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Comparative genomics provides insights into molecular adaptation to hypermetamorphosis and cantharidin metabolism in blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 38488179 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) are currently subdivided into three subfamilies: Eleticinae (a basal group), Nemognathinae, and Meloinae. These are all characterized by the endogenous production of the defensive terpene cantharidin (CA), whereas the two most derived subfamilies show a hypermetamorphic larval development. Here, we provide novel draft genome assemblies of five species sampled across the three blister beetle subfamilies (Iselma pallidipennis, Stenodera caucasica, Zonitis immaculata, Lydus trimaculatus, and Mylabris variabilis) and performed a comparative analysis with other available Meloidae genomes and the closely-related canthariphilous species (Pyrochroa serraticornis) to disclose adaptations at a molecular level. Our results highlighted the expansion and selection of genes potentially responsible for CA production and metabolism, as well as its mobilization and vesicular compartmentalization. Furthermore, we observed adaptive selection patterns and gain of genes devoted to epigenetic regulation, development, and morphogenesis, possibly related to hypermetamorphosis. We hypothesize that most genetic adaptations occurred to support both CA biosynthesis and hypermetamorphosis, two crucial aspects of Meloidae biology that likely contributed to their evolutionary success.
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The cranial apparatus glands of the canthariphilous Pyrochroa coccinea (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae), and their implications in sexual behaviour. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2023; 77:101316. [PMID: 37924698 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2023.101316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Some Pyrochroidae species are known as "canthariphilous" for their attraction to cantharidin (CTD), a toxic terpene with anti-predatory effects, produced in nature by only two beetle families (Meloidae and Oedemeridae). It has been demonstrated that males of Neopyrochroa flabellata ingesting CTD are positively selected by females. Indeed, the compound is re-emitted from a glandular cranial apparatus as secretions that are licked up by females during courtship behaviour, inducing copulation. Herein, we provide the first description of the glands associated to the cranial apparatus of male Pyrochroinae using the European species Pyrochroa coccinea as a model. Morphological analyses show that the cranial apparatus consists of a concave pit lined with short setae retaining secretions emitted through numerous glandular pores. Ultrastructural investigations reveal the presence of two different class 3 glands (Gl.A and Gl.B), intermixed at the level of the pit but exhibiting distinct features. Gl.A are mainly characterised by short conducting canals, rounded nuclei and electrondense vesicles while Gl.B are characterised by long conducting canals, irregular nuclei, vesicles containing a particulate substance and a multifolded plasma membrane. Observations of sexual behaviour are also reported for P. coccinea and compared to N. flabellata, confirming the involvement of cranial apparatus secretions in courtship behaviour.
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A multiscale hybrid model for exploring the effect of Resolvin D1 on macrophage polarization during acute inflammation. Math Biosci 2023; 359:108997. [PMID: 36996999 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2023.108997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated inflammation underlies various diseases. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) like Resolvin D1 (RvD1) have been shown to resolve inflammation and halt disease progression. Macrophages, key immune cells that drive inflammation, respond to the presence of RvD1 by polarizing to an anti-inflammatory type (M2). However, RvD1's mechanisms, roles, and utility are not fully understood. This paper introduces a gene-regulatory network (GRN) model that contains pathways for RvD1 and other SPMs and proinflammatory molecules like lipopolysaccharides. We couple this GRN model to a partial differential equation - agent-based hybrid model using a multiscale framework to simulate an acute inflammatory response with and without the presence of RvD1. We calibrate and validate the model using experimental data from two animal models. The model reproduces the dynamics of key immune components and the effects of RvD1 during acute inflammation. Our results suggest RvD1 can drive macrophage polarization through the G protein-coupled receptor 32 (GRP32) pathway. The presence of RvD1 leads to an earlier and increased M2 polarization, reduced neutrophil recruitment, and faster apoptotic neutrophil clearance. These results support a body of literature that suggests that RvD1 is a promising candidate for promoting the resolution of acute inflammation. We conclude that once calibrated and validated on human data, the model can identify critical sources of uncertainty, which could be further elucidated in biological experiments and assessed for clinical use.
