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Darwin at the movies: A festival of apes, aliens and troglodytesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Would we have had Alien, Planet of the Apes and The Time Machine if it weren't for a certain bearded Victorian?Darwin, Evolution and the Movies is a one-off festival of film and live comedy to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species on 24 November 1859. Over this weekend the festival is running at three separate venues across London. Classic films you rarely get a chance to see on the big screen, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and brand new shorts commissioned as part of Darwin200 make up this small but perfectly formed festival. If Darwin had chickened out in 1859 and decided...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - November 20, 2009 Category: Science Tags: Science Charles Darwin Evolution Film Science fiction and fantasy guardian.co.uk Blogposts Source Type: news

What Role Does the Route of Immunization Play in the Generation of Protective Immunity against Mucosal Pathogens?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The route of vaccination is important in influencing immune responses at the initial site of pathogen invasion where protection is most effective. Immune responses required for mucosal protection can differ vastly depending on the individual pathogen. For some mucosal pathogens, including acute self-limiting infections, high-titer neutralizing Abs that enter tissue parenchyma or transude into the mucosal lumen are sufficient for clearing cell-free virus. However, for pathogens causing chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C virus, herpes viruses, mycobacteria, and fungal and parasitic infections, a single arm of th...
Source: Journal of Immunology - November 20, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Belyakov IM, Ahlers JD Tags: J Immunol Source Type: journals

The Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase of Trichomonas vaginalis Links Cysteine Catabolism to the Production of Thioredoxin Persulfide [Metabolism and Bioenergetics]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, high pressure liquid chromatography analysis confirmed that cysteine is the major intracellular redox buffer by showing that T. vaginalis contains high levels of cysteine (~600 µm) comprising more than 70% of the total thiols detected. To investigate possible mechanisms for the regulation of cysteine levels in T. vaginalis, we have characterized enzymes of the mercaptopyruvate pathway. This consists of an aspartate aminotransferase (TvAspAT1), which transaminates cysteine to form 3-mercaptopyruvate (3-MP), and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (TvMST), which transfers the sulfur of 3-MP to a nucleophi...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - November 20, 2009 Category: Chemistry Authors: Westrop, G. D., Georg, I., Coombs, G. H. Tags: Metabolism and Bioenergetics Source Type: journals

Genetic Evidence that an Endosymbiont-derived Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Protein Degradation (ERAD) System Functions in Import of Apicoplast Proteins [Membrane Transport, Structure, Function, and Biogenesis]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Most apicomplexan parasites harbor a relict chloroplast, the apicoplast, that is critical for their survival. Whereas the apicoplast maintains a small genome, the bulk of its proteins are nuclear encoded and imported into the organelle. Several models have been proposed to explain how proteins might cross the four membranes that surround the apicoplast; however, experimental data discriminating these models are largely missing. Here we present genetic evidence that apicoplast protein import depends on elements derived from the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) system of the endosymbiont. We identified two sets of ER...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - November 20, 2009 Category: Chemistry Authors: Agrawal, S., van Dooren, G. G., Beatty, W. L., Striepen, B. Tags: Membrane Transport, Structure, Function, and Biogenesis Source Type: journals

Trypanosoma cruzi Targets Akt in Host Cells as an Intracellular Antiapoptotic Strategy.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas' disease, differentiates in the cytosol of its host cell and then replicates and spreads infection, processes that require the long-term survival of the infected cells. Here, we show that in the cytosol, parasite-derived neurotrophic factor (PDNF), a trans-sialidase that is located on the surface of T. cruzi, is both a substrate and an activator of the serine-threonine kinase Akt, an antiapoptotic molecule. PDNF increases the expression of the gene that encodes Akt while suppressing the transcription of genes that encode proapoptotic factors. Consequently, PDNF elicit...
Source: Science Signaling - November 20, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Chuenkova MV, Pereiraperrin M Tags: Sci Signal Source Type: journals

