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Pearson J, Denley T, Blubaugh A, Kim SJ, Fogle JE, Leon R, Goss C, Banovic F. Characterisation of the pruritus responses and pruritic behaviours in an interleukin 31-induced canine model of pruritus. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:296-304. [PMID: 38149639 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13231] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous administration of interleukin (IL)-31 in healthy dogs has been used as a model to assess antipruritic drugs. However, there is no known in-depth characterisation of pruritic behaviours, and the repeatability of the IL-31-induced pruritus in the individual dogs is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the immediate/delayed pruritus responses and the pruritic behaviours observed in the IL-31-induced pruritic model in healthy dogs after repeated IL-31 injections. ANIMALS Fifteen healthy laboratory beagles. METHODS All dogs were video-recorded for 270 min after two intravenous recombinant IL-31 injections (1.75 μg/kg) and vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline, control) injections, respectively; interventions were randomised and performed with a 2 week wash-out period. Two blinded investigators reviewed the pruritic behaviours of all video recordings. RESULTS Both canine IL-31 (IL-31_01, IL-31_02) injections significantly increased pruritic seconds and categorical minutes ('YES'/'NO' behaviour per discrete 1 min interval) in healthy dogs compared with both vehicle groups (Vehicle_01, Vehicle_02). The second intravenous canine IL-31 (IL-31_02) administered 14 days after the first IL-31 injection induced a significant increase in pruritic seconds (p = 0.021) and not pruritic categorical minutes (p = 0.231). An increase in pruritic seconds was observed in both IL-31 groups in the first 30 min post-administration, while there was no significant difference between IL-31 and vehicle groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In conclusion, intravenous IL-31 reproducibly induces itch responses in dogs. Future evaluations of the canine IL-31 pruritic model should assess total pruritic behaviours in seconds rather than using a biased 'YES/NO' behaviour per 1 min scoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pearson
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Tara Denley
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Amanda Blubaugh
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sujung Jun Kim
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Renato Leon
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Caleb Goss
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Frane Banovic
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Murphy D, Leon R, Carr S, de Blacam C. Frostbite injuries from recreational nitrous oxide use. Ir Med J 2024; 117:910. [PMID: 38446089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
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Starr H, Howerth EW, Leon R, Gogal RM, Banovic F. Microarray Gene Expression Analysis of Lesional Skin in Canine Pemphigus Foliaceus. Vet Sci 2024; 11:89. [PMID: 38393106 PMCID: PMC10893259 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020089] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is considered the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs; the mechanism of PF disease development is currently poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms and altered biological pathways in the skin lesions of canine PF patients. Using an RNA microarray on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples, we analyzed the transcriptome of canine PF lesional skin (n = 7) compared to healthy skin (n = 5). Of the 800 genes analyzed, 420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05) were found. Of those, 338 genes were significantly upregulated, including pro-inflammatory and Th17-related genes. Cell type profiling found enhancement of several cell types, such as neutrophils, T-cells, and macrophages, in PF skin compared to healthy skin. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated DEGs resulted in 78 statistically significant process networks (FDR < 0.05), including the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. In conclusion, canine PF lesional immune signature resembles previously published changes in human pemphigus skin lesions. Further studies with canine PF lesional skin using next-generation sequencing (e.g., RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, etc.) and the development of canine keratinocyte/skin explant PF models are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Starr
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (H.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Elizabeth W. Howerth
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Renato Leon
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (H.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert M. Gogal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Frane Banovic
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (H.S.); (R.L.)
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Starr H, Howerth E, Gogal R, Barber J, Leon R, Blubaugh A, Banovic F. Characterization of the serum and skin inflammatory profile in canine pemphigus foliaceus using multiplex assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2023; 262:110631. [PMID: 37473673 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110631] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a common autoimmune skin disease characterized by autoantibodies binding to epithelial adhesion molecules resulting inflammatory response. The immune network of cytokine and chemokine abnormalities that characterize the immune response in canine PF are poorly explored. This study evaluated serum and lesional skin cytokine and chemokine profiles of dogs diagnosed with PF compared to healthy control dogs. Serum samples obtained from 11 PF dogs and 16 healthy control dogs were analyzed using commercially available canine multiplex assay for 13 biomarkers (Canine Milliplex assay). Eight lesional skin samples from seven PF dogs and five healthy site-matched samples from five healthy dogs were evaluated for 20 immune markers using quantitative real-time PCR. Immunomodulating medications were suspended for at least four weeks in all dogs before obtaining serum and skin samples. PF patients showed significantly higher serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-8, IL-18, CCL2, KC-like, and granulocyte-macrophages colony-stimulating factor when compared to healthy controls (Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.05 for all). Lesional PF skin exhibited significant expression and upregulation of pro-inflammatory/T helper (Th1) 1 markers IL-1β, MX1, GZMB, OAS1, and IFN-γ as well as Th2 cytokines IL-13, IL-33, TSLP, IL-31 and Th17/22 markers IL-17A and IL-22 (Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.05 for all). Taken together, the findings from this study describe the role of numerous cytokines and chemokines associated with immune response in the skin and serum of canine PF patients. Further larger-sample proteomics and RNA-sequencing transcriptomics studies are needed to understand the immune pathogenesis of canine PF skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Starr
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Elizabeth Howerth
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Robert Gogal
- Department of Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jamie Barber
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Renato Leon
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Amanda Blubaugh
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Frane Banovic
