scholarly journals Molecular Evidence for Flea-Borne Rickettsiosis in Febrile Patients from Madagascar

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1482
Author(s):  
Christian Keller ◽  
Raphael Rakotozandrindrainy ◽  
Vera von Kalckreuth ◽  
Jean Noël Heriniaina ◽  
Norbert Georg Schwarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Rickettsial Infection ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Edta Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Rickettsiae may cause febrile infections in humans in tropical and subtropical regions. From Madagascar, no molecular data on the role of rickettsioses in febrile patients are available. Blood samples from patients presenting with fever in the area of the capital Antananarivo were screened for the presence of rickettsial DNA. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) blood from 1020 patients presenting with pyrexia > 38.5 °C was analyzed by gltA-specific qPCR. Positive samples were confirmed by ompB-specific qPCR. From confirmed samples, the gltA amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. From five gltA-reactive samples, two were confirmed by ompB-specific qPCR. The gltA sequence in the sample taken from a 38-year-old female showed 100% homology with R. typhi. The other sample taken from a 1.5-year-old infant was 100% homologous to R. felis. Tick-borne rickettsiae were not identified. The overall rate of febrile patients with molecular evidence for a rickettsial infection from the Madagascan study site was 0.2% (2/1020 patients). Flea-borne rickettsiosis is a rare but neglected cause of infection in Madagascar. Accurate diagnosis may prompt adequate antimicrobial treatment.

scholarly journals Lipoprotein Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cancer: Rationale and Reason

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (24) ◽  
pp. 6327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaideep Chaudhary ◽  
Joseph Bower ◽  
Ian R. Corbin
Keyword(s):  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Recognition System ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Plasma Lipoproteins ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Nanoparticle Delivery ◽  
Drug Delivery Vehicles ◽  
Delivery Vehicles

Lipoproteins are a family of naturally occurring macromolecular complexes consisting amphiphilic apoproteins, phospholipids, and neutral lipids. The physiological role of mammalian plasma lipoproteins is to transport their apolar cargo (primarily cholesterol and triglyceride) to their respective destinations through a highly organized ligand-receptor recognition system. Current day synthetic nanoparticle delivery systems attempt to accomplish this task; however, many only manage to achieve limited results. In recent years, many research labs have employed the use of lipoprotein or lipoprotein-like carriers to transport imaging agents or drugs to tumors. The purpose of this review is to highlight the pharmacologic, clinical, and molecular evidence for utilizing lipoprotein-based formulations and discuss their scientific rationale. To accomplish this task, evidence of dynamic drug interactions with circulating plasma lipoproteins are presented. This is followed by epidemiologic and molecular data describing the association between cholesterol and cancer.

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND SPECIATION IN THE ENDEMIC AMPHIPODS OF LAKE BAIKAL: MOLECULAR EVIDENCE

Crustaceana ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 945-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravil Kamaltynov ◽  
Risto Vainola
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Sibling Species ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Baikalian Amphipod ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Cool Climate

