MedWorm: Parasitic Diseases

Obstacles no barrier to higher speeds for worms, NYU researchers find

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(New York University) Obstacles in an organism's path can help it to move faster, not slower, researchers from New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences have found through a series of experiments and computer simulations. Their findings have implications for a better understanding of basic locomotion strategies found in biology, and the survival and propagation of the parasite that causes malaria. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Extracellular matrix alterations in experimental Leishmania amazonensis infection in susceptible and resistant mice

BioMed Central — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Leishmania is inoculated, by the bite of an infected sandfly, into the skin of the host, where the promastigotes are phagocyted by dermal macrophages. The dermal region comprises cells and abundant extracellular matrix. Studies show that matrix metalloproteinases play an important role in host defense responses against pathogens in mammals and that their activities lead to the production of antimicrobial peptides. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the distribution of fibronectin and laminin as well as in the elastic system fibres during the course of infection caused by Leishmania amazonensis in mice with distinct genetic backgrounds of susceptibility to this parasite. The results showed that BALB/c presented an enhancement of fibronectin during the course of infection wh...

Public health: Use snail ecology to assess dam impact

Nature — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7384 (2012). doi:10.1038/482162d Author: Stephen W. Attwood It is not yet clear whether dam construction in the Mekong Basin will increase the impact of schistosomiasis in the region (A. R.BlaazerNature479, 478; 201110.1038/479478a). We need a better understanding of the parasite's transmission ecology to improve (Source: Nature)

Parasites Or Not? Transposable Elements In Fruit Flies

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Many living organisms suffer from parasites, which use the hosts' resources for their own purposes. The problem of parasitism occurs at all levels right down to the DNA scale. Genomes may contain up to 80% "foreign" DNA but details of the mechanisms by which this enters the host genome and how hosts attempt to combat its spread are still the subject of conjecture. Important new information comes from the group of Christian Schlotterer at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. The findings are published in the prestigious journal PLoS Genetics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Human erythrocyte remodelling during Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite growth and egress

British Journal of Haematology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe intra‐erythrocyte growth and survival of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for both uncomplicated and severe malaria cases and depends on the parasite's ability to remodel its host cell. Host cell remodelling has several functions for the parasite, such as acquiring nutrients from the extracellular milieu because of the loss of membrane transporters upon erythrocyte differentiation, avoiding splenic clearance by conferring cytoadhesive properties to the infected erythrocyte, escaping the host immune response by exporting antigenically variant proteins at the red blood cell surface. In addition, parasite‐induced changes at the red blood cell membrane and sub‐membrane skeleton are also necessary for the efficient release of the parasite progeny from ...

Human cerebral malaria and Plasmodium falciparum genotypes in Malawi

Malaria Journal — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An interesting study confirming that the parasite genetic complexity is lower in cerebral malaria than in patients with non-complicated malaria. In their study, the authors found that cerebral malaria patients harbour a parasite population dominated by a single variant identical throughout the blood and organs. (Source: Malaria Journal)

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Identification Of Potential New Treatment For Leishmaniasis

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified fexinidazole as a possible, much-needed, new treatment for the parasitic disease visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is named after William Leishman, a Glasgwegian doctor serving with the British Army in India, who first identified the parasite in the early 1900s. The disease is the second biggest killer in Africa, Asia and Latin America after malaria, and affects 500,000 people, killing about 50-60,000 patients per year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis as a potential vector of Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrated that Ich could vector E. ictaluri to channel catfish.© 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved (Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters)

Leishmania amazonensis impairs DC function by inhibiting CD40 expression via A2B adenosine receptor activation

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we propose that A2B receptor activation may be used by L. amazonensis to inhibit DC function and evade the immune response. (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

Harnessing evolutionary biology to combat infectious disease

Nature Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tom J Little, Judith E Allen, Simon A Babayan, Keith R Matthews & Nick Colegrave Pathogens have remarkable abilities to flout therapeutic intervention. This characteristic is driven by evolution, either as a direct response to intervention (for example, the evolution of antibiotic resistance) or through long-term co-evolution that generates host or parasite traits that interact with therapy in undesirable or unpredicted ways. To make progress towards successful control of infectious diseases, the concepts and techniques of evolutionary biology must be deeply integrated with traditional approaches to immunology and pathogen biology. An interdisciplinary approach can inform our strategies to control pathogens or even the treatment of infected patients, positioning us to meet the...

Neuroimaging of Pediatric Intracranial Infection—Part 2: TORCH, Viral, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections

Journal of Neuroimaging — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTIn the second half of this 2‐part review, the neuroimaging features of the most common viral, fungal, and parasitic infections of the pediatric central nervous system are discussed. Brief discussions of epidemiology and pathophysiology will be followed by a review of the imaging findings and potential differential considerations. J Neuroimaging 2012;XX:1–13. (Source: Journal of Neuroimaging)

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Genome sequencing of the lizard parasite Leishmania tarentolae reveals loss of genes associated to the intracellular stage of human pathogenic species

Nucleic Acids Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Leishmania tarentolae Parrot-TarII strain genome sequence was resolved to an average 16-fold mean coverage by next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. This is the first non-pathogenic to humans kinetoplastid protozoan genome to be described thus providing an opportunity for comparison with the completed genomes of pathogenic Leishmania species. A high synteny was observed between all sequenced Leishmania species. A limited number of chromosomal regions diverged between L. tarentolae and L. infantum, while remaining syntenic to L. major. Globally, >90% of the L. tarentolae gene content was shared with the other Leishmania species. We identified 95 predicted coding sequences unique to L. tarentolae and 250 genes that were absent from L. tarentolae. Interestingly, many of the latte...

Identification and molecular characterization of an Alba-family protein from human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Nucleic Acids Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We have investigated the DNA-binding nature as well as the function of a putative Alba (Acetylation lowers binding affinity) family protein (PfAlba3) from Plasmodium falciparum. PfAlba3 possesses DNA-binding property like Alba family proteins. PfAlba3 binds to DNA sequence non-specifically at the minor groove and acetylation lowers its DNA-binding affinity. The protein is ubiquitously expressed in all the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum and it exists predominantly in the acetylated form. PfAlba3 inhibits transcription in vitro by binding to DNA. Plasmodium falciparum Sir2 (PfSir2A), a nuclear localized deacetylase interacts with PfAlba3 and deacetylates the lysine residue of N-terminal peptide of PfAlba3 specific for DNA binding. PfAlba3 is localized with PfSir2A in the periphery of t...

RNA-seq analysis of small RNPs in Trypanosoma brucei reveals a rich repertoire of non-coding RNAs

Nucleic Acids Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we employed the power of deep sequencing of RNA (RNA-seq) to examine the repertoire of ncRNAs present in small ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) of Trypanosoma brucei, an important protozoan parasite. We identified new C/D and H/ACA small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), as well as tens of putative novel non-coding RNAs; several of these are processed from trans-spliced and polyadenylated transcripts. The RNA-seq analysis provided information on the relative abundance of the RNAs, and their 5'- and 3'-termini. The study demonstrated that three highly abundant snoRNAs are involved in rRNA processing and highlight the unique trypanosome-specific repertoire of these RNAs. Novel RNAs were studied using in situ hybridization, association in RNP complexes, and ‘RNA walk’ to ...

Mystery bird: mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:30:01 +0100

This distinctive Australian mystery bird is named for one of its life history traits (includes video) Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum (protonym, Motacilla hirundinacea), Shaw, 1792, also known as the mistletoe flowerpecker, the Australian flowerpecker or as the fire-breasted flowerpecker, photographed in New South Wales, Australia. Image: Marie-Louise Ng, 24 December 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D7000 Question: This distinctive Australian mystery bird is named for one of its life history traits. What trait is that? Can you identify this bird's taxonomic family and species? Response: This is an adult male mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum, which is the only Australian representative of the flowerpecker family, Dicaeidae, a group of passerines that originated in sou...

Multifunctional CD4(+) T cells in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:05 +0100

Authors: Macedo AB, Sánchez-Arcila JC, Schubach AO, Mendonça SC, Marins-Dos-Santos A, de Fatima Madeira M, Gagini T, Pimentel MI, De Luca PM Abstract Leishmaniasis is a group of important parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. To understand more clearly the quality of T helper type 1 (Th1) response stimulated after Leishmania infection, we applied a multiparametric flow cytometry protocol to evaluate multifunctional T cells induced by crude antigen extracts obtained from promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (LbAg) and Leishmania amazonensis (LaAg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Although no significant difference was detected in the percentage of total interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells induced by both an...

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Peter Seeberger: we can treat malaria for less

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:05:11 +0100

Artemisinin is the most effective malaria treatment yet discovered. Peter Seeberger has found a way to to make it from the waste products of its current manufactureArtemisinin, a drug extracted from the sweet wormwood plant, is the most effective treatment for malaria ever discovered. Every year, millions of doses of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are donated to Africa and Asia, greatly reducing the worldwide burden of the parasitical disease. But extracting artemisinin is expensive and because it takes time to cultivate the plant there are often bottlenecks in supply.But Peter H Seeberger, the director of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany, has just announced that he and colleague François Lévesque have discovered a simple and cost-effectiv...

Understanding metal doping for organic electron transport layers

Applied Physics Letters — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:21:21 +0100

Alexander Mityashin, David Cheyns, Barry P. Rand, and Paul Heremans This work concerns the physical mechanisms of metal n-doping in charge transport layers for optoelectronic devices, for which the doping level is constrained by transparency requirements so as to avoid parasitic absorption. Comparing various metal dopants, we claim that enhanced conductivity at low ... [Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 053305 (2012)] published Wed Feb 1, 2012. (Source: Applied Physics Letters)

Lab Notes: Wall Street Success Genetic

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- A look at why some stockbrokers are successful, a study that brings oncologists' worst nightmare to life, and a timely Eureka moment in the war against parasites highlight this week's collection of Lab Notes. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Mystery bird: dunnock, Prunella modularis | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0100

This drab British mystery bird has a colourful sex life that would make America's Tea Partiers faint Hedge accentor, Prunella modularis (protonym, Motacilla modularis), also known as the hedge sparrow, the shuffle-wing, or as the dunnock accentor, the European dunnock or, most famously (especially in Britain), just as the dunnock, photographed in Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Cheshire, UK. Image: Roy Hill, 23 January 2012 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Canon EOS 5D Mark II 135mm f/2L + 1.4 extender As a reminder, here's the original mystery bird image I shared two days ago: Question: This British mystery bird is well-known for a particular life history trait that has been the subject of many studies and even several books. What trait is this? Can you identify this bird's taxono...

