1
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Lignereux L, Tong WH, Tan S, Vyas A, O'handley R. Presence of IgG antibodies is not a reliable marker of Toxoplasma gondii infection in feral mice. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:75-79. [PMID: 37727638 PMCID: PMC10506062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.09.004] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii uses mice as a vector to reach its definitive host, the cat, where it can accomplish its sexual reproduction and produce oocysts, which will contaminate the environment. In this study, we have captured 103 feral house mice (Mus musculus) on Kangaroo Island, Australia. We have measured the level of exposure to T.gondii serologically with the Modified Agglutination Test and conjointly with a T.gondii B1 gene PCR. We have included stringent quality control steps in the molecular analysis to reduce the risk of false positivity and false negativity. Our results indicated a low seroprevalence of 0.97%, 95%CI [-0.36; 0.58] associated with the detection of T.gondii genetic material in 51.46%, 95%CI [41.93, 60.88] of mice brains. Neither sex nor mice body weight had an effect on the PCR outcome. We postulate that both the transmission route, horizontal or vertical, and natural selection processes could lead to this discordance which has been observed elsewhere in wild mice. The question of the biological mechanisms allowing the chronic infection of wild mice in the absence of a measurable humoral immune response remains. Our findings indicate that serological studies should not be used to measure the level of exposure to T.gondii in feral house mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lignereux
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sijie Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ryan O'handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
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2
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LaJoie AL, Chu F, Langendorf S, Cassibry J, Vyas A, Gilmore M. Multi-camera imaging to characterize jet and liner uniformity on the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX). Rev Sci Instrum 2023; 94:063503. [PMID: 37862493 DOI: 10.1063/5.0101674] [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] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
At Plasma Liner Experiment, a set of 36 coaxial plasma guns are deployed quasi-uniformly over a 9 ft diameter spherical chamber and are used to form a high-Z spherically compressive plasma liner. Simulations indicate that for the concept to ultimately achieve optimal target density and temperature, a high degree of timing uniformity is required between all guns. To aid in quantifying and correcting gun-to-gun nonuniformities, a key diagnostic will consist of up to six fisheye-view CCD cameras positioned inside the main chamber such that each has all plasma guns within its view. The individual cameras can be triggered at different times to determine each plasma jet's muzzle velocity and structure for different operating conditions. This camera array is currently under development, and the implementation needs and challenges for this camera array are discussed here. Additionally, we detail the analysis methodology for determining jet-to-jet uniformity deviations and how we can correct them, thereby improving overall liner uniformity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L LaJoie
- Department of Electrical Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
- Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544, USA
| | - F Chu
- Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544, USA
| | - S Langendorf
- Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544, USA
| | - J Cassibry
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, USA
| | - A Vyas
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, USA
| | - M Gilmore
- Department of Electrical Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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3
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Impaired episodic-like memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease is associated with hyperactivity in prefrontal-hippocampal regions. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:297102. [PMID: 36897115 PMCID: PMC10040242 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049945] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder with a long prodromal period. An APPNL-G-F knock-in mouse model is a preclinical model to study incipient pathologies during the early stages of AD. Despite behavioral tests revealing broad cognitive deficits in APPNL-G-F mice, detecting these impairments at the early disease phase has been challenging. In a cognitively demanding task that assessed episodic-like memory, 3-month-old wild-type mice could incidentally form and retrieve 'what-where-when' episodic associations of their past encounters. However, 3-month-old APPNL-G-F mice, corresponding to an early disease stage without prominent amyloid plaque pathology, displayed impairment in recalling 'what-where' information of past episodes. Episodic-like memory is also sensitive to the effect of age. Eight-month-old wild-type mice failed to retrieve conjunctive 'what-where-when' memories. This deficit was also observed in 8-month-old APPNL-G-F mice. c-Fos expression revealed that impaired memory retrieval in APPNL-G-F mice was accompanied by abnormal neuronal hyperactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex and CA1 dorsal hippocampus. These observations can be used for risk stratification during preclinical AD to detect and delay the progression into dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232
| | - Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
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4
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Ngo P, Lignereux L, O'Handley R, Vyas A. An extended epiphenotype for an extended phenotype in
Toxoplasma gondii
infected feral house mice. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Ngo
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
| | - Louis Lignereux
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
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5
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Desai R, Singh S, Dyutima DR, Verma J, Raina J, Itare V, Rizvi B, Gandhi Z, Vyas A, Jain A. Predictors of acute pulmonary embolism-related hospitalizations – an artificial neural network analysis using a nationwide cohort in the United States. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Considering a paucity of large-scale data on predictors of pulmonary embolism (PE) and its higher association with complications and worse outcomes, we aimed to determine the predictors of PE in this United States population-based analysis using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model in a nationally representative cohort.
Methods
We identified PE-related hospitalizations using 2018's National Inpatient Sample database. The relevant predictive factors for ANN were selected for this cohort. Of all admissions (unweighted n=7,105,498, weighted n=35,527,481), PE cohort (weighted n=387805) consisted of 1.1% of all admissions in 2018. The 2018 cohort was randomly split into training data (unweighted n=4716132, 70.0%) which were used to calibrate ANN and testing data (unweighted n=2019290, 30%) which were used to assess the accurateness of the algorithm. We equated the rate of incorrect prediction between training and testing data and measured the Area under Receiver Operator Curve (AUC) to determine ANN's efficacy in predicting PE hospitalizations.
