[Intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease and effects of elemental dietary therapy]

Enteral intake of non-metabolic monosacharide and disaccharide, followed by measurement of the urinary excretion ratio of the two, is a method used to investigate intestinal permeability. L/R ratio (lactulose/1-rhamnose urinary excretion ratio) is considered an indicator of permeability of the small intestine. An increased L/R ratio is caused by mucosal disorders of the small intestine. The L/R ratio in all patients (n = 92) with Crohn's disease was 0.079 +/- 0.081 (mean +/- S.D.), which was significantly higher than the value in normal controls (0.027 +/- 0.009, n = 20, p < 0.05). In 39 patients with Crohn's disease, we assessed intestinal permeability before after treatment with an elemental diet, and during remission. The L/R ratio was 0.120 +/- 0.092, before treatment and 0.065 +/- 0.097 after treatment (p < 0.05), showing increased intestinal permeability before elemental dietary treatment. During remission, the L/R ratio was 0.035 +/- 0.028; this did not differ significantly from the value obtained after treatment. We conclude that intestinal permeability is useful for investigating disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease.

Pancreatic involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A case of pancreatic involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is presented. The patient, a 63-year-old man had a large tumor in the head of the pancreas, without obstructive jaundice. Invasion of the tumor into the duodenum and transverse colon induced progressive anemia and ileus. Therefore, pancreatoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy were performed, although a definitive preoperative diagnosis was not obtained. This tumor was identified, by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, as diffuse mixed type lymphoma with a B-cell phenotype. Postoperatively, the patient had severe congestive heart failure, and he died without receiving chemotherapy. It is important to establish a definitive diagnosis for this disease, to remove the tumor, and to treat the patient with appropriate chemotherapy.

Dysplastic glioneuronal lesion arising in the cerebellum: a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

We describe a case of dysplastic glioneuronal lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere. A 13-year-old boy presented with headache since 1998. He had no neurological deficits. The computerized tomograph (CT) scan showed prominent calcification, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a non-enhancing mass of 15 x 15 x 5 cm in the right cerebellar hemisphere. The mass had low intensity in T1- and high intensity in T2-weighted images. Histologically, the lesion was composed of poorly defined small to intermediate sized cells arranged in fibrillar background. Although few neuronal cells having large nuclei with small nucleoli were present, no ganglion cells could be seen. Immunohistochemically, these poorly defined cells were non-reactive to various glial and neuronal markers. However, GFAP, synaptophysin, neurofilament and vimentin-reactive intercellular matrix and few nonneoplastic GFAP-positive glial cells and neurofilament-positive neuronal cells were seen. A very low MIB-1-labelling index of less than 0.1% was noted. Ultrastructurally, two different populations of the cells were seen. A few neuronal cells were larger and had an oval nucleus with small nucleolus and cytoplasm containing various cytoplasmic organelles, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lipofuscin, rough endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules and neurofilaments. Many other cells had a scant cytoplasm and thus poorly defined. Cytoplasmic processes with axono-dendritic synapses and foci of bundles of intermediate filaments were present in the intercellular areas of the lesion. Based on these radiological, histological and ultrastructural findings of the lesion of low proliferative potential, we considered it dysplastic in nature.

Functional annotation of a full-length mouse cDNA collection

The RIKEN Mouse Gene Encyclopaedia Project, a systematic approach to determining the full coding potential of the mouse genome, involves collection and sequencing of full-length complementary DNAs and physical mapping of the corresponding genes to the mouse genome. We organized an international functional annotation meeting (FANTOM) to annotate the first 21,076 cDNAs to be analysed in this project. Here we describe the first RIKEN clone collection, which is one of the largest described for any organism. Analysis of these cDNAs extends known gene families and identifies new ones.

