Induction of unstable alleles at the temperature-sensitive Virescent-1 gene of maize using the transposable element Dissociation

SummaryTranspositive mutagenesis was employed to prepare genetic strains useful in cloning theVirescent-1locus (V1) of maize. A stepwise approach was used based on: (1) the isolation of putative insertion phenotypes (62 cases); (2) the verification of the genetic nature of the selected events (36v1-mmutant alleles induced); (3) the accurate genetic study of 11 alleles; (4) the genetic assessment that the allelesv1-m1andv1-m4are due to the insertion ofa Dselement into the locusV1; (5) the proof that aDs-like DNA element induces the inactivation of the wild type function in the allelev1-m1. The phenotype of the unstable alleles, studied by germinating and keeping maize seedlings at the temperature of 18 °C, are the following: allelesv1-m1, v1-m9, v1-m11, v1-m17andv1-m18showing a few revertant green sectors on their leaves;v1-m4exhibiting a reverse type of variegation; allelesv1-m2andv1-m13with a coarse pattern of variegation; allelesv1-m12, v1-m21andv1-m23frequently showing leaves part green with white stripes and part white with green stripes. For the alleles studied, in addition to somatic instability, germinal reversions also occurred. In some cases, these reversions resulted in stable derivatives with a different colour from that of the wild-type ('near green' or pale phenotypes). The results presented not only allow thev1-m1allele to be chosen as a starting material for cloning theV1locus, but also define the molecular strategy to be followed

Schistosomiasis in European Travelers and Migrants: Analysis of 14 Years TropNet Surveillance Data

Schistosomiasis; Travelers and migrants; EuropeEsquistosomosi; Viatgers i migrants; EuropaEsquistosomiasis; Viajeros y migrantes; EuropaSchistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide and the infection is frequently found in travelers and migrants. The European Network for Tropical Medicine and Travel Health conducted a sentinel surveillance study on imported schistosomiasis between 1997 and 2010. This report summarizes epidemiological and clinical data from 1,465 cases of imported schistosomiasis. Direct pathogen detection and serology were the main diagnostic tools applied. Of these, 486 (33%) cases were identified among European travelers, 231 (16%) among long-term expatriates, and 748 (51%) among non-European immigrants. Overall, only 18.6% of travelers had received pretravel advice; 95% of infections were acquired in the African region. On species level, Schistosoma mansoni was identified in 570 (39%) and Schistosoma haematobium in 318 (22%) cases; 57.5% of patients were symptomatic. Acute symptoms were reported in 27% of patients leading to earlier presentation within 3 months. Praziquantel was used in all patients to treat schistosomiasis. Many infections were detected in asymptomatic patients. In 47.4% of asymptomatic patients infection was detected by microscopy and in 39% by serology or antigen testing. Schistosomiasis remains a frequent infection in travelers and migrants to Europe. Travelers should be made aware of the risk of schistosomiasis infection when traveling to sub-Saharan Africa. Posttravel consultations particularly for returning expatriates are useful given the high potential for detecting asymptomatic infections

Reduced sleep duration affects body composition, dietary intake and quality of life in obese subjects.

