GIS analysis of the relationship between PM2.5 and acute CVD and respiratory hospitalizations

Background and aims

The PM air pollution is a serious concern in northern Moravia in the Czech Republic. The aim is to evaluate the risk of acute hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory causes with the use of the Geographic information system (GIS).

Methods

The data on acute hospital admissions for cardiovascular (I00-99 according to ICD-10) and respiratory (J00-99) causes was assigned based on the information on residence to 77 geographical units (601,299 inhabitants). The annual concentrations of PM2.5 in the period 2013-2019 were assigned to this units according to the respective concentration iso-shapes (step 2 μg.m-3, concentrations ≤29 to ≥ 38 μg.m-3). The Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each concentration category. The incidence in the first category with the lowest PM2.5 concentrations (≤29 μg.m-3) was chosen the reference category. The statistical analyses were performed using the SW STATA v.15.

Results

About a half of population (56%) in the year 2013 belonged into the PM2.5 category 34-35 μg.m-3, 26 thousand of inhabitants (4%) live in the PM2.5 concentrations ≥38 μg.m-3. During the analysed period the average concentration values decreased from 30.8 to 21.4 μg.m-3. A statistically significant risk of the acute hospitalization for cardiovascular causes was identified in the categories ≤36 μg.m-3, in the highest interval of PM2.5 the IRR values were 2-3-fold higher comparing with the reference category. As for respiratory causes, the trend is similar, but the statistically significant risk was found already from the interval 34-35 μg.m-3.

Conclusions

With increasing concentrations, the risk of both acute cardiovascular, and respiratory hospitalizations increased.

This presentation was supported by the project TH03030195 of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and the project Healthy Aging in the Industrial Environment CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/0000798 (HAIE).

Key messages

• A statistically significant increase of the IRR for acute cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations was found at PM2.5 concentrations ≤34 μg.m-3 compared to the reference category ≤29 μg.m-3.

• Average annual PM2.5 concentration decreased from 30.8 to 21.4 μg.m-3 during the followed period and also the risk of acute hospitalization from cardiovascular and respiratory causes decreased.

Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) Are Exposed to High Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Species Infecting Fox-Derived Ixodes Ticks in West-Central Poland

The role of red fox, Vulpes vulpes, and its associated ticks in maintaining Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) was studied. A total of 1583 ticks were removed from ears of 120 infested animals and were identified as species using a nested PCR targeting the ITS2 and coxI fragments of Ixodes DNA. Ixodes kaiseri prevailed (76%), followed by I. canisuga, I. ricinus, and I. hexagonus. In total, 32.4% of 943 ticks revealed Borrelia DNA and 10 species of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex were identified. Borrelia garinii and B. afzelii comprised 70% of all infections. The other eight species included B. americana, B. bissettiae, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. californiensis, B. carolinensis, B. lanei, B. spielmanii, and B. valaisiana. Analysis of tissues from 243 foxes showed that 23.5% were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. Borrelia garinii was detected in 91% of the infected animals, including 31% of mixed infections with B. afzelii, the second most prevalent species, followed by B. spielmanii. The predominance of B. garinii in PCR-positive animals and infected larval ticks (38.1%), suggests that this spirochete and B. afzelii are preferentially associated with foxes. Although red foxes are exposed to a high diversity of B. burgdorferi s.l. species found in engorged Ixodes ticks, their reservoir competence for most of them appears to be low.

Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in Ixodes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with cave-dwelling bats from Poland and Romania

Bats comprise one quarter of the world's mammal species. In Europe, three nidicolous Ixodes tick species, I. vespertilionis, I. simplex and I. ariadnae are specifically associated with cave-dwelling bats, but their role as potential vectors of zoonotic agents is unknown. In this study, we used PCR-based methods to provide the first evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) infections in the three bat-associated tick species collected from ten bat species sampled in Poland and Romania. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 24% (64/266) of tick samples, and 40.3% (60/149) of the bats carried infected chiropterophilic ticks. In Poland, the B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevelance of I. ariadnae ticks parasitizing Myotis species was four times higher compared to the I. vespertilionis ticks derived from Rhinolophus hipposideros bats (44.4% vs.10%, respectively). The observed differences in infection prevalence could be explained by differences in reservoir potential between bat species. Bats from the genus Myotis and Miniopterus schreibersii carried more infected ticks than R. hipposideros regardless of the tick species. Analysis of the flaB gene sequences revealed seven species from the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. afzelii, B. carolinensis, B. garinii, B. lanei, B. spielmanii, B. burgdorferi s.s., and B. valaisiana), of which five are considered as human pathogens. This large diversity of Borrelia species may reflect differences in susceptibility of chiropteran hosts and/or the tick vectors. Generally, mammal-associated B. burgdorferi s.l. species were more common than bird-associated species. Our study provides evidence for new enzootic transmission cycles of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes involving nidicolous Ixodes tick species and cave-dwelling bats.

