Environmental Detection and Potential Transmission of Equine Herpesviruses

Equine herpesviruses (EHV) are a major health concern for domestic and wild equids and represent one of the most economically important disease agents of horses. Most known EHVs are transmitted directly between individuals as a result of direct exposure to exudates and aerosols. However, accumulating evidence suggests that environmental transmission may play a role including air, water, and fomites. Here, we reviewed studies on environmental stability and transmission of EHVs, which may influence viral dynamics and the use of environmental samples for monitoring EHV shedding.

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MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13123026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 3026

Author(s):

Hyuk Moon ◽

Simon-Weonsang Ro

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Therapeutic Strategies ◽

Erk Signaling ◽

Health Concern ◽

Alternative Mechanism ◽

Major Health ◽

Activating Mutations ◽

Genetic Events

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. Recently, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of human HCC cases; however, activating mutations in RAS and RAF genes are rarely found in HCC, which are major genetic events leading to the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in other cancers. This suggests that there is an alternative mechanism behind the activation of the signaling pathway in HCC. Here, we will review recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathway in the context of HCC.

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Paclitaxel Promotes Cell Apoptosis in Uterine Leiomyomas

Pharmacology ◽

10.1159/000479161 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 100 (5-6) ◽

pp. 246-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Haiping Liu ◽

Jianye Wang ◽

Lianbing Sheng ◽

Yan Zhang ◽

Ning Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mouse Model ◽

Critical Role ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Uterine Leiomyomas ◽

Health Concern ◽

Major Health ◽

Gynecological Tumors ◽

Dose Limiting Toxicity ◽

Insight Into ◽

Apoptosis Level

Uterine leiomyomas are common clinical gynecological tumors, which are a major health concern for many women. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of paclitaxel (PTX) on uterine leiomyomas. A mouse model of uterine leiomyomas was established by estradiol benzoate, followed by treatment with increasing doses of PTX. PTX showed no dose-limiting toxicity that affected the survival of mice, and was able to restore the apoptosis level of uterus tissues of the model mice to normal levels. In this study, we discovered that PTX played a critical role in promoting apoptosis in the mouse model of uterine leiomyomas, which provides a new insight into the therapy of uterine leiomyomas.

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Salmonella Heidelberg Strain Responses to Essential Oil Components

Journal of Food Research ◽

10.5539/jfr.v4n5p73 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Juliany Rivera Calo ◽

Christopher A. Baker ◽

Si Hong Park ◽

Steven C. Ricke

Keyword(s):

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Food Production ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Health Concern ◽

Orange Oil ◽

Major Health ◽

Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations ◽

Color Changes ◽

Different Sources ◽

Strain Responses

Salmonella are one of the more prominent foodborne pathogens that represent a major health risk to humans. Salmonella serovar Heidelberg strains are increasingly becoming an important public health concern, since they have been identified as one of the primary Salmonella serovars responsible for human outbreaks. Over the years, Salmonella Heidelberg isolates have exhibited higher rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents compared to other Salmonella serovars. Essential oils (EOs) have been widely used as alternatives to chemical-based antimicrobials. In the current research, five EOs were screened to determine their antimicrobial activity against 15 S. Heidelberg strains from different sources. Oils tested were R(+)-limonene, orange terpenes, cold compressed orange oil, trans-cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol. EOs were stabilized in nutrient broth by adding 0.15% (w/v) agar. Tube dilution assays and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by observing color changes in samples during exposure to EOs. Carvacrol and trans-cinnamaldehyde completely inhibited the growth of S. Heidelberg strains, while R(+)-limonene and orange terpenes did not show any inhibitory activity against the strains tested. Cold compressed orange oil only inhibited growth of two of the strains exhibiting an MIC of 1%. All S. Heidelberg isolates evaluated exhibited similar responses to the respective EOs. The use of all natural antimicrobials such as specific EOs offers the potential to limit the majority of S. Heidelberg isolates that may occur in food production.