Effects of cyclodextrins on photodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides in humic water

Cyclodextrin (CyD) effects on photodegradations of organophosphorus pesticides in humic water were monitored on the basis of the increase percentage of the photodegradation rate constant for CyD-containing humic water. Remarkable promotion effects of CyDs were observed in humic water for photo-induced radical generation. The promotion effects could be mainly assigned to the inclusion effects of CyDs to catalyze interactions of pesticides with reactive radicals generated by the humin photosensitizer and inclusion-trapped in CyDs.

Nitric oxide via macrophage iNOS induces apoptosis following traumatic spinal cord injury

To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in post-traumatic impairment of the spinal cord, we analyzed expression patterns of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene following acute injury of rat spinal cord using a weight drop technique. PCR analysis revealed that iNOS mRNA appeared at 3-12 h after injury and declined thereafter. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that iNOS-positive cells invaded the lesioned area through the perivascular space at 6 h after injury. The population of these cells peaked at 24 h and then declined to disappear 3 days after injury. The iNOS-positive cells were also stained with ED-2 but not with ED-1 or OX-42, indicating that these cells were macrophages and/or perivascular cells. In parallel with the appearance of iNOS-positive cells, other cells emerged that were positively stained by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. TUNEL-positive cells were scattered in the lesioned area 1 day after injury, but some in the surrounding area close to iNOS-positive cells. Administration of L-Ng-nitro-arginine methylester, a competitive inhibitor of NOS, resulted in a reduction of TUNEL-positive cells in the lesioned area. These results suggest that nitric oxide generated by iNOS of macrophages and/or perivascular cells plays a significant role in eliminating damaged cells from the lesioned area by apoptosis.

Increase in neurotrophin-3 expression followed by Purkinje cell degeneration in the adult rat cerebellum after spinal cord transection

Changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) contents following thoracic spinal cord transection were investigated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of rats. The NT-3 content became significantly elevated at 3 days after transection only in the cerebellum and gradually declined to the control level by 6 days after the injury, remaining unchanged in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. No significant change in the BDNF content was observed in any of the regions tested. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the labeling indicating NT-3-like immunoreactivity was intensified in both cerebellar granule and Purkinje cells 3 days after the injury. The number of Purkinje cells with aggregation of chromatin around the nuclear membrane and swelling of the cytoplasm and/or organelles gradually increased with time starting 4 days after the injury, demonstrating morphological changes indicative of necrosis. However, no abnormal morphology was found in cerebellar granule cells at any time examined. We suggest that it is reasonable that increased NT-3 stimulated the death of Purkinje cells, because 1) the degeneration was necrosis, which is known to be accelerated by neurotrophins under certain pathological conditions, and 2) the increase in NT-3 occurred prior to Purkinje cell degeneration. Therefore, our present results may imply that spinal cord injury-induced NT-3 accelerates injury rather than alleviates degeneration of Purkinje cells.

Up-regulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) following traumatic spinal cord injury

We investigated the temporal and spatial expression patterns of the GDNF gene after subjecting rats to an acute contusion injury of the spinal cord using the weight drop technique. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that GDNF transcription in the spinal cord began to increase within 30 min after injury and peaked within 3 h. Immunohistochemical analysis showed GDNF immunoreactivity to be present mainly in microglia and macrophages 1 day after injury, but not in neurons or astrocytes. This immediate upregulation of GDNF gene expression may be a component of an inflammatory process and probably exerts a protective effect on neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI).

A psychosocial group intervention for Japanese women with primary breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, there had been no evidence for the efficacy of psychosocial intervention among Japanese cancer patients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a psychosocial group intervention in reducing psychologic distress and enhancing coping in this population in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The patient selection criteria were age younger than 65 years, lymph node metastasis positive and/or histologic or nuclear Grade 2-3, and surgery undergone within the previous 4-18 months as of the start of the study. We conducted a 6-week, structured, psychosocial group intervention. The intervention consisted of health education, coping skills training, stress management, and psychologic support. Subjects were assessed for psychologic distress and coping by administering the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale at the baseline, at 6 weeks, and at 6 months.

