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Breidenstein EBM, Khan N, Duffy T, Coward C, Avis T, Abdulle O, Li CM, Mason CS. SMT-738: a novel small-molecule inhibitor of bacterial lipoprotein transport targeting Enterobacteriaceae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0069523. [PMID: 38084954 PMCID: PMC10777851 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00695-23] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CREs) are described by the Centers for Disease Control as an urgent threat, and there is a critical need for new therapeutic agents able to treat infections caused by these pathogens. Herein, we describe the microbiological profile, the mechanism f action, and the in vitro safety as well as the pharmacokinetic (PK)/PD profile of SMT-738, a small molecule belonging to a new chemical class. SMT-738 is active against Enterobacterales [including multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli with 90% of isolates having a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) of 1 µg/mL and Klebsiella pneumoniae 2 µg/mL] and inactive against a broad panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. SMT-738 displays rapid bactericidal activity (2-4 h) and has a low propensity for resistance development (less than ~10-9). Characterization of resistant mutants following exposure to SMT-738 identified mutations within the lipoprotein transport complex (LolCDE), a clinically unexploited and essential bacterial molecular target in Gram-negative bacteria. SMT-738 has a promising in vitro toxicology profile. Furthermore, PK studies demonstrated that when dosed intravenously, SMT-738 maintained exposure levels across infection sites (bloodstream/urinary tract/lung). Proof-of-concept studies across multiple murine in vivo infection models (bloodstream/pneumonia/urinary tract) demonstrated that SMT-738 significantly reduced the bacterial burden compared to baseline and vehicle control. SMT-738 represents a promising novel drug candidate being developed to address clinically challenging serious life-threatening infections caused by highly resistant Enterobacteriaceae including CRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. Khan
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - T. Duffy
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - C. Coward
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - T. Avis
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - O. Abdulle
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - C.-M. Li
- Summit Therapeutics, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - C. S. Mason
- Summit Therapeutics, The Works, Unity Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Swahn H, Li K, Duffy T, Olmer M, D'Lima DD, Mondala TS, Natarajan P, Head SR, Lotz MK. Senescent cell population with ZEB1 transcription factor as its main regulator promotes osteoarthritis in cartilage and meniscus. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:403-415. [PMID: 36564153 PMCID: PMC10076001 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Single-cell level analysis of articular cartilage and meniscus tissues from human healthy and osteoarthritis (OA) knees. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses were performed on articular cartilage and meniscus tissues from healthy (n=6, n=7) and OA (n=6, n=6) knees. Expression of genes of interest was validated using immunohistochemistry and RNA-seq and function was analysed by gene overexpression and depletion. RESULTS scRNA-seq analyses of human knee articular cartilage (70 972 cells) and meniscus (78 017 cells) identified a pathogenic subset that is shared between both tissues. This cell population is expanded in OA and has strong OA and senescence gene signatures. Further, this subset has critical roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) and tenascin signalling and is the dominant sender of signals to all other cartilage and meniscus clusters and a receiver of TGFβ signalling. Fibroblast activating protein (FAP) is also a dysregulated gene in this cluster and promotes ECM degradation. Regulons that are controlled by transcription factor ZEB1 are shared between the pathogenic subset in articular cartilage and meniscus. In meniscus and cartilage cells, FAP and ZEB1 promote expression of genes that contribute to OA pathogenesis, including senescence. CONCLUSIONS These single-cell studies identified a senescent pathogenic cell cluster that is present in cartilage and meniscus and has FAP and ZEB1 as main regulators which are novel and promising therapeutic targets for OA-associated pathways in both tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Swahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Merissa Olmer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Darryl D D'Lima
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
- Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, Scripps Health, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tony S Mondala
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics Core, Scripps Research, La Jola, California, USA
| | - Padmaja Natarajan
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics Core, Scripps Research, La Jola, California, USA
| | - Steven R Head
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics Core, Scripps Research, La Jola, California, USA
| | - Martin K Lotz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
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Al-Hammouri T, Almeida-Magana R, Lawrence R, Duffy T, Kudahetti S, Berney D, Gabe R, Shaw G, Lu Y. Predicting treatment failure after radical prostatectomy by circulating tumour cells status (C-ProMeta-1). A single site prospective cohort: A study protocol. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00576-6] [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: 02/12/2023]
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Rehman A, Tariq S, Kumar J, Martin L, Bannon C, Duffy T, Murphy E, Stack J, Barry M, Murphy CL. POS0661 MAJOR COST SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BIOLOGIC DOSE REDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.5086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAnti-TNF drugs have dramatically improved the management of inflammatory arthritis (IA).Although the introduction of biosimilars have reduced the cost, chronic use of biologic agentshas a high impact on healthcare expenditure. This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of adose reduction strategy for the most commonly used anti- TNF drugs over a period of 10 yearsin patients with IA in remission.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore whether patients with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) (Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) would remain in remission after 10 year period, following a reduction in biologic dosing frequency and to calculate the cost savings associated with dose reduction.MethodsThis prospective, non-blinded, non-randomised study was commenced in 2010. Patientswith IA, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA),ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)who were in remission as defined by disease activity indices (DAS28<2.6, BASDAI<4), andwere offered Anti TNF dose reduction. Patients on etanercept were reduced from 50mgweekly to fortnightly, adalimumab 40mg once monthly instead of fortnightly. Patients wereassessed for disease activity at 1, 4 and 10 years following reduction in dosingfrequency.Cost saving was calculated by deducting the total annual cost of the biologicagent used over 10 years compared with the cost if the dosing interval had not changed.ResultsSeventy nine patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission were recruited. 57% had rheumatoid arthritis (n=45), 13% psoriatic arthritis (n=10) and 30% ankylosing spondylitis (n=24). 57% (n=45) were taking etanercept and 43% (n=34) adalimumab. The percentage of patients who maintained dose reduction at 10 years was 9% (n=7). Of the total 48 patients who were successfully dose reduced at year 1 (n=42), (69%, n=29) were able to maintain the dose reduction up to 4 years and 9% (n=7) maintained this dose reduction up to year 10. The estimated cost saving was €4,928 per patient per year. Estimated cost savings for 7 patients on reduced dose was €344,952.88 over 10 years.ConclusionAnti TNF dose reduction strategy in patients with IA results in substantial cost savings. Implementation of a dose reduction strategy while monitoring of disease activity reduces the financial impact of the use of biologic therapies. Further studies should be done to identify which patients are more likely to remain in remission while on dose reduction.References[1]Bonafede MM, Gandra SR, Watson C, Princic N, Fox KM. Cost per treated patient for etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab across adult indications: a claims analysis. Adv Ther. 2012 Mar;29(3):234-48. doi: 10.1007/s12325-012-0007-y. Epub 2012 Mar 9. PMID: 22411424.[2]Joaquín Borrás-Blasco, Antonio Gracia-Pérez, J Dolores Rosique-Robles, MD Elvira Casterá & F Javier Abad (2014) Clinical and economic impact of the use of etanercept 25 mg once weekly in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthropathy and ankylosing spondylitis patients, Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 14:2, 145-150, DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.868433[3]Carter CT, Changolkar AK, Scott McKenzie R. Adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab utilization patterns and drug costs among rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Med Econ. 2012;15(2):332-9. doi: 10.3111/13696998.2011.649325. Epub 2012 Jan 6. PMID: 22168788.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Edgar K, Jackson D, Rhodes K, Duffy T, Burman CF, Sharples LD. Frequentist rules for regulatory approval of subgroups in phase III trials: A fresh look at an old problem. Stat Methods Med Res 2021; 30:1725-1743. [PMID: 34077288 PMCID: PMC8411475 DOI: 10.1177/09622802211017574] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The number of Phase III trials that include a biomarker in design and
analysis has increased due to interest in personalised medicine. For genetic
mutations and other predictive biomarkers, the trial sample comprises two
subgroups, one of which, say B+ is known or suspected to achieve a larger treatment effect
than the other B−. Despite treatment effect heterogeneity, trials often draw
patients from both subgroups, since the lower responding B− subgroup may also gain benefit from the intervention. In
this case, regulators/commissioners must decide what constitutes sufficient
evidence to approve the drug in the B− population. Methods and Results Assuming trial analysis can be completed using generalised linear models, we