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Metabolic syndrome evaluation improves prostate cancer detection in patients undergoing a repeat biopsy. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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5
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Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) related to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i): Analysis of real-life data from Eudra-Vigilance (EV) database. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)01287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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6
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Trends and incidence of reported events associated with staplers: An analysis of the food and drug administration’s manufacturer and user facility device experience database. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Uncovering Active Bacterial Symbionts in Three Species of Pollen-feeding Beetles (Nitidulidae: Meligethinae). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:335-339. [PMID: 35059821 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01964-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts enable many phytophagous insects to specialize on plant-based diets through a range of metabolic services. Pollen comprises one-plant tissue consumed by such herbivores. While rich in lipids and proteins, its nutrient content is often imbalanced and difficult-to-access due to a digestibly recalcitrant cell wall. Pollen quality can be further degraded by harmful allelochemicals. To identify microbes that may aid in palynivory, we performed cDNA-based 16S rRNA metabarcoding on three related pollen beetles (Nitidulidae: Meligethinae) exhibiting different dietary breadths: Brassicogethes aeneus, B. matronalis, and Meligethes atratus. Nine bacterial symbionts (i.e., 97% OTUs) exhibited high metabolic activity during active feeding. Subsequent PCR surveys revealed varying prevalence of those from three Rickettsialles genera-Lariskella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia-within beetle populations. Our findings lay the groundwork for future studies on the influence of phylogeny and diet on palynivorous insect microbiomes, and roles of symbionts in the use of challenging diets.
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Medications mostly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIS): assessment of the eudravigilance (EV) and food and drug administration (FDA) pharmacovigilance databases entries. EUR UROL SUPPL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(22)01110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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9
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Is MRI and fusion biopsies necessary in patients with PSA levels >10 ng/ml? EUR UROL SUPPL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(22)00995-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Medullary sponge kidney: unusual finding in kidney transplant recipient. Ultrasound J 2022; 14:39. [PMID: 36175746 PMCID: PMC9522951 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-022-00277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Medullary sponge kidney is generally considered a benign condition, gold standard for the diagnosis is urography but it has almost been replaced by UroCT that did not present the same sensibility. Although it is really rare, our sonography’s findings were consistent with medullary sponge kidney in the transplanted kidneys.
Case presentation
A 45-year-old woman with a long history of double-kidney transplantation complained of frequent urinary tract infections, a history of vague loin pain and came to our attention for sonography follow-up. Her kidney function was normal, we did not find signs of infections in the transplanted kidneys and urinary findings were normal. Curiously, the transplanted kidneys came from a newborn and the patient received a double-kidney transplantation in order to guarantee a satisfactory renal function.
Conclusions
Despite a long history of kidney transplantation, genetic disease should not be forgotten when symptoms and images recall to specific inherited alterations. Sonography has to be considered in diagnostic path of kidney cystic disease.
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11
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Phylogeny of European
Pyrochroa
(Coleoptera, Pyrochroidae) reveals cryptic taxa and different glacial histories. ZOOL SCR 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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New Evidence of Canthariphily: Tilloidea transversalis (Coleoptera: Cleridae) Sequestering Cantharidin From Lydus trimaculatus (Coleoptera: Meloidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:6618873. [PMID: 35762395 PMCID: PMC9237715 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a defensive compound autogenously and exclusively produced by two phylogenetically related beetle families: Meloidae and Oedemeridae. Although this molecule usually acts as a strong deterrent against potential predators and parasites, some arthropod species, collectively named 'canthariphilous species', are attracted to CTD. Some species can sequester CTD from the CTD-producing species, using it as a chemical defense against enemies. The present paper focuses on the first-ever description of canthariphilous interactions between a checkered beetle species (Coleoptera: Cleridae) and a CTD -producing species. Field observations revealed individuals of the phytophagous beetle Tilloidea transversalis (Charpentier, 1825) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) biting individuals of the blister beetle Lydus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Laboratory behavioral experiments followed to verify if this peculiar behavior of T. transversalis also occurs on other co-occurring species. Moreover, chemical analyses were performed to assess whether T. transversalis can sequester CTD. Our results show that T. transversalis only attacks CTD-producing species. However, while chemical analyses prove that T. transversalis can sequester CTD from the hemolymph of L. trimaculatus, some clues (based on a CTD-baited traps sampling) suggest that this beetle, contrarily to other canthariphilous species, does not appear to show a high attraction to pure synthetic CTD. Thus, other unknown signals, alone or in combination with CTD, could be implicated in triggering the canthariphilous behaviors of T. transversalis.
