Risk Evaluation of Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa Infection Among Laboratory Macaques, Animal Facility Workers, and Nearby Villagers From One Health Perspective

Background: Previous epidemiological studies have confirmed non-human primates (NHPs) as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. It highlights the possibility of interspecies transmission between humans and macaques in laboratory animal facilities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic intestinal protozoan infections in macaques and humans and to determine the risk of cross-species transmission from One Health view.Materials and Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples, including 310 from the four Macaca mulatta groups, 25 from the facility workers in a laboratory animal facility, and 25 from the villagers nearby in Yongfu country, southeast China, were collected. Nested PCR assays were done for detecting protozoan pathogens from all the specimens. Furthermore, potential risk factors (gender, age, and direct contact) on the occurrence of intestinal protozoa infection among different sub-groups were evaluated. A phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis was conducted to examine the genetic structure and shared patterns of E. bieneusi and Cyclospora cayetanensis.Results: The pathogenic intestinal protozoa were detected in both human and macaque fecal samples. A total of 134 (37.2%) samples were tested positive, which included 113 (36.4%) macaques, 14 (56.0%) facility workers, and 7 (28.0%) villagers, respectively. There was no significant difference in four intestinal protozoa infections between facility workers and villagers (χ2 = 2.4, P > 0.05). However, the positive rate of pathogenic intestinal protozoa in the facility workers, who had direct contact with macaques, was significantly higher [odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–1.00, P < 0.05).Thirty-three ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including five known genotypes (PigEBITS7, Peru8, Henan V, D, and CM1) and six novel genotypes (MEB1–6). Seven haplotypes were identified in the network analysis from C. cayetanensis-positive samples. Meanwhile, a phylogenetic and haplotype analysis confirmed the presence of zoonotic subtypes in NHPs and humans.Conclusion: The data collected from this study confirmed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in humans and macaques. These results warrant workers of such facilities and residents to limit contact with infected animals in order to minimize related health risks. The need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, especially from a One Health perspective, is recommended.

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Integration of Dental Implants in Conjunction with EDTA-Conditioned Dentin Grafts: An Experimental Study

Dentistry Journal ◽

10.3390/dj9060063 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Payam Farzad ◽

Ted Lundgren ◽

Adel Al-Asfour ◽

Lars Andersson ◽

Christer Dahlin

Keyword(s):

Direct Contact ◽

Mineral Content ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

Dentin Surface ◽

Significant Difference ◽

C And N ◽

Micro Implants ◽

Demineralized Dentin

This study was undertaken to investigate the integration of titanium micro-implants installed in conjunction with previously dentin-grafted areas and to study the morphological appearance, mineral content, and healing pattern of xenogenic EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks and granules grafted to cavities in the tibial bone of rabbits. Demineralized and non-demineralized dentin blocks and granules from human premolars were implanted into cavities prepared on the lateral aspects of the tibias of rabbits. After a healing period of six months, micro-implants were installed at each surgical site. Histological examinations were carried out after 24 weeks. Characterization of the EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks was performed by means of light microscopy, dental X-rays, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). No implants were found to be integrated in direct contact with the dentin particles or blocks. On the EDTA-conditioned dentin surface, the organic marker elements C and N dominated, as revealed by EDX. The hydroxyapatite constituents Ca and P were almost absent on the dentin surface. No statistically significant difference was observed between the EDTA-conditioned and non-demineralized dentin, as revealed by BIC and BA. The bone-inductive capacity of the dentin material seemed limited, although demineralization by means of EDTA indicated higher BIC and BA values in conjunction with the installed implants in the area. A 12 h EDTA treatment did not fully decalcify the grafts, as revealed by X-ray analysis.

