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PloS One 2024Clanis bilineata Walker (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), a burgeoning edible insect, is experiencing rising demand in China and other regions. Despite this interest, larval...
Clanis bilineata Walker (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), a burgeoning edible insect, is experiencing rising demand in China and other regions. Despite this interest, larval production is currently constrained by the limitations of artificial production technologies, particularly the selection of optimal host plants. This study rigorously evaluated the performance of C. bilineatha larvae on four main host plants: round-leaf soybean, pointed-leaf soybean, black locust, and kudzu. Preference tests demonstrated that the larvae were most attracted to black locust (34.76 ± 4.65%), with subsequent preferences for kudzu (25.00 ± 6.12%), round-leaf soybean (23.17 ± 2.79%), and pointed-leaf soybean (14.02 ± 4.74%). No significant preference differences were noted between round-leaf soybean and either black locust or kudzu. In feeding assays, the larvae exhibited a marked preference for round-leaf soybean (37.36 ± 0.81 g, total feeding amount for larvae), followed by kudzu (37.26 ± 0.82 g), pointed-leaf soybean (35.38 ± 1.31 g), and black locust (28.53 ± 0.81 g). When the larvae were fed on round-leaf soybean, they exhibited significantly higher survival rate (39.33 ± 0.90%), body weight (9.75 ± 0.07 g), total biomass (383.43 ± 7.35 g), pupation rate (87.78 ± 1.73%), and egg production (189.80 ± 1.06 eggs/female) compared to other hosts. These findings uncovered that round-leaf soybean significantly enhances larval performance, suggesting its potential for improving C. bilineata larval production and sustainability in cultivation systems.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Glycine max; Lepidoptera; Female
PubMed: 38913673
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303017 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Wild rodents are key carriers of various human pathogens, including Blastocystis spp. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of...
Molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. infections in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning province, China: High prevalence and dominance of ST4.
Wild rodents are key carriers of various human pathogens, including Blastocystis spp. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis among wild rodents in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China. From November 2023 to February 2024, 486 rodents were captured in these regions. Fresh feces were collected from the intestines of each rodent for the isolation of DNA and PCR amplification of the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene to identify rodent species. Subsequently, PCR analysis and sequencing of the partial small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were utilized to detect Blastocystis in all fecal samples. Of the total samples, 27.4% (133/486) were found to be Blastocystis positive. The results revealed the presence of four species of rodents infected with Blastocystis, 32.3% (63/195) in Rattus norvegicus, 15.1% (16/106) in Mus musculus, 20.2% (18/89) in Apodemus agrarius, and 37.5% (36/96) in Cricetulus barabensis. Sequence analysis confirmed the existence of five Blastocystis subtypes: ST1 (n = 4), ST2 (n = 2), the ST4 (n = 125, the dominant subtype), ST10 (n = 1), and a novel ST (n = 1). The identified zoonotic subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST4, and ST10) highlight the possible role played by wild rodents in the transmission of Blastocystis to humans, thereby elevating the chances of human infection. Meanwhile, the discovery of novel sequences also provides new insights into the genetic diversity of this parasite.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; China; Prevalence; Feces; Rodent Diseases; Rats; Mice; Rodentia; Animals, Wild; Cytochromes b; Phylogeny; DNA, Protozoan; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Murinae
PubMed: 38912917
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024031 -
MSphere Jun 2024The microbiome plays vital roles in the life history of mosquitoes, including their development, immunity, longevity, and vector competence. Recent advances in...
UNLABELLED
The microbiome plays vital roles in the life history of mosquitoes, including their development, immunity, longevity, and vector competence. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have allowed for detailed exploration into the diverse microorganisms harbored by these medically important insects. Although these meta-studies have cataloged the microbiomes of mosquitoes in several continents, much of the information currently available for North America is limited to the state of California. In this study, we collected >35,000 mosquitoes throughout Manitoba, Canada, over a 3-year period and then harnessed RNA sequencing and targeted reverse transcriptase-PCR to characterize the microbiomes of the eight most pervasive and important vector and pest species. The consensus microbiome of each species was overwhelmingly composed of viruses but also included fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic invertebrates. The microbial assemblages were heterogeneous between species, even within the same genus. We detected notable pathogens, including the causal agents of Cache Valley Fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. The remaining microbiome consisted largely of putatively insect-specific viruses that are not well characterized, including 17 newly discovered viruses from 10 different families. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential application of these viruses in biocontrol, as biomarkers, and/or in disrupting mosquito vectorial capacity. Interestingly, we also detected viruses that naturally infect honeybees and thrips, which were presumably acquired indirectly through nectar foraging behaviors. Overall, we provide the first comprehensive catalog of the microorganisms harbored by the most common and important mosquito vectors and pests in the Canadian Prairies.
