ABSTRACT
Phylogenic evidence suggests that the strain of Zika virus causing an unprecedented outbreak of disease in the Americas had its origin in Southeast Asia, where reports of isolated cases of Zika virus infection have occurred since 2010. Why there has been no large outbreak of Zika infection in Southeast Asia remains unclear and whether such an outbreak will occur in the future is a question of significant concern. This review looks at Zika virus from a Southeast Asian perspective and highlights some of the possible scenarios with regards to Zika virus in this part of the world as well as highlighting some of the research questions that need to be urgently addressed.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the impact of the endogamous marriage culture on the prevalence of the hemoglobin E (HbE) recessive variant.@*METHODS@#The prevalence of the hemoglobin E (HbE) recessive variant was determined by dot-blot hybridization in 4 endogamous villages (1 Mlabri and 3 Htin ethnic groups) in comparison with 9 other nearby non-endogamous populations.@*RESULTS@#Although the overall HbE prevalence in the population studied (8.44%, 33/391) was not significantly different from that of the general southeast Asian population, a high prevalence and individuals with homozygous HbE were observed in two villages, the Mlabri from Wiang Sa district and the Htin from Thung Chang district of Nan province (26.3% and 26.9%, respectively). The low HbE allelic frequency noticed in some endogamous populations suggests that not only endogamy but also other evolutionary forces, such as founder effect and HbE/β-thalassemia negative selection may have an effect on the distribution of the HbE trait.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study strongly documents that cultural impact has to be considered in the extensive prevalence studies for genetic disorders in the ethnic groups of northern Thailand.
ABSTRACT
Phylogenic evidence suggests that the strain of Zika virus causing an unprecedented outbreak of disease in the Americas had its origin in Southeast Asia, where reports of isolated cases of Zika virus infection have occurred since 2010. Why there has been no large outbreak of Zika infection in Southeast Asia remains unclear and whether such an outbreak will occur in the future is a question of significant concern. This review looks at Zika virus from a Southeast Asian perspective and highlights some of the possible scenarios with regards to Zika virus in this part of the world as well as highlighting some of the research questions that need to be urgently addressed.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the impact of the endogamous marriage culture on the prevalence of the hemoglobin E (HbE) recessive variant. Methods The prevalence of the hemoglobin E (HbE) recessive variant was determined by dot-blot hybridization in 4 endogamous villages (1 Mlabri and 3 Htin ethnic groups) in comparison with 9 other nearby non-endogamous populations. Results Although the overall HbE prevalence in the population studied (8.44%, 33/391) was not significantly different from that of the general southeast Asian population, a high prevalence and individuals with homozygous HbE were observed in two villages, the Mlabri from Wiang Sa district and the Htin from Thung Chang district of Nan province (26.3% and 26.9%, respectively). The low HbE allelic frequency noticed in some endogamous populations suggests that not only endogamy but also other evolutionary forces, such as founder effect and HbE/β-thalassemia negative selection may have an effect on the distribution of the HbE trait. Conclusion Our study strongly documents that cultural impact has to be considered in the extensive prevalence studies for genetic disorders in the ethnic groups of northern Thailand.
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Abstract The present paper addresses the feeding activity of Trachinotus cayennensis, collected in Lençóis Bay (1°18S 1°19S; 44°51W 44°53W) on the western coast of the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Sampling was conducted between June 2012 and June 2013 using driftnets with stretch mesh sizes from 95 to 100 mm. A total of 205 individuals (114 females and 91 males) were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in the sex ratio were found in June, September and December 2012. Food items were analyzed based on frequency of occurrence and volumetric method, with the subsequent calculation of the alimentary importance index. Three size groups were defined to determine possible ontogenetic changes in eating habits based on the size range of the individuals collected: I ( 29 cm), II (29.1 to 37.0) and III ( 37.1). Eleven food item categories were identified: mollusks, polychaetes, crustaceans, nematodes, insects, algae, bryozoans, ophiuroids, fishes, vegetal matter and sediments. The variety of items in the diet of T. cayennensis indicates considerable feeding plasticity and opportunistic behavior. Seasonal variations influenced the feeding pattern of the species, with greater feeding activity in the dry season. The considerable availability of resources in estuarine habitats of the western coast of Maranhão constitutes another factor that influences the feeding behavior of this species.
