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Current Microbiology Jun 2024Three novel bacterial strains, FE4, FE10, and LA51, which are phylogenetically affiliated to the genera Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, or Marinobacter, respectively,...
The Description of Pseudoalteromonas apostichopi sp. nov., Vibrio apostichopi sp. nov., and Marinobacter apostichopi sp. nov. from the Fertilized Eggs and Larvae of Apostichopus japonicus.
Three novel bacterial strains, FE4, FE10, and LA51, which are phylogenetically affiliated to the genera Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, or Marinobacter, respectively, isolated from fertilized eggs and juveniles of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were characterized by a genome-based taxonomical approach including multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) combined with classical phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterizations. A molecular network reconstructed on the basis of nucleotide sequences of four phylogenetic maker protein genes revealed that the strains FE4, FE10, and LA51 were closely related to Pseudoalteromonas shioyasakiensis, Vibrio lentus, and Marinobacter similis, respectively. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) comparisons against phylogenetically related species to FE4, FE10, and LA51 demonstrated that each newly described strain could not be identified as any previously described species within each genus showing < 95% ANI: 91.3% of FE4 against P. shioyasakiensis JCM 18891, 92.6% of FE10 against "V. bathopelagicus" Sal10, and 92.6% of LA51 against M. similis A3d10, in maximum, respectively. Here, we show molecular phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features of the newly described species FE4, FE10, and LA51. We also propose Pseudoalteromonas apostichopi sp. nov. with FE4 (JCM 36173 = LMG 33143) as the type strain, Vibrio apostichopi sp. nov. with FE10 (JCM 36174 = LMG 33144) as the type strain, and Marinobacter apostichopi sp. nov. with LA51 (JCM 36175 = LMG 33145) as the type strain.
Topics: Pseudoalteromonas; Animals; Phylogeny; Vibrio; Stichopus; Marinobacter; Larva; Multilocus Sequence Typing; DNA, Bacterial; Bacterial Typing Techniques; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Zygote; Genome, Bacterial; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 38940874
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03751-4 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) May 2024Fall armyworm () is a highly destructive maize pest that significantly threatens agricultural productivity. Existing control methods, such as chemical insecticides and...
BACKGROUND
Fall armyworm () is a highly destructive maize pest that significantly threatens agricultural productivity. Existing control methods, such as chemical insecticides and entomopathogens, lack effectiveness, necessitating alternative approaches.
METHODS
Gut-associated bacteria were isolated from the gut samples of fall armyworm and screened based on their chitinase and protease-producing ability before characterization through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The efficient chitinase-producing FGE4 and FGE18 were chosen to test the biocontrol efficacy. As their respective cell suspensions and extracted crude chitinase enzyme, these two isolates were applied topically on the larvae, supplemented with their feed, and analyzed for their quantitative food use efficiency and survivability.
RESULTS
Twenty-one high chitinase and protease-producing bacterial isolates were chosen. Five genera were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing: , , , , and . In the biocontrol efficacy test, the consumption index and relative growth rate were lowered in larvae treated with FGE18 by topical application and feed supplementation. Similarly, topical treatment of FGE4 to larvae decreased consumption index, relative growth rate, conversion efficiency of ingested food, and digested food values.
CONCLUSION
The presence of gut bacteria with high chitinase activity negatively affects insect health. Utilizing gut-derived bacterial isolates with specific insecticidal traits offers a promising avenue to control fall armyworms. This research suggests a potential strategy for future pest management.
Topics: Animals; Spodoptera; Chitinases; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Bacillus licheniformis; Enterobacter cloacae; Larva; Pest Control, Biological; Gastrointestinal Tract
PubMed: 38939914
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602015 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Kuwayama is the leading vector of Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The...
