Digital Commons Network^™

Parkinson's Disease And The Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Michal Lubomski, Ai Huey Tan, Shen-Yang Lim, Andrew J. Holmes, Ryan L. Davis, Carolyn M. Sue

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Recently, there has been a surge in awareness of the gastrointestinal microbiome (GM) and its role in health and disease. Of particular note is an association between the GM and Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the realisation that the GM can act via a complex bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Compelling evidence suggests that a shift in GM composition may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD by facilitating the characteristic ascending neurodegenerative spread of α-synuclein aggregates from the enteric nervous system to the brain. Here, we review evidence linking GM changes with PD, highlighting mechanisms …

Undetectable Mannose Binding Lectin Is Associated With Hrct Proven Bronchiectasis In Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra), Krista Makin, Tracie Easter, Monica Kemp, Peter Kendall, Max Bulsara, Sophie Coleman, Graeme J. Carroll

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether mannose binding lectin deficiency is implicated in coexistent rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis and to determine whether undetectable mannose binding lectin confers poorer long-term survival in coexistent rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis or in rheumatoid arthritis in general.

Materials and methods: A retrospective audit was conducted in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort in which mannose binding lectin had been measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay from 2007–11. Rheumatoid arthritis patients with physician diagnosed HRCT proven bronchiectasis were recruited during this time and compared to those with uncomplicated rheumatoid arthritis. Survival from disease onset …

Setting Clinical Performance Specifications To Develop And Evaluate Biomarkers For Clinical Use, Sarah J. Lord, Andrew St John, Patrick M.M. Bossuyt, Sverre Sandberg, Phillip J. Monaghan, Maurice O'Kane, Christa M. Cobbaert, Ralf Roddiger, Lieselotte Lennartz, Cecilia Gelfi, Andrea R. Horvath, Test Evaluation Working Group Of The European Federation Of Clinical Chemistry And Laboratory Medicine

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Biomarker discovery studies often claim ‘promising’ findings, motivating further studies and marketing as medical tests. Unfortunately, the patient benefits promised are often inadequately explained to guide further evaluation, and few biomarkers have translated to improved patient care. We present a practical guide for setting minimum clinical performance specifications to strengthen clinical performance study design and interpretation.

Methods: We developed a step-by-step approach using test evaluation and decision-analytic frameworks and present with illustrative examples.

Results: We define clinical performance specifications as a set of criteria that quantify the clinical performance a new test must attain to allow better health outcomes …

What Is The Prevalence, And What Are The Clinical Correlates, Of Insulin Resistance In Young People Presenting For Mental Health Care? A Cross-Sectional Study, Elizabeth M. Scott, Joanne S. Carpenter, Frank Iorfino, Shane P.M Cross, Daniel F. Hermens, Jeanne Gehue, Chloe Wilson, Django White, Sharon L. Naismith, Adam J. Guastella, Ian B. Hickie

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To report the distribution and predictors of insulin resistance (IR) in young people presenting to primary care-based mental health services.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Headspace-linked clinics operated by the Brain and Mind Centre of the University of Sydney.

Participants: 768 young people (66% female, mean age 19.7±3.5, range 12–30 years).

Main outcome measures: IR was estimated using the updated homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2-IR). Height and weight were collected from direct measurement or self-report for body mass index (BMI).

Results: For BMI, 20.6% of the cohort were overweight and 10.2% were obese. However,6.9 mmol/L). By contrast, 9.9% had a HOMA2-IR score …

Transnational Parent-Child Separation And Reunion During Early Childhood In Chinese Migrant Families: An Australian Snapshot, Yat Man Louise Hui, Julie Stevenson, Gisselle Gallego

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Limited international research exists on reasons for transnational child care, or developmental consequences of separations and reunions on young Chinese children. This descriptive study portrays a sample of children from Chinese migrant families residing in western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, whose parents temporarily relinquished their care to grandparents in China. Data were collected via retrospective health record audits. The majority of parents were first-time parents and the majority of children were first-borns sent back to China during infancy. The average duration of transnational parent–child separation was 20 months. Results showed that male child subjects who experienced multiple transnational separations …

