Infections of Two Isthmiophora Species (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in Wild Mammals from Republic of Korea with Their Morphological Descriptions

Isthmiophora hortensis (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) is a dominant echinostome in animal reservoir hosts and humans in the Republic of Korea (Korea). We intended to investigate the infection status with this echinostome species in the several species of wild animals and describe the morphological characteristics in the faunistic view point. A total of 175 animal carcasses belonging to 3 families, i.e., Canidae, Felidae and Mustelidae, were collected from the southern regions of Korea from March 2010 to July 2017. Isthmiophora spp. worms were recovered from the small intestines of each animal under a stereomicroscope after washing of intestinal contents. Isthmiophora hortensis was recovered from 4 species of wild carnivores, i.e., Nyctereutes procyonoides (3/107: 2.8%), Mustela sibirica (11/31: 35.5%), Meles lucurus (2/3: 33.3%) and Martes flavigula (1/2: 50%). The other 3 carnivores comprising stray dogs, cat and leopard cat were negative for I. hortensis infection (0/2, 0/10 and 0/12, respectively). Specimens obtained from the Lutra lutra (6/8: 75%) were identified as a distinct species, I. inermis, by morphological comparison. Isthmiophora inermis has thinner body, elongate testes and different anterior limits of vitelline fields. Detailed morphological descriptions and comparisons with the morphological characteristics are provided. Conclusively, it was confirmed for the first time that 3 species of mustelid mammals, i.e., M. sibirica, M. lucurus, and M. flavigula, are to be the new definitive hosts of I. hortensis in Korea. Additionally, I. inermis is to be newly added in the Korean echinostome fauna.

A Case of Fascioliasis in A Wild Nutria, Myocastor coypus, in Republic of Korea

A total of 44 adult or juvenile nutrias were necropsied for disease survey. A large nodule was found in the liver of a nutria. The histopathological specimen of the hepatic nodule was microscopically examined, and sectional worms were found in the bile duct. The worms showed a tegument with spines, highly branches of vitelline glands and intestine. Finally, we histopathologically confirmed fascioliasis in a wild nutria. In the present study, a case of fascioliasis in a wild nutria is first confirmed in Korea.

Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of Opisthorchis viverrini Calreticulin

Calreticulin (CALR), a multifunctional protein thoroughly researched in mammals, comprises N-, P-, and C-domain and has roles in calcium homeostasis, chaperoning, clearance of apoptotic cells, cell adhesion, and also angiogenesis. In this study, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the Opisthorchis viverrini CALR gene were analyzed, and calcium-binding and chaperoning properties of recombinant O. viverrini CALR (OvCALR) investigated. OvCALR mRNA was detected from the newly excysted juvenile to the mature parasite by RT-PCR while specific antibodies showed a wide distribution of the protein. OvCALR was localized in tegumental cell bodies, testes, ovary, eggs, Mehlis’ gland, prostate gland, and vitelline cells of the mature parasite. Recombinant OvCALR showed an in vitro suppressive effect on the thermal aggregation of citrate synthase. The recombinant OvCALR C-domain showed a mobility shift in native gel electrophoresis in the presence of calcium. The results imply that OvCALR has comparable function to the mammalian homolog as a calcium-binding molecular chaperone. Inferred from the observed strong immunostaining of the reproductive tissues, OvCALR should be important for reproduction and might be an interesting target to disrupt parasite fecundity. Transacetylase activity of OvCALR as reported for calreticulin of Haemonchus contortus could not be observed.

A Case of Chaunocephalosis by Chaunocephalus ferox (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in an Oriental White Stork, Ciconia boyciana, in Korea

We intended to describe a case of chaunocephalosis and morphological characteristics of its causative agent, Chaunocephalus ferox, recovered from an oriental white stork, Ciconia boyciana, in the Republic of Korea. An oriental white stork was referred to the Wildlife Center of Chungbuk in Korea in February 2014 for severe depression with cachexia and it died the next day. At necropsy, the stomach was severely expanded and 7 thick-walled nodules were observed in the upper part of the intestine. Although the stomach was filled with full of foreign materials, the intestine was almost empty. The nodules were globular and total 9 flukes were recovered. They were 8,030–8,091 μm in length and 3,318–3,333 μm in maximum width. Because the flukes had bulbous forebody with short narrow subcylindrical hindbody, 27 collar spines, and vitelline follicles not reaching to the posterior end, the specimens were identified as being C. ferox. The cyst formation induced thickening of the intestinal wall with narrowing of the lumen that could have contributed to the gastric impaction to the death of the host. This is the first described case of chaunocephalosis and its causative agent C. ferox found from an oriental white stork in Korea.