RESULTS

Fifty (33%) of the 151 patients participated and were randomized, and 46 (30%) completed the study. The experimental group had significantly lower scores than the controls for total mood disturbance and significantly higher scores for vigor on the POMS, and significantly higher scores for fighting spirit on the MAC at the end of the 6-week intervention. These improvements were sustained over 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that a short term psychosocial group intervention produces significant long term improvement in the quality of life of Japanese patients with primary breast carcinoma.

Structural study on inclusion complexes of cyclodextrins with organophosphorus pesticides by use of rotational strength analysis method

For inclusion complexes of cyclodextrins with parathinons and paraoxon, inclusion depths were estimated with the rotational strength analysis method. The inclusion depths of pesticides were sensitive to the difference in the hydrophobic properties of the phosphate and monothiophosphate groups and were in close correlations with the substrate-specificity for the cyclodextrin-catalyzed hydrolysis of pesticides. The inclusion depths were also characteristically affected by surfactant material having high solubilization functions to aquatic environmental chemicals.

Dose dependency of prednisolone tertiary-butylacetate (PTBA) treatment on the establishment and site predilection of Echinococcus multilocularis in an alternative definitive host model using Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were orally inoculated with 10,000 protoscoleces of Echinococcus multilocularis per head after being divided into five groups (A E). Each group was dosed with prednisolone tertiary-butylacetate (PTBA) as follows: A, 0 mg; B, 0.5 mg; C, 2 mg; D, 5 mg; and E, 10 mg/head. All animals were injected subcutaneously with control solvent or PTBA every other day from 6 days pre- to 6 days post-infection. Autopsy was performed at 7 days post-infection. Doses of PTBA and the number of worms recovered showed a positive correlation (r = 0.929, P < 0.0001). In groups A, B and C, the predilection site of the worms in the small intestine could not be determined, while in group D the worms were found more in the anterior part. In group E, the predilection site was the anterior part, followed by the middle and the posterior parts of the small intestine (Fisher's test: P < 0.01). The number of worms recovered from the anterior and the middle part of the small intestine also correlated positively with PTBA dose (anterior part: r = 0.930, P < 0.0001, middle part: r = 0.917, P < 0.0001). All groups of the PTBA-treated animals showed significant loss of weight compared to the nontreated animals (P < 0.01).

Development and sexual maturation of Echinococcus vogeli in an alternative definitive host, Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

An alternative definitive host model for Echinococcus vogeli was developed using Mongolian gerbils. The animals treated with prednisolone tert-butylacetate were orally inoculated with protoscoleces of E. vogeli and the development of worms in the small intestine was observed until 50 days post infection (DPI). The parasites were recovered most frequently from the anterior part of the small intestine. The band formation (the sign of proglottisation) of the worm was observed at 7 DPI, the second proglottid and tests formation at 14 DPI, spermatozoa in seminal receptacle and cleavage of ova in uterus at 21 DPI, the hook formation of oncospheres at 28 DPI and the embryophore formation at 34 DPI. Eggs in the feces were first detected at 35 DPI. The coproantigen detection method developed for E. multilocularis could detect the E. vogeli coproantigen early in the infection, at 7 DPI during the prepatent period. Therefore, this technique could be used for the diagnosis of E. vogeli, replacing ordinary fecal egg examination.

Preliminary study of the role of red foxes in Echinococcus multilocularis transmission in the urban area of Sapporo, Japan

