pombe, influences the localization and stability of CENP-A in C. albicans (Thakur

& Sanyal, 2012). Members of the evolutionarily conserved CENP-C family contain a c. 25-amino acid-long conserved region, known as the CENP-C box, which is essential for its KT localization (Meluh & Koshland, 1995; Yu et al., 2000; Suzuki et al., 2004). CENP-C localization at the KT is mediated by CENP-A in both S. cerevisiae (Westermann et al., 2003) and S. pombe (Tanaka et al., 2009). CENP-C requires Mis12 for its recruitment at the KT in both S. cerevisiae (Westermann et al., 2003) and C. albicans (Roy et al., 2011). Ndc10 and Nnf1 influence CENP-C localization in S. cerevisiae (Meluh & Koshland, 1997; Collins et al., 2005). However, the dependence of CENP-C on Nnf1 has not been studied in S. pombe and C. albicans. Interestingly, subunits of the Dam1 complex are essential for CENP-C localization MS-275 price at the KT in C. albicans (Thakur & Sanyal, 2012). The yeast counterpart of the KNL1-Mis12-Ndc80 (KMN) network, identified in higher eukaryotes, consists of the Ndc80 complex, MIND/Mis12 complex and Spc105/Spc7 complex. The requirement of CENP-A for KT localization of the Ndc80 complex is similar in budding yeasts, S. cerevisiae (Collins et al.,

2005) and C. albicans (Burrack et al., 2011). Moreover, Cnn1/CENP-T and Ndc10 were reported to influence the assembly of the Ndc80 complex in S. cerevisiae (He et al., 2001; Janke et al., 2001; Schleiffer et al., 2011; Bock et al., 2012; Nishino et al., 2012). Panobinostat cell line Middle KT components including Mis12 and Nnf1 were shown to affect the localization of this complex at the KT (Westermann et al., 2003). In S. pombe, dependence as well as localization of the Ndc80 complex is not well established. The Dam1 complex subunits influence the loading of Nuf2, a constituent of the Ndc80 complex in C. albicans (Thakur & Sanyal, 2012). CENP-A plays an important role in recruiting Mis12 at the KT both in S. cerevisiae (Pinsky et al., 2003; Westermann et al., 2003; Collins et al., 2005) and C. albicans (Burrack et al., 2011; Roy et al., 2011) but Mis12 and CENP-A are independent of each other for their KT recruitment in S. pombe (Takahashi

et al., 2000). Ndc10 is essential for the KT localization of each of the constituents of the MIND complex in S. cerevisiae (Goshima & Yanagida, 2000; Nekrasov et al., 2003; Carbohydrate Pinsky et al., 2003). KT localization of the Mis12 complex is independent of Spc105 in S. cerevisiae (Pagliuca et al., 2009) but Mis12, Mis13/Dsn1 and Mis14/Nsl1 require Spc7 and Sos7 for their KT localization in S. pombe (Kerres et al., 2007; Pagliuca et al., 2009; Jakopec et al., 2012). Depletion of a subunit of the Dam1 complex affects Mis12 localization in C. albicans (Thakur & Sanyal, 2012). The Spc105 complex of S. cerevisiae consists of two subunits, which are Spc105 and Kre28. Ndc10 influences KT recruitment of both the components of this complex (Nekrasov et al., 2003; Pagliuca et al., 2009).

, 2005, 2008). Mature miRNA present in synaptoneurosome fractions of adult brain tissue derives at least in part from processing of local precursors (Lugli et al., 2008). Evidence suggests that NMDAR activation PS-341 purchase results in the proteolytic liberation of Dicer from the postsynaptic density and

subsequent activation of its RNAase III activity (Lugli et al., 2005). Mature miRNAs regulated by this mechanism should be rapidly elevated at synaptic sites following NMDAR activation and LTP induction, while the corresponding precursor levels should decrease. Such a pattern of regulation was not observed in the present study, but our measurements of miRNA expression in whole dentate gyrus homogenates (rather than synaptic fractions) cannot be used to address the question of local precursor processing in LTP. check details Taken together, however, these studies have revealed an unexpected regulation of the mature miRNA expression by NMDAR-dependent and transcription-independent mechanisms. Coordinate action of many miRNAs is crucial for biological processes,

