Characterization of biofilm formation by Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro.

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Eva Sapi

Full Text Available Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has long been known to be capable of forming aggregates and colonies. It was recently demonstrated that Borrelia burgdorferi aggregate formation dramatically changes the in vitro response to hostile environments by this pathogen. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that these aggregates are indeed biofilms, structures whose resistance to unfavorable conditions are well documented. We studied Borrelia burgdorferi for several known hallmark features of biofilm, including structural rearrangements in the aggregates, variations in development on various substrate matrices and secretion of a protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS matrix using several modes of microscopic, cell and molecular biology techniques. The atomic force microscopic results provided evidence that multilevel rearrangements take place at different stages of aggregate development, producing a complex, continuously rearranging structure. Our results also demonstrated that Borrelia burgdorferi is capable of developing aggregates on different abiotic and biotic substrates, and is also capable of forming floating aggregates. Analyzing the extracellular substance of the aggregates for potential exopolysaccharides revealed the existence of both sulfated and non-sulfated/carboxylated substrates, predominately composed of an alginate with calcium and extracellular DNA present. In summary, we have found substantial evidence that Borrelia burgdorferi is capable of forming biofilm in vitro. Biofilm formation by Borrelia species might play an important role in their survival in diverse environmental conditions by providing refuge to individual cells.

Persistent Borrelia Infection in Patients with Ongoing Symptoms of Lyme Disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Middelveen, Marianne J; Sapi, Eva; Burke, Jennie; Filush, Katherine R; Franco, Agustin; Fesler, Melissa C; Stricker, Raphael B

2018-04-14

Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that generates controversy among medical providers and researchers. One of the key topics of debate is the existence of persistent infection with the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi , in patients who have been treated with recommended doses of antibiotics yet remain symptomatic. Persistent spirochetal infection despite antibiotic therapy has recently been demonstrated in non-human primates. We present evidence of persistent Borrelia infection despite antibiotic therapy in patients with ongoing Lyme disease symptoms. In this pilot study, culture of body fluids and tissues was performed in a randomly selected group of 12 patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms who had been treated or who were being treated with antibiotics. Cultures were also performed on a group of ten control subjects without Lyme disease. The cultures were subjected to corroborative microscopic, histopathological and molecular testing for Borrelia organisms in four independent laboratories in a blinded manner. Motile spirochetes identified histopathologically as Borrelia were detected in culture specimens, and these spirochetes were genetically identified as Borrelia burgdorferi by three distinct polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches. Spirochetes identified as Borrelia burgdorferi were cultured from the blood of seven subjects, from the genital secretions of ten subjects, and from a skin lesion of one subject. Cultures from control subjects without Lyme disease were negative for Borrelia using these methods. Using multiple corroborative detection methods, we showed that patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms may have ongoing spirochetal infection despite antibiotic treatment, similar to findings in non-human primates. The optimal treatment for persistent Borrelia infection remains to be determined.

Heterogeneity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and their reflection on immune response

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Stefančíková, A.; Derdáková, M.; Tresová, Gabriela; Peťko, B.; Szestáková, E.; Škardová, I.; Čisláková, L.

2005-01-01

Roč. 12, č. 2 (2005), s. 211-216 ISSN 1232-1966 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : horses * ELISA * SDS-PAGE * IgG * seroprevalence * Borrelia burgdorferi * Borrelia garinii * Borrelia afzelii Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 1.051, year: 2005

Notes from the Field: Tickborne Relapsing Fever Outbreak at an Outdoor Education Camp - Arizona, 2014.

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, Jefferson M; Schumacher, Mare; Peoples, Marie; Souders, Nina; Horn, Kimberly; Fox, Lisa; Scott, Michele; Brady, Shane; Weiss, Joli; Komatsu, Ken; Nieto, Nathan

2015-06-19

Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a bacterial infection characterized by recurring episodes of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea. In North America, TBRF primarily is caused by Borrelia hermsii spirochetes transmitted by Ornithodoros hermsii ticks. Once infected, these soft ticks are infectious for life and transmit the spirochete to sleeping humans quickly (possibly within 30 seconds) during short feeds (15-90 minutes). On August 10, 2014, the Coconino County Public Health Services District in Arizona was notified by a local hospital that five high school students who attended the same outdoor education camp had been hospitalized with fever, headache, and myalgias. Hantavirus infection initially was suspected because of reported exposure to rodent droppings, but after detecting spirochetes on peripheral blood smears from all five hospitalized students, TBRF was diagnosed. The camp was instructed to close immediately, and the health department, in collaboration with local university experts, investigated to identify additional cases, determine the cause, and prevent further infections. A total of 11 cases (six confirmed and five probable) were identified.

Persistent Borrelia Infection in Patients with Ongoing Symptoms of Lyme Disease

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Marianne J. Middelveen

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Introduction: Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that generates controversy among medical providers and researchers. One of the key topics of debate is the existence of persistent infection with the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in patients who have been treated with recommended doses of antibiotics yet remain symptomatic. Persistent spirochetal infection despite antibiotic therapy has recently been demonstrated in non-human primates. We present evidence of persistent Borrelia infection despite antibiotic therapy in patients with ongoing Lyme disease symptoms. Methods: In this pilot study, culture of body fluids and tissues was performed in a randomly selected group of 12 patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms who had been treated or who were being treated with antibiotics. Cultures were also performed on a group of ten control subjects without Lyme disease. The cultures were subjected to corroborative microscopic, histopathological and molecular testing for Borrelia organisms in four independent laboratories in a blinded manner. Results: Motile spirochetes identified histopathologically as Borrelia were detected in culture specimens, and these spirochetes were genetically identified as Borrelia burgdorferi by three distinct polymerase chain reaction (PCR-based approaches. Spirochetes identified as Borrelia burgdorferi were cultured from the blood of seven subjects, from the genital secretions of ten subjects, and from a skin lesion of one subject. Cultures from control subjects without Lyme disease were negative for Borrelia using these methods. Conclusions: Using multiple corroborative detection methods, we showed that patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms may have ongoing spirochetal infection despite antibiotic treatment, similar to findings in non-human primates. The optimal treatment for persistent Borrelia infection remains to be determined.

Rapid outer-surface protein C DNA tattoo vaccination protects against Borrelia afzelii infection

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wagemakers, A.; Mason, L. M. K.; Oei, A.; de Wever, B.; van der Poll, T.; Bins, A. D.; Hovius, J. W. R.

2014-01-01

Borrelia afzelii is the predominant Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis in Europe. Currently there is no human vaccine against Lyme borreliosis, and most research focuses on recombinant protein vaccines against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. DNA tattooing is a novel vaccination method

Borrelia host adaptation Regulator (BadR) regulates rpoS to modulate host adaptation and virulence factors in Borrelia burgdorferi

OpenAIRE

Miller, Christine L.; Rajasekhar Karna, S. L.; Seshu, J.

2013-01-01

The RpoS transcription factor of Borrelia burgdorferi is a “gatekeeper” because it activates genes required for spirochetes to transition from tick to vertebrate hosts. However, it remains unknown how RpoS becomes repressed to allow the spirochetes to transition back from the vertebrate host to the tick vector. Here we show that a putative carbohydrate-responsive regulatory protein, designated BadR (Borrelia host adaptation Regulator), is a transcriptional repressor of rpoS. BadR levels are e...

Population dynamics of Borrelia burgdorferi in Lyme disease

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Sebastian Christoph Binder

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Many chronic inflammatory diseases are known to be caused by persistent bacterial or viral infections. A well-studied example is the tick-borne infection by the gram-negative Spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia in humans and other mammals, causing severe symptoms of chronic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage (Lyme Disease, particularly in large joints and the central nervous system, but also in the heart and other tissues of untreated patients. Although killed efficiently by human phagocytic cells in vitro, Borrelia exhibits a remarkably high infectivity in mice and men. In experimentally infected mice, the first immune response almost clears the infection. However, approximately one week post infection, the bacterial population recovers and reaches an even larger size before entering the chronic phase. We developed a mathematical model describing the bacterial growth and the immune response against Borrelia burgdorferi in the C3H mouse strain that has been established as an experimental model for Lyme disease. The peculiar dynamics of the infection exclude two possible mechanistic explanations for the regrowth of the almost cleared bacteria. Neither the hypothesis of bacterial dissemination to different tissue nor a limitation of phagocytic capacity were compatible with experiment. The mathematical model predicts that Borrelia recovers from the strong initial immune response by the regrowth of an immune-resistant sub-population of the bacteria. The chronic phase appears as an equilibration of bacterial growth and adaptive immunity. This result has major implications for the development of the chronic phase of Borrelia infections as well as on potential protective clinical interventions.

Whole genome sequence of an unusual Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolate

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Casjens, S.R.; Dunn, J.; Fraser-Liggett, C. M.; Mongodin, E. F.; Qiu, W. G.; Luft, B. J.; Schutzer, S. E.

2011-03-01

Human Lyme disease is caused by a number of related Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species. We report here the complete genome sequence of Borrelia sp. isolate SV1 from Finland. This isolate is to date the closest known relative of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, but it is sufficiently genetically distinct from that species that it and its close relatives warrant its candidacy for new-species status. We suggest that this isolate should be named 'Borrelia finlandensis.'

Borrelia spirochetes in Russia: Genospecies differentiation by real-time PCR.

Science.gov (United States)

Mukhacheva, T A; Kovalev, S Y

2014-10-01

Spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex are the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis which is widespread in Russia. Nowadays, three clinically important B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. bavariensis sp. nov., can be found in Russia, as well as B. miyamotoi, which belongs to the tick-borne relapsing fever group of spirochetes. Several techniques have been developed to differentiate Borrelia genospecies. However, most of them do not allow detection of all of these genospecies simultaneously. Also, no method based on the RT-PCR TaqMan approach has been proposed to differentiate the genetically closely related species B. bavariensis and B. garinii. In the present paper, we investigated two species of ticks, I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi (1343 and 92 adults, respectively). Two sets of primers and probes for RT-PCR, with uvrA, glpQ and nifS genes as targets, were designed to detect four Borrelia genospecies in positive samples. The average prevalence of Borrelia sp. was about 40%, with B. afzelii as the most prevalent genospecies. Mixed infections of B. bavariensis and B. garinii were found to be extremely rare. While B. bavariensis was predominant in I. persulcatus, I. pavlovskyi ticks were infected exclusively by B. garinii. The proposed technique proved to be efficient in selection of individual Borrelia species for further genetic analysis, in particular, for multilocus sequence typing. Also, it could be applied for the differentiation of Borrelia genospecies in clinical material. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Evidence for frequent OspC gene transfer between Borrelia valaisiana sp. nov. and other Lyme disease spirochetes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wang, G.; van Dam, A. P.; Dankert, J.

1999-01-01

Molecular polymorphism of the ospC gene has been reported in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii, the spirochetes causing human Lyme borreliosis. To assess the genetic relationship between ospC genes from the recently described Borrelia valaisiana sp. nov. and

Association of Borrelia and Rickettsia spp. and bacterial loads in Ixodes ricinus ticks.

Science.gov (United States)

Raulf, Marie-Kristin; Jordan, Daniela; Fingerle, Volker; Strube, Christina

2018-01-01

In recent years, awareness of coinfections has increased as synergistic or antagonistic effects on interacting bacteria have been observed. To date, several reports on coinfections of ticks with Rickettsia and Borrelia spp. are available. However, associations are rarely described and studies are based on rather low sample sizes. In the present study, coinfections of Ixodes ricinus with these pathogens were investigated by determining their association in a meta-analysis. A total of 5079 tick samples examined for Rickettsia and Borrelia spp. via probe-based quantitative real-time PCR in previous prevalence studies or as submitted diagnostic material were included. In Borrelia-positive ticks, genospecies were determined by Reverse Line Blot. Determination of bacterial loads resulted in an increase between developmental tick stages with highest mean bacterial loads in female ticks (7.96×10 4 in Borrelia single-infected, 4.87×10 5 in Rickettsia single-infected and 3.22×10 5 in Borrelia-Rickettsia coinfected females). The determined Borrelia-Rickettsia tick coinfection rate was 12.3% (626/5079) with a significant difference to the expected coinfection rate of 9.0% (457/5079). A significant slight association as well as correlation between Borrelia and Rickettsia were determined. In addition, a significant interrelation of the bacterial load in coinfected ticks was shown. At the level of Borrelia genospecies, significant weak associations with Rickettsia spp. were detected for B. afzelii, B. garinii/bavariensis, B. valaisiana and B. lusitaniae. The positive association provides evidence for interactions between Borrelia and Rickettsia spp. in the tick vector, presumably resulting in higher bacterial replication rates in the tick vector and possibly the reservoir host. However, coinfection may impact the vector negatively as indicated by an absent increase in coinfection rates from nymphs to adults. Future studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of

Borrelia carolinensis sp. nov., a new (14th) member of the Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato complex from the southeastern region of the United States

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Grubhoffer, Libor; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2009-01-01

Roč. 47, č. 1 (2009), s. 134-141 ISSN 0095-1137 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR(CZ) GA524/06/1479 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : multilocus sequence analysis * B. burgdorferi sl complex * new borrelia species * Borrelia carolinensis Subject RIV: GJ - Animal Vermins ; Diseases, Veterinary Medicine Impact factor: 4.162, year: 2009

Does RecA have a role in Borrelia recurrentis?

OpenAIRE

Cutler, S.J.; Rinky, I.J.; Bonilla, E.M.

2011-01-01

Genomic sequencing of two relapsing fever spirochaetes showed truncation of recA in Borrelia recurrentis, but not in Borrelia duttonii. RecA has an important role among bacteria; we investigated whether this characteristic was representative of B. recurrentis, or an artefact following in vitro cultivation. We sequenced recA directly from samples of patient with louse-borne relapsing fever (B. recurrentis) or tick-borne relapsing fever (B. duttonii). We confirmed the premature stop codon in se...

Borrelia infection and risk of celiac disease.

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Alaedini, Armin; Lebwohl, Benjamin; Wormser, Gary P; Green, Peter H; Ludvigsson, Jonas F

2017-09-15

Environmental factors, including infectious agents, are speculated to play a role in the rising prevalence and the geographic distribution of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder. In the USA and Sweden where the regional variation in the frequency of celiac disease has been studied, a similarity with the geographic distribution of Lyme disease, an emerging multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, has been found, thus raising the possibility of a link. We aimed to determine if infection with Borrelia contributes to an increased risk of celiac disease. Biopsy reports from all of Sweden's pathology departments were used to identify 15,769 individuals with celiac disease. Through linkage to the nationwide Patient Register, we compared the rate of earlier occurrence of Lyme disease in the patients with celiac disease to that in 78,331 matched controls. To further assess the temporal relationship between Borrelia infection and celiac disease, we also examined the risk of subsequent Lyme disease in patients with a diagnosis of celiac disease. Twenty-five individuals (0.16%) with celiac disease had a prior diagnosis of Lyme disease, whereas 79 (0.5%) had a subsequent diagnosis of Lyme disease. A modest association between Lyme disease and celiac disease was seen both before (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-2.47) and after the diagnosis of celiac disease (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.40-2.35), with the risk of disease being highest in the first year of follow-up. Only a minor fraction of the celiac disease patient population had a prior diagnosis of Lyme disease. The similar association between Lyme disease and celiac disease both before and after the diagnosis of celiac disease is strongly suggestive of surveillance bias as a likely contributor. Taken together, the data indicate that Borrelia infection is not a substantive risk factor in the development of celiac disease.

Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Venom and Melittin against Borrelia burgdorferi

OpenAIRE

Kayla M. Socarras; Priyanka A. S. Theophilus; Jason P. Torres; Khusali Gupta; Eva Sapi

2017-01-01

Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multi-systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Though antibiotics are used as a primary treatment, relapse often occurs after the discontinuation of antimicrobial agents. The reason for relapse remains unknown, however previous studies suggest the possible presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia round bodies, persisters and attached biofilm forms. Thus, there is an urgent need to find antimicrobial agents suitable to eliminate all known f...

Recombinant constructs of Borrelia burgdorferi

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dattwyler, Raymond J. (Setauket, NY); Gomes-Solecki, Maria J. C. (New York, NY); Luft, Benjamin J. (East Setauket, NY); Dunn, John J.(Bellport, NY)

2007-02-20

Novel chimeric nucleic acids, encoding chimeric Borrelia proteins comprising OspC or an antigenic fragment thereof and OspA or an antigenic fragment thereof, are disclosed. Chimeric proteins encoded by the nucleic acid sequences are also disclosed. The chimeric proteins are useful as vaccine immunogens against Lyme borreliosis, as well as for immunodiagnostic reagents.

Molecular Typing of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Fingerprinting Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Guiqing; van Dam, Alje P.; Spanjaard, Lodewijk; Dankert, Jacob

1998-01-01

To study whether pathogenic clusters of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato strains occur, we typed 136 isolates, cultured from specimens from patients (n = 49) with various clinical entities and from ticks (n = 83) or dogs (n = 4) from different geographic regions, by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting with four arbitrary primers. The RAPD patterns were reproducible up to the 95% similarity level as shown in duplicate experiments. In these experiments the purified DNAs prepared on different days, from different colonies, and after various passages were used as templates. With an intergroup difference of 55%, the 136 strains could be divided into seven genetic clusters. Six clusters comprised and corresponded to the established species B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n = 23), Borrelia garinii (n = 39), Borrelia afzelii (n = 59), Borrelia japonica (n = 1), Borrelia valaisiana (n = 12), and genomic group DN127 (n = 1). One strain from a patient with erythema migrans (EM) did not belong to any of the species or genomic groups known up to now. The RAPD types of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, and B. afzelii isolates, which may give rise to human Lyme borreliosis (LB), were associated with their geographic origins. A high degree of genetic diversity was observed among the 39 B. garinii strains, and six subgroups could be recognized. One of these comprised eight isolates from patients with disseminated LB only and no tick isolates. B. afzelii strains from patients with EM or acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans were not clustered in particular branches. Our study showed that RAPD analysis is a powerful tool for discriminating different Borrelia species as well as Borrelia isolates within species. PMID:9508310

[Using the polymerase chain reaction to Borrelia burgdorferi infection in localized scleroderma injure (morphea), in Venezuelan patients].

Science.gov (United States)

Espinoza-León, Fabiola; Arocha, Francisco; Hassanhi, Manzur; Arévalo, Julio

2010-09-01

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme Borreliosis, an infectious multisystemic disease transmitted to humans by the Ixodes ticks bite. A possible association of Borrelia burgdorferi with localized scleroderma has been postulated. However, published data do not provide unequivocal results. Previous serologic analysis of patients with localized scleroderma in South American countries (including Venezuela), have been reported as yielding some reactivity. The present study looked for evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in venezuelan patients with localized scleroderma, using the polymerase chain reaction to analyze 21 skin samples of patients with this skin condition. The results were negative in all the samples studied. Our data do not support an association of Borrelia burgdorferi infection and the sclerotic lesions of localized scleroderma; but do not rule out the possibility of a relationship between localized scleroderma and an unknown geno-specie of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, a different Borrelia specie or a different spirochetal organism, as the etiological agents of the skin lesions in this area.

Larvae of Ixodes ricinus transmit Borrelia afzelii and B. miyamotoi to vertebrate hosts

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Duijvendijk, van Gilian; Coipan, Claudia; Wagemakers, Alex; Fonville, Manoj; Ersöz, Jasmin; Oei, Anneke; Földvári, Gábor; Hovius, Joppe; Takken, Willem; Sprong, Hein

2016-01-01

Background: Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne human disease and is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochaete, is transmitted transovarially, whereas this has not been shown for B. burgdorferi (s.l). Therefore, B. burgdorferi

Relapsing fever causative agent in Southern Iran is a closely related species to East African borreliae.

Science.gov (United States)

Naddaf, Saied Reza; Ghazinezhad, Behnaz; Kazemirad, Elham; Cutler, Sally Jane

2017-10-01

We obtained two blood samples from relapsing fever patients residing in Jask County, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran in 2013. Sequencing of a partial fragment of glpQ from two samples, and further characterization of one of them by analyzing flaB gene, and 16S-23S spacer (IGS) revealed the greatest sequence identity with East African borreliae, Borrelia recurrentis, and Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia microti from Iran. Phylogenetic analyses of glpQ, flaB, and concatenated sequences (glpQ, flab, and IGS) clustered these sequences amongst East African Relapsing fever borreliae and B. microti from Iran. However, the more discriminatory IGS disclosed a unique 8-bp signature (CAGCCTAA) separating these from B. microti and indeed other relapsing fever borreliae. In southern Iran, relapsing fever cases are mostly from localities in which O. erraticus ticks, the notorious vector of B. microti, prevail. There are chances that this argasid tick serves as a host and vector of several closely related species or ecotypes including the one we identified in the present study. The distribution of this Borrelia species remains to be elucidated, but it is assumed to be endemic to lowland areas of the Hormozgan Province, as well as Sistan va Baluchistan in the southeast and South Khorasan (in Persian: Khorasan-e Jonobi) in the east of Iran. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Larvae of Ixodes ricinus transmit Borrelia afzelii and B. miyamotoi to vertebrate hosts

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Duijvendijk, Gilian; Coipan, Claudia; Wagemakers, Alex; Fonville, Manoj; Ersöz, Jasmin; Oei, Anneke; Földvári, Gábor; Hovius, Joppe; Takken, Willem; Sprong, Hein

2016-01-01

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne human disease and is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochaete, is transmitted transovarially, whereas this has not been shown for B. burgdorferi (s.l). Therefore, B. burgdorferi (s.l) is

Granuloma Annulare and Morphea: Correlation with Borrelia burgdorferi Infections and Chlamydia-related Bacteria

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Lauri Tolkki

2017-12-01

Full Text Available A retrospective study of 109 skin biopsies with granuloma annulare (GA or morphea histology from patients with suspected tick bite was performed. Biopsies were tested for cutaneous Borrelia burgdorferi DNA using PCR. The same biopsies were analysed for tick-borne novel agents, Chlamydia-related bacteria (members of the Chlamydiales order, using a PCR-based method. Borrelia DNA was detected in 7/73 (9.6% biopsies with GA and in 1/36 (2.8 % biopsies with morphea, while Chlamydiales DNA was found in 53/73 (72.6% biopsies with GA and 25/34 (73.4% biopsies with morphea. All Borrelia DNA-positive GA samples were also positive for Chlamydiales DNA. The Chlamydiales sequences detected in GA were heterogeneous and contained Waddliaceae and Rhabdochlamydiaceae bacteria, which are also present in Ixodes ricinus ticks, while the Chlamydiales sequences detected in morphea closely resembled those found in healthy skin. In conclusion, tick-mediated infections can trigger GA in some cases, while correlation of either Borrelia or Chlamydiales with morphea is unlikely.

Establishment of a minor groove binder-probe based quantitative real time PCR to detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and differentiation of Borrelia spielmanii by ospA-specific conventional PCR

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Strube Christina

2010-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, is transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes as vector. For identification of Borrelia infections in ticks a TaqMan™ minor groove binder (MGB probe-based quantitative real time PCR (qPCR was established targeting the 5S-23S intergenic spacer. Extension to a duplex qPCR included an Ixodes spp. positive control to verify successful DNA isolation. Besides qPCR, an ospA-specific conventional PCR for species-specific identification of B. spielmanii was established. Afterwards 1000 I. ricinus flagged in the city of Hanover, Germany, were investigated for B. burgdorferi sl infections followed by species identification. Furthermore, I. hexagonus ticks were investigated to proof applicability of the PCRs. Results Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR identifying B. burgdorferi sl in ticks was able to detect 1-10 copies per reaction. B. spielmanii ospA-specific conventional PCR was also highly specific and showed no cross reactions with the other tested Borrelia species. From 1000 hanoveranian ticks 24.3% were positive compared to only 7.4% positives by dark-field microscopy. Related to tick stage 1.7% larvae, 18.1% nymphs, and 34.6% adults were positive. The most frequent species was B. garinii, followed by B. afzelii, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (ss. 70.6% of I. ricinus were mono-infected, whereas 28.0% and 1.4% were infected with two and three Borrelia species, respectively. From 232 I. hexagonus collected from hedgehogs in different sites of Germany, qPCR detected 5.7% to be infected with B. burgdorferi sl, which were identified as B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. spielmanii. Conclusions The evaluated qPCR to detect B. burgdorferi sl in Ixodes spp. is highly specific and sensitive. As a duplex qPCR including detection of Ixodes spp. DNA it is the first DNA based technique incorporating a control for successful DNA isolation from

Molecular detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lager, Malin; Faller, Maximilian; Wilhelmsson, Peter

2017-01-01

the protocols using 16S rRNA as the target gene, however, this concordance was mainly related to cDNA as the type of template. When comparing cDNA and DNA as the type of template the analytical sensitivity was in general higher for the protocols using DNA as template regardless of the use of target gene...... molecular detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may serve as a complement. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity and concordance of eight different real-time PCR methods at five laboratories in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Method: Each...... participating laboratory was asked to analyse three different sets of samples (reference panels; all blinded) i) cDNA extracted and transcribed from water spiked with cultured Borrelia strains, ii) cerebrospinal fluid spiked with cultured Borrelia strains, and iii) DNA dilution series extracted from cultured...

Occurrence of multiple infections with different Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Danish Ixodes ricinus nymphs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Jean Vennestrøm; Egholm, H.; Mikkelsen, Per Jensen

2008-01-01

The pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme Borreliosis in human and animals world-wide. In Europe the pathogen is transmitted to the host by the vector Ixodes ricinus. The nymph is the primary instar for transmission to humans. We here study the infection rate of five Borrelia genospecies: B...

T-cell-independent immune responses do not require CXC ligand 13-mediated B1 cell migration.

Science.gov (United States)

Colombo, Matthew J; Sun, Guizhi; Alugupalli, Kishore R

2010-09-01

The dynamic movement of B cells increases the probability of encountering specific antigen and facilitates cell-cell interactions required for mounting a rapid antibody response. B1a and B1b cells are enriched in the coelomic cavity, contribute to T-cell-independent (TI) antibody responses, and increase in number upon antigen exposure. B1 cell movement is largely governed by Cxc ligand 13 (Cxcl13), and mice deficient in this chemokine have a severe reduction in peritoneal B1 cells. In this study, we examined the role of Cxcl13-dependent B cell migration using Borrelia hermsii infection or intraperitoneal immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide or 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl-acetyl (NP)-Ficoll, all of which induce robust antibody responses from B1b cells. Surprisingly, we found that antibody responses to B. hermsii or to FhbA, an antigenic target of B1b cells, and the resolution of bacteremia were indistinguishable between wild-type and Cxcl13-/- mice. Importantly, we did not observe an expansion of peritoneal B1b cell numbers in Cxcl13-/- mice. Nonetheless, mice that had resolved infection were resistant to reinfection, indicating that the peritoneal B1b cell reservoir is not required for controlling B. hermsii. Furthermore, despite a reduced peritoneal B1b compartment, immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine yielded comparable antigen-specific antibody responses in wild-type and Cxcl13-/- mice and conferred protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Likewise, immunization with NP-Ficoll elicited similar antibody responses in wild-type and Cxcl13-/- mice. These data demonstrate that homing of B1 cells into the coelomic cavity is not a requirement for generating protective TI antibody responses, even when antigen is initially localized to this anatomical compartment.

Geographical and genospecies distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA detected in humans in the USA.

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Clark, Kerry L; Leydet, Brian F; Threlkeld, Clifford

2014-05-01

The present study investigated the cause of illness in human patients primarily in the southern USA with suspected Lyme disease based on erythema migrans-like skin lesions and/or symptoms consistent with early localized or late disseminated Lyme borreliosis. The study also included some patients from other states throughout the USA. Several PCR assays specific for either members of the genus Borrelia or only for Lyme group Borrelia spp. (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato), and DNA sequence analysis, were used to identify Borrelia spp. DNA in blood and skin biopsy samples from human patients. B. burgdorferi sensu lato DNA was found in both blood and skin biopsy samples from patients residing in the southern states and elsewhere in the USA, but no evidence of DNA from other Borrelia spp. was detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis of partial flagellin (flaB) gene sequences, strains that clustered separately with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia americana or Borrelia andersonii were associated with Lyme disease-like signs and symptoms in patients from the southern states, as well as from some other areas of the country. Strains most similar to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and B. americana were found most commonly and appeared to be widely distributed among patients residing throughout the USA. The study findings suggest that human cases of Lyme disease in the southern USA may be more common than previously recognized and may also be caused by more than one species of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. This study provides further evidence that B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is not the only species associated with signs and/or symptoms consistent with Lyme borreliosis in the USA.

Enzyme activities of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Heroldová, M.; Němec, M.; Hubálek, Zdeněk; Halouzka, Jiří

2001-01-01

Roč. 46, č. 3 (2001), s. 179-182 ISSN 0015-5632 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/00/1204 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Lyme disease Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.776, year: 2001

Evidence of Borrelia in wild and domestic mammals from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Carlos Emmanuel Montandon

Full Text Available The main of the study was to evaluate the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in domestic and wild vertebrates and ectoparasites in endemic areas from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 445 serum samples were examined by ELISA, which used the Borrelia burgdorferi strain G39/40 U.S. source and 3,821 tick samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR. B. burgdorferi antibodies were found in 30 serum samples (6.74%; three in marsupials (7.69%, three in rodents (2.80%, nine in dogs (6.25%, and 15 in horses (9.68%. Nested-PCR performed in DNA samples obtained from collected ticks demonstrated negative results. Although attempts to amplify B. burgdorferi DNA from ticks had been not successful, the presence of seroreactive vertebrates suggests the possibility the Borrelia species circulating in these regions. Further research is required to provide information on the presence of Borrelia in Brazilian territory and its association with Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome.

Natural foci of Borrelia lusitaniae in a mountain region of Central Europe.

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Tarageľová, Veronika Rusňáková; Mahríková, Lenka; Selyemová, Diana; Václav, Radovan; Derdáková, Markéta

2016-03-01

Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Europe. It is caused by spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex and transmitted to humans by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana are the most common genospecies in Central Europe. In contrast, Borrelia lusitaniae predominates in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Morocco, and Tunisia. In Slovakia, its prevalence is low and restricted to only a few sites. The aim of our research was to study the expansion of ticks into higher altitudes in the ecosystem of the Malá Fatra mountains (north Slovakia) and their infection with B. burgdorferi s.l. pathogens. Questing ticks were collected by flagging in seven years (2004, 2006-2011) at three different altitudes: low (630-660 m above sea level (ASL)), intermediate (720-750 m ASL), and high (1040-1070 m ASL). Tick abundance was highest at the lowest altitude and lowest at the highest altitude. The average infection prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in nymphs and adults was 16.8% and 36.2%, respectively. The number of infected ticks decreased from 38.5% at the lowest altitude to 4.4% at the highest altitude. B. lusitaniae was the most frequently found genospecies (>60% of the ticks found positive for B. burgdorferi s.l.) in all sites in all the studied years with the exception of 2008 when B. afzelii predominated (62%). Our study confirms the spread of Ixodes ricinus ticks to higher altitudes in Slovakia. The discovery that our mountain study sites were a natural foci of B. lusitaniae was unexpected because this genospecies is usually associated with lizards and xerothermic habitats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Two ways of experimental infection of Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) with spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Fišerová, Lenka; Černá, Kateřina; Horká, Helena; Kopecký, Jan

2008-01-01

Roč. 55, č. 2 (2008), s. 150-154 ISSN 0015-5683 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/05/0811; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Lyme disease spirochete * Borrelia burgdorferi * Borrelia baronii * Borrelia afzelii * tick * Ixodes ricinus Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 1.307, year: 2008

Does RecA have a role in Borrelia recurrentis?

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Cutler, S J; Rinky, I J; Bonilla, E M

2011-02-01

Genomic sequencing of two relapsing fever spirochaetes showed truncation of recA in Borrelia recurrentis, but not in Borrelia duttonii. RecA has an important role among bacteria; we investigated whether this characteristic was representative of B. recurrentis, or an artefact following in vitro cultivation. We sequenced recA directly from samples of patient with louse-borne relapsing fever (B. recurrentis) or tick-borne relapsing fever (B. duttonii). We confirmed the premature stop codon in seven louse-borne relapsing fever samples, and its absence from three tick-borne relapsing fever samples. Furthermore, specific signature polymorphisms were found that could differentiate between these highly similar spirochaetes. © 2010 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2010 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in humans in a rural area of Paraná State, Brazil

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Daniela Dib Gonçalves

2015-06-01

Full Text Available This study describes the detection of Borrelia garinii and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s. in Brazilian individuals using PCR and DNA sequencing. Our results suggest that these species are emerging pathogens in this country, and additional studies are necessary to determine the epidemiological characteristics of this disease in Brazil.

Suppression of Long-Lived Humoral Immunity Following Borrelia burgdorferi Infection.

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Rebecca A Elsner

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Lyme Disease caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is an emerging infectious disease and already by far the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S. Similar to many other infections, infection with B. burgdorferi results in strong antibody response induction, which can be used clinically as a diagnostic measure of prior exposure. However, clinical studies have shown a sometimes-precipitous decline of such antibodies shortly following antibiotic treatment, revealing a potential deficit in the host's ability to induce and/or maintain long-term protective antibodies. This is further supported by reports of frequent repeat infections with B. burgdorferi in endemic areas. The mechanisms underlying such a lack of long-term humoral immunity, however, remain unknown. We show here that B. burgdorferi infected mice show a similar rapid disappearance of Borrelia-specific antibodies after infection and subsequent antibiotic treatment. This failure was associated with development of only short-lived germinal centers, micro-anatomical locations from which long-lived immunity originates. These showed structural abnormalities and failed to induce memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells for months after the infection, rendering the mice susceptible to reinfection with the same strain of B. burgdorferi. The inability to induce long-lived immune responses was not due to the particular nature of the immunogenic antigens of B. burgdorferi, as antibodies to both T-dependent and T-independent Borrelia antigens lacked longevity and B cell memory induction. Furthermore, influenza immunization administered at the time of Borrelia infection also failed to induce robust antibody responses, dramatically reducing the protective antiviral capacity of the humoral response. Collectively, these studies show that B. burgdorferi-infection results in targeted and temporary immunosuppression of the host and bring new insight into the mechanisms underlying the failure

Preferential protection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto by a Salp15 homologue in Ixodes ricinus saliva

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hovius, J. W.; Schuijt, T. J.; de Groot, K. A.; Roelofs, J. J. T. H.; Oei, G. A.; Marquart, J. A.; de Beer, R.; van 't Veer, C.; van der Poll, T.; Ramamoorthi, N.; Fikrig, E.; van Dam, A. P.

2008-01-01

BACKGROUND: Ixodes ticks are the main vectors for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. In the United States, B. burgdorferi is the sole causative agent of Lyme borreliosis and is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis. In Europe, 3 Borrelia species-B. burgdorferi, B. garinii, and B. afzelii-are prevalent,

Borreliacidal activity of Borrelia metal transporter A (BmtA binding small molecules by manganese transport inhibition

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Wagh D

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Dhananjay Wagh,* Venkata Raveendra Pothineni,* Mohammed Inayathullah, Song Liu, Kwang-Min Kim, Jayakumar Rajadas Biomaterials and Advanced Drug Delivery Laboratory, Stanford Cardiovascular Pharmacology Division, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA *These authors contributed equally to this work  Abstract: Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, utilizes manganese (Mn for its various metabolic needs. We hypothesized that blocking Mn transporter could be a possible approach to inhibit metabolic activity of this pathogen and eliminate the infection. We used a combination of in silico protein structure prediction together with molecular docking to target the Borrelia metal transporter A (BmtA, a single known Mn transporter in Borrelia and screened libraries of FDA approved compounds that could potentially bind to the predicted BmtA structure with high affinity. Tricyclic antihistamines such as loratadine, desloratadine, and 3-hydroxydesloratadine as well as yohimbine and tadalafil demonstrated a tight binding to the in silico folded BmtA transporter. We, then, tested borreliacidal activity and dose response of the shortlisted compounds from this screen using a series of in vitro assays. Amongst the probed compounds, desloratadine exhibited potent borreliacidal activity in vitro at and above 78 µg/mL (250 µM. Borrelia treated with lethal doses of desloratadine exhibited a significant loss of intracellular Mn specifically and a severe structural damage to the bacterial cell wall. Our results support the possibility of developing a novel, targeted therapy to treat Lyme disease by targeting specific metabolic needs of Borrelia.  Keywords: Lyme disease, BmtA, Borrelia burgdorferi, desloratadine, Bac Titer-Glo assay

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia species antibodies in patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study from western Turkey.

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Cevizci, Sibel; Celik, Merve; Akcali, Alper; Oyekcin, Demet Gulec; Sahin, Ozlem Oztürk; Bakar, Coskun

2015-06-01

We examined IgG antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia sp. in schizophrenic patients. This case-control study included 30 schizophrenic patients and 60 healthy individuals. Serological analyses were identified by using ELISA technique. In the case group the Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.3% and Borrelia seropositivity was 13.3%, while in the control group the Toxoplasma positivity was 21.7% and Borrelia seropositivity was 15.0%. There was no significant difference with regard to seroprevalence between the groups (P = 0.232; P = 0.832, respectively). There was statistically significant difference between case and control groups related to hand and kitchen utensil hygiene after dealing with raw meat (P = 0.001). Our data showed the rate of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher in the case group, while the rate of Borrelia antibodies was higher in the control group. In both groups the high rates of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia sp. is thought to be due to neglect of personal hygiene. The present study also is the first to examine the association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to determine whether there is an association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia or not.

Rapid outer-surface protein C DNA tattoo vaccination protects against Borrelia afzelii infection.

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Wagemakers, A; Mason, L M K; Oei, A; de Wever, B; van der Poll, T; Bins, A D; Hovius, J W R

2014-12-01

Borrelia afzelii is the predominant Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis in Europe. Currently there is no human vaccine against Lyme borreliosis, and most research focuses on recombinant protein vaccines against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. DNA tattooing is a novel vaccination method that can be applied in a rapid vaccination schedule. We vaccinated C3H/HeN mice with B. afzelii strain PKo OspC (outer-surface protein C) using a codon-optimized DNA vaccine tattoo and compared this with recombinant protein vaccination in a 0-2-4 week vaccination schedule. We also assessed protection by DNA tattoo in a 0-3-6 day schedule. DNA tattoo and recombinant OspC vaccination induced comparable total IgG responses, with a lower IgG1/IgG2a ratio after DNA tattoo. Two weeks after syringe-challenge with 5 × 10(5) B. afzelii spirochetes most vaccinated mice had negative B. afzelii tissue DNA loads and all were culture negative. Furthermore, DNA tattoo vaccination in a 0-3-6 day regimen also resulted in negative Borrelia loads and cultures after challenge. To conclude, DNA vaccination by tattoo was fully protective against B. afzelii challenge in mice in a rapid vaccination protocol, and induces a favorable humoral immunity compared to recombinant protein vaccination. Rapid DNA tattoo is a promising vaccination strategy against spirochetes.

The ecology of Lyme borreliosis risk : interactions between lxodes ricinus, rodents and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Duijvendijk, van Gilian

2016-01-01

The sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is widespread throughout Europe and can transmit Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), which can cause Lyme borreliosis and B. miyamotoi, the agent of Borrelia miyamotoi disease in humans.

Low prevalence of Borrelia bavariensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks in southeastern Austria.

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Glatz, Martin; Muellegger, Robert R; Hizo-Teufel, Cecilia; Fingerle, Volker

2014-10-01

Borrelia bavariensis was recently described as a distinct genospecies among the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The prevalence of B. bavariensis in Austria, a highly endemic area for tick-transmitted pathogens, is scarcely characterized. To investigate the prevalence of B. bavariensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks we reevaluated the results of a study conducted in 518 ticks from southeastern Austria collected in 2002 and 2003. The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-specific DNA in ticks was analyzed by a PCR for the outer surface protein A (ospA) gene. Borrelia species were differentiated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, and samples positive for B. bavariensis were further analyzed by multilocus sequence analysis. Two of 133 (1.5%) B. burgdorferi s.l.-positive I. ricinus ticks were infected with B. bavariensis. Both specimens were coinfected with the OspA serotype 5 of B. garinii. Borrelia bavariensis is present; however, seem to be rare in I. ricinus ticks in southeastern Austria. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Venom and Melittin against Borrelia burgdorferi.

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Socarras, Kayla M; Theophilus, Priyanka A S; Torres, Jason P; Gupta, Khusali; Sapi, Eva

2017-11-29

Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multi-systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Though antibiotics are used as a primary treatment, relapse often occurs after the discontinuation of antimicrobial agents. The reason for relapse remains unknown, however previous studies suggest the possible presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia round bodies, persisters and attached biofilm forms. Thus, there is an urgent need to find antimicrobial agents suitable to eliminate all known forms of B. burgdorferi . In this study, natural antimicrobial agents such as Apis mellifera venom and a known component, melittin, were tested using SYBR Green I/PI, direct cell counting, biofilm assays combined with LIVE/DEAD and atomic force microscopy methods. The obtained results were compared to standalone and combinations of antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Cefoperazone, Daptomycin, which were recently found to be effective against Borrelia persisters. Our findings showed that both bee venom and melittin had significant effects on all the tested forms of B. burgdorferi. In contrast, the control antibiotics when used individually or even in combinations had limited effects on the attached biofilm form. These findings strongly suggest that whole bee venom or melittin could be effective antimicrobial agents for B. burgdorferi; however, further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness in vivo, as well as their safe and effective delivery method for their therapeutic use.

Infection of Ixodes ricinus by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in peri-urban forests of France.

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Axelle Marchant

Full Text Available Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. In Europe, it is transmitted by Ixodes ticks that carry bacteria belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The objective of this work was to explore eco-epidemiological factors of Lyme borreliosis in peri-urban forests of France (Sénart, Notre-Dame and Rambouillet. We investigated whether the introduction of Tamias sibiricus in Sénart could alter the density of infected ticks. Moreover, the density and tick infection were investigated according to the tree species found in various patches of Sénart forest. For this purpose, ticks were sampled during 3 years. In the Sénart forest, the density of nymph and adult ticks showed no significant difference between 2008, 2009 and 2011. The nymph density varied significantly as a function of the month of collection. Regarding the nymphs, a higher rate of infection and infected density were found in 2009. Plots with chipmunks (C presented a lower density of both nymphs and adult ticks than plots without chipmunks (NC did. A higher rate of infection of nymphs with Borrelia was seen in C plots. The prevalence of the various species of Borrelia was also found to vary between C and NC plots with the year of the collect. The presence of chestnut trees positively influenced the density of both nymphs and adults. The infected nymph density showed a significant difference depending on the peri-urban forest studied, Sénart being higher than Rambouillet. The prevalence of Borrelia species also differed between the various forests studied. Concerning the putative role that Tamias sibiricus may play in the transmission of Borrelia, our results suggest that its presence is correlated with a higher rate of infection of questing ticks by Borrelia genospecies and if its population increases, it could play a significant role in the risk of transmission of Lyme borreliosis.

Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies detection by RLB hybridization in Ixodes ricinus ticks from different sites of North-Eastern Poland.

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Dunaj, Justyna; Zajkowska, Joanna Maria; Kondrusik, Maciej; Gern, Lise; Rais, Oliver; Moniuszko, Anna; Pancewicz, Sławomir; Świerzbińska, Renata

2014-01-01

RLB (Reverse Line Blot Hybridization) is a molecular biology technique that might be used for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) DNA detection with genospecies specification. Among B. burgdorferi sl genospecies at least 7 are regarded as pathogenic in Europe. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of different Borrelia genospecies DNA detection in Ixodes ricinus ticks in the endemic area of North-Eastern Poland by using RLB. Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected in May - June, from 6 different sites in North-Eastern Poland (Jakubin, Kolno, Grajewo, Suwałki, Siemiatycze, Białowieża) by flagging. Extracted DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the intergenic spacer 5S 23S of B. burgdorferi sl. PCR products were hybridised to 15 different oligonucleotide probes for 9 different Borrelia genospecies (B. burgdorferi sl, B. burgdorferi ss, B. garinii, B. afzelii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae, B. spielmanii, B. bissettii and B. relapsing fever-like spirochetes (B. myamotoi)) by RLB. Borrelia genospecies DNA was detected in 205 Ixodes ricinus ticks. Among 14 infected with Borrelia ticks, 4 were identified as B. garinii and 10 as B. afzelii. Higher numbers of infected ticks were noticed in the eastern part of the research area, where large forest complexes dominate. Nymphs appeared to be the most frequently infected tick stage, which has an epidemiological meaning in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis. The study demonstrated that RLB might be easily used in Borrelia DNA detection with genospecies-identification, and indicated the domination of B. afzelii and B. garinii in ticks from North-Eastern Poland.

Identification of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Bonczek, Ondřej; Žákovská, A.; Vargová, L.; Šerý, Omar

2015-01-01

Roč. 22, č. 4 (2015), s. 642-646 ISSN 1232-1966 Institutional support: RVO:67985904 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi s. I. * Borrelia spielmanii * Ixodes ricinus Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology Impact factor: 0.895, year: 2015

Borreliae in Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on humans

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hubálek, Zdeněk; Halouzka, Jiří; Juřicová, Zina

2004-01-01

Roč. 18, č. 3 (2004), s. 228-231 ISSN 0269-283X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/03/0726; GA AV ČR IBS6093007 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Ixodes ricinus * Lyme disease Subject RIV: FN - Epidemiology, Contagious Diseases ; Clinical Immunology Impact factor: 1.405, year: 2004

Survey of Borreliae in ticks, canines, and white-tailed deer from Arkansas, U.S.A.

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Fryxell Rebecca T

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background In the Eastern and Upper Midwestern regions of North America, Ixodes scapularis (L. is the most abundant tick species encountered by humans and the primary vector of B. burgdorferi, whereas in the southeastern region Amblyomma americanum (Say is the most abundant tick species encountered by humans but cannot transmit B. burgdorferi. Surveys of Borreliae in ticks have been conducted in the southeastern United States and often these surveys identify B. lonestari as the primary Borrelia species, surveys have not included Arkansas ticks, canines, or white-tailed deer and B. lonestari is not considered pathogenic. The objective of this study was to identify Borrelia species within Arkansas by screening ticks (n = 2123, canines (n = 173, and white-tailed deer (n = 228 to determine the identity and locations of Borreliae endemic to Arkansas using PCR amplification of the flagellin (flaB gene. Methods Field collected ticks from canines and from hunter-killed white-tailed were identified to species and life stage. After which, ticks and their hosts were screened for the presence of Borrelia using PCR to amplify the flaB gene. A subset of the positive samples was confirmed with bidirectional sequencing. Results In total 53 (21.2% white-tailed deer, ten (6% canines, and 583 (27.5% Ixodid ticks (252 Ixodes scapularis, 161 A. americanum, 88 Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 50 Amblyomma maculatum, 19 Dermacentor variabilis, and 13 unidentified Amblyomma species produced a Borrelia flaB amplicon. Of the positive ticks, 324 (22.7% were collected from canines (151 A. americanum, 78 R. sanguineus, 43 I. scapularis, 26 A. maculatum, 18 D. variabilis, and 8 Amblyomma species and 259 (37.2% were collected from white-tailed deer (209 I. scapularis, 24 A. maculatum, 10 A. americanum, 10 R. sanguineus, 1 D. variabilis, and 5 Amblyomma species. None of the larvae were PCR positive. A majority of the flaB amplicons were homologous with B

Measuring Borrelia burgdorferi Motility and Chemotaxis.

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Zhang, Kai; Li, Chunhao

2018-01-01

Swimming plate, cell motion tracking, and capillary tube assays are very useful tools to quantitatively measure bacterial motility and chemotaxis. These methods were modified and applied to study Borrelia burgdorferi motility and chemotaxis. By using these methods, numerous motility and chemotaxis mutants have been characterized and several chemoattractants were identified. With the assistance of these tools, the role of motility and chemotaxis in the pathogenicity of B. burgdorferi has been established. In addition, these tools also facilitate the study of motility and chemotaxis in other spirochetes.

Spirochetes, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in mosquitoes

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Sanogo, Yibayiri Osée; Halouzka, Jiří; Hubálek, Zdeněk

2000-01-01

Roč. 62, 3 Suppl. (2000), s. 288-289 ISSN 0002-9637. [Annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene /49./. Houston, 29.10.2000-02.11.2000] R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/00/1234 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 1.765, year: 2000

Few vertebrate species dominate the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. life cycle

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Hofmeester, T. R.; Coipan, E. C.; van Wieren, S. E.; Prins, H. H. T.; Takken, W.; Sprong, H.

2016-04-01

Background. In the northern hemisphere, ticks of the Ixodidae family are vectors of diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick-borne encephalitis. Most of these ticks are generalists and have a three-host life cycle for which they are dependent on three different hosts for their blood meal. Finding out which host species contribute most in maintaining ticks and the pathogens they transmit, is imperative in understanding the drivers behind the dynamics of a disease. Methods. We performed a systematic review to identify the most important vertebrate host species for Ixodes ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. as a well-studied model system for tick-borne diseases. We analyzed data from 66 publications and quantified the relative contribution for 15 host species. Review results. We found a positive correlation between host body mass and tick burdens for the different stages of I. ricinus. We show that nymphal burdens of host species are positively correlated with infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi s.l., which is again positively correlated with the realized reservoir competence of a host species for B. burgdorferi s.l. Our quantification method suggests that only a few host species, which are amongst the most widespread species in the environment (rodents, thrushes and deer), feed the majority of I. ricinus individuals and that rodents infect the majority of I. ricinus larvae with B. burgdorferi s.l. Discussion. We argue that small mammal-transmitted Borrelia spp. are maintained due to the high density of their reservoir hosts, while bird-transmitted Borrelia spp. are maintained due to the high infection prevalence of their reservoir hosts. Our findings suggest that Ixodes ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. populations are maintained by a few widespread host species. The increase in distribution and abundance of these species, could be the cause for the increase in Lyme borreliosis incidence in Europe in recent decades.

Phylogenetic analysis of the spirochete Borrelia microti, a potential agent of relapsing fever in Iran.

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Naddaf, Saied Reza; Ghazinezhad, Behnaz; Bahramali, Golnaz; Cutler, Sally Jane

2012-09-01

We report a role for Borrelia microti as a cause of relapsing fever in Iran supported by robust epidemiological evidence. The molecular identity of this spirochete and its relation with other relapsing fever borreliae have, until now, been poorly delineated. We analyzed an isolate of B. microti, obtained from Ornithodoros erraticus ticks, by sequencing four loci (16S rRNA, flaB, glpQ, intragenic spacer [IGS]) and comparing these sequences with those of other relapsing fever borreliae. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of 16S rRNA, flaB, and glpQ grouped B. microti alongside three members of the African group, B. duttonii, B. recurrentis, and B. crocidurae, which are distinct from B. persica, the most prevalent established cause of tick-borne relapsing fever in Iran. The similarity values for 10 concatenated sequences totaling 2,437 nucleotides ranged from 92.11% to 99.84%, with the highest homologies being between B. duttonii and B. microti and between B. duttonii and B. recurrentis. Furthermore, the more discriminatory IGS sequence analysis corroborated the close similarity (97.76% to 99.56%) between B. microti and B. duttonii. These findings raise the possibility that both species may indeed be the same and further dispel the one-species, one-vector theory that has been the basis for classification of relapsing fever Borrelia for the last 100 years.

Detection of relapsing fever Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae bacteria in argasid ticks in Algeria.

Science.gov (United States)

Lafri, Ismail; El Hamzaoui, Basma; Bitam, Idir; Leulmi, Hamza; Lalout, Reda; Mediannikov, Oleg; Chergui, Mohamed; Karakellah, Mohamed; Raoult, Didier; Parola, Philippe

2017-11-01

Argasid ticks (soft ticks) are blood-feeding arthropods that can parasitize rodents, birds, humans, livestock and companion animals. Ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are known to be vectors of relapsing fever borreliosis in humans. In Algeria, little is known about relapsing fever borreliosis and other bacterial pathogens transmitted by argasid ticks. Between May 2013 and October 2015, we investigated the presence of soft ticks in 20 rodent burrows, 10 yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests and animal shelters in six locations in two different bioclimatic zones in Algeria. Six species of argasid ticks were identified morphologically and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae was assessed by qPCR template assays in each specimen. All qPCR-positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments. Two Borrelia species were identified: Borrelia hispanica in Ornithodoros occidentalis in Mostaganem, and Borrelia cf. turicatae in Carios capensis in Algiers. One new Bartonella genotype and one new Anaplasmataceae genotype were also identified in Argas persicus. The present study highlights the presence of relapsing fever borreliosis agents, although this disease is rarely diagnosed in Algeria. Other bacteria of unknown pathogenicity detected in argasid ticks which may bite humans deserve further investigation.

Risk of occupational infections caused by Borrelia burgdorferi among forestry workers and farmers

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Małgorzata Tokarska-Rodak

2014-02-01

Full Text Available Background: The aim of the work was to analyze the incidence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers and farmers, major groups occupationally exposed to tick bites. Material and Methods: The study group included 275 workers (171 foresters and 104 farmers. The control group consisted of 45 people, who have not been occupationally exposed to tick bites. The screening Elisa and Wb tests for the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were performed in all subjects of the study and control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2 test. Results: The positive results denoting the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were found in 55% of farmers and 28% of foresters occupationally exposed to Lyme borreliosis and coming from the area of South Podlasie Lowland and Lublin Polesie. The differences between the forestry workers and the control group (p ≤ 0.00001 and between farmers and the control group (p ≤ 0.001 were statistically significant. The species, such as B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis, which have not yet been reported in Poland, are significant etiologic agents of Lyme disease. Conclusion: The risk of occupational exposure to the B. burgdorferi infection is high for foresters and farmers, and the infection with spirochetes is frequently confirmed on the basis of positive results of the Wb test. The presence of specific antibodies against protein antigens of B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis suggest that these bacteria can cause Lyme disease both independently and in participation with other Borrelia species, which influences the development of the clinical manifestations of infection. Med Pr 2014;65(1:109–117

Perpetuation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia lusitaniae by Lizards

Science.gov (United States)

Richter, Dania; Matuschka, Franz-Rainer

2006-01-01

To determine whether the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia lusitaniae is associated with lizards, we compared the prevalence and genospecies of spirochetes present in rodent- and lizard-associated ticks at a site where this spirochete frequently infects questing ticks. Whereas questing nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks were infected mainly by Borrelia afzelii, one-half of the infected adult ticks harbored B. lusitaniae at our study site. Lyme disease spirochetes were more prevalent in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) and common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) than in small rodents. Although subadult ticks feeding on rodents acquired mainly B. afzelii, subadult ticks feeding on lizards became infected by B. lusitaniae. Genetic analysis confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from ticks feeding on lizards are members of the B. lusitaniae genospecies and resemble type strain PotiB2. At our central European study site, lizards, which were previously considered zooprophylactic for the agent of Lyme disease, appear to perpetuate B. lusitaniae. PMID:16820453

Longitudinal surveillance of the tick Ixodes ricinus for borreliae

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hubálek, Zdeněk; Halouzka, Jiří; Juřicová, Zina

2003-01-01

Roč. 17, č. 1 (2003), s. 46-51 ISSN 0269-283X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/00/1204; GA AV ČR IBS6093007 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Ixodes ricinus * Lyme disease Subject RIV: FN - Epidemiology, Contagious Diseases ; Clinical Immunology Impact factor: 1.040, year: 2003

Detection of relapsing fever Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae bacteria in argasid ticks in Algeria.

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Ismail Lafri

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Argasid ticks (soft ticks are blood-feeding arthropods that can parasitize rodents, birds, humans, livestock and companion animals. Ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are known to be vectors of relapsing fever borreliosis in humans. In Algeria, little is known about relapsing fever borreliosis and other bacterial pathogens transmitted by argasid ticks.Between May 2013 and October 2015, we investigated the presence of soft ticks in 20 rodent burrows, 10 yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis nests and animal shelters in six locations in two different bioclimatic zones in Algeria. Six species of argasid ticks were identified morphologically and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae was assessed by qPCR template assays in each specimen. All qPCR-positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments. Two Borrelia species were identified: Borrelia hispanica in Ornithodoros occidentalis in Mostaganem, and Borrelia cf. turicatae in Carios capensis in Algiers. One new Bartonella genotype and one new Anaplasmataceae genotype were also identified in Argas persicus.The present study highlights the presence of relapsing fever borreliosis agents, although this disease is rarely diagnosed in Algeria. Other bacteria of unknown pathogenicity detected in argasid ticks which may bite humans deserve further investigation.

Tick salivary gland extract-activated transmission of Borrelia afzelii spirochaetes

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Pechová, Jitka; Tresová, Gabriela; Kovář, Lubomír; Kopecký, Jan

2002-01-01

Roč. 49, č. 2 (2002), s. 153ů159 ISSN 0015-5683 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/02/0901 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6022909 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * salivary gland extract * Borrelia afzelii Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 0.515, year: 2002

Divergence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes could be driven by the host: diversity of Borrelia strains isolated from ticks feeding on a single bird

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Belfiore, N. M.; Grubhoffer, Libor; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2014-01-01

Roč. 7, JAN 2014 (2014), s. 4 ISSN 1756-3305 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato * Ixodes minor * bird migration * bird reservoir host * multilocus sequence analysis * multilocus sequence typing * recombinant genotypes * Southeastern United States Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology Impact factor: 3.430, year: 2014

The Tick Salivary Protein Salp15 Inhibits the Killing of Serum-Sensitive Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Isolates▿

OpenAIRE

Schuijt, Tim J.; Hovius, Joppe W. R.; van Burgel, Nathalie D.; Ramamoorthi, Nandhini; Fikrig, Erol; van Dam, Alje P.

2008-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by ticks. During transmission from the tick to the host, spirochetes are delivered with tick saliva, which contains the salivary protein Salp15. Salp15 has been shown to protect spirochetes against B. burgdorferi-specific antibodies. We now show that Salp15 from both Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes scapularis protects serum-sensitive isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato against complement-mediated killing. I. ricinus Salp15 show...

Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies detection by RLB hybridization in Ixodes cinus ticks from different sites of North-Eastern Poland

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Justyna Dunaj

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Introduction. RLB (Reverse Line Blot Hybridization is a molecular biology technique that might be used for [i]Borrelia burgdorferi [/i]sensu lato (sl DNA detection with genospecies specification. Among[i] B. burgdorferi[/i] sl genospecies at least 7 are regarded as pathogenic in Europe. objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of different [i]Borrelia[/i] genospecies DNA detection in Ixodes ricinus ticks in the endemic area of North-Eastern Poland by using RLB. materials and method. Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected in May – June, from 6 different sites in North-Eastern Poland (Jakubin, Kolno, Grajewo, Suwałki, Siemiatycze, Białowieża by flagging. Extracted DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR targeting the intergenic spacer 5S 23S of [i]B. burgdorferi sl.[/i] PCR products were hybridised to 15 different oligonucleotide probes for 9 different [i]Borrelia [/i]genospecies ([i]B. burgdorferi sl, B. burgdorferi ss, B. garinii, B. afzelii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae, B. spielmanii, B. bissettii and B. relapsing[/i] fever-like spirochetes (B. myamotoi by RLB. results. [i]Borrelia [/i]genospecies DNA was detected in 205 Ixodes ricinus ticks. Among 14 infected with [i]Borrelia[/i] ticks, 4 were identified as B. garinii and 10 as B. afzelii. Higher numbers of infected ticks were noticed in the eastern part of the research area, where large forest complexes dominate. Nymphs appeared to be the most frequently infected tick stage, which has an epidemiological meaning in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis. conclusions. The study demonstrated that RLB might be easily used in [i]Borrelia[/i] DNA detection with genospecies-identification, and indicated the domination of [i]B. afzelii and B. garinii [/i]in ticks from North-Eastern Poland.

Isolation of live Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochaetes from patients with undefined disorders and symptoms not typical for Lyme borreliosis

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Vancová, Marie; Clark, K.; Grubhoffer, Libor; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2016-01-01

Roč. 22, č. 3 (2016), 267.e9-267.e15 ISSN 1198-743X EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 278976 - ANTIGONE Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : antibiotic treatment * live Borrelia burgdorferi * live Borrelia bissettii * Lyme borreliosis * recovery of live spirochaetes Subject RIV: FN - Epidemiology, Contagious Diseases ; Clinical Immunology Impact factor: 5.292, year: 2016

Does Host Complement Kill Borrelia burgdorferi within Ticks?

OpenAIRE

Rathinavelu, Sivaprakash; Broadwater, Anne; de Silva, Aravinda M.

2003-01-01

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, inhabits the gut lumen of the tick vector. At this location the spirochete is exposed to host blood when a tick feeds. We report here on studies that were done with normal and complement-deficient (C3-knockout) mice to determine if the host complement system killed spirochetes within the vector. We found that spirochete numbers within feeding nymphs were not influenced by complement, most likely because host complement was inactivated within ...

Lyme borreliosis: insights into tick- / host-borrelia relations

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Grubhoffer, Libor; Golovchenko, Maryna; Vancová, Marie; Zacharovová, Klára; Rudenko, Natalia; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2005-01-01

Roč. 52, č. 4 (2005), s. 279-294 ISSN 0015-5683 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/03/1326; GA ČR GA206/03/1323 Grant - others:National Institutes of Health(US) R37 AI-24899; Science and Technology Collaboration AVCR-NRC Canada(CZ) Z60220518/58-8500 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia spirochetes * ticks * lectins * glycoproteins Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 1.138, year: 2005

[Recombinant OspC identification and antigenicity detection from Borrelia burgdorferi PD91 in China].

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jian; Wan, Kang-Lin

2003-10-01

To recombine OspC gene from Borrelia burgdorferi PD91 of China and expressed it in E. coli for early diagnosis of Lyme disease. The OspC gene was amplified from the genome of Borrelia burgdorferi PD91 strain by polymerase chain reaction and recombined with plasmid PET-11D. The recombinant plasmid PET-11D-OspC was identified with PCR, restriction endonuclease analysis and sequencing. The antigenicity was verified with Western Blot. OspC gene was cloned correctly into vector PET-11D. The resultant sequence was definitely different from the published sequence. The recombinant OspC seemed to have had strong antigenicity. The findings laid basis for the studies on early diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Immunity against Ixodes scapularis salivary proteins expressed within 24 hours of attachment thwarts tick feeding and impairs Borrelia transmission.

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Sukanya Narasimhan

2007-05-01

Full Text Available In North America, the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, an obligate haematophagus arthropod, is a vector of several human pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent. In this report, we show that the tick salivary gland transcriptome and proteome is dynamic and changes during the process of engorgement. We demonstrate, using a guinea pig model of I. scapularis feeding and B. burgdorferi transmission, that immunity directed against salivary proteins expressed in the first 24 h of tick attachment - and not later - is sufficient to evoke all the hallmarks of acquired tick-immunity, to thwart tick feeding and also to impair Borrelia transmission. Defining this subset of proteins will promote a mechanistic understanding of novel I. scapularis proteins critical for the initiation of tick feeding and for Borrelia transmission.

A divergent spirochete strain isolated from a resident of the southeastern United States was identified by multilocus sequence typing as Borrelia bissettii

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Golovchenko, Maryna; Vancová, Marie; Clark, K.; Oliver, J. H., Jr.; Grubhoffer, Libor; Rudenko, Natalia

2016-01-01

Roč. 9, FEB 4 (2016), č. článku 68. ISSN 1756-3305 EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 278976 - ANTIGONE Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia * Borrelia bissettii * MLST analysis * live spirochete * divergent strain Subject RIV: EG - Zoology Impact factor: 3.080, year: 2016

Identification of host blood-meal sources and Borrelia in field-collected Ixodes ricinus ticks in north-western Poland

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Beata Wodecka

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Forest animals play fundamental roles in the maintenance of [i]Ixodes ricinus[/i] and [i]Borrelia[/i] species in the forest biotope. To identify the forest vertebrate species that are host for I. ricinus and for the recognition of the reservoirs of [i]Borrelia[/i] species, the blood-meal of 325 [i]I. ricinus[/i] ticks collected at two forest sites in north-western Poland were analysed. Nested PCR was used to detect polymorphisms in a fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for the identification of the hosts species. The products were digested with the restriction enzymes, a combination that allows the identification of 60 vertebrate species, comprising 17 bird, 4 reptile and 39 mammalian species. Host DNA was detected in 244 (75%[i] I. ricinus[/i] individuals, with the species being detected and classified for 210 (86% samples. The restriction patterns resulted in the identification of 14 vertebrate species, including 2 species of birds, lizard, badger, rabbit, deer; most of the samples contained DNA from wild boar ([i]Sus scrofa[/i], red fox ([i]Vulpes vulpes[/i], red deer ([i]Cervus elaphus[/i] and roe deer ([i]Capreolus capreolus[/i]. Identification of Borrelia species was based on the flaB gene using nested PCR coupled to RFLP. This method allows the identification of all [i]Borrelia[/i] species transmitted by [i]I. ricinus [/i]in Europe, including [i]B. miyamotoi[/i] and 3 genetic variants of [i]B. garinii[/i]. In the studied isolates, 2 species belonging to [i]B. burgdorferi[/i] sensu lato were identified – B. [i]garinii [/i]and B. [i]afzelii[/i], and B. [i]miyamotoi,[/i] which are related to relapsing fever borreliae.

Tick saliva suppresses IFN signalling in dendritic cells upon Borrelia afzelii infection

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Lieskovská, Jaroslava; Kopecký, Jan

2012-01-01

Roč. 34, č. 1 (2012), s. 32-39 ISSN 0141-9838 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia * dendritic cells * interferon signalling * tick saliva Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 2.208, year: 2012

Development and optimization of an in vitro cultivation protocol allows for isolation of Borrelia miyamotoi from patients with hard tick-borne relapsing fever

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koetsveld, Joris; Kolyasnikova, Nadezhda M.; Wagemakers, Alex; Toporkova, Marina G.; Sarksyan, Denis S.; Oei, Anneke; Platonov, Alexander E.; Hovius, Joppe W.

2017-01-01

Objectives: Borrelia miyamotoi has been shown to infect humans in Eurasia and North America causing hard tick-borne relapsing fever (HTBRF). In vitro cultivation of B. miyamotoi was described recently; but clinical isolation of relapsing fever Borrelia is cumbersome. Our aim was to develop a

A Borrelia afzelii Infection Increases Larval Tick Burden on Myodes glareolus (Rodentia

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Duijvendijk, van Gilian; Andel, van Wouter; Fonville, Manoj; Gort, Gerrit; Hovius, Joppe W.; Sprong, Hein; Takken, Willem

2017-01-01

Several microorganisms have been shown to manipulate their host or vector to enhance their own transmission. Here we examined whether an infection with Borrelia afzelii affects its transmission between its bank vole (Myodes glareolus, Schreber, 1780) host and tick vector. Captive-bred bank voles

Prevalence of borreliae in ixodid ticks from a floodplain forest ecosystem

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hubálek, Zdeněk; Stünzner, D.; Halouzka, Jiří; Sixl, W.; Wendelin, I.; Juřicová, Zina; Sanogo, Yibayiri Osée

2003-01-01

Roč. 115, 3-4 (2003), s. 121-124 ISSN 0043-5325 R&D Projects: GA MŠk ME 229; GA ČR GA206/00/1204 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Lyme disease * Borrelia burgdorferi * floodplain forest Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.774, year: 2003

Borrelia carolinensis sp. nov., a novel species of the Borrelia burgclorferi sensu lato complex isolated from rodents and a tick from the south-eastern USA

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Grubhoffer, Libor; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2011-01-01

Roč. 61, č. 2 (2011), 381-383 ISSN 1466-5026 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GA206/09/1782 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : MULTILOCUS SEQUENCE-ANALYSIS * FRAGMENT-LENGTH-POLYMORPHISM * LYME -DISEASE * RIBOSOMAL-RNA * Borrelia carolinensis sp. nov. * phylogeny Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 2.268, year: 2011

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Outbreak Among a High School Football Team at an Outdoor Education Camping Trip, Arizona, 2014.

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, Jefferson M; Hranac, Carter R; Schumacher, Mare; Horn, Kim; Lee, Darlene M; Terriquez, Joel; Engelthaler, David M; Peoples, Marie; Corrigan, Jennifer; Replogle, Adam; Souders, Nina; Komatsu, Kenneth K; Nieto, Nathan C

2016-09-07

During August 2014, five high school students who had attended an outdoor education camp were hospitalized with a febrile illness, prompting further investigation. Ten total cases of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) were identified-six cases confirmed by culture or visualization of spirochetes on blood smear and four probable cases with compatible symptoms (attack rate: 23%). All patients had slept in the campsite's only cabin. Before the camp, a professional pest control company had rodent proofed the cabin, but no acaricides had been applied. Cabin inspection after the camp found rodents and Ornithodoros ticks, the vector of TBRF. Blood samples from a chipmunk trapped near the cabin and from patients contained Borrelia hermsii with identical gene sequences (100% over 630 base pairs). Health departments in TBRF endemic areas should consider educating cabin owners and pest control companies to apply acaricides during or following rodent proofing, because ticks that lack rodents for a blood meal might feed on humans. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

T2 Magnetic Resonance Assay-Based Direct Detection of Three Lyme Disease-Related Borrelia Species in Whole-Blood Samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Snyder, Jessica L; Giese, Heidi; Bandoski-Gralinski, Cheryl; Townsend, Jessica; Jacobson, Beck E; Shivers, Robert; Schotthoefer, Anna M; Fritsche, Thomas R; Green, Clayton; Callister, Steven M; Branda, John A; Lowery, Thomas J

2017-08-01

In early Lyme disease (LD), serologic testing is insensitive and seroreactivity may reflect active or past infection. In this study, we evaluated a novel assay for the direct detection of three species of Borrelia spirochetes in whole blood. The T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR) assay platform was used to amplify Borrelia DNA released from intact spirochetes and to detect amplicon. Analytical sensitivity was determined from blood spiked with known concentrations of spirochetes, and the assay's limit of detection was found to be in the single-cell-per-milliliter range: 5 cells/ml for B. afzelii and 8 cells/ml for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii Clinical samples ( n = 66) from confirmed or suspected early LD patients were also analyzed. B. burgdorferi was detected using T2MR in 2/2 (100%) of blood samples from patients with confirmed early LD, based on the presence of erythema migrans and documentation of seroconversion or a positive real-time blood PCR. T2MR detected B. burgdorferi in blood samples from 17/54 (31%) of patients with probable LD, based on the presence of erythema migrans without documented seroconversion or of documented seroconversion in patients with a compatible clinical syndrome but without erythema migrans. Out of 21 clinical samples tested by real-time PCR, only 1 was positive and 13 were negative with agreement with T2MR. An additional 7 samples that were negative by real-time PCR were positive with T2MR. Therefore, T2MR enables a low limit of detection (LoD) for Borrelia spp. in whole blood samples and is able to detect B. burgdorferi in clinical samples. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgA in Lyme Disease

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Christina D'Arco

2017-05-01

Full Text Available The laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease is currently dependent on the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of the disease. The significance of serum IgA against B. burgdorferi remains unclear. The production of intrathecal IgA has been noted in patients with the late Lyme disease manifestation, neuroborreliosis, but production of antigen-specific IgA during early disease has not been evaluated. In the current study, we assessed serum IgA binding to the B. burgdorferi peptide antigens, C6, the target of the FDA-cleared C6 EIA, and FlaB(211-223-modVlsE(275-291, a peptide containing a Borrelia flagellin epitope linked to a modified VlsE sequence, in patients with early and late Lyme disease. Specific IgA was detected in 59 of 152 serum samples (38.8% from early Lyme disease patients. Approximately 50% of early Lyme disease patients who were seropositive for peptide-specific IgM and/or IgG were also seropositive for peptide-specific IgA. In a subpopulation of patients, high peptide-specific IgA could be correlated with disseminated disease, defined as multiple erythema migrans lesions, and neurological disease complications. These results suggest that there may be an association between elevated levels of antigen-specific IgA and particular disease manifestations in some patients with early Lyme disease.

Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgA in Lyme Disease.

Science.gov (United States)

D'Arco, Christina; Dattwyler, Raymond J; Arnaboldi, Paul M

2017-05-01

The laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease is currently dependent on the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of the disease. The significance of serum IgA against B. burgdorferi remains unclear. The production of intrathecal IgA has been noted in patients with the late Lyme disease manifestation, neuroborreliosis, but production of antigen-specific IgA during early disease has not been evaluated. In the current study, we assessed serum IgA binding to the B. burgdorferi peptide antigens, C6, the target of the FDA-cleared C6 EIA, and FlaB(211-223)-modVlsE(275-291), a peptide containing a Borrelia flagellin epitope linked to a modified VlsE sequence, in patients with early and late Lyme disease. Specific IgA was detected in 59 of 152 serum samples (38.8%) from early Lyme disease patients. Approximately 50% of early Lyme disease patients who were seropositive for peptide-specific IgM and/or IgG were also seropositive for peptide-specific IgA. In a subpopulation of patients, high peptide-specific IgA could be correlated with disseminated disease, defined as multiple erythema migrans lesions, and neurological disease complications. These results suggest that there may be an association between elevated levels of antigen-specific IgA and particular disease manifestations in some patients with early Lyme disease. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative genome analysis: selection pressure on the Borrelia vls cassettes is essential for infectivity

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Wilske Bettina

2006-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background At least three species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl cause tick-borne Lyme disease. Previous work including the genome analysis of B. burgdorferi B31 and B. garinii PBi suggested a highly variable plasmid part. The frequent occurrence of duplicated sequence stretches, the observed plasmid redundancy, as well as the mainly unknown function and variability of plasmid encoded genes rendered the relationships between plasmids within and between species largely unresolvable. Results To gain further insight into Borreliae genome properties we completed the plasmid sequences of B. garinii PBi, added the genome of a further species, B. afzelii PKo, to our analysis, and compared for both species the genomes of pathogenic and apathogenic strains. The core of all Bbsl genomes consists of the chromosome and two plasmids collinear between all species. We also found additional groups of plasmids, which share large parts of their sequences. This makes it very likely that these plasmids are relatively stable and share common ancestors before the diversification of Borrelia species. The analysis of the differences between B. garinii PBi and B. afzelii PKo genomes of low and high passages revealed that the loss of infectivity is accompanied in both species by a loss of similar genetic material. Whereas B. garinii PBi suffered only from the break-off of a plasmid end, B. afzelii PKo lost more material, probably an entire plasmid. In both cases the vls gene locus encoding for variable surface proteins is affected. Conclusion The complete genome sequences of a B. garinii and a B. afzelii strain facilitate further comparative studies within the genus Borrellia. Our study shows that loss of infectivity can be traced back to only one single event in B. garinii PBi: the loss of the vls cassettes possibly due to error prone gene conversion. Similar albeit extended losses in B. afzelii PKo support the hypothesis that infectivity of Borrelia

First detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks from northern Italy.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ravagnan, Silvia; Tomassone, Laura; Montarsi, Fabrizio; Krawczyk, Aleksandra Iwona; Mastrorilli, Eleonora; Sprong, Hein; Milani, Adelaide; Rossi, Luca; Capelli, Gioia

2018-01-01

Borrelia miyamotoi is a spirochete transmitted by several ixodid tick species. It causes a relapsing fever in humans and is currently considered as an emerging pathogen. In Europe, B. miyamotoi seems to occur at low prevalence in Ixodes ricinus ticks but has a wide distribution. Here we report the

Validate or falsify: Lessons learned from a microscopy method claimed to be useful for detecting Borrelia and Babesia organisms in human blood.

Science.gov (United States)

Aase, Audun; Hajdusek, Ondrej; Øines, Øivind; Quarsten, Hanne; Wilhelmsson, Peter; Herstad, Tove K; Kjelland, Vivian; Sima, Radek; Jalovecka, Marie; Lindgren, Per-Eric; Aaberge, Ingeborg S

2016-01-01

A modified microscopy protocol (the LM-method) was used to demonstrate what was interpreted as Borrelia spirochetes and later also Babesia sp., in peripheral blood from patients. The method gained much publicity, but was not validated prior to publication, which became the purpose of this study using appropriate scientific methodology, including a control group. Blood from 21 patients previously interpreted as positive for Borrelia and/or Babesia infection by the LM-method and 41 healthy controls without known history of tick bite were collected, blinded and analysed for these pathogens by microscopy in two laboratories by the LM-method and conventional method, respectively, by PCR methods in five laboratories and by serology in one laboratory. Microscopy by the LM-method identified structures claimed to be Borrelia- and/or Babesia in 66% of the blood samples of the patient group and in 85% in the healthy control group. Microscopy by the conventional method for Babesia only did not identify Babesia in any samples. PCR analysis detected Borrelia DNA in one sample of the patient group and in eight samples of the control group; whereas Babesia DNA was not detected in any of the blood samples using molecular methods. The structures interpreted as Borrelia and Babesia by the LM-method could not be verified by PCR. The method was, thus, falsified. This study underlines the importance of doing proper test validation before new or modified assays are introduced.

Erythema migrans and serodiagnosis by enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot with three borrelia species.

Science.gov (United States)

Stanek, G; Breier, F; Menzinger, G; Schaar, B; Hafner, M; Partsch, H

1999-12-10

There is wide divergence of opinion between physicians regarding the use of serological measures for the diagnosis and treatment of erythema migrans, the hallmark of Lyme borreliosis. We studied the outcome of an enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot (Western blot) used on the sera of patients who had suffered tick bite and erythema migrans, and had been subsequently treated with various antibiotics. Ninety-nine consecutive patients presenting with erythema migrans after tick bite were prospectively recruited at the outpatient department of two Vienna City hospitals and at the consultation office for Lyme borreliosis of the Institute of Hygiene. University Vienna. Blood samples were taken before antibiotic treatment and 3 and 6 months thereafter. Blood samples from 100 blood donors served as controls. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were determined by enzyme immunoassay (IgG and IgM EIA) and by IgG immunoblot. The latter was performed with isolates of B. alzelii (H2) B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (Le) and B. garinii (W) from Austrian patients. The 4 interpretation criteria for immunoblot results were: A (3 bands out of 8), B (2 bands out of 9), C and D (1 band out of 6). In all patients, the erythema resolved within the treatment period. No complications secondary to the borrelia infection were registered. After treatment there was no significant change in titre, nor was there a difference in the immunoblot pattern between the first, second and third serum samples. Serum antibodies to B. burgdorferi were positive by EIA in 22.9% (IgG) and 2.5% (IgM). Immunoblot results offered by borrelia species and by the interpretation criteria, ranging between 8.3% (criterion A, strain Le) and 44.2% (criterion D, strain H2). By EIA, control samples were IgG and IgM positive in 5% and 1%, respectively. Positive immunoblot results with strain H2 were found in 9%, 13%, 18%, and 20% by the criteria A through D respectively. After antibiotic treatment of erythema

Automated purification of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. PCR products with KingFisherTM magnetic particle processor prior to genome sequencing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maekinen, Johanna; Marttila, Harri; Viljanen, Matti K.

2001-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies were differentiated by PCR-based sequencing of the borrelial flagellin gene. To evaluate the usefulness of KingFisher TM magnetic particle processor in PCR product purification, borrelia PCR products were purified with KingFisher TM magnetic particle processor prior to cycle sequencing and the quality of the sequence data received was analyzed. KingFisher was found to offer a rapid and reliable alternative for borrelial PCR product purification

Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens: Babesia and Borrelia species in ticks infesting cats of Great Britain.

Science.gov (United States)

Davies, Saran; Abdullah, Swaid; Helps, Chris; Tasker, Séverine; Newbury, Hannah; Wall, Richard

2017-09-15

In a study of tick and tick-borne pathogen prevalence, between May and October 2016, 278 veterinary practices in Great Britain examined 1855 cats. Six-hundred and one cats were found to have attached ticks. The most frequently recorded tick species was Ixodes ricinus (57.1%), followed by Ixodes hexagonus (41.4%) and Ixodes trianguliceps (1.5%). Male cats, 4-6 years of age living in rural areas were most likely to be carrying a tick; hair length and tick treatment history had no significant association with attachment. For cats that were parasitized by ticks in large urban areas, I. hexagonus was the most frequent species recorded. Molecular analysis was possible for 541 individual tick samples, others were too damaged for analysis; Babesia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were identified in 1.1% (n=6) and 1.8% (n=10) of these, respectively. Babesia spp. included Babesia vulpes sp. nov./Babesia microti-like (n=4) in I. hexagonus and Babesia venatorum (n=2) in I. ricinus. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. species included Borrelia garinii (n=6) and Borrelia afzelii (n=4). The majority of B. burgorferi s.l. cases were found in I. ricinus, with B. afzelii in one I. hexagonus nymph. No Borrelia or Babesia spp. were present in I. trianguliceps. To determine a true prevalence for ticks on cats, practices that only submitted questionnaires from cats with ticks and practices that submitted fewer than 5 returns per week were removed; amongst those considered to have adhered strictly to the collection protocol, feline tick prevalence amongst cats that had access to the outdoors was 6.6%. These results show that ticks can be found on cats throughout Great Britain, which harbour a range of species of Babesia and B. burgdorferi s.l. and that cats, particularly in green spaces within urban areas, may form an important host for I. hexagonus, a known vector of pathogens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies detection by RLB hybridization in Ixodes cinus ticks from different sites of North-Eastern Poland

OpenAIRE

Justyna Dunaj; Joanna Maria Zajkowska; Maciej Kondrusik; Lise Gern; Oliver Rais; Anna Moniuszko; Sławomir Pancewicz; Renata Świerzbińska

2014-01-01

Introduction. RLB (Reverse Line Blot Hybridization) is a molecular biology technique that might be used for [i]Borrelia burgdorferi [/i]sensu lato (sl) DNA detection with genospecies specification. Among[i] B. burgdorferi[/i] sl genospecies at least 7 are regarded as pathogenic in Europe. objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of different [i]Borrelia[/i] genospecies DNA detection in Ixodes ricinus ticks in the endemic area of North-Eastern Poland by using RLB. ...

Lack of IgG antibody seropositivity to Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome and linear morphea en coup de sabre in Mexico.

Science.gov (United States)

Gutiérrez-Gómez, Claudia; Godínez-Hana, Ana L; García-Hernández, Marisela; Suárez-Roa, María de Lourdes; Toussaint-Caire, Sonia; Vega-Memije, Elisa; Gutiérrez-Mendoza, Daniela; Pérez-Dosal, Marcia; Medina-De la Garza, Carlos E

2014-08-01

Progressive hemifacial atrophy or Parry-Romberg Syndrome (PRS) is a rare, acquired, progressive dysplasia of subcutaneous tissue and bone characterized by unilateral facial involvement. Its etiology is unknown, but theories about its pathogenesis include infectious, degenerative, autoimmune, and traumatic causes among others. The causal relationship of PRS and linear morphea en coup de sabre (LMCS) with Borrelia burgdorferi infection remains controversial. Our goal was to serologically determine anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in patients diagnosed with PRS and LMCS to establish a possible association as a causative agent. We conducted a serology study with patients belonging to a group of 21 individuals diagnosed with PRS, six with LMCS, and 21 matched controls. Anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA. A descriptive statistical analysis and Fischer's exact test were done. In serological tests, only two cases had borderline values and were further analyzed by Western blot with non-confirmatory results. For both the PRS and LMCS group, the association test was not significant, suggesting a lack of association between PRS or LMCS and the presence of anti-Borrelia antibodies. In Mexico there are no previous studies on Borrelia infection and its relationship between PRS or LMCS. Our result showed a lack of association of either clinical entities with anti-Borrelia-antibodies. Former reports of this association may suggest coincidental findings without causal relationship. © 2014 The International Society of Dermatology.

In vitro susceptibility of Borrelia burgdorferi isolates to three antibiotics commonly used for treating equine Lyme disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Caol, Sanjie; Divers, Thomas; Crisman, Mark; Chang, Yung-Fu

2017-09-29

Lyme disease in humans is predominantly treated with tetracycline, macrolides or beta lactam antibiotics that have low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Borrelia burgdorferi. Horses with Lyme disease may require long-term treatment making frequent intravenous or intramuscular treatment difficult and when administered orally those drugs may have either a high incidence of side effects or have poor bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of three B. burgdorferi isolates to three antibiotics of different classes that are commonly used in practice for treating Borrelia infections in horses. Broth microdilution assays were used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration of three antibiotics (ceftiofur sodium, minocycline and metronidazole), for three Borrelia burgdorferi isolates. Barbour-Stoner-Kelly (BSK K + R) medium with a final inoculum of 10 6 Borrelia cells/mL and incubation periods of 72 h were used in the determination of MICs. Observed MICs indicated that all isolates had similar susceptibility to each drug but susceptibility to the tested antimicrobial agents varied; ceftiofur sodium (MIC = 0.08 μg/ml), minocycline hydrochloride (MIC = 0.8 μg/ml) and metronidazole (MIC = 50 μg/ml). The MIC against B. burgorferi varied among the three antibiotics with ceftiofur having the lowest MIC and metronidazole the highest MIC. The MIC values observed for ceftiofur in the study fall within the range of reported serum and tissue concentrations for the drug metabolite following ceftiofur sodium administration as crystalline-free acid. Minocycline and metronidazole treatments, as currently used in equine practice, could fall short of attaining MIC concentrations for B. burgdorferi.

Exploring the association between Morgellons disease and Lyme disease: identification of Borrelia burgdorferi in Morgellons disease patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Middelveen, Marianne J; Bandoski, Cheryl; Burke, Jennie; Sapi, Eva; Filush, Katherine R; Wang, Yean; Franco, Agustin; Mayne, Peter J; Stricker, Raphael B

2015-02-12

Morgellons disease (MD) is a complex skin disorder characterized by ulcerating lesions that have protruding or embedded filaments. Many clinicians refer to this condition as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation and consider the filaments to be introduced textile fibers. In contrast, recent studies indicate that MD is a true somatic illness associated with tickborne infection, that the filaments are keratin and collagen in composition and that they result from proliferation and activation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin. Previously, spirochetes have been detected in the dermatological specimens from four MD patients, thus providing evidence of an infectious process. Based on culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and molecular testing, we present corroborating evidence of spirochetal infection in a larger group of 25 MD patients. Irrespective of Lyme serological reactivity, all patients in our study group demonstrated histological evidence of epithelial spirochetal infection. Strength of evidence based on other testing varied among patients. Spirochetes identified as Borrelia strains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or in-situ DNA hybridization were detected in 24/25 of our study patients. Skin cultures containing Borrelia spirochetes were obtained from four patients, thus demonstrating that the organisms present in dermatological specimens were viable. Spirochetes identified by PCR as Borrelia burgdorferi were cultured from blood in seven patients and from vaginal secretions in three patients, demonstrating systemic infection. Based on these observations, a clinical classification system for MD is proposed. Our study using multiple detection methods confirms that MD is a true somatic illness associated with Borrelia spirochetes that cause Lyme disease. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for this spirochete-associated dermopathy.

Comparison of MKP and BSK-H media for the cultivation and isolation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

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Eva Ružić-Sabljić

Full Text Available The isolation of B. burgdorferi sensu lato requires the use of complex cultivation media. The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of BSK-H (a commercial medium produced by HiMedia, India and MKP medium. MKP and BSK-H media were prepared in accordance with the relevant protocols. Borrelia strains and skin culture biopsies were simultaneously inoculated into both media, incubated and checked for growth. Borrelial growth characteristics, isolation rates and characteristics of the isolated borreliae were analysed and compared. Initially, numbers of spirochaetes were higher in BSK-H than in MKP; however, in comparison with MKP, the strains subcultured in BSK-H medium were more frequently irregular, thin and non-motile, and rapidly died. In addition, the borrelial isolation rate from erythema migrans skin samples was higher in MKP than in BSK-H medium (108/171, 63.2% versus 70/171, 40.9%; p<0.0001. The far most frequently isolated species was Borrelia afzelii (92.9% and 97.2% strains isolated from BSK-H and MKP, respectively. Comparison of strains cultured from individual patients in both media showed differences in plasmid contents in 9/46 (19.6% strain pairs, and protein profiles differed in 30/43 (69.8% strain pairs, most often in the expression of OspC (in 27/28 patients OspC was expressed only in strains growing in MKP. BSK-H medium supports the growth of borrelial strains but MKP is superior with regard to the isolation rate, morphology and motility of strains. BSK-H medium supports fast initial growth of borreliae but this is followed by rapid deformation and death of the spirochaetes.

Positive IgG Western Blot for Borrelia burgdorferi in Colombia

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Palacios Ricardo

1999-01-01

Full Text Available In order to evaluate the presence of specific IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with clinical manifestations associated with Lyme borreliosis in Cali, Colombia, 20 serum samples from patients with dermatologic signs, one cerebrospinal fluid (CSF sample from a patient with chronic neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and twelve serum samples from individuals without clinical signs associated with Lyme borreliosis were analyzed by IgG Western blot. The results were interpreted following the recommendations of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC for IgG Western blots. Four samples fulfilled the CDC criteria: two serum specimens from patients with morphea (localized scleroderma, the CSF from the patient with neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and one of the controls. Interpretation of positive serology for Lyme disease in non-endemic countries must be cautious. However these results suggest that the putative "Lyme-like" disease may correlate with positivity on Western blots, thus raising the possibility that a spirochete genospecies distinct from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, or a Borrelia species other than B. burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent. Future work will focus on a survey of the local tick and rodent population for evidence of spirochete species that could be incriminated as the etiologic agent.

A plasmid-encoded nicotinamidase (PncA) is essential for infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi in a mammalian host.

Science.gov (United States)

Purser, Joye E; Lawrenz, Matthew B; Caimano, Melissa J; Howell, Jerrilyn K; Radolf, Justin D; Norris, Steven J

2003-05-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochaete that causes Lyme borreliosis, contains 21 linear and circular plasmids thought to be important for survival in mammals or ticks. Our results demonstrate that the gene BBE22 encoding a nicotinamidase is capable of replacing the requirement for the 25 kb linear plasmid lp25 during mammalian infection. Transformation of B. burgdorferi lacking lp25 with a shuttle vector containing the lp25 gene BBE22 (pBBE22) restored infectivity in mice to a level comparable to that of wild-type Borrelia. This complementation also restored the growth and host adaptation of lp25-B. burgdorferi in dialysis membrane chambers (DMCs) implanted in rats. A single Cys to Ala conversion at the putative active site of BBE22 abrogated the ability of pBBE22 to re-establish infectivity or growth in DMCs. Additional Salmonella typhimurium complementation studies and enzymatic analysis demonstrated that the BBE22 gene product has nicotinamidase activity and is most probably required for the biosynthesis of NAD. These results indicate that some plasmid-encoded products fulfil physiological functions required in the enzootic cycle of pathogenic Borrelia.

Lectin-binding characteristics of a Lyme borreliosis spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Vancová, M.; Nebesářová, J.; Grubhoffer, Libor

2005-01-01

Roč. 50, č. 3 (2005), s. 229-238 ISSN 0015-5632 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/03/1323; GA AV ČR KSK6005114 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * electron microscopy * lectin binding Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.918, year: 2005

Updates on Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex with respect to public health

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Grubhoffer, Libor; Oliver, J. H., Jr.

2011-01-01

Roč. 2, č. 3 (2011), s. 123-128 ISSN 1877-959X R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GA206/09/1782 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Spirochetes * Borrelia * Genetic diversity * Lyme borreliosis * Distribution * New species Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 2.370, year: 2011

Evidence that two ATP-dependent (Lon proteases in Borrelia burgdorferi serve different functions.

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James L Coleman

2009-11-01

Full Text Available The canonical ATP-dependent protease Lon participates in an assortment of biological processes in bacteria, including the catalysis of damaged or senescent proteins and short-lived regulatory proteins. Borrelia spirochetes are unusual in that they code for two putative ATP-dependent Lon homologs, Lon-1 and Lon-2. Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted through the blood feeding of Ixodes ticks. Previous work in our laboratory reported that B. burgdorferi lon-1 is upregulated transcriptionally by exposure to blood in vitro, while lon-2 is not. Because blood induction of Lon-1 may be of importance in the regulation of virulence factors critical for spirochete transmission, the clarification of functional roles for these two proteases in B. burgdorferi was the object of this study. On the chromosome, lon-2 is immediately downstream of ATP-dependent proteases clpP and clpX, an arrangement identical to that of lon of Escherichia coli. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Lon-1 and Lon-2 cluster separately due to differences in the NH(2-terminal substrate binding domains that may reflect differences in substrate specificity. Recombinant Lon-1 manifested properties of an ATP-dependent chaperone-protease in vitro but did not complement an E. coli Lon mutant, while Lon-2 corrected two characteristic Lon-mutant phenotypes. We conclude that B. burgdorferi Lons -1 and -2 have distinct functional roles. Lon-2 functions in a manner consistent with canonical Lon, engaged in cellular homeostasis. Lon-1, by virtue of its blood induction, and as a unique feature of the Borreliae, may be important in host adaptation from the arthropod to a warm-blooded host.

Molecular typing of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting analysis

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wang, G.; van Dam, A. P.; Spanjaard, L.; Dankert, J.

1998-01-01

To study whether pathogenic clusters of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato strains occur, we typed 136 isolates, cultured from specimens from patients (n = 49) with various clinical entities and from ticks (n = 83) or dogs (n = 4) from different geographic regions, by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA

Tick sialostatins L and L2 differentially influence dendritic cell responses to Borrelia spirochetes

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Lieskovská, Jaroslava; Páleníková, Jana; Langhansová, Helena; Chagas, A. C.; Calvo, E.; Kotsyfakis, Michalis; Kopecký, Jan

2015-01-01

Roč. 8, MAY 15 2015 (2015), s. 275 ISSN 1756-3305 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP302/12/2208 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Dendritic cell s * Borrelia burgdorferi * Tick cystatin * Signalling Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 3.234, year: 2015

Human pathogenic borreliae in Ixodes ricinus ticks in natural and urban ecosystem (Czech Republic)

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Venclíková, Kristýna; Betášová, Lenka; Šikutová, Silvie; Jedličková, Petra; Hubálek, Zdeněk; Rudolf, Ivo

2014-01-01

Roč. 59, č. 4 (2014), s. 717-720 ISSN 1230-2821 EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 261504 - EDENEXT Institutional support: RVO:68081766 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia burgdorgeri s.l. * genomic species * ixodid ticks Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.905, year: 2014

Effect of tick saliva on mechanisms of innate immune response against Borrelia afzelii

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kýčková, Kateřina; Kopecký, Jan

2006-01-01

Roč. 43, č. 4 (2006), s. 1208-1214 ISSN 0022-2585 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/05/0811; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia afzelii * phagocytosis Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 1.950, year: 2006

Exposed and hidden lectin-binding epitopes at the surface of Borrelia burgdorferi

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Stoitsova, S. R.; Grubhoffer, Libor; Nebesářová, Jana

2003-01-01

Roč. 48, č. 5 (2003), s. 654-658 ISSN 0015-5632 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA6022001 Grant - others:National Research Council at the Ministry of Education and Science(BG) K-709/97 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6022909 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * lectin-binding epitopes Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.857, year: 2003

Antibody profile to Borrelia burgdorferi in veterinarians from Nuevo León, Mexico, a non-endemic area of this zoonosis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cassandra M. Skinner-Taylor

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Objectives: Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by infections with Borrelia . Persons infected with Borrelia can be asymptomatic or can develop disseminated disease. Diagnosis and recognition of groups at risk of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is of great interest to contemporary rheumatology. There are a few reports about Borrelia infection in Mexico, including lymphocytoma cases positive to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto by PCR and a patient with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. Veterinarians have an occupational risk due to high rates of tick contact. The aim of this work was to investigate antibodies to Borrelia in students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, at Nuevo León, Mexico, and determine the antibody profile to B. burgdorferi antigens. Material and methods: Sera were screened using a C6 ELISA, IgG and IgM ELISA using recombinant proteins from B. burgdorferi , B. gariniii and B. afzelii . Sera with positive or grey-zone values were tested by IgG Western blot to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Results : All volunteers reported tick exposures and 72.5% remembered tick bites. Only nine persons described mild Lyme disease related symptoms, including headaches, paresthesias, myalgias and arthralgias. None of the volunteers reported erythema migrans. Nine samples were confirmed by IgG Western blot. The profile showed 89% reactivity to OspA, 67% to p83, and 45% to BmpA. Conclusions : Positive sera samples shared antibody reactivity to the markers of late immune response p83 and BmpA, even if individuals did not present symptoms of Lyme arthritis or post-Lyme disease. The best criterion to diagnose Lyme disease in our country remains to be established, because it is probable that different strains coexist in Mexico. This is the first report of antibodies to B. burgdorferi in Latin American veterinarians. Veterinarians and high-risk people should be alert to take precautionary measures to prevent tick

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in Lizards from Southern Maryland

OpenAIRE

SWANSON, KATHERINE I.; NORRIS, DOUGLAS E.

2007-01-01

Lizards serve as hosts for Ixodes ticks in the western and southeastern United States and may affect the transmission cycles of Borrelia burgdorferi in these regions. In Maryland, the role of lizards in the maintenance and transmission cycle of this pathogen has not been examined. We tested 29 lizards (Sceloporus undulatus and Eumeces spp.) and 21 ticks from these lizards for the presence of B. burgdorferi. Eight lizards were positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for at least one B. bur...

Expression of spoT in Borrelia burgdorferi during Serum Starvation

OpenAIRE

Concepcion, Marc B.; Nelson, David R.

2003-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by the tick Ixodes scapularis. A 2.9-kb fragment containing a putative spoT gene was isolated from B. burgdorferi genomic DNA by PCR amplification and cloned into a pBAD24 vector. The cloned gene complemented Escherichia coli mutant strain CF1693, which contains deletions of both the relA and spoT genes. The spoT gene in E. coli encodes a bifunctional enzyme capable of synthesizing and degrading (p)ppGpp, which mediates...

Whole-Genome Sequences of Thirteen Isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schutzer S. E.; Dunn J.; Fraser-Liggett, C. M.; Casjens, S. R.; Qiu, W.-G.; Mongodin, E. F.; Luft, B. J.

2011-02-01

Borrelia burgdorferi is a causative agent of Lyme disease in North America and Eurasia. The first complete genome sequence of B. burgdorferi strain 31, available for more than a decade, has assisted research on the pathogenesis of Lyme disease. Because a single genome sequence is not sufficient to understand the relationship between genotypic and geographic variation and disease phenotype, we determined the whole-genome sequences of 13 additional B. burgdorferi isolates that span the range of natural variation. These sequences should allow improved understanding of pathogenesis and provide a foundation for novel detection, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.

A Case of Canine Borreliosis in Iran Caused by Borrelia persica

OpenAIRE

Shirani, Darush; Rakhshanpoor, Alaleh; Cutler, Sally J.; Ghazinezhad, Behnaz; Naddaf, Saied Reza

2016-01-01

Tick-borne relapsing fever is an endemic disease in Iran, with most cases attributed to infection by B. persica, which is transmitted by Ornithodoros tholozani soft ticks. Here, we report spirochetemia in blood of a puppy residing in Tehran, Iran. The causative species was identified by use of highly discriminative IGS sequencing; the 489 bp IGS sequence obtained in our study showed 99% identity (100% coverage) when compared with Borrelia persica sequences derived from clinical cases or from ...

In silico evaluation of PCR - primers for detection of Lyme Borrelia

OpenAIRE

Sultan, Nasir

2016-01-01

Lyme borreliosis (LB) or Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in US and Europe. The etiologic is some species of tick-borne spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi sl) complex. The most common clinical symptoms of LB is the erythema migrans (EM). The pathogen is transmitted to humans through the tick bite of Ixodes species, and spread to cause more severe manifestations such as Acrodermatitis Chronica Atrophicans (ACA), Lyme arthritis, and neuroborrelios...

Predictive value of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibody levels in patients referred to a tertiary Lyme centre.

Science.gov (United States)

Zwerink, M; Zomer, T P; van Kooten, B; Blaauw, G; van Bemmel, T; van Hees, B C; Vermeeren, Y M; Landman, G W

2018-03-01

A two-step testing strategy is recommended in serological testing for Lyme borreliosis; positive and indeterminate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results are confirmed with immunoblots. Several ELISAs quantify the concentration of antibodies tested, however, no recommendation exists for an upper cut-off value at which an IgG ELISA is sufficient and the immunoblot can be omitted. The study objective was to determine at which IgG antibody level an immunoblot does not have any additional predictive value compared to ELISA results. Data of adult patients who visited a tertiary Lyme centre between 2008 and 2014 were analysed. Both an ELISA (Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE IgG) and immunoblot (recomLine blot Borrelia) were performed. Clinical data were extracted from the patient's digital medical record. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for either previous or active infection with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were calculated for different cut-off ELISA IgG antibody levels where the immunoblot was regarded as reference test. In total, 1454 patients were included. According to the two-step test strategy, 486 (33%), 69 (5%) and 899 (62%) patients had positive, indeterminate and negative Borrelia IgG serology, respectively. At IgG levels of 500 IU/ml and higher, all immunoblots were positive, resulting in a 100% PPV (95% CI: 97.0-100). At IgG levels of 200 IU/ml and higher, the PPV was 99.3% (95% CI: 97.4-99.8). In conclusion, at IgG levels of 200 IU/ml and higher, an ELISA was sufficient to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. At those IgG levels, a confirmatory immunoblot may be omitted in patients referred to a tertiary Lyme centre. Before these results can be implemented in routine diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, confirmation of the results is necessary in other patient populations and using other quantitative ELISAs and immunoblots. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effect of tick saliva on immune interactions between Borrelia afzelii and murine dendritic cells

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Slámová, M.; Skallová, A.; Páleníková, J.; Kopecký, Jan

2011-01-01

Roč. 33, č. 12 (2011), 654-660 ISSN 0141-9838 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA600960811; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia * dendritic cell * immune modulation * Ixodes ricinus Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 2.601, year: 2011

Reclassification of Borrelia spp. isolated in South Korea using Multilocus Sequence Typing.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Kyung-Hee; Choi, Yeon-Joo; Kim, Jeoungyeon; Park, Hye-Jin; Song, Dayoung; Jang, Won-Jong

2018-05-31

Using Borrelia isolated from South Korea, we evaluated by MLST and three intergenic genes (16S rRNA, ospA, and 5S-23S IGS) typing to analyze the relationship between host and vector and molecular background. Using the MLST analysis, we identified B. afzelii, B. yangtzensis, B. garinii, and B. bavariensis. This study was first report of the identification of B. yangtzensis using the MLST in South Korea.

A Novel Animal Model of Borrelia recurrentis Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever Borreliosis Using Immunodeficient Mice

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Larsson, C.; Lundqvist, J.; Rooijen, van N.; Bergstrom, S.

2009-01-01

Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) borreliosis is caused by Borrelia recurrentis, and it is a deadly although treatable disease that is endemic in the Horn of Africa but has epidemic potential. Research on LBRF has been severely hampered because successful infection with B. recurrentis has been

Differential expression of Ixodes ricinus tick genes induced by blood feeding or Borrelia burgdorferi infection

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Edwards, M. J.; Grubhoffer, Libor

2005-01-01

Roč. 42, č. 1 (2005), s. 36-41 ISSN 0022-2585 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA6022306 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia burgdorferi * subtractive hybridization Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 1.489, year: 2005

An Ixodes ricinus Tick Salivary Lectin Pathway Inhibitor Protects Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato from Human Complement

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wagemakers, Alex; Coumou, Jeroen; Schuijt, Tim J.; Oei, Anneke; Nijhof, Ard M.; van 't Veer, Cornelis; van der Poll, Tom; Bins, Adriaan D.; Hovius, Joppe W. R.

2016-01-01

We previously identified tick salivary lectin pathway inhibitor (TSLPI) in Ixodes scapularis, a vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in North America. TSLPI is a salivary protein facilitating B. burgdorferi s.s. transmission and acquisition by inhibiting the host lectin complement

Abundance of Ixodes ricinus and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in the nature reserve Siebengebirge, Germany, in comparison to three former studies from 1978 onwards

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Schwarz, Alexandra; Hönig, Václav; Vavrušková, Zuzana; Grubhoffer, Libor; Balczun, C.; Albring, A.; Schaub, G. A.

2012-01-01

Roč. 5, NOV 21 (2012) ISSN 1756-3305 R&D Projects: GA ČR GD206/09/H026; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Tick density * Borrelia prevalence * Borrelia lusitaniae * Multiple infections * Siebengebirge Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 3.246, year: 2012 http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/5/1/268

Clinical characteristics associated with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato skin culture results in patients with erythema migrans.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Franc Strle

Full Text Available Clinical characteristics associated with isolation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato from skin have not been fully evaluated. To gain insight into predictors for a positive EM skin culture, we compared basic demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data in 608 culture-proven and 501 culture-negative adult patients with solitary EM. A positive Borrelia spp. skin culture was associated with older age, a time interval of >2 days between tick bite and onset of the skin lesion, EM ≥ 5 cm in diameter, and location of the lesion on the extremities, whereas several other characteristics used as clinical case definition criteria for the diagnosis of EM (such as tick bite at the site of later EM, information on expansion of the skin lesion, central clearing were not. A patient with a 15-cm EM lesion had almost 3-fold greater odds for a positive skin culture than patients with a 5-cm lesion. Patients with a free time interval between the tick bite and onset of EM had the same probability of a positive skin culture as those who did not recall a tick bite (OR=1.02; however, the two groups had >3-fold greater odds for EM positivity than patients who reported a tick bite with no interval between the bite and onset of the lesion. In conclusion, several yet not all clinical characteristics used in EM case definitions were associated with positive Borrelia spp. skin culture. The findings are limited to European patients with solitary EM caused predominantly by B. afzelii but may not be valid for other situations.

A new (14th) member of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Oliver, J.; Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Grubhoffer, Libor

2008-01-01

Roč. 14, S7 (2008), S110-S110 ISSN 1198-743X. [ECCMID /18./. 19.04.2008-22.04.2008, Barcelona] R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA524/06/1479; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Grant - others:National Institutes of Health (NIH)(US) R37AI-24899; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(US) U50/CCU410282 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex * new member * multilocus sequence analysis Subject RIV: EC - Immunology

Analysis of the lipidated recombinant outer surface protein A from Borrelia burgdorferi by mass spectrometry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bouchon, B.; Klein, Michele; Bischoff, Rainer; Van Dorsselaer, A.; Roitsch, C.

1997-01-01

The outer surface protein A, OspA, from the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is a lipoprotein of 25 kDa. The recombinant OspA (rOspA) expressed in Escherichia coli has been purified and analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). A heterogenous spectrum gave a measured mass of 28,462 +/- 9 Da

Detection and identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rickettsia helvetica in Danish Ixodes ricinus ticks

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skarphédinsson, Sigurdur; Lyholm, Birgitte Fjendbo; Ljungberg, Marianne

2007-01-01

% of adult ticks. The difference in prevalence between Anaplasma and Borrelia in adult ticks supports the idea that their maintenance cycles in nature may be different. Ticks were also infected with Rickettsia helvetica. Our study indicates that A. phagocytophilum prevalence in ticks in Denmark is as high...

Reptile-associated Borrelia species in the goanna tick (Bothriocroton undatum) from Sydney, Australia

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Panetta, J. L.; Šíma, Radek; Calvani, N.E.D.; Hajdušek, Ondřej; Chandra, S.; Panuccio, J.; Šlapeta, J.

2017-01-01

Roč. 10, 20 December (2017), č. článku 616. ISSN 1756-3305 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA17-27393S; GA ČR GA17-27386S Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia * Bothriocroton undatum * Coxiella burnetii * DNA extraction * Goanna tick * Illumina * Ixodidae * MiSeq Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology OBOR OECD: Biochemistry and molecular biology Impact factor: 3.080, year: 2016

A tick gut protein with fibronectin III domains aids Borrelia burgdorferi congregation to the gut during transmission

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Narasimhan, Sukanya; Coumou, Jeroen; Schuijt, Tim J.; Boder, Eric; Hovius, Joppe W.; Fikrig, Erol

2014-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi transmission to the vertebrate host commences with growth of the spirochete in the tick gut and migration from the gut to the salivary glands. This complex process, involving intimate interactions of the spirochete with the gut epithelium, is pivotal to transmission. We utilized

Exposure to hepatitis E virus, hepatitis A virus and Borrelia spp. infections in forest rangers from a single forest district in western Poland.

Science.gov (United States)

Bura, Maciej; Bukowska, Alicja; Michalak, Michał; Bura, Aleksandra; Nawrocki, Mariusz J; Karczewski, Marek; Mozer-Lisewska, Iwona

2018-03-13

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging problem in developed countries. At least 2 zoonotic genotypes of the virus (HEV-3 and HEV-4) infect human beings. There are some data suggesting that forest rangers (FRs) can be at a higher risk of contact with HEV. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HEV exposure markers in FRs from a single forest district in Greater Poland in relation to anti-HAV (hepatitis A virus) IgG, and anti-Borrelia spp. IgM and IgG antibodies. In total, 138 participants (48 FRs and 90 blood donors - BDs) were tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Luebeck, Germany) and 96 individuals (48 FRs and 48 BDs) were tested for anti-HAV IgG (ARCHITECT immunoassays, Abbott Laboratories, Wiesbaden, Germany); anti-Borrelia IgM and IgG (EUROIMMUN kits) were assessed in FRs only. Anti-HEV markers were detected in 3 participants (2.2%; IgM in 1 FR, IgG in 2 BDs), less frequently than anti-HAV (16 out of 96 individuals, about 17%; FRs 19% vs BDs 15%) or anti-Borrelia antibodies (18 out of 48 individuals, 37.5%) (p < 0.0001 for both). Older study participants (≥45 years of age) were more frequently HAV-seropositive (29% vs 4% of the younger individuals; p = 0.0012). We failed to unequivocally prove HEV exposure in FRs. The HAV seroprevalence in this study paralleled the situation in the general population. Exposure to Borrelia spp. in FRs was common.

Antibody responses to Borrelia burgdorferi detected by western blot vary geographically in Canada

OpenAIRE

Ogden, Nicholas H.; Arsenault, Julie; Hatchette, Todd F.; Mechai, Samir; Lindsay, L. Robbin

2017-01-01

Lyme disease is emerging in eastern and central Canada, and most cases are diagnosed using the two-tier serological test (Enzyme Immuno Assay [EIA] followed by Western blot [WB]). Simplification of this algorithm would be advantageous unless it impacts test performance. In this study, accuracy of individual proteins of the IgG WB algorithm in predicting the overall test result in samples from Canadians was assessed. Because Borrelia burgdorferi strains vary geographically in Canada, geographi...

Europe-Wide Meta-Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Strnad, Martin; Hönig, Václav; Růžek, Daniel; Grubhoffer, Libor; Rego, Ryan O. M.

2017-01-01

Roč. 83, č. 15 (2017), č. článku e00609-17. ISSN 0099-2240 EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 278976 - ANTIGONE; European Commission(XE) 602272 - ANTIDotE Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato * tick * Ixodes ricinus * genospecies * meta-analysis * Lyme borreliosis * Lyme disease Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology OBOR OECD: Microbiology Impact factor: 3.807, year: 2016

Borrelia burgdorferi infection and immunity in mice deficient in the fifth component of complement.

OpenAIRE

Bockenstedt, L K; Barthold, S; Deponte, K; Marcantonio, N; Kantor, F S

1993-01-01

When immunocompetent mice are inoculated with Borrelia burgdorferi, they develop acute arthritis and carditis that undergo spontaneous regression despite the persistence of infection. Specific T- and/or B-cell immunity appears to be necessary for resolution of disease manifestations. Humoral immune responses to B. burgdorferi are also important in prevention of B. burgdorferi infection, in that passive transfer of immune sera or protective monoclonal antibodies prevents the spirochete from es...

Lipid exchange between Borrelia burgdorferi and host cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jameson T Crowley

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, has cholesterol and cholesterol-glycolipids that are essential for bacterial fitness, are antigenic, and could be important in mediating interactions with cells of the eukaryotic host. We show that the spirochetes can acquire cholesterol from plasma membranes of epithelial cells. In addition, through fluorescent and confocal microscopy combined with biochemical approaches, we demonstrated that B. burgdorferi labeled with the fluorescent cholesterol analog BODIPY-cholesterol or (3H-labeled cholesterol transfer both cholesterol and cholesterol-glycolipids to HeLa cells. The transfer occurs through two different mechanisms, by direct contact between the bacteria and eukaryotic cell and/or through release of outer membrane vesicles. Thus, two-way lipid exchange between spirochetes and host cells can occur. This lipid exchange could be an important process that contributes to the pathogenesis of Lyme disease.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy adults from western Norway: risk factors and methodological aspects.

Science.gov (United States)

Hjetland, Reidar; Nilsen, Roy M; Grude, Nils; Ulvestad, Elling

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a healthy adult population from Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway by different assays. Sera from 1213 blood donors at four different blood banks were analysed in Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE/IgG (IgG), Enzygnost Borreliosis IgM (IgM), and Immunetics C6 Lyme ELISA kit (C6). Sera showing positive or grey-zone reactivities were further examined with Borrelia-EUROLine-RN-AT IgG blot and Borrelia-EUROLine-RN-AT IgM blot. The seroprevalences were 9.6%, 8.2%, 8.4%, 6.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence for IgG was lower in the eastern part of the county and in owners of pet animals. It was higher in men, and increased with age and number of tick bites. C6 and IgG gave comparable results. IgM only was found in 4.5%, more often in women, did not increase with age, and showed no relationship with geography, and 56.4% were positive in IgM blot. In conclusion, antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. are common in blood donors in western Norway. The results may be used for evaluation of predictive values of test results in patients, as well as a basis for test algorithms in the laboratory. © 2014 APMIS. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Spatial clustering of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato within populations of Allen's chipmunks and dusky-footed woodrats in northwestern California.

Science.gov (United States)

Hacker, Gregory M; Brown, Richard N; Fedorova, Natalia; Girard, Yvette A; Higley, Mark; Clueit, Bernadette; Lane, Robert S

2018-01-01

The ecology of Lyme borreliosis is complex in northwestern California, with several potential reservoir hosts, tick vectors, and genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The primary objective of this study was to determine the fine-scale spatial distribution of different genospecies in four rodent species, the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes), and Allen's chipmunk (Neotamias senex). Rodents were live-trapped between June 2004 and May 2005 at the Hoopa Valley Tribal Reservation (HVTR) in Humboldt County, California. Ear-punch biopsies obtained from each rodent were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analysis. The programs ArcGIS and SaTScan were used to examine the spatial distribution of genospecies. Multinomial log-linear models were used to model habitat and host-specific characteristics and their effect on the presence of each borrelial genospecies. The Akaike information criterion (AICc) was used to compare models and determine model fit. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was primarily associated with chipmunks and B. bissettiae largely with woodrats. The top model included the variables "host species", "month", and "elevation" (weight = 0.84). Spatial clustering of B. bissettiae was detected in the northwestern section of the HVTR, whereas B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was clustered in the southeastern section. We conclude that the spatial distribution of these borreliae are driven at least in part by host species, time-of-year, and elevation.

Seroprevalence against Rickettsia and Borrelia Species in Patients with Uveitis: A Prospective Survey

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kim B. Madsen

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Vector-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and rickettsioses have been associated with ocular inflammation. Our aim was to study patients with diagnosed uveitis to evaluate serological signs of infection or exposure to these tick-borne agents. Forty-eight patients were prospectively examined with serology together with medical records and a questionnaire concerning previous exposure, diseases, and treatments. Seven patients (14.6% showed seroconversion to Rickettsia spp. between acute and convalescent phase sera, which provides support for a positive Rickettsia diagnosis according to guidelines. The specificity was confirmed by Western blot. Additional 28 patients had stationary titres of which eight (16.6% had 1 : 256 or higher titre in the first serum, and another 13 patients were seronegative. No epidemiological risk factor or marker could be identified. For Borrelia, only three patients showed moderate IgG titres. A control group of 100 blood donors, 60 patients with rheumatic disease, and 56 patients seeking medical care were tested of which 2.0–7.1% showed low anti-Rickettsia titres and 3.0–8.3% anti-Borrelia titres. The findings are indicative for an association between infection or exposure to Rickettsia spp. and uveitis with a seropositivity among patients with recurrent uveitis in concordance with the spread of rickettsial exposure in a tick-exposed population.