Two Echinostome Species, Pegosomum bubulcum and Nephrostomum ramosum (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), from an Eastern Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis coromandus, in Republic of Korea

We describe 2 echinostome species recovered from an Eastern cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis coromandus, from Cheongju-si (city), Chungcheongbuk-do (province), Korea. Total 72 Pegosomum bubulcum specimens were recovered from the bile duct. They were 7,566×2,938 μm in average size and had 27 collar spines with vitelline extension from anterior 1/3 level of the esophagus to mid-level of the posterior testis as characteristic features. Total 9 specimens of Nephrostomum ramosum were recovered in the small intestines of the bird. They were ribbon-shaped, 11,378×2,124 μm in average size, and morphologically variable in some organs, i.e., the number of collar spines (47-50), the shape of ovary and testes, and the extension of vitelline follicles. These morphological variations observed in a single host indicated that these features are not critical for the classification of Nephrostomum species and thus were reconsidered taxonomically as synonym of N. ramosum. This study is the first report documenting and describing both flukes and their associated genera in Korea.

Neonatal vitelline vein aneurysm with thrombosis: prompt treatment should be needed

Vitelline veins are a pair of embryonic structures. The veins develop the portal vein system. Serious problems occur if the vitelline vein does not regress and becomes an aneurysm. Thrombus formation in the vitelline vein aneurysm could lead to portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension unless promptly and correctly treated. Though vitelline vein aneurysm is an extremely rare anomaly, it rapidly progresses to portal vein thrombosis that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We reported a case of neonatal vitelline vein aneurysm and thrombosis that was cured by prompt operation.

An anomalous portal vein crossing the lesser sac and ending at the upper part of ductus venosus / 대한해부학회지

In serial sagittal sections of a fetus on week 9 (crown-rump length, 36 mm), we incidentally found absence of the usual portal vein through the hepatoduodenal ligament. Instead, an anomalous portal vein originated behind the pancreatic body, crossed the lesser sac and merged with the upper part of the ductus venosus. During the course across the lesser sac, the vein provided a deep notch of the liver caudate lobe (Spiegel's lobe). The hepatoduodenal ligament contained the hepatic artery, the common bile duct and, at the right posterior margin of the ligament, and a branch of the anomalous portal vein which communicated with the usual right branch of the portal vein at the hepatic hilum. The umbilical portion of the portal vein took a usual morphology and received the umbilical vein and gave off the ductus venosus. Although it seemed not to be described yet, the present anomalous portal vein was likely to be a persistent left vitelline vein. The hepatoduodenal ligament was unlikely to include the left vitelline vein in contrast to the usual concept.

Study of cathepsins involved in haemoglobin and vitellin digestion in Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae by one- and two dimensional zymography

Enzymatic digestion of proteins in ticks is a complex process and the study of functional proteomics of these enzymes can help to select them as possible vaccine candidates. Blood protein changes [e.g. haemoglobin to vitellin] occur in female mature ticks. Vitellin digestion, as an amino acid and energy source, is one of the vital and important processes in development and evolution of tick eggs and larval stage of unengorged ticks. Several studies reveal a network of proteolytic enzymes involved in haemoglobin and vitellin digestion. These enzymes are mostly cysteine and aspartic peptidases. The aim of this study was the detection of the cathepsins in Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae extract. In the current research, cysteine proteases extracted from Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae were studied by one- and two-dimensional zymography. Findings from one dimensional zymography showed a transparent band with 28 KDa. In two-dimensional zymography transparent area are seen in the dark gel background distributed in 21 to 65 KDa zones related to cathepsins. When DTTwas added to incubation buffer [10 mM acetate buffer, pH= 4], the proteolytic activity of some enzymes was increased and appeared as more clear transparent bands in one-dimentional zymography compared with samples incubated in buffer without DTT. As the pH of incubation buffer was acidic and adding DTT resulted in increased activity of the enzymes, therefore, some of these proteolytic enzymes are assumed to be cysteine proteases