such as cell fate determination and apoptosis. Co-transcriptional regulation is one way by which such coordination is thought to be achieved (Cheng et al., 2007; He et al., 2007). Evidence suggests that miR-132 and -212 are co-transcriptionally regulated from a stable intron of a cryptic non-coding RNA (Vo et al., 2005). An important common target of miR-132 and -212 is the Rac/Rho-family p250GAP. In cultured hippocampal neurons, activity-dependent Bay 11-7085 expression of miR-132 regulates dendritic morphogenesis by decreasing synthesis of p250GAP (Vo et al., 2005; Wayman et al., 2008). The transcription of miR-132 in this context is CREB dependent, and stimulated by NMDAR and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-activated

signaling pathways. In vitro studies also indicate a key role for miR-132 transcription in the homeostatic regulation of MeCP2 during neural development (Klein et al., 2007). The present work on LTP in the adult gyrus shows that transcription of pri-miR-132 and -212 is strongly dependent on mGluR rather than NMDAR activation. Changes in mature miR-132 and miR-212 during LTP reflected the opposing effects of mGluR and NMDAR signaling. Interestingly, while net levels of mature miRNA were significantly increased, no changes in the expression of p250GAP or MeCP2 protein were detected. Taken together, the results suggest that transcriptional regulation of miR-132/212 and its impact on target protein expression differs substantially between the developmental setting of embryonic neurons and LTP in the adult brain. The present study gives the first insights into regulation of miRNA expression during LTP in the adult mammalian brain.

salmonicida lacking the A-layer showed binding, but at a much reduced rate suggesting another insulin-binding component in addition to the high affinity of the A-protein. Soluble protein lysates were subjected to Western ligand blotting using peroxidase-labelled click here insulin to detect IBPs. Two positive IBPs were apparent at approximately 30 and 20 kDa in lysates

from Burkholderia strains, but no IBP was detected in A. salmonicida lysates. Insulin is an anabolic signal molecule (hormone) with 51 amino acids; its primary function is the regulation of glucose uptake from the systemic circulation in mammals. Insulin binds to cells via a tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated receptor and in turn upregulates many biochemical cascades including influx of glucose, glycogen synthesis, glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis (MacDonald et al., 2005). Since 1970, many studies have shown the presence of insulin-like molecules and insulin-like receptors

in some protozoa, bacteria and fungi (Collier et al., 1987; Dietz et al., 1989; Jeromson et al., 1999). The first observation was made with the fungus Neurospora crassa showing the existence of insulin-binding sites with high affinity on the fungal cell surface (Fawell & Lenard, 1988; Souza & López, 2004). A study of the insulin-binding protein (IBP) in N. crassa revealed that it is a signal transduction component learn more mediating glucose metabolism (Fawell et al., 1988), and an estimate of 103 insulin-binding 6-phosphogluconolactonase sites per cell was obtained (Kole et al., 1991). Others have shown the presence of similar receptors in bacteria such as Streptococcus spp., Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia cepacia (Woods et al., 1993; Jeromson et al., 1999). Burkholderia pseudomallei has a specific and saturable insulin-binding capacity of approximately 5000 molecules of insulin per cell (Woods et al., 1993), and the receptor responsible is thought to be a member of a signal transfer system involving either phospholipase or protein tyrosine phosphatase (Kanai et al., 1996). Immunological studies indicate that the insulin-binding

structures in bacteria such as Streptococcus spp. and the fungus Candida spp. share antigenic epitopes and react with antibodies to insulin and insulin receptors purified from human cells (Dietz et al., 1989). Therefore, any immune response against such epitopes on the microorganism may attack similar epitopes presented on the human insulin receptor (HIR). Thus, autoimmune responses may be initiated by molecular mimicry between microbial and human antigens. In this respect, the study of IBPs in Burkholderia spp. may be of relevance for people suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disease resulting from mutation in the CF transmembrane conductor regulation gene that causes dysfunction in halide and pseudohalide transport (Farra et al., 2010).

