pascale JM, Martínez AA. HIV-1 Low-Frequency Variants Identified in Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects with Virologic Failure after 12 Months of Follow-Up in Panama. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:436-444. [PMID: 37623048 PMCID: PMC10454674 DOI: 10.3390/idr15040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-frequency mutations associated with drug resistance have been related to virologic failure in subjects with no history of pre-treatment and recent HIV diagnosis. In total, 78 antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve subjects with a recent HIV diagnosis were selected and followed by CD4+ T lymphocytes and viral load tests to detect virologic failure. We sequenced the basal samples retrospectively using next-generation sequencing (NGS), looking for low-frequency mutations that had not been detected before using the Sanger sequencing method (SSM) and describing the response to ART. Twenty-two subjects developed virologic failure (VF), and thirteen of them had at least one drug-resistance mutation associated with Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTI) and Protease Inhibitors (PIs) at frequency levels ≤ 1%, not detected previously in their basal genotyping test. No resistance mutations were observed to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). We identified a possible cause of VF in ART-naïve subjects with low-frequency mutations detected. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of pre-existing drug resistance for HIV-1 minority variants carried out on ART-naïve people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by analyzing the HIV-1 pol gene using NGS in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambar Moreno
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Claudia González
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Panama, Panama City 3366, Panama
| | - Jessica Góndola
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Oris Chavarría
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Alma Ortiz
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Jorge Castillo
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Juan Castillo Mewa
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Panama, Panama City 3366, Panama
| | - Alexander Augusto Martínez
- Department of Research in Genomics and Proteomics, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama; (A.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Panama, Panama City 3366, Panama
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Valerio LSA, Carrick FR, Bedoya L, Sreerama S, Sugaya K. Neural Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for a Xenogeneic Material-Free 3D Neurological Disease Model Neurulation from Pluripotent Cells Using a Human Hydrogel. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4574-4588. [PMID: 37367039 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by synapse and neuronal loss and the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and Amyloid β plaques. Despite significant research efforts to understand the late stages of the disease, its etiology remains largely unknown. This is in part because of the imprecise AD models in current use. In addition, little attention has been paid to neural stem cells (NSC), which are the cells responsible for the development and maintenance of brain tissue during an individual's lifespan. Thus, an in vitro 3D human brain tissue model using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived neural cells in human physiological conditions may be an excellent alternative to standard models to investigate AD pathology. Following the differentiation process mimicking development, iPS cells can be turned into NSCs and, ultimately, neural cells. During differentiation, the traditionally used xenogeneic products may alter the cells' physiology and prevent accurate disease pathology modeling. Hence, establishing a xenogeneic material-free cell culture and differentiation protocol is essential. This study investigated the differentiation of iPS cells to neural cells using a novel extracellular matrix derived from human platelet lysates (PL Matrix). We compared the stemness properties and differentiation efficacies of iPS cells in a PL matrix against those in a conventional 3D scaffold made of an oncogenic murine-matrix. Using well-defined conditions without xenogeneic material, we successfully expanded and differentiated iPS cells into NSCs via dual-SMAD inhibition, which regulates the BMP and TGF signaling cascades in a manner closer to human conditions. This in vitro, 3D, xenogeneic-free scaffold will enhance the quality of disease modeling for neurodegenerative disease research, and the knowledge produced could be used in developing more effective translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sebastian Alexis Valerio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
- Institute for Scientific Research and Technology Services (INDICASAT), City of Knowledge 0801, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur 522510, India
| | - Frederick Robert Carrick
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Centre for Mental Health Research in Association, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
- Department of Neurology, Carrick Institute, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, USA
| | - Lina Bedoya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Sandeep Sreerama
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Kiminobu Sugaya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
- Institute for Scientific Research and Technology Services (INDICASAT), City of Knowledge 0801, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur 522510, India
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9