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Small mammal mycophagy in hemiboreal forest communities of Lithuania

Open Life Sciences ◽

10.2478/s11535-011-0006-z ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 446-456 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Marija Kataržytė ◽

Ernestas Kutorga

Keyword(s):

Small Mammals ◽

Small Mammal ◽

Fungal Spores ◽

Seasonal Effects ◽

Deciduous Tree ◽

Myodes Glareolus ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Hypogeous Fungi ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractThe diets of small mammals in different hemiboreal spruce-dominated, oak-dominated and mixed forests in western part of Lithuania were studied by examination of fungal spores in fresh fecal pellets of caught animals. In the diets of mice (Apodemus spp.), bank voles (Myodes glareolus), and common and pygmy shrews (Sorex araneus and S. minutus), 22 different fungal taxa were identified, 15 of which were hypogeous fungi. The sporocarp abundance and the spores in fecal samples of Elaphomyces fungi prevailed in study area during this investigation. Although most of the captured individuals consumed fungi, the consumption varied among small mammal species. The data show that the fungi were more frequent and taxonomically diverse in Myodes glareolus than in Apodemus spp. diets. The study provided evidence that the fungal component in the diets of insectivorous Sorex species is more diverse than previously known. The availability of sporocarps and the fungal component in the diets of small mammals showed seasonal effects. Annual hypogeous and epigeous sporocarp abundances did not vary significantly across forest types. The significant difference in mycophagy was observed across all forest cover types, with the greatest fungal diversity in fecal samples collected in mixed coniferous-deciduous tree stands.

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Abstract 1122‐000196: First‐Line Direct Contact Aspiration Versus Stent‐Retriever Technique: Real‐World Comparative Outcomes for Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Ashutosh Mahapatra ◽

Yasaman Moazeni ◽

Thomas Patterson ◽

Ramez Abdalla ◽

Jenny Tsai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Real World ◽

Direct Contact ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Disease Process ◽

Stent Retriever ◽

Large Vessel ◽

First Line ◽

Significant Difference

Introduction : Mechanical thrombectomy for large‐vessel acute ischemic stroke has been adopted as the standard of care treatment across the world, with dramatic improvements in long‐term functional outcomes for an otherwise debilitating disease process. Timely and complete recanalization are paramount in achieving good outcomes. Though several revascularization techniques have been described, direct contact aspiration and clot removal via stent‐retriever remain the foundation of endovascular stroke therapy. Utilizing the NeuroVascular Quality Initiative – Quality Outcomes Database (NVQI‐QOD), we present our data on real‐world, first‐line practice for treatment of large vessel occlusions (LVOs), and compare angiographic and clinical outcomes between direct contact aspiration and stent‐retriever mechanical thrombectomy techniques. Methods : Retrospective analysis of the NVQI‐QOD was performed. We included patients with LVOs that underwent mechanical thrombectomy who were older than 18 and whose baseline NIHSS ≥ 6. We compared procedural times, rate of revascularization, and outcomes, including in‐hospital mortality and discharge NIHSS. Results : We identified a total of 2381 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of which 998 (41.9%) underwent treatment with direct contact aspiration alone and 1383 (58.1%) underwent treatment utilizing a stent‐retriever (with or without local aspiration). There were no significant differences in the baseline median NIHSS scores (16 vs 17, p = 0.25) or baseline median ASPECTS scores (9 vs 9, p = 0.7). No significant difference was seen in time metrics, including last known well to puncture (282 min vs. 280 min, p = 0.22) or recanalization (323 min vs. 322 min, p = 0.39), ED to puncture (75 min vs. 71 min, p = 0.25) or recanalization (158 min vs. 160 min, p = 0.55), or median procedure times between the two groups (23 vs 23 min, p = 0.64). The median number of passes required for recanalization was lower in the direct aspiration group (1 vs 2, p = 0.01). Though there was no difference in successful recanalization (TICI 2B‐3) between the two groups (86.1% vs 88%, p = 0.71), there was a lower rate of complete recanalization (TICI 2C‐3) in the direct aspiration group (46% vs 51.7%, p = 0.007). There was also a lower rate of adjunct treatments (defined as the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, P2Y12 inhibitors, and/or salvage angioplasty and/or stenting) required in the direct contact aspiration group (36.1% vs 44.4%, p < 0.001). There were no differences noted in discharge NIHSS scores (5 vs 4, p = 0.21) or in‐hospital mortality (22.2% vs 22.5%, p = 0.92). Conclusions : In the NVQI‐QOD, stent‐retriever techniques were associated with higher rates of complete recanalization when compared to direct contact aspiration alone, although acceptable (TICI 2B‐3) recanalization rates were similar. There were no statistically significant differences in procedure times or clinical outcomes at discharge.

