Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Mashhad, Iran

One hundred twenty camels were blood-sampled and used to evaluate serological screening for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in Mashhad, Iran, during years 2004–2005. Of the 120 camels, antibodies to N. caninum were found in three in titers of 1:20 and in four in titers of 1:40 using whole N. caninum tachyzoites as IFAT slide (VMRD Inc., Pullman, WA 99163, USA). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in three camels in titers 1:20 and in two camels in titers 1:40 using whole T. gondii tachyzoites as IFAT slide (BIOGENE, Iran).     

Carcinoembryonic antigen as a vaccine target

We seek to understand and harness our immune systems almost to the same degree as we have sought the answers of the universe. It is gratifying to see that we are making progress in this area with the result being evidence of clinical benefit and consistent alterations in the immune response. In this review, we will explore just one aspect of our efforts by focusing on vaccines that target carcinoembryonic antigen.     

Synthesis and characterization of high-throughput nanofabricated poly(4-hydroxy styrene) membranes for in vitro models of barrier tissue

Commercially available permeable supports with microporous membranes have led to significant improvements in the culture of polarized cells because they permit them to feed basolaterally and thus carry out metabolism in a more in vivo-like setting. The porous nature of these membranes enables permeability measurements of drugs or biomolecules across the cellular barrier. However, current porous membranes have a high flow resistance due to great thickness (20-40?μm), low porosity, and a wide pore size distribution with tortuous diffusion paths, which make them low-throughput for permeability studies. Here we describe an alternate platform that is more flexible, allows for more control over physical parameters of the membranes, and is high-throughput. This study reports on the synthesis, nanofabrication, and surface characterization of a 3-μm-thick transparent membrane based on poly(4-hydroxy styrene) (PHOST). The membranes are nanofabricated using electron beam lithography and deep ion plasma etching to achieve an organized array of straight pores from 50 to 800?nm in diameter, with at least 23 times less flow resistance. It also shows for the first time the potential utility of PHOST as a cell culture substrate without cytotoxicity, and suitability for nanofabrication processes due to temperature stability.     

Infection of Anisakids Larvae in Long Tail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) In North Persian Gulf

Background

The aim of this paper was to study the prevalence and intensity of Anisakids larvae in the long tail tuna fish captured from Iranian shores of Persian Gulf.

Methods

Different organs including skin, abdominal cavity, stomach and intestinal contents, stomach sub serous tissues, liver, spleen, gonads and 20 grams of muscles of 100 long tail tuna fish (Thannus tonggol) caught from waters of the north parts of Persian Gulf were searched for anisakid nematodes larvae. Twenty grams of around the body cavity muscles were digested in artificial gastric juice. Different organs and digested muscles were examined with naked eyes for the presence of anisakids larvae. The collected larvae were preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin, and cleared in lactophenol for identification.

Results

Our findings revealed that 89% of fish harbored 3^rd stage larvae of Anisakis sp. of which 2% were infected with both Anisakis and Raphidascaris. All inspected organs except that of skin were found to be infected, while stomach sub serous tissues were the most infected organ (80%) followed by abdominal cavity (10%), liver (4%), testicle (3%), stomach contents and spleen (2%) and intestinal contents (1%). Intestine and abdominal cavity were the organs harbored Raphidascaris sp. Digested muscles were free of parasite. Mean intensity was low for both species and ranged between 1.5 for Raphidascaris sp. and 3.67 for Anisaki sp.

Conclusion

Anisakids larvae especially Anisakis are very prevalent in some fish including tunas of Persian Gulf, and consumption of infected fish if it is not properly cooked may lead to human anisakiasis.     

Molecular Study of Sheep Malignant Theileriosis at Barka Region in the Sultanate of Oman

Background

We used the PCR technique based on the abovementioned primer pair and sequencing to demonstrate the Theileria infection in the sheep samples collected from Sultanate of Oman.

Methods

According to the frame work of “integrated control of ticks and tick borne diseases in globalized world managed by EU-ICTTD-3 project, the samples from blood, liver, spleen, lymph node and lung were sent to the laboratory of Iranian Research Center for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases (IRCTTD). Samples from blood smear and impression smears from liver, spleen, lymph node, and lung were analyzed by Geimsa staining. The DNA was extracted from the abovementioned samples and analyzed by PCR technique using specific primers derived from the nucleotide sequences of 18S rRNA gene of T. lestoquardi, which can amplify the common region in other Theileria and Babesia spp. Subsequently the amplified DNA was sequenced.

Results

The analysis of blood smears of the sheep was negative for piroplasmosis performed through the Giemsa staining. The impression smears prepared from liver, spleen, lymph node, and lung showed suspicious structures mimicking Theileria schizonts in some cells. The results showed an expected PCR product of 428 bp in length, which is specific for Theileria spp. The PCR products were subsequently sequenced. The corresponding nucleotide sequence is registered under accession number {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"JF309152","term_id":"323695911","term_text":"JF309152"}}JF309152 in GenBank. The sequence alignment in GenBank showed that the PCR products had 99% homology to the known T. lestoquardi registered under accession number {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AF081135","term_id":"7576455","term_text":"AF081135"}}AF081135 in the GenBank.