Correction to: Bartonella and Rickettsia Infections in Haematophagous Spinturnix myoti Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) and their Bat Host, Myotis myotis (Yangochiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from Poland

The original version of this article published online (27 August 2018) unfortunately contained a mistake regarding an affiliation of Dr. Edyta Podsiadły, one of the authors.

Bartonella and Rickettsia Infections in Haematophagous Spinturnix myoti Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) and their Bat Host, Myotis myotis (Yangochiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from Poland

Hematophagous Spinturnix myoti mites and their host, the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis), were tested for the presence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In total, Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified in 28% of 134 mite pools and in 25% of 59 bats tested by PCR targeting a fragment of citrate synthase gltA gen. Adult mites were at least threefold more frequently infected compared to immature stages. The overall infection prevalence among mite pools from cave-dwelling bats was higher than for those collected from attic shelters. Three distinct genotypes were detected. The most prevalent genotype in mites and bats matched closely with Candidatus Bartonella hemsundetiensis identified in bats from Finland and was relatively distant from bat-borne Bartonella strains described in the UK and France. Importantly, most sequences were close to those reported in forest workers from Poland. The presence of identical genotype among S. myoti samples and M. myotis bats suggests that bartonellae can be shared between mites and their bat hosts. In this case, wing mites could serve as vectors, whereas their hosts as reservoirs. One blood sample was positive by PCR for the msp2 gene of A. phagocytophilum. Two mite pools yielded Rickettsia spp. DNA. Both sequences were distinct from any known species but can be classified as spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. Our findings expanded our knowledge on the role of spinturnicid mites in the ecology and epidemiology of bacterial infections associated with vespertilionid bats, especially regarding the genus Bartonella.

The effect of obesity on the bone morphometry and histomorphometry in male and female Wistar rats

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of continuation or changes of the diet on the morphometry and histomorphometry of bone in male and female Wistar rats with experimen- tally induced obesity by high energetic diet. Sixty-four 90-day-old Wistar rats obtained from obese parents (16 male, 16 female) and control parents (16 male, 16 female) were used in this study. After 21 days of the baby period, rats were divided into four groups: obese rats fed with high energy feed (F/F), control rats fed with a standard diet (C/C), obese rats with changed diet from high energy diet to control diet (F/C) and control rats with changed diet from control diet to high energy diet (C/F). After 90 days of experimental feeding, the rats were sacrificed. Thereafter, body weight and the isolated humerus were measured and next, the histological stainings and counts were done. Our results revealed that change in the parent's diet from F to C in the female leads to increased bone growth length and reduction of body weight in female and male. Reverse diet changes (from C to F) lead to decreased bone length only in the female. Moreover, the con- tinuation by offspring of both sexes with a high-energy diet contributes to a reduction in osteo- cytes, reduction in bone marrow cavity and cortical expansion, but a change in nutrition from parents' standard diet to high-energy diet leads to increase in osteocytes dimensions. The contin- uation of feeding with F diet promotes the accumulation of adipocytes in the bone marrow in female and male, and correction of nutrition from F to standard diet leads to a reduction in their number in the bone marrow compared to groups continuing feeding with high-energy diet.

The age at onset in Multiple Sclerosis is associated with patient's prognosis

BACKGROUND

The causes of the individual differences in the rate of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) are still not completely clear. According to the long-term prognosis of MS patients, the search for new valuable prognostic markers of "benign" or "malign" MS is necessary.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to assess the possible association of MS onset age with the disease disability progression rate in Slovak patients with MS.