define and evaluate three frequentist decision rules for approval. For rule
one, the significance of the average treatment effect in B− should exceed a pre-defined minimum value, say
ZB−>L. For rule two, the data from the low-responding group
B− should increase statistical significance. For rule three,
the subgroup-treatment interaction should be non-significant, using type I
error chosen to ensure that estimated difference between the two subgroup
effects is acceptable. Rules are evaluated based on conditional power, given
that there is an overall significant treatment effect. We show how different
rules perform according to the distribution of patients across the two
subgroups and when analyses include additional (stratification) covariates
in the analysis, thereby conferring correlation between subgroup
effects. Conclusions When additional conditions are required for approval of a new treatment in a
lower response subgroup, easily applied rules based on minimum effect sizes
and relaxed interaction tests are available. Choice of rule is influenced by
the proportion of patients sampled from the two subgroups but less so by the
correlation between subgroup effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Edgar
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - D Jackson
- Statistical Innovation, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - K Rhodes
- Statistical Innovation, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Duffy
- Statistical Innovation, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C-F Burman
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - L D Sharples
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Duffy T, Bekki H, Lotz MK. Genome-Wide Occupancy Profiling Reveals Critical Roles of FoxO1 in Regulating Extracellular Matrix and Circadian Rhythm Genes in Human Chondrocytes. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1514-1523. [PMID: 32281255 DOI: 10.1002/art.41284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related joint disease. With aging and in OA, the expression of FoxO transcription factors is reduced, diminishing their chondroprotective actions. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which FoxO1 protects chondrocytes, we sought to identify the genome-wide occupancy profile of FoxO1. METHODS We performed FoxO1 chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) on human primary chondrocytes. ChIP-Seq data were integrated with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data sets. Bioinformatics results were confirmed in primary chondrocytes that were treated with a FoxO1 inhibitor. RESULTS Analysis of FoxO1 ChIP-Seq on human primary chondrocytes showed that pathways implicated in OA pathogenesis are mainly regulated by FoxO1 binding to tissue-specific enhancers with suboptimal binding sites (20% of the peaks), while more ubiquitous FoxO1 pathways are regulated at the promoter level through interaction with its canonical binding motif (7% of the peaks). Integrating FoxO1 occupancy data with RNA-Seq data comparing OA and healthy human cartilage revealed 428 putative FoxO1 target genes that are dysregulated in OA. Pathway analysis showed enrichment for genes belonging to the senescence pathway (logP = -6.73), extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway (logP = -12.97), and circadian clock pathway (logP = -6.30), which suggests that FoxO1 dysregulation plays an important role in their abnormal expression in OA. Using an inhibitor of FoxO1, we confirmed that FoxO1 regulates these pathways in cultured human chondrocytes. CONCLUSION FoxO1 regulates ubiquitous and cartilage-specific genes in chondrocytes by using different mechanisms. The FoxO1 transcriptional network is a key player in regulating homeostasis, ECM, and circadian clock genes and plays an important role in the abnormal expression of these pathways observed in OA pathogenesis.
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Kurakazu I, Akasaki Y, Hayashida M, Tsushima H, Goto N, Sueishi T, Toya M, Kuwahara M, Okazaki K, Duffy T, Lotz MK, Nakashima Y. FOXO1 transcription factor regulates chondrogenic differentiation through transforming growth factor β1 signaling. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17555-17569. [PMID: 31601652 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins are transcription factors involved in the differentiation of many cell types. Type II collagen (Col2) Cre-Foxo1-knockout and Col2-Cre-Foxo1,3,4 triple-knockout mice exhibit growth plate malformation. Moreover, recent studies have reported that in some cells, the expressions and activities of FOXOs are promoted by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a growth factor playing a key role in chondrogenic differentiation. Here, using a murine chondrogenic cell line (ATDC5), mouse embryos, and human mesenchymal stem cells, we report the mechanisms by which FOXOs affect chondrogenic differentiation. FOXO1 expression increased along with chondrogenic differentiation, and FOXO1 inhibition suppressed chondrogenic differentiation. TGFβ1/SMAD signaling promoted expression and activity of FOXO1. In ATDC5, FOXO1 knockdown suppressed expression of sex-determining region Y box 9 (Sox9), a master regulator of chondrogenic differentiation, resulting in decreased collagen type II α1 (Col2a1) and aggrecan (Acan) expression after TGFβ1 treatment. On the other hand, chemical FOXO1 inhibition suppressed Col2a1 and Acan expression without suppressing Sox9 To investigate the effects of FOXO1 on chondrogenic differentiation independently of SOX9, we examined FOXO1's effects on the cell cycle. FOXO1 inhibition suppressed expression of p21 and cell-cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Conversely, FOXO1 overexpression promoted expression of p21 and cell-cycle arrest. FOXO1 inhibition suppressed expression of nascent p21 RNA by TGFβ1, and FOXO1 bound the p21 promoter. p21 inhibition suppressed expression of Col2a1 and Acan during chondrogenic differentiation. These results suggest that FOXO1 is necessary for not only SOX9 expression, but also cell-cycle arrest during chondrogenic differentiation via TGFβ1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Kurakazu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yukio Akasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Hayashida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tsushima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Norio Goto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takuya Sueishi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masanari Kuwahara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ken Okazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1, Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Martin K Lotz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Yasuharu Nakashima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Nohales MA, Liu W, Duffy T, Nozue K, Sawa M, Pruneda-Paz JL, Maloof JN, Jacobsen SE, Kay SA. Multi-level Modulation of Light Signaling by GIGANTEA Regulates Both the Output and Pace of the Circadian Clock. Dev Cell 2019; 49:840-851.e8. [PMID: 31105011 PMCID: PMC6597437 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Integration of environmental signals with endogenous biological processes is essential for organisms to thrive in their natural environment. Being entrained by periodic environmental changes, the circadian clock incorporates external information to coordinate physiological processes, phasing them to the optimal time of the day and year. Here, we present a pivotal role for the clock component GIGANTEA (GI) as a genome-wide regulator of transcriptional networks mediating growth and adaptive processes in plants. We provide mechanistic details on how GI integrates endogenous timing with light signaling pathways through the global modulation of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs). Gating of the activity of these transcriptional regulators by GI directly affects a wide array of output rhythms, including photoperiodic growth. Furthermore, we uncover a role for PIFs in mediating light input to the circadian oscillator and show how their regulation by GI is required to set the pace of the clock in response to light-dark cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Nohales
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Zhejiang University, University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kazunari Nozue
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mariko Sawa
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jose L Pruneda-Paz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Julin N Maloof
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steve A Kay
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Abstract
Either expression level or transcriptional activity of various nuclear receptors (NRs) have been demonstrated to be under circadian control. With a few exceptions, little is known about the roles of NRs as direct regulators of the circadian circuitry. Here we show that the nuclear receptor HNF4A strongly transrepresses the transcriptional activity of the CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer. We define a central role for HNF4A in maintaining cell-autonomous circadian oscillations in a tissue-specific manner in liver and colon cells. Not only transcript level but also genome-wide chromosome binding of HNF4A is rhythmically regulated in the mouse liver. ChIP-seq analyses revealed cooccupancy of HNF4A and CLOCK:BMAL1 at a wide array of metabolic genes involved in lipid, glucose, and amino acid homeostasis. Taken together, we establish that HNF4A defines a feedback loop in tissue-specific mammalian oscillators and demonstrate its recruitment in the circadian regulation of metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qu
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirota
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, 464-8602 Nagoya, Japan
| | - Steve A Kay
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089;
