Rhabdias (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) from Chamaeleonidae (Sauria): two new species from Trioceros ellioti in East Africa and one from Brookesia superciliaris in Madagascar

Rhabdias casiraghii n. sp. and R. kibiraensis n. sp. are described from Trioceros ellioti from Burundi and co-infection was observed in one of the host specimens. Distinctive characters between these species are, among others, the mouth and buccal capsule in front view, both of which are round in the former and laterally flattened in the latter species. Both species have a complete set of submedian head papillae (three in each submedian axis) as observed in the fourth stage larva of R. americanus from anurans. This primitive character opposes them to other species parasitic in Chamaeleonidae that have a single papilla per axis. The third species is the first described from the primitive chamaeleonid genus Brookesia; R. brygooi n. sp. from B. superciliaris from Madagascar can be distinguished from other Rhabdias in Chamaeleonidae by the small diameter of its mouth and buccal capsule. In this character, it resembles parasites from anurans. However, its infective larva has a rounded caudal extremity ornated with buds, as described in species of Rhabdias parasitic in Chamaeleonidae.

A one-year oral toxicity study of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) in rats

The toxicity of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) was examined in Wistar rats fed diets containing 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5% SSL for one year, equivalent to mean daily intakes of 558, 1115, and 2214 mg/kg/day in males and 670, 1339, and 2641 mg/kg/day in females, respectively. SSL was well tolerated at these dietary levels as evidenced by the absence of toxicologically significant changes in the general condition and appearance of the rats, survival, neurobehavioral endpoints, growth, feed and water intake, ophthalmoscopic examinations, hematology and clinical chemistry parameters, urinalysis, or necropsy findings. The occurrence of uterine endometrial stromal polyps was the only finding of potential significance. Given the frequent occurrence of these benign tumors in rats, wide variability in the reported incidence of this type of polyps in rats, the lack of statistical significance and lack of biological evidence to suggest a mechanism for the slightly greater incidence in the groups fed 2.5 and 5% SSL, it was concluded that the endometrial stromal polyps observed in females fed SSL were not related to treatment. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SSL was placed at 5%, the highest dietary level tested (equivalent to 2214 mg/kg/day for males and 2641 mg/kg/day for females).

Circadian pattern and the effect of standardized physical exercise on procollagen IIA N-peptide (PIIANP) in rheumatoid arthritis at different stages and in healthy individuals

BACKGROUND

Variant collagen IIA is re-expressed in diseased cartilage. Low procollagen IIA N-peptide (PIIANP) levels in serum have recently been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated circadian rhythmicity and effect of physical activity on PIIANP in early and longstanding RA and in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Patients with early and longstanding RA and controls were included. Fasting and serial blood samples were collected during 24 h. PIIANP response to physical activity was studied before and serially after standardized exercise.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In RA at different stages and healthy individuals, PIIANP exhibited no circadian rhythmicity, and PIIANP in serum was not influenced by physical activity.

Reappraisal of the specific status of Rhabdias (Nematoda: Rhabdiasoidea) from Malagasy chameleons in the Paris museum collection

To date Rhabdias gemellipara is the only species described from Malagasy chameleons, but heterogeneity of the material had been suspected. 11 samples of Rhabdias parasites present in the Paris Natural History Museum collection were examined. The size and shape of the buccal capsule, shape and length of the oesophagus, shape of the apical region of the intestine, extent of the genital tract and structure of the cuticular vesicle led to the distinction of five species. Rhabdias rabetafikae n. sp. parasitises Columma cucullatum in the northeastern region (Cap Machoual). In the eastern region, R. nasutum n. sp. is parasitic in C. nasutum, and R. brevicorne n. sp. in C. brevicorne. All three species are similar in size to the African species parasitic in chameleons from which they can be distinguished by several characters. The small species, R. gemellipara, type host C. parsonii from the eastern region, was also found in C. brevicorne from the same geographic region. In the central region, Rhabdias sp., equally collected from C. brevicorne, is distinguished from R. gemellipara by a laterally flattened buccal capsule. All Malagasy species are hermaphrodites. Throughout the worm's life spermatozoids are formed intermittently in a band of cells situated at 1-2 mm from the extremity of the ovaries; they migrate in the ovaries and accumulate in the oviducts.

