Analysis of class 2 integrons as a marker for multidrug resistance among gram negative bacilli

Class 1 and 2 integrons are considered the paradigm of multidrug resistant (MDR) integrons. Although class 1 integrons have been found statistically associated to Enterobacteriaceae MDR isolates, this type of study has not been conducted for class 2 integrons. Escherichia coli and 3 species that were found that harbored more than 20% of class 2 integrons in clinical isolates, were selected to determine the role of intI2 as MDR marker. A total of 234 MDR/191 susceptible non-epidemiologically related isolates were analyzed. Seventy-four intI2 genes were found by PCR and sequencing. An intI2 relationship with MDR phenotypes in Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae was found. No statistical association was identified with MDR E. coli and Helicobacter pylori isolates. In other words, the likelihood of finding intI2 is the same in susceptible and in MDR E. coli and H. pylori strains, suggesting a particular affinity between the mobile element Tn7 and some species. The use of intI2 as MDR marker was species-dependent, with fluctuating epidemiology at geographical and temporal gradients. The use of intI2 as MDR marker is advisable in A. baumannii, a species that can reach high frequencies of this genetic element.Fil: Rodriguez, Maria Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucuman. Centro de Referencia Para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; ArgentinaFil: Cassini, Marcelo Hernan. Universidad Nacional de Luján; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Delgado, Gabriela del Valle. Provincia de Tucuman. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Hospital del Ni?o Jesus; ArgentinaFil: Argentinian Integron Study Group. No especifica;Fil: Ramirez, Maria Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; Argentina. California State University; Estados UnidosFil: Centron, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; Argentin

Riparian wildlife richness along the Luján River

Riparian environments are usually characterized by high biological diversity, however, habitat degradation results from intensive use of the bank and the water course, and exploitation of the surrounding land. The Luján River basin, located in East-central Argentina, shows two distinct geomorphologic portions: the Pampean and the Deltaic portions, which in turn can be subdivided based on physiographic and land use features. Our objective was to compare riparian wildlife richness among the three zones of the Pampean portion (upper, middle, and lower), and between the two zones of the Deltaic portion (protected and antropic). From March to October 1997, 82 transects were randomly placed along the banks of the Luján River. We surveyed the presence of coypus, capybara, and Neotropical river otter based on signs of activity, and the presence of water birds (non Passeriformes) based on direct observation. In the Pampean portion, the number of species per transect in the middle zone was significantly lower than in the upper and lower zones. The middle zone is characterized by a narrow alluvial plain associated with more intense use of the land and less availability of water and hydrophilic vegetation in the surrounding habitats than the other two zones. In the Deltaic portion, the protected zone showed a larger species richness than the antropic zone, where intense use of the river and modification of its bank can negatively affect wildlife.Las características de paisaje modelan los hábitats disponibles para la fauna y condicionan el uso de la tierra. Los ambientes ribereños, que se caracterizan por tener una alta diversidad biológica, han sufrido, en su mayoría, altos niveles de deterioro debido al uso intensivo del río y sus costas, y a la explotación de las tierras aledañas. La cuenca del río Luján, ubicada en el centro-este de Argentina, presenta dos porciones geomorfológicas diferentes: la porción Pampeana y la Deltaica, que a su vez pueden subdividirse sobre la base de diferencias fisiográficas y de uso de la tierra. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue comparar la riqueza de especies de fauna ribereña entre las tres zonas de la porción Pampeana (superior, media e inferior), y las dos zonas de la porción Deltaica (protegida y antrópica). Entre marzo-octubre de 1997, se realizó un muestreo en 82 transectas de 600 m de largo ubicadas aleatoriamente sobre las costas del río Luján (166 km de largo). La presencia de coipo, carpincho y lobito de río fue relevada mediante un método indirecto usando signos de actividad, y la presencia de aves acuáticas (no Passeriformes) mediante avistajes. En la porción Pampeana del río, la riqueza de especies por transecta en la zona media resultó significativamente menor que en las zonas inferior y superior. La zona media se caracteriza por tener un valle aluvial angosto que está asociado a una mayor perturbación humana y probablemente a una menor disponibilidad de agua y vegetación hidrófila en las tierras aledañas que las otras dos zonas. En la porción Deltaica, la zona protegida mostró mayor riqueza que la zona antrópica. El intenso uso del río y de sus costas (v.g. navegación comercial y recreativa, edificación en márgenes del río) en la zona antrópica sería una posible causa del escaso número de especies observadas