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The ZKIR Assay, a novel Real-Time PCR Method for the Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Closely Related Species in Environmental Samples

10.1101/855668 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Elodie Barbier ◽

Carla Rodrigues ◽

Geraldine Depret ◽

Virginie Passet ◽

Laurent Gal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽

Real Time ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Environmental Samples ◽

Health Concern ◽

Complex Matrices ◽

Animal Pathogens ◽

Novel Method ◽

Pcr Method

ABSTRACTKlebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is of growing public health concern due to the emergence of strains that are multidrug-resistant, virulent, or both. Taxonomically, Kp includes seven phylogroups, with Kp1 (K. pneumoniae sensu stricto) being medically prominent. Kp can be present in environmental sources such as soils and vegetation, which could act as reservoirs of animal and human infections. However, the current lack of screening methods to detect Kp in complex matrices limits research on Kp ecology. Here we analysed 4222 genome sequences and found that existing molecular detection targets lack specificity for Kp. A novel real-time PCR method, the ZKIR assay, was developed and used to detect Kp in 96 environmental samples. Results were compared to a culture-based method using SCAI agar medium coupled to MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification. Whole-genome sequencing of environmental Kp was performed. The ZKIR assay was positive for the 48 tested Kp reference strains, whereas 88 non-Kp strains were negative. The limit of detection of Kp in spiked soil microcosms was 1.5 × 10-1 CFU g-1 after enrichment for 24 h in LB supplemented with ampicillin, and 1.5 × 103 to 1.5 × 104 CFU g-1 directly after soil DNA extraction. The ZKIR assay was more sensitive than the culture method. Kp was detected in 43% of environmental samples. Genomic analysis of the isolates revealed a predominance of phylogroups Kp1 (65%) and Kp3 (32%), a high genetic diversity (23 MLST sequence types), a quasi-absence of antibiotic resistance or virulence genes, and a high frequency (50%) of O-antigen type 3. This study shows that the ZKIR assay is an accurate, specific and sensitive novel method to detect the presence of Kp in complex matrices, and indicates that Kp isolates from environmental samples differ from clinical isolates.IMPORTANCEThe Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (Kp) includes human and animal pathogens, some of which are emerging as hypervirulent and/or antibiotic resistant strains. These pathogens are diverse and classified into seven phylogroups, which may differ in their reservoirs and epidemiology. Proper management of this public health hazard requires a better understanding of Kp ecology and routes of transmission to humans. So far, detection of these microorganisms in complex matrices such as food or the environment has been difficult due to a lack of accurate and sensitive methods. Here, we describe a novel method based on real-time PCR, which enables detection of all Kp phylogroups with high sensitivity and specificity. We used this method to detect Kp isolates from environmental samples, and show based on genomic sequencing that they differ in antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene content, from human clinical Kp isolates. The ZKIR PCR assay will enable rapid screening of multiple samples for Kp presence and will thereby facilitate tracking the dispersal patterns of these pathogenic strains across environmental, food, animal and human sources.

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How to Clear HBV cccDNA: CRISPR/Cas9 Might Be Promising

10.20944/preprints201710.0065.v1 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Yan Qiu ◽

Ying Liu ◽

Wen Ren ◽

Jing Ren

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B ◽

Health Concern ◽

Liver Carcinoma ◽

Major Health ◽

Circular Dna ◽

Hbv Cccdna ◽

B Virus

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B infected with Hepatitis B virus remains a major health concern worldwide. Despite standard interferon-α and nucleotide analogues have been shown to reduce the deterioration of liver disease among chronic hepatitis B patients, covalently closed circular DNA was still difficult to eradicate. METHODS: A literature search of Pubmed and Web of science was performed with the following key words: ‘CRISPR’, ‘CRISPR/Cas9’, ‘hepatitis B’, ‘HBV’, ‘chronic hepatitis B’ and ‘HBV cccDNA’. The information about CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of HBV cccDNA or hepatitis B was reviewed. RESULTS: CRISPR/Cas9 could treat hepatitis B through suppressing or clearing HBV cccDNA with different gRNAs. CONCLUSION: With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 (the RNA-guided clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats, CRISPR) editing technology, clearance of hepatitis B virus and better prevention of liver carcinoma seemed to be possible.