Seroprevalence against Rickettsia and Borrelia Species in Patients with Uveitis: A Prospective Survey

Science.gov (United States)

Madsen, Kim B.; Wallménius, Katarina; Fridman, Åke; Påhlson, Carl

2017-01-01

Vector-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and rickettsioses have been associated with ocular inflammation. Our aim was to study patients with diagnosed uveitis to evaluate serological signs of infection or exposure to these tick-borne agents. Forty-eight patients were prospectively examined with serology together with medical records and a questionnaire concerning previous exposure, diseases, and treatments. Seven patients (14.6%) showed seroconversion to Rickettsia spp. between acute and convalescent phase sera, which provides support for a positive Rickettsia diagnosis according to guidelines. The specificity was confirmed by Western blot. Additional 28 patients had stationary titres of which eight (16.6%) had 1 : 256 or higher titre in the first serum, and another 13 patients were seronegative. No epidemiological risk factor or marker could be identified. For Borrelia, only three patients showed moderate IgG titres. A control group of 100 blood donors, 60 patients with rheumatic disease, and 56 patients seeking medical care were tested of which 2.0–7.1% showed low anti-Rickettsia titres and 3.0–8.3% anti-Borrelia titres. The findings are indicative for an association between infection or exposure to Rickettsia spp. and uveitis with a seropositivity among patients with recurrent uveitis in concordance with the spread of rickettsial exposure in a tick-exposed population. PMID:29318041

First detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus halli).

Science.gov (United States)

Schramm, Frédéric; Gauthier-Clerc, Michel; Fournier, Jean-Charles; McCoy, Karen D; Barthel, Cathy; Postic, Danièle; Handrich, Yves; Le Maho, Yvon; Jaulhac, Benoît

2014-10-01

The hard tick Ixodes uriae parasitises a wide range of seabird species in the circumpolar areas of both Northern and Southern hemispheres and has been shown to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the bacterial agents of Lyme borreliosis. Although it is assumed that seabirds represent viable reservoir hosts, direct demonstrations of infection are limited to a single study from the Northern hemisphere. Here, the blood of 50 tick-infested adult king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus halli) breeding in the Crozet Archipelago (Southern Indian Ocean) was examined for B. burgdorferi sl exposure by serology and for spirochetemia by in vitro DNA amplification. Four birds were found positive by serology, whereas B. burgdorferi sl DNA was detected in two other birds. Our data therefore provide the first direct proof of Borrelia burgdorferi sl spirochetes in seabirds of the Southern hemisphere and indicate a possible reservoir role for king penguins in the natural maintenance of this bacterium. Although the bacterial genetic diversity present in these hosts and the infectious period for tick vectors remain to be elucidated, our results add to a growing body of knowledge on the contribution of seabirds to the complex epizootiology of Lyme disease and the global dissemination of B. burgdorferi sl spirochetes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Tick Thioester-Containing Proteins and Phagocytosis Do Not Affect Transmission of Borrelia afzelii from the Competent Vector Ixodes ricinus

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Urbanová, V.; Hajdušek, O.; Hönig Mondeková, Helena; Šíma, R.; Kopáček, P.

2017-01-01

Roč. 7, MAR 16 (2017), s. 1-16, č. článku 73. ISSN 2235-2988 Institutional support: RVO:61388971 Keywords : Borrelia * complement * phagocytosis Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology OBOR OECD: Microbiology Impact factor: 4.300, year: 2016

Europe-Wide Meta-Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks.

Science.gov (United States)

Strnad, Martin; Hönig, Václav; Růžek, Daniel; Grubhoffer, Libor; Rego, Ryan O M

2017-08-01

Lyme borreliosis is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks in Europe and North America. Despite having multiple tick vectors, the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato , is vectored mainly by Ixodes ricinus in Europe. In the present study, we aimed to review and summarize the existing data published from 2010 to 2016 concerning the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes in questing I. ricinus ticks. The primary focus was to evaluate the infection rate of these bacteria in ticks, accounting for tick stage, adult tick gender, region, and detection method, as well as to investigate any changes in prevalence over time. The data obtained were compared to the findings of a previous metastudy. The literature search identified data from 23 countries, with 115,028 ticks, in total, inspected for infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato We showed that the infection rate was significantly higher in adults than in nymphs and in females than in males. We found significant differences between European regions, with the highest infection rates in Central Europe. The most common genospecies were B. afzelii and B. garinii , despite a negative correlation of their prevalence rates. No statistically significant differences were found among the prevalence rates determined by conventional PCR, nested PCR, and real-time PCR. IMPORTANCE Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a pathogenic bacterium whose clinical manifestations are associated with Lyme borreliosis. This vector-borne disease is a major public health concern in Europe and North America and may lead to severe arthritic, cardiovascular, and neurological complications if left untreated. Although pathogen prevalence is considered an important predictor of infection risk, solitary isolated data have only limited value. Here we provide summarized information about the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes among host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks, the principal tick vector of

Detection of Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in Blacklegged Ticks Collected in the Grand River Valley, Ontario, Canada

Science.gov (United States)

Scott, John D.; Foley, Janet E.; Anderson, John F.; Clark, Kerry L.; Durden, Lance A.

2017-01-01

We document the presence of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in the Grand River valley, Centre Wellington, Ontario. Overall, 15 (36%) of 42 I. scapularis adults collected from 41 mammalian hosts (dogs, cats, humans) were positive for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Using real-time PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the flagellin (fla) gene, we determined that Borrelia amplicons extracted from I. scapularis adults belonged to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), which is pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. Based on the distribution of I. scapularis adults within the river basin, it appears likely that migratory birds provide an annual influx of I. scapularis immatures during northward spring migration. Health-care providers need to be aware that local residents can present with Lyme disease symptoms anytime during the year. PMID:28260991

Distribution of Soft Ticks and Their Natural Infection with Borrelia in a Focus of Relapsing Fever in Iran

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Z Aghighi

2007-11-01

Full Text Available Tick-borne diseases such as relapsing fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF are of public health impor¬tance in Iran. There are 471 reported cases of relapsing fever in 2003, according to the Ministry of Health of Iran.The num¬ber of cases has been increased in recent years. Its distribution is more or less prevalent in different parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to find out the fauna and natural infection of soft ticks with Borrelia in Qazvin Province, during their sea¬sonal activity. The province covers 15821 km² between 48-45 to 50-50 east of Greenwich Meridian of longitude and 35-37 to 36-45 north latitude of the equator. For this purpose a field study was carried out in the region. A total of 54 villages from 19 districts were selected ran¬domly and ticks were collected from their habitats according to the standard method. A total of 3197 Argasidae ticks were collected from human dwellings, poultry and animal shelters. They belonged to Argas and Or¬nithodoros genera which 36.8% were Argas persicus, 4% A. reflexus, 6.4% O. canestrini, 45.5% O. lahorensis and 7.3% O. tholozani. It should be noted that 12 ticks of O. erraticus were collected from 12 rodents borrows. We found that 8.82 % of O. tholozani ticks were infected with Borrelia persica and half of the O. erraticus were infected with Borrelia microti. All the people who are in¬volved with veterinary activities should be aware of disease transmission by the ticks. In the endemic area of the disease tick control is recommended.

Evaluation of recomBead Borrelia. Quantitative analysis using 13 antigens for IgM and IgG. Do Borrelia IgM antibodies have diagnostic use in Northern Scandinavia? - A comparison of sero-reactivity of samples from Åland and Denmark

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dessau, Ram; Møller, Jens Kjølseth

2012-01-01

Evaluering af recomBead borrelia. Ny multiplex metode. Der blev præsenteret overvejelser om hvordan man skal score den den store mængde resultater for at opnå optimal diagnostisk diskriminations evne. Disse metode overvejelser er var vigtige, da det samme kit afprøves både to steder i Sverige ogs...

IrC2/Bf - A yeast and Borrelia responsive component of the complement system from the hard tick Ixodes ricinus

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Urbanová, V.; Hajdušek, O.; Šíma, R.; Franta, Z.; Hönig Mondeková, Helena; Grunclová, L.; Bartošová-Sojková, P.; Jalovecká, M.; Kopáček, P.

2018-01-01

Roč. 76, FEB 2018 (2018), s. 86-94 ISSN 0145-305X Institutional support: RVO:61388971 Keywords : Borrelia * C3-complement convertase * Factor B Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology OBOR OECD: Microbiology Impact factor: 3.218, year: 2016

Genome-Wide Mutagenesis in Borrelia burgdorferi.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Tao; Gao, Lihui

2018-01-01

Signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) is a functional genomics approach to identify bacterial virulence determinants and virulence factors by simultaneously screening multiple mutants in a single host animal, and has been utilized extensively for the study of bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and spirochete and tick biology. The signature-tagged transposon mutagenesis has been developed to investigate virulence determinants and pathogenesis of Borrelia burgdorferi. Mutants in genes important in virulence are identified by negative selection in which the mutants fail to colonize or disseminate in the animal host and tick vector. STM procedure combined with Luminex Flex ® Map™ technology and next-generation sequencing (e.g., Tn-seq) are the powerful high-throughput tools for the determination of Borrelia burgdorferi virulence determinants. The assessment of multiple tissue sites and two DNA resources at two different time points using Luminex Flex ® Map™ technology provides a robust data set. B. burgdorferi transposon mutant screening indicates that a high proportion of genes are the novel virulence determinants that are required for mouse and tick infection. In this protocol, an effective signature-tagged Himar1-based transposon suicide vector was developed and used to generate a sequence-defined library of nearly 4800 mutants in the infectious B. burgdorferi B31 clone. In STM, signature-tagged suicide vectors are constructed by inserting unique DNA sequences (tags) into the transposable elements. The signature-tagged transposon mutants are generated when transposon suicide vectors are transformed into an infectious B. burgdorferi clone, and the transposable element is transposed into the 5'-TA-3' sequence in the B. burgdorferi genome with the signature tag. The transposon library is created and consists of many sub-libraries, each sub-library has several hundreds of mutants with same tags. A group of mice or ticks are infected with a mixed

Isolation, cultivation and identification of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies from Ixodes ricinus ticks from the city of Brno, Czech Republic

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Pejchalová, K.; Žákovská, A.; Mejzlíková, M.; Halouzka, Jiří; Dendis, M.

2007-01-01

Roč. 14, č. 1 (2007), s. 75-79 ISSN 1232-1966 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * cultivation * DFM method * Ixodes ricinus * Lyme Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 1.074, year: 2007 http://www.aaem.pl/pdf/1475.pdf

Does host complement kill Borrelia burgdorferi within ticks?

Science.gov (United States)

Rathinavelu, Sivaprakash; Broadwater, Anne; de Silva, Aravinda M

2003-02-01

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, inhabits the gut lumen of the tick vector. At this location the spirochete is exposed to host blood when a tick feeds. We report here on studies that were done with normal and complement-deficient (C3-knockout) mice to determine if the host complement system killed spirochetes within the vector. We found that spirochete numbers within feeding nymphs were not influenced by complement, most likely because host complement was inactivated within the vector. The Lyme disease outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccine is a transmission-blocking vaccine that targets spirochetes in the vector. In experiments with mice hyperimmunized with OspA, complement was not required to kill spirochetes within nymphs and to block transmission from nymphs to the vaccinated host. However, host complement did enhance the ability of OspA antibody to block larvae from acquiring spirochetes. Thus, the effects of OspA antibody on nymphal transmission and larval acquisition appear to be based on different mechanisms.

Immunization with a recombinant subunit OspA vaccine markedly impacts the rate of newly acquired Borrelia burgdorferi infections in client-owned dogs living in a coastal community in Maine, USA.

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Eschner, Andrew K; Mugnai, Kristen

2015-02-10

In North America, Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative bacterial agent of canine Lyme borreliosis and is transmitted following prolonged attachment and feeding of vector ticks, Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus. Its prevention is predicated upon tick-avoidance, effective on-animal tick control and effective immunization strategies. The purpose of this study is to characterize dogs that are newly seropositive for Borrelia burgdorferi infection in relation to compliant use of a recombinant OspA canine Lyme borreliosis vaccine. Specifically, Preventive Fractions (PF) and Risk Ratios (RR) associated with the degree of vaccine compliancy (complete versus incomplete) are determined. 6,202 dogs were tested over a five year period in a single veterinary hospital utilizing a non-adjuvanted, recombinant OspA vaccine according to a 0, 1, 6 month (then yearly) protocol. Rates of newly acquired "Lyme-positive" antibody test results were compared between protocol compliant and poorly compliant (incompletely and/or non-vaccinated) dogs. Over the five-year span, one percent (range 0.39 - 1.3) of protocol compliant vaccinated, previously antibody negative dogs became seropositive for infection. Approximately twenty-one percent (range 16.8 - 33.3) of incompletely vaccinated dogs became positive for infection-specific antibodies. The Preventative Fraction for testing positive for antibodies specific for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in any given year based on optimal vaccine compliance was, on average, 95.3% (range 93.29 - 98.08). The Risk Ratio for becoming infected with Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in any given year if vaccine non-compliant was 21.41 (range 14.9 - 52.1). There was a high statistically significant relationship (p = <0.0001) in the observed data in terms of vaccination protocol compliance and the probability of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in each of the five years under study. The recombinant outer surface protein A (rOspA) vaccine for dogs is highly

Host association of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato--the key role of host complement.

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Kurtenbach, Klaus; De Michelis, Simona; Etti, Susanne; Schäfer, Stefanie M; Sewell, Henna-Sisko; Brade, Volker; Kraiczy, Peter

2002-02-01

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the tick-borne agent of Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial species complex comprising 11 genospecies. Here, we discuss whether the delineation of genospecies is ecologically relevant. We provide evidence that B. burgdorferi s.l. is structured ecologically into distinct clusters that are host specific. An immunological model for niche adaptation is proposed that suggests the operation of complement-mediated selection in the midgut of the feeding tick. We conclude that vertebrate hosts rather than tick species are the key to Lyme borreliosis spirochaete diversity.

Antibodies to Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi in Spanish Wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Science.gov (United States)

Lledó, Lourdes; Serrano, José Luis; Isabel Gegúndez, María; Giménez-Pardo, Consuelo; Saz, José Vicente

2016-01-01

We examined 314 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the province of Soria, Spain, for Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia slovaca, and Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Immunofluorescence assays showed 1.9% had antibodies to R. typhi, 6.7% had antibodies to R. slovaca, and 8.3% had antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Serostatus was not correlated with sex or age. Because red foxes can be infected by Rickettsiae and B. burgdorferi, presence of red foxes may be and indicator for the presence of these pathogens.

Borrelia-induced cytokine production is mediated by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) but is Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 independent

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Oosting, M.; Buffen, K.; Cheng, S.C.; Verschueren, I.C.; Koentgen, F.; Veerdonk, F.L. van de; Netea, M.G.; Joosten, L.A.B.

2015-01-01

Although it is known that Borrelia species express sugar-like structures on their outer surface, not much is known about the role of these structures in immune recognition by host cells. Fungi, like Candida albicans, are mainly recognized by C-type lectin receptors, in specific Dectin-1 and

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies in host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks in selected South Bohemian locations (Czech Republic)

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Danielová, V.; Daniel, M.; Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna

2004-01-01

Roč. 12, č. 3 (2004), s. 151-156 ISSN 1210-7778 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/03/1326 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6022909 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia * Czech Republic Subject RIV: GJ - Animal Vermins ; Diseases, Veterinary Medicine

Molecular Survey on Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, and Babesia spp. in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Infesting Dogs in Central Italy.

Science.gov (United States)

Morganti, Giulia; Gavaudan, Stefano; Canonico, Cristina; Ravagnan, Silvia; Olivieri, Emanuela; Diaferia, Manuela; Marenzoni, Maria Luisa; Antognoni, Maria Teresa; Capelli, Gioia; Silaghi, Cornelia; Veronesi, Fabrizia

2017-11-01

Dogs are a common feeding hosts for Ixodes ricinus and may act as reservoir hosts for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and as carriers of infected ticks into human settings. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of several selected TBPs of significant public health concern by molecular methods in I. ricinus recovered from dogs living in urban and suburban settings in central Italy. A total of 212 I. ricinus specimens were collected from the coat of domestic dogs. DNA was extracted from each specimen individually and tested for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, using real-time and conventional PCR protocols, followed by sequencing. Sixty-one ticks (28.8%) tested positive for TBPs; 57 samples were infected by one pathogen, while four showed coinfections. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 39 specimens (18.4%), of which 32 were identified as Rickettsia monacensis and seven as Rickettsia helvetica. Twenty-two samples (10.4%) tested positive for A. phagocytophilum; Borrelia lusitaniae and Borrelia afzelii were detected in two specimens and one specimen, respectively. One tick (0.5%) was found to be positive for Babesia venatorum (EU1). Our findings reveal the significant exposure of dogs to TBPs of public health concern and provide data on the role of dogs in the circulation of I. ricinus-borne pathogens in central Italy.

Effectiveness of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against the Various Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Vitro

Science.gov (United States)

Theophilus, P. A. S.; Victoria, M. J.; Socarras, K. M.; Filush, K. R.; Gupta, K.; Luecke, D. F.; Sapi, E.

2015-01-01

Lyme disease is a tick-borne multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Administering antibiotics is the primary treatment for this disease; however, relapse often occurs when antibiotic treatment is discontinued. The reason for relapse remains unknown, but recent studies suggested the possibilities of the presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia persister cells and biofilms. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of whole leaf Stevia extract against B. burgdorferi spirochetes, persisters, and biofilm forms in vitro. The susceptibility of the different forms was evaluated by various quantitative techniques in addition to different microscopy methods. The effectiveness of Stevia was compared to doxycycline, cefoperazone, daptomycin, and their combinations. Our results demonstrated that Stevia had significant effect in eliminating B. burgdorferi spirochetes and persisters. Subculture experiments with Stevia and antibiotics treated cells were established for 7 and 14 days yielding, no and 10% viable cells, respectively compared to the above-mentioned antibiotics and antibiotic combination. When Stevia and the three antibiotics were tested against attached biofilms, Stevia significantly reduced B. burgdorferi forms. Results from this study suggest that a natural product such as Stevia leaf extract could be considered as an effective agent against B. burgdorferi. PMID:26716015

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and tick-borne encephalitis virus in zoo animal species in the Czech Republic

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Širmarová, J.; Tichá, L.; Golovchenko, Maryna; Salát, Jiří; Grubhoffer, L.; Rudenko, Natalia; Nowotny, N.; Růžek, Daniel

2014-01-01

Roč. 5, č. 5 (2014), s. 523-527 ISSN 1877-959X R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP502/11/2116 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Tick-borne encephalitis virus * Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato * Lyme borreliosis * Seroprevalence * Zoo animals Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 2.718, year: 2014

Tick-borne relapsing fever imported from West Africa: diagnosis by quantitative buffy coat analysis and in vitro culture of Borrelia crocidurae

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Dam, A. P.; van Gool, T.; Wetsteyn, J. C.; Dankert, J.

1999-01-01

West African tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is difficult to diagnose due to the low number of spirochetes in the bloodstream of patients. Previously, the causative microorganism, Borrelia crocidurae, had never been cultured in vitro. TBRF was rapidly diagnosed for two patients returning from

Search for Borrelia sp. in ticks collected from potential reservoirs in an urban forest reserve in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: a short report

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IP da Costa

2002-07-01

Full Text Available A total of 128 ticks of the genus Amblyomma were recovered from 5 marsupials (Didelphis albiventris - with 4 recaptures - and 17 rodents (16 Bolomys lasiurus and 1 Rattus norvegicus captured in an urban forest reserve in Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Of the ticks collected, 95 (78.9% were in larval form and 22 (21.1% were nymphs; the only adult (0.8% was identified as A. cajennense. Viewed under dark-field microscopy in the fourth month after seeding, 9 cultures prepared from spleens and livers of the rodents, blood of the marsupials, and macerates of Amblyomma sp. nymphs revealed spiral-shaped, spirochete-like structures resembling those of Borrelia sp. Some of them showed little motility, while others were non-motile. No such structures could be found either in positive Giemsa-stained culture smears or under electron microscopy. No PCR amplification of DNA from those cultures could be obtained by employing Leptospira sp., B. burgdorferi, and Borrelia sp. primers. These aspects suggest that the spirochete-like structures found in this study do not fit into the genera Borrelia or Leptospira, requiring instead to be isolated for proper identification.

Evaluation of BSK-H Complete Medium Supplemented with Rabbit Serum and Sodium Bicarbonate for the Growth of Borrelia anserina

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Bilal Aslam, Iftikhar Hussain*, Muhammad Shahid Mahmood and Ahrar Khan1

2013-04-01

Full Text Available The present study was conducted to compare the effect of 3 formulations Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK medium on the growth of Borrelia (B. anserina, the causative agent of avian borreliosis. Three different formulations of BSK medium (BSK-H, BSK-II and BSK-H complete medium were prepared. For the isolation of B. anserina, Argas ticks were inoculated in all the three (BSK-H, BSK-II and BSK-H complete formulations of BSK medium. All the samples were also observed for the impact of BSK medium on the growth (Generation time, Growth per hour, Specific growth rate of B. anserina. Phase contrast microscopy was performed for the observation of viable B. anserina cells, and additional confirmation of all the isolates was done by performing indirect immunofluorescence assay and PCR. BSK-H complete medium supplemented with 6% rabbit serum and sodium bicarbonate was found best when compared to two other formulations of BSK medium with respect to the isolation, generation time and growth rate of Borrelia spirochetes.

Complement-mediated killing of Borrelia burgdorferi by nonimmune sera from sika deer.

Science.gov (United States)

Nelson, D R; Rooney, S; Miller, N J; Mather, T N

2000-12-01

Various species of cervid deer are the preferred hosts for adult, black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus) in the United States. Although frequently exposed to the agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), these animals, for the most part, are incompetent as transmission reservoirs. We examined the borreliacidal activity of normal and B. burgdorferi-immune sera from sika deer (Cervus nippon) maintained in a laboratory setting and compared it to that of similar sera from reservoir-competent mice and rabbits. All normal deer sera (NDS) tested killed > 90% of B. burgdorferi cells. In contrast, normal mouse and rabbit sera killed feeding exhibited IFA titers of 1:256, whereas sera from mice and rabbits similarly exposed had titers of > 1:1,024. Heat treatment (56 C, 30 min) of NDS reduced borreliacidal activity, with complement-mediated killing. The chelators EGTA and EDTA were used to block the classical or both the classical and alternative complement pathways, respectively. Addition of 10 mM EGTA to NDS had a negligible effect on borreliacidal activity, with > 90% of the cells killed. Addition of 10 mM EDTA reduced the killing to approximately 30%, whereas the addition of Mg2+ (10 mM) restored borreliacidal activity to NDS. The addition of zymosan A, an activator of the alternative pathway, increased the survival of B. burgdorferi cells to approximately 80% in NDS. These data suggest that the alternative complement activation pathway plays a major role in the borreliacidal activity of NDS. Additionally, 10 mM EGTA had almost no effect on the killing activity of B. burgdorferi-exposed deer sera, suggesting that the classical pathway is not involved in Borrelia killing, even in sera from B. burgdorferi-exposed deer.

Genome Stability of Lyme Disease Spirochetes: Comparative Genomics of Borrelia burgdorferi Plasmids

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Casjens S. R.; Dunn J.; Mongodin, E. F.; Qiu, W.-G.; Luft, B. J.; Schutzer, S. E.; Gilcrease, E. B.; Huang, W. M.; Vujadinovic, M.; Aron, J. K.; Vargas, L. C.; Freeman, S.; Radune, D.; Weidman, J. F.; Dimitrov, G. I.; Khouri, H. M.; Sosa, J. E.; Halpin, R. A.; Fraser, C. M.

2012-03-14

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne human illness in North America. In order to understand the molecular pathogenesis, natural diversity, population structure and epizootic spread of the North American Lyme agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, a much better understanding of the natural diversity of its genome will be required. Towards this end we present a comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the numerous plasmids of B. burgdorferi isolates B31, N40, JD1 and 297. These strains were chosen because they include the three most commonly studied laboratory strains, and because they represent different major genetic lineages and so are informative regarding the genetic diversity and evolution of this organism. A unique feature of Borrelia genomes is that they carry a large number of linear and circular plasmids, and this work shows that strains N40, JD1, 297 and B31 carry related but non-identical sets of 16, 20, 19 and 21 plasmids, respectively, that comprise 33-40% of their genomes. We deduce that there are at least 28 plasmid compatibility types among the four strains. The B. burgdorferi {approx}900 Kbp linear chromosomes are evolutionarily exceptionally stable, except for a short {le}20 Kbp plasmid-like section at the right end. A few of the plasmids, including the linear lp54 and circular cp26, are also very stable. We show here that the other plasmids, especially the linear ones, are considerably more variable. Nearly all of the linear plasmids have undergone one or more substantial inter-plasmid rearrangements since their last common ancestor. In spite of these rearrangements and differences in plasmid contents, the overall gene complement of the different isolates has remained relatively constant.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks removed from skin of people and circumstances of being bitten - research from the area of Poland, 2012-2014.

Science.gov (United States)

Gałęziowska, Edyta; Rzymowska, Jolanta; Najda, Nella; Kołodziej, Przemysław; Domżał-Drzewicka, Renata; Rząca, Marcin; Muraczyńska, Bożena; Charzyńska-Gula, Marianna; Szadowska-Szlachetka, Zdzisława; Ślusarska, Barbara; Guty, Edyta

2018-03-14

During feeding, the tick sucks blood from the host along with the pathogens that are in the blood, simultaneously exchanging its own pathogens with the host. Humans can also be a host. It is important to understand the most typical circumstances in which people might become infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. This knowledge will help to prepare health education programmes aimed at the prevention of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the percentage of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, depending on the circumstances of getting bitten. The research material consisted of ticks acquired from people who had been bitten, and questionnaires completed by these people. 510 ticks were acquired from 257 females and 253 males. Following delivery of a tick for testing, the stage of its development was determined and a molecular assay of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA performed. A positive result of the nested-PCR test was obtained in 78 ticks, which represents 15.30% of all ticks. The infected ticks were collected from male (41 ticks - 52.56%) and female subjects (37 ticks - 47.44%). The biggest number of infected ticks were collected in autumn (54 ticks - 69.23%) and from people who had been into forests (44 ticks - 56.41%). Among the people from whom the infected ticks were acquired, the dominating group included persons over 16 years of age (53 persons - 67.95%) and children aged 0-5 years (16 persons - 20.51%). One in four infected ticks were acquired from the southwestern (20 ticks - 25.64%) and eastern regions of Poland (21 ticks - 26.92%). Infestation of ticks infected with Lyme disease spirochete in this study proved to be variable and depend on the season, the area of tick attack and the region in Poland. The results of the study clearly show that ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi inhabit all regions of Poland. The results are consistent with National Institute of Hygiene data which indicates that Lyme

Salivary gland extract from engorged Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) stimulates in vitro growth of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudolf, Ivo; Šikutová, Silvie; Kopecký, Jan; Hubálek, Zdeněk

2010-01-01

Roč. 50, č. 3 (2010), s. 294-298 ISSN 0233-111X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/03/0726; GA AV ČR IAA600960811 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519; CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : salivary gland extract * Ixodes ricinus ticks * Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 1.395, year: 2010

Effect of tick saliva on signalling pathways activated by TLR-2 ligand and Borrelia afzelii in dendritic cells

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Lieskovská, Jaroslava; Kopecký, Jan

2012-01-01

Roč. 35, č. 8-9 (2012), s. 421-429 ISSN 0141-9838 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GAP302/12/2208 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia * dendritic cells * tick saliva * Toll-like receptor signalling Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 2.208, year: 2012 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3024.2012.01375.x/abstract

Stem loop sequences specific to transposable element IS605 are found linked to lipoprotein genes in Borrelia plasmids.

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Nicholas Delihas

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Plasmids of Borrelia species are dynamic structures that contain a large number of repetitive genes, gene fragments, and gene fusions. In addition, the transposable element IS605/200 family, as well as degenerate forms of this IS element, are prevalent. In Helicobacter pylori, flanking regions of the IS605 transposase gene contain sequences that fold into identical small stem loops. These function in transposition at the single-stranded DNA level. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In work reported here, bioinformatics techniques were used to scan Borrelia plasmid genomes for IS605 transposable element specific stem loop sequences. Two variant stem loop motifs are found in the left and right flanking regions of the transposase gene. Both motifs appear to have dispersed in plasmid genomes and are found "free-standing" and phylogenetically conserved without the associated IS605 transposase gene or the adjacent flanking sequence. Importantly, IS605 specific stem loop sequences are also found at the 3' ends of lipoprotein genes (PFam12 and PFam60, however the left and right sequences appear to develop their own evolutionary patterns. The lipoprotein gene-linked left stem loop sequences maintain the IS605 stem loop motif in orthologs but only at the RNA level. These show mutations whereby variants fold into phylogenetically conserved RNA-type stem loops that contain the wobble non-Watson-Crick G-U base-pairing. The right flanking sequence is associated with the family lipoprotein-1 genes. A comparison of homologs shows that the IS605 stem loop motif rapidly dissipates, but a more elaborate secondary structure appears to develop in its place. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Stem loop sequences specific to the transposable element IS605 are present in plasmid regions devoid of a transposase gene and significantly, are found linked to lipoprotein genes in Borrelia plasmids. These sequences are evolutionarily conserved and/or structurally developed in

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes in wild birds in northwestern California: associations with ecological factors, bird behavior and tick infestation.

Science.gov (United States)

Newman, Erica A; Eisen, Lars; Eisen, Rebecca J; Fedorova, Natalia; Hasty, Jeomhee M; Vaughn, Charles; Lane, Robert S

2015-01-01

Although Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) are found in a great diversity of vertebrates, most studies in North America have focused on the role of mammals as spirochete reservoir hosts. We investigated the roles of birds as hosts for subadult Ixodes pacificus ticks and potential reservoirs of the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in northwestern California. Overall, 623 birds representing 53 species yielded 284 I. pacificus larvae and nymphs. We used generalized linear models and zero-inflated negative binomial models to determine associations of bird behaviors, taxonomic relationships and infestation by I. pacificus with borrelial infection in the birds. Infection status in birds was best explained by taxonomic order, number of infesting nymphs, sampling year, and log-transformed average body weight. Presence and counts of larvae and nymphs could be predicted by ground- or bark-foraging behavior and contact with dense oak woodland. Molecular analysis yielded the first reported detection of Borrelia bissettii in birds. Moreover, our data suggest that the Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), a non-resident species, could be an important reservoir for B. burgdorferi s.s. Of 12 individual birds (9 species) that carried B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae, no birds carried the same genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l. in their blood as were present in the infected larvae removed from them. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Our study is the first to explicitly incorporate both taxonomic relationships and behaviors as predictor variables to identify putative avian reservoirs of B. burgdorferi s.l. Our findings underscore the importance of bird behavior to explain local tick infestation and Borrelia infection in these animals, and suggest the potential for bird-mediated geographic spread of vector ticks and spirochetes in the far-western United States.

Refractoriness of the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) to the Lyme disease group spirochete Borrelia bissettii.

Science.gov (United States)

Lane, R S; Mun, J; Eisen, L; Eisen, R J

2006-08-01

The western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, is refractory to experimental infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, one of several Lyme disease spirochetes pathogenic for humans. Another member of the Lyme disease spirochete complex, Borrelia bissettii, is distributed widely throughout North America and a similar, if not identical, spirochete has been implicated as a human pathogen in southern Europe. To determine the susceptibility of S. occidentalis to B. bissettii, 6 naïve lizards were exposed to the feeding activities of Ixodes pacificus nymphs experimentally infected with this spirochete. None of the lizards developed spirochetemias detectable by polymerase chain reaction for up to 8 wk post-tick feeding, infected nymphs apparently lost their B. bissettii infections within 1-2 wk after engorgement, and xenodiagnostic L. pacificus larvae that co-fed alongside infected nymphs did not acquire and maintain spirochetes. In contrast, 3 of 4 naïve deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) exposed similarly to feeding by 1 or more B. bissettii-infected nymphs developed patent infections within 4 wk. These and previous findings suggest that the complement system of S. occidentalis typically destroys B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes present in tissues of attached and feeding I. pacificus nymphs, thereby potentially reducing the probability of transmission of these bacteria to humans or other animals by the resultant adult ticks.

Effect of forest clearing on the abundance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hubálek, Zdeněk; Halouzka, Jiří; Juřicová, Zina; Šikutová, Silvie; Rudolf, Ivo

2006-01-01

Roč. 20, č. 2 (2006), s. 166-172 ISSN 0269-283X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/03/0726 EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 10284 - EDEN Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato * Lyme borreliosis risk Subject RIV: FN - Epidemiology, Contagious Diseases ; Clinical Immunology Impact factor: 2.033, year: 2006

Increasing RpoS expression causes cell death in Borrelia burgdorferi.

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Linxu Chen

Full Text Available RpoS, one of the two alternative σ factors in Borrelia burgdorferi, is tightly controlled by multiple regulators and, in turn, determines expression of many critical virulence factors. Here we show that increasing RpoS expression causes cell death. The immediate effect of increasing RpoS expression was to promote bacterial division and as a consequence result in a rapid increase in cell number before causing bacterial death. No DNA fragmentation or degradation was observed during this induced cell death. Cryo-electron microscopy showed induced cells first formed blebs, which were eventually released from dying cells. Apparently blebbing initiated cell disintegration leading to cell death. These findings led us to hypothesize that increasing RpoS expression triggers intracellular programs and/or pathways that cause spirochete death. The potential biological significance of induced cell death may help B. burgdorferi regulate its population to maintain its life cycle in nature.

Selective association of outer surface lipoproteins with the lipid rafts of Borrelia burgdorferi.

Science.gov (United States)

Toledo, Alvaro; Crowley, Jameson T; Coleman, James L; LaRocca, Timothy J; Chiantia, Salvatore; London, Erwin; Benach, Jorge L

2014-03-11

Borrelia burgdorferi contains unique cholesterol-glycolipid-rich lipid rafts that are associated with lipoproteins. These complexes suggest the existence of macromolecular structures that have not been reported for prokaryotes. Outer surface lipoproteins OspA, OspB, and OspC were studied for their participation in the formation of lipid rafts. Single-gene deletion mutants with deletions of ospA, ospB, and ospC and a spontaneous gene mutant, strain B313, which does not express OspA and OspB, were used to establish their structural roles in the lipid rafts. All mutant strains used in this study produced detergent-resistant membranes, a common characteristic of lipid rafts, and had similar lipid and protein slot blot profiles. Lipoproteins OspA and OspB but not OspC were shown to be associated with lipid rafts by transmission electron microscopy. When the ability to form lipid rafts in live B. burgdorferi spirochetes was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), strain B313 showed a statistically significant lower level of segregation into ordered and disordered membrane domains than did the wild-type and the other single-deletion mutants. The transformation of a B313 strain with a shuttle plasmid containing ospA restored the phenotype shared by the wild type and the single-deletion mutants, demonstrating that OspA and OspB have redundant functions. In contrast, a transformed B313 overexpressing OspC neither rescued the FRET nor colocalized with the lipid rafts. Because these lipoproteins are expressed at different stages of the life cycle of B. burgdorferi, their selective association is likely to have an important role in the structure of prokaryotic lipid rafts and in the organism's adaptation to changing environments. IMPORTANCE Lipid rafts are cholesterol-rich clusters within the membranes of cells. Lipid rafts contain proteins that have functions in sensing the cell environment and transmitting signals. Although selective proteins are present in

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) adults in New Jersey, 2000-2001.

Science.gov (United States)

Schulze, Terry L; Jordan, Robert A; Hung, Robert W; Puelle, Rose S; Markowski, Daniel; Chomsky, Martin S

2003-07-01

Using polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed 529 Ixodes scapularis Say adults collected from 16 of New Jersey's 21 counties for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. Overall, 261 (49.3%) were positive. B. burgdorferi was detected in ticks obtained from each county and from 53 of the 58 (93.1%) municipalities surveyed. The observed statewide prevalence in New Jersey is similar to those reported from other northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

Effect of salivary gland extract from Ixodes ricinus ticks on the proliferation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in vivo

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Macháčková, Martina; Oborník, Miroslav; Kopecký, Jan

2006-01-01

Roč. 53, č. 2 (2006), s. 153-158 ISSN 0015-5683 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/05/0811 Grant - others:Studentská grantová agentura, Biologická fakulta Jihočeské univerzity(CZ) SGA2004/009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Ixodes ricinus * saliva-activated transmission Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 1.511, year: 2006

Stable Transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Science.gov (United States)

Levine, J F; Apperson, C S; Levin, M; Kelly, T R; Kakumanu, M L; Ponnusamy, L; Sutton, H; Salger, S A; Caldwell, J M; Szempruch, A J

2017-08-01

The spirochaete (Borrelia burgdorferi) associated with Lyme disease was detected in questing ticks and rodents during a period of 18 years, 1991-2009, at five locations on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) was collected at varied intervals between 1991 and 2009 and examined for B. burgdorferi. The white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), house mouse (Mus musculus) marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and six-lined racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) were live-trapped, and their tissues cultured to isolate spirochaetes. Borrelia burgdorferi isolates were obtained from questing adult I. scapularis and engorged I. scapularis removed from P. leucopus, O. palustris and S. floridanus. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection was variable at different times and sites ranging from 7 to 14% of examined questing I. scapularis. Mitochondrial (16S) rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis from 65 adult I. scapularis identified 12 haplotypes in two major clades. Nine haplotypes were associated with northern/Midwestern I. scapularis populations and three with southern I. scapularis populations. Sixteen isolates obtained from tick hosts in 2005 were confirmed to be B. burgdorferi by amplifying and sequencing of 16S rRNA and 5S-23S intergenic spacer fragments. The sequences had 98-99% identity to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strains B31, JD1 and M11p. Taken together, these studies indicate that B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is endemic in questing I. scapularis and mammalian tick hosts on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Direct Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Borrelia burgdorferi from Whole Blood of Patients with Early Lyme Disease

Science.gov (United States)

Eshoo, Mark W.; Crowder, Christopher C.; Rebman, Alison W.; Rounds, Megan A.; Matthews, Heather E.; Picuri, John M.; Soloski, Mark J.; Ecker, David J.; Schutzer, Steven E.; Aucott, John N.

2012-01-01

Direct molecular tests in blood for early Lyme disease can be insensitive due to low amount of circulating Borrelia burgdorferi DNA. To address this challenge, we have developed a sensitive strategy to both detect and genotype B. burgdorferi directly from whole blood collected during the initial patient visit. This strategy improved sensitivity by employing 1.25 mL of whole blood, a novel pre-enrichment of the entire specimen extract for Borrelia DNA prior to a multi-locus PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection assay. We evaluated the assay on blood collected at the initial presentation from 21 endemic area patients who had both physician-diagnosed erythema migrans (EM) and positive two-tiered serology either at the initial visit or at a follow-up visit after three weeks of antibiotic therapy. Results of this DNA analysis showed detection of B. burgdorferi in 13 of 21 patients (62%). In most cases the new assay also provided the B. burgdorferi genotype. The combined results of our direct detection assay with initial physician visit serology resulted in the detection of early Lyme disease in 19 of 21 (90%) of patients at the initial visit. In 5 of 21 cases we demonstrate the ability to detect B. burgdorferi in early Lyme disease directly from whole blood specimens prior to seroconversion. PMID:22590620

Co-inoculation of Borrelia afzelii with tick salivary gland extract influences distribution of immunocompetent cells in the skin and lymph nodes of mice

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Severinová, Jana; Salát, Jiří; Kročová, Z.; Řezníčková, Jana; Demová, Hana; Horká, Helena; Kopecký, Jan

2005-01-01

Roč. 50, č. 5 (2005), s. 457-463 ISSN 0015-5632 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/02/0901 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6022909 Keywords : tick salivary gland extract * inflammation * Borrelia Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 0.918, year: 2005

Zinc is the metal cofactor of Borrelia burgdorferi peptide deformylase.

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Kiet T; Wu, Jen-Chieh; Boylan, Julie A; Gherardini, Frank C; Pei, Dehua

2007-12-15

Peptide deformylase (PDF, E.C. 3.5.1.88) catalyzes the removal of N-terminal formyl groups from nascent ribosome-synthesized polypeptides. PDF contains a catalytically essential divalent metal ion, which is tetrahedrally coordinated by three protein ligands (His, His, and Cys) and a water molecule. Previous studies revealed that the metal cofactor is a Fe2+ ion in Escherichia coli and many other bacterial PDFs. In this work, we found that PDFs from two iron-deficient bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi and Lactobacillus plantarum, are stable and highly active under aerobic conditions. The native B. burgdorferi PDF (BbPDF) was purified 1200-fold and metal analysis revealed that it contains approximately 1.1 Zn2+ ion/polypeptide but no iron. Our studies suggest that PDF utilizes different metal ions in different organisms. These data have important implications in designing PDF inhibitors and should help address some of the unresolved issues regarding PDF structure and catalytic function.

Tick saliva affects both proliferation and distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes in mouse organs and increases transmission of spirochetes to ticks

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Horká, Helena; Černá-Kýčková, Kateřina; Skallová, Anna; Kopecký, Jan

2009-01-01

Roč. 299, č. 5 (2009), s. 373-380 ISSN 1438-4221 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA600960811; GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Ixodes ricinus * saliva-activated transmission * real-time PCR Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 2.802, year: 2009

Serological survey for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in rodents and detection of spirochaetes in ticks and fleas in South Moravia (Czech Republic)

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Juřicová, Zina; Halouzka, Jiří; Hubálek, Zdeněk

2002-01-01

Roč. 57, č. 3 (2002), s. 383-387 ISSN 0006-3088 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA6087601; GA ČR GA206/00/1204 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6093917 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * Lyme disease Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.169, year: 2002

Molecular detection of Borrelia bissettii DNA in serum samples from patients in the Czech Republic with suspected borreliosis

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Růžek, Daniel; Piskunova, N.; Mallátová, N.; Grubhoffer, Libor

2009-01-01

Roč. 292, č. 2 (2009), s. 274-281 ISSN 0378-1097 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GD524/03/H133; GA ČR(CZ) GA524/06/1479 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia bissettii in human serum * causative agent * co-infection * co-detection of different species * phylogenetic analysis Subject RIV: GJ - Animal Vermins ; Diseases, Veterinary Medicine Impact factor: 2.199, year: 2009

Serological studies on the infection of dogs in Ontario with Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease

OpenAIRE

Artsob, Harvey; Barker, Ian K.; Fister, Richard; Sephton, Gregory; Dick, Daryl; Lynch, John A.; Key, Doug

1993-01-01

A serological study was undertaken to determine whether dogs in Ontario are being exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. This study consisted of a survey of randomly selected dogs and testing of diagnostic submissions from candidate Lyme disease cases. The survey of 1,095 dogs, bled between January 1988 and August 1989, revealed a total of 65 (5.9%) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reactors, of which 22 had immuno-fluorescent antibody assay (IFA) tite...

Exposure to ticks and seroprevalence of [i]Borrelia burgdorferi [/i]among a healthy young population living in the area of southern Podlasie, Poland

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna Pańczuk

2014-09-01

Full Text Available [b]Objectives[/b]. The objective of the study was assessment of risk of infection with [i]Borrelia burgdorferi[/i] in the area of southern Podlasie in Poland, near the border with Belarus, by analysis of post-exposure procedure, and evaluation of asymptomatic infection in adolescents bitten by a tick, confirmed by serologic tests. [b]Material and methods[/b]. The study was conducted among 128 healthy individuals aged 16–20 who declared being bitten by a tick. The level of IgM and IgG class antibodies was determined using the immunoenzymatic test (Borrelia 14 kD + OspC IgM ELISA and Borrelia IgG + VlsE ELISA, DRG Diagnostics. Positive and doubtful results were confirmed using the Western blot method (EUROLINE-WB, EUROIMMUN. [b]Results[/b]. In the study group, the largest number of respondents (59.4% declared tick bite in the region of the lower extremities, most often in the knee pit. Among the methods for removing the tick the largest number of respondents indicated removing it with the use of tweezers, with a simple, swift steady movement (29.7%, and pulling it out with the fingers (22.7%. In the ELISA test, a positive or doubtful result in at least one class was observed in 25.0% of respondents (n=32/128: in IgM class – 23.4% (n=30/128, and in IgG class – 4.7% (n=6/128. After verification with the Western blot test, infection was confirmed in 5.5% of respondents (n=7/128: in IgM class – 1.6% (n=2/128, in IgG class – 3.9% (n=5/128. In IgM class antibodies, the Western blot test confirmed positive or doubtful results of the ELISA test in 6.7%, while in IgG class antibodies in 83.3%. [b]Conclusion[/b]. Evaluation of the actual infection with [i]Borrelia spp.[/i] using serologic tests is difficult due to a certain non-specificity of the ELISA test, especially in IgM class antibodies, and difficulties with performance of a wide scope of specific Western blot tests. The variety of methods of tick removal declared by adolescents suggests

Polymorphisms at the innate immune receptor TLR2 are associated with Borrelia infection in a wild rodent population.

Science.gov (United States)

Tschirren, Barbara; Andersson, Martin; Scherman, Kristin; Westerdahl, Helena; Mittl, Peer R E; Råberg, Lars

2013-05-22

The discovery of the key role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in initiating innate immune responses and modulating adaptive immunity has revolutionized our understanding of vertebrate defence against pathogens. Yet, despite their central role in pathogen recognition and defence initiation, there is little information on how variation in TLRs influences disease susceptibility in natural populations. Here, we assessed the extent of naturally occurring polymorphisms at TLR2 in wild bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and tested for associations between TLR2 variants and infection with Borrelia afzelii, a common tick-transmitted pathogen in rodents and one of the causative agents of human Lyme disease. Bank voles in our population had 15 different TLR2 haplotypes (10 different haplotypes at the amino acid level), which grouped in three well-separated clusters. In a large-scale capture-mark-recapture study, we show that voles carrying TLR2 haplotypes of one particular cluster (TLR2c2) were almost three times less likely to be Borrelia infected than animals carrying other haplotypes. Moreover, neutrality tests suggested that TLR2 has been under positive selection. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of an association between TLR polymorphism and parasitism in wildlife, and a striking example that genetic variation at innate immune receptors can have a large impact on host resistance.

Serological studies on the infection of dogs in Ontario with Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease

Science.gov (United States)

Artsob, Harvey; Barker, Ian K.; Fister, Richard; Sephton, Gregory; Dick, Daryl; Lynch, John A.; Key, Doug

1993-01-01

A serological study was undertaken to determine whether dogs in Ontario are being exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. This study consisted of a survey of randomly selected dogs and testing of diagnostic submissions from candidate Lyme disease cases. The survey of 1,095 dogs, bled between January 1988 and August 1989, revealed a total of 65 (5.9%) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reactors, of which 22 had immuno-fluorescent antibody assay (IFA) titers ≥1:32. All but one of the IFA-positive and 10 of the ELISA-positive, IFA-negative sera were further tested by western blot. Eight western blot positive and three equivocal reactors were obtained. Three of the eight confirmed reactors had visited areas known to be endemic for Lyme disease, leaving five reactors that might have been infected in previously undocumented areas for B. burgdorferi activity in Ontario. Diagnostic submissions of sera from 223 dogs were received between August 1987 and February 1992. Test results revealed 21 (9.4%) IFA reactors, of which only six had significant titers (≥1:256) and were reactive by an immunodot Borrelia test. All six dogs had travelled to known Lyme endemic areas. Based on results obtained from this study, it seems likely that the agent of Lyme disease is not widespread in Ontario. PMID:17424284

Borrelia miyamotoi, Other Vector-Borne Agents in Cat Blood and Ticks in Eastern Maryland.

Science.gov (United States)

Shannon, Avery B; Rucinsky, Renee; Gaff, Holly D; Brinkerhoff, R Jory

2017-12-01

We collected blood and tick samples in eastern Maryland to quantify vector-borne pathogen exposure and infection in healthy cats and to assess occupational disease risk to veterinary professionals and others who regularly interact with household pets. Thirty-six percent of healthy cats parasitized by ticks at time of examination (9/25) were exposed to, and 14% of bloods (7/49) tested PCR-positive for, at least one vector-borne pathogen including several bloods and ticks with Borrelia miyamotoi, a recently recognized tick-borne zoonotic bacterium. There was no indication that high tick burdens were associated with exposure to vector-borne pathogens. Our results underscore the potential importance of cats to human vector-borne disease risk.

An Ixodes ricinus Tick Salivary Lectin Pathway Inhibitor Protects Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato from Human Complement.

Science.gov (United States)

Wagemakers, Alex; Coumou, Jeroen; Schuijt, Tim J; Oei, Anneke; Nijhof, Ard M; van 't Veer, Cornelis; van der Poll, Tom; Bins, Adriaan D; Hovius, Joppe W R

2016-04-01

We previously identified tick salivary lectin pathway inhibitor (TSLPI) in Ixodes scapularis, a vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in North America. TSLPI is a salivary protein facilitating B. burgdorferi s.s. transmission and acquisition by inhibiting the host lectin complement pathway through interference with mannose binding lectin (MBL) activity. Since Ixodes ricinus is the predominant vector for Lyme borreliosis in Europe and transmits several complement sensitive B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) strains, we aimed to identify, describe, and characterize the I. ricinus ortholog of TSLPI. We performed (q)PCRs on I. ricinus salivary gland cDNA to identify a TSLPI ortholog. Next, we generated recombinant (r)TSLPI in a Drosophila expression system and examined inhibition of the MBL complement pathway and complement-mediated killing of B. burgdorferi s.l. in vitro. We identified a TSLPI ortholog in I. ricinus salivary glands with 93% homology at the RNA and 89% at the protein level compared to I. scapularis TSLPI, which was upregulated during tick feeding. In silico analysis revealed that TSLPI appears to be part of a larger family of Ixodes salivary proteins among which I. persulcatus basic tail salivary proteins and I. scapularis TSLPI and Salp14. I. ricinus rTSLPI inhibited the MBL complement pathway and protected B. burgdorferi s.s. and Borrelia garinii from complement-mediated killing. We have identified a TSLPI ortholog, which protects B. burgdorferi s.l. from complement-mediated killing in I. ricinus, the major vector for tick-borne diseases in Europe.

Detection of Borrelia bissettii in cardiac valve tissue of a patient with endocarditis and aortic valve stenosis in the Czech Republic

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Mokráček, A.; Piskunova, N.; Růžek, Daniel; Mallátová, N.; Grubhoffer, Libor

2008-01-01

Roč. 46, č. 10 (2008), s. 3540-3543 ISSN 0095-1137 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GD524/03/H133; GA ČR(CZ) GA524/06/1479 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Lyme disease * Borrelia bissettii * carditis * causative agent Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology Impact factor: 3.945, year: 2008

Coordinated Expression of Borrelia burgdorferi Complement Regulator-Acquiring Surface Proteins during the Lyme Disease Spirochete's Mammal-Tick Infection Cycle▿

OpenAIRE

Bykowski, Tomasz; Woodman, Michael E.; Cooley, Anne E.; Brissette, Catherine A.; Brade, Volker; Wallich, Reinhard; Kraiczy, Peter; Stevenson, Brian

2007-01-01

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is largely resistant to being killed by its hosts’ alternative complement activation pathway. One possible resistance mechanism of these bacteria is to coat their surfaces with host complement regulators, such as factor H. Five different B. burgdorferi outer surface proteins having affinities for factor H have been identified: complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 1 (BbCRASP-1), encoded by cspA; BbCRASP-2, encoded by cspZ; and three ...

Tick thioester-containing proteins and phagocytosis do not affect transmission of Borrelia afzelii from the competent vector ixodes ricinus

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Urbanová, Veronika; Hajdušek, Ondřej; Hönig Mondeková, Helena; Šíma, Radek; Kopáček, Petr

2017-01-01

Roč. 7, MAR (2017), č. článku 73. ISSN 2235-2988 R&D Projects: GA ČR GJ15-12006Y; GA ČR GA13-11043S; GA ČR GA17-27386S; GA ČR GA17-27393S EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 602272 - ANTIDotE Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Borrelia * complement * Ixodes * phagocytosis * thioester-containing proteins Subject RIV: EC - Immunology OBOR OECD: Immunology Impact factor: 4.300, year: 2016

An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot Assay Measuring Borrelia burgdorferi B31-Specific Interferon Gamma-Secreting T Cells Cannot Discriminate Active Lyme Neuroborreliosis from Past Lyme Borreliosis: a Prospective Study in the Netherlands.

Science.gov (United States)

van Gorkom, T; Sankatsing, S U C; Voet, W; Ismail, D M; Muilwijk, R H; Salomons, M; Vlaminckx, B J M; Bossink, A W J; Notermans, D W; Bouwman, J J M; Kremer, K; Thijsen, S F T

2018-04-01

Two-tier serology testing is most frequently used for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB); however, a positive result is no proof of active disease. To establish a diagnosis of active LB, better diagnostics are needed. Tests investigating the cellular immune system are available, but studies evaluating the utility of these tests on well-defined patient populations are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the utility of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay to diagnose active Lyme neuroborreliosis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of various study groups were stimulated by using Borrelia burgdorferi strain B31 and various recombinant antigens, and subsequently, the number of Borrelia -specific interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-secreting T cells was measured. We included 33 active and 37 treated Lyme neuroborreliosis patients, 28 healthy individuals treated for an early manifestation of LB in the past, and 145 untreated healthy individuals. The median numbers of B. burgdorferi B31-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cells/2.5 × 10 5 PBMCs did not differ between active Lyme neuroborreliosis patients (6.0; interquartile range [IQR], 0.5 to 14.0), treated Lyme neuroborreliosis patients (4.5; IQR, 2.0 to 18.6), and treated healthy individuals (7.4; IQR, 2.3 to 14.9) ( P = 1.000); however, the median number of B. burgdorferi B31-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cells/2.5 × 10 5 PBMCs among untreated healthy individuals was lower (2.0; IQR, 0.5 to 3.9) ( P ≤ 0.016). We conclude that the Borrelia ELISpot assay, measuring the number of B. burgdorferi B31-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cells/2.5 × 10 5 PBMCs, correlates with exposure to the Borrelia bacterium but cannot be used for the diagnosis of active Lyme neuroborreliosis. Copyright © 2018 van Gorkom et al.

Detection of Borrelia bissetii in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic: cases of single and multiple infections in humans

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Piskunova, N.; Růžek, Daniel; Grubhoffer, Libor

2008-01-01

Roč. 14, S7 (2008), S109-S110 ISSN 1198-743X. [ECCMID /18./. 19.04.2008-22.04.2008, Barcelona] R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06009; GA ČR GD524/03/H133; GA ČR(CZ) GA524/06/1479 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Lyme disease * Borrelia bissettii * causative agent * human samples Subject RIV: EC - Immunology

Validate or falsify: Lessons learned from a microscopy method claimed to be useful for detecting Borrelia and Babesia organisms in human blood

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Aase, A.; Hajdušek, Ondřej; Øines, Ø.; Quarsten, H.; Wilhelmsson, P.; Herstad, T.K.; Kjelland, V.; Šíma, Radek; Jalovecká, Marie; Lindgren, P-E.; Aaberge, I.S.

2016-01-01

Roč. 48, č. 6 (2016), s. 411-419 ISSN 2374-4235 R&D Projects: GA ČR GP13-27630P; GA ČR GP13-12816P EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 316304 - MODBIOLIN Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Lyme disease * Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato * babesiosis * Babesia spp. * Lyme borreliosis * PCR * microscopy Subject RIV: EC - Immunology Impact factor: 1.119, year: 2016

Temporomandibular joint involvement caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi.

Science.gov (United States)

Lesnicar, Gorazd; Zerdoner, Danijel

2007-12-01

Lyme borreliosis is an endemic disease in Slovenia with an incidence of around 150 patients per 100,000 inhabitants. Although the large joints are most typically affected in Lyme borreliosis, there are also periods of disease activity with arthritis or arthralgias involving smaller joints, including the temporo-mandibular joint. During the years between 2000 and 2003, two patients with Lyme borreliosis affecting the temporo-mandibular joints were treated. The patients presented with fatigue and pain in diverse muscle groups accompanied by arthralgia, which was most pronounced in the temporomandibular joint area. None of the patients were febrile or had joint effusions. Both patients were examined by means of biochemical and serological examinations for Borrelia burgdorferi using ELISA assay and Western blot test (both for IgM and IgG), plain radiographs, MR and CT scans, and scinti-scan of the temporo-mandibular joints They both had positive serum markers for an acute B. burgdorferi infection and were treated with intravenous ceftriaxone. None of the patients had clinical or laboratory signs of chronic Lyme disease activity two and four years following therapy, respectively. Roentgenographic and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the temporo-mandibular joints had not shown any persistent sign of acute inflammation. There are only few reports of patients with manifest temporo-mandibular joint involvement of Lyme borreliosis in the literature. This report emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis of acute temporo-mandibular joint arthralgia, of early diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, and of the necessity for prompt antibiotic treatment.

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Imported from West Africa: Diagnosis by Quantitative Buffy Coat Analysis and In Vitro Culture of Borrelia crocidurae

OpenAIRE

van Dam, Alje P.; van Gool, Tom; Wetsteyn, José C. F. M.; Dankert, Jacob

1999-01-01

West African tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is difficult to diagnose due to the low number of spirochetes in the bloodstream of patients. Previously, the causative microorganism, Borrelia crocidurae, had never been cultured in vitro. TBRF was rapidly diagnosed for two patients returning from western Africa with fever of unknown origin by quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis. Diagnosis was confirmed by intraperitoneal inoculation of blood specimens from patients into laboratory mice. In v...

