Wildlife health surveillance: gaps, needs and opportunities.

Disease emergence represents a global threat to public health, economy and biological conservation. Most emerging zoonotic diseases have an animal origin, most commonly from wildlife. To prevent their spread and to support the implementation of control measures, disease surveillance and reporting systems are needed, and due to globalisation, these activities should be carried out at the global level. To define the main gaps affecting the performance of wildlife health surveillance and reporting systems globally, the authors analysed data from a questionnaire sent to National Focal Points of the World Organisation for Animal Health that inquired on structure and limits of wildlife surveillance and reporting systems in their territories. Responses from 103 Members, covering all areas of the globe, revealed that 54.4% have a wildlife disease surveillance programme and 66% have implemented a strategy to manage disease spread. The lack of dedicated budget affected the possibility of outbreak investigations, sample collection and diagnostic testing. Although most Members maintain records relating to wildlife mortality or morbidity events in centralised databases, data analysis and disease risk assessment are reported as priority needs. The authors' evaluation of surveillance capacity found an overall low level, with marked variability among Members that was not restricted to a specific geographical area. Increased wildlife disease surveillance globally would help in understanding and managing risks to animal and public health. Moreover, consideration of the influence of socio-economic, cultural and biodiversity aspects could improve disease surveillance under a One Health approach.

L'émergence de maladies représente une menace pour la santé publique, l'économie et la conservation de la biodiversité au niveau mondial. La plupart des maladies émergentes sont d'origine animale et proviennent de la faune sauvage. Afin de prévenir leur propagation et de soutenir la mise en oeuvre de mesures de contrôle, une surveillance des maladies et des systèmes de notification sont nécessaires - et ce à l'échelle internationale, en raison de la mondialisation. En vue de définir les lacunes principales affectant les performances de la surveillance et de la notification sanitaire relative à la faune sauvage au niveau mondial, les auteurs ont analysé les données d'un questionnaire envoyé aux Points focaux nationaux de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale et traitant de la structure et des limites des systèmes de surveillance et de notification applicables à la faune sauvage sur leur territoire. Selon les réponses des 103 Membres, qui représentaient toutes les régions du monde, 54,4 % disposent d'un programme de surveillance et 66 % ont mis en oeuvre une stratégie visant à gérer la propagation de maladies. L'absence de budgets dédiés affecte la possibilité d'enquêter sur l'apparition d'épidémies, de prélever des échantillons et d'effectuer des tests diagnostiques. Bien que la majorité des Membres consignent dans des bases de données centralisées les événements de mortalité et de morbidité affectant la faune sauvage, l'analyse des données et l'évaluation des risques sanitaires ont été mentionnées comme étant des besoins prioritaires. Les auteurs ont évalué les capacités de surveillance qui se situent, selon eux, à un niveau faible et se caractérisent par une grande variabilité entre les Membres, indépendamment des zones géographiques dont il s'agit. Une meilleure surveillance sanitaire de la faune sauvage au niveau mondial permettrait d'améliorer la compréhension et la gestion des risques pour la santé animale et publique. Par ailleurs, une réflexion sur l'influence des aspects socio-économiques, culturels et liés à la biodiversité améliorerait la surveillance sanitaire mise en place dans le cadre de l'approche Une seule santé.