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The Short-Term Effect of Prunes in Improving Bone in Men

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14020276 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 276

Author(s):

Kelli S. George ◽

Joseph Munoz ◽

Lauren T. Ormsbee ◽

Neda S. Akhavan ◽

Elizabeth M. Foley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Loss ◽

Health Concern ◽

Serum Osteocalcin ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Short Term ◽

Major Health ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

Regular Consumption ◽

Aging Populations ◽

And Oxidative Stress

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in aging populations, where 54% of the U.S. population aged 50 and older have low bone mineral density (BMD). Increases in inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Men are at a greater risk of mortality due to osteoporosis-related fractures. Our earlier findings in rodent male and female models of osteoporosis, as well as postmenopausal women strongly suggest the efficacy of prunes (dried plum) in reducing inflammation and preventing/reversing bone loss. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of two doses of prunes, daily, on biomarkers of inflammation and bone metabolism in men with some degree of bone loss (BMD; t-score between −0.1 and −2.5 SD), for three months. Thirty-five men between the ages of 55 and 80 years were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g prunes, 50 g prunes, or control. Consumption of 100 g prunes led to a significant decrease in serum osteocalcin (p < 0.001). Consumption of 50 g prunes led to significant decreases in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) (p = 0.003) and serum osteocalcin (p = 0.040), and an increase in the OPG:RANKL ratio (p = 0.041). Regular consumption of either 100 g or 50 g prunes for three months may positively affect bone turnover.

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An Algerian perspective on non-typhoidal Salmonella infection

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.9456 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (08) ◽

pp. 583-590

Author(s):

Bilal Djeghout ◽

Ammar Ayachi ◽

Bianca Paglietti ◽

Gemma C. Langridge ◽

Salvatore Rubino

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Treatment ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Health Concern ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Major Health ◽

Salmonella Infections ◽

Food Animal ◽

Food Borne ◽

And Control

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) represents a leading cause of food-borne disease worldwide. It is a global public health concern: more than 94 million cases and 115,000 deaths are reported every year, with a disproportionate impact in developing countries. The prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains is another major health concern which affects antimicrobial treatment, as many studies report that infections caused by MDR strains are more severe than those caused by susceptible strains. In Algeria, NTS represent one of the primary causes of salmonellosis in both humans and food animal production, especially poultry. Epidemiological surveillance systems and monitoring programs for Salmonella infections are essential requirements to provide data useful for the effective detection and control of Salmonella outbreaks. The present review will supply a perspective on NTS infection, pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance with a focus on the epidemiology of salmonellosis in Algeria.

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Immunosenescence of Lymphocytes T and Implications for Age-Related Disorders

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24968/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Tylutka ◽

Barbara Morawin ◽

Artur Gramacki ◽

Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Elderly People ◽

Cd8 T Cells ◽

The Elderly ◽

Health Concern ◽

Female Group ◽

Major Health ◽

Cd8 Cells ◽

Age Related ◽

Sex Disorders

Abstract Background. The decrease in immunity with age is still a major health concern as elderly people are more susceptible to infections and increased incidence of autoimmunity. Consequently, there is an increasing interest in immunosenescence and changes in immunology cells like T cells. The aim of our study was to find a disproportion in subpopulation of T cells as well as CD4/CD8 ratio depending on the age, gender or comorbidities. Results. In the present study, a flow cytometry was used to indicate the differences between age, sex, disorders and fat content in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells population divided into naïve and memory cells as well as CD4/CD8 ratio in people aged 71.9± 5.8 years (females n=83, males n=16) compared to young people aged 20.6 ± 1.1 years (females n=12, males n=19). The percentage of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ cells was found to be statistically significantly lower in the elderly compared to the young. In addition, gender was observed to play an important role in the outcomes in the analysed subpopulations and in female group, who live statistically longer than males, our older group of Polish women demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of naïve lymphocytes in both the CD4+ and CD8+ populations compared to men. The CD4/CD8 ratio increases with age, which can be considered one of the markers determining longevity. Elderly people with age-related diseases (hypertension) also show an increased level of CD4/CD8 ratio as well as CD4+. Conclusion. We demonstrated that changes in the T cells population, including naïve cell population as well as CD4/CD8 ratio, are important markers which can be predictive of healthy status. In order to accurately determine longevity, gender or age-associated diseases should be taken into account.