IMPORTANCE
Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet, responsible for over 800,000 deaths per year globally. This is because they carry and transmit a plethora of human disease-causing microorganisms, such as West Nile virus and the malaria parasite. Recent innovations in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have enabled researchers unparalleled opportunities to characterize the suite of microorganisms harbored by different mosquito species, including the causal agents of disease. In our study, we carried out 3 years of intensive mosquito surveillance in Canada. We collected and characterized the microorganisms harbored by >35,000 mosquitoes, including the identification of the agents of Cache Valley fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. We also detected insect-specific viruses and discovered 17 new viruses that have never been reported. This study, which is the first of its kind in Canada and one of only a handful globally, will greatly aid in future infectious disease research.
PubMed: 38912793
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00203-24 -
MBio Jun 2024Piperaquine (PPQ) is widely used in combination with dihydroartemisinin as a first-line treatment against malaria. Multiple genetic drivers of PPQ resistance have been...
Piperaquine (PPQ) is widely used in combination with dihydroartemisinin as a first-line treatment against malaria. Multiple genetic drivers of PPQ resistance have been reported, including mutations in the () and increased copies of (). We generated a cross between a Cambodia-derived multidrug-resistant KEL1/PLA1 lineage isolate (KH004) and a drug-susceptible Malawian parasite (Mal31). Mal31 harbors a wild-type (3D7-like) allele and a single copy of , while KH004 has a chloroquine-resistant (Dd2-like) allele with an additional G367C substitution and multiple copies of . We recovered 104 unique recombinant parasites and examined a targeted set of progeny representing all possible combinations of variants at and . We performed a detailed analysis of competitive fitness and a range of PPQ susceptibility phenotypes with these progenies, including PPQ survival assay, area under the dose response curve, and a limited point IC. We find that inheritance of the KH004 allele is required for reduced PPQ sensitivity, whereas copy number variation in further decreases susceptibility but does not confer resistance in the absence of additional mutations in . A deep investigation of genotype-phenotype relationships demonstrates that progeny clones from experimental crosses can be used to understand the relative contributions , , and parasite genetic background to a range of PPQ-related traits. Additionally, we find that the resistance phenotype associated with parasites inheriting the G367C substitution in pfcrt is consistent with previously validated PPQ resistance mutations in this transporter.IMPORTANCEResistance to piperaquine, used in combination with dihydroartemisinin, has emerged in Cambodia and threatens to spread to other malaria-endemic regions. Understanding the causal mutations of drug resistance and their impact on parasite fitness is critical for surveillance and intervention and can also reveal new avenues to limiting the evolution and spread of drug resistance. An experimental genetic cross is a powerful tool for pinpointing the genetic determinants of key drug resistance and fitness phenotypes and has the distinct advantage of quantifying the effects of naturally evolved genetic variation. Our study was strengthened since the full range of copies of KH004 was inherited among the progeny clones, allowing us to directly test the role of the copy number on resistance-related phenotypes in the context of a unique allele. Our multigene model suggests an important role for both loci in the evolution of this multidrug-resistant parasite lineage.
PubMed: 38912775
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00805-24 -
Heliyon Jun 2024
PubMed: 38912438
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32326 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024The potentially lethal zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworm . Metacestode growth and proliferation...
