A report of Bilharziella polonica cercariae in Knowsley Safari, Prescot, United Kingdom, with notes on other trematodes implicated in human cercarial dermatitis.

As part of surveillance of snail-borne trematodiasis in Knowsley Safari (KS), Prescot, United Kingdom, a collection was made in July 2021 of various planorbid (n = 173) and lymnaeid (n = 218) snails. These were taken from 15 purposely selected freshwater habitats. In the laboratory emergent trematode cercariae, often from single snails, were identified by morphology with a sub-set, of those most accessible, later characterized by cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) DNA barcoding. Two schistosomatid cercariae were of special note in the context of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD), Bilharziella polonica emergent from Planorbarius corneus and Trichobilharzia spp. emergent from Ampullacaena balthica. The former schistosomatid was last reported in the United Kingdom over 50 years ago. From cox1 analyses, the latter likely consisted of two taxa, Trichobilharzia anseri, a first report in the United Kingdom, and a hitherto unnamed genetic lineage having some affiliation with Trichobilharzia longicauda. The chronobiology of emergent cercariae from P. corneus was assessed, with the vertical swimming rate of B. polonica measured. We provide a brief risk appraisal of HCD for public activities typically undertaken within KS educational and recreational programmes.

Adipokines as atherothrombotic risk factors in obese subjects: Associations with haemostatic markers and common carotid wall thickness.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Some crucial associations between obesity-related altered adipokine levels and the main factors of atherosclerotic, atherothrombotic processes are not fully known. We analysed the relationships of classic adipokines, namely leptin, resistin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) with the markers of platelet activation, including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet surface/soluble P-selectin, platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), the parameters of coagulation abnormalities and common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in obese patients with or without atherosclerotic comorbidities in comparison to age- and sex-matched controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 154 obese individuals, including 98 suffering from atherosclerotic concomitant conditions, 56 free of atherosclerotic comorbidities and 62 healthy controls. Plasma levels of leptin, resistin, adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-6, soluble P-selectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen (PAI-1 ag) were analysed by ELISA. Platelet surface P-selectin and PMPs were measured by flow cytometry. IMT was detected by ultrasonography. Adipokines were closely associated with markers of platelet hyperactivity, hypercoagulability, hypofibrinolysis and IMT. Significant independent associations were found between leptin and platelet count (p < 0.0001), MPV (p = 0.019), PMPs (p < 0.0001), fibrinogen (p = 0.001), factor VIII (FVIII) activity (p = 0.035); adiponectin and PAI-1 ag (p = 0.035); resistin and soluble P-selectin (p = 0.002); TNF-α and PAI-1 ag (p < 0.0001); and IL-6 and fibrinogen (p = 0.011). Finally, leptin (p = 0.0005), adiponectin (p = 0.019), IL-6 (p = 0.001), MPV (p = 0.0003), PMP (p = 0.008), and FVIII activity (p = 0.043) were independent predictors of IMT. CONCLUSION: Overall, we suggest that in obese subjects altered adipokine levels play a key role in common carotid atherosclerosis both directly and through haemostatic parameters.

Episodic formation of cometary material in the outburst of a young Sun-like star.

The Solar System originated in a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. The dust is in the form of amorphous silicate particles and carbonaceous dust. The composition of cometary material, however, shows that a significant fraction of the amorphous silicate dust was transformed into crystalline form during the early evolution of the protosolar nebula. How and when this transformation happened has been a question of debate, with the main options being heating by the young Sun and shock heating. Here we report mid-infrared features in the outburst spectrum of the young Sun-like star EX Lupi that were not present in quiescence. We attribute them to crystalline forsterite. We conclude that the crystals were produced through thermal annealing in the surface layer of the inner disk by heat from the outburst, a process that has hitherto not been considered. The observed lack of cold crystals excludes shock heating at larger radii.

