CDK9 inhibition as an effective therapy for small cell lung cancer.

Treatment-naïve small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is typically susceptible to standard-of-care chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide recently combined with PD-L1 inhibitors. Yet, in most cases, SCLC patients develop resistance to first-line therapy and alternative therapies are urgently required to overcome this resistance. In this study, we tested the efficacy of dinaciclib, an FDA-orphan drug and inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9, among other CDKs, in SCLC. Furthermore, we report on a newly developed, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor, VC-1, with tumour-killing activity in SCLC. CDK9 inhibition displayed high killing potential in a panel of mouse and human SCLC cell lines. Mechanistically, CDK9 inhibition led to a reduction in MCL-1 and cFLIP anti-apoptotic proteins and killed cells, almost exclusively, by intrinsic apoptosis. While CDK9 inhibition did not synergise with chemotherapy, it displayed high efficacy in chemotherapy-resistant cells. In vivo, CDK9 inhibition effectively reduced tumour growth and improved survival in both autochthonous and syngeneic SCLC models. Together, this study shows that CDK9 inhibition is a promising therapeutic agent against SCLC and could be applied to chemo-refractory or resistant SCLC.

Molecular phylogeny of Cosmetocleithrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1986 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae), gill parasites of Neotropical catfishes (Siluriformes).

Cosmetocleithrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1986 (Dactylogyridae) represents one of the most species-rich groups (22 species currently recognized as valid) of all dactylogyrid parasites infecting Neotropical catfishes. Species of Cosmetocleithrum exhibit a remarkable affinity towards catfishes of the Doradidae and the Auchenipteridae. However, phylogenetic relationships between members of this genus have not been yet analysed. This study analysed newly obtained partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of seven species of Cosmetocleithrum, including its type species C. gussevi Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1986, along with several other dactylogyrids infecting siluriform, gymnotiform, perciform and characiform fishes. Cosmetocleithrum appeared as an evolutionary recent group, composed of two well-defined lineages: lineage 1 includes parasites of doradids - namely, C. bulbocirrus, C. confusum, C. parvum and C. bifurcum - whereas lineage 2 is composed of species from doradids - that is, C. rarum, C. gussevi, C. gigas, C. trachydorasi and C. falsunilatum - together with parasites of auchenipterids - namely, C. laciniatum and C. baculum. The search for synapomorphies to characterize taxonomic groups within Cosmetocleithrum appears challenging, since the morphology of their haptoral elements is quite conservative, and that of the copulatory complex is highly variable between species. The results of the present study support the recent synonymization of Paracosmetocleithrum Acosta, Scholz, Blasco-Costa, Alves & Silva, 2018 with Cosmetocleithrum. Whereas the 28S ribosomal DNA data resolved Cosmetocleithrum as monophyletic, the statistical support for the lineage was low, rendering its phylogenetic position between other Neotropical dactylogyrids yet undefined.

A new genus of caryophyllidean tapeworms (Cestoda) from Mystus catfishes (Bagridae) in India: cleaning up taxonomic chaos.

A new genus, Mystocestus, is proposed to accommodate a new species, Mystocestus anindoi n. g., n. sp. from Mystus vittatus (Bloch) (type host) in West Bengal and Mystus cavasius (Hamilton) (Siluriformes: Bagridae) in Maharashtra, India. The new genus is most similar to Lucknowia Gupta, 1961 in the shape of the body, which is elongate, slightly tapering towards the anterior end, and scolex, which is digitiform, but differs in the shape of the ovary, which is H-shaped (vs. inverted A-shaped in Lucknowia), the absence of a seminal receptacle (present in Lucknowia) and exclusively cortical vitelline follicles (vs. some follicles in the medulla in the latter genus). Molecular data support the erection of the new genus and place it close to Bovienia Fuhrmann, 1931, species of which can be easily distinguished by exclusively lateral vitelline follicles (lateral and median in the new genus), the presence of a seminal receptacle (absent in Mystocestus) and scolex shape (digitiform, with blunt or slightly concave anterior edge in the new genus vs. small, unspecialized or spatulate in Bovienia). The convoluted taxonomy of tapeworms placed in Mystoides Mathur, 1992 is critically reviewed to clean up taxonomic chaos in Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans. Mystoides was erected in an unpublished PhD thesis and thus its generic name becomes unavailable and also, its type species is conspecific with Lucknowia fossilisi Gupta, 1961 from the stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Other species of this genus are also conspecific with L. fossilisi. In addition, specific names of most of these taxa are unavailable because they were described in unpublished theses or conference abstracts. Based on recent revisions of Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans, the following nine genera with 15 species are considered valid (numbers of species of individual genera are provided in parentheses): Bovienia (3), Djombangia (1), Lucknowia (2), Lytocestus (2), Mystocestus (1), Pseudocaryophyllaeus (2) (all family Lytocestidae); Adenoscolex (1), Lobulovarium (2), Paracaryophyllaeus (1) (all family Caryophyllaeidae).