The potentially lethal zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworm . Metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular parasite-host interactions. The host has developed various ways to resist a parasitic infection, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the most important strategies. Here, we found that scavenging of ROS reduced metacestode larval growth and germinative cell proliferation in models. Furthermore, using cultured metacestode vesicles, we found that increased ROS levels enhanced metacestode growth and germinative cell proliferation, which was achieved by positively activating the ROS-EmERK-EmHIF1α axis. These results indicate that, beside its capacity to damage the parasite, ROS also play critical roles in metacestode growth and germinative cell proliferation. This study suggests that the effects of ROS on parasite may be bidirectional during AE infection, reflecting the parasite's adaptation to the oxidative stress microenvironment.
PubMed: 38912347
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1410504 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024is an intracellular parasite of importance to human and veterinary health. The structure and diversity of the genotype population of varies considerably with respect...
INTRODUCTION
is an intracellular parasite of importance to human and veterinary health. The structure and diversity of the genotype population of varies considerably with respect to geography, but three lineages, type I, II and III, are distributed globally. Lineage III genotypes are the least well characterized in terms of biology, host immunity and virulence. Once a host is infected with , innate immune mechanisms are engaged to reduce the parasite burden in tissues and create a pro-inflammatory environment in which the T1 response develops to ensure survival. This study investigated the early cellular immune response of Swiss-Webster mice post intraperitoneal infection with 10 tachyzoites of four distinct non-clonal genotypes of lineage III and a local isolate of ToxoDB#1. The virulence phenotype, cumulative mortality (CM) and allele profiles of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18 and GRA15 were published previously.
METHODS
Parasite dissemination in different tissues was analyzed by real-time PCR and relative expression levels of IFNγ, IL12-p40, IL-10 and TBX21 in the cervical lymph nodes (CLN), brain and spleen were calculated using the ΔΔCt method. Stage conversion was determined by detection of the BAG1 transcript in the brain.
RESULTS
Tissue dissemination depends on the virulence phenotype but not CM, while the TBX21 and cytokine levels and kinetics correlate better with CM than virulence phenotype. The earliest detection of BAG1 was seven days post infection. Only infection with the genotype of high CM (69.4%) was associated with high T-bet levels in the CLN 24 h and high systemic IFNγ expression which was sustained over the first week, while infection with genotypes of lower CM (38.8%, 10.7% and 6.8%) is characterized by down-regulation and/or low systemic levels of IFNγ. The response intensity, as assessed by cytokine levels, to the genotype of high CM wanes over time, while it increases gradually to genotypes of lower CM.
DISCUSSION
The results point to the conclusion that the immune response is not correlated with the virulence phenotype and/or allele profile, but an early onset, intense pro-inflammatory response is characteristic of genotypes with high CM. Additionally, high IFNγ level in the brain may hamper stage conversion.
Topics: Toxoplasma; Animals; Mice; Virulence; Genotype; Cytokines; Toxoplasmosis, Animal; Phenotype; Female; Spleen; Brain; Protozoan Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Lymph Nodes; Interferon-gamma; T-Box Domain Proteins; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 38912206
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414067 -
PeerJ 2024Tick-borne rickettsial disease (TBRD) is a perilous acute infection that often eludes diagnosis in its early stages. The triad of knowledge, attitudes, and practices...
Tick-borne rickettsial disease (TBRD) is a perilous acute infection that often eludes diagnosis in its early stages. The triad of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among medical professionals is key to reducing missed diagnosis rates. Therefore, a meticulous evaluation of KAPs is imperative. This study aimed to delve into the understanding of TBRD and explore the beliefs and practices related to personal prevention methods among individuals in Lu'an, a hotspot for TBRD. During the summer months of 2023, convenience sampling was employed by circulating a confidential questionnaire to 1,206 participants in the endemic regions of China. This questionnaire painted a comprehensive picture of the participants' sociodemographic profiles and their KAPs levels TBRD. The findings revealed that participants scored a mere 55.78% in knowledge, while their attitudes and practices garnered impressive scores of 90.09% and 90.83%, respectively. Upon further analysis using multiple linear regression, several intriguing patterns emerged. Male participants, employed in the Infectious Disease Department, held vice-senior or higher titles, or had prior medical training demonstrated superior knowledge scores. On the other hand, medical personnel who were younger than 30, possessed graduate degrees or higher qualifications, and had training excelled in attitudes and practices. Notably, when employing the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, a significant distribution of medical personnel was observed across the four quadrants. Specifically, 37.43%, 13.19%, 19.61%, and 29.77% fell into the first, second, third, and fourth quadrants. This survey underscores the commendable attitudes and practices of medical staff towards TBRD in endemic regions of China. However, their knowledge level remains wanting and demands urgent improvement.
