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BMC Biology Mar 2024Obligate blood-feeding insects obtain the nutrients and water necessary to ensure survival from the vertebrate blood. The internal taste sensilla, situated in the...
BACKGROUND
Obligate blood-feeding insects obtain the nutrients and water necessary to ensure survival from the vertebrate blood. The internal taste sensilla, situated in the pharynx, evaluate the suitability of the ingested food. Here, through multiple approaches, we characterized the pharyngeal organ (PO) of the hematophagous kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus to determine its role in food assessment. The PO, located antero-dorsally in the pharynx, comprises eight taste sensilla that become bathed with the incoming blood.
RESULTS
We showed that these taste sensilla house gustatory receptor neurons projecting their axons through the labral nerves to reach the subesophageal zone in the brain. We found that these neurons are electrically activated by relevant appetitive and aversive gustatory stimuli such as NaCl, ATP, and caffeine. Using RNA-Seq, we examined the expression of sensory-related gene families in the PO. We identified gustatory receptors, ionotropic receptors, transient receptor potential channels, pickpocket channels, opsins, takeouts, neuropeptide precursors, neuropeptide receptors, and biogenic amine receptors. RNA interference assays demonstrated that the salt-related pickpocket channel Rproppk014276 is required during feeding of an appetitive solution of NaCl and ATP.
CONCLUSIONS
We provide evidence of the role of the pharyngeal organ in food evaluation. This work shows a comprehensive characterization of a pharyngeal taste organ in a hematophagous insect.
Topics: Animals; Taste; Sodium Chloride; Pharynx; Insecta; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 38481317
DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01861-w -
Microbiome Mar 2024Long-distance transportation, a frequent practice in the cattle industry, stresses calves and results in morbidity, mortality, and growth suppression, leading to welfare...
BACKGROUND
Long-distance transportation, a frequent practice in the cattle industry, stresses calves and results in morbidity, mortality, and growth suppression, leading to welfare concerns and economic losses. Alkaline mineral water (AMW) is an electrolyte additive containing multiple mineral elements and shows stress-mitigating effects on humans and bovines.
RESULTS
Here, we monitored the respiratory health status and growth performance of 60 Simmental calves subjected to 30 hours of road transportation using a clinical scoring system. Within the three days of commingling before the transportation and 30 days after the transportation, calves in the AMW group (n = 30) were supplied with AMW, while calves in the Control group (n = 29) were not. On three specific days, namely the day before transportation (day -3), the 30 day (day 30), and the 60 day (day 60) after transportation, sets of venous blood, serum, and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from 20 calves (10 from each group) for routine blood testing, whole blood transcriptomic sequencing, serology detection, serum untargeted metabolic sequencing, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The field data showed that calves in the AMW group displayed lower rectal temperatures (38.967 ℃ vs. 39.022 ℃; p = 0.004), respiratory scores (0.079 vs. 0.144; p < 0.001), appetite scores (0.024 vs. 0.055; p < 0.001), ocular and ear scores (0.185 vs. 0.338; p < 0.001), nasal discharge scores (0.143 vs. 0.241; p < 0.001), and higher body weight gains (30.870 kg vs. 7.552 kg; p < 0.001). The outcomes of laboratory and high throughput sequencing data revealed that the calves in the AMW group demonstrated higher cellular and humoral immunities, antioxidant capacities, lower inflammatory levels, and intestinal absorption and lipogenesis on days -3 and 60. The nasopharynx 16S rRNA gene microbiome analysis revealed the different composition and structure of the nasopharyngeal microflora in the two groups of calves on day 30. Joint analysis of multi-omics revealed that on days -3 and 30, bile secretion was a shared pathway enriched by differentially expressed genes and metabolites, and there were strong correlations between the differentially expressed metabolites and the main genera in the nasopharynx.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that AMW supplementation enhances peripheral immunity, nutrition absorption, and metabolic processes, subsequently affecting the nasopharyngeal microbiota and improving the respiratory health and growth performance of transported calves. This investigation provided a practical approach to mitigate transportation stress and explored its underlying mechanisms, which are beneficial for the development of the livestock industry. Video Abstract.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Antioxidants; Minerals; Multiomics; Nasopharynx; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 38454496
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01742-4 -
Journal of Medical Virology Mar 2024This study aimed at using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis scores to cluster naso/pharyngeal swab specimen samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)...
