Expression map of entry receptors and infectivity factors for pan-coronaviruses in preimplantation and implantation stage human embryos.

PURPOSE: To predict if developing human embryos are permissive to multiple coronaviruses. METHOD: We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA-seq datasets of human embryos for the known canonical and non-canonical receptors and spike protein cleavage enzymes for multiple coronaviruses like SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, hCoV-229E, and hCoV-NL63. We also analyzed the expression of host genes involved in viral replication, host proteins involved in viral endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT), genes of host proteins that physically interact with proteins of SARS-CoV-2, and the host genes essential for coronavirus infectivity. RESULTS: Of the known receptors of SARS viruses, ACE2, BSG, GOLGA7, and ZDHHC5 were expressed in different proportions in the zygote, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula, and blastocysts including the trophectoderm. The MERS-CoV receptor, DPP4, and hCoV-229E receptor, ANPEP, were expressed mainly from the compact morula to the blastocyst stages. Transcripts of the MERS-CoV alternate receptor LGALS1 were detected in most cells at all stages of development. TMPRSS2 transcripts were detected in the epiblast, primitive endoderm, and trophectoderm, while transcripts of the endosomal proteases CTSL, CTSB, and FURIN were expressed in most cells at all stages of development. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were co-expressed in a proportion of epiblast and trophectoderm cells. The embryonic cells expressed genes involved in ESCRT, viral replication, SARS-CoV-2 interactions, and coronavirus infectivity. The ACE2 and TMPRSS2 co-expressing cells were enriched in genes associated with lipid metabolism, lysosome, peroxisome, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. CONCLUSION: Preimplantation and implantation stage human embryos could be permissive to multiple hCoVs.

Reduction of methyl isothiocyanate atmospheric emissions after application of metam sodium by shank injection.

Regulatory initiatives in the United States have created the impetus to reassess application methods for metam sodium (sodium -methyldithiocarbamate), a methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) generator, to reduce flux to the atmosphere. This paper compares flux rates in the years 1990 through 2002 with flux rates based on four studies conducted during the period 2008 through 2010 in California, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Washington using current shank-injection/compaction methods. Up to a 100-fold reduction in peak flux rates and total loss of MITC have been observed. A combination of the following factors led to these reductions in flux: soil moisture goals set at 70% of the field water holding capacity; improved design of shank-injection systems to break up the voids after injection; effective shank compaction to further reduce volatilization; and the use of water sealing, where applicable. These refinements in the application methods for metam sodium provide a means to merge environmental and agricultural goals in the United States and in other countries that use metam sodium. This paper documents the reduced atmospheric emissions of MITC under commercial production conditions when applied using good agricultural practices. This research also shows that MITC flux can be effectively managed without the use of high barrier tarp material.

Water and methyl isothiocyanate distribution in soil after drip fumigation.

Methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) generators, such as metam sodium (Met-Na), are used for soil fumigation of agricultural land. The ban on the fumigant methyl bromide has resulted in greater use of MITC generators. To understand the efficacy of MITC, it is necessary to assess its generation and disappearance kinetics when Met-Na is applied to soil. This study evaluated the movement of water and distribution and dissipation of MITC in soil after application of Met-Na through surface drip irrigation systems. The effects of varying water application volume (25, 50, and 75 mm) and rate (1.9, 5.0, and 7.5 L h m) were evaluated in a sandy loam soil. Good fumigant distribution within the sandy loam soil was observed under medium water application amount (50 mm) with slow to intermediate drip application rates (1.9-5.0 L h m). Low water application amount (25 mm) or high application rate (7.5 L h m) did not provide adequate MITC distribution throughout the soil bed width and rooting depth. Dissipation patterns of MITC in soil in all water application amounts and rates followed first-order kinetics, with a rate constant of 0.025 ± 0.004 h and a half-life of 27 ± 3 h. Simulated water distribution through the soil profile using HYDRUS 2D/3D fitted measured field data well, and the model accurately simulated MITC fumigant distribution in the soil.