Results
Patients hospitalized with PE often consisted of older (mean age 62.5±17.1 years), female (51.3%), white (70.5%) patients, and patients from lower-income quartile (0–25% income quartile: 28.8%%), often admitted non-electively (93.7%) with higher rates of cardiovascular disease risk factors. PE admissions revealed significantly higher (6.5% vs. 1.9%, p<0.001) in-hospital mortality, less frequent routine discharges (51.4% vs. 68.1%) and more frequent other facility transfers and requirement of home health care. Normalized Predictors of PE admissions are displayed in Fig. 1. Our ANN model had AUC 0.873 which correlates with an excellent prediction model. Our data demonstrated low levels (0.8%) error in both testing and training models.
Conclusion
Our ANN model showed high performance to predict risk factors for PE admissions in the US population. It will enable clinicians to screen patients at high-risk for PE admissions, curtail complication rate, improve survival and lower the healthcare cost.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Desai
- Independent Researcher , Atlanta , United States of America
| | - S Singh
- Royal Free Hospital, Neurology and Stroke , London , United Kingdom
| | - D R Dyutima
- James Cook University Hospital, Internal Medicine , Middlesbrough , United Kingdom
| | - J Verma
- District Hospital Sangrur, Pulmonology, Sangrur , Punjab , India
| | - J Raina
- Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center, Internal Medicine , Brooklyn , United States of America
| | - V Itare
- Bronxcare Health System, Internal Medicine , Bronx , United States of America
| | - B Rizvi
- Saint Agnes Medical Center, Internal Medicine , Fresno , United States of America
| | - Z Gandhi
- Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Internal Medicine , Wilkes-Barre , United States of America
| | - A Vyas
- Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Internal Medicine , Beaumont , United States of America
| | - A Jain
- Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Internal Medicine , Darby , United States of America
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6
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Vyas A, Cruz-Rangel S, Khan N, Ferris R, Bruno T, Schmitt N, Kiselyov K, Duvvuri U. Hydroxychloroquine synergizes with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade in squamous carcinoma of the head and neck. Eur J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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7
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Pavey C, Vyas A. Extended epiphenotypes: Integrating epigenotypes into host behavioral manipulation by parasites. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Pavey
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Land and Water, PMB 44 Winnellie Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Biological Sciences Singapore Singapore
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8
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Taggart PL, Liddicoat C, Tong WH, Breed MF, Weinstein P, Wheeler D, Vyas A. Gut microbiota composition does not associate with Toxoplasma infection in rats. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3963-3970. [PMID: 35621391 PMCID: PMC9546062 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma infection in intermediate host species closely associates with inflammation. This association has led to suggestions that the behavioural changes associated with infection may be indirectly driven by the resulting sustained inflammation rather than a direct behavioural manipulation by the parasite. If this is correct, sustained inflammation in chronically infected rodents should present as widespread differences in the gastrointestinal microbiota due to the dependency between the composition of these microbiota and sustained inflammation. We conducted a randomized controlled experiment in rats that were assigned to a Toxoplasma‐treatment, placebo‐treatment or negative control group. We euthanised rats during the chronic phase of infection, collected their caecal stool samples and sequenced the V3‐V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial community in these samples. Toxoplasma infection did not induce widespread differences in the bacterial community composition of the gastrointestinal tract of rats. Rather, we found sex differences in the bacterial community composition of rats. We conclude that it is unlikely that sustained inflammation is the mechanism driving the highly specific behavioural changes observed in Toxoplasma‐positive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia, 2620.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 2033
| | - Craig Liddicoat
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Wen Han Tong
- Chief Scientist Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - David Wheeler
- Chief Scientist Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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9
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Mathuru AS, Vyas A. Social plasticity and decision making. Brain Res 2022; 1785:147890. [PMID: 35339429 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S Mathuru
- Yale-NUS College, 12 College Avenue West, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore; Dept. of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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10
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Impact of Plant-Based Foods and Nutraceuticals on Toxoplasma gondii Cysts: Nutritional Therapy as a Viable Approach for Managing Chronic Brain Toxoplasmosis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:827286. [PMID: 35284438 PMCID: PMC8914227 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.827286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that mainly infects warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii can encyst and persist chronically in the brain, leading to a broad spectrum of neurological sequelae. Despite the associated health threats, no clinical drug is currently available to eliminate T. gondii cysts. In a continuous effort to uncover novel therapeutic agents for these cysts, the potential of nutritional products has been explored. Herein, we describe findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that support the efficacy of plant-based foods and nutraceuticals against brain cyst burden and cerebral pathologies associated with chronic toxoplasmosis. Finally, we discuss strategies to increase the translatability of preclinical studies and nutritional products to address whether nutritional therapy can be beneficial for coping with chronic T. gondii infections in humans.