La aparición de enfermedades representa una amenaza de dimensión mundial para la salud pública, la economía y la conservación de los recursos biológicos. La mayor parte de las enfermedades zoonóticas tienen un origen animal, por lo general localizado en la fauna silvestre. Para evitar que estas enfermedades se propaguen y apoyar la aplicación de medidas de lucha hacen falta sistemas de vigilancia y notificación de enfermedades, sistemas que, teniendo en cuenta las dinámicas de la mundialización, deben declinarse a escala planetaria. Con objeto de determinar las principales carencias que lastran el buen funcionamiento de los sistemas de vigilancia y notificación de enfermedades de la fauna silvestre a escala mundial, los autores analizaron datos extraídos de un cuestionario distribuido entre los puntos focales nacionales de la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal, en el cual se les preguntaba por la estructura y los límites que presentaban en su territorio dichos sistemas. Las respuestas recibidas de 103 Miembros de todas las zonas del globo pusieron de relieve que un 54,4% de ellos cuenta con un programa de vigilancia sanitaria de la fauna silvestre y que un 66% tiene implantada una estrategia para contener la propagación de enfermedades. La falta de un presupuesto asignado específicamente a estas tareas limita la posibilidad de investigar eventuales brotes, obtener muestras y practicar pruebas de diagnóstico. Aunque la mayoría de los Miembros lleva un registro de los episodios de mortalidad y morbilidad de animales salvajes en bases de datos centralizadas, el análisis de datos y la determinación del riesgo de enfermedad son dos de los aspectos mencionados como necesidad prioritaria. La evaluación de la capacidad de vigilancia realizada por los autores puso de manifiesto un nivel en general bajo, con una marcada heterogeneidad entre los Miembros que no se circunscribía a una zona geográfica en particular. Una mayor vigilancia de las enfermedades de la fauna silvestre a escala mundial ayudaría a aprehender y manejar mejor los riesgos que estas presentan para la sanidad animal y la salud pública. Además, el hecho de tener en cuenta la influencia de factores socioeconómicos, culturales y ligados a la diversidad biológica podría traducirse en una más eficaz vigilancia sanitaria en clave de Una sola salud.

Cost-effectiveness of a family-based multicomponent outpatient intervention program for children with obesity in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: Facing an epidemic of childhood obesity and budget constraints, public health administrations are showing an urgent interest in interventions that are both health effective and cost-effective. Thus, this study intends to analyze the return on investment of these existing programs. STUDY DESIGN: All analyses are based on a comprehensive data set from 249 children with obesity and overweight children who participated in the Children's Health InterventionaL Trial (CHILT), an 11-month outpatient multidisciplinary family-based program. METHODS: Cost-effectiveness was assessed by comparing estimated savings associated with a reduction in weight and improvement of obesity-related health parameters with intervention costs. Projected future savings in health care expenditures were modeled on existing research, using estimates of health care costs associated with juvenile obesity and remission thresholds of obesity-related disease. RESULTS: On average, participants achieved a 0.19-unit reduction in the body mass index standard deviation score, showed reduction in their blood pressure values (systolic = -1.76 mmHg, diastolic = -2.82 mmHg), and showed improvement in their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol values (HDL = +1.31 mg/dL, LDL = -4.82 mg/dL). The intervention costs were 1799€ per participant, and the benefits of avoided future health care costs varied by individual. On an aggregated level, future savings amounted to between 1859€ and 1926€ per person, translating into a return on investment of 3.3-7.0%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a multicomponent obesity intervention, such as the CHILT, not only results in weight loss and improves important health parameters but also is cost-effective.

Molecular identification of cryptic cysticercosis: Taenia ovis krabbei in wild intermediate and domestic definitive hosts.

The complex life cycle of taeniids represents an ideal model of a multi-host system. The complexity of these parasites can therefore cover the epidemiological issues of the interface between wild and domestic animals, especially once spatial overlap between wild and domestic definitive and intermediate hosts occurs. Here we use the occurrence of Taenia ovis krabbei in two model areas as an example of this epidemiological complexity. In two contiguous areas in the Italian northern Apennines, two hunted roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) showed numerous cysticerci in the muscles of their whole body and an adult tapeworm was recorded in a semi-stray dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Through molecular typing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene, cysticerci and the adult tapeworm of T. krabbei were identified. Taenia krabbei cysticercosis was recorded for the first time in Italy. Although the role of dogs in the parasite's life cycle emerges, the overlap between wild and domestic definitive hosts and the increase of wild population densities raise concerns about the temporal (old or new) introduction and the spread of this parasite by one of these canid species (wolf (Canis lupus) or dog). Although T. krabbei is not a public health issue, economic concerns emerged for hunters and meat producers, related to the damage of carcasses by cysticerci. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the spread of T. krabbei in the intermediate and definitive host populations, and to ensure the relevant sanitary education for hunters in order to avoid practices that could favour the spread and maintenance of its life cycle.

