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Acta Tropica Jun 2024Colpodella species are close relatives of Apicomplexan protozoa. Although most species of this genus are free-living organisms that feed on other protists and algae,...
Colpodella species are close relatives of Apicomplexan protozoa. Although most species of this genus are free-living organisms that feed on other protists and algae, reports indicate their occurence in ticks and human patients, including an individual with a history of tick bite manifesting neurological symptoms. During an investigation of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in blood samples of cattle, goats, and in ticks collected on them, Colpodella sp. DNA was detected in a Rhipicephalus bursa tick collected from cattle, while of Theileria sergenti/buffeli/orientalis, Babesia bigemina, Sarcocystis cruzi, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were molecularly detected in cattle, goats, and ticks in southern Italy. Data herein reported highlight the unprecedented presence of Colpodella sp. in ticks in Italy, raising concern due to the potential pathogenic role of this less known protozoan. This finding advocates for performing routine epidemiological surveys to monitor potential emerging vector-borne pathogens.
PubMed: 38944407
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107306 -
Acta Tropica Jun 2024Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNCs) are significant components of the genital microbiota in sheep and goats. However, characterizing them can be difficult due...
Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNCs) are significant components of the genital microbiota in sheep and goats. However, characterizing them can be difficult due to overlapping culture features and the limited information on their susceptibility to antibiotics. In this study, 97 foreskin and 13 vaginal swabs were investigated using a culturomic approach. Of 110 animals, 76 (69.09%) hosted GPCNCs, including strains from Streptococcaceae (37, 33.64%), Aerococcaceae (30, 27.27%), Enterococcaceae (6, 5.45%) and other minor species. With increasing antimicrobial resistance rates in livestock, surveillance programs are globally required, so we conducted a pilot study on GPCNCs isolated from the genital mucosa surfaces of sheep and goats using the minimal inhibitory concentration assay (MIC). Due to gaps in interpretative standard breakpoints, normalized resistance interpretation was used for setting epidemiological susceptibility cut-off values (CO). Of 57 suitable strains, the majority (80.71%) showed high CO with decrease susceptibility to at least one antimicrobial class, with 22.81% displaying multiresistant profiles. Of interest, combined resistances to beta-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracyclines were detected in strains of Streptococcus plurianimalium. Further combinations, including resistance to beta-lactams, pleuromutilins, aminoglycosides, and lincosamides, were also recorded in both Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus spp. strains. Being beta-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines the most used antibiotics in livestock worldwide, our results highlight the need for their prudent use. Collectively, our findings highlight that small ruminant genital microbiota can serve as reservoirs for opportunistic severe pathogens, often zoonotic, carrying multidrug resistances, thus standing for high risks for both animals and humans.
PubMed: 38944406
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107305 -
Experimental Neurology Jun 2024Alleviation of motor impairment by aerobic exercise (AE) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients points to activation of neurobiological mechanisms that may be targetable...
Moderate intensity aerobic exercise alleviates motor deficits in 6-OHDA lesioned rats and reduces serum levels of biomarkers of Parkinson's disease severity without recovery of striatal dopamine or tyrosine hydroxylase.
Alleviation of motor impairment by aerobic exercise (AE) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients points to activation of neurobiological mechanisms that may be targetable by therapeutic approaches. However, evidence for AE-related recovery of striatal dopamine (DA) signaling or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) loss has been inconsistent in rodent studies. This ambiguity may be related to the timing of AE intervention in relation to the status of nigrostriatal neuron loss. Here, we replicated human PD at diagnosis by establishing motor impairment with >80% striatal DA and TH loss prior to initiating AE, and assessed its potential to alleviate motor decline and restore DA and TH loss. We also evaluated if serum levels of neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), biomarkers of human PD severity, changed in response to AE. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was infused unilaterally into rat medial forebrain bundle to induce progressive nigrostriatal neuron loss over 28 days. Moderate intensity AE (3× per week, 40 min/session), began 8-10 days post-lesion following establishment of impaired forelimb use. Striatal tissue DA, TH protein and mRNA, and serum levels of NfL/GFAP were determined 3-wks after AE began. Despite severe striatal DA depletion at AE initiation, forelimb use deficits and hypokinesia onset were alleviated by AE, without recovery of striatal DA or TH protein loss, but reduced NfL and GFAP serum levels. This proof-of-concept study shows AE alleviates motor impairment when initiated with >80% striatal DA loss without obligate recovery of striatal DA or TH protein. Moreover, the AE-related reduction of NfL and GFAP serum levels may serve as objective blood-based biomarkers of AE efficacy.