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Torrico F, Gascon J, Ortiz L, Alonso-Vega C, Pinazo MJ, Schijman A, Almeida IC, Alves F, Strub-Wourgaft N, Ribeiro I, Santina G, Blum B, Correia E, Garcia-Bournisen F, Vaillant M, Morales JR, Pinto Rocha JJ, Rojas Delgadillo G, Magne Anzoleaga HR, Mendoza N, Quechover RC, Caballero MYE, Lozano Beltran DF, Zalabar AM, Rojas Panozo L, Palacios Lopez A, Torrico Terceros D, Fernandez Galvez VA, Cardozo L, Cuellar G, Vasco Arenas RN, Gonzales I, Hoyos Delfin CF, Garcia L, Parrado R, de la Barra A, Montano N, Villarroel S, Duffy T, Bisio M, Ramirez JC, Duncanson F, Everson M, Daniels A, Asada M, Cox E, Wesche D, Diderichsen PM, Marques AF, Izquierdo L, Sender SS, Reverter JC, Morales M, Jimenez W. Treatment of adult chronic indeterminate Chagas disease with benznidazole and three E1224 dosing regimens: a proof-of-concept, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases 2018; 18:419-430. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Alshamsi A, Barry M, Murphy E, Corry C, Duffy T. AB0932 Frequency of Vertebral Fracture on Lateral Vertebral Assessment in Patients with Osteopenia Undergoing DXA Scanning. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.4705] [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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Kirwan P, Duffy T. THU0635-HPR Do Physiotherapists Working in New Patient Rheumatology Clinics Miss Inflammatory Arthritis: A Retrospective Review of 296 Patients. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.1250] [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: 11/04/2022]
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Cura CI, Duffy T, Lucero RH, Bisio M, Péneau J, Jimenez-Coello M, Calabuig E, Gimenez MJ, Valencia Ayala E, Kjos SA, Santalla J, Mahaney SM, Cayo NM, Nagel C, Barcán L, Málaga Machaca ES, Acosta Viana KY, Brutus L, Ocampo SB, Aznar C, Cuba Cuba CA, Gürtler RE, Ramsey JM, Ribeiro I, VandeBerg JL, Yadon ZE, Osuna A, Schijman AG. Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay Using TaqMan Probes for the Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs in Biological and Clinical Samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003765. [PMID: 25993316 PMCID: PMC4437652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi has been classified into six Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), designated as TcI-TcVI. In order to effectively use this standardized nomenclature, a reproducible genotyping strategy is imperative. Several typing schemes have been developed with variable levels of complexity, selectivity and analytical sensitivity. Most of them can be only applied to cultured stocks. In this context, we aimed to develop a multiplex Real-Time PCR method to identify the six T. cruzi DTUs using TaqMan probes (MTq-PCR). METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The MTq-PCR has been evaluated in 39 cultured stocks and 307 biological samples from vectors, reservoirs and patients from different geographical regions and transmission cycles in comparison with a multi-locus conventional PCR algorithm. The MTq-PCR was inclusive for laboratory stocks and natural isolates and sensitive for direct typing of different biological samples from vectors, reservoirs and patients with acute, congenital infection or Chagas reactivation. The first round SL-IR MTq-PCR detected 1 fg DNA/reaction tube of TcI, TcII and TcIII and 1 pg DNA/reaction tube of TcIV, TcV and TcVI reference strains. The MTq-PCR was able to characterize DTUs in 83% of triatomine and 96% of reservoir samples that had been typed by conventional PCR methods. Regarding clinical samples, 100% of those derived from acute infected patients, 62.5% from congenitally infected children and 50% from patients with clinical reactivation could be genotyped. Sensitivity for direct typing of blood samples from chronic Chagas disease patients (32.8% from asymptomatic and 22.2% from symptomatic patients) and mixed infections was lower than that of the conventional PCR algorithm. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Typing is resolved after a single or a second round of Real-Time PCR, depending on the DTU. This format reduces carryover contamination and is amenable to quantification, automation and kit production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina I. Cura
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”—INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”—INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raúl H. Lucero
- Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Margarita Bisio
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”—INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julie Péneau
- Laboratoire Hospitalier et Universitaire-CH Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Matilde Jimenez-Coello
- Laboratorio Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Eva Calabuig
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Politécnico LA FE, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J. Gimenez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico LA FE, Valencia, Spain
| | - Edward Valencia Ayala
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Sonia A. Kjos
- Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - José Santalla
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios en Salud, Ministerio de Salud y Deportes de Bolivia, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Susan M. Mahaney
- Southwest National Primate Research Center and Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nelly M. Cayo
- Instituto de Biología de la Altura, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Claudia Nagel
- Epidemiología e Infectología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Barcán
- Sección Infectología, Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edith S. Málaga Machaca
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Karla Y. Acosta Viana
- Laboratorio Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Laurent Brutus
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and University Paris Descartes, UMR 216, Mother and Child Facing Tropical Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Susana B. Ocampo
- Instituto de Biología de la Altura, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Christine Aznar
- Laboratoire Hospitalier et Universitaire-CH Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Cesar A. Cuba Cuba
- Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Área de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasilia, Brasilia DF, Brazil
| | - Ricardo E. Gürtler
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Janine M. Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Isabela Ribeiro
- Drugs and Neglected Diseases Initiative, Genève, Switzerland
| | - John L. VandeBerg
- Southwest National Primate Research Center and Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zaida E. Yadon
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization (WHO), Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Institute of Biotechnology, Molecular Parasitology Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro G. Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”—INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Horton L, Duffy T, Hollins Martin C, Martin CR. Comprehensive assessment of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD): gap or chasm in the evidence? J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2015; 22:3-14. [PMID: 24846298 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) causes a broad range of both neurological and neurocognitive impairment. Mental health nurses are required to provide programmes designed to facilitate individuals with chronic alcohol dependency to radically change their drinking behaviour, invariably with an abstinence focus. No evidence that related to the nutritional and physical intervention needs of this group was found. Most instruments used to access domains relevant to ARBD in terms of providing a comprehensive assessment have not been validated in this group. Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is primarily caused by chronic alcohol misuse and thiamine deficiency, and results in a broad range of impairments. Despite the increasing incidence of ARBD in the UK in recent decades, it is currently underdiagnosed, managed inappropriately and treated inadequately. Moreover, information about assessments for individuals with ARBD is currently absent from clinical guidelines and policy documents. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence relating to the neurological, neuropsychological, psychosocial, physical and nutritional assessment of individuals with ARBD to identify appropriate assessment tools that could be used to measure and monitor the impact of ARBD over time. A systematic online database search revealed a total of 160 separate references, 133 of which were rejected and two of which could not be accessed. Twenty-five papers were included in the review, including six neuroimaging studies, 17 neuropsychological studies and two studies using psychosocial methods of assessment. A lack of evidence for nutritional and physical assessment of individuals with ARBD was found. The review findings are inconclusive; most instruments currently used in ARBD research have not specifically been validated for use within an ARBD context. Further research is required to identify comprehensive methods of ARBD assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Horton
- School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
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Murphy CL, Awan S, Sullivan MO, Chavrimootoo S, Bannon C, Martin L, Duffy T, Murphy E, Barry M. Major cost savings associated with biologic dose reduction in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Ir Med J 2015; 108:19-21. [PMID: 25702349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore whether patients with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) (Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)) would remain in remission following a reduction in biologic dosing frequency and to calculate the cost savings associated with dose reduction. This prospective non-blinded non-randomised study commenced in 2010. Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis being treated with a biologic agent were screened for disease activity. A cohort of those in remission according to standardized disease activity indices (DAS28 < 2.6, BASDAI < 4) was offered a reduction in dosing frequency of two commonly used biologic therapies (etanercept 50 mg once per fortnight instead of weekly, adalimumab 40 mg once per month instead of fortnightly). Patients were assessed for disease activity at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months following reduction in dosing frequency. Cost saving was calculated. 79 patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission were recruited. 57% had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 45), 13% psoriatic arthritis (n = 10) and 30% ankylosing spondylitis (n = 24). 57% (n = 45) were taking etanercept and 43% (n = 34) adalimumab. The percentage of patients in remission at 24 months was 56% (n = 44). This resulted in an actual saving to the state of approximately 600,000 euro over two years. This study demonstrates the reduction in biologic dosing frequency is feasible in Inflammatory Arthritis. There was a considerable cost saving at two years. The potential for major cost savings in biologic usage should be pursued further.