Conclusion

Oman sheep are highly susceptible for Theileria infection and the infected sheep mostly die before the microschizonts or erythrocytic form of Theileria appears in the nucleated or erytrocytic cells respectively.     

Biofunctionalized peptide-based hydrogel as an injectable scaffold for BDNF delivery can improve regeneration after spinal cord injury

Background

The complex pathophysiological events occurring after traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) make this devastating trauma still incurable. Peptide amphiphile (PA) hydrogels are nanobiomaterials displaying desirable properties for application in regenerative medicine because they are absorbable, injectable, allowing biofunctionalization, controlling release of trophic factors and mimic extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we explored the potentiality of the IKVAV-functionalized PA hydrogel to provide a permissive environment for cell migration and growth as well as sustained release of BDNF at the lesion after severe compression injury model.

Extracellular matrix dynamics in cell migration,invasion and tissue morphogenesis

This review describes how direct visualization of the dynamic interactions of cells with different extracellular matrix microenvironments can provide novel insights into complex biological processes. Recent studies have moved characterization of cell migration and invasion from classical 2D culture systems into 1D and 3D model systems, revealing multiple differences in mechanisms of cell adhesion, migration and signalling—even though cells in 3D can still display prominent focal adhesions. Myosin II restrains cell migration speed in 2D culture but is often essential for effective 3D migration. 3D cell migration modes can switch between lamellipodial, lobopodial and/or amoeboid depending on the local matrix environment. For example, “nuclear piston” migration can be switched off by local proteolysis, and proteolytic invadopodia can be induced by a high density of fibrillar matrix. Particularly, complex remodelling of both extracellular matrix and tissues occurs during morphogenesis. Extracellular matrix supports self‐assembly of embryonic tissues, but it must also be locally actively remodelled. For example, surprisingly focal remodelling of the basement membrane occurs during branching morphogenesis—numerous tiny perforations generated by proteolysis and actomyosin contractility produce a microscopically porous, flexible basement membrane meshwork for tissue expansion. Cells extend highly active blebs or protrusions towards the surrounding mesenchyme through these perforations. Concurrently, the entire basement membrane undergoes translocation in a direction opposite to bud expansion. Underlying this slowly moving 2D basement membrane translocation are highly dynamic individual cell movements. We conclude this review by describing a variety of exciting research opportunities for discovering novel insights into cell‐matrix interactions.     

Age- and sex-specific morphologic changes in the metaphyseal fossa adjacent to epiphyseal tubercle in children and adolescents without hip disorders

The epiphyseal tubercle plays an important role in epiphyseal stabilization. While the majority of studies have focused on tubercle morphology, there is a paucity of information on the morphological features of the metaphyseal fossa, where the tubercle sits on the metaphysis. The goal of this study was to determine the developmental changes in the capital femoral metaphyseal fossa. Computed tomography of the pelvis from 80 children and adolescents 8-15 years old were used to create three-dimensional models of the proximal femur. Depth, width, length, and surface area of the metaphyseal fossa were measured and the impact of age and sex on fossa morphology was assessed using the linear regression and two-way analysis of variance, respectively. The metaphyseal fossa was located in the posterosuperior quadrant of the metaphysis without any variations in the location with increasing age (P > .1). However, with increasing age, there was a reduction in all metaphyseal fossa measurements including the depth, length, width, and surface area (P < .01). No significant differences were noted for the metaphyseal fossa measurements between males and females (P > .1). The metaphyseal fossa reduces in size from 8 to 15 years of age in a similar fashion in males and females. As the metaphyseal fossa adjacent to the tubercle matches the area where a focal radiolucency has been observed in early slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), further studies should clarify the mechanisms by which the interlocking interaction of the epiphyseal tubercle and its fossa contributes to or is affected by SCFE.     

An overview of mammographic density and its association with breast cancer

In 2017, breast cancer became the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the US. After lung cancer, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. The breast consists of several components, including milk storage glands, milk ducts made of epithelial cells, adipose tissue, and stromal tissue. Mammographic density (MD) is based on the proportion of stromal, epithelial, and adipose tissue. Women with high MD have more stromal and epithelial cells and less fatty adipose tissue, and are more likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime compared to women with low MD. Because of this correlation, high MD is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Further, mammographic screening is less effective in detecting suspicious lesions in dense breast tissue, which can lead to late-stage diagnosis. Molecular differences between dense and non-dense breast tissues explain the underlying biological reasons for why women with dense breasts are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. The goal of this review is to highlight the current molecular understanding of MD, its association with breast cancer risk, the demographics pertaining to MD, and the environmental factors that modulate MD. Finally, we will review the current legislation regarding the disclosure of MD on a traditional screening mammogram and the supplemental screening options available to women with dense breast tissue.