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Du X, McManus DP, French JD, Jones MK, You H. CRISPR/Cas9: A new tool for the study and control of helminth parasites. Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000185. [PMID: 33145822 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in parasitic helminths open up new avenues for research on these dangerous pathogens. However, the complex morphology and life cycles inherent to these parasites present obstacles for the efficient application of CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis. This is especially true with the trematode flukes where only modest levels of gene mutation efficiency have been achieved. Current major challenges in the application of CRISPR/Cas9 for study of parasitic worms thus lie in enhancing gene mutation efficiency and overcoming issues involved in host passage so that mutated parasites survive. Strategies developed for CRISPR/Cas9 studies on Caenorhabditis elegans, protozoa and mammalian cells, including novel delivery methods, the choice of selectable markers, and refining mutation precision represent novel tactics whereby these impediments can be overcome. Furthermore, employing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene drive to interfere with vector transmission represents a novel approach for the control of parasitic worms that is worthy of further exploration.
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Androić D, Armstrong DS, Asaturyan A, Bartlett K, Beaufait J, Beminiwattha RS, Benesch J, Benmokhtar F, Birchall J, Carlini RD, Cornejo JC, Dusa SC, Dalton MM, Davis CA, Deconinck W, Dowd JF, Dunne JA, Dutta D, Duvall WS, Elaasar M, Falk WR, Finn JM, Forest T, Gal C, Gaskell D, Gericke MTW, Grames J, Gray VM, Grimm K, Guo F, Hoskins JR, Jones D, Jones MK, Jones RT, Kargiantoulakis M, King PM, Korkmaz E, Kowalski S, Leacock J, Leckey JP, Lee AR, Lee JH, Lee L, MacEwan S, Mack D, Magee JA, Mahurin R, Mammei J, Martin JW, McHugh MJ, Meekins D, Mei J, Mesick KE, Michaels R, Micherdzinska A, Mkrtchyan A, Mkrtchyan H, Morgan N, Narayan A, Ndukum LZ, Nelyubin V, van Oers WTH, Owen VF, Page SA, Pan J, Paschke KD, Phillips SK, Pitt ML, Radloff RW, Rajotte JF, Ramsay WD, Roche J, Sawatzky B, Seva T, Shabestari MH, Silwal R, Simicevic N, Smith GR, Solvignon P, Spayde DT, Subedi A, Subedi R, Suleiman R, Tadevosyan V, Tobias WA, Tvaskis V, Waidyawansa B, Wang P, Wells SP, Wood SA, Yang S, Zang P, Zhamkochyan S. Precision Measurement of the Beam-Normal Single-Spin Asymmetry in Forward-Angle Elastic Electron-Proton Scattering. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:112502. [PMID: 32976004 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.112502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A beam-normal single-spin asymmetry generated in the scattering of transversely polarized electrons from unpolarized nucleons is an observable related to the imaginary part of the two-photon exchange process. We report a 2% precision measurement of the beam-normal single-spin asymmetry in elastic electron-proton scattering with a mean scattering angle of θ_{lab}=7.9° and a mean energy of 1.149 GeV. The asymmetry result is B_{n}=-5.194±0.067(stat)±0.082 (syst) ppm. This is the most precise measurement of this quantity available to date and therefore provides a stringent test of two-photon exchange models at far-forward scattering angles (θ_{lab}→0) where they should be most reliable.
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Favero V, Veríssimo CDM, Piovesan AR, Morassutti AL, Souto AA, Bittencourt HR, Pascoal VF, Lindholz CG, Jones MK, Souza RP, Rigo FDV, Carlini CR, Graeff-Teixeira C. A new diagnostic strategy which uses a luminol-H2O2 system to detect helminth eggs in fecal sediments processed by the Helmintex method. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008500. [PMID: 32730339 PMCID: PMC7437924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health problem in tropical regions, affecting more than 250 million people. Sensitive diagnostic methods represent key tools for disease elimination, in particular in areas with low endemicity. Advances in the use of luminol-based chemiluminescent techniques have enabled greater sensitivity and speed in obtaining results in different diagnostic settings. In this study, we developed a luminol-H2O2 chemiluminescence (CL) method to detect Schistosoma mansoni eggs in human fecal sediments processed by the Helmintex (HTX) method. After S. mansoni eggs were incubated with a solution of luminol-H2O2 the light emission was detected and measured by spectrophotometry at 431 nm for 5 min, using detection and counts of eggs by bright field optical microscopy as a reference. CL intensity was found to correlate with different sources and numbers of eggs. Furthermore, our results showed that the CL method can distinguish positive from negative samples with 100% sensitivity and 71% specificity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of CL for the diagnosis of helminths from fecal samples. The combination of the HTX method with CL represents an important advance in providing a reference method with the highest standards of sensitivity. Schistosomiasis, the infection caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, is still a significant health problem in many countries, despite some successful control efforts. In areas where parasite load is low and few eggs are released in feces, most diagnostic tests fail to detect the infections. Helmintex is a very sensitive, but time consuming, egg-detection method, with most time being consumed in observations of samples at the microscope. Here we report standardization of an innovative luminol-H2O2 chemiluminescence reaction triggered by Schistosoma mansoni eggs that may improve their detection in feces. Improved diagnostic tests are urgently required as part of the schistosomiasis elimination efforts.