High diversity of metazoan parasites in carp gudgeons (Eleotridae: Hypseleotris spp.) from Eastern Australia.

Knowledge of the parasite fauna of Australian freshwater fish is fragmentary and incomplete. An understanding of fish hosts and their associated parasites is vital for the successful management of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we surveyed the parasite fauna of carp gudgeons (Hypseleotris spp.), a complex of species of Australian freshwater fishes, using morphology and molecular data for the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes. We examined 137 individuals of three different taxa in the carp gudgeon species complex and found 16 parasitic taxa of the Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda and Arthropoda (five adults and 11 larvae). Eleven parasites are reported for the first time from the carp gudgeons (Pseudodactylogyrus sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Clinostomum sp., Paradilepis patriciae, P. cf. kempi, two unidentified species of Paradilepis, Dendrouterina sp., Parvitaenia sp., two lineages of Cyclophyllidea gen. sp., Procamallanus sp., larvae of a spirurine nematode and Lernaea sp.), in addition to Apatemon cf. hypseleotris Negm-Eldin & Davies, 2001 and the invasive tapeworm Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934), which were previously reported from these fish hosts. Parasite species richness was double in Lake's and Midgley's carp gudgeons relative to western carp gudgeon. These findings highlight the key role of carp gudgeons as intermediate hosts for multiple parasites with complex life cycles using native birds as definitive hosts and the usefulness of DNA data for the identification of parasite larvae.

Redescription of Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) maroccanus (Dollfus, 1951) (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae), a parasite of the Algerian barb Luciobarbus callensis (Valenciennes) (Cyprinidae) in Algeria, and first molecular data.

Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) maroccanus (Dollfus, 1951), an insufficiently described quadrigyrid acanthocephalan of cyprinid fishes from Northwest Africa, is redescribed based on recently collected specimens from the Algerian barb Luciobarbus callensis (Valenciennes) in Algeria. Newly observed morphological features for A. (A.) maroccanus include the arrangement of proboscis hooks (not in regular circles), the male reproductive structures extending into the copulatory bursa and the presence of a para-receptacle structure and vaginal sleeve. The mechanism of copulation of this acanthocephalan is described based on several copulating pairs. The phylogenetic position of A. (A.) maroccanus within Eoacanthocephala was assessed based on partial 28S rDNA sequences. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses placed A. (A.) maroccanus in a clade with Palliolisentis (Demidueterospinus) ophiocephalus (Thapar, 1931), both species included in the Quadrigyridae, the only family within the Gyracanthocephala.

The First Record of the Invasive Asian Fish Tapeworm (Schyzocotyle Acheilognathi) from An Endemic Cichlid Fish in Madagascar.

The Asian fish tapeworm, Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea), is an invasive parasite of freshwater fishes that have been reported from more than 200 freshwater fish worldwide. It was originally described from a small cyprinid, Acheilognathus rombeus, in Japan but then has spread, usually with carp, minnows or guppies, to all continents including isolated islands such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cuba or Sri Lanka. In the present account, we report the first case of the infection of a native cichlid fish, Ptychochromis cf. inornatus (Perciformes: Cichlidae), endemic to Madagascar, with S. acheilognathi. The way of introduction of this parasite to the island, which is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, is briefly discussed.

Impaired intention-to-treat survival after listing for liver transplantation in children with biliary atresia compared to other chronic liver diseases: 20 years' experience from the Nordic countries.

