Stool screening of Syrian refugees and asylum seekers in Germany, 2013/2014: Identification of Sabin like polioviruses.

Germany is a partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Assurance of polio free status is based on enterovirus surveillance, which focuses on patients with signs of acute flaccid paralysis or aseptic meningitis/encephalitis, representing the key symptoms of poliovirus infection. In response to the wild poliovirus outbreak in Syria 2013 and high number of refugees coming from Syria to Germany, stool samples from 629 Syrian refugees/asylum seekers aged <3 years were screened for wild poliovirus between November 2013 and April 2014. Ninety-three samples (14.8%) were positive in an enterovirus specific PCR. Of these, 12 contained Sabin-like polioviruses. The remaining 81 samples were characterized as non-polio enteroviruses representing several members of groups A-C as well as rhinovirus. Wild-type poliovirus was not detected via stool screening involving molecular and virological methods, indicating a very low risk for the importation by Syrian refugees and asylum seekers at that time.

Human metapneumovirus: insights from a ten-year molecular and epidemiological analysis in Germany.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a cause of respiratory tract illness at all ages. In this study the epidemiological and molecular diversity among patients of different ages was investigated. Between 2000-2001 and 2009-2010, HMPV was detected in 3% (138/4,549) of samples from outpatients with influenza-like illness with a new, sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay. Several hundred (797) clinical specimens from hospitalized children below the age of 4 years with acute respiratory illness were investigated and HMPV was detected in 11.9% of them. Investigation of outpatients revealed that HMPV infections occurred in individuals of all ages but were most prevalent in children (0-4 years) and the elderly (>60 years). The most present clinical features of HMPV infections were cough, bronchitis, fever/shivers and pneumonia. About two thirds of HMPV-positive samples were detected in February and March throughout the study period. Molecular characterization of HMPV revealed a complex cyclic pattern of group dominance where HMPV subgroup A and B viruses predominated in general for three consecutive seasons. German HMPV represented all genetic lineages including A1, A2, B1, B2, sub-clusters A2a and A2b. For Germany, not only time-dependent circulation of lineages and sub-clusters was observed but also co-circulation of two or three predominant lineages. Two newly emerging amino acid substitutions (positions 223 and 280) of lineage B2 were detected in seven German HMPV sequences. Our study gives new insights into the molecular epidemiology of HMPV in in- and outpatients over a time period of 10 years for the first time. It is one of only few long-term surveillance studies in Europe, and allows comparative molecular analyses of HMPV circulating worldwide.

Generation and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus A, subtype H5N1.

The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in 1997 has since resulted in large outbreaks in poultry and in transmission from poultry to humans, mostly in southeast Asia, but also in several European countries. Effective diagnosis and control measures are essential for the management of HPAIV infections. To develop a rapid diagnostic test, a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against influenza virus A subtype H5 was generated. Eleven mAbs were produced and characterised according to their reactivity by indirect and sandwich ELISA and western blotting against different H5 subtypes representing past and viruses currently circulating. Ten out of 11 mAbs reacted strongly with the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of H5 viruses, whereas one mAb reacted with the M1 protein. Targeted HA protein epitopes seemed to be conformational. One hybridoma clone binds to a linear epitope of the M1 protein. One specific mAb reacts with HPAIV H5 in the immunofluorescence test, and two antibodies neutralised H5 viruses. On the basis of the results, the set of seven mAbs is appropriate for developing diagnostic tests. With the generated mAbs, a sandwich ELISA was developed recognising all H5N1 strains tested but no other influenza viruses. With this ELISA, as little as 0.005 HA units or 0.1 ng/ml H5N1 was detected, surpassing other ELISA tests. The novel reagents have the potential to improve significantly available rapid antigen detection systems.

Reduced germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis in the teratospermic domestic cat.

