Different Lines Of Evidence Research Articles

Formally combining different lines of evidence in extreme-event attribution

Abstract. Event attribution methods are increasingly routinely used to assess the role of climate change in individual weather events. In order to draw robust conclusions about whether changes observed in the real world can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, it is necessary to analyse trends in observations alongside those in climate models, where the factors driving changes in weather patterns are known. Here we present a quantitative statistical synthesis method, developed over 8 years of conducting rapid probabilistic event attribution studies, to combine quantitative attribution results from multi-model ensembles and other, qualitative, lines of evidence in a single framework to draw quantitative conclusions about the overarching role of human-induced climate change in individual weather events.

Fucoxanthin Attenuates Angiogenesis by Blocking the VEGFR2-Mediated Signaling Pathway through Binding the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

Fucoxanthin, a dietary carotenoid, is predominantly found in edible brown algae and is commonly consumed worldwide. Fucoxanthin has been shown to possess beneficial health activities such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiobesity; however, the effects of fucoxanthin on VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and its possible binding with VEGF are unknown. Here, different lines of evidence supported the suppressive roles of fucoxanthin in VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, fucoxanthin remarkedly suppressed VEGF-mediated cell proliferative, migration, and invasive abilities, as well as tube formation, without cytotoxicity. In addition, fucoxanthin inhibited the subintestinal vessel formation of zebrafish in vivo. In signaling cascades, fucoxanthin was proposed to interact with VEGF, thus attenuating VEGF's functions in activating the VEGF receptor and its related downstream signaling, i.e., phosphorylations of MEK and Erk. Fucoxanthin also significantly blocked VEGF-triggered ROS formation. Furthermore, the outcomes of applying fucoxanthin in cancer cells were identified, which included (i) inhibiting VEGF-mediated cell proliferation and migration and (ii) inhibiting NF-κB translocation via limiting MMP2 expression. These lines of investigations supported the antiangiogenic roles of fucoxanthin, as well as reviewing its signaling mechanisms, in blocking the VEGF-triggered responses. The results would benefit the potential development of fucoxanthin for the prevention and treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases.

A REE Inverse Model From Bulk Distribution Coefficients and Boundary Conditions: Results for Shield and Rejuvenated Stage Hawaiian Volcanoes

AbstractA major challenge in mantle geochemistry is determining the source composition and melt fraction involved in melting. We provide a new Rare‐Earth Element (REE) inverse model that provides source concentration, source and melt mineral modes, and melt fraction based on the difference between separate determinations of bulk distribution coefficients and constrained by boundary conditions. An analytical inverse of the batch melting equation provides expressions for source, , and bulk distribution coefficient of the mantle, , with two unknowns, the initial concentration of La in the mantle, , and Pi, the bulk distribution coefficient of the melt. We traverse through a range of steps and examine thousands of melt modes, Pi, at each step. Thousands of trial melt modes fail by generating that are inconsistent with partition coefficients. Many surviving trials cannot be inverted to estimate a mantle mode. Other boundary conditions eliminate even more trials. Surviving trials are ordered by the difference between calculated from the REE data of a lava suite and calculated from partition coefficients and mantle mode. We select the solution with the closest fit that passes all the boundary conditions. We tested our new model with lava suites from Hawaii where different lines of evidence suggest that they melted from different mantle sources, Mauna Kea representing shield‐stage lava and submarine Kiekie representing rejuvenated stage lava. Our inverse determination of mantle composition and melting parameters was consistent with earlier models based on assumptions of HREE composition.

Homoplasy as an Evolutionary Process: An Optimistic View on the Recurrence of Similarity in Evolution

AbstractIn the cladistic literature, there is a recurrent perspective that considers homoplasy as something undesirable. Homoplasy, according to this view, is believed to obscure homologies that may lead to synapomorphies. Some cladists often call homoplasies an ad hoc hypothesis or an “error in our preliminary assignment of homology.” Consequently, homoplasy is generally regarded negatively, hindering further investigations, because it matters little whether a character subject to homoplasy is a convergence, a parallelism, or a reversal, since they all fall within the problematic homoplastic category. Nixon and Carpenter developed one of the recent arguments supporting this vision. In this context, I will argue that phylogenetics, being a part of evolutionary biology, must be compatible with its principles. Therefore, I will discuss the idea that homoplasy is more complex than just nonhomology, sometimes even constituting evidence of common ancestry (e.g., parallelism). I will put forward the thesis that it is crucial to differentiate instances of convergence, parallelism, and reversions by incorporating recent advances from EvoDevo research. Ultimately, this approach aims to demonstrate that evolutionary biology and phylogenetics mutually complement each other and assist in providing different lines of evidence that can be used to test different evolutionary hypotheses.