Resumo Atividade alimentar do pampo Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) em estuários na costa ocidental do Maranhão, Brasil. O presente trabalho descreve a atividade alimentar do Trachinotus cayennensis , coletado na Baía de Lençóis (1°18S 1°19S; 44°51W 44°53W) na costa oeste do Maranhão. Amostragens foram realizadas entre junho de 2012 e junho de 2013, utilizando redes de emalhar à deriva com tamanho de malha de 95 a 100 mm. Foram analisados 205 indivíduos (114 fêmeas e 91 machos). Encontraram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na proporção sexual nos meses de junho, setembro e dezembro de 2012. Os itens alimentares foram analisados com base na frequência de ocorrência e utilizando o método volumétrico, com o subsequente cálculo do índice de importância alimentar. Três grupos de tamanho foram definidos para determinar possíveis mudanças ontogenéticas nos hábitos alimentares com base na faixa de tamanho dos indivíduos coletados: I ( 29 cm), II (29,1 a 37,0) e III ( 37,1). Foram identificadas 11 categorias de alimentos: moluscos, poliquetas, crustáceos, nematoides, insetos, algas, briozoários, ophiuro, peixes, matéria vegetal e sedimentos. A variedade de itens na dieta de T. cayennensis indica uma plasticidade alimentar considerável e um comportamento oportunista. As variações sazonais influenciaram o padrão alimentar da espécie, com maior atividade de alimentação na estação seca. A considerável disponibilidade de recursos nos habitats estuarinos da costa oeste do Maranhão constitui outro fator que exerce influência sobre o comportamento alimentar desta espécie.
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OBJECTIVE@#To identify immunological evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand.@*METHODS@#To undertake a preliminary serosurvey of possible exposure to Zika virus, 21 serum samples from cohort of acute undifferentiated fever patients were examined for immunoreactivity to Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Chikungunya envelope antigens by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#Twenty of the 21 serum samples showed immunoreactivity to at least one of the antigens, with seven samples showing immunoreactivity to all antigens. Of particular note, two serum samples showed immunoreactivity only to Zika envelope antigen, with no immunoreactivity to other envelope antigens.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study presents the first evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand, although as yet the relationship between transmission and possible cases of Zika fever in Thailand requires further investigation.
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OBJECTIVE@#To generate insights into the mechanism of NVP induced hepatotoxicity.@*METHODS@#Liver (HepG2) cells were cultured with various concentrations of NVP. This cell line was chosen because it has low expression of cytochrome P450, allowing evaluation of the effects of NVP rather than specific metabolites. Cytotoxicity was determined using a proliferation assay and cell numbers were monitored using trypan blue exclusion assay for long term culture experiments and apoptosis induction was determined by morphological and biochemical investigation.@*RESULTS@#HepG2 cells treated with the highest concentration of NVP tested (819 μM) initially showed a rounded morphology and all cells had died by week three of exposure. Nuclear condensation and fragmentation, increased Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and caspase 9 activation all supported the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells in response to NVP treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a clear induction of apoptosis in response to NVP which suggests that NVP has significant cytotoxicity, over and above any cytotoxicity of metabolites and may contribute directly to patient hepatotoxicity.
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Iron deficiency anemia and iron overload conditions affect more than one billion people worldwide. Iron homeostasis involves the regulation of cells that export iron into the plasma and cells that utilize or store iron. The cellular iron balance in humans is primarily mediated by the hepcidin-ferroportin axis. Ferroportin is the sole cellular iron export protein, and its expression is regulated transcriptionally, post-transcriptionally and post-translationally. Hepcidin, a hormone produced by liver cells, post-translationally regulates ferroportin expression on iron exporting cells by binding with ferroportin and promoting its internalization by endocytosis and subsequent degradation by lysosomes. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis leading to iron deposition in vital organs is the main cause of death in beta-thalassemia patients. Beta-thalassemia patients show marked hepcidin suppression, ineffective erythropoiesis, anemia and iron overload. Beta-thalassemia is common in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and the focus of this review is to provide an update on the factors mediating hepcidin related iron dysregulation in beta-thalassemia disease. Understanding this process may pave the way for new treatments to ameliorate iron overloading and improve the long term prognosis of these patients.