Parasites or not? Transposable elements in DNA of fruit flies may be beneficial

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:18:18 +0100

Many living organisms suffer from parasites, which use the hosts’ resources for their own purposes. The problem of parasitism occurs at all levels right down to the DNA scale. Genomes may contain up to 80% “foreign” DNA but details of the mechanisms by which this enters the host genome and how hosts attempt to combat its spread are still the subject of conjecture. Nearly all organisms contain pieces of DNA that do not really belong to them. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Food assimilated by two sympatric populations of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Delphacidae) feeding on different host plants contaminates insect DNA detected by RAPD-PCR analysis.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:24:05 +0100

Food assimilated by two sympatric populations of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Delphacidae) feeding on different host plants contaminates insect DNA detected by RAPD-PCR analysis. Genet Mol Res. 2012;11(1):30-41 Authors: Latif MA, Omar MY, Tan SG, Siraj SS, Ali ME, Rafii MY Abstract Contamination of insect DNA for RAPD-PCR analysis can be a problem because many primers are non-specific and DNA from parasites or gut contents may be simultaneously extracted along with that of the insect. We measured the quantity of food ingested and assimilated by two sympatric populations of brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, one from rice and the other from Leersia hexandra (Poaceae), a wetland forage grass, and we also investigated whether host plant DNA contaminates ...

Malaria Deaths Grossly Underestimated

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

A new analysis of malaria mortality published in The Lancet this week suggests deaths to the parasitic disease worldwide have been grossly underestimated, especially in adults. If confirmed, the study has huge implications for how large amounts of charity money are spent in controlling the disease. However, the study also finds that thanks to improved prevention and treatment, such as anti-malaria drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets, deaths to malaria are falling rapidly... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Malaria deaths 'higher than expected'

NHS News Feed — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:42:00 +0100

Conclusion This study has looked at a lot of data and used systematic methods to examine trends in malaria mortality over the past 30 years. It shows that malaria in 2010 was the cause of death for 1.2 million individuals, including 714,000 deaths in children younger than five years and 524,000 in individuals aged five years or older. The results tend to show an increase in mortality from 1980 to peak levels in 2004, but since then a clear decline. The researchers say that the recent decrease in malaria mortality in Africa in particular is due to malaria control activities being increased, supported by international help. They say that support from international donors needs to increase further if malaria is to be eradicated. However, the primary aim of this study was to predict trends ove...

Parasites or not? Transposable elements in fruit flies

EurekAlert! - Biology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) The problem of parasitism occurs at all levels right down to the DNA scale. Genomes may contain up to 80 percent "foreign" DNA but details of the mechanisms by which this enters the host genome and how hosts attempt to combat its spread are still the subject of conjecture. Important new information comes from the group of Christian Schlötterer at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. The findings are published in the prestigious journal PLoS Genetics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Cytoadherence and virulence - the case of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria

Malaria Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Another twist in the tale of cytoadherence ? Is in vitro cytoadherence really a marker of virulence, even in case of parasites, such as P. knowlesi or P. vivax, which are not normally sequestered ? (Source: Malaria Journal)

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Malaria kills twice as many people as previously thought, research finds

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0100

Malaria kills 1.2 million people every year, a finding that has implications for global efforts to eliminate the diseaseMalaria kills twice as many people every year as formerly believed, taking 1.2 million lives and causing the deaths not only of babies but also older children and adults, according to research that overturns decades of assumptions about one of the world's most lethal diseases.The findings from the research, published on Friday, which has reanalysed 30 years of data on the disease using new techniques, will force a rethink of the huge global effort that has been under way to eliminate malaria. That ambition now looks highly unlikely by the UN target date of 2015.It also raises urgent questions about the future of the troubled Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, whic...

Multifunctional CD4+T cells in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:18:45 +0100

SummaryLeishmaniasis is a group of important parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. To understand more clearly the quality of T helper type 1 (Th1) response stimulated after Leishmania infection, we applied a multiparametric flow cytometry protocol to evaluate multifunctional T cells induced by crude antigen extracts obtained from promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (LbAg) and Leishmania amazonensis (LaAg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Although no significant difference was detected in the percentage of total interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing CD4+T cells induced by both antigens, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis revealed clear differences in the quality of Th1 responses. LbAg induced an important proportion of mult...

Potential new treatment identified for leishmaniasis

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Dundee) Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified fexinidazole as a possible, much-needed, new treatment for the parasitic disease visceral leishmaniasis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Measurement of the plasma levels of antibodies against the polymorphic vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen 1 in a malaria-exposed population

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The current data shows that levels of naturally acquired antigen-specific antibodies, especially in infants and young children, are dependent on the antigenic allele used for measurement. This may be relevant to the interpretation of antibody titre data from measurements against single PfAMA1 alleles, especially in studies involving infants and young children who have experienced fewer infections. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Genotyping for cytokine polymorphisms in a Northern Ivory Coast population reveals a high frequency of the heterozygote genotypes for the TNF‐α‐308G/A SNP

International Journal of Immunogenetics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryCytokine polymorphisms influence the outcomes of parasitic diseases and vary among populations because of their different evolutionary histories and selective pressures imposed by host–pathogen interactions. In this frame, we investigated the frequencies of TNF‐α (‐308G/A), TGF‐β1 (codon 10C/T, codon 25C/G) and IL‐10 (‐1082A/G) SNPs in 133 individuals from Ouangolodougou, a rural village in Northern Ivory Coast, where malaria and other parasitic diseases are endemic. The SNPs alleles were determined by ARMS‐PCR methodology. Allele frequencies of the SNPs investigated were as follows: IL 10 ‐1082G = 0.741 and ‐1082A = 0.259; TGF‐β1 Codon 10 C = 0.835 and T = 0.165; TGF‐β1 Codon 25 G = 0.782 and C = 0.218. For the TNF‐α gene, we f...

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Copy number variation of individual cattle genomes using next-generation sequencing [RESOURCES]

Genome Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Copy number variations (CNVs) affect a wide range of phenotypic traits; however, CNVs in or near segmental duplication regions are often intractable. Using a read depth approach based on next-generation sequencing, we examined genome-wide copy number differences among five taurine (three Angus, one Holstein and one Hereford) and one indicine (Nelore) cattle. Within mapped chromosomal sequence, we identified 1,265 CNV regions comprising ~55.6 Mbp sequence - 476 of which (~38%) have not previously been reported. We validated this sequence-based CNV call set with aCGH, qPCR and FISH, achieving a validation rate of 82% and a false positive rate of 8%. We further estimated absolute copy numbers for genomic segments and annotated genes in each individual. Surveys of the top 25 most variable gene...

Parasites of flier, centrarchus macropterus, from prairie and channel habitats in the okefenokee swamp, georgia.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

PARASITES OF FLIER, CENTRARCHUS MACROPTERUS, FROM PRAIRIE AND CHANNEL HABITATS IN THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP, GEORGIA. J Parasitol. 2012 Feb 2; Authors: Zelmer DA, Brewer SA, Hanlin HG Abstract Abstract Flier (Centrarchus macropterus: Centrarchidae) were collected from a channel habitat, a prairie habitat, and from a boundary between the 2 habitat types in March of 2009, and examined for parasites. Flier from the prairie site had a significantly lower abundance of Pterocleidus acer, and a significantly higher abundance of Hysterothylaceum juveniles. Patterns of infracommunity similarity showed a distinct break between the 2 habitat types, with fish collected from the boundary site clustering with either channel or prairie communities, suggesting that the small home range of flie...

DNA barcoding of parasitic nematodes: Is it kosher?

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Siddall ME, Kvist S, Phillips AJ, Oceguera-Figueroa AF Abstract Abstract Nematode parasites were encountered in kosher certified fish meat and roe, and the question was raised as to whether or not these food products were kosher as it concerns food preparation standards; a matter that pertains to the identity and, by extension, the lifecycle of the parasites. To ascertain the identities of parasitic nematodes, given the distorted or damaged nature of the specimens, molecular techniques were applied in the form of DNA barcoding. To our knowledge, this is the first application of this technique to an obviously cultural concern, as opposed to one of health or economic significance. Results, based both on cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II suggested that the parasite spec...

A Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Olive Baboons (Papio anubis) in Human Settlement areas of Mole National Park, Ghana.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ryan SJ, Brashares JS, Walsh C, Milbers K, Kilroy CM, Chapman CA Abstract Abstract Fecal samples from 55 free-ranging olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Mole National Park, Ghana, were collected June 22-July 7, 2008, and analyzed for gastrointestinal parasites. This is the first survey of baboon gastrointestinal parasites in Ghana and provides baseline data for this area. Ninety-three percent of samples were infected, leaving 7% with no parasites observed. Of those infected, there was a 76% prevalence of Strongyles, 53% Strongyloides spp., 11% Abbreviata caucasica, 62% prevalence of Balantidium coli (trophozoites and cysts identified), 4% Entomeba hystolytica/dispar and 47% unidentified protozoan parasites. Of the strongyle infections, 9% were identified as Oesophagostamum s...