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Kirwan P, Duffy T. OP0081-HPR Physiotherapist's Accuracy in Recognising and Diagnosing Inflammatory Joint Disease While Working in A New Patient Rheumatology Clinic. Ann Rheum Dis 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1117] [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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Carroll D, Duffy T, Martin CR. A comparison of the quality of life of vulnerable young males with severe emotional and behaviour difficulties in a residential setting and young males in mainstream schooling. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2014; 21:23-30. [PMID: 23448617 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and seventy-four males completed a quality of life (QoL) assessment utilizing, a generic paediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) and the short form (36) health survey (SF36). The adolescents aged 13-16 years were in a Scottish Centre for young males with social, emotional, behavioural and educational problems. To identify similarities and differences, a comparison group (n = 110) of males in the third and fourth year in a mainstream secondary school were also administered the PedsQL and the SF36 self-rating scales. The effectiveness of the PedsQL and the SF36 for assessing QoL for adolescent males was investigated. There were significant differences between the groups in the Centre and between the Centre groups and the comparison group in terms of their QoL. The results between the groups were found in the PedsQL subscales 'physical functioning' where secure > comparison (P = 0.04); secure > residential (P = 0.008); and PedsQL subscale 'social functioning' day > comparison (P = 0.026); secure > comparison (P = 0.037). SF36 subscales 'role physical functioning' secure > residential (P < 0.001); day > residential (P < 0.001). SF36 'role mental functioning' day > residential (P = 0.001). This study provides a unique insight into the complex dimensions influencing the QoL of this specific group of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Carroll
- Kibble Education and Care Centre, Paisley, UK
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18
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Ricardi MM, González RM, Zhong S, Domínguez PG, Duffy T, Turjanski PG, Salgado Salter JD, Alleva K, Carrari F, Giovannoni JJ, Estévez JM, Iusem ND. Genome-wide data (ChIP-seq) enabled identification of cell wall-related and aquaporin genes as targets of tomato ASR1, a drought stress-responsive transcription factor. BMC Plant Biol 2014; 14:29. [PMID: 24423251 PMCID: PMC3923394 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-14-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying the target genes of transcription factors is important for unraveling regulatory networks in all types of organisms. Our interest was precisely to uncover the spectrum of loci regulated by a widespread plant transcription factor involved in physiological adaptation to drought, a type of stress that plants have encountered since the colonization of land habitats 400 MYA. The regulator under study, named ASR1, is exclusive to the plant kingdom (albeit absent in Arabidopsis) and known to alleviate the stress caused by restricted water availability. As its target genes are still unknown despite the original cloning of Asr1 cDNA 20 years ago, we examined the tomato genome for specific loci interacting in vivo with this conspicuous protein. RESULTS We performed ChIP followed by high throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) on leaves from stressed tomato plants, using a high-quality anti-ASR1 antibody. In this way, we unraveled a novel repertoire of target genes, some of which are clearly involved in the response to drought stress. Many of the ASR1-enriched genomic loci we found encode enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis and remodeling as well as channels implicated in water and solute flux, such as aquaporins. In addition, we were able to determine a robust consensus ASR1-binding DNA motif. CONCLUSIONS The finding of cell wall synthesis and aquaporin genes as targets of ASR1 is consistent with their suggested role in the physiological adaptation of plants to water loss. The results gain insight into the environmental stress-sensing pathways leading to plant tolerance of drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martiniano M Ricardi
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo M González
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silin Zhong
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Tower Road, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Pía G Domínguez
- Instituto de Biotecnología – INTA, Hurlingham, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomas Duffy
- Instituto de Biotecnología – INTA, Hurlingham, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo G Turjanski
- Departamento de Computación, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan D Salgado Salter
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Alleva
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (IBBEA, CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Carrari
- Instituto de Biotecnología – INTA, Hurlingham, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - José M Estévez
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norberto D Iusem
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hoffman N, Herrmann H, Kim Y, Hsu H, Horsfield C, Rubery M, Wilson D, W. Stoeffl W, Young C, Mack J, Miller E, Grafil E, Evans S, Sedillo T, Glebov V, Duffy T. In situcalibration of the Gamma Reaction History instrument using reference samples (“pucks”) for areal density measurements. EPJ Web of Conferences 2013. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20135913019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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Quadrana L, Almeida J, Otaiza SN, Duffy T, Corrêa da Silva JV, de Godoy F, Asís R, Bermúdez L, Fernie AR, Carrari F, Rossi M. Transcriptional regulation of tocopherol biosynthesis in tomato. Plant Mol Biol 2013; 81:309-25. [PMID: 23247837 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-012-0001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Tocopherols, compounds with vitamin E (VTE) activity, are potent lipid-soluble antioxidants synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. Their biosynthesis requires the condensation of phytyl-diphosphate and homogentisate, derived from the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) and shikimate pathways (SK), respectively. These metabolic pathways are central in plant chloroplast metabolism and are involved in the biosynthesis of important molecules such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, aromatic amino-acids and prenylquinones. In the last decade, few studies have provided insights into the regulation of VTE biosynthesis and its accumulation. However, the pathway regulatory mechanism/s at mRNA level remains unclear. We have recently identified a collection of tomato genes involved in tocopherol biosynthesis. In this work, by a dedicated qPCR array platform, the transcript levels of 47 genes, including paralogs, were determined in leaves and across fruit development. Expression data were analyzed for correlation with tocopherol profiles by coregulation network and neural clustering approaches. The results showed that tocopherol biosynthesis is controlled both temporally and spatially however total tocopherol content remains constant. These analyses exposed 18 key genes from MEP, SK, phytol recycling and VTE-core pathways highly associated with VTE content in leaves and fruits. Moreover, genomic analyses of promoter regions suggested that the expression of the tocopherol-core pathway genes is trancriptionally coregulated with specific genes of the upstream pathways. Whilst the transcriptional profiles of the precursor pathway genes would suggest an increase in VTE content across fruit development, the data indicate that in the M82 cultivar phytyl diphosphate supply limits tocopherol biosynthesis in later fruit stages. This is in part due to the decreasing transcript levels of geranylgeranyl reductase (GGDR) which restricts the isoprenoid precursor availability. As a proof of concept, by analyzing a collection of Andean landrace tomato genotypes, the role of the pinpointed genes in determining fruit tocopherol content was confirmed. The results uncovered a finely tuned regulation able to shift the precursor pathways controlling substrate influx for VTE biosynthesis and overcoming endogenous competition for intermediates. The whole set of data allowed to propose that 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase and GGDR encoding genes, which determine phytyl-diphosphate availability, together with enzyme encoding genes involved in chlorophyll-derived phytol metabolism appear as the most plausible targets to be engineered aiming to improve tomato fruit nutritional value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Quadrana
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, B1712WAA, Castelar, Argentina.
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Duffy T, Cura CI, Ramirez JC, Abate T, Cayo NM, Parrado R, Bello ZD, Velazquez E, Muñoz-Calderon A, Juiz NA, Basile J, Garcia L, Riarte A, Nasser JR, Ocampo SB, Yadon ZE, Torrico F, de Noya BA, Ribeiro I, Schijman AG. Analytical performance of a multiplex Real-Time PCR assay using TaqMan probes for quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi satellite DNA in blood samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2000. [PMID: 23350002 PMCID: PMC3547845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The analytical validation of sensitive, accurate and standardized Real-Time PCR methods for Trypanosoma cruzi quantification is crucial to provide a reliable laboratory tool for diagnosis of recent infections as well as for monitoring treatment efficacy. Methods/Principal Findings We have standardized and validated a multiplex Real-Time quantitative PCR assay (qPCR) based on TaqMan technology, aiming to quantify T. cruzi satellite DNA as well as an internal amplification control (IAC) in a single-tube reaction. IAC amplification allows rule out false negative PCR results due to inhibitory substances or loss of DNA during sample processing. The assay has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.70 parasite equivalents/mL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.53 parasite equivalents/mL starting from non-boiled Guanidine EDTA blood spiked with T. cruzi CL-Brener stock. The method was evaluated with blood samples collected from Chagas disease patients experiencing different clinical stages and epidemiological scenarios: 1- Sixteen Venezuelan patients from an outbreak of oral transmission, 2- Sixty three Bolivian patients suffering chronic Chagas disease, 3- Thirty four Argentinean cases with chronic Chagas disease, 4- Twenty seven newborns to seropositive mothers, 5- A seronegative receptor who got infected after transplantation with a cadaveric kidney explanted from an infected subject. Conclusions/Significance The performing parameters of this assay encourage its application to early assessment of T. cruzi infection in cases in which serological methods are not informative, such as recent infections by oral contamination or congenital transmission or after transplantation with organs from seropositive donors, as well as for monitoring Chagas disease patients under etiological treatment. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in several Latin American countries and still represents a major neglected tropical threat. It is transmitted to humans by blood-sucking triatomine bugs, congenital transmission, blood transfusion, organ transplantation and by consuming food and juice contaminated with the parasite. Tools for accurate diagnosis and surrogate markers of parasitological response to treatment remain key needs in the field. This study focused on the evaluation of a novel quantitative PCR assay for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Chagas disease, on the basis of international guidelines for analytical validation of molecular diagnostic methods. The method allows the simultaneous amplification of parasite satellite DNA sequence and a heterologous internal amplification control that permits rule out false negative results due to inhibitory substances or loss of DNA during sample processing. It was evaluated in peripheral blood samples from acute and chronic patients as well as in umbilical cord blood samples from newborns to seropositive mothers. The performing characteristics of this assay position it as a promising candidate for application to clinical trials and kit developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Duffy
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina I. Cura
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C. Ramirez
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Teresa Abate
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Nelly M. Cayo
- Instituto de Biología de la Altura, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | | | - Zoraida Diaz Bello
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Elsa Velazquez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Muñoz-Calderon
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Natalia A. Juiz
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Basile
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Adelina Riarte
