scholarly journals Microbial Ecology of European Foul Brood Disease in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera): Towards a Microbiome Understanding of Disease Susceptibility

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 555
Author(s):  
Amy S. Floyd ◽  
Brendon M. Mott ◽  
Patrick Maes ◽  
Duan C. Copeland ◽  
Quinn S. McFrederick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Bacterial Microbiota ◽  
Probiotic Treatment ◽  
Colony Loss ◽  
Negative Controls

European honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) are beneficial insects that provide essential pollination services for agriculture and ecosystems worldwide. Modern commercial beekeeping is plagued by a variety of pathogenic and environmental stressors often confounding attempts to understand colony loss. European foulbrood (EFB) is considered a larval-specific disease whose causative agent, Melissococcus plutonius, has received limited attention due to methodological challenges in the field and laboratory. Here, we improve the experimental and informational context of larval disease with the end goal of developing an EFB management strategy. We sequenced the bacterial microbiota associated with larval disease transmission, isolated a variety of M.plutonius strains, determined their virulence against larvae in vitro, and explored the potential for probiotic treatment of EFB disease. The larval microbiota was a low diversity environment similar to honey, while worker mouthparts and stored pollen contained significantly greater bacterial diversity. Virulence of M. plutonius against larvae varied markedly by strain and inoculant concentration. Our chosen probiotic, Parasaccharibacter apium strain C6, did not improve larval survival when introduced alone, or in combination with a virulent EFB strain. We discuss the importance of positive and negative controls for in vitro studies of the larval microbiome and disease.

scholarly journals TheIn VitroEffects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Leaves ofAgeratum conyzoides(Asteraceae) on Three Life Cycle Stages of the Parasitic NematodeHeligmosomoides bakeri(Nematoda: Heligmosomatidae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wabo Poné ◽  
Olivia Fossi Tankoua ◽  
Jeannette Yondo ◽  
Marie Claire Komtangi ◽  
Mpoame Mbida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Ageratum Conyzoides ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Ethanolic Extracts ◽  
Heligmosomoides Bakeri ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Dose Dependent

A comparativein vitrostudy was carried out to determine the ovicidal and larvicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts ofAgeratum conyzoides(Asteraceae) leaves on the eggs (unembryonated and embryonated), first and second larval stages ofHeligmosomoides bakeri. Four different concentrations (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.75 mg·mL−1) of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested. Distilled water and 5% tween were used as negative controls in the bioassay. In fact, they did not affect development of eggs, hatching, and larval survival. The extract activities were dose dependent. The ethanolic extract was more potent against embryonation (39.6 ± 2.9%) than the aqueous extract (53.3 ± 10.9%) at the highest concentration (3.75 mg·ml−1). Both types of extracts killed larvae. Mebendazole proved more lethal (EC50of 0.745 and 0.323 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1and L2larvae). The aqueous extracts were the least lethal (EC50of 4.76 and 2.29 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1and L2larvae). The ethanolic extracts showed intermediate activity (EC50of 1.323 and 1.511 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1and L2larvae). It is concluded that the ovicidal and larvicidal properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts ofAgeratum conyzoidesleaves are demonstrated in this work.

scholarly journals Ovicidal and Larvicidal Activities of Saba senegalensis (A.DC) Pichon (Apocynaceae) Extracts and Fractions on Heligmosomoides bakeri (Nematoda, Heligmosomatidae)

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohamed Bonewendé Belemlilga ◽  
Aristide Traoré ◽  
Lazare Belemnaba ◽  
Félix Bondo Kini ◽  
Sylvin Ouédraogo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Larvicidal Activity ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Heligmosomoides Bakeri ◽  
Saba Senegalensis ◽  
Larvicidal Activities ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Eggs And Larvae

Aims: To investigate ovicidal and larvicidal activities of an aqueous decoction (AD) and hydroethanolic macerate (HEM) extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis. Study Design: In vitro, the ovicidal and larvicidal activities of AD and HEM extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis on the eggs and larvae (L1) of Heligmosomoides bakeri. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia-Pharmacy (MEPHATRA-PH) of Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) between June 2015 and December 2016. Methodology: The phytochemical groups of the extract and fractions of Saba senegalensis were determined by a colorimetric and Thin Layer Chromatography methods. The eggs were obtained from feces of mice deliberately infected and the larvae from the eggs were incubated at 25 ±2℃ for 72 hours. Eggs and larvae were exposed to increasing concentrations (100; 625; 1250; 2500; 3750 µg/mL) of the different extracts, 48 hours and 24 hours for the eggs and larvae respectively. Distilled water and DMSO 0.1% were used as negative controls while albendazole and levamisole were used as positive controls. Results: The phytochemical groups of interest are the tannins, saponins, flavonoids and triterpenes. The negative control had given 2.16% of egg hatch inhibition and 0% of larvae mortality mean while the positive control had given 100% in both cases. The extracts inhibited eggs hatching and affected larval survival. Pharmacological effects were concentration-dependent. The ovicidal and larvicidal activity of HEM is more interesting than that of AD with an Emax = 95.60% and an IC50 = 390 µg/mL. It is the same for the larvicidal activity with Emax = 100% and an LC50 = 900 µg/mL.  However, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: These results show the ovicidal and larvicidal properties of the S. senegalensis leaves.