Targeting Malaria Hotspots

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Malaria is a parasite disease that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

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Association of the level of IFN-{gamma} produced by T cells in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens with the size of skin test indurations among individuals with latent tuberculosis in a highly tuberculosis-endemic setting

International Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the results of this study could provide indirect evidence for the prognostic use of the QFTGIT assay for progression of Mtb infection, though prospective follow-up studies are needed to provide direct evidence. (Source: International Immunology)

From red to white urine: a patient`s nightmare with a rather benign outcome

BMC Nephrology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This case highlights a rare case of non-parasitic chyluria as a complication of urological work-up for macrohematuria of benign nature. (Source: BMC Nephrology)

Halophilanema prolata n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Allantonematidae), a parasite of the intertidal bug, Saldula laticollis (Reuter)(Hemiptera: Saldidae) on the Oregon coast

Parasites and Vectors — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Halophilanema prolata (Nematoda: Allantonematidae) is described from the intertidal bug, Saldula laticollis on the Oregon coast. Infection rates ranged from 0 % to 85% depending on the microhabitat in the intertidal zone. Image: Parasitic female and juvenile stages of Halophilanema prolata removed from the hemocoel of the intertidal bug, Saldula laticollis on the Oregon coast. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)

Correlation of Pfg377 ortholog gene expression of Plasmodium vivax and mosquito infection

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The cut‐off point of the expression level of Pfg377 ortholog gene could be used to predict the infectiousness of P. vivax gametocytes leading to mosquito infection and parasite transmission in the field. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Factors Associated with Resistance to Schistosoma mansoni Infection in an Endemic Area of Bahia, Brazil.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Oliveira RR, Figueiredo JP, Cardoso LS, Jabar RL, Souza RP, Wells MT, Carvalho EM, Fitzgerald DW, Barnes KC, Araújo MI, Glesby MJ Abstract Abstract. Detailed knowledge of factors associated with resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection in endemic areas might facilitate more effective schistosomiasis control. We conducted a cross-sectional study of persons resistant to schistosomiasis and found no association between socioeconomic status and resistance to infection. Mononuclear cells of resistant subjects produced higher levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and interferon-γ upon stimulation with soluble egg antigen (SEA) compared with infected persons. When stimulated with Sm21.6 or Sm22.6, levels of IL-10 were higher in cell culture of resistant persons. Levels of Ig...

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Pseudotumoral form of neuroschistosomiasis: report of three cases in ganzi, china.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wan H, Masataka H, Zhang LP, Zheng DF Abstract Abstract. The authors report three rare cases of neuroschistosomiasis lacking extracranial involvement. No parasitic eggs were detected in the stool with the Kato-Katz thick smear methods. Computed tomography of the brains showed hypodense signals, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signals on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the brain after intravenous administration of gadolinium. High-grade gliomas were suspected, and operations or radiosurgery was performed. Cerebral schistosomiasis was confirmed in all cases by biopsy of the brain lesions, revealing granulomas containing embedded Schistosoma japonicum eggs. All cases were definitively diagnose...

Infectious Etiologies of Acute Febrile Illness among Patients Seeking Health Care in South-Central Cambodia.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kasper MR, Blair PJ, Touch S, Sokhal B, Yasuda CY, Williams M, Richards AL, Burgess TH, Wierzba TF, Putnam SD Abstract Abstract. The agents of human febrile illness can vary by region and country suggesting that diagnosis, treatment, and control programs need to be based on a methodical evaluation of area-specific etiologies. From December 2006 to December 2009, 9,997 individuals presenting with acute febrile illness at nine health care clinics in south-central Cambodia were enrolled in a study to elucidate the etiologies. Upon enrollment, respiratory specimens, whole blood, and serum were collected. Testing was performed for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. Etiologies were identified in 38.0% of patients. Influenza was the most frequent pathogen, followed by den...

Different Patterns of pfcrt and pfmdr1 Polymorphisms in P. falciparum Isolates from Nigeria and Brazil: The Potential Role of Antimalarial Drug Selection Pressure.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gbotosho GO, Folarin OA, Bustamante C, Pereira da Silva LH, Mesquita E, Sowunmi A, Zalis MG, Oduola AM, Happi CT Abstract Abstract. The effect of antimalarial drug selection on pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from two distinct geographical locations was determined in 70 and 18 P. falciparum isolates from Nigeria and Brazil, respectively, using nested polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing approaches. All isolates from Brazil and 72% from Nigeria harbored the mutant SVMNT and CVIET pfcrt haplotype, respectively. The pfcrt CVMNT haplotype was also observed in (7%) of the Nigerian samples. One hundred percent (100%) and 54% of the parasites from Brazil and Nigeria, respectively, harbored wild-type pfmdr1Asn86. We provide first evi...

Compliance, Safety, and Effectiveness of Fixed-Dose Artesunate-Amodiaquine for Presumptive Treatment of Non-Severe Malaria in the Context of Home Management of Malaria in Madagascar.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study provides comprehensive data concerning the clinical cure rate obtained with artesunate-amodiaquine and evidence supporting the scaling up of home management of malaria. PMID: 22302849 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

False-Negative Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria and Deletion of the Histidine-Rich Repeat Region of the hrp2 Gene{dagger}.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Koita OA, Doumbo OK, Ouattara A, Tall LK, Konaré A, Diakité M, Diallo M, Sagara I, Masinde GL, Doumbo SN, Dolo A, Tounkara A, Traoré I, Krogstad DJ Abstract Abstract. We identified 480 persons with positive thick smears for asexual Plasmodium falciparum parasites, of whom 454 had positive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) product of the hrp2 gene and 26 had negative tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for the histidine-rich repeat region of that gene was negative in one-half (10/22) of false-negative specimens available, consistent with spontaneous deletion. False-negative RDTs were found only in persons with asymptomatic infections, and multiplicities of infection (MOIs) were lower in persons with false-negative RDTs...

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N-Heterocyclic Dronic Acids: Applications and Synthesis.

Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hudson HR, Wardle NJ, Bligh SW, Greiner I, Grün A, Keglevich G Abstract Substituted hydroxymethylenebisphosphonic acid derivatives - either as dronic acids or their dronate sodium salts, are important pharmaceuticals in the treatment of diseases arising from excessive bone-resorption. Potential has also been identified in areas ranging from parasite-growth inhibition to immunological and cancer therapeutics. Representative clinically relevant N-heterocyclic derivatives include zoledronic and risedronic acids. The biochemical background and mechanism of action of these drugs are discussed, along with trends in structural development and future prospects. Synthetic routes to dronates are then summarized. The most popular route to valuable dronic acids involves the 3-compone...

Global Update: Joint Effort Announced Against Tropical Diseases

NYT — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:20:12 +0100

Companies, governments and nonprofit organizations are releasing money, access to databases and outreach efforts to counter diseases such as leprosy and guinea worm. (Source: NYT)

Equine cestodosis: a sero-epidemiological study of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in Ethiopia

Veterinary Research Communications — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:46:05 +0100

Abstract A 12/13 kDa antigen, tapeworm ELISA test, developed for use in horses, was used to detect parasite-specific serum antibody, IgG(T), in the serum of donkeys. In a pilot study the 12/13 kDa antigen was tested and proved to detect the antibody, IgG(T), in donkey sera. Blood samples from 797 donkeys, naturally exposed to cestode infection, from four geographical localities were collected and sera were prepared and analysed. There was substantial serological evidence that donkeys were potentially infected with A. perfoliata. A range of ELISA OD values were obtained from the serological assay. Over 26% and 7.5% of the donkeys were moderately and highly infected, respectively, showing at least a 34% sero-prevalence. The rest, 66.1%, were either with low infectio...

"Parasitic twin" found in Peru toddler's stomach

Health News: CBSNews.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:35:44 +0100

Doctors found Isbac Pacunda's would-be twin's bones in his stomach, to remove in surgery this week (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Involvement of TatD nuclease during programmed cell death in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei

Molecular Microbiology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, we describe the involvement of TatD nuclease during programmed cell death (PCD) in the human protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. T. brucei TatD nuclease showed intrinsic DNase activity, was localized in the cytoplasm and translocated to the nucleus when cells were treated with inducers previously demonstrated to cause PCD in T. brucei. Overexpression of TatD nuclease resulted in elevated PCD and conversely, loss of TatD expression by RNAi conferred significant resistance to the induction of PCD in T. brucei. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies revealed that TatD nuclease interacts with endonucleaseG suggesting that these two nucleases could form a DNA degradation complex in the nucleus. Together, biochemical activity, RNAi and subcellular localization results demonstr...

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Adoptive Transfer of IL-4Ralpha+ Macrophages is Sufficient to Enhance Eosinophilic Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Allergic Lung Inflammation

BMC Immunology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that transfer of IL-4Ralpha+ macrophages is sufficient to enhance TH2-driven allergic inflammation. They further show that stimulation of macrophages through IL-4Ralpha leads to their alternative activation and positive contribution to the TH2-driven allergic inflammatory response in the lung. Since an increase in AAM and their products has been observed in patients with asthma exacerbations, these results suggest that AAM may be targeted to alleviate exacerbations. (Source: BMC Immunology)

SMYD3 Promotes Cancer Invasion by Epigenetic Upregulation of the Metalloproteinase MMP-9

Cancer Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Upregulation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)–9 plays a central role in tumor progression and metastasis by stimulating cell migration, tumor invasion, and angiogenesis. To gain insights into MMP-9 expression, we investigated its epigenetic control in a reversible model of cancer that is initiated by infection with intracellular Theileria parasites. Gene induction by parasite infection was associated with trimethylation of histone H3K4 (H3K4me3) at the MMP-9 promoter. Notably, we found that the H3K4 methyltransferase SMYD3 was the only histone methyltransferase upregulated upon infection. SMYD3 is overexpressed in many types of cancer cells, but its contributions to malignant pathophysiology are unclear. We found that overexpression of SMYD3 was sufficient to induce MMP-9 expression...

