First Record of Free-Living Nematode Mylonchulus hawaiiensis from Bondowoso Regency-Indonesia

Monochids are predatory nematodes that can be found in various ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed monochids from the rhizosphere of Arabica coffee in Bondowoso Regency-Indonesia. The morphological analysis showed that the nematode belonged to the Mylonchulus hawaiiensis (Cassidy, 1931) species. The analysis results were also confirmed by a molecular analysis using DNA from a single nematode. The study also involved a polymerase chain reaction process using a forward primer SSU F07 (5’-AAA GAT TAA GCC ATG CAT G-3’) and reverse primer SSU R 81 (5’-TGA TCC WKC YGC AGG TTC AC-3’), which amplifies the small subunit (SSU) region of rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence obtained formed a cluster with those of M. hawaiiensis found in GenBank. The sequences obtained had homology ranging from 99.64 to 99.70% compared with M. hawaiiensis sequences found in GenBank. This study is the first report of M. hawaiiensis from Indonesia

THE CONTINUAL FORMING AND CONTRIBUTION OF INFECTIVE JUVENILES PRODUCED VIA ENDOTOKIA MATRICIDA OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES IN THE FAMILY OF STEINERNEMATIDAE AND HETERORHABDITIDAE

The non-feeding developmentally arrested infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes in the family of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae seek out a susceptible insect host and initiate infections. The aim of the research was to examine the continualforming and contribution of IJs produced via endotokia matricida (IJs-EM) of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema glaseri, and S. carpocapsae. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Nematology of the Saga University, Japan (April 2001-April2002) and the Laboratory of Nematology of the Indonesian Legume and Tuber Crops Research Institute (June 2003-October 2004). The nematode progenies were investigated using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, pre-inoculated with 50 IJs at 25°C.Results showed that three reproductive adult generations were observed at day 18th. There were 135,000, 128,000 and 133,000 IJs per insect cadaver produced in H. bacteriophora, S. glaseri and S. carpocapsae, respectively. Endotokia matricida contributed a higher number of IJs than that of a normal mode of IJs production. The ratios are 81%, 28% and 64% for H. bacteriophora, S. glaseri, and S. carpocapsae of the IJs total production, respectively. Among the generations, the highest contribution of IJs was come from thethird adult generation bearing endotokia matricida, i.e., 63%, 24% and 51% for the three nematode species. Although the IJs-EM were more transparent compared to the normal IJs, they were morphologically similar. The results show that endotokia matricida has a pivotal role in a species maintenance and survival strategy of entomopathogenic nematodes in extreme environmental conditions

The Continual Forming and Contribution of Infective Juveniles Produced Via Endotokia Matricida of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Family of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae

The non-feeding developmentally arrested infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes in the family of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae seek out a susceptible insect host and initiate infections. The aim of the research was to examine the continualforming and contribution of IJs produced via endotokia matricida (IJs-EM) of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema glaseri, and S. carpocapsae. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Nematology of the Saga University, Japan (April 2001-April2002) and the Laboratory of Nematology of the Indonesian Legume and Tuber Crops Research Institute (June 2003-October 2004). The nematode progenies were investigated using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, pre-inoculated with 50 IJs at 25°C.Results showed that three reproductive adult generations were observed at day 18th. There were 135,000, 128,000 and 133,000 IJs per insect cadaver produced in H. bacteriophora, S. glaseri and S. carpocapsae, respectively. Endotokia matricida contributed a higher number of IJs than that of a normal mode of IJs production. The ratios are 81%, 28% and 64% for H. bacteriophora, S. glaseri, and S. carpocapsae of the IJs total production, respectively. Among the generations, the highest contribution of IJs was come from thethird adult generation bearing endotokia matricida, i.e., 63%, 24% and 51% for the three nematode species. Although the IJs-EM were more transparent compared to the normal IJs, they were morphologically similar. The results show that endotokia matricida has a pivotal role in a species maintenance and survival strategy of entomopathogenic nematodes in extreme environmental conditions