A case of cryptic diversity in the bat Hsunycteris thomasi (Lonchophyllinae, Chiroptera): New insights into unrecognized species

AbstractIntegrating different lines of evidence is currently recognized as the most robust approach to investigating taxonomic questions, particularly those concerning cryptic diversity. In recent years, different sources of evidence have pointed to new cryptic taxa for bats, with the genus Hsunycteris being an excellent study group because of its large karyotypic variability and high genetic divergence revealed by the latest taxonomic and systematic reviews. This study tests the cryptic diversity hypothesis for the Hsunycteris thomasi complex through an integrative approach using species delimitation, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome painting, and linear morphometry. Our results suggest the existence of three lineages for H. thomasi that are morphologically indistinguishable, confirming the two previously described lineages in the literature and adding a third. We argue that the paraphyly in H. thomasi, as reported by previous studies, should be treated as independent species since they have unique evolutionary histories. Finally, we demonstrate that chromosomal and molecular methods are indispensable for recognizing and confirming groups that include cryptic species or species with confusing and controversial taxonomy.

Narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity are associated in fictive storytelling and autobiographical memories in typically developing children and adolescents

Different lines of evidence indicate that the ability to communicate narratives coherently is related to children's social-emotional development. However, it is unknown whether narrative coherence is genre-specific or generalizes across autobiographical memories and fictive stories, and if autobiographical and fictive narratives show different or similar associations with mentalizing language, cognitive functions, social and daily functioning. Addressing these questions may provide important clues about the development of narrative communication skills in children and adolescents. We assessed 86 typically developing children and adolescents aged 7–14, examining narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity in six autobiographical memories and five fictional stories, alongside intellectual functioning and parent and teacher reports on social and adaptive functioning. Results showed that the measures on narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity, respectively, were associated across autobiographical memories and fictional stories. Moreover, narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity was related to each other on both fictive and autobiographical stories. Higher narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity on autobiographical memories were specifically related to better social-emotional reciprocity reported by teachers, who likely have more opportunities than parents to observe the child’s daily interaction with peers. Our findings suggest that narrative coherence and mentalizing language in school-aged children generalize across genres. Being able to communicate personal narratives coherently with use of mentalizing language appears to be important for the social-emotional interplay of children and adolescents.

A UK framework for the assessment and integration of different scientific evidence streams in chemical risk assessment

BackgroundFew methods are available for transparently combining different evidence streams for chemical risk assessment to reach an integrated conclusion on the probability of causation. Hence, the UK Committees on Toxicity (COT) and on Carcinogenicity (COC) have reviewed current practice and developed guidance on how to achieve this in a transparent manner, using graphical visualisation. Methods/approachAll lines of evidence, including toxicological, epidemiological, new approach methodologies, and mode of action should be considered, taking account of their strengths/weaknesses in their relative weighting towards a conclusion on the probability of causation. A qualitative estimate of the probability of causation is plotted for each line of evidence and a combined estimate provided. Discussion/conclusionsGuidance is provided on integration of multiple lines of evidence for causation, based on current best practice. Qualitative estimates of probability for each line of evidence are plotted graphically. This ensures a deliberative, consensus conclusion on likelihood of causation is reached. It also ensures clear communication of the influence of the different lines of evidence on the overall conclusion on causality. Issues on which advice from the respective Committees is sought varies considerably, hence the guidance is designed to be sufficiently flexible to meet this need.