Evaluation of a candidate breast cancer associated SNP in ERCC4 as a risk modifier in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Results from the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/BRCA2 (CIMBA)

Background: In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of a SNP in intron 1 of the ERCC4 gene (rs744154), previously reported to be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in the general population, as a breast cancer risk modifier in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Methods: We have genotyped rs744154 in 9408 BRCA1 and 5632 BRCA2 mutation carriers from the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA) and assessed its association with breast cancer risk using a retrospective weighted cohort approach. Results: We found no evidence of association with breast cancer risk for BRCA1 (per-allele HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.93–1.04, P=0.5) or BRCA2 (per-allele HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.89–1.06, P=0.5) mutation carriers. Conclusion: This SNP is not a significant modifier of breast cancer risk for mutation carriers, though weak associations cannot be ruled out. A Osorio1, R L Milne2, G Pita3, P Peterlongo4,5, T Heikkinen6, J Simard7, G Chenevix-Trench8, A B Spurdle8, J Beesley8, X Chen8, S Healey8, KConFab9, S L Neuhausen10, Y C Ding10, F J Couch11,12, X Wang11, N Lindor13, S Manoukian4, M Barile14, A Viel15, L Tizzoni5,16, C I Szabo17, L Foretova18, M Zikan19, K Claes20, M H Greene21, P Mai21, G Rennert22, F Lejbkowicz22, O Barnett-Griness22, I L Andrulis23,24, H Ozcelik24, N Weerasooriya23, OCGN23, A-M Gerdes25, M Thomassen25, D G Cruger26, M A Caligo27, E Friedman28,29, B Kaufman28,29, Y Laitman28, S Cohen28, T Kontorovich28, R Gershoni-Baruch30, E Dagan31,32, H Jernström33, M S Askmalm34, B Arver35, B Malmer36, SWE-BRCA37, S M Domchek38, K L Nathanson38, J Brunet39, T Ramón y Cajal40, D Yannoukakos41, U Hamann42, HEBON37, F B L Hogervorst43, S Verhoef43, EB Gómez García44,45, J T Wijnen46,47, A van den Ouweland48, EMBRACE37, D F Easton49, S Peock49, M Cook49, C T Oliver49, D Frost49, C Luccarini50, D G Evans51, F Lalloo51, R Eeles52, G Pichert53, J Cook54, S Hodgson55, P J Morrison56, F Douglas57, A K Godwin58, GEMO59,60,61, O M Sinilnikova59,60, L Barjhoux59,60, D Stoppa-Lyonnet61, V Moncoutier61, S Giraud59, C Cassini62,63, L Olivier-Faivre62,63, F Révillion64, J-P Peyrat64, D Muller65, J-P Fricker65, H T Lynch66, E M John67, S Buys68, M Daly69, J L Hopper70, M B Terry71, A Miron72, Y Yassin72, D Goldgar73, Breast Cancer Family Registry37, C F Singer74, D Gschwantler-Kaulich74, G Pfeiler74, A-C Spiess74, Thomas v O Hansen75, O T Johannsson76, T Kirchhoff77, K Offit77, K Kosarin77, M Piedmonte78, G C Rodriguez79, K Wakeley80, J F Boggess81, J Basil82, P E Schwartz83, S V Blank84, A E Toland85, M Montagna86, C Casella87, E N Imyanitov88, A Allavena89, R K Schmutzler90, B Versmold90, C Engel91, A Meindl92, N Ditsch93, N Arnold94, D Niederacher95, H Deißler96, B Fiebig97, R Varon-Mateeva98, D Schaefer99, U G Froster100, T Caldes101, M de la Hoya101, L McGuffog49, A C Antoniou49, H Nevanlinna6, P Radice4,5 and J Benítez1,3 on behalf of CIMB

Impact of infectious diseases on population health using incidence-based disability-adjusted life years (DALYs): results from the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe study, European Union and European Economic Area countries, 2009 to 2013.