Isolation of live Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochaetes from patients with undefined disorders and symptoms not typical for Lyme borreliosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Rudenko, N; Golovchenko, M; Vancova, M; Clark, K; Grubhoffer, L; Oliver, J H

2016-03-01

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem disorder with a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations, caused by spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. It is an infectious disease that can be successfully cured by antibiotic therapy in the early stages; however, the possibility of the appearance of persistent signs and symptoms of disease following antibiotic treatment is recognized. It is known that Lyme borreliosis mimics multiple diseases that were never proven to have a spirochaete aetiology. Using complete modified Kelly-Pettenkofer medium we succeeded in cultivating live B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochaetes from samples taken from people who suffered from undefined disorders, had symptoms not typical for Lyme borreliosis, but who had undergone antibiotic treatment due to a suspicion of having Lyme disease even though they were seronegative. We report the first recovery of live B. burgdorferi sensu stricto from residents of southeastern USA and the first successful cultivation of live Borrelia bissettii-like strain from residents of North America. Our results support the fact that B. bissettii is responsible for human Lyme borreliosis worldwide along with B. burgdorferi s.s. The involvement of new spirochaete species in Lyme borreliosis changes the understanding and recognition of clinical manifestations of this disease. Copyright © 2016 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monoinfections caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia burgdorferi / Anaplasma phagocytophilum co-infections in forestry workers and farmers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Małgorzata Tokarska-Rodak

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Background: The presence of co-infections induced by tick-borne pathogens in humans is an important epidemiological phenomenon. This issue has attracted growing attention of doctors and people working under conditions of an increased risk of being exposed to tick bites. Material and Methods: The research group consisted of 93 individuals with current anti-immunoglobulin M/G (IgM/ IgG Borrelia burgdorferi or IgG anti-Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The respondents were identified during the screening survey in a group of farmers and foresters occupationally exposed to tick bites. The aim of the work was to analyse the frequency of antibodies to specific antigens of B. burgdorferi and the levels of cytokines in forestry workers and farmers with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: There is a stronger generation of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi antigens in patients with B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections, such as variable major protein-like sequence expressed (VlsE (p < 0.05, p19 (p < 0.02, p17 (p < 0.05 and complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 3 (CRASP3 (p < 0.02 compared to persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections. The discrepancies in the synthesis of cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α have not been found in persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infection. Conclusions: The immune response directed against B. burgdorferi is stronger in patients co-infected with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum than in those with monoinfection. Med Pr 2015;66(5:645–651

Large scale spatial risk and comparative prevalence of Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes pacificus.

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Kerry Padgett

Full Text Available Borrelia miyamotoi is a newly described emerging pathogen transmitted to people by Ixodes species ticks and found in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. There is limited understanding of large scale entomological risk patterns of B. miyamotoi and of Borreila burgdorferi sensu stricto (ss, the agent of Lyme disease, in western North America. In this study, B. miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete, was detected in adult (n=70 and nymphal (n=36 Ixodes pacificus ticks collected from 24 of 48 California counties that were surveyed over a 13 year period. Statewide prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato (sl, which includes B. burgdorferi ss, and B. miyamotoi were similar in adult I. pacificus (0.6% and 0.8%, respectively. In contrast, the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sl was almost 2.5 times higher than B. miyamotoi in nymphal I. pacificus (3.2% versus 1.4%. These results suggest similar risk of exposure to B. burgdorferi sl and B. miyamotoi from adult I. pacificus tick bites in California, but a higher risk of contracting B. burgdorferi sl than B. miyamotoi from nymphal tick bites. While regional risk of exposure to these two spirochetes varies, the highest risk for both species is found in north and central coastal California and the Sierra Nevada foothill region, and the lowest risk is in southern California; nevertheless, tick-bite avoidance measures should be implemented in all regions of California. This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate entomologic risk for B. miyamotoi and B. burgdorferi for both adult and nymphal I. pacificus, an important human biting tick in western North America.

Disagreement between the results from three commercial tests for the detection of Borrelia-specific serum antibodies in the Netherlands associated with antibiotic treatment for Lyme borreliosis: a retrospective study.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Gorkom, T; Kremer, K; Voet, W; Notermans, D W; Vlaminckx, B J M; Sankatsing, S U C; Thijsen, S F T

2017-01-01

The diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is challenging because of the often non-specific symptoms and persisting antibodies after infection. We investigated the diagnostic characteristics of two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and an immunoblot for the detection of Borrelia-specific serum

Cinética do crescimento de Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetaceae em diferentes meios de cultivo Cinetic growth of Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetacease in different culture media

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Angela de Oliveira

2004-06-01

Full Text Available Estudou-se a cinética de crescimento de Borrelia burgdorferi, por um período de 3 meses, utilizando os seguintes oito meios de cultivo : (1 BSK adicionado de soro de coelho, (2 BSK adicionado de soro de suíno, (3 BSK adicionado de soro de suíno + 5 fluorouracil, (4 PMR, (5 CTB, (6 Dubos, (7 Caldo Brucella e (8 BHI. Todos os meios foram preparados assepticamente e mantidos em tubos de ensaio com capacidade para 10 ml. Para cada meio, o inoculo foi padronizado para conter no início 10² espiroquetas para cada 0,1 ml de cultivo. O monitoramento do crescimento foi feito contando-se o total de espiroquetas em 0,1 ml do meio entre lâmina de microscopia e lamínula com dimen sões de 10x30mm, tendo sido utilizado microscópio de campo escuro. A contagem foi realizada durante 14 semanas, tendo sido diária nos primeiros 12 dias e semanal a partir desta data. Houve crescimento de B. burgdorferi em todos meios testados, com melhor performance para três deles: BSK adicionado de soro de coelho, BSK adicionado de soro de suíno + 5 fluorouracil e meio CTB. Observou-se crescimento de B. burgdorferi a partir da 4ª semana, atingindo o platô de crescimento entre a 8ª e 12ª semanas, quando começou a exaustão do meio de cultivo. Formas císticas de B. burgdorferi foram observadas em todos os meios testados.The cinetic of growth of Borrelia burgdorferi was studied during a 3-month period, using the following 8 culture media: (1 rabbit serum BSK, (2 swine serum BSK, (3 swine serum BSK+5 fluorouracil, (4 PMR, (5 CTB, (6 Dubos, (7 Brucella broth and (8 BHI. All media were prepared aseptically and were maintained in culture tubes of 10 ml capacity. For each medium, the inoculum was standardized to contain initially 10² spirochetes for each 0.1 ml of culture. The growth was monitorized by counting the total number of spirochetes in 0.1ml of medium in a dark field microscope, using a 10x30 mm cover slip. For the first 12 days, counting was done each 24

Polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis of Borrelia burgdorferi infections and studies on taxonomic classification

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lebech, Anne-Mette

2002-01-01

Lyme borreliosis caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is now the most common vectorborne disease in North America, Europe and Asia. It is a multisystemic infection which may cause skin, neurological, cardiac or rheumatologic disorders. The aims of the present thesis were: (i) to develop...... and different clinical presentations (dermatoborreliosis versus neuroborreliosis) and courses (self-limiting versus chronic disease). Furthermore, strain differences were of importance for selection of suitable antigens for diagnostic assays and for vaccine development. Since then, B. burgdorferi isolates have...... a histological B. burgdorferi specific immunophosphatase-staining method. The utility of the PCR was then tested for identification of B. burgdorferi DNA in skin biopsies from 31 patients with erythema migrans. The sensitivity of PCR was 71%, which was superior to culture and serology. Based on own and otherwise...

Borrelia burgdorferi Infection and Lyme Disease in North American Horses: A Consensus Statement

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Gardner, R.B.; Madigan, J.E.; Witonsky, S.G.; Bertone, J.J.; Swinebroad, E.L.; Schutzer, S.E.; Johnson, A.L.

2018-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi infection is common in horses living in Lyme endemic areas and the geographic range for exposure is increasing. Morbidity after B. burgdorferi infection in horses is unknown. Documented, naturally occurring syndromes attributed to B. burgdorferi infection in horses include neuroborreliosis, uveitis, and cutaneous pseudolymphoma. Although other clinical signs such as lameness and stiffness are reported in horses, these are often not well documented. Diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on exposure to B. burgdorferi, cytology or histopathology of infected fluid or tissue and antigen detection. Treatment of Lyme disease in horses is similar to treatment of humans or small animals but treatment success might not be the same because of species differences in antimicrobial bioavailability and duration of infection before initiation of treatment. There are no approved equine label Lyme vaccines but there is strong evidence that proper vaccination could prevent infection in horses. PMID:29469222

Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in dogs from Cotia county, São Paulo State, Brazil

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JOPPERT Adriana Marques

2001-01-01

Full Text Available Dogs sera samples collected from Cotia County, São Paulo were tested using indirect immunoenzymatic test (ELISA in order to study Lyme disease serology in dogs. ELISA method was standardized and G39/40 North American strain of Borrelia burgdorferi was used as antigen. Positive results were confirmed employing the Western blotting technique. Because of the possibility of cross-reactions, sera were also tested for different serological strains of Leptospira interrogans and L. biflexa using microscopic sera agglutination test. Twenty-three of 237 (9.7% serum samples were positive in the ELISA; 20 of them (86.9% were confirmed by the Western blotting, what suggests that Cotia may be a risk area for Lyme disease. Although 4 samples (1.7% were positive for Lyme disease and leptospirosis, no correlation was found between the results (X² = 0.725; p = 0.394 what suggests absence of serological cross reactivity.

Identification of new drug candidates against Borrelia burgdorferi using high-throughput screening

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Pothineni VR

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Venkata Raveendra Pothineni,1 Dhananjay Wagh,1 Mustafeez Mujtaba Babar,1 Mohammed Inayathullah,1 David Solow-Cordero,2 Kwang-Min Kim,1 Aneesh V Samineni,1 Mansi B Parekh,1 Lobat Tayebi,3 Jayakumar Rajadas1 1Biomaterials and Advanced Drug Delivery Laboratory, Stanford Cardiovascular Pharmacology Division, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, 2Chemical & Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 3Department of Developmental Sciences, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI, USA Abstract: Lyme disease is the most common zoonotic bacterial disease in North America. It is estimated that >300,000 cases per annum are reported in USA alone. A total of 10%–20% of patients who have been treated with antibiotic therapy report the recrudescence of symptoms, such as muscle and joint pain, psychosocial and cognitive difficulties, and generalized fatigue. This condition is referred to as posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome. While there is no evidence for the presence of viable infectious organisms in individuals with posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome, some researchers found surviving Borrelia burgdorferi population in rodents and primates even after antibiotic treatment. Although such observations need more ratification, there is unmet need for developing the therapeutic agents that focus on removing the persisting bacterial form of B. burgdorferi in rodent and nonhuman primates. For this purpose, high-throughput screening was done using BacTiter-Glo assay for four compound libraries to identify candidates that stop the growth of B. burgdorferi in vitro. The four chemical libraries containing 4,366 compounds (80% Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approved that were screened are Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC1280, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection, the Microsource Spectrum, and the Biomol FDA. We subsequently identified 150�

Recurrent evolution of host and vector association in bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex.

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Becker, Noémie S; Margos, Gabriele; Blum, Helmut; Krebs, Stefan; Graf, Alexander; Lane, Robert S; Castillo-Ramírez, Santiago; Sing, Andreas; Fingerle, Volker

2016-09-15

The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex consists of tick-transmitted bacteria and currently comprises approximately 20 named and proposed genospecies some of which are known to cause Lyme Borreliosis. Species have been defined via genetic distances and ecological niches they occupy. Understanding the evolutionary relationship of species of the complex is fundamental to explaining patterns of speciation. This in turn forms a crucial basis to frame testable hypotheses concerning the underlying processes including host and vector adaptations. Illumina Technology was used to obtain genome-wide sequence data for 93 strains of 14 named genospecies of the B. burgdorferi species complex and genomic data already published for 18 additional strain (including one new species) was added. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on 114 orthologous single copy genes shows that the genospecies represent clearly distinguishable taxa with recent and still ongoing speciation events apparent in Europe and Asia. The position of Borrelia species in the phylogeny is consistent with host associations constituting a major driver for speciation. Interestingly, the data also demonstrate that vector associations are an additional driver for diversification in this tick-borne species complex. This is particularly obvious in B. bavariensis, a rodent adapted species that has diverged from the bird-associated B. garinii most likely in Asia. It now consists of two populations one of which most probably invaded Europe following adaptation to a new vector (Ixodes ricinus) and currently expands its distribution range. The results imply that genotypes/species with novel properties regarding host or vector associations have evolved recurrently during the history of the species complex and may emerge at any time. We suggest that the finding of vector associations as a driver for diversification may be a general pattern for tick-borne pathogens. The core genome analysis presented here

Molecular characterization of the Borrelia burgdorferi in vivo-essential protein PncA.

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Jewett, Mollie W; Jain, Sunny; Linowski, Angelika K; Sarkar, Amit; Rosa, Patricia A

2011-10-01

The conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid by nicotinamidase enzymes is a critical step in maintaining NAD(+) homeostasis and contributes to numerous important biological processes in diverse organisms. In Borrelia burgdorferi, the nicotinamidase enzyme, PncA, is required for spirochaete survival throughout the infectious cycle. Mammals lack nicotinamidases and therefore PncA may serve as a therapeutic target for Lyme disease. Contrary to the in vivo importance of PncA, the current annotation for the pncA ORF suggests that the encoded protein may be inactive due to the absence of an N-terminal aspartic acid residue that is a conserved member of the catalytic triad of characterized PncA proteins. Herein, we have used genetic and biochemical strategies to determine the N-terminal sequence of B. burgdorferi PncA. Our data demonstrate that the PncA protein is 24 aa longer than the currently annotated sequence and that pncA translation is initiated from the rare, non-canonical initiation codon AUU. These findings are an important first step in understanding the catalytic function of this in vivo-essential protein.

A case of canine borreliosis in Iran caused by Borrelia persica.

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Shirani, Darush; Rakhshanpoor, Alaleh; Cutler, Sally Jane; Ghazinezhad, Behnaz; Naddaf, Saied Reza

2016-04-01

Tick-borne relapsing fever is an endemic disease in Iran, with most cases attributed to infection by Borrelia persica, which is transmitted by Ornithodoros tholozani soft ticks. Here, we report spirochetemia in blood of a puppy residing in Tehran, Iran. The causative species was identified by use of highly discriminative IGS sequencing; the 489 bp IGS sequence obtained in our study showed 99% identity (100% coverage) when compared with B. persica sequences derived from clinical cases or from O. tholozani ticks. Our IGS sequence also showed 99% similarity over 414 bp (85% coverage) with a strain from a domestic dog, and 96% over 328 bp (69% coverage) with a strain from a domestic cat. Pet-keeping in cosmopolitan cities like Tehran has become increasingly popular in recent years. Animals are often transported into the city in cages or cardboard boxes that might also harbor minute tick larvae and/or early stages of the nymphs bringing them into the urban environment. This may pose a threat to household members who buy and keep these puppies and as a result may come into close contact with infected ticks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Detection of Borrelia lusitaniae, Rickettsia sp. IRS3, Rickettsia monacensis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected in Madeira Island, Portugal.

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de Carvalho, Isabel Lopes; Milhano, Natacha; Santos, Ana Sofia; Almeida, Victor; Barros, Silvia C; De Sousa, Rita; Núncio, Maria Sofia

2008-08-01

A total of 300 Ixodes ricinus ticks were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Sequence analysis demonstrated 8 (2.7%) ticks infected with B. lusitaniae, 60 (20%) with Rickettsia spp., and 1 (0.3%) with A. phagocytophilum. Seven (2.3%) ticks were coinfected with B. lusitaniae and Rickettsia spp., 2 (0.6%) with R. monacensis, and 5 (1.7%) with Rickettsia sp. IRS3. The results of this study suggest simultaneous transmission of multiple tick-borne agents on Madeira Island, Portugal.

Proteome Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Response to Environmental Change

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Angel, Thomas E.; Luft, Benjamin J.; Yang, Xiaohua; Nicora, Carrie D.; Camp, David G.; Jacobs, Jon M.; Smith, Richard D.

2010-11-02

We examined global changes in protein expression in the B31 strain of Borrelia burgdorferi, in response to two environmental cues (pH and temperature) chosen for their reported similarity to those encountered at different stages of the organism’s life cycle. Multidimensional nano-liquid chromatographic separations coupled with tandem mass spectrometry were used to examine the array of proteins (i.e., the proteome) of B. burgdorferi for different pH and temperature culture conditions. Changes in pH and temperature elicited in vitro adaptations of this spirochete known to cause Lyme disease and led to alterations in protein expression that are associated with increased microbial pathogenesis. We identified 1031 proteins that represent 59% of the annotated genome of B. burgdorferi and elucidated a core proteome of 414 proteins that were present in all environmental conditions investigated. Observed changes in protein abundances indicated varied replicon usage, as well as proteome functional distributions between the in vitro cell culture conditions. Surprisingly, the pH and temperature conditions that mimicked B. burgdorferi residing in the gut of a fed tick showed a marked reduction in protein diversity. Additionally, the results provide us with leading candidates for exploring how B. burgdorferi adapts to and is able to survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and lay a foundation for planned in situ studies of B. burgdorferi isolated from the tick midgut and infected animals.

Dual role of Fcγ receptors in host defense and disease in Borrelia burgdorferi-infected mice

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Alexia Anne Belperron

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Arthritis in mice infected with the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, results from the influx of innate immune cells responding to the pathogen in the joint and is influenced in part by mouse genetics. Production of inflammatory cytokines by innate immune cells in vitro is largely mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR interaction with Borrelia lipoproteins, yet surprisingly mice deficient in TLR2 or the TLR signaling molecule MyD88 still develop arthritis comparable to that seen in wild type mice after B. burgdorferi infection. These findings suggest that other, MyD88-independent inflammatory pathways can contribute to arthritis expression. Clearance of B. burgdorferi is dependent on the production of specific antibody and phagocytosis of the organism. As Fc receptors (FcγR are important for IgG-mediated clearance of immune complexes and opsonized particles by phagocytes, we examined the role that FcγR play in host defense and disease in B. burgdorferi-infected mice. B. burgdorferi-infected mice deficient in the Fc receptor common gamma chain (FcεRγ-/- mice harbored ~10 fold more spirochetes than similarly infected wild type mice, and this was associated with a transient increase in arthritis severity. While the elevated pathogen burdens seen in B. burgdorferi-infected MyD88-/- mice were not affected by concomitant deficiency in FcγR, arthritis was reduced in FcεRγ-/-MyD88-/- mice in comparison to wild type or single knockout mice. Gene expression analysis from infected joints demonstrated that absence of both MyD88 and FcγR lowers mRNA levels of proteins involved in inflammation, including Cxcl1 (KC, Xcr1 (Gpr5, IL-1beta, and C reactive protein. Taken together, our results demonstrate a role for FcγR-mediated immunity in limiting pathogen burden and arthritis in mice during the acute phase of B. burgdorferi infection, and further suggest that this pathway contributes to the arthritis that develops in B. burgdorferi

Crystal Structure of Borrelia turicatae protein, BTA121, a differentially regulated  gene in the tick-mammalian transmission cycle of relapsing fever spirochetes

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Luo, Zhipu; Kelleher, Alan J.; Darwiche, Rabih; Hudspeth, Elissa M.; Shittu, Oluwatosin K.; Krishnavajhala, Aparna; Schneiter, Roger; Lopez, Job E.; Asojo, Oluwatoyin A. (Baylor); (Fribourg); (NCI)

2017-11-10

Tick-borne relapsing fever (RF) borreliosis is a neglected disease that is often misdiagnosed. RF species circulating in the United States include Borrelia turicatae, which is transmitted by argasid ticks. Environmental adaptation by RF Borrelia is poorly understood, however our previous studies indicated differential regulation of B. turicatae genes localized on the 150 kb linear megaplasmid during the tick-mammalian transmission cycle, including bta121. This gene is up-regulated by B. turicatae in the tick versus the mammal, and the encoded protein (BTA121) is predicted to be surface localized. The structure of BTA121 was solved by single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) using selenomethionine-derivative protein. The topology of BTA121 is unique with four helical domains organized into two helical bundles. Due to the sequence similarity of several genes on the megaplasmid, BTA121 can serve as a model for their tertiary structures. BTA121 has large interconnected tunnels and cavities that can accommodate ligands, notably long parallel helices, which have a large hydrophobic central pocket. Preliminary in-vitro studies suggest that BTA121 binds lipids, notably palmitate with a similar order of binding affinity as tablysin-15, a known palmitate-binding protein. The reported data will guide mechanistic studies to determine the role of BTA121 in the tick-mammalian transmission cycle of B. turicatae.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks removed from skin of people and circumstances of being bitten – research from the area of Poland, 2012–2014

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Edyta Gałęziowska

2018-03-01

Infestation of ticks infected with Lyme disease spirochete in this study proved to be variable and depend on the season, the area of tick attack and the region in Poland. The results of the study clearly show that ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi inhabit all regions of Poland. The results are consistent with National Institute of Hygiene data which indicates that Lyme disease cases are recorded in all regions of Poland.

Serodiagnosis of Borrelia miyamotoi disease by measuring antibodies against GlpQ and variable major proteins

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Koetsveld, J.; Kolyasnikova, N. M.; Wagemakers, A.

2018-01-01

previously shown the differential expression of antigenic variable major proteins (Vmps) in B. miyamotoi, our aim was to study antibody responses against GlpQ and Vmps in PCR-proven BMD patients and controls. Methods: We assessed seroreactivity against GlpQ and four Vmps in a well-described, longitudinal......, and IgG between 21 and 50 days, after disease onset. Various combinations of GlpQ and Vmps increased sensitivity and/or specificity compared to single antigens. Notably, the GlpQ or variable large protein (Vlp)-15/16 combination yielded a sensitivity of 94.7% (95% CI: 75.4–99.7) 11–20 days after disease......Objectives: Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) is an emerging tick-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. Serodiagnosis by measuring antibodies against glycerophosphodiester-phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) has been performed experimentally but has not been extensively clinically validated. Because we had...

Genetic variation of the Borrelia burgdorferi gene vlsE involves cassette-specific, segmental gene conversion.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, J R; Norris, S J

1998-08-01

The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi possesses 15 silent vls cassettes and a vls expression site (vlsE) encoding a surface-exposed lipoprotein. Segments of the silent vls cassettes have been shown to recombine with the vlsE cassette region in the mammalian host, resulting in combinatorial antigenic variation. Despite promiscuous recombination within the vlsE cassette region, the 5' and 3' coding sequences of vlsE that flank the cassette region are not subject to sequence variation during these recombination events. The segments of the silent vls cassettes recombine in the vlsE cassette region through a unidirectional process such that the sequence and organization of the silent vls loci are not affected. As a result of recombination, the previously expressed segments are replaced by incoming segments and apparently degraded. These results provide evidence for a gene conversion mechanism in VlsE antigenic variation.

The first case of imported Borrelia miyamotoi disease concurrent with Lyme disease.

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Oda, Rentaro; Kutsuna, Satoshi; Sekikawa, Yoshiyuki; Hongo, Igen; Sato, Kozue; Ohnishi, Makoto; Kawabata, Hiroki

2017-05-01

Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) is an emerging infectious disease caused by B. miyamotoi. Although BMD has been reported in the United States, Europe, and Japan, no case of imported BMD has been described in the world. Here, we report a 63-year-old American man living in Japan who presented with malaise, headache, myalgia, and arthralgia. We suspected Lyme disease because of his travel history to Minnesota and presence of erythema migrans. Serologic analysis supported our diagnosis, and doxycycline was administered for 14 days. However, we also suspected coinfection with BMD because of his fever, elevated liver function test results and his travel history. The patient was seropositive for the immunoglobulin M antibody to recombinant glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase, and was diagnosed with coinfection with BMD. This case suggests that BMD should be considered in febrile travelers returning from the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States, and that BMD and Lyme disease coinfection should be considered to detect cases of imported BMD. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi with two homeologous 16S rRNA genes: a case report

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Lee SH

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Sin Hang Lee,1,21Pathology Department, Milford Hospital, Milford, CT, USA; 2Milford Molecular Diagnostics, Milford, CT, USA Abstract: Lyme disease (LD, the most common tick-borne disease in North America, is believed to be caused exclusively by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and is usually diagnosed by clinical evaluation and serologic assays. As reported previously in a peer-reviewed article, a 13-year-old boy living in the Northeast of the USA was initially diagnosed with LD based on evaluation of his clinical presentations and on serologic test results. The patient was treated with a course of oral doxycycline for 28 days, and the symptoms resolved. A year later, the boy developed a series of unusual symptoms and did not attend school for 1 year. A LD specialist reviewed the case and found the serologic test band patterns nondiagnostic of LD. The boy was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. After discharge from the psychiatric hospital, a polymerase chain reaction test performed in a winter month when the boy was 16 years old showed a low density of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in the blood of the patient, confirmed by partial 16S rRNA (ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Subsequent DNA sequencing analysis presented in this report demonstrated that the spirochete isolate was a novel strain of B. burgdorferi with two homeologous 16S rRNA genes, which has never been reported in the world literature. This case report shows that direct DNA sequencing is a valuable tool for reliable molecular diagnosis of Lyme and related borrelioses, as well as for studies of the diversity of the causative agents of LD because LD patients infected by a rare or novel borrelial variant may produce an antibody pattern that can be different from the pattern characteristic of an infection caused by a typical B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strain. Keywords: Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, homeologous 16S rRNA genes, DNA sequencing

The role of Ixodes scapularis, Borrelia burgdorferi and wildlife hosts in Lyme disease prevalence: A quantitative review.

Science.gov (United States)

Halsey, Samniqueka J; Allan, Brian F; Miller, James R

2018-04-16

Due to the ongoing expansion of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) throughout the northeastern and midwestern United States, there is need to identify the role wildlife hosts play in the establishment and maintenance of tick populations. To quantify and synthesize the patterns of I. scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and sensu lato prevalence relative to wildlife hosts, we reviewed the findings of independent studies conducted throughout the United States. We performed a comprehensive literature search from 1970 to 2017 using the ISS Web of Science Core Collection and the keywords "Ixodes scapularis," "Ixodes dammini" and "Borrelia burgdorferi." We identified 116 studies for inclusion in our meta-analysis, with 187,414 individual wildlife hosts captured and examined for I. scapularis and either the host or ticks collected subsequently tested for B. burgdorferi. We found that only 13% of the wildlife mammals sampled comprised species other than Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) and Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mouse). To examine whether there were regional differences between the Northeast, Midwest and the Southeast U.S. in I. scapularis infestation rates on wildlife hosts, we used general linear models (glm), with post hoc pairwise comparisons. In most cases, detection of I. scapularis and B. burgdorferi was significantly higher in the Northeast than the Midwest. Using data on host-specific I. scapularis infestation prevalence, B. burgdorferi prevalence in feeding larvae, and host permissiveness, we developed an epizootiological model to determine the relative contributions of individual hosts to B. burgdorferi-infected nymphs. Our model provides additional evidence that wildlife hosts other than P. leucopus may contribute more to Lyme disease risk than commonly thought. To aid in understanding the ecology of Lyme disease, we propose that additional studies sample non-Peromyscus spp. hosts to obtain more detailed tick and pathogen

Closely-related Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu stricto) strains exhibit similar fitness in single infections and asymmetric competition in multiple infections.

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Rynkiewicz, Evelyn C; Brown, Julia; Tufts, Danielle M; Huang, Ching-I; Kampen, Helge; Bent, Stephen J; Fish, Durland; Diuk-Wasser, Maria A

2017-02-06

Wild hosts are commonly co-infected with complex, genetically diverse, pathogen communities. Competition is expected between genetically or ecologically similar pathogen strains which may influence patterns of coexistence. However, there is little data on how specific strains of these diverse pathogen species interact within the host and how this impacts pathogen persistence in nature. Ticks are the most common disease vector in temperate regions with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, being the most common vector-borne pathogen in North America. Borrelia burgdorferi is a pathogen of high public health concern and there is significant variation in infection phenotype between strains, which influences predictions of pathogen dynamics and spread. In a laboratory experiment, we investigated whether two closely-related strains of B. burgdorferi (sensu stricto) showed similar transmission phenotypes, how the transmission of these strains changed when a host was infected with one strain, re-infected with the same strain, or co-infected with two strains. Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, nymphs were used to sequentially infect laboratory-bred Peromyscus leucopus, white-footed mice, with one strain only, homologous infection with the same stain, or heterologous infection with both strains. We used the results of this laboratory experiment to simulate long-term persistence and maintenance of each strain in a simple simulation model. Strain LG734 was more competitive than BL206, showing no difference in transmission between the heterologous infection groups and single-infection controls, while strain BL206 transmission was significantly reduced when strain LG734 infected first. The results of the model show that this asymmetry in competition could lead to extinction of strain BL206 unless there was a tick-to-host transmission advantage to this less competitive strain. This asymmetric competitive interaction suggests that strain identity and

Pleomorphism and Viability of the Lyme Disease Pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi Exposed to Physiological Stress Conditions: A Correlative Cryo-Fluorescence and Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Vancová, Marie; Rudenko, Natalia; Vaněček, Jiří; Golovchenko, Maryna; Strnad, Martin; Rego, Ryan O. M.; Tichá, Lucie; Grubhoffer, Libor; Nebesářová, Jana

2017-01-01

Roč. 8, 11 April (2017), č. článku 596. ISSN 1664-302X R&D Projects: GA TA ČR(CZ) TE01020118; GA MŠk(CZ) LM2015062 EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 278976 - ANTIGONE Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : cryo-fluorescence * cryo-scanning electron microscopy * Borrelia burgdorferi * Lyme disease * round body * pleomorphism * viability staining Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology OBOR OECD: 2.11 Other engineering and technologies Impact factor: 4.076, year: 2016

The Presence of Borrelia miyamotoi, A Relapsing Fever Spirochaete, in Questing Ixodes ricinus in Belgium and in The Netherlands.

Science.gov (United States)

Cochez, C; Heyman, P; Heylen, D; Fonville, M; Hengeveld, P; Takken, W; Simons, L; Sprong, H

2015-08-01

Borrelia miyamotoi is a tick-borne bacterium that may cause relapsing fever in humans. As this pathogen has been discovered in Europe only recently, only little is known about its local impact on human health and its spatial distribution. In this study, we show the results of PCR screenings for B. miyamotoi in flagged Ixodes ricinus from Belgium and the Netherlands. B. miyamotoi was detected in nine of thirteen, and three of five locations from the Netherlands and Belgium, respectively. These outcomes indicate that B. miyamotoi is more spread than previously thought. The mean infection rate B. miyamotoi was 1.14% for Belgium and 3.84% for the Netherlands. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

北海道におけるBorrelia spp.の伝播に対する鹿の役割 [全文の要約

OpenAIRE

李, 景利

2014-01-01

The intent of this research was to describe the role of deer in the transmission of different species of Borrelia spp. Sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) are the hosts of ticks of various species and stages in Hokkaido. Deer overpopulation has caused problems with forestry and agricultural production. The potential of deer involvement in zoonoses is also being watched. In this study, deer caught in the nuisance control scheme and ticks collected from deer and the field were tested to detect ...

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in white-tailed deer from Texas

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Shakirat A. Adetunji

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterial pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted by the tick-vector Ixodes scapularis. It is the most prevalent arthropod-borne disease in the United States. To determine the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi antibodies in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus from Texas, we analyzed serum samples (n = 1493 collected during the 2001–2015 hunting seasons, using indirect ELISA. Samples with higher sero-reactivity (0.803 and above than the negative control group (0.662 were further tested using a more specific standardized western immunoblot assay to rule out false positives. Using ELISA, 4.7% of the samples were sero-reactive against B. burgdorferi, and these originated in two eco-regions in Texas (Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. However, only 0.5% of the total samples were sero-reactive by standardized western immunoblot assay. Additionally, both ELISA and standardized western immunoblot assay results correlated with an increased incidence in human Lyme Disease cases reported in Texas. This is the first longitudinal study to demonstrate fluctuation in sero-reactivity of white-tailed deer to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto antigens in southern United States. Future ecological and geographical studies are needed to assess the environmental factors governing the prevalence of Lyme Disease in non-endemic areas of the southern United States.

Inefficient co-feeding transmission of Borrelia afzelii in two common European songbirds

Science.gov (United States)

Heylen, Dieter J. A.; Sprong, Hein; Krawczyk, Aleksandra; Van Houtte, Natalie; Genné, Dolores; Gomez-Chamorro, Andrea; van Oers, Kees; Voordouw, Maarten J.

2017-01-01

The spirochete bacterium Borrelia afzelii is the most common cause of Lyme borreliosis in Europe. This tick-borne pathogen can establish systemic infections in rodents but not in birds. However, several field studies have recovered larval Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with B. afzelii from songbirds suggesting successful transmission of B. afzelii. We reviewed the literature to determine which songbird species were the most frequent carriers of B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus larvae and nymphs. We tested experimentally whether B. afzelii is capable of co-feeding transmission on two common European bird species, the blackbird (Turdus merula) and the great tit (Parus major). For each bird species, four naïve individuals were infested with B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus nymphal ticks and pathogen-free larval ticks. None of the co-feeding larvae tested positive for B. afzelii in blackbirds, but a low percentage of infected larvae (3.33%) was observed in great tits. Transstadial transmission of B. afzelii DNA from the engorged nymphs to the adult ticks was observed in both bird species. However, BSK culture found that these spirochetes were not viable. Our study suggests that co-feeding transmission of B. afzelii is not efficient in these two songbird species. PMID:28054584

Transcriptional regulation of the Borrelia burgdorferi antigenically variable VlsE surface protein.

Science.gov (United States)

Bykowski, Tomasz; Babb, Kelly; von Lackum, Kate; Riley, Sean P; Norris, Steven J; Stevenson, Brian

2006-07-01

The Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi can persistently infect humans and other animals despite host active immune responses. This is facilitated, in part, by the vls locus, a complex system consisting of the vlsE expression site and an adjacent set of 11 to 15 silent vls cassettes. Segments of nonexpressed cassettes recombine with the vlsE region during infection of mammalian hosts, resulting in combinatorial antigenic variation of the VlsE outer surface protein. We now demonstrate that synthesis of VlsE is regulated during the natural mammal-tick infectious cycle, being activated in mammals but repressed during tick colonization. Examination of cultured B. burgdorferi cells indicated that the spirochete controls vlsE transcription levels in response to environmental cues. Analysis of PvlsE::gfp fusions in B. burgdorferi indicated that VlsE production is controlled at the level of transcriptional initiation, and regions of 5' DNA involved in the regulation were identified. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays detected qualitative and quantitative changes in patterns of protein-DNA complexes formed between the vlsE promoter and cytoplasmic proteins, suggesting the involvement of DNA-binding proteins in the regulation of vlsE, with at least one protein acting as a transcriptional activator.

Analysis of nanomechanical properties of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes under the influence of lytic factors in an in vitro model using atomic force microscopy

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Małgorzata Tokarska-Rodak

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Background: Atomic force microscopy (AFM is an experimental technique which recently has been used in biology, microbiology, and medicine to investigate the topography of surfaces and in the evaluation of mechanical properties of cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the complement system and specific anti-Borrelia antibodies in in vitro conditions on the modification of nanomechanical features of B. burgdorferi B31 cells. Material and methods: In order to assess the influence of the complement system and anti-Borrelia antibodies on B. burgdorferi s.s. B31 spirochetes, the bacteria were incubated together with plasma of identified status. The samples were applied on the surface of mica disks. Young’s modulus and adhesive forces were analyzed with a NanoScope V, MultiMode 8 AFM microscope (Bruker by the PeakForce QNM technique in air using NanoScope Analysis 1.40 software (Bruker.Results/Conclusion: The average value of flexibility of spirochetes’ surface expressed by Young’s modulus was 10185.32 MPa, whereas the adhesion force was 3.68 nN. AFM is a modern tool with a broad spectrum of observational and measurement abilities. Young’s modulus and the adhesion force can be treated as parameters in the evaluation of intensity and changes which take place in pathogenic microorganisms under the influence of various lytic factors. The visualization of the changes in association with nanomechanical features provides a realistic portrayal of the lytic abilities of the elements of the innate and adaptive human immune system.

First insights in the variability of Borrelia recurrentis genomes.

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Durdica Marosevic

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Borrelia recurrentis is the causative agent of louse-borne relapsing fever, endemic to the Horn of Africa. New attention was raised in Europe, with the highest number of cases (n = 45 reported among migrants in 2015 in Germany and sporadically from other European countries. So far only one genome was sequenced, hindering the development of specific molecular diagnostic and typing tools. Here we report on modified culture conditions for B. recurrentis and the intraspecies genome variability of six isolates isolated and cultured in different years in order to explore the possibility to identify new targets for typing and examine the molecular epidemiology of the pathogen.Two historical isolates from Ethiopia and four isolates from migrants from Somalia (n = 3 and Ethiopia (n = 1 obtained in 2015 were cultured in MPK-medium supplemented with 50% foetal calf serum. Whole DNA was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology and analysed using the CLC Genomics Workbench and SPAdes de novo assembler. Compared to the reference B. recurrentis A1 29-38 SNPs were identified in the genome distributed on the chromosome and plasmids. In addition to that, plasmids of differing length, compared to the available reference genome were identified.The observed low genetic variability of B. recurrentis isolates is possibly due to the adaptation to a very conserved vector-host (louse-human cycle, or influenced by the fastidious nature of the pathogen and their resistance to in vitro growth. Nevertheless, isolates obtained in 2015 were bearing the same chromosomal SNPs and could be distinguished from the historical isolates by means of whole genome sequencing, but not hitherto used typing methods. This is the first study examining the molecular epidemiology of B. recurrentis and provides the necessary background for the development of better diagnostic tools.

Tick-borne relapsing fever imported from West Africa: diagnosis by quantitative buffy coat analysis and in vitro culture of Borrelia crocidurae.

Science.gov (United States)

van Dam, A P; van Gool, T; Wetsteyn, J C; Dankert, J

1999-06-01

West African tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is difficult to diagnose due to the low number of spirochetes in the bloodstream of patients. Previously, the causative microorganism, Borrelia crocidurae, had never been cultured in vitro. TBRF was rapidly diagnosed for two patients returning from western Africa with fever of unknown origin by quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis. Diagnosis was confirmed by intraperitoneal inoculation of blood specimens from patients into laboratory mice. In vitro experiments showed that QBC analysis may be as much as 100-fold more sensitive than thick smear. Spirochetes were also cultured from blood samples from both patients in modified Kelly's medium and were identified as B. crocidurae by partial sequencing of the PCR-amplified rrs gene.

Established Population of Blacklegged Ticks with High Infection Prevalence for the Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, on Corkscrew Island, Kenora District, Ontario

Science.gov (United States)

Scott, John D.; Foley, Janet E.; Clark, Kerry L.; Anderson, John F.; Durden, Lance A.; Manord, Jodi M.; Smith, Morgan L.

2016-01-01

We document an established population of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, on Corkscrew Island, Kenora District, Ontario, Canada. Primers of the outer surface protein A (OspA) gene, the flagellin (fla) gene, and the flagellin B (flaB) gene were used in the PCR assays to detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the Lyme disease bacterium. In all, 60 (73%) of 82 adult I. scapularis, were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. As well, 6 (43%) of 14 unfed I. scapularis nymphs were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. An I. scapularis larva was also collected from a deer mouse, and several unfed larvae were gathered by flagging leaf litter. Based on DNA sequencing of randomly selected Borrelia amplicons from six nymphal and adult I. scapularis ticks, primers for the flagellin (fla) and flagellin B (flaB) genes reveal the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), a genospecies pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. We collected all 3 host-feeding life stages of I. scapularis in a single year, and report the northernmost established population of I. scapularis in Ontario. Corkscrew Island is hyperendemic for Lyme disease and has the highest prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. for any established population in Canada. Because of this very high infection prevalence, this population of I. scapularis has likely been established for decades. Of epidemiological significance, cottage owners, island visitors, outdoors enthusiasts, and medical professionals must be vigilant that B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected I. scapularis on Corkscrew Island pose a serious public health risk. PMID:27877080

Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks and dogs in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia*

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Savić S.

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Lyme disease is a tick borne zoonotic infection, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. For the transmission of the disease, the presence of ticks is a prerequisite. Lyme borreliosis mostly occurs in people and dogs, but it may occur in other animals. Ticks which carry B. burgdorferi s.l. in Serbia are of the Ixodes ricinus specis. In Serbia, Lyme disease was detected for the first time in the late ‘80-es. In dogs, clinical symptoms may occur even months after a tick bite, and include weakness, lymphadenopathy, fever, lameness, arthritis, etc. In our survey, we have observed tick and dog populations in the province of Vojvodina (northern part of Serbia. I. ricinus ticks were collected and examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in several chosen locations. In addition, blood samples were collected from house dogs and pets from the same locations, and analyzed for the presence of antibodies specific for B. burgdorferi s.l. The results showed a mean infection of ticks of 22.12 %, and a mean seroprevalence of Lyme disease in dogs of 25.81 %. We conclude that in Vojvodina there is an actual risk of Lyme borreliosis for other animals and humans, because of the persistence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in both tick and dog populations.

Intra-articular co-infection by Borrelia burgdorferi and Chlamydia trachomatis

Science.gov (United States)

Putschky, N; Schnarr, S; Wollenhaupt, J; Zeidler, H; Kuipers, J

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE—Chlamydia trachomatis and Borrelia burgdorferi infections are frequently the cause of unexplained oligoarthritis, as shown by identification of bacteria specific DNA in joint material from patients with reactive arthritis, Lyme arthritis, and undifferentiated oligoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the two organisms occur simultaneously in joint material from patients with arthritis.
METHODS—Seventy six patients with unexplained arthritis were prospectively studied. Synovial fluid was obtained from all patients and examined for DNA from C trachomatis and B burgdorferi using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. Data concerning prior genitourinary infection or a history of tick bite were recorded and serum antibodies to C trachomatis and B burgdorferi were determined.
RESULTS—Six patients (8%) had DNA from both C trachomatis and B burgdorferi in the same synovial fluid specimen (mean leucocyte count 11.925/mm3, 65% granulocytes). These patients (four men, two women; mean age 33.7 years) all had oligoarthritis of the knee, ankle, or both (mean disease duration 11.3 months). From the history and serological examination, four patients had some evidence of actual or previous infection with one or other of the bacteria, while the other two patients had a positive serological test for Chlamydia only.
CONCLUSIONS—DNA from two different microorganisms which are known to be triggering agents for arthritis may be present simultaneously in joint material from patients with unexplained oligoarthritis. This finding raises the question as to whether, in such cases, one or both bacteria contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease or whether they are only innocent bystanders.

 PMID:11350854

Integration of a Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato into Mountain Ecosystems, Following a Shift in the Altitudinal Limit of Distribution of Their Vector, Ixodes ricinus (Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic)

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Danielová, V.; Daniel, M.; Schwarzová, L.; Materna, J.; Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Holubová, J.; Grubhoffer, Libor; Kilian, P.

2010-01-01

Roč. 10, č. 3 (2010), s. 223-230 ISSN 1530-3667 Grant - others:GA ČR(CZ) GA310/06/1546 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies * Climate * Ixodes ricinus tick * Mountain ecosystems * Tick-borne encephalitis virus Subject RIV: GJ - Animal Vermins ; Diseases, Veterinary Medicine Impact factor: 2.733, year: 2010

Los niños y los videojuegos

OpenAIRE

Orrego Gaviria, Jaime; Fundación Valle de Lili

2007-01-01

Los niños y los videojuegos / Efectos perjudiciales de la utilización de los videojuegos por los niños y adolescentes/ Efectos benéficos de la de la utilización de los videojuegos por los niños y adolescentes/ Recomendaciones para favorecer el uso adecuado/ Sistema de clasificación de los videojuegos

Enhancement of immune response towards non-lipidized Borrelia burgdorferi recombinant OspC antigen by binding onto the surface of metallochelating nanoliposomes with entrapped lipophilic derivatives of norAbuMDP

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Křupka, M.; Mašek, J.; Bartheldyová, E.; Turánek Knotigová, P.; Plocková, J.; Korvasová, Z.; Škrabalová, M.; Koudelka, Š.; Kulich, P.; Zachová, K.; Czerneková, L.; Strouhal, O.; Horynová, M.; Šebela, M.; Miller, A. D.; Ledvina, Miroslav; Raška, M.; Turánek, J.

2012-01-01

Roč. 160, č. 2 (2012), s. 374-381 ISSN 0168-3659 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP304/10/1951; GA TA ČR TA01011165; GA AV ČR(CZ) KAN200520703; GA AV ČR KAN200100801 Grant - others:GA UP(CZ) LF-2010-014; GA UP(CZ) LF-2011-002 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40550506 Keywords : Borrelia burgdorferi * OspC * metallochelating liposomes * MDP Subject RIV: CC - Organic Chemistry Impact factor: 7.633, year: 2012

Outer surface protein B is critical for Borrelia burgdorferi adherence and survival within Ixodes ticks.

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Girish Neelakanta

2007-03-01

Full Text Available Survival of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks and mammals is facilitated, at least in part, by the selective expression of lipoproteins. Outer surface protein (Osp A participates in spirochete adherence to the tick gut. As ospB is expressed on a bicistronic operon with ospA, we have now investigated the role of OspB by generating an OspB-deficient B. burgdorferi and examining its phenotype throughout the spirochete life cycle. Similar to wild-type isolates, the OspB-deficient B. burgdorferi were able to readily infect and persist in mice. OspB-deficient B. burgdorferi were capable of migrating to the feeding ticks but had an impaired ability to adhere to the tick gut and survive within the vector. Furthermore, the OspB-deficient B. burgdorferi bound poorly to tick gut extracts. The complementation of the OspB-deficient spirochete in trans, with a wild-type copy of ospB gene, restored its ability to bind tick gut. Taken together, these data suggest that OspB has an important role within Ixodes scapularis and that B. burgdorferi relies upon multiple genes to efficiently persist in ticks.

Determination of Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG in Adult Population Living in Trabzon.

Science.gov (United States)

Cora, Merve; Kaklıkkaya, Neşe; Topbaş, Murat; Çan, Gamze; Yavuzyılmaz, Asuman; Tosun, İlknur; Aydın, Faruk

2017-01-01

Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne, multi-systemic infectious disease that is thought to be wide spread in Turkey even though studies on its seroprevalence are limited. To determine the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in part of north-eastern Tur-key (in the city of Trabzon), and to identify possible relationships between seropositivity and various factors such as location, gender, age group, occupation, income, and educational level. Retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 884 blood samples collected from provincial and district health centers serving a population of about 800,000 were included in this study. ELISA was used to determine the anti-Borrelia IgG antibody levels in the samples. Samples that yielded positive results by ELISA were further subjected to western blot (WB). IgG antibodies were found in 128 samples (14.5%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between age groups and educational levels in terms of the incidence of seropositivity, whereas location, gender, occupational group and income level had no effect (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.948, p=0.645, p=0.131, p=0.080 respectively). The risk of contracting Lyme borreliosis in Trabzon is high, and necessary measures need to be taken to avoid the spread of disease.

Babesia microti, human babesiosis, and Borrelia burgdorferi in Connecticut.

Science.gov (United States)

Anderson, J F; Mintz, E D; Gadbaw, J J; Magnarelli, L A

1991-12-01

Babesia microti was isolated from a white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) that was captured in southeastern Connecticut in 1988, when the first human case of babesiosis acquired in Connecticut was recognized. To date, 13 cases of babesiosis have been reported in Connecticut, the largest number of human cases reported on the mainland United States. Two of nine patients quiried remembered a prior tick bite. Since Babesia parasites are known to be vectored only by ticks, we surmise that 12 of these infections were acquired via tick bites; 1 was obtained by blood transfusion (the patient was 46 years of age) from an endemically infected donor. The ages of the patients with tick-acquired babesiosis ranged from 61 to 95 years. Two patients died with active infections, and one patient died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease soon after treatment with clindamycin and quinine. Indirect fluorescent-antibody titers of blood samples drawn at the time of hospitalization for 11 patients and at the time of active infection for 1 asymptomatic person ranged from 1:1,024 to 1:4,096. Five of eight patients with babesiosis also had significant immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M titers (1:640 to 1:5,120) to Borrelia burgdorferi. B. microti was isolated in Syrian hamsters inoculated with blood from 7 of 12 patients tested and was also isolated from mice captured in six towns. The peridomestic nature of the disease was demonstrated by isolating the parasite from white-footed mice captured in or near the yards of eight different patients. Of 59 mice tested, 27 were positive and 25 were coinfected with B. burgdorferi. The isolation of B. microti from a white-footed mouse captured in north-central Connecticut (West Hartford), away from the focus of human infections in southeastern Connecticut, suggests that this pathogen may spread into other areas where Ixodes dammini, the tick vector, becomes established.

Borrelia burgdorferi requires the alternative sigma factor RpoS for dissemination within the vector during tick-to-mammal transmission.

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Star M Dunham-Ems

2012-02-01

Full Text Available While the roles of rpoS(Bb and RpoS-dependent genes have been studied extensively within the mammal, the contribution of the RpoS regulon to the tick-phase of the Borrelia burgdorferi enzootic cycle has not been examined. Herein, we demonstrate that RpoS-dependent gene expression is prerequisite for the transmission of spirochetes by feeding nymphs. RpoS-deficient organisms are confined to the midgut lumen where they transform into an unusual morphotype (round bodies during the later stages of the blood meal. We show that round body formation is rapidly reversible, and in vitro appears to be attributable, in part, to reduced levels of Coenzyme A disulfide reductase, which among other functions, provides NAD+ for glycolysis. Our data suggest that spirochetes default to an RpoS-independent program for round body formation upon sensing that the energetics for transmission are unfavorable.

The occurrence of Ixodes ricinus ticks and important tick-borne pathogens in areas with high tick-borne encephalitis prevalence in different altitudinal levels of the Czech Republic Part II. Ixodes ricinus ticks and genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Daniel, M.; Rudenko, Natalia; Golovchenko, Maryna; Danielová, V.; Fialová, A.; Kříž, B.; Malý, M.

2016-01-01

Roč. 65, č. 2 (2016), s. 182-192 ISSN 1210-7913 Institutional support: RVO:60077344 Keywords : Ixodes ricinus * Borrelia afezelii * B. garinii * B. burgdorferi s. s. * B. bavariensis * B. valaisiana * B. spielmanii * B. lusitaniae * B. bissettii * distribution * altitude * season * medical importance Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology Impact factor: 0.500, year: 2016

Complement factor H-related proteins CFHR2 and CFHR5 represent novel ligands for the infection-associated CRASP proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi.

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Corinna Siegel

2010-10-01

Full Text Available One virulence property of Borrelia burgdorferi is its resistance to innate immunity, in particular to complement-mediated killing. Serum-resistant B. burgdorferi express up to five distinct complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASP which interact with complement regulator factor H (CFH and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL1 or factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1. In the present study we elucidate the role of the infection-associated CRASP-3 and CRASP-5 protein to serve as ligands for additional complement regulatory proteins as well as for complement resistance of B. burgdorferi.To elucidate whether CRASP-5 and CRASP-3 interact with various human proteins, both borrelial proteins were immobilized on magnetic beads. Following incubation with human serum, bound proteins were eluted and separated by Glycine-SDS-PAGE. In addition to CFH and CFHR1, complement regulators CFHR2 and CFHR5 were identified as novel ligands for both borrelial proteins by employing MALDI-TOF. To further assess the contributions of CRASP-3 and CRASP-5 to complement resistance, a serum-sensitive B. garinii strain G1 which lacks all CFH-binding proteins was used as a valuable model for functional analyses. Both CRASPs expressed on the B. garinii outer surface bound CFH as well as CFHR1 and CFHR2 in ELISA. In contrast, live B. garinii bound CFHR1, CFHR2, and CFHR5 and only miniscute amounts of CFH as demonstrated by serum adsorption assays and FACS analyses. Further functional analysis revealed that upon NHS incubation, CRASP-3 or CRASP-5 expressing borreliae were killed by complement.In the absence of CFH and the presence of CFHR1, CFHR2 and CFHR5, assembly and integration of the membrane attack complex was not efficiently inhibited indicating that CFH in co-operation with CFHR1, CFHR2 and CFHR5 supports complement evasion of B. burgdorferi.

Representación social de "los argentinos", "los españoles", "los latinoamericanos" y "los europeos" en estudiantes universitarios argentinos

OpenAIRE

Néstor Daniel Roselli

2000-01-01

El objetivo de la investigación es descriptivo: producir una caracterización de cómo los estudiantes universitarios argentinos definen subjetivamente a los referidos grupos nacionales ("los "los argentinos", "los españoles" y supranacionales, "los latinoamericanos" y "los europeos"). Sin embargo, no esun mero estudio de estereotipos nacionales. La originalidad consiste en el encuadre metodológico, propio de análisis de las representaciones sociales. Se basa en un análisis estadístico d...

Borrelia burgdorferi in small mammal reservoirs in Kentucky, a traditionally non-endemic state for Lyme disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Buchholz, Matthew J; Davis, Cheryl; Rowland, Naomi S; Dick, Carl W

2018-04-01

The incidence of tick-borne zoonoses such as Lyme disease has steadily increased in the southeastern United States. Southeastern states accounted for 1500 of over 28,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported in the United States during 2015. Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, is maintained in small mammal reservoirs and vectored to new hosts by ixodid ticks. This study examined ecological relationships of the B. burgdorferi/vector/reservoir system in order to understand the dynamics of Lyme disease risk in Kentucky. Small mammals were captured using live traps from November 2014 to October 2015. Ticks were removed and blood and tissue collected from small mammals were screened for B. burgdorferi DNA by PCR with primers specific to the OspA gene. Prevalence of B. burgdorferi (21.8%) in Kentucky small mammals was comparable to the lowest recorded prevalence in regions where Lyme disease is endemic. Moreover, infestation of small mammals by Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of B. burgdorferi, was rare, while Dermacentor variabilis comprised the majority of ticks collected. These findings provide ecological insight into the relative paucity of Lyme disease in Kentucky.

The cyclic-di-GMP signaling pathway in the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

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Elizabeth A. Novak

2014-05-01

Full Text Available In nature, the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi cycles between the unrelated environments of the Ixodes tick vector and mammalian host. In order to survive transmission between hosts, B. burgdorferi must be able to not only detect changes in its environment, but also rapidly and appropriately respond to these changes. One manner in which this obligate parasite regulates and adapts to its changing environment is through cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP signaling. c-di-GMP has been shown to be instrumental in orchestrating the adaptation of B. burgdorferi to the tick environment. B. burgdorferi possesses only one set of c-di-GMP-metabolizing genes (one diguanylate cyclase and two distinct phosphodiesterases and one c-di-GMP-binding PilZ-domain protein designated as PlzA. While studies in the realm of c-di-GMP signaling in B. burgdorferi have exploded in the last few years, there are still many more questions than answers. Elucidation of the importance of c-di-GMP signaling to B. burgdorferi may lead to the identification of mechanisms that are critical for the survival of B. burgdorferi in the tick phase of the enzootic cycle as well as potentially delineate a role (if any c-di-GMP may play in the transmission and virulence of B. burgdorferi during the enzootic cycle, thereby enabling the development of effective drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of Lyme disease.

Determination of Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG in Adult Population Living in Trabzon

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Merve Cora

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Background: Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne, multi-systemic infectious disease that is thought to be wide spread in Turkey even though studies on its seroprevalence are limited. Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in part of north-eastern Tur-key (in the city of Trabzon, and to identify possible relationships between seropositivity and various factors such as location, gender, age group, occupation, income, and educational level. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 884 blood samples collected from provincial and district health centers serving a population of about 800,000 were included in this study. ELISA was used to determine the anti-Borrelia IgG antibody levels in the samples. Samples that yielded positive results by ELISA were further subjected to western blot (WB. Results: IgG antibodies were found in 128 samples (14.5%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between age groups and educational levels in terms of the incidence of seropositivity, whereas location, gender, occupational group and income level had no effect (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.948, p=0.645, p=0.131, p=0.080 respectively. Conclusions: The risk of contracting Lyme borreliosis in Trabzon is high, and necessary measures need to be taken to avoid the spread of disease

Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein C (OspC) binds complement component C4b and confers bloodstream survival.

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Caine, Jennifer A; Lin, Yi-Pin; Kessler, Julie R; Sato, Hiromi; Leong, John M; Coburn, Jenifer

2017-12-01

Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) is the causative agent of Lyme disease in the United States, a disease that can result in carditis, and chronic and debilitating arthritis and/or neurologic symptoms if left untreated. Bb survives in the midgut of the Ixodes scapularis tick, or within tissues of immunocompetent hosts. In the early stages of infection, the bacteria are present in the bloodstream where they must resist clearance by the innate immune system of the host. We have found a novel role for outer surface protein C (OspC) from B. burgdorferi and B. garinii in interactions with the complement component C4b and bloodstream survival in vivo. Our data show that OspC inhibits the classical and lectin complement pathways and competes with complement protein C2 for C4b binding. Resistance to complement is important for maintenance of the lifecycle of Bb, enabling survival of the pathogen within the host as well as in the midgut of a feeding tick when ospC expression is induced. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

El impacto del liderazgo en los resultados de los estudiantes: Un análisis de los efectos diferenciales de los tipos de liderazgo

OpenAIRE

Robinson, Viviane M. J.; Lloyd, Claire A.; Rowe, Kenneth J.

2014-01-01

El propósito de este estudio fue examinar el impacto relativo de los diferentes tipos de liderazgo en los resultados académicos y no académicos de los estudiantes. La metodología consistió en el análisis de los resultados de 27 estudios publicados sobre la relación entre liderazgo y resultados de los estudiantes. El primer meta-análisis, que incluyó 22 de los 27 estudios, implicó una comparación de los efectos de la transformación y liderazgo instructivo en los resultados de los estudiantes. ...