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11
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Pal R, Banerjee M, Bhadada SK, Shetty AJ, Singh B, Vyas A. Vitamin D supplementation and clinical outcomes in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:53-68. [PMID: 34165766 PMCID: PMC8223190 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01614-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a precise summary and collate the hitherto available clinical evidence on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using appropriate keywords till June 8, 2021, to identify observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting adverse clinical outcomes (ICU admission and/or mortality) in COVID-19 patients receiving vitamin D supplementation vs. those not receiving the same. Both prior use and use of vitamin D after COVID-19 diagnosis were considered. Unadjusted/adjusted pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021248488). RESULTS We identified 13 studies (10 observational, 3 RCTs) pooling data retrieved from 2933 COVID-19 patients. Pooled analysis of unadjusted data showed that vitamin D use in COVID-19 was significantly associated with reduced ICU admission/mortality (OR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.81, p = 0.01, I2 = 66%, random-effects model). Similarly, on pooling adjusted risk estimates, vitamin D was also found to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes (pooled OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.91, p = 0.03, I2 = 80%, random-effects model). Subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation was associated with improved clinical outcomes only in patients receiving the drug post-COVID-19 diagnosis and not in those who had received vitamin D before diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D supplementation might be associated with improved clinical outcomes, especially when administered after the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, issues regarding the appropriate dose, duration, and mode of administration of vitamin D remain unanswered and need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pal
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - M Banerjee
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, 700020, India
| | - S K Bhadada
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - A J Shetty
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - B Singh
- Government Medical College, Patiala, 147001, India
| | - A Vyas
- Department of Medicine, Rabindranath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur, 313001, India
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12
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Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Toxoplasma gondii Infection Causes an Atypical Abundance of Oxytocin and Its Receptor in the Female Rat Brain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111495. [PMID: 34832650 PMCID: PMC8625128 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii causes loss of innate fear of cat odors in both male and female rats. This behavioral change is presumed to reflect a parasitic manipulation that increases transmission of the parasite from its intermediate to definitive host. The host behavioral change in male rats is dependent on gonadal steroids. In contrast, the loss of fear in female rats is not accompanied by greater gonadal steroids and cannot be rescued by gonadectomy. This disparity suggests that proximate mechanisms of the post infection host behavioral change in rats are sexually dimorphic. Here, we report that female rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii exhibit greater abundance of messenger RNA for oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and posterodorsal medial amygdala, respectively. Brain oxytocin is critical for sex-typical social and sexual behaviors in female rodents. The change in oxytocin and its receptor could potentially alter activity in the social salience circuits, leading to a reduction in defensive behaviors and an increase in approach to ambivalent environmental cues. Our results argue that sexually dimorphic neural substrates underpin sexually monomorphic host behavioral change in this host–parasite association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore;
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore;
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13
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Gupta R, Malik A, Vadhar S, Briasoulis A, Vyas A, Patel N. Comparing loading strategies of P2Y12 inhibitors in patients undergoing elective PCI: a network meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Effective platelet inhibition prior to elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the risk of ischemic complications. Newer P2Y12 inhibitors are preferred agents over clopidogrel for patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of them over clopidogrel in elective PCI is unclear. Our objective was to perform a network meta-analysis and assess that from randomized controlled trials (RCT).
Methods
We conducted a systematic review of RCTs up to and including November 2020. The endpoints of interest were overall mortality, rates of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization and major bleeding. Random effects model using frequentist approach was used to perform a network meta-analysis using R software.
Results
5 trials with total of 5,194 patients were included in our analysis. For ischemic outcomes including MI, Stroke and revascularization, prasugrel had the most favorable trend. However, clopidogrel had the highest probability of being most effective for major bleeding and all-cause mortality. None of these trends were statistically significant due to lack of power for each individual outcome (Figure 1).
Conclusion
Prasugrel and ticagrelor seem to show better efficacy in preventing MI and stroke. However, their effects are marginal and do not translate into improved overall mortality and bleeding. Therefore, in this lower risk population presenting for elective PCI, clopidogrel remains a reasonable P2Y12 inhibitor choice in lower risk population.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Results
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gupta
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, United States of America
| | - A Malik
- New York Medical College, Cardiology, Valhalla, United States of America
| | - S Vadhar
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, United States of America
| | - A Briasoulis
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa, United States of America
| | - A Vyas
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, United States of America
| | - N Patel
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, United States of America
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14
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Tong WH, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Arginine vasopressin in the medial amygdala causes greater post-stress recruitment of hypothalamic vasopressin neurons. Mol Brain 2021; 14:141. [PMID: 34526037 PMCID: PMC8442369 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is expressed in both hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic neurons. The expression and role of AVP exhibit remarkable divergence between these two neuronal populations. Polysynaptic pathways enable these neuronal groups to regulate each other. AVP neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus increase the production of adrenal stress hormones by stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Outside the hypothalamus, the medial amygdala also contains robust amounts of AVP. Contrary to the hypothalamic counterpart, the expression of extra-hypothalamic medial amygdala AVP is sexually dimorphic, in that it is preferentially transcribed in males in response to the continual presence of testosterone. Male gonadal hormones typically generate a negative feedback on the neuroendocrine stress axis. Here, we investigated whether testosterone-responsive medial amygdala AVP neurons provide negative feedback to hypothalamic AVP, thereby providing a feedback loop to suppress stress endocrine response during periods of high testosterone secretion. Contrary to our expectation, we found that AVP overexpression within the posterodorsal medial amygdala increased the recruitment of hypothalamic AVP neurons during stress, without affecting the total number of AVP neurons or the number of recently activated neurons following stress. These observations suggest that the effects of testosterone on extra-hypothalamic AVP facilitate stress responsiveness through permissive influence on the recruitment of hypothalamic AVP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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15
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Lokhandwala Y, Vyas A. Bridge that disconnects? J Postgrad Med 2021; 67:132-133. [PMID: 34427278 PMCID: PMC8445117 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_333_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y Lokhandwala
- Department of Cardiology, LTMM College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - A Vyas