Absent portal vein bifurcation: a rare variant and its clinical significance / 대한해부학회지

Portal vein branching anomaly occurs due to aberration of normal anastomotic patterns and involution of vitelline veins during development of portal vein. Anatomical knowledge of portal vein and its branching pattern is important for hepatobiliary surgeon and gastrointestinal intervention radiologist. We are reporting a case of absence of portal vein bifurcation showing single main intrahepatic portal vein with gradual decreasing caliber distally, in a young female patient on contrast-enhanced computed tomography study of abdomen. Few cases of absence of portal bifurcation have been reported in literature so far.

Expression and localization of Rdd proteins in Xenopus embryo / 대한해부학회지

The previous study has shown that repeated D domain-like (Rdd) proteins, a group of novel secretory proteins consisting of repeated domains of a cysteine-rich sequence, are involved in the process of blood vessel formation in Xenopus embryo. We performed further experiments to examine the localization of Rdd proteins in embryogenesis. Detection of tagged Rdd proteins expressed in blastomeres showed that Rdd proteins formed a high molecular weight complex and existed in the extracellular space. A rabbit antibody against the Rdd synthetic peptide identified a single band of 28 kD in embryonic tissue extract. By whole-mount immunostaining analysis, signal was detected in the regions of inter-somites, vitelline veins, and branchial arches at the tailbud stage. Staining of Rdd was remarkably reduced in the embryos injected with vascular endothelial growth factor Morpholino. We suggest that Rdd proteins interact with a molecule(s) associated with vascular precursor cells.

Development of an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Vitellin for Vitellogenin Measurement in the Pale Chub, Zacco platypus

OBJECTIVES: Fish vitellogenin (VTG) is produced in the female liver during oogenesis through the estradiol cycle and produced in the male liver by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as alkylphenols. In this study, we propose that the VTG concentration in the pale chub could be detected using monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies against vitellin (Vn) in a VTG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies were produced using the Vn extracted from the matured ovum of the ovary. The VTG was extracted from the plasma of the male pale chub. The Vn and VTG were confirmed by measuring the molecular weight of their proteins using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the specificity of the antibodies was checked through western blotting methods. The assay system was validated with respect to optimal assay concentrations, specificity, recovery, and intra- and inter-assay variations. RESULTS: The Vn consisted of two protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 64 and 37 kDa. The SDS-PAGE indicated protein weights of 146 and 77 kDa in the VTG. The assay range was 15.6 ng/mL to 2,000 ng/mL, and the value of the intra- and inter-assay variations were within 10.0% and 14.7%, respectively. The recovery rate was 99.5+/-5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A sandwich ELISA was developed that could be used to qualify the VTG of pale chub in screening for EDCs. Pale chub is an ideal species for observing estrogen activity in the environment because of its extensive habitat and extensive food chain. The ELISA developed here would be more favorable than those for other species for determining the effect of long-term food chain accumulation of EDCs in aquatic environments.