scholarly journals Review on Sublethal Effects of Environmental Contaminants in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), Knowledge Gaps and Future Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Di Noi ◽  
Silvia Casini ◽  
Tommaso Campani ◽  
Giampiero Cai ◽  
Ilaria Caliani
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Sublethal Effects ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Anthropogenic Contamination ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
The Impact

Honey bees and the pollination services they provide are fundamental for agriculture and biodiversity. Agrochemical products and other classes of contaminants, such as trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, contribute to the general decline of bees’ populations. For this reason, effects, and particularly sublethal effects of contaminants need to be investigated. We conducted a review of the existing literature regarding the type of effects evaluated in Apis mellifera, collecting information about regions, methodological approaches, the type of contaminants, and honey bees’ life stages. Europe and North America are the regions in which A. mellifera biological responses were mostly studied and the most investigated compounds are insecticides. A. mellifera was studied more in the laboratory than in field conditions. Through the observation of the different responses examined, we found that there were several knowledge gaps that should be addressed, particularly within enzymatic and molecular responses, such as those regarding the immune system and genotoxicity. The importance of developing an integrated approach that combines responses at different levels, from molecular to organism and population, needs to be highlighted in order to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic contamination on this pollinator species.

scholarly journals Macrophagic Inflammatory Response Next to Dental Implants with Different Macro- and Micro-Structure: An In Vitro Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5324
Author(s):  
Maria Menini ◽  
Francesca Delucchi ◽  
Domenico Baldi ◽  
Francesco Pera ◽  
Francesco Bagnasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Dental Implants ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Titanium Implants ◽  
Implant Surface ◽  
Bone Implant ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Inflammatory Effect

(1) Background: Intrinsic characteristics of the implant surface and the possible presence of endotoxins may affect the bone–implant interface and cause an inflammatory response. This study aims to evaluate the possible inflammatory response induced in vitro in macrophages in contact with five different commercially available dental implants. (2) Methods: one zirconia implant NobelPearl® (Nobel Biocare) and four titanium implants, Syra® (Sweden & Martina), Prama® (Sweden & Martina), 3iT3® (Biomet 3i) and Shard® (Mech & Human), were evaluated. After 4 h of contact of murine macrophage cells J774a.1 with the implants, the total RNA was extracted, transcribed to cDNA and the gene expression of the macrophages was evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in relation to the following genes: GAPDH, YWHAZ, IL1β, IL6, TNFα, NOS2, MMP-9, MMP-8 and TIMP3. The results were statistically analyzed and compared with negative controls. (3) Results: No implant triggered a significant inflammatory response in macrophages, although 3iT3 exhibited a slight pro-inflammatory effect compared to other samples. (4) Conclusions: All the samples showed optimal outcomes without any inflammatory stimulus on the examined macrophagic cells.

scholarly journals Nanocarriers of Miconazole or Fluconazole: Effects on Three-Species Candida Biofilms and Cytotoxic Effects In Vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 500
Author(s):  
Anne Caroline Morais Caldeirão ◽  
Heitor Ceolin Araujo ◽  
Laís Salomão Arias ◽  
Wilmer Ramírez Carmona ◽  
Gustavo Porangaba Miranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Artificial Saliva ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Mtt Reduction ◽  
Diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Positive Controls

The contribution of different Candida species in oral fungal infections has stimulated the search for more effective therapies. This study assessed the antibiofilm effects of nanocarriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on Candida biofilms, and their cytotoxic effects on murine fibroblasts. Three-species biofilms (Candida albicans/Candida glabrata/Candida tropicalis) were formed on 96-well plates, and they were treated with nanocarriers (iron oxide nanoparticles coated with chitosan—“IONPs-CS”) of MCZ or FLZ at 39/78/156 µg/mL; antifungals alone at 156 µg/mL and artificial saliva were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. Biofilms were analyzed by colony forming units (CFU), biomass, metabolic activity, and structure/viability. The cytotoxicity (L929 cells) of all treatments was determined via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Data were submitted to one- or two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s or Fisher LSD’s tests (p < 0.05). IONPs-CS-MCZ at 78 µg/mL promoted similar antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects compared with MCZ at 156 µg/mL. In turn, IONPs-CS-FLZ at 156 µg/mL was overall the most effective FLZ antibiofilm treatment, surpassing the effects of FLZ alone; this nanocarrier was also less cytotoxic compared with FLZ alone. It can be concluded that both nanocarriers are more effective alternatives to fight Candida biofilms compared with their respective positive controls in vitro, being a promising alternative for the treatment of oral fungal infections.

scholarly journals Synthesis, Quantification, and Characterization of Fatty Acid Amides from In Vitro and In Vivo Sources

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2543
Author(s):  
Ruidong Ni ◽  
Suzeeta Bhandari ◽  
Perry R. Mitchell ◽  
Gabriela Suarez ◽  
Neel B. Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Chemical Synthesis ◽  
Acid Amide ◽  
Fatty Acid Amides ◽  
Fatty Acid Amide