METHODS

By the unique pattern of evaluation of disability progression rate using Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), each of 270 MS patients was defined as slow-progressing, mid-rate progressing or rapidly progressing.

RESULTS

We found a significant differences in the age at onset between MS patients with different rate of disability progression (p(K-W)<0,00005). The faster was a disability progression assessed by MSSS score, the higher was the MS onset age.

CONCLUSION

We showed for the first time in Central European Slovak population that MS onset age is an early marker that is in the positive correlation with disease disability progression rate, evaluated by MSSS score. We conclude that relapsing-remitting MS patients older at clinical onset have a higher risk of unfavorable prognosis (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 21).

One Session Bilateral Carotid Stenting – Experience from Slovakian Center

Objectives: Bilateral carotid artery stenting (BCAS) in one session is relatively rare procedure. However, clear recommendations still do not exist. The aim of our study was to analyze efficacy and safety of the BCAS performed by single operator in our center.

Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 95 carotid angioplasty with stent implantation (CAS) patients performed in our center, totally 9 patients (8 males and 1 female, age 59-83, average 69) was identified where simultaneous BCAS was performed. All patients had bilateral hemodynamic significant stenosis (≥ 70 %), and all patients had symptomatic stenosis.

Results: Only 1 patient was without any complication. The most frequent complications were arterial hypotension. However, duration of stay on the Intensive Care Unit, or hospitalisation was not prolonged. From serious complications we noticed one case of periprocedural filter occlusion and one patient died 30 days after procedure. No other serious complications were in the BCAS group noticed.

Conclusion: Because of limited data it is not possible to make any clear conclusions or recommendations from the results of our study. Our data show that probably BCAS appears to be safe and effective way in the treatment of bilateral carotid artery stenosis in high-risk population.

Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis infections in immature Ixodes ricinus ticks derived from sylvatic passerine birds in west-central Poland

The aim of this study was to assess the importance of forest passerine birds in spreading ixodid ticks infected with rickettsiae of spotted fever group (SFG) in sylvatic habitats in western Poland. In total, 834 immature Ixodes ricinus ticks were found on 64 birds of 11 species which were captured during the tick-questing season between May and September of 2006. Ground-foraging passerines hosted most of the ticks compared with arboreal species, and therefore, only the former group was included into a detailed analysis. Significant predominance of larvae over nymphs was observed (581 vs. 253, respectively). Blackbirds and song thrushes hosted 82 % (n = 681) of the ticks collected from all infested passerines. The overall prevalence range of SF rickettsiae (including Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis) in bird-derived ticks was 10.5–26.9 %, exceeding that in questing ticks, and in ticks feeding on rodents and deer reported earlier from the same study area. This high prevalence of infection in immature I. ricinus ticks feeding on passerine birds strongly implies that they are involved in the enzootic maintenance of spotted fever group rickettsiae in the tick vector populations occurring in sylvatic habitats.

Prevalence of infection with Rickettsia helvetica in Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on non-rickettsiemic rodent hosts in sylvatic habitats of west-central Poland

Ixodes ricinus is the most prevalent and widely distributed tick species in European countries and plays a principal role in transmission of a wide range of microbial pathogens. It is also a main vector and reservoir of Rickettsia spp. of the spotted fever group with the infection level ranging in Poland from 1.3% to 11.4%. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted so far to identify reservoir hosts for these pathogens. A survey was undertaken to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. in wild small rodents and detached I. ricinus. Rodents, Apodemus flavicollis mice and Myodes glareolus voles were captured in typically sylvatic habitats of west-central Poland. Blood samples and collected ticks were analyzed by conventional, semi-nested and nested PCRs. Rickettsial species were determined by sequence analysis of obtained fragments of gltA and 16S rRNA genes. A total of 2339 immature I. ricinus (mostly larvae) were collected from 158 animals. Proportion of hosts carrying ticks was 84%, being higher for A. flavicollis than for M. glareolus. Rickettsia helvetica, the only species identified, was detected in 8% of 12 nymphs and in at least 10.7% (MIR) of 804 larvae investigated. Prevalence of infected ticks on both rodent species was comparable (10.8 vs. 9%). None of blood samples tested was positive for Rickettsia spp. The results showed that in sylvatic habitats the level of infestation with larval I. ricinus was higher in A. flavicollis mice in comparison with M. glareolus voles. They show that R. helvetica frequently occurred in ticks feeding on rodents. Positive immature ticks were collected from non-rickettsiemic hosts what might suggest a vertical route of their infection (transovarial and/or transstadial) or a very short-lasting rickettsiemia in rodents. A natural vertebrate reservoir host for R. helvetica remains to be determined.

