Identification of variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) sequences in Legionella pneumophila and development of an optimized multiple-locus VNTR analysis typing scheme

The utility of a genotypic typing assay for Legionella pneumophila was investigated. A multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) scheme using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis is proposed based on eight minisatellite markers. Panels of well-characterized strains were examined in a multicenter analysis to validate the assay and to compare its performance to that of other genotyping assays. Excellent typeability, reproducibility, stability, and epidemiological concordance were observed. The MLVA type or profile is composed of a string of allele numbers, corresponding to the number of repeats at each VNTR locus, separated by commas, in a predetermined order. A database containing information from 99 L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strains and four strains of other serogroups and their MLVA profiles, which can be queried online, is available from http://bacterial-genotyping.igmors.u-psud.fr/.     

Metastatic apocrine sweat gland adenocarcinoma in a terrier dog

This report describes the clinical and pathological aspects of an apocrine sweat gland carcinoma with distant metastasis in an aged dog. A 7-year-old male terrier dog was referred to small animal hospital of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman with a 5.5×3.5 centimeter pedunculated mass on its head near left auricular region which had been progressively growing since three months ago. The radiography showed no local and distant metastasis. Surgical excision and histological evaluation was done. Histologically, the mass was composed of epithelial cells arranged in glandular and solid patterns. The morphologic findings suggested either a primary or metastatic apocrine-gland carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were intensely positive for cytokeratin 7 and 20 and negative for S100 protein. On the basis of histopathological and clinical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a malignant apocrine gland tumor, arising from apocrine sweat glands of the skin. Local tumor recurrence with anorexia and weight loss was reported by the owner nine month later. Severe submandibular and prescapular lymphadenomegaly was noted in clinical examination. Several large pulmonary nodules were noted in chest radiographs resembling mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Second surgery and chemotherapy was rejected by the owner due to grave prognosis of the patient. The animal was died 45 days later due to respiratory complications. Tumors of apocrine sweat glands are relatively uncommon in dogs whereas apocrine gland adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis is extremely rare.     

Investigation of Soluble HER2 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 Serum Levels in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

HER2/neu and TGF-β1 are over-expressed in various types of malignancies. It appears that they play an important role in the biologic behavior of tumors and have prognostic value. Gestational tropoblastic diseases (GTDs) comprise of a heterogeneous group characterized by abnormally proliferating trophoblastic tissues, ranging from benign to malignant. The objective of this study was to measure and compare the serum levels of s-HER2 and TGF-β between patients with GTDs and pregnant and non-pregnant controls. Serum levels of s-HER2 and TGF-β1 were determined by ELISA method in 95 GTD patients (55 complete moles, 32 persistent moles, and 8 choriocarcinoma), 30 normal pregnant controls, and 22 normal non-pregnant controls. Mean serum level of s-HER2 did not differ significantly between patients and controls. TGF-β1 serum level was significantly higher in GTD patients (20.29 ± 10.68 pg/ml with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 18.10–22.48 pg/ml) compared with pregnant controls (10.26 ± 11.84 pg/ml with 95% CI of 5.75–14.76 pg/ml) and non-pregnant controls (7.27 ± 9.61 pg/ml with 95% CI of 3.01–11.53 pg/ml) (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that TGF-β1 serum levels in GTD patients may represent a potential prognostic marker. Further investigations with larger sample size and more frequent sampling are required to elucidate this issue.     

Treatment of pain symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients

Irritable bowel syndrome represents a common gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impacts patients' lives. It is defined by Rome II criteria and characterized by abdominal pain and bloating associated with changes in bowel habit. Visceral hypersensitivity is currently considered a biological marker for the disease. Current therapeutic treatments include the use of fiber supplements, antidiarrheal agents, laxatives, antispasmodics, tricyclic antidepressants and serotonergic agents. Through a proper understanding of the diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology and treatment options, this disorder can be treated effectively in many patients.     