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Pearson J, Leon R, Starr H, Kim SJ, Fogle JE, Banovic F. Establishment of an Intradermal Canine IL-31-Induced Pruritus Model to Evaluate Therapeutic Candidates in Atopic Dermatitis. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050329. [PMID: 37235412 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050329] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pruritic models in healthy dogs utilizing intravenous administration of interleukin 31 (IL-31) bypass the "natural" itch sensation in AD, which is initiated by pruriceptive primary afferent neurons in the skin. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate/delayed pruritus responses and the pruritic behaviors observed in an intradermal IL-31-induced pruritic model of healthy dogs and the anti-pruritic effect of oclacitinib on said model. In Phase 1, all the dogs were randomized and video-recorded for 300 min after intradermal canine recombinant IL-31 injections (1.75 µg/kg) and vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline) injections. In Phase 2, all the dogs received oral oclacitinib (0.4-0.6 mg/kg, twice daily for 4 consecutive days and once daily on day 5), with the intradermal IL-31 injection performed on day 5. Two blinded investigators reviewed the pruritic behaviors in all the video recordings. Intradermal IL-31 administration to healthy dogs caused a significant increase in the total (p = 0.0052) and local (p = 0.0003) seconds of pruritic behavior compared to the vehicle control. Oral oclacitinib administration significantly reduced the total (p = 0.0011) and local (p = 0.0156) intradermal IL-31-induced pruritic seconds; there was no significant difference in pruritic seconds between the vehicle and oclacitinib within the IL-31 groups. Significant delayed pruritic responses at 150-300 min after IL-31 injections were observed, and intradermal IL-31 failed to induce acute itch (first 30 min). Intradermal injection of IL-31 induces delayed itch responses in dogs that are diminished by the effect of oclacitinib, an oral JAK inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pearson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Renato Leon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Haley Starr
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sujung Jun Kim
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Athens, GA 30601, USA
| | | | - Frane Banovic
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Asif M, Ben Said M, Vinueza RL, Leon R, Ahmad N, Parveen A, Khan A, Ejaz A, Ali M, Khan AU, Baber M, Iqbal F. Seasonal Investigation of Anaplasma marginale Infection in Pakistani Cattle Reveals Hematological and Biochemical Changes, Multiple Associated Risk Factors and msp5 Gene Conservation. Pathogens 2022; 11:1261. [PMID: 36365012 PMCID: PMC9696815 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an obligate intercellular Gram-negative bacterium named Anaplasma (A.) marginale. In this study, we report the seasonal prevalence, potentially associated risk factors and phylogeny of A. marginale in cattle of three different breeds from Multan District, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1020 blood samples (crossbred, n = 340; Holstein Friesian, n = 340; and Sahiwal breed, n = 340) from apparently healthy cattle were collected on a seasonal basis from March 2020 to April 2021. Based on PCR amplification of the msp5 partial sequence, overall, the A. marginale prevalence rate was estimated at 11.1% (113/1020) of the analyzed cattle samples. According to seasons, the highest prevalence rate was observed in autumn (16.5%), followed by winter (10.6%) and summer (9.8%), and the lowest was recorded in the spring (7.5%). The crossbred and Sahiwal cattle were the most susceptible to A. marginale infection, followed by Holstein Friesian cattle (7.9%). Analysis of epidemiological factors revealed that cattle reared on farms where dairy animals have tick loads, dogs coinhabit with cattle and dogs have tick loads have a higher risk of being infected with A. marginale. In addition, it was observed that white blood cell, lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations were significantly disturbed in A. marginale-positive cattle compared with non-infested cattle. Genetic analysis of nucleotide sequences and a phylogenetic study based on msp5 partial sequencing demonstrated that this gene appears to be highly conserved among our isolates and those infecting apparently healthy cattle from geographically diverse worldwide regions. The presented data are crucial for estimating the risk of bovine anaplasmosis in order to develop integrated control policies against bovine anaplasmosis and other tick-borne diseases infecting cattle in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Rommel Lenin Vinueza
- Instituto de Medicina Social y Desafíos Globales, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Renato Leon
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Nadeem Ahmad
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda 24420, Pakistan
| | - Arusa Ejaz
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Sub Campus, Layyah 31200, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Shaheed Benazir Bhuto University Sheringal, District Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sheringal 18050, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Baber
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
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Martinez E, Leon R, Mihalca AD, Dujardin JP, Le Pont F. Morphological description of Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) veintemillasi n. sp., a new sand fly species from the sub-Andean region of Bolivia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:327. [PMID: 36123736 PMCID: PMC9484205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05433-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most sand fly species are located in the Americas; some act as vectors of leishmaniasis and other human diseases. In Bolivia, about 25% of Neotropical species have been identified, and only a few have been implicated as vectors of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. A new species of anthropophilic sand fly from the sub-Andean region of Alto Beni is described herein. Methods A large systematic entomological survey was carried out in a subtropical humid forest located in the Marimonos mountain range, at around 900 m altitude, in the municipality of Palos Blancos, Sud Yungas Province, Department of La Paz, Bolivia. Sand flies were captured over a period of 26 months between January 1982 and February 1984, at the ground and canopy level, using both CDC light traps and protected human bait. A total of 24,730 sand flies were collected on the ground, distributed in 16 species, and 3259 in the canopy, with eight species. One of these species was labeled as Pintomia (Pifanomyia) nevesi, although certain morphological features allowed us to doubt that it was that taxon. To define the identity of this sand fly, a re-evaluation (this work) was recently carried out through morphological analyses and measurements of the available specimens mounted on Euparal, previously labeled as Pi. (Pif.) nevesi. Results Based on the morphological traits and measurements, the re-evaluated specimens were definitively identified as a new sand fly species, Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) veintemillasi, closely related to Pi. (Pif.) nevesi and Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) maranonensis within the Evansi series. This new sand fly was the third most numerous anthropophilic species at the floor (6.2%) and the second most numerous anthropophilic at the canopy (35.1%). Conclusions A new anthropophilic sand fly species is described as Pi. (Pif.) veintemillasi n. sp. This sand fly species was caught at about 900 m altitude in the Marimonos mountain range, a highly endemic area for cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Therefore, this species could be involved in the leishmaniasis transmission in the sub-Andean foothills of Alto Beni, Department of La Paz, Bolivia. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Martinez
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud y Desarrollo, IINSAD; Cátedra de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, UMSA, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - Renato Leon