Background and aimsThe Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe (BCoDE) study aimed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 31 selected diseases in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). Methods: DALYs were estimated using an incidence-based and pathogen-based approach. Incidence was estimated through assessment of data availability and quality, and a correction was applied for under-estimation. Calculation of DALYs was performed with the BCoDE software toolkit without applying time discounting and age-weighting. Results: We estimated that one in 14 inhabitants experienced an infectious disease episode for a total burden of 1.38 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 1.25-1.5) between 2009 and 2013; 76% of which was related to the acute phase of the infection and its short-term complications. Influenza had the highest burden (30% of the total burden), followed by tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/AIDS and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Men had the highest burden measured in DALYs (60% of the total), adults 65 years of age and over had 24% and children less than 5 years of age had 11%. Age group-specific burden showed that infants (less than 1 year of age) and elderly people (80 years of age and over) experienced the highest burden. Conclusions: These results provide baseline estimates for evaluating infectious disease prevention and control strategies. The study promotes an evidence-based approach to describing population health and assessing surveillance data availability and quality, and provides information for the planning and prioritisation of limited resources in infectious disease prevention and control

Integración morfológica de la mandíbula de los ungulados nativos de América del Sur: un tributo a D’arcy Thompson en el centenario de “sobre el crecimiento y la forma”

South American native ungulates include several extinct lineages that evolved within the context of South American Cenozoic geographic isolation. By the late–early Miocene Santacrucian, the orders Notoungulata, Litopterna, and Astrapotheria were differentiated. Recent ecomorphological studies highlighted complex functional patterns between their habitat/diet and hypsodonty. In order to understand these relationships in an evolutionary context we used geometric morphometrics methods (27 3-D landmarks) to evaluate the morphological integration of two of the primary functional units of the mandible: the alveolar region and the ascending ramus. Principal component analyses (PCA) and two blocks Partial Least Squares analyses (PLS) were used to explore the patterns of variation and covariation between these two modules. The main variation in shape is related to the robusticity and curvature of the mandibular corpus, and the relative size of the angular and coronoid process. The PLS analyses show a very strong morphological integration within the Litopterna, but a pattern of modularity in the Notoungulata. There is a common pattern of covariation in Astrapotheria and Litopterna, which might be due to similar constraints. The different covariation patterns in notoungulates with respect to litopterns are in concordance with both the taxonomic and morphological diversity of the clades, particularly in the typotheres. The modularity present in notoungulates could have allowed specializations in each module of the mandible, related to crown height or muscle attachments, without a high morphological constrain. This could have resulted in their high morphological diversity, in contrast with the more conservative morphology present in litopterns.Los ungulados nativos de América del Sur incluyen varios linajes extintos que evolucionaron en el contexto de aislamiento geográfico del Cenozoico sudamericano. Durante el Santacrucense (Mioceno temprano), los órdenes Notoungulata, Litopterna y Astrapotheria ya estaban diferenciados. Los estudios ecomorfológicos recientes destacaron patrones funcionales complejos entre hábitat/dieta e hipsodoncia en estos grupos. Se analizan estas relaciones en un contexto evolutivo, utilizando métodos morfogeométricos (27 landmarks 3-D) para evaluar la integración morfológica de dos de las unidades funcionales principales de la mandíbula: región alveolar y rama ascendente. Para explorar los patrones de variación y covariación entre estos dos módulos, se utilizaron Análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y Análisis de mínimos cuadrados parciales de dos bloques (PLS). La variación principal de forma está relacionada con la robustez y la curvatura del cuerpo mandibular y el tamaño relativo de los procesos angular y coronoides. Los PLS muestran una integración morfológica muy fuerte en Litopterna y un patrón de modularidad en Notoungulata. Existe un patrón común de covariación en Astrapotheria y Litopterna que podría deberse a restricciones similares. Los diferentes patrones de covariación en notoungulados con respecto a los litopternos están en concordancia con la diversidad taxonómica y morfológica de los clados, particularmente en los tipoterios. La modularidad presente en Notoungulata habría permitido especializaciones en cada módulo de la mandíbula, relacionadas con la altura de la corona o las inserciones musculares, sin una alta restricción morfológica. Esto podría haber resultado en su alta diversidad morfológica, en contraste con la morfología más conservadora presente en Litopterna. Palabras clave. Notoungulata. Litopterna. Santacrucense. Morfometría GeométricaFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNM

Effects of land use on the distribution of three species of armadillos in the Argentinean pampas