#2071 The metabolic syndrome impact in the onco-nephrological scenario of renal cancer: when comorbidities beat surgery

Abstract Background and Aims Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a pathological state in which many risk factors for CKD including obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia co-occur within individuals. In the past decade different lines of evidence underlined the relationship between MS and CKD, two increasing worldwide serious threat to life. With the rise of onco-nephrology, there is a strong need to define the role of MS in the nephrological management of oncological patients. Our study aimed to assess the impact of metabolic syndrome on renal function in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cancer (RC). Method We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,112 patients undergoing PN at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2023. Patients with metastatic disease, hereditary cancer or a solitary kidney were excluded. Renal function was evaluated with eGFR values using CKD-EPI 2021 formula. AKI and CKD onset were defined using K-DIGO 2012 criteria. MS was defined as at least 3 of the following conditions: obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Multivariable analyses (MA) were used to determine the impact of MS on preoperative eGFR impairment and post-operative AKI. Covariates were intraoperative blood loss, surgical experience, pT stage, type of surgery (open vs minimally invasive), pre-existing CKD, age, and comorbidities (defined as Charlson Comorbidity Index>3). Results Overall, the rate of MS was 9% (n = 100). The median follow-up was 60 months (IQR 28-68). Patients with MS had lower preoperative eGFR (78 ml/min vs. 87 ml/min), higher estimated blood loss (500 ml vs. 300 ml) and higher rate of complications (38% vs. 29%) relative to non-MS counterparts (all p < 0.001). Additionally, the rate of AKI was 25% (n = 25) vs 18% (n = 182) for metabolic vs non-MS patients (p = 0.01), respectively. At MVA, MS was an independent predictor for both lower preoperative eGFR (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14, p = 0.01) and higher risk of AKI (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-4.1, p = 0.01). MS patients had a worse kidney function at baseline, had higher risk of AKI immediately after surgery and a higher risk of CKD onset over time, with a steep reduction of eGFR even at long term follow-up (Fig. 1). Conclusion Renal cancer patients diagnosed with MS harbored an increased risk of both AKI and CKD even with a partial nephrectomy. Therefore, the role of onco-nephrologists and nutritionists remains a cornerstone in the management of such cohort of patients, before and after surgery.

Land disposal of dredged sediments from an urbanized tropical lagoon: toxicity to soil fauna.

Urban tropical lagoons are commonly impacted by silting, domestic sewage and industrial wastes and the dredging of their sediments is often required to minimize environmental impacts. However, the ecological implications of land disposal of dredged sediments are still poorly investigated in the tropics. Aiming to contribute to filling this gap, an ecotoxicological evaluation was conducted with dredged sediments from Tijuca Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) using different lines of evidence, including soil and sediment characterization, metal determination, and acute and avoidance bioassays with Eisenia andrei. Two different dredged sediment samples, a sandy sediment and another muddy one, were obtained in two distinct and spatially representative sectors of the Tijuca Lagoon. The sediments were mixed with an artificial soil, Ferralsol and Spodosol to obtain doses between 0 (pure soil) and 12%. The sediment dose that caused mortality (LC50) or avoidance responses (EC50) to 50% of the organisms was estimated through PriProbit analysis. Metal concentrations and toxicity levels were higher in the muddy sediment (artificial soil LC50 = 3.84%; Ferralsol LC50 = 4.58%; Spodosol LC50 = 2.85%) compared to the sandy one (artificial soil LC50 = 10.94%; Ferralsol LC50 = 14.36%; Spodosol LC50 = 10.38%), since fine grains tend to adsorb more organic matter and contaminants. Mortality and avoidance responses were the highest in Spodosol due to its extremely sandy texture (98% of sand). Metal concentrations in surviving earthworms were generally low, except sodium whose bioaccumulation was high. Finally, the toxicity is probably linked to marine salts, and the earthworms seem to accumulate water in excess to maintain osmotic equilibrium, increasing their biomass.