Teratospermia (>60% morphologically abnormal sperm/ejaculate) is associated with increased sperm output in the domestic cat. The objective of this study was to determine whether increased sperm production in teratospermic donors was associated with disturbances in germ cell apoptosis, the usual mechanism for sperm cell elimination. Apoptosis was measured by evaluating DNA fragmentation, expression of Caspase-3, and anti-apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) in the testes of normospermic compared with teratospermic cats. Testes (n = 6 males/group) were obtained by bilateral castration and immediately fixed in Bouin solution. Results revealed that greater than 97% of cells labeled as DNA fragmented were tubular regardless of male type. Fewer (P < .05) apoptotic spermatogenic cells per tubule (0.52 +/- 0.11 cells/tubule, x +/- SEM) and per 100 Sertoli cells (3.79 cells/100 Sertoli cells) were observed in teratospermic compared with normospermic (1.25 +/- 0.36 cells/tubule and 6.44 cells/100 Sertoli cells) cats. Among the spermatogenic cells, fewer (P < .03) spermatocytes were positively labeled in teratospermic (0.3 +/- 0.07/tubule) compared with normospermic (0.83 +/- 0.28/tubule) counterparts. Neither donor type differed in Caspase-3 or ARC expression activity. However, each factor was both cell- and stage-specific in expression. Specifically, Caspase-3 was located in Sertoli cells, A-spermatogonia, and round spermatids at stage V. The ARC was found in primary spermatocytes at each stage of the spermatogenic cycle. These results demonstrate that the high incidence of morphologically abnormal sperm in teratospermic male cats is accompanied by a reduced elimination of defective spermatogenic cells via apoptosis.

Decrease of PECAM-1-gene-expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha is reversed by TGF-beta in sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic mononuclear phagocytes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The mechanisms of transmigration of inflammatory cells through the sinusoids are still poorly understood. This study aims to identify in vitro conditions (cytokine treatment) which may allow a better understanding of the changes in PECAM (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule)-1-gene-expression observed in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study we show by immunohistochemistry, that there is an accumulation of ICAM-1 (intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1) and ED1 positive cells in necrotic areas of livers of CCl4-treated rats, whereas there are few PECAM-1 positive cells observable. After the administration of CCl4, we could detect an early rise of levels of IFN-gamma followed by an enhanced TGF-beta protein level. As shown by Northern blot analysis and surface protein expression analysed by flow cytometry, IFN-gamma-treatment decreased PECAM-1-gene-expression in isolated SECs (sinusoidal endothelial cells) and mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) in parallel with an increase in ICAM-1-gene-expression in a dose and time dependent manner. In contrast, TGF-beta-treatment increased PECAM-1-expression. Additional administration of IFN-gamma to CCl4-treated rats and observations in IFN-gamma-/- mice confirmed the effect of IFN-gamma on PECAM-1 and ICAM-1-expression observed in vitro and increased the number of ED1-expressing cells 12 h after administration of the toxin. CONCLUSION: The early decrease of PECAM-1-expression and the parallel increase of ICAM-1-expression following CCl4-treatment is induced by elevated levels of IFN-gamma in livers and may facilitate adhesion and transmigration of inflammatory cells. The up-regulation of PECAM-1-expression in SECs and MNPs after TGF-beta-treatment suggests the involvement of PECAM-1 during the recovery after liver damage.

Investigations on reproductive physiology in the male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx).

This study characterized (in vivo) morphological and functional parameters of reproductive organs of adult male lynx (n = 3) prior to, during, and after the breeding season (n = 3). Size and morphology of the reproductive tract were monitored by transcutaneous (testes) and transrectal (accessory sex glands) ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation. Ejaculate volume, sperm number, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa as well as testosterone concentrations in blood serum and feces were evaluated. The testes and prostate had seasonal changes in size and echotexture. The mean (+/- S.D.) maximum and minimum testicular volume were 2.8 +/- 0.8 cm3 and 1.5 +/- 0.3 cm3, respectively. Fecal testosterone concentrations were highest in February (1240 +/- 393 ng/g feces), with a second increase in May (971 +/- 202 ng/g feces), but concentrations were lowest in January (481 +/- 52.9 ng/g feces). Ejaculate volume, total sperm number and percentage of motile, and intact spermatozoa were maximal in March (the middle of the breeding season). In one of the eight litters, multiple paternity was proven; however, in the remaining seven litters, all 16 cubs were sired by the same male. This particular male had the most developed and active testes and best semen quality, which may be important for sperm competition.

Hepcidin and hemojuvelin gene expression in rat liver damage: in vivo and in vitro studies.