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Bienvenu AL, Marty AM, Jones MK, Picot S. Systematic review of registered trials of Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for COVID-19 health-care workers at the first third of 2020. One Health 2020; 10:100141. [PMID: 32562480 PMCID: PMC7235596 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of a vaccine the medical and scientific community is looking intensely at utilizing a pre or post exposure drug that could decrease viremia. The search for a medication that could reduce risk of serious disease, and ideally of any manifestation of disease from SARS-CoV2, and of asymptomatic shedding of SARS-CoV2 is of urgent interest. Repurposing existing pharmaceuticals is among the approaches to achieve these ends. We performed a systematic review of all interventional studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with a focus on one repurposed drug, Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The detailed analysis of these studies, some of them already recruiting, provide an overall picture of HCQ use as a COVID-19 prophylaxis around the world. Among the included studies, all but three were randomized and parallel and most of them (74%, 23/31) were double-blinded to quadruple-blinded studies. We found a great diversity in dosing and nearly all the possible scientifically reasonable regimens are under evaluation. This diversity offers benefits as well as challenges. Importantly, the final analysis of these trials should be done through an extensive reading of the results in regard to the clinical design, it will be crucial to carefully read and evaluate the results of each study in regards to the clinical design rather than quickly glancing a 140 characters-based social media message announcing the failure or success of a drug against a disease.
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Li WB, Huber GM, Blok HP, Gaskell D, Horn T, Semenov-Tian-Shansky K, Pire B, Szymanowski L, Laget JM, Aniol K, Arrington J, Beise EJ, Boeglin W, Brash EJ, Breuer H, Chang CC, Christy ME, Ent R, Gibson EF, Holt RJ, Jin S, Jones MK, Keppel CE, Kim W, King PM, Kovaltchouk V, Liu J, Lolos GJ, Mack DJ, Margaziotis DJ, Markowitz P, Matsumura A, Meekins D, Miyoshi T, Mkrtchyan H, Niculescu I, Okayasu Y, Pentchev L, Perdrisat C, Potterveld D, Punjabi V, Reimer PE, Reinhold J, Roche J, Roos PG, Sarty A, Smith GR, Tadevosyan V, Tang LG, Tvaskis V, Volmer J, Vulcan W, Warren G, Wood SA, Xu C, Zheng X. Unique Access to u-Channel Physics: Exclusive Backward-Angle Omega Meson Electroproduction. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:182501. [PMID: 31763910 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.182501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Backward-angle meson electroproduction above the resonance region, which was previously ignored, is anticipated to offer unique access to the three quark plus sea component of the nucleon wave function. In this Letter, we present the first complete separation of the four electromagnetic structure functions above the resonance region in exclusive ω electroproduction off the proton, ep→e^{'}pω, at central Q^{2} values of 1.60, 2.45 GeV^{2}, at W=2.21 GeV. The results of our pioneering -u≈-u_{min} study demonstrate the existence of a unanticipated backward-angle cross section peak and the feasibility of full L/T/LT/TT separations in this never explored kinematic territory. At Q^{2}=2.45 GeV^{2}, the observed dominance of σ_{T} over σ_{L}, is qualitatively consistent with the collinear QCD description in the near-backward regime, in which the scattering amplitude factorizes into a hard subprocess amplitude and baryon to meson transition distribution amplitudes: universal nonperturbative objects only accessible through backward-angle kinematics.