Topics: Humans; China; Male; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Female; Adult; Rickettsia Infections; Tick-Borne Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires; Middle Aged; Endemic Diseases; Medical Staff; Attitude of Health Personnel
PubMed: 38912050
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17562 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Vitamin E, which is also known as tocopherol, is a compound with a polyphenol structure. Its esterified derivative, Vitamin E succinate (VES), exhibits unique anticancer...
BACKGROUND
Vitamin E, which is also known as tocopherol, is a compound with a polyphenol structure. Its esterified derivative, Vitamin E succinate (VES), exhibits unique anticancer and healthcare functions as well as immunomodulatory effects. Natural polysaccharides are proved to be a promising material for nano-drug delivery systems, which show excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this study, we employed a novel polysaccharide-vitamin E succinate polymer (BSP-VES) micelles to enhance the tumor targeting and anti-colon cancer effect of andrographolide (AG).
METHODS
BSP-VES polymer was synthesized through esterification and its structure was confirmed using 1H NMR. AG@BSP-VES was prepared via the dialysis method and the drug loading, entrapment efficiency, stability, and safety were assessed. Furthermore, the tumor targeting ability of AG@BSP-VES was evaluated through targeted cell uptake and imaging. The antitumor activity of AG@BSP-VES was measured using MTT assay, Live&Dead cell staining, and cell scratch test.
RESULTS
In this study, we successfully loaded AG into BSP-VES micelles (AG@BSP-VES), which exhibited good stability, biosafety and sustained release effect. In addition, AG@BSP-VES also showed excellent internalization capability into CT26 cells compared with NCM460 cells . Meanwhile, the specific delivery of AG@BSP-VES micelles into subcutaneous and colon tumors was observed compared with normal colon tissues during the whole experiment process (1-24 h). What's more, AG@BSP-VES micelles exhibited significant antitumor activities than BSP-VES micelles and free AG.
CONCLUSION
The study provides a meaningful new idea and method for application in drug delivery system and targeted treatment of colon cancer based on natural polysaccharides.
Topics: Micelles; Animals; Colonic Neoplasms; Diterpenes; Humans; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Polysaccharides; Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Drug Carriers; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System; Mice, Nude; Mice, Inbred BALB C
PubMed: 38911867
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380229 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024First-void urine (FVU) samples, containing human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific IgG from female genital tract secretions, provide a non-invasive option for disease...
First-void urine (FVU) samples, containing human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific IgG from female genital tract secretions, provide a non-invasive option for disease monitoring and vaccine impact assessment. This study explores the utility of FVU for IgG quantification, exploring stability and compatibility with DNA preservation methods, alongside various IgG enrichment methods. Healthy female volunteers provided FVU and serum samples. FVU was collected with or without urine conservation medium (UCM) and stored under different conditions before freezing at -80 °C. Four IgG enrichment methods were tested on FVU samples. All samples were analyzed using three total human IgG quantification assays and an in-house HPV16-specific IgG assay. Samples stored with UCM buffer had higher total and HPV16-specific IgG concentrations (p ≤ 0.01) and IgG remained stable for at least 14 days at room temperature. Among IgG enrichment methods, Amicon filtration (AM) and AM combined with Melon Gel purification (AM-MG) provided similar HPV16-IgG concentrations, correlating strongly with serum levels. Protein G magnetic beads methods were incompatible with time-resolved fluorescence-based assays. This study highlights FVU as a reliable and convenient sample for IgG quantification, demonstrating stability for at least 14 days at room temperature and compatibility with UCM DNA preservation. It emphasizes the need to select appropriate IgG enrichment methods and confirms the suitability of both AM and AM-MG methods, with a slightly better performance for AM-MG.
Topics: Humans; Female; Human papillomavirus 16; Immunoglobulin G; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Papillomavirus Infections; Young Adult
PubMed: 38910149
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65257-0