In this work, we used two rat models, partial hepatectomy (PH) and CCl(4) administration, to study the changes in iron pathways in response to hepatic damage. Liver injury induced changes in the hepatic gene expression of hepcidin, hemojuvelin (Hjv), several other proteins of iron metabolism, and several cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma. Hepcidin gene expression was upregulated between 4 and 8 h with a maximum up to 16 h after surgery. However, Hjv gene expression was downregulated at the same time. An early upregulation of hepcidin (3 h) and downregulation of Hjv gene expression was found after CCl(4) administration. Transferrin receptor 1 and ferritin H gene expression was upregulated, whereas ferroportin 1 gene expression was downregulated. Hepatic IL-6 gene expression was upregulated early after PH and reached maximum 8 h after the PH. In CCl(4)-induced liver injury, IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma upregulation were found at the maximum 12 h after the administration of the toxin. Treatment of isolated rat hepatocytes with IL-6 and, to a lesser extent, with IL-1beta but not with TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma dose dependently upregulated hepcidin and downregulated Hjv gene expression. In hepatic damage, changes of the hepatic gene expression of the main proteins involved in iron metabolism may be induced by locally synthesized mediators.

The impact and potential etiology of teratospermia in the domestic cat and its wild relatives.

Teratospermia (production of >60% morphologically abnormal sperm/ejaculate) is relatively common among various species in the family Felidae, which is comprised of 37 species. Over two decades of research in this area have produced a significant understanding of the phenotypic expression, its impacts on sperm function and etiology. There is good evidence suggesting that a reduction in genetic diversity contributes to this phenomenon. Results to date demonstrate that spermatozoa from teratospermic donors are compromised in the ability to undergo capacitation and the acrosome reaction, penetrate the zona-pellucida, fertilize conspecific oocytes and survive cryopreservation. Recent studies also reveal abnormalities in chromatin integrity in sperm from teratospermic donors, which, interestingly, fails to impact fertilization or embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Through planned inbreeding studies, we now have established that teratospermic cats also produce more spermatozoa by virtue of more sperm producing tissue, more germ cells per Sertoli cell and reduced germ cell loss during spermatogenesis. Overall, it now is clear that gain in sperm quantity is achieved at the expense of sperm quality, suggesting an extensive disruption of normal testicular function in teratospermic donors. Preliminary studies on testicular gene expression in teratospermic cats have also revealed abnormal expression patterns. These findings have markedly increased our understanding of testis biology in the teratospermic donor and reaffirm the value of cats, including wild species, as models for studying novel regulatory mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis.

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in felids: intra- and interspecies variation.

Assisted reproductive technologies are increasingly applied to support breeding efforts for many endangered felids. To explain the highly variable responses among felids to exogenous gonadotropins (FSH, eCG), we analyzed a 567bp fragment spanning a hyper-variable region of the FSH receptor in the domestic cat (catFSHR) and nine wild felid species/subspecies (felFSHR). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the newly sequenced felFSHRs, together with the bear FSHR, belong to the carnivore group closely related to the ungulate clade. Within Felidae, genetic distances were 0.0089 +/- 0.0018 for nucleotide and 0.0183 +/- 0.0044 for amino acid (aa) sequences. In pairwise comparisons among catFSHR and all new felFSHRs, similarity ranged from 98.6 to 99.5% for nucleotides and from 97.4 to 98.9% for aa. Besides interspecies variability, intraspecies variation was also detected on both the cDNA and the protein level. There were no indications for an expression of tissue-specific isoforms of FSHR in testis and ovary.