Involvement of Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase CK2 in the chromatin assembly pathway

BMC Biology - Latest articles — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our reverse genetics data demonstrate that each of the two regulatory PfCK2 subunits is required for completion of the asexual erythrocytic cycle. Our interactome study points to an implication of PfCK2 in many cellular pathways, with chromatin dynamics being identified as a major process regulated by PfCK2. This study paves the way for a kinome-wide interactomics-based approach to elucidate protein kinase function in malaria parasites. (Source: BMC Biology - Latest articles)

Malaria's deadly secret: a skin stage.

Trends in Parasitology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Guilbride DL, Guilbride PD, Gawlinski P Abstract The role skin plays in malaria infection has long been overlooked. Recent analysis, however, suggests skin-infecting sporozoites initiate rapid suppression of immunity, establishing early tolerance to subsequent lifecycle stages. This explains susceptibility to reinfection by mosquito bite, independent of blood stage-induced immunosuppression or semi-immunity. Vaccine trials corroborate skin-initiated immunosubversion due to skin-infecting forms, tightly correlating bite pre-exposure, live parasites in the skin and endemic vaccine failure. Rapidly advancing skin immunobiology and recently described parasite development in host skin further substantiate the proposed model, consolidating a new concept in parasite biology, exem...

Parasite-specific aptamers as biosynthetic reagents and potential pharmaceuticals.

Trends in Parasitology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Göringer HU Abstract Aptamers are short, synthetic nucleic acid molecules. They are generated by a Darwinian-type in vitro evolution method known as 'systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment' (SELEX). SELEX represents an experimental platform to identify rare ligands with predetermined functionality from combinatorial nucleic acid libraries. Since its discovery about 20 years ago the method has been instrumental in identifying a large number of aptamers that recognize targets of very different chemistry and molecular complexity. Although aptamers have been converted into sophisticated biomolecular tools for a diverse set of technologies, only a limited number of aptamers have been selected as binding reagents for parasites or parasite-derived molecules. H...

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Rethinking innovative designs to further test parasite-stress theory.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Uskul AK Abstract Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) parasite-stress theory of sociality is supported largely by correlational evidence; its persuasiveness would increase significantly via lab and natural experiments and demonstrations of its mediating role. How the theory is linked to other approaches to group differences in psychological differences and to production and dissemination of cultural ideas and practices, need further clarification. So does the theory's view on the possible reduction of negative group interactions. PMID: 22289668 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Mechanisms by which parasites influence cultures, and why they matter.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schaller M, Murray DR Abstract At least four conceptually distinct mechanisms may mediate relations between parasite-stress and cultural outcomes: genetic evolution, developmental plasticity, neurocognitive flexibility, and cultural transmission. These mechanisms may operate independently or in conjunction with one another. Rigorous research on specific mediating mechanisms is required to more completely articulate implications of parasite stress on human psychology and human culture. PMID: 22289640 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

An ethical and prudential argument for prioritizing the reduction of parasite-stress in the allocation of health care resources.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Powell R, Clarke S, Savulescu J Abstract The link between parasite-stress and complex psychological dispositions implies that the social, political, and economic benefits likely to flow from public health interventions that reduce rates of non-zoonotic infectious disease are far greater than have traditionally been thought. We sketch a prudential and ethical argument for increasing public health resources globally and redistributing these to focus on the alleviation of parasite-stress in human populations. PMID: 22289629 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

The evolution and development of human social systems requires more than parasite-stress avoidance explanation.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Grotuss J Abstract Fincher & Thornhill (F&T) present a model of in-group assortative sociality resulting from differing levels of parasite-stress in differing geographical locations in the United States and the world. Their model, while compelling, overlooks some important issues, such as mutualistic associations with parasites that are beneficial to humans and how some religious practices increase parasite risk. PMID: 22289427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Parasite stress, ethnocentrism, and life history strategy.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Figueredo AJ, Gladden PR, Black CJ Abstract Fincher & Thornhill (F&T) present a compelling argument that parasite stress underlies certain cultural practices promoting assortative sociality. However, we suggest that the theoretical framework proposed is limited in several ways, and that life history theory provides a more explanatory and inclusive framework, making more specific predictions about the trade-offs faced by organisms in the allocation of bioenergetic and material resources. PMID: 22289411 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

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Extending parasite-stress theory to variation in human mate preferences.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Debruine LM, Little AC, Jones BC Abstract In this commentary we suggest that Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) parasite-stress theory of social behaviors and attitudes can be extended to mating behaviors and preferences. We discuss evidence from prior correlational and experimental studies that support this claim. We also reanalyze data from two of those studies using F&T's new parasite stress measures. PMID: 22289354 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Analyses do not support the parasite-stress theory of human sociality.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Currie TE, Mace R Abstract Re-analysis of the data provided in the target article reveals a lack of evidence for a strong, universal relationship between parasite stress and the variables relating to sociality. Furthermore, even if associations between these variables do exist, the analyses presented here do not provide evidence for Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) proposed causal mechanism. PMID: 22289294 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Parasite stress is not so critical to the history of religions or major modern group formations.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Atran S Abstract Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) central hypothesis is that strong in-group norms were formed in part to foster parochial social alliances so as to enable cultural groups to adaptively respond to parasite stress. Applied to ancestral hominid environments, the story fits with evolutionary theory and the fragmentary data available on early hominid social formations and their geographical distributions. Applied to modern social formations, however, the arguments and inferences from data are problematic. PMID: 22289276 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Condition-dependent adaptive phenotypic plasticity and interspecific gene-culture coevolution.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Blute M Abstract Evolutionary socioecological theory and research proposing linking parasites with human social organization is uncommon and therefore welcome. However, more generally, condition-dependent adaptive phenotypic plasticity requires environmental uncertainty on a small scale, accompanied by reliable cues. In addition, genes in parasites may select among biologically adaptive cultural alternatives directly without necessarily going through human genetic predispositions, resulting in inter-specific gene-culture coevolution. PMID: 22289275 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Coping with germs and people: Investigating the link between pathogen threat and human social cognition.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Navarrete CD Abstract Group assortative biases are stronger in regions where pathogen stress has been historically prevalent. Pushing the logic of this approach, extensions should include investigations of how cultural norms related to prosociality and relational striving may also covary with regional pathogen stress. Likewise, the pan-specific observation that diseased animals show decreased motor activity to facilitate recovery suggests that norms relevant to sickness behaviors may also vary as a function of regional parasite stress. PMID: 22289268 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

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Time allocation, religious observance, and illness in Mayan horticulturalists.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Waynforth D Abstract Analysis of individual differences in religious observance in a Belizean community showed that the most religious (pastors and church workers) reported more illnesses, and that there was no tendency for the religiously observant to restrict their interactions to family or extended family. Instead, the most religiously observant tended to have community roles that widened their social contact: religion did not aid isolation - thus violating a key assumption of the parasite-stress theory of sociality. PMID: 22289224 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Parasite-stress promotes in-group assortative sociality: The cases of strong family ties and heightened religiosity.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We examined this hypothesis by testing the predictions that there would be a positive association between parasite-stress and strength of family ties or religiosity. We conducted this study by comparing among nations and among states in the United States of America. We found for both the international and the interstate analyses that in-group assortative sociality was positively associated with parasite-stress. This was true when controlling for potentially confounding factors such as human freedom and economic development. The findings support the parasite-stress theory of sociality, that is, the proposal that parasite-stress is central to the evolution of social life in humans and other animals. PMID: 22289223 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Scie...

Immigration, parasitic infection, and United States religiosity.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wall JN, Shackelford TK Abstract Fincher & Thornhill (F&T) present a powerful case for the relationship between parasite-stress and religiosity. We argue, however, that the United States may be more religious than can be accounted for by parasite-stress. This greater religiosity might be attributable to greater sensitivity to immigration, which may hyperactivate evolved mechanisms that motivate avoidance of potential carriers of novel parasites. PMID: 22289210 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Climato-economic livability predicts societal collectivism and political autocracy better than parasitic stress does.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Van de Vliert E, Postmes T Abstract A 121-nation study of societal collectivism and a 174-nation study of political autocracy show that parasitic stress does not account for any variation in these components of culture once the interactive impacts of climatic demands and income resources have been accounted for. Climato-economic livability is a viable rival explanation for the reported effects of parasitic stress on culture. PMID: 22289160 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

Parasite-stress, cultures of honor, and the emergence of gender bias in purity norms.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vandello JA, Hettinger VE Abstract Of the many far-reaching implications of Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) theory, we focus on the consequences of parasite stress for mating strategies, marriage, and the differing roles and restrictions for men and women. In particular, we explain how examination of cultures of honor can provide a theoretical bridge between effects of parasite stress and disproportionate emphasis on female purity. PMID: 22289148 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Behavioral and Brain Sciences)

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Global Update: Joint Effort Announced Against Tropical Diseases

NYT Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:34:07 +0100

Companies, governments and nonprofit organizations are releasing money, access to databases and outreach efforts to counter diseases such as leprosy and guinea worm. (Source: NYT Health)

Low-Molecular-Mass Antioxidants in Parasites

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:53:38 +0100

Antioxidants & Redox Signaling , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Antioxidants and Redox Signaling)

Guinea worm disease will be gone by 2015: Carter Center

CTV Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:13:27 +0100

The Carter Center on Monday announced it received $40 million in donations to help fuel its mission to eradicate Guinea worm disease, a debilitating parasite that once plagued millions of people across the developing world. (Source: CTV Health)

Taxonomy of lice and their endosymbiotic bacteria in the post‐genomic era

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractRecent studies of molecular and genomic data from the parasitic lice of birds and mammals, as well as their mutualistic endosymbiotic bacteria, are changing the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of these organisms. Phylogenetic studies of lice suggest that vertebrate parasitism arose multiple times from free‐living book and bark lice. Molecular clocks show that the major families of lice arose in the late Mesozoic and radiated in the early Cenozoic following the radiation of mammals and birds. The recent release of the human louse genome has provided new opportunities for research. The genome is being used to find new genetic markers for phylogenetics and population genetics, to understand the complex evolutionary relationships of mitochondrial genes, and to study genome ev...