The risks of malaria infection in Kenya in 2009Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: Model based geo-statistical methods can be used to interpolate malaria risks in Kenya with precision and our model shows that the majority of Kenyans live in areas of very low P. falciparum risk. As malaria interventions go to scale effectively tracking epidemiological changes of risk demands a rigorous effort to document infection prevalence in time and space to remodel risks and redefine intervention priorities over the next 10-15 years. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - November 20, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Abdisalan NoorPeter GethingVictor AleganaAnand PatilSimon HayEric MuchiriElizabeth JumaRobert Snow Source Type: journals

Why Is Your Turkey Dry?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
While watching the History Channel, I learned why I haven't made a dry turkey. The secret of my success? Impatience. My family circles the roasting turkey, ready to pounce the instant it hits the minimum cooking temperature, which in my house is 170°F. Depending on what you read, the safe/optimum cooking temperature is 160°F to 180°F. The minimum temperature is supposed to protect you from bacteria (mainly Salmonella) and parasites (eww). If you shoot for the lower temperature then the dark meat of the turkey (the legs and thigh) will be tough and underdone. If you aim at the upper end of the temperature ran...
Source: About.com Chemistry - November 20, 2009 Category: Chemistry Source Type: consumer

Silencing of a putative immunophilin gene in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus increases the infection rate of Babesia bovis in larval progenyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: The silencing of the Imnp, Spi or Lpc genes decreased the fitness of R. microplus females fed on a calf during acute B. bovis infection. The Imnp gene data suggest that this putative immunophilin gene is involved in the defense system of R. microplus against B. bovis and may play a role in controlling the protozoan infection in tick ovaries and larval progeny. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Source: Parasites and Vectors - November 20, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Reginaldo BastosMassaro UetiFelix GuerreroDonald KnowlesGlen Scoles Source Type: journals

Asymptomatic diffuse "encephalitic" cerebral toxoplasmosis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: case report and review of the literature.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We describe a 70 year old male with stage IV chronic lymphocytic leukemia complicated by aplastic anemia. Neurological examination and imaging revealed no significant abnormalities. At autopsy, the brain revealed multifocal cysts and free tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii with diffuse microglial nodules and no necrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first report of the "encephalitic" form of toxoplasmosis in a non-AIDS patient. PMID: 19918334 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology)
Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology - November 19, 2009 Category: Pathology Authors: Abedalthagafi M, Rushing EJ, Garvin D, Cheson B, Ozdemirli M Tags: Int J Clin Exp Pathol Source Type: journals

Serum immunoglobulin G, M and A response to Cryptosporidium parvum in Cryptosporidium-HIV co-infected patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: The study showed specific serum IgG and IgA production in patients infected with Cryptosporidium, both HIV seropositive and seronegative as compared to uninfected subjects suggesting induction of Cryptosporidium specific humoral immune response in infected subjects. However, there was no difference in number of patients with positive response in HIV seropositive or seronegative groups indicating that HIV status may not be playing significant role in modulation of Cryptosporidium specific antibody responses. The number of patients with positive IgG, IgM and IgA response was not significantly different in patien...
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - November 18, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kirti KaushikSumeeta KhuranaAjay WanchuNancy Malla Source Type: journals

GDP-Mannose pyrophosphorylase is essential in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma bruceiEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A putative guanidine diphosphomannose pyrophophosphorylase (GDP-Man PP) gene from Trypanosoma brucei was identified in the genome and subsequently cloned, sequenced, and recombinantly expressed and shown to be a catalytically active dimer. Kinetic analysis revealed a Vmax of 0.34 μmol / min/ mg and Km’s of 67 μM and 12 μM for GTP and mannose-1-phosphate respectively. Further kinetic studies showed GDP-Man was a potent product feedback inhibitor. RNAi of the cytosolic TbGDP-Man PP showed mRNA levels were reduced to ~20% of wild type levels, causing the cells to die after 3-4 days, demonstrating ...
Source: BJ Disease - November 18, 2009 Category: Biochemistry Authors: H Denton, S Fyffe, T K Smith Tags: BJ Metabolism Source Type: journals

The relationship of Plasmodium falciparum humoral immunity with HIV-1 immunosuppression and treatment efficacy in ZambiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: HIV-1 affects humoral responses to AMA-1, but seems to marginally or not affect humoral responses to other merozoite antigens and VSAs. The latter were important for controlling parasite density and predict treatment outcome. (Source: Malaria Journal)
Source: Malaria Journal - November 18, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Jean-Pierre Van geertruydenErika Van EijkFrancisca YosaatmadjaWebster KasongoModest MulengaUmberto D'AlessandroStephen Rogerson Source Type: journals

Local phagocytic responses after murine infection with different forms of Fonsecaea pedrosoi and sclerotic bodies originating from an inoculum of conidiogenous cellsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Fonsecaea pedrosoi is an important causative agent of chromoblastomycosis (CBM) especially in humid areas of the world; however, little is known about the infective forms of this agent that cause CBM. The aim of this study was to investigate the murine tissue response to inoculation with different forms of F. pedrosoi and the morphological changes of the fungal cells in vivo. BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with hyphae, conidia or conidiogenous cells and conidia (CCC) at a single site. In addition, the abdomen and footpads were infected subcutaneously with CCC. Fungal forms were inoculated at a final concentr...
Source: Mycoses - November 18, 2009 Category: Research Authors: Alexandre Paulo Machado, Maria Regina Regis Silva, Olga Fischman Source Type: journals

Malaria: Evolution in vector controlEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
ois Renaud Each week some 20,000 people die from malaria. There will be no magic ways of reducing this dreadful toll, not least because the mosquito vector and the parasite itself have formidable abilities to resist control measures. Angles of attack that rest on evolutionary principles are being explored. (Source: Nature)
Source: Nature - November 18, 2009 Category: Research Authors: Yannis MichalakisFrançois Renaud Tags: News and Views Q & Source Type: journals

Identification of cultivation condition to produce correctly folded form of a malaria vaccine based on Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 in Escherichia coli.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The C-terminal, 19-kDa domain of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 (PfMSP-1(19)) is among the leading vaccine candidate for malaria due to its essential role in erythrocyte invasion by the parasite. We designed a synthetic gene for optimal expression of recombinant PfMSP-1(19) in Escherichia coli and developed a scalable process to obtain high-quality PfMSP-1(19). The synthetic gene construct yielded a fourfold higher expression level of PfMSP-1(19) in comparison to the native gene construct. Optimization of cultivation conditions in the bioreactor indicated important role of yeast extract and substrate...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 18, 2009 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Mazumdar S, Sachdeva S, Chauhan VS, Yazdani SS Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: journals

Biological activity of phenolic lipids.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Phenolic lipids are a very diversified group of compounds derived from mono and dihydroxyphenols, i.e., phenol, catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone. Due to their strong amphiphilic character, these compounds can incorporate into erythrocytes and liposomal membranes. In this review, the antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and cytostatic activities of resorcinolic and other phenolic lipids are described. The ability of these compounds to inhibit bacterial, fungal, protozoan and parasite growth seems to depend on their interaction with proteins and/or on their membrane-disturbing properties. PMID: 19921485 [PubMed - as sup...
Source: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS - November 18, 2009 Category: Cytology Authors: Stasiuk M, Kozubek A Tags: Cell Mol Life Sci Source Type: journals

Neutrophils and Macrophages Cooperate in Host Resistance against Leishmania braziliensis Infection.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Neutrophils play an active role in the control of infections caused by intracellular pathogens such as Leishmania. In the present study, we investigated the effect of neutrophil depletion at the time of Leishmania braziliensis infection of BALB/c mice and how neutrophils interact with the infected macrophage to promote parasite elimination. The in vivo depletion of neutrophils led to a significant increase in parasite load and enhanced the Th1-Th2 immune response in this experimental model of infection. BALB/c mice coinoculated with both parasites and live neutrophils displayed lower parasite burdens at the site of inf...
Source: Journal of Immunology - November 18, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Novais FO, Santiago RC, Báfica A, Khouri R, Afonso L, Borges VM, Brodskyn C, Barral-Netto M, Barral A, de Oliveira CI Tags: J Immunol Source Type: journals

Infection with Arginase-Deficient Leishmania major Reveals a Parasite Number-Dependent and Cytokine-Independent Regulation of Host Cellular Arginase Activity and Disease Pathogenesis.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, we compared the infectivity and impact on host cellular immune response in vitro and in vivo of wild-type (WT) L. major with that of a parasite arginase null mutant (arg(-)) L. major. We found that arg(-) L. major are impaired in their macrophage infectivity in vitro independent of host inducible NO synthase activities. As with in vitro results, the proliferation of arg(-) L. major in animal infections was also significantly impaired in vivo, resulting in delayed onset of lesion development, attenuated pathology, and low parasite burden. Despite this attenuated pathology, the production of cytokines by cells...
Source: Journal of Immunology - November 18, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Muleme HM, Reguera RM, Berard A, Azinwi R, Jia P, Okwor IB, Beverley S, Uzonna JE Tags: J Immunol Source Type: journals

Enhanced Susceptibility to Leishmania Infection in Resistant Mice in the Absence of Immediate Early Response Gene X-1.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1) is a stress-inducible gene abundantly expressed in macrophages and T cells following various stimuli. To explore a potential role for IEX-1 in control of the susceptibility to Leishmania major infection, the inflammatory response during cutaneous leishmaniasis was evaluated in 129Sv/C57BL/6-resistant mice in the presence or absence of IEX-1. Null mutation of IEX-1 enhanced the susceptibility of the mice to L. major infection, and aggravated inflammatory responses in comparison with wild-type control mice. The excessive inflammation was not ascribed to a Th2-biased immune respon...
Source: Journal of Immunology - November 18, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Akilov OE, Ustyugova IV, Zhi L, Hasan T, Wu MX Tags: J Immunol Source Type: journals

{alpha}-Tocopherol transfer protein inhibition is effective in the prevention of cerebral malaria in mice.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
CONCLUSION: It appears that a deficiency of alpha-tocopherol in the circulation prevents CM and suggests that alpha-TTP is a putative target for the early prevention of CM. PMID: 19923370 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - November 18, 2009 Category: Nutrition Authors: Herbas MS, Okazaki M, Terao E, Xuan X, Arai H, Suzuki H Tags: Am J Clin Nutr Source Type: journals

Propulsion of African trypanosomes is driven by bihelical waves with alternating chirality separated by kinks [Biophysics_And_Computational_Biology]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Trypanosoma brucei, a parasitic protist with a single flagellum, is the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. Propulsion of T.... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - November 17, 2009 Category: Science Authors: Rodriguez, J. A., Lopez, M. A., Thayer, M. C., Zhao, Y., Oberholzer, M., Chang, D. D., Kisalu, N. K., Penichet, M. L., Helguera, G., Bruinsma, R., Hill, K. L., Miao, J. Tags: Biophysics_And_Computational_Biology Source Type: journals

IRIS International's Sample Processing Division Enters Veterinary Ova and Parasite Detection Market With New Novel Sample Processing KitEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IRIS International, Inc. (Nasdaq:IRIS), a leading manufacturer and marketer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and consumables for use in hospitals and commercial laboratories worldwide, today announced that its Sample Processing Division has initiated shipments of its new StatSpin(R) OvaTube(TM) System for use in veterinary hospitals, clinics and reference laboratories to process fecal samples for the detection of ova and parasites. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))
Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) - November 17, 2009 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Study Shows Link Between Influenza Virus And FeverEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Viruses are microscopically sized parasites. They plant their genes in the cells of their victim in order to 'reprogram' them. The infected cells then no longer produce what they need to live, making lots of new viruses instead. Luckily, in most cases this hostile takeover does not go unnoticed. This is ensured by the cells' own sensors that recognise alien genetic material. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - November 17, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Study Shows Link Between Influenza Virus And FeverEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Viruses are microscopically sized parasites. They plant their genes in the cells of their victim in order to 'reprogram' them. The infected cells then no longer produce what they need to live, making lots of new viruses instead. Luckily, in most cases this hostile takeover does not go unnoticed. This is ensured by the cells' own sensors that recognise alien genetic material. One of them is RIG-I. When RIG-I encounters virus genes, it ensures that the body releases interferon. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)
Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today - November 17, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Pet-Health-Pro.ComEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
is a veterinary pet health information resource produced by Dr Ellen Schmidt, a veterinarian with a special interest in veterinary acupuncture and complementary veterinary pet and dog health. Aimed at pet owners this site focuses on general and alternative veterinary medicine, and resources available include downloadable acupuncture and acupressure charts, information on acupuncture meridians, canine dental care, control of feline parasites, and pain relief for dogs and cats. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)
Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway - November 17, 2009 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: organizations

Distribution of Brugia malayi larvae and DNA in vector and non-vector mosquitoes: implications for molecular diagnosticsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: This study provides new information on the distribution of filarial parasites and parasite DNA in vector and non-vector mosquitoes. This information should be useful for those involved in designing and interpreting molecular xenomonitoring studies. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Source: Parasites and Vectors - November 17, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sara EricksonKerstin FischerGary WeilBruce ChristensenPeter Fischer Source Type: journals

[Research Article] Trypanosoma cruzi Targets Akt in Host Cells as an Intracellular Anti-Apoptotic StrategyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A surface protein of the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi directly interacts with Akt to protect infected cells from pro-apoptotic stimuli. (Source: Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment)
Source: Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment - November 17, 2009 Category: Science Authors: Marina V. Chuenkova and Mercio PereiraPerrin Source Type: info

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor expression induction on neonatal CD8(+) T cells in vitro and following congenital infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-specific inhibitory natural killer receptors (iNKRs) are expressed by subsets of T cells but the mechanisms inducing their expression are poorly understood, particularly for killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). The iNKRs are virtually absent from the surface of cord blood T cells but we found that KIR expression could be induced upon interleukin-2 stimulation in vitro. In addition, KIR expression was enhanced after treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, suggesting a role for DNA methylation. In vivo induction of KIR expression on cord blood T cells was also ob...
Source: Immunology - November 17, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Hermann E, Berthe A, Truyens C, Alonso-Vega C, Parrado R, Torrico F, Carlier Y, Braud VM Tags: Immunology Source Type: journals

Cryptosporidium parvum Induces B7‐H1 Expression in Cholangiocytes by Down‐Regulating MicroRNA‐513Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report here that the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum induced B7‐H1 expression in cultured human cholangiocytes. Induced expression of B7‐H1 was identified in cells after exposure to infective C. parvum parasite or parasite lysate. Interestingly, the level of microRNA‐513 (miR‐513) was reduced in cells after exposure to C. parvum, which resulted in a relief of 3′ untranslated region–mediated translational suppression of B7‐H1. Overexpression of miR‐513 through transfection of miR‐513 precursor inhibited C. parvum–induced B7‐H1 protein expression. Moreover, enhanced apoptotic cell death was...
Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue - November 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: article MAJOR ARTICLE Source Type: journals

Non-invasive Methods To Detect Schistosome-based Bladder Cancer: Is The Association Sufficient For Epidemiological Use?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
UroToday.com - Urinary schistosomiasis caused by the trematode parasite Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in most of Africa. This infection is one of the world's great neglected diseases and it is a known carcinogen. The parasite is long lived, and causes sustained inflammation in the vesicular veins where the adults live for as long a 10 or 12 years. (Source: Urology / Nephrology News From Medical News Today)
Source: Urology / Nephrology News From Medical News Today - November 16, 2009 Category: Urology & Nephrology Tags: Urology / Nephrology Source Type: news

Non-invasive Methods To Detect Schistosome-based Bladder Cancer: Is The Association Sufficient For Epidemiological Use?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
UroToday.com - Urinary schistosomiasis caused by the trematode parasite Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in most of Africa. This infection is one of the world's great neglected diseases and it is a known carcinogen. The parasite is long lived, and causes sustained inflammation in the vesicular veins where the adults live for as long a 10 or 12 years. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - November 16, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Urology / Nephrology Source Type: news

TIME Examines Efforts To Combat Malaria Resistance Along Thai-Cambodia BorderEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
TIME reports on evidence along the Thai-Cambodia border that the malaria parasite is gaining resistance to artemisinin - "the only remaining effective drug in the world's arsenal against malaria's most deadly strain. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - November 16, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Tropical Diseases Source Type: news

TIME Examines Efforts To Combat Malaria Resistance Along Thai-Cambodia BorderEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
TIME reports on evidence along the Thai-Cambodia border that the malaria parasite is gaining resistance to artemisinin - "the only remaining effective drug in the world's arsenal against malaria's most deadly strain. (Source: Tropical Diseases News From Medical News Today)
Source: Tropical Diseases News From Medical News Today - November 16, 2009 Category: Tropical Medicine Tags: Tropical Diseases Source Type: news

Analysis of expressed sequence tags and identification of genes encoding cell-wall-degrading enzymes from the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenaeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: We have described at least 2214 putative genes in A. avenae and identified a set of genes encoding a range of cell wall degrading enzymes. This EST dataset represents a starting point for studies in a number of different fundamental and applied areas. The presence of genes encoding a battery of cell-wall-degrading enzymes in A. avenae and their similarities with the genes from other plant parasitic nematodes suggest that this nematode can act not only as a fungal feeder but also a plant parasite. Further studies on genes encoding cell-wall-degrading enzymes in A. avenae will accelerate our understanding of the ...
Source: BMC Genomics - Latest articles - November 16, 2009 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Nurul KarimJohn JonesHiroaki OkadaTaisei Kikuchi Source Type: journals

Preliminary study on temporal variations in biting activity of Simulium damnosum s.l. in Abeokuta North LGA, Ogun State NigeriaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: The results from this study showed that both the forest and the savannah dwelling groups of S. damnosum s.l. were caught biting in the study area. This could have implications on the transmission and epidemiology of human onchocerciasis if not monitored. (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Source: Parasites and Vectors - November 16, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Akinola OluwoleUwem EkpoChiedu MafianaClement AdeofunOlufunmilayo Idowu Source Type: journals

Geographic genetic differentiation of a malaria parasite, plasmodium mexicanum, and its lizard host, sceloporus occidentalis.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We examined genetic differentiation of the malaria parasite P. mexicanum, and its lizard host, Sceloporus occidentalis, at 8 sites in northern California using variable microsatellite markers for both species. These lizards are small, and highly territorial, so we expected local genetic differentiation of both parasite and lizard. Populations of P. mexicanum were found to be differentiated by analysis of 5 markers (Fst values > 0.05 - 0.10) over distances as short as 230 - 400 m, and greatly differentiated (Fst values > 0.25) for sites separated by ~10 km. In contrast, the lizard host had no, or very low, levels of d...
Source: The Journal of Parasitology - November 16, 2009 Category: Parasitology Authors: Fricke JM, Vardo-Zalik AM, Schall JJ Tags: J Parasitol Source Type: journals

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of dirofilaria ursi (nematoda: filarioidea) from wisconsin black bears (ursus americanus) and its wolbachia endosymbiont.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF DIROFILARIA URSI (NEMATODA: FILARIOIDEA) FROM WISCONSIN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) AND ITS WOLBACHIA ENDOSYMBIONT. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 16;:1 Authors: Michalski S, Bain O, Fischer K, Fischer P, Kumar S, Foster J Dirofilaria ursi is a filarial nematode of American black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) that is vectored by black flies (Simuliidae) in many parts of the United States. In northwestern Wisconsin, the prevalence of microfilaremic bears during the fall hunting season was 21% (n=47). Unsheathed blood microfilariae from Wisconsin bears possess charact...
Source: The Journal of Parasitology - November 16, 2009 Category: Parasitology Authors: Michalski S, Bain O, Fischer K, Fischer P, Kumar S, Foster J Tags: J Parasitol Source Type: journals

High Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis Among School Children in Rural Côte d'Ivoire.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
High Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis Among School Children in Rural Côte d'Ivoire. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 16;:1 Authors: Glinz D, N'guessan NA, Utzinger J, N'goran EK Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out in rural Côte d'Ivoire, the first in 5 primary schools in the Lake Taabo area, and the second one in the primary school of Azaguié-IRFA. Overall, 251 school children were screened for Strongyloides stercoralis using either the Baermann method, or the Koga agar plate method, or both techniques. The prevalence of S. stercoralis at the unit of the school ranged between 4.0% and 48%. B...
Source: The Journal of Parasitology - November 16, 2009 Category: Parasitology Authors: Glinz D, N'guessan NA, Utzinger J, N'goran EK Tags: J Parasitol Source Type: journals

Deadly parasitic disease hits SudanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
KHARTOUM, Sudan, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Cases of kala azar, a potentially fatal type of parasitic infection, have risen to epidemic levels in southern Sudan, medical workers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Source: Health News - UPI.com - November 14, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Characteristics of the smallholder free-range pig production system in western KenyaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the production system was characterized as low-input with an income objective. Future research and development approaches should focus on the integration of free-range farmers into the country’s market chains through access to extension services. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11250-009-9500-yAuthors John M. Kagira, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI P.O. Box 362 Kikuyu KenyaPaul W. N. Kanyari, University of Nairobi Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine P.O. Box 29053 Kabete via Nairobi KenyaNdicho Maingi, University of Nairob...
Source: Tropical Animal Health and Production - November 14, 2009 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Tropical Animal Health and Production Source Type: journals

Personalized management of patients with inoperable alveolar echinococcosis undergoing treatment with albendazole: usefulness of positron-emission-tomography combined with serological and computed tomography follow-upEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Clin Microbiol Infect The present study aimed to identify a sub-group of inoperable alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients undergoing long-term treatment with benzimidazole (BZM) who presented with an evolution suggestive of a parasitocidal effect. An evolution compatible with parasite death was observed in five patients. (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - November 14, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: J. Crouzet, F. Grenouillet, E. Delabrousse, O. Blagosklonov, T. Thevenot, V. Di Martino, R. Piarroux, G. A. Mantion, S. Bresson-Hadni Source Type: journals

Antiplasmodial activity of quinones: roles of aziridinyl substituents and the inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum glutathione reductase.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Although quinones have been the subject of great interest as possible antimalarial agents, the mechanism of their antimalarial activity is poorly understood. Flavoenzyme electrontransferase-catalyzed redox cycling of quinones, and their inhibition of the antioxidant flavoenzyme glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.8.1.7) have been proposed as possible mechanisms. Here, we have examined the activity of a number of quinones, including the novel antitumour agent RH1, against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum strain FcB1 in vitro, their single-electron reduction rates by P. falciparum ferredoxin:NADP(+) reductase (PfFN...
Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics - November 14, 2009 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Grellier P, Marozienė A, Nivinskas H, Sarlauskas J, Aliverti A, Cėnas N Tags: Arch Biochem Biophys Source Type: journals

Pathogen Dose Infectivity Curves as a Method to Analyze the Distribution of Host Susceptibility: A Quantitative Assessment of Maternal Effects after Food Stress and Pathogen ExposureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Abstract: Stress conditions have been found to change the susceptibility of hosts or their offspring to infection. The usual method of testing at just one parasite dose level does not allow conclusions on the distribution of susceptibility. To better understand the epidemiology and evolution of host‐parasite systems, however, knowledge about the distribution of host susceptibility, the parameters that characterize it, and how it changes in response to environmental conditions is required. We investigated transgenerational effects of different st...
Source: The American Naturalist - November 13, 2009 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: journals

Identification of a Parasitic Immunomodulatory Protein Triggering the Development of Suppressive M1 Macrophages during African TrypanosomiasisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report the identification of a novel putative Trypanosoma brucei M1 cell–triggering protein. The recombinant trypanosome‐suppressive immunomodulating factor (rTSIF) induced TNF and NO secretion by macrophages. Moreover, M1 cells triggered by rTSIF block T cell proliferation in a manner dependent on NO, interferon γ, and cell contact. Furthermore, rTSIF could down‐regulate type 2–oriented immune responses. Therefore, trypanosome‐suppressive immunomodulating factor (TSIF) may represent a new parasite molecule with the potential to modulate the host immune network, whereby it could contribute to the inflammatory...
Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: article MAJOR ARTICLE Source Type: journals

Squashing Malaria: Advances in Research and Prevention [Slide Show]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Despite having been subdued in many parts of the world by the 1970s, malaria --and the mosquitoes that spread it--has come back in force, now killing at least a million people worldwide each year. An efficient illness, the parasite has become largely resistant to the popular drug chloroquine, and many mosquitoes have similarly developed resistance to the pesticide DDT. Most of its casualties are children, and of the hundreds of millions who survive the disease, many are left disabled and vulnerable to reinfection from the parasite's liver-dwelling cells. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - November 13, 2009 Category: Science Tags: Biology,Health & Medicine,Society Policy,Everyday Science,Biotechnology,Biotechnology,Infectious Diseases Source Type: journals

Squashing Malaria: Advances in Research and Prevention [Slide Show]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Despite having been subdued in many parts of the world by the 1970s, malaria --and the mosquitoes that spread it--has come back in force, now killing at least a million people worldwide each year. An efficient illness, the parasite has become largely resistant to the popular drug chloroquine, and many mosquitoes have similarly developed resistance to the pesticide DDT. Most of its casualties are children, and of the hundreds of millions who survive the disease, many are left disabled and vulnerable to reinfection from the parasite's liver-dwelling cells. [More] (Source: Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology)
Source: Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology - November 13, 2009 Category: Biotechnology Tags: Biology,Health & Medicine,Society Policy,Everyday Science,Biotechnology,Biotechnology,Infectious Diseases Source Type: info

Potential role of chitinase 3-like-1 in inflammation-associated carcinogenic changes of epithelial cells.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The family of mammalian chitinases includes members both with and without glycohydrolase enzymatic activity against chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. Chitin is the structural component of fungi, crustaceans, insects and parasitic nematodes, but is completely absent in mammals. Exposure to antigens containing chitin- or chitin-like structures sometimes induces strong T helper type-I responses in mammals, which may be associated with the induction of mammalian chitinases. Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), a member of the mammalian chitinase family, is induced specifically during the course of inflammation in such diso...
Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG - November 13, 2009 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Eurich K, Segawa M, Toei-Shimizu S, Mizoguchi E Tags: World J Gastroenterol Source Type: journals

Sensitive Detection and Quantification of Anisakid Parasite Residues in Food ProductsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Foodborne Pathogens and Disease)
Source: Foodborne Pathogens and Disease - November 13, 2009 Category: Food Science Tags: article Source Type: journals

Epidemiological Survey on Equine Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infections in Italy and Molecular Characterization of IsolatesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, excretion patterns and risk factors related to the faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in horses and the zoonotic potential of species/genotypes isolated. The survey was performed on 120 foals and 30 broodmares reared in five Italian farms. Foals were divided in four homogeneous groups of 30 animals each (age classes: 0[ndash]2, 2[ndash]4, 4[ndash]8, >8 weeks). Three sequential faecal samples were collected from each animal and analysed by three techniques: direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), faecal flotation (FF) and stained faecal smear...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: F. Veronesi, F. Passamonti, S. Cacciò, M. Diaferia, D. Piergili Fioretti Source Type: journals

Rapid spread of male-killing Wolbachia in the butterfly Hypolimnas bolinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Reproductive parasites such as Wolbachia can spread through uninfected host populations by increasing the relative fitness of the infected maternal lineage. However, empirical estimates of how fast this process occurs are limited. Here we use nucleotide sequences of male-killing Wolbachia bacteria and co-inherited mitochondria to address this issue in the island butterfly Hypolimnas bolina. We show that infected specimens scattered throughout the species range harbour the same Wolbachia and mitochondrial DNA as inferred from 6337 bp of the bacterial genome and 2985 bp of the mitochondrial genome, suggesting this strain of ...
Source: Journal of Evolutionary Biology - November 13, 2009 Category: Biology Authors: A. DUPLOUY, G. D. D. HURST, S. L. O'NEILL, S. CHARLAT Source Type: journals