RESUMEN

The order Onygenales contains multiple fungal pathogens that affect free-ranging and zoo-housed reptilian species. Emydomyces testavorans, an onygenalean fungus associated with skin and shell disease, has been sporadically detected in aquatic chelonians. Because of the recent discovery of this organism, little is known about its prevalence in free-ranging chelonians. The objective of this study was to perform surveillance for E. testavorans in six free-ranging aquatic and terrestrial chelonian species in Illinois, USA: Blanding's turtles (n=437; Emydoidea blandingii), painted turtles (n=199; Chrysemys picta), common snapping turtles (n=35; Chelydra serpentina), red-eared sliders (n=62; RES; Trachemys scripta elegans), eastern box turtles (n=73; Terrapene carolina carolina) and ornate box turtles (n=29; Terrapene carolina ornata). Combined cloacal-oral swabs (COSs) or shell (carapace and plastron surfaces) swabs were collected from 2019 to 2021 and tested for E. testavorans using quantitative PCR. The PCR detected E. testavorans in COSs of an adult male, subadult female, and juvenile male Blanding's turtle (0.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.9%) and a shell swab from an adult female RES (1.6%; 95% CI, 0-8.7%). Shell lesions consistent with E. testavorans infection were present in two of the positive Blanding's turtles. These results document the rarity of this pathogen on the landscape in Illinois. Additional studies should determine this pathogen's impact on individuals and clarify its significance for conservation efforts of Blanding's turtle, in which E. testavorans has not been reported previously.

RESUMEN

Characterizing host factors affecting individual health can be important in the conservation of many chelonians, including the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). However, many routine clinical pathology tests do not reliably detect differences in health status in reptiles. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been shown to characterize inflammation in many species, including tortoises, and may be useful in assessing Blanding's turtles. The purpose of our study was to evaluate two methods of ESR measurement in free-ranging Blanding's turtles. Sixty Blanding's turtles captured at two sites in Illinois received a complete physical examination, and blood was collected for determination of packed cell volume, total solids, and ESR with both microhematocrit tubes and commercial kits (Winpette). Method agreement was assessed with Passing-Bablok regression. Associations between ESR and demographic, environmental, and health factors were determined by linear regression. The microhematocrit tube method proportionately overestimated ESR compared with the Winpette. With the use of both measurement methods, ESR was significantly different between study sites, higher in adult Blanding's turtles, and higher in females that were gravid compared with those that were not. ESR was also negatively associated with packed cell volume. ESR values in Blanding's turtles are comparable to other reptiles, and although microhematocrit tube and Winpette results are not interchangeable, their associations with biological predictors are similar, and either method has the potential to be used with separate reference intervals to assess turtles for inflammatory conditions.

Asunto(s)

Tortugas , Femenino , Animales , Sedimentación Sanguínea/veterinaria , Illinois

RESUMEN

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cell survival mechanism that degrades damaged proteins and organelles to generate cellular energy during times of stress. Recycling of these cellular components occurs in a series of sequential steps with multiple regulatory points. Mechanistic dysfunction can lead to a variety of human diseases and cancers due to the complexity of autophagy and its ability to regulate vital cellular functions. The role that autophagy plays in both the development and treatment of cancer is highly complex, especially given the fact that most cancer therapies modulate autophagy. This review aims to discuss the balance of autophagy in the development, progression, and treatment of head and neck cancer, as well as highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of what is still unknown about autophagy.

Asunto(s)

Autofagia , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello , Autofagia/fisiología , Supervivencia Celular , Humanos , Proteínas

RESUMEN

Baseline plasma electrophoresis profiles (EPH) are important components of overall health and may aid in the conservation and captive management of species. The aim of this study was to establish plasma protein fractions for free-ranging Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and evaluate differences due to age class (adult vs. sub-adult vs. juvenile), sex (male, female, or unknown), year (2018 vs. 2019), month (May vs. June vs. July), health status, and geographical location (managed vs. unmanaged sites). Blood samples were obtained from 156 Blanding's turtles in the summer of 2018 and 129 in 2019 at two adjacent sites in Illinois. Results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that age class, sex, year, month, health status, and geographical location all contributed to the variation observed in free-ranging populations. Adult females had the highest concentration of many protein fractions, likely associated with reproductive activity. Juveniles had lower protein concentrations. Temperature and rainfall differences between years impacted concentrations between 2018 and 2019, while May and June of both years saw higher levels in some protein fractions likely due to peak breeding and nesting season. Individuals with evidence of trauma or disease also showed increased plasma protein fractions when compared to those that were considered healthy. The two sites showed a wide/large variation over the two years. All of these factors emphasize the importance of considering multiple demographic or environmental factors when interpreting the EPH fractions. Establishing ranges for these analytes will allow investigation into disease prevalence and other environmental factors impacting this endangered species.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Sanguíneas/análisis , Estado de Salud , Tortugas/sangre , Factores de Edad , Animales , Electroforesis de las Proteínas Sanguíneas , Femenino , Illinois , Masculino , Estaciones del Año , Factores Sexuales