Effects of health promotion projects in preschools on body mass index and motor abilities.

AIM: The prevalence of obesity and motor deficits in children is on the rise in western industrialized countries. Due to the negative health related consequences, effective early preventive measures are of urgent need. In the present study the effects of the kindergarten-based low-threshold interventions "Kindergarten Mobile (KiMo)", "Ball and Pear (BP)" and "Nursery Fit (NF)" were determined. METHODS: One thousand five hundred ten children (53.4% male) participated in the study (age: 4.7 ± 0.9 years, height: 108.3 ± 7.9cm, weight: 19.1 ± 3.6 kg, BMI: 16.1±1.6kg/m²). The children were divided in the groups KiMo (N.=690), BP (N.=74), NF-P (N.=95), NF-NP (N.=289) and CG (N.=362). Anthropometric data and motor abilities were assessed at T1 (baseline) and T2 (follow-up after 6 months). The interventions included an information session for parents/educators, where key guidelines for a healthy lifestyle were communicated and individual fitness passes were handed over (KiMo, NF-P, NF-NP), respectively an instructed activity lesson once per week (BP, NF-P). RESULTS: The results showed a decrease of the BMI in the groups KiMo (-0.1 ± 0.6 kg/m²), NF-P (-0.1 ± 0.7 kg/m²) and NF-NP (-0.2 ± 0.6 kg/m²; each P<0.001 in comparison to the CG) and an increase in the group BP (0.1 ± 0.5 kg/m²; P=0.998 in comparison to the CG). Inconsistent results were shown in all groups regarding motor abilities. CONCLUSION: To date, no evidence-based recommendations concerning the optimal procedure for health promotion at pre-school age can be concluded. It seems assured, that the entire social environment of children has to be involved in the prevention of overweight and motor deficits, including parents, educators and pediatricians.

Faecal egg counts from field experiment reveal density dependence in helminth fecundity: Strongyloides robustus infecting grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

Investigation of endo-macroparasite infections in living animals relies mostly on indirect methods aimed to detect parasite eggs in hosts' faeces. However, faecal flotation does not provide quantitative information on parasite loads, whereas faecal egg count (FEC) techniques may not give reliable estimates of parasite intensity, since egg production may be affected by density-dependent effects on helminth fecundity. We addressed this issue using Eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and their gastrointestinal nematode Strongyloides robustus to assess the performance of coprological techniques and to investigate factors affecting parasite fecundity. We compared results of gut examination, flotation and McMaster FECs in 65 culled grey squirrels. Sensitivity and specificity of flotation were 81.2% (Confidence Interval, CI 54.3-95.9%) and 85.7% (CI 72.7-94.1%), respectively, resulting in low positive predictive values when infection prevalence is low. Individual parasite fecundity (no. of eggs/adult female worm) was negatively affected by S. robustus intensity, leading to a non-linear relationship between parasite load and eggs/gram of faeces (EPG). As a consequence, whereas flotation may be a valid method to perform the first screening of infection status, FECs are not a reliable method to estimate S. robustus intensity, since diverse values of EPG may correspond to the same number of parasites. Neither the amount of analysed faeces nor the season had any effect on EPG, indicating that the observed reduction in helminth fecundity is likely caused exclusively by density-dependent processes such as competition among worms or host immune response.

Cytokines and parturition: investigating adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6 in mother-newborn pairs.