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Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Children With Biliary Atresia After Liver Transplantation

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.704313 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Wei Song ◽

Li-Ying Sun ◽

Zhi-Jun Zhu ◽

Lin Wei ◽

Wei Qu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Transplantation ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Biliary Atresia ◽

Control Level ◽

Control Group ◽

Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Polyamine Biosynthesis ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Linear Discriminant ◽

Significant Difference

Background and AimsBiliary atresia (BA) is an idiopathic neonatal cholestasis and is the most common indication in pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Previous studies have suggested that the gut microbiota (GM) in BA is disordered. However, the effect of LT on gut dysbiosis in patients with BA has not yet been elucidated.MethodsPatients with BA (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 10) were recruited. In the early life of children with BA, Kasai surgery is a typical procedure for restoring bile flow. According to whether BA patients had previously undergone Kasai surgery, we divided the post-LT patients into the with-Kasai group (n = 8) and non-Kasai group (n = 8). Fecal samples were collected in both the BA and the control group; among BA patients, samples were obtained again 6 months after LT. A total of 40 fecal samples were collected, of which 16 were pre-LT, 14 were post-LT (8 were with-Kasai, 6 were non-Kasai), and 10 were from the control group. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to evaluate the GM.ResultsThe Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the number of genes between the pre-LT and the control group, the pre-LT and the post-LT group (P < 0.05), but no statistical difference between the post-LT and the control group. Principal coordinate analysis also showed that the microbiome structure was similar between the post-LT and control group (P > 0.05). Analysis of the GM composition showed a significant decrease in Serratia, Enterobacter, Morganella, Skunalikevirus, and Phifllikevirus while short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Roseburia, Blautia, Clostridium, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus were increased after LT (linear discriminant analysis > 2, P < 0.05). However, they still did not reach the normal control level. Concerning functional profiles, lipopolysaccharide metabolism, multidrug resistance, polyamine biosynthesis, GABA biosynthesis, and EHEC/EPEC pathogenicity signature were more enriched in the post-LT group compared with the control group. Prior Kasai surgery had a specific influence on the postoperative GM.ConclusionLT partly improved the GM in patients with BA, which provided new insight into understanding the role of LT in BA.

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The Diversity of the Intestinal Flora Disturbed After Feeding Intolerance Recovery in Preterm Twins

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.648979 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Ying Li ◽

Chunhong Jia ◽

Xiaojun Lin ◽

Lili Lin ◽

Lizhen Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acid Metabolism ◽

Intestinal Flora ◽

16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Feeding Intolerance ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Kegg Pathways ◽

Intestinal Bacterial Community ◽

Β Diversity ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common condition in premature infants that results in growth retardation and even necrotizing enterocolitis. The gut microbiome is linked to FI occurrence; however, the outcome after FI recovery is unclear.Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 11 pairs of premature twins/triplets for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Initial fecal samples were collected shortly after admission, and then every other week until 7 weeks or discharge.Results: After FI recovery, there was no significant difference in the β-diversity of the intestinal flora between the FI group and the feeding tolerance (FT) group. By contrast, there was a significant difference in the β-diversity. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in the microbiome of the FI group, whereas Firmicutes was the predominant phylum in the microbiome of the FT group. The predominant bacteria with LDA >4 between the two groups at 13–15 days after birth, 19–28 days after birth, and at discharge were different, with the proportions of Bacillus, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium being highest in the FT group and Firmicutes, unidentified_Clostridiales, and Proteobacteria being highest in the FI group. Similarly, there were significant differences in the relative abundances of KEGG pathways, such as fatty acid metabolism, DNA repair and recombination proteins, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, between the two groups (P < 0.01).Conclusions: There was a significant difference in diversity of the intestinal flora after feeding intolerance recovery. Feeding intolerance may disturb the succession of the intestinal bacterial community.