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, 150157, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Khan T, Nasreen N, Shater AF, Khan W, Khan A, Kamal M, Vinueza R, Leon R, Alhimaidi AR, Al-Jabr OA. Risk factor analysis for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites found in large ruminants in Lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:7022-7026. [PMID: 34867003 PMCID: PMC8626251 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in cattle and buffaloes of Lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The presence of the eggs, cysts, and oocysts of GI parasites in fecal samples were detected using direct smear methods and concentration techniques including floatation, centrifugation, and sedimentation. Identification of recovered fecal stages were determined by morphology using size and appearance of the recovered eggs, cysts, and oocysts. A total of 314 fecal samples were collected from the different Tehsils (Administrative Districts) and analyzed through microscopy. A higher prevalence was observed in the buffalo than the cow population. A total of 184 samples were positive for GI parasites of which 109/196 (55.61%) were from cattle, whereas 75/118 (63.55%) were from buffaloes. The minimum number of strongyle eggs detected in all the samples were 136.39 eggs/g (EPG). The mean EPG in cattle was 143.30 and 122.56 in buffaloes. The open-source water prevalence of GI parasites was higher than the other sources in cattle and the second highest after tap water in buffaloes. The seasonal prevalence of GI parasites ranged from 32.39% (23/71), in spring to 68.8% (86/125) in summer in cattle. In was For buffaloes the infection prevalence was 52.94% (27/51) and 71.64% (48/67) in spring and summer, respectively. Gastrointestinal parasites are a serious problem in cattle and buffaloes in the lower district of Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. In general, the burden of parasitic infection was low in most animals that received previous anti-parasitic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawseef Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology , Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wali Khan
- Department of Zoology University of Malakand, Chakdara, Dir lower KPK, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mustafa Kamal
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Rommel Vinueza
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.,Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Renato Leon
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.,Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ahmad R Alhimaidi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Ullah R, Shams S, Khan MA, Ayaz S, Akbar NU, Din QU, Khan A, Leon R, Zeb J. Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Theileria annulata in cattle from central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249417. [PMID: 34529664 PMCID: PMC8445462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria annulata is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite responsible for tropical theileriosis in the bovine population, which causes substantial economic losses to the livestock sector. The present study has investigated, characterized, and shaped epidemiologic and phylogenetic profiles of T. annulata infection in the cattle population of central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples were collected from cattle. Microscopy and PCR (18S rRNA taxonomic marker) assays were performed to detect T. annulata infection in cattle from the study area. The overall relative prevalence rates of T. annulata in the examined cattle population were 12.8% (microscopy) and 23.7% (PCR). District-wise analysis (microscopy/PCR) showed that cattle from district Mardan were found more infected (16.0%/28.0%), as compared to cattle from district Charsadda (13.5%/25.5%) and district Peshawar (9.0%/17.5%). Based on host demographic and ecological parameters analysis, theileriosis was found to be higher in young, female, crossbred, freely grazing, tick-infested, and irregular/no acaricides treated cattle. The univariate logistic analysis showed that host age, tick infestation, acaricides use, and feeding method were significant risk factors (P<0.05) whereas multivariate analysis indicated that host age, gender, tick infestation, acaricidal application, and feeding method were potential risk factors (P<0.05) for tropical theileriosis in the cattle population. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that T. annulata 18S rRNA isolates shared homology and phylogeny with other isolates from Asia and Europe. This study has addressed the epidemiology and phylogeny of T. annulata circulating in bovid in the study area where gaps were still present. These findings will serve as a baseline and will facilitate future large-scale epidemiological investigations on tropical theileriosis in the cattle population at a national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raqeeb Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sumaira Shams
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
- College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sultan Ayaz
- College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Noor ul Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Qeyam ud Din
- Department of Geography, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
- College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Renato Leon
- Medical Entomology & Tropical Medicine Laboratory LEMMT, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
- College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
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Constantino A, Rodrigues B, Leon R, Barros R, Raposo S. Alternative chemo-enzymatic hydrolysis strategy applied to different microalgae species for bioethanol production. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Reina Ortiz M, Grijalva MJ, Turell MJ, Waters WF, Montalvo AC, Mathias D, Sharma V, Renoy CF, Suits P, Thomas SJ, Leon R. Biosafety at Home: How to Translate Biomedical Laboratory Safety Precautions for Everyday Use in the Context of COVID-19. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:838-840. [PMID: 32597388 PMCID: PMC7410461 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Population adoption of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is at times deficient, increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Healthcare workers and those living in areas of intense transmission may benefit from implementing biosafety measures in their daily lives. A mixed-methods approach, combining components of single negotiation text and the Delphi method, was used to create a COVID-19 biosafety-at-home protocol. A consensus building coordinator liaised with 12 experts to develop the protocol over 11 iterations. Experts had more than 200 years of combined experience in epidemiology, virology, infectious disease prevention, and public health. A flyer, created from the final protocol, was professionally designed and initially distributed via social media and institutional websites/emails in Ecuador beginning on May 2, 2020. Since then, it has been distributed in other countries, reaching ∼7,000 people. Translating research laboratory biosafety measures for the home/street environment might be challenging. The biosafety-at-home flyer addresses this challenge in a user-friendly format.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - William F. Waters
- School of Public Health, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andres Carrazco Montalvo
- Medical Entomology and Tropical Medicine Laboratory LEMMT, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida
| | - Vinita Sharma
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Paul Suits
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | | | - Renato Leon
- Medical Entomology and Tropical Medicine Laboratory LEMMT, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
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Kim C, Niekamp A, Pillai A, Leon R, Soni J, McNutt M, Pillai A. Abstract No. 637 Implementation of American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma guidelines for interventional radiology: a retrospective review of prospective data compared with historic cohort. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2019.12.698] [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: 11/29/2022] Open
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13
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Lamarca A, McCallum L, Nuttall C, Barriuso J, Frizziero M, Leon R, Mansoor W, McNamara M, Hubner R, Valle J. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) in patients (pts) with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (wd-NETs) treated with somatostatin analogues (SSAs): Incidence and impact on quality of life. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx368.022] [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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14