Tumefactive demyelination of the spinal cord: a case report

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVES

We report on a 52-year-old male patient with tumefactive demyelination of the spinal cord.

SETTING

University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia.

BACKGROUND

In contrast to relatively frequent tumefactive fulminant lesions in the brain, cases affecting the spinal cord in isolation have been reported less frequently.

METHODS

Description of the case report.

RESULTS

Clinical, neuroradiological and necropsy findings are described in a 52-year-old man with tumefactive fulminant demyelination of the spinal cord. Progression of the demyelination process produced paraplegia, mild paresis of the right upper limb, neurogenic bladder and sensitive loss over 2 weeks. MRI scans revealed several ovoid lesions in cervical segments and tumefactive T2-hyperintense signals with oedema and post-contrast enhancement located in thoracic segments Th3 to Th6. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination displayed lymphomonocytic pleocytosis with normal proteinorhachia, positive CSF oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) and elevated IgG index (1.55). Serum anti-AQP4-Ab was not tested. Stored frozen CSF samples were later repeatedly examined with negative findings of anti-AQP4-Ab. Treatment with high-dose methylprednisolon and plasma exchange had limited effect. Immunosuppressive medication was interrupted because of an acute urinary infection. The patient died suddenly because of pulmonary embolism as a secondary complication. Histopathology of the spinal cord confirmed active demyelination. We considered that tumefactive demyelination could be a variant of neuromyelitis optica.

CONCLUSION

Our case could be anti-AQP4-Ab-negative longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, a variant of neuromyelitis optica.

Infestation of urban populations of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus, by Ixodes spp. ticks in Poland

Infestation by the nest-dwelling Ixodes hexagonus Leach and the exophilic Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) on the Northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae), was investigated during a 4-year study in residential areas of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland. Of 341 hedgehogs, 303 (88.9%) hosted 10 061 Ixodes spp. ticks encompassing all parasitic life stages (larvae, nymphs, females). Ixodes hexagonus accounted for 73% and I. ricinus for 27% of the collected ticks. Male hedgehogs carried significantly higher tick burdens than females. Analyses of seasonal prevalence and abundance of I. hexagonus revealed relatively stable levels of infestation of all parasitic stages, with a modest summer peak in tick abundance noted only on male hosts. By contrast, I. ricinus females and nymphs peaked in spring and declined steadily thereafter in summer and autumn, whereas the less abundant larvae peaked in summer. This is the first longterm study to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of both tick species on populations of wild hedgehogs inhabiting urban residential areas.

Co-infection and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens in roe deer from Poland

Wild species are essential hosts for maintaining Ixodes ticks and the tick-borne diseases. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence, the rate of co-infection with Babesia, Bartonella, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and the molecular diversity of tick-borne pathogens in roe deer in Poland. Almost half of the tested samples provided evidence of infection with at least 1 species. A. phagocytophilum (37.3%) was the most common and Bartonella (13.4%) the rarest infection. A total of 18.3% of all positive samples from roe deer were infected with at least 2 pathogens, and one-third of those were co-infected with A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella, and Babesia species. On the basis of multilocus molecular studies we conclude that: (1) Two different genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum, zoonotic and nonzoonotic, are widely distributed in Polish roe deer population; (2) the roe deer is the host for zoonotic Babesia (Bab. venatorum, Bab. divergens), closely related or identical with strains/species found in humans; (3) our Bab. capreoli and Bab. divergens isolates differed from reported genotypes at 2 conserved base positions, i.e., positions 631 and 663; and (4) this is the first description of Bart. schoenbuchensis infections in roe deer in Poland. We present 1 of the first complex epidemiological studies on the prevalence of Babesia, Bartonella, and A. phagocytophilum in naturally infected populations of roe deer. These game animals clearly have an important role as reservoir hosts of tick-borne pathogens, but the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of the parasite genotypes hosted by roe deer requires further detailed investigation.

