Infection characteristics of <I>Himasthla elongata</I> cercariae in cockles as a function of water current

International audienceDigenean trematodes are widespread parasites of marine fauna. The first intermediate host of Himasthla elongata (Echinostomatidae) is the periwinkle Littorina littorea. The second host is less specific, as it includes various bivalve species. The definitive host is a waterbird. The free-living cercaria acts to ensure transmission from the first and second intermediate hosts. We examined the impact of water flow (still and running water) and host size (6-8, 8-10, 10-12 mm shell length classes) on the settling success of H. elongata cercariae in the second intermediate host by utilizing the common cockle Cerastoderma edule. Under 2 scenarios (free-stream velocity of 0 and 6 cm s-1) more than 90% of the experimental population of cockles (90 individuals per replicate) acquired infections and 60% of the added cercariae were recovered as metacercariae in cockle tissue (mainly foot and siphons). Infection intensity increased significantly with cockle size. Considering the filtering capacity of cockles, the dimension of the flume, and the flow velocity, a passive infection mechanism is proposed based on the suspension feeding activity of the host organism. The scale of potential dispersal of H. elongata is at least a few hundred metres

Elevated levels of interleukin-12/23p40 may serve as a potential indicator of dysfunctional heart rate variability in type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Systemic inflammatory processes plausibly contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications, causing increased morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Circulating inflammatory markers, i.e., interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α, are associated with neurocardiac measures. We examined a broad panel of various inflammatory and inflammation-related serum markers to obtain more detailed insight into the possible neuro-immune interaction between cardiovascular regulation and systemic level of inflammation. Methods Serum samples from 100 participants with type 2 diabetes were analysed. Heart rate variability, cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests, and cardiac vagal tone tests were performed based on electrocardiographic readings. Data regarding covariates (demographic-, diabetes-, and cardiovascular risk factors) were registered. Results Increased serum levels of IL-12/IL-23p40 (

Elevated levels of interleukin-12/23p40 may serve as a potential indicator of dysfunctional heart rate variability in type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Systemic inflammatory processes plausibly contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications, causing increased morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Circulating inflammatory markers, i.e., interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α, are associated with neurocardiac measures. We examined a broad panel of various inflammatory and inflammation-related serum markers to obtain more detailed insight into the possible neuro-immune interaction between cardiovascular regulation and systemic level of inflammation. Methods Serum samples from 100 participants with type 2 diabetes were analysed. Heart rate variability, cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests, and cardiac vagal tone tests were performed based on electrocardiographic readings. Data regarding covariates (demographic-, diabetes-, and cardiovascular risk factors) were registered. Results Increased serum levels of IL-12/IL-23p40 (

Additional file 1 of Elevated levels of interleukin-12/23p40 may serve as a potential indicator of dysfunctional heart rate variability in type 2 diabetes

Additional file 1: Table S1a. Cardiovascular parameters. Table S1b. Neuroinflammatory parameters. Table S2. Associations between neuroinflammatory markers and neurocardiac function