The public health implications of a sporadic case of culture-proven Legionnaires' disease

Legionella pneumophila is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Domestic sources of infection have been increasingly recognised among community-acquired cases. This report summarises the public health investigations and management of a single community-acquired case of Legionnaires' disease in Queensland, commenced in the context of a suspected outbreak. Legionellae from the case's domestic water supply were indistinguishable from the clinical isolate. The implications for future investigation of sporadic cases are discussed.     

Racial differences in macular thickness in healthy eyes.

PURPOSE: The relationship between race and macular thickness remains unknown. This relationship may be important for early and accurate diagnosis of macular disease and glaucoma, and may also provide insight into disease mechanisms. In this study, we compared macular thickness in healthy eyes of black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT). METHODS: This study used a matched, cross-sectional design. Subjects underwent OCT macular thickness map scanning in each eye, four-field, 45-degree digital retinal imaging in each eye, and blood pressure measurement. Retinal images were evaluated for absence of posterior pole disorders, including macular and optic nerve disease. Retinal thickness was evaluated in the central fovea, and in rings placed at 1, 3, and 6 mm from fixation. RESULTS: Compared with whites (n = 7), blacks (n = 7) had significantly thinner total foveal thickness (TFT, retinal thickness in the central 1 mm diameter area; OD: p < 0.03; OS: p < 0.02; OU average: p < 0.02), and thinner total macular thickness (TMT, retinal thickness in 6mm diameter area excluding central foveal thickness; OS: p < 0.02; OU average: p < 0.03). There was a trend for central foveal thickness (retinal thickness at fixation) to be thinner in blacks than whites (OD: p = 0.12; OS: p = 0.08). There was no significant difference in macular thickness between right and left eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal thickness as measured by Stratus OCT in the fovea and macula is significantly thinner in blacks compared with age-matched whites. Larger multiracial prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the need for race-specific normative values.     

Peripheral and central contributions to hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder seen by gastroenterologists. We discuss some recent evidence for potential neural mechanisms that could contribute to somatic and visceral hyperalgesia in IBS patients. The combination of research studies of human IBS patients and studies of rats with delayed rectal hypersensitivity after recovery from experimentally induced neonatal colitis strongly suggests a mechanism wherein both primary visceral hyperalgesia and secondary widespread cutaneous hyperalgesia are dynamically maintained by tonic impulse input from the noninflamed colon and/or rectum. The secondary hyperalgesia is likely to be at least partly related to sensitization of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons and in this respect might be similar to other persistent pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome. PERSPECTIVE: Pain in irritable bowel syndrome is likely to be at least partly maintained by peripheral impulse input from the colon/rectum and central sensitization, yet it is also highly modifiable by psychological factors such as nocebo and placebo effects. A synergistic interaction might occur between psychological factors and abnormal afferent processing.     

Canine Heartworm in Southeastern of Iran with Review of disease distribution

Background

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran.

Methods

From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology.

Results

Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P = 0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%) was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%).

Conclusion

It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now.     

Neurotrophins and extracellular matrix molecules modulate sensory axon outgrowth

Neurotrophins have been known to play a pivotal role in axonal guidance. Recent research has implicated the role of extracelluar matrix molecules in co-ordinating axonal movement. In this study, we examined the influence of neurotrophins (nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)) and extracellular matrix molecules (laminin, fibronectin, and poly-l-lysin) on sensory neurite outgrowth in thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) dissected from rats at embryonic day 13. Adjacent DRG were embedded in a collagen gel matrix and supplemented with NGF or NT-3. Under NT-3 conditions, DRG axons extended towards each other and intermingled, while neurites from NGF-treated DRG demonstrated a strong repellent effect, resulting in turning responses and growth cone collapse. This effect was not observed on a collagen culture surface. Interestingly, the composition of the extracellular matrix strongly influenced the observed repellent effect. Sensory neurites from NGF-stimulated DRG again demonstrated a repellent effect when plated on a laminin surface, but showed intermingling behavior when plated on poly-l-lysin or fibronectin. This observation suggests that a factor secreted by NGF-treated DRG axons interacts with laminin, enabling repulsion. This factor and its interaction with the extracellular matrix play an important role in the mechanism of sensory axonal pathfinding.