The epidemiology and control of Toxocara canis in puppies

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of anaphylactic reaction to mammalian meat characterized by an immunoglobulin (Ig)E immune response to the oligosaccharide α-Gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R). Tick bites seems to be a prerequisite for the onset of the allergic disease in humans, but the implication of non-tick parasites in α-Gal sensitization has also been deliberated. In the present study, we therefore evaluated the capacity of helminths (Toxocara canis, Ascaris suum, Schistosoma mansoni), protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii), and parasitic fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus) to induce an immune response to α-Gal. For this, different developmental stages of the infectious agents were tested for the presence of α-Gal. Next, the potential correlation between immune responses to α-Gal and the parasite infections was investigated by testing sera collected from patients with AGS and those infected with the parasites. Our results showed that S. mansoni and A. fumigatus produce the terminal α-Gal moieties, but they were not able to induce the production of specific antibodies. By contrast, T. canis, A. suum and T. gondii lack the α-Gal epitope. Furthermore, the patients with T. canis infection had significantly decreased anti-α-Gal IgE levels when compared to the healthy controls, suggesting the potential role of this nematode parasite in suppressing the allergic response to the glycan molecule. This rather intriguing observation is discussed in the context of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. Taken together, our study provides new insights into the relationships between immune responses to α-Gal and parasitic infections. However, further investigations should be undertaken to identify T. canis components with potent immunomodulatory properties and to assess their potential to be used in immunotherapy and control of AGS.

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Prevalence, Risk Factors and Genotypes of Giardia duodenalis in Sheltered Dogs in Tuscany (Central Italy)

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens11010012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 12

Author(s):

Andrea Agresti ◽

Federica Berrilli ◽

Michela Maestrini ◽

Isabel Guadano Procesi ◽

Enrico Loretti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Central Italy ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Control Measures ◽

Monitoring And Control ◽

Italian Studies ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

And Control

In sheltered dogs, the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis is frequently high and may include potential zoonotic genotypes. The prevalence, genotypes and potential risk factors of G. duodenalis were assessed in 168 dogs from four kennels (Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Valdarno) in Tuscany, central Italy and compared with data from previous Italian studies. The prevalence of other intestinal parasites was also investigated. Individual dog faecal samples collected from each kennel were examined by parasitological techniques and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium faecal antigens. On Giardia-positive samples, molecular analysis was performed for genotype identification. Overall, 69 dogs scored positive for G. duodenalis (41%), but significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found among the four kennels and sampling seasons. The potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B and the canine-specific assemblage C (Pistoia: A-AII, B, C; Prato: A-AII, B; Florence: A-AII; Valdarno: A and C) were identified. Toxocara canis (8.9%), Trichuris vulpis (3.6%), hookworms (1.19%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.6%) were also identified. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis and the identification of potentially zoonotic genotypes in all examined kennels underline the need to improve routine parasite monitoring and control measures and to provide insights into the zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis.

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Muscular strength decrease in Rattus norvegicus experimentally infected by Toxocara canis

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652009000200003 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 73-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Pedro P. Chieffi ◽

Renata T.R. Aquino ◽

Maria A. Paschoalotti ◽

Manoel Carlos S.A. Ribeiro ◽

Antonia G. Nasello

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Rattus Norvegicus ◽

Wistar Rats ◽

Muscular Strength ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

The Body ◽

And Control

The muscular strength of experimental infected Rattus norvegicus with 3rd. stage Toxocara canis larvae was investigated. Fifty Wistar rats, divided in three groups (G1 - 20 rats infected by 300 eggs of T. canis; G2 - 20 rats infected by 2,000 eggs of T. canis and G3 - 10 rats without infection) had been used. Ten and 30 days after infection the muscular strength in the fore-feet of the rats was checked; at the same time, the body weight was determined. No significative differences in the body weight were noted among the infected and control rats in both occasions. Otherwise, an impairment on the muscular strength was observed in rats infected with T. canis 30 days after inoculation.