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication for LT in children. We investigated whether this diagnosis per se, compared to other chronic liver diseases (OCLD), had an influence on patient survival. Data from 421 Scandinavian children, 194 with BA and 227 with OCLD, listed for LT between 1990 and 2010 were analyzed. The intention-to-treat survival and influencing risk factors were studied. Patients with BA had higher risk of death after listing than patients with OCLD. The youngest (<1 year) and smallest (<10 kg) children with the highest bilirubin (>510 µmol/L), highest INR (>1.6), and highest PELD score (>20) listed during 1990s had the worst outcome. Given the same PELD score, patients with BA had higher risk of death than patients with OCLD. For adolescents, low weight/BMI was the only prognostic marker. Impaired intention-to-treat survival in patients with BA was mainly explained by more advanced liver disease in younger ages and higher proportion of young children in the BA group rather than diagnosis per se. PELD score predicted death, but seemed to underestimate the severity of liver disease in patients with BA. Poor nutritional status and severe cholestasis had negative impact on survival, supporting the "sickest children first" allocation policy and correction of malnutrition before surgery.

The bigger, the better? About the size of decompressive hemicraniectomies.

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a treatment option in refractory ICP elevation and malignant infarction. A minimum diameter of 12 cm has been widely accepted as mandatory for effective decompression for ICP control. Complete hemispheric exposure is frequently advocated to further reduce the risk of parenchymal shear stress, hemorrhage and swelling. At the same time, superior efficacy and comparable risk profile of a more extensive decompression have yet to be established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 74 patients with comprehensive clinical data sets undergoing DHC from 2008 to 2013 at our institution. With a minimum threshold of 12 cm in AP diameter being observed in all cases, patients were grouped according to the absolute size of maximum AP diameter (<18 cm, ≥ 18 cm) and surface estimate (<180 cm(2), ≥ 180 cm(2)). Surgical technique, efficacy of ICP control, surgical complications and early clinical course were recorded. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were comparable in both groups. Surgery was effective in relieving or preventing intracranial hypertension in all patients, irrespective of craniectomy size. With smaller craniectomies, immediate surgical and secondary complications such as parenchymal herniation, hemorrhage, or swelling did not occur more frequently. CONCLUSION: Due to the heterogeneity of underlying disease, a conclusion as to effect of craniectomy size on long-term outcome cannot be made based on this study. However, if the obligatory lower threshold of 12 cm for DHC size and decompression to the temporal base are observed, a smaller craniectomy is equally effective in relieving intracranial hypertension. While not inadvertently associated with a more favorable surgical risk profile, it does not increase the risk for early secondary complications such as parenchymal shear stress, hemorrhage and swelling.

Sexual reassignment surgery in female-to-male transsexuals: an algorithm for subcutaneous mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous mastectomy is one of the first steps in sexual reassignment in female-to-male transsexuals (FTMTS). The main goal is to masculinize the chest by removing the female contour. In this study, we introduce an algorithm to facilitate choosing the appropriate mastectomy technique depending on morphological aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 173 patients (346 mastectomies) from January 2008 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The authors conducted four different surgical techniques depending on breast volume, grade of ptosis and skin elasticity. The outcome parameters such as complication rate, patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result, nipple sensitivity and surgical correction rate were obtained and related to the employed technique. RESULTS: From January 2008 to December 2013, we performed 346 mastectomies, of which 48 breasts (13.9%) were treated by a semicircular incision in combination with water-jet-assisted liposuction, 66 breasts (19.1%) by an additional circumferential mastopexy, 170 breasts (49.1%) by an inferior pedicled mammaplasty and 62 breasts (17.9%) by mastectomy with free nipple grafting. The mean operation time lasted 103.6 min. The overall complication rate was 11.8%. Secondary revisions were necessary in 9%. Of the patients, 88% rated the aesthetic results as "very good" or "good." Nipple sensitivity was rated as "very good" or "good" in 80.3% of the breasts. CONCLUSION: FTMTS are a well-informed patient population and therefore increasingly more demanding for aesthetic outcomes. If possible, the most scar-saving procedure should be preferred. With ascending degrees of ptosis, a larger skin envelope and lesser elastic skin, an extended-incision technique is required. The presented surgical algorithm facilitates the selection of the appropriate mastectomy technique and shows a high patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result, a preservation of nipple sensitivity and a low rate of complications and secondary aesthetic corrections.

[Therapy of inherited diseases of platelet function. Interdisciplinary S2K guideline of the Permanent Paediatric Committee of the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research (GTH e. V.)]. / Therapie hereditärer Thrombozytopathien. Interdisziplinäre S2K-Leitlinie der Ständigen Kommission Pädiatrie der Gesellschaft für Thrombose- und Hämostaseforschung e. V.