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First evidence of in vitro cytotoxic effects of marine microlitter on Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus, two Mediterranean commercial fish species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152618. [PMID: 34968612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is composed mainly of plastics and is recognized as a serious threat to marine ecosystems. Ecotoxicological approaches have started elucidating the potential severity of microplastics (MPs) in controlled laboratory studies with pristine materials but no information exists on marine environmental microlitter as a whole. Here, we characterized the litter in the coastal Northern Tyrrhenian sea and in the stomach of two fish species of socio-economic importance, and exposed primary cell cultures of mucosal and lymphoid organs to marine microlitter for evaluating possible cytotoxic effects. An average of 0.30 ± 0.02 microlitter items m-3 was found in water samples. μFT-IR analysis revealed that plastic particles, namely HDPE, polyamide and polypropylene were present in 100% and 83.3% of Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus analyzed, which overall ingested 14.67 ± 4.10 and 5.50 ± 1.97 items/individual, respectively. Moreover, microlitter was confirmed as a vector of microorganisms. Lastly, the apical end-point of viability was found to be significantly reduced in splenic cells exposed in vitro to two microlitter conditions. Considering the role of the spleen in the mounting of adaptive immune responses, our results warrant more in-depth investigations for clarifying the actual susceptibility of these two species to anthropogenic microlitter.
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Medications mostly associated with urinary retention: Assessment of the Eudravigilance (EV) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pharmacovigilance database entries. Eur Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(22)00670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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15
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Real-life adverse events related to PDE-5 I treatment: Analysis of the EudraVigilance database. Eur Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(22)01245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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16
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Medications mostly associated with haematuria: Assessment of the EudraVigilance (EV) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pharmacovigilance databases entries. Eur Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(22)00193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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New Approach to Privacy-Preserving Clinical Decision Support Systems for HIV Treatment. J Med Syst 2022; 46:84. [PMID: 36261621 PMCID: PMC9581834 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-022-01851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV treatment prescription is a complex process. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are a category of health information technologies that can assist clinicians to choose optimal treatments based on clinical trials and expert knowledge. The usability of some CDSSs for HIV treatment would be significantly improved by using the knowledge obtained by treating other patients. This knowledge, however, is mainly contained in patient records, whose usage is restricted due to privacy and confidentiality constraints. METHODS A treatment effectiveness measure, containing valuable information for HIV treatment prescription, was defined and a method to extract this measure from patient records was developed. This method uses an advanced cryptographic technology, known as secure Multiparty Computation (henceforth referred to as MPC), to preserve the privacy of the patient records and the confidentiality of the clinicians' decisions. FINDINGS Our solution enables to compute an effectiveness measure of an HIV treatment, the average time-to-treatment-failure, while preserving privacy. Experimental results show that our solution, although at proof-of-concept stage, has good efficiency and provides a result to a query within 24 min for a dataset of realistic size. INTERPRETATION This paper presents a novel and efficient approach HIV clinical decision support systems, that harnesses the potential and insights acquired from treatment data, while preserving the privacy of patient records and the confidentiality of clinician decisions.
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Unraveling the role of male reproductive tract and haemolymph in cantharidin-exuding Lydus trimaculatus and Mylabris variabilis (Coleoptera: Meloidae): a comparative transcriptomics approach. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:808. [PMID: 34749651 PMCID: PMC8576976 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meloidae (blister beetles) are known to synthetize cantharidin (CA), a toxic and defensive terpene mainly stored in male accessory glands (MAG) and emitted outward through reflex-bleeding. Recent progresses in understanding CA biosynthesis and production organ(s) in Meloidae have been made, but the way in which self-protection is achieved from the hazardous accumulation and release of CA in blister beetles has been experimentally neglected. To provide hints on this pending question, a comparative de novo assembly transcriptomic approach was performed by targeting two tissues where CA is largely accumulated and regularly circulates in Meloidae: the male reproductive tract (MRT) and the haemolymph. Differential gene expression profiles in these tissues were examined in two blister beetle species, Lydus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (tribe Lyttini) and Mylabris variabilis (Pallas, 1781) (tribe Mylabrini). Upregulated transcripts were compared between the two species to identify conserved genes possibly involved in CA detoxification and transport. Results Based on our results, we hypothesize that, to avoid auto-intoxication, ABC, MFS or other solute transporters might sequester purported glycosylated CA precursors into MAG, and lipocalins could bind CA and mitigate its reactivity when released into the haemolymph during the autohaemorrhaging response. We also found an over-representation in haemolymph of protein-domains related to coagulation and integument repairing mechanisms that likely reflects the need to limit fluid loss during reflex-bleeding. Conclusions The de novo assembled transcriptomes of L. trimaculatus and M. variabilis here provided represent valuable genetic resources to further explore the mechanisms employed to cope with toxicity of CA in blister beetle tissues. These, if revealed, might help conceiving safe and effective drug-delivery approaches to enhance the use of CA in medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8.