Effect of casozepine administration on stress in dogs during a veterinary examination - A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of the study was to investigate the stress-reducing effect of a casozepine before a veterinary examination in dogs. It should be examined whether the dogs are less stressed during a standardized veterinary examination after an oral application of casozepine over 2 days and whether the administration has an influence on the salivary concentrations of the stress hormones vasopressin and cortisol. Across the study group (n=36), a significantly lower stress score (P=0.0026) and lower mean (P=0.01) and maximum (P=0.024) pulse rates were seen at follow-up after casozepine administration, in contrast to the placebo group (n=26). Salivary vasopressin concentrations increased during follow-up in the placebo group (P=0.04), whereas they remained the same in the casozepine group. Cortisol concentrations increased during follow-up in the casozepin group (P=0.01). The results indicate that although dogs in both groups remained excited at follow-up, short-term casozepine administration before a veterinary visit had a weak stress-reducing effect in dogs based on subjective stress scoring and pulse rate.

An alien intermediate snail host in Malawi - Orientogalba viridis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1832) - A new concern for schistosomiasis transmission in Africa?

The freshwater amphibious snail Orientogalba viridis commonly occurs in eastern Asia, on certain Pacific islands and more importantly has recently dispersed into Europe. Since this snail is now considered an invasive species, its distribution is of growing parasitological interest as an alien intermediate host for various trematodes, particularly liver flukes. As part of ongoing surveillance for snail-borne diseases in Malawi, a population of O. viridis was first observed in May 2023, alongside an alarming presence of a human schistosome cercaria. This snail population later underwent detailed morphological characterisation with both snail and parasite identities confirmed upon DNA barcoding. This seminal observation triggered more extensive local snail surveys, finding 3 further populations in separated rice paddies, with further field-caught snails (n = 465) screened for infection and a selection used for repeated experimental challenges with miracidia from Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mattheei. Although no field-caught (and experimentally exposed) snail was seen to shed schistosome cercariae, molecular xenomonitoring for schistosomiasis provided tangible evidence of putative transmission potential. Our first report of O. viridis here in Malawi, and more broadly in Africa, flags a need for increased vigilance for this invasive species alongside local clarification(s) of its transmission potential for trematodiases of either medical and/or veterinary importance.

A first report of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817), an alien intermediate host for liver fluke, in Malawi.

Starting in October 2021, quarterly malacological surveys have been undertaken in Malawi, with the sampling of 12 specified freshwater habitats throughout a calendar year. Each survey monitors the presence of aquatic intermediate snail hosts of medical and veterinary importance. In March 2023, the alien lymnaeid species Pseudosuccinea columella was encountered for the first time in the surveys, in Nsanje District. This species identity was later confirmed upon DNA analysis of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S sequences. In July 2023, P. columella was also noted at single sites within Mangochi and Chikwawa Districts, and again in Nsanje District, with an additional location observed. Of particular importance, our sampled location in Mangochi District was directly connected to Lake Malawi, which expands the species list of invasive molluscs in this lake. While P. columella is a well-known intermediate snail host for human and animal fascioliasis, screening collected snails for trematode cercariae, alongside molecular xenomonitoring, did not yield equivocal evidence of active fluke infection. However, the newly recognized presence of this alien intermediate snail host within Lake Malawi, and along the Shire River Valley, flags a new concern in altered local transmission potential for human and animal fascioliasis.

Brachypodium distachyon as a model for defining the allergen potential of non-prolamin proteins.

Epitope databases and the protein sequences of published plant genomes are suitable to identify some of the proteins causing food allergies and sensitivities. Brachypodium distachyon, a diploid wild grass with a sequenced genome and low prolamin content, is the closest relative of the allergen cereals, such as wheat or barley. Using the Brachypodium genome sequence, a workflow has been developed to identify potentially harmful proteins which may cause either celiac disease or wheat allergy-related symptoms. Seed tissue-specific expression of the potential allergens has been determined, and intact epitopes following an in silico digestion with several endopeptidases have been identified. Molecular function of allergen proteins has been evaluated using Gene Ontology terms. Biologically overrepresented proteins and potentially allergen protein families have been identified.

