Native and IgE-primed rat peritoneal mast cells exert pro-inflammatory activity and migrate in response to yeast zymosan upon Dectin-1 engagement

Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in host defense, primarily because of their location, their ability to pathogen destruction via several mechanisms, and the pattern recognition receptors they express. Even though most data is available regarding MC activation by various bacteria- or virus-derived molecules, those cells’ activity in response to constituents associated with fungi is not recognized enough. Our research aimed to address whether Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived zymosan, i.e., β-(1,3)-glucan containing mannan particles, impacts MC activity aspects. Overall, the obtained results indicate that zymosan has the potential to elicit a pro-inflammatory response of rat peritoneal MCs. For the first time ever, we provided evidence that zymosan induces fully mature MC migration, even in the absence of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Moreover, the zymosan-induced migratory response of MCs is almost entirely a result of directional migration, i.e., chemotaxis. We found that zymosan stimulates MCs to degranulate and generate lipid mediators (cysLTs), cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, TNF), and chemokine (CCL2). Zymosan also upregulated mRNA transcripts for several cytokines/chemokines with pro-inflammatory/immunoregulatory activity. Moreover, we documented that zymosan activates MCs to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Lastly, we established that the zymosan-induced MC response is mediated through activation of the Dectin-1 receptor. In general, our results strongly support the notion that MCs contribute to innate antifungal immunity and bring us closer to elucidate their role in host-pathogenic fungi interactions. Besides, provided findings on IgE-sensitized MCs appear to indicate that exposure to fungal zymosan could affect the severity of IgE-dependent disorders, including allergic ones.

The role of lysosomes in cancer development and progression

Lysosomes are an important component of the inner membrane system and participate in numerous cell biological processes, such as macromolecular degradation, antigen presentation, intracellular pathogen destruction, plasma membrane repair, exosome release, cell adhesion/migration and apoptosis. Thus, lysosomes play important roles in cellular activity. In addition, previous studies have shown that lysosomes may play important roles in cancer development and progression through the abovementioned biological processes and that the functional status and spatial distribution of lysosomes are closely related to cancer cell proliferation, energy metabolism, invasion and metastasis, immune escape and tumor-associated angiogenesis. Therefore, identifying the factors and mechanisms that regulate the functional status and spatial distribution of lysosomes and elucidating the relationship between lysosomes and the development and progression of cancer can provide important information for cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction and may yield new therapeutic targets. This study briefly reviews the above information and explores the potential value of lysosomes in cancer therapy.

Spatiotemporal proteomics uncovers cathepsin-dependent host cell death during bacterial infection

SUMMARYImmune cells need to swiftly and effectively respond to invading pathogens. This response relies heavily on rapid protein synthesis and accurate cellular targeting to ensure pathogen destruction. In return, pathogens intercept this response to ensure their survival and proliferation. To gain insight into this dynamic interface, we combined click-chemistry with pulsed stable isotope labeling of amino acids (pSILAC-AHA) in cell culture to quantify the newly synthesised host proteome during macrophage infection with the model intracellular bacterial pathogen,Salmonella entericaTyphimurium (STm). We monitored newly synthesised proteins across different host cell compartments and infection stages, and used available proteomics data in response to lipopolysaccharide to deconvolute theSTm-specific response. Within this rich resource, we detected aberrant trafficking of lysosomal proteases to the extracellular space and the nucleus, the latter of which correlated with signatures of cell death. Pharmacological cathepsin inhibition suppressed Caspase-11 dependent macrophage cell death, thus demonstrating an active role for cathepsins duringSTm induced pyroptosis. Our study illustrates that resolving host proteome dynamics during infection can drive the discovery of biological mechanisms at the host-microbe interface.

Thermodynamics aspects of a resonant method for detection and destruction of pathogens

The aim of the paper is to clarify the way by which pathogens in human body may be detected and destroyed during a flow of high frequency pulsating direct current (PDC), positively polarized, under the condition of electric resonance. The method was discovered by Dr. H. Clark. However she did not clarify the physical basis of the phenomenon. The authors consider the resonant method using principles of thermodynamics and electric current laws. The phenomena of inductance and capacitance are discussed. A measure of total resistance to PDC is represented by electric impedance (Z), which depends on the Ohm resistance (R), specific inductance (L), and capacitance (C).The analytical formula for resonance frequency fr as a function of conductance L and capacitance C is found. At the resonance the impedance goes to minimum and therefore the current intensity increases rapidly to its maximum value. Due to Joule-Lenz law the heat generation is proportional to the squared electric current intensity. This is manifested by sharp increase of a pathogen temperature. The temperature increase destroys pathogens. The second destructive action for pathogen comes from polarization forces which prevent a pathogen entrance to a body cell. The third positive thermodynamic aspect, with respect to pathogen destruction, comes from oscillatory heat generation which induces the oscillatory movements, local pressure fluctuation and leads to the mechanical destruction. It is worth to know that the method discussed above is valid for specific pathogen either alive or dead. It may be also used for detection of toxin, that is, inanimate matter. This was confirmed by Dr. Clark research.

Spread apple scab in the western region of Ukraine

The results of the survey to identify apple orchard pathogen destruction Venturia inaequalis in Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions. Minimum scab lesions observed in the Chernovtsy region Khotyn district (Farm «Mayak») on the varieties Golden, Glory winner, Idared.

Composting process: a review

Composting is one of the important and economical method of recycling organic waste. Composting process involve a number of microbes. Composting have several benefits, it improves manure handling , possible saleable product , improves land application, weed seed and pathogen destruction by high temperature in compost pile, minimum risk of different pollution problems, perfect soil conditioner. Composting is a process in which biological breakdown of organic waste under different controlled conditions takes place.

Microwave Cooking Practices in Minnesota Food Service Establishments

ABSTRACT Uneven cooking due to consumer use of microwave ovens to cook food products that have been prepared but are not ready to eat has been a documented risk factor in several foodborne disease outbreaks. However, the use of microwave ovens in restaurants and other food service establishments has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to describe the types of food service establishments that use microwave ovens, how these ovens are used, types of foods heated or cooked in these ovens, types of microwave ovens used in food service establishments, and the level of compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. From 2008 to 2009, the Minnesota Department of Health collected data from a convenience sample of 60 food establishments within the state. Facility types included fast-food restaurants, sit-down restaurants, school food service, nursing homes, hotels and motels, and daycare centers. Food preparation practices were classified as prep-serve, cook-serve, or complex. Minnesota environmental health specialists administered a study questionnaire to managers during routine inspections. Establishments included in this study reported using microwave ovens primarily to warm commercial ready-to-eat products (67%) and to warm foods for palatability (50%). No minimum temperatures are required for these processes because these foods do not require pathogen destruction. However, food establishments using complex preparation practices more often reported using microwave ovens for multiple processes and for processes that require pathogen destruction. For establishments that did report microwave oven use for food requiring pathogen destruction, the majority of managers reported following most FDA recommendations for cooking and reheating for hot-holding potentially hazardous foods, but many did not report letting food stand for 2 min after cooking. Additional training on stand time after microwave cooking could be beneficial because of low reporting of this practice among study participants.