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Bernigaud C, Samarawickrama GR, Jones MK, Gasser RB, Fischer K. The Challenge of Developing a Single-Dose Treatment for Scabies. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:931-943. [PMID: 31474559 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scabies is a common skin disease with an estimated worldwide incidence of 200 million people infected per year. Its morbidity and mortality is principally due to secondary bacterial infections, a link now well recognized and prompting the recent inclusion of this disease-complex in the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases. The few treatments available are poorly effective against Sarcoptes scabiei eggs and appear to induce resistance in the parasite. An ideal alternative would be a single-dose regimen that kills all developmental stages, including eggs. Drugs used in the veterinary field and applied to other arthropods could be tested experimentally in an established pig-scabies model. Moreover, functional genomics combined with target validation through biochemical research should assist in identifying new drugs.
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Albayrak I, Mamyan V, Christy ME, Ahmidouch A, Arrington J, Asaturyan A, Bodek A, Bosted P, Bradford R, Brash E, Bruell A, Butuceanu C, Coleman SJ, Commisso M, Connell SH, Dalton MM, Danagoulian S, Daniel A, Day DB, Dhamija S, Dunne J, Dutta D, Ent R, Gaskell D, Gasparian A, Gran R, Horn T, Huang L, Huber GM, Jayalath C, Johnson M, Jones MK, Kalantarians N, Liyanage A, Keppel CE, Kinney E, Li Y, Malace S, Manly S, Markowitz P, Maxwell J, Mbianda NN, McFarland KS, Meziane M, Meziani ZE, Mills GB, Mkrtchyan H, Mkrtchyan A, Mulholland J, Nelson J, Niculescu G, Niculescu I, Pentchev L, Puckett A, Punjabi V, Qattan IA, Reimer PE, Reinhold J, Rodriguez VM, Rondon-Aramayo O, Sakuda M, Sakumoto WK, Segbefia E, Seva T, Sick I, Slifer K, Smith GR, Steinman J, Solvignon P, Tadevosyan V, Tajima S, Tvaskis V, Vulcan WF, Walton T, Wesselmann FR, Wood SA, Ye Z. Measurements of Nonsinglet Moments of the Nucleon Structure Functions and Comparison to Predictions from Lattice QCD for Q^{2}=4 GeV^{2}. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:022501. [PMID: 31386522 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.022501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present extractions of the nucleon nonsinglet moments utilizing new precision data on the deuteron F_{2} structure function at large Bjorken-x determined via the Rosenbluth separation technique at Jefferson Lab Experimental Hall C. These new data are combined with a complementary set of data on the proton previously measured in Hall C at similar kinematics and world datasets on the proton and deuteron at lower x measured at SLAC and CERN. The new Jefferson Lab data provide coverage of the upper third of the x range, crucial for precision determination of the higher moments. In contrast to previous extractions, these moments have been corrected for nuclear effects in the deuteron using a new global fit to the deuteron and proton data. The obtained experimental moments represent an order of magnitude improvement in precision over previous extractions using high x data. Moreover, recent exciting developments in lattice QCD calculations provide a first ever comparison of these new experimental results with calculations of moments carried out at the physical pion mass, as well as a new approach that first calculates the quark distributions directly before determining moments.
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De Marco Verissimo C, Potriquet J, You H, McManus DP, Mulvenna J, Jones MK. Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses of Schistosoma japonicum eggs and egg-derived secretory-excretory proteins. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:173. [PMID: 30992086 PMCID: PMC6469072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosome parasites lay up to a thousand eggs per day inside the veins of their mammalian hosts. The immature eggs deposited by females against endothelia of venules will embryonate within days. Approximately 30% of the eggs will migrate to the lumen of the intestine to continue the parasite life-cycle. Many eggs, however, are trapped in the liver and intestine causing the main pathology associated with schistosomiasis mansoni and japonica, the liver granulomatous response. Excretory-secretory egg proteins drive much of egg-induced pathogenesis of schistosomiasis mansoni, and Schistosoma japonicum induce a markedly distinct granulomatous response to that of S. mansoni. METHODS To explore the basis of variations in this responsiveness, we investigated the proteome of eggs of S. japonicum. Using mass spectrometry qualitative and quantitative (SWATH) analyses, we describe the protein composition of S. japonicum eggs secretory proteins (ESP), and the differential expression of proteins by fully mature and immature eggs, isolated from faeces and ex vivo adults. RESULTS Of 957 egg-related proteins identified, 95 were exclusively found in S. japonicum ESP which imply that they are accessible to host immune system effector elements. An in-silico analysis implies that ESP are able of stimulating the innate and adaptive immune system through several different pathways. While quantitative SWATH analysis revealed 124 proteins that are differentially expressed by mature and immature S. japonicum eggs, illuminating some important aspects of eggs biology and infection, we also show that mature eggs are more likely than immature eggs to stimulate host immune responses. CONCLUSIONS Here we present a list of potential targets that can be used to develop better strategies to avoid severe morbidity during S. japonicum infection, as well as improving diagnosis, treatment and control of schistosomiasis japonica.