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Kuwayama is the leading vector of Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The distribution and dynamics of Las within ACP are critical to understanding how the transmission, spread and infection of Las occurs within its host vector in nature. In this study, the distribution and titer changes of Las in various tissues of ACP 5 instar nymphs and adults were examined by (FISH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques. Results demonstrated that 100% of ACP 5 instar nymphs and adults were infected with Las following feeding on infected plants, and that Las had widespread distribution in most of the tissues of ACP. The titers of Las within the midgut, salivary glands and hemolymph tissues were the highest in both 5 instar nymphs and adults. When compared with adults, the titers of Las in these three tissues of 5 instar nymphs were significantly higher, while in the mycetome, ovary and testes they were significantly lower than those of adults. FISH visualization further confirmed these findings. Dynamic analysis of Las demonstrated that it was present across all the developmental ages of ACP adults. There was a discernible upward trend in the presence of Las with advancing age in most tissues of ACP adults, including the midgut, hemolymph, salivary glands, foot, head, cuticula and muscle. Our findings have significant implications for the comprehensive understanding of the transmission, dissemination and infestation of Las, which is of much importance for developing novel strategies to halt the spread of Las, and therefore contribute to the efficient prevention and control of HLB.
Topics: Animals; Hemiptera; Insect Vectors; Plant Diseases; Nymph; Citrus; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Rhizobiaceae; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Salivary Glands; Hemolymph
PubMed: 38938879
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1408362 -
Open Veterinary Journal May 2024Oxygen deprivation (OD) is a critical condition that can lead to brain damage and even death. Current hypoxia management approaches are limited in effectiveness. (CA),...
BACKGROUND
Oxygen deprivation (OD) is a critical condition that can lead to brain damage and even death. Current hypoxia management approaches are limited in effectiveness. (CA), known for its neuroprotective properties, offers a potential alternative for OD treatment.
AIMS
This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of CA on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) in zebrafish larvae under oxygen-deficient conditions.
METHODS
Zebrafish embryos were subjected to low oxygen levels (1.5 mg/l) 0-2 hours post-fertilization (hpf) until 3 days post-fertilization (dpf), simulating the early stages of OD. Subsequent treatment involved varying concentrations of CA (1.25-5 µg/ml) up to 9 days post-fertilization. The expression levels of BDNF and VGLUT1 were measured using PCR methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way analysis of variance to evaluate the impact of CA on the expression of BDNF and VGLUT1 in zebrafish larvae aged 3 and 9 dpf in oxygen-deprived conditions.
RESULTS
CA significantly influenced the expression of BDNF and VGLUT1 under OD ( < 0.001). An increase in BDNF expression ( < 0.001) and a decrease in VGLUT1 ( < 0.01) were observed in zebrafish larvae experiencing OD and treated with CA. There was no significant difference in BDNF and VGLUT1 expression across age variations in zebrafish larvae at 3 dpf and 9 dpf in the treatment groups ( > 0.05). CA concentration of 2.5 µg/ml effectively enhanced BDNF and reduced VGLUT1 in 3-9 dpf zebrafish larvae.
CONCLUSION
CA demonstrates potential as a neuroprotective agent, modulating increased BDNF expression and reduced VGLUT1 under OD conditions. These findings lay a foundation for further research in developing therapies for oxygen deficiency.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Centella; Plant Extracts; Larva; Triterpenes; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxygen; Fish Diseases; Hypoxia
PubMed: 38938421
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.9 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) can directly influence survival of marine fishes, particularly for early life stages, including age-0 juveniles during their residence in coastal...
Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) can directly influence survival of marine fishes, particularly for early life stages, including age-0 juveniles during their residence in coastal nursery habitats. However, the ability of nurseries to support high fish densities, optimize foraging and growth, and protect against predators may be altered during MHWs. Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) larval, juvenile, and adult abundances declined dramatically following MHW events in 2014-2016 and 2019. To evaluate coastal nursery function during MHWs, we compared diet composition, recent growth, size, condition, and abundance of age-0 juveniles throughout their first summer before, during, and between MHWs. Diet shifted to larger prey during MHWs, particularly mysids, but diet did not appear to influence growth. We observed faster growth rates during MHWs, yet even when accounting for growth, we could not explain the higher body sizes observed in August during MHWs. Together with lower abundance and the near absence of small fish in the nursery by August during MHWs, these patterns highlight potential for size-selection and a reduced ability of nursery habitats to buffer against environmental variability during MHWs, with only a small number of large "super survivors" persisting through the summer.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Alaska; Gadiformes; Larva; Seasons; Body Size
PubMed: 38937554
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63897-w -
Annals of Parasitology 2024Representatives of the genus Acanthamoeba are among the most widespread protists in the environment. They have a ubiquitous distribution and can sometimes cause quite...