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio R. Nasser
- Laboratorio de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Susana B. Ocampo
- Instituto de Biología de la Altura, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Zaida E. Yadon
- Pan-American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | | | | | - Isabela Ribeiro
- Drugs and Neglected Diseases Initiative, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro G. Schijman
- Grupo de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Ayub MJ, Nyambega B, Simonetti L, Duffy T, Longhi SA, Gómez KA, Hoebeke J, Levin MJ, Smulski CR. Selective blockade of trypanosomatid protein synthesis by a recombinant antibody anti-Trypanosoma cruzi P2β protein. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36233. [PMID: 22570698 PMCID: PMC3343115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ribosomal P proteins are located on the stalk of the ribosomal large subunit and play a critical role during the elongation step of protein synthesis. The single chain recombinant antibody C5 (scFv C5) directed against the C-terminal region of the Trypanosoma cruzi P2β protein (TcP2β) recognizes the conserved C-terminal end of all T. cruzi ribosomal P proteins. Although this region is highly conserved among different species, surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that the scFv C5 possesses very low affinity for the corresponding mammalian epitope, despite having only one single amino-acid change. Crystallographic analysis, in silico modelization and NMR assays support the analysis, increasing our understanding on the structural basis of epitope specificity. In vitro protein synthesis experiments showed that scFv C5 was able to specifically block translation by T. cruzi and Crithidia fasciculata ribosomes, but virtually had no effect on Rattus norvegicus ribosomes. Therefore, we used the scFv C5 coding sequence to make inducible intrabodies in Trypanosoma brucei. Transgenic parasites showed a strong decrease in their growth rate after induction. These results strengthen the importance of the P protein C terminal regions for ribosomal translation activity and suggest that trypanosomatid ribosomal P proteins could be a possible target for selective therapeutic agents that could be derived from structural analysis of the scFv C5 antibody paratope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Juri Ayub
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Clark C, Duffy T, Cheng B, Gondek J, Fast M, Cooper K, White L. Interactions between hypoxia and sewage-derived contaminants on gene expression in fish embryos. Aquat Toxicol 2012; 108:60-69. [PMID: 22104699 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fish embryos were used to evaluate the interaction among common environmental and chemical stressors found in urban coastal environments, namely hypoxia, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, and estrogenic compounds. At the molecular level, the systems responding to these stressors share common response factors, and evidence exists for cross-talk between them. Biomarkers of exposure to these stressors, cytochrome P4501a (Cyp1a), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), brain cytochrome P450 aromatase (Cyp19a2 or AromB), and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif-1α) mRNA expression were examined using qRT-PCR simultaneously in embryos of two well studied species, the Atlantic killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio. Embryos of both species were exposed to the model Cyp1a inducer β-naphthoflavone (BNF) or 17-β estradiol (E2) under either normoxic or hypoxic (5% oxygen atmosphere) conditions and harvested prior to hatch at 9 days post fertilization (dpf) for the killifish, and 48h post fertilization (hpf) for the zebrafish. BNF significantly induced Cyp1a expression in embryos of both species with killifish embryos being more responsive (700-fold>control) than zebrafish embryos (7-100-fold>control). AromB was also significantly influenced by treatment, but to a lesser extent, with mean expression levels increased by less than two-fold over control values in response to E2, and in one case upregulated by BNF. ERα and Hif-1α were constitutively expressed in embryos of both species, but expression was unaffected by exposure to either BNF or E2. Hypoxic conditions downregulated AromB expression strongly in killifish but not in zebrafish embryos. The impact of hypoxia on expression of other genes in either species was inconsistent, although an interactive effect between hypoxia and BNF on several of the genes evaluated was observed. These data are the first to examine expression patterns of these important environmental response genes together in embryos of two important model fish species. The results support the use of Cyp1a expression as a biomarker of AhR agonists in fish embryos, and indicate that AromB may be more responsive than ERα to estrogenic chemicals at this stage in development. Hif-1α expression was not found to be a good biomarker of hypoxic exposure in either killifish or zebrafish embryos. The interaction observed between BNF and co-exposure to hypoxia warrants further investigation. Finally killifish embryos are generally more sensitive than zebrafish embryos at this stage of development supporting their use in environmental assessments.
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Glebov VY, Sangster TC, Stoeckl C, Knauer JP, Theobald W, Marshall KL, Shoup MJ, Buczek T, Cruz M, Duffy T, Romanofsky M, Fox M, Pruyne A, Moran MJ, Lerche RA, McNaney J, Kilkenny JD, Eckart MJ, Schneider D, Munro D, Stoeffl W, Zacharias R, Haslam JJ, Clancy T, Yeoman M, Warwas D, Horsfield CJ, Bourgade JL, Landoas O, Disdier L, Chandler GA, Leeper RJ. The National Ignition Facility neutron time-of-flight system and its initial performance (invited). Rev Sci Instrum 2010; 81:10D325. [PMID: 21033848 DOI: 10.1063/1.3492351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) successfully completed its first inertial confinement fusion (ICF) campaign in 2009. A neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) system was part of the nuclear diagnostics used in this campaign. The nTOF technique has been used for decades on ICF facilities to infer the ion temperature of hot deuterium (D(2)) and deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas based on the temporal Doppler broadening of the primary neutron peak. Once calibrated for absolute neutron sensitivity, the nTOF detectors can be used to measure the yield with high accuracy. The NIF nTOF system is designed to measure neutron yield and ion temperature over 11 orders of magnitude (from 10(8) to 10(19)), neutron bang time in DT implosions between 10(12) and 10(16), and to infer areal density for DT yields above 10(12). During the 2009 campaign, the three most sensitive neutron time-of-flight detectors were installed and used to measure the primary neutron yield and ion temperature from 25 high-convergence implosions using D(2) fuel. The OMEGA yield calibration of these detectors was successfully transferred to the NIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Yu Glebov
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, New York 14623, USA.
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25
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McKay PG, Duffy T, Martin CR. Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia the same? Implications for the provision of appropriate mental health intervention. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2009; 16:884-94. [PMID: 19930362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01464.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent distinct diagnostic entities within both the clinical and research literature. A common feature of both presentations is that they are often accompanied by a significant mental health burden. A further salient feature of both conditions is that there is no consistent consensus on aetiology. Evaluation of the features of each disorder seems to present a convincing case that both disorders may indeed have a common aetiology and further, the possibility exists that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent the same underlying disorder. Paradoxically, given this possibility it is remarkable that both patient groups are treated clinically with considerably different approaches to care and management. Mental health practitioners will come into contact with both groups of patients when support for the psychological consequences of diagnosis are necessary; however, many practitioners will be unaware of the debate regarding the aetiological ambiguities surrounding these presentations. The purpose of this review is to highlight the above issues in order to both facilitate awareness of the current aetiological/diagnostic impasse and facilitate provision of optimum mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G McKay
- School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of West of Scotland, Ayr, UK
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Duffy T, Bisio M, Altcheh J, Burgos JM, Diez M, Levin MJ, Favaloro RR, Freilij H, Schijman AG. Accurate real-time PCR strategy for monitoring bloodstream parasitic loads in chagas disease patients. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e419. [PMID: 19381287 PMCID: PMC2667272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This report describes a real-time PCR (Q-PCR) strategy to quantify Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) DNA in peripheral blood samples from Chagas disease patients targeted to conserved motifs within the repetitive satellite sequence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The Q-PCR has a detection limit of 0.1 and 0.01 parasites/mL, with a dynamic range of 10(6) and 10(7) for Silvio X10 cl1 (T. cruzi I) and Cl Brener stocks (T. cruzi IIe), respectively, an efficiency of 99%, and a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 0.998. In order to express accurately the parasitic loads: (1) we adapted a commercial kit based on silica-membrane technology to enable efficient processing of Guanidine Hydrochloride-EDTA treated blood samples and minimize PCR inhibition; (2) results were normalized incorporating a linearized plasmid as an internal standard of the whole procedure; and (3) a correction factor according to the representativity of satellite sequences in each parasite lineage group was determined using a modified real-time PCR protocol (Lg-PCR). The Q-PCR strategy was applied (1) to estimate basal parasite loads in 43 pediatric Chagas disease patients, (2) to follow-up 38 of them receiving treatment with benznidazole, and (3) to monitor three chronic Chagas heart disease patients who underwent heart-transplantation and displayed events of clinical reactivation due to immunosupression. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE All together, the high analytical sensitivity of the Q-PCR strategy, the low levels of intra- and inter-assay variations, as well as the accuracy provided by the Lg-PCR based correction factor support this methodology as a key laboratory tool for monitoring clinical reactivation and etiological treatment outcome in Chagas disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Duffy
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Margarita Bisio
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Parasitology Unit of the “Ricardo Gutierrez” Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Miguel Burgos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta Diez
- Transplant Unit of the Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular, Fundación “René Favaloro”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Jorge Levin
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Rene Favaloro
- Transplant Unit of the Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular, Fundación “René Favaloro”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hector Freilij
- Parasitology Unit of the “Ricardo Gutierrez” Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Gabriel Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Duffy T, Kleiman F, Pietrokovsky S, Issia L, Schijman A, Wisnivesky-Colli C. Real-time PCR strategy for rapid discrimination among main lymnaeid species from Argentina. Acta Trop 2009; 109:1-4. [PMID: 18983808 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Snails of the Family Lymnaeidae act as an intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica worldwide. The taxonomy of lymnaeid species is relevant for epidemiological studies and molecular strategies are increasingly used for that purpose. This work presents the first report of a real-time PCR approach used to identify the most important lymnaeid species in the Southern Cone of South America. Species discrimination is based on the sequence polymorphism located within the helix E10-1 of the variable region V2 of the 18S rRNA genes, which yields amplicons with clearly different melting temperatures. This procedure minimises the risk of carry-over contamination because it does not require post-PCR manipulations, and the whole protocol can be completed in less than 4h with a single snail foot as starting material. This method was successfully carried out in a blind study that included a panel of 20 Galba truncatula, 5 Lymnaea viatrix, 5 Lymnaea diaphana and 5 Pseudosuccinea columella specimens from different endemic areas for fasciolosis. This molecular approach constitutes a key laboratory tool complementing ecological studies that ultimately will promote more efficient control strategies.