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Hawkins-Villarreal A, Moreno-Espinosa AL, Castillo K, Hahner N, Picone O, Mandelbrot L, Simon I, Gratacós E, Goncé A, Eixarch E. Brain cortical maturation assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in unaffected or mildly affected fetuses with cytomegalovirus infection. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 61:566-576. [PMID: 36349881 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the cortical maturation pattern in fetuses with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with mild or no abnormalities on ultrasound (US) and MRI, and to establish possible differences compared with healthy controls. METHODS This was a retrospective case-control study of consecutive pregnancies with a CMV-infected fetus undergoing prenatal MRI as a complementary diagnostic tool in two centers, and a control group of singleton low-risk pregnancies without fetal structural abnormalities, with normal fetal growth and with healthy newborns. CMV infection was confirmed by extraction of CMV-DNA from fetal and neonatal samples. Only fetuses with mild (mildly affected) or no (unaffected) neuroimaging abnormalities on US and MRI were included. MRI measurements of fetal parieto-occipital sulcus, cingulate sulcus and calcarine sulcus depth, Sylvian fissure depth and Sylvian fissure angles were performed and cortical development grading of specific cortical areas and sulci were assessed by one operator who was blinded to CMV infection status. Data were compared between controls and fetuses with CMV infection, using linear regression and non-parametric trend analysis. RESULTS Twenty-four CMV-infected fetuses (seven unaffected and 17 mildly affected) and 24 healthy controls that underwent fetal MRI between 27 and 36 weeks' gestation were included. Compared with controls, CMV-infected fetuses showed significantly larger median lateral ventricular width (right side, 7.8 (interquartile range (IQR), 5.9-9.9) mm vs 3.9 (IQR, 2.6-5.3) mm; left side, 7.5 (IQR, 6.0-10.9) mm vs 4.2 (IQR, 3.2-5.3) mm), significantly decreased parieto-occipital sulcus depth (right side, 12.6 (IQR, 11.3-13.5) mm vs 15.9 (IQR, 13.5-17.3) mm; left side, 12.3 (IQR, 10.6-13.5) mm vs 16.0 (IQR, 13.3-17.5) mm) and calcarine sulcus depth (right side, 15.4 (IQR, 14.4-16.3) mm vs 17.5 (IQR, 16.1-18.7) mm; left side, 14.6 (IQR, 14.1-15.6) mm vs 16.7 (IQR, 15.6-18.9) mm) (P < 0.001 for all). Compared with controls, CMV-infected fetuses also had significantly smaller upper (right side, 42.8° (IQR, 35.8-45.8°) vs 48.9° (IQR, 38.4-64.7°); left side, 40.9° (IQR, 34.2-45.8°) vs 48.2° (IQR, 41.9-60.7°)) and lower (right side, 41.6° (IQR, 34.4-49.2°) vs 48.9° (IQR, 40.6-60.9°); left side, 42.2° (IQR, 38.8-46.9°) vs 48.9° (IQR, 39.5-57.5°)) Sylvian fissure angles (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, the mildly affected CMV-infected fetuses had a significantly lower cortical development grading in the temporal and parietal areas, and the parieto-occipital and calcarine sulci compared with healthy fetuses (P < 0.05). These differences persisted when adjusting for gestational age, ipsilateral atrium width, fetal gender and when considering small-for-gestational age as a confounding factor. CONCLUSIONS Unaffected and mildly affected CMV-infected fetuses showed delayed cortical maturation compared with healthy controls. These results suggest that congenital CMV infection, even in non-severely affected fetuses that are typically considered of good prognosis, could be associated with altered brain cortical structure. Further research is warranted to better elucidate the correlation of these findings with neurodevelopmental outcomes. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hawkins-Villarreal
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Fetal Medicine Service, Obstetrics Department, Hospital 'Santo Tomás', University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
- Iberoamerican Research Network in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Translational Medicine
| | - A L Moreno-Espinosa
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Fetal Medicine Service, Obstetrics Department, Hospital 'Santo Tomás', University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
- Iberoamerican Research Network in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Translational Medicine
| | - K Castillo
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Hahner
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - O Picone
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire PREMA, Colombes, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Inserm IAME UMR1137, Paris, France
| | - L Mandelbrot
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire PREMA, Colombes, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Inserm IAME UMR1137, Paris, France
| | - I Simon
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, Colombes, France
| | - E Gratacós
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Goncé
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Eixarch
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
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González Y, Mojica-Flores R, Moreno-Labrador D, Cubilla-Rios L, Rao KSJ, Fernández PL, Larionov OV, Lakey-Beitia J. Polyphenols with Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Curcumin Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043691. [PMID: 36835104 PMCID: PMC9966181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activities of new curcumin derivatives. The thirteen curcumin derivatives were synthesized by Steglich esterification on one or both of the phenolic rings of curcumin with the aim of providing improved anti-inflammatory activity. Monofunctionalized compounds showed better bioactivity than the difunctionalized derivatives in terms of inhibiting IL-6 production, and known compound 2 presented the highest activity. Additionally, this compound showed strong activity against PGE2. Structure-activity relationship studies were carried out for both IL-6 and PGE2, and it was found that the activity of this series of compounds increases when a free hydroxyl group or aromatic ligands are present on the curcumin ring and a linker moiety is absent. Compound 2 remained the highest activity in modulating IL-6 production and showed strong activity against PGE2 synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisett González
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Randy Mojica-Flores
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
| | - Dilan Moreno-Labrador
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
| | - Luis Cubilla-Rios
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
- Laboratory of Tropical Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Natural, Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Panama, Panama City 0824-03366, Panama
| | - K. S. Jagannatha Rao
- Center for Neuroscience, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram 522 302, India
| | - Patricia L. Fernández
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Oleg V. Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
- Correspondence: (O.V.L.); (J.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-210-458-6050 (O.V.L.); +507-517-0700 (J.L.-B.)
| | - Johant Lakey-Beitia
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama
- Correspondence: (O.V.L.); (J.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-210-458-6050 (O.V.L.); +507-517-0700 (J.L.-B.)