Purpose Sleep duration has emerged as a crucial factor affecting body weight and feeding behaviour. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship among sleep duration, body composition, dietary intake, and quality of life (QoL) in obese subjects. Methods Body composition was assessed by DXA. ‘‘Sensewear Armband’’ was used to evaluate sleep duration. SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life (QoL). A 3-day dietary record was administered. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: sleep duration[and B300 min/day. Results 137 subjects (105 women and 32 men), age: 49.8 ± 12.4 years, BMI: 38.6 ± 6.7 kg/m2, were enrolled. Sleep duration was B300 min in 30.6 % of subjects. Absolute and relative fat mass (FM) (40.5 ± 9 vs. 36.5 ± 9.1 kg; 40.2 ± 4.7 vs. 36.9 ± 5.6 %), and truncal fat mass (19.2 ± 6.1 vs. 16.6 ± 5 kg; 38.6 ± 5.3 vs. 35.2 ± 5.5 %) were higher in subjects sleeping B300 min when compared to their counterparts (all p.05), whereas just a tendency towards a higher BMI was observed (p = 0.077). Even though energy intake was not different between groups, subjects sleeping B300 min reported a higher carbohydrate consumption per day (51.8 ± 5.1 vs. 48.4 ± 9.2 %, p = 0.038). SF-36 total score was lower in subjects sleeping B300 min (34.2 ± 17.8 vs. 41.4 ± 12.9, p = 0.025). Sleep duration was negatively associated with FM (r = -0.25, p = 0.01) and SF-36 total score (r = -0.31, p.001). The inverse association between sleep duration and SF-36 total score was confirmed by the regression analysis after adjustment for BMI and fat mass (R = 0.43, R2 = 0.19, p = 0.012). Conclusion Reduced sleep duration negatively influences body composition, macronutrient intake, and QoL in obese subjects

African Trypanosomiasis Gambiense, Italy

African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense has not been reported in Italy. We report 2 cases diagnosed in the summer of 2004. Theses cases suggest an increased risk for expatriates working in trypanosomiasis-endemic countries. Travel medicine clinics should be increasingly aware of this potentially fatal disease

Imported Chikungunya Infection, Italy

From July to September 2006, a total of 17 confirmed cases of CHIKV infection were observed in travelers at 5 Gruppo di Interesse e Studio delle Patologie di Importazione (GISPI) centers (Italian network of Institutes of Infectious and Tropical Diseases). Prompt reporting of imported CHIKV infections is essential for monitoring of potential risk. The possibility of introducing CHIKV into Italy cannot be ruled out on the basis of current evidence

Pulmonary nodules in African migrants caused by chronic schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause mainly hepatic and genitourinary damage, depending on the species. Involvement of the lungs has been commonly described in acute infection (Katayama syndrome) and chronic infection (pulmonary hypertension). Although rarely reported in the scientific literature, cases of lung nodules due to chronic schistosome infection are also possible and are probably more frequent than commonly thought. Here we report seven cases of African migrants who were diagnosed with chronic schistosomiasis and pulmonary nodules due to deposition of schistosome eggs, and we compare our findings to the case reports found in the scientific literature. We discuss the management of these patients in a non-endemic setting, beginning with a first fundamental step that is to include parasitic infections, namely schistosomiasis, in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in African immigrants. All patients responded to antiparasitic treatment with praziquantel after a relatively short time. We therefore conclude that lung biopsies and other invasive procedures (performed in the first cases to rule out other potential causes, such as tuberculosis or malignant nodules) can be avoided or postponed

Randomized Clinical Trial on Ivermectin versus Thiabendazole for the Treatment of Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is the infection caused by the worm Strongyloides stercoralis. Due to its peculiar life cycle Strongyloides may remain indefinitely in the host, if not effectively cured. Although the disease is usually mild, in case of weakening of the host's immune defenses the worm may invade virtually all organs and tissues (disseminated strongyloidiasis, almost invariably fatal). The treatment must then reach the goal of the complete elimination of the parasite. Small size clinical trials showed similar, high efficacy of the two drugs ivermectin (used as a single dose) and thiabendazole (used twice daily for two consecutive days). All trials used as the criterion for cure the absence of larvae in stool exams. The latter however may easily miss the infection, falsely suggesting that the infection has been cured. This trial, using a test detecting specific Strongyloides antibodies as an additional and more sensitive diagnostic tool, confirms previous reports: the two drugs have similar efficacy but ivermectin is better tolerated and is therefore the first choice. However the cure rate was lower than 70% for the standard, single dose. The authors then conclude that a larger, multi center trial is needed to find the optimal dose schedule of ivermectin