Post mortem identification of Kalicephalus colubri colubri (Nematoda: Diaphanocephalidae) in a captive mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) in South Africa

Necropsy examination of a captive emaciated, dehydrated adult female Mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) in October 2007 revealed multiple cutaneous abscesses. Other findings included renal and hepatic atrophy, hepatic haemosiderosis, multifocal granulomatous hepatitis associated with acid-fast bacteria as well as pulmonary congestion and oedema. Large numbers of the nematode Kalicephalus colubri colubri were recovered from the oesophagus and stomach, representing the 1st reported case of K. colubri from a Mole snake in South Africa. The lesions caused by K. c. colubri were insignificant, but the presence of worms may have contributed to weight loss.

[Interstitial lung diseases]

Die interstitiellen Lungenkrankheiten stellen eine heterogene Gruppe von ungefähr 200 Entitäten dar. Hinsichtlich ihrer Klassifikation werden Erkrankungen mit bekannter Ursache, granulomatöse Krankheitsbilder und andere spezifische interstitielle Lungenkrankheiten von der wichtigen Gruppe der idiopathischen interstitiellen Pneumonien abgegrenzt, die ihrerseits gemäß der 2002 veröffentlichten ATS(American Thoracic Society)/ERS(European Respiratory Society)-Konsensus-Klassifikation typisiert werden. Diese unterscheidet hinsichtlich des histologischen Musters die „gewöhnliche interstitielle Pneumonie“ (UIP), die „nichtspezifische interstitielle Pneumonie“ (NSIP), die „organisierende Pneumonie“ (COP), den „diffusen Alveolarwandschaden“ (DAD), die „respiratorische Bronchiolitis“ (RB), die „desquamative interstitielle Pneumonie“ (DIP), die „lymphozytäre interstitielle Pneumonie“ (LIP) sowie „unklassifizierbare interstitielle Pneumonien“. Entscheidend ist dabei, dass der Pathologe ein histologisches (Fibrosierungs-)Muster angibt, während der klinische Kollege daraus in Kenntnis des klinischen und radiologischen Befunds die abschließende Diagnose ableitet, sodass der klinisch-pathologischen Korrelation bei der Diagnostik interstitieller Lungenkrankheiten eine besondere Bedeutung zukommt.

[Small cell lung cancer: pathology and molecular pathology]

In the current WHO classification, together with the subtype of combined small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are listed as a special tumour entity. Their microscopic appearance is characterised by small tumour cells with scant cytoplasm and frequently hypodiploid nuclei. For the precise histological diagnosis of SCLC, especially for the diagnostic differentiation from pulmonary NHL infiltrates, additional immunohistochemical investigations are recommended. The presented core classification of lung cancer is intended to facilitate the semi-quantitative registration of "atypical" SCLC. Genetically SCLC is especially characterised by manifold chromosomal deletions with losses of whole chromosomes or chromosome arms, associated with the inactivation of numerous tumour suppressor genes. Whereas the extensive DNA losses may explain the marked sensitivity of SCLC to anti-neoplastic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, its considerable chromosomal instability is correlated with the development of resistance to therapy.

The helminth community of Helmeted Guineafowls, Numida meleagris (Linnaeus, 1758), in the north of Limpopo Province, South Africa

The helminths of 15 Helmeted Guineafowls were collected in the north of Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of 11 cestode, ten nematode and a single acanthocephalan species were present. Species richness ranged from 8 to 16 species per host, and nine core and nine secondary species accounted for 40.9% of the component parasite community. The remaining 18.2% comprised satellite species. Core species represented 91% of all the worms present. Individual intensities ranged from 66 to 2,724 per host and overdispersion was pronounced. There were no significant differences regarding the abundance and species richness between male and female hosts. The number of component species and overall abundance did not differ significantly between juvenile and adult hosts, but Cyrnea parroti was significantly more abundant, and the prevalence of Hadjelia truncata was higher in young birds than in adults. In contrast, Gongylonema congolense and Porogynia paronai were absent in juveniles, but had a prevalence of 60% and 70%, respectively, in adults. Pairwise Spearman's rank correlation yielded one positive and 10 negative significant species correlations. A single trematode, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was collected from five of nine guineafowls, but was not included in the helminth community study.