The 'Neglected Tropical Diseases': now a brand identity; responsibilities, context and promise.

Parasites and Vectors — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

No abstract required for an Editorial (Source: Parasites and Vectors)

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Current concepts of IgE regulation and impact of genetic determinants

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated immune responses seem to be directed against parasites and neoplasms but are best known for their involvement in allergies. The IgE network is tightly controlled at different levels as outlined in this review. Genetic determinants were suspected to influence IgE regulation and IgE levels considerably for many years. Linkage and candidate gene studies suggested a number of loci and genes to correlate with total serum IgE levels and recently genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) provided the power to identify genetic determinants for total serum IgE levels: 1q23 (FCER1A), 5q31 (RAD50,IL13,IL4), 12q13 (STAT6), 6p21.3 (HLA‐DRB1) and 16p12 (IL4R,IL21R). In this review we analyze the potential role of these GWAS hits in the IgE network and suggest mec...

An evolutionary perspective on C‐type lectins in infection and immunity

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Host–pathogen interactions have coevolved for many years. On the one hand, the human immune system consists of innate and adaptive immune cells that function to defeat pathogens, and on the other hand, pathogens have coevolved to use the system for their own propagation. C‐type lectins are conserved receptors recognizing carbohydrate structures on viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. C‐type lectins such as DC‐SIGN, langerin, and dectin‐1 are expressed by dendritic cell subsets and macrophages. Pathogen recognition by C‐type lectins triggers signaling pathways that lead to the expression of specific cytokines which subsequently instruct adaptive T helper immune responses. T helper cell differentiation is crucial for initiating proper adaptive immune responses; some pathogens...

Ubiquitin Proteasome System and the atypical kinase PfPK7 are involved in melatonin signaling in Plasmodium falciparum

Journal of Pineal Research — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe previously reported that melatonin modulates the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cycle by increasing schizont stage population as well as diminishing ring stage population.In addition, the importance of calcium and cAMP in melatonin signaling pathway in P. falciparum was also demonstrated. Nevertheless the molecular effectors of the indoleamine signaling pathway remain elusive. We now demonstrate by real time PCR that melatonin treatment up‐regulates genes related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) components and that luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, inhibits UPS transcription modulation. We also show that protein kinase PfPK7, a P. falciparum orphan kinase plays a crucial role in the melatonin transduction pathway, since following melatonin treatment of P. fal...

Apicoplast targeting of a T. gondii transmembrane protein requires a cytosolic tyrosine‐based motif

Traffic — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Toxoplasma gondii, like most apicomplexan parasites, possesses an essential relict chloroplast, the apicoplast. Several apicoplast membrane proteins lack the bipartite targeting sequences of luminal proteins. Vesicles bearing these membrane proteins are detected during apicoplast enlargement, but the means of cargo selection remains obscure. We used a combination of deletion mutagenesis, point mutations, and protein chimeras to identify a short motif prior to the first transmembrane domain of the T. gondii apicoplast phosphate transporter 1 (APT1) that is necessary for apicoplast trafficking. Tyrosine 16 was essential for proper localization; any substitution resulted in misdirection of APT1 to the Golgi body. Glycine 17 was also important, with significant Golgi body accumulation in the a...

A new morphologically distinct avian malaria parasite that fails detection by established pcr-based protocols for amplification of the cytochrome b gene.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A NEW MORPHOLOGICALLY DISTINCT AVIAN MALARIA PARASITE THAT FAILS DETECTION BY ESTABLISHED PCR-BASED PROTOCOLS FOR AMPLIFICATION OF THE CYTOCHROME B GENE. J Parasitol. 2012 Jan 30; Authors: Zehtindjiev P, Križanauskienė A, Bensch S, Palinauskas V, Asghar M, Dimitrov D, Scebba S, Valkiunas G Abstract Abstract Plasmodium polymorphum n. sp. (Haemosporida, Plasmodiidae) was found in the skylark Alauda arvensis (Passeriformes, Alaudidae) during autumnal migration in southern Italy. This organism is illustrated and described based on the morphology of its blood stages. The most distinctive feature of this malaria parasite is the clear preference of its blood stages (trophozoites, meronts and gametocytes) for immature red blood cells, including erythroblasts. Based on preference...

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A promiscuous antitoxin of bacteriophage T4 ensures successful viral replication

Molecular Microbiology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is an exciting addition to both the bacteriophage resistance and TA fields, and suggests a greater role for TA system‐based resistance and counter‐resistance in the world's oldest predator‐prey relationship. (Source: Molecular Microbiology)

Surging raccoon numbers could raise infection risk

CTV Health — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:30:47 +0100

Canadian doctors are reporting two human infections with raccoon roundworm, a parasite many of the pesky critters carry in their guts and excrete in their poo. (Source: CTV Health)

Sensilla on the antennal funiculus of the horse stomach bot fly, Gasterophilus nigricornis

Medical and Veterinary Entomology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:35:56 +0100

Gasterophilus nigricornis (Loew) (Diptera: Oestridae) is one of the most damaging obligate parasites of equids in Kalamaili, Xinjiang, China. The main olfactory organs of this stomach bot fly are paired antennae that bear microscopic sensillar structures. The external morphology of the antennal funiculus and sensilla of male G. nigricornis were studied using stereopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A cross‐sectional view of the funiculus shows it to be triangular, with an anterodorsal surface, a dorsolateral margin and a posteroventral surface. Almost the entire surface of the funiculus is densely covered with microtrichiae. Small patches lacking these microtrichiae appear as depressions or pits in the surface of the funiculus. Six distinct types of sensilla are recorded, i...

Know your enemy: understanding the role of PfCRT in drug resistance could lead to new antimalarial tactics.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Summers RL, Nash MN, Martin RE Abstract The prevention and treatment of malaria is heavily dependent on antimalarial drugs. However, beginning with the emergence of chloroquine (CQ)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites 50 years ago, efforts to control the disease have been thwarted by failed or failing drugs. Mutations in the parasite's 'chloroquine resistance transporter' (PfCRT) are the primary cause of CQ resistance. Furthermore, changes in PfCRT (and in several other transport proteins) are associated with decreases or increases in the parasite's susceptibility to a number of other antimalarial drugs. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of CQ resistance and discuss these in the broader context of the parasite's susceptibilities to other quinoline...

A working life: the geneticist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:02:30 +0100

Joe Rainger might still have been a chef, but for a degree change that took him out of the kitchen and plunged him into a world of DNA researchPeople born with abnormal eyes could – within our lifetime – benefit from replacements that match their own DNA, thanks to research by scientists like Joe Rainger.The 35-year-old geneticist is researching a mutation in human genes that causes microphthalmia (one or both eyes abnormally small), anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes), and coloboma (a gap in the structure of the eye). The conditions are recessive; which means you need both parents to carry the defective gene for the conditions to appear. They are therefore most common in families where first cousins marry.Rainger, who works at the Medical Research Council's human genetics unit ...

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3D Study Of Vitamins May Help Combat Malaria

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0100

A three-dimensional study of how enzymes in the malaria parasite Plasmodium synthesize essential vitamins, could help develop new drugs to combat the disease. Using electron microscopy, a team of scientists from Germany and the UK studied how the enzymes synthesize Vitamin B6, which has already been proposed as a target for new drugs. Dr Ivo Tews, a Lecturer in Structural Biology at the University of Southampton, and colleagues, write about their findings in a paper published online in the journal Structure on 11 January... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mutation scanning‐based analysis of anisakid larvae from Sillago flindersi from Bass Strait, Australia

Electrophoresis — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:27:42 +0100

This study revealed that 92% of the S. flindersi examined were infected with anisakids (n=194), which were represented by seven genotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of the genotypes defined herein, together with reference sequence for Anisakis pegreffii and Hysterothylacium sp. from public databases (i.e. GenBank), revealed the presence of A. pegreffii (n=24), Hysterothylacium larval type IV (n=90) and Hysterothylacium larval type VIII (n=80) in S. flindersi. Thus, the PCR‐coupled mutation scanning approach employed herein is an effective tool for the genetic characterisation of anisakid nematodes for diagnostic and analytical purposes (nucleotide sequences reported in this paper are available in the GenBank database under accession nos. JN631796‐809). (Source: Electrophoresis)

The role of nuclear technologies in the diagnosis and control of livestock diseases—a review

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:44 +0100

Abstract Nuclear and nuclear-related technologies have played an important role in animal health, particularly in relation to disease diagnosis and characterization of pathogenic organisms. This review focuses primarily on how and where nuclear technologies, both non-isotopic and isotopic methods, have made their impact in the past and where it might be expected they could have an impact in the future. The review outlines the extensive use of radiation attenuation in attempts to create vaccines for a multiplicity of pathogenic organisms and how the technology is being re-examined in the light of recent advances in irradiation techniques and cryopreservation/lyophilization that might obviate some of the problems of maintenance of viable, attenuate vaccines and their transpo...