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Du X, Jones MK, Nawaratna SSK, Ranasinghe S, Xiong C, Cai P, McManus DP, You H. Gene Expression in Developmental Stages of Schistosoma japonicum Provides Further Insight into the Importance of the Schistosome Insulin-Like Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071565. [PMID: 30925781 PMCID: PMC6480100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We showed previously that the Schistosoma japonicum insulin-like peptide (SjILP) binds the worm insulin receptors, thereby, activating the parasite’s insulin pathway and emphasizing its important role in regulating uptake of glucose, a nutrient essential for parasite survival. Here we show that SjILP is differentially expressed in the schistosome life cycle and is especially highly transcribed in eggs, miracidia, and adult female worms. RNA inference was employed to knockdown SjILP in adults in vitro, with suppression confirmed by significantly reduced protein production, declined adenosine diphosphate levels, and reduction in glucose consumption. Immunolocalization showed that SjILP is located to lateral gland cells of mature intra-ovular miracidia in the schistosome egg, and is distributed on the ciliated epithelium and internal cell masses of newly transformed miracidia. In schistosomula, SjILP is present on the tegument in two antero-lateral points, indicating highly polarized expression during cercarial transformation. Analysis of serum from S. japonicum-infected mice by ELISA using a recombinant form of SjILP as an antigen revealed IgG immunoreactivity to this molecule at 7 weeks post-infection indicating it is likely secreted from mature eggs into the host circulation. These findings provide further insights on ILP function in schistosomes and its essential roles in parasite survival and growth in different development stages.
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Oey H, Zakrzewski M, Gravermann K, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Gobert GN, Nawaratna S, Hasan S, Martínez DM, You H, Lavin M, Jones MK, Ragan MA, Stoye J, Oleaga A, Emery AM, Webster BL, Rollinson D, Gasser RB, McManus DP, Krause L. Whole-genome sequence of the bovine blood fluke Schistosoma bovis supports interspecific hybridization with S. haematobium. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007513. [PMID: 30673782 PMCID: PMC6361461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenteric infection by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma bovis is a common veterinary problem in Africa and the Middle East and occasionally in the Mediterranean Region. The species also has the ability to form interspecific hybrids with the human parasite S. haematobium with natural hybridisation observed in West Africa, presenting possible zoonotic transmission. Additionally, this exchange of alleles between species may dramatically influence disease dynamics and parasite evolution. We have generated a 374 Mb assembly of the S. bovis genome using Illumina and PacBio-based technologies. Despite infecting different hosts and organs, the genome sequences of S. bovis and S. haematobium appeared strikingly similar with 97% sequence identity. The two species share 98% of protein-coding genes, with an average sequence identity of 97.3% at the amino acid level. Genome comparison identified large continuous parts of the genome (up to several 100 kb) showing almost 100% sequence identity between S. bovis and S. haematobium. It is unlikely that this is a result of genome conservation and provides further evidence of natural interspecific hybridization between S. bovis and S. haematobium. Our results suggest that foreign DNA obtained by interspecific hybridization was maintained in the population through multiple meiosis cycles and that hybrids were sexually reproductive, producing viable offspring. The S. bovis genome assembly forms a highly valuable resource for studying schistosome evolution and exploring genetic regions that are associated with species-specific phenotypic traits. In this article we detail the assembly and functional annotation of the Schistosoma bovis genome. S. bovis is a parasitic flatworm that primarily infects bovines, with important economic consequences in affected countries. However, it is also a close relative of the human carcinogenic parasite Schistosoma haematobium which is a serious health issue in many endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The close relationship and overlapping geographical distribution of S. bovis and S. haematobium allows these to hybridise in the wild increasing their genetic diversity and presenting the risk of zoonotic transmission, i.e. the transmission from animals to humans. The hybridization between human and ruminant schistosomes is of particular interest as interspecific hybridization may have dramatic impacts on transmission rates, disease dynamics, control interventions and parasite evolution. By whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics we present evidence that fertile hybrids are indeed present in the wild, presenting the potential risk of transmission from animal reservoirs to humans.