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Role of inflammatory markers and frailty index as predictors of adverse pathological stage andcomplications in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer: a multicenter analysis. EUR UROL SUPPL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(21)00826-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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20
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Role of inflammatory markers and frailty index as predictors of adverse pathological stage in patients with kidney cancer: a multicenter analysis. EUR UROL SUPPL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(21)00994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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21
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Alpha-blockers adverse events: Analysis of real-life data from Eudra-Vigilance. Eur Urol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(21)00428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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22
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Larval features illuminating adult taxonomy? Case study in the European cardinal beetle species of the genus Pyrochroa (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae). Zootaxa 2021; 4966:337348. [PMID: 34186613 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4966.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of the two European species of the genus Pyrochroa (P. coccinea and P. serraticornis) are redescribed, for the first time based on Italian samples, and new relevant and distinctive characters have emerged from P. serraticornis. Particularly, the presence of a single urogomphal pit between urogomphi (representing a new condition for the entire family), and new characters of mandibles, open new questions about the current taxonomic status of the European species.
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Rosaceae, Brassicaceae and pollen beetles: exploring relationships and evolution in an anthophilous beetle lineage (Nitidulidae, Meligethes-complex of genera) using an integrative approach. Front Zool 2021; 18:9. [PMID: 33676546 PMCID: PMC7936458 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00390-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meligethes are pollen-beetles associated with flowers of Rosaceae as larvae. This genus currently consists of 63 known species in two subgenera, Meligethes and Odonthogethes, predominantly occurring in the eastern Palaearctic. We analyzed 74 morphological and ecological characters (169 states) of all species, as well as of 11 outgroup species from 7 Meligethinae genera (including Brassicogethes), to investigate their phylogeny. We also conducted a parallel molecular analysis on 9 Meligethes, 9 Odonthogethes, 3 Brassicogethes and 2 Meligethinus species based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (CAD) genes. RESULTS Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of the whole genus and clades corresponding to purported subgenera Meligethes s.str. and Odonthogethes. Main species-groups were mostly confirmed, however some unresolved polytomies remained. Molecular data placed members of Brassicogethes (including 42 mostly W Palearctic species associated with Brassicaceae) as sister to Odonthogethes, with this clade being sister to Meligethes s.str. This phylogenetic scenario suggests that monophyletic Meligethes s.str., Odonthogethes and Brassicogethes should be regarded alternatively as three subgenera of a monophyletic Meligethes, or three genera in a monophyletic genus-complex, with mutually monophyletic Brassicogethes and Odonthogethes. Molecular analyses estimated the origin of this lineage at ca. 14-15 Mya from a common stem including Meligethinus. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that the ancestor of Meligethes specialized on Rosaceae in the Middle Miocene (likely in Langhian Age) and subsequently radiated during Late Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene maintaining a trophic niche on this plant family. This radiation was primarily due to geographic isolation in E Asiatic mountain systems. Combined evidence from morphology, ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of host-plant associations and molecular evidence suggested that Rosoideae (Rosa spp.) represented the ancestral hosts of Meligethes s.str., followed by an independent shift of ancestral Odonthogethes (ca. 9-15 Mya) on Rubus (Rosoideae) and members of Rosaceae Spiraeoideae. Other ancestral Odonthogethes probably shifted again on the unrelated plant family Brassicaceae (maybe 8-14 Mya in S China), allowing a rapid westward radiation of the Brassicogethes clade.
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A Novel Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (AS-PCR) Assay to Detect the V1016G Knockdown Resistance Mutation Confirms Its Widespread Presence in Aedes albopictus Populations from Italy. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12010079. [PMID: 33477382 PMCID: PMC7830166 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping of mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (vssc) associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides is widely used and represents a potential early warning and monitoring system for insecticide resistance arising in mosquito populations, which are vectors of different human pathogens. In the secondary vector Aedes albopictus-an Asian species that has invaded and colonized the whole world, including temperate regions-sequencing of domain II of the vssc gene is still needed to detect the V1016G mutation associated with pyrethroid resistance. In this study we developed and tested a novel allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay to genotype the V1016G mutation in this species and applied it to the analysis of wild populations from Italy. The results confirm the high accuracy of the novel AS-PCR and highlight frequencies of the V1016G allele as >5% in most sampling sites, with peaks of 20-45% in coastal touristic sites where pyrethroid treatments are extensively implemented, mostly for mosquito nuisance reduction. The high frequency of this mutation observed in Italian Ae. albopictus populations should serve as a warning bell, advocating for increased monitoring and management of a phenomenon which risks neutralizing the only weapon today available to counteract (risks of) arbovirus outbreaks.