- Department of Cardiology, Vishesh Neptune Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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16
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle and a cosmopolitan host range. The asexual part of its life cycle can be perpetually sustained in a variety of intermediate hosts through a combination of carnivory and vertical transmission. However, T. gondii produces gametes only in felids after the predation of infected intermediate hosts. The parasite changes the behavior of its intermediate hosts by reducing their innate fear to cat odors and thereby plausibly increasing the probability that the definitive host will devour the infected host. Here, we provide a short description of such parasitic behavioral manipulation in laboratory rodents infected with T. gondii, along with a bird's eye view of underpinning biological changes in the host. We also summarize critical gaps and opportunities for future research in this exciting research area with broad implications in the transdisciplinary study of host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chris Pavey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Land and Water, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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Singh DK, Hari Dass SA, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Corrigendum: Testosterone Acts Within the Medial Amygdala of Rats to Reduce Innate Fear to Predator Odor Akin to the Effects of Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:735656. [PMID: 34566729 PMCID: PMC8459772 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735656] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00630.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Tong WH, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Medial Amygdala Arginine Vasopressin Neurons Regulate Innate Aversion to Cat Odors in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:505-520. [PMID: 32447337 DOI: 10.1159/000508862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aversion to environmental cues of predators is an integral part of defensive behaviors in many prey animals. It enhances their survival and probability of future reproduction. At the same time, animals cannot be maximally defended because imperatives of defense usually trade-off with behaviors required for sexual reproduction like display of dominance and production of sexual pheromones. Here, we approach this trade-off through the lens of arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons within the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) of mice. This neuronal population is known to be involved in sexual behaviors like approach to sexually salient cues. We show that chemogenetic partial ablation of this neuronal population increases aversion to predator odors. Moreover, overexpression of AVP within this population is sufficient to reduce aversion to predator odors. The loss of fear of the predator odor occurs in parallel with increased recruitment of AVP neurons within the MePD. These observations suggest that AVP neurons in the medial aspect of the extended amygdala are a proximate locus for the reduction in innate fear during life stages dominated by reproductive efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore,
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19
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Barwad P, Lokhandwala Y, Kumar B, Vyas A, Shah V, Vichare S, Bachani N. Surgical cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with VT storm: long term follow-up data. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Surgical Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation (CSD) is a procedure which involves surgical removal of terminal cervical and thoracic sympathetic ganglion for reducing sympathetic discharge to the heart. CSD is usually performed as a last desperate measure in treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT). We report here the clinical profile and long-term follow-up of all our patients who underwent CSD (unilateral or bilateral) predominantly upfront prior to considering catheter ablation of VT for VT storm.
Material and methods
We retrospectively collected data of all patients who underwent CSD for VT storm between year 2010 till 2019. Success of CSD was defined as successful discharge of patient from the hospital after the procedure more than 75% decrease in the frequency of VT after two weeks of surgical procedure.
Results
A total of 65 patients underwent CSD in the above-mentioned period and the average duration of follow-up was 28 months. The clinical parameters, demographic data and outcome analysis is provided in details in table 1. Only 14 (21.5%) patients underwent attempt of catheter ablation of VT prior to considering CSD. CSD was successful in 53 (81.5%) of patients. There was a significant decline in the incidence of number of ICD or external shocks before and after CSD (25.2±39.4 vs 1.09±2.9) respectively. There was no significant effect of CSD on ejection fraction. None of the available clinical parameters predicted the success of CSD.
Discussion and conclusion
The current retrospective analysis reemphasize the role of surgical CSD in treatment of patients with VT storm. As in predominant patient's CSD was performed even before the attempting catheter-based ablation, it brings in a new dimension in the treatment of VT. Efficacy of CSD (81.5%) in experienced hand is equivalent or even better than catheter-based ablation in patients with VT storm.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
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Affiliation(s)
- P Barwad
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - B Kumar
- holy family Heart Institute, Cardiology, Mumbai, India
| | - A Vyas
- holy family Heart Institute, Cardiology, Mumbai, India
| | - V Shah
- holy family Heart Institute, Cardiology, Mumbai, India
| | - S Vichare
- holy family Heart Institute, Cardiology, Mumbai, India
| | - N Bachani
- holy family Heart Institute, Cardiology, Mumbai, India
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20
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Urolithin-A attenuates neurotoxoplasmosis and alters innate response towards predator odor. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 8:100128. [PMID: 34589880 PMCID: PMC8474456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxoplasmosis, also known as cerebral toxoplasmosis, is an opportunistic chronic infection caused by the persistence of parasite Toxoplasma gondii cysts in the brain. In wild animals, chronic infection is associated with behavioral manipulation evident by an altered risk perception towards predators. In humans, reactivation of cysts and conversion of quiescent parasites into highly invasive tachyzoites is a significant cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. However, the current standard therapy for toxoplasmosis is not well tolerated and is ineffective against the parasite cysts. In recent years, the concept of dietary supplementation with natural products derived from plants has gained popularity as a natural remedy for brain disorders. Notably, urolithin-A, a metabolite produced in the gut following consumption of ellagitannins-enriched food such as pomegranate, is reported to be blood-brain barrier permeable and exhibits neuroprotective effects in-vivo. In this study, we investigated the potential of pomegranate extract and urolithin-A as anti-neurotoxoplasmosis agents in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment with pomegranate extract and urolithin-A reduced the parasite tachyzoite load and interfered with cyst development in differentiated human neural culture. Administration of urolithin-A also resulted in the formation of smaller brain cysts in chronically infected mice. Interestingly, this phenomenon was mirrored by an enhanced risk perception of the UA-treated infected mice towards predatory cues. Together, our findings demonstrate the potential of dietary supplementation with urolithin-A-enriched food as a novel natural remedy for the treatment of acute and chronic neurotoxoplasmosis. Pomegranate extract reduces T. gondii tachyzoite load and cyst formation in-vitro. Urolithin-A, in part, underlies the anti-T. gondii effect of pomegranate extract. Urolithin-A perturbs cyst development in the brain of chronically infected mice. The reduction in brain cyst burden associates with enhanced fear of infected mice towards cat odor. Dietary supplementation with urolithin-A is a potential therapy for neurotoxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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21
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Hadjiyiannakis D, Dimitroyannis D, Eastlake L, Peedell C, Tripathi L, Simcock R, Vyas A, Deutsch E, Chalmers AJ. Personal View: Low-Dose Lung Radiotherapy Should be Evaluated as a Treatment for Severe COVID-19 Lung Disease. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 33:e64-e68. [PMID: 32829986 PMCID: PMC7427522 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D Hadjiyiannakis
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK; NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility, Preston, UK
| | | | - L Eastlake
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK.