Structure-function mapping of BbCRASP-1, the key complement factor H and FHL-1 binding protein of Borrelia burgdorferi.

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Cordes, Frank S; Kraiczy, Peter; Roversi, Pietro; Simon, Markus M; Brade, Volker; Jahraus, Oliver; Wallis, Russell; Goodstadt, Leo; Ponting, Chris P; Skerka, Christine; Zipfel, Peter F; Wallich, Reinhard; Lea, Susan M

2006-05-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochaete transmitted to human hosts during feeding of infected Ixodes ticks, is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the most frequent vector-borne disease in Eurasia and North America. Sporadically Lyme disease develops into a chronic, multisystemic disorder. Serum-resistant B. burgdorferi strains bind complement factor H (FH) and FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1) on the spirochaete surface. This binding is dependent on the expression of proteins termed complement-regulator acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs). The atomic structure of BbCRASP-1, the key FHL-1/FH-binding protein of B. burgdorferi, has recently been determined. Our analysis indicates that its protein topology apparently evolved to provide a high affinity interaction site for FH/FHL-1 and leads to an atomic-level hypothesis for the functioning of BbCRASP-1. This work demonstrates that pathogens interact with complement regulators in ways that are distinct from the mechanisms used by the host and are thus obvious targets for drug design.

Los indios y los empedrados sotaquireños

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Edwin Giovanni Quesada-Cárdenas

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Este artículo de investigación describe la preparación de los platos culinarios tradicionales del municipio de Sotaquirá (Boyacá, que hacen parte de los saberes ancestrales que han prevalecido generacionalmente en los habitantes del municipio; ya que caracterizan la identidad sotaquireña. También se exponen algunos elementos sobre la gestión de la administración municipal (2012-2015 para promover la permanencia y reconocimiento de estos saberes como patrimonio cultural. El contenido del artículo es el resultado de la investigación “Identidad campesina en torno a los oficios tradicionales en el municipio de Sotaquirá (2013-2015”; que tuvo como fin describir las costumbres culturales en torno a los oficios tradicionales, que configuran la identidad campesina de los habitantes del municipio de Sotaquirá. El enfoque metodológico fue cualitativo desde la corriente socio-critica; se usaron la entrevista y la observación participante para reconocer la importancia de los platos que se configuran como aspectos fundamentales de la identidad de los sotaquireños. Se destaca que este trabajo logró generar espacios de reflexión con los entrevistados respecto de los oficios tradicionales culinarios del municipio en torno al reconocimiento del valor de los platos como patrimonio cultural y las particularidades del plato de acuerdo con los contextos familiares.

Motivaciones de los Consumidores para Asistir a los Mercados de los Agricultores de Utah

OpenAIRE

Curtis, Kynda; Gumirakiza, J. Dominique

2014-01-01

Los mercados de los agricultores (FM por sus siglas en inglés) ofrecen oportunidades a los agricultores locales y pequeñas empresas para vender directamente a los consumidores, incrementar su base de clientes, así como probar nuevos productos y estrategias de precios.

Los Neutrinos Los Neutrinos

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Julián Félix

2012-02-01

Full Text Available From all the proposals to understand the structure of matter, and the way the natural world is conformed, the one about neutrinos is the most enigmatic, abstract, and foreign to immediate experience; however, this is the one that has delved more deeply over the nearly eighty years since it was formulated by Wolfgang Pauli –in 1930- as a radical proposition to understand nucleon decay, and the decay of other particles, without the violation of the principle of conservation of energy and momentum at subatomic level. This proposition has evolved through the years, and from Pauli’s original idea only the basic elements remain.This article contains the tale of the hypothesis of neutrinos, its early history, its evolution up to present day, and the efforts done nowadays to study them. In summary, this is the physics of neutrinos. De todas las propuestas para entender la estructura de la materia, y la conformación del mundo natural, los neutrinos es la más enigmática, abstracta, y ajena a la experiencia inmediata; sin embargo, es la que más hondo ha ido calando a lo largo de los ya casi ochenta años de haber sido formulada por Wolfgang Pauli –en el año 1930- como una medida radical para entender el decaimiento de los nucleones, y otras partículas, sin que se violara el principio de la conservación de la energía y del momento a nivel subatómico. La propuesta ha evolucionado a lo largo de los años, y de la idea original de Pauli ya sólo lo básico permanece. En este artículo está el relato de la hipótesis de los neutrinos, su historia primera, su evolución hasta el presente, los esfuerzos que en la actualidad se realizan para estudiarlos. En breve, ésta es la física de los neutrinos.

Antibody responses to Borrelia burgdorferi detected by western blot vary geographically in Canada.

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Ogden, Nicholas H; Arsenault, Julie; Hatchette, Todd F; Mechai, Samir; Lindsay, L Robbin

2017-01-01

Lyme disease is emerging in eastern and central Canada, and most cases are diagnosed using the two-tier serological test (Enzyme Immuno Assay [EIA] followed by Western blot [WB]). Simplification of this algorithm would be advantageous unless it impacts test performance. In this study, accuracy of individual proteins of the IgG WB algorithm in predicting the overall test result in samples from Canadians was assessed. Because Borrelia burgdorferi strains vary geographically in Canada, geographic variations in serological responses were also explored. Metrics of relative sensitivity, specificity and the kappa statistic measure of concordance were used to assess the capacity of responses to individual proteins to predict the overall IgG WB result of 2524 EIA (C6)-positive samples from across Canada. Geographic and interannual variations in proportions of samples testing positive were explored by logistic regression. No one protein was highly concordant with the IgG WB result. Significant variations were found amongst years and geographic regions in the prevalence of samples testing positive using the overall IgG WB algorithm, and for individual proteins of the algorithm. In most cases the prevalence of samples testing positive were highest in Nova Scotia, and lower in samples from Manitoba westwards. These findings suggest that the current two tier test may not be simplified and continued use of the current two-tier test method and interpretation is recommended. Geographic and interannual variations in the prevalence of samples testing positive may be consistent with B. burgdorferi strain variation in Canada, and further studies are needed to explore this.

Antibody responses to Borrelia burgdorferi detected by western blot vary geographically in Canada.

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Nicholas H Ogden

Full Text Available Lyme disease is emerging in eastern and central Canada, and most cases are diagnosed using the two-tier serological test (Enzyme Immuno Assay [EIA] followed by Western blot [WB]. Simplification of this algorithm would be advantageous unless it impacts test performance. In this study, accuracy of individual proteins of the IgG WB algorithm in predicting the overall test result in samples from Canadians was assessed. Because Borrelia burgdorferi strains vary geographically in Canada, geographic variations in serological responses were also explored. Metrics of relative sensitivity, specificity and the kappa statistic measure of concordance were used to assess the capacity of responses to individual proteins to predict the overall IgG WB result of 2524 EIA (C6-positive samples from across Canada. Geographic and interannual variations in proportions of samples testing positive were explored by logistic regression. No one protein was highly concordant with the IgG WB result. Significant variations were found amongst years and geographic regions in the prevalence of samples testing positive using the overall IgG WB algorithm, and for individual proteins of the algorithm. In most cases the prevalence of samples testing positive were highest in Nova Scotia, and lower in samples from Manitoba westwards. These findings suggest that the current two tier test may not be simplified and continued use of the current two-tier test method and interpretation is recommended. Geographic and interannual variations in the prevalence of samples testing positive may be consistent with B. burgdorferi strain variation in Canada, and further studies are needed to explore this.

Isolation of Borrelia burgdorferi from the blood of seven patients with Lyme disease.

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Nadelman, R B; Pavia, C S; Magnarelli, L A; Wormser, G P

1990-01-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, has rarely been successfully cultured from blood. We report on seven patients from Westchester County, New York, with B. burgdorferi bacteremia diagnosed between April 1987 and August 1987. One hundred thirty-two attempts to isolate spirochetes were made on blood specimens obtained from 104 patients. Twenty-two of these specimens were obtained from nine patients who had recently been bitten by Ixodes ticks but who were asymptomatic. Heparinized blood or serum specimens (0.2 to 0.4 mL) were inoculated onto 6 mL of modified Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium. Lyme serology was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent polyvalent, IgM, and IgG assays, fluorescent immunoassay, and microhemagglutination. Four of the seven patients had erythema migrans, two had facial nerve palsy, and one had a flu-like syndrome without rash. These patients represented 21% (four of 19) of all patients with the characteristic skin lesion who had blood cultures for B. burgdorferi, and 40% (two of five) of all those with facial nerve palsy. Serologic testing was frequently nonreactive; two patients had no detectable antibody on multiple sera by five different assays. All patients improved with antibiotic treatment, and had negative subsequent blood cultures, but five of seven had persistent complaints after completion of therapy. Culturing blood for B. burgdorferi may be useful in confirming the diagnosis of Lyme disease in selected patients. Use of spirochete blood cultures may facilitate a better understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of Lyme disease.

Canine infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Canada, 2013-2014.

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Herrin, Brian H; Peregrine, Andrew S; Goring, Jonas; Beall, Melissa J; Little, Susan E

2017-05-19

Canine test results generated by veterinarians throughout Canada from 2013-2014 were evaluated to assess the geographical distribution of canine infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. The percent positive test results of 115,636 SNAP® 4Dx® Plus tests from dogs tested were collated by province and municipality to determine the distribution of these vector-borne infections in Canada. A total of 2,844/115,636 (2.5%) dogs tested positive for antibody to B. burgdorferi. In contrast, positive test results for D. immitis antigen and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were low, with less than 0.5% of dogs testing positive for any one of these three agents nationwide. Provincial seroprevalence for antibodies to B. burgdorferi ranged from 0.5% (Saskatchewan)-15.7% (Nova Scotia); the areas of highest percent positive test results were in proximity to regions in the USA considered endemic for Lyme borreliosis, including Nova Scotia (15.7%) and Eastern Ontario (5.1%). These high endemic foci, which had significantly higher percent positive test results than the rest of the nation (P Canada. Using dogs as sentinels for these pathogens can aid in recognition of the public and veterinary health threat that each pose.

Comprehensive surveillance of the antibody response to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in small ruminants in China

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Jifei Yang

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, is tick transmitted and has a wide range of mammalian reservoirs in nature, including both wild and domestic animals. To understand the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in small ruminants will add value to the risk analysis of Lyme disease. The current study was intended to map the potential endemic regions of Lyme disease by large-scale investigation of sera from sheep and goats. In this study, a total of 2,758 serum samples from sheep and goats in 21 provinces located in 40 different districts of China were tested for antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results of this survey indicated that the overall prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection ranges from 5.3 to 63.5 % (mean: 26.3%, and the infection was found in all provinces investigated. Generally, the positive rate declined from the south (34.7% in south and 32.4% in southwest towards the north of China (18.4% in north, 16.5% in northeast and 17.2% in northwest. A significant difference was also observed in the infection rate between south and north (33.2% versus 17.4%, PB. burgdorferi s.l. in small ruminants in China.

Characterisation of silent and active genes for a variable large protein of Borrelia recurrentis

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Scragg Ian G

2002-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background We report the characterisation of the variable large protein (vlp gene expressed by clinical isolate A1 of Borrelia recurrentis; the agent of the life-threatening disease louse-borne relapsing fever. Methods The major vlp protein of this isolate was characterised and a DNA probe created. Use of this together with standard molecular methods was used to determine the location of the vlp1B. recurrentis A1 gene in both this and other isolates. Results This isolate was found to carry silent and expressed copies of the vlp1B. recurrentis A1 gene on plasmids of 54 kbp and 24 kbp respectively, whereas a different isolate, A17, had only the silent vlp1B. recurrentis A17 on a 54 kbp plasmid. Silent and expressed vlp1 have identical mature protein coding regions but have different 5' regions, both containing different potential lipoprotein leader sequences. Only one form of vlp1 is transcribed in the A1 isolate of B. recurrentis, yet both 5' upstream sequences of this vlp1 gene possess features of bacterial promoters. Conclusion Taken together these results suggest that antigenic variation in B. recurrentis may result from recombination of variable large and small protein genes at the junction between lipoprotein leader sequence and mature protein coding region. However, this hypothetical model needs to be validated by further identification of expressed and silent variant protein genes in other B. recurrentis isolates.

Resurgence of persisting non-cultivable Borrelia burgdorferi following antibiotic treatment in mice.

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Emir Hodzic

Full Text Available The agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi, evades host immunity and establishes persistent infections in its varied mammalian hosts. This persistent biology may pose challenges to effective antibiotic treatment. Experimental studies in dogs, mice, and non-human primates have found persistence of B. burgdorferi DNA following treatment with a variety of antibiotics, but persisting spirochetes are non-cultivable. Persistence of B. burgdorferi DNA has been documented in humans following treatment, but the significance remains unknown. The present study utilized a ceftriaxone treatment regimen in the C3H mouse model that resulted in persistence of non-cultivable B. burgdorferi in order to determine their long-term fate, and to examine their effects on the host. Results confirmed previous studies, in which B. burgdorferi could not be cultured from tissues, but low copy numbers of B. burgdorferi flaB DNA were detectable in tissues at 2, 4 and 8 months after completion of treatment, and the rate of PCR-positive tissues appeared to progressively decline over time. However, there was resurgence of spirochete flaB DNA in multiple tissues at 12 months, with flaB DNA copy levels nearly equivalent to those found in saline-treated mice. Despite the continued non-cultivable state, RNA transcription of multiple B. burgdorferi genes was detected in host tissues, flaB DNA was acquired by xenodiagnostic ticks, and spirochetal forms could be visualized within ticks and mouse tissues by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. A number of host cytokines were up- or down-regulated in tissues of both saline- and antibiotic-treated mice in the absence of histopathology, indicating host response to the presence of non-cultivable, despite the lack of inflammation in tissues.

Co-feeding transmission facilitates strain coexistence in Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent

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S.L. States

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Coexistence of multiple tick-borne pathogens or strains is common in natural hosts and can be facilitated by resource partitioning of the host species, within-host localization, or by different transmission pathways. Most vector-borne pathogens are transmitted horizontally via systemic host infection, but transmission may occur in the absence of systemic infection between two vectors feeding in close proximity, enabling pathogens to minimize competition and escape the host immune response. In a laboratory study, we demonstrated that co-feeding transmission can occur for a rapidly-cleared strain of Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent, between two stages of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis while feeding on their dominant host, Peromyscus leucopus. In contrast, infections rapidly became systemic for the persistently infecting strain. In a field study, we assessed opportunities for co-feeding transmission by measuring co-occurrence of two tick stages on ears of small mammals over two years at multiple sites. Finally, in a modeling study, we assessed the importance of co-feeding on R0, the basic reproductive number. The model indicated that co-feeding increases the fitness of rapidly-cleared strains in regions with synchronous immature tick feeding. Our results are consistent with increased diversity of B. burgdorferi in areas of higher synchrony in immature feeding – such as the midwestern United States. A higher relative proportion of rapidly-cleared strains, which are less human pathogenic, would also explain lower Lyme disease incidence in this region. Finally, if co-feeding transmission also occurs on refractory hosts, it may facilitate the emergence and persistence of new pathogens with a more limited host range.

Minimal role of eastern fence lizards in Borrelia burgdorferi transmission in central New Jersey oak/pine woodlands

Science.gov (United States)

Rulison, Eric L.; Kerr, Kaetlyn T; Dyer, Megan C; Han, Seungeun; Burke, Russell L.; Tsao, Jean I.; Ginsberg, Howard S.

2014-01-01

The Eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, is widely distributed in eastern and central North America, ranging through areas with high levels of Lyme disease, as well as areas where Lyme disease is rare or absent. We studied the potential role of S. undulatus in transmission dynamics of Lyme spirochetes by sampling ticks from a variety of natural hosts at field sites in central New Jersey, and by testing the reservoir competence of S. undulatus for Borrelia burgdorferi in the laboratory. The infestation rate of ticks on fence lizards was extremely low (proportion infested = 0.087, n = 23) compared to that on white footed mice and other small mammals (proportion infested = 0.53, n = 140). Of 159 nymphs that had fed as larvae on lizards that had previously been exposed to infected nymphs, none was infected with B. burgdorferi, compared with 79.9% of 209 nymphs that had fed as larvae on infected control mice. Simulations suggest that changes in the numbers of fence lizards in a natural habitat would have little effect on the infection rate of nymphal ticks with Lyme spirochetes. We conclude that in central New Jersey S. undulatus plays a minimal role in the enzootic transmission cycle of Lyme spirochetes.

Los salesianos y los shuar construyendo la identidad cultural

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Gnerre, Maurizio

2012-01-01

En el tema de las relaciones entre misioneros salesianos y el pueblo shuar existen, para los lectores interesados, algunas valiosas contribuciones de autores que conocieron y conocen muy bien, no solo la historia del vicariato Aposto?lico de Me?ndez y Gualaquiza, sino tambie?n el contexto histo?rico ma?s amplio en que se desarrollo? la actuacio?n de los salesianos entre los shuar, y en los u?ltimos cuarenta an?os tambie?n entre los achuar, en la Amazoni?a ecuatoriana.

Los juicios de Cicerón sobre los Graco

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Gregorio HINOJO ANDRÉS

2010-02-01

Full Text Available De los movimientos sociales y políticos de la Antigüedad es probablemente el de los hermanos Graco el que ha suscitado mayor interés y atracción en los tiempos modernos, como acredita una densa y copiosa bibliografía. Algunos autores e investigadores interpretan el movimiento de los Graco como un conjunto de medidas y reformas tendentes a recomponer el ejército romano y la base de propietarios de donde extraer los futuros soldados, sin asignarles ningún tipo de contenido social y de reforma de las estructuras agrarias y de la propiedad de la tierra; un grupo mucho mayor piensa que el contenido social, los ideales humanísticos y una búsqueda de la justicia y de la equidad fueron los objetivos de las medidas de los dos tribunos, aunque discrepan estos autores en el contenido y alcance de estas medidas, ya que para uno era una simple reforma, mientras que otros hablan de una verdadera revolución. Hay, sin embargo, un rasgo común en la historiografía moderna y es la simpatía y valoración positiva con la que se describe y se juzga este movimiento, pese a la diversa ideología de los estudiosos.

Prevalence of Babesia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in hard ticks collected from meadows of Lubelskie Voivodship (eastern Poland

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Dzięgiel Beata

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Babesia canis in adult females and males of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, inhabiting meadows near large forest complexes throughout the Lubelskie Voivodship (eastern region of Poland. Ticks were collected using the flagging method. Among 720 ticks collected, 506 were identified as D. reticulatus, and 214 as I. ricinus. DNA of B. canis and B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 21.3% and 0.6% of D. reticulatus ticks, respectively. In I. ricinus ticks, DNA specific to B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in 5.6% and 10.3%, respectively. Co-infections of B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum were found in two I. ricinus ticks. These results indicate that the Lublin region is an area at risk of tick-borne diseases of humans and animals, which must be considered in clinical practice.

Los árboles

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Jaime Paredes Pardo

1964-09-01

Full Text Available Los árboles son hijos del viento que transporta las semillas. En los valles anda de prisa, tanto que a veces alcanza a los trenes y a la melena de los caballos que espanta la algarabía de los pasajeros. Como los trenes, el viento tiene una frente de humo. De niebla como las montañas. ¿Pensará el viento?

Los pasivos mineros ambientales y los conflictos sociales en Hualgayoc

OpenAIRE

Pinto Herrera, Honori

2014-01-01

El trabajo trata sobre los pasivos ambientales mineros (PAM) y los conflictos sociales de Hualgayoc (Cajamarca), cuya atención ha sido considerada prioritaria por el Ministerio de Energía y Minas (MEM). Contiene número de PAM, una descripción histórica de este centro minero, una breve cronología que presenta los esfuerzos del MEM y FONAM para lograr la remediación de los PAM, finalmente se exponen los hechos estructurales y coyunturales que impiden la remediación cabal de los PAM en Hualgayoc...

Estereotipos de género en los presentadores de los informativos

OpenAIRE

Teruel Centeno, Ana

2016-01-01

En base a la relevancia que los presentadores de informativos tienen en el medio y en la audiencia, este trabajo estudia los estereotipos de género en los presentadores de los espacios informativos de TV de las principales cadenas españolas. Se analizan sus características físicas, estilismo y también la comunicación no verbal. Los resultados muestran los estereotipos de género actuales y sus diferencias con los estereotipos existentes en la comunicación publicitaria.

Los Cactos

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García Paredes Antonio

1942-12-01

Full Text Available El Cacto Cactus es uno de los géneros de plantas de la familia de las Cacteas Nopaleas que contiene muchas especies y variedades todas de formas extrañas, propias de la América intertropical y que habitan en los climas fríos y templados, en terrenos secos y estériles, desde el norte de Méjico hasta la Patagonia. Algunos cactos se cultivan por sus frutos que son sanosy sabrosos, otros como plantas ornamentales en los parques y jardines, otros como auxiliares para la industria, como los nopales en los que se cría la Cochinilla, insecto de la familia de los Hemípteros que produce la laca o carmín, materia colorante indispensable en la pintura al óleo y la acuarela, y por último, hoy están en moda y se cultivan con esmero una gran variedad de diminutos cactos exóticosque se mantienen sobre arena húmeda en pequeñas maceteras de porcelana, en los lugares más visibles de las habitaciones.

Derechos de los animales, deberes de los humanos

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López de la Vieja, María Teresa

2005-06-01

Full Text Available Applied Ethics usually refers to human beings, to their practical problems and to their interests. However, the sphere of ethical issues has expanded during the last years. In spite of the fact that the moral point of view is still grounded on anthropocentrism, the environment and living beings are now the aim object of some moral concern. Justice, as a moral principle, could expand itself, as well, in order to include nonhuman beings: their interest and their welfare. Prom a moderate anthropocentric standpoint, this article defends an asymmetrical moral concern. Indeed, we could understand animal' s rights only as a result of human duties towards the own species. This essay claims for direct duties to future generations of humans, and for indirect duties to nonhUman. Therefore, justice between species would enlarge justice between generations.

La Ética aplicada se suele referir a los problemas prácticos e intereses de los seres humanos. Sin embargo, las cuestiones éticas se han ido ampliando en los últimos años. A pesar de que el punto de vista moral sigue anclado en un enfoque antropocéntrico, el medio ambiente y los seres vivos son ahora objeto de alguna consideración moral. La justicia, como principio moral, puede ampliarse también hasta incluir a los no humanos, sus intereses y su bienestar. Desde un enfoque antropocéntrico moderado, el artículo defiende en este tema una consideración moral asimétrica; pues sólo podemos entender los derechos de los animales como resultado de los deberes de los humanos hacia la propia especie. Son deberes directos hacia las generaciones futuras de humanos, deberes indirectos hacia los no humanos. Por tanto, la justicia entre especies amplía la idea de justicia entre generaciones.

Los arquetipos de los MCM: héroes y antíhéroes de los niños

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OLIVIA VELARDE

1992-01-01

Full Text Available La presente investigación se ha llevado a cabo desde un enfoque que toma en cuenta la interdependencia entre los factores sociales, comunicativos y cognitivos en los procesos de enculturización infantil. La autora analiza las correspondencias existentes entre el uso de los MCM y las representaciones que los niños construyen sobre sí mismos y sobre el mundo que les rodea. Sobre la base de elementos de naturaleza tan heterogénea como los héroes de los relatos en los MCM, se muestra que el laborioso trabajo cognitivo realizado por los niños cuando definen la identidad y el comportamiento de los héroes sirve, sobre todo, para la autoafirmación del rol sexual; y que el trabajo no menos laborioso que llevan a cabo cuando definen qué puede ser imitado y no imitado de los personajes de los MCM y cuál es la importancia social de éstos sirve, sobre todo, para definir el rol de clase.

Los riesgos de los adolescentes en Internet: los menores como actores y víctimas de los peligros de Internet

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B Catalina García

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Introducción: El uso intensivo de los adolescentes de Internet eleva la preocupación por los riesgos online. Metodología: Elaboración de un diagnóstico de riesgos a los que están sometidos los adolescentes españoles en Internet, atendiendo a la influencia de las variables de edad, sexo y titularidad del centro al que asisten. Sobre una encuesta nacional representativa realizada a 2.077 adolescentes, se analizan los riesgos en el ciberespacio: contenidos inapropiados, contacto con desconocidos y privacidad, ciberacoso, uso problemático/dependencia de Internet y, finalmente, se abordan las prácticas de seguridad adoptadas. Resultados y conclusiones: La elevada confianza que manifiestan los jóvenes coexiste con una alta exposición involuntaria a contenidos inapropiados online (pornografía, violencia, promoción del alcohol y drogas o patologías alimentarias, junto a la normalización de diversas fórmulas de ciberacoso y un porcentaje significativo de adolescentes que dedican un tiempo excesivo a navegar o que se manifiestan dependientes de determinados servicios de Internet.

RETORNO DE PADRES Y/O MADRES MIGRANTES INTERNACIONALES DESDE LOS RELATOS DE LOS HIJOS E HIJAS, SIGNIFICADOS DE LOS ACUERDOS Y LOS PROYECTOS FAMILIARES

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Anatali Oquendo Lorduy

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Este artículo, aporta reflexiones sobre los estudios de migración internacional en Cartagena de Indias, a partir del análisis de experiencias de un grupo de hijos e hijas cuyos padres y/o madres han migrado por diversos motivos. En sus experiencias, se abordan los significados elaborados en torno al retorno, en particular aquellos sobre los acuerdos y proyectos familiares, que se movilizan a partir de los vínculos y expectativas que los migrantes van construyendo con hijos e hijas entre origen y destino, así como los cambios que pueden suscitarse, a lo largo del proceso migratorio, debido a la ausencia o presencia, que en conjunto lleven a reconfigurar sus expectativas de familias

BB0347, from the lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is surface exposed and interacts with the CS1 heparin-binding domain of human fibronectin.

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Robert A Gaultney

Full Text Available The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, codes for several known fibronectin-binding proteins. Fibronectin a common the target of diverse bacterial pathogens, and has been shown to be essential in allowing for the development of certain disease states. Another borrelial protein, BB0347, has sequence similarity with these other known fibronectin-binding proteins, and may be important in Lyme disease pathogenesis. Herein, we perform an initial characterization of BB0347 via the use of molecular and biochemical techniques. We found that BB0347 is expressed, produced, and presented on the outer surface of intact B. burgdorferi. We also demonstrate that BB0347 has the potential to be important in Lyme disease progression, and have begun to characterize the nature of the interaction between human fibronectin and this bacterial protein. Further work is needed to define the role of this protein in the borrelial infection process.

Study of a Cohort of 1,886 Persons To Determine Changes in Antibody Reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi 3 Months after a Tick Bite

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dessau, Ram B; Fryland, Linda; Wilhelmsson, Peter

2015-01-01

or relative change is defined by dividing the measurement units from the second sample by those from the first sample. The threshold for the minimum level of significant change was defined at the 2.5% level to represent the random error level. The thresholds were a 2.7-fold rise for the flagellar IgG assay......Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The most frequent clinical manifestation is a rash called erythema migrans. Changes in antibody reactivity to B. burgdorferi 3 months after a tick bite are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays...... (ELISAs). One assay is based on native purified flagellum antigen (IgG), and the other assay is based on a recombinant antigen called C6 (IgG or IgM). Paired samples were taken at the time of a tick bite and 3 months later from 1,886 persons in Sweden and the Åland Islands, Finland. The seroconversion...

Los riesgos para los niños que usan internet

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Instituto Argentino de Computación IAC

2015-01-01

Los niños que navegan por Internet pueden ser víctimas de hechos criminales, explotación y pornografía. No hay restricciones para publicar cualquier material por eso es responsabilidad de padres y maestros, así como personal la responsabilidad de asegurarse que los sitios de Internet sean seguros y apropiados. Relata los riesgos que existen, da consejos prácticos a los padres y reglas familiares porque no resulta práctico prohibirles a los niños el uso del Internet.

Determinantes del acceso a los productos financieros en los hogares colombianos

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Santiago Rodríguez-Raga; Félix Francisco Riaño Rodríguez

2016-01-01

Existe evidencia que establece una asociación positiva entre el acceso a productos financieros, la riqueza y calidad de vida de los hogares, en especial de los hogares pobres. En este ámbito, este estudio busca entender los determinantes del acceso a los diferentes productos financieros en los hogares de Colombia, utilizando un modelo econométrico con base en la información contenida en la Encuesta Longitudinal Colombiana (ELCA) de la Universidad de los Andes. Como conclusión se encuentra que...

Los servicios ecosistémicos que ofrecen los bosques tropicales

OpenAIRE

P. Balvanera

2012-01-01

Los servicios ecosistémicos son los beneficios que las sociedades obtienen de los ecosistemas. Este concepto permite hacer más explícita la interdependencia del bienestar humano y el mantenimiento del adecuado funcionamiento de los ecosistemas. Los bosques tropicales del mundo, debido a su amplia distribución, elevada diversidad y contribución a funciones clave del planeta como la regulación climática e hidrológica proveen una serie de servicios ecosistémicos críticos. En este artículo se hac...

Los riesgos para los niños que usan internet

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Instituto Argentino de Computación IAC

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Los niños que navegan por Internet pueden ser víctimas de hechos criminales, explotación y pornografía. No hay restricciones para publicar cualquier material por eso es responsabilidad de padres y maestros, así como personal la responsabilidad de asegurarse que los sitios de Internet sean seguros y apropiados. Relata los riesgos que existen, da consejos prácticos a los padres y reglas familiares porque no resulta práctico prohibirles a los niños el uso del Internet.

Determinantes del acceso a los productos financieros en los hogares colombianos

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Santiago Rodríguez-Raga

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Existe evidencia que establece una asociación positiva entre el acceso a productos financieros, la riqueza y calidad de vida de los hogares, en especial de los hogares pobres. En este ámbito, este estudio busca entender los determinantes del acceso a los diferentes productos financieros en los hogares de Colombia, utilizando un modelo econométrico con base en la información contenida en la Encuesta Longitudinal Colombiana (ELCA de la Universidad de los Andes. Como conclusión se encuentra que los principales determinantes del acceso a productos financieros son el nivel de ingreso o riqueza, la educación y la estabilidad en términos laborales.

Probable late lyme disease: a variant manifestation of untreated Borrelia burgdorferi infection

Science.gov (United States)

2012-01-01

Background Lyme disease, a bacterial infection with the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, can cause early and late manifestations. The category of probable Lyme disease was recently added to the CDC surveillance case definition to describe patients with serologic evidence of exposure and physician-diagnosed disease in the absence of objective signs. We present a retrospective case series of 13 untreated patients with persistent symptoms of greater than 12 weeks duration who meet these criteria and suggest a label of ‘probable late Lyme disease’ for this presentation. Methods The sample for this analysis draws from a retrospective chart review of consecutive, adult patients presenting between August 2002 and August 2007 to the author (JA), an infectious disease specialist. Patients were included in the analysis if their current illness had lasted greater than or equal to 12 weeks duration at the time of evaluation. Results Probable late Lyme patients with positive IgG serology but no history of previous physician-documented Lyme disease or appropriate Lyme treatment were found to represent 6% of our heterogeneous sample presenting with ≥ 12 weeks of symptom duration. Patients experienced a range of symptoms including fatigue, widespread pain, and cognitive complaints. Approximately one-third of this subset reported a patient-observed rash at illness onset, with a similar proportion having been exposed to non-recommended antibiotics or glucocorticosteroid treatment for their initial disease. A clinically significant response to antibiotics treatment was noted in the majority of patients with probable late Lyme disease, although post-treatment symptom recurrence was common. Conclusions We suggest that patients with probable late Lyme disease share features with both confirmed late Lyme disease and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Physicians should consider the recent inclusion of probable Lyme disease in the CDC Lyme disease surveillance

Characterization of the β-barrel assembly machine accessory lipoproteins from Borrelia burgdorferi.

Science.gov (United States)

Dunn, Joshua P; Kenedy, Melisha R; Iqbal, Henna; Akins, Darrin R

2015-03-24

Like all diderm bacteria studied to date, Borrelia burgdorferi possesses a β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) complex. The bacterial BAM complexes characterized thus far consist of an essential integral outer membrane protein designated BamA and one or more accessory proteins. The accessory proteins are typically lipid-modified proteins anchored to the inner leaflet of the outer membrane through their lipid moieties. We previously identified and characterized the B. burgdorferi BamA protein in detail and more recently identified two lipoproteins encoded by open reading frames bb0324 and bb0028 that associate with the borrelial BamA protein. The role(s) of the BAM accessory lipoproteins in B. burgdorferi is currently unknown. Structural modeling of B. burgdorferi BB0028 revealed a distinct β-propeller fold similar to the known structure for the E. coli BAM accessory lipoprotein BamB. Additionally, the structural model for BB0324 was highly similar to the known structure of BamD, which is consistent with the prior finding that BB0324 contains tetratricopeptide repeat regions similar to other BamD orthologs. Consistent with BB0028 and BB0324 being BAM accessory lipoproteins, mutants lacking expression of each protein were found to exhibit altered membrane permeability and enhanced sensitivity to various antimicrobials. Additionally, BB0028 mutants also exhibited significantly impaired in vitro growth. Finally, immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that BB0028 and BB0324 each interact specifically and independently with BamA to form the BAM complex in B. burgdorferi. Combined structural studies, functional assays, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that BB0028 and BB0324 are the respective BamB and BamD orthologs in B. burgdorferi, and are important in membrane integrity and/or outer membrane protein localization. The borrelial BamB and BamD proteins both interact specifically and independently with BamA to form a tripartite BAM complex in B

Leptospira spp. vaccinal antibodies do not react with Borrelia burgdorferi peptides used in the AccuPlex 4.

Science.gov (United States)

Caress, Amber L; Moroff, Scott; Lappin, Michael R

2017-11-01

We attempted to determine if Leptospira spp. antibodies induced by vaccination would cross-react with Borrelia burgdorferi antigens used in a commercial automated immunofluorescent assay (AccuPlex 4 BioCD; Antech). Staff- and student-owned dogs ( n = 31) were recruited at a veterinary teaching hospital in a B. burgdorferi nonendemic area. The dogs were randomized and administered 1 of 4 commercial Leptospira spp. vaccines that contained serovars Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona, then booster vaccinated 3 wk later. Blood was collected on weeks 0, 3, 4, 8, and 12. After confirming that maximal Leptospira spp. titers occurred on week 4, aliquots of sera from week 4 were shipped frozen for analysis of B. burgdorferi antibodies against OspA, OspC, OspF, P39, and SLP with the AccuPlex system. Week 4 sera from all 31 dogs had a titer of 1:100 for at least 1 Leptospira spp. serovar. Titers of 1:800 or greater were detected against multiple serovars in 27 dogs. None of the samples contained antibodies against the B. burgdorferi OspA, OspC, OspF, P39, and SLP peptides used in the commercial assay. The B. burgdorferi peptides used in the AccuPlex system do not recognize naturally occurring Leptospira spp. antibodies or those induced by the commercial Leptospira spp. vaccines administered in our study.

Polysynovitis in a horse due to [i]Borrelia burgdorferi[/i] sensu lato infection – Case study

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Fabrizio Passamonti

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Lyme borreliosis (LB is a multi-systemic tick-borne disease affecting both humans and animals, including horses, and is caused by a group of interrelated spirochetes classified within the[i] Borrelia burgdorferi [/i]sensu lato (s.l. complex. Despite the high reported seroprevalence in the European equine population for [i]B. burgdorferi[/i] s.l., to-date no documented clinical cases have been described. A 6-year-old Paint gelding was referred with a history of three weeks of fever, intermittent lameness and digital flexor tendon sheath effusion of the right hind limb. Based on a strict diagnostic protocol, which included serological tests for infectious diseases and molecular investigations, a final diagnosis was made of polysynovitis due to [i]B. burgdorferi [/i]s.l. infection. An unreported aspect observed in this case was the absence of the pathogen DNA in two of the affected joints. To the authors’ knowledge, the case described represents the first documented clinical case of equine LB in Italy. Moreover, the absence of pathogen DNA in two of the affected joints observed in this case revealed a possible similarity with the same condition described in humans, where an immunomediated pathogenesis for arthropathy due to [i]B. burgdorferi[/i] s.l. infection is suspected. Since humans and horses share the same habitat, this report supports the role of the horse as potential sentinel for human biological risk.

Functional analysis of the Borrelia burgdorferi bba64 gene product in murine infection via tick infestation.

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Toni G Patton

Full Text Available Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, is transmitted to humans from the bite of Ixodes spp. ticks. During the borrelial tick-to-mammal life cycle, B. burgdorferi must adapt to many environmental changes by regulating several genes, including bba64. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that the bba64 gene product is necessary for mouse infectivity when B. burgdorferi is transmitted by an infected tick bite, but not via needle inoculation. In this study we investigated the phenotypic properties of a bba64 mutant strain, including 1 replication during tick engorgement, 2 migration into the nymphal salivary glands, 3 host transmission, and 4 susceptibility to the MyD88-dependent innate immune response. Results revealed that the bba64 mutant's attenuated infectivity by tick bite was not due to a growth defect inside an actively feeding nymphal tick, or failure to invade the salivary glands. These findings suggested there was either a lack of spirochete transmission to the host dermis or increased susceptibility to the host's innate immune response. Further experiments showed the bba64 mutant was not culturable from mouse skin taken at the nymphal bite site and was unable to establish infection in MyD88-deficient mice via tick infestation. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that BBA64 functions at the salivary gland-to-host delivery interface of vector transmission and is not involved in resistance to MyD88-mediated innate immunity.

Terapia intensiva: El problema de los medios y los fines

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Carlos Gherardi

2011-12-01

Full Text Available La tecnología médica aplicada a la medicina del paciente agudo y grave permitió la creación de un área asistencial diferenciada y el desarrollo del cuidado intensivo como una nueva especialidad. Los nuevos medios disponibles para reemplazar o asistir funciones de órganos vitales fueron los determinantes de este avance tan importante en el desarrollo de toda la alta complejidad médica en los últimos cuarenta años. Sin embargo la aplicabilidad de estos medios, que en este caso son los soportes vitales, no se han podido sustraer de la filosofía del imperativo tecnológico que ha impregnado a toda la cultura de la sociedad contemporánea. Se observa en este tiempo una influencia perniciosa que perturba el recuerdo permanente de los fines de la medicina, que no son los de evitar la muerte o a la consideración del valor vida como un absoluto ajeno a las preferencias del paciente. Las decisiones finales en circunstancias irreversibles, en que sólo es posible mantener una vida biológica, deben ser tomadas por los médicos y los familiares.

Estereotipos hacia los ancianos por parte de los jóvenes del municipio de Los Villares (Jaén

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Rafael Muñoz Cruz

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Objetivo: estudiar los estereotipos que las personas jóvenes de una determinada localidad de Jaén tienen sobre los ancianos mayores de 65 años. Método: estudio descriptivo transversal sobre una muestra de 100 jóvenes entre 18 y 25 años, siendo la mitad de la muestra hombres y la otra mitad mujeres. La información fue recogida mediante un cuestionario autoadministrable que incluía 30 adjetivos referidos a los ancianos y que los jóvenes debían responder en función del grado de acuerdo o desacuerdo con cada uno de las características, utilizando para ello una escala Likert con 5 opciones para cada ítem. Resultados: las características con las que más de acuerdo están los jóvenes respecto a los ancianos son que estos se caracterizan por ser personas generosas, agradecidas, con moralidad, sabias y sinceras; mientras que según los jóvenes, la característica que menos define a los ancianos es la conflictividad. Conclusiones: a pesar de que los jóvenes no han demostrado estereotipos negativos hacia los ancianos, se debe fomentar el conocimiento de las verdaderas características de este grupo etario, algunas de las cuales son desconocidas para los adultos más jóvenes.

Predominancia de los hemisferios cerebrales en los residentes de medicina

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Jaime Arias Congrains

1999-01-01

Full Text Available Objetivo: Medir la predominancia de los hemisferios cerebrales (HC en los residentes de medicina y encontrar algunos factores asociados así como la correlación que tendrían con las estrategias inadecuadas empleadas ante el estrés. Materiales y métodos: Aplicamos una prueba para medir la predominancia de los HC al total de los 48 residentes de medicina del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia. Los resultados se contrastaron con variables socio-demográficas, académicas y con las estrategias para afrontar el estrés, halladas estas últimas en una investigación anterior. Los resultados se sometieron al análisis bivariado y multivariado. Resultados y conclusiones: El 35.4% (17 de los residentes mostró una predominancia del hemisferio izquierdo (HI, el cual además obtuvo una calificación promedio mayor que la del hemisferio derecho (HD y que la integración hemisférica (IH. Los 6 residentes con predominancia del HD tuvieron una mayor calificación en el ingreso a la residencia que aquellos con predominancia del HI. En el análisis multivariado; el haber nacido o estudiado medicina en Lima, la mejor calificación en el ingreso al programa de residentado, el mostrar interés por los resultados de la prueba aplicada y el haber estudiado en un colegio estatal, fueron los factores asociados al HD Las habilidades de los HC se correlacionaron con algunas estrategias frente al estrés. Conclusiones: Se concluye la necesidad de perfeccionar la prueba de predominancia de los HC, así como la de implementar pautas de enseñanza de la medicina que propicien la integración hemisférica, en cuanto ella estaría asociado con mejores aptitudes académicas, interpersonales y de adecuación al estrés. (Rev Med Hered 1999; 10:21-26 .

Relación entre los estilos de liderazgo y los niveles de resiliencia de los subordinados

OpenAIRE

Pérez Parada, Ana María

2014-01-01

El presente documento hace un análisis de la influencia que ejercen los diferentes tipos de liderazgo, carismático y transaccional, de un directivo de una organización sobre los subordinados de la misma, que a su vez afecta positiva o negativamente el nivel de resiliencia de los mismos. De la misma forma, se ha identificado la relación que existe entre el nivel de resiliencia de los subordinados de una organización y el cumplimiento de objetivos corporativos de la misma. Todo lo anterior...

Los principios UNIDROIT para los contratos internacionales (parte B

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Jorge Oviedo Albán

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Este estudio nos explica los Principios UNIDROIT para los contratos comerciales internacionales, los cuales se ponen en consideración de las partes cuando no es posible determinar cuál es la regla de derecho aplicable al contrato que les atañe, haciendo justicia de manera objetiva. Para corroborar la importancia de los Principios UNIDROIT, se ilustra este estudio con diferentes laudos de la Corte Internacional de Arbitraje de la Cámara de Comercio Internacional, la cual se apoya en ellos para emitir sus fallos. Estos Principios representan una nueva aproximación al derecho de los negocios internacionales e intentan remediar deficiencias surgidas del derecho y, de paso, llenar vacios de la Convención de Viena de 1980 sobre compraventa internacional de mercaderías. El autor de este estudio nos hace caer en cuenta la urgente necesidad de que al seno de nuestras universidades se difundan los mecanismos de contratación mercantil de nutrido estudio en el mundo, pero de escaso conocimiento en nuestro medio.

Los principios UNIDROIT para los contratos internacionales (parte A

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Jorge Oviedo Albán

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Este estudio nos explica los Principios UNIDROIT para los contratos comerciales internacionales, los cuales se ponen en consideración de las partes cuando no es posible determinar cuál es la regla de derecho aplicable al contrato que les atañe, haciendo justicia de manera objetiva. Para corroborar la importancia de los Principios UNIDROIT, se ilustra este estudio con diferentes laudos de la Corte Internacional de Arbitraje de la Cámara de Comercio Internacional, la cual se apoya en ellos para emitir sus fallos. Estos Principios representan una nueva aproximación al derecho de los negocios internacionales e intentan remediar deficiencias surgidas del derecho y, de paso, llenar vacios de la Convención de Viena de 1980 sobre compraventa internacional de mercaderías. El autor de este estudio nos hace caer en cuenta la urgente necesidad de que al seno de nuestras universidades se difundan los mecanismos de contratación mercantil de nutrido estudio en el mundo, pero de escaso conocimiento en nuestro medio.

Importancia de los alcanos en el estudio de los carbones

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José E. Sánchez

2010-07-01

Full Text Available Los carbones la Vega, La Vega Oxidado y Tres Bancos, fueron extraídos secuencialmente con los siguientes solventes: H^O, HCl 10%, NaOH 10%, n-Heptano, Éter, Tolueno, Cloroformo, Tetrahidrofurano (THF y Piridina. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la extractabilidad con THF y Piridina debidas a cambios producidos por la oxidación. Se detectaron n-alcanos de C^ a C^^, en los primeros cuatro extractos con solventes orgánicos. Los perfiles cromatográficos de estos compuestos muestran una distribución dependiente del rango que se mantiene aiin después de la oxidación. Lxis pirocromatogramas de los carbones y de los residuos de extracción se caracterizan por una serie de dobletes de n-1-alqueno/n-alcano cuya distribución también depende del rango de los carbones. Esta característica, atribuible sólo a diferencias en las condiciones geológicas locales, podría utilizarse como indicador del grado de metamorfismo.

¡Son notables… los desaciertos y los vacíos!

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Manuel Argüello Rodríguez

2007-10-01

Full Text Available Son notables las ausencias y los equilibrios forzados en el informe de los cinco ciudadanos costarricenses sobre el TLC. Ausencias y seudoequilibrios que han sido ya utilizados para fortalecer la campaña de propaganda arrebatadora contra la oposición al TLC indicando que ‘los notables’ desnudaron los fantasmas (con lo cual, a decir verdad no se vería nada, sería la total transparencia.

Comercializacion Directa de Alimentos Locales: Diferencias entre los Consumidores de los CSA y los Consumidores de los Mercados de Granjeros y Agricultores

OpenAIRE

Curtis, Kynda

2011-01-01

Los programas de extensión enfocados en asistir a los agricultores en movilizar o expandir sus esfuerzos de mercadeo directo a menudo consideran todos los mercados de comercialización directa (mercado de agricultores, programas de agricultura sustentada por la comunidad (CSA por sus siglas en inglés), puestos de granja, etc.) y consumidores asociados como una canal o grupo de comercialización general.

los aprendizajes

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Graciela Pérez Rivera

2007-01-01

Full Text Available En este documento se presentan algunos resultados, obtenidos hasta el momento, de un estudio sobre las prácticas de evaluación de profesores universitarios. El propósito del estudio es participar en la búsqueda de las relaciones existentes entre los conceptos y las prácticas educativas, en este caso de evaluación. Se identifican las principales tendencias en cuanto a la concepción de la evaluación del aprendizaje y las funciones que se le otorgan, los propósitos con los que se evalúa, los objetos o contenidos a evaluar, las formas en que se lleva a cabo la evaluación y el uso que se da a los resultados. Identificar cuáles son las tendencias de las prácticas de evaluación en nuestras aulas universitarias representa un paso que puede ayudar a cuidar que este proceso tan importante recobre su papel formativo para todos aquellos quienes participamos en los procesos educativos; además, representa la posibilidad de construir formas para lograr mejorar nuestra labor docente en general, y en particular, nuestra práctica evaluativa.

En búsqueda de los salvadoreños en los Estados Unidos: contextualizando los datos etnográficos

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Milton Ricardo Machuca

2011-08-01

Full Text Available En este artículo presento una visión de conjunto de la literatura etnográfica sobre los salvadoreños en Estados Unidos. La migración salvadoreña a los Estados Unidos comienza a finales del siglo XIX, sin embargo los salvadoreños no llegan en masa a ese país hasta principios de la década de los ochenta, a principios de la guerra civil que duraría doce años (1980-1992. En las pasadas tres décadas, la literatura general sobre salvadoreños en Estados Unidos es extensa y cubre una amplia variedad de disciplinas. Muchos trabajos académicos estudian a los migrantes salvadoreños bajo la categoría de “centroamericanos”. Con el notable incremento de la migraciónsalvadoreña a los Estados Unidos a partir de 1980, se ha publicado un número significativo de etnografías sobre su experiencia migratoria en las pasadas dos décadas.En este artículo se discuten y comparan nueve de esos trabajos académicos. Estos trabajos tratan a los salvadoreños desde temas, tópicos y perspectivas particulares,los cuales incluyen inmigración y emigración, diáspora y transnacionalismo, cambios en relaciones de género, leyes migratorias estadounidenses y estatus migratorio,remesas y derecho al voto. A medida que los migrantes salvadoreños forjan nuevas redes de conexión e interacción social entre su país de origen y los Estados Unidos,los trabajos académicos buscan entender y teorizar sobre estos emergentes espaciostransnacionales.

Conductas prosociales en los barrios Modelo y Los Trupillos de Barranquilla

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Juan Carlos Marin Escobar

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo muestra los resultados de un estudio que describe las conductas prosociales en un grupo de personas de los barrios Modelo y Los Trupillos de Barranquilla. La muestra intencional, estuvo representada por 75 personas. La recolección de la información se obtuvo a partir de una técnica naturalista en la cual se les solicitaba a los participantes la posibilidad de apoyar en una situación prosocial relacionada con ayudar a niños, niñas y ancianos, Los resultados permiten establecer que el 45,33 % ayudan y el 54,66 % no ayudan. Así mismo se obtuvieron los siguientes datos: Los que ayudan son creyentes practicantes de una religión; ayudan más las mujeres que los hombres y las personas entre los 20 a los 40 años. Abstract This paper focuses on the findings of a study which describes the prosocial behavior in a group of people who live in Modelo and Los Trupillos neighborhoods in Barranquilla. 75 people were sampled in this study. In order to collect the data, a natural approach was used in which the participants were asked to take part in a social survey as it related to helping the children and elderly in that area. As a result 45.33 % helps and 54.66 % does not help. Likewise it was obtained the following information: Those who help are practicing believers of a religion; they help more women than men and people between 20 to 40 years old.

Diseño de interfaces en los medios visitados por los venezolanos ¿Los más usados son usables?

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Gladys Benigni

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (TIC han impactado favorablemente a los ciudadanos y han cambiado sus hábitos de consumo de bienes y servicios; desde las distintas facetas de la vida en sociedad es necesario acoplarse a estos nuevos hábitos. La prensa nacional e internacional no escapa a esta realidad, y por tal, han comenzado a abrirse espacios en Internet para acercarse más a los ciudadanos a través del apoderamiento de las TIC. En Venezuela se ha venido incrementando el uso de los sitios web de los medios de comunicación social; a los cuales se accede desde computadores personales, portátiles, tabletas y teléfonos inteligentes. No obstante, muchos espacios en Internet se diseñan sin apego a las normas y principios de usabilidad que facilitan la intuitiva y correcta interacción del usuario con la aplicación informática. En consecuencia, se evalúa si los sitios web de los medios de comunicación social más usados por los internautas venezolanos son usables; para lo cual, se los analizará empleando los Principios de usabilidad, de Nielsen, y la Guía para evaluación experta, de Márquez Correa. Se concluye que los sitios web evaluados cumplen medianamente los principios, partes y recomendaciones expertas en cuanto al diseño de interfaces web.

A tick mannose-binding lectin inhibitor interferes with the vertebrate complement cascade to enhance transmission of the lyme disease agent.

Science.gov (United States)

Schuijt, Tim J; Coumou, Jeroen; Narasimhan, Sukanya; Dai, Jianfeng; Deponte, Kathleen; Wouters, Diana; Brouwer, Mieke; Oei, Anneke; Roelofs, Joris J T H; van Dam, Alje P; van der Poll, Tom; Van't Veer, Cornelis; Hovius, Joppe W; Fikrig, Erol

2011-08-18

The Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily transmitted to vertebrates by Ixodes ticks. The classical and alternative complement pathways are important in Borrelia eradication by the vertebrate host. We recently identified a tick salivary protein, designated P8, which reduced complement-mediated killing of Borrelia. We now discover that P8 interferes with the human lectin complement cascade, resulting in impaired neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis and diminished Borrelia lysis. Therefore, P8 was renamed the tick salivary lectin pathway inhibitor (TSLPI). TSLPI-silenced ticks, or ticks exposed to TSLPI-immune mice, were hampered in Borrelia transmission. Moreover, Borrelia acquisition and persistence in tick midguts was impaired in ticks feeding on TSLPI-immunized, B. burgdorferi-infected mice. Together, our findings suggest an essential role for the lectin complement cascade in Borrelia eradication and demonstrate how a vector-borne pathogen co-opts a vector protein to facilitate early mammalian infection and vector colonization. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laboratory diagnosis of tick-borne African relapsing fevers: latest developments

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Aurélien eFotso Fotso

2015-11-01

Full Text Available In Africa, relapsing fevers caused by ectoparasite-borne Borrelia species are transmitted by ticks, with the exception of Borrelia recurrentis, which is a louse-borne spirochete. These tropical diseases responsible for mild to deadly spirochetemia. Cultured B. crocidurae, B. duttonii and B. hispanica circulate alongside at least six species which have not yet been cultured in vectors. Direct diagnosis is hindered by the use of non-specific laboratory tools. Indeed, microscopic observation of Borrelia spirochaeta in smears of peripheral blood taken from febrile patients lacks sensitivity and specificity. Although best visualised using dark-field microscopy, the organisms can also be detected using Wright-Giemsa or acridine orange stains.. PCR-based detection of specific sequences in total DNA extracted from a specimen can be used to discriminate different relapsing fever Borreliae. In our laboratory, we developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the specific detection of B. duttonii/recurrentis and B. crocidurae: Multispacer Sequence Typing accurately identified cultured relapsing fever borreliae and revealed diversity among them. Other molecular typing techniques, such as multilocus sequence analysis of tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae, showed the potential risk of human infection in Africa. Recent efforts to culture and sequence relapsing fever borreliae have provided new information for reassessment of the diversity of these bacteria. Recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been reported as a means of identifying cultured borreliae and of identifying both vectors and vectorised pathogens such as detecting relapsing fever borreliae directly in ticks. The lack of a rapid diagnosis test restricts the management of such diseases. We produced monoclonal antibodies against Borrelia crocidurae in order to develop cheap assays for the rapid detection of relapsing fever borreliae. In this paper

Los negocios realizados por internet, ¿cambian los paradigmas existentes?

OpenAIRE

Rodríguez Acosta, Beatriz Marlene

2018-01-01

Resumen: Internet en sus inicios fue una red de carácter militar, restringida, que evolucionó hacia una red abierta, pública y con acceso a casi todos los habitantes del planeta. Conforme a ello, este es un punto clave para que los negocios que se plantean como paradigmas tradicionales, cambien al usar esta herramienta, ya que está modificando los esquemas habituales de hacer las cosas. En este artículo se trata de determinar cómo han cambiado los negocios con la aparición de Internet, cómo h...

Los recursos minerales y los materiales de construcción

OpenAIRE

Bustillo Revuelta, Manuel

2008-01-01

Los materiales de construcción son aquellos materiales que se utilizan con un fin constructivo. Muchas sustancias minerales naturales, como la arcilla, las gravas y las rocas se utilizan como materias primas para fabricar productos de construcción en edificación y obra civil (p.e. puentes). En este sentido, la arcilla, la piedra, los metales y las arenas y las gravas son los recursos minerales más básicos utilizados en la fabricación de los materiales de construcción. Algunos recursos mineral...

Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) introduced in suburban forests in France.

Science.gov (United States)

Vourc'h, Gwenaël; Marmet, Julie; Chassagne, Michelle; Bord, Séverine; Chapuis, Jean-Louis

2007-01-01

Numerous vertebrate reservoirs have been described for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl), which includes the etiological agents of Lyme Borreliosis (LB). The Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) is a rodent originating from Asia, where it is suspected to be a B. burgdorferi reservoir. It has been intentionally released into the wild in Europe since the 1970s, but has not yet been subject to any study regarding its association with the LB agent. In this paper we studied Siberian chipmunk infestation with the LB vector (Ixodes ricinus) and infection prevalence by LB spirochetes in a suburban introduced population. We compared these findings with known competent reservoir hosts, the bank vole (Myodes [clethrionomys] glareolus) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). All Siberian chipmunks were infested with larvae and larval abundance was higher in this species (mean number of larvae [95% Confidence Interval]: 73.5 [46.0, 117.2]) than in the two other rodent species (bank voles: 4.4 [3.0, 6.3] and wood mice: 10.2 [4.9, 21.2]). Significant factors affecting abundance of larvae were host species and sampling season. Nymphs were most prevalent on chipmunks (86.2%, mean: 5.1 [3.3, 8.0]), one vole carried only two nymphs, and none of the mice had any nymphs. Nymph abundance in chipmunks was affected by sampling season and sex. Furthermore, the infection prevalence of B. burgdorferi sl in the Siberian chipmunk was the highest (33.3%) and predominantly of B. afzelii. The infection prevalence was 14.1% in bank voles, but no wood mouse was found to be infected. Our results suggest that the Siberian chipmunk may be an important reservoir host for LB.

Los derechos de los rostros. Derechos humanos, liberalismo y exclusión

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Marta Palacio

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Este ensayo cuestiona las bases del liberalismo reflexionando a partir de la crítica realizada por el filósofo Emmanuel Levinas a los conceptos de libertad y de totalidad de la filosofía occidental que, articulados con las teorías liberales políticas y económicas, concluyen en una identificación de lo humano con lo legal: ser humano es ser "ciudadano" reconocido por un estado, siendo la ley es quien estipula lo humano. A consecuencia de este proceso final del capitalismo tardío, mixturado con el liberalismo político, los derechos de los individuos quedan expuestos a la lógica del poder global, vulnerables a "procesos jurídicos de exclusión" ejecutados mediante la demarcación entre quienes son "dignos de la ciudadanía" y quienes no. Los migrantes, los indocumentados, los pobres, los desocupados, las mujeres y los niños esclavos del tráfico sexual, son todos los "rostros" a quienes se les ha arrancado el título de ciudadanos y por ende la validez legal de los derechos humanos. Asumir estos planteos implica redefinir epistémicamente nuestro contexto latinoamericano y tomar un agenciamiento éticopolítico sobre nuestra vida social a partir considerar el rostro del otro/a como la norma utópica regulativa de la convivencia y de la distribución de los bienes.

