Publications by authors named "K Vargas"

Mental fatigue is a psychophysiological state that adversely impacts performance in cognitive tasks, increasing risk of occupational hazards. Given its manifestation as a conscious sensation, it is often measured through subjective self-report. However, subjective measures are not always true measurements of objective fatigue.

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Article Synopsis
  • The venom of Bothrops lanceolatus, a viper species from Martinique, is known to cause thrombosis, particularly in patients bitten by juvenile snakes, prompting research into the underlying mechanisms.
  • The study compared the venoms of juvenile and adult specimens, revealing that juvenile venom induces more significant thrombus formation in mice than adult venom, despite both having similar proteomes.
  • An experimental model showcasing the thrombotic effects of B. lanceolatus venom was established, highlighting the differences in effects between juvenile and adult specimens, and indicating that other factors like metalloproteinase activity may not be solely responsible for thrombus formation.
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Few studies have addressed viral diversity in lemurs despite their unique evolutionary history on the island of Madagascar and high risk of extinction. Further, while a large number of studies on animal viromes focus on fecal samples, understanding viral diversity across multiple sample types and seasons can reveal complex viral community structures within and across species. Groups of captive lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center (Durham, NC, USA), a conservation and research center, provide an opportunity to build foundational knowledge on lemur-associated viromes.

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House mice, , are highly adapted to anthropogenic spaces. Fecal samples were collected from house mice entering primate enclosure areas at the Duke Lemur Center (Durham, NC, USA). We identified 14 cressdnavirus and 59 microvirus genomes in these mouse feces.

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Breast cancer (BCa) is a prevalent form of cancer in women, exhibiting varying rates and distribution across different ethnic groups. Among these groups, African American (AA) women have the highest incidence of BCa and the lowest levels of Vitamin D (VD). Numerous studies have explored the connection between variations in the VDR gene and BCa risk, particularly in different populations, but research on the AA population remains limited.

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