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Objective: To identify immunological evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand. Methods: To undertake a preliminary serosurvey of possible exposure to Zika virus, 21 serum samples from cohort of acute undifferentiated fever patients were examined for immunoreactivity to Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Chikungunya envelope antigens by Western blot analysis. Results: Twenty of the 21 serum samples showed immunoreactivity to at least one of the antigens, with seven samples showing immunoreactivity to all antigens. Of particular note, two serum samples showed immunoreactivity only to Zika envelope antigen, with no immunoreactivity to other envelope antigens. Conclusions: This study presents the first evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand, although as yet the relationship between transmission and possible cases of Zika fever in Thailand requires further investigation.
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Objective To generate insights into the mechanism of NVP induced hepatotoxicity. Methods Liver (HepG2) cells were cultured with various concentrations of NVP. This cell line was chosen because it has low expression of cytochrome P450, allowing evaluation of the effects of NVP rather than specific metabolites. Cytotoxicity was determined using a proliferation assay and cell numbers were monitored using trypan blue exclusion assay for long term culture experiments and apoptosis induction was determined by morphological and biochemical investigation. Results HepG2 cells treated with the highest concentration of NVP tested (819 μM) initially showed a rounded morphology and all cells had died by week three of exposure. Nuclear condensation and fragmentation, increased Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and caspase 9 activation all supported the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells in response to NVP treatment. Conclusions There is a clear induction of apoptosis in response to NVP which suggests that NVP has significant cytotoxicity, over and above any cytotoxicity of metabolites and may contribute directly to patient hepatotoxicity.
ABSTRACT
Iron deficiency anemia and iron overload conditions affect more than one billion people worldwide. Iron homeostasis involves the regulation of cells that export iron into the plasma and cells that utilize or store iron. The cellular iron balance in humans is primarily mediated by the hepcidin–ferroportin axis. Ferroportin is the sole cellular iron export protein, and its expression is regulated transcriptionally, post-transcriptionally and post-translationally. Hepcidin, a hormone produced by liver cells, post-translationally regulates ferroportin expression on iron exporting cells by binding with ferroportin and promoting its internalization by endocytosis and subsequent degradation by lysosomes. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis leading to iron deposition in vital organs is the main cause of death in beta-thalassemia patients. Beta-thalassemia patients show marked hepcidin suppression, ineffective erythropoiesis, anemia and iron overload. Beta-thalassemia is common in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and the focus of this review is to provide an update on the factors mediating hepcidin related iron dysregulation in beta-thalassemia disease. Understanding this process may pave the way for new treatments to ameliorate iron overloading and improve the long term prognosis of these patients.
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Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an arteriopathy of the intracranial circulation predominantly affecting the branches of the internal carotid arteries. Heterogeneity in presentation, progression and response to therapy has prompted intense study to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. Recent progress in the development of moyamoya-related biomarkers has stimulated marked interest in this field. Biomarkers can be defined as biologically derived agents-such as specific molecules or unique patterns on imaging-that can identify the presence of disease or help to predict its course. This article reviews the current categories of biomarkers relevant to MMD-including proteins, cells and genes-along with potential limitations and applications for their use.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Carotid Artery, Internal , Diagnosis , Genetics , Moyamoya Disease , Population Characteristics , Prognosis , Proteome , StrokeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The technique of delayed-immediate breast reconstruction includes immediate insertion of a tissue expander, post-mastectomy radiation, followed by reconstruction. The aesthetic benefits of delayed-immediate reconstruction compared to delayed reconstruction are postulated but remain unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients following delayed and delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent delayed or delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2005 to 2011. Postoperative photographs were used to evaluate aesthetic outcomes: skin quality, scar formation, superior pole contour, inferior pole contour, and overall aesthetic outcome. Ten non-biased reviewers assessed outcomes using a 5-point Likert scale. Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparative analysis. RESULTS: Patient age and body mass index were similar between delayed (n=20) and delayed-immediate (n=20) cohorts (P>0.05). Skin and scar quality was rated significantly higher in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.74 vs. 3.05, P<0.001 and 3.41 vs. 2.79, P<0.001; respectively). Assessment of contour-related parameters, superior pole and inferior pole, found significantly improved outcomes in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.67 vs. 2.96, P<0.001 and 3.84 vs. 3.06, P<0.001; respectively). Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction had a significantly higher overall score compared to delayed breast reconstructions (3.84 vs. 2.94, P<0.001). Smoking and the time interval from radiation to reconstruction were found to affect aesthetic outcomes (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of native mastectomy skin may allow for improved skin/scar quality, breast contour, and overall aesthetic outcomes following a delayed-immediate reconstructive algorithm as compared to delayed breast reconstruction.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Body Mass Index , Breast , Breast Implantation , Cicatrix , Cohort Studies , Cosmetic Techniques , Mammaplasty , Mastectomy , Retrospective Studies , Skin , Smoke , Smoking , Tissue Expansion DevicesABSTRACT
The distribution and abundance of organisms within a pond or lake can reflect the result of a variety of factors. We examined the abundance of the endemic fish, Poblana alchichica, in Lago de Alchichica, Puebla, Mexico, as well as how the abundance varied among months. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity varied among months. The abundance of Poblana alchichica peaked in December and February. For the months when fish were observed, their abundances were positively related to dissolved oxygen concentration and were generally not related to temperature. Our results provide evidence that there is substantial seasonal variation in the abundances of Poblana alchichica and that within months, their distributions are likely driven by dissolved oxygen than either temperature or salinity.