OBJECTIVE: Cytokines are reported to be associated with various pregnancy complications and health outcomes of the offspring. However, reference values during pregnancy have not been established, effects of clinical and obstetric factors have not been examined, and interactions between different cytokines have not yet been reported. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 120 mother-newborn pairs. Maternal venous blood samples (6 mL) were taken on admission to the labor ward; newborn venous blood samples (6 mL) were drawn from the placental part of the umbilical cord (UC). Adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6 serum concentrations were measured by commercial immunoassays. Clinical and obstetric variables were analyzed for their association with maternal and UC cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: Forty-six adiponectin pairs, 55 TNF-α pairs, and 14 IL-6 pairs were available for analysis. Correlation between UC and maternal adiponectin-, IL-6-, and TNF-α levels was low. We found a significant correlation of UC adiponectin with maternal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and maternal adiponectin, and between maternal leptin and maternal TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and obstetric variables as well as interactions between cytokines may have an impact on serum concentrations of the respective cytokines in maternal and UC blood. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

Ready-to-eat salads and berry fruits purchased in Italy contaminated by Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) salads and berries are increasingly consumed in industrialized countries. These products can be contaminated by pathogenic parasites that have been responsible for foodborne outbreaks worldwide. In Italy, there are few data on contamination of RTE salads and berries with parasite transmission stages and this requires more-in-depth investigations. To estimate the prevalence of contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in these fresh products, a total of 324 packages of local RTE mixed salads - belonging to three different industrial brands - and 324 packages of berries - blueberries from Peru, blackberries from Mexico, raspberries from Italy - were bought from supermarkets located in the Provinces of Bari and Foggia, Apulia, Italy. A pool size of nine packages was chosen and a total of 72 pools were processed in the whole year. After washing, the pellets were examined by microscopy (FLOTAC) and tested using conventional simplex PCR, targeting Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba spp., and sequencing. Several Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis assemblages, some of which are of potential zoonotic relevance, as well as Entamoeba spp., were identified in both matrices. By microscopy, Giardia-like cysts in local raspberries and Entamoeba-like cysts in imported blueberries were detected. Giardia duodenalis (Assemblages A, B and E) and Entamoeba histolytica were molecularly confirmed with overall prevalences of 4.6% (95% C.I. 3.0-6.8) and 1% (95% C.I. 0.3-2.1), respectively. Molecular methods identified Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium xiaoi, and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum in both matrices, with a prevalence of 5.1% (95% C.I. 3.3-7.3). A distinct seasonality in prevalence was observed for G. duodenalis, with most positives occurring in spring, whereas Cryptosporidium showed no significant seasonal variations. These results highlight that inadequate management of fresh produce, both locally produced and imported, along the food chain may have the potential for consequences on human health.

Osteoblasts extracellular matrix induces vessel like structures through glycosylated collagen I.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a fundamental role in angiogenesis affecting endothelial cells proliferation, migration and differentiation. Vessels-like network formation in vitro is a reliable test to study the inductive effects of ECM on angiogenesis. Here we utilized matrix deposed by osteoblasts as substrate where the molecular and structural complexity of the endogenous ECM is preserved, to test if it induces vessel-like network formation by endothelial cells in vitro. ECM is more similar to the physiological substrate in vivo than other substrates previously utilized for these studies in vitro. Osteogenic ECM, prepared in vitro from mature osteoblasts at the phase of maximal deposition and glycosylation of collagen I, induces EAhy926, HUVEC, and HDMEC endothelial cells to form vessels-like structures and promotes the activation of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2); the functionality of the p-38/MAPK signaling pathway is required. Osteogenic ECM also induces a transient increase of CXCL12 and a decrease of the receptor CXCR4. The induction of vessel-like networks is dependent from proper glycosylation of collagens and does not occur on osteogenic ECMs if deglycosylated by -galactosidase or on less glycosylated ECMs derived from preosteoblasts and normal fibroblasts, while is sustained on ECM from osteogenesis imperfecta fibroblasts only when their mutation is associated with over-glycosylation of collagen type I. These data support that post-translational glycosylation has a role in the induction in endothelial cells in vitro of molecules conductive to self-organization in vessels-like structures.