In order to assess the infection risk of alveolar echinococcosis among urban residents of Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan, a survey was conducted on fox distribution in the urban area and on the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis among the foxes. The fox distribution, evaluated from fox footprints left on the snow in parks and woodlands, and from locations of fox carcasses recorded by the Sapporo municipality, was concentrated along the border of the urban area and in the southwestern part of the city, facing the mountain. Fox faeces were collected around active fox dens, and analysed by a coproantigen detection assay and parasite egg examination for the Echinococcus infection. Thirty-three out of 155 faeces were coproantigen positive. Coproantigen-positive faeces were collected from 11 den sites (57.9% of total den sites), and all except 1 were located in the urban fringe. A high intensity of taeniid eggs (> 100 eggs per 0.5 g) containing faeces were also collected in the 3 sites of them. Although Echinococcus infection in rodents was not observed from the necropsy of 23 rodents captured around active fox dens, arvicolid rodents, a suitable intermediate host for E. multilocularis, were captured in the urban fringe. Therefore, the urban fringe offers suitable conditions in which the life-cycle of E. multilocularis could be maintained. Prompt measures to control echinococcus infection should be taken, even in urban areas.

Applicability of a Western-developed psychosocial group intervention for Japanese patients with primary breast cancer

This paper examines the applicability of psychosocial group intervention for Japanese patients with primary breast cancer. The study included two phases. First, we examined the applicability for Japanese patients of an intervention model developed in a Western country. The model, based on the work of Fawzy and Fawzy (1994) on a structured psychosocial group intervention for cancer patients, is a series of six 1.5-h sessions that incorporate health education, coping-skills training, relaxation training and psychological support. Second, we formulated a Japanese version of the intervention model by modifying areas identified as inappropriate by participants in the first-phase study. We then evaluated this by conducting sessions of the modified model with 44 additional breast cancer patients. Of the ten participants in the first-phase pilot study, three (30%) dropped out and several inappropriate areas were reported. The areas requiring significant change were the provision of medical information and communication style with family members and doctors. No participants dropped out of the modified version, and very few found any program areas to be inappropriate. The findings suggests that psychosocial group intervention is applicable for Japanese breast cancer patients when the model accounts for cultural differences.

The cell cycle control gene ZAC/PLAGL1 is imprinted--a strong candidate gene for transient neonatal diabetes

We describe a screen for new imprinted human genes, and the identification in this way of ZAC (zinc finger protein which regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest)/ PLAGL1 (pleomorphicadenoma of the salivary gland gene like 1) as a strong candidate gene for transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM). To screen for imprinted genes, we compared parthenogenetic DNA from the chimeric patient FD and androgenetic DNA from hydatidiform mole, using restriction landmark genome scanning for methylation. This resulted in identification of two novel imprinted loci, one of which (NV149) we mapped to the TNDM region of 6q24. From analysis of the corresponding genomic region, it was determined that NV149 lies approximately 60 kb upstream of the ZAC / PLAGL1 gene. RT-PCR analysis was used to confirm that this ZAC / PLAGL1 is expressed only from the paternal allele in a variety of tissues. TNDM is known to result from upregulation of a paternally expressed gene on chromosome 6q24. The paternal expression, map position and known biological properties of ZAC / PLAGL1 make it highly likely that it is the TNDM gene. In particular, ZAC / PLAGL1 is a transcriptional regulator of the type 1 receptor for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, which is the most potent known insulin secretagog and an important mediator of autocrine control of insulin secretion in the pancreatic islet.

Dose dependency of prednisolone on the establishment of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in an alternative definitive host, Mongolian gerbil

This study revealed the dose dependency of prednisolone tertiary-butylacetate (PTBA) treatment on the establishment of Echinococcus multilocularis in the small intestine of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) and that some of the physiological parameters of host were correlated with the doses of PTBA and establishment of the worm. Twenty Mongolian gerbils were divided into 5 groups, according to the doses of PTBA; 0 mg, 0.5 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg per head. All animals were injected intraperitoneally with PTBA every other day from 6 days before to 6 days after infection. Doses of PTBA and the number of worms recovered at 7 days post-infection showed a positive correlation (r = 0.929, P < 0.0001). The increase of total protein (TP) and the decrease of the percentage of lymphocytes in the peripheral leukocytes were dependent on doses of PTBA (TP: r = 0.811, P < 0.0001, percentage of lymphocyte: r = -0.92, P < 0.0001). The TP and the percentage of lymphocyte also correlated with the number of worms recovered (TP: r = 0.617, P = 0.0049; percentage of lymphocyte: r = -0.800, P < 0.0001).