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11
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Estrada-Villegas S, Stevenson PR, López O, DeWalt SJ, Comita LS, Dent DH. Animal seed dispersal recovery during passive restoration in a forested landscape. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210076. [PMID: 36373921 PMCID: PMC9661942 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed dispersal by animals is key for restoration of tropical forests because it maintains plant diversity and accelerates community turnover. Therefore, changes in seed dispersal during forest restoration can indicate the recovery of species interactions, and yet these changes are rarely considered in forest restoration planning. In this study, we examined shifts in the importance of different seed dispersal modes during passive restoration in a tropical chronosequence spanning more than 100 years, by modelling the proportion of trees dispersed by bats, small birds, large birds, flightless mammals and abiotic means as a function of forest age. Contrary to expectations, tree species dispersed by flightless mammals dominated after 20 years of regeneration, and tree richness and abundance dispersed by each mode mostly recovered to old growth levels between 40 and 70 years post-abandonment. Seed dispersal by small birds declined over time during regeneration, while bat dispersal played a minor role throughout all stages of succession. Results suggest that proximity to old growth forests, coupled with low hunting, explained the prevalence of seed dispersal by animals, especially by flightless mammals at this site. We suggest that aspects of seed dispersal should be monitored when restoring forest ecosystems to evaluate the reestablishment of species interactions. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Estrada-Villegas
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panamá
| | - Pablo R. Stevenson
- CIEM, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia 111711
| | - Omar López
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panamá
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Saara J. DeWalt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Liza S. Comita
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panamá
| | - Daisy H. Dent
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panamá
- Max Planck Institute for Animal Behaviour, Konstanz 78315, Germany
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich 8902, Switzerland
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12
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Garcia AA, Borja E, Reid A, Samy V, Singh S, Whittington RJ, Toribio JALML. Bovine tuberculosis control in Fiji: Retrospective study findings for 2015 to 2020. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:972120. [PMID: 36246334 PMCID: PMC9561621 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.972120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a priority for animal health, biosecurity, and human health authorities in Fiji as evident from the long-term funding of the Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication and Control program (BTEC) and notable improvements to the program described in this paper. To evaluate the performance of the Fiji BTEC program from 2015 to 2020, all available bTB data for cattle were analyzed. Data sources included BTEC bTB testing records, abattoir records and laboratory records. We integrated all information to quantify the bTB tests applied, bTB positive farms and animals, meat inspection and laboratory findings. Test coverage was highest among dairy cattle in Central Division (~73%), where bTB was highly prevalent with 7.8% of dairy cattle and 61.7% of dairy farms found to be positive between 2015 and 2020. There was no visible downward trend in the apparent prevalence of bTB over the 6-year period. During 2019 and 2020, only 21.3% (51/239) of the tested dairy farms maintained their clear status, another 8.4% (20/239) reverted to infected status after 1 year or more of being bTB clear, and most farms remained infected during these 2 years. Factors observed to be contributing to this situation were persistent infections, related in part to the significant number of untested animals, uncontrolled animal movements, and larger farm size. Similar to other developing countries, bTB remains a serious concern and further strengthening of the program targeting the main contributors to bTB persistence, along with maintenance of a comprehensive reporting and traceability system, industry awareness and government support are needed. Control of bTB in Fiji is a long-term objective that must have multiple stakeholder engagement and regular review to measure success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Argelis Garcia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Elva Borja
- Ministry of Agriculture, Koronivia Research Station, Nausori, Fiji
| | - Aoife Reid
- Ministry of Agriculture, Koronivia Research Station, Nausori, Fiji
| | - Vijendra Samy
- Ministry of Agriculture, Koronivia Research Station, Nausori, Fiji
| | - Shivani Singh
- Ministry of Agriculture, Koronivia Research Station, Nausori, Fiji
| | - Richard J. Whittington
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio
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13
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Basset Y, Hajibabaei M, Wright MTG, Castillo AM, Donoso DA, Segar ST, Souto-Vilarós D, Soliman DY, Roslin T, Smith MA, Lamarre GPA, De León LF, Decaëns T, Palacios-Vargas JG, Castaño-Meneses G, Scheffrahn RH, Rivera M, Perez F, Bobadilla R, Lopez Y, Ramirez Silva JA, Cruz MM, Galván AA, Barrios H. Comparison of traditional and DNA metabarcoding samples for monitoring tropical soil arthropods (Formicidae, Collembola and Isoptera). Sci Rep 2022; 12:10762. [PMID: 35750774 PMCID: PMC9232565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The soil fauna of the tropics remains one of the least known components of the biosphere. Long-term monitoring of this fauna is hampered by the lack of taxonomic expertise and funding. These obstacles may potentially be lifted with DNA metabarcoding. To validate this approach, we studied the ants, springtails and termites of 100 paired soil samples from Barro Colorado Island, Panama. The fauna was extracted with Berlese-Tullgren funnels and then either sorted with traditional taxonomy and known, individual DNA barcodes ("traditional samples") or processed with metabarcoding ("metabarcoding samples"). We detected 49 ant, 37 springtail and 34 termite species with 3.46 million reads of the COI gene, at a mean sequence length of 233 bp. Traditional identification yielded 80, 111 and 15 species of ants, springtails and termites, respectively; 98%, 37% and 100% of these species had a Barcode Index Number (BIN) allowing for direct comparison with metabarcoding. Ants were best surveyed through traditional methods, termites were better detected by metabarcoding, and springtails were equally well detected by both techniques. Species richness was underestimated, and faunal composition was different in metabarcoding samples, mostly because 37% of ant species were not detected. The prevalence of species in metabarcoding samples increased with their abundance in traditional samples, and seasonal shifts in species prevalence and faunal composition were similar between traditional and metabarcoding samples. Probable false positive and negative species records were reasonably low (13-18% of common species). We conclude that metabarcoding of samples extracted with Berlese-Tullgren funnels appear suitable for the long-term monitoring of termites and springtails in tropical rainforests. For ants, metabarcoding schemes should be complemented by additional samples of alates from Malaise or light traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Basset