Administración de los problemas financieros en los bancos. Dilema entre los riesgos de liquidez y solvencia

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Spiros Bougheas

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Elaboramos un marco microeconómico de la banca para analizar cómo influyen las decisiones de administración de la liquidez en la disponibilidad de liquidez para los depositantes, la viabilidad del proceso de transformación de activos y la solvencia de las empresas bancarias. En particular, nos centramos en la manera como la asignación óptima de los depósitos entre las reservas y una cartera de inversión riesgosa, hecha por un banco que maximiza sus ganancias, afecta la probabilidad de cada tipo de quiebra bancaria en un ambiente en el que hay incertidumbre en ambas partes de su balanza general. Nuestra meta principal es examinar los dilemas de administración entre los riegos provenientes de la incertidumbre en el comportamiento de los depositantes y los provenientes de los activos asociados al riesgo inherente a su cartera de inversión. Distinguiendo entre la iliquidez y la insolvencia como causas de las quiebras bancarias, intentamos entender cómo afecta la interacción entre estos dos tipos de riesgo al proceso de transformación de activos del banco.

Los santos patronos de los migrantes Mexicanos a Estados Unidos

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Rafael Alarcón

Full Text Available La mayor parte los migrantes mexicanos indocumentados que buscan encontrar un empleo en Estados Unidos son católicos, por esta razón, han incorporado a la devoción de los santos patronos sus tribulaciones que incluyen el trayecto desde sus comunidades de origen a la frontera norte, los peligros del cruce indocumentado, la búsqueda de trabajo y la posible deportación. El objetivo central de este artículo es analizar las características más importantes de tres devociones de los migrantes indocumentados en Tijuana, Baja California, México: Santo Toribio Romo, el "Santo Pollero" que fue canonizado en 2000, el Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini, fundador de los Misioneros Scalabrinianos y Juan Soldado quien surgió de la religiosidad popular.

Los alemanes en Colombia

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Silvio Villegas

1966-07-01

Full Text Available Romanizada por Julío César y cristianizada por los visigodos, los ostrogodos y los lombardos, Alemania ha sido a través de los siglos un potente faro de la cultura humana. Sus pensadores, sus filósofos, sus letrados, sus estadistas, sus guerreros se destacan gigantes -desde los tiempos de Carlos V, emperador de Europa.

A tick mannose-binding lectin inhibits the vertebrate complement cascade to enhance transmission of the Lyme disease agent

OpenAIRE

Schuijt, Tim J.; Coumou, Jeroen; Narasimhan, Sukanya; Dai, Jianfeng; DePonte, Kathleen; Wouters, Diana; Brouwer, Mieke; Oei, Anneke; Roelofs, Joris J.T.H.; van Dam, Alje P.; van der Poll, Tom; van ’t Veer, Cornelis; Hovius, Joppe W.; Fikrig, Erol

2011-01-01

The Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, is primarily transmitted to vertebrates by Ixodes ticks. The classical and alternative complement pathways are important in Borrelia eradication by the vertebrate host. We recently identified a tick salivary protein, designated P8 that reduced complement-mediated killing of Borrelia. We now discover that P8 interferes with the human lectin complement cascade resulting in impaired neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and diminished Borrelia lysi...

Los youtubers como nuevos referentes sociales de los nativos digitales

OpenAIRE

Arias Delgado, Clara

2017-01-01

El presente Trabajo Fin de Grado estudia la capacidad de influencia de los ‘youtubers’ españoles con más suscriptores en España y como el consumo de esta plataforma afecta y modifica las pautas tradicionales de consumo digital de los más jóvenes. Para abordar el estudio se ha realizado un exhaustivo análisis basado en los vídeos producidos por 10 youtubers tomados como muestra durante el mes de octubre de 2016. A través del presente estudio se pretende abordar la capacidad de los youtubers pa...

Los polleros que engañan a los migrantes: norma o excepción

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Simón Pedro Izcara-Palacios

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Este artículo, fundamentado en una metodología cualitativa que incluye entrevistas en profundidad con 90 polleros, 20 proxenetas y 60 inmigrantes centroamericanos, examina a los polleros que engañan a los migrantes. Los resultados de esta investigación indican que muchos polleros sólo tienen la intención de robar, secuestrar o abandonar a los migrantes; que cada vez hay más redes de tráfico sexual, las cuales operan con cierto grado de engaño, y que cada vez son más los polleros que abandonan el coyotaje de forma voluntaria o involuntaria para formar parte de los cárteles de la droga. Sin embargo, la principal conclusión que se desprende del discurso de los entrevistados es que son más los polleros que conducen a los migrantes sanos y salvos a Estados Unidos que aquellos que los agreden y no los cuidan.

Tumores de los conductos biliares

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Santiago Triana Cortés

1955-02-01

Los tumores benignos de los conductos biliares son relativamente raros. Christopher, que ha revisado recientemente este asunto, sólo pudo encontrar cuarenta y un casos publicados. Los papilomas parecen los más frecuentes, pero se les encuentra con menor frecuencia en los conductos que en la vesícula. Los adenomas son también tumores benignos de los más frecuentes en los conductos; en general, son múltiples y quísticos, y en algunos casos parecen derivar del epitelio de los conductos.

Evaluación de la calidad de los consentimientos informados de los servicios de los hospitales de nivel III-IV de Lima y Callao.

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Germán Málaga Rodriguez

2007-07-01

Full Text Available Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de los formatos de consentimiento médico informado para cirugía mayor utilizados en los diferentes servicios de los hospitales de nivel III-IV de Lima y Callao. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, cualitativo y transversal. Obtenidos los formatos de consentimiento médico informado para cirugía mayor utilizados en los servicios de los hospitales de nivel III - IV del Lima y Callao; se evaluó su calidad contrastándolos con una plantilla de requisitos elaborada con base en la literatura. Resultados: De los 28 formatos de consentimiento médico informado para cirugía mayor de 20 hospitales de nivel III-IV en Lima y Callao evaluados, 14,2% cumplían con más del 75% de los requisitos; 57,2%, con 75-50%; y 28,6%, con menos del 50%. Los requisitos acerca del procedimiento y sus características estuvieron ausentes en más del 75% de los formatos. Los formatos de los hospitales pertenecientes al Ministerio de Salud (MINSA cumplieron en promedio con 12 requisitos (rango 4-21; los de las Fuerzas Armadas (FFAA, con 17 (rango 14-18; y los del EsSALUD, con 18 (rango16-22. Conclusiones: Los formatos de CMI de los servicios de los hospitales de nivel III-IV de Lima Callao evaluados no presentan uniformidad entre ellos y no garantizan que el paciente ha sido completa y correctamente informado ni que se ha respetado su autonomía en la toma de decisión. Los formatos de CMI del MINSA fueron los más deficientes y los que presentaron mayor variabilidad de calidad. Se propone un modelo de CMI para ser tomado como base por los diferentes servicios de hospitales para la elaboración de futuros CMI.(Rev Med Hered 2007;18:136-142

Estudio de los decomisos de sustancias psicoactivas en los centros penitenciarios de Catalunya (1991-2010)

OpenAIRE

Fuente Capdevila, Blanca de la

2013-01-01

[spa] En el “Estudio de los decomisos de sustancias psicoactivas en los centros penitenciarios de Catalunya (1991-2010)" se examinan las tendencias de las incautaciones provenientes de los mismos analizadas en el Laboratorio Territorial de Drogas. Los datos se agrupan respecto al número y a la naturaleza de los decomisos para determinar los patrones de demanda, y por consiguiente de consumo de los internos. Los resultados se analizan de forma global considerando todos los centros y de form...

Polymorphism of 41 kD Flagellin Gene and Its Human B-Cell Epitope in Borrelia burgdorferi Strains of China

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Huixin Liu

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The 41 kD flagellin of Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi is a major component of periplasmic flagellar filament core and a good candidate for serodiagnosis in early stage of Lyme disease. Here, we chose 89 B. burgdorferi strains in China, amplified the gene encoding the 41 kD flagellin, and compared the sequences. The results showed that genetic diversity presented in the 41 kD flagellin genes of all 89 strains among the four genotypes of B. burgdorferi, especially in the genotype of B. garinii. Some specific mutation sites for each genotype of the 41 kD flagellin genes were found, which could be used for genotyping B. burgdorferi strains in China. Human B-cell epitope analysis showed that thirteen of 15 nonsynonymous mutations occurred in the epitope region of 41 kD flagellin and thirty of 42 B-cell epitopes were altered due to all 13 nonsynonymous mutations in the epitope region, which may affect the function of the antigen. Nonsynonymous mutations and changed human B-cell epitopes exist in 41 kD flagellin of B. burgdorferi sensu lato strains; these changes should be considered in serodiagnosis of Lyme disease.

Los mercados financieros

OpenAIRE

Franco Bendeck, Henry David; Guzmán Salazar, Laura Steffi

2017-01-01

En este documento el lector encontrará una visión general y un punto de partida sobre el funcionamiento de los mercados financieros de dinero y capitales, abordando la teoría en cuanto a la estructura y funcionamiento del sistema de valores intercambiario, además de aspectos como la psicología de sus participantes y la actualidad de algunos de los mercados muy poco desarrollados como el caso de los latinoamericanos. Estos aspectos hacen parte del contexto de inversión en los mercados, e...

LOS ECO BUSINESS: EL PRESENTE Y FUTURO DE LOS NEGOCIOS INTERNACIONALES

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Jorge Enrique Rodríguez Guevara

2013-06-01

Full Text Available El artículo busca describir lo que son los eco negocios en la actualidad, y su potencial en los mercados futuros. Para esta propuesta se desarrollan tres objetivos específicos: el primero iniciando con contextualizar los eco negocios y su importancia en el entorno global; el segundo, identificar experiencias significativas en los eco negocios internacionales, una mirada desde las tendencias de la oferta global, y desde las tendencias del comportamiento del consumidor. Un tercer objetivo, ilustrar la necesidad del comercio justo en la economía internacional, y la identificación de organizaciones que la promueven; por último, conclusiones y recomendaciones que permitan ampliar el análisis de los negocios internacionales y su tendencia.

Los guerras en las mentes de los niños

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JOSÉ ANTONIO YOUNIS

1992-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo trata de la comunicación pública en las representaciones que elabora el niño sobre las guerras. Confronta las representaciones de la guerra que llevan a cabo la televisión y la escuela. Presenta un primer apartado teórico en el que se definen tres tipos de relatos sobre las guerras: el relato informativo, el relato de construcción y el relato de ficción. En un segundo apartado, metodológico, se ofrecen los pasos a seguir para analizar la trayectoria que siguen estos relatos bélicos: 1. Tramo del trabajo constructivo y codificador efectuado por el relato. 2. Tramo del trabajo reconstructivo y decodificador que el niño realiza sobre el relato. 3. Tramo de los modelos de acción. En el tercer apartado, se ofrecen datos extraídos de dos estudios exploratorios: a "Los relatos informativos sobre la guerra del Golfo y su representación por el niño". b "Los relatos de ficción-reconstrucción y su influencia en los "juegos de guerra" de los niños". En último lugar, se discuten una serie de consideraciones finales en orden a sugerir una posible línea de investigación sobre las guerras y su construcción social, tanto por el niño como por los relatos.

Mediatización: reencuadrando el análisis de los efectos de los medios

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hjarvard, Stig

2016-01-01

al contenido de los medios (por ejemplo, los efectos son vistos como el resultado de la comunicación mediada). La investigación sobre mediatización se preocupa de los cambios estructurales de largo plazo que involucran a los medios, la cultura y la sociedad (por ejemplo, la influencia de los medios...... es entendida en relación a cómo los medios están implicados en los cambios sociales y culturales y a cómo estos procesos llegan a crear nuevas condiciones para la comunicación e interacción humanas). Desde la perspectiva de la investigación en mediatización, el efecto más importante de los medios...

Los libros de los moriscos y los eruditos orientales

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Rodríguez Mediano, Fernando

2010-12-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to show how the Orientalist scholarship of Christian Arabs who had come to Spain from the Middle East (via Italy adressed the literature of the Moriscos, to examine how it was understood by such scholars and what they used it for. We show that these scholars, from among whom we have chosen the examples of Marcus Dobelius and Miguel Casiri, could not carry out their Orientalist work using the Arabic manuscripts of the El Escorial library without confronting the Morisco problem in the form of Morisco texts held in several collections confiscated by the Inquisition. The knowledge and activities of these Moriscos served to trace the broad outlines of an intellectual history of the Arabic language in Europe, in which Morisco activity was interppreted in relation to its linguistic and doctrinal variables. This was achieved by means of the construction of a scholarly discipline (Orientalism at a time of religious polemic between the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, i.e. during the period of the development of religious dissidence and skepticism in early modern Europe.Pretendemos, en este trabajo, mostrar cómo la erudición orientalista de árabes cristianos venidos a España desde Oriente (a través de Italia se aproximó a la literatura de los moriscos, cómo la entendió y para qué la utilizó. Mostramos que estos eruditos, de entre los que elegimos los casos de Marcos Dobelio y Miguel Casiri, no pudieron realizar su trabajo orientalista, que se basa en una fuerte vinculación con los manuscritos árabes de la Biblioteca de El Escorial, sin evitar el problema morisco en forma de su producción escrita aparecida en diversos fondos requisados por la Inquisición. Sus saberes y su actividad sirven para trazar los contornos amplios de una historia intelectual de la lengua árabe en Europa, en la que el hecho morisco es interpretado en función de sus variables lingüsticas y doctrinales, a partir de la constitución de

El mínimo vital y los derechos de los adultos mayores

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Carlos Parra-Dussan

2010-03-01

Full Text Available Este artículo parte del concepto de vulnerabilidad, para incluir en este sector la tercera edad. Se analiza la tendencia Jurisprudencial en materia de Protección Constitucional especial de los adultos mayores; cuáles han sido los problemas fundamentales en el tratamiento judicial, especialmente en el uso del mecanismo de la tutela y los razonamientos empleados por los jueces para resolver los problemas que incorporan derechos de tercera edad y su evolución. En el caso concreto de las personas de la tercera edad, la ley ha previsto distinciones especiales encaminadas a salvaguardar sus derechos, que provienen no solo de la Constitución y la Ley, sino de todo el Sistema Judicial, dotando a los Jueces de las herramientas necesarias para hacer efectivo el derecho sustancial por medio de sus fallos. Así, encontramos que el sistema judicial colombiano ha concentrado sus esfuerzos en proteger a las personas de la tercera edad, específicamente en la Seguridad Social, dándole gran importancia al derecho pensional. No obstante, abarcar la Seguridad Social en un espectro jurídico amplio, solamente los derechos relativos al “pago oportuno de mesadas pensionales”, “la reliquidación de pensiones”, ”el no pago de las pensiones de jubilación”, “el reconocimiento de las sustituciones pensionales”, derecho a la salud y el derecho al mínimo vital han sido los conflictos más comunes que deben ser resueltos por los jueces en materia de protección especial de los adultos mayores.

Son los latinos estadounidenses?

OpenAIRE

Aguirre, Mariano

2009-01-01

En el año 2050 la población blanca no latina de Estados Unidos sumará el 46% del total de los ciudadanos de ese país. Para entonces, la población latina, negra y asiática combinada representará el 54%. En ese horizonte que predicen los cálculos oficiales, los latinos habrán crecido en un 15%, pasando de los 47 millones que viven ahora EEUU a 133 millones. Mientras que los latinos y los asiáticos (de 16 millones a 41 millones para entonces) no pararán de crecer, las poblaciones blanca y negra ...

Los dioses de los tejidos de Paracas (Perú)

OpenAIRE

Castro Paredes, Celia

2017-01-01

La cultura de Paracas, tiene un papel central en la prehistoria andina. Su importancia se puede deducir de los ricos ajuares de sus múltiples fardos funerarios. En estos se han encontrado múltiples y maravillosos mantos, junto a otros objetos que acompañaban a las momias de los difuntos principales. Sin embargo, hay cuestiones todavía no bien conocidas, como su origen y final, y sobre todo el papel de los excepcionales tejidos, cuyos dibujos y figuras son un enigma que podría relacionarse o i...

Los conflictos ecologico-distributivos y los indicadores de sustentabilidad

OpenAIRE

Martínez-Alier, Joan

2004-01-01

Este artículo presenta una tipología de conflictos acerca del uso de recursos naturales y de la contaminación. Llamamos Ecología Política al estudio de esos conflictos ecológico-distributivos. Los actores de tales conflictos usan diversos lenguajes de valoración. Por ejemplo, pueden argumentar que quieren lograr una compensación monetaria equivalente a los daños ambientales sufridos pero también pueden decir que el territorio en cuestión es sagrado o pueden apelar a la defensa de los derechos...

Efectos de los cambios en el patrón de precipitaciones sobre los microorganismos y los procesos del suelo

OpenAIRE

Morillas Viñuales, Lourdes

2014-01-01

Programa de Doctorado en Biodiversidad y Biología de la Conservación El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral es evaluar los efectos de los cambios en el patrón de precipitación sobre los microbios y sobre una amplia variedad de procesos del suelo en distintos ecosistemas. Para ello, hemos estudiado cuatro zonas diferentes: dos ecosistemas mediterráneos (un pinar y un matorral}, en los que se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de campo observacional no manipulativo y un ecosistema semiárido y otro te...

Competitive advantage of Borrelia burgdorferi with outer surface protein BBA03 during tick-mediated infection of the mammalian host.

Science.gov (United States)

Bestor, Aaron; Rego, Ryan O M; Tilly, Kit; Rosa, Patricia A

2012-10-01

Linear plasmid lp54 is one of the most highly conserved and differentially expressed elements of the segmented genome of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. We previously reported that deletion of a 4.1-kb region of lp54 (bba01 to bba07 [bba01-bba07]) led to a slight attenuation of tick-transmitted infection in mice following challenge with a large number of infected ticks. In the current study, we reduced the number of ticks in the challenge to more closely mimic the natural dose and found a profound defect in tick-transmitted infection of the bba01-bba07 mutant relative to wild-type B. burgdorferi. We next focused on deletion of bba03 as the most likely cause of this mutant phenotype, as previous studies have shown that expression of bba03 is increased by culture conditions that simulate tick feeding. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrated increased expression of bba03 by spirochetes in fed relative to unfed ticks. We also observed that a bba03 deletion mutant, although fully competent by itself, did not efficiently infect mice when transmitted by ticks that were simultaneously coinfected with wild-type B. burgdorferi. These results suggest that BBA03 provides a competitive advantage to spirochetes carrying this protein during tick transmission to a mammalian host in the natural infectious cycle.

Los consejos escolares de los colegios de educación primaria analizados por sus miembros

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José Fernando González Granda

2004-01-01

Full Text Available En este trabajo presentamos la valoración que de los consejos escolares de los colegios de educación primaria de la Comunidad Autónoma de Asturias realizan sus miembros. Se analizan las principales características de los consejeros así como la información y atención que éstos prestan a sus representados. Se valora el funcionamiento de los consejos y cómo cumplen éstos las competencias que tienen asignadas. También recogemos la valoración que los consejeros realizan de los problemas que tienen en el cumplimiento de sus tareas. Los consejeros valoran cómo los consejos mejoran el funcionamiento de los colegios y diversos aspectos relacionados con la participación, asi como la satisfacción de los distintos miembros de la comunidad escolar respecto al funcionamiento de los consejos escolares.

Further structural insights into the binding of complement factor H by complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 1 (CspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caesar, Joseph J. E.; Wallich, Reinhard; Kraiczy, Peter; Zipfel, Peter F.; Lea, Susan M.

2013-01-01

B. burgdorferi binds complement factor H using a dimeric surface protein, CspA (BbCRASP-1). Presented here is a new structure of CspA that suggests that there is a degree of flexibility between subunits which may have implications for complement regulator binding. Borrelia burgdorferi has evolved many mechanisms of evading the different immune systems across its range of reservoir hosts, including the capture and presentation of host complement regulators factor H and factor H-like protein-1 (FHL-1). Acquisition is mediated by a family of complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs), of which the atomic structure of CspA (BbCRASP-1) is known and shows the formation of a homodimeric species which is required for binding. Mutagenesis studies have mapped a putative factor H binding site to a cleft between the two subunits. Presented here is a new atomic structure of CspA which shows a degree of flexibility between the subunits which may be critical for factor H scavenging by increasing access to the binding interface and allows the possibility that the assembly can clamp around the bound complement regulators

Borrelia burgdorferi requires glycerol for maximum fitness during the tick phase of the enzootic cycle.

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Christopher J Pappas

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, is a vector-borne pathogen that cycles between a mammalian host and tick vector. This complex life cycle requires that the spirochete modulate its gene expression program to facilitate growth and maintenance in these diverse milieus. B. burgdorferi contains an operon that is predicted to encode proteins that would mediate the uptake and conversion of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Previous studies indicated that expression of the operon is elevated at 23°C and is repressed in the presence of the alternative sigma factor RpoS, suggesting that glycerol utilization may play an important role during the tick phase. This possibility was further explored in the current study by expression analysis and mutagenesis of glpD, a gene predicted to encode glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Transcript levels for glpD were significantly lower in mouse joints relative to their levels in ticks. Expression of GlpD protein was repressed in an RpoS-dependent manner during growth of spirochetes within dialysis membrane chambers implanted in rat peritoneal cavities. In medium supplemented with glycerol as the principal carbohydrate, wild-type B. burgdorferi grew to a significantly higher cell density than glpD mutant spirochetes during growth in vitro at 25°C. glpD mutant spirochetes were fully infectious in mice by either needle or tick inoculation. In contrast, glpD mutants grew to significantly lower densities than wild-type B. burgdorferi in nymphal ticks and displayed a replication defect in feeding nymphs. The findings suggest that B. burgdorferi undergoes a switch in carbohydrate utilization during the mammal to tick transition. Further, the results demonstrate that the ability to utilize glycerol as a carbohydrate source for glycolysis during the tick phase of the infectious cycle is critical for maximal B. burgdorferi fitness.

Los diarios vascos frente al terrorismo (1990, 2000, 2008 y 2009. Análisis de los editoriales sobre los atentados mortales de ETA

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José-Ignacio Armentia-Vizuete

2013-01-01

Full Text Available En la presente investigación hemos analizado los editoriales que los medios de comunicación vascos publican durante los años 1990, 2000, 2008 y 2009 cuando se producen atentados de ETA con víctimas mortales. Pretendemos con ello observar el tratamiento que los diferentes medios de comunicación hacen sobre el terrorismo en sus textos de opinión más importantes, ya que son los que marcan la línea ideológica del medio. Como hipótesis de partida consideramos que a lo largo de las fechas analizadas hay un importantísimo cambio en la línea editorial de los medios a la hora de afrontar los asesinatos de ETA, que va desde la práctica inexistencia de la publicación de editoriales a la utilización de los mismos como instrumentos activos en la lucha contra la violencia. Alcanzado el año 2009, los medios de comunicación tienen una estrategia muy definida para combatir el terrorismo de ETA que queda perfectamente plasmada en los editoriales que publican.

Inclusión de los estándares internacionales sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en políticas bancarias y programas REDD+

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Johanna Fonseca

2013-06-01

Full Text Available El presente ensayo analiza la inclusión de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en el derecho y la política internacional, en el marco del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos. El objetivo de tal reflexión es determinar el grado de implementación de los estándares internacionales sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas por parte de los Estados, en particular Guatemala, respecto a los programas y proyectos de desarrollo. Para lograr tal objetivo, en un primer momento, se refleja la evolución del derecho internacional en torno al reconocimiento de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas. Posteriormente, se analiza la adecuación del derecho interno de los Estados a los estándares internacionales y regionales en la materia a la luz de las obligaciones internacionales de derechos humanos correspondientes y, finalmente, se aborda la consideración estatal de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en programas y proyectos de desarrollo.

Los Procesos Electorales Centroamericanos en la Década de los 80

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Fernando HARTO DE VERA

2009-11-01

Full Text Available RESUMEN: En este artículo se traza cuales han sido los resultados de los distintos procesos electorales que han tenido lugar durante la década de los ochenta en Centroamérica.ABSTRACT: In this article, the author describes the electoral results of the elections in Central America in the eighties.

Inter- and intra-specific pan-genomes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: genome stability and adaptive radiation

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

Background Lyme disease is caused by spirochete bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) species complex. To reconstruct the evolution of B. burgdorferi s.l. and identify the genomic basis of its human virulence, we compared the genomes of 23 B. burgdorferi s.l. isolates from Europe and the United States, including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (B. burgdorferi s.s., 14 isolates), B. afzelii (2), B. garinii (2), B. “bavariensis” (1), B. spielmanii (1), B. valaisiana (1), B. bissettii (1), and B. “finlandensis” (1). Results Robust B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. burgdorferi s.l. phylogenies were obtained using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms, despite recombination. Phylogeny-based pan-genome analysis showed that the rate of gene acquisition was higher between species than within species, suggesting adaptive speciation. Strong positive natural selection drives the sequence evolution of lipoproteins, including chromosomally-encoded genes 0102 and 0404, cp26-encoded ospC and b08, and lp54-encoded dbpA, a07, a22, a33, a53, a65. Computer simulations predicted rapid adaptive radiation of genomic groups as population size increases. Conclusions Intra- and inter-specific pan-genome sizes of B. burgdorferi s.l. expand linearly with phylogenetic diversity. Yet gene-acquisition rates in B. burgdorferi s.l. are among the lowest in bacterial pathogens, resulting in high genome stability and few lineage-specific genes. Genome adaptation of B. burgdorferi s.l. is driven predominantly by copy-number and sequence variations of lipoprotein genes. New genomic groups are likely to emerge if the current trend of B. burgdorferi s.l. population expansion continues. PMID:24112474

Ejercicio de los derechos y participación de las mujeres en los ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

2013-07-19

Jul 19, 2013 ... Ejercicio de los derechos y participación de las mujeres en los espacios locales: Promesas y realidades de la descentralización en América Latina. Book cover: Ejercicio de los derechos y participación de las mujeres en los espacios locales. Editor(s):. Gloria Bonder. Publisher(s):. FLACSO Argentina ...

LOS EFECTOS DE LA ESTIMULACIÓN SOBRE EL MEDIO INTERNO DE LOS ORGANISMOS

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Laura Acuña

2002-07-01

Full Text Available Los efectos de la estimulación no se limitan a la conducta ostensible de los organismos sino que incluyen el funcionamiento de su medio interno. Tales efectos se encuentran en un continuo, desde los nocivos hasta los benéficos para la salud. El extremo de los efectos nocivos es la muerte súbita de los sujetos. En este trabajo se describen dos experimentos realizados en el laboratorio del primer autor sobre eventos ambientales conducentes a una muerte súbita en ratas, así como sobre algunos eventos involucrados en alargar su expectativa de vida. Alejándose del extremo de los efectos letales de la estimulación se encuentran otros efectos nocivos que involucran la salud de los sujetos. En este trabajo también se describe un estudio con humanos en el que se exploró la influencia negativa o positiva de otras personas sobre su salud física y mental. Mientras que la contribución principal del trabajo con las ratas fue mostrar que existen variables que promueven la supervivencia en una situación amenazante a la vida, en el estudio con sujetos humanos, la contribución principal fue relacionar los hallazgos con el concepto Pavloviano del Efecto de la Persona.

Aprender de los mayores: un intercambio intergeneracional en los Altos de Chiapas

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Paola Ortelli

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Este artículo trata sobre las ideas que dos generaciones de habitantes de Larráinzar tienen del “buen vivir” en el pueblo. Igualmente, contextualiza un estudio de caso y pone el énfasis en sus características histórico-políticas. Expone la perspectiva de los mayores sobre el papel del sistema de cargos en la formación ético-política de las nuevas generaciones hacia la continuidad de los valores propios. También aborda los procesos de apropiación y reformulación que hacen los jóvenes frente a los problemas contemporáneos en ese municipio. Este artículo nos invita a explorar la comunicación a través de la tradición oral y de los procesos de diálogo entre personas mayores y jóvenes.

Los medios votan

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Revista Chasqui

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Las experiencias electorales de Argentina, Ecuador, México y Venezuela, sugieren que la industria electoral, ya prendió sus hornos en la América Latina. Se advierte una nueva modalidad en el lanzamiento de los candidatos presidenciales muy similar a las utilizadas en los Estados Unidos. Es más, en el caso de Venezuela, los jefes de campaña, los llamados "brujos electorales", fueron norteamericanos. Y la televisión fue la niña bonita. CHASQU I presenta aqu í Un breve análisis, con nombre y apellido, de lo que pasó y está pasando en esos cuatro países.

Gestión de los seguimientos de los empleados.

OpenAIRE

Díaz Rodrigo, Jaime

2017-01-01

Tiempo atrás y más aún en la actualidad, las empresas están prestando mayor interés en conseguir que los trabajadores sean felices y vayan motivados al trabajo. Con la intención de alcanzar un ambiente de trabajo en el que los empleados se sientan a gusto, disfruten con lo que hacen y dónde están, muchas empresas están tomando medidas ante ello y llegan al punto de crear departamentos dedicados a la felicidad del trabajador. Para prestar especial atención a los empleados, se les hacen entr...

El Tratamiento Contable y los Efectos Financieros y Fiscales de los Arrendamientos

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Vernor Mesén Figueroa

2013-02-01

Full Text Available En Costa Rica el mercado de los arrendamientos esuno de los sectores que durante los últimos años hamostrado mayor consolidación y crecimiento y cuyoimpacto ha sido sumamente significativo tanto sobrela posición financiera, resultado de operación y flujosde efectivo de los arrendadores y arrendatarios, comosobre los montos que éstos pagan por concepto deimpuesto sobre la renta. El presente estudio muestra una síntesis de la formaen la cual operan los contratos de arrendamiento, decuáles son los criterios contables para su diferenciaciónen financieros y operativos y consecuentemente decuál es el tratamiento contable que los arrendadoresy arrendatarios deben darle en sus estados financierospara cumplir con la NIC 17 “Arrendamientos”, la cualrige los criterios de registro, valuación, presentación yrevelación en esta materia. Finalmente se hace énfasisacerca de las consecuencias que los convenios dearrendamiento usualmente tienen sobre las decisioneseconómicas y estratégicas que toman tanto arrendadorescomo arrendatarios.   ABSTRACT In Costa Rica the rentals market is one of thesectors that during the last years have shown greatergrowth and consolidation and whose impact has beenextremely significant not only on the financial position,operation results and cash flow of landlords and renters,and on the amounts they pay for income tax. This study presents a synthesis on the way in whichrental contracts operate, which is the accountingcriterion for its differentiation in financial andoperational costs and as a consequence which is theaccounting treatment that renter and tenants mustgive them in their financial statements to fulfil 17 NIC“Rentals”, which governs the criterion of registration,valuation, presentation and disclosure in this matter.Finally, emphasis is made about the consequences thatrental agreements usually have on the economic andstrategic decisions that both renter and tenants make.

Los filtros de accesibilidad a los documentos públicos

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Enrique Pérez Herrero

2013-11-01

Full Text Available El presente artículo pretende despejar las dudas suscitadas en las salas de investigación de los archivos, en cuanto a la consulta de los documentos portadores  de información se refiere, bien por ser fuentes históricas, bien por tratarse de testimonios y pruebas de derechos adquiridos por las administraciones y administrados. La documentación histórica por excelencia (de más de 100 arios de antigüedad es de consulta libre, pues el desvelo y discernimiento de su tenor no atenta contra la intimidad de las personas ni contra la integridad de los procedimientos. No ocurre lo mismo con la documentación reciente, cuyo reconocimiento de su contenido puede, en determinado casos, afectar negativamente a su intervinientes (autor, destinatario y rogatorio o, simplemente, por tratarse de actos personales y propios, conceptuados de íntimos, que no interesan a terceras personas. Pero hay otros impedimentos, menos emblemáticos y reconocidos, que impiden la lectura de los documentos como son su mal estado de conservación  (lo que limita su manejo y la ausencia de instrumentos de descripción (lo que impide la localización de los documentos de interés. Estos impedimentos son a los que hemos bautizado con la denominación de “filtros de accesibilidad”, y que son los siguientes: Filtro legal (o plazos administrativos de accesibilidad y derecho a la intimidad, filtro de conservación (o mal estado de los documentos y filtro de los descriptores (o ausencia de instrumentos de descripción documental.The purpose of this article is to clear up the doubts concerning the difficulty of access to documents in public archives. Ancient documents (those more than one hundred years old are free to access since  the revealing of its tenor does not violate the right to privacy or the integrity of procedures. However, the access to recent documents may be detrimental to the people implied (author, addressee, etc particularly in the case of personal acts

Los cromosomas sexuales en los Primates no sólo son X e Y

OpenAIRE

Steinberg, María Eugenia; Nieves, Mariela; Mudry, Marta Dolores

2009-01-01

En el Orden Primates se agrupan dos subórdenes, Strepsirrhini y Haplorrhini, donde las formas actuales del segundo comprenden a los Tarsiiformes junto a los Primates del Nuevo (Platyrrhini) y del Viejo Mundo (Catarrhini), incluyendo a Hominoidea en los últimos. En estos mamíferos el sistema de determinación sexual más extendido es el XX/XY, tal como se ha descrito en los Primates del Viejo Mundo, incluidos los humanos, de ahí el nombre de "human like". En los Platyrrhini actuales se observa l...

Tristes, tristes guerras. Los conflictos bélicos en los álbumes ilustrados

OpenAIRE

López Tortosa, Carolina

2016-01-01

Este trabajo tiene como finalidad reflexionar sobre los álbumes ilustrados destinados a niños que tratan los conflictos bélicos. Distinguiremos cuatro grupos: álbumes de ficción, basados en hechos reales, los que se escribieron durante una guerra y, por último, la poesía ilustrada. En todos ellos analizaremos cómo se desarrolla la guerra y cómo esta involucra y afecta a diferentes grupos sociales, en especial, los niños. Además, durante todo el trabajo reflejaremos las emociones y los pensami...

Los derechos fundamentales de los presos y su reinsercción social

OpenAIRE

López Melero, Montserrat

2011-01-01

La investigación centra su atención en el papel de los derechos fundamentales de los presos. Tomamos como base las Reglas Mínimas para el Tratamiento de reclusos y las Reglas Penitenciarias Europeas de 1973, con la finalidad de respetar los derechos de los reclusos y reforzar el cumplimiento del principio de legalidad en la ejecución penitenciaria. Es decir, considerando al preso como sujeto perteneciente de la sociedad y no como sujeto excluido, titular de derechos reconocidos constitucional...

Los insomnios

OpenAIRE

Takeuchi Tan, Yuri; Fundación Valle de Lili

1998-01-01

Los insomnios/El sueño normal/Otros trastornos de sueño que producen insomnio pero también hipersomnio (excesiva somnolencia diurna)/Manejo y tratamiento de los insomnios/Higiene del sueño/Instrucciones para la higiene del sueño/Técnicas conductuales/Terapia farmacológica.

De los registros a los objetos: Semántica y comportamiento de los documentos: el desafío de la Web 3.0

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Mela Bosch

2012-10-01

Full Text Available Se presenta un panorama y los interrogantes fundamentales de la etapa de la Web 3.0. Se analizan las características actuales de los sistemas bibliográficos estructurados con el modelo entidad-relación. Se definen los niveles conceptual, lógico y físico en los sistemas informáticos; consecuentemente se presentan las características de los FRBR y se obervan las relaciones entre obra y documento en el modelo conceptual FRBR. Se describen los FRBRoo como una interpretación con una lógica de objetos de los mismos requerimientos funcionales. Finalmente se plantean las tendencias a futuro, tales como pasar de las modelizaciones de entidad-relación a la de objetos, la explicitación con anotación semántica consistente, el mapeo de bases bibliográficas existentes y el desarrollo de ontologías para que los sistemas documentales se integren en la Web Semática

Los presupuestos del Concurso

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Línea de Investigación “De la Crisis Empresarial

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Este escrito es el resultado de uno de los proyectos de investigación adelantados por el Departamento de Derecho Comercial de la Universidad Externado de Colombia. En el se hace una aproximación histórica a los presupuestos para acceder a los trámites concursales en Perú, Argentina y España, analizándolos desde los puntos doctrinal, académico y legal.Así mismo, es parte integrante de un trabajo más amplio que pretende elaborar un documento contentivo del tratamiento que se da a los presupuestos concursales a nivel mundial.En este orden de ideas, nos permitimos presentar un análisis minucioso de la legislación de los citados países iberoamericanos.

cultural de los chicanos

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Patricia Casasa

2003-01-01

Full Text Available En Estados Unidos los diferentes grupos étnicos de habla hispana, entre ellos los chicanos, se enfrentan al problema de definir su identidad frente a la cultura anglosajona dominante, y este proceso puede ser descrito como un fenómeno de autoreconocimiento colectivo, o sea, la percepción diferencial de una colectividad suficientemente integrada y consistente, en contraposición con otras. Cualquier elemento que integra una configuración cultural, como son las pautas de comportamiento, los estilos de vida, las fiestas, los cantos, los mitos, los usos del ceremonial laico y religioso, la organización social del espacio, el lenguaje, la vida cotidiana o la utilización y percepción del medio físico, etcétera, pueden desempeñar este papel.

Elevated carbon monoxide in the exhaled breath of mice during a systemic bacterial infection.

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Alan G Barbour

Full Text Available Blood is the specimen of choice for most laboratory tests for diagnosis and disease monitoring. Sampling exhaled breath is a noninvasive alternative to phlebotomy and has the potential for real-time monitoring at the bedside. Improved instrumentation has advanced breath analysis for several gaseous compounds from humans. However, application to small animal models of diseases and physiology has been limited. To extend breath analysis to mice, we crafted a means for collecting nose-only breath samples from groups and individual animals who were awake. Samples were subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry procedures developed for highly sensitive analysis of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs in the atmosphere. We evaluated the system with experimental systemic infections of severe combined immunodeficiency Mus musculus with the bacterium Borrelia hermsii. Infected mice developed bacterial densities of ∼10(7 per ml of blood by day 4 or 5 and in comparison to uninfected controls had hepatosplenomegaly and elevations of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. While 12 samples from individual infected mice on days 4 and 5 and 6 samples from uninfected mice did not significantly differ for 72 different VOCs, carbon monoxide (CO was elevated in samples from infected mice, with a mean (95% confidence limits effect size of 4.2 (2.8-5.6, when differences in CO2 in the breath were taken into account. Normalized CO values declined to the uninfected range after one day of treatment with the antibiotic ceftriaxone. Strongly correlated with CO in the breath were levels of heme oxygenase-1 protein in serum and HMOX1 transcripts in whole blood. These results (i provide further evidence of the informativeness of CO concentration in the exhaled breath during systemic infection and inflammation, and (ii encourage evaluation of this noninvasive analytic approach in other various other rodent models of infection and for utility in

Los Servicios de Inteligencia ante los retos de la Comunidad Internacional

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Torres Muro, Federico

2005-01-01

Full Text Available El título de mi contribución a este número de la revista Arbor, «Los Servicios de inteligencia ante los retos de la comunidad internacional", posiblemente debería completarse con la frase, para las que aquéllos deben tener respuesta. Me explico. Es obvio que la comunidad internacional tiene que afrontar retos como el hambre, la pobreza, el cambio climático, que no menciono en mi artículo ya que no entran dentro del ámbito de actuación de los servicios de inteligencia, aunque ningún analista cualificado los ignoraría. No obstante, he creído conveniente centrar mi descripción, necesariamente sucinta, del panorama actual de las relaciones internacionales en aquellos factores que entiendo afectan directamente a la seguridad internacional y, por tanto, a la tarea de los servicios de inteligencia.

Los sentidos y las ruinas

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Francine Masiello

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Camino a Cafayate, al norte de Tucumán, la ciudadela de los indios quilmes me permite el descanso y la reflexión. Escalando lo que en otra época fue la fortaleza de una cultura poderosa, estudio el horizonte, admiro las alturas, intento reconstruir la vida de los indígenas tal como hubiera sido en una época muy lejana. Sin embargo, estos pensamientos no son libres, ni son míos; más bien, el libro de turismo me dice cómo tengo que mirar, me cuenta la historia de la cultura quilmes para que no me quede ninguna sorpresa. Los quilmes, la civilización más grande de la Argentina antes de la llegada de los españoles, primero resistían los avances del imperio incaico y después, durante 130 años, se oponían a los conquistadores. Sabemos por los guías de turismo que los españoles arrancaron a los últimos sobrevivientes a pie a Buenos Aires. La gran mayoría pereció en el camino. También sabemos que las ruinas de los quilmes fueron rehabilitadas durante la última dictadura militar. Imposible, entonces, no captar la ironía del gesto de los militares al recordar a los indígenas desaparecidos mientras seguían desapareciendo al pueblo argentino durante la década de los años setenta.

Historia de los Medicamentos

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Alfredo Jácome Roca

2003-10-01

Full Text Available

Cómo evolucionaron los medicamentos

La historia de los medicamentos hace parte del devenir del hombre y de la historia de la medicina.

Desde siempre, el ser humano buscó una explicación a los fenómenos y una solución a sus males. El pensamiento mágico, más acentuado en las tribus y en las más antiguas civilizaciones, hizo importante el poder de los conjuros y la influencia de los dioses sobre las pócimas.

Con algunas excepciones, hasta que Paracelso introdujo en terapéutica las sustancias inorgánicas, los medicamentos eran hierbas. Gobernantes estudiosos del tema (el Emperador Rojo -padre de la Herbología china- y Mitrìdates VI -inventor y consumidor consuetudinario de la famosa teriaca- vivieron obsesionados con el temor al envenenamiento. Tanto que el último, septuagenario y derrotado por sus antiguos aliados romanos, trató de envenenarse para acabar con su vida, mas no fue posible pues estaba inmunizado contra los tóxicos; tuvo que rogarle a un esclavo que atravesara su pecho con la espada. Dioscórides y Plinio el Viejo eran eruditos conocedores de la botánica; el primero escribió la “Materia Médica”, el segundo, la “Historia Natural”.

La aparición de la medicina como oficio, en casos como los de Hipócrates y Galeno, estuvo rodeada de prestigio; pero en los más fue tarea de esclavos, labor de sirvientes. Estos colegas de la antigüedad aprendieron a manejar sus propios medicamentos, preparados en algunas trastiendas o “boticas”. Los farmacéuticos se iniciaron como simples dispensadores y tuvieron auge entre los árabes, civilización donde aparecieron también los primeros recetarios, listados de medicinas o primitivas farmacopeas. Pero siempre las mismas hierbas con los mismos hierbateros, para llamar de alguna manera a los empíricos que ejercían artesanalmente la medicina.

Refiriéndose a las curas de su médico tratante, Adriano –considerado por aquel

El reconocimiento de los bienes de dominio público: El caso de los municipios portugueses

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Susana Catarino Rua

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Objeto: Este trabajo tiene por objetivos analizar el mencionado en el POCAL (1999, en las NICSP del IPSASB y en diversas opiniones doctrinales con respecto al reconocimiento de los bienes de dominio público (BDP, así como verificar si existen problemas inherentes al reconocimiento de los BDP en Portugal, superables con la adopción de las NICSP. Diseño/metodología/Enfoque: Para este estudio, fue efectuada una revisión de literatura, de la posición del POCAL (1999, de las NICSP del IPSASB, y de la perspectiva doctrinal, con respecto al reconocimiento de los bienes de dominio público. Además, se realizó un estudio de la evolución de los valores de los bienes de dominio público, de los años 2006 a 2013, del total de los 308 municipios portugueses, para concluir acerca de la existencia de dificultades en el reconocimiento de estos activos y de la necesidad de adoptar los normativos internacionales. Aportaciones y Resultados: En algunos municipios portugueses, el proceso de inventario aún no está concluido, existiendo dificultades con respecto al reconocimiento de los BDP. Dichas dificultades resultan de que el POCAL (1999 no presenta los requisitos para el reconocimiento de los activos; problema superado en la NICSP nº 17 del IPSASB (2006b, que refiere esos requisitos. Adoptar un nuevo Sistema de Normalización Contable aplicable a la Administración Pública (SNC-AP, basado en las NICSP, puede ser la solución para dichas cuestiones, introduciendo criterios a considerar en el reconocimiento de los activos, que aseguren la comparabilidad de la información y de los valores del patrimonio de los municipios portugueses. Limitaciones: La inexistencia de criterios de reconocimiento a seguir por los municipios trae limitaciones al nivel de la comparabilidad de los valores de los diferentes componentes del activo presentados por los varios municipios. Valor añadido: Este trabajo nos enseña que, en Portugal, aún existen problemas con

Aspectos de los Sistemas Tributarios en los Países Andinos que Preocupan los a Inversionistas Extranjeros

OpenAIRE

Adrián F. Rodríguez Piedrahita; Carmela Hernández

2003-01-01

El presente análisis se ha enfocado en las reglas adoptadas por el legislador en normas internas, tomando como parámetro de comparación nuestra experiencia con inversionistas en la región, sometidos al régimen del impuesto federal sobre la renta en los Estados Unidos de América. Los comentarios que aquí se hacen han de ser considerados sin perjuicio de aquellos casos individuales en que la adopción de tratados bilaterales para evitar la doble tributación ha servido para conciliar los interese...

Identification of Additional Anti-Persister Activity against Borrelia burgdorferi from an FDA Drug Library

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Jie Feng

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Lyme disease is a leading vector-borne disease in the United States. Although the majority of Lyme patients can be cured with standard 2–4 week antibiotic treatment, 10%–20% of patients continue to suffer from prolonged post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS. While the cause for this is unclear, persisting organisms not killed by current Lyme antibiotics may be involved. In our previous study, we screened an FDA drug library and reported 27 top hits that showed high activity against Borrelia persisters. In this study, we present the results of an additional 113 active hits that have higher activity against the stationary phase B. burgdorferi than the currently used Lyme antibiotics. Many antimicrobial agents (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, anthelmintics or antiparasitics used for treating other infections were found to have better activity than the current Lyme antibiotics. These include antibacterials such as rifamycins (3-formal-rifamycin, rifaximin, rifamycin SV, thiostrepton, quinolone drugs (sarafloxacin, clinafloxacin, tosufloxacin, and cell wall inhibitors carbenicillin, tazobactam, aztreonam; antifungal agents such as fluconazole, mepartricin, bifonazole, climbazole, oxiconazole, nystatin; antiviral agents zanamivir, nevirapine, tilorone; antimalarial agents artemisinin, methylene blue, and quidaldine blue; antihelmintic and antiparasitic agents toltrazuril, tartar emetic, potassium antimonyl tartrate trihydrate, oxantel, closantel, hycanthone, pyrimethamine, and tetramisole. Interestingly, drugs used for treating other non-infectious conditions including verteporfin, oltipraz, pyroglutamic acid, pidolic acid, and dextrorphan tartrate, that act on the glutathione/γ-glutamyl pathway involved in protection against free radical damage, and also the antidepressant drug indatraline, were found to have high activity against stationary phase B. burgdorferi. Among the active hits, agents that affect cell membranes, energy

Identification of Additional Anti-Persister Activity against Borrelia burgdorferi from an FDA Drug Library.

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Jie; Weitner, Megan; Shi, Wanliang; Zhang, Shuo; Sullivan, David; Zhang, Ying

2015-09-16

Lyme disease is a leading vector-borne disease in the United States. Although the majority of Lyme patients can be cured with standard 2-4 week antibiotic treatment, 10%-20% of patients continue to suffer from prolonged post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). While the cause for this is unclear, persisting organisms not killed by current Lyme antibiotics may be involved. In our previous study, we screened an FDA drug library and reported 27 top hits that showed high activity against Borrelia persisters. In this study, we present the results of an additional 113 active hits that have higher activity against the stationary phase B. burgdorferi than the currently used Lyme antibiotics. Many antimicrobial agents (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, anthelmintics or antiparasitics) used for treating other infections were found to have better activity than the current Lyme antibiotics. These include antibacterials such as rifamycins (3-formal-rifamycin, rifaximin, rifamycin SV), thiostrepton, quinolone drugs (sarafloxacin, clinafloxacin, tosufloxacin), and cell wall inhibitors carbenicillin, tazobactam, aztreonam; antifungal agents such as fluconazole, mepartricin, bifonazole, climbazole, oxiconazole, nystatin; antiviral agents zanamivir, nevirapine, tilorone; antimalarial agents artemisinin, methylene blue, and quidaldine blue; antihelmintic and antiparasitic agents toltrazuril, tartar emetic, potassium antimonyl tartrate trihydrate, oxantel, closantel, hycanthone, pyrimethamine, and tetramisole. Interestingly, drugs used for treating other non-infectious conditions including verteporfin, oltipraz, pyroglutamic acid, pidolic acid, and dextrorphan tartrate, that act on the glutathione/γ-glutamyl pathway involved in protection against free radical damage, and also the antidepressant drug indatraline, were found to have high activity against stationary phase B. burgdorferi. Among the active hits, agents that affect cell membranes, energy production, and reactive

Fuentes personales y familiares de los valores de socialización de los padres: un estudio multinivel

OpenAIRE

Silvia Donato; Semira Tagliabue; Eugenia Scabini

2017-01-01

Este estudio se centró en los valores de socialización de los padres, es decir los valores que los padres quieren que sus hijos adopten, y sus fuentes. En una muestra de 325 familias italianas con un hijo adolescente (14-18 años), se compararon los valores de socialización entre los padres y las madres, y se evaluaron los valores personales de los padres y el clima de valores familiares como antecedentes de los valores que los padres quisieran que sus hijos adquirieran. Para cada familia se t...

Tics: los trastornos del movimiento más frecuentes en los niños

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Ortiz Giraldo, Blair

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Los tics son los trastornos del movimiento más frecuentes en los niños y su mayor prevalencia es en la edad escolar. La mayoría son transitorios, pero algunos pueden tener repercusiones negativas en los ámbitos escolar, familiar y social, que pueden llevar a fracaso escolar, baja autoestima y disfunción social. Algunos de los tics se relacionan con el trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH y con otras enfermedades que requieren diagnóstico oportuno y adecuado tratamiento. En esta revisión sobre los tics se incluyen los siguientes aspectos: epidemiología, etiología, factores de riesgo, caracterización, enfermedades asociadas, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico.

Aproximaciones a los videojuegos y su incidencia en las subjetividades de los jugadores latinoamericanos

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Álvaro Alfonso Acevedo Merlano

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Este artículo analiza los resultados de un estudio sobre el modo en que los videojuegos inciden en la construcción de las subjetividades de los jugadores latinoamericanos desde el punto de vista del consumo cultural y considerando los discursos de la industria en la que fueron creados. A través del método etnográfico, se analiza cómo las subjetividades son afectadas dependiendo de la característica de los videojuegos que son consumidos, mostrando el fenómeno en América Latina. Los resultados se encaminan a superar el estigma de simples consumidores pasivos del tercer mundo, para comprender de manera crítica la producción y consumo de los videojuegos en el contexto latinoamericano.

La satisfacción de los clientes de los centros deportivos municipales de Barcelona

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Amal Elasri Ejjaberi

2015-03-01

Full Text Available El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar y analizar las variables que más influyen en la satisfacción del cliente en los centros deportivos de Barcelona. Los datos fueron recogidos en una encuesta entre los clientes actuales de centros deportivos municipales. Un análisis factorial aplicado a esta información revela cinco dimensiones que subyacen a los múltiples componentes de la oferta de servicios en dichas instalaciones: su calidad, los recursos humanos, la comunicación, el entorno social y la relación calidad-precio. Las variables generadas fueron incorporadas a un modelo de regresión múltiple en el que la variable dependiente fue la satisfacción del cliente. De acuerdo con los resultados las mujeres y los usuarios mayores de 60 años valoran más positivamente el servicio recibido, mientras que a mayor nivel de estudios, más exigentes son los clientes. Finalmente, un gerente debe prestar atención en primer lugar a la calidad de las instalaciones seguido de la comunicación, los recursos humanos, la relación calidad precio y el entorno social, por este orden.

DISEÑO DEL SISTEMA DE CONTROL DE CALIDAD DE LOS DIAGNOSTICADORES CENTIS EN FUNCIÓN DE LOS REQUERIMIENTOS DE LOS CLIENTES

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Pavel Melo Cala

2003-12-01

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Las empresas de hoy en día deben preocuparse por la satisfacción plena de las necesidades y expectativas de los clientes para lograr su fidelidad y ampliar la cuota de mercado sobre la base de la satisfacción de este. En un análisis de la satisfacción de los clientes con los diagnosticadores del CENTIS se determinó que. existían algunas insatisfacciones cuyas causas fundamentales eran las deficiencias en el sistema de control de la calidad (SCC y la falta de un adecuado diseño del servicio. Además, el costo actual de inspección es elevado. De ahí que el objetivo del presente trabajo consista en diseñar un SCC orientado a la satisfacción de los requisitos de los clientes en aras de reducir en un 50 % las quejas presentadas por los cliente externos, aumentar la satisfacción del personal y reducir los costos de inspección al mínimo posible.

[es] Los fundamentos normativos de las profesiones y los deberes de los trabajadores sociales

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Damián Salcedo Megales

2010-06-01

Full Text Available En este artículo presento un esbozo de estructura de los valores del trabajo social que hagan posible una justificación racional de sus deberes y responsabilidades. Dicha estructura nos permite elaborar una concepción de la ética profesional que pone de relieve las facetas institucionales de los fundamentos de la práctica profesional. En ella, encuentran su lugar principios, reglas, normas, etc. y así surge una visión general de sus exigencias y relaciones. Por último, se realizan algunas reflexiones sobre la identidad profesional y los compromisos básicos con el cambio social que se deducen de la teoría sobre los fundamentos normativos del trabajo social que he ofrecido. I sketch a theoretical framework for social work values that make possible a rational justification for duties and responsibilities. It enables us to develop an approach to professional ethics stressing the institutional aspects of the ground for professional practice. Principles, rules, norms, etc. find their place in such framework and so a comprehensive understanding of its requirements and relations emerge. Some remarks, finally, on professional identity and basic commitments to social reform are deduced from the basic account of the normative foundations for social work I offer.

Los Takanas: el acceso a la tierra y los recursos naturales (1950-2003.

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Zulema Lehm Ardaya

2010-01-01

uso comercial de diferentes especies naturales. El artículo discute la adaptación de los takanas a los desafíos y tendencias del uso de los recursos naturales en sistemas de acceso comunitario a la tierra.

Approaches for Reverse Line Blot-Based Detection of Microbial Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected in Austria and Impact of the Chosen Method.

Science.gov (United States)

Schötta, Anna-Margarita; Wijnveld, Michiel; Stockinger, Hannes; Stanek, Gerold

2017-07-01

Ticks transmit a large number of pathogens capable of causing human disease. In this study, the PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) method was used to screen for pathogens in a total of 554 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from all provinces of Austria. These pathogens belong to the genera Borrelia , Rickettsiae , Anaplasma / Ehrlichia (including " Candidatus Neoehrlichia"), Babesia , and Coxiella The pathogens with the highest detected prevalence were spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in 142 ticks (25.6%). Borrelia afzelii (80/142) was the most frequently detected species, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (38/142) and Borrelia valaisiana (36/142). Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis , Borrelia lusitaniae , and Borrelia spielmanii were found in 28 ticks, 5 ticks, and 1 tick, respectively. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 93 ticks (16.8%): R. helvetica (39/93), R. raoultii (38/93), R. monacensis (2/93), and R. slovaca (1/93). Thirteen Rickettsia samples remain uncharacterized. " Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Babesia spp. ( B. venatorum , B. divergens , B. microti ), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were found in 4.5%, 2.7%, and 0.7%, respectively. Coxiella burnetii was not detected. Multiple microorganisms were detected in 40 ticks (7.2%), and the cooccurrence of Babesia spp. and " Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" showed a significant positive correlation. We also compared different PCR-RLBs for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. and showed that different detection approaches provide highly diverse results, indicating that analysis of environmental samples remains challenging. IMPORTANCE This study determined the wide spectrum of tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens that can be encountered in Austria. Surveillance of (putative) pathogenic microorganisms occurring in the environment is of medical importance, especially when those agents can be transmitted by ticks and cause disease. The

El filibusterismo en los mensajes al Congreso de los presidentes de los Estados Unidos y la Ley de Neutralidad 1848-1860

OpenAIRE

Fallas Santana, Carmen María

2011-01-01

En este artículo se analiza el abordaje del filibusterismo en los mensajes al Congreso de los presidentes de Estados Unidos en el periodo comprendido entre el fin de la guerra con México y el inicio de la Guerra Civil. Argumenta que todas las administraciones declararon su compromiso de suprimir el filibusterismo porque era perjudicial para los intereses comerciales, políticos y económicos, la seguridad nacional y las relaciones exteriores. Señala que el rechazo de las peticiones de los gobie...

Análisis de los factores que influencian el gasto de los turistas culturales: el caso de los visitantes de museos de Medellín

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Juan Brida

2013-12-01

Full Text Available El presente trabajo analiza los determinantes del gasto que realizan los turistas culturales, considerandoel caso particular de los visitantes de tres diferentes museos de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Con base en 434 cuestionarios recolectados entre los visitantes de los museos al finalizarsu visita durante el período junio-octubre 2011 y utilizando un modelo econométrico doble-valla (double-hurdle, el trabajo estima el efecto de distintas variables en el monto y laprobabilidad de gasto de los visitantes a un nivel microeconómico. Los resultados muestran que el gasto realizado en diversos rubros de la actividad turística elevala probabilidad de gastar, así como la del monto a gastar en los rubros alojamiento, alimentos ybebidas. Particularmente se observa un incremento proporcional en el conjunto de los componentes principales dentro del gasto turístico, esto es, transporte, alojamiento y alimentación.