Alterations in the volume and shape of the basal ganglia and thalamus in schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations

Different lines of evidence indicate that the structure and physiology of the basal ganglia and the thalamus is disturbed in schizophrenia. However, it is unknown whether the volume and shape of these subcortical structures are affected in schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations (AH), a core positive symptom of the disorder. We took structural MRI from 63 patients with schizophrenia, including 36 patients with AH and 27 patients who had never experienced AH (NAH), and 51 matched healthy controls. We extracted volumes for the left and right thalamus, globus pallidus, putamen, caudate and nucleus accumbens. Shape analysis was also carried out. When comparing to controls, the volume of the right globus pallidus, thalamus, and putamen, was only affected in AH patients. The volume of the left putamen was also increased in individuals with AH, whereas the left globus pallidus was affected in both groups of patients. The shapes of right and left putamen and thalamus were also affected in both groups. The shape of the left globus pallidus was only altered in patients lacking AH, both in comparison to controls and to cases with AH. Lastly, the general PANSS subscale was correlated with the volume of the right thalamus, and the right and left putamen, in patients with AH. We have found volume and shape alterations of many basal ganglia and thalamus in patients with and without AH, suggesting in some cases a possible relationship between this positive symptom and these morphometric alterations.

From pots to potters: reconstructing group and individual variability in pottery production. A case study of the LBK site Cząstków Polski XII, Comm. Czosnów

This article presents the results of the analysis of the manufacturing macrotraces on the LBK pottery from Cząstków Polski, Site XII, Czosnów commune. It is a small, highly fragmented, and eroded assemblage and the usefulness of such material for the study of pottery production was tested. Different lines of evidence could be combined and led to the recognition of various vessel forming methods and to the reconstruction of distinct chaînes opératoires and even individual traits within them, indicating the occupation of the site by one community of practice with multiple manufacturers. Pottery production at Cząstków Polski followed general LBKpotting standards but also shows some peculiarities indicating some degree of idiosyncrasy within this community of practice.

Soft‐sediment deformation structures and Neptunian dykes across a carbonate system: Evidence for an earthquake‐related origin (Norian, Dolomia Principale, Southern Alps, Italy)

AbstractIdentification of the processes producing soft‐sediment deformation structures, common in siliciclastic deposits and less abundant in carbonate successions, is complex, because different processes may produce similar structures. Thus, interpreting the origin of these structures may be challenging: it requires both a detailed sedimentological study, and the knowledge of the depositional environment and stratigraphic evolution, in order to provide hints to identify the processes affecting sediments after deposition. Among the potential causes of the formation of soft‐sediment deformation structures, seismic shock is one of the possibilities, but their origin could be also related to other triggering mechanisms, such as volcanic activity, sediment loading, salt tectonics, fluid expulsion, meteorite impacts and mass movements. Although it is a plausible option, the interpretation of these structures as ‘seismites' is not obvious: it must be supported by different lines of evidence, considering that the correct interpretation of soft‐sediment deformation structures as a consequence of seismic shocks acquires important implications in palaeoseismology studies. The occurrence of diverse soft‐sediment deformation structures in a fault‐controlled basin (i.e. in a geological setting characterized by syndepositional tectonics) preserved in different subenvironments of a Norian carbonate system in the Southern Alps of Italy provides the chance to characterize different types of soft‐sediment deformation structures along a platform‐to‐basin depositional profile. Presence of pseudonodules in basinal resedimented limestone, sedimentary dykes and clinostratified breccias with unlithified clasts in slope settings and liquefaction of inner platform facies at the platform top testify to an origin compatible with multiple seismic shocks, repetitively affecting the same stratigraphic intervals. The diverse types of soft‐sediment deformation structures in the studied carbonate system provide a rich catalogue of structures related to seismic shocks, representing a possible reference for other similar settings.

Response of streamflow and nutrient loads in a small temperate catchment subject to land use change

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of land use change (LUC) implemented to meet nutrient load targets for a freshwater lake in New Zealand. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in combination with a non-parametric statistical test to determine whether afforestation of 15% of a subcatchment area was adequate to meet assigned nutrient load targets. A regional management authority set nutrient load targets of reduction in total nitrogen (TN) by 0.9 t yr−1 and reduction in total phosphorus (TP) by 0.05 t yr−1 to avoid eutrophication in the receiving waters of a freshwater lake. The load reduction was designed to be achieved through 200 ha of LUC from pasture to trees. Analysis of nutrient loads before, during, and following LUC shows that a 15% increase in forest cover decreased the annual flow (7.2%), TP load (33.3%), and TN load (13.1%). As flow and water quality observations were discrete and at irregular intervals, we used a parametric test and the SWAT model as different lines of evidence to demonstrate the effect of afforestation on flow and water quality. Policymakers concerned with decisions about LUC to improve the quality of receiving waters can benefit from applying our findings and using a statistical and numerical modelling framework to evaluate the adequacy of land use change to support improvements in water quality.