[Sublumbar abscesses in the dog. Retrospective evaluation of 13 patients]

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of sublumbar abscesses in the dog with regard to diagnostic and therapeutic options as well as prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of the data of 13 dogs, which were presented with sublumbar abscesses between 2002 and 2012.

RESULTS

Young to middle-aged and middle to large breed dogs were mainly affected. The time until presentation varied from 1 day to 2 years. Symptoms were generally nonspecific. Computed tomography and sonography were normally applied for diagnosis. All dogs underwent surgery and several wound examinations; only in two cases was a single surgical intervention sufficient. In addition, after being discharged, ambulant post-operative care was usually necessary for a considerable time. In two cases, plant foreign bodies could be identified as a cause of abscess formation, and in one case a prostatic abscess and a putative prostate carcinoma were present. After surgery, 12 of 13 dogs could be discharged. Nine of them showed an unremarkable healing process, one dog had a relapse followed by an unremarkable healing process, and one dog was euthanized at the request of the owners because of a putative relapse. One animal was lost to follow-up. One dog was euthanized after two surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Sublumbar abscesses are a rare, but a serious disease in veterinary medicine. Sectional imaging techniques and sonography are suitable for diagnosis. Treatment is often sophisticated and long-standing. However, with adequate treatment, the prognosis with regard to a complete convalescence is favorable. In most cases, the cause of abscess formation remains unclear.

Wild boars as hosts of human-pathogenic Anaplasma phagocytophilum variants

To investigate the potential of wild boars to host Anaplasma phagocytophilum, we analyzed bacterial 16S rRNA and ank genes. DNA sequencing identified several A. phagocytophilum variants, including a predominance of strains known to cause human disease. Boars are thus hosts for A. phagocytophilum, notably, strains associated with human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

Virus detection in questing ticks is not a sensitive indicator for risk assessment of tick-borne encephalitis in humans

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-transmitted arbovirus causing human disease in Europe, but information on its endemic occurrence varies between countries because of differences in surveillance systems. Objective data are necessary to ascertain the disease risk for vaccination recommendations and other public health interventions. In two independent, separately planned projects, we used real-time RT-PCR to detect TBE virus in questing ticks. In Poland, 32 sampling sites were selected in 10 administrative districts located in regions where sporadic TBE cases were reported. In Germany, 18 sampling sites were selected in two districts located in a region with high TBE incidence. Altogether, >16,000 ticks were tested by real-time RT-PCR, with no sample testing positive for TBEV. A systematic search for published studies on TBEV prevalence in ticks in Poland and Germany also suggested that testing large numbers of collected ticks could not consistently assure virus detection in known endemic foci. Although assignment of results to administrative regions is essential for TBE risk mapping, this was possible in only 10 (investigating 22,417 ticks) of 15 published studies (>50,000 ticks) identified. We conclude that the collection and screening of ticks by real-time RT-PCR cannot be recommended for assessment of human TBE risk. Alternative methods of environmental TBEV monitoring should be considered, such as serological monitoring of rodents or other wildlife.

[Detection of TBEV RNA in ticks as a tool for valuation of endemic area wide and sensitivity of TBE surveillance]

In this study we present the nested RT-PCR strategy designed for detection of TBEV RNA in ticks Ixodes ricinus. The presented nested RT-PCR method using 2 different primer pairs specific primers for NS5 gene provides specific TBEV cDNA detectable by electroforesis in agarose gel. Of the 177 polls of ticks investigated, TBEV RNA was detected in 14, which accounts for 7.9% of all pools. We confront the PCR results of tested ticks to routine surveillance data. The obtained results showed that the TBEV RNA is detectable in ticks collected in areas in Poland, which are defined as an non-endemic. The nested RT-PCR method can be used as a tool of epidemiological surveillance as well as for screening of occurrence of circulating TBEV.

