Inferring distributional shifts of epidemiologically important North and Central American sandflies from Pleistocene to future scenarios

Nine sandfly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) are suspected or proven vectors of Leishmania spp. in the North and Central America region. The ecological niches for these nine species were modelled in three time periods and the overlaps for all time periods of the geographic predictions (G space), and of ecological dimensions using pairwise comparisons of equivalent niches (E space), were calculated. Two Nearctic, six Neotropical and one species in both bioregions occupied a reduced number of distribution areas. The ecological niche projections for most sandfly species other than Lutzomyia shannoni and Lutzomyia ovallesi have not expanded significantly since the Pleistocene. Only three species increase significantly to 2050, whereas all others remain stable. Lutzomyia longipalpis shared a similar ecological niche with more species than any other, although both L. longipalpis and Lutzomyia olmeca olmeca had conserved distributions over time. Climate change, at both regional and local levels, will play a significant role in the temporal and spatial distributions of sandfly species.

Behavioural and electrophysiological responses of Triatoma dimidiata nymphs to conspecific faecal volatiles

The behavioural and electrophysiological (electroantennography) responses of the first two instars of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Latreille to fresh and dry faecal headspace volatile extracts from fifth instar conspecific nymphs and synthetic compounds were analysed in this study. Recently emerged nymphs (3-5 days) aggregated around filter paper impregnated with dry faeces and around filter paper impregnated with extracts from both fresh and dry faeces. Older first instars (10-15 days) and second instars aggregated around filter paper impregnated with fresh and dry faeces, and their respective headspace extracts. Dry faecal volatile extracts elicited the strongest antennal responses, followed by fresh faecal extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of dried faecal headspace volatiles demonstrated the presence of 12 compounds: 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, n-octadecane, n-nonadecane, n-eicosane, n-heneicosane, n-tricosane, n-pentaeicosane, n-hexaeicosane, n-octaeicosane, nonanal, and 4-methyl quinazoline. In fresh faecal headspace extracts, only nonanal was clearly detected, although there were other trace compounds, including several unidentified sesquiterpenes. Four of the 11 compounds tested individually elicited aggregation behaviour at concentrations of 100 ng/µL and 1 µg/µL. A blend containing these four components also mediated the aggregation of nymphs. These volatiles may be valuable for developing monitoring methods and designing sensitive strategies to detect and measure T. dimidiata infestation.

Impact of climate change on vector transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) in North America

Climate change can influence the geographical range of the ecological niche of pathogens by altering biotic interactions with vectors and reservoirs. The distributions of 20 epidemiologically important triatomine species in North America were modelled, comparing the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction (GARP) and maximum entropy (MaxEnt), with or without topographical variables. Potential shifts in transmission niche for Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) (Chagas, 1909) were analysed for 2050 and 2070 in Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. There were no significant quantitative range differences between the GARP and MaxEnt models, but GARP models best represented known distributions for most species [partial-receiver operating characteristic (ROC) > 1]; elevation was an important variable contributing to the ecological niche model (ENM). There was little difference between niche breadth projections for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5; the majority of species shifted significantly in both periods. Those species with the greatest current distribution range are expected to have the greatest shifts. Positional changes in the centroid, although reduced for most species, were associated with latitude. A significant increase or decrease in mean niche elevation is expected principally for Neotropical 1 species. The impact of climate change will be specific to each species, its biogeographical region and its latitude. North American triatomines with the greatest current distribution ranges (Nearctic 2 and Nearctic/Neotropical) will have the greatest future distribution shifts. Significant shifts (increases or decreases) in mean elevation over time are projected principally for the Neotropical species with the broadest current distributions. Changes in the vector exposure threat to the human population were significant for both future periods, with a 1.48% increase for urban populations and a 1.76% increase for rural populations in 2050.

Towards a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic Chagas disease

Treatment for Chagas disease with currently available medications is recommended universally only for acute cases (all ages) and for children up to 14 years old. The World Health Organization, however, also recommends specific antiparasite treatment for all chronic-phase Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals, even though in current medical practice this remains controversial, and most physicians only prescribe palliative treatment for adult Chagas patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The present opinion, prepared by members of the NHEPACHA network (Nuevas Herramientas para el Diagnóstico y la Evaluación del Paciente con Enfermedad de Chagas/New Tools for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Chagas Disease Patients), reviews the paradigm shift based on clinical and immunological evidence and argues in favor of antiparasitic treatment for all chronic patients. We review the tools needed to monitor therapeutic efficacy and the potential criteria for evaluation of treatment efficacy beyond parasitological cure. Etiological treatment should now be mandatory for all adult chronic Chagas disease patients.