The major themes for each are shown below: The intrinsic influences were enjoyment of science; pharmacy the subject-i.e. the course content;

PLX4032 cell line an interest in the action of medicines; and, a desire to help people by delivering healthcare. The extrinsic influences were: good career opportunities; family influence; pharmacy the profession i.e. a professional course leading to be an ‘expert in medicines’; and the pay. The results show a variety of influences affecting student choice to study pharmacy. Enjoyment of science was cited by many students as an influence for studying pharmacy.1,2 It therefore appears that students still perceive pharmacy as a science-based course. However, students also identified pharmacy with ‘care’ i.e. delivering healthcare and aligns with the profession moving towards a more clinically, patient-facing role. The course content also appeared to influence students; given that the course is longer than most degrees it is important that students enjoy the course and continue to be motivated to study pharmacy. Pharmacy was considered to offer good career opportunities and be a well-paid

career; given the financial burden now placed on students it is not unsurprising that they choose a degree which they perceived would yield a return on investment. The results however find more may be biased by a social desirability effect; where students’ responses are influenced by what they think the researcher wants to hear. 1. Roller L. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in choosing pharmacy as a course of study at Monash University 1999–2004. Parvulin 13th International Social Pharmacy Workshop. Pharmacy Education, 2004; 4: 199. 2. Willis SC, Shann P, Hassell K. Report 4: Early Choices: studying pharmacy: who, when, how, why?

What next. 2006. Anne Hinchliffe1, Fiona Davies2, Chris Powell2, Richard Whitfield2 1Public Health Wales, Wales, UK, 2Welsh Ambulance Service, Wales, UK Which medicines do people most frequently call NHS Direct Wales (NHSDW) about? Central nervous system (CNS) medicines and antimicrobials accounted for more than half (55%) the questions asked The majority of medicines-related calls dealt with by NHSDW could be managed appropriately by community pharmacy To gain maximum benefit from medicines, people need some knowledge about them. An awareness of the questions people have is important if pharmacists are to proactively respond to patients’ information needs. The aim of this study was to analyse medicines-related calls answered by NHSDW nurse advisors during 2010/11. The primary objective was to find out which medicines people most frequently asked about and a secondary objective was to report the disposition assigned to each call by the nurse advisor. The study did not evaluate the quality of advice provided by NHSDW. Each call to NHSDW is recorded electronically and coded for future differentiation. Medicines-related calls were identified and 12% calls from each Health Board (n = 7) were selected using a random number generator.

A univariate and a multivariate linear regression model were used to investigate factors Ruxolitinib correlated with ATV plasma concentration.

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify a plasma ATV concentration cut-off predictive of virological response and toxicity. Predictors of virological outcome were investigated using a logistic regression model: variables significantly associated with virological response in univariate analysis were subsequently evaluated in a multivariate model. Spearman correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to evaluate the correlation between ATV concentration and bilirubin levels. All analyses were performed using the spss version 13.0 software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 115 plasma samples from 86 patients fulfilling the selection criteria were analysed. Baseline features of the studied population, also split according to the use of ritonavir boosting, are shown in Table 1. Groups of patients

taking boosted or unboosted ATV differed for time since ATV initiation [median 11 months (interquartile range (IQR) 5–20 months) vs. 7 months (IQR 2–12 months), respectively; P=0.041] and concomitant tenofovir use (87.9 vs. 25%, respectively; P<0.001). A selleck inhibitor genotypic resistance test was available in 49 patients (57%); the median interval between the genotypic resistance test and drug measurement was 30 months (IQR 16–42 months). ATV plasma concentrations showed high inter-individual variability both globally and in ritonavir-boosted or unboosted regimens (CV 83.1, 71.4 and 86.5%, respectively) (Fig. 1). Overall, the median ATV plasma concentration was 1.50 mg/L

