Anthropometrics of Polish children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) causes a number of abnormalities in somatic development. The predominant symptoms are reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures as well as bone deformities and short stature. Due to the lack of causal treatment options, bisphosphonates are considered the gold standard of therapy. The aim of our study is to present selected anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, BMI) in children with type I and III of OI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I and III confirmed by genetic testing. The study group included individuals admitted to the Department in 2020. We analysed the anthropometric parameters of 108 children (receiving and not receiving bisphosphonates treatment). RESULTS: In the group of children with OI type I admitted for follow-up (group 1), the median weight percentile was 37, while in the group 2 it was 17. In the patients with OI type III (group 3), the median weight percentile was 0.1. The median height percentile in group 1 was 21, in group 2 it was 5, whereas in group 3 = 0.1. The differences in anthropometric measurements of the patients with OI type I and OI type III were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Among the analysed patients, an abnormal BMI was found in 41.67% of whom 37.78% were underweight, 48.89% were overweight and 13.33% were obese. CONCLUSION: Considering prevalence of the disease, it is not only low stature but also abnormal BMI, and especially excessive body weight, that play an important role in the somatic development disorder.

A Shift Towards Biotechnology: Social Opinion in the EU.

Consumers' attitude to genetic engineering provides information to stakeholders who are interested in its adoption, which is essential considering the emerging growth of new breeding techniques. This short article analyses, compares, and describes the knowledge, doubts, and concerns of Europeans about biotechnology and genetic engineering over the past 20 years.

Effect of Microcystins on Proto- and Metazooplankton Is More Evident in Artificial Than in Natural Waterbodies.

The increasing proliferation of cyanobacterial blooms prolongs the impact of cyanobacteria on aquatic fauna, potentially altering trophic relationships. We hypothesized that any effect of dissolved microcystins (toxins produced by cyanobacteria) on plankton assemblages would be more evident in artificial reservoirs and ponds than in natural ones. The concentrations of dissolved microcystins in the waters we studied ranged widely from 0.07 to 0.81 µg/L. We showed that the artificial ponds were subjected to more frequent and longer-lasting harmful algal blooms. The plankton occurring in them were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of dissolved microcystins than those in natural oxbow lakes. Using a general linear model (GLM) regression, our study identified a significant relationship between dissolved microcystins and both the density and biomass of particular zooplankton groups (ciliates, rotifers, cladocerans, copepods). The density, biomass, and richness of the animal plankton were significantly lower in the artificial ponds than in the natural oxbow lakes. The impact of microcystins and the length of time that they remained in the water caused structural homogenization of the plankton.

Cytokine responses to exercise and activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: case-control study.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by fatigue after exertion. A systematic review suggested that transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß concentrations are often elevated in cases of CFS when compared to healthy controls. This study attempted to replicate this finding and investigate whether post-exertional symptoms were associated with altered cytokine protein concentrations and their RNA in CFS patients. Twenty-four patients fulfilling Centers for Disease Control criteria for CFS, but with no comorbid psychiatric disorders, were recruited from two CFS clinics in London, UK. Twenty-one healthy, sedentary controls were matched by gender, age and other variables. Circulating proteins and RNA were measured for TGF-ß, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and IL-1ß. We measured six further cytokine protein concentrations (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and interferon (IFN)-γ). Measures were taken at rest, and before and after both commuting and aerobic exercise. CFS cases had higher TGF-ß protein levels compared to controls at rest (median (quartiles) = 43·9 (19·2, 61·8) versus 18·9 (16·1, 30·0) ng/ml) (P = 0·003), and consistently so over a 9-day period. However, this was a spurious finding due to variation between different assay batches. There were no differences between groups in changes to TGF-ß protein concentrations after either commuting or exercise. All other cytokine protein and RNA levels were similar between cases and controls. Post-exertional symptoms and perceived effort were not associated with any increased cytokines. We were unable to replicate previously found elevations in circulating cytokine concentrations, suggesting that elevated circulating cytokines are not important in the pathophysiology of CFS.

What Underpins the Trophic Networks of the Plankton in Shallow Oxbow Lakes?