[Tumor profiling of renal cell tumors: relevance for diagnostics and therapy]

Molecular biological tumor markers and prognostic parameters are necessary for differential diagnosis, individual prognosis, and therapy in patients with renal cell tumors. By using high throughput technologies, it is possible to characterize tumor samples comprehensively. Based on specific genetic alterations, histopathological subtypes were defined as independent tumor entities. Genetic characteristics can be used for diagnosis of primary tumor samples and also of biopsies. Furthermore, specific molecular patterns of metastatic tumors are known, allowing the determination of the primary tumor's metastatic potential. The specific protein patterns of serum samples of tumor patients were analyzed, and several candidate proteins have been identified. One of these is SAA-1, which is elevated in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCC). New therapeutic options are now available for patients with metastatic RCC. Therefore, it is necessary to select the best therapy for each patient and to detect therapy resistance very early. Biomarkers in tumor tissue and serum were found to correlate with therapy response.

Helminth parasites of Natal long-fingered bats, Miniopterus natalensis (Chiroptera : Miniopteridae), in South Africa : research communication

The helminth community infecting Miniopterus natalensis was studied at two localities, the De Hoop Nature Reserve (DHNR) (n = 57), Western Cape Province and Pretoria (n = 12), Gauteng Province, South Africa. Hosts from the DHNR had formed part of an earlier, unrelated study and were all pregnant females. A single hymenolepidid cestode species, the nematodes Molinostrongylus ornatus and Litomosa chiropterorum together with nematodes of the subfamily Capillariinae were present at both study sites, while a single digenean, Allassogonoporus sp., was only found in hosts from the DHNR. The prevalence of helminth infections was high at both localities, 68.4 % in the DHNR and 77.7 % in Pretoria, whereas the mean intensity of infection was low at the DHNR (3.76 ± 3.15), but higher in Pretoria (10.4 ± 9.9). Molinostrongylus ornatus and, to a lesser extent L. chiropterorum, were the main contributors to the higher intensities in Pretoria. The species richness ranged from 0 to 4 at both localities.

Helminth parasites of Natal long-fingered bats, Miniopterus natalensis (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae), South Africa

The helminth community infecting Miniopterus natalensis was studied at two localities, the De Hoop Nature Reserve (DHNR) (n = 57), Western Cape Province and Pretoria (n = 12), Gauteng Province, South Africa. Hosts from the DHNR had formed part of an earlier, unrelated study and were all pregnant females. A single hymenolepidid cestode species, the nematodes Molinostrongylus ornatus and Litomosa chiropterorum together with nematodes of the subfamily Capillariinae were present at both study sites, while a single digenean, Allassogonoporus sp., was only found in hosts from the DHNR. The prevalence of helminth infections was high at both localities, 68.4% in the DHNR and 77.7% in Pretoria, whereas the mean intensity of infection was low at the DHNR (3.76 +/- 3.15), but higher in Pretoria (10.4 +/- 9.9). Molinostrongylus ornatus and, to a lesser extent L. chiropterorum, were the main contributors to the higher intensities in Pretoria. The species richness ranged from 0 to 4 at both localities.

[The German Renal Cell Tumor Network]

To provide complex experimental and clinical analysis of renal cell tumors, it is necessary to investigate this tumor entity interdisciplinarily. The aim of the German Renal Cell Tumor Network is to answer current problems through interdisciplinary cooperation among clinicians and basic researchers from different fields. It is thus now possible to analyze more than 500 well-characterized tumor samples using different techniques.