Representatives of the genus Acanthamoeba are among the most widespread protists in the environment. They have a ubiquitous distribution and can sometimes cause quite serious pathologies in humans. The treatment ofp rotozoal infections caused by free-living amoebae is currently limited and often unsuccessful. In the presented investigation, amebicidal activity was determined against both the trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba spp., which were isolated during the microbiological examination of environmental objects. The inhibitory activity of drugs in vitro was determined using the authors' proposed method, which is based on the plaque formation phenomenon: this is initiated by free-living amoebae when cultured in agar containing the bacteria Cellulosimicrobium sp. strain bent-1. Based on a series of experimental studies, the paper proposes a reliable and inexpensive method for determining the anti-protozoal activity of medicinal agents, which will significantly complement the current screening method system when studying existing drugs, or new drugs during their development stage.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Antiprotozoal Agents; Trophozoites; Amebicides
PubMed: 38935775
DOI: 10.17420/ap7001.522 -
Systematic Parasitology Jun 2024Eight Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) have been isolated from the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus), native to the temperate zone of Asia and...
Eight Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) have been isolated from the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus), native to the temperate zone of Asia and eastern regions of Europe. Enteric coccidiosis has become a major issue associated with the breeding of farmed pheasants for game bird release or meat production. In this study, 35 fecal samples were collected from two-to-three-month-old ring-necked pheasants from four pheasant-rearing farms in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Microscopic examination using a saturated sugar solution technique detected numerous subspherical oocysts from the samples of one farm and ellipsoidal Eimeria phasiani Tyzzer, 1929 oocysts from the three other farms. The subspherical oocysts were artificially sporulated and measured 18.6 µm by 15.7 µm with a 1.18 shape index (n = 150). Each oocyst contained four 10.7 µm × 5.8 µm sporocysts (n = 30) and one coarse refractile polar granule; no micropyle or residua were detected. Each sporocysts contained two sporozoites with one large and one small refractile body and sparsely distributed residua. The complete, 1,443-bp cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) of this isolate exhibited low sequence identity with published Eimeria spp. sequences including E. phasiani that was previously recorded in the same area. Meanwhile, the oocyst morphology most closely resembled that of Eimeria tetartooimia Wacha, 1973, but with distinct refractile polar granules and sporocyst residua. The available GenBank cox1 sequence of E. tetartooimia exhibited a sequence identity of < 94.5% with the study isolate. Here, the coccidian isolate identified in this study represents a new Eimeria iyoensis n. sp. capable of infecting ring-necked pheasant.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria; Galliformes; Japan; Phylogeny; Oocysts; Species Specificity; Feces; Coccidiosis
PubMed: 38935159
DOI: 10.1007/s11230-024-10171-2 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Jun 2024The aim of this study is to analyze the process of metamorphosis of a tall and ugly woman through plastic surgery as depicted in The Life and Loves of a She-Devil (1983)...
The aim of this study is to analyze the process of metamorphosis of a tall and ugly woman through plastic surgery as depicted in The Life and Loves of a She-Devil (1983) of Fay Weldon. The process of plastic surgeries and the psychology of the protagonist of this novel were analyzed. A highly unattractive woman (Ruth, 185 cm) takes revenge on her husband (Bobbo, 175 cm) and his attractive lover (Mary Fisher, 160 cm). To transform her appearance, Ruth remodels her jaw, has her teeth extracted (2-jaw surgery or facial contouring surgery), straightens and trims her nose (corrective rhinoplasty), flattens her cheekbones (reduction malarplasty), reduces her breast size (reduction mammoplasty), and shortens both her arms and legs (limb reduction surgery). Following the series of surgeries, Ruth ultimately made herself look identical to Mary Fisher, her husband's lover. She believes her inadequacies stem from her body's failure to meet societal beauty standards, prompting her decision to "remake" herself. She declares, "I will be what I want, not what God ordained." Ruth's aspiration is not to acquire a new face but to attain the face of Mary Fisher. When confronted with pain and harm, Ruth does not waver but acknowledges it. "Of course it hurts. Andersen's little mermaid wanted legs instead of a tail. And, like her, I welcome it. I don't complain." In this study, we derived insights into why patients who want to change their entire bodies undergo plastic surgery, what these patients really want, and patients' attitudes toward the pain caused by surgical procedures.