Genetic Influence On Scar Height And Pliability After Burn Injury In Individuals Of European Ancestry: A Prospective Cohort Study, Hilary J. Wallace, Gemma Cadby, Phillip E. Melton, Fiona M. Wood, Sian Falder, Margaret M. Crowe, Lisa J. Martin, Karen Marlow, Sarah V. Ward, Mark W. Fear

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

After similar extent of injury there is considerable variability in scarring between individuals, in part due to genetic factors. This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with scar height and pliability after burn injury. An exome-wide array association study and gene pathway analysis were performed on a prospective cohort of 665 patients treated for burn injury. Outcomes were scar height (SH) and scar pliability (SP) sub-scores of the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS). DNA was genotyped using the Infinium^® HumanCoreExome-24 BeadChip. Associations between genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and SH and SP were estimated using an additive genetic …

Trans-Generational Stress Regulation: Mother-Infant Cortisol And Maternal Mental Health Across The Perinatal Period, Megan Galbally, Elisabeth F.C Van Rossum, Stuart J. Watson, Edo Ronald De Kloet, Andrew J. Lewis

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Understanding maternal mental health and cortisol regulation across pregnancy and the relationship to the development of the offspring’s stress regulation is critical to a range of health outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate infant and maternal cortisol in women with depression. Data were obtained from 241 pregnant women within the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a selected pregnancy cohort study. Depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) and repeat Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Repeated measures of antidepressant use, stressful events, anxiety symptoms and maternal hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) and infant …

Machine Learning Classification Of Human Joint Tissue From Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Data, Rajitha Gunaratne, Issac Monteath, Joshua Goncalves, Raymond Sheh, Charles N. Ironside, Michael Kapfer, Richard Chipper, Brett Robertson, Riaz Khan, Daniel Fick

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: To assess if incorporation of DRS sensing into real-time robotic surgery systems has merit. DRS as a technology is relatively simple, cost-effective and provides a non-contact approach to tissue differentiation.

Methods: Supervised machine learning analysis of diffuse reflectance spectra was performed to classify human joint tissue that was collected from surgical procedures.

Results: We have used supervised machine learning in the classification of a DRS human joint tissue data set and achieved classification accuracy in excess of 99%. Sensitivity for the various classes were; cartilage 99.7%, subchondral 99.2%, meniscus 100% and cancellous 100%. Full wavelength range is required for …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Peek Versus Titanium Interference Screws For Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With 2-Year Follow-Up, Sarah Shumborski, Emma Heath, Lucy J. Salmon, Justin P. Roe, James P. Linklater, Michael Facek, Leo Pinczewski

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: To compare the clinical performance of ACL reconstruction with PEEK and titanium interference screws at 2 years and to evaluate a novel method of measuring tunnel volume.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: A total of 133 patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with 4-strand hamstring autografts and were randomized to have titanium or PEEK interference screws for femoral and tibial tunnel fixation. At 2 years, subjective Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were assessed and clinical examination performed. At 12 months, MRI was performed to assess graft incorporation and cyst formation, and a novel …

Cyanoacrylate Closure For Peripheral Veins: Consensus Document Of The Australasian College Of Phlebology, Kurosh Parsi, Stefania Roberts, Mina Kang, Stephen Benson, Luke Baker, Ivor Berman, Lourens J. Bester, David E. Connor, Paul Dinnen, Joseph Grace, Andrew Stirling, Nabeel Ibrahim, Christopher Lekich, Adrian Lim, Luke Matar, Sanjay Nadkarni, Peter Paraskevas, Christopher Rogan, Paul K. Thibault, Simon Thibault, Andre Van Rij, Anes Yang

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Cyanoacrylates are fast-acting adhesives used in procedural medicine including closure of superficial wounds, embolization of truncal vessels pre-operatively, vascular anomalies, visceral false aneurysms, endoleaks, gastrointestinal varices and gastrointestinal bleeding. More recently, catheter-directed cyanoacrylate adhesive closure was introduced as an alternative to endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) to occlude superficial veins of the lower limbs.

Objectives: To formulate policies for the safe and effective delivery of cyanoacrylate adhesive closure procedures in Australasia, based on current experience and evidence.