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Ali ZA, Glebov VY, Cruz M, Duffy T, Stoeckl C, Roberts S, Sangster TC, Tommasini R, Throop A, Moran M, Dauffy L, Horsefield C. Tests and calibration of NIF neutron time of flight detectors. Rev Sci Instrum 2008; 79:10E527. [PMID: 19044508 DOI: 10.1063/1.2969289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) neutron time of flight (NTOF) diagnostic will measure neutron yield and ion temperature in all NIF campaigns in DD, DT, and THD(*) implosions. The NIF NTOF diagnostic is designed to measure neutron yield from 1x10(9) to 2x10(19). The NTOF consists of several detectors of varying sensitivity located on the NIF at about 5 and 20 m from the target. Production, testing, and calibration of the NIF NTOF detectors have begun at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). Operational tests of the NTOF detectors were performed on several facilities including the OMEGA laser at LLE and the Titan laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Neutron calibrations were carried out on the OMEGA laser. Results of the NTOF detector tests and calibration will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Ali
- National Security Technologies, LLC, Livermore, California 94550, USA
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29
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Duffy T, Sibley D, Avegno J, Dunbar L. 352: Undergraduate Medical Education as Affected by Hurricane Katrina. Ann Emerg Med 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2008.06.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Allen DD, Mulcahey MJ, Haley SM, Devivo MJ, Vogel LC, McDonald C, Duffy T, Betz RR. Motor scores on the functional independence measure after pediatric spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2008; 47:213-7. [PMID: 18679405 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2008.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective descriptive analysis. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to report the functional ability of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) as recorded on motor items of the functional independence measure (FIM) and to examine the factors associated with FIM motor admission and post-discharge gain scores. METHODS Scores on FIM motor items were analyzed from 941 children (age range: 0-21 years; mean: 13 years 4 months; s.d.: 4 years 8 months) admitted in acute-to-chronic time periods post-SCI to Shriners Hospitals for Children (USA). FIM motor scores at admission and gains at discharge were examined along with neurological level, completeness of injury, age, etiology of injury, and length of time between injury and admission and admission and discharge. RESULTS The FIM motor scores at admission were negatively correlated with age, neurological level and completeness of injury. Gain in FIM motor scores was significant across neurological levels, and was associated with lower admission FIM motor scores, lower neurological level, incomplete injury, traumatic injury and less time between injury and admission. CONCLUSIONS The motor function of children after pediatric SCI depends on neurological level and completeness of injury, among other factors. FIM motor scores can improve with intervention even several years after the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Allen
- Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, University of California San Francisco/San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94306, USA
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Duffy
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299
| | - W. T. Shmayda
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299
| | - R. Janezic
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299
| | - S. J. Loucks
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299
| | - J. Reid
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299
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32
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Miguel BJ, Diez M, Vigliano C, Duffy T, Bisio M, Favaloro L, Levin M, Nagel C, Favaloro N, Schijman A. Molecular Diagnosis, Follow-up and Identification of Natural Trypanosome cruzi Populations in Chagas Heart Disease Patients Undergoing Clinical Reactivation after Heart Transplantation. Int J Infect Dis 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(08)60027-2] [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: 10/21/2022] Open
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Burgos JM, Begher S, Bisio M, Levin MJ, Silva HMV, Schijman AG, Duffy T, Macedo AM. Molecular Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi I Tropism for Central Nervous System in Chagas Reactivation Due to AIDS. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008. [DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.78.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Burgos JM, Begher S, Silva HMV, Bisio M, Duffy T, Levin MJ, Macedo AM, Schijman AG. Molecular identification of Trypanosoma cruzi I tropism for central nervous system in Chagas reactivation due to AIDS. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008; 78:294-297. [PMID: 18256432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi lineages, microsatellite allelic polymorphism, and mithocondrial gene haplotypes were directly typified from peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens of a Bolivian patient with Chagas disease with accompanying AIDS and central nervous system severe involvement. Of note, the patient's blood was infected by a mixture of T. cruzi I and T. cruzi IId/e polyclonal populations while the cerebrospinal fluid showed only a monoclonal T. cruzi I population. Our findings do not corroborate the original assumption of innocuity for T. cruzi I in the southern cone of the Americas and highlight lineage I tropism for central nervous system causing lethal Chagas reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Burgos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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35
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Burgos JM, Altcheh J, Bisio M, Duffy T, Valadares HMS, Seidenstein ME, Piccinali R, Freitas JM, Levin MJ, Macchi L, Macedo AM, Freilij H, Schijman AG. Direct molecular profiling of minicircle signatures and lineages of Trypanosoma cruzi bloodstream populations causing congenital Chagas disease. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:1319-27. [PMID: 17570369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2007] [Accepted: 04/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi may occur in some or all the gestations from a T. cruzi-infected mother. Variable rates of congenital transmission have been reported in different geographical areas where different parasitic strains predominate, suggesting that parasitic genotypes might play a role in the risk of congenital transmission. Moreover, in cases of transmission it is unknown if the whole maternal T. cruzi population or certain clones are preferentially transmitted by the transplacental route. In this study, bloodstream T. cruzi lineages were identified in blood samples from congenitally infected children, transmitting and non-transmitting mothers and unrelated Chagas disease patients, using improved PCR strategies targeted to nuclear genomic markers. T. cruzi IId was the prevalent genotype among 36/38 PCR-positive congenitally infected infants, 5/5 mothers who transmitted congenital Chagas disease, 12/13 mothers who delivered non-infected children and 28/34 unrelated Chagas disease patients, all coming from endemic localities of Argentina and Bolivia. These figures indicate no association between a particular genotype and vertical transmission. Furthermore, minicircle signatures from the maternal and infants' bloodstream trypanosomes were profiled by restriction fragment length polymorphism of the 330-bp PCR-amplified variable regions in seven cases of mothers and congenitally infected infants. Minicircle signatures were nearly identical between each mother and her infant/s and unique to each mother-infant/s case, a feature that was also observed in twin deliveries. Moreover, allelic size polymorphism analysis of microsatellite loci from populations transmitted to twins showed that all clones from the maternal polyclonal population were equally infective to both siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Burgos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas (LaBMECh), Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ruiter M, Duffy T, Simasko S, Ritter R. Hindbrain leptin injections induce forebrain as well as hindbrain signaling. Appetite 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2007.03.173] [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: 10/23/2022]
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Schijman AG, Lauricella MA, Marcet PL, Duffy T, Cardinal MV, Bisio M, Levin MJ, Kitron U, Gürtler RE. Differential detection of Blastocrithidia triatomae and Trypanosoma cruzi by amplification of 24salpha ribosomal RNA genes in faeces of sylvatic triatomine species from rural northwestern Argentina. Acta Trop 2006; 99:50-4. [PMID: 16887092 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2005] [Revised: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Flagellates indistinguishable from Trypanosoma cruzi were detected by microscopy in faecal samples of 2/110 Triatoma guasayana and 2/283 Triatoma garciabesi captured in a rural area of northwestern Argentina. Inoculation of faecal homogenates to mice followed by xenodiagnosis, haemoculture, histopathology and culture from cardiac homogenates, and PCR based on T. cruzi minicircle and nuclear sequences failed to detect T. cruzi infection, pointing to another trypanosomatidean. A PCR strategy targeted to the D7 domain of 24salpha ribosomal DNA genes amplified a 250 bp sequence from one T. guasayana and one T. garciabesi faecal lysate. Sequence analysis revealed 100% identity with 24salpha rDNA amplicons from Blastocrithidia triatomae obtained from faeces of reared Triatoma infestans bugs. Phylogenetic analysis clustered this sequence with C. fasciculata and L. major, separated from the Trypanosoma branch (bootstrap: 968/1000), in concordance with a Neighbour-joining dendrogram based on 18s rDNA sequences. This PCR procedure provides a rapid sensitive tool for differential diagnosis of morphologically similar trypanosomatids in field surveys of Chagas disease vectors and laboratory-reared triatomines used for xenodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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38