Clinical Analysis of Vitelline Duct Anomalies in Children

A vitelline duct (VD) anomaly is a relatively common congenital abnormality of the umbilical area. The anomalies include patent vitelline duct (PVD), cyst, fistula or sinus. The incidence is approximately 2% of the populations, but development of symptoms is rare. Recently, we experienced two cases; PVD accompanied by a smallomphalocele and intestinal volvulus due to mesenteric band between Meckel's diverticulum and the mesentery. Thereafter,we evaluated the data of vitelline duct anomalies for 27 years. From 1980 to 2006, 18 cases of VD anomalies were reviewed based on the hospital records retrospectively. There were 15 boys and 3 girls and age ranged from 2 days to 15 years. Among the 18 cases, 15 cases were symptomatic and consisted of Meckel's diverticulum (10 cases), PVD (4 cases) and umbilical polyp (1 case). Three asymptomatic cases of Meckel's diverticulum were found incidentally were and were observed without resection. Ten cases of Meckel's diverticulum were presented with intestinal bleedings (4 cases), intestinal obstructions (5 cases) and perforation (1 case). Wedge resections and segmental resections of ileum were performed in 8 patients and 2 patients, respectively. Postoperative complications were adhesive ileus (1 case) and wound seroma (1 case). Small omphaloceles were accompanied in two of 4 PVD patients. There was 1 small omphalocele case which was accompanied by a prolapse of ileum. In summary, VD anomalies were more common in male and more than half of them were found in patients less than 1 year of age. PVD was diagnosed most frequently in neonates. Meckel's diverticulum presented with intestinal obstruction more frequently than bleeding.

A Case of Umbilical Omphalomesenteric Duct Polyp / 대한피부과학회지

An umbilical omphalomesenteric duct polyp arises from remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the midgut to the Yolk sac of the embryo and is closed completely at 7 weeks. Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct shows various clinical manifestations of embryologic anomalies such as umbilical enteric fistula, Meckel's diverticulum or vitelline cysts. In particular, the umbilical omphalomesenteric duct polyp should be clinically discerned from persistent granulation tissue or pyogenic granuloma and attention should be given to external openings with discharge, which can be suggestive of underlying anomalies. We herein report an case of an umbilical omphalomesenteric duct polyp in a 10-year-old male who had no underlying anomalies.

A Case of Mesodiverticular Band Causing Small Intestinal Obstruction / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Meckel's diverticulum is found in about 3% of the population, often incidentally during laparotomy or at autopsy. Over 50% of patients who develop symptoms from this anomaly are younger than 2 years of age. The most common symptom of this lesion is intestinal obstruction. Rarely Meckel's diverticulum is complicated by a mesodiverticular band, which is believed to be a remnant of a vitelline artery. We report a 11-year-old girl with small bowel obstruction because of an intestinal hernia beneath the mesodiverticular band. The causative factor was a stenotic area in the terminal ileum caused by a ringlike lipovascular mesenteric band encroaching externally on the lumen. Although the incidence of mesodiverticular bands complicating Meckel's diverticulum is quite low, the rapid clinical course and the associated high mortality rate make this an important disease.

Classification of Umbilical Vein Anomalies Based upon Cases in Dead Fetuses

BACKGROUND: Prior reports of umbilical vein variation were strongly associated with several congenital anomalies. This suggests that the incidence of umbilical vein anomaly was more frequently seen in dead fetuses than in liveborn infants because the leading causes of stillbirth are chromosomal and/or congenital anomalies. The developing liver exerts a profound influence in modifying the primitive vitelline and umbilical veins. This study was undertaken to identify the umbilical vein variations and the associated hepatic and perihepatic structural anomalies in dead fetuses. METHODS: Dissection was done in eighteen dead fetuses who had undergone delivery at Chonbuk National University Hospital between December 1996 and February 1998. The weight ratios of the liver to the body and the right to the left hepatic lobes and the distal attachment of umbilical vein, including the presence of hepatic fissures and ligaments, were examined. According to the gestational age, the cases were divided into two groups (group 1: or = 32 weeks, 5 cases). RESULTS: The gestational age of the fetuses ranged from 19 to 39 weeks. The fetal liver constituted 3.7% and 4.0% of the total fetal body weight for group 1 and 2, respectively. The mean weight ratio of the right to the left hepatic lobe was between 1:1.4 and 1:1.5. There were no gross morphologic abnormalities in 9 cases. Eighteen kinds of chromosomal and congenital anomalies, including omphalocele, anomalous hepatic segmentation, hypogenesis of the hand and the foot, syndactyly, polycystic kidney, etc., were observed in 9 dead fetuses. A case of an abnormal distal attachment of the umbilical vein was identified. The umbilical vein drained into the dilated extrahepatic portal vein directly. The hepatic segments and fissures were completely normal, but ligamentum teres was not identified in this case. A peculiar hepatic segmental anomaly due to whole organ herniation through a defect in an omphalocele was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The weight of the liver of the dead fetuses was relatively small in both groups. No weight shift of left to right was recognized. The incidence of congenital anomalies was much higherin the dead fetuses (50%) than in the live births (0.7-1.98%). There were two hepatic anomalies (11.1%), including segmentation and distal attachment of the umbilical vein. The authors reviewed all reports of umbilical vein anomalies and propose a classification for umbilical vein variations focused on the distal points of attachment. All variations of the umbilical vein tend to fall into two main groups. In the first group, the veins have distal points of attachment into portal vein systems. In the second group, the veins have distal points of attachment into systemic veins.