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Control of Metal Alloy Oxidation with Electric Fields

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100071260 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 164-165

Author(s):

R. R. Dils ◽

P. S. Follansbee

Keyword(s):

Electric Fields ◽

Oxidation Process ◽

Base Alloy ◽

Oxide Surface ◽

Platinum Electrodes ◽

Insulating Layer ◽

Iron Base Alloy ◽

Alloy Oxidation ◽

Aluminum Oxide Layer ◽

And Control

Electric fields have been applied across oxides growing on a high temperature alloy and control of the oxidation of the material has been demonstrated. At present, three-fold increases in the oxidation rate have been measured in accelerating fields and the oxidation process has been completely stopped in a retarding field.The experiments have been conducted with an iron-base alloy, Pe 25Cr 5A1 0.1Y, although, in principle, any alloy capable of forming an adherent aluminum oxide layer during oxidation can be used. A specimen is polished and oxidized to produce a thin, uniform insulating layer on one surface. Three platinum electrodes are sputtered on the oxide surface and the specimen is reoxidized.

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Evidence for a Blood Ganglion Barrier in the Superior Cervical Ganglion of the Rat

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100053681 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 40 ◽

pp. 204-204

Author(s):

D. M. DePace

Keyword(s):

Blood Vessels ◽

Superior Cervical Ganglion ◽

Peripheral Nerves ◽

Time Schedule ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Cervical Ganglion ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Cervical Ganglia ◽

Capillary Circulation ◽

And Control

The majority of blood vessels in the superior cervical ganglion possess a continuous endothelium with tight junctions. These same features have been associated with the blood brain barrier of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. These vessels may perform a barrier function between the capillary circulation and the superior cervical ganglion. The permeability of the blood vessels in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was tested by intravenous injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Three experimental groups of four animals each were given intravenous HRP (Sigma Type II) in a dosage of.08 to.15 mg/gm body weight in.5 ml of.85% saline. The animals were sacrificed at five, ten or 15 minutes following administration of the tracer. Superior cervical ganglia were quickly removed and fixed by immersion in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in Sorenson's.1M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Three control animals received,5ml of saline without HRP. These were sacrificed on the same time schedule. Tissues from experimental and control animals were reacted for peroxidase activity and then processed for routine transmission electron microscopy.

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Effects of renovascular hypertension on rat adrenal zona glomerulosa

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100083783 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 582-583

Author(s):

G. Mazzocchi ◽

P. Rebuffat ◽

C. Robba ◽

P. Vassanelli ◽

G. G. Nussdorfer

Keyword(s):

Renovascular Hypertension ◽

Left Kidney ◽

Renin Angiotensin System ◽

Plasma Renin ◽

Zona Glomerulosa ◽

Ultrastructural Changes ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Left Renal Artery ◽

Angiotensin System ◽

And Control

It is well known that the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa steroidogenic activity is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system. The ultrastructural changes in the rat zona glomerulosa cells induced by renovascular hypertension were described previously, but as far as we are aware no correlated biochemical and morphometric investigations were performed.Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into 2 experimental groups. One group was subjected to restriction of blood flow to the left kidney by the application of a silver clip about the left renal artery. The other group was sham-operated and served as a control. Renovascular hypertension developed in about 10 days: sistolic blood pressure averaged 165 ± 6. 4 mmHg, whereas it was about 110 ± 3. 8 mmHg in the control animals. The hypertensive and control rats were sacrificed 20 days after the operation. The blood was collected and plasma renin activity was determined by radioimmunological methods. The aldosterone concentration was radioimmunologically assayed both in the plasma and in the homogenate of the left capsular adrenal gland.

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X-Ray Replication of Submicrometer Linewidth Patterns

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100078250 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 35 ◽

pp. 136-137

Author(s):

Henry I. Smith ◽

D.C. Flanders

Keyword(s):

Electron Beam Lithography ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

X Ray ◽

Electron Backscattering ◽

Spatial Frequencies ◽

Cross Sectional Profile ◽

Carbon Foils ◽

Sectional Profile ◽

And Control ◽

Soft Radiation

Scanning electron beam lithography has been used for a number of years to write submicrometer linewidth patterns in radiation sensitive films (resist films) on substrates. On semi-infinite substrates, electron backscattering severely limits the exposure latitude and control of cross-sectional profile for patterns having fundamental spatial frequencies below about 4000 Å(l),Recently, STEM'S have been used to write patterns with linewidths below 100 Å. To avoid the detrimental effects of electron backscattering however, the substrates had to be carbon foils about 100 Å thick (2,3). X-ray lithography using the very soft radiation in the range 10 - 50 Å avoids the problem of backscattering and thus permits one to replicate on semi-infinite substrates patterns with linewidths of the order of 1000 Å and less, and in addition provides means for controlling cross-sectional profiles. X-radiation in the range 4-10 Å on the other hand is appropriate for replicating patterns in the linewidth range above about 3000 Å, and thus is most appropriate for microelectronic applications (4 - 6).