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Marcet PL, Duffy T, Cardinal MV, Burgos JM, Lauricella MA, Levin MJ, Kitron U, Gürtler RE, Schijman AG. PCR-based screening and lineage identification of Trypanosoma cruzi directly from faecal samples of triatomine bugs from northwestern Argentina. Parasitology 2006; 132:57-65. [PMID: 16393354 PMCID: PMC1853270 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005008772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 07/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study applied improved DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction strategies for screening and identification of Trypanosoma cruzi lineages directly from faeces of triatomines collected in a well-defined rural area in northwestern Argentina. Amplification of the variable regions of the kinetoplastid minicircle genome (kDNA-PCR) was performed in faecal lysates from 33 microscope (MO)-positive and 93 MO-negative Triatoma infestans, 2 MO-positive and 38 MO-negative Triatoma guasayana and 2 MO-positive and 73 MO-negative Triatoma garciabesi. kDNA-PCR detected T. cruzi in 91% MO-positive and 7.5% MO-negative T. infestans, which were confirmed by amplification of the minicircle conserved region. In contrast, kDNA-PCR was negative in all faecal samples from the other triatomine species. A panel of PCR-based genomic markers (intergenic region of spliced-leader DNA, 24Salpha and 18S rRNA genes and A10 sequence) was implemented to identify the parasite lineages directly in DNA lysates from faeces and culture isolates from 28 infected specimens. Two were found to be infected with TCI, 24 with TCIIe, 1 with TCIId and 1 revealed a mixed TCI+TCII infection in the faecal sample whose corresponding culture only showed TCII, providing evidence of the advantages of direct typing of biological samples. This study provides an upgrade in the current diagnosis and lineage identification of T. cruzi in field-collected triatomines and shows T. cruziII strains as predominant in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Marcet
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pab 2, 2do piso, 1428, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Culshaw MG, Nathanail CP, Leeks GJL, Alker S, Bridge D, Duffy T, Fowler D, Packman JC, Swetnam R, Wadsworth R, Wyatt B. The role of web-based environmental information in urban planning--the environmental information system for planners. Sci Total Environ 2006; 360:233-45. [PMID: 16242758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Information System for Planners (EISP) is a proof of concept web-based system designed to support decision making within the UK planning framework by making information on environmental issues more widely accessible. It incorporates relevant outputs from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Urban Regeneration and the Environment (URGENT) research programme and from research directly commissioned by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It supports three principal planning functions carried out by local authorities: pre-planning enquiries, development control decisions and strategic planning. Eleven environmental science themes are incorporated: Air quality, Shallow undermining, Landslide susceptibility, Groundwater protection, Flood risk, Drainage, Land contamination, Proximity to landfill, Biodiversity, Natural and Man-made heritage. Decision flow diagrams represent detailed analysis of workflow in each theme, taking account of best practice, regulatory responsibilities and planning guidance. Industry-standard web technologies integrate the flows and provide access to the system via secure web pages. Underpinning the system is an environmental geographical information system (GIS) containing up-to-date data, information and models relevant to each theme. The modular system design allows new legislation and local priorities and datasets to be easily incorporated. Web technology delivers information and research data that have hitherto been difficult for the non-specialist to access and have therefore been under-exploited. The study has demonstrated a successful application of the principles of e-Governance in an area where informed decisions commonly require specialist information. The system, if rolled out nationally, offers potential economic benefits and efficiency savings for both planners and developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Culshaw
- British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK.
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40
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Atkinson M, Duffy T, Geraghty J. Computerising a rapid breast clinic. EJC Suppl 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(06)80167-9] [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: 10/24/2022] Open
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Burgos JM, Begher SB, Freitas JM, Bisio M, Duffy T, Altcheh J, Teijeiro R, Lopez Alcoba H, Deccarlini F, Freilij H, Levin MJ, Levalle J, Macedo AM, Schijman AG. Molecular diagnosis and typing of Trypanosoma cruzi populations and lineages in cerebral Chagas disease in a patient with AIDS. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 73:1016-8. [PMID: 16354804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was amplified from an intracranial biopsy and peripheral blood of an HIV patient with encephalitis; this episode was indicative of AIDS and congenital Chagas disease. The analysis of a micro-satellite locus revealed a multiclonal parasite population at the brain lesion with a more complex minicircle signature than that profiled in blood using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-PCR and low stringency single primer (LSSP) PCR. Interestingly, different sublineages of T. cruzi II were detected in blood and brain by means of spliced-leader and 24salpha ribosomal-DNA amplifications. Quantitative-competitive PCR monitored the decrease of parasitic load during treatment and secondary prophylaxis with benznidazole. The synergy between parasiticidal plus anti-retroviral treatments probably allowed the patient a longer survival than usually achieved in similar episodes. This is the first case report demonstrating a differential distribution of natural parasite populations and sublineages in Chagas disease reactivation, showing the proliferation of cerebral variants not detectable in peripheral blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Burgos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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42
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Duffy T, Gabay C. [Rheumatological arthroscopy]. Rev Med Suisse 2005; 1:701-2, 704. [PMID: 15828373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Arthroscopy is a useful tool for the clinical rheumatologist. It allows the clinician to examine the synovial tissue under direct vision for evidence of active inflammation. It permits tissue sampling. Biopsies taken at arthroscopy can be used for diagnosis, as in the case of infectious arthritis, and in the context of clinical research. Arthroscopy also has therapeutic benefits when performed in conjunction with lavage. It is a simple procedure to perform, after the appropriate training. The procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis and is well tolerated by patients. In this article we will outline the practical concerns relating to rheumatological arthroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Duffy
- Service de rhumatologie, Département de médecine interne, HUG, 1211 Genève 14.
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43
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Duffy T. WHO membership: the plight of Taiwan. J Med Ethics 2004; 30:504; discussion 504. [PMID: 15467089 PMCID: PMC1733920 DOI: 10.1136/jme.2002.000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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44
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Stafford L, Kane D, Murphy E, Duffy T, Lassere M, Youssef PP, Bresnihan B, Fitzgerald O. Psoriasis predicts a poor short-term outcome in patients with spondylarthropathy. Arthritis Rheum 2001; 45:485-93. [PMID: 11762682 DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(200112)45:6<485::aid-art373>3.0.co;2-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The outcome of patients with recent-onset spondylarthropathy (SpA) is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prospectively correlate clinical and laboratory features with functional and radiologic outcome in patients with psoriatic SpA (PsS), undifferentiated SpA (uSpA), and Reiter's syndrome/reactive arthritis (ReA). METHODS Patients presenting to an early arthritis clinic with a spondylarthropathy pattern of peripheral arthritis were selected and prospectively followed. Clinical and laboratory features were recorded at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Radiographs of affected joints were taken at presentation and at followup. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 157 patients: 82 PsS, 59 uSpA, and 16 ReA. Symptom duration at presentation was progressively shorter, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein (ESR/CRP) incrementally higher in ReA, uSpA, and PsS, respectively. There was a higher swollen joint count (SJC) in PsS compared with uSpA. In PsS, strong positive correlations were observed between ESR/CRP and articular indices. Initially, functional impairment was greater in ReA compared with uSpA and PsS but resolved completely in ReA. Clinical remission rates at 2 years were ReA 61% and uSpA 63%, compared with PsS 14%. Remission at 2 years could be predicted in SpA by disease category and presentation SJC. Baseline erosions in PsS (28%) and uSpA (5%) increased to 45% and 25%, respectively, at 2 years. CONCLUSION These observations suggest a spectrum within the spondylarthropathy subgroups where at presentation the acute phase markers in ReA and uSpA reflect a systemic process, whereas in PsS they reflect articular manifestations. Although the clinical presentations are indistinguishable, PsS has a more aggressive clinical course with a poorer functional and radiologic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Stafford
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Ablamunits V, Bridgett M, Duffy T, Haag F, Nissen M, Koch-Nolte F, Leiter H. Changing patterns of cell surface mono (ADP-ribosyl) transferase antigen ART2.2 on resting versus cytopathically-activated T cells in NOD/Lt mice. Diabetologia 2001; 44:848-58. [PMID: 11508269 DOI: 10.1007/s001250100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS ART2.2 is a mouse T-cell surface ectoenzyme [mono (ADP-ribosyl) transferase] shed upon strong activation. We analysed temporal changes in ART2.2 expression in unmanipulated and cyclophosphamide-treated NOD/Lt mice compared with diabetes-resistant control strains. We used NAD, the ART2.2 substrate, to test whether ART-mediated ADP-ribosylation could retard diabetogenic activation of islet-reactive T cells in vitro. METHODS ART2.2 and CD38, another NAD-utilizing enzyme, were measured by flow cytometry. ADP-ribosylation from ethano-NAD was followed by flow cytometry using a reagent specific for etheno-ADP ribose. RESULTS Although mature NOD CD4 + and C D8 + T cells expressed ART2.2, this expression was delayed in young NOD mice when compared with control strains. This ontological delay at 3 weeks of age correlated with an early burst of CD25 expression unique to NOD splenic T cells. This pattern was reproduced in cyclophosphamide-accelerated diabetes in young NOD/Lt males, wherein a retarded repopulation of ART2.2 T cells in spleen and islets correlated with development of heavy insulitis and diabetes. NAD inhibited anti-CD3 induced activation of splenic T cells in vitro and also retarded killing of beta-cell targets by NOD islet-reactive CD8 effectors in vitro at concentrations equal to or greater than 1 micromol/l. Evidence suggested that CD38 on B lymphocytes competes with ART2.2 for substrate needed by B lymphocytes for ADP ribosylation. CONCLUSIONS ART2.2 on T cells may not simply mark the resting state, but could also contribute to it via ADP-ribosylation.
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MESH Headings
- ADP Ribose Transferases/metabolism
- ADP-ribosyl Cyclase
- ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1
- Aging/immunology
- Aging/physiology
- Animals
- Antigens, CD
- Antigens, Differentiation/metabolism
- Cell Membrane/enzymology
- Cyclophosphamide/pharmacology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/prevention & control
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte
- Islets of Langerhans/enzymology
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- NAD+ Nucleosidase/metabolism
- Spleen/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ablamunits
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
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Kahl S, Nissen M, Girisch R, Duffy T, Leiter EH, Haag F, Koch-Nolte F. Metalloprotease-mediated shedding of enzymatically active mouse ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase ART2.2 upon T cell activation. J Immunol 2000; 165:4463-9. [PMID: 11035085 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.165.8.4463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
T cells proteolytically shed the ectodomains of several cell surface proteins and, thereby, can alter their responsiveness and can release soluble intercellular regulators. ART2.2 is a GPI-anchored ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase (ART) related to ADP-ribosylating bacterial toxins. ART2.2 is expressed exclusively by mature T cells. Here we show that ART2.2 is shed from the cell surface in enzymatically active form upon activation of T cells. Shedding of ART2.2 resembles that of L-selectin (CD62L) in dose response, kinetics of release, and sensitivity to the metalloprotease inhibitor Immunex Compound 3, suggesting that ART2.2, like CD62L, is cleaved by TNF-alpha-converting enzyme or by another metalloprotease. ART2.2 shed from activated T cells migrates slightly faster in SDS-PAGE analyses than does ART2.2 released upon cleavage of the GPI anchor. This indicates that shedding of ART2.2 is mediated by proteolytic cleavage close to its membrane anchor. Shed ART2.2 is enzymatically active and ADP-ribosylates several substrates in vitro. Thus, shedding of ART2.2 releases a potential intercellular regulator. Finally, using a new FACS assay for monitoring ADP-ribosylation of cell surface proteins, we demonstrate that shedding of ART2.2 correlates with a reduced sensitivity of T cell surface proteins to ADP-ribosylation. Our findings suggest that by shedding ART2.2 the activated T cell not only releases a potential intercellular regulator but also may alter its responsiveness to immune regulation by ART2.2-mediated ADP-ribosylation of cell surface proteins.
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MESH Headings
- ADP Ribose Transferases
- Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose/metabolism
- Animals
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
- Cell Membrane/enzymology
- Cell-Free System/immunology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
- Enzyme Activation/immunology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Glycosylphosphatidylinositols/metabolism
- Histocompatibility Antigens/metabolism
- Hydrolysis
- Kinetics
- L-Selectin/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Metalloendopeptidases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Metalloendopeptidases/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Molecular Weight
- Phosphatidylinositol Diacylglycerol-Lyase
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases/metabolism
- Precipitin Tests
- Protein Kinase C/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Type C Phospholipases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kahl
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
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Duffy T, Moore C. Health visitors' knowledge and attitudes relating to HIV and AIDS. Br J Community Nurs 2000; 5:422, 424, 426-30. [PMID: 12192334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing in the heterosexual community and people already affected by HIV are living longer. As a result, health visitors will be more involved in caring for people with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge level of health visitors about HIV infection and AIDS, and to identify some of the attitudes held by them concerning AIDS and the variety of symptoms that can occur in HIV positive individuals (AIDS related complex) before they have actually developed AIDS. The influence of AIDS-related education and the experience of caring for affected patients on health visitors' knowledge of the disease was assessed. The attitudes of carers towards these patients were also ascertained. All heath visitors (n = 88) working in the Merton and Sutton Community Healthcare Trust were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey. Fifty-five health visitors participated. Knowledge relating to HIV and AIDS was good, but the majority of respondents felt they did not have all the information they needed about HIV and AIDS. Almost one-quarter of respondents had cared for a client who was either HIV positive or had AIDS. Overall, the findings were quite encouraging. However, further education, training, and support were identified as necessary. These shortfalls need to be addressed in order to fully assist health visitors in their role of caring for clients and families affected by HIV and AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Duffy
- South West London Community Healthcare Trust, UK
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Koch-Nolte F, Duffy T, Nissen M, Kahl S, Killeen N, Ablamunits V, Haag F, Leiter EH. A new monoclonal antibody detects a developmentally regulated mouse ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase on T cells: subset distribution, inbred strain variation, and modulation upon T cell activation. J Immunol 1999; 163:6014-22. [PMID: 10570289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
ADP-ribosylation of membrane proteins on mouse T cells by ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase(s) (ARTs) can down-regulate proliferation and function. The lack of mAbs against mouse ARTs has heretofore prevented analysis of ART expression on T cell subsets. Using gene gun technology, we immunized a Wistar rat with an Art2b expression vector and produced a novel mAb, Nika102, specific for ART2.2, the Art2b gene product. We show that ART2.2 is expressed as a GPI-anchored protein on the surface of mature T cells. Inbred strain-dependent differences in ART2.2 expression levels were observed. C57BL/6J and C57BLKS/J express the Ag at high level, with up to 70% of CD4+ and up to 95% of CD8+ peripheral T cells expressing ART2.2. CBA/J and DBA/2J represent strains with lowest expression levels. T cell-deficient mice and NZW/LacJ mice with a defective structural gene for this enzyme were ART2.2 negative. In the thymus, ART2.2 expression is restricted to subpopulations of mature cells. During postnatal ontogeny, increasing percentages of T cells express ART2.2, reaching a peak at 6-8 wk of age. Interestingly, ART2.2 and CD25 are reciprocally expressed: activation-induced up-regulation of CD25 is accompanied by loss of ART2.2 from the cell surface. Nika102 thus defines a new differentiation/activation marker of thymic and postthymic T cells in the mouse and should be useful for further elucidating the function of the ART2.2 cell surface enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Koch-Nolte
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital, Hamburg, Germany; The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
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Duffy T. The electronic campus. Nurs Times 1997; 93:38-9. [PMID: 9393026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T Duffy
- University of Paisley, Scotland
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Abstract
Dilatation and curettage (D + C) is the most common operation performed in Britain. The liberal use of D + C has been criticised. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of outpatient endometrial pipelle biopsy and determine its safety in terms of detecting abnormalities. Complications and financial costs were also evaluated. Data were reviewed from an active gynaecological unit from February 1993 to January 1995. A total of 303 D + Cs and 104 endometrial pipelle biopsies were performed in this period. Nine malignancies were detected by D + C and 1 by pipelle biopsy. A total of 24 and 3 benign abnormalities were detected by each method respectively. There was a higher complication rate in the D + C group but the failure rate was higher in the endometrial pipelle biopsy group. The monetary savings over this period is estimated at 20,307 pounds. There were no missed malignancies to our knowledge over the 8 yr period since endometrial pipelle biopsy was introduced to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ong
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin
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