Polyvesicular Vitelline Tumor of the Ovary: A case report

Polyvesicular vitelline tumor of the ovary is an extremely rare variant of yolk sac tumor. We present a case of pure polyvesicular vitelline tumor in a 43-year-old woman. Light microscopy revealed a predominantly polyvesicular pattern embedded in mesoblastic stroma with the cysts showing two type of lining; tall columnar and cuboidal, or mesothelioid cells. The lining atypical cells showed occasional mitoses and intracytoplasmic PAS positive hyaline globules. In some areas, the cystic space contained a large amount of intraluminal hyaline material. Immunohistochemically, alpha- fetoprotein and alpha-1-antitrypsin were detected as a fine granular deposit in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and hyaline globules. Electron microscopically, marked specialization of the vesicular lining cells suggested a differentiation toward gut structures and mature yolk sac.

Polyvesicular Vitelline Tumor of the Ovary: A case report

Polyvesicular vitelline tumor of the ovary is an extremely rare variant of yolk sac tumor. We present a case of pure polyvesicular vitelline tumor in a 43-year-old woman. Light microscopy revealed a predominantly polyvesicular pattern embedded in mesoblastic stroma with the cysts showing two type of lining; tall columnar and cuboidal, or mesothelioid cells. The lining atypical cells showed occasional mitoses and intracytoplasmic PAS positive hyaline globules. In some areas, the cystic space contained a large amount of intraluminal hyaline material. Immunohistochemically, alpha- fetoprotein and alpha-1-antitrypsin were detected as a fine granular deposit in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and hyaline globules. Electron microscopically, marked specialization of the vesicular lining cells suggested a differentiation toward gut structures and mature yolk sac.

Congenital Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in a Newbom Successfully Treated with Coil Embolization Via Umbilical Vein

Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a rare entity and is mostly reported in adults. In embryonic period, the vitelline vein is broken up into the vitelline sinusoids, which become the intrahepatic portal vein branches and the hepatic veins. The portosystemic venous shunts may develop from embryonic vascular remnants, including the vitelline vein and ductus venosus. We report for the first time in Korea a case of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a newbom infant presenting with congestive heart failure and hepatomegaly, successfully treated by coil embolization via umbilical vein.

A Clinical Study of Vitelline Duct and Vessel Remnants

Of 72 cases with vitelline duct and vessel remnants, 45 (62.5%) had symptomatic lesions (mean age, 27.9 months) with male preponderance (4.6: 1). Among the 45 symptomatic lesions, there were 22 cases of Meckel's diverticulum, 6 cases of Meckel's diverticulum with fibrous band attached to the umbilicus, 6 cases of patent vitelline duct, 5 cases of vitelline artery remnant as fibrous band, 2 cases of umbilical sinus, 2 cases of umbilical polyp, and 2 cases of vitelline cyst. Twenty three cases (51%) presented with intestinal obstruction, 6 (13%) with rectal bleeding, 4 (9%) with perforated Meckel's diverticulum, 5 with intestinal fluid drainage through umbilicus, 5 with umbilical lesion, and 1 with abdominal mass. Intestinal obstruction due to fibrous band developed at infancy (average age, 4.6 months). About 82% of complicated Meckel's diverticulum (n=28) presented less than 4 years of age. Seventeen Meckel's diverticulums, 8 obliterated vitelline artery remnants, and 1 vitelline vein remnant as fibrous band were found incidentally at laparotomy.