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships in the microbial trophic network underpinning them about communities of plankton ciliates in shallow oxbow lakes of the Vistula River in southern Poland (Jeziorzany 1, Jeziorzany 2, Piekary, Tyniec). The plankton components (phytoplankton, ciliates, zooplankton) were grouped by dietary preference. The studied oxbows differed in physicochemical parameters and in phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria dominated in the total biomass of phytoplankton in the Tyniec oxbow, big green algae (>30 µm) in Piekary and Jeziorzany 1, and euglenoids in Jeziorzany 2 oxbow. The dominance pattern of ciliates and zooplankton were similar in all oxbows. Algivorous ciliates were the main dominant ciliates, and among zooplankton the dominant ones were herbivores that feed on small algae (<30 µm). The oxbows differed significantly in total phytoplankton biomass, cyanobacteria biomass, euglenoid biomass, small green algae (<30 µm) biomass, total biomass of zooplankton, biomass of zooplankton feeding on bacteria + algae, and biomass of zooplankton feeding on big algae (>30 µm). There was no significant differences in ciliate biomass between oxbows. In redundancy analyses, the variability at the trophic groups of plankton was described by explanatory variables in 42.3 %, and positive relationships were found: e.g., between omnivorous zooplankton biomass, the biomass of ciliates feeding on bacteria + algae, and NH4 level; between euglenoid biomass and dinoflagellate biomass; and between cyanobacteria biomass and bacterivorous ciliate biomass. Spearman correlation analysis revealed several relationships between different groups of plankton. In general, phytoplankton group shows more connection among themselves and with different zooplankton groups, e.g., phytoplankton biomass with herbivorous zooplankton biomass (-0.33); and cyanobacteria biomass with dinoflagellate biomass (0.65). Ciliates showed more connections among their trophic groups (e.g., algivorous ciliate biomass with omnivorous ciliate biomass, 0.78) and with zooplankton trophic groups (e.g., biomass of algivorous + bacterivorous ciliates with biomass of predator zooplankton, -0.36). Simple correlations analysis revealed the trophic food web network connectivity among plankton organisms, indicating the flow of organic matter from phytoplankton to zooplankton and from ciliates to zooplankton. Our study sheds light on the trophic relations among plankton ciliates, which are neglected in research but often form a large percentage of zooplankton biomass. In the studied oxbows, ciliate forms 6.7 % of total zooplankton biomass in Jeziorzany 1 and up to 44.5 % of it in the Piekary oxbow.

Assessment of intake and nutritional status of vitamin b1, b2, and b6 in men and women with different physical activity levels.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6 in respect to dietary intake of these vitamins and activity coefficients of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase, and aspartic aminotransferase in young men and women with different physical activity levels. The participants of this study were 20 women and 20 men with high physical activity (groups HAW and HAM, respectively), and 20 women and 20 men with low physical activity (groups LAW and LAM, respectively). The intake of vitamins B1, B2, B6, proteins, and calorie content of the diet was based on the average of the 4-day dietary recalls. To assess nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6, the activity coefficients (α) of erythrocyte transketolase (ETK), erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR), and erythrocyte aspartic aminotransferase (EAST) were estimated in blood hemolysates. The intake of the studied vitamins in the diet was statistically significantly lower in the female groups compared with the respective male groups. Deficiency of vitamin B6 in the diet was present more often in women than in men (in terms of the recommended dietary allowances [RDA]). Values of the activity coefficient αETK indicated that none of the groups in this study suffered the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. The value of the activity coefficient αEGR indicated that the groups of women and men with low physical activity were more prone to vitamin B2 deficiency compared with the high physical activity groups. The risk of vitamin B6 deficiency (αEAST) in both male groups was higher than in both female groups. The obtained results do not allow for unequivocal determination of the impact of sex and the level of physical activity on intake and nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6. Independently of sex and the level of physical activity, the women and men consumed insufficient quantities of vitamins B1 and B6, although this was not always related to increased values of corresponding activity coefficients.