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Armstrong W, Kang H, Liyanage A, Maxwell J, Mulholland J, Ndukum L, Ahmidouch A, Albayrak I, Asaturyan A, Ates O, Baghdasaryan H, Boeglin W, Bosted P, Brash E, Butuceanu C, Bychkov M, Carter P, Chen C, Chen JP, Choi S, Christy ME, Covrig S, Crabb D, Danagoulian S, Daniel A, Davidenko AM, Davis B, Day D, Deconinck W, Deur A, Dunne J, Dutta D, El Fassi L, Ellis C, Ent R, Flay D, Frlez E, Gaskell D, Geagla O, German J, Gilman R, Gogami T, Gomez J, Goncharenko YM, Hashimoto O, Higinbotham D, Horn T, Huber GM, Jones M, Jones MK, Kalantarians N, Kang HK, Kawama D, Keith C, Keppel C, Khandaker M, Kim Y, King PM, Kohl M, Kovacs K, Kubarovsky V, Li Y, Liyanage N, Luo W, Mack D, Mamyan V, Markowitz P, Maruta T, Meekins D, Melnik YM, Meziani ZE, Mkrtchyan A, Mkrtchyan H, Mochalov VV, Monaghan P, Narayan A, Nakamura SN, Nuruzzaman A, Pentchev L, Pocanic D, Posik M, Puckett A, Qiu X, Reinhold J, Riordan S, Roche J, Rondón OA, Sawatzky B, Shabestari M, Slifer K, Smith G, Soloviev LF, Solvignon P, Tadevosyan V, Tang L, Vasiliev AN, Veilleux M, Walton T, Wesselmann F, Wood S, Yao H, Ye Z, Zhang J, Zhu L. Revealing Color Forces with Transverse Polarized Electron Scattering. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 122:022002. [PMID: 30720291 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.122.022002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Spin Asymmetries of the Nucleon Experiment measured two double spin asymmetries using a polarized proton target and polarized electron beam at two beam energies, 4.7 and 5.9 GeV. A large-acceptance open-configuration detector package identified scattered electrons at 40° and covered a wide range in Bjorken x (0.3<x<0.8). Proportional to an average color Lorentz force, the twist-3 matrix element, d[over ˜]_{2}^{p}, was extracted from the measured asymmetries at Q^{2} values ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 GeV^{2}. The data display the opposite sign compared to most quark models, including the lattice QCD result, and an unexpected scale dependence. Furthermore, when combined with the neutron data in the same Q^{2} range the results suggest a flavor independent average color Lorentz force.
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Oey H, Zakrzewski M, Narain K, Devi KR, Agatsuma T, Nawaratna S, Gobert GN, Jones MK, Ragan MA, McManus DP, Krause L. Whole-genome sequence of the oriental lung fluke Paragonimus westermani. Gigascience 2019; 8:5232231. [PMID: 30520948 PMCID: PMC6329441 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Foodborne infections caused by lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus are a significant and widespread public health problem in tropical areas. Approximately 50 Paragonimus species have been reported to infect animals and humans, but Paragonimus westermani is responsible for the bulk of human disease. Despite their medical and economic importance, no genome sequence for any Paragonimus species is available. Results We sequenced and assembled the genome of P. westermani, which is among the largest of the known pathogen genomes with an estimated size of 1.1 Gb. A 922.8 Mb genome assembly was generated from Illumina and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequence data, covering 84% of the estimated genome size. The genome has a high proportion (45%) of repeat-derived DNA, particularly of the long interspersed element and long terminal repeat subtypes, and the expansion of these elements may explain some of the large size. We predicted 12,852 protein coding genes, showing a high level of conservation with related trematode species. The majority of proteins (80%) had homologs in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, with an average sequence identity of 64.1%. Assembly of the P. westermani mitochondrial genome from long PacBio reads resulted in a single high-quality circularized 20.6 kb contig. The contig harbored a 6.9 kb region of non-coding repetitive DNA comprised of three distinct repeat units. Our results suggest that the region is highly polymorphic in P. westermani, possibly even within single worm isolates. Conclusions The generated assembly represents the first Paragonimus genome sequence and will facilitate future molecular studies of this important, but neglected, parasite group.