Evaluation of the Coenzyme Q10 and Some Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common diagnosis and a leading cause of death in both males and females. It accounts for 30% of deaths worldwide, including 40% in high-income countries and approximately 28% in developing nations. Several cardiac markers have been used to diagnose and manage cardiovascular diseases. The Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a potential role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases by improving cellular bioenergetics. This study aimed to evaluate the role of CoQ10 and other biochemical parameters in IHD (angina pectoris and myocardial infarction). A case-control study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit of Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital and Al-Salam General Hospital in Nineveh Province, Iraq, for two months, from April 1 to June 1, 2022. It included 90 adult participants divided into case and control groups. The case group included 60 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and diagnosed with IHD (myocardial infarction or angina pectoris), and the control group included 30 healthy participants matched in age and gender with the case group. Subsequent assay of C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), troponin level, and serum CoQ10. In this study, 81.7% of patients in the case group were diagnosed with myocardial infarction. Means of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CRP, CPK, and troponin were significantly higher, while those of CoQ10 were significantly lower in the case group, compared to the controls. Statistically, a significant moderate negative correlation was detected between CoQ10 level and age. Moreover, significant weak correlations were observed between CoQ10 level and all serum LDH, CRP, and troponin levels. Patients with IHDs had considerably low serum levels of CoQ10, compared to the control group. The highest mean value of lipid profile, except for triglyceride, was observed in patients with IHD, compared to the control group. This explains the role that cholesterol compounds play in the progression of IHD. No significant correlations were found between CoQ10 with body mass index and CPK. The CoQ10 had a negative correlation with age, serum LDH, CRP, and troponin.

Clinical significance of KISS1 protein expression for brain invasion and metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Metastases to the brain represent a feared complication and contribute to the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer. Despite improvements in therapy, prognostic factors for development of metastases are lacking. KISS1 is a metastasis suppressor that demonstrates inhibition of metastases formation in several types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of KISS1 expression in breast cancer progression and the development of intracerebral lesions. METHODS: In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of 47 brain metastases and 165 primary breast cancer specimens by using the antihuman KISS1 antibody. To compare KISS1 expression between different groups, we used a 3-tier score and the automated score computer software (ACIS) evaluation. To reveal association between mRNA and protein expression, we used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Significance of immunohistochemistry stainings was correlated with clinicopathological data. RESULTS: We identified that KISS1 expression is significantly higher in primary breast cancer compared with brain metastases (P < .05). The mRNA analysis performed on 33 selected ductal carcinoma brain metastatic lesions and 36 primary ductal carcinomas revealed a statistically significant down-regulation of KISS1 protein in metastatic cases (P = .04). Finally, we observed a significant correlation between expression of KISS1 and metastasis-free survival (P = .04) along with progression of breast cancer and expression of KISS1 in primary breast cancer specimens (P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study shows that breast cancer expresses KISS1. Cytoplasmic expression of KISS1 may be used as a prognostic marker for increased risk of breast cancer progression.

Soil fate of agricultural fumigants in raised-bed, plasticulture systems in the southeastern United States.

Soil concentrations and degradation rates of methyl isothio-cyanate (MITC), chloropicrin (CP), 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) were determined under fumigant application scenarios representative of commercial raised bed, plastic mulched vegetable production systems. Five days after application, 1,3-D, MITC, and CP were detected at concentrations up to 3.52, 0.72, and 2.45 µg cm, respectively, in the soil atmosphere when applications were made in uniformly compacted soils with a water content >200% of field capacity and covered by a virtually impermeable or metalized film. By contrast, DMDS, MITC, and CP concentrations in the soil atmosphere were 0.81, 0.02, and 0.05 µg cm, respectively, 5 d after application in soil containing undecomposed plant residue, numerous large (>3 mm) clods, and water content below field capacity and covered by low-density polyethylene. Ranked in order of impact on the persistence of fumigants in soil were soil water content (moisture), soil tilth (the physical condition of soil as related to its fitness as a planting bed), the type of plastic film used to cover fumigated beds, and soil texture. Fumigants were readily detected 13 d after application when applied in uniformly compacted soils with water contents >200% of capacity and covered by a virtually impermeable or metalized film. By contrast, 1,3-D and MITC had dissipated 5 d after application in soils with numerous large (>3 mm) clods and water contents below field capacity that were covered by low-density polyethylene. Soil degradation of CP, DMDS, and MITC were primarily attributed to biological mechanisms, whereas degradation of 1,3-D was attributed principally to abiotic factors. This study demonstrates improved soil retention of agricultural fumigants in application scenarios representative of good agricultural practices.

Dose Response of Weed Seeds, Plant-Parasitic Nematodes, and Pathogens to Twelve Rates of Metam Sodium in a California Soil.