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Comparison of anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations in liver and feces from apparently healthy red foxes

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation ◽

10.1177/1040638720927365 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 560-564 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kristin O. Seljetun ◽

Morten Sandvik ◽

Vigdis Vindenes ◽

Elin Eliassen ◽

Elisabeth L. Øiestad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Detection Methods ◽

Fecal Analysis ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽

Residue Levels ◽

Good Concordance ◽

Lethal Means ◽

Apparently Healthy

Exposure of wildlife and domestic animals to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) is a worldwide concern, but few methods exist to determine residue levels in live animals. Traditional liver detection methods preclude determining exposure in live wildlife. To determine the value of assessing AR exposure by fecal analysis, we compared fecal and liver residues of ARs in the same animals. We collected liver and fecal samples from 40 apparently healthy red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) potentially exposed to ARs, and quantified brodifacoum, bromadiolone, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, difethialone, and flocoumafen residues by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Residues of ARs were detected in 53% of the fecal samples and 83% of the liver samples. We found good concordance between AR residues in feces and liver for coumatetralyl, difenacoum, and difethialone. Bromadiolone occurred in significantly greater frequency in livers compared to feces, but no significant difference in concentration between feces and liver in individual foxes could be detected. Brodifacoum displayed a significant difference in concentration and occurrence of positive samples between liver and feces. Our findings demonstrate that fecal analysis of ARs provides a feasible and valuable non-lethal means of determine AR exposure in live wildlife.

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An Analysis of Clostridium difficile Environmental Contamination During and After Treatment for C difficile Infection

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa362 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Kerrie Davies ◽

Damian Mawer ◽

A Sarah Walker ◽

Claire Berry ◽

Timothy Planche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clostridium Difficile ◽

Environmental Contamination ◽

Environmental Samples ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

End Of Treatment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Time Point

Abstract Background Lower Clostridium difficile spore counts in feces from C difficile infection (CDI) patients treated with fidaxomicin versus vancomycin have been observed. We aimed to determine whether environmental contamination is lower in patients treated with fidaxomicin compared with those treated with vancomycin/metronidazole. Methods The CDI cases were recruited at 4 UK hospitals (Leeds, Bradford, and London [2 centers]). Environmental samples (5 room sites) were taken pretreatment and at 2–3, 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12 days of treatment, end of treatment (EOT), and post-EOT. Fecal samples were collected at diagnosis and as often as produced thereafter. Swabs/feces were cultured for C difficile; percentage of C difficile-positive samples and C difficile bioburden were compared between different treatment arms at each time point. Results Pre-EOT (n = 244), there was a significant reduction in environmental contamination (≥1 site positive) around fidaxomicin versus vancomycin/metronidazole recipients at days 4–5 (30% vs 50% recipients, P = .04) and at days 9–12 (22% vs 49%, P = .005). This trend was consistently seen at all other timepoints, but it was not statistically significant. No differences were seen between treatment groups post-EOT (n = 76). Fidaxomicin-associated fecal positivity rates and colony counts were consistently lower than those for vancomycin/metronidazole from days 4 to 5 of treatment (including post-EOT); however, the only significant difference was in positivity rate at days 9–12 (15% vs 55%, P = .03). Conclusions There were significant reductions in C difficile recovery from both feces and the environment around fidaxomicin versus vancomycin/metronidazole recipients. Therefore, fidaxomicin treatment may lower the C difficile transmission risk by reducing excretion and environmental contamination.

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Neurological Soft Signs and Brain Network Abnormalities in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Bulletin ◽

10.1093/schbul/sbz118 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 562-571 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Li Kong ◽

Christina J Herold ◽

Eric F C Cheung ◽

Raymond C K Chan ◽

Johannes Schröder

Keyword(s):

Network Analysis ◽

Frontal Cortex ◽

Temporal Cortex ◽

Brain Network ◽

Global Network ◽

Orbital Frontal Cortex ◽

Neural Basis ◽

Neurological Soft Signs ◽

Middle Temporal ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Neurological soft signs (NSS) are often found in patients with schizophrenia. A wealth of neuroimaging studies have reported that NSS are related to disturbed cortical-subcortical-cerebellar circuitry in schizophrenia. However, the association between NSS and brain network abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia remains unclear. In this study, the graph theoretical approach was used to analyze brain network characteristics based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. NSS were assessed using the Heidelberg scale. We found that there was no significant difference in global network properties between individuals with high and low levels of NSS. Regional network analysis showed that NSS were associated with betweenness centrality involving the inferior orbital frontal cortex, the middle temporal cortex, the hippocampus, the supramarginal cortex, the amygdala, and the cerebellum. Global network analysis also demonstrated that NSS were associated with the distribution of network hubs involving the superior medial frontal cortex, the superior and middle temporal cortices, the postcentral cortex, the amygdala, and the cerebellum. Our findings suggest that NSS are associated with alterations in topological attributes of brain networks corresponding to the cortical-subcortical-cerebellum circuit in patients with schizophrenia, which may provide a new perspective for elucidating the neural basis of NSS in schizophrenia.