Assessing the impact of density dependence in field populations of Aedes aegypti

Although many laboratory studies of intra-specific competition have been conducted with Ae. aegypti, there have been few studies in natural environments and none that examined density dependence in natural containers at normal field densities. Additionally, current mathematical models that predict Ae. aegypti population dynamics lack empirically-based functions for density-dependence. We performed field experiments in Tapachula, Mexico, where dengue is a significant public health concern. Twenty-one containers with natural food and water that already contained larvae were collected from local houses. Each container was divided in half and the naturally occurring larvae were apportioned in a manner that resulted in one side of the container (high density) having four times the density of the second side (low density). Larvae were counted and pupae were removed daily. Once adults emerged, wing span was measured to estimate body size. Density had a significant impact on larval survival, adult body size, and the time taken to transition from 4(th) instar to pupation. Increased density decreased larval survival by 20% and decreased wing length by an average of 0.19 mm. These results provide a starting point for a better understanding of density dependence in field populations of Ae. aegypti.

Fully integrated glass microfluidic device for performing high-efficiency capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A microfabricated device has been developed in which electrospray ionization is performed directly from the corner of a rectangular glass microchip. The device allows highly efficient electrokinetically driven separations to be coupled directly to a mass spectrometer (MS) without the use of external pressure sources or the insertion of capillary spray tips. An electrokinetic-based hydraulic pump is integrated on the chip that directs eluting materials to the monolithically integrated spray tip. A positively charged surface coating, PolyE-323, is used to prevent surface interactions with peptides and proteins and to reverse the electroosmotic flow in the separation channel. The device has been used to perform microchip CE-MS analysis of peptides and proteins with efficiencies over 200,000 theoretical plates (1,000,000 plates/m). The sensitivity and stability of the microfabricated ESI source were found to be comparable to that of commercial pulled fused-silica capillary nanospray sources.

Planar Geometry for Trapping and Separating Ions and Charged Particles

A planar quadrupole ion trap is proposed. We have demonstrated an extremely large operating range by trapping ions and particles with mass-to-charge ratio ranging from 10(2) to 10(9) at frequencies from 2.8 x 10(6) to 60 Hz at an operating pressure of 1.1 x 10(-4) to 760 Torr, respectively, using a trap radius of r1 = 1 mm. We have also performed mass spectrometry with a resolution of 1.2 amu with mass-to-charge range from 50 to 150. Our geometry is simple enough to be integrated into existing integrated circuits and microelectromechanical system devices, opening up the possibility of many novel hybrid applications and experiments.

Genetic variation, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships of Triatoma rubida and T. recurva (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) from the Sonoran Desert, insect vectors of the Chagas’ disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi

Nucleotide and amino acid sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene segments were used to gain insights into the population biology and phylogenetic relationships of two species of hematophagous kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) from the Sonoran Desert of northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona, USA, Triatoma rubida (Uhler, 1894) and T. recurva (Stål, 1868), both of which are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi responsible for Chagas' disease. Analysis of molecular variance of gene sequences indicated significant structure among populations of both species from widely separated geographic localities. Phylogenetic analyses of gene and amino acid sequences employing both Bayesian and parsimony methods showed that T. recurva clustered within the phyllosoma complex of Triatoma species from central and southern Mexico with high statistical support, and that it was closely related to T. longipennis. Triatoma dimidiata also was shown to be closely related to the phyllosoma complex, as was T. sanguisuga which has historically been assigned to the lecticularia complex. Analyses of gene sequences were unable to confidently resolve relationships of T. rubida, although weak support for a T. nitida+T. rubida clade was seen under certain conditions. A provisional calibration of a mitochondrial DNA molecular clock for T. rubida, based on geological dates for the vicariant separation of the Baja California peninsula from mainland Mexico, suggested that pairwise sequence divergences for the Cytb and COI genes were 1.1-1.8% and 0.6-1.0% per million years, respectively. Two highly supported sympatric lineages of T. rubida uhleri from southern Arizona, which are hypothesized to have diverged approximately 550,000-900,000 years ago, were detected in the Cytb gene trees.

Microfabricated quadrupole ion trap for mass spectrometer applications

An array of miniaturized cylindrical quadrupole ion traps, with a radius of 20 microm, is fabricated using silicon micromachining using phosphorus doped polysilicon and silicon dioxide for the purpose of creating a mass spectrometer on a chip. We have operated the array for mass-selective ion ejection and mass analysis using Xe ions at a pressure of 10(-4). The scaling rules for the ion trap in relation to operating pressure, voltage, and frequency are examined.