LA UTILIZACIÓN QUE DE LOS MEDIOS MASIVOS HACEN LOS ADOLESCENTES

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María de los Angeles Carrillo

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Alrededor de una tercera parte de la población costarricense es joven y por lo tanto, ha estado presente en la evolución que la sociedad ha experimentado con la introducción de las nuevas tecnologías y en especial, de las modificaciones que han transformado los medios de comunicación masiva. Nunca ha existido la oportunidad de estudiar con profundidad el impacto que para Costa Rica ha tenido el desarrollo de la radío, la televisión, los periódicos, las revistas y el cine, y es por ello, que el análisis que se presenta a continuación contribuye a fijar pautas para delinear la importancia que para nuestra sociedad tienen los medios masivos. La intención de este documento es ofrecer al lector el panorama sobre la utilización que de estos medios hacen los adolescentes costarricenses. Los datos que se exponen forman parte del Estudio IDESPO-CORNELL, el cual es muy rico en su contenido y este análisis es sólo una pequeña muestra de ello. La información metodológica está contenida en varios documentos (Por ejemplo en el proyecto IDESPO-CORNELL, por lo que en esta ponencia sólo se hace una esquemática síntesis de ella. Este es el primero de varios estudios que el IDESPO planea presentar, pues considera que los fenómenos poblacionales no pueden estar desligados de la evolución de los medios masivos.

Los servicios de suministros de los establecimientos sanitarios: la medición de la performance

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Iván Claro Dacosta

2001-01-01

Full Text Available Los indicadores de performance en sus diferentes acepciones —llámense cuadernos de mando, medición de los resultados o indicadores de eficiencia— se han convertido en una herramienta indispensable dentro de las mejores organizaciones del mundo (World-Class Organizations para mejorar la calidad de los servicios y reducir al mismo tiempo los costes. Este artículo presenta un sistema de medición de la performance desarrollado específicamente para las cadenas de suministros de los establecimientos sanitarios. El sistema está organizado en diferentes niveles y grupos de indicadores, con el fin de presentar una visión jerárquica, coherente e íntegra de los procesos. Así, la performance de la cadena de suministros se presenta en función de (1 los aspectos financieros, (2 los aspectos de satisfacción del cliente, y (3 los aspectos internos del proceso. Además, atendiendo a las diferentes necesidades informativas del personal involucrado, el sistema de medición se estructura en tres niveles. El primer nivel considera el conjunto de la cadena de suministros y las interrelaciones entre las diversas actividades críticas. El segundo nivel se centra en los principales procesos de la cadena —léase, los procesos de gestión física de los productos, los procesos de compra y de negociación, y las unidades de stock en planta—. El tercer y último nivel controla cada actividad particular. El sistema de medición de la performance ha sido desarrollado y validado con la participación de 17 establecimientos sanitarios del estado de Québec (Canadá, pero, debido a la similitud en el funcionamiento, puede igualmente ser utilizado en los hospitales españoles.

Los servicios de suministros de los establecimientos sanitarios: la medición de la performance

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Dacosta Claro Iván

2001-01-01

Full Text Available Los indicadores de performance en sus diferentes acepciones -llámense cuadernos de mando, medición de los resultados o indicadores de eficiencia- se han convertido en una herramienta indispensable dentro de las mejores organizaciones del mundo (World-Class Organizations para mejorar la calidad de los servicios y reducir al mismo tiempo los costes. Este artículo presenta un sistema de medición de la performance desarrollado específicamente para las cadenas de suministros de los establecimientos sanitarios. El sistema está organizado en diferentes niveles y grupos de indicadores, con el fin de presentar una visión jerárquica, coherente e íntegra de los procesos. Así, la performance de la cadena de suministros se presenta en función de (1 los aspectos financieros, (2 los aspectos de satisfacción del cliente, y (3 los aspectos internos del proceso. Además, atendiendo a las diferentes necesidades informativas del personal involucrado, el sistema de medición se estructura en tres niveles. El primer nivel considera el conjunto de la cadena de suministros y las interrelaciones entre las diversas actividades críticas. El segundo nivel se centra en los principales procesos de la cadena -léase, los procesos de gestión física de los productos, los procesos de compra y de negociación, y las unidades de stock en planta-. El tercer y último nivel controla cada actividad particular. El sistema de medición de la performance ha sido desarrollado y validado con la participación de 17 establecimientos sanitarios del estado de Québec (Canadá, pero, debido a la similitud en el funcionamiento, puede igualmente ser utilizado en los hospitales españoles.

La satisfacción de los clientes de los centros deportivos municipales de Barcelona

OpenAIRE

Elasri Ejjaberi, Amal; Triadó i Ivern, Xavier Ma.; Aparicio Chueca, Ma. del Pilar (María del Pilar)

2015-01-01

El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar y analizar las variables que más influyen en la satisfacción del cliente en los centros deportivos de Barcelona. Los datos fueron recogidos en una encuesta entre los clientes actuales de centros deportivos municipales. Un análisis factorial aplicado a esta información revela cinco dimensiones que subyacen a los múltiples componentes de la oferta de servicios en dichas instalaciones: su calidad, los recursos humanos, la comunicación, el entorno social...

Los efectos de la estimulación sobre el medio interno de los organismos

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Carlos A. Bruner

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Los efectos de la estimulación no se limitan a la conducta ostensible de los organismos sino que incluyen el funcionamiento de su medio interno. Tales efectos se encuentran en un continuo, desde los nocivos hasta los benéficos para la salud. El extremo de los efectos nocivos es la muerte súbita de los sujetos. En este trabajo se describen dos experimentos realizados en el laboratorio del primer autor sobre eventos ambientales conducentes a una muerte súbita en ratas, así como sobre algunos eventos involucrados en alargar su expectativa de vida. Alejándose del extremo de los efectos letales de la estimulación se encuentran otros efectos nocivos que involucran la salud de los sujetos. En este trabajo también se describe un estudio con humanos en el que se exploró la influencia negativa o positiva de otras personas sobre su salud física y mental. Mientras que la contribución principal del trabajo con las ratas fue mostrar que existen variables que promueven la supervivencia en una situación amenazante a la vida, en el estudio con sujetos humanos, la contribución principal fue relacionar los hallazgos con el concepto Pavloviano del Efecto de la Persona

Prioridades de Clientes de los Mercados de los Agricultores

OpenAIRE

Curtis, Kynda; Gumirakiza, J. Dominique

2014-01-01

Los mercados de los agricultores ofrecen una experiencia de compra alternativa, especialmente para aquellos consumidores que buscan productos agrícolas frescos, de alta calidad y saludables (Holloway y Kneafsey, 2000; Brown, 2001; Archer et al., 2003; McGarry-Wolf et al., 2005; Zepeda y Deal, 2009; Lyon et al., 2009; Cole 2010; y USDAAMS, 2011).

Los destructivos B&B

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Daniel López

2015-01-01

Full Text Available En los últimos años varios dibujos animados para jóvenes han cautivado a los mayores por la temática que tratan. Ese es el caso de los Simpson o de Vida de Perros, que son fiel representación de la sociedad norteamericana. Ahora se suma a este fenómeno el dúo juvenil integrado por los destructivos BEAVIS & BUTT HEAD -B&B- jóvenes desempleados piromaniáticos cuyas vidas están marcadas por sus locuras, el amor a la música heavy metal, viven en una zona suburbana y retratan fielmente a la sociedad estadounidense. La exhibición de esta serie en América Latina es tomada como otra forma de penetración cultural norteamericana, son productos de mala calidad que nada tienen que ver con nuestra manera de ser, pero el marketing se impone y muy posiblemente en poco tiempo los B&B se impondrá como los Simpson.

EVALUACIÓN SOBRE LOS PERFILES DE INGRESO DE LOS ALUMNOS DE LOS POSGRADOS DE ADMINISTRACIÓN: ACTITUDES Y EXPERIENCIAS HACIA LAS MATEMÁTICAS

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Edgar Oliver Cardoso Espinosa

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo presenta los principales resultados de la investigación realizada sobre los perfiles de ingreso de los alumnos de los posgrados en administración impartidos en el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN con la finalidad de identificar sus actitudes y experiencias hacia la asignatura de matemáticas. Los programas seleccionados fueron: 1 Maestría en Administración de Negocios (MAN; 2 Maestría en Administración Pública (MAP y, 3 Maestría en Administración en Gestión y Desarrollo de la Educación (MAGDE. El instrumento utilizado fue un cuestionario organizado tanto con preguntas cerradas como de tipo Likert. Las principales conclusiones fueron que los alumnos de posgrado presentan una actitud negativa hacia las matemáticas y sus experiencias de aprendizaje más desagradables han sido en el nivel de preparatoria. Además, los estudiantes perciben a esta asignatura como una disciplina útil pero difícil, así como manifestaron actitudes de desconfianza y de ansiedad en las situaciones que involucran el empleo de los procedimientos matemáticos.

La crisis financiera global de los noventa bajo la sombra de los derivados financieros

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Ayca Sarialioglu - Hayali

2010-05-01

Full Text Available El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el papel de los instrumentos financieros derivados en las crisis financieras internacionales del mundo en desarrollo en los noventa, tales como la crisis del sureste de Asia en 1997 y la crisis brasileña en 1999, etc. Al respecto, este artículo analiza el papel de los derivados financieros en las crisis internacionales, en términos de los efectos directos de crisis como el elemento principal para crear vulnerabilidad y disparar una masiva y rápida salida de capitales y efectos indirectos como acelerador de la crisis por el uso de algunos tipos específicos de derivados, como los total return swaps, los put-able debt, etc. La presencia de mercados de derivados pobremente e inapropia-damente estructurados, como los existentes en las economías en desarrollo en los noventa, estos han sido creados para ser usados con propósitos económicamente nocivos, han sido usados para tomar altos riesgos y escapar de las regulaciones prudenciales. Se sostiene que, aunque ellos fueron inicialmente diseñados para contribuir a la estabilidad financiera en virtud de sus potenciales beneficios económicos, tales como desplazamiento del riesgo y descubrimiento de precio, especialmente en los países en desarrollo, han causado inestabilidad financiera y fallas de mercado, riesgo moral y selección adversa, que son la raíz de los problemas de información asimétrica comúnmente vistos en los mercados financieros. Además han sido ampliamente usados para propósitos especulativos.

Factores diferenciales entre los ERP de software libre (FSW ERP) y los ERP propietarios

OpenAIRE

Oltra Badenes, Raúl Francisco; Gil Gómez, Hermenegildo; Bellver López, Rosa Ana

2011-01-01

[ES] : Los sistemas de información son actualmente uno de los factores clave en el desarrollo y competitividad de la empresa. Dentro de los sistemas de información, los ERP son posiblemente los sistemas que mayor impacto tienen en la gestión de las empresas. En su continua evolución, una de las nuevas tendencias en el desarrollo de ERP, es la del software libre o Free Software. Sin embargo, prácticamente no hay estudios que centren su atención en la aplicación del software libre a...

Tics: los trastornos del movimiento más frecuentes en los niños

OpenAIRE

Ortiz Giraldo, Blair; Blazicevich Carrillo,Lucía

2010-01-01

Los tics son los trastornos del movimiento más frecuentes en los niños y su mayor prevalencia es en la edad escolar. La mayoría son transitorios, pero algunos pueden tener repercusiones negativas en los ámbitos escolar, familiar y social, que pueden llevar a fracaso escolar, baja autoestima y disfunción social. Algunos de los tics se relacionan con el trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) y con otras enfermedades que requieren diagnóstico oportuno y adecuado tratamiento. En...

Los átomos marcados

OpenAIRE

Pi Suñer, Augusto

2012-01-01

Ahora se ha hecho posible identificar los átomos y seguirlos en su camino a lo largo del recambio. Tenemos manera de distinguir unos átomos de otros entre los que constituyen una molécula, átomos "marcados", cuya suerte podremos conocer en cada uno de los momentos de las operaciones nutritivas. Por la importancia y porque auguramos gran porvenir al procedimiento de reconocer individualmente unos átomos, nos parece útil exponer los antecedentes del método y detenernos brevemente en la explicac...

Los vínculos de los que la familia es capaz

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Gisela Daza Navarrete

1999-10-01

Full Text Available La familia es sujeto y objeto de transformaciones entretejidas en el curso de los acontecimientos que se suceden en la producción económica y social en el capitalismo occidental. Sin embargo, la posición periférica que ocupamos en él produce expresiones susceptibles de ser consideradas como constitutivas de nuestra singularidad, bien sea por el matiz específico de su manifestación, bien sea por su capacidad para ejercer resistencia al curso impuesto por la tendencia general. Este texto, prosiguiendo el acontecer de los cambios de lo social, describe la afectación de los vínculos familiares en la propagación de la normalización, en la generación de los padres y de sus hijos, para dar paso, más tarde, a una serie de prácticas afianzadas en una nueva expresión del poder, el control, cuya manifestaciones más densas tienen lugar con la generación de los nietos.

Cascos utilizados por los pueblos de las estepas euroasiáticas en la época de los Escitas y de los Sármatas

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Brentjes, B.

2000-12-01

Full Text Available The helmet appeared in the steppes of Eurasia at the end of the second mill. BC. The helmets were cast and seem to follow Chinese helmets of the Shang-Yin time. This type of helmet reached eastern Europe in the first centuries of the first mill. BC. A new development was the armoured cap of felt with iron casted scales.It was developed by the Skythians under the impression of the Assyrian scale armour which they met during their invasion in Near East. Three Assyrian pointed helmets were found in northern Caucasia and might be booty or bought by the Cimmerians or the Skythians in the Seventh or sixth century BC. During the fifth and fourth centuries the Greeks sold several types of helmets to the Skythians. Thrakian helmets might have been won during wars on the Balkans. Celtic helmets found at several sites might have been imported via Italy -or are left by Celtic mercenaries of the Pontos kings.

El casco apareció en las estepas de Eurasia hacia el final del II milenio a.C. Los cascos eran forjados y parecen derivar de los cascos chinos del periodo Shang-Yin. Este tipo de casco alcanzó Europa oriental durante los primeros siglos del primer milenio a.C. Un nuevo desarrollo fue el capacete blindado de fieltro con escamas de hierro. Fue creado por los escitas bajo la influencia de las corazas asirias de escamas que encontraron durante sus incursiones en el Próximo Oriente. Tres cascos asirios apuntados han sido hallados en el norte del Cáucaso y podrían ser botín o adquisiciones de los Cimerios o los escitas durante los siglos VII-VI a.C. Durante los siglos V-IV a.C. los griegos vendieron diversos tipos de cascos a los Escitas. Cascos tracios pueden haber sido capturados durante campañas en los Balcanes. Cascos Célticos hallados en diversos yacimientos pudieron importarse via Italia -o haber pertenecido a mercenarios celtas de los reyes del Ponto.

Violencia cometida por los adolescentes en la familia o cuando son los hijos los que maltratan

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Helena Morales Ortega

2011-12-01

Full Text Available Este estudio de tipo cualitativo, de corte deductivo, se propuso realizar un acercamiento al fenómeno de la violencia ejercida por los jóvenes menores de 18 años en el ámbito familiar, para establecer su ocurrencia en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia, describir las características de los jóvenes implicados, la dinámica familiar y algunos aspectos del entorno social que podrían estar facilitando la ocurrencia de la misma. El estudio fue realizado en el Centro de Reeducación del Adolescente Infractor "Oasis", de esta ciudad; se examinaron expedientes de jóvenes judicializados por los delitos de violencia intrafamiliar, hurto, lesiones personales y daño en bien ajeno, donde la víctima había sido un familiar; igualmente, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con profundidad a madres de jóvenes que al momento de la investigación se hallaban internos en el centro por violencia en la familia. Los resultados indican que son pocos los estudios criminológicos realizados sobre el tema; se trata de jóvenes con edades promedio de 14 a 17 años, provenientes de familias desintegradas, con carencias tanto materiales como afectivas, con dinámicas y estilos de crianza inadecuados; es frecuente en estos jóvenes el consumo de sustancias alucinógenas o alcohol.

Los Juegos Paralímpicos de Londres 2012: los Juegos de la inclusión

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Miguel Ángel Torralba

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Los Juegos Paralímpicos de Londres 2012 han sido excelentes, sin duda los mejores juegos de la historia, pero si por algo se han caracterizado ha sido por el nivel de inclusión desarrollado. Siguiendo el modelo de los Juegos Olímpicos, los organizadores han dado rienda suelta a todos los valores que posee el pueblo británico y, como fundadores del movimiento paralímpico en Stoke Mandeville por el Dr. Guttmann, han sabido conjugar el espectáculo deportivo con la difusión de las capacidades de los deportistas discapacitados. Las proezas de los deportistas paralímpicos han transmitido a toda la sociedad, a través de los medios de comunicación, los valores que tan magníficamente encarnan. La participación ha sido numerosa, 166 países y mas de 4.000 atletas, lo que convierte estos Juegos en la segunda manifestación deportiva de la Tierra. España representa una de las potencias del movimiento Paralímpico, estando presente en los primeros puestos del medallero y siendo punteros en la difusión de modelos educativos y participando en las investigaciones auspiciadas por el Comité Paralímpico Internacional.

LOS DESASTRES NATURALES Y LOS MEDIOS EN COLOMBIA: ¿INFORMACIÓN PARA LA PREVENCIÓN?

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Hermelin Daniel

2008-07-01

Full Text Available En Colombia se ha estudiado poco la relación entre la sociedad y el tratamiento que hacen los medios de comunicación de los desastres naturales. Este es un objeto de estudio que le concierne el campo de investigación denominado comunicación de las ciencias. En este sentido, se necesitan enfoques transdiscplinarios que permitan entender las condiciones de producción de la información, la construcción mediática de los acontecimientos y las percepciones y apropiaciones por parte del público Algunos estudios han mostrado que hay una tendencia en los medios colombianos a detenerse en la descripción detallada de los acontecimientos, y poco en las explicaciones sobre sus causas y consecuencias, desde la perspectiva de los científicos y los expertos. Explicaciones que cuando aparecen son limitadas, o incluso se intercalan con las de carácter sobrenatural. Las aproximaciones sobre la recepción de la información son necesarias, de manera que no se entienda el tratamiento de este tipo de acontecimientos como simples manipulaciones por parte de los medios. Se ha mostrado cómo el público también elige, en la medida en que sus imaginarios son cercanos a los imaginarios “propuestos” por los medios, en relación con los desastres naturales. Pero, si bien son claras las responsabilidades de las autoridades y de la sociedad civil a este respecto, lo anterior no elude sino que invita a la discusión sobre las responsabilidades de los medios de comunicación colombianos en la prevención de los desastres naturales.

Empleo racional de los cementos para los diferentes tipos de obras

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Calleja, José

1980-12-01

Full Text Available Not available

La tesis del contenido de esta conferencia podría resumirse en los siguientes cinco puntos: 1.º Prácticamente todos los países del mundo que fabrican y utilizan cemento, producen y emplean cementos de distintos tipos, clases y categorías, en relación con las características físicas, químicas y mecánico-resistentes de los mismos. 2:º Todas las obras, estructuras y elementos estructurales de hormigón imponen, en función de sus particularidades intrínsecas —propiedades y características— y extrínsecas — funcionalidad de servicio en las circunstancias ambientales de cada caso—, una serie de condiciones al material hormigón, ya sea masivo, armado o pretensado. 3.º Estas condiciones se refieren, fundamentalmente, a tres parámetros: resistencia mecánica, estabilidad y resistencia química. El conjunto de los tres constituye lo que en términos generales y amplios se puede llamar DURABILIDAD de la obra, esto es, su permanencia en servicio a lo largo del tiempo, y con la garantía de un margen de seguridad suficientemente amplio en todo momento, y en todas las circunstancias reales previsibles de dicho servicio. 4.º Para conseguir la calidad y el comportamiento óptimos de las obras, y con ello la máxima durabilidad de las mismas, es preciso que los componentes del hormigón, sus proporciones y la tecnología del material sean los más adecuados. 5.º Por lo que se refiere en particular al más activo y delicado de los materiales del hormigón, el cemento, éste puede y debe ser el más idóneo en cuanto a tipo, clase y categoría, así como en cuanto a dosificación y modo de empleo, para conseguir los hormigones y las obras más durables en cualquier caso.

De los estados fallidos

OpenAIRE

Ruiz Medrano, Salvador Francisco

2011-01-01

Al presente, desde distintas perspectivas, los Estados fallidos parecieran ser una clasificación más de los Estados en general. Este artículo constituye un intento por revisar dicho concepto, que en nuestros días, últimamente, a cobrando nueva relevancia. La tarea se emprende desde el concepto que el derecho internacional da a los Estados fallidos. Luego se analizan las características políticas del mismo, a través del Índice de Política Exterior y Fondo para la Paz de los...

Multiplex assay (Mikrogen recomBead) for detection of serum IgG and IgM antibodies to 13 recombinant antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in patients with neuroborreliosis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dessau, Ram Benny; Møller, Jens K.; Kolmos, Birte

2015-01-01

A multiplex-bead-based assay for the detection of serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was evaluated. The assay contained 13 different antigens in both the IgG and the IgM assay; thus, a total of 26 measurement results were available from each sample. A total of 49 Danish patients......, the construction of a diagnostic score, evaluation of the scoring method using an independent dataset and an assessment of the analytical quality of the multiplex assay. The VlsE IgG had the highest diagnostic value with an AUC (area under the curve) of 96% on the receiver operating characteristic curve. The Osp......C IgM had AUCs just above 80%. All the other antigens had both low quantitative reactivity and lower contrast in the patients with LNB compared to controls. The diagnostic value of the assay may be improved by using a logistic model giving a sensitivity of 90 and 79% for the specificities at 92 and 98...

Los ancianos como actores sociales

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Mª PIA ARENYS

1996-01-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se recogen las discusiones de grupo que se realizaron durante cuatro meses en Barcelona como preparación del "II congreso de la gent gran" (II congreso de ancianos de esta ciudad, en noviembre de 1993. las discusiones se llevaron a cabo en las sedes de cada distrito, previa presentación de la ponencia por parte de un técnico. los componentes de los grupos son personas mayores sensibilizadas y comprometidas que forman parte del consejo de bienestar social del ayuntamiento de Barcelona. la metodología utilizada es cualitativa para el análisis del discurso, que se ha estructurado en los siguientes puntos: bajo el epígrafe "los ancianos como ciudadanos de derechos y obligaciones" se recogen los temas de valoración de la vejez, la familia, la jubilación, las implicaciones de los ancianos como ciudadanos de derechos y deberes y las funciones sociales de los ancianos.-- sobre estos temas, los mayores expresaron sus opiniones, que se vertieron, resumidamente, en la redacción final de la ponencia. aquí se recogen y se han analizado los materiales que ofrecen una versión de primera mano sobre lo que opinan los ancianos respecto al tema de "la valoración de la vejez".

¿LOS MODELOS MENTALES QUE EMPLEAN LOS ALUMNOS SOBRE LOS CONCEPTOS DE ELECTROSTÁTICA DEPENDEN DE LA INGENIERÍA QUE ESTUDIAN?

OpenAIRE

Enrique, Claudio Mario

2014-01-01

Este trabajo tiene el objeto de analizar los modelos mentales que emplean los alumnos de carreras de Ingeniería Eléctrica e Ingeniería en Sistemas de Información de la Universidad Tecnológica Nacional Facultad Regional Santa Fe, en conceptos relacionados con la Electrostática. Para ello, se tratarán de identificar los modelos que aplican después de haber recibido los conocimientos teórico – prácticos relacionados con conceptos asociados a la  Ley de Coulomb y el Campo Eléctrico., cuando cursa...

La moral, los roles, los estereotipos femeninos y la violencia simbólica

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Nazira Álvarez Espinoza

2016-06-01

Full Text Available El análisis realiza un breve recorrido por las principales teorías de evolución socio-cognitiva y su relación con la creación de las normas, instituciones, la cultura y la moral. La relación entre los roles sociales y la moral crean los estereotipos femeninos de género a través de los cuales se sanciona y se autorregula la conducta femenina transgresora de los valores establecidos por la colectividad.

Los usos y los propietarios del suelo en Barranquilla en la Década de los 30

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Edgar Mauricio Ferez Santander

2010-01-01

Full Text Available La importancia de Barranquilla en los años treinta no es solamente en los aspectos económicos, comerciales y de industrialización, esta ciudad tiene gran importancia en su actividad constructora que en cierta medida se da gracias al interés de los inmigrantes, que buscaban en la urbe una manera de mejorar la calidad de vida. Esto acompañado del aumento demográfico que también se presentaba dentro de la población. Así, dentro de este trabajo se busca explicar como desde la legalidad se buscaba construir la ciudad de una manera planificada, aunque con poco éxito como se puede demostrar con las situaciones de invasiones y urbanizaciones sin reglamentos y control.

Legitimidad y finalidad de los capítulos de propiedad intelectual en los tratados de libre comercio (TLC

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Susy Frankel

2011-11-01

Full Text Available Una visión analítica de la realidad actual permite apreciar un auge de los Tratados de Libre Comercio, mientras se presenta un estancamiento en las negociaciones multilaterales de comercio. Si bien la negociación de los TLC no se limita a los países desarrollados, los negociados por los países en desarrollo no tienden a contemplar mejoras en los estándares de propiedad intelectual. Algunos de los capítulos relativos a la propiedad intelectual incluidos en los Tratados de Libre Comercio simplemente reafirman los estándares del acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, mientras que otros se orientan a ampliar el cubrimiento y alcance de los derechos internacionales de propiedad intelectual. El presente artículo se concentra en estudiar la legitimidad y la finalidad de los capítulos de propiedad intelectual en los Tratados de Libre Comercio, así como la relación entre los capítulos sobre propiedad intelectual y el sistema multilateral de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC que facilita los TLC y los límites racionales de la propiedad intelectual en el contexto comercial.

Los menos accesibles

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Lydia Bond

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Droga y SIDA están relacionados. La pobreza, la discriminación y el desempleo son factores que condicionan el consumo de drogas. Ergo, los programas de prevención tienen que llegar a los pobres.

Los medios en el medio

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José Ignacio López Vigil

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Los medios de comunicación siempre estuvieron en el medio de la vida. La gente se congregaba en torno a un libro de cuentos o una pantalla de cine o una radiola. ¿Qué es lo nuevo ahora? ¿Cuál es el protagonismo que han ganado los medios, especialmente los masivos? El autor reflexiona en torno a tres nuevos roles de los medios de comunicación social: legitimar lo que transmiten, establecer la realidad y representar a los ciudadanos.

Los cambios de temperatura en los revestimientos epoxi II

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Fernández Cánovas, M.

1970-04-01

Full Text Available This article is the second part of a previous paper published by the author in no. 189 of this magazine. It describes the tests carried out to check the theoretical results published in the earlier article. The tests have consisted in submitting concrete slabs covered with a layer of epoxi mortar to certain thermal conditions, to check the behaviour of the covering in the face of thermal changes. In all the tests, described in detail in the article, the epoxi layer has behaved extremely well, and no bonding failure has been observed, nor failures in the concrete base or in the epoxi layer.Este artículo es la segunda parte de un trabajo publicado por el autor en el número 189 de esta revista, y en él se realiza una descripción de los ensayos prácticos llevados a cabo para complementar el estudio teórico publicado en aquella primera parte. Los ensayos han consistido en someter a placas de hormigón revestidas de una Kipa de mor tero epoxi a determinadas condiciones térmicas, con el fin de poder comprobar el comportamiento del revestimiento frente a los cambios de temperatura. En todos los ensayos realizados y que, con detalle, están descritos en este artículo, el comportamiento de los revestimientos de mortero epoxi ha sido excelente, no habiéndose notado ningún fallo de adherencia, ni roturas en la base de hormigón, ni en la capa de mortero epoxi.

Preparación de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos para hacer frente a los desastres naturales: encuesta a escala nacional

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Tala M. Al-rousan

2014-12-01

Full Text Available OBJETIVOS: Nos propusimos determinar el grado de preparación frente a los desastres naturales de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos y evaluar los factores que pueden afectar negativamente la salud y la seguridad durante este tipo de incidentes. MÉTODOS: Obtuvimos una muestra de adultos de 50 años en adelante (n = 1 304 de la encuesta del 2010 del Estudio de la Salud y la Jubilación (HRS por su sigla en inglés. La encuesta recogió datos sobre las características demográficas generales, el estado de discapacidad o las limitaciones funcionales, y también sobre factores y comportamientos relacionados con la preparación frente a los desastres. Calculamos una puntuación global de preparación mediante indicadores individuales a fin de evaluar el grado de preparación general. RESULTADOS: La media de la edad de los participantes (n = 1 304 fue de 70 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 9,3. Solo 34,3% informaron que habían participado en un programa formativo o que habían leído materiales sobre la preparación para los desastres. Casi 15% indicaron que usaban dispositivos médicos eléctricos que podían correr riesgo de no funcionar si se interrumpiera el suministro eléctrico. La puntuación de preparación indicó que la edad más avanzada, la discapacidad física y el menor nivel de escolaridad y de ingresos se asociaban independiente y significativamente a un grado de preparación general inferior. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de la mayor vulnerabilidad ante los desastres y del número cada vez mayor de adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos, muchos de los problemas sustanciales que encontramos son remediables y requieren atención en los sectores de la sociedad dedicados a la atención clínica, a la salud pública y al manejo de situaciones de emergencia.

Preparación de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos para hacer frente a los desastres naturales: encuesta a escala nacional*

Science.gov (United States)

Al-rousan, Tala M.; Rubenstein, Linda M.; Wallace, Robert B.

2015-01-01

Objetivos. Nos propusimos determinar el grado de preparación frente a los desastres naturales de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos y evaluar los factores que pueden afectar negativamente la salud y la seguridad durante este tipo de incidentes. Métodos. Obtuvimos una muestra de adultos de 50 años en adelante (n = 1 304) de la encuesta del 2010 del Estudio de la Salud y la Jubilación (HRS por su sigla en inglés). La encuesta recogió datos sobre las características demográficas generales, el estado de discapacidad o las limitaciones funcionales, y también sobre factores y comportamientos relacionados con la preparación frente a los desastres. Calculamos una puntuación global de preparación mediante indicadores individuales a fin de evaluar el grado de preparación general. Resultados. La media de la edad de los participantes (n = 1 304) fue de 70 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 9,3). Solo 34,3% informaron que habían participado en un programa formativo o que habían leído materiales sobre la preparación para los desastres. Casi 15% indicaron que usaban dispositivos médicos eléctricos que podían correr riesgo de no funcionar si se interrumpiera el suministro eléctrico. La puntuación de preparación indicó que la edad más avanzada, la discapacidad física y el menor nivel de escolaridad y de ingresos se asociaban independiente y significativamente a un grado de preparación general inferior. Conclusiones. A pesar de la mayor vulnerabilidad ante los desastres y del número cada vez mayor de adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos, muchos de los problemas sustanciales que encontramos son remediables y requieren atención en los sectores de la sociedad dedicados a la atención clínica, a la salud pública y al manejo de situaciones de emergencia.

CULTIVOS TRANSGÉNICOS: ENTRE LOS RIESGOS BIOLOGICOS Y LOS BENEFICIOS AMBIENTALES Y ECONOMICOS.

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Alejandro Chaparro Giraldo

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Los cultivos transgénicos, biotecnológicos o genéticamente modificados (GM son el resultado de la aplicación de la tecnología del DNA recombinante en la agricultura. Este tipo de organismos se forman con la transferencia de genes foráneos (transgenes de cualquier origen biológico (animal, vegetal, microbiano, viral al genoma de las especies cultivadas de plantas. Los cultivos GM se utilizan en el mundo desde 1996 y en diciembre de 2010 se llego a mil millones de hectáreas, sembradas en todo el período (James, 2010. En solo el pasado año 2010 se sembraron 148 millones de hectáreas, cultivadas por 15,4 millones de agricultores en 29 países (James, 2010. Los cultivos GM que se usan en la agricultura global son principalmente soya, algodón, maíz y colza, que expresan transgenes derivados de bacterias y que confieren resistencia a insectos lepidópteros (RIL o tolerancia a algunos herbicidas (TH, como glifosato y glufosinato de amonio. Las primeras variedades transgénicas contenían un solo transgen de interés, o evento simple, mientras que las variedades actuales expresan varios transgenes, o eventos apilados, que en algunos casos confieren resistencia a diferentes especies de insectos lepidópteros y coleópteros, así como tolerancia a dos tipos diferentes de herbicidas. Según Agrobio (2009, para el año 2009 se sembraron en Colombia, 35.671 hectáreas de cultivos GM de algodón, maíz, clavel y rosas. Maíz y algodón se sembraron en los departamentos de Sucre, Cesar, Córdoba, Huila y Tolima. Solo maíz en los departamentos de Antioquia, Valle del cauca, Meta, Cundinamarca y Santander, y clavel y rosas en el departamento de Cundinamarca. Las variedades transgénicas de maíz y algodón, expresan las características RIL y TH, como eventos simples o como eventos apilados. En el caso de clavel y rosa, se trata de genotipos que expresan el color azul. Desde la academia se ha tratado de organizar el debate sobre la adopción de los

Los estilos de gerencia

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Jorge Noriega Santos

1990-04-01

Full Text Available RESUMEN Es fundamental para cada persona saber cómo  se puede manejar una organización y los resultados que puede obtener de su gestión. Existen diversas formas o estilos de gerencia que podemos utilizar para  el logro de los objetivos. En este artículo basado en la teoría de Robert  Blake y Jane Mounton conocida con el  nombre de “Malla Gerencial “se trata de exponer los diversos  estilos de gerencia  y los efectos que cada uno de ellos producen en nuestras empresas o instituciones

Hacia una memorización de los signos de los impactos cruzados entre variables estratégicas

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Ali Smida

2010-04-01

Full Text Available A la expresión “todo lo demás permanece constante” (del latín “ceteris paribus”, apreciada por los economistas, los seguidores de la prospectiva oponen la expresión “todo lo demás está cambiando”. Razón por la cual han desarrollado herramientas, en particular los escenarios y las matrices de impactos cruzados, que han puesto a disposición de la estrategia. Los escenarios han tenido un gran éxito en este campo, pero las matrices de impactos cruzados han tenido problemas para ser adoptadas por los estrategas de la empresa. Una de las desventajas de estas matrices es que son “amnésicas” en cuanto a los signos negativos de los impactos causados o experimentados por los actores o las variables. Hay, en efecto, una pérdida de información una vez que se pasa a los impactos indirectos, en la medida que el producto de un número par de signos negativos produce un signo positivo: en consecuencia las oposiciones son ocultadas. Este artículo propone un método que permite encontrar el rastro de los impactos negativos a lo largo de una cadena de acciones y reacciones. Para lo cual se realiza, a manera de ilustración, el estudio de los impactos positivos y negativos entre las variables estratégicas vinculadas al financiamiento de los hogares para los adultos mayores dependientes en Francia (EHPAD, por su sigla en idioma francés. En efecto, los impactos introducidos por la adhesión y la oposición de los protagonistas a la inclusión de los medicamentos en el precio de un programa integral de cuidados han producido una avalancha de textos legislativos y reglamentarios contradictorios que pueden llegar a comprometer el futuro de los EHPAD.

Las imágenes de los perpetradores, los artefactos de los perpetradores: el archivo nómade de Tuol Sleng (S-21

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Vicente Sánchez-Biosca

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Este ensayo analiza la producción y circulación de las fotografías de las fichas de detenidos tomadas por la maquinaria del Jemer Rojo en el centro de tortura S-21 (Phnom Penh. Al momento de tomar las fotografías, estas jugaron un rol esencial en el proceso de identificación, represión y asesinato de quienes eran considerados enemigos del régimen de la Kampuchea Democrática (1975-1979. No obstante, tras la caída de los Jemeres Rojos, estas fotografías fueron utilizadas para denunciar a quienes las habían tomado, como si las imágenes no conservaran rastros de su función original y fueran reversibles. Por esto las trasladaron desde los museos y galerías de arte a los escenarios, de los libros ilustrados al cine y de Internet a los tribunales penales que juzgan a los ex líderes del Jemer Rojo. Sostengo que debemos detenernos en los detalles de las historias de este fenómeno: en primer lugar, la actividad de descifrar el archivo de las fotografías de las fichas, es decir, descubrir los negativos, realizar copias, detallar la disponibilidad; en segundo lugar, la circulación por medio de diversos espacios públicos y los medios de comunicación; en tercer lugar, las modificaciones en el contexto geopolítico en una región muy controvertida por el equilibro internacional. Si bien estos tres niveles no dependen de manera mecánica unos de otros, sí están relacionados de un modo complejo y demuestran lo ventajoso de la articulación de los usos tecnológicos, semióticos y políticos de un archivo que concentra el dolor humano sufrido en el propio corazón del siglo XX.

La diversidad de los agroecosistemas

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F. X. Sans

2007-01-01

La diversidad de los agroecosistemas. El artículo analiza el efecto de la intensificación de las actividades agrícolas sobre el funcionamiento de los agroecosistemas y destaca la necesidad de incorporar las bases científicas y los modelos de gestión de la agroecología que permitan armonizar la producción agraria, la conservación de los recursos naturales y el desarrollo rural. Se discute la importancia de la diversidad en el funcionamiento de los agroecosistemas y la necesidad de ide...

Los Poblados Dirigidos de Madrid

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Ana M. Esteban

1999-07-01

Full Text Available Los Poblados Dirigidos madrileños de los años cincuenta constituyeron una experiencia única dentro del panorama arquitectónico de la posguerra. La implicación personal de algunos de nuestros mejores arquitectos y de los autoconstructores de su propia vivienda aportó un carácter singular a las intervenciones. El artículo propone un recorrido por estos barrios en los que la modernidad aparece como nueva alternativa para solucionar el problema creciente de los asentamientos chabolistas periféricos.

Comunicar con los visitantes: una 'nueva' faceta profesional para los conservadores-restauradores

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Santos M. Mateos Rusillo

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Los recursos patrimoniales están más expuestos que nunca a la interacción con los visitantes. Por tanto, ya no basta con trasladar a un público mayoritario unos determinados contenidos culturales, pues la actual situación demanda la inclusión de un tipo de mensajes que fomenten y favorezcan la relación recurso-visitante de forma sostenible. Y es precisamente la Difusión preventiva, entendida como una estrategia de sensibilización para informar y persuadir a los visitantes de la extrema fragilidad de los recursos patrimoniales, la que lo permite de forma óptima. Además, utilizar esta estrategia es una magnífica herramienta al servicio de la identidad corporativa de los propios recursos patrimoniales y de sus conservadores-restauradores. Normalmente, muchas cuestiones relacionadas con las políticas y acciones de conservación preventiva no se explicitan a los visitantes, pero al integrarse en el discurso que se les traslada, permite que estos tengan una idea cabal de esos esfuerzos, lo que redunda en la imagen que tienen del recurso en cuestión y, por extensión, de sus conservadores-restauradores.

Psicología de los juegos olímpicos: la percepción de los entrenadores

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Sid\\u00F3nio Serpa

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Estudios recientes (Gould, 2001a,b, Greenleaf et al, 2001 consideran a la competición Olímpica con características específicas que implican una adaptación psicológica especial por parte de los deportistas. Por otro lado, se entiende generalmente como esencial la relación entrenador-deportista para la optimización del potencial deportivo de los participantes, teniendo el entrenador un papel muy importante en todo el proceso de preparación psicológica. El objetivo general de la investigación fue estudiar la percepción de los entrenadores sobre las necesidades y obligaciones específicas de los Juegos Olímpicos y sobre la adaptación psicológica de los atletas. En el estudio participaron nueve entrenadores portugueses que acompañaron técnicamente a sus deportistas en los Juegos Olímpicos de Sidney, de los que cinco alcanzaron o excedieron sus expectativas, y no lo hicieron los restantes. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante una entrevista estructurada y el análisis de datos siguió los procedimientos recomendados por Miles y Huberman (1984. La conclusión fue que los entrenadores percibieron aspectos específicos de los Juegos Olímpicos que los distinguen de otras competiciones internacionales y provocaron en los atletas reacciones diferenciadas con respecto a otros grandes eventos que fueron o bien favorables o bien perjudiciales desde el punto de vista del rendimiento. Otra observación fue que los deportistas que obtuvieron tanto mejores como peores rendimientos reaccionaron de forma diferente a las distintas dificultades específicas de unos Juegos Olímpicos.

Los pactos parasociales

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Lina Henao

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Los pactos parasociales son acuerdos celebrados al margen de la regulación societaria, entre los socios, entre estos y la sociedad, o con terceros, que constituyen una herramienta de uso frecuente en el desarrollo de las relaciones corporativas pese a la ausencia de una regulación legal integral, y que tienen por finalidad regular extremos no recogidos estatutariamente. Su validez, eficacia e incumplimiento estarán determinados en mayor medida por las normas de derecho civil y en menor proporción por el orden jurídico societario. El artículo desarrolla una presentación de la noción, notas características, naturaleza jurídica y las vicisitudes que subyacen en esta materia a la luz de los principales ordenamientos jurídicos de los sistemas de Civil Law y de Common Law.

Evaluación de los impactos medioambientales de los proyectos de construcción

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Adnan Enshassi

2014-12-01

Full Text Available El sector de la construcción es considerado mundialmente como una de las principales fuentes de contaminación medioambiental, pues produce enormes efectos negativos en el medioambiente ya sea directa o indirectamente. La Franja de Gaza está experimentando un aumento de los proyectos de construcción, incrementando la presión sobre el ecosistema al introducir y generar diversos contaminantes. Los ecosistemas de la Franja de Gaza se están debilitando y deteriorando debido a sus limitados recursos naturales, a su deteriorada situación política y económica, al crecimiento de la población y a la escasa conciencia sobre el cuidado del medioambiente. El objetivo de este trabajo es mejorar la conciencia pública sobre los impactos ambientales negativos causados por las actividades derivadas de los proyectos de construcción en la Franja de Gaza y proponer algunas sugerencias con la finalidad de reducirlos. Para ello se distribuyó un total de 50 encuestas entre profesionales que trabajan en la industria de la construcción. Los impactos ambientales se clasificaron en tres categorías: ecosistemas, recursos naturales e impacto en la comunidad. Los resultados del estudio revelaron que la generación de polvo, contaminación acústica, operaciones con remoción de la vegetación y la contaminación atmosférica son los impactos ambientales más significativos de los proyectos de construcción. Los resultados, además, revelaron que tanto los trabajadores como quienes laboran en el sector de la construcción son quienes más se exponen diariamente a problemas de salud como afecciones respiratorias y al hígado, cáncer, deterioro de la audición, hipertensión, molestias, trastornos del sueño y problemas cardiovasculares. Además, se encontró que el impacto social o impacto en la comunidad era la categoría más importante que afectaba al entorno en la Franja de Gaza. Se recomienda mejorar los conocimientos y la conciencia de los trabajadores de

DipA, a pore-forming protein in the outer membrane of Lyme disease spirochetes exhibits specificity for the permeation of dicarboxylates.

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Marcus Thein

Full Text Available Lyme disease Borreliae are highly dependent on the uptake of nutrients provided by their hosts. Our study describes the identification of a 36 kDa protein that functions as putative dicarboxylate-specific porin in the outer membrane of Lyme disease Borrelia. The protein was purified by hydroxyapatite chromatography from Borrelia burgdorferi B31 and designated as DipA, for dicarboxylate-specific porin A. DipA was partially sequenced, and corresponding genes were identified in the genomes of B. burgdorferi B31, Borrelia garinii PBi and Borrelia afzelii PKo. DipA exhibits high homology to the Oms38 porins of relapsing fever Borreliae. B. burgdorferi DipA was characterized using the black lipid bilayer assay. The protein has a single-channel conductance of 50 pS in 1 M KCl, is slightly selective for anions with a permeability ratio for cations over anions of 0.57 in KCl and is not voltage-dependent. The channel could be partly blocked by different di- and tricarboxylic anions. Particular high stability constants up to about 28,000 l/mol (in 0.1 M KCl were obtained among the 11 tested anions for oxaloacetate, 2-oxoglutarate and citrate. The results imply that DipA forms a porin specific for dicarboxylates which may play an important role for the uptake of specific nutrients in different Borrelia species.

Validez de un modelo basado en los costes de transacción para identificar los beneficios de los SIIO

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Maggiolini,Piercarlo; Vallès,Ramon Salvador

2002-01-01

El objetivo principal de este trabajo de investigación es verificar la validez de un modelo basado en los costes de transacción, para evaluar el impacto de la introducción y uso de los Sistemas de Información Interorganizativos (SIIO) en las empresas. Se propone un modelo que considera diferentes tipos de beneficios, y después, a modo exploratorio, se aplica a la identificación de los beneficios obtenidos por el uso de Sistemas de Intercambio Electrónico de Datos (EDI) en un grupo de empresas...

Sobreprecio y acceso a los medicamentos: el caso de los medicamentos esenciales en México

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Raúl E. Molina-Salazar

Full Text Available Para la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS la accesibilidad y la disponibilidad de los medicamentos es un tema central al cual le ha dedicado una gran atención. Si bien la política de medicamentos esenciales ha tenido una acogida favorable por parte de las organizaciones sanitarias, la industria farmacéutica, especialmente sus filiales asentadas en los países menos desarrollados, no ha brindado una respuesta adecuada a los planteamientos de la OMS de proporcionar medicamentos esenciales a precios accesibles. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar el precio de los medicamentos esenciales de marca en México en relación al precio de los medicamentos esenciales genéricos disponibles en el mercado internacional. Se estudió una muestra de especialidades farmacéuticas líderes de ventas en su categoría terapéutica y se compararon los precios, por unidades farmacéuticas, de los medicamentos de marca y los medicamentos genéricos a precio internacional. Los resultados muestran que el nivel de precios de los medicamentos esenciales en México es muy elevado. La venta per cápita no se ha reducido, a pesar de la caída del producto interno bruto que se produjo en México a partir del año de 1995. Se discuten las razones de este sobreprecio y se proponen algunas medidas para solucionar este problema.

Sobreprecio y acceso a los medicamentos: el caso de los medicamentos esenciales en México

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Molina-Salazar Raúl E.

1998-01-01

Full Text Available Para la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS la accesibilidad y la disponibilidad de los medicamentos es un tema central al cual le ha dedicado una gran atención. Si bien la política de medicamentos esenciales ha tenido una acogida favorable por parte de las organizaciones sanitarias, la industria farmacéutica, especialmente sus filiales asentadas en los países menos desarrollados, no ha brindado una respuesta adecuada a los planteamientos de la OMS de proporcionar medicamentos esenciales a precios accesibles. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar el precio de los medicamentos esenciales de marca en México en relación al precio de los medicamentos esenciales genéricos disponibles en el mercado internacional. Se estudió una muestra de especialidades farmacéuticas líderes de ventas en su categoría terapéutica y se compararon los precios, por unidades farmacéuticas, de los medicamentos de marca y los medicamentos genéricos a precio internacional. Los resultados muestran que el nivel de precios de los medicamentos esenciales en México es muy elevado. La venta per cápita no se ha reducido, a pesar de la caída del producto interno bruto que se produjo en México a partir del año de 1995. Se discuten las razones de este sobreprecio y se proponen algunas medidas para solucionar este problema.

Actitudes, hábitos y motivaciones de los alumnos ante las tareas escolares en Educación Primaria visto desde la perspectiva de los padres, los maestros y los alumnos

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Pedro GIL MADRONA

2009-11-01

Full Text Available RESUMEN: A lo largo de los últimos cursos se ha ido detectando por parte del profesorado de un centro una falta de motivación de los alumnos con respecto a la escuela y las tareas escolares, que si bien no es especialmente significativa, sí es conveniente analizarla para poder poner soluciones antes de que sea demasiado tarde.Éste es por tanto el origen de la presente investigación. A estos efectos, inicialmente, nuestro propósito de trabajo ha sido conocer cuáles eran las condiciones contextúales, los usos o rutinas de los alumnos a la hora de enfrentarse a las tareas escolares, tanto en el colegio como fuera de él, en casa. En definitiva la motivación con la que emprenden los niños el «trabajo» escolar desde una triple percepción como ha sido desde la opinión de los padres, los maestros y los mismos alumnos.Esta triple percepción -la visión de los padres y madres, la visión de los maestros y la visión de los alumnos- ha de colaborar, sin duda, a esclarecer la motivación y modos de enfrentarse los alumnos a las tareas escolares. Por lo tanto el presente trabajo está inmerso dentro de la mejora educativa, sin renunciar al carácter de generalización que pueda tener al ser comparado con otras investigaciones. En definitiva se trata de dar un paso más en la comprensión del aspecto motivacional por la educación a través de las diversas percepciones que tienen los colectivos implicados en el aprendizaje.ABSTRACT: Along the last courses, it has been detected on teachers, the lack of student's motivation with the school, task schools, although it is not specially significant it is convenient to analyze it to put solutions befóte it be too late.So, this is the origin of the current investigation. Initially our purpose has been to know which were the contextual conditions, the uses the rutines of the students when doing the school tasks, in the school, out of it, at home. Definitely the motivation which the children start the

Los Juegos Paralímpicos de Londres 2012: los juegos de la inclusión

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Torralba Jordán, M. Ángel (Miguel Ángel)

2012-01-01

Los Juegos Paralímpicos de Londres 2012 han sido excelentes, sin duda los mejores juegos de la historia, pero si por algo se han caracterizado ha sido por el nivel de inclusión desarrollado. Siguiendo el modelo de los Juegos Olímpicos, los organizadores han dado rienda suelta a todos los valores que posee el pueblo británico y, como fundadores del movimiento paralímpico en Stoke Mandeville por el Dr. Guttmann, han sabido conjugar el espectáculo deportivo con la difusión de las capacidades de ...

Características psicológicas relacionadas con el rendimiento: comparación entre los requerimientos de los entrenadores y la percepción de los deportistas

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Javier Mahamud

2005-01-01

Full Text Available El objeto del estudio es comparar la situación psicológica de un grupo de deportistas con la considerada ideal por parte de sus entrenadores. Como instrumento se ha utilizado el cuestionario "Características psicológicas relacionadas con el rendimiento deportivo" (CPRD. Participan 80 deportistas (piragüistas y nadadores y 6 entrenadores. Existe una correlación para los practicantes de ambos deportes entre las puntuaciones obtenidas en las distintas escalas del cuestionario y aquellas que desean los entrenadores para sus atletas. Sin embargo, las puntuaciones propuestas por los entrenadores, son, en general, más altas que las resultantes de las auto-evaluaciones de los deportistas. En el caso de los piragüistas esas diferencias afectan fundamentalmente al control del estrés y a la motivación. Los aspectos relacionados con la cohesión de equipo, que menos diferencian a los piragüistas de los requerimientos de sus entrenadores, son aquellos en los que más coinciden los nadadores y sus preparadores. El análisis realizado pone de manifiesto cómo en ambas disciplinas deportivas existen aspectos a trabajar para lograr alcanzar el estado psicológico ideal marcado por los entrenadores.

Estereotipos hacia los ancianos

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Marta Gil Barreiro

1997-02-01

Full Text Available Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 4 grupos etáreos diferentes: 20; 40; 60 y 70 años, del área de salud que abarca el Policlínico Docente "Lawton", con vistas a determinar cómo se estructuran los estereotipos hacia los ancianos. El instrumento de evaluación utilizado se confeccionó para la ocasión: la escala de adjetivos. El estereotipo más positivo hacia los ancianos lo evidenciaron los individuos de 40 años, a los que le siguieron, en orden decreciente, los de 70; 20 y 60 años.A descriptive study was a carried out in four different age groups: 20, 40, 60, and 70 years old, in the health area belonging to the "Lawton" Teaching Policlinic, in order to determine how the stereotypes towards the older people are formulated. The adjective scale was the assessing instrument built for the ocassion. The most positive stereotype towards the elder was demonstrated by individuals 40 years of age, followed in decreasing order, by the 70, 20, and 60 years old groups.

Redes migratorias versus demanda laboral: los elementos que moldean los procesos migratorios

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Simón Pedro Izcara-Palacios

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Las teorías explicativas de la etiología de la migración laboral acentúan los factores colocados del lado de la oferta laboral. Sin embargo, a partir del análisis del reclutamiento de jornaleros tamaulipecos empleados en Estados Unidos es posible concluir que los procesos migratorios aparecen modelados por las preferencias de los empresarios agrarios, de modo que las fuerzas de ¿atracción¿ se imponen a las fuerzas de ¿expulsión¿ y las moldean. La demanda configura el funcionamiento de las redes migratorias. Es decir, la decisión de quién emigra no depende de los trabajadores migratorios, está predeterminada del lado de la demanda.

Modelos teóricos sobre los efectos de los medios de comunicación de masas.

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Álvarez Gálvez, Javier

2012-01-01

El análisis de la influencia de los medios de comunicación sobre las audiencias resulta una tarea sumamente compleja. Durante el ya pasado siglo XX hemos asistido a una multitud de intentos de explicar los efectos que la comunicación de masas produce sobre las audiencias. Desde las clásicas teorías que, en los años previos a la II Guerra Mundial, proclamaban la omnipotencia del poder de los medios, pasando por las teorías de los efectos limitados, hasta la etapa posterior a los años setenta d...

Legitimidad y finalidad de los capítulos de propiedad intelectual en los tratados de libre comercio (TLC)

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Frankel, Susy

2011-01-01

Una visión analítica de la realidad actual permite apreciar un auge de los Tratados de Libre Comercio, mientras se presenta un estancamiento en las negociaciones multilaterales de comercio. Si bien la negociación de los TLC no se limita a los países desarrollados, los negociados por los países en desarrollo no tienden a contemplar mejoras en los estándares de propiedad intelectual. Algunos de los capítulos relativos a la propiedad intelectual incluidos en los Tratados de Libre Comercio simple...

De los PDU,s a los PMU,s pasando por los LTP,s: el trabalenguas de la ciudad sostenible

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López Lambas, María Eugenia

2008-01-01

Mucho se ha escrito acerca de la necesidad de implementar planes de movilidad urbana sostenible. En efecto, de los Plans de déplacements urbains (planes de Desplazamiento Urbanos-PDU) iniciados en Francia en el año 1982, y los Local Transport Plans (Pl

Satisfacción de los pacientes en un Servicio de Urgencias con los cuidados enfermeros

OpenAIRE

Fernández García, Agueda

2013-01-01

La evaluación de la calidad de los servicios sanitarios se ha convertido en una tarea esencial de los sistemas de salud. Esta valoración puede realizarse a través de múltiples indicadores, además de los clásicos basados en la eficacia y la seguridad, se han añadido nuevos conceptos como la importancia de la satisfacción del paciente. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal en el que se realiza una valoración de la satisfacción de los pacientes con los cuidados enfermeros en Urgencias...

Managing Japanese barberry (Ranunculales: Berberidaceae) infestations reduces blacklegged tick (Acari: Ixodidae) abundance and infection prevalence with Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae).

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, Scott C; Ward, Jeffrey S; Worthley, Thomas E; Stafford, Kirby C

2009-08-01

In many Connecticut forests with an overabundance of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC) has become the dominant understory shrub, which may provide a habitat favorable to blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque) survival. To determine mouse and larval tick abundances at three replicate sites over 2 yr, mice were trapped in unmanipulated dense barberry infestations, areas where barberry was controlled, and areas where barberry was absent. The number of feeding larval ticks/mouse was recorded. Adult and nymphal ticks were sampled along 200-m draglines in each treatment, retained, and were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner) presence. Total first-captured mouse counts did not differ between treatments. Mean number of feeding larval ticks per mouse was highest on mice captured in dense barberry. Adult tick densities in dense barberry were higher than in both controlled barberry and no barberry areas. Ticks sampled from full barberry infestations and controlled barberry areas had similar infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi the first year. In areas where barberry was controlled, infection prevalence was reduced to equal that of no barberry areas the second year of the study. Results indicate that managing Japanese barberry will have a positive effect on public health by reducing the number of B. burgdorferi-infected blacklegged ticks that can develop into motile life stages that commonly feed on humans.

La percepción de los niveles de autonomía profesional de los periodistas de Ecuador

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Martín Oller

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Este artículo muestra los resultados obtenidos sobre el nivel de autonomía profesional que los periodistas ecuatorianos perciben en su trabajo diario y los principales limitantes que encuentran basados en los niveles o factores de influencia. Este estudio se enmarca dentro del proyecto Cultura Periodística de Ecuador (CPE en el que se realizaron 31 entrevistas en profundidad a periodistas en activo de 6 medios de comunicación nacionales (públicos, privados y comunitarios. La autonomía profesional es uno de los principales valores que determinan el nivel de profesionalización del periodismo y el profesionalismo de los periodistas al estar directamente vinculada a los conceptos de autorregulación, libertad de expresión e independencia. Esta situación provoca que las influencias percibidas por los periodistas —procedentes de los niveles de actor, institución y sistemas (Oller y Meier, 2012— afecten directamente a su libertad de acción profesional y, por lo tanto, a sus índices de autonomía. Los resultados muestran que la mayor parte de los periodistas entrevistados considera que posee total libertad en su medio de comunicación y que los principales limitantes proceden del nivel del sistema, concretamente de la actual legislación en comunicación.

