Polystoma umthakathi (Monogenea): establishment, mortality and reproduction of neotenic parasites in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus bonebergi tadpoles

The development of Polystoma umthakathi oncomiracidia were studied in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus boneberg tadpoles to establish a normal reference of parasite performance in the natural host. The anteroventral body wall is transparent in these tadpoles and it was possible to follow the destiny of each parasite throughout its life span of neotenic development. Success of establishment was 27,9% and mean parasite intensity 2,1 at 48 h. After parasite larvae initially attached to the gills on the left side, they gradually migrated to the right side and mature parasites only occurred inside the right branchial chamber. Parasite mortality was high, prevalence had declined to 72,4% after 12 days and 48,3% after 20 days while mean parasite intensity had declined to 1,8 and 1,6 during the same period. Egg production was around 13 to 15 eggs/parasite/day for parasites in burdens of one and two but significantly lower (5,24) in the case of three-parasite burdens. Tadpoles harbouring two or more parasites became anaemic but recovered when most or all parasites were lost

Polystoma australis (Monogenea): Development and reproduction in neotenic parasites

Development and reproduction of neotenic Polystoma australis were investigated in natural anuran Kassina and Semnodactylus hosts in South Africa. Newly established parasites attached mainly inside the left branchial chamber. They then migrated so that parasites older than eight days occurred almost exclusively in the right branchial chamber. Mortality was high and continuous. In young worms age could be readily determined from haptoral structure. At 23°C the developing reproductive system was discernible at seven days. Egg production started at 16 days and could be maintained at constant rates of around 10-20 eggs/ parasite/day for up to 40 days. No crowding effect influencing parasite development or reproduction could be established. These developmental standards could be used to measure the success of parasites subjected to experimental conditions

Роль генетического компонента предрасположенности к раку молочной железы у женщин различных этнических групп населения Крыма

Результаты клинико-генеалогического и генетико-математического методов исследования 57 здоровых и 214 больных раком молочной железы (РМЖ) женщин показали, что частота заболевания злокачественными новообразованиями родственников I степени родства пациентов с РМЖ как крымско-татарской, так и славянских этнических групп более высокая (10,44%), чем в крымской популяции в целом (7,36%). Возникновение РМЖ у женщин крымско-татарской этнической группы в большей мере обусловлено генетической предрасположенностью к злокачественному росту по сравнению со славянской группой, о чем свидетельствуют появления РМЖ в более молодом возрасте как у пробандов-татарок, так и их родственниц (53,4 ± 3,6 и 46,5 ± 11,2 года соответственно в сравнении с 59,8 ± 1,9 и 54,9 ± 8,3 года у славянок), более частое развитие РМЖ у родственниц татарок (48,3 ± 11,1 против 25,6 ± 6,6%), более высокая соотносительная доля наследственных факторов в возникновении рака (генетический компонент 58,5 против 44,5%, р 0,05). Ключевые слова: этнические особенности, злокачественные новообразования, рак молочной железы, наследственность.A clinical/genealogical and genetic mathematic study of 57 healthy subjects and 214 breast cancer (BC) patients showed that malignant neoplasm is more frequent in immediate (degree 1) relatives of BC patients in both Crimean Tartar and Slavic populations compared to the general population (10.44% versus 7.36% respectively). In the Crimean Tartar population, genetic burden plays a more considerable role in BC frequency compared to the Slavic population. This conclusion is based on a number of findings, including: younger age of BC manifestation in both probands and their relatives (53.4 ± 3.6 and 46.5 ± 11.2 in Tartars versus 59.8 ± 1.9 and 54.9 ± 8.3 in Slavs), higher frequency of BC in relatives (48.3 ± 11.1 versus 25.6 ± 6.6% respectively), higher correlative share of genetic factors in the development of malignancy (genetic component: 58.5 against 44.5%, р 0.05). Key Words: ethnic specifics, malignancy, breast cancer, hereditation

Metaphylaxis, diet and lifestyle in stone disease

Objective: The most common urinary stones (calcium salts, uric acid) form due to genetic factors and lifestyle. This review describes why, if and how medication and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of formation. Methods: Previous reports were reviewed to obtain information on three aspects of urolithiasis, i.e. epidemiology, mechanisms linking lifestyle and urolithiasis and lifestyle intervention for preventing urolithiasis. Results: Epidemiological evidence links the prevalence of urinary stone formation to general lifestyle factors. Detailed analysis has identified individual lifestyle elements that affect the risk of urinary stone formation. Currently there are several concepts that explain the mechanism of stone formation. Urinary markers like calcium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid and urinary pH are involved in all these concepts. Many studies show that changing (combinations of) specific lifestyle elements has a favourable effect on these urinary markers. Based on this evidence, protocols have been developed that use a combination of these lifestyle changes and medication to prevent stone formation. In well-controlled studies where patients are optimally informed and continuously motivated, these protocols clearly reduce the stone formation rate. In general practice the result is less clear, because the time and tools are insufficient to maintain long-term patient compliance in the use of medication and lifestyle advice. Conclusion: The risk of stone formation can be reduced in general practice when the patient's compliance is optimised by providing individualised advice, continuous information, and feedback and incorporation of the advice into a regular lifestyle. The use of 'e-tools' might enable this without increasing the time required from the physician

