Serum Procalcitonin and Peripheral Venous Lactate for Predicting Dengue Shock and/or Organ Failure: A Prospective Observational Study

BackgroundCurrently, there are no biomarkers that can predict the incidence of dengue shock and/or organ failure, although the early identification of risk factors is important in determining appropriate management to reduce mortality. Therefore, we sought to determine the factors associated with dengue shock and/or organ failure and to evaluate the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and peripheral venous lactate (PVL) levels as biomarkers of dengue shock and/or organ failure.Conclusions/SignificancePCT ≥0.7 ng/mL and PVL ≥2.5 mmol/L were independently associated with dengue shock and/or organ failure. The combination of PCT and PVL levels could be used as prognostic biomarkers for the prediction of dengue shock and/or organ failure.     

Rodent-Borne Hantaviruses in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand

In order to evaluate the circulation of hantaviruses present in southeast Asia, a large scale survey of small mammal species was carried out at seven main sites in the region (Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Thailand). Small scale opportunistic trapping was also performed at an eighth site (Cambodia). Using a standard IFA test, IgG antibodies reacting to Hantaan virus antigens were detected at six sites. Antibody prevalence at each site varied from 0 to 5.6% with antibodies detected in several rodent species (Bandicota indica, B. savilei, Maxomys surifer, Mus caroli, M. cookii, Rattus exulans, R. nitidius, R. norvegicus, and R. tanezumi). When site seroprevalence was compared with site species richness, seropositive animals were found more frequently at sites with lower species richness. In order to confirm which hantavirus species were present, a subset of samples was also subjected to RT-PCR. Hantaviral RNA was detected at a single site from each country. Sequencing confirmed the presence of two hantavirus species, Thailand and Seoul viruses, including one sample (from Lao PDR) representing a highly divergent strain of Seoul virus. This is the first molecular evidence of hantavirus in Lao PDR and the first reported L segment sequence data for Thailand virus.     

Structure of lintnerized starch is related to X-ray diffraction pattern and susceptibility to acid and enzyme hydrolysis of starch granules

Acid-resistant residues (lintnerized starches, Ls) were prepared from starches showing A-, B- and C- X-ray diffraction patterns. Ls retained the same X-ray crystalline type as their native counterparts with an improvement in diffraction intensity. Fluorophore-assisted capillary electrophoresis (FACE) study indicated that structural characteristics of Ls were associated with X-ray diffraction patterns. Double helices originated from linear chains with an approximate average degree of polymerisation (DP) 14, 16, and 15 would span the entire length of crystalline lamellae of A-, B-, and C-type starches, respectively. The proportion of singly branched materials (SB) with DP 25 protected in Ls was higher for A-type Ls (10-17%) than for B-type Ls (4-6%) and C-type Ls (8%). The structures of SB were similar in which branched chain (DP 13-15) was longer than main chain (DP 10-12). The structural characteristics of Ls are discussed in relation to acid and enzymatic degradations of starch granules.     

Freeze-thaw stability of starches from different botanical sources: Correlation with structural features

Native starches from twenty-six botanical sources were determined for their structural features and stability against freeze-thaw treatments. Starch gels (5%, w/w) were prepared and repeatedly freeze-thawed up to five cycles by storing at −18 °C for 21 h and then at 30 °C for 3 h. Water release (syneresis) from the thawed gel after the 1st, 3rd and 5th cycle was measured gravimetrically, and evaluated in relation to apparent amylose content (AAC) and distribution of amylopectin branch chains with degree of polymerization 6-12 (APC ratio). Syneresis was not observed for starch gels of cassava, normal and waxy japonica rice up to the 1st, 3rd and 5th cycle, respectively. On the other hand, syneresis rapidly occurred for starch gels of elephant yam, new cocoyam, potato, edible canna, and water yam. Optimal multiple linear regression models were generated to predict individual effect of AAC and APC ratio on syneresis of starch gels. The prediction models illustrated the positive unit-contribution of AAC and negative unit-contribution of APC ratio to syneresis (P < 0.001).     

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals from Southeastern Asia

Among 1,341 blood samples from rodents that were trapped in Southeast Asia between 2008 and 2010, we found a prevalence of Bartonella infection ranging from 9.6 to 11.9%. Bartonella species identified (143 isolates) included B. elizabethae, B. coopersplainsensis, B. phoceensis, B. queenslandensis, B. rattimassiliensis, B. tribocorum, and three new putative Bartonella species.     

Starches from different botanical sources I: Contribution of amylopectin fine structure to thermal properties and enzyme digestibility

Fifteen starches from different botanical sources were selected to study the influence of structural features on thermal properties and enzyme digestibility. Morphological appearance, X-ray diffraction pattern, apparent amylose content, unit-chain length distribution of amylopectin, thermal properties and enzyme digestibility of starch varied with botanical source. It was demonstrated that the distribution of unit-chains of amylopectin significantly correlated with functional properties of the starches. Gelatinization temperature of native and retrograded starches decreased and increased with a relative abundance of unit-chains with an approximate degree of polymerization (DP) of 8–12 and 16–26, respectively (P<0.01). Similar unit-chain lengths also affected the enzyme digestibility of starch granules (P<0.01).     