Quantity rather than quality in teratospermic males: a histomorphometric and flow cytometric evaluation of spermatogenesis in the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Teratozoospermia (ejaculation of <40% morphologically normal sperm) commonly occurs within the Felidae, including certain domestic cats, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to this phenomenon remain unknown. This study quantified spermatogenesis to identify differential dysfunctions in teratospermic versus normospermic (>60% normal sperm/ejaculate) domestic cats. Sperm used were from electroejaculates and cauda epididymides. Testes from 10 normo- and 10 teratospermic males were obtained by castration and then evaluated by histomorphometry, flow cytometry, and testicular testosterone enzyme immunoassay. Some morphometric traits (tubular diameter, epithelium height, interstitial area, number of Leydig cells, and blood vessels per cross-section) as well as testicular testosterone concentrations were similar between groups, but testicular volume was greater in teratospermic males. Stage frequencies differed also between both cat populations, suggesting possible dysfunctions in spermiation. Quantification of cell populations in most frequent stages revealed more spermatogenic cells and fewer Sertoli cells per tubule cross-section as well as per tissue unit in teratospermic donors. Hence, the ratio of spermatogenic cells per Sertoli cell was elevated in the teratospermic cat. DNA flow cytometry confirmed higher total spermatogenic and meiotic transformations in teratospermic males. In summary, compared with normospermic counterparts, teratospermic cats have a higher sperm output achieved by more sperm-producing tissue, more germ cells per Sertoli cell, and reduced germ cell loss during spermatogenesis. Gains in sperm quantity are produced at the expense of sperm quality.

IGF-I induces DNA synthesis and apoptosis in rat liver hepatic stellate cells (HSC) but DNA synthesis and proliferation in rat liver myofibroblasts (rMF).

Several lines of evidence suggest a role of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the regulation of apoptosis. Up to now its impact on many specific cells is unknown. We therefore studied the effect of IGF-I on two similar mesenchymal matrix-producing cell types of the liver, the hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and the myofibroblasts (rMF). The present study aimed to reveal the influence of IGF-I on cell cycle and apoptosis of HSC and rMF and to elucidate responsible signaling. While IGF-I significantly increased DNA synthesis in HSC, cell number decreased and apoptosis increased. In rMF IGF-I also increased DNA synthesis, which is, however, followed by proliferation. Blocking extracellular signal regulating kinase (ERK) revealed that in HSC, bcl-2 upregulation and bax downregulation are effected downstream of ERK, whereas downregulation of NFkappaB and consecutive of bcl-xL is mediated upstream. In the rMF upregulation of both, the antiapoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-xL is mediated upstream of ERK. The expression of the proapoptotic bax is not regulated by IGF-I in rMF. The studies demonstrate a completely different effect and signaling of IGF-I in two morphologically and functionally similar matrix-producing cells of the liver.

Gelsolin gene expression is upregulated in damaged rat and human livers within non-parenchymal cells and not in hepatocytes.

Gelsolin, a 90-kDa protein, was suggested to be involved in cell motility, to inhibit apoptosis and to have a protective role for tissue. This study intends to analyse the modulation of cytoplasmic gelsolin expression in damaged rat and human livers and to identify its cellular sources. In the normal liver gelsolin-immunoreactive cells could be identified along vessel walls and along the sinusoids. In cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver myofibroblasts (MFs), mononuclear cells (MCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), but not in hepatocytes, gelsolin expression could be detected by immunostaining and Northern blot analysis. In acute CCl4-induced liver damage there was no gelsolin positivity detectable in necrotic areas. However, in human fulminant hepatic failure positivity in the necrotic areas was detected. In chronically damaged rat and human livers gelsolin-immunoreactive cells could be identified within the fibrotic septa. Northern blot analysis revealed an increase of the gelsolin-specific transcript level under conditions of acute and chronic human or rat liver damage. The amount of gelsolin-specific transcripts in SECs and large MCs isolated from damaged rat livers increased in comparison to cells obtained from normal rats. However, the amount of gelsolin-specific transcripts in small MCs (representing recruited inflammatory cells) decreased. In conclusion, SECs, MCs, MFs and HSCs, but not hepatocytes, express gelsolin. In the damaged liver all tested cell populations but the inflammatory cells and the hepatocytes are responsible for the enhanced gelsolin expression.

Antiapoptotic effect of interferon-alpha on hepatic stellate cells (HSC): a novel pathway of IFN-alpha signal transduction via Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and caspase-8.

The hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the pericyte of the liver sinusoids belongs to the mesenchymal cells of the liver. Damaging noxae induce a transformation from the quiescent (vitamin A-storing cell) to the activated (connective tissue-producing cell) state. The balance between proapoptotic and surviving factors decides about the fate of the activated HSC. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been shown to elicit antiproliferative and/or antifibrogenic effects in various cell types of mesenchymal origin. We therefore investigated the effect of IFN-alpha on primary cultured rat HSC in their quiescent (day 2) and activated state (day 7). IFN-alpha significantly inhibited spontaneous apoptosis in activated HSC in vitro and simultaneously inhibited cell cycle progression by inducing a G1 arrest. The effect of IFN-a is not accompanied by a modulation of CD95, CD95L, p53, p21(WAF1), p27, bcl-2, bcl-xL, bax, NFkappaB, or IkappaB gene expression. Surprisingly, the IFN-alpha effect could be abolished completely by blocking JAK2 activity or JAK2 translation. The downregulating effect of IFN-alpha on the activity of caspase-8 and caspase-3 could also be neutralized using tyrphostin AG490 or JAK-2 antisense. Taken together IFN-alpha inhibits apoptosis of activated HSC by activation of JAK2 which inhibits the caspase-8 apoptosis pathway.

Von Willebrand factor in plasma and in liver tissue after partial hepatectomy in the rat.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Von Willebrand factor (vWf) is found in high levels in plasma of patients with acute and chronic liver disease. The role of vWf in liver injury and repair is unknown. We studied the effect of liver mass and remodeling on plasma and tissue vWf after partial hepatectomy. METHODS: Rats were sacrificed postoperatively at intervals ranging from 60 min to 5 days, and vWf plasma levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using rabbit anti-human vWf, and by immunoperoxidase on cryosections, using rabbit anti-vWf/factor VIII. Northern blot hybridization was prepared with a complementary DNA specific to human vWf. RESULTS: vWf plasma levels increased early after sham operation and after 70% partial hepatectomy. The highest levels were reached at 24 h, remaining high for 5 days. Immunostaining showed intense staining of sinusoidal lining cells 4 h after partial hepatectomy, remaining so for 5 days. Non-significant changes in overall liver messenger RNA expression of vWf were seen over 5 days in sham operation and partial hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: After partial hepatectomy, plasma vWf is increased, probably due to both acute-phase reaction and decreased degradation. An increase in sinusoidal vWf immunostaining may suggest a role for this factor in tissue remodeling.

Rat liver myofibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells differ in CD95-mediated apoptosis and response to TNF-alpha.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), particularly activated HSC, are thought to be the principle matrix-producing cell of the diseased liver. However, other cell types of the fibroblast lineage, especially the rat liver myofibroblasts (rMF), also have fibrogenic potential. A major difference between the two cell types is the different life span under culture conditions. Although nearly no spontaneous apoptosis could be shown in rMF cultures, 18 +/- 2% of the activated HSC (day 7) were apoptotic. Compared with activated HSC, CD95R was expressed in 70% higher amounts in rMF. CD95L could only be detected in activated HSC. Stimulation of the CD95 system by agonistic antibodies (1 ng/ml) led to apoptosis of all rMF within 2 h, whereas activated HSC were more resistant (5.3 h/ 40% of total cells). Although transforming growth factor-beta downregulated apoptosis in both activated HSC and rMF, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) upregulated apoptosis in rMF. Lack of spontaneous apoptosis and CD95L expression in rMF and the different reaction on TNF-alpha stimulation reveal that activated HSC and rMF belong to different cell populations.

Expression of reelin in hepatic stellate cells and during hepatic tissue repair: a novel marker for the differentiation of HSC from other liver myofibroblasts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and rat liver myofibroblasts (rMF), two similar but not identical cell populations, play a major role during hepatic tissue repair. METHODS: To identify marker proteins for the different fibroblastic cell populations, m-RNA-profiling technology was employed using c-DNAs prepared from HSC and rMF. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The extracellular matrix protein reelin was identified through its presence in HSC and absence in rMF derived samples. As confirmed by Northern blot analysis and by immunoprecipitation, reelin expression was present in similar amounts in resting and activated HSC and was not detectable in rMF. Therefore reelin is the only marker presently available to distinguish HSC at any stage of differentiation from rMF. Following a single CCl4 mediated liver injury, reelin specific mRNAs were induced early, were elevated up to 24 h following CCl4 dosage and were diminished afterwards. Hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells located in the damaged areas were identified as the main cellular source of enhanced reelin expression. Although reelin expression was upregulated during liver injury, reelin deficient mice recovered completely suggesting either a more distinct role in tissue repair reactions or a case of redundancy through the action of related proteins.