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Maestría de Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, 080814, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
| | - Mehrdad Hajibabaei
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario and Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Michael T G Wright
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario and Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Anakena M Castillo
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panamá 5, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522 510, India
| | - David A Donoso
- Departamento de Biología, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, EC170103, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Simon T Segar
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport, TF10 8NB, Shropshire, UK
| | - Daniel Souto-Vilarós
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dina Y Soliman
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario and Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Tomas Roslin
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7044, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Alex Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Greg P A Lamarre
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Luis F De León
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panamá 5, Panama
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Thibaud Decaëns
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, University Paul Valéry, Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - José G Palacios-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática de Microartrópodos, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Castaño-Meneses
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Juriquilla 76230, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Rudolf H Scheffrahn
- Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Marleny Rivera
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama
| | - Filonila Perez
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama
| | - Ricardo Bobadilla
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama
| | - Yacksecari Lopez
- ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá, Panama
| | | | - Maira Montejo Cruz
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática de Microartrópodos, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angela Arango Galván
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática de Microartrópodos, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Héctor Barrios
- Maestría de Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, 080814, Panama City, Republic of Panama
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Obaldía N, Barahona I, Lasso J, Avila M, Quijada M, Nuñez M, Marti M. Comparison of PvLAP5 and Pvs25 qRT-PCR assays for the detection of Plasmodium vivax gametocytes in field samples preserved at ambient temperature from remote malaria endemic regions of Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010327. [PMID: 35394999 PMCID: PMC9020738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the elimination of malaria in Mesoamerica progresses, detection of Plasmodium vivax using light microscopy (LM) becomes more difficult. Highly sensitive molecular tools have been developed to help determine the hidden reservoir of malaria transmission in low transmission settings. In this study we compare the performance of PvLAP5 and Pvs25 qRT-PCR assays to LM for the detection of Plasmodium vivax gametocytes in field samples preserved at ambient temperature from malaria endemic regions of Panama. METHODS For this purpose, we collected a total of 83 malaria field samples during 2017-2020 preserved in RNAprotect (RNAp) of which 63 (76%) were confirmed P. vivax by LM and selected for further analysis. Additionally, 16 blood samples from local healthy malaria smear negative volunteers, as well as, from 15 malaria naïve lab-bred Aotus monkeys were used as controls. To optimize the assays, we first determined the minimum blood volume sufficient for detection of PvLAP5 and Pv18SrRNA using P. vivax infected Aotus blood that was preserved in RNAp and kept either at ambient temperature for up to 8 days before freezing or was snap-frozen at -80° Celsius at the time of bleeding. We then compared the mean differences in gametocyte detection rates of both qRT-PCR assays to LM and performed a multivariate correlation analysis of study variables. Finally, we determined the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the assays at detecting gametocytes compared to LM. RESULTS Blood volume optimization indicated that a blood volume of at least 60 μL was sufficient for detection of PvLAP5 and Pv18SrRNA and no significant differences were found between RNA storage conditions. Both PvLAP5 and Pvs25 qRT-PCR assays showed a 37-39% increase in gametocyte detection rate compared to LM respectively. Strong positive correlations were found between gametocytemia and parasitemia and both PvLAP5 and Pvs25 gametocyte markers. However, no significant differences were detected in the Se and Sp of the Pvs25 and PvLAP5 qRT-PCR assays, even though data from control samples suggested Pvs25 to be more abundant than PvLAP5. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the PvLAP5 qRT-PCR assay is as Se and Sp as the gold standard Pvs25 assay and is at least 37% more sensitive than LM at detecting P. vivax gametocytes in field samples preserved in RNAp at ambient temperature from malaria endemic regions of Panama. AUTHOR SUMMARY Plasmodium vivax is one of the five species of malaria (P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi) that are transmitted to man by the bite of female anopheles mosquitoes. It causes ~14.3 million cases mainly in Southeast Asia, India, the Western Pacific and the Americas annually. In the Americas, malaria remains a major problem in underdeveloped areas and indigenous communities in the Amazon region and eastern Panama, where it is endemic and difficult to eliminate. As malaria elimination progresses, detection of P. vivax by light microscopy (LM) becomes more difficult. Therefore, highly sensitive molecular tools have been developed that use genetic markers for the parasite to help determine the hidden reservoir of malaria transmission. This study compares the performance of two molecular assays based on the genetic markers of mature gametocytes PvLAP5 and Pvs25 with LM. The study shows that the PvLAP5 qRT-PCR assay is as sensitive and specific as the gold standard Pvs25 assay and is at least 37% more sensitive than LM at detecting P. vivax gametocytes. These data suggest that the PvLAP5 qRT-PCR assay can be a useful tool to help determine the hidden reservoir of transmission in endemic foci approaching elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicanor Obaldía