Metam sodium (sodium N-methyl dithiocarbamate, metam-Na) is widely used in agricultural and floricultural production for controlling soilborne plant pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and weeds. It undergoes rapid decomposition to the biocide methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in moist soils. In this study, the efficacy of 12 concentrations of metam-Na (10 to 2,650 µmol kg-1 soil) to control seeds or tubers of five major weed species, three soilborne pathogens, and one parasitic nematode was evaluated in a sandy loam soil under controlled conditions. Soils were exposed to the fumigant in microcosms for 24 h at 10 and 20°C. Generation and dissipation curves of MITC in soil under controlled conditions showed that MITC concentrations in soils were highest 2 h after metam-Na application and decreased steadily over the 24-h incubation period. After 24 h, remaining MITC concentrations in soil microcosms at 10 and 20°C were 53 and 38% of the original amount applied, respectively, indicating a 20% reduction in MITC dissipation at the lower soil temperature. Logistic dose-response models were used to estimate the effective concentration necessary to reduce soil pest viability by 50 (LC50) or 90 (LC90) percent under both temperatures. Seed of Portulaca oleracea, with LC90 values of ≤1,242 µmol kg-1 soil, was the most sensitive to soil fumigation with metam-Na, followed by Polygonum arenastrum with LC90 values of ≤1,922 µmol kg-1 soil. At 10°C fumigation temperature, metam-Na at the highest dose tested in this study, 2,650 µmol kg-1 soil, was not sufficient to achieve adequate control of Stellaria media and Malva parviflora seed and Cyperus esculentus tubers. Weed control efficacy (average reduction in LC90 values) of metam-Na was between 25 and 60% higher if soils were fumigated at 20°C compared with 10°C, with the exception of M. parviflora. Phytophthora cactorum and Pythium ultimum were more sensitive to soil fumigation with metam-Na (LC90 ≤ 165 µmol kg-1 soil) than Verticillium dahliae (LC90 ≤ 737 µmol kg-1 soil). The nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans was highly sensitive to soil fumigation with metam-Na (LC90 ≤ 98 µmol kg-1 soil), and the efficacy of control increased by 30% if soil was fumigated at 20°C compared with 10°C. In this sandy loam soil, metam-Na at a concentration of 850 µmol kg-1 reduced the viability of Portulaca oleracea and Polygonum arenastrum seeds, C. esculentus tubers, and all soilborne pathogens and parasitic nematodes tested by 90% at 20°C after 24 h exposure. These results indicate that metam-Na can provide effective pest and disease control at maximum label rate for the commercial formulation, but there was a reduction in efficacy at low temperature.

Indirect resin-bonded fibre-reinforced composite anterior bridge: a case report.

In recent years fibre-reinforced resin composites (FRCs) have gained increasing acceptance in mainstream prosthodontics as viable alternatives to alloy-based restorations. A combination of good aesthetics and fracture toughness validates their use in a diverse range of clinical applications. In this case report an indirect resin-bonded fibre-reinforced composite anterior bridge incorporating a novel design is described. At 24-months recall the prosthesis was problem free and the patient was very happy with the treatment outcome. While definitive long-term data about their clinical performance is scarce, fibre-reinforced resin composite prostheses appear to have a worthwhile role in the conservative treatment of short edentulous spaces.

Evaluation and improvement of parasitological tests for Trypanosoma evansi infection.

Research was undertaken to critically evaluate parasitological tests for the detection of Trypanosoma evansi in blood. The relative sensitivity of mouse inoculation (MI), the haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT) and a modified miniature anion-exchange centrifugation technique (MAECT) were compared using blood and buffy coat. The effect that storage of blood prior to inoculation into mice has on the reliability of the MI test was also evaluated. The tests may be ranked in increasing order of sensitivity: HCT, MAECT with whole blood, MI with whole blood, MAECT with buffy coat and MI with buffy coat. The latter was able to detect 1.25 T. evansi per 4ml of blood. The reliability of the MI test was not reduced with storage of blood containing at least 25 T. evansi per ml for up to 21h prior to inoculation into mice. These results demonstrate that sensitivity of the MI and MAECT are increased approximately 10-fold through the use of buffy coat in place of whole blood. Although, the MI is marginally more sensitive MAECT is better suited to field use.

