Low Mass Pseudoscalar Dark Matter in an Extended B - L Model

We study an extended B-L model, which has in its structure four neutral scalars. In this model, a representative set of parameters enable us to conclude that one of these scalars is a promising candidate for low-mass dark matter. We introduce an Z_2 symmetry, which ensure the stability of the dark matter. The dominant annihilation process will be through $s$-channel exchange of a scalar in $b\overline{b}$. So, this is also a Higgs portal dark matter model, but the Higgs decay to dark matter is suppressed and meets the constraints from invisible decays of Higgs boson. The model is also in agreement with the constraints established by XENON100, CoGeNT and CDMS experiments, maching the relic abundance and the cross section with nucleon.Comment: Version submitted and accepted for publication in PR

Lineage specific recombination rates and microevolution in Listeria monocytogenes

Background: The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is a saprotroph as well as an opportunistic human foodborne pathogen, which has previously been shown to consist of at least two widespread lineages (termed lineages I and II) and an uncommon lineage (lineage III). While some L. monocytogenes strains show evidence for considerable diversification by homologous recombination, our understanding of the contribution of recombination to L. monocytogenes evolution is still limited. We therefore used STRUCTURE and ClonalFrame, two programs that model the effect of recombination, to make inferences about the population structure and different aspects of the recombination process in L. monocytogenes. Analyses were performed using sequences for seven loci (including the house-keeping genes gap, prs, purM and ribC, the stress response gene sigB, and the virulence genes actA and inlA) for 195 L. monocytogenes isolates. Results: Sequence analyses with ClonalFrame and the Sawyer's test showed that recombination is more prevalent in lineage II than lineage I and is most frequent in two house-keeping genes (ribC and purM) and the two virulence genes (actA and inlA). The relative occurrence of recombination versus point mutation is about six times higher in lineage II than in lineage I, which causes a higher genetic variability in lineage II. Unlike lineage I, lineage II represents a genetically heterogeneous population with a relatively high proportion (30% average) of genetic material imported from external sources. Phylograms, constructed with correcting for recombination, as well as Tajima's D data suggest that both lineages I and II have suffered a population bottleneck. Conclusion: Our study shows that evolutionary lineages within a single bacterial species can differ considerably in the relative contributions of recombination to genetic diversification. Accounting for recombination in phylogenetic studies is critical, and new evolutionary models that account for the possibility of changes in the rate of recombination would be required. While previous studies suggested that only L. monocytogenes lineage I has experienced a recent bottleneck, our analyses clearly show that lineage II experienced a bottleneck at about the same time, which was subsequently obscured by abundant homologous recombination after the lineage II bottleneck. While lineage I and lineage II should be considered separate species from an evolutionary viewpoint, maintaining single species name may be warranted since both lineages cause the same type of human disease

A new experimental model for assessing drug efficacy against Trypanosoma cruzi infection based on highly sensitive in vivo imaging.

The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, one of the world's major neglected infections. Although development of improved antiparasitic drugs is considered a priority, there have been no significant treatment advances in the past 40 years. Factors that have limited progress include an incomplete understanding of pathogenesis, tissue tropism, and disease progression. In addition, in vivo models, which allow parasite burdens to be tracked throughout the chronic stage of infection, have been lacking. To address these issues, we have developed a highly sensitive in vivo imaging system based on bioluminescent T. cruzi, which express a red-shifted luciferase that emits light in the tissue-penetrating orange-red region of the spectrum. The exquisite sensitivity of this noninvasive murine model has been exploited to monitor parasite burden in real time throughout the chronic stage, has allowed the identification of the gastrointestinal tract as the major niche of long-term infection, and has demonstrated that chagasic heart disease can develop in the absence of locally persistent parasites. Here, we review the parameters of the imaging system and describe how this experimental model can be incorporated into drug development programs as a valuable tool for assessing efficacy against both acute and chronic T. cruzi infections

Diels-alder cycloaddition in the synthesis of 1-azafagomine, analogs, and derivatives as glycosidase inhibitors

This comprehensive review deals with the synthesis of 1-azafagomine, analogs, and derivatives having the Diels-Alder cycloaddition as the key step. Most of the compounds referred are racemic or have been resolved by lipase transesterification. There are two asymmetric cycloadditions leading to 1-azafagomine or to an analog. In one case both enantiomers of 1-azafagomine were prepared together with a pair of derivatives. The study comprises glycosidase inhibition studies of the target compounds to a set of glycosidic enzymes, and evidenced molecular features that enhance or diminish their activity as glycosidase inhibitors