Phlebotomus papatasi SP15: mRNA expression variability and amino acid sequence polymorphisms of field populations

Citation: Ramalho-Ortigao, M., Coutinho-Abreu, I. V., Balbino, V. Q., Figueiredo, C. A. S., Mukbel, R., Dayem, H., . . . McDowell, M. A. (2015). Phlebotomus papatasi SP15: mRNA expression variability and amino acid sequence polymorphisms of field populations. Parasites & Vectors, 8, 14. doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0914-2Background: The Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein PpSP15 was shown to protect mice against Leishmania major, suggesting that incorporation of salivary molecules in multi-component vaccines may be a viable strategy for anti-Leishmania vaccines. Methods: Here, we investigated PpSP15 predicted amino acid sequence variability and mRNA profile of P. papatasi field populations from the Middle East. In addition, predicted MHC class II T-cell epitopes were obtained and compared to areas of amino acid sequence variability within the secreted protein. Results: The analysis of PpSP15 expression from field populations revealed significant intra-and interpopulation variation.. In spite of the variability detected for P. papatasi populations, common epitopes for MHC class II binding are still present and may potentially be used to boost the response against Le. major infections. Conclusions: Conserved epitopes of PpSP15 could potentially be used in the development of a salivary gland antigen-based vaccine.Additional Authors: Lobo, N. F.;Mahon, A. R.;Emrich, S. J.;Kamhawi, S.;Collins, F. H.;McDowell, M. A

Properties of Indium Tin Oxide Thin Films Deposited on Polymer Substrates

Indium tin oxide thin films with different thicknesses were deposited on polymer substrates, held at room temperature, using electron beam evaporation. The dependence of structural properties, optical properties and room temperature resistivity on the indium tin oxide film thickness was studied. X-ray diffraction illustrates the amorphous structure for all the indium tin oxide prepared films. The high roughness of the polymer substrate affects the properties of indium tin oxide films. The transmittance, the resistivity, and the optical band gap decrease with increasing the film thickness while the refractive index increases. The present indium tin oxide films are amorphous, transparent and have relatively low resistivity. These properties are suitable as transparent electrode for organic light-emitting diodes, touch screens, and in piezoelectric applications

A new antifungal labdane diterpene from the leaves of <i>Saraca indica</i>

<div><p>A new labdane diterpene, along with 10 known sterols and flavonoids, was isolated from the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of <i>Saraca indica</i>. The chemical structure of the new compound was identified as 6,9-epoxy marrubiinic acid on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including two-dimensional NMR. The antimicrobial potential of the new compound was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. It showed a significant antifungal activity against <i>Geotric</i><i>h</i><i>um candidum</i> with MIC 0.48 μg/mL. It also showed potential cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 1.07 to 1.29 μg/well.</p></div

Comparison of three carbon dioxide sources on phlebotomine sand fly capture in Egypt

Lighted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps were baited with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) produced from three different sources to compare the efficacy of each in collecting phlebotomine sand flies in Bahrif village, Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Treatments consisted of compressed CO(2) gas released at a rate of 250 ml/min, 1.5 kg of dry ice (replaced daily) sublimating from an insulated plastic container, CO(2) gas produced from a prototype FASTGAS (FG) CO(2) generator system (APTIV Inc., Portland, OR), and a CDC light trap without a CO(2) source. Carbon dioxide was released above each treatment trap's catch opening. Traps were placed in a 4 X 4 Latin square designed study with three replications completed after four consecutive nights in August 2007. During the study, 1,842 phlebotomine sand flies were collected from two genera and five species. Traps collected 1,739 (94.4%) Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), 19 (1.0%) Phlebotomus sergenti, 64 (3.5%) Sergentomyia schwetzi, 16 (0.9%) Sergentomyia palestinensis, and four (0.2%) Sergentomyia tiberiadis. Overall treatment results were dry ice (541) > FG (504) > compressed gas (454) > no CO(2) (343). Total catches of P. papatasi were not significantly different between treatments, although CO(2)-baited traps collected 23-34% more sand flies than the unbaited (control) trap. Results indicate that the traps baited with a prototype CO(2) generator were as attractive as traps supplied with CO(2) sources traditionally used in sand fly surveillance efforts. Field-deployable CO(2) generators are particularly advantageous in remote areas where dry ice or compressed gas is difficult to obtain