The susceptibility of two species of wallaby to infection with Trypanosoma evansi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the susceptibility of the agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) and the dusky pademelon (Thylogale brunil) to infection with Trypanosoma evansi. METHOD: Two agile wallabies and three dusky pademelons were experimentally infected with between 5 x 10(4) and 10 x 10(4) T evansi from a cryopreserved stabilate isolated from an indonesian buffalo. Animals were observed twice daily for clinical signs and blood was collected every 3 days to determine parasitaemia. Necropsy was conducted on animals that died or were euthanised when in extremis and representative tissue sections examined. RESULTS: All wallabies developed a high parasitaemia by 6 days after infection, which persisted until death or euthanasia in extremis, between days 8 and 61. Clinical signs included anorexia, weakness and ataxia. Anaemia occurred in one wallaby that survived for 61 days. Gross pathological changes varied between animals. They included pericarditis, serous atrophy of fat, splenomegaly, ulcerative gastritis and enteritis. Histological changes were characterised by a mononuclear cell infiltration of the connective tissue of most organs with little cellular destruction. Striking lesions were seen in the choroid, heart, stomach and small intestine. CONCLUSION: Agile wallabies and pademelons are highly susceptible to infection with T evansi. Wallabies, therefore, have the potential to spread T evansi within New Guinea and Australia if infection is introduced. Mortality is likely to be high thereby acting as an indicator of recent introduction. Histological changes seen in wallabies infected with T evansi are diagnostic for infections occurring in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Colorectal cancer in young patients under 40 years of age. Comparison with old patients in a well defined Jordanian population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in young Jordanians and to compare the clinical and pathological characteristics with those in older patients and with those in high risk populations. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data of all the patients with CRC managed at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan over a 10 year period (January 1990 through December 1999) were recorded. The patients were divided according to age into group one (those <40 years) and group 2 (> 40 years). The 2 groups were compared regarding sex, predisposing conditions, tumor stage at presentation, tumor differentiation, mucin secretion, tumor invasion, presentation with complications and tumor location. The data were compared with those of "high risk" Western populations and with the few reports coming from "low risk" populations, mainly from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. RESULTS: Out of 202 patients evaluated, 4 were excluded. Group 1 constituted 20.2% of the patients, 17.5% of them have predisposing conditions. Comparison between group 1 and 2 revealed the following: female sex (65% versus 50.6%, p=0.104), advanced stages at presentation (65% versus 41%, p=0.005), rectal tumors (50% versus 39.2%) and right side tumors (15% versus 29.1%) (p=0.18). Mucinous and signet ring tumors (30% versus 15.8%, p=0.04), poor tumor differentiation (20% versus 18.3%, p=0.78) and presentation with complications (21% versus 22.2%, p=0.96). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CRC in young Jordanians was much higher than high risk populations. Half of the tumors were rectal. Young patients have more advanced stage and more mucin secreting tumors. The relative high frequency and frequency of predisposing conditions calls for family screening and surveillance in the presence of predisposing conditions.

Dissipation of soil fumigants from soil following repeated applications.

BACKGROUND: The dissipation of pesticides in soil and the occurrence of accelerated degradation following repeated applications are well-known phenomena with many pesticides, but much less so with soil fumigants. The fate of various soil fumigants was studied in different agricultural soils following repeated applications of chloropicrin. RESULTS: Fumigant dissipation reflected by Σconcentration × time (ΣC × T) and half-life values varied widely among the tested soils. Methyl iodide (MI) had the slowest dissipation rate compared with other fumigants in all tested soils. Elimination of biotic agents by soil sterilization prior to MI application did not affect MI concentration in Oxnard soil. Clay content and fumigant dose (ΣC × T values) of chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene and MI were significantly correlated. No significant correlations were found between soil properties and ΣC × T values following metam sodium and methyl bromide (MBr) application. CONCLUSION: The fate of the tested soil fumigants is highly dependent on and specific to the fumigant, previous fumigant application and soil type. This study suggests that biotic factors are more essential in the dissipation of metam sodium and MBr than abiotic factors. By contrast, MI dissipation from the tested soils is affected more by abiotic factors than by biotic activities.

The chemoattractant chemerin suppresses melanoma by recruiting natural killer cell antitumor defenses.