Genetic variability of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) in alpine ruminant host species.

Genetic variability of the ovine parasite Haemonchus contortus from the Alpine area was investigated using mitochondrial DNA (nd4 gene), internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and microsatellites, in order to assess whether cross-transmission between domestic and wild ruminants occurs. The dataset was composed of 78 individual adult male H. contortus collected from chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), domestic goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from different alpine areas. The data obtained show low host specificity and high genetic variation within H. contortus populations. The analyses indicate the presence of two mitochondrial haplotype clusters among host species and the absence of cryptic parasite species, confirming H. contortus as a generalist nematode and suggesting that parasite transmission between populations of domestic and wild ruminants normally occurs.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K: altered pattern of expression associated with diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Using proteomic analysis of the nuclear matrix (NM), we found that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), a member of the hnRNP family with pleiotropic functions, was differentially expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. This study aimed to characterise the expression of hnRNP K and its subcellular localisation in PCa, utilising immunohistochemical and quantitative western blot techniques. Furthermore, the hnRNP K expression was studied in human PCa cell lines in order to determine its modulation by bicalutamide, the anti-androgen widely used in PCa therapy. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissues showed that hnRNP K was overexpressed in PCa, where it was localised both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Staining of non-tumour tissues showed exclusively nuclear localisation and a less intense or absent signal. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the hnRNP K level within the NM was higher in PCa compared with non-tumour tissues and closely correlated with Gleason score (P=0.008). Higher expression within the NM was significantly (P=0.032) associated with poor prognosis. In two-dimensional western blot analysis hnRNP K presented several isoforms; the one with pI 5.1 was the most differently expressed between non-tumour and PCa tissues. Preliminary results indicate that hnRNP K can be modulated in vitro by a non-steroidal anti-androgen. Taken together, our findings suggest that hnRNP K has potential implications at the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic levels in PCa.

Histone acetylation in conjugating Tetrahymena thermophila.

We have monitored histone acetylation during conjugation of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila using antibodies against the tetraacetylated form of H4 histone (Pfeffer, U., N. Ferrari, and G. Vidali. 1986. J. Biol. Chem. 261:2496-2498). During meiosis, the three prezygotic divisions, fertilization, and the first postzygotic division, micronuclei, do not contain highly acetylated forms of H4 histone. However, after the second postzygotic division, when anteriorly located micronuclei begin to develop into new macronuclei, they are strongly stained by the anti-tetraacetylated H4 histone antibody. In the old macronucleus, histones are actively deacetylated when it has ceased to transcribe but before it is eliminated. Histone acetylation processes analyzed here appear to be correlated to the commitment to transcription rather than to the transcription process itself. This is in good correlation with evidence we have obtained in chick erythrocyte nuclei during reactivation upon fusion with mammalian cells (Pfeffer, U., N. Ferrari, F. Tosetti, and G. Vidali. 1988. Exp. Cell Res. 178:25-30). Furthermore, it becomes clear from our data that histone acetylation occurs in close correlation to the position of nuclei within the cytoplasm of T. thermophila. Mechanisms that control differential histone acetylation and deacetylation are discussed.

Heligmosomoides polygyrus reduces infestation of Ixodes ricinus in free-living yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis.

Free-living animals are usually inhabited by a community of parasitic species that can interact with each other and alter both host susceptibility and parasite transmission. In this study we tested the prediction that an increase in the gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus would increase the infestation of the tick Ixodes ricinus, in free-living yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis. An extensive cross-sectional trapping survey identified a negative relationship between H. polygyrus and I. ricinus counter to the prediction. An experimental reduction of the nematode infection through anthelmintic treatment resulted in an increase in tick infestation, suggesting that this negative association was one of cause and effect. Host characteristics (breeding condition and age) and habitat variables also contributed to affect tick infestation. While these results were counter to the prediction, they still support the hypothesis that interactions between parasite species can shape parasite community dynamics in natural systems. Laboratory models may act differently from natural populations and the mechanism generating the negative association is discussed.