Inherited disorders of platelet function are a heterogeneous group. For optimal prevention and management of bleeding, classification and diagnosis of the underlying defect are highly recommended. An interdisciplinary guideline for a diagnostic approach has been published (AWMF # 086-003 S2K; Hämostaseologie 2014; 34: 201-212). Underlying platelet disorder, platelet count, age and clinical situation modify treatment. Exclusive transfusion of platelet concentrates may be inappropriate as potentially adverse effects can outweigh its benefit. A stepwise and individually adjusted approach for restitution and maintenance of haemostasis is recommended. Administration of antifibrinolytics is generally endorsed, but is of particular use in Quebec disease. Restricted to older children, desmopressin is favourable in storage pool disease and unclassified platelet disorders. Although licensed only for patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia and alloantibodies, in clinical practice rFVIIa is widely used in inherited platelet disorders with severe bleeding tendency. This guideline aims at presenting the best available advice for the management of patients with inherited platelet function disorders.

[Surgical treatment of gynecomastia: an algorithm]. / Chirurgische Therapie der Gynäkomastie: Ein Algorithmus.

INTRODUCTIONS: Gynecomastia is a persistent benign uni- or bilateral enlargement of the male breast ranging from small to excessive findings with marked skin redundancy. In this paper we introduce an algorithm to facilitate the selection of the appropriate surgical technique according to the presented morphological aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 118 patients (217 breasts) with gynecomastia from 01/2009 to 08/2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The authors conducted three different surgical techniques depending on four severity grades. The outcome parameters complication rate, patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result, nipple sensitivity and the need to re-operate were observed and related to the employed technique. RESULTS: In 167 (77%) breasts with moderate breast enlargement without skin redundancy (Grade I-IIa by Simon's classification) a subcutaneous semicircular periareolar mastectomy was performed in combination with water-jet assisted liposuction. In 40 (18%) breasts with skin redundancy (Grade IIb) a circumferential mastopexy was performed additionally. An inferior pedicled mammaplasty was used in 10 (5%) severe cases (Grade III). Complication rate was 4.1%. Surgical corrections were necessary in 17 breasts (7.8%). The patient survey revealed a high satisfaction level: 88% of the patients rated the aesthetic results as "very good" or "good", nipple sensitivity was rated as "very good" or "good" by 83%. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of gynecomastia should ensure minimal scarring while respecting the aesthetic unit. The selection of the appropriate surgical method depends on the severity grade, the presence of skin redundancy and the volume of the male breast glandular tissue. The presented algorithm rarely leads to complications, is simple to perform and shows a high satisfaction rate and a preservation of the nipple sensitivity.

Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy: interdisciplinary surgical closure by an ipsilateral pedicled latissimus dorsi flap supported by video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains a rare but often life-threatening complication and therapeutic challenge. Traditional surgical procedures include chronic open drainage, attempts at direct stump closure, thoracoplasty with or without chest wall muscle transposition and trans-sternal bronchial closure. We describe a case with successful closure of a chronic BPF after pneumonectomy by intrathoracic transposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap circumferentially fixed on the surrounding pleural tissue under continuous video-assisted thoracoscopic overview. The postoperative course was without complications; no tumour, empyema or fistula re-occurred. In this article we want to present the potential advantages of video-assisted thoracoscopic support and interdisciplinary teamwork to improve the outcome of patients with BPFs after pneumonectomy.

Early implant healing: promotion of platelet activation and cytokine release by topographical, chemical and biomimetical titanium surface modifications in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet releasate has been shown to promote osteogenetic cell proliferation and differentiation. Topography and chemistry of biomaterials have high impact on platelet activation. More specifically, the bioactive cell adhesive peptide sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) triggers platelet activation mediated by the α(IIb) ß(3) integrin receptor. Accordingly, topographical, chemical and biomimetical (immobilized RGD peptide) modifications of titanium (Ti) surfaces may enhance early platelet activation and bony healing of implants. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate platelet activation with subsequent platelet-derived cytokine release by accordingly modified Ti surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-treated (PT; mean roughness [R(a)]=0.04 µm, contact angle [CA]=91°), acid-etched (A, R(a) =0.83 µm, CA=106°), large grit-sandblasted, acid-etched (SLA, R(a) =3.2 µm, CA=109°) as well as hydrophilically modified acid-etched (modA, R(a) =0.83 µm, CA=0) and modified large grit-sandblasted, acid-etched (modSLA, R(a) =3.2 µm; CA=0°) titanium surfaces were investigated. Additionally, RGD peptides were chemically immobilized on PT, A and SLA surfaces (PT-RGD [CA=18°], A-RGD [CA=0°], SLA-RGD [CA=0°]). The different Ti surfaces were incubated with platelet concentrate of three healthy volunteers at room temperature for 15 min and for 30 min. High thrombogenous collagen served as the control group. Out of the supernatant, platelet consumption was assessed via platelet count (PC). Cytokine release was quantified via the level of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: After 15 min, especially the rough SLA surface showed a strong decrease in PC and a strong increase in VEGF and PDGF levels. After 30 min, high platelet consumption as well as high levels of VEGF and PDGF were measured for unspecifically modified (modA) and especially for biomimetic, specifically modified (PT-RGD, A-RGD) surfaces, indicating a delayed effect of the surface modifications on platelet activation. DISCUSSION: Modifications of surface roughness modifications appear to influence early platelet activation and cytokine release after 15 min whereas surface chemistry modifications with increased hydrophilic properties and surface modifications via RGD peptide on plainer surfaces lead to a further, more specific promotion of platelet activation and degranulation after 30 min. The observed effect could be valuable for critical clinical situations like compromised bone sites.