Effect of rugby training on blood antioxidant defenses in able-bodied and spinal cord injured players.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with comparison group. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of rugby training on the blood antioxidant capacity in able-bodied and wheelchair rugby players with tetraplegia. SETTING: Poland. METHODS: Four groups of subjects participated in the study: sedentary able-bodied males (group SA, n=19), sedentary males with tetraplegia (group ST, n=10), able-bodied rugby players (group RA, n=22) and wheelchair rugby players with tetraplegia (group RT, n=14). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) were determined in erythrocyte hemolysates, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was determined in whole-blood hemolysates. Concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined in plasma. RESULTS: SOD activity was significantly higher in the group SA compared with group ST and group RA. No significant differences occurred within the tetraplegic groups: RT and ST. Resting CAT and GPX activities were significantly higher in both the groups of rugby players than in the respective group of sedentary males. There were no differences in GR activity among all the studied groups. Plasma TAS concentration was higher in both the groups of able-bodied males compared with the respective groups of tetraplegics. The present study is the first to conduct an evaluation of wheelchair rugby training-induced adaptations to oxidative stress in individuals with tetraplegia. CONCLUSION: Adaptive response to training was similar in both able-bodied and wheelchair rugby players, and it was characterized by increased erythrocyte CAT and GPX activities in resting conditions improving resistance to oxidative stress.

Effect of exercise on the level of immunoglobulin a in saliva.

The aim of this paper is to describe the structure, production and function of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as well as changes of its concentration caused by exercise of various intensity and duration. Immunoglobulin A is the main class of antibodies present in the body secreted fluids such as saliva, tears or mucus from the intestines. It is generally recognized that IgA, due to its dominance in the immune system of mucous membranes, is the first line of defence against harmful environmental factors. The secretion and composition of saliva depends on the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Physical activity, stimulating the autonomous nervous system, may reduce the amount of saliva and/or inhibit its secretion. The relationship between physical activity and the suppression of the immune system is not fully understood, but it is known that moderate intensity exercise can improve immune defences, while extreme effort can reduce them by creating an increased risk of upper respiratory tract inflammation (URTI). In athletes, the lowest risk of upper tract infection was connected with the case of moderate intensity exercise. It is now believed that the relationship between exercise volume and the risk of URTI has the shape of the letter "J". This means that both too little and too much physical activity may increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infection. Training optimization and correct balance between exercise and rest periods may reduce the risk of adverse changes in the immune system and decrease the frequency of URTI.

Tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate oncogenes and susceptibility to ovarian cancer.

Low-moderate risk alleles that are relatively common in the population may explain a significant proportion of the excess familial risk of ovarian cancer (OC) not attributed to highly penetrant genes. In this study, we evaluated the risks of OC associated with common germline variants in five oncogenes (BRAF, ERBB2, KRAS, NMI and PIK3CA) known to be involved in OC development. Thirty-four tagging SNPs in these genes were genotyped in approximately 1800 invasive OC cases and 3000 controls from population-based studies in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States. We found no evidence of disease association for SNPs in BRAF, KRAS, ERBB2 and PIK3CA when OC was considered as a single disease phenotype; but after stratification by histological subtype, we found borderline evidence of association for SNPs in KRAS and BRAF with mucinous OC and in ERBB2 and PIK3CA with endometrioid OC. For NMI, we identified a SNP (rs11683487) that was associated with a decreased risk of OC (unadjusted P(dominant)=0.004). We then genotyped rs11683487 in another 1097 cases and 1792 controls from an additional three case-control studies from the United States. The combined odds ratio was 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-0.99) and remained statistically significant (P(dominant)=0.032). We also identified two haplotypes in ERBB2 associated with an increased OC risk (P(global)=0.034) and a haplotype in BRAF that had a protective effect (P(global)=0.005). In conclusion, these data provide borderline evidence of association for common allelic variation in the NMI with risk of epithelial OC.

Anaerobic performance of arms and legs in male and female free style wrestlers.