RESUMEN

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a ubiquitous DNA virus that infects squamous epithelia. Though HPV only encodes 8 genes, it is capable of causing cellular transformation and ultimately cancer in host cells. In this article we review the classification of HPV viruses, their genetic structure and life cycle, viral gene biology, and provide an overview of the role of HPV in cancer. We explain how the viral life cycle can lead to integration of viral DNA into the host genome leading to increased cell cycle progression, decreased apoptosis, altered DNA repair, and chromosomal instability. We describe the multifaceted roles of the canonical oncogenes E6 and E7 in promoting tumorigenesis and the important role of other viral genes in regulating cancer development. We also review how the virus actively suppresses innate and adaptive immunity to evade immune detection and promote a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. The biology presented here will serve as a foundation to the other chapters in this edition and we hope it will incite enthusiasm for continued research on this fascinating virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Asunto(s)

Alphapapillomavirus , Neoplasias , Proteínas Oncogénicas Virales , Infecciones por Papillomavirus , Alphapapillomavirus/metabolismo , Biología , Carcinogénesis/genética , Humanos , Neoplasias/genética , Proteínas Oncogénicas Virales/genética , Papillomaviridae/genética , Papillomaviridae/metabolismo , Proteínas E7 de Papillomavirus/genética , Proteínas E7 de Papillomavirus/metabolismo , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/genética , Microambiente Tumoral

RESUMEN

FGFRs are commonly altered in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). FGFRs activate multiple pathways including RAS/RAF/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT, which may play a role in the cellular response to radiation. We investigated the effects of combining the selective FGFR 1-3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor AZD4547 with radiation in cell line and xenograft models of NSCLC. NSCLC cell lines were assessed with proliferation, clonogenic survival, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and DNA damage signaling and repair assays. In vivo xenografts and IHC were used to confirm in vitro results. NSCLC cell lines demonstrated varying degrees of FGFR protein and mRNA expression. In vitro clonogenic survival assays showed radiosensitization with AZD4547 in two NSCLC cell lines. In these two cell lines, an increase in apoptosis and autophagy was observed with combined radiation and AZD4547. The addition of AZD4547 to radiation did not significantly affect γH2AX foci formation. Enhanced xenograft tumor growth delay was observed with the combination of radiation and AZD4547 compared with radiation or drug alone. IHC results revealed inhibition of pMAPK and pS6 and demonstrated an increase in apoptosis in the radiation plus AZD4547 group. This study demonstrates that FGFR inhibition by AZD4547 enhances the response of radiation in FGFR-expressing NSCLC in vitro and in vivo model systems. These results support further investigation of combining FGFR inhibition with radiation as a clinical therapeutic strategy.

Asunto(s)

Benzamidas/farmacología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/radioterapia , Rayos gamma , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/radioterapia , Piperazinas/farmacología , Pirazoles/farmacología , Fármacos Sensibilizantes a Radiaciones/farmacología , Receptor Tipo 1 de Factor de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Apoptosis , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Proliferación Celular , Femenino , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Ratones , Ratones Desnudos , Receptor Tipo 1 de Factor de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Células Tumorales Cultivadas , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto

RESUMEN

Post-conflict communities consistently experience high rates of domestic and family violence (DFV) against women and children. An end to violence in the public sphere is widely seen to precipitate the escalation of violence in the private sphere. This paper presents the argument that protecting women and children from DFV should be an essential public policy goal in post-conflict communities. Furthermore, the imperative for placing DFV on the post-conflict agenda is derived from states' obligations under international human rights law. Jurisprudence is clear that if a state has knowledge of DFV yet fails to take reasonable steps to ensure victims' safety and to investigate complaints, then that state may be violating the fundamental human rights to life, to freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, to freedom from discrimination, and to health. Problematizing DFV as a violation of states' obligations under international human rights law, rather than dismissing it as a private sphere issue, should lay the groundwork for post-conflict states' conceptualization of the protection of women and children as a non-negotiable facet of peace-building agendas.