Methods: A panel of phlebologists including vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, dermatologists and research scientists systematically reviewed the available data on cyanoacrylate products used …

Reduced Bone Loss Is Associated With Reduced Mortality Risk In Subjects Exposed To Nitrogen Bisphosphonates: A Mediation Analysis, Dana Bliuc, Thach Tran, Tineke Van Geel, Jonathan D. Adachi, Claudie Berger, Joop Van Den Bergh, John A. Eisman, Piet Geusens, David Golzman, David A. Hanley, Robert Josse, Stephanie Kaiser, Christopher S. Kovacs, Lisa Langsetmo, Jerilynn C. Prior, Tuan V. Nguyen, Jaqueline R. Center, For The Camos Research Group

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Bisphosphonates, potent anti-resorptive agents, have been found to be associated with mortality reduction. Accelerated bone loss is, in itself, an independent predictor of mortality risk, but the relationship between bisphosphonates, bone loss, and mortality is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the association between bisphosphonates and mortality is mediated by a reduction in the rate of bone loss. Participants from the population‐based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study were followed prospectively between1996 and 2011. Comorbidities and lifestyle factors were collected at baseline and bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and at years 3 (for those aged 40 to 60 years), 5, …

Prevalence Of Sexual Harassment Of Nurses And Nursing Students In China: A Meta-Analysis Of Observational Studies, Liang-Nan Zeng, Qian-Qian Zong, Ji-Wen Zhang, Li Lu, Feng-Rong An, Chee H. Ng, Gabor S. Ungvari, Fang-Yu Yang, Teris Cheung, Ligang Chen, Yu-Tao Xiang

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Sexual harassment experienced by nurses and nursing students is common and significantly associated with negative consequences. This study is a meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of sexual harassment of nurses and nursing students in China. Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Ovid, China National Knowledge Internet, WanFang, SinoMed and Chinese VIP Information) were independently and systematically searched by two reviewers from their commencement date to 12 March 2018. Forty-one studies that reported the prevalence of sexual harassment were analyzed using the random-effects model. The pooled prevalence of sexual harassment was 7.5% (95% CI: 5.5%-10.1%), with 7.5% (5.5%-10.2%) …

Impulse Control Disorders In Dopamine Agonist-Treated Hyperprolactinemia: Prevalence And Risk Factors, Sunita M.C De Sousa, John Baranoff, R Louise Rushworth, Jessica Butler, Jane Sorbello, Juanita Vorster, Tanya Thompson, Ann I. Mccormack, Warrick J. Inder, David J. Torpy

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Context: There are growing reports of dopamine agonist (DA)-induced impulse control disorders (ICDs) in hyperprolactinemic patients. However, the magnitude of this risk and predictive factors remain uncertain.

Objective: To determine ICD prevalence and risk factors in DA-treated hyperprolactinemic patients compared to community controls.

Design, Setting and Participants: Multicenter cross-sectional analysis of 113 patients and 99 healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed a neuropsychological questionnaire consisting of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s disease (QUIP-S), Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI), Hypersexual Behavior Consequences Scale and Social Desirability Response Set Scale. Demographic and clinical data were …

A Sex-Specific Evaluation Of Predicted Lean And Fat Mass Composition And Cardiovascular Disease Onset And Progression: A Combined Analysis Of The Attica And Greecs Prospective Epidemiological Studies, Matina Kouvari, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Christina Chrysohoou, Venetia Notara, Ekavi N. Georgousopoulou, Mary Yannakoulia, Dimitrios Tousoulis, Christos Pitsavos

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To evaluate the association of predicted lean and fat mass on 10-year first and recurrent CVD incidence separately for men and women.

Methods: Two prospective studies, ATTICA (2002-2012, n = 3042 subjects free-of-CVD, n = 1514 men (46 ± 13 years) and n = 1528 women (45 ± 14 years)) and GREECS (2004-2014, n = 2172 subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), n = 1649 men (65 ± 13 years) and n = 523 women (62 ± 11 years)) were used. Lean mass index (LMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were created through total body lean and fat mass …

Exposure To Second Hand Smoke And 10-Year (2002–2012) Incidence Of Cardiovascular Disease In Never Smokers: The Attica Cohort Study, Elena Critselis, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Ekavi N. Georgousopoulou, Paraskevi Katsaounou, Christina Chrysohoou, Christos Pitsavos

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Despite WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) adoption, effective implementation of national smoking bans remains pending in several countries. This study quantified the association of second hand smoke (SHS) exposure and 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) among never smokers in such settings.

Methods: In 2001–2002, a sample of 1514 males and 1528 females (range: 18–89 years old) were randomly selected in Greece. Frequency and duration of SHS exposure (i.e. exposure extending >30 min/day) within the home and/or workplace were assessed by interview. Following a 10-year follow-up period (2002–2012), incidence of non-fatal and fatal CVD (ICD-10) was evaluated among n …

Lipoprotein (A) And 10-Year Cardiovascular Disease Incidence In Apparently Healthy Individuals: A Sex-Based Sensitivity Analysis From Attica Cohort Study, Matina Kouvari, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Christina Chrysohoou, Ekavi N. Georgousopoulou, Mary Yannakoulia, Dimitrios Tousoulis, Christos Pitsavos

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

The association between lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and 10-year first fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in apparently healthy men and women was evaluated. The ATTICA prospective study was conducted during 2001-2012 and included n = 1514 men and n = 1528 women (age >18 years) from the greater Athens area, Greece. Follow-up CVD assessment (2011-2012) was achieved in n = 2020 participants (n = 317 cases); baseline Lp(a) was measured in n = 1890 participants. The recommended threshold of 50 mg/dL was used to define abnormal Lp(a) status. Ten-year CVD-event rate was 14% and 24% in participants with Lp(a)Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL, …

Primary Open Abductor Reconstruction - A 5-10 Year Study, Olivia J.K Fox, Graeme Wertheimer, Michael Walsh

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Gluteal tears are recognised as the source of pain over the greater trochanter. We investigated the outcome of primary open abductor tendon reconstruction with a 5 year follow-up.

Methods: 165 consecutive hips underwent an open abductor tendon reconstruction, with all tears confirmed pre-operatively by MRI. Oxford hip scores (OHS) were assessed at the initial visit, and at 5 to 10 years.

Results: The average pre-operative OHS was 22 (r: 7y – 34y) and average post-operative OHS was 40 a difference of 18 (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction of degenerate abductor tendons should be considered in the presence of an MRI …

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia In 2020: A Leading Tier 1 Genomic Application, Jing Pang, David R. Sullivan, Tom Brett, Karam M. Kostner, David L. Hare, Gerald F. Watts

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by a major genetic defect in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance pathway. Characterised by LDL-cholesterol elevation from birth, FH confers a significant risk for premature coronary artery disease (CAD) if overlooked and untreated. With risk exposure beginning at birth, early detection and intervention is crucial for the prevention of CAD. Lowering LDL-cholesterol with lifestyle and statin therapy can reduce the risk of CAD. However, most individuals with FH will not reach guideline recommended LDL-cholesterol targets. FH has an estimated prevalence of approximately 1:250 in the community. Multiple strategies are required for screening, diagnosing and treating …

The Potential Therapeutic Effects Of Creatine Supplementation On Body Composition And Muscle Function In Cancer, C M. Fairman, K L. Kendall, Nicolas H. Hart, D R. Taaffe, D A. Galvao, R U. Newton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Low muscle mass in individuals with cancer has a profound impact on quality of life and independence and is associated with greater treatment toxicity and poorer prognosis. Exercise interventions are regularly being investigated as a means to ameliorate treatment-related adverse effects, and nutritional/supplementation strategies to augment adaptations to exercise are highly valuable. Creatine (Cr) is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that plays a critical role in energy provision during muscle contraction. Given the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and physical function in a variety of clinical populations, there is therapeutic potential in individuals …

Elevated Serum Homocysteine Levels Have Differential Gender-Specific Associations With Motor And Cognitive States In Parkinson’S Disease, Megan C. Bakeberg, Alexa Jefferson, Maddeson Riley, Michelle Byrnes, Soumya Ghosh, Frank L. Mastaglia, Malcom K. Horne, Sarah Mcgregor, Rick Stell, Jade Kenna, Sue Walters, Dana Hince, Ryan S. Anderton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Studies attempting to elucidate an association between homocysteine and symptom progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have had largely discrepant findings. This study aimed to investigate elevated serum homocysteine levels and symptom progression in a cohort of PD patients.

Methods: Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were measured in 205 people with PD and 78 age-matched healthy controls. People with Parkinson’s disease underwent a battery of clinical assessments to evaluate symptom severity, including motor (MDS-UPDRS) and cognitive (ACE-R) assessments. Multivariate generalized linear models were created, controlling for confounding variables, and were used to determine whether serum markers are associated …

Microglia Are Both A Source And Target Of Extracellular Cyclophilin A, Gurkiran Kaur Flora, Ryan S. Anderton, Bruno P. Meloni, Gilles J. Guillemin, Neville W. Knuckey, Gabriella Macdougall, Vance Matthews, Sherif Boulos

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Glioblastoma (GBM) are lethal primary brain tumours whose pathogenesis is aided, at least partly, via a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. This study investigated whether microglia, a cell component of the GBM microenvironment, mediates pro-tumorigenic properties via the action of cyclophilin A (CypA), a potent secretable chemokine and cytoprotectant that signals via the cell surface receptor, CD147. To this end, intracellular and secreted CypA expression was assessed in human primary microglia and BV2 microglial cells treated with the endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the oxidative stress inducer, LY83583. We report that human primary microglia and BV2 microglia both express CypA and CD147, and that …

Proteomic Analysis Of Cortical Neuronal Cultures Treated With Poly-Arginine Peptide-18 (R18) And Exposed To Glutamic Acid Excitotoxicity, Gabriella Macdougall, Ryan S. Anderton, Frank L. Mastaglia, Neville W. Knuckey, Bruno P. Meloni

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Poly-arginine peptide-18 (R18) has recently emerged as a highly effective neuroprotective agent in experimental stroke models, and is particularly efficacious in protecting cortical neurons against glutamic acid excitotoxicity. While we have previously demonstrated that R18 can reduce excitotoxicity-induced neuronal calcium influx, other molecular events associated with R18 neuroprotection are yet to investigated. Therefore, in this study we were particularly interested in protein expression changes in R18 treated neurons subjected to excitotoxicity. Proteomic analysis was used to compare protein expression patterns in primary cortical neuronal cultures subjected to: (i) R18-treatment alone (R18); (ii) glutamic acid excitotoxic injury (Glut); (iii) R18-treatment and …

Altered Gut Microbiome In Parkinson's Disease And The Influence Of Lipopolysaccharide In A Human Α-Synuclein Over-Expressing Mouse Model, Anastazja M. Gorecki, Leah Preskey, Megan C. Bakeberg, Jade E. Kenna, Christi Gildenhuys, Gabriella Macdougall, Sarah A. Dunlop, Frank L. Mastaglia, P Anthony Akkari, Frank Koengten, Ryan S. Anderton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The interaction between the gut microbiota and alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is receiving increasing attention. The objective of this study was to investigate gut microbiota, and effects of an inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) trigger in a human αSyn over-expressing mouse model of PD (Thy1-αSyn). Stool samples from patients with confirmed PD and Thy1-αSyn mice were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Compared to healthy controls, the relative abundance of mucin-degrading Verrucomicrobiae and LPS-producing Gammaproteobacteria were greater in PD patients. In mice, the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria was negligible in both Thy1-αSyn and wild-type (WT) animals, while Verrucomicrobiae were reduced …

Plastome-Wide Rearrangements And Gene Losses In Carnivorous Droseraceae, Paul G. Nevill, Katharine A. Howell, Adam T. Cross, Anna V. Williams, Xiao Zhong, Julian Tonti-Filippini, Laura M. Boykin, Kingsley W. Dixon, Ian Small

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The plastid genomes of four related carnivorous plants (Drosera regia, Drosera erythrorhiza, Aldrovanda vesiculosa and Dionaea muscipula) were sequenced to examine changes potentially induced by the transition to carnivory. The plastid genomes of the Droseraceae show multiple rearrangements, gene losses and large expansions or contractions of the inverted repeat. All the ndh genes are lost or non-functional, as well as in some of the species, clpP1, ycf1, ycf2 and some tRNA genes. Uniquely amongst land plants, the trnK gene has no intron. Carnivory in the Droseraceae coincides with changes in plastid gene content similar …

Association Of Phlebotomus Guggisbergi With Leishmania Major And Leishmania Tropica In A Complex Transmission Setting For Cutaneous Leishmaniasis In Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Yasser Alraey, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Philip M. Ngumbi, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background Phlebotomus (Larroussius) guggisbergi is among the confirmed vectors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission in Kenya. This scarring and stigmatizing form of leishmaniasis accounts for over one million annual cases worldwide. Most recent CL epidemics in Kenya have been reported in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where the disease has become a public health issue. However, little is known about the factors that drive its transmission. Here, we sought to determine the occurrence, distribution and host blood feeding preference of the vectors, and to identify Leishmania species and infection rates in sandflies using molecular techniques. This information could lead to a better …

Entomological Assessment Of Dengue Virus Transmission Risk In Three Urban Areas Of Kenya, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Michael J. Turell, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Urbanization is one of the major drivers of dengue epidemics globally. In Kenya, an intriguing pattern of urban dengue virus epidemics has been documented in which recurrent epidemics are reported from the coastal city of Mombasa, whereas no outbreaks occur in the two major inland cities of Kisumu and Nairobi. In an attempt to understand the entomological risk factors underlying the observed urban dengue epidemic pattern in Kenya, we evaluated vector density, human feeding patterns, vector genetics, and prevailing environmental temperature to establish how these may interact with one another to shape the disease transmission pattern. We determined that (i) …

Relative Influence Of Host, Wolbachia, Geography And Climate On The Genetic Structure Of The Sub-Saharan Parasitic Wasp Cotesia Sesamiae, Antoine Branca, Bruno Le Ru, Paul André Calatayud, Julius Obonyo, Boaz Musyoka, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Laure Kaiser-Arnauld, Jean François Silvain, Jérémy Gauthier, Corentin Paillusson, Philippe Gayral, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Stéphane Dupas

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The parasitoid lifestyle represents one of the most diversified life history strategies on earth. There are however very few studies on the variables associated with intraspecific diversity of parasitoid insects, especially regarding the relationship with spatial, biotic and abiotic ecological factors. Cotesia sesamiae is a Sub-Saharan stenophagous parasitic wasp that parasitizes several African stemborer species with variable developmental success. The different host-specialized populations are infected with different strains of Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium widespread in arthropods that is known for impacting life history traits, notably reproduction, and consequently species distribution. In this study, first we analyzed the genetic structure of …

The Case Of Inter-Expert Creative Collaboration In Science Gallery Dublin: A Discourse Analytical Approach, Diane Tangney [Thesis]

Doctoral

The phenomenon of creativity has been a focus of enquiry by psychologists for many years. Compared with individual creativity, much less is known about creativity in collaborative contexts (Glăveanu, 2010; Sawyer, 2010). Taking a sociocultural view of creativity, this study contributes to an emerging strand of research that focusses centrally on how creativity unfolds in the performance of creative collaboration.

The research design followed an inductive path conducive to theory building and employed a single case study method (Yin, 2009). Science Gallery Dublin, part of Trinity College Dublin (TCD), is presented as a special place for creative collaboration.

In response …

Predictors Of Experimental And Control Group Attendance: Findings From An Hiv/Std Prevention Rct With Pregnant Women At Risk For Substance Use, Jaclyn S. Sadicario

Theses and Dissertations

Efforts to improve inclusion in research have included mandating the recruitment of ethnic minorities and women into NIH funded studies. However, little research has been completed on who attends such interventions. This is particularly worrisome in populations for which attendance to interventions can have dire consequences. HIV is a public health concern for pregnant women in substance using communities, as pregnant women are much less likely to use condoms during intercourse to prevent HIV. Group modular HIV prevention interventions have long been the standard for HIV prevention. However, little attention in research on HIV prevention interventions RCTs has been focused …

Diuretic, Natriuretic, And Vasodepressor Activity Of A Lipid Fraction Enhanced In Medium Of Cultured Mouse Medullary Interstitial Cells By A Selective Faah Inhibitor, Zdravka P. Daneva

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the endocannabinoid system in the renal medulla and the long-term regulation of blood pressure is not well understood. To investigate the possible role of the endocannabinoid system in renomedullary interstitial cells, mouse medullary interstitial cells (MMICs) were obtained, cultured and characterized for their responses to treatment with a selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), PF-3845. Treatment of MMICs with PF-3845 increased cytoplasmic lipid granules detected by Sudan Black B staining and multilamellar bodies identified by transmission electron microscopy. HPLC analyses of lipid extracts of MMIC culture medium revealed a 205nm-absorbing peak that showed responsiveness to …