Comparison of ninhydrin method of detecting amine compounds with other methods of halitosis detection

OBJECTIVES

Halitosis is a result of overactivity of Gram-negative bacteria for which protein amino acids are the major source of energy. Therefore, statistical correlation between concentrations of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and low-molecular-weight amines should be expected.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-four patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy volunteers aged 20-62 years (average 39.7) participated in the study. In all subjects low-molecular-weight amines were evaluated by the ninhydrin method. Patients with halitosis were randomized into treatment groups. Zinc tablets, tablets and mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or lyophilized lactic acid-forming bacteria were used.

RESULTS

Analysis showed that the level of amines was highest in subjects with halitosis (0.39, s.d. +/- 0.06, P < 0.001) and correlated significantly with results of VSC measurement and organoleptic scores (P < 0.001). Reduction of amine levels after treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Three months following treatment the amine levels began to increase (0.37, s.d. +/- 0.05). The amine levels in healthy controls were lower (0.29, s.d. +/- 0.07) and remained at a stable level.

CONCLUSION

The salivary amine levels significantly correlated with VSC levels and organoleptic scores. Therefore, the ninhydrin method of detecting salivary amines may be an alternative or additional method of diagnosing halitosis. This method may also be used to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Conduction electron spin resonance of small silver particles

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been used to study the conduction electron spin resonance (CESR) of small silver particles stabilized in dehydrated Ag-rho zeolite. Silver particles were produced by hydrogen reduction at elevated temperatures and diameter of the stabilized particles was calculated based on the linewidth of CESR signal using Kawabata theory.

First detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in quill mites (Acari: Syringophilidae) parasitizing passerine birds

Forest passerine birds and their ectoparasites: Ixodes ricinus ticks and Syringophilidae quill mites were surveyed for infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in west-central Poland. Of 126 birds captured from May to June of 2002, 71 (56.3%) comprising eight species, hosted immature I. ricinus ticks. A total of 383 ticks and 71 blood samples collected from tick-infested birds were investigated by PCR. The pathogen was not detected in either bird-derived ticks or in blood samples. Among the captured birds, a total of 14 individuals representing four species hosted quill mites from the family Syringophilidae. Three of the 14 mite pools recovered from the 14 mite-infested birds harbored A. phagocytophilum DNA by amplifying both the epank1 and p44 gene. The PCR-positive pools originated from one blackbird and two starlings. The specific biology of syringophilid mites, which parasitize exclusively inside the quill of feathers, feeding on host subcutaneous fluids, implies that they must have acquired the pathogen from a bacteremic bird. These results provide the first indirect evidence that at least some passerine hosts are prone to develop systemic infection with A. phagocytophilum under natural conditions. Consequently, the infected quill mites may serve as a "biological marker" of past or current infection with the agent within birds.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in yellow-necked mice and feeding Ixodes ricinus ticks in a forest habitat of west central Poland

Wild rodents and the subadult Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks infesting them were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner s.l. in a sylvatic habitat in west central Poland during May-September 2002. In total, 818 feeding ticks were recovered from 73 infested yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis Melchior; in addition, bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber, were rarely captured and proved to be weakly parasitized. Only 2.7% of A. flavicollis and 2.2% of 320 engorging larvae were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for the bacterium. All spirochete-PCR-positive samples yielded exclusively B. burgdorferi s.s. This genospecies was also the most prevalent in questing nymphs and accounted for 87.5% of the total number of Borrelia infections in nymphal ticks collected during May and June 2 yr later. The presence of the same genospecies both in naturally engorged larvae and blood-positive animals as well as the high predominance of B. burgdorferi s.s. in questing nymphs strongly differs from most study sites investigated in Europe. This unique pattern of Borrelia-diversity in both rodents and ticks seems to be determined by highly site-specific host vertebrate cenosis, and yellow-necked mice are involved in the maintenance of B. burgdorferi s.s. in the forest habitat. However, the transmission efficiency of this spirochete from the mice to the I. ricinus vector seems to be very low. The research provides additional information on the complexity of B. burgdorferi s.l. ecology in Europe, pointing to the importance of the local host community.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in yellow-necked mice and feeding Ixodes ricinus ticks in a forest habitat of west central Poland