Larval gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) of British freshwater fish, with a description of the pathology caused by Paradilepis scolecina.

Larvae of the cyclophyllidean tapeworms Paradilepis scolecina (Rudolphi, 1819), Neogryporhynchus cheilancristrotus (Wedl, 1855) and Valipora campylancristrota (Wedl, 1855), are described from British freshwater fish. The morphometrics of the rostellar hooks, infection characteristics and host ranges of these parasites from fisheries in England and Wales are presented. Difficulties in the detection, handling and identification of these tapeworms are highlighted, and may in part explain the paucity of records from Britain. Tissue digestion was shown to be a useful technique for the examination of these parasites, providing clear and consistent preparations of the rostellar hooks for measurement. The pathological changes caused by P. scolecina to the liver of wild tench, Tinca tinca, are detailed for the first time. Tapeworms located in the hepatic parenchyma and pancreatic tissues caused little pathological damage and invoked only mild inflammatory responses. The small size of these tapeworms and their encapsulation within host tissues appear to limit the severity of pathology, compared with parasites that insert their rostellum during attachment.

Processive behaviour of kinesin observed using micro-fabricated cantilevers.

The mechanical characterization of biomolecular motors requires force sensors with sub-piconewton resolution. The coupling of a nanoscale motor to this type of microscale sensors introduces structural deformations in the motor according to the thermally activated degrees of freedom of the sensor. At present, no simple solution is available to reduce these effects. Here, we exploit the advantages of micro-fabricated cantilevers to produce a force sensor with essentially one degree of freedom and a spring constant of 0.03 pN nm(-1) for the study of the molecular motor protein kinesin-1. During processive runs, the cantilever constrains the movement of the cargo binding domain of kinesin in a straight line, parallel to the microtubule track, and excludes specific reaction coordinates such as cargo rotation. In these conditions, we measured a step size of 8.0 ± 0.4 nm and a maximal unloaded velocity of 820 ± 80 nm s(-1) at saturated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration. We concluded that the motor does not need to rotate its tail as it moves through consecutive stepping cycles.

Histopathological and ultrastructural studies of the tapeworm Monobothrium wageneri (Caryophyllidea) in the intestinal tract of tench Tinca tinca.

Monobothrium wageneri is a monozoic caryophyllidean tapeworm of tench Tinca tinca. The pathological changes caused by this parasite within the intestinal tract of wild tench are described for the first time. Parasites were found attached to the anterior third of the intestine in tight clusters comprising up to 109 tapeworms. Infection was associated with the formation of raised inflammatory swellings surrounding the parasites. This host response, combined with the deep penetration of the scolex into the gut wall, formed a very firm seat of parasite attachment. Histopathological changes were characterised by a pronounced fibrogranulomatous lesion that extended through all layers of the intestine. This was accompanied by haemorrhage, oedema, necrosis and degeneration of the muscularis. A marked eosinophilic interface layer between the scolex of the tapeworm and gut wall indicated intimate host-parasite contact. Ultrastructural examinations revealed coniform spinitriches covering the neck and lateral sides of the scolex and capilliform filitriches present on the apical end of the scolex. Numerous glandular cytons (tegumental glands) were recorded throughout the scolex tegument. Large numbers of secretory granules discharged from the glands through a network of processes onto the scolex surface were consistent with distancing the cellular responses of the host. Observations of severe inflammatory lesions, partial intestinal occlusion and the potential for intestinal perforation represent important pathological changes that are consistent with loss of normal gut function. The lesions associated with the attachment of M. wageneri are more severe than those recorded for any other tapeworm of British freshwater fish.