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The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100980. [PMID: 32829176 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.
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Successful trial without catheter development of a clinical nomogram. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)35434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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27
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Risk factors for acute urinary retention development of a clinical nomogram. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)32997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Advanced Plaque Assessment By Coronary Ct Angiography In Diabetic Patients With More Than 10 Years Of Disease Duration: A Long-term Follow-up Study. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2020.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Successful trial without catheter development of a clinical nomogram. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33568-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Phylogenetics and population structure of the steppe species Hycleus polymorphus (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Mylabrini) reveal multiple refugia in Mediterranean mountain ranges. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMany continental species distributed in the Eurasian steppe occur as relict populations in the mountains of Western Europe. Their biogeographical responses to Quaternary climate changes have been poorly studied; however, they could have responded as cold-adapted species. We investigated the biogeographic history of a steppe beetle, Hycleus polymorphus, using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences (COI, CAD, ITS2), and species distribution modelling (SDM) under present and past bioclimatic envelopes. We first performed a phylogenetic assessment to define species boundaries within the H. polymorphus species group. Specimens previously treated as Hycleus humerosus on morphological grounds are assigned to H. polymorphus, and those identified as Hycleus zebraeus assigned to Hycleus atratus. ITS2 data analyses revealed a strong phylogeographical structure of H. polymorphus populations, with four haplogroups corresponding to the (i) Italian Alps, (ii) French Alps and Pyrenees, (iii) South Balkan and Pontic mountains, and (iv) North Dinaric Alps. Based on these analyses and the SDM, we propose that during a glacial period, following the spread of steppic habitat, H. polymorphus underwent a range expansion from Asia to South-West Europe. Within the Mediterranean area, during the last interglacial the climatic suitability for the species was limited to mountains that acted as refugia and prompted allopatric divergence into four main lineages.
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Convection and the Extracellular Matrix Dictate Inter- and Intra-Biofilm Quorum Sensing Communication in Environmental Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6730-6740. [PMID: 32390423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms and impact of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) for the coordination of population-level behaviors are well studied under laboratory conditions. However, it is unclear how, in otherwise open environmental systems, QS signals accumulate to sufficient concentration to induce QS phenotypes, especially when quorum quenching (QQ) organisms are also present. We explore the impact of QQ activity on QS signaling in spatially organized biofilms in scenarios that mimic open systems of natural and engineered environments. Using a functionally differentiated biofilm system, we show that the extracellular matrix, local flow, and QQ interact to modulate communication. In still aqueous environments, convection facilitates signal dispersal while the matrix absorbs and relays signals to the cells. This process facilitates inter-biofilm communication even at low extracellular signal concentrations. Within the biofilm, the matrix further regulates the transport of the competing QS and QQ molecules, leading to heterogenous QS behavior. Importantly, only extracellular QQ enzymes can effectively control QS signaling, suggesting that the intracellular QQ enzymes may not have evolved to degrade environmental QS signals for competition.
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Pattern of recurrence in patients with endometrial cancer: A retrospective study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2020; 46:1697-1702. [PMID: 32204935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2020.03.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometrial cancer (EC) known prognostic factors are not sufficient to predict either outcome or recurrence rate/site: to investigate EC recurrence patterns according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classes, could be beneficial for a more tailored adjuvant treatment and follow-up schedule. METHODS 758 women diagnosed with EC, and a 5-years follow-up, were enrolled: they were divided into the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classes (low LR, intermediate IR, intermediate-high I-HR, and highrisk HR) and surgically treated as recommended, followed by adjuvants therapies when appropriate. RESULTS Higher recurrence rate (RR) was significantly detected (p < 0,001) in the HR group (40,3%) compared to LR (9,6%), IR (16,7%) and I-HR (17,1%). Recurrences were detected more frequently at distant sites (64%) compared to pelvic (25,3%) and lymph nodes (10,7%) recurrences (p < 0,0001): only in LR group, no differences were detected between local and distant recurrences. 5-Year distant-free (LR 99%, IR 94%,I-HR 86%, HR 88%) and local-free survivals (LR 99%, IR 100%,I-HR 98%, HR 95%) significantly differ between groups (p < 0,0001 and p = 0,003, respectively). Adjuvant therapy modifies RRs only in LR group (p = 0,01). CONCLUSION To identify biological factors to stratify patients at higher risk of relapse is needed. Distant site relapse could be the main reason of endometrial cancer failure follow-up, independently or in addition to their risk class prognosis.