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Lander B, Alvarado M, Alvarez IC, Armas E, Chique-Alfonzo G, Hernandez F, Labarca R, Leon R, Molina O, Monasterios I, Ramirez CI, Rubio E, Torres B, Viso-Barroso R, Simmonds Z, Soto A. [Venezuelan consensus guidelines on the use of magnetic resonance in diagnosis and follow up of patients with multiple sclerosis]. Rev Neurol 2017; 65:117-126. [PMID: 28699154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The clinical use of magnetic resonance (MR) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has advanced markedly over the past few years. Several groups around the world have developed consensus guidelines about the role of MR in MS at diagnosis and during follow up. However, in some regions is difficult to extrapolate the recommendations. AIM To provide recommendations for the implementation of MR in MS patients at diagnosis and follow up in Venezuela. DEVELOPMENT A group of experts from Venezuela that included neurologists and radiologists, by using the online surveys methodology as well as face to face meetings developed the intended consensus for the use of MR during the diagnosis and follow up of MS patients in Venezuela. Seventeen recommendations were established based on published evidence and the expert opinion. Recommendations focused on the role of conventional MR techniques and brain atrophy measurement in MS patients both at diagnosis and during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The recommendations of this consensus guidelines attempts to optimize the health care and management of patients with MS in Venezuela.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lander
- Universidad Central de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - M Alvarado
- Universidad Central de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - E Armas
- Universidad Central de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - F Hernandez
- Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - R Labarca
- Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - R Leon
- Instituto de Salud del Estado Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| | - O Molina
- Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | | | - C I Ramirez
- Instituto Autonomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes (IAHULA), Merida, Venezuela
| | - E Rubio
- Hospital Dr. Domingo Luciani, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - B Torres
- Hospital Central de Maracay, Maracay, Venezuela
| | | | - Z Simmonds
- Hospital Universitario Dr. Luis Razetti, Barcelona, Venezuela
| | - A Soto
- Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela
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Efentakis P, Rizakou A, Christodoulou E, Chatzianastasiou A, Lopez M, Leon R, Balafas E, Kadoglou N, Tseti I, Kostomitsopoulos N, Iliodromitis E, Valsami G, Andreadou I. P5324Saffron (Crocus sativus) intake provides nutritional preconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in wild type and Apo-E(−/−) mice: involvement of Nrf2 activation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p5324] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Leon R, Esteban C, Añón J, Bono M, Grau I, Arenas M, Sabater S. EP-1682: A radiodermitis analysis comparison between 7 lotions among irradiated breast cancer patients. Radiother Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)41674-3] [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: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Del Vecchio F, Leon R. Sport injuries in grappling and striking combat sports practitioners. J Sci Med Sport 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.311] [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: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Leon R, Marco-Contelles J. A Step Further Towards Multitarget Drugs for Alzheimer and Neuronal Vascular Diseases: Targeting the Cholinergic System, Amyloid-β Aggregation and Ca2++ Dyshomeostasis. Curr Med Chem 2011; 18:552-76. [DOI: 10.2174/092986711794480186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Kipper M, Da Silva AS, Oliveira CB, Andretta I, Paim FC, da Silva CB, Leon R, Corrêa K, Stainki DR, Lopes STA, Monteiro SG. Relationship between splenic sequestration and thrombocytopenia in Trypanosoma evansi infection in rats. Res Vet Sci 2010; 91:240-2. [PMID: 21185577 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi infections in domestic animals are characterized by anemia and thrombocytopenia. The cause of the platelets decrease is unknown, but researchers suggest that thrombocytopenia may result from damage of the bone marrow, reduced survival of platelets, auto-immune thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and splenic sequestration. Some of these causes have already been tested by our research group and found to be unrelated. Therefore, this study has the objective of testing the hypothesis that splenic sequestration might be responsible for thrombocytopenia in T. evansi-infected rats. A total of 28 rats assigned to four groups were used in the experiment. Group A rats were splenectomized and infected with T. evansi, group B rats were infected with T. evansi, group C rats were splenectomized, but not infected and group D rats were normal controls. Five days post-infection all rats were anesthetized and blood was collected in order to measure the number of circulating platelets, fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The spleens of groups B and D were weighed at necropsy. The infected animals (groups A and B) showed a significant reduction in platelets and increased PT and aPTT when compared to negative control groups (groups C and D). Animals from group A showed increased levels of fibrinogen. The mean weight of spleen differed between group B (2.62g) and group D (0.55g). It was concluded that there is no relationship between thrombocytopenia and splenic sequestration in infection by T. evansi.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kipper
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Popa-Wagner A, Pirici D, Petcu EB, Mogoanta L, Buga AM, Rosen CL, Leon R, Huber J. Pathophysiology of the vascular wall and its relevance for cerebrovascular disorders in aged rodents. Curr Neurovasc Res 2010; 7:251-67. [PMID: 20590524 DOI: 10.2174/156720210792231813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hypertension and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are the main pathologies which can induce the rupture of cerebral vessels and intracerebral hemorrhages, as a result of degenerative changes in the vascular wall. A lot of progress has been made in this direction since the successful creation of the first mouse model for the study of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the spectrum of AD pathology includes a plethora of changes found in pure cerebrovascular diseases. We describe here some of these mouse models having important vascular changes that parallel human AD pathology, and more importantly, we show how these models have helped us understand more about the mechanisms that lead to CAA formation. An important cellular event associated with reduced structural and functional recovery after stroke in aged animals is the early formation of a scar in the infarcted region that impairs subsequent neural recovery and repair. We review recent evidence showing that the rapid formation of the glial scar following stroke in aged rats is associated with premature cellular proliferation that originates primarily from the walls of capillaries in the corpus callosum adjacent to the infarcted region. After stroke several vascular mechanisms are turned-on immediately to protect the brain from further damage and help subsequent neuroregeneration and functional recovery. Although does occur after stroke, vasculogenesis is overshadowed in its protective/restorative role by the angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. Understanding the basic mechanisms underlying functional recovery after cerebral stroke in aging subjects is likely to yield new insights into the treatment of brain injury in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Popa-Wagner
- Aging and Neural Repair Laboratory, Clinic of Neurology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Ellernholz strasse 1-2, Greifswald, Germany.