Parasites in a man-made landscape: contrasting patterns of trematode flow in a fishpond area in Central Europe.

We have explored a large body of novel data focusing on small-scale temporal and spatial patterns in the composition and structure of larval trematode communities in Lymnaea stagnalis (L.) from a typical Central European agricultural landscape. The 5 eutrophic fishponds studied provide excellent environments for the development of species-rich and abundant trematode communities. Nine prevalent species were consistently present in component communities, but had differential contribution to the parasite flow in the 5 ponds resulting in significant contrasting patterns of community similarity and the prevalence of the 3 major transmission guilds driving this similarity. Component communities split into 2 groups: (i) those from the large pond dominated by anatid and larid generalists with active miracidial transmission; and (ii) those from the smaller ponds dominated by 2 plagiorchioideans infecting snails via egg ingestion. We put forward 3 hypotheses for the remarkable differences in larval trematode flow in the similar and closely located eutrophic ponds: (i) species-specific differences in parasite colonization potential displayed by an 'active-passive' dichotomy in miracidial transmission strategies of the species; (ii) top-down effects of pond context on transmission pathways of the trematodes; and (iii) competition as an important mechanism in eutrophic environments with a bottom-up effect on component community structure.

Tucunarella n. Gen. and other dactylogyrids (Monogenoidea) from cichlid fish (Perciformes) from Peruvian Amazonia.

During parasitological research on cichlid fish from the tributaries of the Amazon River around Iquitos, Peru, the following gill monogenoidean species were found: Tucunarella cichlae n. gen. and n. sp. from Cichla monoculus Spix and Agassiz; Gussevia alioides Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1986 from Heros severus Heckel; Gussevia asota Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1989 from Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz); Gussevia disparoides Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1986 from H. severus (all new geographical records) and Cichlasoma amazonarum Kullander (new host record); Gussevia longihaptor (Mizelle and Kritsky, 1969) Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1986 and Gussevia undulata Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1986 from C. monoculus ; Sciadicleithrum satanopercae Yamada, Takemoto, Bellay, and Pavanelli, 2008 from Satanoperca jurupari Heckel; and Sciadicleithrum variabilum (Mizelle and Kritsky, 1969) Kritsky, Thatcher, and Boeger, 1989 from C. amazonarum (new host and geographical records). Tucunarella n. gen. is proposed to accommodate a new species, Tucunarella cichlae , which is its type and only known species in the genus. The new genus is characterized by, besides a very large body size (about 1.5 mm vs. much less than 1 mm in other ancyrocephaline genera in Amazonia), a thickened tegument, 1 pair of eyes, overlapping gonads (testis dorsal to the germarium), nonarticulated male copulatory organ (MCO) and accessory piece, a coiled (counterclockwise) MCO, a dextral vaginal aperture, a haptor armed with 2 pairs of anchors (each with broad base and subequal roots, which are marginally folded), and dorsal and ventral bars and 14 hooks with protruding blunt thumbs and 2 different shapes (slender vs. slightly expanded shanks). Illustrations and data on morphological and biometric variability of individual species from different hosts are provided. The present data provide evidence of a relatively wide host specificity of gill monogenoideans parasitic in South American cichlids.

Predicting neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants by standardized neurological assessments at 6 and 12 months corrected age.

AIM: Neurodevelopmental impairment in very preterm infants can be reasonably diagnosed by 18-24 months corrected age, whereas the predictive value of earlier assessments is debated. We hypothesized that neurological findings at 6 and 12 months indicative of subsequent cerebral palsy predict 18-24 months' neurodevelopmental impairment. METHODS: Neurodevelopmental examinations (Griffiths scales) at 20 months of age in 561 preterm infants (birth weight <1 500 g) were compared with results of standardized neurological examinations (Early Motor Pattern Profile; EMPP) and Griffiths scales at 6 (n = 451) and 12 months (n = 496) corrected age. RESULTS: Griffiths developmental quotients at 20 months were weakly but significantly related to EMPP scores at 6 (R(s) = 0.328) and 12 months (R(s) = 0.493). Areas under receiver operator characteristic curves for the EMPP to predict neurodevelopmental impairment (Griffiths scores