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The Impact of Adolescent Obesity on Adult Height

Hormone Research in Paediatrics ◽

10.1159/000478697 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 88 (3-4) ◽

pp. 237-243 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Avivit Brener ◽

Rachel Bello ◽

Yael Lebenthal ◽

Michal Yackobovitch-Gavan ◽

Moshe Phillip ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adult Height ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Health Concern ◽

Morbidly Obese ◽

Pediatric Endocrinology ◽

Major Health ◽

Excess Adiposity ◽

Parental Height ◽

The Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: Childhood obesity is a major health concern. Excess adiposity during childhood affects growth and puberty. Our aim was to assess whether genetic adult height is compromised in adolescents with obesity. Methods: In a retrospective study of 190 obese patients followed at our Pediatric Endocrinology Institute, adult height and delta height (the difference between adult height and mid-parental height) were compared to those of 150 healthy age-matched normal-weight controls. Review of medical files yielded the relevant clinical and anthropometric data of patients, controls, and parents. Results: Of the 190 obese adolescents, 150 were morbidly obese. The median adult height of morbidly obese males was 174.3 cm, of obese males 174 cm, and of normal-weight males 176 cm (p = 0.025). Delta height of morbidly obese males was –0.5 cm, of obese males –0.8 cm, and of normal-weight males, 3 cm (p < 0.0001). The median adult height of morbidly obese females was 161.3 cm, of obese females 162.8 cm, and of normal-weight females 162 cm (p = 0.37). Delta height of morbidly obese females was –1.85 cm, of obese females –0.95 cm, and of normal-weight females 0.7 cm (p = 0.019). Impairment of potential genetic height was not associated with obesity-related comorbidities. Conclusion: Adolescents with obesity showed impairment of potential genetic adult height as compared to that of normal-weight subjects.

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The ZKIR Assay, a Real-Time PCR Method for the Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Closely Related Species in Environmental Samples

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.02711-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 86 (7) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elodie Barbier ◽

Carla Rodrigues ◽

Geraldine Depret ◽

Virginie Passet ◽

Laurent Gal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽

Real Time ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Environmental Samples ◽

Health Concern ◽

Complex Matrices ◽

Content Type ◽

Novel Method ◽

Pcr Method

ABSTRACT Klebsiella pneumoniae is of growing public health concern due to the emergence of strains that are multidrug resistant, virulent, or both. Taxonomically, the K. pneumoniae complex (“Kp”) includes seven phylogroups, with Kp1 (K. pneumoniae sensu stricto) being medically prominent. Kp can be present in environmental sources such as soils and vegetation, which could act as reservoirs of animal and human infections. However, the current lack of screening methods to detect Kp in complex matrices limits research on Kp ecology. Here, we analyzed 1,001 genome sequences and found that existing molecular detection targets lack specificity for Kp. A novel real-time PCR method, the ZKIR (zur-khe intergenic region) assay, was developed and used to detect Kp in 96 environmental samples. The results were compared to a culture-based method using Simmons citrate agar with 1% inositol medium coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry identification. Whole-genome sequencing of environmental Kp was performed. The ZKIR assay was positive for the 48 tested Kp reference strains, whereas 88 non-Kp strains were negative. The limit of detection of Kp in spiked soil microcosms was 1.5 × 10−1 CFU g−1 after enrichment for 24 h in lysogeny broth supplemented with ampicillin, and it was 1.5 × 103 to 1.5 × 104 CFU g−1 directly after soil DNA extraction. The ZKIR assay was more sensitive than the culture method. Kp was detected in 43% of environmental samples. Genomic analysis of the isolates revealed a predominance of phylogroups Kp1 (65%) and Kp3 (32%), a high genetic diversity (23 multilocus sequence types), a quasi-absence of antibiotic resistance or virulence genes, and a high frequency (50%) of O-antigen type 3. This study shows that the ZKIR assay is an accurate, specific, and sensitive novel method to detect the presence of Kp in complex matrices and indicates that Kp isolates from environmental samples differ from clinical isolates. IMPORTANCE The Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex Kp includes human and animal pathogens, some of which are emerging as hypervirulent and/or antibiotic-resistant strains. These pathogens are diverse and classified into seven phylogroups, which may differ in their reservoirs and epidemiology. Proper management of this public health hazard requires a better understanding of Kp ecology and routes of transmission to humans. So far, detection of these microorganisms in complex matrices such as food or the environment has been difficult due to a lack of accurate and sensitive methods. Here, we describe a novel method based on real-time PCR which enables detection of all Kp phylogroups with high sensitivity and specificity. We used this method to detect Kp isolates from environmental samples, and we show based on genomic sequencing that they differ in antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene content from human clinical Kp isolates. The ZKIR PCR assay will enable rapid screening of multiple samples for Kp presence and will thereby facilitate tracking the dispersal patterns of these pathogenic strains across environmental, food, animal and human sources.

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