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1173 Additional role of FFRct and stress CT perfusion in the management of patients with stable chest pain compared to cCTA alone. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez319.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) and stress computed tomography perfusion (stress-CTP) are new techniques that combine anatomy and functional evaluation to improve assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA).
Purpose
This study sought to determine the effect of adding FFRCT and stress-CTP to cCTA alone for assessment of lesion severity and patient management of patients
referred for chest pain.
Methods
289 patients with stable chest pain scheduled for clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography (ICA) plus invasive FFR were evaluated with cCTA, FFRCT, and stress-CTP. Of 289 patients, 147 underwent static stress-CTP, while 142 were evaluated with dynamic stress-CTP.
Management plan with optimal medical therapy (OMT) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for each patient according to results of each non-invasive technique was recorded, and then compared to what effectively applied according to results of reference standard technique (ICA + FFR). The primary endpoints for the study were the correct allocation of patients to OMT or PCI using cCTA, cCTA + FFRCT and cCTA + stress-CTP, and the correct assessment of non-invasive techniques for all three vessels in relation to angiographically and FFR-defined significance.
Results
Compared to cCTA alone, the addition of FFRCT and stress-CTP to cCTA alone increased the agreement in allocating patients to OMT from 24% to 38% and 44%, respectively, while the addition of FFRCT and stress-CTP to cCTA alone increased the agreement in allocating patients to PCI from 29% to 32% and 36%, respectively. Using ICA + FFR as standard reference, cCTA showed agreement for all three vessels in 56% of patients, while combined approaches of cCTA + FFRCT and cCTA + stress-CTP showed agreement in 66% and 82% of patients, respectively.
Conclusions
The addition of functional assessment with FFRCT or Stress-CTP to cCTA has a substantial effect on the evaluation of the relevance of coronary artery disease and therefore on the management of patients compared to cCTA alone.
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Game of neutrophils: modeling the balance between apoptosis and necrosis. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:475. [PMID: 31823711 PMCID: PMC6905093 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-3044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neutrophils are one of the key players in the human innate immune system (HIIS). In the event of an insult where the body is exposed to inflammation triggering moieties (ITMs), neutrophils are mobilized towards the site of insult and antagonize the inflammation. If the inflammation is cleared, neutrophils go into a programmed death called apoptosis. However, if the insult is intense or persistent, neutrophils take on a violent death pathway called necrosis, which involves the rupture of their cytoplasmic content into the surrounding tissue that causes local tissue damage, thus further aggravating inflammation. This seemingly paradoxical phenomenon fuels the inflammatory process by triggering the recruitment of additional neutrophils to the site of inflammation, aimed to contribute to the complete neutralization of severe inflammation. This delicate balance between the cost and benefit of the neutrophils’ choice of death pathway has been optimized during the evolution of the innate immune system. The goal of our work is to understand how the tradeoff between the cost and benefit of the different death pathways of neutrophils, in response to various levels of insults, has been optimized over evolutionary time by using the concepts of evolutionary game theory. Results We show that by using evolutionary game theory, we are able to formulate a game that predicts the percentage of necrosis and apoptosis when exposed to various levels of insults. Conclusion By adopting an evolutionary perspective, we identify the driving mechanisms leading to the delicate balance between apoptosis and necrosis in neutrophils’ cell death in response to different insults. Using our simple model, we verify that indeed, the global cost of remaining ITMs is the driving mechanism that reproduces the percentage of necrosis and apoptosis observed in data and neutrophils need sufficient information of the overall inflammation to be able to pick a death pathway that presumably increases the survival of the organism.