Asunto(s)

Conflictos Armados , Violencia Doméstica/psicología , Derechos Humanos , Internacionalidad , Política Pública , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Derechos de la Mujer/legislación & jurisprudencia

RESUMEN

Numerous cases and outbreaks of Salmonella infection are attributable to shell eggs each year in the United States. Safe handling and consumption of shell eggs at home can help reduce foodborne illness attributable to shell eggs. A nationally representative Web survey of 1,504 U.S. adult grocery shoppers was conducted to describe consumer handling practices and consumption of shell eggs at home. Based on self-reported survey data, most respondents purchase shell eggs from a grocery store (89.5%), and these eggs were kept refrigerated (not at room temperature; 98.5%). As recommended, most consumers stored shell eggs in the refrigerator (99%) for no more than 3 to 5 weeks (97.6%). After cracking eggs, 48.1% of respondents washed their hands with soap and water. More than half of respondents who fry and/or poach eggs cooked them so that the whites and/or the yolks were still soft or runny, a potentially unsafe practice. Among respondents who owned a food thermometer (62.0%), only 5.2% used it to check the doneness of baked egg dishes when they prepared such a dish. Consumers generally followed two of the four core "Safe Food Families" food safety messages ("separate" and "chill") when handling shell eggs at home. To prevent Salmonella infection associated with shell eggs, consumers should improve their practices related to the messages "clean" (i.e., wash hands after cracking eggs) and "cook" (i.e., cook until yolks and whites are firm and use a food thermometer to check doneness of baked egg dishes) when preparing shell eggs at home. These findings will be used to inform the development of science-based consumer education materials that can help reduce foodborne illness from Salmonella infection.

Asunto(s)

Cáscara de Huevo/microbiología , Manipulación de Alimentos/métodos , Intoxicación Alimentaria por Salmonella , Animales , Culinaria/métodos , Huevos , Conservación de Alimentos/métodos , Inocuidad de los Alimentos , Educación en Salud , Humanos , Refrigeración , Intoxicación Alimentaria por Salmonella/prevención & control , Infecciones por Salmonella/epidemiología , Infecciones por Salmonella/prevención & control , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

Salmonella and Campylobacter cause an estimated combined total of 1.8 million foodborne infections each year in the United States. Most cases of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry or with cross-contamination. Between 1998 and 2008, 20% of Salmonella and 16% of Campylobacter foodborne disease outbreaks were associated with food prepared inside the home. A nationally representative Web survey of U.S. adult grocery shoppers (n = 1,504) was conducted to estimate the percentage of consumers who follow recommended food safety practices when handling raw poultry at home. The survey results identified areas of low adherence to current recommended food safety practices: not washing raw poultry before cooking, proper refrigerator storage of raw poultry, use of a food thermometer to determine doneness, and proper thawing of raw poultry in cold water. Nearly 70% of consumers reported washing or rinsing raw poultry before cooking it, a potentially unsafe practice because "splashing" of contaminated water may lead to the transfer of pathogens to other foods and other kitchen surfaces. Only 17.5% of consumers reported correctly storing raw poultry in the refrigerator. Sixty-two percent of consumers own a food thermometer, and of these, 26% or fewer reported using one to check the internal temperature of smaller cuts of poultry and ground poultry. Only 11% of consumers who thaw raw poultry in cold water reported doing so correctly. The study results, coupled with other research findings, will inform the development of science-based consumer education materials that can help reduce foodborne illness from Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Asunto(s)

Manipulación de Alimentos/métodos , Inocuidad de los Alimentos/métodos , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/prevención & control , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Productos Avícolas/microbiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Animales , Infecciones por Campylobacter/epidemiología , Infecciones por Campylobacter/etiología , Pollos/microbiología , Culinaria , Recolección de Datos , Brotes de Enfermedades , Huevos/microbiología , Femenino , Manipulación de Alimentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/epidemiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/etiología , Humanos , Masculino , Carne/microbiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Refrigeración , Intoxicación Alimentaria por Salmonella/epidemiología , Intoxicación Alimentaria por Salmonella/etiología , Temperatura , Pavos/microbiología , Estados Unidos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

While protracting exposures of low-LET radiations usually leads to a reduction in their effectiveness for a given dose, for high-LET radiation there is now substantial evidence for what has been called an inverse dose-rate effect, where under certain circumstances there is an increase in carcinogenesis or other biological effects, with decreasing dose rate. This study investigates the influence of dose rate on the induction of chromosome aberrations and gene mutations after irradiation of plateau phase V79-4 cells with high-LET alpha particles. The induction of chromosomal aberrations exhibited a linear relationship with dose and showed evidence of a small but significant conventional dose-rate dependence, with low-dose-rate exposures (0.28 Gy h(-1)) being less effective by about 20% (ratio 0.82 ± 0.04) compared to acute exposures. However no significant dose-rate effect was observed for cell survival or the induction of mutations in the HPRT gene for low-dose-rate exposure (8.0 × 10(-5) and 1.5 × 10(-2) Gy h(-1) for exposure of 0.36 and 0.69 Gy, respectively) when compared to acute exposures.

Asunto(s)

Partículas alfa , Aberraciones Cromosómicas , Mutación , Animales , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de la radiación , Células Cultivadas , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Hipoxantina Fosforribosiltransferasa/genética , Transferencia Lineal de Energía , Dosis de Radiación