Molecular prevalence of different genotypes of Theileria orientalis detected from cattle and water buffaloes in Thailand

Here we report on an epidemiological study regarding the molecular prevalence of different genotypes of Theileria orientalis present among domestic cattle and water buffalo populations bred in Thailand. A phylogenetic analysis based on the parasitic gene encoding a major piroplasm surface protein revealed the presence of 5 genotypes (Types 1, 3, 5, 7, and N-3) in cattle and 7 genotypes (Types 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, N-2, and N-3) in water buffaloes. Types 4, 7, and N-3 of T. orientalis were reported for the first time in water buffaloes. The previously reported C and Thai types from Thailand clustered as types 7 and 6, respectively, in the present analysis. Great similarities were observed among nucleotide sequences of isolates of the same genotype from cattle and water buffaloes, and, therefore, water buffaloes were considered to serve as a reservoir for these genotypes of T. orientalis in Thailand. In conclusion, T. orientalis parasites circulating in Thailand are more diverse in their genetic characters than previously anticipated.     

Developmental changes of glycosphingolipids and expression of glycogenes in mouse brains

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) and their sialic acid-containing derivatives, gangliosides, are important cellular components and are abundant in the nervous system. They are known to undergo dramatic changes during brain development. However, knowledge on the mechanisms underlying their qualitative and qualitative changes is still fragmentary. In this investigation, we have provided a detailed study on the developmental changes of the expression patterns of GSLs, GM3, GM1, GD3, GD1a, GD2, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b, A2B5 antigens (c-series gangliosides such as GT3 and GQ1c), Chol-1alpha (GT1aalpha and GQ1balpha), glucosylceramide, galactosylceramide (O1 antigen), sulfatide (O4 antigen), stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (Lewis x) glycolipids, and human natural killer-1 glycolipid (sulfoglucuronosyl paragloboside) in developing mouse brains [embryonic day 12 (E12) to adult]. In E12-E14 brains, GD3 was a predominant ganglioside. After E16, the concentrations of GD3 and GM3 markedly decreased, and the concentrations of a-series gangliosides, such as GD1a, increased. GT3, glucosylceramide, and stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 were expressed in embryonic brains. Human natural killer-1 glycolipid was expressed transiently in embryonic brains. On the other hand, Chol-1alpha, galactosylceramide, and sulfatide were exclusively found after birth. To provide a better understanding of the metabolic basis for these changes, we analyzed glycogene expression patterns in the developing brains and found that GSL expression is regulated primarily by glycosyltransferases, and not by glycosidases. In parallel studies using primary neural precursor cells in culture as a tool for studying developmental events, dramatic changes in ganglioside and glycosyltransferase gene expression were also detected in neurons induced to differentiate from neural precursor cells, including the expression of GD3, followed by up-regulation of complex a- and b-series gangliosides. These changes in cell culture systems resemble that occurring in brain. We conclude that the dramatic changes in GSL pattern and content can serve as useful markers in neural development and that these changes are regulated primarily at the level of glycosyltransferase gene expression.     

Epidemiology of Leptospira Transmitted by Rodents in Southeast Asia

Background

Leptospirosis is the most common bacterial zoonoses and has been identified as an important emerging global public health problem in Southeast Asia. Rodents are important reservoirs for human leptospirosis, but epidemiological data is lacking.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We sampled rodents living in different habitats from seven localities distributed across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia), between 2009 to 2010. Human isolates were also obtained from localities close to where rodents were sampled. The prevalence of Leptospira infection was assessed by real-time PCR using DNA extracted from rodent kidneys, targeting the lipL32 gene. Sequencing rrs and secY genes, and Multi Locus Variable-number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) analyses were performed on DNA extracted from rat kidneys for Leptospira isolates molecular typing. Four species were detected in rodents, L. borgpetersenii (56% of positive samples), L. interrogans (36%), L. kirschneri (3%) and L. weilli (2%), which were identical to human isolates. Mean prevalence in rodents was approximately 7%, and largely varied across localities and habitats, but not between rodent species. The two most abundant Leptospira species displayed different habitat requirements: L. interrogans was linked to humid habitats (rice fields and forests) while L. borgpetersenii was abundant in both humid and dry habitats (non-floodable lands).

Conclusion/Significance

L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii species are widely distributed amongst rodent populations, and strain typing confirmed rodents as reservoirs for human leptospirosis. Differences in habitat requirements for L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii supported differential transmission modes. In Southeast Asia, human infection risk is not only restricted to activities taking place in wetlands and rice fields as is commonly accepted, but should also include tasks such as forestry work, as well as the hunting and preparation of rodents for consumption, which deserve more attention in future epidemiological studies.