Concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and nitric oxide and superoxide anion productions in aorta.

<p>Relaxation response curves to ACh (A–C) in aortic rings with endothelium precontracted with U-46619 from mice receiving saline (control, CTL), microparticles alone (MPs Shh+), angiotensin II (ANG II) alone, and the combination of ANG II plus MPs Shh+ in the absence and in the presence of cyclopamine. (D, E) Quantification of the amplitude of NO–Fe(DETC)₂ (D) and O₂-CMH (E) signals in aorta from mice receiving saline (CTL), MPs Shh+ alone, ANG II alone, and the combination of ANG II plus MPs Shh+ in the absence and in the presence of cyclopamine. Results are given as means ± SE of 8-15 mice for each group. *<i>P</i><0.05, ***<i>P</i><0.001.</p

Time course of changes on systolic blood pressure and heart rate.

<p>Effects of either microparticles (MPs Shh+) or cyclopamine on systolic blood pressure (A). MPs Shh+ treatment abolished angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension. This effect was prevented by cyclopamine (B). Heart rate did not show differences between any groups (C). ***<i>P</i><0.001. Results are given as means ± SE of 8-10 mice for each group. The variability of the responses is so small that the error bars cannot be observable with this size of symbols. The dashed line indicate the time at which the mice received the osmotic pump in the absence or presence of Ang II, the arrows indicate the time at which the mice received MPs Shh+ or vehicle by i.v. injection.</p

Vascular response of small mesenteric arteries to flow.

<p>Flow-induced dilation obtained in small mesenteric arteries from mice receiving saline (control, CTL), microparticles alone (MPs Shh+), angiotensin II (ANG II), and the combination of ANG II plus MPs Shh+. Results are given as means ± SE of 6-11 mice for each group. **<i>P</i> < 0.01 and ***<i>P</i> < 0.001.</p

Statistical Modeling of Global Geogenic Fluoride Contamination in Groundwaters

The use of groundwater with high fluoride concentrations poses a health threat to millions of people around the world. This study aims at providing a global overview of potentially fluoride-rich groundwaters by modeling fluoride concentration. A large database of worldwide fluoride concentrations as well as available information on related environmental factors such as soil properties, geological settings, and climatic and topographical information on a global scale have all been used in the model. The modeling approach combines geochemical knowledge with statistical methods to devise a rule-based statistical procedure, which divides the world into 8 different “process regions”. For each region a separate predictive model was constructed. The end result is a global probability map of fluoride concentration in the groundwater. Comparisons of the modeled and measured data indicate that 60−70% of the fluoride variation could be explained by the models in six process regions, while in two process regions only 30% of the variation in the measured data was explained. Furthermore, the global probability map corresponded well with fluorotic areas described in the international literature. Although the probability map should not replace fluoride testing, it can give a first indication of possible contamination and thus may support the planning process of new drinking water projects

Feasibility of utilizing the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test in onchocerciasis surveillance in Senegal

<div><p>As effective onchocerciasis control efforts in Africa transition to elimination efforts, different diagnostic tools are required to support country programs. Senegal, with its long standing, successful control program, is transitioning to using the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 (Ov16) rapid test over traditional skin snip microscopy. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating the Ov16 rapid test into onchocerciasis surveillance activities in Senegal, based on the following attributes of acceptability, usability, and cost. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 villages in southeastern Senegal in May 2016. Individuals 5 years and older were invited to participate in a demographic questionnaire, an Ov16 rapid test, a skin snip biopsy, and an acceptability interview. Rapid test technicians were interviewed and a costing analysis was conducted. Of 1,173 participants, 1,169 (99.7%) agreed to the rapid test while 383 (32.7%) agreed to skin snip microscopy. The sero-positivity rate of the rapid test among those tested was 2.6% with zero positives 10 years and younger. None of the 383 skin snips were positive for Ov microfilaria. Community members appreciated that the rapid test was performed quickly, was not painful, and provided reliable results. The total costs for this surveillance activity was $22,272.83, with a cost per test conducted at$3.14 for rapid test, $7.58 for skin snip microscopy, and$13.43 for shared costs. If no participants had refused skin snip microscopy, the total cost per method with shared costs would have been around $16 per person tested. In this area with low onchocerciasis sero-positivity, there was high acceptability and perceived value of the rapid test by community members and technicians. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of implementing the Ov16 rapid test in Senegal and may be informative to other country programs transitioning to Ov16 serologic tools.</p></div

Representative quotes illustrating community member views on the different diagnostic methods.

<p>Representative quotes illustrating community member views on the different diagnostic methods.</p

Characteristics of 1,173 included participants by gender.

<p>Characteristics of 1,173 included participants by gender.</p

Onchocerciasis surveillance costs per test and by cost category.

<p>Onchocerciasis surveillance costs per test and by cost category.</p

Onchocerciasis surveillance process map without and with Ov16 rapid test.

<p>Onchocerciasis surveillance process map without and with Ov16 rapid test.</p

Sero-positivity of Ov16 rapid test by the following age categories: 5–17, 18–30, 31–42, 43–55, 56–67, 68–80, and 81–92 (n = 1,169).

<p>Sero-positivity of Ov16 rapid test by the following age categories: 5–17, 18–30, 31–42, 43–55, 56–67, 68–80, and 81–92 (n = 1,169).</p