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Using network analysis to explore cognitive domains in patients with unipolar versus bipolar depression: a prospective naturalistic study

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852919000968 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 380-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cesare Galimberti ◽

Monica Francesca Bosi ◽

Valentina Caricasole ◽

Riccardo Zanello ◽

Bernardo Dell’Osso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Bipolar Depression ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Unipolar Depression ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Network Graph ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Neurocognitive Profiles

Objective.Despite growing evidence in the field of cognitive function in mood disorders, the neurocognitive profiles of patients with unipolar and bipolar depression still need further characterization. In this study, we applied network analysis, hypothesizing this approach could highlight differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) from a cognitive perspective.Methods.The cognitive performance of 109 patients (72 unipolar and 37 bipolar depressed outpatients) was assessed through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and a series of clinical variables were collected. Differences in cognitive performance between MDD and BD patients were tested using non-parametric tests. Moreover, a network graph representing MoCA domains as nodes and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients between the domains as edges was constructed for each group.Results.The presence of mild cognitive impairment was observed in both MDD and BD patients during depression. No statistical significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of overall cognitive performance and across single domains. Nonetheless, network analytic metrics demonstrated different roles of memory and executive dysfunction in MDD versus BD patients: in particular, MDD network was more densely interconnected than BD network, and memory was the node with the highest betweenness and closeness centrality in MDD, while executive function was more central in BD.Conclusions.From a network analytic perspective, memory impairment displays a central role in the cognitive impairment of patients with unipolar depression, whereas executive dysfunction appears to be more central in bipolar depression. Further research is warranted to confirm our results.

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First Detection and Genotyping of Human-Associated Microsporidia in Pigeons from Urban Parks

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.71.6.3153-3157.2005 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 3153-3157 ◽

Cited By ~ 74

Author(s):

M. Haro ◽

F. Izquierdo ◽

N. Henriques-Gil ◽

I. Andrés ◽

F. Alonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Opportunistic Infections ◽

Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Encephalitozoon Intestinalis ◽

Prophylactic Measures ◽

Populations At Risk ◽

Animal Phyla ◽

Staining Methods ◽

Internally Transcribed Spacer

ABSTRACT Microsporidia are ubiquitous opportunistic parasites in nature infecting all animal phyla, and the zoonotic potential of this parasitosis is under discussion. Fecal samples from 124 pigeons from seven parks of Murcia (Spain) were analyzed. Thirty-six of them (29.0%) showed structures compatible with microsporidia spores by staining methods. The DNA isolated from 26 fecal samples (20.9%) of microsporidia-positive pigeons was amplified with specific primers for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Twelve pigeons were positive for only Enterocytozoon bieneusi (9.7%), 5 for Encephalitozoon intestinalis (4%), and one for Encephalitozoon hellem (0.8%). Coinfections were detected in eight additional pigeons: E. bieneusi and E. hellem were detected in six animals (4.8%); E. bieneusi was associated with E. intestinalis in one case (0.8%); and E. hellem and E. intestinalis coexisted in one pigeon. No positive samples for Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected. The internally transcribed spacer genotype could be completed for one E. hellem-positive pigeon; the result was identical to the genotype A1 previously characterized in an E. hellem Spanish strain of human origin. To our knowledge, this is the first time that human-related microsporidia have been identified in urban park pigeons. Moreover, we can conclude that there is no barrier to microsporidia transmission between park pigeons and humans for E. intestinalis and E. hellem. This study is of environmental and sanitary interest, because children and elderly people constitute the main visitors of parks and they are populations at risk for microsporidiosis. It should also contribute to the better design of appropriate prophylactic measures for populations at risk for opportunistic infections.

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