New epidemiological features on animal trypanosomiasis by molecular analysis in the pastoral zone of Sideradougou, Burkina Faso

A multidisciplinary work was undertaken in the agropastoral zone of Sidéradougou, Burkina Faso to try to elucidate the key factors determining the presence of tsetse flies. In this study the PCR was used to characterize trypanosomes infecting the vector ( Glossina tachinoides and Glossina palpalis gambiensis ) and the host, i.e. cattle. A 2-year survey involved dissecting 2211 tsetse of the two Glossina species. A total of 298 parasitologically infected tsetse were analysed by PCR. Trypanosoma vivax was the most frequently identified trypanosome followed by the savannah type of T. congolense and, to a lesser extent, the riverine forest type of T. congolense , and by T. brucei . No cases of T. simiae were found. From the 107 identified infections in cattle, the taxa were the same, but T. congolense savannah type was more frequent, whereas T. vivax and T. congolense riverine forest types were found less frequently. A correlation was found between midgut infection rates of tsetse, nonidentified infections and reptile bloodmeals. These rates were higher in G.p. gambiensis , and in the western part of the study area. T. vivax infections were related to cattle bloodmeals, and were more frequent in G. tachinoides and in the eastern study area. The PCR results combined with bloodmeal analysis helped us to establish the relationships between the vector and the host, to assess the trypanosome challenge in the two parts of the area, to elucidate the differences between the two types of T. congolense , and to suspect that most midgut infections were originating from reptilian trypanosomes.     

Purification and characterisation of an odorant-binding protein from cow nasal tissue

Cow nasal tissue contains a protein which shows specific binding activity for 'green' smelling compounds such as 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine. This protein has now been purified using anion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. The protein has a relative molecular mass of 40 0000-44 000, s = 3.1 +/- 0.3 S, pI = 4.7 +/- 0.1 with an absorbance maximum at 278 nm, and consists of two subunits with an identical relative molecular mass of 19 000. It is localised in the soluble fraction of cells from the olfactory mucosa and respiratory mucosa from the middle part of the maxillary and nasal turbinates, and is absent from all other tissues tested.     

The unusual reproductive system of head and body lice (Pediculus humanus)

Insect reproduction is extremely variable, but the implications of alternative genetic systems are often overlooked in studies on the evolution of insecticide resistance. Both ecotypes of Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), the human head and body lice, are human ectoparasites, the control of which is challenged by the recent spread of resistance alleles. The present study conclusively establishes for the first time that both head and body lice reproduce through paternal genome elimination (PGE), an unusual genetic system in which males transmit only their maternally derived chromosomes. Here, we investigate inheritance patterns of parental genomes using a genotyping approach across families of both ecotypes and show that heterozygous males exclusively or preferentially pass on one allele only, whereas females transmit both in a Mendelian fashion. We do however observe occasional transmission of paternal chromosomes through males, representing the first known case of PGE in which whole‐genome meiotic drive is incomplete. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of this finding for the evolution of resistance and invite the development of new theoretical models of how this knowledge might contribute to increasing the success of pediculicide‐based management schemes.     

Porcine VEG Proteins and Tear Prealbumins

Small soluble proteins, belonging to the lipocalin family aresecreted in large amounts by tongue von Ebner's glands and lachrymalglands. In humans, the lingual protein, called VEG, and thelachrymal protein, called tear prealbumin, have shown identicalcDNA sequences. In the pig, we have purified homodimeric proteinswith subunits of 17 kDa, both from von Ebner's glands and fromlachrymal glands. In both cases, the proteins can be resolvedinto two isoforms on a chromatofocusing column. Partial aminoacidsequences and full cDNA sequences have been obtained for themore abundant forms purified from both tissues. The two proteinsappear to be identical, as in humans. The reason why the sameprotein is expressed in different tissues, as well as its physiologicalfunction, still remain to be clarified.     

Fruit morphology in Tragopogon L. (Compositae: Lactuceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Achenes of all the Tragopogon species from the Iberian Peninsula were examined by means of scanning-electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy. The achenes of the eight species are described, illustrated and compared. The results are contrasted with the systematics of this genus. The isolated position of T. lamottei with regard to the other seven species is noted. A key is provided to enable the different species to be distinguished.     

First record in America of Aedes albopictus naturally infected with dengue virus during the 1995 outbreak at Reynosa, Mexico

Abstract Mosquito collections were conducted during a dengue outbreak in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, July-December 1995. A total of 6694 adult mosquitoes (four genera and nine species) were captured, of which 2986 (78.3% females and 21.7% males) were Aedes albopictus and 2339 (39.7% females and 60.3% males) were Ae.aegypti. These two species comprised 84.2% of the total collection. Specimens were grouped into pools, nearly 50% of them processed for detection of virus by cythopathic effect in C6-36 and VERO cell cultures and by haemagglutination test. Five pools gave positive haemagglutin-ation reactions and were examined by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies to flavivirus and to dengue virus. One pool of ten Ae.albopictus males was positive for dengue virus: serotypes 2 and 3 were identified by serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies arid confirmed by RT-PCR. This is the first report of Ae.albopictus naturally infected with dengue virus in America. Also, it is the very first time Ae.albopictus males have been found infected with dengue virus in the wild.     

Respiratory system mechanics in sedated, paralyzed, morbidly obese patients

Pelosi, P., M. Croci, I. Ravagnan, M. Cerisara, P. Vicardi,A. Lissoni, and L. Gattinoni. Respiratory system mechanics insedated, paralyzed, morbidly obese patients J. Appl.Physiol. 82(3): 811-818, 1997.The effects ofinspiratory flow and inflation volume on the mechanical properties ofthe respiratory system in eight sedated and paralyzed postoperativemorbidly obese patients (aged 37.6 ± 11.8 yr who had never smokedand had normal preoperative seated spirometry) were investigated byusing the technique of rapid airway occlusion during constant-flowinflation. With the patients in the supine position, we measured theinterrupter resistance (Rint,rs), which in humans probably reflectsairway resistance, the "additional" resistance (Rrs) due toviscoelastic pressure dissipation and time-constant inequalities, andstatic respiratory elastance (Est,rs). Intra-abdominalpressure (IAP) was measured by using a bladder catheter, and functionalresidual capacity was measured by the helium-dilution technique. Theresults were compared with a previous study on 16 normal anesthetizedparalyzed humans. Compared with normal persons, we found that in obesesubjects: 1) functional residualcapacity was markedly lower (0.645 ± 0.208 liter) and IAP washigher (24 ± 2.2 cmH₂O);2) alveolar-arterial oxygenationgradient was increased (178 ± 59 mmHg);3) the volume-pressure curve of therespiratory system was curvilinear with an "inflection" point;4) Est,rs, Rint,rs, and Rrs werehigher than normal (29.3 ± 5.04 cmH₂O/l, 5.9 ± 2.4 cmH₂O ^· l^{1 ·} s,and 6.4 ± 1.6 cmH₂O ^· l^{1 ·} s,respectively); 5) Rint,rs increasedwith increasing inspiratory flow, Est,rs did not change, and Rrsdecreased progressively; and 6) withincreasing inflation volume, Rint,rs and Est,rs decreased, whereasRrs rose progressively. Overall, our data suggest that obesesubjects during sedation and paralysis are characterized by hypoxemiaand marked alterations of the mechanical properties of the respiratorysystem, largely explained by a reduction in lung volume due to theexcessive unopposed IAP.