- Departamento de Investigaciones en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá City, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. CHAN School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Itza Barahona
- Departamento de Control de Vectores, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud de Panamá, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
| | - José Lasso
- Departamento de Control de Vectores, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud de Panamá, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
| | - Mario Avila
- Departamento de Control de Vectores, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud de Panamá, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
| | - Mario Quijada
- Departamento de Investigaciones en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá City, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
| | - Marlon Nuñez
- Departamento de Investigaciones en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá City, Panamá, Republic of Panamá
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. CHAN School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Andralojc KM, Molina MA, Qiu M, Spruijtenburg B, Rasing M, Pater B, Huynen MA, Dutilh BE, Ederveen THA, Elmelik D, Siebers AG, Loopik D, Bekkers RLM, Leenders WPJ, Melchers WJG. Novel high-resolution targeted sequencing of the cervicovaginal microbiome. BMC Biol 2021; 19:267. [PMID: 34915863 PMCID: PMC8680041 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cervicovaginal microbiome (CVM) plays a significant role in women's cervical health and disease. Microbial alterations at the species level and characteristic community state types (CST) have been associated with acquisition and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections that may result in progression of cervical lesions to malignancy. Current sequencing methods, especially most commonly used multiplex 16S rRNA gene sequencing, struggle to fully clarify these changes because they generally fail to provide sufficient taxonomic resolution to adequately perform species-level associative studies. To improve CVM species designation, we designed a novel sequencing tool targeting microbes at the species taxonomic rank and examined its potential for profiling the CVM. RESULTS We introduce an accessible and practical circular probe-based RNA sequencing (CiRNAseq) technology with the potential to profile and quantify the CVM. In vitro and in silico validations demonstrate that CiRNAseq can distinctively detect species in a mock mixed microbial environment, with the output data reflecting its ability to estimate microbes' abundance. Moreover, compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, CiRNAseq provides equivalent results but with improved sequencing sensitivity. Analyses of a cohort of cervical smears from hrHPV-negative women versus hrHPV-positive women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia confirmed known differences in CST occurring in the CVM of women with hrHPV-induced lesions. The technique also revealed variations in microbial diversity and abundance in the CVM of hrHPV-positive women when compared to hrHPV-negative women. CONCLUSIONS CiRNAseq is a promising tool for studying the interplay between the CVM and hrHPV in cervical carcinogenesis. This technology could provide a better understanding of cervicovaginal CST and microbial species during health and disease, prompting the discovery of biomarkers, additional to hrHPV, that can help detect high-grade cervical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina M. Andralojc
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mariano A. Molina
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mengjie Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Rasing
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard Pater
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A. Huynen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas E. Dutilh
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Science for Life, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas H. A. Ederveen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Duaa Elmelik
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert G. Siebers
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diede Loopik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud L. M. Bekkers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catharina Hospital, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - William P. J. Leenders
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Predica Diagnostics, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Martin H. C, Ibáñez R, Nothias LF, Caraballo-Rodríguez AM, Dorrestein PC, Gutiérrez M. Metabolites from Microbes Isolated from the Skin of the Panamanian Rocket Frog Colostethus panamansis (Anura: Dendrobatidae). Metabolites 2020; 10:E406. [PMID: 33065987 PMCID: PMC7601193 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Panamanian rocket frog Colostethus panamansis (family Dendrobatidae) has been affected by chytridiomycosis, a deadly disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). While there are still uninfected frogs, we set out to isolate microbes from anatomically distinct regions in an effort to create a cultivable resource within Panama for potential drug/agricultural/ecological applications that perhaps could also be used as part of a strategy to protect frogs from infections. To understand if there are specific anatomies that should be explored in future applications of this resource, we mapped skin-associated bacteria of C. panamansis and their metabolite production potential by mass spectrometry on a 3D model. Our results indicate that five bacterial families (Enterobacteriaceae, Comamonadaceae, Aeromonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Pseudomonadaceae) dominate the cultivable microbes from the skin of C. panamansis. The combination of microbial classification and molecular analysis in relation to the anti-Bd inhibitory databases reveals the resource has future potential for amphibian conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Martin H.
