The research in this thesis explores the interaction between the parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni and the immune system. The co-evolution of these worms with the human host has enabled them to... Show moreThe research in this thesis explores the interaction between the parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni and the immune system. The co-evolution of these worms with the human host has enabled them to develop optimal strategies to influence the immune system. The studies presented focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the worms and the role of glycans (sugar molecules) in this interaction. Both adult worm and larval EVs contain glycans and have different effects on immune cells, such as B-lymphocytes and dendritic cells, stimulating the release of signaling molecules. The glycans on the EVs appear to be crucial for interacting with specific receptors on immune cells. This research contributes to understanding the communication between parasites and their hosts and could potentially lead to the development of new therapies for immune-related diseases. Show less
Our understanding of subsistence strategies, resources and lifeways of Finnish Iron Age populations remains incomplete despite archaeological, osteological, macrobotanical, and palynological... Show moreOur understanding of subsistence strategies, resources and lifeways of Finnish Iron Age populations remains incomplete despite archaeological, osteological, macrobotanical, and palynological investigations. This is due in part to poor preservation of organic macroremains in the acidic boreal sediments. To address this problem, here we present the first data from microscopic remains preserved in prehistoric dental calculus from Finland. We extracted and analysed both plant and animal microremains from human calculus and burial site sediment samples, originating from Luistari cemetery in southwestern Finland (samples from c. 600–1200 calAD). We recovered phytoliths, parasites, fibers and feathers. While in Finland few previous archaeological studies have investigated phytoliths, our study confirms the importance of these microremains for interpretating dietary patterns. It is also the first time that intestinal parasites have been reported in Finland.Our study demonstrates that, especially when working with acidic sediments typical for boreal environments, microremain studies can considerably increase the information value of archaeological samples, and that dental calculus and phytolith analysis are important new methods in the research of prehistorical lifestyles. This combined microremain analysis should be more broadly applied in contexts where other dietary records do not remain. Show less
Low birth weight including preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation, remains important in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly highly prevalent in Gabon. Among the risk factors of... Show more Low birth weight including preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation, remains important in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly highly prevalent in Gabon. Among the risk factors of low birth weight in sub-Saharan Africa are very young maternal age, first pregnancy, poor gestational nutrition and small stature of the mother. In Gabon, besides malaria, the other two major parasitic infections namely urogenital schistosomiasis and the filarial infection Loa loa, are common in pregnant women. Maternal schistosomiasis like malaria showed to be associated with higher proportions of low birth weight babies. Mefloquine as an alternative preventive treatment, despite showing no difference with sulphadoxine – pyrimethamine in preventing low birth weight, was however more effective in preventing malaria infection and anaemia. Mefloquine administered for the prevention of malaria was effective against concomitant urogenital schistosomiasis, suggesting that mefloquine could seriously be considered as a combined intervention for both malaria and schistosomiasis during pregnancy, and an alternative to praziquantel. Maternal infection with L. loa was associated with expansion in the neonatal cord blood of functionally activate Tregs that kept Th1 and Th17 immune responses in check, providing some insights on the impact of in utero exposure on the offspring’s development and health. Show less
This thesis deals with the associations between parasitic snails and their mushroom coral hosts. Gittenberger has spent 800 hours under water and searched about 60,000 coral discs for these... Show moreThis thesis deals with the associations between parasitic snails and their mushroom coral hosts. Gittenberger has spent 800 hours under water and searched about 60,000 coral discs for these parasites. He dived in Egypt, the Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Palau, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. Places that are less popular with divers, like very deep or shallow sites, areas with strong currents, murky water, or sandy bottoms, received special attention. The greatest biodiversity was found off Sulawesi, a region that needs protection. Except for shell morphology, molecular, anatomical and ecological characters of the snails were studied. As a result it turned out that many more species exist than hitherto thought. Some dozens of unnamed cryptic ones were discovered. These can be distinguished most clearly by their DNA and their host specificity. The species of parasitic snails evolved most probably by bypassing the defence mechanism of one or a few coral species. Most of the data support a sympatric speciation model for these taxa. The molecular phylogenies of the parasites and their hosts were compared to investigate the amount of co-evolution. Show less