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Huo Q, Leon R, Petroff PM, Stucky GD. Mesostructure design with gemini surfactants: supercage formation in a three-dimensional hexagonal array. Science 2010; 268:1324-7. [PMID: 17778977 DOI: 10.1126/science.268.5215.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 616] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
At low temperatures, liquid crystal-like arrays made up of inorganic-cluster and organic molecular units readily undergo reversible lyotropic transformations. Gemini surfactants, with two quaternary ammonium head groups separated by a methylene chain of variable length and with each head group attached to a hydrophobic tail, can be used to control organic charge sitting relative to the bivariable hydrophobic tail configurations. This approach has led to the synthesis of a mesophase (SBA-2) that has three-dimensional hexagonal (P6(3)/mmc) symmetry, regular supercages that can be dimensionally tailored, and a large inner surface area. This mesostructure analog of a zeolite cage structure does not appear to have a lyotropic surfactant or lipid liquid crystal mesophase counterpart. Through the modification of gemini charge separation and each of the two organic tails, these syntheses can be used to optimize templating effects, including the synthesis of MCM-48 at room temperature.
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Vernal R, Leon R, Herrera D, Garcia-Sanz JA, Silva A, Sanz M. Variability in the response of human dendritic cells stimulated withPorphyromonas gingivalisorAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. J Periodontal Res 2008; 43:689-97. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2007.01073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Nadeau JL, Perreault NN, Niederberger TD, Whyte LG, Sun HJ, Leon R. Fluorescence microscopy as a tool for in situ life detection. Astrobiology 2008; 8:859-874. [PMID: 18752456 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2007.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The identification of extant and, in some cases, extinct bacterial life is most convincingly and efficiently performed with modern high-resolution microscopy. Epifluorescence microscopy of microbial autofluorescence or in conjunction with fluorescent dyes is among the most useful of these techniques. We explored fluorescent labeling and imaging of bacteria in rock and soil in the context of in situ life detection for planetary exploration. The goals were two-fold: to target non-Earth-centric biosignatures with the greatest possible sensitivity and to develop labeling procedures amenable to robotic implementation with technologies that are currently space qualified. A wide panel of commercially available dyes that target specific biosignature molecules was screened, and those with desirable properties (i.e., minimal binding to minerals, strong autofluorescence contrast, no need for wash steps) were identified. We also explored the potential of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as bacterial and space probes. A specific instrument for space implementation is suggested and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Nadeau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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24
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Haji-Saeed B, Kolluru R, Pyburn D, Leon R, Sengupta SK, Testorf M, Goodhue W, Khoury J, Drehman A, Woods CL, Kierstead J. Photoconductive optically driven deformable membrane under high-frequency bias: fabrication, characterization, and modeling. Appl Opt 2006; 45:3226-36. [PMID: 16676026 DOI: 10.1364/ao.45.003226] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication and characterization of an optically addressable deformable mirror for a spatial light modulator are described. Device operation utilizes an electrostatically driven pixelated aluminized polymeric membrane mirror supported above an optically controlled photoconductive GaAs substrate. A 5 mum thick grid of patterned photoresist supports the 2 mum thick aluminized Mylar membrane. A conductive ZnO layer is placed on the backside of the GaAs wafer. Similar devices were also fabricated with InP. A standard Michelson interferometer is used to measure mirror deformation data as a function of illumination, applied voltage, and frequency. The device operates as an impedance distribution between two cascaded impedances of deformable membrane substrate, substrate, and electrode. An analysis of device's operation under several bias conditions, which relates membrane deformation to operating parameters, is presented.