PubMed: 38934651
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010452 -
Viruses Jun 2024Honey bees () play a crucial role in agriculture through their pollination activities. However, they have faced significant health challenges over the past decades that...
Honey bees () play a crucial role in agriculture through their pollination activities. However, they have faced significant health challenges over the past decades that can limit colony performance and even lead to collapse. A primary culprit is the parasitic mite , known for transmitting harmful bee viruses. Among these viruses is deformed wing virus (DWV), which impacts bee pupae during their development, resulting in either pupal demise or in the emergence of crippled adult bees. In this study, we focused on DWV master variant B. DWV-B prevalence has risen sharply in recent decades and appears to be outcompeting variant A of DWV. We generated a molecular clone of a typical DWV-B strain to compare it with our established DWV-A clone, examining RNA replication, protein expression, and virulence. Initially, we analyzed the genome using RACE-PCR and RT-PCR techniques. Subsequently, we conducted full-genome RT-PCR and inserted the complete viral cDNA into a bacterial plasmid backbone. Phylogenetic comparisons with available full-length sequences were performed, followed by functional analyses using a live bee pupae model. Upon the transfection of in vitro-transcribed RNA, bee pupae exhibited symptoms of DWV infection, with detectable viral protein expression and stable RNA replication observed in subsequent virus passages. The DWV-B clone displayed a lower virulence compared to the DWV-A clone after the transfection of synthetic RNA, as evidenced by a reduced pupal mortality rate of only 20% compared to 80% in the case of DWV-A and a lack of malformations in 50% of the emerging bees. Comparable results were observed in experiments with low infection doses of the passaged virus clones. In these tests, 90% of bees infected with DWV-B showed no clinical symptoms, while 100% of pupae infected with DWV-A died. However, at high infection doses, both DWV-A and DWV-B caused mortality rates exceeding 90%. Taken together, we have generated an authentic virus clone of DWV-B and characterized it in animal experiments.
Topics: Animals; Bees; RNA Viruses; Phylogeny; Genome, Viral; Virus Replication; Pupa; Virulence; Varroidae; RNA, Viral
PubMed: 38932270
DOI: 10.3390/v16060980 -
Viruses May 2024In this study, we pioneered an alternative technology for manufacturing subunit influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccines. This innovative method involves harnessing...
In this study, we pioneered an alternative technology for manufacturing subunit influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccines. This innovative method involves harnessing the pupae of the Lepidoptera () as natural biofactories in combination with baculovirus vectors (using CrisBio technology). We engineered recombinant baculoviruses encoding two versions of the HA protein (trimeric or monomeric) derived from a pandemic avian H7N1 virus A strain (A/chicken/Italy/5093/99). These were then used to infect pupae, resulting in the production of the desired recombinant antigens. The obtained HA proteins were purified using affinity chromatography, consistently yielding approximately 75 mg/L of insect extract. The vaccine antigen effectively immunized poultry, which were subsequently challenged with a virulent H7N1 avian influenza virus. Following infection, all vaccinated animals survived without displaying any clinical symptoms, while none of the mock-vaccinated control animals survived. The CrisBio-derived antigens induced high titers of HA-specific antibodies in the vaccinated poultry, demonstrating hemagglutination inhibition activity against avian H7N1 and human H7N9 viruses. These results suggest that the CrisBio technology platform has the potential to address major industry challenges associated with producing recombinant influenza subunit vaccines, such as enhancing production yields, scalability, and the speed of development, facilitating the global deployment of highly effective influenza vaccines.
Topics: Animals; Influenza Vaccines; Pupa; Influenza in Birds; Vaccines, Subunit; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; Antibodies, Viral; Chickens; Influenza A Virus, H7N1 Subtype; Baculoviridae; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype; Humans; Vaccine Development; Moths; Pandemics
PubMed: 38932122
DOI: 10.3390/v16060829