Coexistent dermoid cysts of the pouch of the Douglas and ovary resected by laparoscopy

Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:25:41 +0100

AbstractDermoid cysts of the ovary are one of the most common ovarian neoplasms, but parasitic dermoid cysts as well as coexistent dermoid cysts are unusual. Almost all reports of coexistent dermoid cysts involve the omentum and ovary, but our case involved the pouch of Douglas and ovary. We managed this case by laparoscopy. (Source: Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery)

Method Discovered By Researchers To Unravel Malaria's Genetic Secrets

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The parasite that causes malaria is a genetic outlier, which has prevented scientists from discovering the functions of most of its genes. Researchers at National Jewish Health and Yale University School of Medicine have devised a technique to overcome the genetic oddity of Plasmodium falciparum, the major cause of human malaria. This new approach led them discover a new gene involved in lipid synthesis, and opens the door to further genetic discovery for the entire organism... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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The genome of a blood fluke associated with human cancer

Nature Genetics — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Makedonka Mitreva The sequencing of the genome and transcriptome of Schistosoma haematobium, a highly prevalent blood fluke and human parasite with a proven link to malignant bladder cancer, marks the 160th anniversary of its discovery as the first schistosome known to infect humans. Comparative genomic analyses of S. haematobium and the more prevalent human-schistosomiasis pathogens (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) identified both shared and distinct genomic features. (Source: Nature Genetics)

Activation of TgNTPDases [Molecular Bases of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii produces two nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDase1 and -3). These tetrameric, cysteine-rich enzymes require activation by reductive cleavage of a hitherto unknown disulfide bond. Despite a 97% sequence identity, both isozymes differ largely in their ability to hydrolyze ATP and ADP. Here, we present crystal structures of inactive NTPDase3 as an apo form and in complex with the product AMP to resolutions of 2.0 and 2.2 Å, respectively. We find that the enzyme is present in an open conformation that precludes productive substrate binding and catalysis. The cysteine bridge 258–268 is identified to be responsible for locking of activity. Crystal structures of constitutively active variants of NTPDase1 and -3 generated by mutation ...

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Acta Crystallographica Section F — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) catalyzes the Mg2+-dependent condensation of orotic acid (OA) with 5-α-d-phosphorylribose 1-diphosphate (PRPP) to yield diphosphate (PPi) and the nucleotide orotidine 5′-monophosphate. OPRT from Plasmodium falciparum produced in Escherichia coli was crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method in complex with OA and PRPP in the presence of Mg2+. The crystal exhibited tetragonal symmetry, belonging to space group P41 or P43, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 49.15, c = 226.94 Å. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.5 Å resolution at 100 K using a synchrotron-radiation source. (Source: Acta Crystallographica Section F)

Synthesis and Antimalarial Activity of Dihydroperoxides and Tetraoxanes Conjugated with Bis(benzyl)acetone Derivatives

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDihydroperoxides and tetraoxanes derived from symmetrically substituted bis(arylmethyl)acetones were synthesized in modest to good yields using several methods. Three of these compounds exhibit important in vitro antimalarial activity (1.0 μM ≤ IC50≤ 5.0 μM) against blood forms of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S (Source: Chemical Biology and Drug Design)

Prevalence and risk factors for Giardia duodenalis infection among children: A case study in Portugal

Parasites and Vectors — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We investigated the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis infection and identified possible associated risk factors in a healthy paediatric population from Portugal. We highlight the high prevalence of G.duodenalis in these children, as well as the parents¿ education level as the main risk factor. Of interest, we also found an association between G. duodenalis and Helicobacter pylori infections. Image: Giardia duodenalis cysts stained by FICT. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)

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Haematological parameters, natural regulatory CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells and gammadelta T cells among two sympatric ethnic groups having different susceptibility to malaria in Burkina Faso

BMC Research Notes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings on regulatory T cell phenotypes suggest an interesting role for immune regulatory mechanisms in response to malaria. The study also suggests that TCRgammadelta + cells might contribute to the protection against malaria in the Fulani ethnic group involving their reported parasite inhibitory activities. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Methodology optimizing SAGE library tag-to-gene mapping: application to Leishmania

BMC Research Notes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The developed method optimizes the assignment of SAGE tags in trypanosomatidae genomes as well as in any genome having polycistronic transcription and small intergenic regions. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Caenorhabditis elegans: a model organism for investigating immunity.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marsh EK, May RC Abstract The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been a powerful experimental organism for almost half a century. Over the past ten years, researchers have begun to exploit the power of C. elegans to investigate the biology of a number of human pathogens. This work has uncovered mechanisms of host immunity and pathogen virulence that are analogous to those involved during pathogenesis in humans or other animal hosts, as well as novel immunity mechanisms which appear unique to the worm. More recently, these investigations have uncovered details of the natural pathogens of C. elegans, including the description of a novel intracellular microsporidian parasite as well as new nodaviruses; the first identification of a viral infection of this nematode. In this r...

Viral Meningitis Facts and Information

Disabled World — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:15:34 +0100

Meningitis involves an inflammation of the membranes or, "meninges," that cover a person's spinal cord and brain. Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, with bacterial infections being the second most common cause. Additional and more rare causes of meningitis include parasites, fungi, and causes that are non-infectious such as ones related to drugs. (Source: Disabled World)

Tetracyclines and pain

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:45:30 +0100

Abstract Tetracyclines are natural or semi-synthetic bacteriostatic agents which have been used since late 1940s against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and atypical organisms such as chlamydia, mycoplasmas, rickettsia, and protozoan parasites. After the discovery of the first tetracyclines, a second generation of compounds was sought in order to improve water solubility for parenteral administration or to enhance bioavailability after oral administration. This approach resulted in the development of doxycycline and minocycline in the 1970s. Doxycycline was included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines either as antibacterial or to prevent malaria or to treat patients with this disease. Additional development led to th...

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The anti-parasitic effects of Nicotina tabacum on leeches

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:43:52 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the potential use of Nicotina tabacum in controlling leech populations. After treating the leeches with different concentrations of N. tabacum for 30 min, the LC50 values were analysed. Copper sulphate and ammonium chloride were used as positive controls. The anti-parasitic effect of N. tabacum was compared with positive controls. Our data showed that the LD50 values for N. tabacum were 13 × 104 ppm which was considerable compared with positive control. Our finding offers an opportunity for using the plant for anti-parasite purposes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief CommunicationPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00580-012-1413-xAuthors Mahmoud Bahmani, Member of Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University of Dehloran Branch, Dehloran, I...

New Hope For Tackling Sleeping Sickness With Genetic Screens

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Research led by scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has exploited a revolutionary genetic technique to discover how human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) drugs target the parasite which causes the disease. The new knowledge could help lead to the development of better treatments for the tens of thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa who are affected each year. The findings, published in Nature, are based on the simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes and the action of the five drugs effective against HAT, also known as sleeping sickness... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Scottish medical charity and international drug consortium form partnership

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of North Carolina School of Medicine) Developing World Health, a leading medical charity based in Stirlingshire, Scotland, and committed to developing effective treatments for neglected tropical diseases, has signed a collaboration agreement with the internationally respected Consortium for Parasitic Drug Development, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

A molecular analysis of desiccation tolerance mechanisms in the anhydrobiotic nematode Panagrolaimus superbus using expressed sequenced tags

BMC Research Notes — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: P. superbus appears to utilise a strategy of combined constitutive and inducible gene expression in preparation for entry into anhydrobiosis. The apparent lineage expansion of lea genes, together with their constitutive and inducible expression, suggests that LEA3 proteins are important components of the anhydrobiotic protection repertoire of P. superbus. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Complex adaptive responses during antagonistic coevolution between Tribolium castaneum and its natural parasite Nosema whitei revealed by multiple fitness components

BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the use of replicate naive populations can be a useful tool to differentiate between host and parasite adaptation in complex and dynamic fitness landscapes. The absence of clear local adaptation patterns during coevolution with a sexual host showing a complex genetic architecture for resistance suggests that directional selection for generality may be more important attributes of host-parasite coevolution than commonly assumed. (Source: BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles)

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Cavefish: A Study in Evo-Devo (interview)

ActionBioscience — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Why are cavefish a good example of evo-devo? The blind Mexican cavefish is one of the few species that has an ancestor on the surface and a descendent in caves. Jeffery: Scientists study all kinds of organisms in evolutionary developmental biology, but when I started working in the evo-devo field, I decided that in order to understand how development evolved, we would have to look at two closely related species that have diverged recently [developed in separate directions] or to look at the same species in the process of divergence. I looked around for models, and I found several of them. One of them happened to be in caves, and the species is called Astyanax mexicanus, the blind Mexican cavefish. This cave organism is one of the few in which the acknowledged ancestor is still present on...

Bizarre skin disease Morgellons not infectious, CDC says

Reuters: Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:41:20 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - After an exhaustive search, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no sign of an infectious agent, parasite or environmental exposure that could explain the mysterious skin condition known as Morgellons disease. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Peroxiredoxins in Parasites

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:08:47 +0100

Antioxidants & Redox Signaling , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Antioxidants and Redox Signaling)

An Operational Study on Implementation of Mobile Primary Healthcare Services for Seasonal Migratory Farmworkers, Turkey

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:09:10 +0100

This study, conducted in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, between March 2008 and April 2009, examined multiple stages of MPHS implementation in both a permanent settlement (336 children aged 5 and under; 580 women of reproductive age) and a working settlement (85 living units; 217 children and 257 women). The stages included: (1) identifying the problem, (2) identifying a potential solution and a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effect of intervention, (3) utilizing and disseminating results to stakeholders, and (4) implementing sustainable MPHS county-wide. Rates of selected outcome measures, including full childhood and tetanus vaccination, phenylketonuria screening, and safer usage of pesticides, iodine salt, and sanitary toilet facilities, increased significantly following the interv...

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This could be Carl Jung's century | Andrew Samuels

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:29:20 +0100

The psychoanalyst saw himself as a sort of therapist for western culture, and his diagnosis of its ills resonates todayThe presence in David Cronenberg's new film, A Dangerous Method, of Keira Knightley as Sabina Spielrein (Carl Jung's patient and lover) ensures we will hear more about the analyst Jung's affair: the impact on his marriage, how Spielrein shuttled between Jung and Sigmund Freud – the two narcissistic oligarchs of the early psychoanalytic world (a compelling emblem of the belittlement of women's role in intellectual endeavour, then and now). And finally, how this made the rupture between the men, which was always on the cards, into an inevitability. Sex, not the theory of sexuality, is going to be the main interest.Sadly, there is unlikely to be much focus on what Jung actu...