A multi approach study of grinding artefacts recovered at the north of the Hualfín valley (Catamarca, Argentina)

This paper aims to characterise the lithic technology associated with food processing at the Villavil 1 site (northern Hualfin Valley, Argentina), inhabited during both the Middle period (ca. 7th – 9th centuries AD) and Late-Inka period (ca. 10th – 16th centuries AD). We conducted this study by following different approaches on grinding tools: at the macroscopic scale, we carried out techno-morphological studies, while at the microscopic scale we identified botanical residues and use-wear traces.These different lines of evidence allowed us to recognise upper tools that could have been used for grinding vegetables. We detected starch grains of three taxa: Zea mays, Neltuma sp., and Phaseolus vulgaris. Also, wear traces (dimples, micro-striations, micro-polishing) pointed out an intense or prolonged percussion on the surface of another rock and the contact with plant material. The results match with the functions of the site Villavil 1, related to agricultural production, which was fundamental to the diet of pre-Columbian populations that inhabited the valley.

Lactose malabsorption and intolerance: What is the correct management in older adults?

Lactose malabsorption is a very common condition due to intestinal lactase deficiency. Post weaning, a genetically programmed and irreversible reduction of lactase activity occurs in the majority of the world's population. Lactose malabsorption does not necessarily result in gastrointestinal symptoms, i.e. lactose intolerance, which occurs in approximately one third of those with lactase deficiency. In the absence of well-established guidelines, the common therapeutic approach tends to exclude milk and dairy products from the diet. However, this strategy may have serious nutritional disadvantages. Mainly in particular categories, such as the older adults, the approach to lactose malabsorption may deserve careful considerations. Milk and dairy products are an important supply of a wide range of nutrients that contribute to meet the nutritional needs in different life stages. Dietary composition can significantly impact the mechanisms leading to age-related loss of bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass or function and overall risk of sarcopenia. Moreover, in the latest years, different lines of evidence have highlighted an association between dairy intake and prevention of chronic diseases as well as all-cause mortality. The aim of this opinion paper is to provide an overview of lactose malabsorption and intolerance in the older adults and their implications in clinical practice.

Spatiotemporal dynamics in butterfly hybrid zones.

Evaluating whether hybrid zones are stable or mobile can provide novel insights for evolution and conservation biology. Butterflies exhibit high sensitivity to environmental changes and represent an important model system for the study of hybrid zone origins and maintenance. Here, we review the literature exploring butterfly hybrid zones, with a special focus on their spatiotemporal dynamics and the potential mechanisms that could lead to their movement or stability. We then compare different lines of evidence used to investigate hybrid zone dynamics and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Our goal with this review is to reveal general conditions associated with the stability or mobility of butterfly hybrid zones by synthesizing evidence obtained using different types of data sampled across multiple regions and spatial scales. Finally, we discuss spatiotemporal dynamics in the context of a speciation/divergence continuum, the relevance of hybrid zones for conservation biology, and recommend key topics for future investigation.

An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations

AbstractThe resolution of unidentified human remains (UHR) and long‐term missing persons (LTMP) cases is paramount for administrative, legal, and humanitarian reasons. There are various forensic profiling methods for human identification; however, their utility is dependent on several factors. First, UHR can be found in different stages of decomposition, so the availability and diversity of post‐mortem (PM) information will differ. Second, the availability and totality of the LTMP's ante‐mortem (AM) information will differ. Therefore, the suitability of existing methods will be dependent on the quality and quantity of PM and/or AM data available for comparison. Visual recognition is the simplest and quickest method, but typically not practiced or possible, owing to the altered, fragmented, or skeletonized state of UHR. Primary forensic profiling methods involve the comparison of fingerprint, dental, DNA, and medical data. Secondary forensic profiling methods from anthropology, radiology, geochemistry, and anatomy disciplines can provide supplementary evidence to support comparative identification approaches. Emerging forensic molecular technologies such as genomics, microbiomics, epigenetics, and proteomics, together with individual digital footprints from personal devices, offer new investigative leads for establishing identity. However, despite the success of these individual methods, their limitations must be considered when used in isolation. Through the development of a guiding forensic examination framework, this review endorses an interdisciplinary response to unidentified and missing persons investigations, where various forensic specialists collaboratively examine UHR using a suite of contemporary forensic profiling methods to produce multiple and/or different lines of evidence to link them effectively, efficiently, comprehensively, and systematically to LTMP.This article is categorized under:Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and InvestigationsForensic Biology > DNA Testing in Disaster Victim and Missing Persons IdentificationForensic Medicine > Medicolegal Death Investigation SystemsJurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Modeling the role of charged residues in thermophilic proteins by rotamer and dynamic cross correlation analysis.