Fine-scale predictions of distributions of Chagas disease vectors in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico

One of the most daunting challenges for Chagas disease surveillance and control in Mexico is the lack of community level data on vector distributions. Although many states now have assembled representative domestic triatomine collections, only two triatomine specimens had been collected and reported previously from the state of Guanajuato. Field personnel from the state's Secretaría de Salud conducted health promotion activities in 43 of the 46 counties in the state and received donations of a total of 2,522 triatomine specimens between 1998 and 2002. All specimens were identified, and live insects examined for Trypanosoma cruzi. In an effort to develop fine-scale distributional data for Guanajuato, collection localities were georeferenced and ecological niches were modeled for each species by using evolutionary-computing approaches. Five species were collected: Triatoma mexicana (Herrich-Schaeffer), Triatoma longipennis (Usinger), Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål), Triatoma barberi (Usinger), and Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) from 201 communities located at elevations of 870-2,200 m. Based on collection success, T. mexicana had the broadest dispersion, although niche mapping indicates that T. barberi represents the greatest risk for transmission of Chagas disease in the state. T. dimidiata was represented in collections by a single adult collected from one village outside the predicted area for all species. For humans, an estimated 3,755,380 individuals are at risk for vector transmission in the state, with an incidence of 3,500 new cases per year; overall seroprevalences of 2.6% indicate that 97,640 individuals are infected with T. cruzi at present, including 29,300 chronic cases.

Morphometric analysis of Triatoma dimidiata populations (Reduviidae:Triatominae) from Mexico and Northern Guatemala

Triatoma dimidiata is one of the major vectors of Chagas disease in Latin America. Its range includes Mexico, all countries of Central America, Colombia, and Ecuador. In light of recent genetic analysis suggesting that the possible origin of this species is the Yucatan peninsula, we have analyzed populations from the state of Yucatan, San Luis Potosi, and Veracruz in Mexico, and a population from the southern region of the Yucatan peninsula located in Northern Guatemala, the region of El Peten. Classical morphometry including principal component, discriminant, sexual dimorphism, and wing asymmetry was analyzed. San Luis Potosi and Veracruz populations were indistinguishable while clearly separate from Yucatan and Peten populations. Despite important genetic differences, Yucatan and Peten populations were highly similar. Yucatan specimens were the smallest in size, while females were larger than males in all populations. Only head characters were necessary to distinguish population level differences, although wing fluctuating asymmetry was present in all populations. These results are discussed in light of recent findings suggesting genetic polymorphism in most populations of Triatoma dimidiata south of Chiapas to Ecuador.

Risk factors associated with house infestation by the Chagas disease vector Triatoma pallidipennis in Cuernavaca metropolitan area, Mexico

Chagas disease caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) is widespread in Mexico, transmitted by various triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). The only domestic vector in Cuernavaca (population 650 000) is Triatoma pallidipennis (Ståhl) with T. cruzi seroprevalence ranging from 1% to 9% in the resident human population. We surveyed possible risk factors for T. pallidipennis infestation at Cuernavaca (altitude 1200-2200 m) on south-western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental. This metropolitan area (with five administrative counties) has rapid urbanization, forested environs and proliferation of 'weekend housing' for visitors from Mexico City, 60 km to the north. To assess factors associated with T. pallidipennis infestation, we first stratified Cuernavaca by altitude and by socio-economic status of population catchment units (PCUs). Within each PCU, one to three blocks were chosen for cluster sampling (three houses/block) and information about Chagas disease was distributed. After obtaining signed consent from householders, representative houses were routinely and opportunistically inspected for T. pallidipennis and surveyed for demographic, economic, physical and other potential risk factors. Of the 1129 houses assessed, T. pallidipennis was found in 4.1% (range 3.0-6.8% per county) and the T. cruzi infection rate was approximately 50% in bugs. Rates of house infestation in poor PCUs were double those in higher socio-economic strata (odds ratio 2.12, confidence interval 1.03-4.3), with >4-fold greater crowding index of T. pallidipennis. The bug density index was inversely correlated with PCU altitude and socio-economic category (altitude of homes being associated with prosperity), while the bug colonization index (presence of nymphs indicating breeding) did not vary significantly across the PCU categories, but did vary according to altitude. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the most significant risk factors associated with T. pallidipennis infestation were lower altitude (linked with lower socio-economic status), garden area >80 m(2), dogs at liberty to enter the house, occurrence of squirrels and opossums around the house, presence of pigs in the surrounding area and having at least one of the adjacent lots empty (unconstructed). Householders who had received information about Chagas disease comprised 33% from infested houses (14/42) but only 15% from non-infested houses (148/984). Hence, the awareness of Chagas disease was significantly associated with having a bug-free house (P < 0.01). When shown specimens of T. pallidipennis, the proportions of householders who recognized them were 78% from infested houses but only 29% of those with uninfested houses. Given the low infestation rates and the high capacity of the population to act appropriately once they have received information regarding this disease and its vector, relevant health education is expected to have a significant impact on triatomine control in this metropolitan area.