Wild rodents and the subadult Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks infesting them were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner s.l. in a sylvatic habitat in west central Poland during May-September 2002. In total, 818 feeding ticks were recovered from 73 infested yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis Melchior; in addition, bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber, were rarely captured and proved to be weakly parasitized. Only 2.7% of A. flavicollis and 2.2% of 320 engorging larvae were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for the bacterium. All spirochete-PCR-positive samples yielded exclusively B. burgdorferi s.s. This genospecies was also the most prevalent in questing nymphs and accounted for 87.5% of the total number of Borrelia infections in nymphal ticks collected during May and June 2 yr later. The presence of the same genospecies both in naturally engorged larvae and blood-positive animals as well as the high predominance of B. burgdorferi s.s. in questing nymphs strongly differs from most study sites investigated in Europe. This unique pattern of Borrelia-diversity in both rodents and ticks seems to be determined by highly site-specific host vertebrate cenosis, and yellow-necked mice are involved in the maintenance of B. burgdorferi s.s. in the forest habitat. However, the transmission efficiency of this spirochete from the mice to the I. ricinus vector seems to be very low. The research provides additional information on the complexity of B. burgdorferi s.l. ecology in Europe, pointing to the importance of the local host community.

Is transmission of bacteria that cause halitosis from pets to humans possible?

OBJECTIVE

Bacteria that cause halitosis naturally colonize the animal's mouth. The possibility of transmission of these bacteria from pets to human is an intriguing question. Therefore, the possible correlation between halitosis and regular contact of dental patients with pet animals was the aim of the presented study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study covered 84 patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy controls aged 20-62 years. Each person completed a questionnaire and was then examined for organoleptic score, volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and evaluation of low molecular mass amines in saliva by a ninhydrin colorimetric reaction. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was 125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was 2. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The results showed that among the halitosis group over 80% of patients had reported having pets in childhood and over 70% owned a pet at present. In the control group results are 47 and 40%, respectively. Analysis showed a significant correlation between frequency of halitosis and regular contact with pets at present (P < 0.001) or in childhood (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pets (dogs, cats) owned in childhood or at present may transmit bacteria that cause halitosis.

Subjective patients' opinion and evaluation of halitosis using halimeter and organoleptic scores

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of interest in fetor ex ore among respondents, patients of the Department of Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was completed by 295 patients, 202 females and 93 males aged 18-74 years (average 38.73 years). Each person was also examined for organoleptic score and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by Halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was > or =125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was > or =2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test.

RESULTS

Incidence of halitosis was greatest in age ranges 25-34 years (29.68%) and 45-54 years (24.52%). Sixty-eight (43.87%) persons with diagnosed halitosis frequently reported having a problem with bad breath and only 5.81% persons with halitosis did not notice this problem (P < 0.001). Among 54 healthy persons three (5.56%) reported having a problem with halitosis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical organoleptic diagnosis of halitosis and VSC level by halimeter. Subjective patients' opinion correlated well with objective evaluation of halitosis.

Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks collected from vegetation and small rodents in recreational areas of the city of Poznań

During 1998-1999, Ixodes ricinus (L.) populations were investigated in three different biotopes (deciduous, mixed, coniferous forest) situated in popular recreational areas in Poznań, Poland. In total, 1,123 questing ticks (1,002 nymphs, 69 males, 52 females) were collected by flagging vegetation. Additionally, in 1998 between May and September small rodents were trapped and inspected for feeding ticks. Altogether, 213 rodents of three species: Apodemus agrarius Pall., A. flavicollis Melchior, Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber were captured. Of 323 engorged ticks, 304 were larvae and 19 nymphs. All ticks collected from vegetation, as well as from rodents were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigenwalt & Brenner s.l. spirochetes by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using PAB 1B29. The seasonal pattern of activity of questing I. ricinus was always bimodal (May/June and August/September). The most abundant tick population occurred in the deciduous forest. The total infection rate in questing ticks was 16.2%. Differences in mean infection prevalence of host-seeking ticks between three biotopes each year were not significant. On average more larvae parasitized on the genus of Apodemus than on C. glareolus. 17.8% of larvae and 31.6% of nymphs fed on rodents harbored spirochetes. The three rodent species contributed to a different degree in to transmission of the pathogen to subadult stages. Approximately 27% of larvae infested on A. agrarius, 22% on C. glareolus, and only 4.2% on A. flavicollis contained spirochetes. The results suggest that the prevalence of A. agrarius and C. glareolus in disturbed urban forests used for leisure activities seems to be crucial for the maintenance of B. burgdorferi s.l. in I. ricinus populations.