AbstractThe amphipod diversity in the Siberian Lake Baikal is unique, with some 260 endemic species and 80 additional subspecies recognized so far. Three general patterns of differentiation in molecular data, however, suggest that this is still a gross underestimate of the actual number of species. Firstly, allozyme analyses regularly indicate a species-level distinction for taxa previously treated as subspecies (here corroborated for Micruropus talitroides / eurypus, M. wahlii / platycercus and Eulimnogammarus verrucosus / oligacanthus). Secondly, so far unrecognized (sibling) species are detected even sympatrically (e.g., in both the Micruropus complexes above). Thirdly, 'conspecific' samples from different parts of the lake, of several Pallasea spp., regularly show diagnostic allozyme differences suggesting presence of vicariant sibling species in the main geological subdivisions of the basin. Extrapolating the observations to the whole of the Baikalian amphipod fauna, a reasonable projection for the total number may be close to a thousand species. Molecular data suggest that the conventional Baikalian lineages are remarkably old, whereas the vicariant new taxa may have arisen recently in the (early) Pleistocene. These dual levels of diversity are paradoxical in view of the lake's history and the forces supposed to underlie the diversification and speciation processes. The well defined and specialized forms originated in times when the climate and environments were grossly different from the present: not as a response to the present kind of environments. On the other hand, the divergence that has arisen within the time frame of the environmentally modern Lake Baikal (a single basin and cool climate, < 2-3 Myr) appears to be related to geography rather than to adaptive features of morphology and ecology. The patterns prompt a reconsideration of the role of geographical isolation in recent speciation within Lake Baikal. La diversite des amphipodes du lac Baikal est unique, avec quelque 260 especes endemiques et 80 sous-especes supplementaires reconnues jusqu'a present. Cependant, trois schemas generaux de differenciation provenant des donnees moleculaires, suggerent que ceci est encore une sousestimation flagrante du nombre des especes actuelles. Premierement, les analyses d'alloenzymes indiquent regulierement une separation de niveau specifique pour des taxa auparavant traites comme des sous-especes (ici confirme pour Micruropus talitroides eurypus, M. wahlii platycercus et Eulimnogammarus verrucosus oligacanthus). Deuxiemement, des especes (jumelles) non reconnues jusqu'ici sont detectees meme sympatriquement (par exemple, dans les deux complexes de Micruropus ci-dessus). Troisiemement, des echantillons ''conspecifiques'' de differentes regions du lac, de plusieurs Pallasea spp., montrent regulierement des differences diagnostiques d'alloenzymes suggerant la presence d'especes jumelles vicariantes dans les principales subdivisions g eologiques du bassin. En extrapolant les observations a l'ensemble de la faune d'amphipodes du Baikal, une projection raisonnable du nombre total peut etre proche d'un millier d'especes. Les donnees moleculaires suggerent que les lignees ''baikaliennes'' conventionnelles sont remarquablement anciennes, tandis que les nouveaux taxa vicariants peuvent avoir apparu recemment au Pleistocene. Ces niveaux de diversite doubles sont paradoxaux par rapport a l'histoire du lac et aux forces supposees sous-tendre les processus de diversification et de sp eciation. Les formes bien definies et specialisees sont apparues en des temps ou le climat et les environnements etaient tres differents de ceux du present: non comme une reponse au type actuel d'environnement. D'autre part, la divergence survenue au cours de la periode environnementale moderne du lac Baikal (un bassin unique et un climat frais, < 2-3 millions d'annees) semble en relation avec la geographie plutot qu'a des caracteres adaptatifs de morphologie et d'ecologie. Les modeles incitent a reconsideration du role de l'isolement geographique dans la speciation recente dans le lac Baikal.

Control of Zn, Cu and Mn activities in alkaline and calcareous soils equilibrated with EDTA

1982 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Metal Ion ◽  
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid ◽  
Ph Dependence ◽  
Calcareous Soils ◽  
Transition Metal Ions ◽  
Ion Activities ◽  
Solid Phases ◽  
Equilibrium Mole Fraction ◽  
Edta Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

SUMMARYThe modified EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) method of determining the ionic activities in soils developed by Norvell was used to measure Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ activities including the competition of Ca and Mg for the chelating ligand EDTA. In the Zn-EDTA system, the equilibrium mole fraction of CaL2− + MgL2− increased with an increase in pH of the soil solution, thereby leading to a decrease in the concentration of transition metal ions. In view of the pH dependence of the metal ion activities, the values of the expression pM + 2 pOH (where M may be Zn, Cu or Mn) were used to discuss the possible role of various oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulphides and unknown solid phases in regulating the activities of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions in alkaline and calcareous soils.

scholarly journals Commission 14: Atomic and Molecular Data

1985 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-138
Author(s):  
A. H. Gabriel ◽  
R. W. Nicholls ◽  
D. R. Johnson ◽  
S. L. Mandel’shtam ◽  
H. Nussbaumer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Physics ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fundamental Particle ◽  
Fundamental Physics ◽  
Service Role ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Nuclear Processes