Pulsed-Ionization Miniature Ion Mobility Spectrometer

We have demonstrated a miniature ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) that employs single pulses of corona discharge ionization. IMS spectra of both positive and negative ions generated from ambient air were measured as a function of drift field under various ionization conditions. Ion mobility spectra were studied with various pulse widths for both positive and negative ions, giving insights into mechanisms and kinetics of corona discharge ionization used in the miniature IMS. A combination of a pulsed potential with a steady dc bias was used to generate ions in the miniature IMS. There was a threshold dc potential for ion generation for a given pulse height. The dc ionization threshold was found to decrease linearly with increasing pulse height.

Control of Chagas disease vectors

Most Latin American countries are making dramatic progress in controlling Chagas disease, through a series of national and international initiatives focusing on elimination of domestic populations of Triatominae, improved screening of blood donors, and clinical support and treatment of persons infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Some countries, particularly Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, are sufficiently advanced in their programmes to initiate detailed planning of the subsequent phases of Chagas disease control, while others such as Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico, are currently applying only the initial phases of the control campaigns. In this review, we seek to provide a brief history of the campaigns as a basis for discussion of future interventions. Our aim is to relate operational needs to the underlying biological aspects that have made Chagas disease so serious in Latin America but have also revealed the epidemiological vulnerability of this disease. The English version of this paper is available too at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Domestic scorpion control with pyrethroid insecticides in Mexico

Scorpion stings cause more morbidity in Mexico than any other country, leading to about 100 deaths annually. In 1999, the State of Morelos reported nine deaths among 30663 cases of scorpion sting. To replace lindane used for scorpion control, field trials of pyrethroid pesticides were undertaken in Morelos during 1998-2000 at the village of Chalcatzingo (population initially with 2760 inhabitants and 530 houses). Pre-intervention surveys detected scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) of two species in the majority of houses: Centruroides limpidus limpidus Karsch outnumbering Vaejovis mexicanus smithi Koch. Scorpion prevalence was assessed, pre- and post-spray, directly by searching (40 min/house) and by householder reports of sightings inside houses. Pre-intervention perceptions of scorpion abundance were similar for all areas, with sightings in 12-18% of houses, whereas daytime searches detected more infestations in eastern parts of the village (prevalence 17% indoors, 22% outdoors) than in other sectors (9% indoors, 14% outdoors). Pyrethroids were evaluated as residual treatments in separate sectors of Chalcatzingo, with almost complete coverage indoors and peridomestically, using the following four formulations: bifenthrin 10% wettable powder (WP) applied at 50mg a.i./m2, cyfluthrin 10% WP (Solfac 10 WP) at 44-55 mg a.i./m2, deltamethrin 2.5% suspension concentrate (Biothrin 25 SC) at 11 mg a.i./m2 and 5% WP (K-Othrine 50 WP) at 35 mg a.i./m2. Phase 1 compared bifenthrin 10 WP, Solfac 10 WP and Biothrin 25 SC sprayed in December 1998; phase 2 compared Solfac 10 WP and K-Othrine 50 WP sprayed in June and again in December 2000, with follow-up surveys of scorpions one month post-spray and subsequently. Scorpion prevalence was reduced by 64-77% peridomestically one month post-spray and by 83, 46 and 15% in houses sprayed with cyfluthrin WP, bifenthrin WP or deltamethrin SC, respectively. Householder reports of sighting scorpions indoors were 33-85% below pre-intervention levels. Cumulative effects of the three spray-rounds over 3 years reduced scorpion prevalence by approximately 60% in the deltamethrin WP re-sprayed area and by approximately 90% in the cyfluthrin WP re-sprayed area. Householder sightings also fell by 67 and 28% in the cyfluthrin and delta-methrin re-sprayed areas, respectively. Operational efficacy of these products against scorpions at the dosages applied was ranked as cyfluthrin WP > bifenthrin WP > deltamethrin SC > WP. Reported cases of scorpion sting intoxication fell by 17% during this study after having risen by approximately 40% over four previous years.

Flow cytometry of Escherichia coli on microfluidic devices

Flow cytometry of the bacterium Escherichia coli was demonstrated on a microfabricated fluidic device (microchip). The channels were coated with poly(dimethylacrylamide) to prevent cell adhesion, and the cells were transported electrophoretically by applying potentials to the fluid reservoirs. The cells were electrophoretically focused at the channel cross and detected by coincident light scattering and fluorescence. The E. coli were labeled with a membrane-permeable nucleic acid stain (Syto15), a membrane-impermeable nucleic acid stain (propidium iodide), or a fluorescein-labeled antibody and counted at rates from 30 to 85 Hz. The observed labeling efficiencies for the dyes and antibody were greater than 94%.