| | - C Peedell
- James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - L Tripathi
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK; NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility, Preston, UK
| | - R Simcock
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - A Vyas
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - E Deutsch
- Radiation Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - A J Chalmers
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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22
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Mathuru AS, Libersat F, Vyas A, Teseo S. Why behavioral neuroscience still needs diversity?: A curious case of a persistent need. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:130-141. [PMID: 32565172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades, a substantial portion of neuroscience research has moved from studies conducted across a spectrum of animals to reliance on a few species. While this undoubtedly promotes consistency, in-depth analysis, and a better claim to unraveling molecular mechanisms, investing heavily in a subset of species also restricts the type of questions that can be asked, and impacts the generalizability of findings. A conspicuous body of literature has long advocated the need to expand the diversity of animal systems used in neuroscience research. Part of this need is utilitarian with respect to translation, but the remaining is the knowledge that historically, a diverse set of species were instrumental in obtaining transformative understanding. We argue that diversifying matters also because the current approach limits the scope of what can be discovered. Technological advancements are already bridging several practical gaps separating these two worlds. What remains is a wholehearted embrace by the community that has benefitted from past history. We suggest the time for it is now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S Mathuru
- Yale-NUS College, 12 College Avenue West, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A⁎STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore; Dept. of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Frédéric Libersat
- Dept. of Life Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 8410501 Israel
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Serafino Teseo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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23
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Vyas A, Creswell J, Codlin AJ, Stevens R, Rao VG, Kumar B, Khaparde S, Sahu S. Community-based active case-finding to reach the most vulnerable: tuberculosis in tribal areas of India. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2020; 23:750-755. [PMID: 31315709 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.18.0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> India has the world's largest indigenous/tribal population. Many areas with large tribal populations suffer from weak infrastructure and services. Surveys have shown a high prevalence of TB among Saharia communities, who rarely access public services. We evaluated a community-based active TB case-finding intervention. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> Community health workers screened people for TB symptoms in Saharia communities, made referrals, collected sputum for transport to laboratories, and initiated and supported anti-tuberculosis treatment. Microscopy testing was performed at government laboratories. The intervention tracked the people screened, referrals, the people tested, laboratory results, treatment initiation and outcomes. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Community health workers verbally screened 65 230 people, 8723 (13%) of whom had symptoms. Of these, 5600 were tested, 964 (17%) of whom were smear-positive. During the intervention, we observed a +52% increase in people tested at laboratories and an +84% increase in TB case notifications. Pre-treatment loss to follow-up decreased and treatment success increased slightly. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> In India, particularly among tribal populations, many people with TB are missed by current approaches due to poor access. Community-based active case-finding can help identify more people with TB in tribal and remote rural areas by addressing barriers to health seeking as well as help reach ambitious country and global notification targets. </sec>.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vyas
- Asha Kalp, Gwalior, India
| | - J Creswell
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A J Codlin
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Stevens
- Independent Consultant, Manchester, UK
| | - V G Rao
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur
| | - B Kumar
- Global Coalition of TB Activists, New Delhi
| | - S Khaparde
- Central TB Division, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - S Sahu
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
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24
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Singh DK, Hari Dass SA, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Testosterone Acts Within the Medial Amygdala of Rats to Reduce Innate Fear to Predator Odor Akin to the Effects of Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:630. [PMID: 32714222 PMCID: PMC7343892 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats infected with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii exhibit a reduced aversion to cat odor. This behavioral change is thought to increase trophic transmission of the parasite. Infected male rats also show a greater testicular synthesis of testosterone and epigenetic change in arginine vasopressin within the medial amygdala. Here, we show that exogenous supply of testosterone within MeA of uninfected castrates recapitulates reduction in innate fear akin to behavioral change attributed to the parasite. We also show that castration post establishment of chronic infection precludes changes in fear and medial amygdala arginine vasopressin in the infected male rats. These observations support the role of gonadal hormones and pursuant neuroendocrine changes in mediating the loss of fear in the infected rats. This work also demonstrates that testosterone acting specifically within the medial amygdala sufficiently explains reduced defensive behaviors often observed during the appetitive component of reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Sohn H, Vyas A, Puri L, Gupta S, Qin ZZ, Codlin A, Creswell J. Costs and operation management of community outreach program for tuberculosis in tribal populations in India. Public Health Action 2019; 9:58-62. [PMID: 31417854 DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate costs of an active case finding (ACF) program with tuberculosis (TB) treatment delivery and monitoring, which targeted a rural tribal population in India. Method A time and motion study was conducted to evaluate operations and workload. Costs from the program perspective were assessed using both the bottom-up and top-down costing methods, exclusive of routine TB care costs. The impact of ACF on routine TB laboratory workloads was measured based on the changes in available staff time per smear at nine designated microscopy centers before and after program implementation. Results A majority (53.2%) of the community health-care worker's time was spent in traveling to communities, with an average of 22 TB patients (95% CI 19.14-24.94) seen per day per person. Costs (at 2015 $US rates) were US$1.85-US$2.42 per patient screened and submitting sputum, US$2.51-US$4.74 per person diagnosed with TB, and US$22.52-US$34.13 per TB patient completing treatment. Total smear volumes increased significantly after the ACF program, with more than a 15% reduction in available staff time per sputum smear test in most laboratories. Conclusion This low-cost, ACF program has the potential to be highly cost-effective in addressing gaps in TB care problems in rural India.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sohn