Infiltration of specialized immune cells regulates the growth and survival of neoplasia. Here, in a survey of public whole genome expression datasets we found that the gene for chemerin, a widely expressed endogenous chemoattractant protein, is down-regulated in melanoma as well as other human tumors. Moreover, high chemerin messenger RNA expression in tumors correlated with improved outcome in human melanoma. In experiments using the B16 transplantable mouse melanoma, tumor-expressed chemerin inhibited in vivo tumor growth without altering in vitro proliferation. Growth inhibition was associated with an altered profile of tumor-infiltrating cells with an increase in natural killer (NK) cells and a relative reduction in myeloid-derived suppressor cells and putative immune inhibitory plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Tumor inhibition required host expression of CMKLR1 (chemokine-like receptor 1), the chemoattractant receptor for chemerin, and was abrogated by NK cell depletion. Intratumoral injection of chemerin also inhibited tumor growth, suggesting the potential for therapeutic application. These results show that chemerin, whether expressed by tumor cells or within the tumor environment, can recruit host immune defenses that inhibit tumorigenesis and suggest that down-regulation of chemerin may be an important mechanism of tumor immune evasion.

Prevalence of torus palatinus and torus mandibularis among Malay population.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, size, shape, and location of torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM), and to assess their sex-related and age-related differences in the Malay population. Sixty-five subjects were assessed for the presence of both tori at the School of Dental Sciences University Sains Malaysia. The prevalence of TP was 38-63% and that of TM was 1-10%. TP was frequently more common in females than males (90.9% versus 9.1%; P < 0.05) and was frequently found in medium sizes, spindle shaped, and was often located at the combined premolar to molar areas. The prevalence of TM was not significantly different in males and females (33.3% versus 66.7%; P = 0.523), occurred most commonly in bilateral multiple form, and was often located at the canine to premolar area.

Surface water seal application to minimize volatilization loss of methyl isothiocyanate from soil columns.

BACKGROUND: Metam-sodium (MS, sodium methyldithiocarbamate) has been identified as a promising alternative chemical to replace methyl bromide (MeBr) in soil preplant fumigation. One degradation product of MS in soil is the volatile gas methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) which controls soilborne pests. Inconsistent results associated with MS usage indicate that there is a need to determine cultural practices that increase pest control efficacy. Sealing the soil surface with water after MS application may be a sound method to reduce volatilization loss of MITC from soils and increase the contact time necessary for MITC to control pests. The objective of this research was to develop a preliminary soil surface water application amount that would potentially inhibit the off-gassing rate of MITC. RESULTS: Off-gassing rate was consistently reduced with increasing water seal application. The application of a 2.5-3.8 cm water seal provided significantly lower (71-74% reduction in MITC volatilization) total fumigant loss compared with no water seal. The most favorable reduction in MITC off-gassing was observed in the 2.5 cm water seal. CONCLUSION: This suggests that volatilization of MITC-generating compounds can be highly suppressed using adequate surface irrigation following chemical application in this soil type (sandy clay loam), based on preliminary bench-scale soil column studies. .

An In Vitro study of Fracture Resistance of Weakened Tooth Roots Reinforced with Two Types of Adhesive Restorative Materials.

Introduction: Composite resin (CR) is among the commonly used material for intraradicular reinforcement of weakened tooth roots. Purpose: This study was to compare the fracture resistance of experimentally weakened tooth roots reinforced using auto-polymerized composite resin and light-polymerized composite resin. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six extracted human maxillary incisors were divided into 2 groups (n = 28) and the root canals were over prepared to weaken it. The samples in Group A were restored using light-cured CR Z100 and light-transmitting polymerizing post (Luminex), whereas Group B using auto-cured CR Alpha-dent. Both groups were placed with metal parapost cemented with a resin luting cement (Nexus 2). Specimens were subjected to compressive load (N) using Instron machine until fracture. Data were submitted to independent t test analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.233) in fracture resistance between the teeth reinforced with light-polymerizing and auto-polymerizing CR are 549.3 (± 95.44) and 490.7 (± 110.37) respectively. Conclusion: The use of less technique sensitive auto-polymerizing CR give equivalent benefit effect on reinforcing weakened roots, as the more commonly light-polymerized composite resin.