Electroosmotically induced hydraulic pumping with integrated electrodes on microfluidic devices

Electroosmotic manipulation of fluids was demonstrated using thin metal electrodes integrated within microfluidic channels at the substrate and cover plate interface. Devices were fabricated by photolithographically patterning electrodes on glass cover plates that were then bonded to polymeric substrates into which the channels were cast. Polymeric substrates were used to provide a permeable membrane for the transport and removal of gaseous electrolysis products generated at the electrodes. Electroosmotic flow between interdigitated electrodes was demonstrated and provided electric field-free pumping of fluids in sections of the channel outside of the electrode pairs. The resultant pumping velocities were shown to be dependent on the applied voltage, not on the applied field strength, and independent of the length of the electroosmotically pumped region.

Two-dimensional electrochromatography/capillary electrophoresis on a microchip

A two-dimensional separation system on a microfabricated device was demonstrated using open-channel electrochromatography as the first dimension and capillary electrophoresis as the second dimension. The first dimension was operated under isocratic conditions, and the effluent from the first dimension was repetitively injected into the second dimension every few seconds. A 25-cm separation channel with spiral geometry for open-channel electrochromatography was chemically modified with octadecylsilane and coupled to a 1.2-cm straight separation channel for capillary electrophoresis. Fluorescently labeled products from tryptic digests of beta-casein were analyzed in 13 min with this system.

On-chip proteolytic digestion and analysis using "wrong-way-round" electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Rapid protein digestion and analysis using a hybrid microchip nanoelectrospray device and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection are reported. The device consists of a planar glass chip with microfabricated channels coupled to a disposable nanospray emitter. Reactions between substrate and enzyme (trypsin), mixed off-chip and then immediately loaded into a sample reservoir on the device, are monitored in real time following the onset of electrospray. Protein cleavage products are determined at the optimum pH for generating tryptic fragments, directly from the digestion buffer using "wrong-way-round" electrospray, i.e., monitoring (MH)+ ions from basic solutions. Intense tryptic peptide ions are observed within a few minutes following sample loading on the microchip. Proteins were identified from low femtomole or even attomole quantities of analyte/spectrum using peptide mass fingerprinting, loading 0.1-2 pmol/microL of sample on the chip. The sequence coverage for analyzed proteins ranged from 70 to 95%. The rapid analysis of human hemoglobin is demonstrated using the technique.

The ITS-2 of the nuclear rDNA as a molecular marker for populations, species, and phylogenetic relationships in Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), vectors of Chagas disease

The nucleotide sequences of the rDNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of 31 populations of 12 and 3 species of the two main Triatominae tribes Triatomini and Rhodniini, including the most important Chagas disease vectors, were obtained. Sequence comparisons and parsimony, distance, and maximum-likelihood analyses indicate that ITS-2 is a useful marker for resolving supraspecific, specific, subspecific, and even sometimes population-level relationships in Triatominae. Results were markedly different between species of Triatomini and Rhodniini, suggesting polyphyly. Phylogenetic trees support an old divergence between South American and North-Central American Triatomini and query the validity of some genera (Dipetalogaster, Psammolestes). The very low sequence variation between species of the phyllosoma complex suggests that subspecific ranking would be more appropriate. Triatoma dimidiata proves to be a clearly differentiated species, with several populations evidencing a clinal variation along a north-south axis and a population from Yucatan showing differences consistent with specific status.

Electrophoretic injection bias in a microchip valving scheme

The pinched injection strategy, implemented on microfabricated fluidic devices (microchips), was investigated for an electrophoretic injection bias. Both the sample loading and dispensing steps were found to contribute to the injection bias whereby neutral species were injected preferentially to anionic species. In the sample loading step, neutral species filled a larger volume in the cross intersection than anionic species. Similarly, in the dispensing step, a larger volume of neutral analyte was injected than anionic analyte. Up to a 27% difference in injected volumes was observed. Fluorescently labeled amino acids were used as model analytes.

Microchip devices for high-efficiency separations

We have fabricated a 25-cm-long spiral-shaped separation channel on a glass microchip with a footprint of only 5 cm x 5 cm. Electrophoretic separation efficiencies for dichlorofluoroscein (DCF) on this chip exceeded 1,000,000 theoretical plates and were achieved in under 46 s at a detection point 22.2 cm from the injection cross. The number of theoretical plates increased linearly with the applied voltage, and at a separation field strength of 1,170 V/cm, the rate of plate generation was approximately 21,000 plates/s. The large radii of curvature of the turns minimized the analyte dispersion introduced by the channel geometry as evidenced by the fact that the effective diffusion coefficient of DCF was within a few percent of that measured on a microchip with a straight separation channel over a wide range of electric field strengths. A micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation of 19 tetramethylrhodamine-labeled amino acids was accomplished in 165 s with an average plate number of 280,000. The minimum resolution between adjacent peaks for this separation was 1.2.