In vivo direct interaction of the antibiotic primycin on a Candida albicans clinical isolate and its ergosterol-less mutant.

Interaction of primycin antibiotic with plasma membrane, and its indirect biological effects were investigated in this study. The antifungal activity of primycin against 13 human pathogenic Candida ATCC and CBS reference species and 74 other Candida albicans clinical isolates was investigated with a microdilution technique. No primycin-resistant strain was detected. Direct interaction of primycin with the plasma membrane was demonstrated for the first time by using an ergosterol-producing strain 33erg+ and its ergosterol-less mutant erg-2. In growth inhibition tests, the 33erg+ strain proved to be more sensitive to primycin than its erg-2 mutant, indicating the importance of the plasma membrane composition in primycin-induced processes. The 64 µg ml-1 (56.8 nM) primycin treatment induced an enhanced membrane fluidity and altered plasma membrane dynamics, as measured by steady-state fluorescence anisotropy applying a trimethylammonium-diphenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) fluorescence polarization probe. The following consequences were detected. The plasma membrane of the cells lost its barrier function, and the efflux of 260-nm-absorbing materials from treated cells of both strains was 1.5-1.8 times more than that for the control. Depending on the primycin concentration, the cells exhibited unipolar budding, pseudohyphae formation, and a rough cell surface visualized by scanning electron microscopy.

Relationship of adipokines and non-esterified fatty acid to the insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals.

BACKGROUND: Altered secretion of adipokines and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) seems to play a pivotal role in the abdominal obesity-related insulin resistance (IR). AIM: To determine semi-quantitatively the impact of serum NEFA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leptin, adiponectin, and resistin levels on IR measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). MATERIAL/SUBJECTS: Seventy-four Caucasian subjects forming 3 age-, and sex-matched groups were included into the study [Group 1 and 2: non-diabetic obese patients, no.= 25, body mass index (BMI): 28-39.9 kg/m(2), no.=25, BMI≥40 kg/m(2), respectively, and Group 3: 24 healthy, normal weight control subjects]. METHODS: Serum levels of NEFA and adipokines as well as other metabolic variables including HOMA-IR were measured. RESULTS: HOMA-IR was associated positively with BMI, waist circumference, serum NEFA, leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, negatively with adiponectin, with no significant relation to resistin. In multiple regression analyses, of these factors leptin was a strong, IL-6 and adiponectin were weak independent predictors of HOMA-IR, while the others were not significant determinants of HOMA-IR. However, even together, they explained only 35-36% of variance of HOMAIR. CONCLUSIONS: Although IR has associations with many of the investigated parameters, of these, only serum level of leptin, and in lesser degree IL-6 and adiponectin are independent determinants of the severity of IR. Moreover, even together they explain only a minority of variance IR.

Arsenic uptake and speciation in vegetables grown under greenhouse conditions.

The accumulation of arsenic (As) by vegetables is a potential human exposure pathway. The speciation of As in vegetables is an important consideration due to the varying toxicity of different As species. In this study, common Australian garden vegetables were hydroponically grown with As-contaminated irrigation water to determine the uptake and species of As present in vegetable tissue. The highest concentrations of total As were observed in the roots of all vegetables and declined in the aerial portions of the plants. Total As accumulation in the edible portions of the vegetables decreased in the order radish >> mung bean > lettuce = chard. Arsenic was present in the roots of radish, chard, and lettuce as arsenate (As(V)) and comprised between 77 and 92% of the total As present, whereas in mung beans, arsenite (As(III)) comprised 90% of the total As present. In aerial portions of the vegetables, As was distributed equally between both As(V) and As(III) in radish and chard but was present mainly as As(V) in lettuce. The presence of elevated As in vegetable roots suggests that As species may be complexed by phytochelatins, which limits As translocation to aerial portions of the plant.

Arsenic distribution and bioaccessibility across particle fractions in historically contaminated soils.