(IQR 0.70–2.30 mg/L); it was higher in samples obtained from patients taking boosted regimens [1.91 mg/L (IQR 1.20–2.81 mg/L) vs. 1.00 mg/L (IQR 0.22–1.34 mg/L) for unboosted regimens; P<0.001] and not concomitantly receiving acid-reducing agents [1.64 mg/L (IQR 0.87–2.46 mg/L) vs. 0.28 mg/L (IQR 0.16–1.00 mg/L) in those receiving acid-reducing Benzatropine agents; P=0.007]. There were no significant differences in median ATV concentration between patients whose prescribed combination regimens contained tenofovir and those whose regimens did not [1.80 mg/L (IQR 0.90–2.57) for regimens containing tenofovir vs. 1.24 mg/L (IQR 0.38–2.00) for regimens not containing tenofovir; P=0.065]. However, when we considered only the subgroup of patients receiving unboosted ATV, median ATV concentration was lower when tenofovir was coadministered [0.22 mg/L (IQR 0.04–0.80 mg/L) vs. 1.07 mg/L (0.38–1.55 mg/L) when tenofovir was not coadministered; P=0.024]. When patients with ritonavir boosting were considered, no significant difference in ATV concentration was observed between those concomitantly receiving tenofovir and those not receiving tenofovir [median concentration 1.86 mg/L (IQR 1.20–2.81 mg/L) for those receiving tenofovir vs. 2.18 mg/L (IQR 0.59–3.19 mg/L) for those not receiving tenofovir; P=0.748].

These data identify an extended developmental period during which neurogenesis might be modulated to significantly impact the structure and function of the dentate gyrus in adulthood. “
“In human and nonhuman primates parietal cortex is formed by a multiplicity of areas. For those of the superior parietal lobule (SPL) there exists a certain homology between man and macaques. As a consequence, optic ataxia, a disturbed visual control of hand reaching, has similar features Cyclopamine cost in man and monkeys. Establishing such correspondence has

proven difficult for the areas of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). This difficulty depends on many factors. First, no physiological information is available in man on the dynamic properties of cells in the IPL. Second, the number of IPL areas identified in the monkey is paradoxically higher

than that so far described in man, although this issue will probably be reconsidered in future years, thanks to comparative imaging studies. Third, the consequences of parietal lesions in monkeys do not always match those observed in humans. This is another paradox if one considers that, in certain cases, the functional properties of neurons in the monkey’s IPL would predict the presence of behavioral skills, such as construction capacity, that however do not seem this website to emerge in the wild. Therefore, constructional apraxia, which is well characterized in man, has never been described

in monkeys and apes. Finally, only certain aspects, i.e. hand directional hypokinesia and gaze apraxia (Balint’s psychic paralysis of gaze), of the multifaceted syndrome hemispatial neglect have been described in monkeys. These similarities, differences and paradoxes, among many others, make the study of the evolution and function of parietal cortex a challenging case. Lesions of posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in humans result in a constellation of symptoms often referred to as the ‘parietal syndrome’ (Balint, 1909; for an historical perspective see Husain & Stein, 1988; Harvey & Milner, 1995). Since its original description the core of the parietal syndrome consisted of optic ataxia, psychic paralysis Y-27632 2HCl of gaze and impaired spatial attention, now referred to as hemispatial neglect. In subsequent years, a number of action disorders such as constructional apraxia (Kleist, 1934; Benton, 1967; De Renzi et al., 1982) have also been described after parietal damage, calling for an interpretation of the consequences of parietal lesions in terms of a general impairment of spatial cognition. A century of intensive neuropsychological study today offers a picture of the parietal syndrome (see Husain & Stein, 1988; Harvey & Milner, 1995) which is more refined than that provided by earlier studies, in at least three main respects, i.e.

salmonis. In this context, and considering that key virulence genes that distinguish pathogenic bacteria are generally carried on transmissible Cabozantinib mouse genetic elements (Hacker et al., 1997), it would not be surprising if the genomic complexity of P. salmonis included other types of MGEs, a feasible alternative that our laboratory is currently investigating. In summary, this is the first description of a putatively functional IS in the genome of P. salmonis. Our results reveal that ISPsa2 shares high similarity to previously described ISs – specifically to IS240

elements, which are members of the IS6 family. As shown in Table 2, our new IS shares the key features that distinguish the IS6 family elements, such as length, IR size and END sequence. The putative transposase encoded within ISPsa2 (Tnp-Psa) carries conserved motifs that are also found in other transposases (Fig. 2). The presence of a putative promoter region in frame with Tnp-Psa in ISPsa2 strongly suggests a regulated