Expression and one-step purification of intracellular human prolactin in insect cells

Human prolactin was expressed in insect culture cells by recombinant baculoviruses carrying prolactin gene cDNA placed under the transcriptional control of polyhedrin gene promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Preliminary results of recombinant human prolactin expression as extracellular as well as intracellular product of baculovirus expression system were presented at the FEBS Meeting in Nice, France, in 1999 (Abstracts, p. 288). In the present work prolactin was expressed as a hexahistidine-tagged fusion protein and recombinant protein was purified by metal affinity resin. Yields varied between approximately 20 and 35 mg/liter of medium. This recombinant prolactin was biologically active in Nb2 lymphoma cell proliferation assay and after simple purification could substitute for pituitary-derived prolactin.

Multifrequency EPR study of carbonate- and sulfate-derived radicals produced by radiation in shells and corallite

Shells of two sea mollusks (Venus sp.), pearl oyster (Meleagrina vulgaris) and corallite (white coral) were exposed to ionizing radiation (gamma and X rays) and then examined by EPR spectroscopy in X, Q and W band. The resulting spectra were analyzed and the g values of the EPR lines in the multicomponent spectra were determined. The increased resolution in Q- and W-band spectra allowed us to assign the observed lines to CO(2)(-) ion radicals (isotropic and orthorhombic), SO(2)(-) isotropic, SO(3)(-) (isotropic and axial), and Mn(2+) species. The assignments were confirmed by simulations of the spectra. Practical implications for the use of Q and/or W band in low-dose quantitative EPR measurements for dating and for accidental dose estimation are discussed.

[Leber's hereditary optic nerve neuropathy]

The authors present a case report of 26 years old man with bilateral optic nerve neuropathy. Detection of heteroplasmic mutation of mitochondrial DNA at G3460A site confirmed the suspicion on Lebers hereditary optic nerve neuropathy (LHON). Genetic and environmental factors of the disease and various accompanying neurologic and other symptoms, which can together with the optic nerve defect participate in the development of of the LOHN clinical pattern are discussed. (Ref. 12.)

Dating of palaeoanthropological nuragic skeletal tissues using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry

Dating of skeletons of Nuragic population living in Sardinia island centuries BP, based on the quantitative evaluation of the concentration of stable paramagnetic species produced by ionising radiation in tooth enamel was performed by using EPR spectrometry. Applying the additive dose method (60Co gamma rays) and comparative calculations based on analogous measurements done with Roman skeleton of the known age as discovered close to Nuragic tomb (Tombs of Giants, La Testa S. Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia) the age of Nuragic skeleton was evaluated as equal to about 3,200 years (1,200 years BC). The total error of EPR measurements and dose extrapolation was estimated for 10-12%. Crystallinity of bone mineral in Nuragic skeleton evaluated by the EPR technique, adapted earlier by some of the authors of the present paper for biomedical studies on mineralised tissues, is only little changed after the centuries of its deposition in the tomb when compared with contemporary bone tissue. Comparison of chemical composition of Nuragic skeleton contaminated through slow percolation by rain of floods with that of contemporary bone sample shows the increase of the concentration of Fe, PO4, SiO2, Al and Mg, Fe, SiO2, AP are not present in contemporary bones. As expected, the contamination was minimal in tooth enamel.

Electron-nuclear double resonance of human tooth enamel heated at 400 degreesC

Powdered tooth enamel heated at 400 degreesC has been examined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR), and ENDOR-induced EPR (EIEPR) methods and compared with hydroxyapatite synthesized at high temperature. The EPR spectrum of the tooth enamel sample consists mainly of signals assigned to O- and CO2- radicals, in contradistinction to the synthetic apatite sample, where signals of O- and CO33- were detected. The ENDOR results of heated enamel show that the O- radical is located at an A site and interacts with three unequivalent sets of 31P nuclei and two unequivalent protons. This supports the model proposed for synthetic apatite. The EIEPR results show that the 31P and 1H ENDOR resonances originate from both O- and CO2- radicals and that the 23Na and 19F resonances originate only from a CO2- radical located probably at the surface.