Incidental soil ingestion is a common contaminant exposure pathway for humans, notably children. It is widely accepted that the inclusion of total soil metal concentrations greatly overestimates the risk through soil ingestion for people due to contaminant bioavailability constraints. The assumption also assumes that the contaminant distribution and the bioaccessible fraction is consistent across all particle sizes. In this study, we investigated the distribution of arsenic across five particle size fractions as well as arsenic bioaccessibility in the <250-, <100-, <10- and 2.5-microm soil particle fractions in 50 contaminated soils. The distribution of arsenic was generally uniform across the larger particle size fractions but increased markedly in the <2.5-microm soil particle fraction. The marked increase in arsenic concentration in the <2.5-microm fraction was associated with a marked increase in the iron content. Arsenic bioaccessibility, in contrast, increased with decreasing particle size. The mean arsenic bioaccessibility increased from 25 +/- 16% in the <250-microm soil particle fraction to 42 +/- 23% in the <10-microm soil particle fraction. These results indicate that the assumption of static arsenic bioaccessibility values across particle size fractions should be reconsidered if the ingested material is enriched with small particle fractions such as those found in household dust.

H1 tau haplotype-related genomic variation at 17q21.3 as an Asian heritage of the European Gypsy population.

In this study, we examine the frequency of a 900 kb inversion at 17q21.3 in the Gypsy and Caucasian populations of Hungary, which may reflect the Asian origin of Gypsy populations. Of the two haplotypes (H1 and H2), H2 is thought to be exclusively of Caucasian origin, and its occurrence in other racial groups is likely to reflect admixture. In our sample, the H1 haplotype was significantly more frequent in the Gypsy population (89.8 vs 75.5%, P<0.001) and was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (P=0.017). The 17q21.3 region includes the gene of microtubule-associated protein tau, and this result might imply higher sensitivity to H1 haplotype-related multifactorial tauopathies among Gypsies.

Relationship of serum resistin level to traits of metabolic syndrome and serum paraoxonase 1 activity in a population with a broad range of body mass index.

UNLABELLED: The relationship between resistin, one of the adipokines, and metabolic syndrome is not fully elucidated. Altered activity of the HDL-associated antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) that participates in the antioxidant defense mechanisms of HDL may have an important role in the obesity-related accelerated atherosclerosis. Inverse associations of PON1 with obesity and serum levels of leptin have been demonstrated. Our aim was to investigate the association of serum levels of resistin with (i) PON1 activity, and (ii) parameters of metabolic syndrome, including some that are additional for research. A total of 74 Caucasian subjects were recruited into the study and divided into 3 age and sex-matched groups. Group 1, 25 non-diabetic overweight/obese subjects with BMI of 28-39.9 kg/m (2); group 2, 25 non-diabetic obese patients with BMI >or=40 kg/m (2); and the control group 3, 24 healthy, normal-weight control subjects. Serum levels of resistin were correlated negatively with BMI (r=-0.27, P<0.05), waist circumference (r=-0.28, P<0.05), serum levels of leptin (r=-0.28, P<0.05), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (r=-0.23, P<0.05), and HbA (1C) (r=-0.26, P<0.05), systolic BP (r=-0.28, P<0.05), and lipid peroxidation (measured by TBARS) (r=-0.40, P<0.01), and correlated positively with PON1 (r=0.24, P<0.05). No association was detected between the serum concentrations of resistin and the following investigated parameters: diastolic BP, levels of uric acid, glucose, insulin, or insulin resistance (measured by homeostasis model assessment, HOMA-IR), triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C. During multiple regression analyses BMI and TBARS were independent predictors of PON1, while age, gender, blood pressure, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HDL-C, and resistin were not. CONCLUSIONS: Among the study subjects, serum levels of resistin showed a positive, although not independent correlation with serum PON1, and a negative correlation with numerous parameters of the metabolic syndrome (i.e. adiposity, blood pressure, levels of leptin, free fatty acid, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid peroxidation). BMI and TBARS are independent predictors of PON1 activity.