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Gordon CA, Jones MK, McManus DP. The History of Bancroftian Lymphatic Filariasis in Australasia and Oceania: Is There a Threat of Re-Occurrence in Mainland Australia? Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E58. [PMID: 30274454 PMCID: PMC6073764 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) infects an estimated 120 million people worldwide, with a further 856 million considered at risk of infection and requiring preventative chemotherapy. The majority of LF infections are caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, named in honour of the Australian physician Joseph Bancroft, with the remainder due to Brugia malayi and B. timori. Infection with LF through the bite of an infected mosquito, can lead to the development of the condition known as elephantiasis, where swelling due to oedema leads to loss of function in the affected area and thickening of the skin, 'like an elephant'. LF has previously been endemic in Australia, although currently, no autochthonous cases occur there. Human immigration to Australia from LF-endemic countries, including those close to Australia, and the presence of susceptible mosquitoes that can act as suitable vectors, heighten the possibility of the reintroduction of LF into this country. In this review, we examine the history of LF in Australia and Oceania and weigh up the potential risk of its re-occurrence on mainland Australia.
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Veschusio C, Jones MK, Mercer J, Martin AB. Readying Community Water Fluoridation Advocates through Training, Surveillance, and Empowerment. COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH 2018; 35:67-70. [PMID: 29111620 DOI: 10.1922/cdh_4021veschusio04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the Community Water Fluoridation Advocacy Training Project that was designed to develop networks of community water fluoridation advocates in rural communities. The South Carolina (SC) Department of Health and Environmental Control Division of Oral Health staff and the SC Dental Association were responsible for developing and facilitating the training sessions for key policy influencers, which included medical and dental providers, early childhood educators, and water system operators and managers. Findings from the post-training survey indicate that participants increased their knowledge and skills to discuss the impact of water fluoridation on the dental health of community residents. Participants identified a need for online access to water fluoridation education and advocacy materials. Dental public health competencies illustrated: communication and collaboration with groups and individuals, and advocate, implement and evaluate public health policy, legislation and regulations.
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Graeff-Teixeira C, Morassutti AL, Jones MK. Diagnosing and Understanding Angiostrongyliasis, A Zoonotic Cause of Meningitis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:393-394. [PMID: 29411969 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis is spreading worldwide, and it can manifest as a severe neurological disease. Angiostrongyliasis is a food- and water-borne parasitosis that usually exhibits a seasonal and circumscribed geographical distribution. To improve control and treatment of these infections, further studies of transmission dynamics under natural conditions and the development of better diagnostic tools and treatment options are needed.
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Lindholz CG, Favero V, Verissimo CDM, Candido RRF, de Souza RP, dos Santos RR, Morassutti AL, Bittencourt HR, Jones MK, St. Pierre TG, Graeff-Teixeira C. Study of diagnostic accuracy of Helmintex, Kato-Katz, and POC-CCA methods for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis in Candeal, a low intensity transmission area in northeastern Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006274. [PMID: 29518081 PMCID: PMC5843168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control initiatives have successfully reduced the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis transmission in several localities around the world. However, individuals that release low numbers of eggs in their feces may not be detected by classical methods that are limited by low sensitivity. Given that accurate estimates of prevalence are key to implementing planning control actions for the elimination of schistosomiasis, new diagnostic tools are needed to effectively monitor infections and confirm transmission interruption. The World Health Organization recommends the Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear as a parasitological test for epidemiological surveys, even though this method has been demonstrated to underestimate prevalence when egg burdens are low. The point-of-care immunodiagnostic for detecting schistosome cathodic circulating antigen (POC-CCA) method has been proposed as a more sensitive substitute for KK in prevalence estimations. An alternative diagnostic, the Helmintex (HTX) method, isolates eggs from fecal samples with the use of paramagnetic particles in a magnetic field. Here, a population-based study involving 461 individuals from Candeal, Sergipe State, Brazil, was conducted to evaluate these three methods comparatively by latent class analysis (LCA). The prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni was determined to be 71% with POC-CCA, 40.% with HTX and 11% with KK. Most of the egg burdens of the individuals tested (70%) were < 1 epg, thereby revealing a dissociation between prevalence and intensity in this locality. Therefore, the present results confirm that the HTX method is a highly sensitive egg detection procedure and support its use as a reference method for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis and for comparative evaluation of other tests.