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Moncayo AC, Lerdthusnee K, Leon R, Robich RM, Romoser WS. Meconial peritrophic matrix structure, formation, and meconial degeneration in mosquito pupae/pharate adults: histological and ultrastructural aspects. J Med Entomol 2005; 42:939-944. [PMID: 16465731 DOI: 10.1603/0022-2585(2005)042[0939:mpmsfa]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The noncellular peritrophic matrix (PM) that forms around the food bolus in the midgut of many arthropod species may influence the fate of ingested microbes. In mosquitoes, PMs have been identified in the pupal as well as larval and adult stages. In pupae, the PMs surround the meconium, the sloughed larval midgut epithelium. Meconial PM1 (MPM1) forms early in the pupal stadium, and a second meconial PM (MPM2) sometimes forms around the time of adult emergence. A recent study suggests that MPMs contribute to the sterilization of the adult midgut by sequestering microorganisms ingested during the larval stage, which, along with remaining meconial material, are egested after adult emergence. We have compared MPM1 formation and patterns of meconial degeneration in representative species in five mosquito genera and identified a temporal association between MPM1 formation, meconial degeneration, and apolysis. Ultrastructural study of MPM1 and MPM2 in Aedes aegypti (L.) revealed that MPM1 seems to be structurally different from either the larval or adult PMs, whereas MPM2 more closely resembles PM formed around a bloodmeal in adult females. Our results are consistent with the microbial sequestration role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abelardo C Moncayo
- Tennessee Department of Health Communicable and Environmental Disease Services, Nashville 37247-4911, USA
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26
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Moncayo AC, Lerdthusnee K, Leon R, Robich RM, Romoser WS. Meconial peritrophic matrix structure, formation, and meconial degeneration in mosquito pupae/pharate adults: histological and ultrastructural aspects. J Med Entomol 2005; 42:939-44. [PMID: 16465731 DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/42.6.939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The noncellular peritrophic matrix (PM) that forms around the food bolus in the midgut of many arthropod species may influence the fate of ingested microbes. In mosquitoes, PMs have been identified in the pupal as well as larval and adult stages. In pupae, the PMs surround the meconium, the sloughed larval midgut epithelium. Meconial PM1 (MPM1) forms early in the pupal stadium, and a second meconial PM (MPM2) sometimes forms around the time of adult emergence. A recent study suggests that MPMs contribute to the sterilization of the adult midgut by sequestering microorganisms ingested during the larval stage, which, along with remaining meconial material, are egested after adult emergence. We have compared MPM1 formation and patterns of meconial degeneration in representative species in five mosquito genera and identified a temporal association between MPM1 formation, meconial degeneration, and apolysis. Ultrastructural study of MPM1 and MPM2 in Aedes aegypti (L.) revealed that MPM1 seems to be structurally different from either the larval or adult PMs, whereas MPM2 more closely resembles PM formed around a bloodmeal in adult females. Our results are consistent with the microbial sequestration role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abelardo C Moncayo
- Tennessee Department of Health Communicable and Environmental Disease Services, Nashville 37247-4911, USA
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27
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Percutaneous liver biopsy fails to demonstrate cirrhosis in approximately 32% of cases when compared with laparoscopy with liver biopsy. The aim of this study is to determine the usefulness of small-diameter (2 mm) laparoscopes compared with larger laparoscopes. METHODS Patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for various liver diseases were evaluated with small-diameter (2 mm) laparoscopes either alone or in combination with a 5 or 10 mm laparoscope. RESULTS Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Small-diameter laparoscopes provided appropriate visualization of the abdominal organs and proper guidance to liver biopsy in 9 cases. In the remaining 11 cases a larger laparoscope was used for the following reasons: short length of the trocar/introducer in a morbidly obese patient (1), liver mass located in the anterosuperior aspect of the liver precluding good visualization with forward lenses (1), and inability to properly visualize the anterosuperior aspect of the liver (9). No complications were noted with the use of the small-diameter laparoscopes alone. CONCLUSION There is a need for an oblique-viewing minilaparoscope that allows visualization comparable to the larger laparoscopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Nader
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine and The Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
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Leon R, de Medina M, Schiff ER. Diagnostic tools in the evaluation of patients with viral hepatitis undergoing liver transplantation. Liver Transpl Surg 1998; 4:94-103. [PMID: 9457974 DOI: 10.1002/lt.500040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Familiarity with the diagnostic parameters of viral hepatitis is imperative in the liver transplantation arena. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are among the most common categories of end-stage liver disease. The preoperative diagnosis, determination of recurrent infection, and the assessment of antiviral therapeutic efficacy are dependent on appropriate virological testing. Furthermore, liver transplant personnel are at a high risk for parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis infection. Knowledge and understanding of the serological patterns of acute and chronic viral hepatitis, as well as recognition of the immune status for one or more of these viruses, will facilitate prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis for these health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Leon
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA
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Holt SA, Brown AS, Creagh DC, Leon R. Application of imaging-grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction and specular reflectivity to the structural investigation of quantum-confinement semiconductor devices. J Synchrotron Radiat 1997; 4:169-74. [PMID: 16699224 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049597004123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
X-ray reflectivity and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction techniques have been employed to investigate the structure of quantum-well and quantum-dot semiconductor devices. This work has been performed using both laboratory and synchrotron radiation sources. The use of synchrotron radiation enabled reflectivity studies to be performed on small samples, and established the feasibility of imaging-grazing-incidence diffraction studies on quantum-confinement structures. Interdiffusion effects in quantum-well and quantum-dot structures, the disordering of overlayers grown on quantum dots, and the variation in diffraction pattern with incident angle have been observed. It is evident that X-ray reflectivity and imaging-grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction yield quite different but complementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Holt
- School of Physics, University College, University of New South Wales, Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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Raymond S, Fafard S, Poole PJ, Wojs A, Hawrylak P, Charbonneau S, Leonard D, Leon R, Petroff PM, Merz JL. State filling and time-resolved photoluminescence of excited states in InxGa1-xAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1996; 54:11548-11554. [PMID: 9984943 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.54.11548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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31
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Wang PD, Merz JL, Fafard S, Leon R, Leonard D, Medeiros-Ribeiro G, Oestreich M, Petroff PM, Uchida K, Miura N, Akiyama H, Sakaki H. Magnetoluminescence studies of InyAl1-yAs self-assembled quantum dots in AlxGa1-xAs matrices. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1996; 53:16458-16461. [PMID: 9983487 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.53.16458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Dujardin JP, Le Pont F, Cruz M, Leon R, Tarrieu LF, Guderian R, Echeverria R, Tibayrenc M. Cryptic speciation in Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) trapidoi (Fairchild & Hertig) (Diptera: Psychodidae) detected by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1996; 54:42-5. [PMID: 8651367 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1996.54.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lutzomyia trapidoi is the major vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ecuador. In the framework of an epidemiologic study, female Lu. trapidoi sand flies were captured on human bait in La Tablada and Paraiso Escondido. Some coloration heterogeneity among the specimens caught led us to look for the existence of cryptic species using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. In 196 specimens studied, five of seven enzyme loci proved to be variable, making it possible to check for departures from panmixia both by Hardy-Weinberg statistics and linkage disequilibrium analysis. Two discrete groups were clearly distinguished, which could be differentiated by the diagnostic locus glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. The two groups occurred in sympatry within each locality. Genetic distances measured between these two groups were consistent with values usually found between distinct species. These results suggest the existence of a least two sibling species in Paraiso Escondido as well as La Tablada. The epidemiologic relevance of these results is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dujardin
- Genetique Moleculaire des Parasites et des Vecteurs, Unite Mixte de Recherche, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montpellier, France
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Raymond S, Fafard S, Charbonneau S, Leon R, Leonard D, Petroff PM, Merz JL. Photocarrier recombination in AlyIn1-yAs/AlxGa1-xAs self-assembled quantum dots. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1995; 52:17238-17242. [PMID: 9981152 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.52.17238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Farfad S, Leon R, Leonard D, Merz JL, Petroff PM. Phonons and radiative recombination in self-assembled quantum dots. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1995; 52:5752-5755. [PMID: 9981761 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.52.5752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Leon R, Margolese D, Stucky G, Petroff PM. Nanocrystalline Ge filaments in the pores of a mesosilicate. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1995; 52:R2285-R2288. [PMID: 9981392 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.52.r2285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Abstract
Ensembles of defect-free InAIAs islands of ultrasmall dimensions embedded in AIGaAs have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Cathodoluminescence was used to directly image the spatial distribution of the quantum dots by mapping their luminescence and to spectrally resolve very sharp peaks from small groups of dots, thus providing experimental verification for the discrete density of states in a zero-dimensional quantum structure. Visible luminescence is produced by different nominal compositions of InxAI(1-x)As-AIyGa(1-y)As.