self-expression for the IS and may represent a preliminary indication of the high genomic plasticity of this fish bacterial pathogen. Additionally, the ISPsa2 sequence appears to be in other strains of the pathogen, or at least in three isolates obtained from epizootics in 2010 (Fig. 3). This work was selleck chemicals llc supported by Innova Corfo grant 05CT6IPD-22 to S.M., C.C. and V.H. and by Conicyt (Beca Nacional de Doctorado) to F.G. “
“We report the effect of glutathione and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), assayed by a nitro blue tetrazolium reaction, on the antibacterial action of ciprofloxacin,

gentamicin and chloramphenicol in Staphylococcus aureus 22 resistant to ciprofloxacin Fossariinae and gentamicin, and in S. aureus ATCC 29213 sensitive to the above three antibiotics. The association of glutathione with ciprofloxacin or gentamicin significantly reduced the value of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in resistant S. aureus 22, measured using the macrodilution method, with a concomitant increase of intracellular ROS and a decrease of extracellular ROS. However, glutathione did not induce modifications in MIC or ROS generated by chloramphenicol. Furthermore, in the sensitive S. aureus ATCC 29213, the association of glutathione with ciprofloxacin, gentamicin or chloramphenicol did not induce any significant variations of MIC or ROS. There was a correlation between the stimulus of intracellular ROS and the decrease of MIC caused by exogenous glutathione. According to the results obtained, it is possible to modify the sensitivity of resistant strains of S. aureus by the addition of exogenous glutathione.

However, pre-travel preparation of tourists to a moderate altitude destination like Cusco is inadequate

with underutilization of health services, inadequate counseling, and limited use of acetazolamide. AMS was common among study participants and had a big impact on travel plans. Few of those even with severe symptoms sought professional health care. Further research on determinants of pre-travel and local health care services use is needed. Also, it is paramount to raise awareness about the potentially fatal consequences of traveling to moderate and high altitudes without adequate preparation. This should be raised among counseling physicians and among travelers at risk. The authors state they have no conflicts of interest to declare. “
“In our recent editorial we discussed the difficulties related

to the prevention of malaria in international pediatric travelers, E7080 mw in general, and in pediatric Gefitinib supplier travelers visiting friends and relatives specifically.1 We highlighted many travel medicine logistical obstacles that result in significant risk for children who travel to malaria-endemic regions. A pivotal need when traveling to a high risk malaria-endemic area is to have a safe, efficacious, and acceptable prophylactic antimalarial drug. If parents are required to sign a special consent form before the prescription for an antimalarial can be issued, this will complicate procedures and will hinder the acceptance and adherence to the drug regimen. We would like to thank Drs Takeshita and Kanagawa for sharing, with us, this important reality of pretravel

care for children in Japan.2 It is noteworthy that the Pediatrics Interest Group within the International Society of Travel Medicine was just constituted and met at the recent CISTM meeting in Boston for the first time.3 It is our hope that this renewed focus on pediatric travel medicine will help advocate for an improved and easy access of children to competent pretravel care and efficacious antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis. Stefan Hagmann *† and Patricia Schlagenhauf “
“An estimated 1 billion people will travel internationally in 2012,[1] some of whom are immunocompromised hosts Thymidylate synthase and who are more vulnerable to infection and subsequent complications, including those with cancer, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, organ transplant recipients, or those on immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disorders. Little is known about the risks of travel in immunocompromised hosts. There are a handful of descriptive studies on travel medicine in organ transplant[2-4] and splenectomized[5] patients, although larger studies are yet to be done. Mikati and colleagues[6] describe the first retrospective cohort study of cancer patients who presented for pre-travel health advice at a single center over an 8-year span.