Dental Education: Restorative dentistry in Malaysia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the requirements in restorative dentistry that undergraduate dental students have to fulfill in order to sit for final examinations in dental schools in Malaysia and to compare those requirement with the competencies stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA). Materials and Methods: Questionnaire from a study done previously was modified and used in this study. All questionnaires were sent by post with a reply envelope. Eight dental schools had responded (72%) to the survey and the results showed that although dental schools may differ in the number of numerical requirements, their assessments were quite similar. One school does not practice numerical requirements at all. Results: In term of requirement for full crown, majority of the schools (88%) agreed that porcelain bonded to metal crown should be included in the numerical requirement. In contrast, majority of the schools (88%) did not include inlay/onlay in their numerical requirements. For plastic restorations like composite resin, amalgam and glass ionomer, majority of the schools (88%) used numerical requirements. Majority of the schools also agreed on numerical requirements for conventional bridge (88%) and incisor to molar endodontics (88%), but not for resin bonded bridge (75%). Conclusion: This study shows that there is a disparity among institutions in Malaysia in terms of finals requirement in restorative dentistry. Ideally, all requirements should be similar among institutions and should closely follow the guidelines provided by the MQA.

Cerebral arteritis with unusual distribution.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), especially its cerebral manifestation, is probably underdiagnosed. Very few lesions affecting the carotid siphon have been reported but no reference can be found to the disease involving the anterior or posterior cerebral arteries. In the case presented here, anterior and posterior cerebral arteries were involved, as well as both carotid siphons; and angiography was an important ingredient of the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis is discussed, and a review of the literature is presented which uncovered several misconceptions regarding the diagnosis of GCA. The importance is stressed of recognising this life-threatening condition, which can be effectively controlled with steroids. The radiologist can be the first person to raise the alarm.

A possible role for rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) and wild pigs in spread of Trypanosoma evansi from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea.

Movement of transmigrants and livestock from western Indonesia to southeastern areas of Irian Jaya near the border with Papua New Guinea may pose a risk of introducing Trypanosoma evansi into Papua New Guinea via feral Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) and wild pigs which inhabit these areas in large numbers. Pilot experimental studies were conducted to observe infection in pigs and Rusa deer with a strain of T. evansi isolated in Indonesia. Parasitaemia and signs of clinical disease were monitored each second day for 120 days. Trypanosomes were observed in haematocrit tubes at the plasma-buffy coat interface of jugular blood of deer and pigs on 86% and 37% of sampling occasions respectively. Parasitaemia was at a high level in deer for 35% of the time but for only 11.5% of the time in pigs. Results indicate that both Rusa deer and pigs have a high tolerance for infection with T. evansi. The deer suffered mild anaemia evidenced by a 25% reduction in packed cell volume (PCV) 14 days after infection which coincided with the initial peak in parasitaemia. However, PCV had returned to pre infection values by the end of the experiment. The pigs showed no change in PCV. There were no visual indications of disease in either species and appetite was not noticeably affected. It was concluded that both Rusa deer and pigs were capable reservoir hosts for T. evansi but that Rusa deer, with their more persistent higher levels of parasitaemia, have more potential to spread T. evansi into Papua New Guinea from West Irian than pigs.

The occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in buffaloes in Indonesia, estimated using various diagnostic tests.

The prevalence and incidence of Trypanosoma evansi infections in village buffaloes in Central Java were estimated using parasitological tests, two antigen-detection ELISAs (2G6 Ag-ELISA and Tr7 Ag-ELISA), an antibody-detection ELISA (IgG ELISA) and a card agglutination test (CATT). Of 2387 village buffaloes tested in five districts, 4 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 3 %, 5 %) were positive with the microhaematocrit test (MHCT), 58 % (95 % CI: 56 %, 60 %) were positive with the 2G6 Ag-ELISA and 70 % (95 % CI: 68 %, 72 %) were positive with the Tr7 Ag-ELISA. An increasing prevalence with age was found and the proportion of positive buffaloes was highest in the over 84 months-old age-group (68 %) with the 2G6 Ag-ELISA and in the 37-60 months-old age-group (78 %) with the Tr7 Ag-ELISA. Parasitaemic buffaloes were found in more than half of the villages visited. Corrected village-specific prevalence values obtained with the two Ag-ELISAs ranged from 0% to over 100%, and prevalence differed significantly (P < or = 0.0001) between villages in four of the five districts. Overall, 10% of buffaloes tested in markets were found to be parasitaemic and 39, 56 and 47 % were found positive with the 2G6 Ag-ELISA, IgG ELISA and CATT, respectively. Incidence rates varied according to the test used and ranged from 0.22 (95 % CI: 0.09, 0.44) to 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.24, 0.76), per animal-year at risk, in two villages. The results highlight the importance of using validated diagnostic tests to obtain accurate estimates of prevalence and incidence. These parameters are needed, for example in mathematical models, for the development and evaluation of different control strategies for T. evansi infections in buffaloes.