Detection and cloning of an X-linked locus associated with a NotI site that is not methylated on mouse inactivated X chromosome by the RLGS-M method

In looking for genes that escape X chromosome inactivation, we scanned the methylation status of genomic DNA from XX, X0, and XY mice using the method of restriction landmark genomic scanning using methylation-sensitive endonuclease. We detected and cloned a candidate locus and identified the Orf1 gene. Orf1 has sequence similarities to the B2 repetitive element and human CXORF4 (formerly called EXLM1), which escapes X inactivation. The B2 element spans the 3' terminus of the ORF and the 3' UTR of Orf1. The Orf1 gene encompasses 18.5 kb of genomic DNA including 11 exons and 10 introns. Taking advantage of genomic polymorphisms present between MSM and C3H/He, we showed that murine Orf1 is mapped to the proximal region of the X chromosome. Despite the unmethylation of the NotI site, Orf1 is subject to X inactivation.

Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal

A case of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal is reported and the previous cases are reviewed. A 65-year-old Japanese female was referred with a 7-year history of otitis. The patient also had a darkly pigmented 9 x 8 mm nodule in the external auditory canal. Microscopically, the tumor was SCC, but in some areas melanin pigments were found in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. The tumor was thus diagnosed as pigmented SCC. As well as the tumor cells, dendritic-shaped cells colonized the tumor parenchyma and were immunohistochemically defined as melanocytes. The authors believe this is the first case of pigmented SCC with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal.

Cyclodextrin inclusion: catalytic effects on the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides in neutral aqueous solution

alpha-, beta and gamma-Cyclodextrins were found to have promotive inclusion-catalytic effects on the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides solubilized in neutral aqueous media. Pesticide degradations were especially accelerated in such systems as alpha-cyclodextrin plus diazinon and beta-cyclodextrin plus chloropyrifos. The above findings are in contrast with the inhibitive catalytic effects of cyclodextrins on pesticide degradations in alkaline media. Cyclodextrin catalytic effects found here were considerably affected by differences in the substitutional and hetero-cyclic properties of the aromatic rings of pesticides and also by the sizes of cyclodextrin cavities.

Coproantigen survey for Echinococcus multilocularis prevalence of red foxes in Hokkaido, Japan

An epidemiological survey was conducted on the seasonal variation of Echinococcus multilocularis prevalence in red foxes from 1997 to 1998, using a monoclonal antibody-based detection of the tapeworm coproantigen. Thirty-six breeding dens of reproductive fox families were identified in the endemic area of Koshimizu, eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Fecal samples from each site were examined by coproantigen detection assay and fecal egg examination. Whereas the prevalence of coproantigen positive feces showed no seasonal fluctuation (51.6-66.7%), variation was found in the prevalence of egg positive feces in which a higher prevalence was observed in the summer and winter (31.1 and 38.7%) than spring and autumn (13.3 and 13.5%). Significant differences were observed between juveniles and adult foxes in both examinations. Samples from juvenile foxes gave higher coproantigen positive results and taeniid egg intensity. Those results suggest more juveniles infected with the cestode than adults in the same period. The practical use of coproantigen assay as a survey tool and factors which affect the prevalence and host age-related difference are discussed.