Attachment preferences of Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma marginatum rufipes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on two sheep breeds

Hyalomma ticks were collected from Merino and black-headed Dorper sheep and their attachment preferences determined. The preferred site of attachment for Hyalomma marginatum rufipes on both Dorper and Merino sheep was the anogenital and inguinal areas (75-76%). On Dorper sheep, H. Truncatum attached predominantly to the anogenital and inguinal areas (67,7%). On Merino sheep, most adults of this species attached to the feet (26%). Almost equal percentages also attached to the anogenital/inguinal and brisket areas (21,6 and 22,9%, respectively). These differences should be considered when pour-on acaricides are applied to different breeds of sheep.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat XI Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.mn201

Seasonal dynamics of the Karoo paralysis tick (Ixodes rubicundus): a comparative study on Merino and Dorper sheep

Karoo paralysis in South Africa is induced in livestock by feeding female Ixodes rubicundus ticks when infestation densities on hosts exceed certain critical levels. It has been shown previously that Angora goats are at a higher risk of being paralysed than Merino sheep, and such differences have been related to differences in feeding behaviour and spatial distribution of the two small-stock breeds. We hypothesized that differences in infestation densities with Karoo paralysis ticks would also occur between Merino and Dorper sheep breeds. A study was conducted under natural conditions in the south-western Free State, to compare infestation burdens of the two sheep breeds and also to investigate seasonal patterns and annual variations in terms of rainfall and temperature. Ten animals of each breed ran free in an area with a known history of Karoo paralysis and were examined on an approximately fortnightly basis, from March 1992 to December 1995, to determine tick abundance. Differences between the two breeds were significant (P < 0,05) during 1992 and 1993, but not during 1994. During the first two years, peak abundance of ticks was reached earlier in Dorper than in Merino sheep, and it also reached higher levels in Dorper than in Merino sheep (mean= 17,9 and 7,3, respectively). ln 1993, two Dorper, but no Merino sheep, were paralysed. Dorper sheep are clearly at a higher risk of being paralysed than are Merino sheep, and as such, they can serve as indicators of adult tick activity and hence of the time to commence prophylactic treatment. Differences between the two breeds are probably related to differences in grazing patterns. Marked variation in abundance and the time of onset of peak activity of I. rubicundus occurred over the years. Tick numbers were high in 1993 and 1995, but very low in 1992. In 1993, peak activity occurred earlier (April) than during the other years (June or July). These differences are related to differences in prevailing environmental conditions that influence tick activity in a complex manner. Heightened humidity and lower temperatures during the early stages of seasonal activity of the tick (April or May), normally result in peak abundance of ticks on hosts at that time.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat X Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.Foundation for Research Development. University of the Orange Free State.mn201

The role of Hyalomma ticks in foot infestations and temporary lameness of sheep in a semi-arid region of South Africa

An outbreak of lameness amongst Merino lambs, associated with the presence of Hyalomma ticks, was investigated on a farm in the south-western Free State, South Africa. The purpose was to follow the progress of the condition and to determine the extent of involvement of the two Hyalomma species which occur in the region. The flock of experimental sheep (n = 460) ranged free in natural veld under extensive farming conditions. During September and October 1993, adult ewes and lambs in this flock were examined at weekly intervals to determine tick identity, abundance and attachment-site preferences on lame and unaffected animals. Lameness occurred only among lambs, of which 68 were affected during the 8-week period. Hyalomma ticks tended to aggregate and mean numbers of ticks/aggregation were significantly higher on lame lambs (mean = 11,3) than on either the unaffected lambs (mean = 6,9) or the ewes (mean = 7,1). Most tick aggregations (72,4%) on the lame lambs occurred on the lower legs and feet, 34 out of 55 of these on the fetlocks or interdigital clefts. Hyalomma truncatum dominated (> 97%) on all animals examined. Only 15,8% of the Hyalomma marginatum rufipes recovered from the lame animals were attached to the legs. At two other localities at which H. marginatum rufipes was more abundant, or even dominant, few ticks attached to the lower legs or feet. Those that did were mostly H. truncatum (> 90%). Both H. marginatum rufipes and H. truncatum may attach to the same ventral and anogenital body regions, but H. truncatum has a tendency to attach also to the feet and lower legs. Although attachment of one or a few ticks in the axillar region or upper legs may cause lameness in sheep, the attachment of ticks to the interdigital clefts and fetlocks almost always causes lameness. The latter condition is more likely to occur in regions where H. truncatum dominates.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat XI Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.University of the Orange Free State. Foundation for Research Development. Poliomyelitis Research Foundation.mn201