Space charge effects on resolution in a miniature ion mobility spectrometer

Miniaturization of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is expected to have many advantages, as well as difficulties, in the separation of chemical species at atmospheric pressure. We report the results of studies of a miniature ion mobility spectrometer that has a drift channel 1.7 mm in diameter, the smallest cross section reported to date. The miniature cell contains a homogeneous drift field and is operated at atmospheric pressure. The miniature IMS has been characterized by measuring both negative and positive ion spectra using a frequency-quadrupled Nd: YAG laser on samples of NO, O2, and methyl iodide; a useful resolution (> 10) was achieved with an operating voltage of 500 V. Peak broadening due to Coulomb repulsion was determined to have a major effect on the resolution of the miniature device.

A microfabricated fluidic device for performing two-dimensional liquid-phase separations

A microfabricated fluidic device that combines micellar electrokinetic chromatography and high-speed open-channel electrophoresis on a single structure for the rapid automated two-dimensional analysis of peptides has been devised and demonstrated. The microchip operates by rapidly sampling and analyzing effluent in the second dimension from the first dimension. Second-dimension analyses are performed and completed every few seconds, with total analysis times of less than 10 min for tryptic peptides. The peak capacity of the two-dimensional separations has been estimated to be in the 500-1000 range. The orthogonality of the separation techniques, an important factor for maximizing peak capacity or resolution elements, was verified by examining each technique independently for peptide separations. The two-dimensional separation strategy was found to greatly increase the resolving power over that obtained for either dimension alone.

Electrophoretic separation of proteins on a microchip with noncovalent, postcolumn labeling

Proteins were separated by microchip capillary electrophoresis and labeled on-chip by postcolumn addition of a fluorogenic dye, NanoOrange, for detection by laser-induced fluorescence. NanoOrange binds noncovalently with hydrophobic protein regions to form highly fluorescent complexes. Kinetic measurements of complex formation on the microchips suggest that the reaction rate is near the diffusion limit under the conditions used for protein separation. Little or no band broadening is caused by the postcolumn labeling step. Lower limits of detection for model proteins, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin A, and beta-lactoglobulin B, were <0.5 pg (approximately 30 amol) of injected sample. The relative fluorescence and reaction rates are compared with those of a number of other fluorogenic dyes used for protein labeling.

Novel microfabricated device for electrokinetically induced pressure flow and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A novel microchip device for electrospray ionization has been fabricated and interfaced to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Fluid is electrokinetically transported through the chip to a fine fused-silica capillary inserted directly into a channel at the edge of the device. Electrospray is established at the tip of the capillary, which assures a stable, efficient spray. The electric potential necessary for electrospray generation and the voltage drop for electroosmotic pumping are supplied through an electrically permeable glass membrane contacting the fluidic channel holding the capillary. The membrane is fabricated on the microchip using standard photolithographic and wet chemical etching techniques. Performance relative to other microchip electrospray sources has been evaluated and the device tested for potential use as a platform for on-line electrophoretic detection. Sensitivity was found to be approximately three orders of magnitude better than spraying from the flat edge of the chip. The effect of the capillary on electroosmotic flow was examined both experimentally and theoretically.

Integrated microchip-device for the digestion, separation and postcolumn labeling of proteins and peptides

A microchip device was demonstrated that integrated enzymatic reactions, electrophoretic separation of the reactants from the products and post-separation labeling of proteins and peptides prior to detection. A tryptic digestion of oxidized insulin B-chain was performed in 15 min under stopped flow conditions in a heated channel, and the separation was completed in 1 min. Localized thermal control of the reaction channel was achieved using a resistive heating element. The separated reaction products were then labeled with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and detected by laser-induced fluorescence. A second reaction at elevated temperatures was also demonstrated for the on-chip reduction of disulfide bridges using insulin as a model protein. This device represents one of the highest levels, to date, of monolithic integration of chemical processes on a microchip.

Nuclear rDNA-based molecular clock of the evolution of triatominae (Hemiptera: reduviidae), vectors of Chagas disease

The evolutionary history and times of divergence of triatomine bug lineages are estimated from molecular clocks inferred from nucleotide sequences of the small subunit SSU (18S) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of these reduviids. The 18S rDNA molecular clock rate in Triatominae, and Prosorrhynchan Hemiptera in general, appears to be of 1.8% per 100 million years (my). The ITS-2 molecular clock rate in Triatominae is estimated to be around 0.4-1% per 1 my, indicating that ITS-2 evolves 23-55 times faster than 18S rDNA. Inferred chronological data about the evolution of Triatominae fit well with current hypotheses on their evolutionary histories, but suggest reconsideration of the current taxonomy of North American species complexes.