Discerning the determinants of protein thermostability is very important both from the theoretical and applied perspective. Different lines of evidence seem to indicate that a dynamical network of salt bridges/charged residues plays a fundamental role in the thermostability of enzymes. In this work, we applied measures of dynamic variance, like the Gini coefficients, Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence and dynamic cross correlation (DCC) coefficients to compare the behavior of 3 pairs of homologous proteins from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus and mesophilic Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of these proteins were performed at 303K and 363K. In the characterization of their side chain rotamer distributions, the corresponding Gini coefficients and KL-divergence both revealed significant correlations with temperature. Similarly, a DCC analysis revealed a higher trend to de-correlate the movement of charged residues at higher temperatures in the thermophilic proteins, when compared with their mesophilic homologues. These results highlight the importance of dynamic electrostatic network interactions for the thermostability of enzymes.

Integrative Assessment of Sediment Quality in the São Francisco River (Mina Gerais, Brazil)

The São Francisco River (one of the most important South American rivers) has many contamination sources, but just a few environmental assessments have been conducted. A weight-of-evidence approach identified the pollution sources (industrial activities, mineral processing, fisheries, and tourism) in the river and the city of Três Marias based on two different lines of evidence: the structure of the benthic community (biological monitoring working party score system, abundance of taxa, number of individuals, Margalef species richness, Pielou evenness, and Shannon–Wiener diversity) and the physicochemical determination of sediments (%fines, TOC, nitrate, ammonium, ammonia, ammoniacal nitrogen, metalloids, and SEM/AVSs). The results show that the wastewater treatment plant was the most important source of pollution. A factory was also detected as a source of contamination, with related adverse effects having been measured downstream. Other sources of contamination and stress were detected in the studied area. The macro-benthic identification study identified three different sentinel species (Tanytarsus sp., Crytochironomus sp., and Polypedilum sp.) for future monitoring assessments of the sediment quality in riverine areas. Thus, an improvement in the management of river effluents and more measures focused on cutting contaminant emissions from the waste treatment plant are recommended.

IL-8 Secreted by Gastric Epithelial Cells Infected with Helicobacter pylori CagA Positive Strains Is a Chemoattractant for Epstein-Barr Virus Infected B Lymphocytes.

Helicobacter pylori and EBV are considered the main risk factors in developing gastric cancer. Both pathogens establish life-lasting infections and both are considered carcinogenic in humans. Different lines of evidence support that both pathogens cooperate to damage the gastric mucosa. Helicobacter pylori CagA positive virulent strains induce the gastric epithelial cells to secrete IL-8, which is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and one of the most important chemokines for the bacterium-induced chronic gastric inflammation. EBV is a lymphotropic virus that persists in memory B cells. The mechanism by which EBV reaches, infects and persists in the gastric epithelium is not presently understood. In this study, we assessed whether Helicobacter pylori infection would facilitate the chemoattraction of EBV-infected B lymphocytes. We identified IL-8 as a powerful chemoattractant for EBV-infected B lymphocytes, and CXCR2 as the main IL-8 receptor whose expression is induced by the EBV in infected B lymphocytes. The inhibition of expression and/or function of IL-8 and CXCR2 reduced the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling and the chemoattraction of EBV-infected B lymphocytes. We propose that IL-8 at least partially explains the arrival of EBV-infected B lymphocytes to the gastric mucosa, and that this illustrates a mechanism of interaction between Helicobacter pylori and EBV.