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A Vyas
- Asha Kalp, New Delhi, India
| | - L Puri
- McGill University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Z Z Qin
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Codlin
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J Creswell
- Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kohn J, Connors T, Vyas A. 003 Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus in Multidisciplinary Clinics: Treatment Compliance and Sexual Function. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.460] [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: 10/26/2022]
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27
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Tong WH, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Testosterone Reduces Fear and Causes Drastic Hypomethylation of Arginine Vasopressin Promoter in Medial Extended Amygdala of Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:33. [PMID: 30863290 PMCID: PMC6399424 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone reduces anxiety-like behaviors in rodents and increases exploration of anxiogenic parts of the environment. Effects of testosterone on innate defensive behaviors remain understudied. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous testosterone reduces aversion to cat odor in male mice. This is reflected as increased exploration of area containing cat urine when castrated male mice are supplied with exogenous testosterone. We also report that exogenous testosterone leads to DNA hypomethylation of arginine vasopressin (AVP) promoter in posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) and medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST). Our observations suggest that testosterone acting on AVP system within extended medial amygdala might regulate defensive behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Moses R, Vyas A, Wood S. I’m ready to die now a 12 month review of ventilation withdrawal for MND patients within a regional ventilation service. Physiotherapy 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.228] [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: 10/27/2022]
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Moses R, Vyas A, Wood S. Reducing the carbon footprint in a regional long term ventilation service with the use of remote monitoring. Physiotherapy 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.230] [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: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Tripathi A, Kumar R, Sahoo G, Vyas A, Kumar H, Kumar M, Das P. In vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity of parthenin a sesquiterpene lactone obtained from Parthenium hysterophorous. Int J Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.04.4103] [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: 11/26/2022] Open
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31
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Ferrieres J, Lautsch D, Velkovski-Rouyer M, Ambegaonkar B, De Ferrari G, Vyas A, Baxter C, Horack M, Bash L, Al Mahmeed W, Chiang F, Keong Poh K, Brudi P, Gitt A. Use of guideline-recommended treatments in 10,661 patients with coronary heart disease: Observational multinational DYSIS II study. Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Supplements 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2017.11.173] [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: 11/26/2022]
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Goodwin M, Patel DK, Vyas A, Khan AJ, McGrady MG, Boothman N, Pretty IA. Sugar before bed: a simple dietary risk factor for caries experience. Community Dent Health 2017; 34:8-13. [PMID: 28561551 DOI: 10.1922/cdh_3926goodwin06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical care pathways have placed renewed emphasis on caries risk assessment and the ability to predict and prevent further disease. With diet considered a key factor in the development of caries, the level of caries risk posed by dietary habits, such as the frequency of intake and timing of free sugars is questioned. OBJECTIVE To identify reliable and simple dietary risk factors for caries experience. RESEARCH DESIGN A cross-sectional observational study of a convenience sample with data gained from clinical examinations, questionnaire and a 24 hour dietary-recall interview. PARTICIPANTS 128 subjects aged 11-12 from comprehensive schools in Greater Manchester and Newcastle upon-Tyne, UK. OUTCOME MEASURES free sugars consumed between meals, before bed and total % of total free sugars consumed were assessed from dietary assessments led by a dietitian. D4-6MFT was generated with a caries threshold of ICDAS stage 4 from clinical examinations. RESULTS Analysis revealed no significant differences in caries experience when looking specifically at caries into dentine, referred to as the cavity group (split at D4-6MFT), between high and low deprivation, consumption of free sugars between meals and free sugars (%). The consumption of free sugars within the hour before bed revealed a statistically significant difference between the cavity/no cavity groups (p=0.002). Logistic regression analysis on the cavity/no cavity groups revealed an odds ratio of 2.4 (95%CI 1.3,4.4) for free sugars consumption before bedtime. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that the consumption of free sugars before bedtime may be an important risk factor for adolescent caries into dentine experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Goodwin
- School of Dentistry Dental Health Unit, University of Manchester, M15 6SE, UK
| | - D K Patel
- School of Dentistry Dental Health Unit, University of Manchester, M15 6SE, UK
| | - A Vyas
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Paediatric Endocrinology, Manchester Children's Hospital, UK
| | - A J Khan
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Paediatric Endocrinology, Manchester Children's Hospital, UK
| | - M G McGrady
- School of Dentistry Dental Health Unit, University of Manchester, M15 6SE, UK
| | - N Boothman
- School of Dentistry Dental Health Unit, University of Manchester, M15 6SE, UK
| | - I A Pretty
- School of Dentistry Dental Health Unit, University of Manchester, M15 6SE, UK
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Abstract
Background: The behavior of animals is intricately linked to the environment; a relationship that is often studied in laboratory conditions by using environmental perturbations to study biological mechanisms underlying the behavioral change. Methods: This study pertains to two such well-studied and well-replicated perturbations, i.e., stress-induced anxiogenesis and Toxoplasmagondii -induced loss of innate fear. Here, we demonstrate that behavioral outcomes of these experimental manipulations are contingent upon the ambient quality of the wider environment where animal facilities are situated. Results: During late 2014 and early 2015, a building construction project started adjacent to our animal facility. During this phase, we observed that maternal separation stress caused anxiolysis, rather than historically observed anxiogenesis, in laboratory rats. We also found that Toxoplasma gondii infection caused an increase, rather than historically observed decrease, in innate aversion to predator odors in rats. Conclusion: These observations suggest that effects of stress and Toxoplasma gondii are dependent on variables in the environment that often go unreported in the published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Akshaya Hegde
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Rupshi Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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34
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Abstract
Background: The behavior of animals is intricately linked to the environment; a relationship that is often studied in laboratory conditions by using environmental perturbations to study biological mechanisms underlying the behavioral change. Methods: This study pertains to two such well-studied and well-replicated perturbations, i.e., stress-induced anxiogenesis and Toxoplasma-induced loss of innate fear. Here, we demonstrate that behavioral outcomes of these experimental manipulations are contingent upon the ambient quality of the wider environment where animal facilities are situated. Results: During late 2014 and early 2015, a building construction project started adjacent to our animal facility. During this phase, we observed that maternal separation stress caused anxiolysis, rather than historically observed anxiogenesis, in laboratory rats. We also found that Toxoplasma infection caused an increase, rather than historically observed decrease, in innate aversion to predator odors in rats. Conclusion: These observations suggest that effects of stress and Toxoplasma are dependent on variables in the environment that often go unreported in the published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Akshaya Hegde
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Rupshi Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Loss of predator aversion in female rats after Toxoplasma gondii infection is not dependent on ovarian steroids. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 65:95-98. [PMID: 28400143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection reduces aversion to cat odors in male rats. Relevant proximate mechanisms include interaction of gonadal testosterone and brain nonapeptide arginine-vasopressin. Both of these substrates are sexually dimorphic with preferential expression in males; suggesting either absence of behavioral change in females or mediation by analogous neuroendocrine substrates. Here we demonstrate that Toxoplasma gondii infection reduces aversion to cat odor in female rats. This change is not accompanied by altered steroid hormones; cannot be rescued by gonadal removal; and, does not depend on arginine-vasopressin. Thus behavioral change in males and female occur through non-analogous mechanisms that remain hitherto unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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Barwad P, Devidutta S, Shah M, Vyas A, Lokhandwala Y. P1485Long term outcome of cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with structural heart disease and refractory ventricular tachycardia storms. Europace 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/eux158.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Shah V, Barwad P, Vyas A, Dedhia A, Shah R, Bachani N, Lokhandwala Y. P1616Clinical profile and intermediate term outcome of 50 consecutive patient of ventricular tachycardia storm managed at a tertiary care center in india. Europace 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/eux158.242] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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39
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Vyas A, Rodrigues VC, Ayres R, Myles PR, Hothersall EJ, Thomas H. Public health matters: Innovative approaches for engaging medical students. Med Teach 2017; 39:402-408. [PMID: 28379091 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2017.1294753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health faces the paradox of being increasingly emphasized by the key health and social care regulators and stakeholders, while remaining a largely under-represented discipline in the context of medical curricula. Enhancing medical student engagement in public health teaching is one way to address this concern. METHODS We discuss four key solutions to the challenges faced by public health educators in medical schools, and present five case studies which demonstrate innovative approaches to engaging medical students in our discipline. RESULTS Four different approaches have been piloted by members of the Public Health Educators in Medical Schools (PHEMS) network: (i) ensuring social accountability, (ii) demonstrating clinical relevance, (iii) mapping the core curriculum, and (iv) using technology enhanced learning. Preliminary student feedback suggests that these approaches can be used to position public health as an enabler of modern medical practice, and promote a more holistic understanding of medicine by linking patient-centred care to the population level. CONCLUSIONS The zeitgeist in both academia and the healthcare system supports the teaching of public health within the medical curriculum; there is also consensus at the political and pedagogical level. The challenge of ensuring engagement now needs to be met at the student-teacher interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vyas
- a Public Health , Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
| | - V C Rodrigues
- b Public Health and Medical Education , Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
| | - R Ayres
- c Population Health , Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry , Plymouth , UK
| | - P R Myles
- d Health Protection and Epidemiology, Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - E J Hothersall
- e Public Health Medicine, Systems in Practice Convenor , Dundee Medical School and NHS Tayside , Dundee , UK
| | - H Thomas
- f Public Health and Primary Care , St George's, University of London , London , UK
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Stacey RM, Vyas A, Fowler SJ. P231 Breathing pattern disorders in a complex breathlessness service; classification and clinical characteristics. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.374] [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: 11/03/2022]
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41
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Ryan D, Niven R, Burhan H, Corless J, Diver S, Fowler S, Menzies D, O’Driscoll R, Scott S, Sehgal N, Vyas A, Allen D, Blakey J, Kane B. S3 The uk’s largest severe asthma multidisciplinary team meeting; experience from the first 18 months. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.9] [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: 11/04/2022]
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42
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Haines J, Slinger C, Vyas A, Chua S, Fowler SJ. M11 The impact of respiratory speech and language therapy on patients’ cough related symptoms. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.453] [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: 11/04/2022]
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Moses R, Taylor C, Wood S, Vyas A. P191 Reducing the carbon footprint in a regional long term ventilation service with the use of remote monitoring. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.334] [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: 11/04/2022]
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Gn YM, Moses R, Vyas A. S58 The use of remote monitoring to assess ventilator adherence and outcomes within a regional home mechanical ventilation service. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.64] [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: 11/03/2022]
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45
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Moses R, Morgan N, Mcdonald T, Jennifer W, Bonney H, Shakespeare D, Vyas A. A severe case of Bickerstaff's Encephalitis: the importance of specialist neuro-respiratory rehabilitation to optimise recovery and outcome. Physiotherapy 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2016.10.244] [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: 11/26/2022]
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46
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Moses R, Vyas A, Shakespeare D, Degoode C. The development of a specialist model of care for transitional paediatric neuromuscular patients: collaboration between respiratory, neurological and neuro-rehabilitation specialties. Physiotherapy 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2016.10.243] [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: 10/20/2022]
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47
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Fowler SJ, Thurston A, Chesworth B, Cheng V, Constantinou P, Vyas A, Lillie S, Haines J. The VCDQ--a Questionnaire for symptom monitoring in vocal cord dysfunction. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1406-11. [PMID: 25867098 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) typically involves abnormal adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, mimics the symptoms of asthma and leads to the prescription of ineffective medications. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a clinical tool to monitor symptoms and response to treatment in confirmed VCD. METHODS We collated symptoms of VCD from focus groups comprising patients and healthcare professionals; phrases describing these symptoms were assessed for face validity and internal correlation and rated for importance. The resultant 12-item questionnaire (VCDQ) rated the impact of each on a 5-point Likert scale (total score range 12-60) and was tested for reliability, concurrent validity and performance in 31 patients with endoscopically confirmed VCD (± asthma), 29 asthmatics with no history of VCD and 14 healthy controls. We assessed response to speech and language therapy and the minimal important difference by measuring the VCDQ pre- and post- therapy in a 20 new patients. RESULTS The VCDQ had excellent test-retest reliability and differentiated VCD vs. healthy (Mann-Whitney U-test: z = -5.390, P < 0.001) and asthma (z = -5.730, P < 0.001). All patients improved post-therapy, assessed both by a global rating of change score (GRCS) and by the VCDQ [median (IQR) score pre-therapy 50.5 (48.0 - 54.8), post-therapy 35.0 (29.3 - 41.8), P < 0.001]. The minimal important difference in the VCDQ associated with a rating of 'minimally better' on the GRCS was 4 points. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The VCDQ is a valid and responsive tool suitable for measuring changes in symptoms in patients with VCD. It also gives insight into which symptoms are important to patients and could guide future therapy refinements. Future assessments of novel therapies for this condition should use an appropriately validated tool such as the VCDQ to measure response.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fowler
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital of South Manchester, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - A Thurston
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - B Chesworth
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - V Cheng
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - P Constantinou
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - A Vyas
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - S Lillie
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - J Haines
- Respiratory Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
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Tan D, Soh LJT, Lim LW, Daniel TCW, Zhang X, Vyas A. Infection of male rats with Toxoplasma gondii results in enhanced delay aversion and neural changes in the nucleus accumbens core. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20150042. [PMID: 25994671 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats infected with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii exhibit reduced avoidance of predator odours. This behavioural change is likely to increase transmission of the parasite from rats to cats. Here, we show that infection with T. gondii increases the propensity of the infected rats to make more impulsive choices, manifested as delay aversion in an intertemporal choice task. Concomitantly, T. gondii infection causes reduction in dopamine content and neuronal spine density of the nucleus accumbens core, but not of the nucleus accumbens shell. These results are consistent with a role of the nucleus accumbens dopaminergic system in mediation of choice impulsivity and goal-directed behaviours. Our observations suggest that T. gondii infection in rats causes a syndromic shift in related behavioural constructs of innate aversion and making foraging decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Linda Jing Ting Soh
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Tan Chia Wei Daniel
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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Tan D, Vyas A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone congruently increase tolerance of male rats for risk of reward forfeiture. Horm Behav 2016; 79:37-44. [PMID: 26774464 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Decision making under risk involves balancing the potential of gaining rewards with the possibility of loss and/or punishment. Tolerance to risk varies between individuals. Understanding the biological basis of risk tolerance is pertinent because excessive tolerance contributes to adverse health and safety outcomes. Yet, not much is known about biological factors mediating inter-individual variability in this regard. We investigate if latent Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause risk tolerance. Using a rodent model of the balloon analogous risk task, we show that latent T. gondii infection leads to a greater tolerance of reward forfeiture. Furthermore, effects of the infection on risk can be recapitulated with testosterone supplementation alone, demonstrating that greater testosterone synthesis by the host post-infection is sufficient to change risk tolerance. T. gondii is a frequent parasite of humans and animals. Thus, the infection status can potentially explain some of the inter-individual variability in the risky decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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50
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Lopez E, Vyas A, Thabet A, Arellano R, Balesh E. Percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement via trocar technique in the pediatric patient: a single-center experience. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2015.12.663] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
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