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Candido RRF, Morassutti AL, Graeff-Teixeira C, St Pierre TG, Jones MK. Exploring Structural and Physical Properties of Schistosome Eggs: Potential Pathways for Novel Diagnostics? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2018; 100:209-237. [PMID: 29753339 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this era of increasing demand for sensitive techniques to diagnose schistosomiasis, there is a need for an increased focus on the properties of the parasite eggs. The eggs are not only directly linked to the morbidity of chronic infection but are also potential key targets for accurate diagnostics. Eggs were the primary target of diagnostic tools in the past and we argue they could be the target of highly sensitive tools in the future if we focus on characteristics of their structure and shell surface that could be exploited for enhanced detection. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of the physical structures of schistosome eggs and eggshells with a view to identifying pathways to a comprehensive understanding of their role in the host-parasite relationship and pathogenesis of infection, and pathways to new strategies for development of diagnostics.
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Ahluwalia A, Jones MK, Brzozowska I, Tarnawski AS. In vitro model of vasculo-angiogenesis: demonstration that bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells form new hybrid capillary blood vessels jointly with gastric endothelial cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017; 68:841-846. [PMID: 29550796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of blood vessels (neovascularization) is critical for tissue injury healing. The contribution of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMD-EPCs) to neovascularization during tissue injury healing is not fully elucidated and it is not clear whether BMD-EPCs can form new capillary blood vessels independently or jointly with fully differentiated endothelial cells (ECs). The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis by co-culture of BMD-EPCs and gastric endothelial cells (GECs) on Matrigel, examine direct interactions of these cells; and, identify the mechanisms involved. We isolated BMD-EPCs and GECs from bone marrow and stomach of rats, respectively. In these cells, we examined the expression of CD34, CD133, CD31, VEGF-R2, stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and CXCR4, and, their ability to form capillary-like tubes when cultured separately or when co-cultured (1:5 ratio) on growth factor-reduced Matrigel. Fluorescence-labeled BMD-EPCs seeded alone on Matrigel formed capillary-like tubes reflecting in vitro vasculogenesis, and when co-cultured with GECs on Matrigel, formed 'hybrid' tubes containing BMD-EPCs nested between GECs thus reflecting in vitro angio-vasculogenesis. These 'hybrid' tubes were 1.5-fold wider (P < 0.001) and had more extensive (5.1-fold increase) loops (P < 0.01) at the junctions of BMD-EPCs and GECs versus tubes formed by GECs alone. GECs expressed SDF-1 that likely mediated homing of BMD-EPCs (which expressed the SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4) and their incorporation during neovascularization. BMD-EPCs can independently form capillary-like tubes on Matrigel, and when co-cultured with fully differentiated ECs on Matrigel, form capillary-like 'hybrid' tubes comprised of both cell types. Both BMD-EPCs and GECs express SDF-1 and CXCR4, which indicate direct paracrine interactions between these cells during neovascularization.
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Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Jones MK, Gray DJ, McManus DP. Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Tropical Australia and Asia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:E56. [PMID: 30270913 PMCID: PMC6082059 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 2 billion people worldwide including significant numbers in South-East Asia (SEA). In Australia, STH are of less concern; however, indigenous communities are endemic for STH, including Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as for serious clinical infections due to other helminths such as Toxocara spp. The zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum is also present in Australia and SEA, and may contribute to human infections particularly among pet owners. High human immigration rates to Australia from SEA, which is highly endemic for STH Strongyloides and Toxocara, has resulted in a high prevalence of these helminthic infections in immigrant communities, particularly since such individuals are not screened for worm infections upon entry. In this review, we consider the current state of STH infections in Australia and SEA.