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Fafard S, Leon R, Leonard D, Merz JL, Petroff PM. Visible photoluminescence from N-dot ensembles and the linewidth of ultrasmall AlyIn1-yAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum dots. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1994; 50:8086-8089. [PMID: 9974817 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.50.8086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Le Ponti F, Leon R, Guerrini F, Gantier JC, Mouchet J, Echeverria R, Guderian RH. [Leishmaniasis in Ecuador. 3. Lutzomyia trapidoi, vector of Leishmania panamensis]. Ann Soc Belg Med Trop 1994; 74:23-8. [PMID: 8024346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Lutzomyia trapidoi, the more abundant anthropophilic species, is a presumed leishmaniasis vector in the Pacific foothills of Ecuador. Three biotopes have been sampled (dwelling, and nearby coffee crop and primary forest) in the focus of Paraiso Escondido, by human bait catches, from August 1991 to October 1992. A large number of sandflies, 6,965 specimens, have been dissected to estimate peri and hypopyloric infections. All the peripyloric infections, characterized by isoenzyme electrophoresis, were Leishmania panamensis. The percentage of these infections was low, around 3%, but they were massive. They occurred only in dry season. Hypopyloric infections were observed in Lu. trapidoi all the year round in the three biotopes. Their percentage was high, reaching 40%. Despite of many trials to cultivate the parasite on NNN medium, no stain could be isolated. It is suggested that the parasite could be L. equatorensis.
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Mouchet J, Le Pont F, Leon R, Echeverria R, Guderian RH. [Leishmaniasis in Ecuador. 5. Leishmaniasis and anthropization on the Pacific coast]. Ann Soc Belg Med Trop 1994; 74:35-41. [PMID: 8024348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We have evaluated the impact of anthropization of the forest on the incidence of leishmaniasis, due to Leishmania panamensis, in three coastal study areas, Corriente Grande (primary forest), Paraiso Escondido and La Tablada (secondary forest). The situation of isolated dwellings, in deforested areas, has also been analysed in the last two stations. In each station, the study of the density of anthropophilic sand flies, specially Lutzomyia trapidoi, has been conducted in the domestic environment, coffee plantations and undergrowth. The incidence of leishmaniasis was nearly non existent in primary forest, though it ranged from 106 to 147% in the more or less cleared forest. At Corriente Grande, none Lu. trapidoi was caught in houses. In the undergrowth, catches were low (8% of the total). At Paraiso Escondido, Lu. trapidoi was the dominant species, with more than 83% of the catches in the undergrowth and in the coffee plantations (41 Man/hour), as well as in dwellings (10.6 M/h). At La Tablada, in the domestic environment, Lu. gomezi, was the dominant species: 2.8 M/h against 0.1 M/h for Lu. trapidoi. In the coffee plantations and in the undergrowth Lu. trapidoi was the main species, 21 M/h and 14 M/h. Thus in the primary rainforest, leishmaniasis transmission can be very low. In disturbed forest, coffee plantations near houses are good biotopes for Lu. trapidoi. The cycle of L. panamensis has been adapted to this new ecological situation, by being closer to the houses. The reservoirs live and circulate throughout coffee plantations. In deforested areas, neither aggressive sand flies have been observed, nor leishmaniasis transmission.