Influence of sildenafil on blood oxygen saturation of the obstructed bladder

Background: Blood oxygen saturation (BOS) is decreased in a low-compliant, overactive obstructed bladder. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of Sildenafil (SC) on bladder function and BOS) in an in vivo animal model of bladder outlet obstruction. Methods. Thirty-two guinea pigs; sham operated (n = 8), sham operated + SC (n = 8), urethrally obstructed (n = 8) and urethrally obstructed + SC (n = 8) were studied during an 8 week period. BOS of the bladder wall was measured by differential path-length spectroscopy (DPS) before obstruction, at day 0, and at week 8. The bladder function was evaluated by urodynamic studies every week. Results: Before surgery and after sham operation all study parameters were comparable. After sham operation, bladder function and BOS did not change. In the obstructed group the urodynamic parameters were deteriorated and BOS was decreased. In the group obstruction + SC, bladder compliance remained normal and overactivity occurred only sporadic. BOS remained unchanged compared to the sham group and was significantly higher compared to the obstruction group. Conclusions: In an obstructed bladder the loss of bladder function is accompanied by a significant decrease in BOS. Treatment of obstructed bladders with SC yields a situation of high saturation, high bladder compliance and almost no overactivity. Maintaining the microcirculation of the bladder wall might result in better bladder performance without significant loss of bladder function. Measurement of BOS and interventions focussing on tissue microcirculation may have a place in the evaluation / treatment of various bladder dysfunctions

41 Pharmacokinetics of nasally administered tobramycin, colistin sulphomethate sodium and a combination of tobramycin and colistin sulphomethate sodium

The paranasal sinuses can constitute a niche for bacteria which can migrate to the lungs. Nasal administration of antibiotics may be effective, but safety of this treatment has to be established first. Objectives: Investigation of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of nasally administered tobramycin (T), colistin sulphomethate sodium (CSS) and a combination of both drugs using systemic absorption, expressed as % absorbed, as surrogate for safety. In addition, tolerability of the nasal irrigations was examined. Methods: Ten adult CF patients performed three different nasal irrigations: 300 mg of T, 2 million IU of CSS and 300 mg of T combined with 2 million IU of CSS. Serum concentrations T and CSS were analysed using a validated assay. Individual PK parameters were calculated and assimilated with T and colistin serum values using a computerized CF-based population model. Maximum serum level (Cmax), trough serum level (Ctrough ) and bioavailability (F) were calculated. T Cmax >30 mg/L and Ctrough >0.5 mg/L were considered to be toxic. For colistin toxic levels are not known. Tolerability was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Following the T and the combined irrigation only 2 patients had detectable tobramycin serum levels with a Cma

Tick diversity, abundance and seasonal dynamics in a resource-poor urban environment in the Free State Province

The objectives of this study were to determine the diversity, seasonal dynamics and abundance of ticks infesting cattle in urban, small-scale farming communities in and around Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu in the eastern Free State Province, South Africa. A total of ten cattle, ear-tagged for individual identification, were investigated monthly at each of five localities. Adult ticks were removed from the right hand side of each animal and placed in containers filled with 70% ethanol. They were subsequently identified and their numbers quantified. Immature Otobius megnini were counted but not removed. A total of 244 538 adult ticks of ten different species were collected over the 12-month study period. The tick species, in decreasing order of relative abundance, were: Boophilus decoloratus (87,26%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (6,86%), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (2,42%), Otobius megnini (1,85%) Rhipicephalus follis (0,76%), Rhipicephalus gertrudae (0,54%), Rhipicephalus sp. (0,21 %), Ixodes rubicundus (0,08%), Hyalomma truncatum (0,01 %) and Margaropus winthemi (0,004 %). The three most abundant species, namely B. decoloratus, R. evertsi evertsi and H. marginatum rufipes, occurred at all localities but with significant differences in abundance. M. winthemi ticks occurred only in the Thaba Nchu area and were not found at any of the three localities in Botshabelo. Significant differences in tick burdens between the six warm months (September to February) and the six cooler months (March to August) were found for most of the species recorded. Boophilus decoloratus occurred in significantly higher numbers in autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) compared to spring (September to November) and summer (December to February), with 76,8% of the total B. decoloratus burden occurring during the cooler months.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat X Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.Foundation for Research Development. University of the Free State