La distribución y abundancia de organismos dentro de un cuerpo de agua puede reflejar el resultado de variedad de factores. Examinamos la abundancia del pez endémico, Poblana alchichica, en el lago de Alchichica, Puebla, México, así como la variación de la abundancia entre los meses del estudio. El oxígeno disuelto, temperatura y salinidad variaron entre los meses. La abundancia de Poblana alchichica fue mayor en diciembre y febrero. Durante los meses en los que se observaron a los peces, su abundancia fue relacionada positivamente con la concentración de oxígeno disuelto, y por lo general no presentaron relación con la temperatura. Nuestros resultados muestran evidencia clara de variación estacional en la abundancia de Poblana alchichica, y cómo su distribución se asocia más probablemente con oxígeno disuelto que con temperatura o salinidad.
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To report the clinical and treatment outcome of patients with lacrimal gland lymphoma [LGL] treated with radiation therapy [RT] at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Institutional review board approved retrospective chart review of eight patients and literature review. The study patients included six males and two females with a mean age of 70 years [range 58-88 years]. The mean follow-up period was 23 months [range 3-74 months]. Four patients had mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [50%] lymphoma and four patients had other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma variants. Four patients had bilateral disease [50%]. Four patients had primary LGL [stages I-IIAE, 50%] and four had LGL as part of systemic lymphoma [stage IVAE, 50%]. The median RT dose was 2987 cGy [range 2880-3015 cGy]. All patients had complete response to RT with symptomatic relief. Minimal dry eye was seen in all patients. There were no late effects such as corneal ulcer, radiation retinopathy, maculopathy, papillopathy, or secondary neovascular glaucoma. RT alone is an extremely effective treatment in the curative management of localized LGL and provides durable, local control of secondary LGL
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An important part of male infertility of unknown etiology may be attributed to various environmental and occupational exposures to toxic substances, such as lead. The reproductive effects of lead are complex and appear to involve multiple pathways, not all of which are fully understood. It is still unclear, for example, if male reproductive issues in lead-exposed persons are mostly related to the disruption of reproductive hormones, whether the problems are due to the lead's direct effects on the gonads, or both? This question has been difficult to answer, because lead, especially at high levels, may adversely affect many human organs. Although lead can potentially reduce male fertility by decreasing sperm count and motility, inducing abnormal morphology and affecting functional parameters; not all studies have been able to clearly demonstrate such findings. In addition, research has shown that the blood-testis barrier can protect testicular cells from direct exposure to high levels of blood lead. For these reasons and considering the wide spectrum of lead toxicity on reproductive hormones, the present review suggests that lead's main influence on male reproduction probably occurs by altering the reproductive hormonal axis and the hormonal control on spermatogenesis, rather than by a direct toxic effect on the seminiferous tubules of the testes. As blood lead concentrations below the currently accepted worker protection standard may still adversely affect male fertility, future studies should aim to establish more concrete linksbetween lead exposure [especially at low levels] and subsequent male infertility. Research should also pay more attention to lead's effects on reducing male fertility rates based on not only hormonal axis alteration, but also on the changes in sperm characteristic among exposed subjects
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Lead/toxicity , Lead/blood , Lead/adverse effects , Spermatogenesis , Occupational Exposure , Testosterone , Reactive Oxygen SpeciesABSTRACT
Despite the search for effective and less toxic substitutes, glutaraldehyde (GA) remains one of the few substances capable of high-level instrument disinfection in modern health care. Workers commonly affected include operating room nurses, radiographers, x-ray technicians and cleaners. Widespread hospital usage combined with its well-known irritant properties, has ensured an increase in occupationally-related illnesses during recent years. Operating room nurses, laboratory workers and x-ray technicians frequently contact GA in both the liquid and vapor form. Workplace exposure is usually dependent on job tasks, ventilation levels and the use of protective equipment. GA is a relatively potent irritant and sensitizer, with a well-documented history of symptoms following occupational exposure. Although mechanisms for GA toxicity have been postulated, research on the toxicological, teratogenic and carcinogenic potential of this chemical has shown inconsistent results. Reducing workplace exposure to its lowest possible level represents the most important hazard reduction strategy. This may be achieved by keeping GA containers tightly sealed when not in use, maintaining adequate ventilation levels and the rigid adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment. Substitution with automated cold sterilization machines may be another appropriate measure, while banning unnecessary practices such as GA fogging and its use as a surface disinfectant may also be helpful in reducing occupational exposure in the health care environment.