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Barrera C, Herrera M, Martinez F, Leon R, Richard A, Guderian RH, Mouchet J, Echeverria R, Le Pont F. [Leishmaniasis in Ecuador. 1. Incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis on the Pacific coast]. Ann Soc Belg Med Trop 1994; 74:1-12. [PMID: 8024344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A clinico-epidemiologic survey on cutaneous leishmaniasis, due to Leishmania panamensis, was carried out on 961 persons in two study areas of the Pacific coast of Ecuador, to estimate the prevalence and the incidence of the disease. In the preandean hills, at Paraiso Escondido, the prevalence of active lesions was 4.8%; in the hills of the coastal cordillera, at La Tablada, it was 3.6%. The incidence of new cases in 1991 was high: 147% in the first village, and 106% in the second. These data are far higher than the Health Ministry statistics. The cumulated prevalence, obtained by addition of the scars and active lesions of leishmaniasis, was as high as 66% at Paraiso Escondido, and 47% at La Tablada. Most of the patients (62%) had only one ulcer or scar. Most of the people are contaminated during the first five years they live in these endemic areas. Nevertheless, the incidence remains high in all the age groups, because large numbers of migrants coming from non endemic regions are continuously settling in these colonization areas. Interviews have shown that the contaminations had occurred in the dry season, between July and December. These findings were confirmed by passive case detection at the Hospital A. Egas of Santo Domingo which covered the region. Contamination of young children and position of the lesions on the face suggested a domiciliary transmission, like in Panama and on the Pacific coast of Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barrera
- Hospital Vozandes, Department of Clinical Investigations, Quito, Ecuador
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Le Ponti F, Leon R, Moucheti J, Echeverria R, Guderian RH. [Leishmaniasis in Ecuador. 2. Man/vector contacts in leishmaniasis: the case of Lutzomyia trapidoi and Lu. Gomezi]. Ann Soc Belg Med Trop 1994; 74:13-21. [PMID: 8024345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In two leishmaniasis endemic foci of the Pacific coast of Ecuador, where the primary forest is severely attacked by human settlements, intradomiciliary sandfly catches, with light trap and human bait, have been carried out from August 1991 to October 1992. The presumed vector Lutzomyia trapidoi was by far the dominant species inside dwellings at Paraiso Escondido in the preandean hills (86% of the anthropophilic sandfly population, and 8.5 females/night catch by light trap). Not a single Lu. gomezi was caught in this village. At La Tablada, Lu. gomezi was the dominant anthropophilic species in the coastal cordillera (83% of anthropophilic sandfly population and 3.7 females/night catch by light trap); Lu. trapidoi accounted only for 4.6% of the total catches in this village. On human bait, catches were variable depending on the day and on the season, but dominant species were always the same. The percentage of Lu. trapidoi was higher on human bait than in light trap. Blood meal identifications of engorged Lu. gomezi and Lu. trapidoi confirmed the anthropophily of these two species in the houses.
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Leon R, Kratochwil H. Integration, migration and sustainable development in the Andean group of nations. Rev OIM Sobre Migr Am Lat 1993; 11:30-51. [PMID: 12346332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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Reymunde A, Leon R. Congenital microgastria in an adult. Am J Gastroenterol 1991; 86:1095-6. [PMID: 1858753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Leon R. Neuritis of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve as isolated manifestation of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Ann Neurol 1990; 28:842. [PMID: 2285272 DOI: 10.1002/ana.410280624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Altshuler KZ, Leon R, Davis D, Guynn R, Guckian JC. Plan for private insurance coverage of mental disorders. Am J Psychiatry 1989; 146:1516-7. [PMID: 2817130 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.146.11.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Nelson PS, Sherman-Gold R, Leon R. A new and versatile reagent for incorporating multiple primary aliphatic amines into synthetic oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 1989; 17:7179-86. [PMID: 2798089 PMCID: PMC334797 DOI: 10.1093/nar/17.18.7179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel and versatile phosphoramidite, N-Fmoc-O1-DMT-O2-cyanoethoxydiisopropylamino-phosphinyl-3-am ino-1,2-propanediol (1, Fig. 1), has been synthesized and used to incorporate primary aliphatic amines into synthetic oligonucleotides. Its convenient preparation and use in solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis is described. Using phosphoramidite 1, an amino-modified oligonucleotide probe complementary to M13mp18 DNA was constructed with five primary amines attached to the 5'-terminus. The amino-modified oligonucleotide was subsequently labeled with biotin and employed in a dot-blot hybridization assay. As little as 0.5 ng of M13mp18 target DNA was colorimetrically detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Nelson
- Organic Chemistry Division, Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94303
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Pechacek LW, Strickman NE, Solana LG, Leon R. Two-dimensional echocardiographic features of sewing ring dehiscence of a bioprosthetic mitral valve. Tex Heart Inst J 1983; 10:311-2. [PMID: 15227117 PMCID: PMC341663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L W Pechacek
- Clayton Foundation for Research Cardiovascular Laboratories and the Division of Cardiology of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and the Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas 77225, USA
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Guderian RH, Leon LA, Leon R, Corral F, Vasconez C, Johnston TS. Report on a focus of onchocerciasis in Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1982; 31:270-4. [PMID: 7072890 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1982.31.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A case suggesting the occurrence of onchocerciasis in Ecuador was first reported in 1952. The appearance of another case in 1977 provided the stimulus to do an epidemiologic survey on an isolated 20-km section of the Cayapa River in Esmeraldas Province. The Mazzotti test, skin biopsy, and nodulectomy were performed on 300 inhabitants of the area. Of the 300 who were tested, 210 (70%) reacted positively to the Mazzotti test, only 20 of whom had a negative skin biopsy. An additional 10 patients with a negative Mazzotti test had a positive skin biopsy. Combining the results of the Mazzotti test and skin biopsy show a 73% prevalence of onchocerciasis. Sixty-four patients (21%) had nodules, and evidence suggests that ocular pathology may be present.
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Getsinger SH, Leon R. Impulsivity, temporal perspective, and posthospital adjustment of neuropsychiatric patients. J Psychol 1979; 103:221-5. [PMID: 512979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypotheses were tested regarding relationships between impulsivity as a personality construct and various biographical characteristics among neuropsychiatric patients referred for rehabilitation. Seventy-five males and five females (mean age 33) with mixed diagnoses served as Ss. Variables included an ego-delay measure obtained from temporal estimations, perceptions of temporal dominance and relatedness obtained from Cottle's Circles Test, Ss' ages, and a measure of long-term posthospital adjustment. Ego-delaying patients were significantly younger, diminished the importance of their past temporal mode relative to the present and future, perceived the future as a dominant temporal mode relative to the present and past, and achieved significantly better long-term adjustment following psychiatric hospitalization.
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Abstract
Platelet function was investigated in four normal volunteers, one patient with a mild form of von Willebrand disease, and one with a thrombocytopathy, all taking propranolol. No effect on platelet function attributable to this drug could be demonstrated in any of these subjects. It is suggested that propranolol administered in conventional doses does not impair platelet hemostatic function.
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