We evaluated the effects of land use on the distribution of 3 sympatric species of armadillos, Chaetophractus villosus, C. vellerosus, and Dasypus hybridus, on 34 farms in the eastern Pampas. We characterized 4 soil and vegetation variables around each burrow located during surveys of these farms, and related burrow abundance to 10 variables used to characterize each farm. C. vellerosus was the most specialized, using primarily native woodlands and areas with calcareous soil. D. hybridus was associated with natural grasslands and avoided cultivated pastures, and was negatively related to the number of dogs that lived on the farms. C. villosus, the most abundant species, was found in all 4 types of habitats, but its distribution depended on the intensity of hunting on each farm.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Effects of land use on the distribution of three species of armadillos in the Argentinean pampas

We evaluated the effects of land use on the distribution of 3 sympatric species of armadillos, Chaetophractus villosus, C. vellerosus, and Dasypus hybridus, on 34 farms in the eastern Pampas. We characterized 4 soil and vegetation variables around each burrow located during surveys of these farms, and related burrow abundance to 10 variables used to characterize each farm. C. vellerosus was the most specialized, using primarily native woodlands and areas with calcareous soil. D. hybridus was associated with natural grasslands and avoided cultivated pastures, and was negatively related to the number of dogs that lived on the farms. C. villosus, the most abundant species, was found in all 4 types of habitats, but its distribution depended on the intensity of hunting on each farm.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

The methodology of surveillance for antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections in Europe (SUSPIRE): a systematic review of publicly available information.

OBJECTIVES: Surveillance is a key component of any control strategy for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and public availability of methodologic aspects is crucial for the interpretation of the data. We sought to systematically review publicly available information for HAIs and/or AMR surveillance systems organized by public institutions or scientific societies in European countries. METHODS: A systematic review of scientific and grey literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Information on HAIs and/or AMR surveillance systems published until 31 October 2016 were included. RESULTS: A total of 112 surveillance systems were detected; 56 from 20 countries were finally included. Most exclusions were due to lack of publicly available information. Regarding AMR, the most frequent indicator was the proportion of resistant isolates (27 of 34 providing information, 79.42%); only 18 (52.9%) included incidence rates; the data were only laboratory based in 33 (78.5%) of the 42 providing this information. Regarding HAIs in intensive care units, all 22 of the systems providing data included central line-associated bloodstream infections, and 19 (86.3%) included ventilator-associated pneumonia and catheter-associated urinary tract infections; incidence density was the most frequent indicator. Regarding surgical site infections, the most frequent procedures included were hip prosthesis, colon surgery and caesarean section (21/22, 95.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Publicly available information about the methods and indicators of the surveillance system is frequently lacking. Despite the efforts of European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and other organizations, wide heterogeneity in procedures and indicators still exists

Natural history of the screaming hairy armadillo Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae)

En este trabajo se presentan nuevos aportes sobre la historia natural del piche llorón Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae). Los estudios de campo fueron llevados a cabo en 100 ha de un establecimiento ganadero de la localidad de Magdalena, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Durante dos años (2006-2008) se realizó un muestreo estacional de armadillos por captura y recaptura. Se obtuvieron datos de hábitos alimentarios, uso del espacio y del tiempo, comportamiento, termorregulación, datos poblacionales y morfológicos. Se realizaron 237 capturas de un total de 136 individuos. En la dieta el ítem principal registrado fue insectos coleópteros, seguido por material vegetal y pequeños mamíferos; se observó una diferencia estacional en los hábitos alimentarios dada por una marcada caída de la ocurrencia de coleópteros durante la primavera. Durante las estaciones frías concentran su actividad al mediodía y primeras horas de la tarde y durante las estaciones cálidas el horario medio de actividad se da durante la tarde-noche. Seleccionan los suelos calcáreos arenosos y los pastizales de baja altura y alta cobertura de vegetación. El área de acción media registrada fue de 2670 m2. Son individuos asociales, con comportamiento diferente entre las estaciones y seleccionan los montes de tala para refugiarse. La temperatura rectal mostró correlaciones positivas con la temperatura ambiente y el peso. La proporción de sexos fue cercana a uno y no se observó dimorfismo sexual. Los resultados obtenidos concuerdan con lo observado para la especie en otras áreas distantes y con diferentes condiciones ambientales. Este trabajo representa un aporte en varios aspectos poco estudiados de una población aislada y bajo importantes presiones de uso y modificación de hábitat que la pueden llevar a la extinción en un mediano plazo.This contribution presents new data about the natural history of the screaming hairy armadillo Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae). A seasonal monitoring using the capture-recapture method was performed over the course of two years (2006-2008) in a 100 ha cattle farm in the locality of Magdalena, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Data were collected on food habits, space and time use, behavior, thermoregulation, population data, and morphology. A total of 237 captures of 136 individuals were made. The main food items recorded were coleopterans, followed by plant matter and small mammals; a marked drop of coleopterans in the spring diet suggested seasonal differences in food habits. In the cold seasons, screaming hairy armadillos were mainly active at noon and during the first hours of the afternoon, while in warm seasons their activity period shifted to the afternoon and night. The armadillos selected sandy-calcareous soils and preferred grasslands with low vegetation and high vegetation cover. The average home range was 2670 m2. Screaming hairy armadillos were asocial. Their behavior varied between seasons, and they selected the forest for refuge. Rectal temperature was positively correlated with ambient temperature and body mass. The sex proportion was near to one, and no sexual dimorphism was observed. In general, the results of this study are in agreement with previous observations of C. vellerosus populations inhabiting different environmental conditions in very distant areas from the one monitored here. This work provides new information about different aspects of an isolated population that is subjected to high pressure due to habitat modification and use, and is therefore facing a high extinction risk.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Natural history of the screaming hairy armadillo Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae)