Integrated system for rapid PCR-based DNA analysis in microfluidic devices

An integrated system for rapid PCR-based analysis on a microchip has been demonstrated. The system couples a compact thermal cycling assembly based on dual Peltier thermoelectric elements with a microchip gel electrophoresis platform. This configuration allows fast (approximately 1 min/ cycle) and efficient DNA amplification on-chip followed by electrophoretic sizing and detection on the same chip. An on-chip DNA concentration technique has been incorporated into the system to further reduce analysis time by decreasing the number of thermal cycles required. The concentration injection scheme enables detection of PCR products after performing as few as 10 thermal cycles, with a total analysis time of less than 20 min. The starting template copy number was less than 15 per injection volume.

Laser desorption/in situ chemical ionization aerosol mass spectrometry for monitoring tributyl phosphate on the surface of environmental particles

The possibility of using real-time aerosol mass spectrometry (RTAMS) for the detection of surface-adsorbed tributyl phosphate (TBP) as an alkali metal adduct has been investigated. Environmental particles contain variable amounts of easily ionizable alkali metals. During laser desorption of surface-adsorbed TBP molecules, Na+ and K+ ions are generated by the interaction of the laser radiation with the particle's material. The alkali metal ions serve as in situ chemical ionization reagents of the neutral analyte molecules. The effect of laser fluence on the signal intensities of the potassium ion and cationized TBP was also studied. The best performance of the instrument was observed with laser fluences that produce high abundances of K+ but low abundances of ions from the particle's bulk material. The relatively low laser fluence, necessary to produce potassium ions, prevents the excessive fragmentation of the analyte. The instrument is capable of real-time monitoring of submonolayer coverage of TBP on the surface of micron-sized particles.

Characterization of cellular optoporation with distance

We have developed and characterized cellular optoporation with visible wavelengths of light using standard uncoated glass cover slips as the absorptive media. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser pulse was focused at the interface of the glass surface and aqueous buffer, creating a stress wave and transiently permeabilizing nearby cells. Following optoporation of adherent cells, three spatial zones were present which were distinguished by the viability of the cells and the loading efficiency (or number of extracellular molecules loaded). The loading efficiency also depended on the concentration of the extracellular molecules and the molecular weight of the molecules. In the zone farthest from the laser beam (> 60 microns under these conditions), nearly all cells were both successfully loaded and viable. To illustrate the wider applicability of this optoporation method, cells were loaded with a substrate for protein kinase C and the cellular contents then analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. In contrast to peptides loaded by microinjection, optoporated peptide showed little proteolytic degradation, suggesting that the cells were minimally perturbed. Also demonstrating the potential for future work, cells were optoporated and loaded with a fluorophore in the enclosed channels of microfluidic devices.

Distribution of domestic triatominae and stratification of Chagas Disease transmission in Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico has 18 species of Triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) reported to be vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagas Disease is widespread in Mexico, with up to 3.5% seropositivity of human transfusion blood. The State of Oaxaca has the longest history of endemic Chagas Disease, based on acute and chronic case reports, and of entomological surveys in the country. However, the State health care services need more information on current risks of vector transmission. In order to identify and characterize areas of transmission in Oaxaca and to stratify the vector potential, the distribution of domestic Triatominae was surveyed during 1996-98 in collaboration with the primary health care services and local communities. Villages were studied in 11% of 570 municipalities in Oaxaca. Eight triatomine species were found in domestic and peri-domestic habitats: Triatoma barberi Usinger, T. bolivari Carcavallo et al., T. dimidiata (Latreille), T. mazzottii Usinger, T. nitida Usinger, T. pallidipennis (Stal), T. phyllosoma (Burmeister) and Rhodnius prolixus Stal. For each triatomine species in Oaxaca, the range of distribution and habitat characteristics are described. Habitat partitioning, principally based on altitude and mean annual precipitation, limited the overlap of distribution between species. Relatively consistent altitude of human settlements facilitates the dispersion of individual species within microregions. Entomological indices of house infestation were used to estimate that approximately 50% of the human population (1,874,320 inhabitants) would be at risk of vector transmission, with a minimum of 134,320 infected people and 40,280 chronic cases of Chagas Disease currently in Oaxaca.

Effects of the electric field distribution on microchip valving performance

Valving characteristics on microfluidic devices were controlled through manipulation of the electric field strengths during both the sample loading and dispensing steps. Three sample loading profiles for the constant volume valve (pinched injection) in conjunction with four dispensing schemes were investigated to study valving performance. The sample confinement profiles for the sample loading step consisted of a weakly pinched sample, a medium pinched sample, and a strongly pinched sample. Four dispensing schemes varied the electric field strengths in the sample and sample waste channels relative to the analysis channel to control the volume of the sample dispensed from the valve. The axial extent of the sample plug decreased as the electric field strengths in the sample and sample waste channels were raised relative to the analysis channel. In addition, a trade-off existed between sample plug length and sensitivity.

Laser desorption/ionization coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for real-time monitoring of paraquat on the surface of environmental particles

Aerosol mass spectrometry with laser desorption/ionization was investigated as a possible tool for real-time monitoring of the presence of the pesticide paraquat on the surface of airborne soil particles. Laser desorption/ionization of paraquat dication produced only singly charged ions. The most abundant species were [M](+.), [M - H](+), and [M - CH3](+). Operation of the ion trap mass spectrometer in the MS(3) mode allowed the reduction of the signal dependence on laser fluence fluctuations and permitted the detection of the analyte with good sensitivity and high selectivity. The estimated limit of detection in terms of surface coverage was 0.016 monolayers, approximately 1 attomole of paraquat on the surface of a single micron-sized soil particle.

Fluorescence imaging of single molecules in polymer microspheres

We report on far-field fluorescence imaging of single molecules in spherical polymer microparticles produced from solution by using microdroplet techniques. The fluorescence photobleaching quantum yields of rhodamine 6G in a common water-soluble polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) are at least five times smaller, corresponding to proportionally larger average fluorescence signals, than those in ethanolic solvents. This allows for acquisition of multiple images from a single molecule on a time scale of several minutes. We also show that fluorescent images of single molecules in microspheres can be calculated from semiclassic electrodynamics, which may ultimately be useful in retrieving dynamical information from experimental images.

Microfabricated porous membrane structure for sample concentration and electrophoretic analysis

A microfabricated injection valve incorporating a porous membrane structure is reported that enables electrokinetic concentration of DNA samples using homogeneous buffer conditions followed by injection into a channel for electrophoretic analysis. The porous membrane was incorporated in the microchannel manifold by having two channels separated from each other by 3-12 microns and connected by a thin porous silicate layer. This design allows the passage of current to establish an electrical connection between the separated channels but prevents large molecules, e.g., DNA, from traversing the membrane. Concentrated DNA can be injected into the separation channel and electrophoretically analyzed. Experiments exhibit a nonlinear increase in concentration with time, and DNA fragments can be concentrated up to 2 orders of magnitude as shown by comparison of peak intensities for analysis performed with and without concentration.

Single-molecule analysis of ultradilute solutions with guided streams of 1--microm water droplets

We describe instrumentation for real-time detection of single-molecule fluorescence in guided streams of 1-microm (nominal) water droplets. In this technique, target molecules were confined to droplets whose volumes were comparable with illumination volumes in diffraction-limited fluorescence microscopy and guided to the waist of a cw probe laser with an electrostatic potential. Concentration detection limits for Rhodamine 6G in water were determined to be approximately 1 fM, roughly 3 orders of magnitude lower than corresponding limits determined recently with diffraction-limited microscopy techniques for a chemical separation of similar dyes. In addition to its utility as a vehicle for probing single molecules, instrumentation for producing and focusing stable streams of 1-2-microm-diameter droplets may have other important analytical applications as well.

Multiple sample PCR amplification and electrophoretic analysis on a microchip

Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were carried out on as many as four DNA samples at a time on a microchip device. The PCR products were then analyzed, either individually or together on the same device, by microchip gel electrophoresis. A standard PCR protocol was used to amplify 199- and 500-base pair (bp) regions of bacteriophage lambda DNA and 346- and 410-bp regions of E. coli genomic and plasmid DNAs, respectively. Thermal lysis of the bacteria was integrated into the PCR cycle. A product sizing medium, poly(dimethylacrylamide), and an intercalating dye for fluorescence detection were used in the electrophoretic analysis of the products. PCR product sizes were determined by coelectrophoresis with marker DNA.

Time-domain observation of optical pulse propagation in whispering-gallery modes of glass spheres

We report picosecond time-resolved measurements of optical pulse propagation in dielectric spheres (8, 10, and 26 mm in diameter) for which the pulse duration ( approximately 2 ps) was short compared with the equatorial round-trip time within the sphere. A size-independent buildup of the leakage intensity in terms of the number of round trips was observed for each of the spheres, as were damped low-frequency oscillations superimposed upon the pulse ringdown envelope. These features of the data are interpreted as resulting from perturbative coupling of eigenmodes of the sphere and trajectory precession near the observation region.