PubMed: 38944332
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114875 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology Jun 2024The immune system of bony fish closely resembles that of mammals, comprising both specific (adaptive) and non-specific (innate) components. Notably, the...
The immune system of bony fish closely resembles that of mammals, comprising both specific (adaptive) and non-specific (innate) components. Notably, the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) serves as the first line of defense within the non-specific immune system, playing a critical role in protecting these aquatic organisms against invading pathogens. MALT encompasses a network of immune cells strategically distributed throughout the gills and intestines, forming an integral part of the mucosal barrier that interfaces directly with the surrounding aquatic environment. Spring Viremia of Carp Virus(SVCV), a highly pathogenic agent causing substantial harm to common carp populations, has been designated as a Class 2 animal disease by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. Utilizing a comprehensive array of research techniques, including Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE)、Alcian Blue Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS)、transcriptome analysis for global gene expression profiling and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), this study uncovered several key findings: SVCV is capable of compromising the mucosal architecture in the gill and intestinal tissues of carp, and stimulate the proliferation of mucous cells both in gill and intestinal tissues. Critically, the study revealed that SVCV's invasion elicits a robust response from the carp's mucosal immune system, demonstrating the organism's capacity to resist SVCV invasion despite the challenges posed by the pathogen.
PubMed: 38944254
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109726 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Jun 2024Close contact between cats and humans increases the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, through bites and scratches due to the complexity of microorganisms in...
Close contact between cats and humans increases the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, through bites and scratches due to the complexity of microorganisms in the oral and nail microbiotas of felines. This study investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi in the oral cavity and claws of 100 apparently healthy cats using conventional and selective microbiological culture media, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria isolates was performed by disc diffusion method. In total, 671 bacteria and 33 yeasts were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Neisseria animaloris (10.8%), Staphylococcus felis (8.5%), and Pasteurella multocida (7%) were the most prevalent bacteria in oral cavity samples (n=343), while the most common yeast (n=19) was Candida albicans (68.4%). Staphylococcus pettenkoferi (13.4%), Staphylococcus felis (6.4%), and Staphylococcus simulans (5.8%) were the prevalent bacteria identified in the claw samples (n=328), while Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (57.2%) was the most common yeast (n=14). NGS predominantly identified the genera Moraxella, Neisseria, Pasteurella, and Fusobacterium in oral cavity samples, whereas enterobacteria and staphylococci were prevalent in nail bed samples. In addition, the genera Capnocytophaga and Bartonella were identified, which have been described in serious human infections secondary to feline aggressions. Levofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most effective drugs against the main groups of bacteria identified. Multidrug resistance was observed in 17% of the bacterial isolates. Furthermore, three staphylococci harboring the methicillin resistance gene mecA were identified. We highlight the complexity of microorganisms inhabiting the oral/claw microbiotas of cats, the high resistance rate of the isolates to conventional antimicrobial agents, and the zoonotic risk of aggressions caused by bites and scratches from domestic cats.
PubMed: 38944215
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106765 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Accurate interpretation of mercury (Hg) isotopic data requires the consideration of several biotic factors such as age, diet, geographical range, and tissue metabolic...
Accurate interpretation of mercury (Hg) isotopic data requires the consideration of several biotic factors such as age, diet, geographical range, and tissue metabolic turnover. A priori knowledge of prey-predator isotopic incorporation rates and Hg biomagnification is essential. This study aims to assess Hg stable isotopes incorporation in an Arctic species of Phocidae, the hooded seal Cystophora cristata, kept in human care for 24 months (2012 - 2014) and fed on a constant diet of Norwegian Spring Spawning herring Clupea harengus. We measured THg, MMHg and iHg levels, as well as Hg stable isotope composition with both mass dependent (MDF) and mass independent (MIF) fractionation (e.g. δHg and Hg) in hooded seal kidney, liver, hair and muscle, in addition to herring muscle. We then calculated Hg MDF and MIF isotopic fractionation between hooded seals and their prey. We found a significant shift in δHg between hooded seal hair (+0.80‰) and kidney (-0.78‰), and herring muscle. In hooded seals tissues δHg correlated positively with MMHg percentage. These findings suggest that tissue-specific Hg speciation is the major driver of changes in Hg isotopic fractionation rates in this Arctic predator. ΔHg, ΔHg, ΔHg and ΔHg values did not vary between herring and hooded seal tissues, confirming their utility as tracers of Hg marine and atmospheric sources in top predators. To our knowledge, this represents the first attempt to assess complex Hg isotope dynamics in the internal system of Arctic Phocidae, controlling the effects of age, diet, and distribution. Our results confirm the validity of Hg stable isotopes as tracers of environmental Hg sources even in top predators, but emphasize the importance of animal age and tissue selection for inter-study and inter-species comparisons.