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Phylogeny, biogeography and systematics of the hyper-diverse blister beetle genus Hycleus (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 144:106706. [PMID: 31830551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hycleus is a hyper-diverse genus of blister beetles including ~500 species widely distributed in the Old World, currently divided into three "sections" and into 45 "phenetic" species groups according to morphological characters. Recently the monophyly of Hycleus was questioned pointing out its paraphyly with respect to the genera Ceroctis and Paractenodia. In this study, we built a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial and nuclear genes obtained from 125 species, to understand the phylogenetic relationships among the species of this genus, to infer the biogeographic processes behind their diversification, and to assess their taxonomy and classification. Our results identified four main lineages one of which included the species belonging to Ceroctis and Paractenodia; therefore, both taxa are now referred to Hycleus as new synonyms. The three described sections of Hycleus resulted polyphyletic and are rejected, whereas several species groups represented well supported clades. Hycleus likely originated in Africa during the Early Miocene (~20 Mya), and subsequently spread in Europe and western Asia. Later, in the Late Miocene (~6 Mya) a Saharo-Sindian group branched off from the Palaearctic lineage, whereas the Oriental Region was colonized following a dispersal event through the Arabian Peninsula from the Afrotropical Region (~5 Mya).
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Molecular phylogeny and host‐plant use (Lamiaceae) of the
Thymogethes
pollen beetles (Coleoptera). ZOOL SCR 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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P6190Dynamic stress CTP with a whole-heart coverage scanner in addition to cCTA and FFRCT. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recently, new techniques such as dynamic stress computed tomography perfusion (stress-CTP) emerged as potential strategies to combine anatomical and functional evaluation in a one-shot scan. However, previous experience used technology that was associated with high radiation exposure.
Purpose
The aim of the study is to test the diagnostic accuracy of integrated evaluation of dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) on top of coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) plus FFR computed tomography derived (FFRCT) by using a whole-heart coverage CT scanner as compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) plus clinically indicate invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR).
Methods
Eighty-five consecutive symptomatic patients scheduled for ICA were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent rest cCTA followed by stress dynamic CTP with a whole-heart coverage CT scanner. FFRCT was also measured by using the rest cCTA dataset. The diagnostic accuracy to detect functionally significant CAD in a vessel-based model of cCTA alone, cCTA+FFRCT, cCTA+CTP or cCTA+FFRCT+CTP were assessed and compared by using ICA and invasive FFR as reference. The overall effective dose of dynamic CTP was also measured.
Results
The prevalence of obstructive CAD and functionally significant CAD were 77% and 57%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of cCTA alone, cCTA+FFRCT and cCTA+CTP, were 83% and 66%, 86% and 75%, 73% and 86%, respectively. Both the addition of FFRCT and CTP improves the area under the curve (AUC: 0.876 and 0.878, respectively) as compared to cCTA alone (0.826, p<0.05). The sequential strategy of cCTA+FFRCT+CTP showed the highest AUC (0.919, p<0.05) as compared to all other strategies. The mean ED for cCTA and stress CTP was 2.8±1.2 and 5.3±0.7 mSv, respectively.
Conclusions
The addition of dynamic stress CTP on top of cCTA and FFRCT provides additional diagnostic accuracy with acceptable radiation exposure.
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85Stress dynamic computed tomography perfusion versus fractional flow reserve CT derived in suspected coronary artery disease. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez143.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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P119Comprehensive evaluation of newly diagnosed left ventricle dysfunction by a novel whole-heart coverage cardiac CT: preliminary results of the E-PLURIBUS study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez147.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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84Additional diagnostic value of ct perfusion over coronary CT angiography in patients with suspected in-stent restenosis or coronary artery disease progression the ADVANTAGE prospective study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez143.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Supplemented Alkaline Phosphatase Supports the Immune Response in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Clinical and Computational Evidence. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2342. [PMID: 30364262 PMCID: PMC6193081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is an enzyme that exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by dephosphorylating inflammation triggering moieties (ITMs) like bacterial lipopolysaccharides and extracellular nucleotides. AP administration aims to prevent and treat peri- and post-surgical ischemia reperfusion injury in cardiothoracic surgery patients. Recent studies reported that intravenous bolus administration and continuous infusion of AP in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiac valve surgery induce an increased release of liver-type “tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase” (TNAP) into the bloodstream. The release of liver-type TNAP into circulation could be the body's way of strengthening its defense against a massive ischemic insult. However, the underlying mechanism behind the induction of TNAP is still unclear. To obtain a deeper insight into the role of AP during surgery, we developed a mathematical model of systemic inflammation that clarifies the relation between supplemented AP and TNAP and describes a plausible induction mechanism of TNAP in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The model was validated against clinical data from patients treated with bovine Intestinal AP (bIAP treatment) or without AP (placebo treatment), in addition to standard care procedures. We performed additional in-silico experiments adding a secondary source of ITMs after surgery, as observed in some patients with complications, and predicted the response to different AP treatment regimens. Our results show a strong protective effect of supplemented AP for patients with complications. The model provides evidence of the existence of an induction mechanism of liver-type tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase, triggered by the supplementation of AP in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that a quantitative and validated numerical model of systemic inflammation under clinical treatment conditions is presented.