The Likelihood Of Parasitic Worm Infections Halved With Availability And Use Of Sanitation

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Access to sanitation facilities, such as latrines, reduces by half the risk of becoming infected by parasitic worms that are transmitted via soil (soil-transmitted helminths) according to a study published in this week's PLoS Medicine. These findings are important as infection with parasitic worms can cause diarrhea, weakness, and malnutrition, which in turn can impair physical and mental development in children; they reinforce the importance of increased access to sanitation (a Millennium Development Goal target) to improve health outcomes... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

An ethnoveterinary study of medicinal plants in treatment of diseases and syndromes of herd dog in southern regions of Ilam province, Iran

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:52:33 +0100

In this study, a questionnaire was distributed among 45 residential areas in 22 rural zones of the southern areas of Ilam province. The objective of this study was the recognition of natural medicinal methods using medicinal plants, and the classification of ethnoveterinary applications and collection of domestic science. Twenty-two medicinal plants from 16 families were identified. The main application of these plants was for the detection and treatment of digestive disorders using Citrullus colocynthis, Aristolochia clematis, Scrophularia deserti, Quercus brantii, Ceracus microcarpa, Echium strigosa, Pistacia atlantica, and Pistacia khinjuk which have been applied using Euphurbia graminifolius, Peganum harmala, Salsola rigida, Artemisia herba-alba, Amygdalus arabica, jolbak of salt wa...

Researchers discover method to unravel malaria's genetic secrets

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(National Jewish Health) Researchers at National Jewish Health have devised a technique to overcome a genetic oddity of Plasmodium falciparum, the major cause of human malaria, which has stymied research into the organism's genes. The technique opens the door to genetic discovery for the entire organism, which should foster a greater understanding of the parasite, and facilitate discovery of new medications for a disease that infects 200 million people and kills nearly 700,000 every year. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Brain cancer mortality rates increase with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in France.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vittecoq M, Elguero E, Lafferty K, Roche B, Brodeur J, Gauthier-Clerc M, Missé D, Thomas F Abstract The incidence of adult brain cancer was shown to be higher in countries where the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is common, suggesting that this brain protozoan could potentially increase the risk of tumor formation. Using countries as replicates has, however, several potential confounding factors, particularly because detection rates vary with country wealth. Using an independent dataset entirely within France, we further establish the significance of the association between T. gondii and brain cancer and find additional demographic resolution. In adult age classes 55years and older, regional mortality rates due to brain cancer correlated positively with the local seroprevalen...

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Proteomic analysis of the abomasal mucosal response following infection by the nematode, Haemonchus contortus, in genetically resistant and susceptible sheep.

Journal of Proteomics — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nagaraj SH, Harsha HC, Reverter A, Colgrave ML, Sharma R, Andronicos N, Hunt P, Menzies M, Lees MS, Sekhar NR, Pandey A, Ingham A Abstract Sheep have a variable ability to resist gastrointestinal nematode infection, but the key factors mediating this response are poorly defined. Here we report the first large-scale application of quantitative proteomic technologies to define proteins that are differentially abundant between sheep selectively bred to have an enhanced (resistant) or reduced (susceptible) ability to eliminate nematodes. Samples were collected from the abomasal mucosa three days after experimental challenge with the nematode, Haemonchus contortus. This timing reflects the initial interaction of host and parasite, and the tissue represents the immediate interfa...

Micro-imprinted prism substrate for self-aligned short channel organic transistors on a flexible substrate

Applied Physics Letters — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:28:03 +0100

Jin Jeon, Benjamin C.-K. Tee, Boris Murmann, and Zhenan Bao Using a simple micro-imprinting process on flexible substrates, we demonstrate fabrication of self-aligned short channel organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with significantly reduced parasitic capacitance. The surface topology resulting from the imprinted prism-like structures enables accurate al ... [Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 043301 (2012)] published Mon Jan 23, 2012. (Source: Applied Physics Letters)

The first report of pigeon maggot, Protocalliphora sp. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from domestic pigeons in Iran

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:25:51 +0100

Abstract Following the report of deaths in a few flocks of domestic pigeons in the Mazandaran province, Northern Iran, we conducted an investigation on the live and dead pigeons. We found reddish larvae on the skin of the pigeons and after close analysis of the mouthparts and spiracles; they were identified as second instar larvae of Protocalliphora sp. These blow fly larvae are obligate haematophagous parasites, highly pathogenic and cause high mortality in birds. Mortality in the infected flocks was approximately 25% and mainly among nestlings and young birds. Infected birds were treated with propoxur powder which was very effective, following which no additional mortalities or larvae were found. This is the first report of this myiasis agent in Iran. Content Type Jo...

Researchers Report Fundamental Malaria Discovery

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A team of researchers led by Kasturi Haldar and Souvik Bhattacharjee of the University of Notre Dame's Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases has made a fundamental discovery in understanding how malaria parasites cause deadly disease. The researchers show how parasites target proteins to the surface of the red blood cell that enables sticking to and blocking blood vessels. Strategies that prevent this host-targeting process will block disease. The research findings appear in the journal Cell, the leading journal in the life sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Improving crops from the roots up

EurekAlert! - Biology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Nottingham) Research involving scientists at the University of Nottingham has taken us a step closer to breeding hardier crops that can better adapt to different environmental conditions and fight off attack from parasites. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

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Availability and use of sanitation reduces by half the likelihood of parasitic worm infections

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Public Library of Science) Access to sanitation facilities, such as latrines, reduces by half the risk of becoming infected by parasitic worms that are transmitted via soil according to a study published in this week's PLoS Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Effect of Sanitation on Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PLoS Medicine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Despite a number of limitations (e.g., most studies used a cross-sectional design and were of low quality, with potential biases and considerable heterogeneity), our results reveal that sanitation is associated with a reduced risk of transmission of helminthiases to humans. Access to improved sanitation should be prioritized alongside preventive chemotherapy and health education to achieve a durable reduction of the burden of helminthiases. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary (Source: PLoS Medicine)

Reorienting our view of particle-based adjuvants for subunit vaccines [Commentary]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Despite a myriad of advances in the understanding and development of vaccine formulations, safe and effective vaccines have yet to be discovered for many pathogens. An excellent example of such is the malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax. Not only does this parasite transition between both extracellular and intracellular states during infection, but it can remain dormant in the liver and have greater transmission potential with lower titers than its more notorious counterpart, Plasmodium falciparum (1). As a consequence, it is important for a candidate vaccine to elicit both cellular (Th1) and humoral (Th2) immune responses that are potent and long-lived. Although... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Critical role for phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma in parasite invasion and disease progression of cutaneous leishmaniasis [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we demonstrate that class IB PI3K, PI3Kγ, plays a critical role in pathogenesis of chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. mexicana. Using the isoform-selective PI3Kγ inhibitor, AS-605240 and PI3Kγ gene-deficient mice, we show that selective blockade or deficiency of PI3Kγ significantly enhances resistance against L. mexicana that is associated with a significant suppression of parasite entry into phagocytes and reduction in recruitment of host phagocytes as well as regulatory T cells to the site of infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that AS-605240 is as effective as the standard antileishmanial drug sodium stibogluconate in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. mexicana. These findings reveal a unique role for PI3Kγ in Leishmania invasion and estab...

Synthesis and Evaluation of 1-Amino-6-halo-β-carbolines as Antimalarial and Antiprion Agents.

ChemMedChem — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thompson MJ, Louth JC, Little SM, Jackson MP, Boursereau Y, Chen B, Coldham I Abstract Malaria is one of the world's most devastating parasitic diseases, causing almost one million deaths each year. Growing resistance to classical antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, necessitates the discovery of new therapeutic agents for successful control of this global disease. Here, we report the synthesis of some 6-halo-β-carbolines as analogues of the potent antimalarial natural product, manzamine A, retaining its heteroaromatic core whilst providing compounds with much improved synthetic accessibility. Two compounds displayed superior activity to chloroquine itself against a resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain, identifying them as promising leads for future development. F...

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Study reveals malaria origin in South America

SciDev.Net — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:04:13 +0100

The origin of two genetic sub-types of the malaria parasite P. falciparum in South America has been traced back slaves arriving from Africa, a study says. (Source: SciDev.Net)

Well Blog: Gross! Yuck! Harnessing the Power of Disgust

NYT Health — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:17:59 +0100

Disgust is having its moment in the light as researchers find that it does more than cause that sick feeling in the stomach. It protects human beings from disease and parasites, and affects almost every aspect of human relations, from romance to politics. (Source: NYT Health)

Pork, the surprise remedy for a nosebleed

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0100

Researchers document the use of pork strips for treating nosebleedsA new medical study recommends a method called "nasal packing with strips of cured pork" as an effective way to treat uncontrollable nosebleeds.Ian Humphreys, Sonal Saraiya, Walter Belenky and James Dworkin, at Detroit Medical Centre in Michigan, treated a girl who had a rare hereditary disorder that brings prolongued bleeding. Publishing in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, they pack the essential details into two sentences:"Cured salted pork crafted as a nasal tampon and packed within the nasal vaults successfully stopped nasal hemorrhage promptly, effectively, and without sequelae … To our knowledge, this represents the first description of nasal packing with strips of cured pork for treatment of life-t...

Medicinal Plants Used by Various Tribes of Bangladesh for Treatment of Malaria

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100

The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among various tribes of Bangladesh to identify the plants that they use for treatment of the disease. Surveys were conducted among seven tribes, namely, Bawm, Chak, Chakma, Garo, Marma, Murong, and Tripura, who inhabit the southeastern or northcentral forested regions of Bangladesh. Interviews conducted with the various tribal medicinal practitioners indicated that a total of eleven plants distributed into 10 families were used for treatment of malaria and accompanying symptoms like fever, anemia, ache, vomiting, and chills. Leaves constituted 35.7% of total uses followed by roots at 21.4%. Other plant parts used for treatment included barks, seeds, fruits, and flowers. A review of the published scientific l...

Safely destroy fleas on pets - Finally, a non-toxic, natural way to kill fleas, mites, chiggers and other parasitic insects on pets and in the house

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Nothing is more aggravating then finding fleas on the family pet. Even the best pet parents have their work cut out for them when flea season begins, and that doesn't include a possible infestation of chiggers or other creepy, crawling, mite-like invaders taking up residence... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

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Early experiences on the feasibility, acceptability, and use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests at peripheral health centres in Uganda--insights into some barriers and facilitators

Implementation Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: mRDTs were found to be acceptable to and used by the target users, provided clear policy guidelines exist, ancillary tools are easy to use and health supplies beyond the diagnostic tools are met. Based on our results, health workers' needs for comprehensive case management should be met, and specific guidance for managing febrile patients with negative test outcomes should be provided alongside the new health technology. The extent to which the implementation process of mRDT-led, parasite-based diagnosis accommodates end user beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and satisfaction, as well as technology learnability and suitability, influences the level of acceptance and use of mRDTs. The effectiveness of the health system in providing the enabling environment and the integration of...

Divergence of ovipositor length and egg shape in a brood parasitic bitterling fish through the use of different mussel hosts

Journal of Evolutionary Biology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We examined whether ovipositor length (OL) and egg shape correlated with differences in host mussel species in the family Unionidae among populations of the tabira bitterling (Acheilognathus tabira) in Japan. Bitterling populations that use mussels in the sub‐family Anodontinae possessed longer ovipositors and more elongated eggs than those using mussels of Unioninae, as expected from the difference in host size between the sub‐families (anodontine mussels are larger than unionine mussels). Based on a robust phylogeny of A. tabira populations, we demonstrated that the evolution of both OL and egg shape were correlated with host differences, but not with each other, suggesting that these traits have been selected for independently. Our study demonstrates how adaptive traits for brood pa...

Host conservatism, host shifts and diversification across three trophic levels in two Neotropical forests

Journal of Evolutionary Biology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHost–parasite systems have been models for understanding the connection between shifts in resource use and diversification. Despite theoretical expectations, ambiguity remains regarding the frequency and importance of host switches as drivers of speciation in herbivorous insects and their parasitoids. We examine phylogenetic patterns with multiple genetic markers across three trophic levels using a diverse lineage of geometrid moths (Eois), specialist braconid parasitoids (Parapanteles) and plants in the genus Piper. Host–parasite associations are mapped onto phylogenies, and levels of cospeciation are assessed. We find nonrandom patterns of host use within both the moth and wasp phylogenies. The moth–plant associations in particular are characterized by small radiations of m...

Low and seasonal malaria transmission in the middle Senegal River basin: identification and characteristics of Anopheles vectors.

Parasites and Vectors — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study, conducted in the Middle Senegal River basin demonstrates that, although various malaria vectors are present all the year round in this region, malaria transmission remains low and limited to the short rainy season. Image: Senegal River in Guede village. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)

Human milk oligosaccharides reduce Entamoeba histolytica attachment and cytotoxicity in vitro.

The British Journal of Nutrition — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether HMO reduce E. histolytica attachment and cytotoxicity. Our in vitro results show that physiological concentrations of isolated, pooled HMO detach E. histolytica by more than 80 %. In addition, HMO rescue E. histolytica-induced destruction of human intestinal epithelial HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cytoprotective effects were structure-specific. Lacto-N-tetraose with its terminal Gal rescued up to 80 % of the HT-29 cells, while HMO with fucose α1-2-linked to the terminal Gal had no effect. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which also contain terminal Gal and are currently added to infant formula to mimic some of the beneficial effects of HMO, completely abolished E. histolytica attachment and cytotoxicity at 8 mg...

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Spiranthenones A and B, Tetraprenylated Phloroglucinol Derivatives from the Leaves of Spiranthera odoratissima

Planta Medica — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298156AbstractTwo new polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, spiranthenones A (1) and B (2), a sesquiterpenoid, 6α-acetoxy,1β-hydroxyeudesm-4(15)-ene (3), along with sesamin and β-sitosterol, were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the leaves of Spiranthera odoratissima, and shown to display antiprotozoal activity. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry. These compounds exhibited moderate antiprotozoal activity, but without significant cytotoxicity against fibroblasts cell line NIH-3T3. Compound 3 was the most selective towards parasites.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Planta Medica)

Transgenic parasites accelerate drug discovery.

Trends in Parasitology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rodriguez A, Tarleton RL Abstract Parasitic neglected diseases are in dire need of new drugs either to replace old drugs rendered ineffective because of resistance development, to cover clinical needs that had never been addressed or to tackle other associated problems of existing drugs such as high cost, difficult administration, restricted coverage or toxicity. The availability of transgenic parasites expressing reporter genes facilitates the discovery of new drugs through high throughput screenings, but also by allowing rapid screening in animal models of disease. Taking advantage of these, we propose an alternative pathway of drug development for neglected diseases, going from high throughput screening directly into in vivo testing of the top ranked compounds selected ...

Parasitism can be a confounding factor in assessing the response of zebra mussels to water contamination.

Environmental Pollution — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:17:06 +0100

This study also emphasizes the interesting use of integrative indexes to synthesize data set. PMID: 22243869 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environmental Pollution)

Infections in Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:22:47 +0100

Abstract: Patients undergoing thoracic organ transplantation procedures involving the heart or lung are at increased risk for developing a wide variety of infections due to their underlying immunosuppression and/or other factors. Lung transplant recipients are at high risk for developing infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and opportunistic fungi, whereas heart transplant recipients are at risk for developing infections caused by these same microorganisms, as well as parasitic infections, including toxoplasmosis and New World trypanosomiasis. This review will highlight the various infections that thoracic organ transplant recipients may develop following their procedures. (Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter)

Trafficking and release of the metacyclic HASPB protein in the kinetoplastid parasite Leishmania

Cellular Microbiology — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:11:11 +0100

SummaryProteins of the Leishmania HASPB family are only expressed in infective parasites (both extra‐ and intracellular stages) and, together with the peripheral membrane protein SHERP, are essential for parasite differentiation (metacyclogenesis) in the sand fly vector. HASPB is a “non‐classically” secreted protein, requiring N‐terminal acylation for trafficking to and exposure on the plasma membrane. Here, we use live cell imaging methods to further explore this pathway to the membrane and flagellum. Unlike HASPB trafficking in transfected mammalian cells, we find no evidence for a phosphorylation‐regulated recycling pathway in metacyclic parasites. Once at the plasma membrane, HASPB18‐GFP can undergo bidirectional movement within the inner leaflet of the membrane and on th...

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Inhibitors Incorporating Zinc‐Binding Groups Target the GlcNAc‐PI de‐N‐acetylase in Trypanosoma brucei, the Causative Agent of African Sleeping Sickness

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:14:29 +0100

UK boosts tropical disease fight

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:12:52 +0100

Foreign aid for efforts to eradicate parasitic diseases which kill and disfigure millions worldwide is to rise fivefold, say ministers. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

A fundamental malaria discovery

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:50:22 +0100

A team of scientists led by Kasturi Haldar and Souvik Bhattacharjee of the University of Notre Dame's Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases has made a fundamental discovery in understanding how malaria parasites cause deadly disease. The scientists show how parasites target proteins to the surface of the red blood cell that enables sticking to and blocking blood vessels. Strategies that prevent this host-targeting process will block disease........ (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

Fundamental malaria discovery

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:45:45 +0100

Researchers have made a fundamental discovery in understanding how malaria parasites cause deadly disease. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Fundamental malaria discovery: How parasites target proteins to surface of red blood cells

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:45:45 +0100

Researchers have made a fundamental discovery in understanding how malaria parasites cause deadly disease. The researchers show how parasites target proteins to the surface of the red blood cell that enables sticking to and blocking blood vessels. Strategies that prevent this host-targeting process will block disease. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Human Hookworm Vaccine Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

The Na-GST-1 antigen, a candidate for the first human hookworm vaccine developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin), has entered a Phase 1 human trial in Brazil, according to Sabin. For the vaccine product development partnership (PDP) headquartered at Sabin, the clinical trial is a considerable achievement. Worldwide, almost 600 million individuals are infected by human hookworm. Sabin's aim is to create a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine, in order to reduce the worldwide burden of this parasite... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Improved Understanding Of Malaria's 'Cloak Of Invisibility'

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The discovery by researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of a molecule that is key to malaria's 'invisibility cloak' will help to better understand how the parasite causes disease and escapes from the defenses mounted by the immune system. The research team, led by Professor Alan Cowman from the institute's Infection and Immunity division, has identified one of the crucial molecules that instructs the parasite to employ its invisibility cloak to hide from the immune system, and helps its offspring to remember how to 'make' the cloak... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Genetic Code Cracked For A Devastating Blood Parasite

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists have cracked the genetic code and predicted some high priority drug targets for the blood parasite Schistosoma haematobium, which is linked to bladder cancer and HIV/ AIDS and causes the insidious urogenital disease schistosomiasis haematobia in more than 112 million people in Africa. Schistomiasis is recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the most socioeconomically devastating diseases, besides malaria, and is in urgent need of extensive research and improved control... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Evaluation of an immunochromatographic dip strip test for simultaneous detection of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica antigens in human faecal samples

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:07:36 +0100

Abstract Immunochromatographic (IC) tests may play an important role in the future diagnosis of parasitic diseases because of their speed and simplicity of use. A recently developed test to detect Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica was evaluated. Microscopy and PCR were the “gold standard” reference techniques and the results of this IC test were compared with those obtained with ELISA and IC single test for the three parasites. One hundred sixty stool samples were assayed. Using microscopy, 22 samples were diagnosed as positive for Cryptosporidium spp., 31 for Giardia duodenalis, 41 for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and 68 had a negative diagnosis for the three parasites. Results of IC tests show sensitivities of 70–72% for Cryptosporidiu...