Fatty acid amides are a diverse family of underappreciated, biologically occurring lipids. Herein, the methods for the chemical synthesis and subsequent characterization of specific members of the fatty acid amide family are described. The synthetically prepared fatty acid amides and those obtained commercially are used as standards for the characterization and quantification of the fatty acid amides produced by biological systems, a fatty acid amidome. The fatty acid amidomes from mouse N18TG2 cells, sheep choroid plexus cells, Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori, Apis mellifera, and Tribolium castaneum are presented.

scholarly journals Light Cross-Linkable Marine Collagen for Coaxial Printing of a 3D Model of Neuromuscular Junction Formation

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Borja Sanz ◽  
Ane Albillos Sanchez ◽  
Bonnie Tangey ◽  
Kerry Gilmore ◽  
Zhilian Yue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Zoonotic Disease Transmission ◽  
And Migration

Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that modulates cell adhesion, growth, and migration, and has been utilised in tissue engineering applications. However, the common terrestrial sources of collagen carry the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and there are religious barriers to the use of bovine and porcine products in many cultures. Marine based collagens offer an attractive alternative and have so far been under-utilized for use as biomaterials for tissue engineering. Marine collagen can be extracted from fish waste products, therefore industry by-products offer an economical and environmentally sustainable source of collagen. In a handful of studies, marine collagen has successfully been methacrylated to form collagen methacrylate (ColMA). Our work included the extraction, characterization and methacrylation of Red Snapper collagen, optimisation of conditions for neural cell seeding and encapsulation using the unmodified collagen, thermally cross-linked, and the methacrylated collagen with UV-induced cross-linking. Finally, the 3D co-axial printing of neural and skeletal muscle cell cultures as a model for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation was investigated. Overall, the results of this study show great potential for a novel NMJ in vitro 3D bioprinted model that, with further development, could provide a low-cost, customizable, scalable and quick-to-print platform for drug screening and to study neuromuscular junction physiology and pathogenesis.

scholarly journals A New Approach to Inform Restoration and Management Decisions for Sustainable Apiculture

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6109
Author(s):  
Joanne Lee Picknoll ◽  
Pieter Poot ◽  
Michael Renton
Keyword(s):  
Floral Resources ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Honey Production ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Colony Loss ◽  
Supply Potential ◽  
Australian Case ◽  
Stocking Rates

Habitat loss has reduced the available resources for apiarists and is a key driver of poor colony health, colony loss, and reduced honey yields. The biggest challenge for apiarists in the future will be meeting increasing demands for pollination services, honey, and other bee products with limited resources. Targeted landscape restoration focusing on high-value or high-yielding forage could ensure adequate floral resources are available to sustain the growing industry. Tools are currently needed to evaluate the likely productivity of potential sites for restoration and inform decisions about plant selections and arrangements and hive stocking rates, movements, and placements. We propose a new approach for designing sites for apiculture, centred on a model of honey production that predicts how changes to plant and hive decisions affect the resource supply, potential for bees to collect resources, consumption of resources by the colonies, and subsequently, amount of honey that may be produced. The proposed model is discussed with reference to existing models, and data input requirements are discussed with reference to an Australian case study area. We conclude that no existing model exactly meets the requirements of our proposed approach, but components of several existing models could be combined to achieve these needs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of ionic degradation and slot corrosion of metallic brackets by the action of different dentifrices

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-93
Author(s):  
Gustavo Antônio Martins Brandão ◽  
Rafael Menezes Simas ◽  
Leandro Moreira de Almeida ◽  
Juliana Melo da Silva ◽  
Marcelo de Castro Meneghim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Artificial Saliva ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Surface Polishing ◽  
Aluminium Ion ◽  
Negative Controls

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro ionic degradation and slot base corrosion of metallic brackets subjected to brushing with dentifrices, through analysis of chemical composition by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Thirty eight brackets were selected and randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 7). Two groups (n = 5) worked as positive and negative controls. Simulated orthodontic braces were assembled using 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wires and elastomeric rings. The groups were divided according to surface treatment: G1 (Máxima Proteção Anticáries®); G2 (Total 12®); G3 (Sensitive®); G4 (Branqueador®); Positive control (artificial saliva) and Negative control (no treatment). Twenty eight brushing cycles were performed and evaluations were made before (T0) and after (T1) experiment. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test showed no difference in ionic concentrations of titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) between groups. G2 presented significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion (Al). Groups G3 and G4 presented significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion. The SEM analysis showed increased characteristics indicative of corrosion on groups G2, G3 and G4. CONCLUSION: The EDS analysis revealed that control groups and G1 did not suffer alterations on the chemical composition. G2 presented degradation in the amount of Al ion. G3 and G4 suffered increase in the concentration of Al. The immersion in artificial saliva and the dentifrice Máxima Proteção Anticáries® did not alter the surface polishing. The dentifrices Total 12®, Sensitive® and Branqueador® altered the surface polishing.

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