Procollagen I COOH-terminal fragment induces VEGF-A and CXCR4 expression in breast carcinoma cells.

The COOH-terminal fragment of procollagen type I (C3) is produced in tissues with high synthesis of collagen I, such as in breast cancer stroma and in bone. We previously demonstrated that C3 is chemoattractant for breast carcinoma and endothelial cells, and that in tumor cells it induces expression and activation of metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9. Here we demonstrate that C3 induces expression of vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and of CXCR4, the receptor of the CXCL12/SDF-1 chemokine, in MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells. We show that the changes in gene expression and motility induced by C3 occur in a timely succession and are mediated by multiple and different signaling pathways. C3 induces early phosphorylation of p38/MAPK. Induction of VEGF expression requires continual activity of p38/MAPK and of Protein Kinase C (PKC). Pro-MMP-2 and -9 are induced through a signaling pathway involving G0alpha.i protein, and cell migration requires the activity of a combination of these signaling pathways. Our results suggest that C3 acts as a stromal-derived, cancer-promoting agent active in inducing the migratory phenotype and the survival of cancer cells and determining timely changes in their gene expression that establish conditions promoting tumor angiogenesis and invasion.

Knotted urethral catheter in an 80-year-old woman: prevention and management of this unusual complication.

Intravesical catheter knotting represents a rare event, especially described in paediatric literature. We report a case of a catheter knot, occurring in an 80-year-old woman, managed by means of sustained traction.

Are tree squirrels involved in the circulation of flaviviruses in Italy?

West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are emerging zoonotic flaviviruses (family Flaviviridae), which have circulated in Europe in the past decade. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess exposure to these antigenically related flaviviruses in eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Italy. Seventeen out of 158 (10.8%; CI95% : 5.9-15.6) squirrels' sera tested through bELISA had antibodies against flaviviruses. Specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV, USUV and TBEV were detected by virus neutralization tests. Our results indicate that tree squirrels are exposed to Culex and tick-borne zoonotic flaviviruses in Italy. Moreover, this study shows for the first time USUV and TBEV exposure in grey squirrels, broadening the host range reported for these viruses. Even though further studies are needed to define the real role of tree squirrels in the epidemiology of flaviviruses in Europe, this study highlights that serology could be an effective approach for future investigations aimed at broadening our knowledge about the species exposed to these zoonotic infections.

Exercise during pregnancy and its impact on mothers and offspring in humans and mice.

Exercise during pregnancy has beneficial effects on maternal and offspring's health in humans and mice. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This comparative study aimed to determine the long-term effects of an exercise program on metabolism, weight gain, body composition and changes in hormones [insulin, leptin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)]. Pregnant women (n=34) and mouse dams (n=44) were subjected to an exercise program compared with matched controls (period I). Follow-up in the offspring was performed over 6 months in humans, corresponding to postnatal day (P) 21 in mice (period II). Half of the mouse offspring was challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks between P70 and P112 (period III). In period I, exercise during pregnancy led to 6% lower fat content, 40% lower leptin levels and an increase of 50% BDNF levels in humans compared with controls, which was not observed in mice. After period II in humans and mice, offspring body weight did not differ from that of the controls. Further differences were observed in period III. Offspring of exercising mouse dams had significantly lower fat mass and leptin levels compared with controls. In addition, at P112, BDNF levels in offspring were significantly higher from exercising mothers while this effect was completely blunted by HFD feeding. In this study, we found comparable effects on maternal and offspring's weight gain in humans and mice but different effects in insulin, leptin and BDNF. The long-term potential protective effects of exercise on biomarkers should be examined in human studies.

The role of sex in parasite dynamics: model simulations on transmission of Heligmosomoides polygyrus in populations of yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis.