The aim of the present study was to compare arm and leg anaerobic peak and mean power after normalisation for body mass (W/kg) and fat-free mass (W/kg FFM) of 12 female and 10 male wrestlers, members of the Polish Olympic team. Power outputs were assessed by 30 seconds leg cycling and 30 seconds arm cranking. It was determined that males had higher peak power (11.4 W/kg and 13.2 W/kg FFM for legs, 9.6 W/kg and 11.2 W/kg FFM for arms) as well as mean power (8.7 W/kg and 9.6 W/kg FFM for legs, 6.9 W/kg and 7.9 W/kg FFM for arms) than females (peak power 8.6 W/kg and 11.3 W/kg FFM for legs, and 5.9 W/kg, 7.8 W/kg FFM for arms, mean power 6.8 W/kg, 9.0 W/kg FFM for legs and 5.9 W/kg, 7.8 W/kg FFM for arms). Post-exercise maximal blood lactate concentration after 30 seconds leg cycling and 30 seconds arm cranking was also higher in male wrestlers (11.9 and 11.8 mmol/l, respectively) than in female wrestlers (10.4 and 9.1 mmol/l, respectively). However the ratios of lactate concentration to mean power expressed in W/kg FFM for males and females in leg cycling (1.18 and 1.17, respectively) and in arm cranking (1.48 and 1.50, respectively) were similar. These findings suggest that the amount of energy derived from glycolysis is not sex-dependent. Additionally it seems that the higher ratios for arms when compared to legs reflect closer relation of arm muscle energy metabolism to carbohydrate utilisation.

[Analysis of epidemiologic risk factors for endometrial cancer]. / Analiza czynników epidemiologicznych u chorych z rakiem blony sluzowej trzonu macicy leczonych w Wielkopolskim Centrum Onkologii.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was an analyse of several risk factors for women with endometrial cancer and their influence on overall survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis covered 160 women treated with the primary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy because of endometrial cancer. Age, lifestyle, age of menarche and menopause, parity, body size, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were determined. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate were: 87% for the women younger then 60 and 70% for the older ones (p = 0.0026), 81% for the city women and 73% for the country women (p = 0.2034), 91% for the educated women and 70% for the women with elementary education (p = 0.0102), 85% for 1-2 x parous women and 65% for nulliparous (p = 0.0433), 79% for women without miscarriage and 63% for women with 2 or more miscarriages (p = 0.3265), 82% for women with menarche above age of 15 and 66% with menarche under age of 13 (p = 0.1989), 82% for women without obesity, diabetes, hypertension and 72% for women with hypertension, 64% with obesity, 50% for women with all analysed diseases (p = 0.0104). CONCLUSION: An analyse show that age, lifestyle, parity, body size and hypertension modify the overall survival of women with endometrial cancer.

Haemogregarine specificity in two communities of Florida snakes, with descriptions of six new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) and a possible species of Haemogregarina (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae).

Five species of snakes in Florida, from Palm Beach County in the south and Alachua County 450 km to the north, occur in similar habitat but have distinctive Hepatozoon species characteristic of each host species. In Palm Beach County, Diadophis punctatus is host to Hepatozoon punctatus n. sp., Thamnophis sauritus sackenii to Hepatozoon sauritus n. sp., and Nerodia fasciata pictiventris to Hepatozoon pictiventris n. sp. In Alachua County, N. fasciata pictiventris is parasitized by Hepatozoon fasciatae n. sp., Seminatrix p. pygaea by Hepatozoon seminatrici n. sp., and Thamnophis s. sirtalis by Hepatozoon sirtalis n. sp. Each Hepatozoon sp. has distinctive gamonts and sporogonic characters and, in the 4 species where known, meronts. Nerodia floridana is host to Haemogregarina floridana n. sp. in both localities, with generic identification tentative, based upon presence of erythrocytic meronts. The presence of sporocysts in the proboscis of 31% of Aedes aegypti infected by H. pictiventris is the first report of infective stages of a reptilian Hepatozoon species within the mouthparts of a dipteran vector. This study suggests that in Florida, at least, the diversity of the Hepatozoon community not only equals but probably exceeds the diversity of the snake communities present, and that host specificity in nature may be much greater than that postulated from previous studies.

Low-concentration morphine infusion does not compromise packed red blood cell transfusion.

Regulations currently prohibit co-administration (through the same line) of red blood cell transfusions with continuous morphine infusions for pain management, resulting in additional intravenous access or interrupted analgesic therapy in seriously ill children. Packed cells that had been in contact with morphine 0.1 or 1.0 mg/mL and infused through a mock central venous catheter system showed no evidence of hemolysis when compared with control samples. There is thus no need to interrupt analgesic therapy or start another venous access line in order to give a coincident blood transfusion.

Isolation and characterization of an antigenically distinct 68-kd protein from nonviral intracytoplasmic inclusions in Boa constrictors chronically infected with the inclusion body disease virus (IBDV: Retroviridae).

The relationship between a retroviral infection and the development of nonviral intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies was studied in a Boa constrictor model. Twelve juvenile age- and size-matched inclusion body disease (IBD)-negative boas were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was inoculated intraperitoneally with 1 ml of an IBD virus (IBDV)-infected liver homogenate or 1 ml of normal boa liver homogenate (sham-inoculated control) or was left untreated. All boas were monitored for development of IBD by daily examination and serial liver biopsy over 1 year. The 4 IBDV-inoculated boas became IBDV and inclusion positive by 10 weeks postinoculation. The average size and density of inclusion bodies increased with the duration of infection. Ultrastructurally, inclusion bodies <2 microm in diameter consisted of intracytoplasmic aggregates of granular electron-dense material that were not membrane limited. Larger inclusions (3-6 microm in diameter) were characterized as membrane-bound aggregates of amorphous to granular electron-dense material admixed with membranelike fragments. The sham-inoculated and untreated control snakes did not become inclusion or IBDV positive. Direct comparison of the protein electrophoretograms of IBDV-infected and normal boa tissues demonstrated a prominent 68-kd protein band unique to infected inclusion-positive tissues. Monoclonal antibodies directed against the 68-kd protein band specifically labeled inclusion bodies. The results of this study demonstrate that IBD inclusions represent an intracytoplasmic accumulation of an antigenically distinct IBDV-associated protein.

Molecular modeling of the catalytic domain of serine/threonine phosphatase-1 with the Zn2+ and Mn2+ di-nuclear ion centers in the active site.

Catalytic domains of the metalloenzymes protein phosphatases (PPP) 1, 2A and 2B (PP1, PP2A and PP2B, respectively) are homologous to approximately 45%, with the residues in the enzymatic centers strictly conserved. PP1, PP2A and PP2B are abundant in cells and they dephosphorylate serine and/or threonine residues in a variety of proteins serving as cellular phospho switches. The active enzymes work as invariant catalytic subunits PP1c, PP2Ac and PP2Bc, respectively, complexed with diverse regulatory subunits, dependent on the enzymes' specific location and biological function. The crystal structures of PP1c and PP2B (calcineurin) heterotetramer calcineurinA x calcineurinB x FKBP x FK506 have been determined. A comparison of the catalytic subunits of both enzymes indicates their significant structural homology and virtual identity within the catalytic centers, each including a set of conservative amino acids, two metal ions and a phosphate; thus confirming a hypothesis on their common enzymatic mechanisms. The elongated substrate cleft at the active centre is kinked by approximately 120 degrees at the active center in its middle and thus divided into a pre-phospho-Ser/Thr (ligand N-terminal) and a post-phospho-Ser/Thr (ligand C-terminal) section. In PP1c the N-terminal section is highly acidic while in PP2Bc is not. This feature is likely pertinent but not sufficient to the enzymes' selectivity, which is also controlled by regulatory subunits, diverse in various tissues. The metalloenzymes in general and PPP in particular are hard to deal with using theoretical simulations due to parameterization problems for the metal cations. In fact, there are only a few PP1c simulations reported, with the metal di-cations treated quite crudely. This is a preliminary work, in which we introduce and test against some experimental evidence a concept of pseudomolecules of proper geometry, composed of double metal (2Zn2+ or 2Mn2+) cation, and the OH- nuclephile incorporated into the PP1c catalytic site. Both models are associated with either the phosphate (a free enzyme) or the phosphorylated dodecapeptide RRRRPpTPAMLFR, an active fragment (residues 29-40) of a regulatory subunit DARPP-32 inhibitor (PP1c-inhibitor complex); four models total. We have parameterized both pseudomolecules within the AMBER force field. Subsequently, using molecular dynamic in water, we have found the free PP1c subunits to be less stable than the complexed ones and we have speculated on possible reasons for this feature.

Infantile Salmonella meningitis associated with gecko-keeping.

A serotype found mainly in reptiles was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid from a 2 month old baby with meningitis. A related salmonella was isolated from gecko faeces from the floor of the tank in the baby's home, suggesting a possible source of infection, and indicating the need for hygienic precautions in homes where reptiles are kept as pets.

Endothelial cell changes are associated with pulmonary edema and respiratory distress in mice infected with the WA1 human Babesia parasite.

A C3H/HeN mouse model was established to study the pathogenesis of the human babesial parasites, WA1 and Babesia microti. To evaluate the course of parasitemia and the associated lesions, mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with either WA1-infected, B. microti-infected, or uninfected hamster red blood cells. WA1-infected mice developed dyspnea and moderate parasitemias, after which death occurred. Babesia microti-infected mice experienced low parasitemias with no apparent morbidity or mortality. WA1-infected mice were thrombocytopenic but not anemic. Hemograms for B. microti-infected mice were similar to controls. Postmortem examination of WA1-infected mice revealed prominent lesions in the lungs, including pulmonary edema and intravascular margination of leukocytes. No pulmonary changes were detected in B. microti-infected mice. Blood gas measurements of WA1-infected mice showed reduced oxygen saturation and pH, and increased carbonic acid compared to controls, indicating hypoxia and respiratory acidosis. Ultrastructure studies of WA1-infected lungs showed hypertrophied endothelial cells containing transcellular channels associated with protein-rich intra-alveolar fluid. Endothelial cell activation was demonstrated by an upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the lungs of WA1-infected mice. The results suggest that recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs in WA1-infected mice induces endothelial cell alterations, leading to pulmonary edema and acute respiratory failure.

Evidence of Pasteurella haemolytica linked immune complex disease in natural and experimental models.

The pathogenesis of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis is not completely understood, and studies have not established that Pasteurella haemolytica A1 (Ph1) virulence is exclusively responsible for the development of acute pulmonary lesions. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if immune complex disease is involved in the pathogenesis of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis. A retrospective immunohistologic study of lung tissue from natural cases of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis (44) as performed, and immune complexes were observed in alveloar spaces and walls in 88% of these cases. To study this pathologic mechanism experimentally, groups of mice were immunized with purified Ph1 outer membranes (OMs) or sham immunized on days 0 and 14. Mice were challenged intratracheally on day 24 with either live Ph1 or Ph1 OMs, and pulmonary lesions were assessed 24 h after challenge. Placebo immunized mice developed focal infiltrates of neutrophils and macrophages centered around large caliber bronchi. Mice immunized with Ph1 OMs and challenged with live Ph1 or OMs developed severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia with diffuse neutrophilic infiltration, focal necrosis, hemorrhage and edema, that is histologically similar to bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis. Immunohistology revealed flocculent aggregates of IgG and complement positive material within alveolar spaces and walls from mice challenged with live Ph1, and fine granular deposits of IgG and complement positive material were observed lining the alveolar walls from mice challenged with Ph1 OMs. Immunized mice exhibited high serum IgG antibody titers to Ph1 outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Results of this study suggest that immune complex disease plays a role in the pathogenesis of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis.

Granulomatous hepatitis associated with Hepatozoon sp. meronts in a southern water snake (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris).

A wild-caught adult female southern water snake (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris) did poorly in captivity. A peripheral blood-film examination demonstrated numerous hemogregarines characterized as fusiform nondividing intraerythrocytic gametocytes. Xenodiagnostic typing in laboratory-reared mosquitoes demonstrated the parasite to be of the genus Hepatozoon. Gross and histopathologic examination of the liver demonstrated numerous granulomas centered on groups of one to six Hepatozoon sp. meronts, an unusual finding in naturally infected wild-caught snakes.