As the pool of fundamental data available to astronomers continues to increase, the question of how best to promote the necessary cross-discipline interaction becomes increasingly important. Commission 14 has traditionally played an important role in this activity, by publishing triennial reports in the IAU Proceedings, as well as by responding to more specific requests for data. We are fortunate in having the support for these activities of some energetic Working-Groups and Chairmen, whos contributions to the present report are very gratefully acknowledged. With the expansion of available data it is appropriate that these reports take on more and more the form of references to review articles and other more specific data bases. The question of whether the field of activity of the Commission should be enlarged was discussed at Patras and will be reviewed again at the Delhi meeting. One possibility is to include nuclear processes and fundamental particle physics. On the other hand a rationale for limiting the scope of our activities might be the direct application to astronomical observations. Astronomical theorists are usually better placed to access the fundamental data themselves. The interaction between fundamental physics and astronomy will in general take two forms. There is the essential service role of making data available in a usable form. However, we should surely aim to stimulate the other very profitable mode, in which the two disciplines are brought together to form real scientific collaborations, in order to research the problems of astronomy.

DIURNAL VARIATIONS OF PLASMA PROLACTIN IN GROWING SHEEP UNDER TWO LIGHTING RÉGIMES AND THE EFFECT OF PINEALECTOMY

1980 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
WENDY B. BROWN ◽  
J. M. FORBES
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Variations ◽  
The Other ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Plasma Prolactin ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Unoperated Control ◽  
Marked Rise ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Positive Effect

The role of the pineal gland in mediating the stimulatory effect of long daylength on blood levels of prolactin was investigated in 24 growing castrated sheep. Eight were pinealectomized, eight were sham-pinealectomized and eight remained as unoperated control animals. After a preliminary period with 12 h light:12 h darkness (12L: 12D) pairs of similar sheep were allocated to photoperiods of 16L: 8D or 8L: 16D for 15 weeks. Each animal was individually fed at the same level as its partner exposed to the other daylength. Blood samples were taken weekly by jugular venepuncture. On two occasions, once in the preliminary period (12L: 12D) and again 41 days after the start of the subsequent photoperiods, samples were taken through indwelling jugular catheters at frequent intervals for 24 h. The plasma samples were assayed for prolactin by radioimmunoassay and concentrations were higher in samples taken by jugular puncture. There was a consistent positive effect of daylength on plasma prolactin in sheep with pineal glands that did not occur in pinealectomized sheep. In contrast, pinealectomy did not block the marked rise in prolactin that occurred at dusk. It appears that the effect of the photoperiod on levels of plasma prolactin throughout the day and night is not mediated by the same mechanism as that which controls the surge of prolactin at dusk in the sheep.

Plasma Levels of Protein S, Protein C, and Factor X: Effects of Sex, Hormonal State and Age

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (05) ◽  
pp. 1271-1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M A Henkens ◽  
V J J Bom ◽  
W van der Schaaf ◽  
P M Pelsma ◽  
C Th Smit Sibinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Protein C ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Protein S ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Normal Ranges

SummaryWe measured total and free protein S (PS), protein C (PC) and factor X (FX) in 393 healthy blood donors to assess differences in relation to sex, hormonal state and age. All measured proteins were lower in women as compared to men, as were levels in premenopausal women as compared to postmenopausal women. Multiple regression analysis showed that both age and subgroup (men, pre- and postmenopausal women) were of significance for the levels of total and free PS and PC, the subgroup effect being caused by the differences between the premenopausal women and the other groups. This indicates a role of sex-hormones, most likely estrogens, in the regulation of levels of pro- and anticoagulant factors under physiologic conditions. These differences should be taken into account in daily clinical practice and may necessitate different normal ranges for men, pre- and postmenopausal women.