We investigated possible mechanisms that could cause sex-biased parasite transmission of the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus in its rodent host, Apodemus flavicollis, using a modelling approach. Two, not mutually exclusive, hypotheses were examined: that sex-biased parasite transmission is caused by differences in immunity that influence the success of free-living stages and/or is caused by sex differences in host behaviour and the dissemination of infective stages. Model simulations were compared with results from a field manipulation experiment of H. polygyrus in replicated populations of A. flavicollis. Simulations predicted the experimental field results, and both hypotheses explained the pattern observed. Transmission is male-biased if a male immune response increases fertility, hatching or survival of free-living stages. Alternatively, transmission is male-biased if their behavioural characteristics allow them to spread infective larvae in areas more frequently used by females. These results highlight that host sex is not only responsible for differences in parasite susceptibility, but may profoundly influence host-parasite interactions, resulting in a sex bias in parasite transmission.

Retinoic acid receptor gamma1 (RARgamma1) levels control RARbeta2 expression in SK-N-BE2(c) neuroblastoma cells and regulate a differentiation-apoptosis switch.

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) have profound effects on the proliferation and differentiation of many cell types and are involved in a diverse array of developmental and physiological regulatory processes, including those responsible for the development of the mature nervous system. Retinoid signals are mediated by retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), which show distinct spatio-temporal patterns of expression during development and in adult tissues. We have used SK-N-BE2(c) neuroblastoma cells to study the effects of reciprocal regulation of expression of various RARs. We show that in these cells RARgamma1 acts as a repressor of RARbeta2 transcription in the absence of an agonist. In the presence of RA, the expression of RARgamma1 is reduced and that of RARbeta2 is induced. Overexpression of RARgamma1 neutralizes the effects of RA on RARbeta induction. Expression of an RARgamma1-specific antisense construct leads to the constitutive expression of RARbeta2. Although both overexpression of RARgamma1 and its reduction of expression can result in inhibition of cell proliferation, they induce different morphological changes. Reduction of RARgamma1 (and induction of RARbeta) leads to increased apoptosis, whereas RARgamma1 overexpression leads to differentiation in the absence of apoptosis. Thus, RARgamma1 appears to control a differentiation-apoptosis switch in SK-N-BE2(c) neuroblastoma cells.

gamma-ray spectrometry of soil samples from the Provincia dell'Aquila (Central Italy).

In the Abruzzo Region (Central Italy) there is a lack of measurements of gamma-ray activity in soils and waters. For this reason, we have planned to carry out a systematic measurement of soils in the area of the Provincia dell'Aquila, which covers about one-half of the entire region. In this paper we report the results obtained from 56 soil samples, collected in the northern part of the area of interest (about one-fourth of the total area under study). The results, in terms of content of uranium, thorium and potassium and the activity of caesium are reported, as well as the details on the experimental procedure. The results show a limited content of K and U, with no large variations from site to site, in agreement with the expectations based on the knowledge of the geo-lithological nature of the soil. The amount of Th is also quite limited, with a few exceptions where the Th content is up to five times the average value. Caesium, originated from the fall-out following the Chernobyl accident, is very irregularly distributed owing to the complicated orography of the land. Future plans are also shortly discussed.

Frequency of gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminth infections in wild deer from western Romania.

A survey was carried out to assess the prevalence and the intensity of helminth infections in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from 16 hunting areas in western Romania. Overall, 122 deer shot during the hunting season 2013-2015 were examined. Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus filicollis, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Dictyocalus spp. were found in all the deer species. Trichuris spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were found in the roe deer and red deer and Moniezia expansa in roe deer, only. Overall, the prevalences (<35%) and the mean intensities (<20) were quite low in the abomasums and intestine, but H. contortus in fallow deer (>50%). No >2 or 3 helminth species were found in the abomasum, small and large intestine. Lung helminthes in the roe deer and follow deer accounted for 57.1% and 71.4%, respectively. The only specie with a prevalence >50% was in the red deer. D. dendriticum was found in the liver of roe deer and fallow deer.