Prevalence and characterization of Salmonella infantis isolates originating from different points of the broiler chicken-human food chain in Hungary.

During the 10-month study period Salmonella contamination of broiler houses and the flocks reared in three farms (A, B and C), the slaughter houses where the flocks were slaughtered, as well as the carcass and retail raw meat products originating from them was investigated. In the broiler farm A five consecutive flocks, in the B and C farms one flock was sampled. Environmental samples were taken prior to the introductions. Environmental, drinking water, feed and faecal samples were collected regularly using standard methods. Before and during processing of the flocks, environmental and carcass samples were taken at the abattoirs. Salmonella contamination of the carcass, retail meat, as well as stool samples of farm and abattoir workers and from human illnesses registered in the same period and region were also examined. Isolation, sero-, phage- and antibiotic resistance typing, class 1 integron and plasmid profiling of the strains were performed; their genetic relationship was assessed by PFGE. Although the broiler house and the faecal samples of the 5 flocks of the farm A were negative for Salmonella, S. infantis was isolated from 20-100% of the abattoir carcass samples. The retail raw meat samples were 0-100% S. infantis positive. The environmental samples of farm B were Salmonella negative, but the examined flock was contaminated: S. infantis was identified from 43% of the faecal samples. This serotype was identified in 100% of the carcass and retail raw meat samples. From environmental samples taken before the arrival of the 1-day-old chicks in the broiler house C, S. infantis was cultured. S. infantis prevalence in the faecal samples was 35% and all the carcass and retail raw meat samples were S. infantis contaminated. Altogether 164 S. infantis strains were isolated out of which 145 were further characterized. The vast majority (142/145) of the strains belonged to phage types 217 and 213. All but one were characterized by the nalidixic acid-streptomycin-sulphonamide-tetracycline resistances, had an 885 bp class 1 integron and a large plasmid of > 168 kb in size. The strains showed > or = 88.7% genetic similarity. The results obtained shows that the same multi-drug resistant S. infantis clone was spread from the examined broiler farms contaminating the slaughter and the retail meat and appeared in the human illnesses of the examined region that was earlier detected as the dominant clone characteristic of the broiler and human population of the whole country.

Esophageal replacement using cryopreserved tracheal graft.

Esophageal replacement using artificial material is not a new concept. Prior experiences with prostheses, allografts and composite grafts have not proved particularly successful. The aim of this study is to investigate whether cryopreserved animal trachea is suitable for the replacement of the esophagus. In 12 beagle dogs a 6-cm-long segment of the cervical esophagus was removed, and was replaced with cryopreserved trachea, which had been stored for 21 days on -86 degrees C. The proximal and distal ends of the esophagus were joined together with the graft by simple continuous suture (Biosyn 3/0) and covered with the sternohyoid flap. Postoperatively 16 hematological parameters were measured. The dogs were planned to be euthanized at random on days 28, 42 and 56 after the operation. Tests for air leak were performed and the inner diameter of the graft was measured to detect shrinkage. The microscopic structure of the graft was analyzed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. There was no indication of insufficiency. Based on the air leak test the sutures withheld properly. The inner diameter of the graft narrowed from an average 19 mm (+/- 1 mm) to 15.8 mm (+/- 0.6 mm). In length, the graft shortened from an average 60 mm to 47 mm (+/- 3 mm). No feeding difficulty was observed. In two cases wound suppuration was found involving only the cutaneous and subcutaneous layers. Concerning the laboratory parameters, only the fibrinogen level and white blood cell count showed temporary although significant changes. Histology findings on the 56th day showed absolute integration of the trachea with the esophagus, with disintegration of the tracheal cartilages. Cryopreserved trachea seems to be suitable for the replacement of a 5-6-cm-long esophageal segment.

Arsenic uptake and speciation in rice plants grown under greenhouse conditions with arsenic contaminated irrigation water.

