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The first-instar larvae of strepsipteran parasites, commonly referred to as “triungulins”, are the host-seeking stage: they must locate, invade and successfully develop in the new host, in order to start their parasitic cycle. Little information is available about the behaviour of Xenos vesparum triungulins. They emerge in batches from the endoparasitic female infecting Polistes dominulus, the primary host, and reach the nest through a vector (a foraging wasp or the parasitised wasp itself). Once there, they have the possibility to penetrate into wasp immatures at different developmental stages. In this study, we performed preliminary analyses aimed to investigate which cues are important to direct triungulin movements during their brief stay in wasp nests. In laboratory conditions we selectively presented different stimuli to Xenos larvae: apparently, the host larva itself is attractive in an open arena, but not inside a confined space, nor are epicuticular compounds of wasp larvae able to control triungulin movements. These are more likely oriented by their gregarious behaviour, whereas light (positive phototaxy) may at a previous stage enhance their emergence via the brood canal opening in the female cephalothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobilization of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is increased after acute exercise and training. This study aims to evaluate whether, in a low performance population, EPC levels may be related to exercise capacity in steady state conditions. Study population consisted of sixteen hemodialysis patients. The distance walked in the 6-minute walking test (6 MWD) and the maximal speed attained in an incremental treadmill test were used to assess the exercise capacity. Physical functioning was measured by the scale on the SF36 questionnaire. Quantification of peripheral blood CD34(+) cells and enumeration of EPCs, assessed as CD34(+) cells coexpressing AC 133 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, were performed. Hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. Statistical analysis examined the relationship between blood progenitors cells versus performance parameters, laboratory parameters, age, body mass index, hemodialysis duration, and erythropoietin therapy. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between percentage values of EPC and performance parameters only: 6 MWD (r = 0.720; p = 0.0017), maximal treadmill speed (r = 0.721 ; p = 0.0016), and physical functioning score (r = 0.506; p = 0.0453). A similar statistical association between EPC absolute values and performance parameters was found. No correlation between CD34+ and any parameter under study was observed. Multivariate analysis indicated 6 MWD as the most significant independent factor associated with EPC level. EPC percentage value was significantly lower (p=0.0087) in the worse (6 MWD <300 m, n=8) than in the better performing group (6 MWD > 300 m, n = 8). In a group of renal patients, mobilization of EPCs was related to the degree of exercise capacity, suggesting a possible connection with the cardiovascular risk in low performance populations limited by chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases in working age still represent a major cause of morbidity and account for a number of fitness to work certificates expressing several limitations and prescriptions. To present the medical assessment conducted in an Occupational Medicine Division including an Occupational Cardiology Unit and work-physiology lab. It is described the history and the structure of the Occupational Cardiology Unit. Our almost forty years longlasting experience allow us to point out the precious contribution of the Occupational Cardiology Unit to the Occupational Medicine Division, due to a highly specialised and qualified assessment of cardiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The involvement of protein C (PC) pathway components in multiple sclerosis (MS) has scarcely been explored. The aim was to investigate their levels in relation to clinical and neurodegenerative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in patients. Methods: In all, 138 MS patients and 42 healthy individuals were studied. PC, protein S (PS) and soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) were evaluated by multiplex assays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Regression analyses between 3 T MRI outcomes and PC pathway components were performed. ancova was used to compare MRI volumes based on protein level quartiles. Partial correlation was assessed amongst levels of PC pathway components and hemostasis protein levels, including soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), heparin cofactor II (HCII), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1) and factor XII (FXII). The variation of PC concentration across four time points was evaluated in 32 additional MS patients. Results: There was an association between PC concentration, mainly reflecting the zymogen PC, and MRI measures for volumes of total gray matter (GM) (P = 0.003), thalamus (P = 0.007), cortex (P = 0.008), deep GM (P = 0.009) and whole brain (P = 0.026). Patients in the highest PC level quartile were characterized by the lowest GM volumes. Correlations of PC–HCII, PC–FXII and sEPCR–sTM values were detectable in MS patients, whilst PC–PS and PS–PAI‐1 correlations were present in healthy individuals only. Conclusions: Protein C plasma concentrations might be associated with neurodegenerative MRI outcomes in MS. Several differences in correlation amongst protein plasma levels suggest dysregulation of PC pathway components in MS patients. The stability of PC concentration over time supports a PC investigation in relation to GM atrophy in MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic castration is an adaptive strategy where parasites usurp the hosts’ reproductive physiology to complete their life cycle. The alterations in the host traits vary in their magnitude, from subtle changes in the host morpho-physiology and behaviour to the production of complex aberrant phenotypes, which often depend on the host gender. The strepsipteran macroparasite Xenos vesparum induces dramatic behavioural and physiological changes in its female host, the paper wasp Polistes dominula , while its effect on the male phenotype is largely unknown. In this study we investigated how a single X. vesparum parasite influences the functional morphology of P. dominula male reproductive apparatus. We performed morphometry and ultrastructure characterization of corpora allata , testes, seminal vesicles and accessory glands in parasitized and unparasitized males, and also in young and old males to control for the effect of age on the natural deterioration of these organs. Our results show that age significantly affects the development of male reproductive apparatus. A low parasite load – one parasite per host is the common prevalence in the field – has only a marginal impact on the reproductive morphology of P. dominula males, affecting quantitatively but not qualitatively the protein content of male accessory glands. Thus, in male P. dominula wasps, X. vesparum appears to behave as a true “parasite”, in clear opposition to the role of “parasitoid” that it takes in female hosts where castration causes the reproductive death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries among elite biathletes. Design: One-year retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting: The survey was conducted during the first Biathlon World Cup event 2008/2009. Participants: A total of 116 athletes filled out an anonymous online survey. Main Outcome Measures: The questionnaire gathered data about location, type, onset, severity, and cause of injury. Results: Among the study population, 47 athletes (40.5%) reported a total of 68 injuries (incidence of 58.6 injuries/100 athletes/year). Female athletes (54.4%) suffered more injuries than male athletes (39.7%). A total of 54.4% of injuries came on gradually, 54.4% occurred during the training season, and 39.7% required removal from competition or training sessions. The most commonly injured body parts were the lower back (38.9%), knee (35.7%), and shoulder (25%). Running was the primary cause of injury (27.9%). The independent variable 'years of participation in biathlon' (7 years or more) correlated with an increased risk for injury (P = 0.036). Conclusions: Biathlon is associated with a relatively high incidence of injuries, mostly of slight severity. Female athletes experience more injuries than male athletes. Lower back injuries are the most common injury site. The majority of injuries are caused from training activities such as running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]