Cardiac output during exercise related to plasma atrial natriuretic peptide but not to central venous pressure in humans.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Is cardiac output during exercise dependent on central venous pressure? What is the main finding and its importance? The increase in cardiac output during both rowing and running is related to preload to the heart as indicated by plasma atrial natriuretic peptide but unrelated to central venous pressure. The results indicate that in upright humans central venous pressure reflects the gravitational influence on central venous blood rather than preload to the heart. ABSTRACT: Aim This study evaluated the increase in cardiac output (CO) during exercise in relation to central venous pressure (CVP) and plasma arterial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as expressions of preload to the heart. Methods Seven healthy subjects (four men; 26 ± 3 years; 181± 8 cm height; and 76 ± 11 kg, weight; mean ± SD) rested in sitting and standing positions (in randomized order) and then rowed and ran at submaximal workloads. The CVP was recorded, CO (Modelflow) calculated, and arterial plasma ANP determined by radioimmunoassay. Results While sitting CO was 6.2 ± 1.6 l/min, plasma ANP 70 ± 10 pg/ml, and CVP 1.8 ± 1.1 mmHg (mean ± SD) and decreased to 5.9 ± 1.0 l/min, 63 ± 10 pg/ml, and -3.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, respectively when standing (P < 0.05). Ergometer rowing elicited an increase in CO to 22.5 ± 5.5 l/min as plasma ANP increased to 156 ± 11 pg/ml and CVP to 3.8 ± 0.9 mmHg (P < 0.05). Similarly, CO increased to 23.5 ± 6.0 l/min during running with albeit smaller (P < 0.05) increase in plasma ANP, but with little change in CVP (-0.9 ± 0.4 mmHg). Conclusion The increase in CO in response to exercise is related to preload to the heart as indicated by plasma ANP, but unrelated to CVP. The results indicate that in upright humans CVP reflects the gravitational influence on central venous blood rather than preload to the heart. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

First report of the nematode Leidynema appendiculata from Periplaneta fuliginosa

The smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa has spread all over the world, and is now one of the most undesired inva- sive alien pests in Japan. Because cockroaches are generally infected by thelastomatid nematodes, they are being distributed around the world with their parasitic nematodes. Nothing is known about parasitic nematode species in P. fuliginosa differences, or similarity of the parasite’s population structures between the different countries of the host cockroaches. Here we investi- gated the P. fuliginosa invasive to Japan and found that 100% of individuals were infected with one nematode species. According to the morphology and the sequence of the D2/D3 expansion segment of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene, we identified the para- site as Leidynema appendiculata. This nematode reproduced by haplodiploidy and its developmental timing under various con- ditions is quite divergent. Their population in the hindgut of P. fuliginosa was controlled with a few adult females and a male. This is the first report of the thelastomatid nematode isolated from the smokybrown cockroach, and is the basis for our future research examining the origin, distribution route and immigration history of the cockroach and the impact of L. appendiculata on native Japanese cockroach species

Aedes aegypti ferritin heavy chain homologue: feeding of iron or blood influences message levels, lengths and subunit abundance

Secreted ferritin in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has several subunits that are the products of at least two genes, one encoding a homologue of the vertebrate heavy chain (HCH) and the other the light chain homologue (LCH). Here we report the developmental and organ specific pattern of expression of the ferritin HCH messages and of both subunit types in control sugar-fed mosquitoes, in those exposed to high levels of dietary iron, and after blood feeding. When Northern blots were probed with a HCH cDNA, two bands were observed, representing at least two messages of different sizes that result from the choice of two different polyadenylation sites. Either raising mosquito larvae in an iron-enriched medium, or blood feeding adult female mosquitoes resulted in a marked increase in the HCH message level, particularly of the shorter message. Changes in the amount and length of messages and amount of ferritin subunits were studied over the life span of the mosquito and in different organs of female mosquitoes after blood feeding. The midgut of blood-fed insects is the main site of increased ferritin message synthesis. Ferritin protein levels also increase in midgut, fat body and hemolymph after blood feeding. Ferritin messages and subunits are synthesized in the ovaries and ferritin is found in the eggs. These observations are discussed in terms of translational and transcriptional control of ferritin synthesis and are compared to similar events in the regulation of Drosophila melanogaster ferritin