En este trabajo se presentan nuevos aportes sobre la historia natural del piche llorón Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae). Los estudios de campo fueron llevados a cabo en 100 ha de un establecimiento ganadero de la localidad de Magdalena, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Durante dos años (2006-2008) se realizó un muestreo estacional de armadillos por captura y recaptura. Se obtuvieron datos de hábitos alimentarios, uso del espacio y del tiempo, comportamiento, termorregulación, datos poblacionales y morfológicos. Se realizaron 237 capturas de un total de 136 individuos. En la dieta el ítem principal registrado fue insectos coleópteros, seguido por material vegetal y pequeños mamíferos; se observó una diferencia estacional en los hábitos alimentarios dada por una marcada caída de la ocurrencia de coleópteros durante la primavera. Durante las estaciones frías concentran su actividad al mediodía y primeras horas de la tarde y durante las estaciones cálidas el horario medio de actividad se da durante la tarde-noche. Seleccionan los suelos calcáreos arenosos y los pastizales de baja altura y alta cobertura de vegetación. El área de acción media registrada fue de 2670 m2. Son individuos asociales, con comportamiento diferente entre las estaciones y seleccionan los montes de tala para refugiarse. La temperatura rectal mostró correlaciones positivas con la temperatura ambiente y el peso. La proporción de sexos fue cercana a uno y no se observó dimorfismo sexual. Los resultados obtenidos concuerdan con lo observado para la especie en otras áreas distantes y con diferentes condiciones ambientales. Este trabajo representa un aporte en varios aspectos poco estudiados de una población aislada y bajo importantes presiones de uso y modificación de hábitat que la pueden llevar a la extinción en un mediano plazo.This contribution presents new data about the natural history of the screaming hairy armadillo Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Dasypodidae). A seasonal monitoring using the capture-recapture method was performed over the course of two years (2006-2008) in a 100 ha cattle farm in the locality of Magdalena, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Data were collected on food habits, space and time use, behavior, thermoregulation, population data, and morphology. A total of 237 captures of 136 individuals were made. The main food items recorded were coleopterans, followed by plant matter and small mammals; a marked drop of coleopterans in the spring diet suggested seasonal differences in food habits. In the cold seasons, screaming hairy armadillos were mainly active at noon and during the first hours of the afternoon, while in warm seasons their activity period shifted to the afternoon and night. The armadillos selected sandy-calcareous soils and preferred grasslands with low vegetation and high vegetation cover. The average home range was 2670 m2. Screaming hairy armadillos were asocial. Their behavior varied between seasons, and they selected the forest for refuge. Rectal temperature was positively correlated with ambient temperature and body mass. The sex proportion was near to one, and no sexual dimorphism was observed. In general, the results of this study are in agreement with previous observations of C. vellerosus populations inhabiting different environmental conditions in very distant areas from the one monitored here. This work provides new information about different aspects of an isolated population that is subjected to high pressure due to habitat modification and use, and is therefore facing a high extinction risk.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse