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Yomogida K, Kjemtrup A, Martínez-López B, Ibrahim M, Contreras Z, Ngo V, Halai UA, Balter S, Feaster M, Zahn M, Shearer E, Sorvillo R, Balanji N, Torres C, Prado B, Porse C, Kramer V. Surveillance of Flea-Borne Typhus in California, 2011-2019. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:142-149. [PMID: 38109767 PMCID: PMC10793031 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne typhus (FBT), also referred to as murine typhus, is an acute febrile disease in humans caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi. Currently, cases of FBT are reported for public health surveillance purposes (i.e., to detect incidence and outbreaks) in a few U.S. states. In California, healthcare providers and testing laboratories are mandated to report to their respective local public health jurisdictions whenever R. typhi or antibodies reactive to R. typhi are detected in a patient, who then report cases to state health department. In this study, we characterize the epidemiology of flea-borne typhus cases in California from 2011 to 2019. A total of 881 cases were reported during this period, with most cases reported among residents of Los Angeles and Orange Counties (97%). Demographics, animal exposures, and clinical courses for case patients were summarized. Additionally, spatiotemporal cluster analyses pointed to five areas in southern California with persistent FBT transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Yomogida
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Anne Kjemtrup
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Mireille Ibrahim
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zuelma Contreras
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Van Ngo
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Umme-Aiman Halai
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sharon Balter
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matt Feaster
- City of Pasadena Public Health Department, Pasadena, California
| | - Matthew Zahn
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Santa Ana, California
| | - Eric Shearer
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Santa Ana, California
| | | | - Nora Balanji
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Cindy Torres
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Belinda Prado
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Charsey Porse
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Vicki Kramer
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
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2
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Bocoum AM, Bailly S, Joyeux-Faure M, Baillieul S, Arbib F, Kang CL, Ngo V, Boutouyrie P, Tamisier R, Pépin JL. Long-term outcomes of CPAP-treated sleep apnea patients: Impact of blood-pressure responses after CPAP initiation and of treatment adherence. Sleep Med 2023; 109:25-31. [PMID: 37399713 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In randomized controlled trials, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is reported as lowering blood pressure (BP) with a mean systolic blood pressure effect size of 2.5 mmHg. These trials have a median follow-up of less than 6 months. Whether this initial BP response during the first months of CPAP treatment translates into a reduction in long-term cardiovascular events and mortality is unknown. METHODS This observational study addressed long-term hard cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in a well-defined population of 241 patients previously included in the AgirSASadom parallel randomized controlled trial (assessing whether fixed-pressure CPAP was superior to auto-adjusted CPAP in reducing BP (baseline evaluations 2010-2012)). Long-term outcomes were analyzed using a Cox survival model, and a logistic regression analysis was performed for long-term CPAP adherence. RESULTS Sixty-nine cardiovascular events occurred in 61 patients during a median follow-up of 113 months (interquartile range [102 ; 124]) giving an incidence of 26 for 1000 person-years. Twenty-one (8.7%) patients died. BP values at baseline (i.e., office and 24-h BP) was a strong predictor of incident cardiometabolic events and mortality (p < 0.01) whereas initial BP response after the first four months of CPAP was not related to outcomes. Long-term CPAP adherence above 4 h/night was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (Log-rank P = 0.02) but not in the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION Independently of initial blood pressure response, long-term CPAP adherence is one of the prerequisites for reducing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami-Marie Bocoum
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sébastien Bailly
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie Joyeux-Faure
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sébastien Baillieul
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Francois Arbib
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Clara-Lou Kang
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Van Ngo
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Boutouyrie
- Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U970, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Renaud Tamisier
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Louis Pépin
- HP2 (Hypoxia and Physio-Pathologies) Laboratory, Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) U1300, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; EFCR (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function) Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France.
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3
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Barnes E, Van Groningen K, Ngo V, Nunez D, Mykhaylov N, Ryan A, Apichon S, Sontz J, Lyu C, Halai UA. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Positive Neonates Born to Persons With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy in Los Angeles County, California, May 22, 2020-February 22, 2021. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:418-422. [PMID: 36795577 PMCID: PMC10097465 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well established that pregnant persons with SARS-CoV-2 are at an increased risk for preterm birth, however, less is known about perinatal outcomes for neonates with intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Characteristics of 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 pregnant persons positive between May 22, 2020, and February 22, 2021, in Los Angeles County, CA, were assessed. Pattern of neonate SARS-CoV-2 test results and time to positive test was analyzed. Objective clinical severity criteria were applied to assess neonatal disease severity. RESULTS Median gestational age was 39 weeks with 8 (16%) neonates born preterm. Most (74%) were asymptomatic, while 13 (26%) were symptomatic from any cause. Four (8%) symptomatic neonates met criteria for severe disease, of which 2 (4%) were likely secondary to COVID-19. The other 2 with severe disease had more likely alternate diagnoses, and 1 of these neonates subsequently died at 7 months of life. Among 12 (24%) that were positive within 24 hours after birth, one was persistently positive and represented likely intrauterine transmission. Sixteen (32%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. CONCLUSION In this case series of 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive mother-neonate pairs, we found that most neonates were asymptomatic regardless of when they tested positive during the 14 days after birth, that there was relatively low risk of COVID-19 associated severe disease, and that intrauterine transmission can occur in rare cases. Although short-term outcomes are mostly promising, more research is needed to study long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates born to positive pregnant persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Barnes
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Van Ngo
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Denise Nunez
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nina Mykhaylov
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alison Ryan
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Savij Apichon
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jordan Sontz
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Caleb Lyu
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Umme-Aiman Halai
- From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
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Ngo V, Queralt-Martin M, Khan F, Bergdoll LA, Abramson J, Bezrukov SM, Rostovtseva TK, Noskov SY, Hoogerheide DP. The single residue K12 governs highly sensitive voltage gating of the voltage-dependent anion channel. Biophys J 2023; 122:92a. [PMID: 36785088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA; Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Farha Khan
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lucie A Bergdoll
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires UMR7255, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Jeff Abramson
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sergey M Bezrukov
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tatiana K Rostovtseva
- Section on Molecular Transport, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sergei Y Noskov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Nabavizadeh A, Barkovich MJ, Mian A, Ngo V, Kazerooni AF, Villanueva-Meyer JE. Current state of pediatric neuro-oncology imaging, challenges and future directions. Neoplasia 2023; 37:100886. [PMID: 36774835 PMCID: PMC9945752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Imaging plays a central role in neuro-oncology including primary diagnosis, treatment planning, and surveillance of tumors. The emergence of quantitative imaging and radiomics provided an uprecedented opportunity to compile mineable databases that can be utilized in a variety of applications. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of conventional and advanced imaging techniques, standardization efforts, fast protocols, contrast and sedation in pediatric neuro-oncologic imaging, radiomics-radiogenomics, multi-omics and molecular imaging approaches. We will also address the existing challenges and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nabavizadeh
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D3b), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Matthew J Barkovich
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ali Mian
- Division of Neuroradiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Van Ngo
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anahita Fathi Kazerooni
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D3b), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Javier E Villanueva-Meyer
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Oakley LP, Hufstetler K, O’Shea J, Sharpe JD, McArdle C, Neelam V, Roth NM, Olsen EO, Wolf M, Pao LZ, Gold JAW, Davis KM, Perella D, Epstein S, Lash MK, Samson O, Pavlick J, Feldpausch A, Wallace J, Nambiar A, Ngo V, Halai UA, Richardson CW, Fowler T, Taylor BP, Chou J, Brandon L, Devasia R, Ricketts EK, Stockdale C, Roskosky M, Ostadkar R, Vang Y, Galang RR, Perkins K, Taylor M, Choi MJ, Weidle PJ, Dawson P, Ellington S. Mpox Cases Among Cisgender Women and Pregnant Persons - United States, May 11-November 7, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023; 72:9-14. [PMID: 36602932 PMCID: PMC9815154 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7201a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox (mpox) cases in the 2022 outbreak have primarily occurred among adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); however, other populations have also been affected (1). To date, data on mpox in cisgender women and pregnant persons have been limited. Understanding transmission in these populations is critical for mpox prevention. In addition, among pregnant persons, Monkeypox virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or to the neonate through close contact during or after birth (2-5). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, have been reported in previous mpox outbreaks (3). During May 11-November 7, 2022, CDC and U.S. jurisdictional health departments identified mpox in 769 cisgender women aged ≥15 years, representing 2.7% of all reported mpox cases.† Among cases with available data, 44% occurred in cisgender women who were non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), 25% who were non-Hispanic White (White), and 23% who were Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic). Among cisgender women with available data, 73% reported sexual activity or close intimate contact as the likely route of exposure, with mpox lesions most frequently reported on the legs, arms, and genitals. Twenty-three mpox cases were reported in persons who were pregnant or recently pregnant§; all identified as cisgender women based on the mpox case report form.¶ Four pregnant persons required hospitalization for mpox. Eleven pregnant persons received tecovirimat, and no adverse reactions were reported. Continued studies on mpox transmission risks in populations less commonly affected during the outbreak, including cisgender women and pregnant persons, are important to assess and understand the impact of mpox on sexual, reproductive, and overall health.
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Irimia A, Ngo V, Chaudhari N, Zhang F, Joshi S, O’Donnell L, Sheikh-Bahaei N, Chui H. WHITE MATTER CHANGE NEAR CEREBRAL MICROBLEEDS AFTER MTBI INVOLVES AGE AND SEX DEPENDENT COGNITIVE DECLINE. Innov Aging 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We tested the null hypothesis that, after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), white matter changes near cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with cognitive decline. Magnetic resonance images were acquired from 62 adults with mTBI and from 203 matched healthy controls. A week post-injury, mTBI participants had 2.7±2.6 traumatic CMBs in WM, located 6.1±4.4 mm from the cortical mantle. About 6 months later, 97% of CMBs were associated with significant reductions (34%±11%, q < 0.05) in the fractional anisotropy (FA) of WM streamlines within ~1 cm of CMBs. Male sex and older age were significant risk factors for larger reductions (q < 0.05). CMBs in the corpus callosum, cingulum bundle, inferior and middle longitudinal fasciculi were associated with FA changes that were significantly and positively associated with changes in cognitive functions mediated by these structures (q < 0.05). These findings distinguish non-traumatic from traumatic CMBs according to CMB-related changes in surrounding WM. Our findings also challenge the assumption that traumatic CMBs are cognitively silent and identify older age and male sex as risk factors for mTBI-related cognitive decline in the presence of CMBs. In conclusion, mTBI with CMB findings on MRI can be described as a clinical endophenotype that warrants longitudinal mapping and quantification of cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Irimia
- University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California , United States
| | - Van Ngo
- University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California , United States
| | - Nikhil Chaudhari
- University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California , United States
| | - Fan Zhang
- Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts , United States
| | - Shantanu Joshi
- University of California , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California , United States
| | | | | | - Helena Chui
- University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California , United States
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Ranson EL, Ngo V, Kuguru K, Halai UA. 1457. Epidemiology of Human Herpesvirus-6 Meningoencephalitis in Los Angeles County, 2016-2020. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac492.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is ubiquitous and a known central nervous system (CNS) pathogen. However, HHV-6 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without clinical findings of meningoencephalitis (ME) may not represent true infection, but rather, asymptomatic viral reactivation, chromosomal integration, or latent activation. With the introduction in 2015 of a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex panel that simultaneously tests for 14 CNS pathogens, reports of HHV-6 PCR positive ME have increased. We sought to understand the epidemiology of HHV-6 ME by evaluating reported cases in Los Angeles County (LAC) between 2016-2020.
Methods
ME is a reportable condition in LAC. We reviewed clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data for all HHV-6 PCR positive cases reported in LAC between 2016-2020. We developed case classification categories, “unlikely,” “possible,” and “likely”, based on symptoms, CSF profile, and alternative diagnoses (see Table 1).
Results
A total of 67 HHV-6 ME cases were reported (see Table 2). Reports increased over time, with one in 2016, 12 in 2017, 17 in 2018, 20 in 2019, and 17 in 2020. Median age was 9 months (range 0d-78y), and 47 (70%) were < three years old. Forty-four (66%) were male. Six (9%) were immunocompromised, including one hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. Nineteen (28%) had abnormal CSF, and eight (12%) received therapy for HHV-6.
Five cases (7%) were classified as “likely” HHV-6 ME, 12 (18%) “possible,” and 50 (75%) “unlikely”. The “likely” cases ranged in age from 7 months to 12 years old, and none were immunocompromised. One received antiviral therapy and was discharged to a rehabilitation facility, the other four were discharged home with full recovery.
Conclusion
The significance of HHV-6 in CSF remains challenging to determine both clinically and epidemiologically. In the setting of increased testing, increasing detection of HHV-6 in CSF may not reflect increasing rates of HHV-6 ME. The majority of reported HHV-6 ME cases were “unlikely” based on our classification. Classifying cases with alternative diagnoses as ‘unlikely” may miss cases with multiple true infections, particularly in the immunocompromised. It is important to consider clinical presentation, CSF profile and other diagnoses to understand the true burden of HHV-6 ME.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Ngo
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Umme-Aiman Halai
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , Los Angeles, California
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Irimia A, Ngo V, Chaudhari NN, Zhang F, Joshi SH, Penkova AN, O'Donnell LJ, Sheikh-Bahaei N, Zheng X, Chui HC. White matter degradation near cerebral microbleeds is associated with cognitive change after mild traumatic brain injury. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 120:68-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mahoney SO, Chowdhury NF, Ngo V, Imms P, Irimia A. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Results in Significant and Lasting Cortical Demyelination. Front Neurol 2022; 13:854396. [PMID: 35812106 PMCID: PMC9262516 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.854396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite contributing to neurocognitive deficits, intracortical demyelination after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is understudied. This study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map intracortical myelin and its change in healthy controls and after mild TBI (mTBI). Acute mTBI involves reductions in relative myelin content primarily in lateral occipital regions. Demyelination mapped ~6 months post-injury is significantly more severe than that observed in typical aging (p < 0.05), with temporal, cingulate, and insular regions losing more myelin (30%, 20%, and 16%, respectively) than most other areas, although occipital regions experience 22% less demyelination. Thus, occipital regions may be more susceptible to primary injury, whereas temporal, cingulate and insular regions may be more susceptible to later manifestations of injury sequelae. The spatial profiles of aging- and mTBI-related chronic demyelination overlap substantially; exceptions include primary motor and somatosensory cortices, where myelin is relatively spared post-mTBI. These features resemble those of white matter demyelination and cortical thinning during Alzheimer's disease, whose risk increases after mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean O. Mahoney
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nahian F. Chowdhury
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Van Ngo
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Phoebe Imms
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrei Irimia
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Corwin D. Denney Research Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Andrew and Edna Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrei Irimia
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Vu A, Ngo V, Bui T, Tran T. POS-013 THROMBOTIC MICROANGIOPATHY AFTER COVID-19: LACK OF EVIDENCE OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION? A CASE REPORT. Kidney Int Rep 2022. [PMCID: PMC9213007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Griffin I, Woodworth KR, Galang RR, Burkel VK, Neelam V, Siebman S, Barton J, Manning SE, Aveni K, Longcore ND, Harvey EM, Ngo V, Mbotha D, Chicchelly S, Lush M, Eckert V, Dzimira P, Sokale A, Valencia-Prado M, Azziz-Baumgartner E, MacNeil A, Gilboa SM, Tong VT. Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection after COVID-19 Illness Onset during Pregnancy. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:873-876. [PMID: 35213801 PMCID: PMC8962892 DOI: 10.3201/eid2804.212354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network conducts longitudinal surveillance of pregnant persons in the United States with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy. Of 6,551 infected pregnant persons in this analysis, 142 (2.2%) had positive RNA tests >90 days and up to 416 days after infection.
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Robles D, Dharani A, Chaudhari N, Rostowsky K, Wehbe L, Ha M, Ngo V, Irimia A. Age, Sex, and Cerebral Microbleeds Affect White Matter Integrity Across Adulthood After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Innov Aging 2021. [PMCID: PMC8681837 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The contributions of age, sex, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) to WM changes after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have not been studied. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to map WM fractional anisotropy (FA) changes across the first ~6 months post-mTBI in 109 subjects aged 18-77 (46 females; age µ: 40 y, σ: 17 y) imaged within ~1 week post-injury and ~6 months later. After partialing out age, sex, and CMB counts, significant mean FA decreases were found in the anterior body, posterior body, and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC; p = 0.003, 0.009 and 0.015, respectively), left superficial frontal fasciculus (p = 0.008), and left branch of the corticospinal tract (CST; p = 0.007). Age contributed to mean FAs measured acutely in the CC body (p = 0.04), and chronically in the CC genu (p < 0.001), CC body (p = 0.01), and middle longitudinal fasciculi (p = 0.04), older adults exhibiting larger decreases. CMB counts were positively associated with mean FA decreases in the CC body (p = 0.04) and middle longitudinal fasciculi (p = 0.04). Significant age-by-sex and CMB count-by-age interactions mediated FA decreases in the CC genu (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), older males exhibiting larger decreases. Thus, the CC, longitudinal fasciculi, superficial frontal WM and CST are particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic neurodegeneration moderated by age, sex and CMB count, men and older adults being at highest risk for adverse effects. Future research should investigate our findings relative to cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Robles
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ammar Dharani
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Nikhil Chaudhari
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Kenneth Rostowsky
- University of Southern California, University of Southern California, California, United States
| | - Layal Wehbe
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Michelle Ha
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Van Ngo
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Andrei Irimia
- University of Southern California, University of Southern California, California, United States
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14
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Ngo V, Chan G, Edmondson M. 470 Financial and Efficacy Analysis of a Centralised Neck of Femur Fracture Service. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Osteoporotic fractures are rising in incidence, costing the National Health Service up to £1.1 billion for hospital care. The implementation of the Best Practice Tariff (BPT) of fragility fractures in 2010 created a financial incentive to achieve standards of best practice. In June 2015, a dedicated hip fracture unit (HFU) was set up at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH). The aim of this study is (A) to assess changes in performance to the BPT after the introduction of a dedicated HFU, and (B) whether the performance of a HFU is affected by direct/indirect presentation to the HFU.
Method
The performance of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) to BPT pre and post HFU was assessed by a retrospective review of BPT performance data between 2015 and 2016. 870 patients who were treated for NOFF at BSUH were reviewed to assess whether the performance of the HFU was impacted by patients presenting either directly (PRH) to the HFU or indirectly (presentation to Royal Sussex County Hospital). Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyse the significant differences between these outcome measures.
Results
The comparison between pre and post HFU showed there was a significant increase in the time between A&E admission to ward, theatre or orthogeriatric (OG) assessment (P < 0.001) in patients presenting indirectly to HFU compared to direct presentations.
Conclusions
Having a HFU is cost neutral, and advantages of HFU include focusing NOFF care which improves in patient care. BPT achievements could be improved by increasing the direct admission of NOFF to the HFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ngo
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - G Chan
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - M Edmondson
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
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15
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Irimia A, Chaudhari NN, Robles DJ, Rostowsky KA, Maher AS, Chowdhury NF, Calvillo M, Ngo V, Gatz M, Mack WJ, Law EM, Sutherland ML, Sutherland JD, Rowan CJ, Wann LS, Allam AH, Thompson RC, Michalik DE, Cummings DK, Seabright E, Alami S, Garcia AR, Hooper PL, Stieglitz J, Trumble BC, Gurven MD, Thomas GS, Finch CE, Kaplan H. The Indigenous South American Tsimane Exhibit Relatively Modest Decrease in Brain Volume With Age Despite High Systemic Inflammation. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:2147-2155. [PMID: 34038540 PMCID: PMC8599004 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain atrophy is correlated with risk of cognitive impairment, functional decline, and dementia. Despite a high infectious disease burden, Tsimane forager-horticulturists of Bolivia have the lowest prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis of any studied population and present few cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors despite a high burden of infections and therefore inflammation. This study (a) examines the statistical association between brain volume (BV) and age for Tsimane and (b) compares this association to that of 3 industrialized populations in the United States and Europe. This cohort-based panel study enrolled 746 participants aged 40-94 (396 males), from whom computed tomography (CT) head scans were acquired. BV and intracranial volume (ICV) were calculated from automatic head CT segmentations. The linear regression coefficient estimate β^T of the Tsimane (T), describing the relationship between age (predictor) and BV (response, as a percentage of ICV), was calculated for the pooled sample (including both sexes) and for each sex. β^T was compared to the corresponding regression coefficient estimate β^R of samples from the industrialized reference (R) countries. For all comparisons, the null hypothesis β T = β R was rejected both for the combined samples of males and females, as well as separately for each sex. Our results indicate that the Tsimane exhibit a significantly slower decrease in BV with age than populations in the United States and Europe. Such reduced rates of BV decrease, together with a subsistence lifestyle and low CVD risk, may protect brain health despite considerable chronic inflammation related to infectious burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Irimia
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Corwin D. Denney Research Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Address correspondence to: Andrei Irimia, PhD, Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Suite 228, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. E-mail:
| | - Nikhil N Chaudhari
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - David J Robles
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kenneth A Rostowsky
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alexander S Maher
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Nahian F Chowdhury
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Maria Calvillo
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Van Ngo
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Margaret Gatz
- Center for Economic and Social Research, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - E Meng Law
- iBRAIN Research Laboratory, Departments of Neuroscience, Computer Systems and Electrical Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Radiology, The Alfred Health Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - M Linda Sutherland
- MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Fountain Valley, California, USA
| | - James D Sutherland
- MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Fountain Valley, California, USA
| | - Christopher J Rowan
- Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, Reno, Nevada, USA,School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | | | - Adel H Allam
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Al Mikhaym Al Daem, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Randall C Thompson
- Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA
| | - David E Michalik
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Orange, USA,MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Long Beach Medical Center, California, USA
| | - Daniel K Cummings
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA,Economic Science Institute, Argyros School of Business and Economics, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Edmond Seabright
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Sarah Alami
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Angela R Garcia
- Center for Evolution & Medicine, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Paul L Hooper
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Jonathan Stieglitz
- Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, Toulouse 1 Capitol University, France
| | - Benjamin C Trumble
- Center for Evolution & Medicine, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Michael D Gurven
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Gregory S Thomas
- MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Fountain Valley, California, USA,Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, USA
| | - Caleb E Finch
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Departments of Biological Sciences, Anthropology and Psychology, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Hillard Kaplan
- Economic Science Institute, Argyros School of Business and Economics, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
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16
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Contreras Z, Ngo V, Pulido M, Washburn F, Meschyan G, Gluck F, Kuguru K, Reporter R, Curley C, Civen R, Terashita D, Balter S, Halai UA. Industry Sectors Highly Affected by Worksite Outbreaks of Coronavirus Disease, Los Angeles County, California, USA, March 19-September 30, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1769-1775. [PMID: 33979564 PMCID: PMC8237894 DOI: 10.3201/eid2707.210425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Worksites with on-site operations have experienced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks. We analyzed data for 698 nonresidential, nonhealthcare worksite COVID-19 outbreaks investigated in Los Angeles County, California, USA, during March 19, 2020‒September 30, 2020, by using North American Industry Classification System sectors and subsectors. Nearly 60% of these outbreaks occurred in 3 sectors: manufacturing (n = 184, 26.4%), retail trade (n = 137, 19.6%), and transportation and warehousing (n = 73, 10.5%). The largest number of outbreaks and largest number and highest incidence rate of outbreak-associated cases occurred in manufacturing. Furthermore, 7 of the 10 industry subsectors with the highest incidence rates were within manufacturing. Approximately 70% of outbreak-associated case-patients reported Hispanic ethnicity. Facilities employing more on-site staff had larger and longer outbreaks. Identification of highly affected industry sectors and subsectors is necessary for targeted public health planning, outreach, and response, including ensuring vaccine access, to reduce burden of COVID-19 in vulnerable workers.
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17
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Ngo V, Li H, MacKerell AD, Allen TW, Roux B, Noskov S. Polarization Effects in Water-Mediated Selective Cation Transport across a Narrow Transmembrane Channel. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:1726-1741. [PMID: 33539082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the progress in modeling complex molecular systems of ever-increasing complexity, a quantitatively accurate computational treatment of ion permeation through narrow membrane channels remains challenging. An important factor to reach this goal is induced electronic polarization, which is likely to impact the permeation rate of small ions through narrow molecular pores. In this work, we extended the recently developed polarizable force field based on the classical Drude oscillators to assess the role of induced polarization effects on the energetics of sodium and potassium ion transport across the gramicidin A (gA) ion channel. The inclusion of induced polarization lowers barriers present in 1D potential of mean force (PMF) for cation permeation by ∼50% compared to those obtained with the additive force field. Conductance properties calculated with 1D PMFs from Drude simulations are in better agreement with experimental results. Polarization of single-file water molecules and protein atoms forming the narrow pore has a direct impact on the free-energy barriers and cation-specific solid-state NMR chemical shifts. Sensitivity analysis indicates that small changes to water-channel interactions can alter the free energy barrier for ion permeation. These results, illustrating polarization effects present in the complex electrostatic environment of the gA channel, have broad implications for revising proposed mechanisms of ion permeation and selectivity in a variety of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada.,Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Lab, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Toby W Allen
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Benoît Roux
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Sergei Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada
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18
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Irimia A, Kim J, Wang S, Lee HJ, Ngo V, Mahoney S, Robles D. Statistical Estimation of Accelerated Biological Brain Aging After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults. Innov Aging 2020. [PMCID: PMC7741141 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Estimating biological brain age (BA) has the potential of identifying individuals at relatively high risk for accelerated neurodegeneration. This study compares the brain’s chronological age (CA) to its BA and reveals the BA rate of change after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in an aging cohort. Using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes and cortical thickness, volume, surface area, and Gaussian curvature obtained using FreeSurfer software; we formulated a multivariate linear regression to determine the rate of BA increase associated with mTBI. 95 TBI patients (age in years (y): μ = 41 y, σ = 17 y; range = 18 to 83) were compared to 462 healthy controls (HCs) (age: μ = 69 y, σ = 18 y; range = 25 to 95) over a 6-month time period following mTBI. Across the initial ~6 months following injury, patients’ BAs increased by ~3.0 ± 1.2 years due to their mTBIs alone, i.e., above and beyond typical brain aging. The superior temporal and parahippocampal gyri, two structures involved in memory formation and retrieval, exhibited the fastest rates of TBI-related BA. In both hemispheres, the volume of the hippocampus decreased (left: μ=0.28%, σ=4.40%; right: μ=0.12%, σ=4.84%). These findings illustrate BA estimation techniques’ potential to identify TBI patients with accelerated neurodegeneration, whose rate is strongly associated with the risk for dementia and other aging-related neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Irimia
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jun Kim
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Shania Wang
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Hyung Jun Lee
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Van Ngo
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Sean Mahoney
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - David Robles
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
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19
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Irimia A, Dharani A, Ngo V, Robles D, Rostowsky K. Age, Sex and Cerebral Microbleed Effects On White Matter Degradation After Traumatic Brain Injury. Innov Aging 2020. [PMCID: PMC7741464 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects white matter (WM) integrity and accelerates neurodegeneration. This study assesses the effects of age, sex, and cerebral microbleed (CMB) load as predictors of WM integrity in 70 subjects aged 18-77 imaged acutely and ~6 months after mTBI using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Two-tensor unscented Kalman tractography was used to segment and cluster 73 WM structures and to map changes in their mean fractional anisotropy (FA), a surrogate measure of WM integrity. Dimensionality reduction of mean FA feature vectors was implemented using principal component (PC) analysis, and two prominent PCs were used as responses in a multivariate analysis of covariance. Acutely and chronically, older age was significantly associated with lower FA (F2,65 = 8.7, p < .001, η2 = 0.2; F2,65 = 12.3, p < .001, η2 = 0.3, respectively), notably in the corpus callosum and in dorsolateral temporal structures, confirming older adults’ WM vulnerability to mTBI. Chronically, sex was associated with mean FA (F2,65 = 5.0, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.1), indicating males’ greater susceptibility to WM degradation. Acutely, a significant association was observed between CMB load and mean FA (F2,65 = 5.1, p = 0.009, η2 = 0.1), suggesting that CMBs reflect the acute severity of diffuse axonal injury. Together, these findings indicate that older age, male sex, and CMB load are risk factors for WM degeneration. Future research should examine how sex- and age-mediated WM degradation lead to cognitive decline and connectome degeneration after mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Irimia
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ammar Dharani
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Van Ngo
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - David Robles
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Kenneth Rostowsky
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
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20
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Nguyen TH, Ngo V, Castro Zerba JP, Noskov S, Minh DDL. Nonequilibrium path-ensemble averages for symmetric protocols. J Chem Phys 2019; 151:194103. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5121306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Trung Hai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Van Ngo
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - João Paulo Castro Zerba
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
- Institute of Physics “Gleb Wataghin”, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Sergei Noskov
- SYN: Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - David D. L. Minh
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
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21
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Alam MJ, McPherson J, Miranda J, Thrall A, Ngo V, Kessinger R, Begum K, Marin M, Garey KW. Molecular epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile in domestic dogs and zoo animals. Anaerobe 2019; 59:107-111. [PMID: 31207298 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Animals such as domestic dogs and zoo animals reside in close proximity to humans and could contribute to the dissemination of Clostridioides difficile spores which are common in the community environment. The purpose of this study was to assess C. difficile colonization in domestic dogs attending a day boarding facility and zoo animals receiving systemic antibiotics. Stool samples and paw swabs were collected from dogs who attended a day boarding facility. Stool samples were also collected from zoo animals starting systemic antibiotics. Finally, environmental samples were collected from nearby public parks. Stool samples and swabs were incubated anaerobically in enrichment broth for C. difficile growth, PCR was done to confirm presence of toxin genes, and PCR ribotyping was performed for strain characterization. During the study period, 136 dog stool samples were obtained, the paws of 16 dogs were swabbed, and 250 environmental swabs from surrounding public parks were obtained. Twenty-three of 136 dog stool samples (17%) and 9 of 16 dog paws sampled (56%) grew toxigenic C. difficile. One hundred and four stool samples from 49 zoo animals were collected of which 19 (18%) grew toxigenic C. difficile. Rates of toxigenic C. difficile colonization increased significantly during antibiotic therapy (33%) and then returned to baseline during the follow-up (11%) period (p = 0.019). Fifty-five of 250 environmental swabs from public parks (22%) grew toxigenic C. difficile. Ribotypes associated with human disease including 106 and 014-020 were isolated from all sources. This study demonstrated a high rate of toxigenic C. difficile colonization in domestic dogs and zoo animals with ribotypes similar to those causing human disease. These results demonstrate the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment in the dissemination of spores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Miranda
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Allyson Thrall
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Van Ngo
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin W Garey
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA.
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22
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Bozio CH, Blain A, MacNeil J, Retchless A, Weil LM, Wang X, Jenkins LT, Rodriguez-Rivera LD, Jarashow C, Ngo V, Hariri S, Mbaeyi SA, Oliver S. Meningococcal Disease Surveillance in Men Who Have Sex with Men - United States, 2015-2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018; 67:1060-1063. [PMID: 30260947 PMCID: PMC6188121 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6738a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Folaranmi TA, Kretz CB, Kamiya H, MacNeil JR, Whaley MJ, Blain A, Antwi M, Dorsinville M, Pacilli M, Smith S, Civen R, Ngo V, Winter K, Harriman K, Wang X, Bowen VB, Patel M, Martin S, Misegades L, Meyer SA. Increased Risk for Meningococcal Disease Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States, 2012-2015. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:756-763. [PMID: 28505234 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several clusters of serogroup C meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported in the United States in recent years. The epidemiology and risk of meningococcal disease among MSM is not well described. Methods All meningococcal disease cases among men aged 18-64 years reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System between January 2012 and June 2015 were reviewed. Characteristics of meningococcal disease cases among MSM and men not known to be MSM (non-MSM) were described. Annualized incidence rates among MSM and non-MSM were compared through calculation of the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals. Isolates from meningococcal disease cases among MSM were characterized using standard microbiological methods and whole-genome sequencing. Results Seventy-four cases of meningococcal disease were reported among MSM and 453 among non-MSM. Annualized incidence of meningococcal disease among MSM was 0.56 cases per 100000 population, compared to 0.14 among non-MSM, for a relative risk of 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1-5.1). Among the 64 MSM with known status, 38 (59%) were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-infected MSM had 10.1 times (95% CI, 6.1-16.6) the risk of HIV-uninfected MSM. All isolates from cluster-associated cases were serogroup C sequence type 11. Conclusions MSM are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, although the incidence of disease remains low. HIV infection may be an important factor for this increased risk. Routine vaccination of HIV-infected persons with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine in accordance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope A Folaranmi
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Hajime Kamiya
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Amy Blain
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Mike Antwi
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
| | | | | | | | | | - Van Ngo
- Los Angeles Department of Public Health
| | | | | | - Xin Wang
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Virginia B Bowen
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Manisha Patel
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Stacey Martin
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Lara Misegades
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Sarah A Meyer
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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Nelson K, Maina AN, Brisco A, Foo C, Croker C, Ngo V, Civen R, Richards AL, Fujioka K, Wekesa JW. A 2015 outbreak of flea-borne rickettsiosis in San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, California. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006385. [PMID: 29677221 PMCID: PMC5931684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although flea-borne rickettsiosis is endemic in Los Angeles County, outbreaks are rare. In the spring of 2015 three human cases of flea-borne rickettsiosis among residents of a mobile home community (MHC) prompted an investigation. Fleas were ubiquitous in common areas due to presence of flea-infested opossums and overabundant outdoor cats and dogs. The MHC was summarily abated in June 2015, and within five months, flea control and removal of animals significantly reduced the flea population. Two additional epidemiologically-linked human cases of flea-borne rickettsiosis detected at the MHC were suspected to have occurred before control efforts began. Molecular testing of 106 individual and 85 pooled cat fleas, blood and ear tissue samples from three opossums and thirteen feral cats using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing detected rickettsial DNA in 18.8% of the fleas. Seventeen percent of these cat fleas tested positive for R. felis-specific DNA compared to under two (<2) percent for Candidatus R. senegalensis-specific DNA. In addition, serological testing of 13 cats using a group-specific IgG-ELISA detected antibodies against typhus group rickettsiae and spotted fever group rickettsiae in six (46.2%) and one (7.7%) cat, respectively. These results indicate that cats and their fleas may have played an active role in the epidemiology of the typhus group and/or spotted fever group rickettsial disease(s) in this outbreak. Outbreaks of flea-borne rickettsiosis are rare despite the endemic status in Los Angeles County. In the spring of 2015 three human cases of flea-borne rickettsiosis among residents of a mobile home community (MHC) prompted an investigation. Fleas were found in all common areas at the MHC due to presence of flea-infested opossums and overabundant outdoor cats and dogs. The MHC was summarily abated in June 2015, and within five months, flea control and removal of animals significantly reduced the flea population. Two additional epidemiologically-linked human cases detected at the MHC were considered to have occurred before control efforts began. Molecular testing of cat fleas, immunological testing of opossums and feral cats collected at the site indicated active transmission of flea-borne rickettsiosis. This study represents the first flea-borne rickettsial outbreak that summary abatement approach was used to reduce its intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Nelson
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Covina, California, United States of America
| | - Alice N. Maina
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Angela Brisco
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Covina, California, United States of America
| | - Chelsea Foo
- Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Curtis Croker
- Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Van Ngo
- Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Civen
- Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Community Health Services Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Allen L. Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenn Fujioka
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Covina, California, United States of America
| | - J. Wakoli Wekesa
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Covina, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Afghani S, Ngo V, Khan T, Lewis V. Atypical Presentation of Escherichia coli Monomicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Renal Transplant Patient: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:891-894. [PMID: 29588065 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are one of most frequent infectious causes for referral to the emergency department and one of the most frequent infectious causes of hospital admissions. Escherichia coli, the most commonly occurring gram-negative pathogen involved in these infections, contributes to about 7% of all SSTIs cases where gram-positive organisms reign dominant. Patients are more susceptible to these gram-negative SSTIs if they are neutropenic, have hematologic malignancies, have undergone solid organ or hematopoietic transplantation, or have cirrhotic liver disease. Due to their immunocompromised state, the prognosis is very poor and not well understood. We report a case of an atypical presentation of an E coli monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis in a renal transplant patient. Our findings support improved mortality with rapid aggressive interventions, such as amputation, in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Afghani
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - V Ngo
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
| | - T Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - V Lewis
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Zhekova HR, Ngo V, da Silva MC, Salahub D, Noskov S. Selective ion binding and transport by membrane proteins – A computational perspective. Coord Chem Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Ngo V, Wang Y, Noskov S. Unconventional Ion-Permeation Pathways in NaV Ab and Cav Ab Channels from Molecular Simulations with Polarizable Force-Fields. Biophys J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.11.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Nanduri S, Foo C, Ngo V, Jarashow C, Civen R, Schwartz B, Holguin J, Shearer E, Zahn M, Harriman K, Winter K, Kretz C, Chang HY, Meyer S, MacNeil J. Outbreak of Serogroup C Meningococcal Disease Primarily Affecting Men Who Have Sex with Men - Southern California, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016; 65:939-40. [PMID: 27606798 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6535e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
During March 4-August 11, 2016, 25 outbreak-associated cases of meningococcal disease, including two deaths (8% case-fatality ratio), were reported in Southern California. Twenty-four of the cases were caused by serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis (NmC) and one by N. meningitidis with an undetermined serogroup (Figure). On June 24, 2016, in response to this increase in NmC cases, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Los Angeles County, the city of Long Beach, and Orange County, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press release and health advisory, declaring an outbreak of NmC in Southern California (1).
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Farley RA, Shi Y, Wang Y, Ngo V, Noskov S. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Mutant K Channels Involved in Severe Early Onset Epilepsy. Biophys J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.11.2411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Ngo V, Wang Y, Haas S, Noskov SY, Farley RA. K+ Block Is the Mechanism of Functional Asymmetry in Bacterial Na(v) Channels. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1004482. [PMID: 26727271 PMCID: PMC4700994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Crystal structures of several bacterial Nav channels have been recently published and molecular dynamics simulations of ion permeation through these channels are consistent with many electrophysiological properties of eukaryotic channels. Bacterial Nav channels have been characterized as functionally asymmetric, and the mechanism of this asymmetry has not been clearly understood. To address this question, we combined non-equilibrium simulation data with two-dimensional equilibrium unperturbed landscapes generated by umbrella sampling and Weighted Histogram Analysis Methods for multiple ions traversing the selectivity filter of bacterial NavAb channel. This approach provided new insight into the mechanism of selective ion permeation in bacterial Nav channels. The non-equilibrium simulations indicate that two or three extracellular K+ ions can block the entrance to the selectivity filter of NavAb in the presence of applied forces in the inward direction, but not in the outward direction. The block state occurs in an unstable local minimum of the equilibrium unperturbed free-energy landscape of two K+ ions that can be ‘locked’ in place by modest applied forces. In contrast to K+, three Na+ ions move favorably through the selectivity filter together as a unit in a loose “knock-on” mechanism of permeation in both inward and outward directions, and there is no similar local minimum in the two-dimensional free-energy landscape of two Na+ ions for a block state. The useful work predicted by the non-equilibrium simulations that is required to break the K+ block is equivalent to large applied potentials experimentally measured for two bacterial Nav channels to induce inward currents of K+ ions. These results illustrate how inclusion of non-equilibrium factors in the simulations can provide detailed information about mechanisms of ion selectivity that is missing from mechanisms derived from either crystal structures or equilibrium unperturbed free-energy landscapes. In this paper we show that bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) conduct ions differently in the inward direction and in the outward direction because extracellular K+ blocks these channels. The mechanism of block by K+ is revealed in the simulations only when effects of applied forces in the inward direction are considered appropriately. The block of bacterial Nav channels by K+ explains the experimental findings that inward K+ current in bacterial Nav channels is very small under conditions where most mammalian Nav channels conduct significant K+ current. The block by K+ ions can occur in the bacterial Nav channels but is very unlikely to occur in mammalian channels due to differences in the amino acid sequences of the selectivity filters of the different channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular Simulations, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yibo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular Simulations, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephan Haas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sergei Y. Noskov
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular Simulations, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert A. Farley
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Civen R, Ngo V, Schwartz B, Mascola L. Increase of Invasive Meningococcal Disease Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Los Angeles County, California, 2012–2014. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv131.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Kamiya H, MacNeil J, Blain A, Patel M, Martin S, Weiss D, Ngai S, Ezeoke I, Mascola L, Civen R, Ngo V, Black S, Kemble S, Chugh R, Murphy E, Petit C, Harriman K, Winter K, Beron A, Clegg W, Conover C, Misegades L. Meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men - United States, January 2012-June 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 64:1256-7. [PMID: 26562570 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6444a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Since 2012, three clusters of serogroup C meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported in the United States. During 2012, 13 cases of meningococcal disease among MSM were reported by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (1); over a 5-month period during 2012–2013, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported four cases among MSM; and during May–June 2015, the Chicago Department of Public Health reported seven cases of meningococcal disease among MSM in the greater Chicago area. MSM have not previously been considered at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Determining outbreak thresholds* for special populations of unknown size (such as MSM) can be difficult. The New York City health department declared an outbreak based on an estimated increased risk for meningococcal infection in 2012 among MSM and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected MSM compared with city residents who were not MSM or for whom MSM status was unknown (1). The Chicago Department of Public Health also declared an outbreak based on an increase in case counts and thresholds calculated using population estimates of MSM and HIV-infected MSM. Local public health response included increasing awareness among MSM, conducting contact tracing and providing chemoprophylaxis to close contacts, and offering vaccination to the population at risk (1–3). To better understand the epidemiology and burden of meningococcal disease in MSM populations in the United States and to inform recommendations, CDC analyzed data from a retrospective review of reported cases from January 2012 through June 2015.
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Ngo V, da Silva MC, Kubillus M, Li H, Roux B, Elstner M, Cui Q, Salahub DR, Noskov SY. Quantum effects in cation interactions with first and second coordination shell ligands in metalloproteins. J Chem Theory Comput 2015; 11:4992-5001. [PMID: 26574284 PMCID: PMC4827603 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.5b00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Despite
decades of investigations, the principal mechanisms responsible
for the high affinity and specificity of proteins for key physiological
cations K+, Na+, and Ca2+ remain
a hotly debated topic. At the core of the debate is an apparent need
(or lack thereof) for an accurate description of the electrostatic
response of the charge distribution in a protein to the binding of
an ion. These effects range from partial electronic polarization of
the directly ligating atoms to long-range effects related to partial
charge transfer and electronic delocalization effects. While accurate
modeling of cation recognition by metalloproteins warrants the use
of quantum-mechanics (QM) calculations, the most popular approximations
used in major biomolecular simulation packages rely on the implicit
modeling of electronic polarization effects. That is, high-level QM
computations for ion binding to proteins are desirable, but they are
often unfeasible, because of the large size of the reactive-site models
and the need to sample conformational space exhaustively at finite
temperature. Several solutions to this challenge have been proposed
in the field, ranging from the recently developed Drude polarizable
force-field for simulations of metalloproteins to approximate tight-binding
density functional theory (DFTB). To delineate the usefulness of different
approximations, we examined the accuracy of three recent and commonly
used theoretical models and numerical algorithms, namely, CHARMM C36,
the latest developed Drude polarizable force fields, and DFTB3 with
the latest 3OB parameters. We performed MD simulations for 30 cation-selective
proteins with high-resolution X-ray structures to create ensembles
of structures for analysis with different levels of theory, e.g.,
additive and polarizable force fields, DFTB3, and DFT. The results
from DFT computations were used to benchmark CHARMM C36, Drude, and
DFTB3 performance. The explicit modeling of quantum effects unveils
the key electrostatic properties of the protein sites and the importance
of specific ion-protein interactions. One of the most interesting
findings is that secondary coordination shells of proteins are noticeably
perturbed in a cation-dependent manner, showing significant delocalization
and long-range effects of charge transfer and polarization upon binding
Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Mauricio C da Silva
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Maximilian Kubillus
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Kaiserstr. 12, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Benoît Roux
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Marcus Elstner
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Kaiserstr. 12, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Dennis R Salahub
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Sergei Yu Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
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Ander N, Lerner R, Huang X, Tom M, Ngo V, Solomon D, Mueller S, Paris P, Zhang Z, Gupta N, Waldman T, Goldman S, James D, Hashizume R. BT-03 * TARGETED INHBITION OF HISTONE DEMETHYLASE ACTIVITY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC BRAINSTEM GLIOMAS. Neuro Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov061.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Li H, Ngo V, Da Silva MC, Salahub DR, Callahan K, Roux B, Noskov SY. Representation of Ion-Protein Interactions Using the Drude Polarizable Force-Field. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:9401-16. [PMID: 25578354 PMCID: PMC4516320 DOI: 10.1021/jp510560k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Small metal ions play critical roles
in numerous biological processes.
Of particular interest is how metalloenzymes are allosterically regulated
by the binding of specific ions. Understanding how ion binding affects
these biological processes requires atomic models that accurately
treat the microscopic interactions with the protein ligands. Theoretical
approaches at different levels of sophistication can contribute to
a deeper understanding of these systems, although computational models
must strike a balance between accuracy and efficiency in order to
enable long molecular dynamics simulations. In this study, we present
a systematic effort to optimize the parameters of a polarizable force
field based on classical Drude oscillators to accurately represent
the interactions between ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, and Cl–) and coordinating amino-acid
residues for a set of 30 biologically important proteins. By combining
ab initio calculations and experimental thermodynamic data, we derive
a polarizable force field that is consistent with a wide range of
properties, including the geometries and interaction energies of gas-phase
ion/protein-like model compound clusters, and the experimental solvation
free-energies of the cations in liquids. The resulting models display
significant improvements relative to the fixed-atomic-charge additive
CHARMM C36 force field, particularly in their ability to reproduce
the many-body electrostatic nonadditivity effects estimated from ab
initio calculations. The analysis clarifies the fundamental limitations
of the pairwise additivity assumption inherent in classical fixed-charge
force fields, and shows its dramatic failures in the case of Ca2+ binding sites. These optimized polarizable models, amenable
to computationally efficient large-scale MD simulations, set a firm
foundation and offer a powerful avenue to study the roles of the ions
in soluble and membrane transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- †Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | | | | | | | - Karen Callahan
- †Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Benoît Roux
- †Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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Croker C, Civen R, Keough K, Ngo V, Marutani A, Schwartz B. Aseptic meningitis outbreak associated with echovirus 30 among high school football players--Los Angeles County, California, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 63:1228. [PMID: 25551596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
On August 4, 2014, the Acute Communicable Disease Control Program of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health received a report of three aseptic meningitis cases among football players at a county high school. An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of the outbreak, identify potential exposures, and recommend control measures. An outbreak-associated aseptic meningitis case was defined as an illness of any team or family member with onset during July 28-August 11 with 1) cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and negative bacterial culture or 2) an emergency department visit with headache, fever, and stiff neck. Ten cases were identified; nine in males, and one in a female; patient ages ranged from 13 to 17 years. All the patients sought care at an emergency department, and five were hospitalized, resulting in 12 total hospital days. All 10 patients have recovered. Eight patients were football players, and two were siblings of football players. The most affected subgroup was the junior varsity football team, with seven cases out of 57 players (attack rate = 12.3%); the relative risk for aseptic meningitis was higher among players who were linemen than among those who were not linemen (relative risk = 5.4 [p = 0.03]). Of the 10 patients, eight tested positive by polymerase chain reaction for enterovirus, and two were not tested. Echovirus testing was performed at the California Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory. Of the eight specimens testing positive for enterovirus, seven tested positive for echovirus 30, and one specimen could not be typed because of insufficient quantity.
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Szabo-Gay O, Jounieaux V, Benoit N, Sevestre H, Ngo V, Doutrellot-Philippon C. Pneumopathie lipidique chez un fraiseur exposé pendant 30ans aux brouillards d’huile de coupe. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2014.03.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
The ability of biological ion channels to conduct selected ions across cell membranes is critical for the survival of both animal and bacterial cells. Numerous investigations of ion selectivity have been conducted over more than 50 years, yet the mechanisms whereby the channels select certain ions and reject others are not well understood. Here we report a new application of Jarzynski’s Equality to investigate the mechanism of ion selectivity using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of Na+ and K+ ions moving through the KcsA channel. The simulations show that the selectivity filter of KcsA adapts and responds to the presence of the ions with structural rearrangements that are different for Na+ and K+. These structural rearrangements facilitate entry of K+ ions into the selectivity filter and permeation through the channel, and rejection of Na+ ions. A mechanistic model of ion selectivity by this channel based on the results of the simulations relates the structural rearrangement of the selectivity filter to the differential dehydration of ions and multiple-ion occupancy and describes a mechanism to efficiently select and conduct K+. Estimates of the K+/Na+ selectivity ratio and steady state ion conductance for KcsA from the simulations are in good quantitative agreement with experimental measurements. This model also accurately describes experimental observations of channel block by cytoplasmic Na+ ions, the “punch through” relief of channel block by cytoplasmic positive voltages, and is consistent with the knock-on mechanism of ion permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Stephan Haas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Farley
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kwan JL, Park BK, Carpenter TE, Ngo V, Civen R, Reisen WK. Comparison of enzootic risk measures for predicting West Nile disease, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2004-2010. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 18:1298-306. [PMID: 22840314 PMCID: PMC3414020 DOI: 10.3201/eid1808.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The best model comprised enzootic surveillance data from avian, mosquito, and climate sources. In Los Angeles, California, USA, 2 epidemics of West Nile virus (WNV) disease have occurred since WNV was recognized in 2003. To assess which measure of risk was most predictive of human cases, we compared 3 measures: the California Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance and Response Plan Assessment, the vector index, and the Dynamic Continuous-Area Space-Time system. A case–crossover study was performed by using symptom onset dates from 384 persons with WNV infection to determine their relative environmental exposure to high-risk conditions as measured by each method. Receiver-operating characteristic plots determined thresholds for each model, and the area under the curve was used to compare methods. We found that the best risk assessment model for human WNV cases included surveillance data from avian, mosquito, and climate sources.
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Ngo V, Stefanovski D, Farley R, Haas S. Thermal Effects and Free-Energy Barrier Differences in the Ion Selectivity Mechanism of KcsA. Biophys J 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.11.736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Friedlander T, Ngo V, Doty S, Zhao Q, Dong H, Ryan C, Chen W, Paris P. 490 Detection and Genomic Interrogation of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Circulating Tumor Stem Cells (CTSCs) From Men with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC). Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)72288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Babesiosis was reported in a California resident who received a transfusion of blood products collected in the disease-endemic northeastern region of the United States. Babesiosis should be considered year-round in the diagnosis of febrile and afebrile patients with abnormal blood cell counts who have received blood products from disease-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Ngo
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, CA 90012, USA.
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McLellan C, Ngo V, Pasedis S, Dohlman CH. Testing the long term stability of vancomycin ophthalmic solution. Int J Pharm Compd 2008; 12:456-459. [PMID: 23969871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Some patients with a keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) are required to use prophylactic vancomycin ophthalmic solution daily for life to prevent infection, a regimen which has proven to be highly successful. The objective of this study was to determine whether such vancomycin solutions would remain stable at room temperature for an extended period of time, beyond that suggested by available published stability data and used in current practice. By relaxing the storage requirement and extending the expiration date of this solution, it was hoped that patient adherence and satisfaction would increase. The studied vancomycin ophthalmic solutions were compounded at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Pharmacy Services, Boston, Massachusetts, and were sent to an outside laboratory for high-performance liquid chromatography potency testing at predefined time points. Vancomycin 14-mg/mL ophthalmic solution compounded with 0.005% benzalkonium retains potency for at least 60 days at room temperature and 6 months frozen. Extending the beyond-use dating of vancomycin may lead to improved patient adherence by lowering costs and increasing convenience of storage and shipment of the medication.
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Guest S, Ngo V, Hefford M. Circular Dichroism Reveals Sensitivity of Glucagon Solution Structure to Fluoroalcohols, pH and Ionic Strength. Protein Pept Lett 2008; 15:811-7. [DOI: 10.2174/092986608785203809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Murine typhus, an acute febrile illness caused by Rickettsia typhi, is distributed worldwide. Mainly transmitted by the fleas of rodents, it is associated with cities and ports where urban rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) are abundant. In the United States, cases are concentrated in suburban areas of Texas and California. Contrary to the classic rat-flea-rat cycle, the most important reservoirs of infection in these areas are opossums and cats. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, has been identified as the principal vector. In Texas, murine typhus cases occur in spring and summer, whereas, in California, cases have been documented in summer and fall. Most patients present with fever, and many have rash and headache. Serologic testing with the indirect immunofluorescence assay is the preferred diagnostic method. Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice and has been shown to shorten the course of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Civen
- Acute Communicable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, Los Angeles, California 90012, USA.
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Livermore A, Hutson M, Ngo V, Hadjisimos R, Derby CD. Elemental and configural learning and the perception of odorant mixtures by the spiny lobster Panulirus argus. Physiol Behav 1997; 62:169-74. [PMID: 9226358 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9384(97)00031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study used a conditioning assay to investigate if the type of learning task that spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) were required to perform influenced the way that they perceived odorant mixtures. Mixtures were composed of 2 food-related compounds (adenosine-5'-monophosphate, betaine, or L-glutamate) at concentrations that produced the same duration of searching behavior in unconditioned animals. Aversive conditioning of search behavior coupled with generalization testing was used to evaluate perceptual similarity between related mixtures. When animals were conditioned to stop searching to a binary mixture AX, they did not generalize significantly from this mixture to either of its components (A or X), or to a binary mixture containing one novel component (AY). However, when lobsters were conditioned to avoid AX but to continue responding to AY, they generalized between AX and X and between AY and Y. The results support the hypothesis that altering the salience of a mixture's components by giving them different reinforcement contingencies changed the way that the mixtures were perceived. As a result of such conditioning, animals perceived the mixture's components as separate elements, rather than as a configuration, and, as a consequence, animals generalized between binary mixtures and their most salient or predictive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Livermore
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30302-4010, USA.
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Abstract
Apoptosis is a phenomenon observed during development of many cell types in many organisms. It is an internal, programmed cell death characterized by DNA fragmentation into nucleosome-size pieces. Anti-CD3-induced apoptosis in T-cell hybridomas and immature thymocytes requires new gene transcription and may be related to negative selection during T-cell development. Using subtractive hybridization, we isolated a complementary DNA clone encoding the orphan steroid receptor Nur77 (refs 7-9). It shows different patterns of messenger RNA induction between apoptotic and stimulated T cells. We report here the use of gel shift analysis to demonstrate that the Nur77 protein is present at high levels in apoptotic T-cell hybridomas and apoptotic thymocytes, but not in growing T cells or stimulated splenocytes. A Nur77 dominant negative protected T-cell hybridomas from activation-induced apoptosis. Hence Nur77 is necessary for induced apoptosis in T-cell hybridomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Woronicz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720
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