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Ultrastructural changes in sciatic nerve tissue: Effects of passive maternal smoking

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100076858 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 650-651

Author(s):

Amankwah K.S. ◽

A.D. Weberg ◽

R.C. Kaufmann

Keyword(s):

Sciatic Nerve ◽

Maternal Smoking ◽

Ultrastructural Level ◽

Uranyl Acetate ◽

Nerve Tissue ◽

Ultrastructural Changes ◽

Cacodylate Buffer ◽

And Control ◽

Spontaneous Delivery

Previous research has revealed that passive (involuntary inhalation) tobacco smoking during gestation can have adverse effects upon the developing fetus. These prior investigations did not concentrate on changes in fetal morphology. This study was undertaken to delineate fetal neural abnormalities at the ultrastructural level in mice pups exposed in utero to passive maternal smoking.Pregnant study animals, housed in a special chamber, were subjected to cigarette smoke daily from conception until delivery. Blood tests for determination of carbon monoxide levels were run at 15-18 days gestation. Sciatic nerve tissue from experimental and control animals were obtained following spontaneous delivery and fixed in 2.5% gluteraldehyde in 0.1M cacodylate buffer pH 7.3. The samples were post-fixed in osmium ferrocyanide (1:1 mixture of 1.5% aqueous OSO4 and 2.5% K4 Fe(CN)6). Following dehydration, the tissues were infiltrated with and embedded in Spurr. Sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.

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A Superconducting Microscope

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100064104 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

pp. 10-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. E. Worsham ◽

J. E. Mann ◽

E. G. Richardson

Keyword(s):

Liquid Helium ◽

Focal Length ◽

Vacuum System ◽

Objective Lens ◽

Electrical Instability ◽

Radiation Shields ◽

And Control ◽

Thermal Oscillations ◽

Flux Pump

This superconducting microscope, Figure 1, was first operated in May, 1970. The column, which started life as a Siemens Elmiskop I, was modified by removing the objective and intermediate lenses, the specimen chamber, and the complete vacuum system. The large cryostat contains the objective lens and stage. They are attached to the bottom of the 7-liter helium vessel and are surrounded by two vapor-cooled radiation shields.In the initial operational period 5-mm and 2-mm focal length objective lens pole pieces were used giving magnification up to 45000X. Without a stigmator and precision ground pole pieces, a resolution of about 50-100Å was achieved. The boil-off rate of the liquid helium was reduced to 0.2-0.3ℓ/hour after elimination of thermal oscillations in the cryostat. The calculated boil-off was 0.2ℓ/hour. No effect caused by mechanical or electrical instability was found. Both 4.2°K and 1.7-1.9°K operation were routine. Flux pump excitation and control of the lens were quite smooth, simple, and, apparently highly stable. Alignment of the objective lens proved quite awkward, however, with the long-thin epoxy glass posts used for supporting the lens.

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Morphogenesis of a New Human Herpes-Type Virus Isolate (Sasha Virus)

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100073404 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 592-593

Author(s):

R. F. Zeigel ◽

W. Munyon

Keyword(s):

Virus Isolate ◽

Calf Serum ◽

Uranyl Acetate ◽

Human Herpes ◽

Human Embryonic Lung ◽

Human Herpes Virus ◽

Intracytoplasmic Inclusions ◽

Hel Cells ◽

And Control

In continuing studies on the role of viruses in biochemical transformation, Dr. Munyon has succeeded in isolating a highly infectious human herpes virus. Fluids of buccal pustular lesions from Sasha Munyon (10 mo. old) uiere introduced into monolayer sheets of human embryonic lung (HEL) cell cultures propagated in Eagles’ medium containing 5% calf serum. After 18 hours the cells exhibited a dramatic C.P.E. (intranuclear vacuoles, peripheral patching of chromatin, intracytoplasmic inclusions). Control HEL cells failed to reflect similar changes. Infected and control HEL cells were scraped from plastic flasks at 18 hrs. of incubation and centrifuged at 1200 × g for 15 min. Resultant cell packs uiere fixed in Dalton's chrome osmium, and post-fixed in aqueous uranyl acetate. Figure 1 illustrates typical hexagonal herpes-type nucleocapsids within the intranuclear virogenic regions. The nucleocapsids are approximately 100 nm in diameter. Nuclear membrane “translocation” (budding) uias observed.

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