Los españoles en los caminos del extremo norte del Perú en 1532

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

1994-01-01

Full Text Available LES ESPAGNOLS SUR LES CHEMINS DE L'EXTRÊME NORD DU PÉROU EN 1532. À partir des relations des chroniqueurs qui ont accompagné Pizarro de Tumbes à Cajamarca, de la liste des tambos de 1543, des informations sur les caciques de 1548 et de la prospection des sites le long des chemins muletiers de l’extrême nord du Pérou, les routes incas de la côte et de la sierra par lesquelles sont passés les espagnols en 1532 ont été identifiées. On a repéré les centres administratifs et cérémoniels depuis lesquels les incas controlaient les caciques locaux des versants nord-ouest et sud-est des monts Amotape, des vallées du Chira et du Piura, sur la côte, et des hautes terres de Caxas et Huancabamba, ainsi que les tambos situés le long de ces routes. On a pu retrouver les maisons fortifiées et les villages des caciques de Pabur et Serrán dans la vallée du Piura. Finalement on a tenté de délimiter les terres et les canaux d’irrigation qui permettaient la produccion des differents cacicazgos. A partir de las relaciones de los cronistas que acompañaron a Pizarro de Tumbes a Cajamarca, de la lista de los tambos de 1543, de las informaciones sobre los caciques de 1548 y de la prospección de los sitios a lo largo de los caminos de herradura del extremo norte del Perú, se identificaron las rutas incaicas de la costa y de la sierra por las cuales pasaron los españoles en 1532. Se ubicaron los centros administrativos y ceremoniales desde los cuales los incas controlaban los caciques locales de las vertientes noroeste y sureste de los cerros de Amotape, de los valles de los ríos Chira y Piura, en la costa, y los de las serranías de Caxas y Huancabamba, así como los tambos ubicados a lo largo de estas rutas. Se logró encontrar las casas cercadas y los pueblos de los caciques de Pabur y Serrán en el valle del río Piura. Finalmente se intentó deslindar las tierras y los canales de irrigación que permitían la producción de los

a los psicólogos

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Maritza Ruiz

2008-01-01

Full Text Available En el presente artículo se muestran los resultados de una investigación realizada para determinar las competencias laborales exigidas a los Psicólogos en el medio laboral actual. Participaron 60 egresados quienes a través de un cuestionario (Ruiz, Jaraba & Romero, 2005 dieron cuenta de los conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes que se le demandan a los profesionales del área de la Psicología. En términos generales según los datos encontrados, la formación de los psicólogos basada en competencias, implica el conocimiento de principios psicológicos fundamentales y herramientas tecnológicas, habilidades obligatorias que facilitan el trabajo en las condiciones actuales, así como solucionar problemas, tener iniciativa, etc., y ciertas actitudes que muestren la calidad humana y ética del profesional

Papiloma de los plexos coroideos

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Ivón Aimé Sánchez Monterrey

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Los papilomas de los plexos coroideos son tumores infrecuentes de origen neuroectodérmico, que representan menos del 5 % del total de los tumores del sistema nervioso central en pediatría. La clínica suele estar provocada por el aumento de presión intracraneal debido a la hidrocefalia, con la que habitualmente cursan. La cirugía es curativa, con un porcentaje de supervivencia de casi el 100 % a los 5 años y ocasionales recurrencias. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido con diagnóstico de papiloma de los plexos coroideos y evolución favorable.

Instrucciones a los Autores

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revistaiid@ uptc.edu.co

2006-12-01

Full Text Available Ingeniería,  Investigación y Desarrollo publica  trabajos inéditos sobre geología, minería, electrónica, industrial y ciencias afines, en español. Podrán publicarse artículos originales, de investigación y/o innovación tecnológica, de revisión o réplicas de publicaciones de la propia revista. Además, se podrán incluir  resúmenes de  tesis,  reseñas de  libros y comunicaciones de  interés a estas profesiones.Para  la presentación de  los artículos  se debe  tener en cuenta que: Los artículos serán evaluados por   el comité Editorial y un árbitro, el que se reserva el derecho de decidir sobre su publicación. Los  trabajos enviados a  Ingeniería,  Investigación y Desarrollo, no podrán ser sometidos simultáneamente a evaluación por otro medio de publicación. El contenido de los trabajos   es responsabilidad exclusiva de sus autores. No se devolverán los originales de los trabajos

Coccidiosis en los animales

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Manuel Sánchez Herrera

1937-05-01

Full Text Available Los trabajos llevados a cabo por mí sobre coccidiosis en el Departamento de Anatomía Comparada de la Escuela de Medicina de Harvard, me dan tema para llenar el requisito reglamentario en el concurso extraordinario para Profesores Agregados en el presente año.' Las experiencias fueron hechas en 1931 bajo la direccién del Profesor de Anatomía Comparada, Dr. Ernest Edward Tyzzer, y se emplearon más o menos 150 pollos de 6 a 73 días de edad. La historia clínica de cada pollo comprendía su edad, su número, fecha de la comida infectante, fecha de la muerte o del comienzo de la convalecencia y porcentaje de mortalidad. A esto había que agregar el resultado de los exámenes microscópicos y si el animal hahía sido sacrificado o había muerto a consecuencia de la infección. Teniendo en cuenta que los coccidios son protozoarios de la clasede los esporozoarios, he creído conveniente dividir este estudio en cuatro partes: Protozoarios en general. Clase de los Esporozoaríos, Orden de los coccidios. Conclusiones

La crisis financiera global de los noventa bajo la sombra de los derivados financieros

OpenAIRE

Ayca Sarialioglu - Hayali

2010-01-01

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el papel de los instrumentos financieros derivados en las crisis financieras internacionales del mundo en desarrollo en los noventa, tales como la crisis del sureste de Asia en 1997 y la crisis brasileña en 1999, etc. Al respecto, este artículo analiza el papel de los derivados financieros en las crisis internacionales, en términos de los efectos directos de crisis como el elemento principal para crear vulnerabilidad y disparar una masiva y rápida sali...

EFECTOS DE LOS GASES PRODUCTO DE LA COMBUSTIÓN EN LOS GENERADORES DE VAPOR

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Manuel Plá Duporté

2011-02-01

Full Text Available En el trabajo se presentan recopilados, los efectos de ensuciamiento y corrosión que provocan en ungenerador de vapor acuotubular los gases productos de la combustión de combustibles líquidos,explicándose los mecanismos mediante los cuales ocurren tanto en las zonas de alta temperaturacomo en las de baja temperatura  This paper presents gathering of the dirty and corrosion effects of flue gas from liquid fuels, also it’sexplained the process by means of which happen in high and low temperature surfaces in steam watergenerator

ARTICULACIÓN POLÍTICA Y ETNOGÉNESIS EN LOS VALLES CALCHAQUÍES. LOS PULARES DURANTE LOS SIGLOS XVII Y XVIII

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Juan Ignacio Quinti\\u00E1n

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo propone una revisión crítica de la documentación sobre la formación de la frontera Calchaquí donde los pulares desarrollaron adaptaciones y resistencias particulares que los habilitaron para integrarse al orden colonial en condiciones ventajosas. Durante el siglo XVIII, el acceso de los pulares a la justicia colonial como estrategia les permitió mantener el control de sus tierras y la reproducción social de algunos de sus pueblos dentro del orden colonial.

Los vídeos de los adolescentes en YouTube: Características y vulnerabilidades digitales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Como un mecanismo de participación e integración social y con el propósito de construir su identidad, los adolescentes realizan y comparten vídeos en plataformas como YouTube, de la que también son consumidores de contenido. Las condiciones de vulnerabilidad que tienen lugar y los riesgos a los que se exponen los adolescentes, tanto como creadores como consumidores de vídeos, son el objeto central de este estudio. La metodología utilizada es el análisis de contenido, aplicado a 400 vídeos. Se ha trabajado con variables manifiestas (como el escenario y latentes (como el género o la estructura. Los resultados muestran unas notables diferencias de estilo entre los vídeos a tenor del productor del mensaje e indican que los vídeos más consumidos se sitúan alrededor de cuatro ejes temáticos (sexo, acoso, embarazo y drogas y que los referentes como creadores de contenido audiovisual son los «youtubers». Todo apunta a la existencia de problemas a la hora de utilizar el lenguaje, también audiovisual, de los adolescentes. Este trabajo proporciona evidencias de la conveniencia de emplear sus códigos para que este sector de la población se percate de los riesgos y de las condiciones de vulnerabilidad que parecen no percibir según sus creaciones audiovisuales, en las que, entre otras características, no protegen su identidad.

Using Landscape Analysis to Test Hypotheses about Drivers of Tick Abundance and Infection Prevalence with Borrelia burgdorferi.

Science.gov (United States)

Ferrell, A Michelle; Brinkerhoff, R Jory

2018-04-12

Patterns of vector-borne disease risk are changing globally in space and time and elevated disease risk of vector-borne infection can be driven by anthropogenic modification of the environment. Incidence of Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, has risen in a number of locations in North America and this increase may be driven by spatially or numerically expanding populations of the primary tick vector, Ixodes scapularis . We used a model selection approach to identify habitat fragmentation and land-use/land cover variables to test the hypothesis that the amount and configuration of forest cover at spatial scales relevant to deer, the primary hosts of adult ticks, would be the predominant determinants of tick abundance. We expected that land cover heterogeneity and amount of forest edge, a habitat thought to facilitate deer foraging and survival, would be the strongest driver of tick density and that larger spatial scales (5-10 km) would be more important than smaller scales (1 km). We generated metrics of deciduous and mixed forest fragmentation using Fragstats 4.4 implemented in ArcMap 10.3 and found, after adjusting for multicollinearity, that total forest edge within a 5 km buffer had a significant negative effect on tick density and that the proportion of forested land cover within a 10 km buffer was positively associated with density of I. scapularis nymphs. None of the 1 km fragmentation metrics were found to significantly improve the fit of the model. Elevation, previously associated with increased density of I. scapularis nymphs in Virginia, while significantly predictive in univariate analysis, was not an important driver of nymph density relative to fragmentation metrics. Our results suggest that amount of forest cover (i.e., lack of fragmentation) is the most important driver of I. scapularis density in our study system.

ErpC, a member of the complement regulator-acquiring family of surface proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi, possesses an architecture previously unseen in this protein family

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caesar, Joseph J. E.; Johnson, Steven; Kraiczy, Peter; Lea, Susan M.

2013-01-01

The structure of ErpC, a member of the complement regulator-acquiring surface protein family from B. burgdorferi, has been solved, providing insights into the strategies of complement evasion by this zoonotic bacterium and suggesting a common architecture for other members of this protein family. Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete responsible for Lyme disease, the most commonly occurring vector-borne disease in Europe and North America. The bacterium utilizes a set of proteins, termed complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs), to aid evasion of the human complement system by recruiting and presenting complement regulator factor H on its surface in a manner that mimics host cells. Presented here is the atomic resolution structure of a member of this protein family, ErpC. The structure provides new insights into the mechanism of recruitment of factor H and other factor H-related proteins by acting as a molecular mimic of host glycosaminoglycans. It also describes the architecture of other CRASP proteins belonging to the OspE/F-related paralogous protein family and suggests that they have evolved to bind specific complement proteins, aiding survival of the bacterium in different hosts

Los tribunales del trabajo platense ante la ofensiva patronal: los trabajadores frente a la “puerta giratoria” de los frigoríficos de Berisso (1955-1960)

OpenAIRE

Stagnaro, Andrés

2015-01-01

El trabajo en los frigoríficos siempre estuvo –al menos hasta la llegada del peronismo- vinculado a formas de contratación de mano de obra donde primaba la inestabilidad del empleo. El avance estatal por medio de medidas de resguardo de los trabajadores lograron dotar de mayor previsibilidad las estrategias vitales de los trabajadores pero aun así estuvieron sometidos a los ciclos impuestos por las empresas. En este artículo se abordará una de las formas en las que los trabajadores buscaron e...

El impacto emocional de los medios tradicionales y los nuevos medios en acontecimientos sociales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2017-01-01

Full Text Available En el pasado, al referirse a tragedias, los medios de comunicación representaban el único vector que reflejaba el acontecimiento en toda su complejidad. Hoy en día, los medios sociales constituyen un componente esencial del proceso mediático, y son los medios clásicos de prensa los que están conectados al flujo de las redes sociales, de las que, no solo recopilan información, sino también el pulso emocional de la sociedad. El 30 de octubre de 2015, en un club de Bucarest, se produjo un incendio que ocasionó 64 muertes, la mayoría jóvenes. Este estudio se centra en cómo el flujo mediático y las redes sociales en Rumanía se fusionaron y se apoyaron mutuamente, generando efectos secundarios tras la tragedia. El período de seguimiento fue de un mes, desde el 30 de octubre, cuando se produjo la tragedia, hasta el 30 de noviembre. El método de investigación combina el análisis de contenido y la interpretación cualitativa de los datos, con referencia a parámetros como el contexto, el tema del artículo, el estilo, el género periodístico o la relación información/opinión. Las conclusiones de este estudio nos muestran que la conexión entre los medios tradicionales y los medios sociales ha ocasionado un cambio en el paradigma de los medios de comunicación, cuyo resultado es que el papel de los periodistas profesionales como filtro de garantía sigue siendo prioritario.

Complex Population Structure of Lyme Borreliosis Group Spirochete Borrelia garinii in Subarctic Eurasia

Science.gov (United States)

Comstedt, Pär; Asokliene, Loreta; Eliasson, Ingvar; Olsen, Björn; Wallensten, Anders; Bunikis, Jonas; Bergström, Sven

2009-01-01

Borrelia garinii, a causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in Europe and Asia, is naturally maintained in marine and terrestrial enzootic cycles, which primarily involve birds, including seabirds and migratory passerines. These bird groups associate with, correspondingly, Ixodes uriae and Ixodes ricinus ticks, of which the latter species may bite and transmit the infection to humans. Studies of the overlap between these two natural cycles of B. garinii have been limited, in part due to the absence of representative collections of this spirochete's samples, as well as of the lack of reliable measure of the genetic heterogeneity of its strains. As a prerequisite for understanding the epidemiological correlates of the complex maintenance of B. garinii, the present study sought to assess the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of this species' strains from its natural hosts and patients with Lyme borreliosis from subarctic Eurasia. We used sequence typing of the partial rrs-rrl intergenic spacer (IGS) of archived and prospective samples of B. garinii from I. uriae ticks collected predominantly on Commander Islands in North Pacific, as well as on the islands in northern Sweden and arctic Norway. We also typed B. garinii samples from patients with Lyme borreliosis and I. ricinus ticks infesting migratory birds in southern Sweden, or found questing in selected sites on the islands in the Baltic Sea and Lithuania. Fifty-two (68%) of 77 B. garinii samples representing wide geographical range and associated with I. ricinus and infection of humans contributed 12 (60%) of total 20 identified IGS variants. In contrast, the remaining 25 (32%) samples recovered from I. uriae ticks from a few islands accounted for as many as 10 (50%) IGS types, suggesting greater local diversity of B. garinii maintained by seabirds and their ticks. Two IGS variants of the spirochete in common for both tick species were found in I. ricinus larvae from migratory birds, an indication that B

Los padres, ante el consumo televisivo de los hijos: Estilos de mediación

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Teresa Torrecillas-Lacave

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Los estudios más recientes sobre audiencias infantiles destacan la importancia de la familia como contexto fundamental en la recepción televisiva sobre el impacto que puedan tener los contenidos en el desarrollo de los niños. En este artículo difundimos los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo principal describir y explicar las características de la mediación familiar sobre el consumo televisivo de los hijos y establecer una tipología. Para cumplir con el objetivo propuesto se han realizado 48 entrevistas en profundidad a padres y/o madres con hijos de entre 4 y 12 años de la Comunidad de Madrid. El estudio pormenorizado de los indicadores seleccionados a partir de la revisión bibliográfica, como las medidas de control, la covisión o la representación del medio, nos ha permitido identificar cuatro estilos y concluir que la mediación se presenta de forma muy simplificada y reducida a su dimensión normativa.

Aplicación de los componentes de la técnica de los mapas mentales en la elaboración de los proyectos pedagógicos de aula

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Rosario Romero Parra

2008-01-01

Full Text Available La investigación se realizó con la finalidad de comprobar los efectos de la aplicación de los componentes de la técnica de los Mapas Mentales en la elaboración de los Proyectos Pedagógicos de Aula (PPA de la I y II etapa de Educación Básica. El estudio se basa en una metodología experimental de carácter explicativo. La población estuvo constituida por veinticuatro docentes. Se aplicó una guía de observación. Con los resultados, se corrobora la hipótesis de investigación: con la aplicación de los componentes de la técnica de los Mapas Mentales se logra un efecto positivo en la elaboración de los PPA.

Los videojuegos para la comunicación en salud sexual de los escolares: Valoración de los profesores de secundaria

OpenAIRE

Tamayo Acebedo, Mónica Isabel; Tamayo Acevedo, Lucía Stella

2018-01-01

El aula como espacio vital para la educación sexual de los adolescentes, implica maestros capacitados en conocimientos y en estrategias de comunicación innovadoras que minimicen riesgos biológicos, psicosocialesy culturales inherentes a la sexualidad e impacten en la deserción escolar y el bajo rendimiento académico. Objetivo: Caracterizar los conocimientos, importancia y uso en el aula que dan los profesores al videojuegocomercial en procesos comunicativos para la educación sexual de adolesc...

Los paradigmas financieros en tiempos de crisis

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Guillermo de la Dehesa

2014-12-01

Full Text Available La crisis financiera mundial de finales del siglo XX ha puesto en evidencia los problemas de aplicación de los paradigmas financieros sobre los que se basa la actividad inversora de los agentes económicos que intervienen en los mercados de capitales. Esta experiencia ha demostrado, una vez más, que la aplicación de las teorías y de los modelos más consolidados en la ciencia de las finanzas no funciona adecuadamente, bien porque los supuestos sobre los que se basan dejan de darse en situaciones críticas, bien porque no se utilizan de forma correcta. No quiero decir que dichas teorías o modelos no sean coherentes, ya que son los que han permitido el enorme desarrollo de los mercados financieros, pero tienen problemas en los momentos críticos.

La situación profesional de los periodistas españoles: las repercusiones de la crisis en los medios

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X Soengas Pérez

2014-02-01

Full Text Available Introducción. Esta investigación analiza la situación profesional, laboral y económica de los periodistas en España en los últimos cinco años, un periodo en que la crisis y la convergencia mediática coinciden con el proceso de digitalización. Metodología. Para conocer las características del escenario actual realizamos un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo con encuestas a cuatro redactores de cada uno de los principales medios de comunicación públicos y privados, y se les ha preguntado por todos los cambios impuestos por sus empresas desde 2008. Además, realizamos una serie de entrevistas de contraste a expertos para tener una valoración complementaria y externa de la situación de la prensa. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las condiciones de la mayoría de los periodistas españoles han empeorado desde el comienzo de la crisis, y los problemas se han acentuado en 2012. Los recortes realizados en este periodo son los más drásticos de los últimos veinte años y afectan a todos los elementos del proceso informativo. Discusión y Conclusiones. En la reestructuración de las redacciones han predominado los objetivos económicos por encima de los criterios periodísticos y del interés informativo, tal como reconocen el 54% de los trabajadores de los medios públicos y el 65% de los privados. El 87% de las empresas analizadas ha reducido su plantilla o recortado los recursos materiales, el 62% de los periodistas han perdido poder adquisitivo desde 2008 y el 33% de los redactores fijos teme por su puesto de trabajo, una cifra que aumenta hasta el 54% en los mayores de 50 años y llega al 68% en el caso de los contratados.

Comunicar con los visitantes: una nueva faceta profesional para los conservadores-restauradores

OpenAIRE

Mateos Rusillo, Santos M. (Santos Miguel)

2012-01-01

Los recursos patrimoniales están más expuestos que nunca a la interacción con los visitantes. Por tanto, ya no basta con trasladar a un público mayoritario unos determinados contenidos culturales, pues la actual situación demanda la inclusión de un tipo de mensajes que fomenten y favorezcan la relación recurso-visitante de forma sostenible. Y es precisamente la Difusión preventiva, entendida como una estrategia de sensibilización para informar y persuadir a los visitantes de la extrema fragil...

Efectos adversos de los programas de apoyo alimentario en los hogares rurales de Calakmul, Campeche

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Brenda Olvera

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Objetivo: se analizaron los efectos no desea-dos de los apoyos gubernamentales del Pro-grama de Inclusión Social Prospera, Progra-ma de Apoyo Alimentario (PA L, Programa Estratégico para la Seguridad Alimentaria (PESA y Cocinas Escolares, en la producción de alimentos y en el patrón de consumo. Me-todología. En el año 2015 aplicamos 46 en-cuestas y 32 entrevistas a beneficiarios, cam-pesinos y funcionarios de los programas sociales, en un estudio de caso en dos comu-nidades de Calakmul, Campeche. Resulta-dos. En el estudio se argumenta que, con es-tos programas, a pesar de las mejoras en el estado de nutrición, la ingesta de alimentos altamente energéticos, ricos en grasas, azuca-res y sodio, ha incrementado. La gente de las dos comunidades tiende a consumir alimen-tos altamente industrializados, mientras que la producción e ingesta de los alimentos pro-ducidos en las milpas y los de traspatio dismi-nuyen. La desinformación, el bajo nivel educativo, la nula educación nutrimental y la gran disponibilidad de alimentos industriali-zados, son algunos de los factores que contri-buyen a tal consumo. Limitaciones. Fue una limitante durante el trabajo de campo acceder a la información oficial de los programas Prospera, PESA, PA L y Cocinas Escolares, so-bre cómo funcionan en la práctica dentro de las comunidades. No obstante esta situación se compenso realizando entrevistas a profun-didad a funcionarios públicos y en especial a los beneficiarios de los programas antes men-cionados, para conocer a fondo como funcio-na cada programa social. Conclusiones. Se concluye que los programas públicos analiza-dos requerirían componentes educativos más claros respecto a la calidad de los alimentos consumidos. Aunque no es el objetivo central de los programas analizados de fomentar la pro-ducción de alimentos deben de estimular la pro-ducción de alimentos tradicionales y sanos me-diante programas educativos.

Los dominios culturales de la malaria: una aproximación a los saberes no institucionales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Julián A. Fernández-Niño

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Introducción. Las políticas de control de la malaria o paludismo no han logrado todos los resultados esperados, debido, entre otras razones, a la poca consideración prestada a los aspectos culturales. Objetivo. Explorar los dominios culturales en torno a esta enfermedad en una población colombiana asentada en zona endémica, con el propósito de diseñar e implementar planes de intervención efectivos. Materiales y métodos. Mediante muestreo por conveniencia se seleccionaron residentes de 12 veredas de Tierralta, Córdoba. Con el fin de generar listados libres, se les preguntó a los participantes sobre los problemas de salud en la comunidad, las causas de la malaria, las medidas de control y los responsables de aplicarlas. Para cada uno de estos ítems se calcularon índices de Smith. Resultados. Participaron entre 30 y 38 personas por vereda (n=401, con una edad promedio de 40,24 años (desviación estándar (DE=14,22; las mujeres representaban 45,39 % del total de la población. El grupo de participantes reconoció la malaria y las infecciones respiratorias como los problemas de salud más importantes de la comunidad (mediana de los índices de Smith: 0,83 y 0,63, respectivamente. Se reconoció la falta de intervención en las condiciones ambientales como el factor más importante generador de la malaria (mediana del índice de Smith=0,65. Por último, los participantes identificaron al centro de salud (mediana del índice de Smith=0,71 y a los profesionales de la salud (mediana del índice de Smith=0,52 como los principales responsables del control de la malaria. Conclusiones. El diseño de programas para la reducción del impacto de la malaria exige la formulación de intervenciones o iniciativas que involucren la perspectiva de las comunidades y se adapten a las necesidades, demandas y recursos disponibles. La técnica de listados libres se propone como una alternativa eficiente de recolección de información sobre los dominios

La prensa amarilla y los extraterrestres

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Lic. David R. Díaz

2000-01-01

Full Text Available No hay duda de que uno de los temas que más recursos genera a los mecenas del cine y de la prensa amarillista es el de los extraterrestres. Prácticamente todas las revistas de corte sensacionalista recurren a menudo al tema de los extraterrestres para tratar de explicar algún "misterio", sea auténtico o inventado, con el fin de atraer la atención de los clientes.

Potencial para el uso directo de los aceites vegetales en los motores de combustión

OpenAIRE

Ortiz Laurel, Hipólito; Rössel Kipping, Dietmar; Schümann, Ulrike

2012-01-01

Los combustibles fósiles son aquellos que provienen de restos orgánicos vegetales y animales y se extraen de la naturaleza. Estos combustibles son contaminantes del medio ambiente a través de los gases que salen de los motores de combustión. El biodiesel es un combustible de origen vegetal obtenido a partir de los aceites vegetales de semillas, plantas y algas oleaginosas. El biodiesel es menos contaminante que los combustibles fósiles. Este trabajo presenta una revisión de las propiedades en...

Contabilidad en los márgenes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ossandón, José; Ariztía, Tomás; Barros, Macarena

2017-01-01

Los estudios sociales sobre las finanzas domésticas pueden clasificarse en dos tipos: investigaciones enfocadas al estudio de “dispositivos de mercado” (tales como scorings y tarjetas de crédito) utilizados por compañías financieras, e investigaciones que analizan las nuevas prácticas y modos de...... “cálculo cotidiano” desarrollados por los usuarios de los servicios financieros alrededor del mundo. Este artículo es parte de un proyecto mayor que busca abrir un camino diferente, que intenta situar a los estudios sociales de las finanzas domésticas en la intersección donde ambos tipos de cálculo los big...... data de los dispositivos de mercado y el small data de los cálculos financieros cotidianos–, puedan ser observados de manera conjunta. Más específicamente, este artículo discute algunos de los desafíos metodológicos enfrentados en esta nueva posición, en particular como usamos las huellas dejadas por...

Quistes de los maxilares

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Ivan Alberto Manotas Arevalo

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Los Grandes Quistes de los Maxilares han estado vinculados siempre a la humanidad, desde tiempos remotos, pues han sido halladas en restos de especimenes fosiles, han llamado la atencion de los clínicos, en torno a su etiologia, en la que se ha introducido la participacion de la genetica, (demostrada en el desarrollo de los queratoquistes maxilares, la fisiopatologia, caracteristicas histologicas (inmunohistoquimica, posibilidades diagnosticas por la imagen, (como la tomografia computarizada y la resonancia nuclear magnetica y otras pruebas. Además llaman la atención al estudio, por sus alternativas de manejo especialmente las formas radicales, y el analisis de asociaciones a otras patolo-gias benignas y malignas, y de la recurrencia muy alto de algunas de estas lesiones. Mucho se ha desarrollado para elucidar su naturaleza real, estadificar adecuadamente la lesion descartando asocia-ciones patologicas sindromicas, indicar un tratamiento apropiado, y realizar seguimientos a largo plazo. Este articulo pretende recaudar una information general que de parametros para abordar el estudio de los quistes maxilares a partir de la presentacion de un caso clinico.

Nota a los lectores

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Blasco Fernando Checa Montúfar

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Tres temas de fondo hacen esta publicación: Periodismo y democracia, Legislación de medios en América Latina y Comunicación con extraterrestres. En el primer caso con variedad de enfoques busca contribuir a crear responsabilidad en el periodismo como servicio y bien público, de los medios como espacios de diálogo social sobre los cuales se edifique la democracia. Se presentan algunas ponencias del Encuentro del G-8, realizado en Caracas en Noviembre de 1996 Seminario "Legislación de Medios en América Latina", especialmente el de radiodifusión y la necesidad de democratizar el espectro más otros artículos relacionados con el tema. En cuanto a las inquietudes de cómo establecer o responder a la comunicación si llegaran o se contactaran los extraterrestres, los integrantes del Comité S.E.T.I. (Search Extraterrestrial Intelligence vienen analizando en varios foros internacionales tres de los cuales se realizaron en Capri, Toronto y Beijing.

La competencia sobre los pleitos de hidalguía en la corona de Castilla durante la baja edad media: los alcaldes de los hijosdalgo

OpenAIRE

Díaz de la Guardia y López,Luis

2013-01-01

El artículo, usando las normas, las antiguas fazañas y la documentación inédita de los siglos XIV y XV, estudia el problema del conocimiento jurisdiccional de los pleitos de hidalguía por los alcaldes de los hijosdalgo castellanos desde el siglo XIII al XV, que a la postre se pretendió privativo, y se relaciona éste con la actuación de otras jurisdicciones (locales, hacendísticas, de las Órdenes Militares, etc.) sobre pleitos de hidalguía en la baja Edad Media castellana.

Análisis de las características de los clientes, servicios complementarios y comunicación de los servicios deportivos en los establecimientos alojativos de Lanzarote

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Juan Antonio Carreño Clemente

2016-04-01

Full Text Available En términos generales, el deporte es una actividad social positiva para la salud y la calidad de vida de cualquier persona, y es practicado de manera creciente en los viajes vacacionales. Según la Organización Mundial del Turismo, el deporte como sector económico aporta en torno al 2% del PIB de los principales países emisores de turistas. Además, se trata de una actividad estable que permite compensar el dinamismo y los frecuentes cambios en las demandas y necesidades de los turistas, que están afectando a la competitividad de los destinos turísticos como Lanzarote. En los establecimientos alojativos de un destino turístico maduro, los servicios complementarios de los productos más demandados, así como las acciones de comunicación que se realizan sobre las mismas a los clientes potenciales, son áreas importantes a analizar a la hora de realizar un diagnóstico acertado sobre que estrategias a aplicar son las más acertadas. Para ello, se analizaron, además, las características de los clientes que demandan servicios deportivos durante su estancia en la isla. En general, se observa una pobre comunicación del producto deportivo por parte de los establecimientos alojativos de la isla de Lanzarote. En cualquier caso, esto parece consecuencia del poco uso de estas instalaciones por parte del número limitado de turistas que aún visitan la isla para la práctica de deporte

de los movimientos sociales

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Juliana Flórez-Flórez

2005-01-01

Full Text Available Desde el giro de los ochenta hasta hoy, los análisis de la acción colectiva tienden a concluir que la lucha de los movimientos latinoamericanos se halla anclada a la ilustración. Sea porque reivindican necesidades básicas, porque su principal interlocutor es el Estado, porque su contexto de lucha es atrasado o porque están atadas a localismos. En cualquiera de estos casos, se entiende que esos actores difícilmente pueden cuestionar los límites de la modernidad globalizada. En este artículo planteamos que tales conclusiones asumen un pensamiento dicotómico que diferencia y jerarquiza las dinámicas sociales según su mayor o menor distanciamiento de la tradición; una operación ilustrada que, paradójicamente, las teorías de movimientos deben a las perspectivas críticas de la ilustración; más específicamente, a su noción eurocéntrica de la modernidad. A partir de la revisión que de ese concepto ofrecen las posturas postcoloniales, concretamente el Programa de Investigación Modernidad/Colonialidad, dejamos sentadas algunas claves interpretativas que cambiarían los términos del debate sobre el escaso potencial de los movimientos latinoamericanos como actores críticos de la modernidad.

Los Ángeles, Palacio de los deportes

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Becket, Welton

1963-11-01

Full Text Available This Sports Palace was planned with the intention of making it suitable for a variety of uses, such as athletic meetings, basketball, ice hockey, boxing, stage plays, commercial exhibitions and conventions. It is situated inside the Exhibition Park. It has an elliptical shape, can accommodate 24,000 people if used for conventions, 19,000 when boxing is shown, 18,200 for basketball, and 16,000 for ice hockey matches. Of these, 12,000 are fixed, theatre type seats, and are arranged in 28 tiers. They are reached from the street along a wide corridor. Of its installations, the cleaning station is worth mentioning. It employs the most modern systems, and a team of 100 men can clean the Palace in three hours. The air conditioning installation will drive the air at the most suitable speed, according to the type of spectacle: the highest velocity applies to boxing meetings. The designers have succeeded in harmonisong the style of the Sports' Palace with other neighbouring buildings, which include the Memorial Coliseum, and they have also been careful in blending the landscape which immediately surrounds this Palace with the general aspect of the Exposition Park.Al concebir este Palacio de Deportes se partió de una premisa: La de que fuera susceptible de múltiples usos, tales como exhibiciones atléticas, partidos de baloncesto, de hockey sobre hielo, boxeo, representaciones teatrales, exposiciones comerciales y convenciones. Emplazado dentro del recinto Exposition Park, el edificio, de planta elíptica, ofrece una capacidad máxima de 22.400 localidades si se utiliza para convenciones; de 19.063, en los combates de boxeo; 18.174, cuando se trata de partidos de baloncesto, y de 16.004, en los de hockey sobre hielo. De ellas, 12.000 son fijas, y su aspecto es similar al de las butacas de teatro; están acopladas en 28 filas, y su acceso se realiza desde el nivel de la calle a través de un amplio corredor. Respecto a las instalaciones, la central de

Detection, identification and genotyping of Borrellia spp. in rodents in Slovenia by PCR and culture.

Science.gov (United States)

Cerar, Tjaša; Korva, Miša; Avšič-Županc, Tatjana; Ružić-Sabljić, Eva

2015-08-08

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the agent of Lyme borreliosis, is mainly maintained in natural foci through the transmission cycles of competent tick vectors (Ixodes sp.) and a vertebrate reservoir. Specific rodents have been identified as the principal reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Europe. Borrelia miyamotoi is the only relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by the same tick. The aim of the present study was to perform an epidemiological survey to determine the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in rodents occurring in Slovenia and to explore the presence of Borrelia miyamotoi. The study was performed in two parts, retrospective and prospective; a total of 297 rodents was analyzed. Detection and identification of borrelia was performed by molecular methods and additionally in the prospective study by isolation and genotyping (MluI-LRFP and MLST). During the prospective part of the study, borrelia was isolated from 2/46 (4.3 %) lung specimens and from 10/46 (21.7 %) heart specimens of rodents. All isolated strains were identified as B. afzelii subtype Mla1, and MLST analysis revealed 5 distinct sequence types. Borrelia DNA was successfully detected by one or other of the PCR methods in 18/46 (39.1 %) and 75/251 (29.9 %) samples in the prospective and retrospective studies, respectively. LightMix® was found to be more sensitive than the ''in-house" nested PCR (91/297 (30.6 %) vs 48/297 (16.1 %)). Borrelia miyamotoi DNA was detected in 1/251 (0.4 %) and in 1/46 (2.2 %) heart specimens, in the retrospective and prospective parts of the study, respectively. We determined the prevalence of B. afzelii in rodents and report for the first time the presence of B. miyamotoi in Slovenia.

El encomendero Polo de Ondegardo y los mitimaes del valle de Cochabamba: los interrogatorios contra los indios de Paria y Tapacarí

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Villarías Robles, Juan J. R.

1998-12-01

Full Text Available Not available.

Los autores ofrecen una nueva transcripción de dos interrogatorios judiciales relacionados con Polo de Ondegardo (ca. 1520-1575 y la situación en el valle de Cochabamba (Bolivia en el siglo XVI. Los dos documentos ayudan a entender el concepto que tenía Polo de Ondegardo sobre los mitimaes en el imperio inca. También ilustran sobre el importante papel económico que podía llegar a tener esta categoría social en el orden incaico. Los mitimaes no perdían por ello necesariamente la vinculación con sus grupos étnicos de origen, contrariamente a la idea más extendida sobre los llamados “mitimaes del Inca” que se encuentra en la bibliografía.

Los edificios de las bibliotecas públicas en los programas electorales (Castilla-La Mancha, 2007-2015

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José Pablo Gallo León

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Se analizan las propuestas sobre edificios e instalaciones de las bibliotecas presentes en los programas con que los partidos políticos participaron en las elecciones de Castilla-La Mancha durante el periodo de la crisis económica, con el fin de evaluar cómo reflejan el interés social por las mismas. A pesar de la desmaterialización digital de los servicios bibliotecarios en el actual entorno híbrido, la proyección de la biblioteca pública como un servicio a la sociedad requiere de una presencialidad física que dé soporte a su actual papel como ágora, punto de intercambio socio-intelectual y de formación de la comunidad a la que sirve. Esto debería verse traducido en un interés social por los espacios bibliotecarios que puede ser testado a través de su presencia en los programas electorales, donde se ven reflejados los temas que conforman la agenda política. Concluimos que ha habido un cambio de tendencia, priorizando la reforma y aseguramiento de la apertura de los centros frente a la construcción de nuevas bibliotecas. Igualmente, se comprueba que los programas presentan una visión muy tradicional de los servicios presenciales

EL FILIBUSTERISMO EN LOS MENSAJES AL CONGRESO DE LOS PRESIDENTES DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Y LA LEY DE NEUTRALIDAD 1848-1860

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Carmen María Fallas Santana

2011-10-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se analiza el abordaje del filibusterismo en los mensajes al Congreso de los presidentes de  Estados Unidos  en  el periodo comprendido entre el fin de la guerra con México y el inicio de la Guerra Civil.  Argumenta  que todas las administraciones declararon su compromiso de suprimir el filibusterismo porque era perjudicial para los intereses comerciales, políticos y económicos, la seguridad nacional y las relaciones exteriores. Señala que el rechazo de las peticiones de los gobiernos de Nicaragua y Costa Rica para que  se impidiera la organización y salida de las expediciones filibusteras de William Walker sembró dudas sobre el compromiso del gobierno de Estados Unidos de aplicar la Ley de Neutralidad de 1818 que las prohibía.

LOS ALAMOS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1993-01-01

Following the historic observation of neutrinos in the mid-1950s by two Los Alamos scientists, Fred Reines and Clyde Cowan, Jr, using inverse beta decay, there has been a long and distinguished history of experimental neutrino physics at LAMPF, the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility. LAMPF is the only meson factory to have had an experimental neutrino programme. In the late 1970s, the first LAMPF neutrino experiment used a 6-tonne water Cherenkov detector 7 metres from the beam stop. A collaboration of Yale, Los Alamos and several other institutions, this experiment searched for the forbidden decay of a muon into an electron and two neutrinos, and measured the reaction rate of a neutrino interacting with a deuteron to give two protons and an electron - the inverse of the reaction that drives the sun's primary energy source. The next LAMPF neutrino experiment, a UC Irvine/Maryland/Los Alamos collaboration, ran from 1982 through 1986 and measured the elastic scattering rate of electron neutrinos and protons, where both neutral and charged weak currents contribute. With its precision of about 15%, the experiment provided the first demonstration of (destructive) interference between the charged and neutral currents. More recent neutrino experiments at LAMPF have searched for neutrino oscillations, especially between muon- and electron-neutrinos. The newest experiment to pursue this physics (as well as oscillations in other channels) is LSND (July/ August, page 10 and cover). In addition to searching for these oscillations, LSND will measure neutrino-proton elastic scattering at low momentum transfer, providing a sensitive measure of the strange quark contribution to the proton spin. LSND began taking data in August. Los Alamos physicists have also been busy in neutrino physics experiments elsewhere. One such experiment looked at the beta decay of free molecular tritium to obtain an essentially model independent determination of the electron-neutrino mass. The

Lecciones aprendidas con los MOOC

OpenAIRE

García-Peñalvo, F. J.; Fidalgo-Blanco, Á.; Sein-Echaluce Lacleta, M. L.

2017-01-01

Dentro del Plan de Formación del Profesorado Docente 2017 de la Universidad de Salamanca, se ha ofertado la actividad de formación “Cursos masivos abiertos en línea (MOOC)” (https://es.slideshare.net/grialusal/sumario-mooc), que se ha celebrado en el Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Educación (IUCE) de esta Universidad los días 1 y 2 de junio de 2017. Tras los conceptos generales sobre los MOOC (https://es.slideshare.net/grialusal/los-mooc-conceptos) y las experiencias de l...

Shall they overcome?... Ayer y hoy del Moderno Movimiento por los Derechos Civiles de los Afro-norteamericanos en los Estados Unidos

OpenAIRE

Valeria Lourdes Carbone

2008-01-01

El Movimento de Derechos Civiles de los Afronorteamericanosha sido uno de los acontecimientossocio-políticos más importantes y vibrantesde la História de los Estados Unidos.Fue un movimiento contra el racismo y la injusticia,que afectó a cada família negra en esepaís y causó un gran impacto en otros movimientosanti-racistas y pacifistas. Se trató tambiénde la lucha contra la pobreza que tantasfamílias negras fueron forzadas a vivir. Actualmente,tales movimientos contra el racismo yla pobreza ...

La salud de los refugiados urbanos: enfrentándose a los retos

OpenAIRE

Spiegel, Paul; ACNUR. Sección de Salud Pública y VIH

2010-01-01

Muchas de las estrategias sanitarias, políticas e intervenciones para los refugiados se basan en experiencias pasadas situadas en campos y en países pobres. Se está reflexionando sobre ello para tomar en cuenta a los numerosos refugiados urbanos con ingresos medios.

Los cibermedios y los móviles: una relación de desconfianza

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Alba Silva Rodríguez

2013-06-01

Full Text Available   El impacto de las nuevas tecnologías en el periodismo se remonta a principios del siglo XXI, cuando la introducción de Internet en las redacciones trajo consigo cambios que afectaron a los procesos de producción, emisión y recepción de la información. La digitalización obligó a las redacciones a reestructurarse y a los periodistas a repensar nuevas estrategias de distribución de contenidos. Este fenómeno de mutaciones, conocido con el nombre de convergencia, se intensifica en la actualidad con la llegada de los dispositivos móviles en el panorama comunicativo. Los teléfonos permiten que la producción y el consumo de información se realice, por primera vez, en cualquier lugar y  mientras se está en movimiento.   La evolución tecnológica de las pequeñas pantallas situó a los dispositivos como una plataforma de gran importancia para la industria mediática. Nuestro objetivo es presentar las fortalezas, desafíos y debilidades del impacto de la telefonía móvil en el ámbito comunicativo. Presentaremos, además, las líneas de actuación que están siguiendo en este ámbito los principales medios de comunicación europeos. 

Diferencias de género en los factores asociados al ahorro de los hogares en México

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Isalia Nava Bolaños

2014-01-01

Full Text Available A diferencia de los trabajos que analizan el ahorro suponiendo un hogar unitario, esta investigación se centra en las diferencias en las decisiones de ahorro de los hogares con jefaturas femenina y masculina en México. Los resultados del modelo Tobit muestran que los factores que afectan al ahorro son distintos entre ellos. La escolaridad (primaria y secundaria y los apoyos gubernamentales no inciden en las tasas de ahorro de las jefaturas masculinas, pero sí en las femeninas. Se confirma la asociación negativa de las horas dedicadas al trabajo doméstico con la tasa de ahorro en los hogares de jefatura femenina.

La convencionalidad en los modelos de representación y los modos de ver

OpenAIRE

Hernández Muro , Osvaldo

2011-01-01

La construcción social de la visualidad se apoya en la convencionalidad e ideologías en los modelos de representación discursivos y visuales. En este articulo se presenta una breve argumentación de corte posestructuralista sobre la formación de los códigos y consensos en la conformación de los regímenes de visión, con el objetivo de señalar las articulaciones históricas y políticas junto a la observación empirica en los modelos de representación, que como una perspectiva social, siempre serán...

La competencia sobre los pleitos de hidalguía en la corona de Castilla durante la baja edad media: los alcaldes de los hijosdalgo

OpenAIRE

Díaz de la Guardia y López, Luis

2013-01-01

El artículo, usando las normas, las antiguas fazañas y la documentación inédita de los siglos XIV y XV, estudia el problema del conocimiento jurisdiccional de los pleitos de hidalguía por los alcaldes de los hijosdalgo castellanos desde el siglo XIII al XV, que a la postre se pretendió privativo, y se relaciona éste con la actuación de otras jurisdicciones (locales, hacendísticas, de las Órdenes Militares, etc.) sobre pleitos de hidalguía en la baja Edad Media castellana. Based on the norm...

Alteraciones bioquímicas de los lípidos en los alimentos vegetales. II. Metabolismo de los hidroperóxidos lipídicos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zamora, R.

1991-06-01

Full Text Available The enzymes of the lipoxygenase pathway in plant foods are reviewed. This part analyzes the enzymes related to the descomposition or transformation of the lipidic hydroperoxides. Lipoxygenase, hydroperoxide lyase, enal isomerase, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, hydroperoxide dehydrase, alene oxide ciclase and 12-Oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase in plants are described. Posible control mechanisms of the lipoxygenase pathway are also considered.

Los enzimas responsables de la degradación enzimática de los lípidos en los alimentos vegetales son examinados en este trabajo. Esta parte describe la descomposición o transformación de los hidroperóxidos lipídicos producida por la lipoxigenasa, hidroperóxido liasa, enal isomerasa, alcohol deshidrogenasa, aldehído deshidrogenasa, hidroperóxido dehidrasa, óxido de aleño ciclasa y ácido 12-Oxofitodienoico reductasa, así como los distintos mecanismos de control de la ruta.

Los quechuismos en Colombia

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Víctor Sánchez Montenegro

1962-06-01

Full Text Available Como una pequeña introducción a este estudio, debo dar algunos datos sobre el descubrimiento del Perú y la historia de los "Trece de la Fama" que se relacionan íntimamente con nuestra Isla del Gallo, en las cercanías de Tumaco, asombroso episodio que, siendo verdadera historia, tiene todos los aspectos de la más extraordinaria leyenda de esa época superior a cualquier relación mítica de los Libros de Caballería.

Los Códigos Éticos de Gobierno

OpenAIRE

Diego Bautista, Oscar

2009-01-01

Realiza un estudio sobre la importancia de los códigos para fomentar valores en los gobiernos, señalando las características que deben poseer como los tipos existentes. Este cuaderno muestra la importancia de los valores dentro de la política contemporánea. Dichos valores corresponden a un marco cultural y se plasman en las instituciones mediante los Códigos de Ética. Asimismo, identifica los valores más relevantes dentro de los códigos de gobierno contemporáneos. Finalmente, se presentan ...

El acceso de los inmigrantes a los servicios sociales en la Comunidad de Madrid

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Calatrava, Ascensión

2006-12-01

Full Text Available The article analyzes the access of the immigrants to the social services and the use that make of the benefits and basic services, determining its degree of satisfaction on such. For it, the first part presents the policies of integration of the immigrants who are carried out in the Community of Madrid, analyzing itself next the degree of use of the different social services on the part of the groups of more significant immigrants that they reside in the Community of Madrid and distinguishing his use in regard to sex and of age. The third part of the work gathers a series of directed proposals to improve the access of the immigrants to the social services as well as a set of final considerations that can mark the way of future tending investigations that the immigrants and the society of welcome can through the mutual knowledge, to harmonize their perceptions.

El artículo analiza el acceso de los inmigrantes a los servicios sociales y el uso que hacen de las prestaciones y servicios básicos, determinando su grado de satisfacción sobre los mismos. Para ello, la primera parte presenta las políticas de integración de los inmigrantes que se llevan a cabo en la Comunidad de Madrid, analizándose a continuación el grado de utilización de los distintos servicios sociales por parte de los grupos de inmigrantes más significativos que residen en la Comunidad de Madrid y distinguiéndose su uso en razón de sexo y de edad. La tercera parte del trabajo recoge una serie de propuestas dirigidas a mejorar el acceso de los inmigrantes a los servicios sociales así como un conjunto de consideraciones finales que pueden marcar el camino de futuras investigaciones tendentes a que los inmigrantes y la sociedad de acogida puedan a través del conocimiento mutuo, armonizar sus percepciones.

Reflexiones sobre los sistemas silvopastoriles

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R. O Russo

Full Text Available El objetivo de este análisis es reflexionar acerca de modelos integrados de producción ganadera familiar y extensiva, más estables y sustentables, en los que se integre el componente leñoso, que contribuye a la reducción de gases con efecto invernadero y favorece la mitigación del cambio climático. Para ello se hizo una revisión de conceptos referentes a la integración de la actividad forestal en la ganadería, como alternativa viable de sistema de producción. Se parte del criterio de que los sistemas silvopastoriles (SSP, dentro de los agroforestales, son agroecosistemas en los que se asocia un componente arbóreo con uno herbáceo (pasturas naturales o mejoradas y otro pecuario (ganado en un mismo sitio, donde existen interacciones biológicas entre estos y se maximiza el uso de la tierra. También se describe cómo se agrupan los SSP; sus oportunidades desde los puntos de vista económico, productivo, social y ambiental; y los efectos de la interacción entre sus componentes. Este análisis permite plantear que los SSP son producto de la relación entre la biología, la sociedad y la cultura, y en ellos existe una enorme diversidad; asimismo, permiten la reconversión de la ganadería extensiva de muy baja productividad en sistemas más productivos y sostenibles en el tiempo, así como la rehabilitación de las áreas degradadas por ese tipo de ganadería, por la deforestación y por el agotamiento de los suelos.

Diferencias de género en los factores asociados al ahorro de los hogares en México

OpenAIRE

Nava Bolaños, Isalia; Brown Grossman, Flor; Domínguez Villalobos, Lilia

2014-01-01

A diferencia de los trabajos que analizan el ahorro suponiendo un hogar unitario, esta investigación se centra en las diferencias en las decisiones de ahorro de los hogares con jefaturasfemenina y masculina en México. Los resultados del modelo Tobit muestran que los factores que afectan al ahorro son distintos entre ellos. La escolaridad (primaria y secundaria) y los apoyos gubernamentales no inciden en las tasas de ahorro de las jefaturas masculinas, pero sí en las femeninas. Se confirma la ...

Segunda parte: los nuevos requerimientos

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Mario de Agüero Aguirre

2001-01-01

Full Text Available A la luz de los cambios que se han venido dando en el ámbito de la economía mediante un proceso acelerado de globalización y apertura de los mercados se han generado presiones para que se actualicen y fortalezcan los programas de formación de administradores y contadores. Razones por las que se propone una revisión de los programas actuales en licenciatura a fin de lograr que los egresados de las escuelas de administración tengan un acervo de conocimientos más amplio y sólido creándose de tal manera una licenciatura única y, con ello, el que los conocimientos especializados de algunas de las disciplinas relacionadas con el vasto universo del conocimiento de la actividad económica de las organizaciones sea proporcionado mediante estudios de posgrado. Lo que aquí se sugiere debe ser considerado como una propuesta seminal que puede ser la base de un estudio amplio partiendo, por supuesto, de un debate en el claustro universitario sobre las ideas aquí propuestas

Los anglicismos en la prensa deportiva de los 50

OpenAIRE

Vazquez-Amador, Maria; Lario-de-Oñate, M. Carmen; Lopez-Zurita, Paloma

2015-01-01

El deporte, uno de los fenómenos sociales de mayor relevancia hoy en día, tiene un origen angloamericano, consecuentemente, los primeros términos deportivos llegaron al resto de las lenguas directamente en inglés, es decir, como anglicismos. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar estas voces y observar la evolución que han tenido en el español hablado a ambos lados del Atlántico. Mediante la lectura de tres periódicos deportivos publicados en México, Argentina y España a mi...

Los valores personales y los valores corporativos en el comportamiento ético en la empresa

OpenAIRE

Luisa Montuschi

2008-01-01

Los valores son las creencias del individuo o del grupo acerca de lo que se considera importante en la vida, tanto en los aspectos éticos o morales como en los que no lo son. Dan el fundamento sobre el cual se formulan juicios y se realizan elecciones. Existen valores morales, culturales, sociales, políticos, religiosos. Y también valores corporativos a los cuales adhieren organizaciones e instituciones que, en muchos casos, pueden contener la clave de su éxito o fracaso. La coherencia en la ...

Los ciudadanos y su dinámica participativa en los medios de cercanía

OpenAIRE

Gómez y Méndez, José Manuel; Méndez Muros, Sandra

2009-01-01

El desarrollo tecnológico ha supuesto una evolución social con incidencia indiscutible en el desarrollo de los Medios de Comunicación, aportando nuevos procesos en toda su cadena de transmisión de los mensajes periodísticos. El ciudadano ha sido durante años simple receptor de los contenidos teniendo solamente la popular sección de "Cartas al director" en papel impreso, llamadas telefónicas en tiempos radiofónicos o preguntas concretizadas en programaciones televisivas. De los medios generali...

Cuestiones éticas de la participación de los ciudadanos en los medios digitales

OpenAIRE

Suárez Villegas, Juan Carlos

2013-01-01

Los medios de comunicación mantienen una actitud ambivalente frente a los comentarios de los usuarios en los sitios web. Por un lado, potencian el tráfico de visitas de las distintas noticias, además de favorecer el debate en torno a las mismas; pero por otro suponen un gran inconveniente en cuanto es necesario moderar y filtrar su incesante flujo, consumiendo tiempo y recursos de la empresa. A pesar de ello, es difícil cuestionar que estos comentarios han marcado una nueva etapa en la evoluc...

Weak Organic Acids Decrease Borrelia burgdorferi Cytoplasmic pH, Eliciting an Acid Stress Response and Impacting RpoN- and RpoS-Dependent Gene Expression

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Daniel P. Dulebohn

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi survives in its tick vector, Ixodes scapularis, or within various hosts. To transition between and survive in these distinct niches, B. burgdorferi changes its gene expression in response to environmental cues, both biochemical and physiological. Exposure of B. burgdorferi to weak monocarboxylic organic acids, including those detected in the blood meal of fed ticks, decreased the cytoplasmic pH of B. burgdorferi in vitro. A decrease in the cytoplasmic pH induced the expression of genes encoding enzymes that have been shown to restore pH homeostasis in other bacteria. These include putative coupled proton/cation exchangers, a putative Na+/H+ antiporter, a neutralizing buffer transporter, an amino acid deaminase and a proton exporting vacuolar-type VoV1 ATPase. Data presented in this report suggested that the acid stress response triggered the expression of RpoN- and RpoS-dependent genes including important virulence factors such as outer surface protein C (OspC, BBA66, and some BosR (Borreliaoxidative stress regulator-dependent genes. Because the expression of virulence factors, like OspC, are so tightly connected by RpoS to general cellular stress responses and cell physiology, it is difficult to separate transmission-promoting conditions in what is clearly a multifactorial and complex regulatory web.

Los nuevos paraísos. Historia y evolución de los parques temáticos

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Ten, Antonio E.

1998-05-01

Full Text Available Not available.Europa está descubriendo en los últimos años una moda cuyas raíces arraigaron primero en su territorio pero cuyo florecimiento se produjo en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. La actual proliferación de parques temáticos y su indudable impacto cultural y económico los convierte en un fenómeno social digno de estudio. Pese a ello, la bibliografía a ellos dedicada es todavía muy escasa. El presente artículo describe los orígenes de este fenómeno de nuestro tiempo, desde los primeros jardines y exposiciones universales, que pueden considerarse como sus antecesores, hasta los grandes parques de atracciones de principios de este siglo; resalta el carácter educativo no formal que distingue la filosofía de los parques temáticos y destaca el papel de la industria del entretenimiento americana en su popularización. Por fin, como una de las vías de evolución actual del concepto, se presenta la noción de «parque temático abierto» y se estudian sus posibilidades en los ámbitos del ocio y de la educación del siglo XXI.

Inventario de necesidades de los familiares de los pacientes egresados de la unidad de cuidado intensivo

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Dianne Sofía González-Escobar

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Objetivo: Identificar las necesidades de los familiares de los pacientes hospitalizados en la unidad de cuidado intensivo de una institución de salud. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal. Se entrevistaron a 144 familiares que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Para la recolección de información se empleó el Inventario de Necesidades y Estresores de Familiares en Terapia Intensiva. Resultados: La necesidad de información fue catalogada por el 95.1% de los familiares como muy importante, y Al analizar el grado de satisfacción de las 43 necesidades, se constató que el 96.5% de los familiares señala todas las necesidades como muy importantes. Conclusiones El reconocimiento e inclusión de la familia de los pacientes en los procesos de atención demanda cambios fundamentales en la visión y en la organización de las instituciones de salud.

PORTUGUESE YOUTH AGED FROM 10 TO 19 YEARS: WHAT ARE THEY DOING WITH THEIR COMPUTERS? LOS JÓVENES PORTUGUESES DE LOS 10 A LOS 19 AÑOS: ¿QUÉ HACEN CON LOS ORDENADORES?

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José Joaquín Costa

2011-03-01

Full Text Available In the initial training in computer science in the university we come across a great diversity of experiences and skills of ours students.To understand the evolution of computer use in the course of 10 to 19 years of Portuguese youth, we have prepared a questionnaire on:- Use the computer, context, type of equipment;- Internet access, activities, time, context;- Chat programs, social networking and blogs;- Monitoring of use by parents, modalities;- IT training.From a sample of 390 young Portuguese data were processed to enable comparisons depending on the age groups 10-12, 13-15 and 16-19 years. The information collected will outline an evolutionary framework of skills of young and allow us to have a rough idea of the use of IT from youth when they enter university.Uno de los aspectos mas interesantes en la formación inicial en informática en el contexto universitario es la diversidad de experiencias y competencias de los alumnos.A fin de percibir la evolución de la utilización del ordenador en el tramo de edad de los 10 a los 19 años de los jóvenes portugueses, elaboramos un cuestionario sobre: utilización del pc, contexto, tipo de equipamiento; acceso a Internet, modalidad, actividades desarrolladas, tiempo, contexto; programas de chat, redes sociales y blog; control de su uso por parte de sus padres, modalidad; formación en TIC.A partir de una muestra de 390 jóvenes portugueses los datos fueron tratados para permitir comparaciones en función de los grupos de edad 10-12 años, 13-15 años y 16-19 años. La información recogida permitirá elaborar un cuadro evolutivo de las competencias de los jóvenes, así como tener una idea aproximada del uso de las TIC en los sujetos que inician la universidad.

Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ticks from Kosovo and Albania

Science.gov (United States)

Sherifi, Kurtesh; Rexhepi, Agim; Berxholi, Kristaq; Mehmedi, Blerta; Gecaj, Rreze M.; Hoxha, Zamira; Joachim, Anja; Duscher, Georg G.

2018-01-01

Tick-borne diseases pose a serious threat to human health in South-Eastern Europe, including Kosovo. While Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a well-known emerging infection in this area, there are no accurate data on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Therefore, we sampled and tested 795 ticks. Ixodes ricinus (n = 218), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 98), and Haemaphysalis spp. (n = 24) were collected from the environment by flagging (all from Kosovo), while Hyalomma marginatum (n = 199 from Kosovo, all from Kosovo) and Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 130, 126 from Albania) could be collected only by removal from animal pasture and domestic ruminants. Ticks were collected in the years 2014/2015 and tested for viral RNA of CCHF and TBE viruses, as well as for DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by real-time PCR. In Kosovo, nine ticks were positive for RNA of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and seven for DNA of B. burgdorferi s. l. None of the ticks tested positive for TBEV. CCHF virus was detected in one H. marginatum male specimen collected while feeding on grazing cattle from the Prizren region and in eight R. bursa specimens (five females and three males collected while feeding on grazing sheep and cattle) from the Prishtina region (Kosovo). B. burgdorferi s. l. was detected in seven questing ticks (four male and one female D. marginatus, two I. ricinus one female and one male) from the Mitrovica region (Kosovo). Our study confirmed that CCHF virus is circulating in Kosovo mainly in H. marginatum and R. bursa in the central areas of the country. B. burgdorferi s. l. was found in its major European host tick, I. ricinus, but also in D. marginatus, in the north of the Kosovo. In order to prevent the spread of these diseases and better control of the tick-borne infections, an improved vector surveillance and testing of ticks for the presence of pathogens needs to be established. PMID:29560357

Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ticks from Kosovo and Albania