This study aimed at using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis scores to cluster naso/pharyngeal swab specimen samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients into two clusters. One cluster with higher fractions of immune cells and more active inflammatory-related pathways was called the Immunity-High (Immunity-H) group, and the other one was called the Immunity-Low group. We explored impacts of the method on COVID-19 treatment. First, given that the Immunity-H group was mainly enriched in inflammatory-related pathways and had higher fractions of inflammatory cells, the Immunity-H group may obtain more curative effects from anti-inflammatory treatment. Second, we searched some hot genes from the PubMed platform that had been studied by researchers and found these genes upregulated in the Immunity-H group, so we speculated the Immunity-H group and Immunity-Low group may have different curative effects from drugs targeting these genes. Finally, we screened out hub genes for the Immunity-H group and predicted potential drugs for these hub genes by a public data set (http://dgidb.genome.wustl.edu). These hub genes are significantly upregulated in the Immunity-H group and neutrophils so that the Immunity-H group may obtain different treatment results from potential drugs compared with the Immunity-Low group. Therefore, the cluster method may provide help in drug development and administration for COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; COVID-19; Drug Development; Neutrophils
PubMed: 38436142
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29497 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Feb 2024In this study, we applied one-step real time rt-PCR technology type II INF signature to blood and nasopharyngeal (NPS) swabs of acute early recovery children < 1 years... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
In this study, we applied one-step real time rt-PCR technology type II INF signature to blood and nasopharyngeal (NPS) swabs of acute early recovery children < 1 years hospitalized for bronchiolitis with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. A prospective observational case-control study was conducted in 2021-2022. The study took place in Children Hospital "Regina Margherita", Torino Italy. The study included 66 infants, of which 30 patients were hospitalized for bronchiolitis due to RSV infection and 36 age-matched controls. Inclusion criteria included a positive RSV test for infants with bronchiolitis. We collected peripheral blood and nasopharyngeal swabs for relative quantification of type II Interferon signature by One-Step Multiplex PCR real time. IFN levels were downregulated in the peripheral blood of bronchiolitis patients; these data were not confirmed in the nasopharyngeal swab. There was no correlation between NPS and the type II IFN score in peripheral blood. our study shows for the first time that type II IFN score was significant reduced in peripheral blood of infants with bronchiolitis by RSV compared to age-matched healthy controls; in the NPS swab this resulted downregulation was not statistically significant and the type II IFN score in the NPS swab can be used as marker of resolution of infection or improvement of clinical conditions.
Topics: Infant; Child; Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Interferon-gamma; Case-Control Studies; Bronchiolitis; Nasopharynx
PubMed: 38399546
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020259 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024: IgA vasculitis (IgAV), a predominantly pediatric leukocytoclastic disease, has an unpredictable, though largely benign, evolution. The aim of this study was to...
: IgA vasculitis (IgAV), a predominantly pediatric leukocytoclastic disease, has an unpredictable, though largely benign, evolution. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate any potential clinical or laboratory predictors of gastrointestinal involvement in a single-center cohort of children with IgAV. : A total of 195 children with a history of IgAV, regularly followed-up for an average period of 1 ± 2.6 years via outpatients clinics of the pediatric rheumatology unit in our University, were assessed, analyzing their clinical and laboratory variables in relationship with their disease evolution and outcome. : Univariate analysis showed that a higher neutrophil granulocyte count and lower lymphocyte count (expressed as a percentage of the total white blood cells) were significantly associated with the presence of gastrointestinal involvement at the first examination (65.2 ± 13% versus 58.8 ± 12%, = 0.02, and 26.4 ± 11% versus 32.1 ± 11%, = 0.02, respectively). A positive pharyngeal swab for , a deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a persistence of purpuric rash for more than 1 month, and purpuric lesions in the genital area were also associated with gastrointestinal involvement ( = 0.0001, = 0.0001, = 0.007 and = 0.001, respectively). However, multiple logistic regressions with correction for the patients' sex and age showed that lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, persistent rash, and genital lesions were independently and significantly associated with signs of gastrointestinal involvement. We then performed a secondary analysis (both univariate and multivariate) to investigate whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with other IgAV manifestations: we found that only 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency remained significantly associated with gastrointestinal involvement in IgAV. : Patients with IgAV and vitamin D deficiency might be more prone to developing gastrointestinal manifestations of variable severity.
PubMed: 38397327
DOI: 10.3390/children11020215 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024A wide variety of bioactive peptides have been identified in the central nervous system and several peripheral tissues in the ascidian type A (). However, hemocyte...
A wide variety of bioactive peptides have been identified in the central nervous system and several peripheral tissues in the ascidian type A (). However, hemocyte endocrine peptides have yet to be explored. Here, we report a novel 14-amino-acid peptide, CiEMa, that is predominant in the granular hemocytes and unilocular refractile granulocytes of . RNA-seq and qRT-PCR revealed the high expression in the adult pharynx and stomach. Immunohistochemistry further revealed the highly concentrated CiEMa in the hemolymph of the pharynx and epithelial cells of the stomach, suggesting biological roles in the immune response. Notably, bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulation of isolated hemocytes for 1-4 h resulted in 1.9- to 2.4-fold increased CiEMa secretion. Furthermore, CiEMa-stimulated pharynx exhibited mRNA upregulation of the growth factor (), vanadium binding proteins ( and ), and forkhead and homeobox transcription factors (, , and ) but not antimicrobial peptides ( and ) or immune-related genes (, , and ). Collectively, these results suggest that CiEMa plays roles in signal transduction involving tissue development or repair in the immune response, rather than in the direct regulation of immune response genes. The present study identified a novel hemocyte peptide, CiEMa, which paves the way for research on the biological roles of hemocyte peptides in chordates.