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Ahluwalia A, Brzozowski T, Jones MK, Ichikawa Y, Tarnawski AS. Formation of new blood vessels during gastric ulcer healing. Role of bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017; 68:585-589. [PMID: 29151075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of blood vessels (neovascularization) is critical for gastric ulcer (GU) healing. The contributions of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMD-EPCs) to neovascularization during GU healing are not fully elucidated. Our specific aims were to determine whether in GU, BMD-EPCs are incorporated into blood vessels of GU granulation tissue jointly with ECs, thus forming hybrid vessels; or, form separate vessels consisting of only BMD-EPCs. GUs were induced in rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Vascular cast studies were performed at 7, 21 and 60 days after GU induction and tissue specimens were immunostained for CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, and SDF-1 at 14 days. Human relevance was determined using archival human GU specimens. In rat GU granulation tissue BMD-EPCs constituted 28 ± 3% of all cells lining newly formed blood vessels, and were nested between fully differentiated ECs. In rat GU granulation tissue, expression of stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) - the major chemoattractant for BMD-EPCs was strongly upregulated. In human GU specimens, BMD-EPCs were also present in granulation tissue constituting 34 ± 3% of all cells lining blood vessels and jointly formed hybrid vessels with differentiated ECs. Our study uncovered that BMD-EPCs incorporate into newly formed blood vessels in GU granulation tissue; and, together with ECs of pre-existing vessels, contribute to and support neovascularization through vasculogenesis. This study is the first demonstration that vasculogenesis occurs during GU healing in both humans and in rats.
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Favero V, Frasca Candido RR, De Marco Verissimo C, Jones MK, St. Pierre TG, Lindholz CG, Da Silva VD, Morassutti AL, Graeff-Teixeira C. Optimization of the Helmintex method for schistosomiasis diagnosis. Exp Parasitol 2017; 177:28-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tarnawski AS, Ahluwalia A, Jones MK, Brzozowski T. Expression of nerve growth factor in rat stomach. Implications for interactions between endothelial, neural and epithelial cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2016; 67:879-883. [PMID: 28195068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study was aimed to determine the expression and localization of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the gastric mucosa. Transmural gastric specimens were obtained from euthanized rats. STUDIES 1) expression of NGF and TrkA receptor by Western blotting; 2) histological evaluation of gastric wall architecture; 3) expression of NGF using immunostaining. Immunostaining showed strong and differential expression of NGF in neural elements of gastric myenteric and submucosal plexuses; in epithelial cells: mainly in chief and progenitor cells, in enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells; and, in endothelial cells (ECs) lining blood vessels. We concluded that NGF expression in neural elements, epithelial cells and endothelial cells of blood vessels indicated a complex local interaction between neural, epithelial and endothelial cells that regulated gastric mucosal homeostasis and, likely, the protection against gastric injury and ulcer healing.
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da Silva FL, Dixon MW, Stack CM, Teuscher F, Taran E, Jones MK, Lovas E, Tilley L, Brown CL, Trenholme KR, Dalton JP, Gardiner DL, Skinner-Adams TS. A Plasmodium falciparum S33 proline aminopeptidase is associated with changes in erythrocyte deformability. Exp Parasitol 2016; 169:13-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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You H, Gobert GN, Du X, Pali G, Cai P, Jones MK, McManus DP. Functional characterisation of Schistosoma japonicum acetylcholinesterase. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:328. [PMID: 27283196 PMCID: PMC4901427 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important metabolic enzyme of schistosomes present in the musculature and on the surface of the blood stage where it has been implicated in the modulation of glucose scavenging from mammalian host blood. As both a target for the antischistosomal drug metrifonate and as a potential vaccine candidate, AChE has been characterised in the schistosome species Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis, but not in S. japonicum. Recently, using a schistosome protein microarray, a predicted S. japonicum acetylcholinesterase precursor was significantly targeted by protective IgG1 immune responses in S. haematobium-exposed individuals that had acquired drug-induced resistance to schistosomiasis after praziquantel treatment. RESULTS We report the full-length cDNA sequence and describe phylogenetic and molecular structural analysis to facilitate understanding of the biological function of AChE (SjAChE) in S. japonicum. The protein has high sequence identity (88 %) with the AChEs in S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis and has 25 % sequence similarity with human AChE, suggestive of a highly specialised role for the enzyme in both parasite and host. We immunolocalized SjAChE and demonstrated its presence on the surface of adult worms and schistosomula, as well as its lower expression in parenchymal regions. The relatively abundance of AChE activity (90 %) present on the surface of adult S. japonicum when compared with that reported in other schistosomes suggests SjAChE may be a more effective drug or immunological target against this species. We also demonstrate that the classical inhibitor of AChE, BW285c51, inhibited AChE activity in tegumental extracts of paired worms, single males and single females by 59, 22 and 50 %, respectively, after 24 h incubation with 200 μM BW284c51. CONCLUSIONS These results build on previous studies in other schistosome species indicating major differences in the enzyme between parasite and mammalian host, and provide further support for the design of an anti-schistosome intervention targeting AChE.
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 91:311-97. [PMID: 27015952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.
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