Subject(s)
Gallium , Delivery of Health Care , Glutaral , EnvironmentABSTRACT
Despite the search for effective and less toxic substitutes, glutaraldehyde (GA) remains one of the few substances capable of high-level instrument disinfection in modern health care. Workers commonly affected include operating room nurses, radiographers, x-ray technicians and cleaners. Widespread hospital usage combined with its well-known irritant properties, has ensured an increase in occupationally-related illnesses during recent years. Operating room nurses, laboratory workers and x-ray technicians frequently contact GA in both the liquid and vapor form. Workplace exposure is usually dependent on job tasks, ventilation levels and the use of protective equipment. GA is a relatively potent irritant and sensitizer, with a well-documented history of symptoms following occupational exposure. Although mechanisms for GA toxicity have been postulated, research on the toxicological, teratogenic, and carcinogenic potential of this chemical has shown inconsistent results. Reducing workplace exposure to its lowest possible level represents the most important hazard reduction strategy. This may be achieved by keeping GA containers tightly sealed when not in use, maintaining adequate ventilation levels and the rigid adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment. Substitution with automated cold sterilization machines may be another appropriate measure, while banning unnecessary practices such as GA fogging and its use as a surface disinfectant may also be helpful in reducing occupational exposure in the health care environment.
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China's first HIV infection was officially reported in 1985 and by the end of 1996, there may have been up to 200,000 people affected nationwide. In 2001, this figure probably exceeded 600,000. By 2003, the predicted number of HIV cases had reached 1.5 million. At least 80,000 individuals now have fullblown AIDS. China may soon have the largest HIV-infected population in the world, possibly 6 million cases by 2005. With infection rates rising at about 30% per year, it is feared this figure might exceed 10 million by 2010. Although the Chinese government was initially slow to accept the problem, in the late 1990s definite changes began occurring. In 2003 Premier Wen Jiabao publicly shook the hand of an AIDS patient and his government promised to introduce a range of free HIV-related services. Large preventive education campaigns are now underway. Unfortunately, there will still be many obstacles in controlling the epidemic and preventing further spread of this disease. Without doubt, China faces a serious predicament in the new millennium, and one which will pose numerous challenges for preventive medicine.
ABSTRACT
China's first HIV infection was officially reported in 1985 and by the end of 1996, there may have been up to 200,000 people affected nationwide. In 2001, this figure probably exceeded 600,000. By 2003, the predicted number of HIV cases had reached 1.5 million. At least 80,000 individuals now have full-blown AIDS. China may soon have the largest HIV-infected population in the world, possibly 6 million cases by 2005. With infection rates rising at about 30% per year, it is feared this figure might exceed 10 million by 2010. Although the Chinese government was initially slow to accept the problem, in the late 1990s definite changes began occurring. In 2003 Premier Wen Jiabao publicly shook the hand of an AIDS patient and his government promised to introduce a range of free HIV-related services. Large preventive education campaigns are now underway. Unfortunately, there will still be many obstacles in controlling the epidemic and preventing further spread of this disease. Without doubt, China faces a serious predicament in the new millennium, and one which will pose numerous challenges for preventive medicine.