207 research outputs found
Understanding the role of sexual transmission in the spread of ZIKA virus using an individual-based interconnected population model
No full textCitation: Tanver, F., Lee, C., Mcvey, D., & Scoglio, S. (2018). Understanding the role of sexual transmission in the spread of ZIKA virus using an individual-based interconnected population model. Pre-Print, Unpublished Manuscript.Zika virus has affected the world as a long-term threat. Modeling its transmission is important in order to facilitate forecasts and control measures. We propose a novel node-based interconnected population model to simulate both vectored and sexual transmission of Zika virus. Using a sexual contact network, we incorporate heterogeneous mixing in the host population with stochastic transmission for realistic predictions. We also incorporate climatic variations in our model, which affect the mosquito vector population and consequently the arbovirus transmission. We perform extensive simulations to understand the effects of sexual transmission rate and network topology on the spreading of infections. Sexual transmission contributes to the epidemic spread and under certain conditions, can sustain it up to several months without vectors. This can potentially lead to recurrences once the mosquitoes overwinter. We also find that sexual transmission can have a stronger effect when vectored transmission is relatively weaker due to climatic conditions. Our results show that vectored and sexual transmission affect the disease dynamics differently
Biologically Informed Individual-Based Network Model for Rift Valley Fever in the US and Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies
No full textCitation: Scoglio, C. M., Bosca, C., Riad, M. H., Sahneh, F. D., Britch, S. C., Cohnstaedt, L. W., & Linthicum, K. J. (2016). Biologically Informed Individual-Based Network Model for Rift Valley Fever in the US and Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies. Plos One, 11(9), 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162759Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa with periodic outbreaks in human and animal populations. Mosquitoes are the primary disease vectors; however, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) can also spread by direct contact with infected tissues. The transmission cycle is complex, involving humans, livestock, and multiple species of mosquitoes. The epidemiology of RVFV in endemic areas is strongly affected by climatic conditions and environmental variables. In this research, we adapt and use a network-based modeling framework to simulate the transmission of RVFV among hypothetical cattle operations in Kansas, US. Our model considers geo-located livestock populations at the individual level while incorporating the role of mosquito populations and the environment at a coarse resolution. Extensive simulations show the flexibility of our modeling framework when applied to specific scenarios to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of mosquito control and livestock movement regulations in reducing the extent and intensity of RVF outbreaks in the United States
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity of phycocyanin and phycocyanobilin from the food supplement Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
No full textAntioxidant properties of a novel pyicocyanin extract from the blu-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-acquae
No full textSpasmolytic Effects of Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (AFA) Extract on the Human Colon Contractility.
No full textThe blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA), rich in beneficial nutrients, exerts
various beneficial effects, acting in different organs including the gut. Klamin® is an AFA extract
particularly rich in -PEA, a trace-amine considered a neuromodulator in the central nervous
system. To date, it is not clear if -PEA exerts a role in the enteric nervous system. The aims of
the present study were to investigate the effects induced by Klamin® on the human distal colon
mechanical activity, to analyze the mechanism of action, and to verify a -PEA involvement. The
organ bath technique, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used. Klamin® reduced, in a
concentration-dependent manner, the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions. EPPTB, a traceamine
receptor (TAAR1) antagonist, significantly antagonized the inhibitory effects of both Klamin®
and exogenous -PEA, suggesting a trace-amine involvement in the Klamin® effects. Accordingly,
AphaMax®, an AFA extract containing lesser amount of -PEA, failed to modify colon contractility.
Moreover, the Klamin® effects were abolished by tetrodotoxin, a neural blocker, but not by L-NAME,
a nitric oxide-synthase inhibitor. On the contrary methysergide, a serotonin receptor antagonist,
significantly antagonized the Klamin® effects, as well as the contractility reduction induced by 5-HT.
The RT-PCR analysis revealed TAAR1 gene expression in the colon and the IHC experiments showed
that 5-HT-positive neurons are co-expressed with TAAR1 positive neurons. In conclusion, the results
of this study suggest that Klamin® exerts spasmolytic effects in human colon contractility through
-PEA, that, by activating neural TAAR1, induce serotonin release from serotoninergic neurons of
the myenteric plexus
Effect of a two-months treatment with Klamin®, a Klamath algae extract, on the general well-being, antioxidant profile and oxidative status of postmenopausal women
No full textEffect of a 2-month treatment with Klamin®, a Klamath algae extract, on the general well-being, antioxidant profile and oxidative status of postmenopausal women
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Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-2-tva-10.1177_1524838020946800 - Social Functioning in Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
No full textSupplemental Material, sj-pdf-2-tva-10.1177_1524838020946800 for Social Functioning in Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review by Arielle A. J. Scoglio, Erin D. Reilly, Caitlin Girouard, Karen S. Quigley, Sarah Carnes and Megan M. Kelly in Trauma, Violence, & Abuse</p
Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-tva-10.1177_1524838020946800 - Social Functioning in Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
No full textSupplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-tva-10.1177_1524838020946800 for Social Functioning in Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review by Arielle A. J. Scoglio, Erin D. Reilly, Caitlin Girouard, Karen S. Quigley, Sarah Carnes and Megan M. Kelly in Trauma, Violence, & Abuse</p
Complementary and alternative supplementations with Klamath Algae Extract - Klamin - on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
No full textAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobiological condition with onset in childhood.
The disorder is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and/or motor hyperactivity, which often affect the development
and social integration of affected subjects. Phenylethylamine (PEA), naturally contained in the Klamath Lake
microalgae and concentrated in the Klamin extract, is an endogenous molecule with a general neuromodulatory activity. It
functions as an activator for the neurotransmission of dopamine and other catecholamines, and very low concentrations of
PEA may be associated with specific psychological disorders such as ADHD. The aim of our study was to evaluate the
efficacy of the Klamin extract in treating a group of subjects diagnosed with ADHD. Thirty subjects, aged 6–15, who had been
diagnosed with ADHD according to the DSM-IV TR criteria, were enrolled. The supplement was administered to all the
subjects, who reported to an ADHD clinic for routine follow-up visits. Observations were made and data collected over a
6-month period. After 6 months of therapy the subjects appeared to show significant improvements based on assessments of
their overall functioning, behavioral aspects related to inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity, attention functions in both
the selective and sustained component and executive functions. The study appears to confirm the initial hypothesis that the
Klamin extract may positively affect the expression of ADHD symptoms. Additional larger studies on the effects of Klamin
on ADHD are needed to further investigate the potential of this extract in ADHD treatment
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