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, Panama 0843-01103, Panama;
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur 522510, India
| | - Roberto Ibáñez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Panama 0843-03092, Panama;
| | - Louis-Félix Nothias
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.-F.N.); (A.M.C.-R.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Andrés Mauricio Caraballo-Rodríguez
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.-F.N.); (A.M.C.-R.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.-F.N.); (A.M.C.-R.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, Panama 0843-01103, Panama;
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17
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O'Dea A, Lepore M, Altieri AH, Chan M, Morales-Saldaña JM, Muñoz NH, Pandolfi JM, Toscano MA, Zhao JX, Dillon EM. Defining variation in pre-human ecosystems can guide conservation: An example from a Caribbean coral reef. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2922. [PMID: 32075992 PMCID: PMC7031243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Caribbean coral reefs are heavily degraded, yet their pre-human, natural states are often assumed or estimated using space-for-time substitution approaches. Here we use an 11-hectare suite of fossilised mid-Holocene (7.2-5.6 ka) fringing reefs in Caribbean Panama to define natural variation in hard coral community structure before human-impact to provide context to the states of the same reefs today. We collected bulk samples from four trenches dug into the mid-Holocene fossil reef and surficial bulk samples from 2-10 m depths on five adjacent modern reefs extending over 5 km. Analysis of the abundances of coral taxa in fossil bulk samples define the Historical Range of Variation (HRV) in community structure of the reefs. When compared to the community structure of adjacent modern reefs, we find that most coral communities today fall outside the HRV, identifying them as novel ecosystems and corroborating the well-documented transition from acroporid-dominated Caribbean reefs to reefs dominated by stress-tolerant taxa (Porites and Agaricia). We find one modern reef, however, whose community composition remains within the HRV showing that it has not transitioned to a novel state. Reef-matrix cores extracted from this reef reveal that the coral community has remained in this state for over 800 years, suggesting long-term stability and resistance to the region-wide shift to novel states. Without these data to provide historical context, this potentially robust and stable reef would be overlooked since it does not fulfil expectations of what a Caribbean coral reef should look like in the absence of humans. This example illustrates how defining past variation using the fossil record can improve our understanding of modern degradation and guide conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron O'Dea
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama.
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza Porta San Donato 1, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mauro Lepore
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Andrew H Altieri
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Melisa Chan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | | | - Nicte-Ha Muñoz
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - John M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Marguerite A Toscano
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA
| | - Jian-Xin Zhao
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Erin M Dillon
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology and the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
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18
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Gutiérrez M, Santamaría R, Gómez-Reyes JF, Guzmán HM, Ávila-Román J, Motilva V, Talero E. New Eunicellin-Type Diterpenes from the Panamanian Octocoral Briareum Asbestinum. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E84. [PMID: 32012770 PMCID: PMC7074288 DOI: 10.3390/md18020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gorgonian octocorals are considered a prolific source of secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity. In particular, the genus Briareum is known for producing a wealth of diterpenes with complex chemical structures. The chemical study of the methanolic extract of Briareum asbestinum collected in Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean side of Panama, led to the isolation of three new eunicellin-type diterpenes: briarellin T (1), asbestinin 27 (2), asbestinin 28 (3) and the previously described asbestinin 17 (4). The structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive NMR analyses and HRMS. Anti-inflammatory activity assays showed a significant reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 as well as a downregulation of COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. These findings support the potential use of these marine compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, Apartado 0843-01103, Republic of Panama; (R.S.); (J.F.G.-R.)