Molecular clocks for luxS were estimated similarly. To evaluate the expression of luxS in the amber isolates, luminescence assays were performed using isolates 4_AG11AC10, 10_AG11AC13a, and 16_AG11AC14 and V. harveyi BB170 as the reporter strain. Amber isolate 6_AG11AC11 was used as negative control as it lacked luxS. The criteria for selection of the isolates for the assays included differences between the amplified region of the 16S rRNA gene and cell morphology. For these experiments, the growth curves of the amber isolates were determined by OD600 nm measurements of aliquots collected (in triplicate) every 2 h for up to 8 h. Aliquots were filtered and added to a final concentration of 10% to the reporter strain

(final OD600 nm = 0.1). Luminescence emitted by the reporter strain in the presence of the putative

AI-2 was measured using a luminometer and is reported as relative light units (RLU). Background luminescence or find more the luminescence emitted by the reporter strain in the absence of bacterial filtrates was measured as well. Results are reported as plots of the luminescence emitted by the reporter strain in the presence of the supernatant of the amber isolates, and OD600 nm measurements are selleck screening library shown as well (y-axis). The x-axis represents the timing of the response of V. harveyi BB170 after addition of the putative AI-2. Sequence data matrices were log-transformed, and similarity matrices were used to construct dendograms using Primer E, version 6 (Clarke & Gorley, 2006). For the luminescence data, one-way analysis was performed to test for differences between group means using jmp pro 10 statistical analysis software (Statistical Discovery™, SAS Institute, Inc.). A total of 20 amber isolates were included in the present study Pyruvate dehydrogenase (Table S3). luxS was not amplified in most of the Gram-negative isolates, with the exception of isolate 9_AG11AC12a. The tree topology of luxS in the present study is comparable to that reported previously (Lerat & Moran, 2004). The amplified region of luxS clustered more closely to the luxS of B. megaterium (Fig. 1a).

This was not the case, however, for the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, where several amber isolates formed distinct branches and clustered with differing bacteria genera (Fig. 1b). The dendogram of the luxS clearly showed separate clusters for the extant and ancient taxa (Fig. 2a), while the dendrogram of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed a similar clustering of the samples by age (extant vs. ancient) (Fig. 2b). The evolutionary rate or molecular clocks for luxS and 16S rRNA gene sequences were calculated. The criteria for selection of the isolates included identification at the species level by blast searches of the 16S rRNA gene partial sequences. The evolution rate of the 16S rRNA gene of the amber isolates tested is shown in Table 1 and was estimated to be 14.5–30.3 million years. The results are consistent with the estimated age of the isolates (Table S1).

It is possible that most of these patients get infected by contact with a taenia carrier.

The time p38 MAPK signaling pathway elapsed between disease acquisition and symptoms occurrence suggests that, at least in some patients, clinical manifestations are related to reactivation of an infection that has previously been controlled by the host immune system. Neurocysticercosis is the most common helminthic infection of the nervous system, and a major cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide.1 The disease occurs when humans become intermediate hosts of the tapeworm Taenia solium by ingesting its eggs from contaminated food or, most often, directly from a taenia carrier (fecal-oral route). Within the central nervous system, parasites may lodge in the brain parenchyma, subarachnoid space, ventricular system, or spinal cord, causing a myriad of pathological changes that are responsible for the clinical pleomorphism of neurocysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis is endemic in most Dabrafenib purchase of the developing world. There, millions of people are infected by cysticerci, and many of them will eventually experience the clinical consequences of this infection.2 Neurocysticercosis was rare in developed countries up to the past few decades. Together with the growing number of immigrants from endemic areas, there has been

an increase in the number of patients with cysticercosis in some of these countries.3,4 Also, increased tourism and international business affairs have rendered people from nonendemic areas more susceptible to acquire this parasitic disease. Neurocysticercosis in travelers has not been well characterized, and available information on these individuals is scarce and incomplete.5 The main purpose of this study is to present a review of the literature on neurocysticercosis in citizens from nonendemic countries who developed the disease after a travel to disease-endemic regions, to estimate the magnitude of the disease, and to describe the pattern of disease expression in this population. A literature search of neurocysticercosis occurring

oxyclozanide in citizens from nonendemic countries who had history of travel to disease-endemic countries over the past 30 years (1981–2011) was performed using the electronic database of MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA). Key words “cysticercosis” and “neurocysticercosis” were combined with “travel,”“traveler,” and with the name of each of the countries traditionally considered as nonendemic, including Western European countries, African and Middle-East countries of the Arab World, Israel, some American countries (Argentina, Belize, Canada, Surinam, United States, and Uruguay), Islands of the Caribbean Basin (except Haiti and Dominican Republic), and some countries of Asia and Oceania (Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand).