Endometritis in gilts: reproductive data, bacterial culture, histopathology, and infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium

The aim of the present study was to quantify the number of immune cells infiltrated in the endometrium of endometritis gilts. Based on gross morphology, a selected 28 genital organs of endometritis gilts were investigated. The gilts were classified according to the ovarian appearance into three groups, i.e. follicular, luteal, and ovarian quiescent phases. Historical data, reason for culling, histopathology, bacterial identification, and number and type of immune cells in different layers of the endometrium were examined. The gilts were culled at 336 ± 63 days of age at a body weight of 142 ± 20 kg. The culling reasons included abnormal vaginal discharge (n = 10), repeat breeding (n = 6), anestrus (n = 6), abortion (n = 4), and not pregnant (n = 2). Bacteria identified from pus exudates included Escherichia coli (33.3%), Staphylococcus sp. (17.5%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. (14.3%), and β-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. (9.5%). Neutrophils were the most common immune cells in the epithelial and subepithelial tissue layers of the endometrium, while lymphocytes were the most common immune cells in the glandular layer. Neutrophils in the epithelial and subepithelial layers of the endometrium in the luteal phase were lower than in the follicular and ovarian quiescent phase. During the acute stage, neutrophils were the most common immune cells in the endometrium, while during the chronic stages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils were the dominant immune cells. In conclusion, the number and type of immune cells in the endometrium of the endometritis gilts varied according to both the reproductive cycles and the stage of endometritis. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils indicate stages and the severity of endometritis.     

Association between serum cortisol and progesterone concentrations and the infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium of gilts with vaginal discharge

The objective of the study was to investigate an association between serum cortisol and progesterone (P₄) concentrations and the distribution of immune cells in the endometrium of the gilts with vaginal discharge. Genital organs from 39 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred gilts culled owing to vaginal discharge problem were collected from two commercial swine herds in Thailand. The estrous stage and gross pathology were examined. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein prior to being slaughtered. Serum P₄ and cortisol were analyzed by means of enzyme immunoassay. The samples observed were in inactive (n = 4), follicular (n = 10), and luteal (n = 25) phases. They, afterwards, were processed in hematoxylin and eosin sections. The endometrium of the gilts was histologically divided into three layers, i.e., epithelial, subepithelial connective tissue, and glandular connective tissue layers. Immune cells, i.e., lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and plasma cells, in each layer were quantified under a light microscope (×400). The results revealed that mean serum cortisol was 430.6 ± 68.3 nmol/l. Serum P₄ varied by ovarian status. Serum P₄ of the gilts in the luteal phase was higher than those in the follicular phase (88.3 ± 7.7 versus 20.6 ± 6.2 nmol/l, P < 0.05). As for the endometrium condition, the gilts were classified into acute/subacute endometritis (n = 13), chronic endometritis (n = 9), and normal endometrium (n = 17). Neutrophils were the main local immune cells in the epithelial layer. Lymphocytes were the dominant population in the subepithelial and glandular connective tissue layers. Generally, the serum cortisol tended to negatively correlate with lymphocytes in the subepithelial connective tissue layer (r = −0.28, P = 0.081). In the gilts with acute/subacute endometritis, no correlation among serum cortisol, P₄, and immune cells was observed. In chronic endometritis gilts, only a negative correlation was remarked between P₄ and epithelial lymphocytes (r = −0.83, P = 0.010), epithelial neutrophils (r = −0.79, P = 0.019), and subepithelial neutrophils (r = −0.73, P = 0.025). In the gilts with normal endometrium, P₄ negatively correlated with subepithelial neutrophils (r = −0.55, P = 0.022) while positively correlated with subepithelial macrophages (r = 0.54, P = 0.024) and subepithelial eosinophils (r = 0.60, P = 0.011).     

The role of cattle in the epidemiology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinococcus granulosus</Emphasis> in an endemic area of southern Italy

An epidemiological and molecular survey was conducted to investigate the role of cattle in the transmission chain of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Campania region of southern Italy. Out of a total of 434 cattle examined for CE, 45 (10.4%) were found infected. A total of 363 cysts were collected from the infected animals: 239 in the liver and 124 in the lungs. The cysts were either sterile (42.7%) or calcified/caseous (57.3%); no fertile cysts were found. Most of the cysts had sizes <3 cm (77.1%) and were unilocular (78.8%). The results of the linear regression model did not show any significant correlation between the age of infected cattle and the number of cysts. The sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene of 40 hydatid cysts produced sequences of 419 bp for each sample analyzed. Alignment of the obtained sequences with those present in GenBank showed 100% identity with the common sheep G1 (n = 21 cysts), the Tasmanian sheep G2 (n = 2 cysts), and the buffalo G3 (n = 17 cysts) strains, which constitute the species Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. The findings reported in the present study show that CE is widespread in cattle bred in the Campania region of southern Italy. However, the absence of fertile cysts and of the cattle strain (G5, E. ortleppi) suggests that cattle would not have any role in the persistence of this important zoonosis but rather a role as indicators of CE infection in this endemic area.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus</Emphasis> infection in lung transplant patients: incidence and prognosis

Lung transplant recipients experience a particularly high incidence of Aspergillus infection in comparison with other solid-organ transplantations. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Aspergillus colonisation and invasive aspergillosis, and the impact on long-term survival associated with Aspergillus infection. A retrospective study of 362 consecutive lung transplant patients from a single national centre who were transplanted 1992–2003 were studied. Twenty-seven patients were excluded due to incomplete or missing files. A total of 105/335 (31%) patients had evidence of Aspergillus infection (colonisation or invasion), including 83 (25%) patients with colonisation and 22 (6%) patients with radiographic or histological evidence of invasive disease. Most of the infections occurred within the first 3 months after transplantation. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients had higher incidences of colonisation and invasive disease [15 (42%) and 4 (11%) of 36 patients] than non-CF patients [68 (23%) and 18 (6%) of 299 patients] (P = 0.01). Invasive aspergillosis was associated with 58% mortality after 2 years, whereas colonisation was not associated with early increased mortality but was associated with increased mortality after 5 years compared to non-infected patients (P < 0.05). An analysis of demographic factors showed that donor age [OR 1.40 per decade (95% CI 1.10-1.80)], ischaemia time [OR 1.17 per hour increase (95% CI 1.01–1.39)], and use of daclizumab versus polyclonal induction [OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.14–3.75)] were independent risk factors for Aspergillus infection. Invasive aspergillosis was associated with early and high mortality in lung transplant patients. Colonisation with Aspergillus was also associated with a significant increase in mortality after 5 years. CF patients have a higher incidence of Aspergillus infection than non-CF patients.     

Impact of multi-drug-resistant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acinetobacter baumannii</Emphasis> on clinical outcomes

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study to examine the impact of isolation of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii on patient outcomes. Cases from whom MDR A. baumannii was isolated in a clinical culture (n = 118) were compared with controls from whom MDR A. baumannii was not isolated (n = 118). Cases and controls were matched according to ward, calendar month of hospitalization, and duration of hospitalization before culture. The following outcomes were compared in multivariable analysis: in-hospital mortality, length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, and functional status at discharge. MDR A. baumannii was determined to be a pathogen in 72% of cases. In 36% of cases, the patient died, versus 21% of controls (odds ratio [OR] 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–4.16, P = 0.014). Median length of stay for surviving cases was 17 days, versus 11 for surviving controls (multiplicative effect 1.55, 95% CI 0.99–2.44, P = 0.057). Fifty-two percent of cases required mechanical ventilation, versus 25% of controls (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.91–7.25, P<0.001); 60% of surviving cases were discharged with reduced functional status, versus 38% of controls (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.66–11.61, P = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, clinical isolation of MDR A. baumannii remained a significant predictor of mortality (OR 6.23, 95% CI 1.31–29.5, P = 0.021), need for mechanical ventilation (OR 7.34, 95% CI 2.24–24.0, P<0.001), and reduced functional status on discharge (OR 7.93, 95% CI 1.1–56.85, P = 0.039). Thus, MDR A. baumannii acquisition is associated with severe adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and reduced functional status.     

HLA class II alleles: susceptibility or resistance to cystic echinococcosis in Yemeni patients

This is the first study dealing with the association between HLA alleles and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Yemeni patients. The present study aimed to detect the association of HLA-DRB₁ alleles and susceptibility or resistance to CE in Yemeni patients by HLA-DRB₁ typing; first by HLA-DRB₁ amplification using PCR then using the allele-specific probing technique based on the reverse hybridization principle. This case–control study was carried out on 66 unrelated patients with confirmed CE and 66 apparently healthy individuals. The association of class II HLA-DRB alleles was examined in the patients with CE and compared with control subjects. Frequency of HLA-DR16 allele was 18.2% among patients and was statistically significant (higher) than in the control group [3%; odds ratio (OR) = 6.5, χ ² = 7.1, P = 0.011]. Frequencies of HLA-DR1, DR8, and DR52 alleles were decreased in the patient group (0.0%, 0.0%, and 56%, respectively) than in the control group (19.7%, 9.1%, and 74.2%, respectively) (OR = 0.0, 0.0, 0.443 and P < 0.0001, 0.04, 0.05, respectively). HLA-DR16 allele was found to be statistically positively associated with the occurrence of isolated hepatic CE, single cysts, and cysts >5 cm in size. In contrast, HLA-DR1 and DR52 alleles were found to be statistically negatively associated with the occurrence of isolated hepatic CE. This study demonstrates that susceptibility to CE in Yemeni patients is statistically significantly associated with the HLA-DR16 allele and resistance to CE is statistically significantly associated with HLA-DR1, DR8, and DR52 alleles. Thus, this study has identified that carriers of HLA-DR16 are at high risk for CE, so appropriate preventive measures and quick and careful treatment should be applied to those patients.     

Phenotypic analysis of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations in hydatid patients

Peripheral T-lymphocytes were analyzed in three groups of people: (1) individuals with current liver hydatid disease (hydatid patients, n = 20), (2) persons who had undergone surgical cyst removal at least 2 years previously (recovered patients, n = 9), and (3) a control group of healthy volunteers (uninfected controls, n = 13). Group 1 was subdivided according to cyst status, relapse of disease, and the presence or absence of symptoms. Percentages of lymphocytes expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD25, CD45RA, CD45RO, and HLA-DR were determined. Symptomatic patients had proportionally fewer CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes than the control group (P=0.038). Hydatid patients with active cysts had proportionally more natural killer cells (CD56+ CD8−) than the control group (P = 0.028). Received: 31 May 1999 / Accepted: 8 May 1999     

Influence of tracheostomy on the incidence of central venous catheter-related bacteremia

Although there are many studies on catheter-related infection, there are scarce data about the influence of tracheostomy in the incidence of central venous catheter-related bacteremia (CRB). In this cohort study, we found a higher incidence of CRB in patients with tracheostomy than without (11.25 vs. 1.43 per 1,000 catheter-days; odds ratio [OR] = 7.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.38–infinite; P < 0.001). Besides, we found a higher incidence of CRB in patients with tracheostomy using the jugular access compared to subclavian access (21.64 vs. 5.11 per 1,000 catheter-days; OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.44–infinite; P = 0.0097).     

Nephropathia epidemica and leptospirosis in Champagne-Ardenne,France: comparison of clinical,biological and epidemiological profiles

In the present retrospective study, we described a series of 45 non-icteric leptospirosis and 44 nephropathia epidemica (NE) patients diagnosed in the northeast of France from 1995 to 2005 and compared their clinical picture and laboratory parameters, as well as some epidemiological data. Loin pain (P < 0.001), abdominal pains (P = 0.007), rise of blood pressure (P < 0.001) and pharyngitis (P = 0.01) were more frequently found in NE patients. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) (P = 0,006), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (P < 0.0001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.0001) were higher in leptospirosis, whereas creatinine (P = 0.009) was higher in NE. Leptospirosis mainly concerns occupational hazards, e.g. farmers, and leisure activities like swimming, and NE concerns professional foresters or leisure activities in the forest and the cleaning of attics. During hospitalisation, patients receiving antibiotics were more frequent among leptospirosis than among NE patients (80% versus 59%, P = 0.06). Among the various common clinical signs, only acute myopia appeared to be a pathognomonic but inconsistently observed clinical sign, which was only observed in 47% of NE cases.     

Pathology of testis and epididymis in native goats in southern Iran

A slaughterhouse-based survey was conducted to determine the type and the prevalence of lesions in the testis and epididymis of native bucks reared in southern Iran. Testis, epididymis, and tunica, which belonged to 425 bucks of various age groups, were inspected. The specimens were collected randomly during a 6-month period. Various abnormalities in testis and the epididymis were observed. Grossly, testicular mineralization was the most prevalent abnormality (n = 183, 45%) followed by degeneration or hypoplasia (n = 26, 6.4%), adhesion (n = 20, 4.9%), cryptorchidism (n = 12, 2.9%), congenital testicular cyst (n = 9, 2.2%), abscess (n = 4, 0.9%), and orchitis (n = 1, 0.2%). As the age of the bucks increased, the percentages of mineralization increased significantly (p < 0.05). Based on the results of the gross examination, congenital epididymal cysts were the most prevalent abnormality (n = 57, 14.4%) then followed by epididymal abscess (n = 12, 2.9%), melanosis (n = 10, 2.5%), and epididymitis (n = 3, 0.7%). Congenital epididymal cysts, 1 to 2 mm in diameter, were mostly located on the head of the epididymis. On histopathological examination, mineralization showed the highest prevalence rate in testis followed by hypoplasia and degeneration, besnoitiosis, orchitis, and edema. Besnoitiosis was also the predominant lesion in the head and tail of the epididymis followed by epididymitis, hypoplasia or degeneration, melanosis, and sperm granuloma. Besnoitia cysts were found in 11.3% of the testes, 14.1% of the epididymal heads, and 7.5% of the epididymal tails.     

Effects of acute <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plasmodium falciparum</Emphasis> malaria on body weight in children in an endemic area

The impacts of acute falciparum malaria on body weight and the host and parasite factors predictive of change in body weight were characterized in 465 prospectively studied children in an endemic area of southwest Nigeria. Pre-treatment weights were significantly lower than the 14 to 28-day post-treatment weights (P = 0.0001). In 187 children, fractional fall in body weight (FFBW) exceeded 4.9%. FFBW correlated negatively with age and body weight (P = 0.014 and 0.0001, respectively), but not with enrolment parasitaemia. In a multiple regression model, an age ≤5 years (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.2–3.2, P = 0.003), a hematocrit ≤29% (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.3, P = 0.037), and a body weight ≤9.6 kg (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.7–20, P = 0.003) were independent predictors of FFBW ≥5% at presentation. Children who, after initial clearance, had recurrence of their parasitaemia within 28 days had a significantly higher propensity not to gain weight than children who were aparasitaemic after treatment (log-rank statistic 6.76, df = 1, P = 0.009). These results indicate that acute malaria contribute to sub-optimal growth in young children and may have implications for malaria control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.     

Effect of anabolic/androgenic steroids on myosin heavy chain expression in hindlimb muscles of male rats

We have examined the effect of male sex hormones on the myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. Young male adult Wistar rats were treated over a 25-day period with either oil (CON, n = 8), nandrolone (nortestosterone decanoate, NAN, n = 8), nandrolone combined with endurance exercise (treadmill running, NAN+EXE, n = 8), or were castrated (CAS, n = 8). The MHC composition of the soleus and EDL muscles was measured by electrophoresis. Castration and treatment with nandrolone had no effect (P > 0.05) on the relative levels of MHC in the soleus and EDL. In contrast, in NAN+EXE rats, the relative level of MHC-1 increased [slow isoform; mean (SD) 97.6 (4.7)% in NAN+EXE rats, versus 86.5 (7.5)% in CON rats] and MHC-2a decreased [fast isoform; 2.4 (4.7)% in NAN+EXE, versus 13.5 (7.5)% in CON rats], only in the soleus (P < 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that endogenous anabolic/androgenic steroids are not essential for the maintenance of the MHC expression of fast- and slow-twitch muscles in the young adult male rat. In addition, nandrolone combined with endurance exercise induced a shift from a fast to a slower MHC phenotype of the slow-twitch muscle. Accepted: 27 July 1999     

In vitro phagocytosis of Giardia duodenalis cysts by hemocytes of the Asian freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea

Hemocytes of the Asian freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea, phagocytosed in vitro infectious Giardia duodenalis cysts. After 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of incubation an average of 22%, 32%, 43%, 54%, and 72% of the cysts were phagocytosed by 22%, 55%, 63%, 81%, and 86% of the hemocytes, respectively. The number of hemocytes showing phagocytosis and the mean number of cysts ingested per hemocyte increased␣significantly over time (P < 0.01); the numbers of nonphagocytosed cysts significantly decreased (P < 0.02). Extrapolation reveals that C. fluminea can retain by phagocytosis an average of 1.6 × 10⁶ G. duodenalis cysts/ml hemolymph. The phagocytic capacity of C. fluminea hemocytes indicates the applicability of this freshwater benthic bivalve for bioindication of contamination of waste waters and agricultural drainage with Giardia cysts. Received: 28 March 1997 / Accepted: 6 June 1997     

Thrice-Weekly Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine for Maintenance Therapy of Toxoplasmic Encephalitis in HIV-Infected Patients

 An open, randomised, multicentre trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of thrice-weekly versus daily therapy with sulfadiazine-pyrimethamine in the prevention of relapses of toxoplasmic encephalitis in HIV-infected patients. Between February 1994 and July 1997, 124 patients with HIV infection were enrolled after resolution of the first acute episode of toxoplasmic encephalitis treated with sulfadiazine-pyrimethamine. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a daily regimen consisting of sulfadiazine (1 g) twice a day plus 25 mg pyrimethamine and 15 mg folinic acid daily (n=58), or a thrice-weekly regimen consisting of the same doses of sulfadiazine and folinic acid plus 50 mg pyrimethamine (n=66). After a median follow-up period of 11 months (range 1–39 months), no differences were found in the incidence of toxoplasmic encephalitis relapses between the groups, there being 14.9 episodes per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 2.8–20.2) in the daily-regimen group versus 14.1 episodes (95% CI: 2.3–17.2) in the intermittent-regimen group. The estimated cumulative percentages of relapse at 12 months were 17% and 19%, respectively (P=0.91). In a Cox multivariate analysis, not taking antiretroviral therapy was the only variable independently associated with relapse (adjusted risk ratio: 4.08; 95%CI: 1.32–12.66). Baseline CD4+ cell counts, prior AIDS, mental status, sequelae and allocated maintenance therapy regimen were not independent predictors of relapse. No differences were observed in the survival rate (P=0.42), or in the incidence of severe adverse effects (P=0.79). The efficacy of the thrice-weekly regimen was similar to that of the daily regimen in the prevention of relapses of toxoplasmic encephalitis. Administration of antiretroviral therapy was the only factor associated with a lower incidence of relapse.     

Seroprevalence and sources of Toxoplasma infection among indigenous and immigrant pregnant women in Taiwan

Investigation on seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among indigenous and immigrant pregnant women in Mid-Taiwan showed that anti Taxoplasma-specific IgG antibody counts were significantly higher in indigenes (40.6%) than in immigrants (18.2%), with an odds ratio of OR = 3.34 (95% CI: 1.93–4.80). The titre of Taxoplasma-specific IgG was also significantly higher in indigenes than in immigrants (P < 0.001). Differences of living styles for Toxoplasma infection between the two groups were drinking untreated water (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.36–4.02), consumption of raw/undercooked meats (OR = 10.11 95% CI: 4.92–20.78), especially raw/undercooked pork (P = 0.000), or raw/undercooked viscera (OR = 9.16, 95% CI: 2.97–27.94), contact with cats (OR = 5.69, 95% CI: 2.83–11.47), or soil (OR = 2.55 95% CI: 1.72–3.80). Differences of risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in terms of positive IgG in the two groups were consumption of raw/undercooked meats (P = 0.005) especially raw/undercooked pork (P = 0.004), and contact with cats (P = 0.013) or soil (P = 0.028). It is concluded that seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection is higher in indigenous pregnant women and related to their living styles. To prevent congenital toxoplasmosis, health education seems required.     

The epidemiology of extraintestinal non-typhoid Salmonella in Israel: the effects of patients’ age and sex

Extraintestinal disease occurs in 5–8% of non-typhoid Salmonella enterica (NTS) infections and is more likely to be associated with hospitalization and death. The study examined the epidemiology of extraintestinal NTS infections in Israel and the possible effects of patients’ age and sex. NTS isolates passively submitted to the National Salmonella Reference Center during 1996–2006 were the source for the study cohort. Poisson regression models were used to assess incidence trends over the study years and to evaluate the effects of patients’ age and sex on the incidence of extraintestinal NTS manifestations. A total of 36,822 stool and 1,415 (3.7%) patient-unique NTS isolates from blood (74.1%), urine (18.3%), and other sources (3.7%) were studied. Serotypes Enteritidis, Virchow, and Typhimurium accounted for 66.3% of the isolates. Analysis showed a highly significant quadratic (U-shaped) relationship between patients’ age and the incidence of extraintestinal isolation (p < 0.001), with increasing risk in the two extremes of age. Differences between the incidence of blood and urine sources were significant in patients <10 and ≥60 years old (relative risk [RR] = 5.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.36–10.30, p < 0.001 and RR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.09–2.53, p = 0.017, respectively). Males ≥60 years of age were more likely than females of the same age to have bacteremia (RR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.39–2.61, p > 0.001) and less likely to have urinary NTS isolation (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.89, p = 0.018). Serotype Virchow had the highest incidence in patients <10 years of age, while serotype Enteritidis had the highest incidence in patients ≥60 years old. The study revealed a complex effect of patients’ age and sex on the epidemiology of extraintestinal NTS manifestations.     

Influence of sympatho-vagal balance on airway responsiveness in athletes

The increased prevalence of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) observed among athletes suggests that high-level training may contribute to the development of AHR. We investigated the possible influence of the sympatho-vagal balance on this phenomenon in 40 athletes and 10 sedentary controls. Each subject filled out a respiratory questionnaire, had a methacholine challenge, and measurements were made of their baseline plasma catecholamines [epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA)] as a reflection of sympathetic tone, and their heart rate variability (SDNN: standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals) as an indicator of parasympathetic tone. The athletes had a 45% prevalence of AHR (defined as PC₂₀ < 16 mg/ml, where PC₂₀ is the concentration of methacholine inducing a 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV₁) with a mean PC₂₀ of 21.2 mg/ml compared with 10% prevalence (mean PC₂₀: 74.4 mg/ml) in sedentary subjects (P < 0.01). Plasma catecholamine values were not significantly different between the two groups (all P > 0.05), but the estimated parasympathetic tone was higher in athletes (P=0.01). When data from all subjects were analyzed together, plasma E and NE correlated with PC₂₀ (r=0.39, P=0.005 and r=0.29, P < 0.005) but DA and SDNN did not (both P > 0.05). However, the ratios E/SDNN, NE/SDNN and DA/SDNN showed significant correlations with PC₂₀ (r=0.42, P < 0.01; r=0.33, P < 0.005 and r=0.31, P < 0.05, respectively). This study suggests that the sympatho-vagal balance may contribute to the increased AHR in the population studied but this influence alone cannot explain the higher prevalence of AHR in athletes. Accepted: 26 July 2000     

LYVE-1 upregulation and lymphatic invasion correlate with adverse prognostic factors and lymph node metastasis in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. The majority of patients have widespread lymphatic and/or haematogenous metastases at diagnosis, but lymphangiogenesis has not been well documented. Sixty-seven NBs were immunostained for the lymphatic endothelial marker, LYVE-1, and the lymphatic density (LD) and lymphatic invasion (LI), were counted in LYVE-1-expressing lymphatics. LYVE-1-stained lymphatic vessels and LI were present in 26/67 (39%) and 14/67 (21%) of the NBs, respectively. Central LD (CLD) and LI were higher in NBs from stage 4 (p = 0.012, p = 0.004, respectively), high-risk group (p = 0.030, p = 0.002), NBs with high mitosis karyorrhexis index (MKI) (p = 0.011, p = 0.005), unfavourable histology group (p = 0.040, p = 0.017) and distant lymph node metastasis (LNM) (p < 0.001 for each). Marginal LD (MLD) was higher in patients with LNM (p < 0.001). CLD and MLD correlated with LI (p < 0.001 each). Total LYVE-1 protein levels, quantified by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 55), were also higher in NBs from patients with stage 4 disease (p = 0.046), high-risk group (p = 0.028), MYCN-amplified NBs (p = 0.034) and LNM (p = 0.038). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the presence of CLD was associated with both worse OS at 5 years (77% [95% CI: 62–87%] versus 60% [95% CI: 32–80%], p = 0.062) and EFS (74% [95% CI: 58–85%] versus 43% [95% CI: 15–69%], p = 0.070) and LI with OS (71% [95% CI: 57–81%] versus 56% [95% CI: 26–78%], p = 0.055). Significant upregulation of LYVE-1 and the presence of LI in patients with stage 4 and high-risk disease, MYCN-amplification and LNM suggests that LYVE-1 may have value as predictors of outcome.     

Outcomes in mice with abdominal angiostrongyliasis treated with enoxaparin

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Parasite-associated thrombosis of mesenteric vessels may lead to intestinal infarction, which might be prevented with anti-thrombotic agents. This study assessed the effect of enoxaparin on survival and pathological findings in Swiss mice with AA. In this experiment, 24 mice were infected with A. costaricensis (10 L3 per animal) followed by treatment with subcutaneous enoxaparin (40 mg/kg/day) or water (sham), starting from 15 days post-infection (dpi) and continued until animal death. Animals were monitored until death or sacrifice at the 50th dpi. Ten mice (42%) were dead after 36 ± 8 dpi. Of these, five (50%) were treated with enoxaparin. Animals treated with enoxaparin and sham did not differ in terms of weight loss (median, 1.3 vs. 4.2 g; P = 0.303) and macroscopical findings. Microscopically, no difference was found in regard to vascular granuloma (median grade, 2 vs. 3; P = 0.293) and presence of either vasculitis (75% vs. 100%; P = 0.217), mesenteric thrombosis (33% vs. 50%; P = 0.680), or bowel necrosis (25% vs. 50%; P = 0.400). Mice dead before the 50th dpi showed more pneumonia (90% vs. 21%; P = 0.002), bowel infarction (40% vs. 0%; P = 0.02), and purulent peritonitis (60% vs. 7%; P = 0.008) compared to survivors. Prophylactic enoxaparin in mice did not prevent tissue damage and mortality related with AA. The lower prevalence of mesenteric thrombosis and bowel infarction regardless of treatment were notorious. Frequent septic complications suggest the need of studies addressing the effect of antibiotics in AA.