| | - Ricardo Santamaría
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, Apartado 0843-01103, Republic of Panama; (R.S.); (J.F.G.-R.)
| | - José Félix Gómez-Reyes
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, Apartado 0843-01103, Republic of Panama; (R.S.); (J.F.G.-R.)
| | - Héctor M. Guzmán
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, P. O. Box 0843-03092, Republic of Panama;
| | - Javier Ávila-Román
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Virginia Motilva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
| | - Elena Talero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
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19
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Tayler NM, Boya CA, Herrera L, Moy J, Ng M, Pineda L, Almanza A, Rosero S, Coronado LM, Correa R, Santamaría R, Caballero Z, Durant-Archibold AA, Tidgewell KJ, Balunas MJ, Gerwick WH, Spadafora A, Gutiérrez M, Spadafora C. Analysis of the antiparasitic and anticancer activity of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L. ARECACEAE) from the natural reserve of Punta Patiño, Darién. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214193. [PMID: 30939131 PMCID: PMC6445518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocos nucifera (C. nucifera) (the coconut palm tree) has been traditionally used to fight a number of human diseases, but only a few studies have tested its components against parasites such as those that cause malaria. In this study, C. nucifera samples were collected from a private natural reserve in Punta Patiño, Darien, Panama. The husk, leaves, pulp, and milk of C. nucifera were extracted and evaluated against the parasites that cause Chagas’ disease or American trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma cruzi), leishmaniasis (Leishmania donovani) and malaria (Plasmodium falciparum), as well as against a line of breast cancer cells. While there was no activity in the rest of the tests, five and fifteen-minute aqueous decoctions of leaves showed antiplasmodial activity at 10% v/v concentration. Removal of some HPLC fractions resulted in loss of activity, pointing to the presence of synergy between the components of the decoction. Chemical molecules were separated and identified using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) approach coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry (APCI–Q–TOF–MS) and molecular networking analysis, revealing the presence of compounds including polyphenol, flavone, sterol, fatty acid and chlorophyll families, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Tayler
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
| | - Cristopher A. Boya
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, INDICASAT AIP, City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Liuris Herrera
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Jamie Moy
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Michelle Ng
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Laura Pineda
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Alejandro Almanza
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Sara Rosero
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Lorena M. Coronado
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
| | - Ricardo Correa
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
| | - Ricardo Santamaría
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, INDICASAT AIP, City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Zuleima Caballero
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Armando A. Durant-Archibold
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, INDICASAT AIP, City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Kevin J. Tidgewell
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Marcy J. Balunas
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alida Spadafora
- Asociación Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (ANCON), Balboa, Ancon, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Apartado, Panama, Republic of Panama
- * E-mail:
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20
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Solis MA, Moreno Velásquez I, Correa R, Huang LLH. Stem cells as a potential therapy for diabetes mellitus: a call-to-action in Latin America. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2019; 11:20. [PMID: 30820250 PMCID: PMC6380040 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-019-0415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Latin America is a fast-growing region that currently faces unique challenges in the treatment of all forms of diabetes mellitus. The burden of this disease will be even greater in the coming years due, in part, to the large proportion of young adults living in urban areas and engaging in unhealthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, the national health systems in Latin-American countries are unprepared and urgently need to reorganize their health care services to achieve diabetic therapeutic goals. Stem cell research is attracting increasing attention as a promising and fast-growing field in Latin America. As future healthcare systems will include the development of regenerative medicine through stem cell research, Latin America is urged to issue a call-to-action on stem cell research. Increased efforts are required in studies focused on stem cells for the treatment of diabetes. In this review, we aim to inform physicians, researchers, patients and funding sources about the advances in stem cell research for possible future applications in diabetes mellitus. Emerging studies are demonstrating the potential of stem cells for β cell differentiation and pancreatic regeneration. The major economic burden implicated in patients with diabetes complications suggests that stem cell research may relieve diabetic complications. Closer attention should be paid to stem cell research in the future as an alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Correa
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ USA