[Pathology of primary tumours of the pleura]

In the WHO classification, pleural tumours of mesothelial and mesenchymal origin as well as lymphoproliferative disorders are distinguished, with malignant mesotheliomas forming the most common primary pleural tumour. Histologically, a prognostically relevant differentiation between epitheloid (40-60 %), sarcomatoid (20-30 %), and biphasic mesotheliomas (20-30 %) is made. Besides other rare primary tumours of the pleura, the differential diagnoses of malignant mesotheliomas comprise carcinomatous pleuritis of intra- and extrapulmonary malignancies. Especially in early tumour stages, the differentiation from reactive pleural changes requires a close interdisciplinary cooperation with a careful correlation between histopathological findings and clinical presentation.

Helminths of guineafowls in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Between July 2005 and November 2006 the gastro-intestinal helminths of 15 Helmeted guineafowls and a single Crested guineafowl from Musina, Limpopo Province were examined, and in July and August 2005 helminths were collected from five Helmeted guineafowls from Mokopane in the same province. The acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus gallinarum, the cestodes Abuladzugnia gutterae, Davainea nana, Hymenolepis cantaniana, Numidella numida, Octopetalum numida, Ortleppolepis multiuncinata, Porogynia paronai, Raillietina angusta, Raillietina pintneri, Raillietina steinhardti and Raillietina sp. and the nematodes Ascaridia numidae, Cyrnea parroti, Gongylonema congolense, Hadjelia truncata, Sicarius caudatus, Subulura dentigera, Subulura suctoria, Subulura sp., Tetrameres numida and an unidentified subulurid were recovered. A single trematode species, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was present in the liver. Mediorhynchus gallinarum, A. gutterae, O. multiuncinata, H. truncata and S. caudatus are recorded for the first time from Helmeted guineafowls, as well as from South Africa. South Africa is a new geographic record for D. macrostomum, G. congolense and D. nana. Subulura suctoria, G. congolense and H. truncata from the Crested guineafowl constitute new host-parasite associations.

A check list of the helminths of guineafowls (Numididae) and a host list of these parasites

Published and personal records have been compiled into a reference list of the helminth parasites of guineafowls. Where data on other avian hosts was available these have been included for completeness' sake and to give an indication of host range. The parasite list for the Helmeted guineafowls, Numida meleagris, includes five species of acanthocephalans, all belonging to a single genus, three trematodes belonging to three different genera, 34 cestodes representing 15 genera, and 35 nematodes belonging to 17 genera. The list for the Crested guineafowls, Guttera edouardi, contains a single acanthocephalan together with 10 cestode species belonging to seven genera, and three nematode species belonging to three different genera. Records for two cestode species from genera and two nematode species belonging to a single genus have been found for the guineafowl genus Acryllium. Of the 70 helminths listed for N. meleagris, 29 have been recorded from domestic chickens.

Transcriptome analysis provides new insights into liver changes induced in the rat upon dietary administration of the food additives butylated hydroxytoluene, curcumin, propyl gallate and thiabendazole

Transcriptomics was performed to gain insight into mechanisms of food additives butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), curcumin (CC), propyl gallate (PG), and thiabendazole (TB), additives for which interactions in the liver can not be excluded. Additives were administered in diets for 28 days to Sprague-Dawley rats and cDNA microarray experiments were performed on hepatic RNA. BHT induced changes in the expression of 10 genes, including phase I (CYP2B1/2; CYP3A9; CYP2C6) and phase II metabolism (GST mu2). The CYP2B1/2 and GST expression findings were confirmed by real time RT-PCR, western blotting, and increased GST activity towards DCNB. CC altered the expression of 12 genes. Three out of these were related to peroxisomes (phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase, enoyl-CoA hydratase; CYP4A3). Increased cyanide insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation was observed, suggesting that CC is a weak peroxisome proliferator. TB changed the expression of 12 genes, including CYP1A2. In line, CYP1A2 protein expression was increased. The expression level of five genes, associated with p53 was found to change upon TB treatment, including p53 itself, GADD45alpha, DN-7, protein kinase C beta and serum albumin. These array experiments led to the novel finding that TB is capable of inducing p53 at the protein level, at least at the highest dose levels employed above the current NOAEL. The expression of eight genes changed upon PG administration. This study shows the value of gene expression profiling in food toxicology in terms of generating novel hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of food additives in relation to pathology.