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A novel nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting Plasmodium mitochondrial DNA in field-collected Anopheles mosquitoes. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:372-377. [PMID: 29344968 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sensitive techniques for the detection of Plasmodium (Aconoidasida: Plasmodiidae) sporozoites in field-collected malaria vectors are essential for the correct assessment of risk for malaria transmission. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol targeting Plasmodium mtDNA proved to be much more sensitive in detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes than the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP-ELISA). However, because of the relatively high costs associated with equipment and reagents, RT-PCRs are mostly used to assess the outcomes of experimental infections in the frame of research experiments, rather than in routine monitoring of mosquito infection in the field. The present authors developed a novel mtDNA-based nested PCR protocol, modified from a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Plasmodium recognition in human blood samples, and compared its performance with that of routinely used CSP-ELISAs in field-collected Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae) samples. The nested PCR showed 1.4-fold higher sensitivity than the CSP-ELISA. However, nested PCR results obtained in two laboratories and in different replicates within the same laboratory were not 100% consistent, probably because the copy number of amplifiable Plasmodium mtDNA was close in some specimens to the threshold of nested PCR sensitivity. This implies that Plasmodium-positive specimens should be confirmed by a second nested PCR to avoid false positives. Overall, the results emphasize the need to use molecular approaches to obtain accurate estimates of the actual level of Plasmodium circulation within malaria vector populations.
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Unexpectedly high Plasmodium sporozoite rate associated with low human blood index in Anopheles coluzzii from a LLIN-protected village in Burkina Faso. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12806. [PMID: 30143698 PMCID: PMC6109043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the effectiveness of mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in reducing malaria transmission in Africa, in hyperendemic areas such as Burkina Faso the burden of malaria remains high. We here report the results of a 4-month survey on the feeding habits and Plasmodium infection in malaria vectors from a village in Burkina Faso one year following a national LLIN distribution programme. Low values of human blood index (HBI) observed in the major malaria vectors in the area (Anopheles coluzzii: N = 263, 20.1%; An. arabiensis: 5.8%, N = 103) are consistent with the hypothesis that LLINs reduced the availability of human hosts to mosquitoes. A regression meta-analysis of data from a systematic review of published studies reporting HBI and sporozoite rates (SR) for An. gambiae complex revealed that the observed SR values (An. coluzzii: 7.6%, N = 503; An. arabiensis: 5.3%, N = 225) are out of the ranges expected based on the low HBI observed. We hypothesize that a small fraction of inhabitants unprotected by bednets acts as a "core group" repeatedly exposed to mosquito bites, representing the major Plasmodium reservoir for the vectors, able to maintain a high risk of transmission even in a village protected by LLINs.
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3287Additional diagnostic value of CT perfusion over coronary CT angiography in stented patients with suspected in-stent restenosis or coronary artery disease progression: ADVANTAGE study. Preliminary results. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy563.3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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3280Comparison between stress cardiac computed tomography perfusion versus fractional flow reserve CT derived in the evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease: PERFECTION prospective study. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy563.3280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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P1785Diagnostic accuracy of low dose dynamic stress computed tomography myocardial perfusion (CTP) in intermediate-to-high-risk patients for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy565.p1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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An improved microsatellite panel to assess genetic variability of the Italian smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis). J Genet 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-018-0934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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An improved microsatellite panel to assess genetic variability of the Italian smooth newt ( Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis). J Genet 2018; 97:569-573. [PMID: 29932078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation are threatening amphibians by increasing population isolation. However, artificial waterbodies created for livestockmay contrast this phenomenon by providing surrogate habitats for amphibians. Here, we performed a genetic study on an amphibian species, Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis, in a rural area in central Italy where natural wetlands are disappearing and drinking troughs for cattle watering are widespread. Specifically, we tested a panel of microsatellite markers to identify a suitable tool for addressing conservation genetic issues of this species that is undergoing severe local decline. Twelve of the 20 tested loci produced reliable amplifications and were polymorphic. Three distinct units with a low level of gene flow were distinguished and the population genetic structuring overlapped with geographic distribution. Such loci will be useful to assess the genetic diversity of the species across multiscale levels for its management and conservation.
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FP436WHAT VOLUME TO CHOOSE TO COMPUTE KT/V? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy104.fp436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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