Zoledronic Acid Enhances Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Proinflammatory Reactions through Controlled Expression of SOCS1 in Macrophages

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a serious side effect of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (NBP) use. Many studies have shown that BRONJ is limited to the jawbone and does not occur in the other bones. We hypothesized that BRONJ is related to local bacterial iections and involves the innate immune system. To examine the relationship between BRONJ and innate immunity, we examined the effects of NBPs on macrophages, one of the important cell types in innate immunity. The expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) in cells after pretreatment with zoledronic acid (ZOL) did not considerably differ from that in untreated control cells. However, cytokine levels and nitric oxide (NO) production increased after pretreatment with ZOL. Furthermore, ZOL induced NF-κB activation by enhancing IκB-α degradation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis also increased after pretreatment with ZOL. This effect was mediated by a reduction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1), which is a negative regulator of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD 88)-dependent signaling. These results suggest that ZOL induced excessive innate immune response and proinflammatory cytokine production and that these processes may be involved in the bone destruction observed in BRONJ

Conduction Velocity around the Tricuspid Valve Annulus during Typical Atrial Flutter by Electro-anatomic Mapping System

Objective: Conduction velocity around the tricuspid valve annulus (TA. during typical atrial flutter (AFL. has been shown to be slowest in the inferior vena cava-tricuspid valve (IVC-TV. isthmus when compared to the septal or free wall segments of the TA. We investigated the conduction velocity in IVC-TV isthmus, dividing into three areas. Methods: We evaluated conduction velocity around the TA during typical AFL in 10 patients, using an electro-anatomic mapping system (CARTO™). Conduction velocity was calculated at six areas around the TA including the septal wall, upper wall, lateral wall, and isthmus wall, which was further divided into three areas, lateral isthmus, mid isthmus, and septal isthmus. Results: Conduction velocity around the TA during typical AFL was slowest in the IVC-TV isthmus. Further, conduction velocities (m/sec. in the mid isthmus (0.44±0.17. and septal isthmus (0.45±0.22. were significantly slower (p < 0.05. than that in the upper wall (0.67±0.26). Conclusions: The relatively slower conduction in IVC-TV isthmus resulted from the relatively slower conduction in the area from mid to septal isthmus

What variables were associated with the inducibility of ventricular fibrillation during electrophysiologic stimulation test in patients without apparent organic heart disease?

SummaryObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to determine what variables were associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF) induced during electrophysiological stimulation test in patients without apparent organic heart disease.MethodsOur study evaluated 77 patients (51±15 years) who underwent electrophysiological stimulation test, signal averaging, and Na+ channel-blocker challenge test (pilsicainide test). The subjects were divided into two groups, the Brugada group and non-Brugada group. Further, the patients were divided into three subgroups on the base of symptoms (8, 7 symptomatic; 9, 13 syncope; 28, 12 asymptomatic group; in the Brugada and non-Brugada groups, respectively). Multivariate analyses evaluated the association between baseline clinical factors and the induction of VF.ResultsThe inducibility of VF was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in the Brugada group (n=33, 73%) than the non-Brugada group (n=4, 13%). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that symptoms (odds ratio (OR) 31.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–430.6; p<0.01), type 1 electrocardiogram after pilsicainide test (OR 21.3; CI: 1.7–272.2; p<0.02), and syncope (OR 13.5; CI: 1.2–158.8; p<0.05) were strongly associated with the inducibility of VF, but not with family history, type 1 electrocardiogram in control, positive in late potential, maxΔST elevation (≧200μV) after pilsicainide test.ConclusionsThe symptoms, syncope, and type 1 electrocardiogram after pilsicainide test were independently associated with the electrophysiological substrate of VF in patients without apparent heart disease