Topics: Animals; Ciona intestinalis; Hemocytes; Peptides; Pharynx; Immunity
PubMed: 38396656
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041979 -
Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery Feb 2024Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a promising intervention as a stand-alone or adjunct treatment to surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematomas....
BACKGROUND
Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a promising intervention as a stand-alone or adjunct treatment to surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematomas. There are currently no large animal models for selective access and embolization of the MMA for preclinical evaluation of this endovascular modality. Our objective was to introduce a novel in vivo model of selective MMA embolization in swine.
METHODS
Diagnostic cerebral angiography with selective microcatheter catheterization into the MMA was performed under general anesthesia in five swine. Anatomical variants in arterial meningeal supply were examined. In two animals, subsequent embolization of the MMA with a liquid embolic agent (Onyx-18) was performed, followed by brain tissue harvest and histological analysis.
RESULTS
The MMA was consistently localized as a branch of the internal maxillary artery just distal to the origin of the ascending pharyngeal artery. Additional meningeal supply was observed from the external ophthalmic artery, although not present consistently. MMA embolization with Onyx was technically successful and feasible. Histological analysis showed Onyx material within the MMA lumen.
CONCLUSIONS
Microcatheter access into the MMA in swine with liquid embolic agent delivery represents a reproducible model of MMA embolization. Anatomical variations in the distribution of arterial supply to the meninges exist. This model has a potential application for comparing therapeutic effects of various embolic agents in a preclinical setting that closely resembles the MMA embolization procedure in humans.
PubMed: 38388479
DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2024-021481 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... May 2024The authors present a case report of a 73-year-old male on dual antiplatelet therapy with a retropharyngeal hematoma after a motor vehicle accident. We highlight the...
The authors present a case report of a 73-year-old male on dual antiplatelet therapy with a retropharyngeal hematoma after a motor vehicle accident. We highlight the clinical, radiographic manifestations, and surgical management of retropharyngeal hematomas, especially on an initially asymptomatic patient. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of establishing a secure airway early on, and multidisciplinary collaboration to maximize patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Hematoma; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Pharyngeal Diseases; Accidents, Traffic; Clopidogrel; Aspirin; Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy
PubMed: 38387856
DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.01.017 -
International Wound Journal Mar 2024Pediatric otolaryngology surgeries are crucial interventions requiring careful consideration of surgical methods to optimize outcomes. The choice between open and...
Pediatric otolaryngology surgeries are crucial interventions requiring careful consideration of surgical methods to optimize outcomes. The choice between open and minimally invasive surgical approaches in this context warrants thorough investigation. While both methods aim to address ear, nose, and throat conditions in children, a comparative study assessing their impact on crucial factors such as intraoperative parameters, wound healing, complications, and postoperative pain is essential. This study aims to compare the effects of open and minimally invasive surgical methods on wound healing and infection in pediatric otolaryngology surgery, and provide a scientific basis for the selection of surgical methods. Two groups of patients were selected, with 90 people in each group. One group received open surgery and the other received minimally invasive surgery. Recording the intraoperative time, anesthesia time, and intraoperative blood loss; the number of days required for wound healing; the occurrence of wound-related complications; the comparison of pain on postoperative Days 1, 3, and 7; and the factors influencing postoperative wound healing were analyzed. In the minimally invasive surgery group, the intraoperative time was shorter, the anesthesia time was relatively reduced, and the amount of bleeding was significantly reduced. Wounds also take fewer days to heal and have lower rates of wound-related complications. When comparing the pain on 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery, the minimally invasive surgery group had relatively mild pain. Analysis of postoperative wound healing factors showed that minimally invasive surgical methods have a positive impact on healing. In pediatric otolaryngology surgery, minimally invasive surgery performs better than open surgery in terms of intraoperative operation time, anesthesia time, blood loss, wound healing time, complication rate, and postoperative pain. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery may be a safer and more effective surgical method.
Topics: Child; Humans; Pharynx; Otolaryngology; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Pain, Postoperative; Wound Healing
PubMed: 38385835
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14728 -
Cureus Jan 2024Dengue, a prevalent arboviral disease, has witnessed a resurgence in India, with outbreaks frequently reported. However, dengue-associated oral (oro-pharyngeal)...
Dengue, a prevalent arboviral disease, has witnessed a resurgence in India, with outbreaks frequently reported. However, dengue-associated oral (oro-pharyngeal) candidiasis (DAOC) was never reported. We present two severe dengue cases with oral/oro-pharyngeal pseudomembranous candidiasis. Case 1 of a young man without any comorbidities or abuse or immunosuppression presented with fever, headache, altered sensorium, throat pain on recovery, and laboratory reports confirmed dengue with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and severe hepatic involvement with oro-pharyngeal candidiasis. Similarly, case 2 of a middle-aged man with a history of smoking and diabetes presented with fever, gum bleeding, and throat pain, later confirmed to be dengue NS1 positive with thrombocytopenia, and mild-moderate hepatic involvement along with oral-oro-pharyngeal candidiasis. Both cases showed improvement with conservative management and oral nystatin suspension. These cases prompt consideration of superadded candida infections in dengue patients, emphasizing the need for further study and clinical vigilance.
PubMed: 38374848
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52627