| | - Lynn L. H. Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Sinacore K, Hall JS, Potvin C, Royo AA, Ducey MJ, Ashton MS. Unearthing the hidden world of roots: Root biomass and architecture differ among species within the same guild. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185934. [PMID: 29023553 PMCID: PMC5638295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential benefits of planting trees have generated significant interest with respect to sequestering carbon and restoring other forest based ecosystem services. Reliable estimates of carbon stocks are pivotal for understanding the global carbon balance and for promoting initiatives to mitigate CO2 emissions through forest management. There are numerous studies employing allometric regression models that convert inventory into aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon (C). Yet the majority of allometric regression models do not consider the root system nor do these equations provide detail on the architecture and shape of different species. The root system is a vital piece toward understanding the hidden form and function roots play in carbon accumulation, nutrient and plant water uptake, and groundwater infiltration. Work that estimates C in forests as well as models that are used to better understand the hydrologic function of trees need better characterization of tree roots. We harvested 40 trees of six different species, including their roots down to 2 mm in diameter and created species-specific and multi-species models to calculate aboveground (AGB), coarse root belowground biomass (BGB), and total biomass (TB). We also explore the relationship between crown structure and root structure. We found that BGB contributes ~27.6% of a tree’s TB, lateral roots extend over 1.25 times the distance of crown extent, root allocation patterns varied among species, and that AGB is a strong predictor of TB. These findings highlight the potential importance of including the root system in C estimates and lend important insights into the function roots play in water cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Sinacore
- ForestGEO, Agua Salud Project, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, Panamá
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jefferson Scott Hall
- ForestGEO, Agua Salud Project, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Catherine Potvin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alejandro A. Royo
- Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Irvine, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Ducey
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Ashton
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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22
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Coronado LM, Montealegre S, Chaverra Z, Mojica L, Espinosa C, Almanza A, Correa R, Stoute JA, Gittens RA, Spadafora C. Blood Stage Plasmodium falciparum Exhibits Biological Responses to Direct Current Electric Fields. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161207. [PMID: 27537497 PMCID: PMC4990222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance to insecticides by the vector of malaria and the increasingly faster appearance of resistance to antimalarial drugs by the parasite can dangerously hamper efforts to control and eradicate the disease. Alternative ways to treat this disease are urgently needed. Here we evaluate the in vitro effect of direct current (DC) capacitive coupling electrical stimulation on the biology and viability of Plasmodium falciparum. We designed a system that exposes infected erythrocytes to different capacitively coupled electric fields in order to evaluate their effect on P. falciparum. The effect on growth of the parasite, replication of DNA, mitochondrial membrane potential and level of reactive oxygen species after exposure to electric fields demonstrate that the parasite is biologically able to respond to stimuli from DC electric fields involving calcium signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena M. Coronado
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, 522 510, A.P., India
| | - Stephania Montealegre
- School of Biotechnology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud “William C. Gorgas”, Universidad Latina, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Zumara Chaverra
- School of Biotechnology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud “William C. Gorgas”, Universidad Latina, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Luis Mojica
- National Center for Metrology of Panama (CENAMEP AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Carlos Espinosa
- National Center for Metrology of Panama (CENAMEP AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Alejandro Almanza
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Ricardo Correa
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, 522 510, A.P., India
| | - José A. Stoute
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rolando A. Gittens
- Center for Biodiversity & Drug Discovery (CBDD), INDICASAT AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases (CBCMe), Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama, Republic of Panama
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Lainhart W, Dutari LC, Rovira JR, Sucupira IMC, Póvoa MM, Conn JE, Loaiza JR. Epidemic and Non-Epidemic Hot Spots of Malaria Transmission Occur in Indigenous Comarcas of Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004718. [PMID: 27182773 PMCID: PMC4868294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2002-2005, Panama experienced a malaria epidemic that has been associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation weather patterns, decreased funding for malaria control, and landscape modification. Case numbers quickly decreased afterward, and Panama is now in the pre-elimination stage of malaria eradication. To achieve this new goal, the characterization of epidemiological risk factors, foci of transmission, and important anopheline vectors is needed. Of the 24,681 reported cases in these analyses (2000-2014), ~62% occurred in epidemic years and ~44% in indigenous comarcas (5.9% of Panama's population). Sub-analyses comparing overall numbers of cases in epidemic and non-epidemic years identified females, comarcas and some 5-year age categories as those disproportionately affected by malaria during epidemic years. Annual parasites indices (APIs; number of cases per 1,000 persons) for Plasmodium vivax were higher in comarcas compared to provinces for all study years, though P. falciparum APIs were only higher in comarcas during epidemic years. Interestingly, two comarcas report increasing numbers of cases annually, despite national annual decreases. Inclusion of these comarcas within identified foci of malaria transmission confirmed their roles in continued transmission. Comparison of species distribution models for two important anophelines with Plasmodium case distribution suggest An. albimanus is the primary malaria vector in Panama, confirmed by identification of nine P. vivax-infected specimen pools. Future malaria eradication strategies in Panama should focus on indigenous comarcas and include both active surveillance for cases and comprehensive anopheline vector surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lainhart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Larissa C. Dutari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Panama City, Panama
| | - Jose R. Rovira
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Marinete M. Póvoa
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jan E. Conn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Jose R. Loaiza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Panama City, Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
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