PubMed: 38944182
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124450 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Insulin, an essential peptide hormone, conjointly regulates blood glucose levels by its receptor and it is used as vital drug to treat diabetes. This therapeutic hormone... (Review)
Review
Insulin, an essential peptide hormone, conjointly regulates blood glucose levels by its receptor and it is used as vital drug to treat diabetes. This therapeutic hormone may undergo different chemical modifications during industrial processes, pharmaceutical formulation, and through its endogenous storage in the pancreatic β-cells. Insulin is highly sensitive to environmental stresses and readily undergoes structural changes, being also able to unfold and aggregate in physiological conditions. Even; small changes altering the structural integrity of insulin may have significant impacts on its biological efficacy to its physiological and pharmacological activities. Insulin analogs have been engineered to achieve modified properties, such as improved stability, solubility, and pharmacokinetics, while preserving the molecular pharmacology of insulin. The casually or purposively strategies of chemical modifications of insulin occurred to improve its therapeutic and pharmaceutical properties. Knowing the effects of chemical modification, formation of aggregates, and nanoparticles on protein can be a new look at the production of protein analogues drugs and its application in living system. The project focused on effects of chemical modifications and nanoparticles on the structure, stability, aggregation and their results in effective drug delivery system, biological activity, and pharmacological properties of insulin. The future challenge in biotechnology and pharmacokinetic arises from the complexity of biopharmaceuticals, which are often molecular structures that require formulation and delivery strategies to ensure their efficacy and safety.
PubMed: 38944170
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124399 -
Antiviral Research Jun 2024Influenza A virus (IAV) continuously poses a considerable threat to global health through seasonal epidemics and recurring pandemics. IAV RNA-dependent RNA polymerases...
Influenza A virus (IAV) continuously poses a considerable threat to global health through seasonal epidemics and recurring pandemics. IAV RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (FluPol) mediate the transcription of RNA and replication of the viral genome. Searching for targets that inhibit viral polymerase activity helps us develop better antiviral drugs. Here, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A/B (hnRNPAB) as an anti-influenza host factor. hnRNPAB interacts with NP of IAV to inhibit the interaction between PB1 and NP, which is dependent on the 5-amino-acid peptide of the hnRNPAB C-terminal domain (aa 318-322). We further found that the 5-amino-acid peptide blocks the interaction between PB1 and NP to destroy the FluPol activity. In vivo studies demonstrate that hnRNPAB-deficient mice display higher viral burdens, enhanced cytokine production, and increased mortality after influenza infection. These data demonstrate that hnRNPAB perturbs FluPol complex conformation to inhibit IAV infection, providing insights into anti-influenza defense mechanisms.
PubMed: 38944160
DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105925 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38944143
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114836 -
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Jun 2024Understanding normal microbial populations within areas of the respiratory tract is essential, as variable regional conditions create different niches for microbial...
Understanding normal microbial populations within areas of the respiratory tract is essential, as variable regional conditions create different niches for microbial flora, and proliferation of commensal microbes likely contributes to clinical respiratory disease. The objective was to describe microbial population variability between respiratory tract locations in healthy horses. Samples were collected from four healthy adult horses by nasopharyngeal lavage (NPL), transtracheal aspirate (TTA), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of six distinct regions within the lung. Full-length 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and microbial profiling analysis was performed. There was a large amount of diversity, with over 1797 ASVs identified, reduced to 94 taxa after tip agglomeration and prevalence filtering. Number of taxa and diversity were highly variable across horses, sample types, and BAL locations. Firmicutes, proteobacteria, and actinobacteria were the predominant phyla. There was a significant difference in richness (Chao1, p=0.02) and phylogenetic diversity (FaithPD, p = 0.01) between NPL, TTA, and BAL. Sample type (p=0.03) and horse (p=0.005) contributed significantly to Bray-Curtis compositional diversity, while Weighted Unifrac metric was only affected by simplified sample type (NPL and TTA vs BAL, p=0.04). There was no significant effect of BAL locations within the lung with alpha or beta diversity statistical tests. Overall findings support diverse microbial populations that were variable between upper and lower respiratory tract locations, but with no apparent difference in microbial populations of the six biogeographic regions of the lung, suggesting that BAL fluid obtained blindly by standard clinical techniques may be sufficient for future studies in healthy horses.
PubMed: 38944129
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105141