Fibrinolytic Activity of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid and the Development of Artificial Cerebral Haematomas in Dogs

1969 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 294-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Mihara ◽  
T Fujii ◽  
S Okamoto
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Carboxylic Acid ◽  
Fibrinolytic Activity ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Trans Form ◽  
Plate Method ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Fibrin Plate ◽  
The Brain

SummaryBlood was injected into the brains of dogs to produce artificial haematomas, and paraffin injected to produce intracerebral paraffin masses. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood samples were withdrawn at regular intervals and their fibrinolytic activities estimated by the fibrin plate method. Trans-form aminomethylcyclohexane-carboxylic acid (t-AMCHA) was administered to some individuals. Genera] relationships were found between changes in CSF fibrinolytic activity, area of tissue damage and survival time. t-AMCHA was clearly beneficial to those animals given a programme of administration. Tissue activator was extracted from the brain tissue after death or sacrifice for haematoma examination. The possible role of tissue activator in relation to haematoma development, and clinical implications of the results, are discussed.

On the role of the dispute between "non-possessors" and "Josephites" in the culture of Moscow's prediction

1998 ◽  
pp. 61-62
Author(s):  
N. S. Jurtueva
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Moral Transformation ◽  
15Th Century ◽  
The Future ◽  
Secular Power

In the XIV century. centripetal tendencies began to appear in the Moscow principality. Inside the Russian church, several areas were distinguished. Part of the clergy supported the specificobar form. The other understood the need for transformations in society. As a result, this led to a split in the Russian church in the 15th century for "non-possessors" and "Josephites". The former linked the fate of the future with the ideology of hesychasm and its moral transformation, while the latter sought support in alliance with a strong secular power.

From Container to Claustrum: Projective Identification in Couples

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Feldman
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Projective Identification ◽  
The Self ◽  
The Other ◽  
Intimate Partners ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
As If

This paper is a contribution to the growing literature on the role of projective identification in understanding couples' dynamics. Projective identification as a defence is well suited to couples, as intimate partners provide an ideal location to deposit unwanted parts of the self. This paper illustrates how projective identification functions differently depending on the psychological health of the couple. It elucidates how healthier couples use projective identification more as a form of communication, whereas disturbed couples are inclined to employ it to invade and control the other, as captured by Meltzer's concept of "intrusive identification". These different uses of projective identification affect couples' capacities to provide what Bion called "containment". In disturbed couples, partners serve as what Meltzer termed "claustrums" whereby projections are not contained, but imprisoned or entombed in the other. Applying the concept of claustrum helps illuminate common feelings these couples express, such as feeling suffocated, stifled, trapped, held hostage, or feeling as if the relationship is killing them. Finally, this paper presents treatment challenges in working with more disturbed couples.

Thomas More's “rule” of pleasure before, after, and inUtopia

Moreana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (Number 207) (1) ◽  
pp. 36-56
Author(s):  
Gerard Wegemer
Keyword(s):  
Human Nature ◽  
The Other ◽  
Biblical Allusions ◽  
De Officiis

After establishing a context of More's lifelong engagement with the “calculus” of pleasure, this essay shows how the section devoted to the Utopians' pleasure philosophy is structured around five formulations of a “rule” to calculate “true and honest [honesta]” pleasure in ways that playfully imitate and echo the “rule” Cicero formulates several times in De officiis to discern one's duty when there seems to be a conflict between honestas et utilitas. When followed, the Utopian pleasure calculus shows the necessary role of societas, officii, iustitia, caritas, and the other aspects of human nature, most importantly friendship, that Cicero stresses in his rule and that he argued Epicurus ignored. Much of the irony and humor of this section depends on seeing the predominance of Ciceronian vocabulary in Raphael's unusual defense [patrocinium] of pleasure, rather than a Ciceronian defense of duty rooted in honestas. Throughout, however, this essay also shows how More goes beyond Cicero by including Augustinian and biblical allusions to suggest ways that our final end is not as Epicurus or the Stoics or Cicero claim; the language and allusions of this section point to a level of good cheer and care for neighbors and for God in ways quite different from any classical thinker.

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