Optical resolution and absolute configuration of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-alpha-alkoxyglycines

Optical resolution of racemic N-benzyloxycarbonyl-protected alpha-alkoxyglycines, (+/-)-Cbz-Gly(OR)-OH (R = Et and Pr(i)), was achieved by means of fractional crystallization of diastereomeric salts with (+)-(1S,2S)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol or diastereomeric esters of (+)- or (-)-menthol. The D- and L-configurations were assigned to the (+)- and (-)-Cbz-Gly(OR)-OH, respectively, based on L-enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of (+/-)-Cbz-Gly(OR)-OR' (R = Me, Et, and Pr(i); R' = CH(2)CF(3) and Me) using porcine pancreatic lipase and papain. Chiroptical properties and HPLC retention times of D- and L-Gly(OR)-residue (R = Me and Pr(i))-containing peptides were compared in relation to their configurational assignments. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A new nematode, Ansiruptodera scapteromi sp.nov. (Nematoda: Aspidoderidae), recovered from the Argentinean water rat Scapteromys tumidis (Waterhouse, 1837) in Uruguay

This report describes a new species of aspidoderid nematode, Ansiruptodera scapteromi sp. nov., the second species to be reported in the genus Ansiruptodera Skrjabin and Shikhobalova, 1947. The A. scapteromi sp. nov. is the first species of the genus to be recorded from a rodent host. The new species is clearly different from the only other species, A. ansiruipta (Proença, 1937) Skrjabin and Shikhobalova, 1947, in that it possesses short lateral alae that terminate before the midbody; a smaller cephalic extremity; a shorter esophagus, pharynx, tail, and tail appendage; a smaller sucker; and longer spicules. The two species also differ in the numbers and arrangements of caudal papillae. A. scapteromi appears to be a parasite of capture and the water rats seem to have been infected from Edentata in Uruguay.

Hyperplasia of gastric mucosa in donor rats orally infected with Taenia taeniaeformis eggs and in recipient rats surgically implanted with the larvae in the abdominal cavity

Rats heavily infected with Taenia taeniaeformis larvae in the liver show a remarkable increase in their stomach weight, hyperplasia, and hypergastrinemia. However, it is unknown what causes these phenomena. Hence, as a preliminary study to investigate the importance of larval parasitism in the liver, two experiments were done. In the first experiment, 14 donor rats were orally inoculated with 3,000 T. taeniaeformis eggs. In the second experiment, 136-300 of the larvae obtained from the rats were surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity of 7 recipient rats. Gastrin levels and histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa were investigated. In all, 11 donor rats showed hypergastrinemia and hyperplasia, 5 recipient rats showed gastric mucosal hyperplasia accompanied by excessive mucous cell proliferation, and 2 recipient rats showed hypergastrinemia. These results suggest that parasitism of the liver by the larvae is not essential for the development of hyperplasia and that factors from the larvae might cause these phenomena.

Histopathology and physiopathology of gastric mucous hyperplasia in rats heavily infected with Taenia taeniaeformis

Rats heavily infected with larval Taenia taeniaeformis show hyperplasia of the gastric mucosa accompanied by mucous cell proliferation, increase in the level of intragastric pH and hypergastrinemia. Sixty one rats were divided into 2 groups designed as infected (36 rats) and control (25 rats) group. These rats were examined with time course of the infection histopathologically and physiopathologically, during 14-112 days postinfection (DPI). In the infected rats, gastric mucosal hyperplasia began to be observed at 56 DPI, and the structural disturbance of zymogenic units in the corpus and mucous units in the antrum had increased with time. However, the degree of these changes in the antrum was weaker than those in the corpus. Alcianblue and/or PAS-positive cells increased in their numbers with time, and 4 types of cells other than typical surface mucous cell and mucous neck cell were observed by electron-microscopy. However, zymogenic and parietal cells decreased in their number after 56 DPI. Further, the infected rats showed changes in the serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, glucose and total protein. Some similarities with Menetrier's disease were discussed.

A second record of adult Ascarops strongylina (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) in a rodent host

Mature adults of Ascarops strongylina (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) were collected from a Manchurian zokor, Myospalax psilurus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), in Mongolia. This is the second record of adult A. strongylina from wild rodents and the first for M. psilurus as a definitive host of this nematode. Remnants of ground crustaceans (Porcellio sp.) and a dung beetle (Onthophagus sp.) were also found in the stomach of the zokor.