The accumulation of arsenic (As) by rice (Oryza sativa L.) is of great interest considering the dietary intake of rice is potentially a major As exposure pathway in countries where rice is irrigated with As contaminated groundwater. A small scale rice paddy experiment was conducted to evaluate the uptake of As by rice. Arsenic concentrations in rice tissue increased in the order grain<

Methodological factors influencing inhalation bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s in PM2.5 using simulated lung fluid.

In this study, methodological factors influencing the dissolution of metal(loid)s in simulated lung fluid (SLF) was assessed in order to develop a standardised method for the assessment of inhalation bioaccessibility in PM2.5. To achieve this aim, the effects of solid to liquid (S/L) ratio (1:100 to 1:5000), agitation (magnetic agitation, occasional shaking, orbital and end-over-end rotation), composition of SLF (artificial lysosomal fluid: ALF; phagolysosomal simulant fluid: PSF) and extraction time (1-120 h) on metal(loid) bioaccessibility were investigated using PM2.5 from three Australian mining/smelting impacted soils and a certified reference material. The results highlighted that SLF composition significantly (p < 0.001) influenced metal(loid) bioaccessibility and that when a S/L ratio of 1:5000 and end-over-end rotation was used, metal(loid) solubility plateaued after approximately 24 h. Additionally, in order to assess the exposure of metal(loid)s via incidental ingestion of surface dust, PM2.5 was subjected to simulated gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) solutions and the results were compared to extraction using SLF. Although As bioaccessibility in SLF (24 h) was significantly lower than in simulated GIT solutions (p < 0.05), Pb bioaccessibility was equal to or significantly higher than that extracted using simulated GIT solutions (p < 0.05).

An inhalation-ingestion bioaccessibility assay (IIBA) for the assessment of exposure to metal(loid)s in PM10.

Although metal(loid) bioaccessibility of ambient particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of <10µm (PM10), has recently received increasing attention, limited research exists into standardising in-vitro methodologies using simulated lung fluid (SLF). Contradictions exist regarding which assay parameters should be adopted. Additionally, potential continuation of metal(loid) dissolution once PM10 is cleared from the lungs and passed through the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) has rarely been addressed. The objective of this study was to assess parameters that influence inhalation bioaccessibility in order to develop a conservative assay that is relevant to a human inhalation scenario. To achieve this aim, the effect of solid to liquid (S/L) ratio, extraction time, agitation and five major SLF compositions on the bioaccessibilities of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) was investigated using PM10 from three Australian mining/smelting impacted regions. Using the biologically relevant parameters that resulted in the most conservative outcomes, bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s in PM10 was assessed in SLF, followed by simulated GIT solutions. Results from this study revealed that fluid composition and S/L ratio significantly affected metal(loid) dissolution (p<0.05). The highest Pb bioaccessibility resulted using simulated lung-gastric solution, while that of As resulted using simulated lung-gastric-small intestinal tract solutions. Compared to SLF alone, metal(loid) dissolution using the inhalation-ingestion bioaccessibility assay (IIBA) was significantly higher (p<0.05) for all PM10 samples.

Histamine-induced enhancement of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion in rat neurohypophyseal tissue cultures.

The effects of histamine (HA) on vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) secretion were studied in 13-14-day cultures of isolated rat neurohypophyseal (NH) tissue. The VP and OT contents of the supernatant were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) after a 1 or 2-h incubation. Significantly increased levels of VP and OT production were detected in the tissue culture media following HA administration, depending on the HA dose. The elevation of NH hormone secretion could be partially blocked by previous administration of the HA antagonist mepyramine (MEP, an H1 receptor antagonist) or cimetidine (CIM, an H2 receptor antagonist). Thioperamide (TPE, an H3-H4 receptor antagonist) did not influence the VP or OT secretion increase induced by HA. The application of MEP, CIM or TPE after HA administration proved ineffective. The H1 and H2 receptors are mainly involved in the HA-induced increase of both VP and OT secretion in isolated NH tissue cultures. The results indicate that NH hormone release is influenced directly by the histaminergic system, and the histaminergic control of VP and OT secretion from the NH tissue in rats can occur at the level of the posterior pituitary.