Effects of Au@Ag core-shell nanostructure with alginate coating on male reproductive system in mice

Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (NPs), these NPs can accumulate and have toxic effects on various organs. However, the effects of silver nanostructures (Ag-NS) with alginate coating on the male reproductive system have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of this NS on sperm function and testicular structure. After the synthesis and characterization of Ag-NS, the animals were divided into five groups (n = 8), including one control group, two sham groups (received 1.5 mg/kg/day alginate solution for 14 and 35 days), and two treatment groups (received Ag-NS at the same dose and time). Following injections, sperm parameters, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed by the TUNEL assay and measurement of the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, LC3, and Beclin-1. Fertilization rate was assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and testicular structure was analyzed using the TUNEL assay and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that the NS was rod-shaped, had a size of about 60 nm, and could reduce sperm function and fertility. Gene expression results demonstrated an increase in the apoptotic markers and a decrease in autophagy markers, indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Ag-NS invaded testicular tissues, especially in the chronic phase (35 days), resulting in tissue alteration and epithelium disintegration. The results suggest that sperm parameters and fertility were affected. In addition, NS has negative influences on testicular tissues, causing infertility in men exposed to these NS.

Modelling diagnostics for Echinococcus granulosus surveillance in sheep using Latent Class Analysis: Argentina as a case study

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic cestode leading to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in both humans and sheep with both medical and financial impacts, whose reduction requires the application of a One Health approach to its control. Regarding the animal health component of this approach, lack of accurate and practical diagnostics in livestock impedes the assessment of disease burden and the implementation and evaluation of control strategies. We use of a Bayesian Latent Class Analysis (LCA) model to estimate ovine CE prevalence in sheep samples from the Río Negro province of Argentina accounting for uncertainty in the diagnostics. We use model outputs to evaluate the performance of a novel recombinant B8/2 antigen B subunit (rEgAgB8/2) indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting E. granulosus in sheep. Necropsy (as a partial gold standard), western blot (WB) and ELISA diagnostic data were collected from 79 sheep within two Río Negro slaughterhouses, and used to estimate individual infection status (assigned as a latent variable within the model). Using the model outputs, the performance of the novel ELISA at both individual and flock levels was evaluated, respectively, using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and simulating a range of sample sizes and prevalence levels within hypothetical flocks. The estimated (mean) prevalence of ovine CE was 27.5% (95%Bayesian credible interval (95%BCI): 13.8%-58.9%) within the sample population. At the individual level, the ELISA had a mean sensitivity and specificity of 55% (95%BCI: 46%-68%) and 68% (95%BCI: 63%-92%), respectively, at an optimal optical density (OD) threshold of 0.378. At the flock level, the ELISA had an 80% probability of correctly classifying infection at an optimal cut-off threshold of 0.496. These results suggest that the novel ELISA could play a useful role as a flock-level diagnostic for CE surveillance in the region, supplementing surveillance activities in the human population and thus strengthening a One Health approach. Importantly, selection of ELISA cut-off threshold values must be tailored according to the epidemiological situation.

Immunodiagnosis of cystic echinococcosis in livestock: Development and validation dataset of an ELISA test using a recombinant B8/2 subunit of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato

The accuracy of screening tests for detecting cystic echinococcosis (CE) in livestock depends on characteristics of the host-parasite interaction and the extent of serological cross-reactivity with other taeniid species. The AgB8 kDa protein is considered to be the most specific native or recombinant antigen for immunodiagnosis of ovine CE. A particular DNA fragment coding for rAgB8/2 was identified, that provides evidence of specific reaction in the serodiagnosis of metacestode infection. We developed and validated an IgG Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test using a recombinant antigen B sub-unit EgAgB8/2 (rAgB8/2) of Echinoccocus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) to estimate CE prevalence in sheep. A 273 bp DNA fragment coding for rAgB8/2 was expressed as a fusion protein (∼30 kDa) and purified by affinity chromatography. Evaluation of the analytical and diagnostic performance of the ELISA followed the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) manual, including implementation of serum panels from: uninfected lambs (n = 79); experimentally infected (with 2,000 E. granulosus s.l. eggs each) sheep with subsequent evidence of E. granulosus cysts by necropsy (n = 36), and animals carrying other metacestode/trematode infections (n = 20). The latter were used to assess the cross-reactivity of rAgB8/2, with these animals being naturally infected with Taenia hydatigena, Thysanosoma actinioides and/or Fasciola hepatica. EgAgB8/2 showed cross-reaction with only one serum sample from a sheep infected with Ta. hydatigena out of the 20 animals tested. Furthermore, the kinetics of the humoral response over time in five 6-month old sheep, each experimentally infected with 2,000 E. granulosus s.l. eggs, was evaluated up to 49 weeks (approximately one year) post infection (n = 5). The earliest detectable IgG response against rAgB8/2 was observed in sera from two and four sheep, 7 and 14 days after experimental infection, respectively. The highest immune response across all five animals was found 16 to 24 weeks post infection.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells preserve cardiac function via ANT-1 in dilated cardiomyopathy hamster model

Introduction

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with abnormalities in cytoskeletal proteins, mitochondrial ATP transporter, microvasculature, and fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can ameliorate distressed mitochondrial and structural proteins, as well as fibrosis, via the paracrine effect of cytokines. This study aimed to investigate whether the transplantation of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) reverses histological and functional abnormalities in the distressed myocardium of DCM-like hamsters by modulating the expression of adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT-1).

Methods

Eighteen weeks after birth, ADSCs were implanted onto the cardiac surface of δ-sarcoglycan (SG)-deficient hamsters or sham surgery was performed.

Results

Left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic diameter were maintained in ADSC-treated animals for four weeks, ATP concentration was considerably elevated in the cardiomyocytes of these animals, and ANT-1 expression was significantly upregulated as well. The expression of extracellular matrix and myocardial cytoskeletal proteins, such as collagen, SG, and α-dystroglycan, did not differ between groups. However, significant improvements in myosin and Smad4 expression, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and capillary density occurred in the ADSC-treated group.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that ADSCs might maintain cardiac function in the DCM hamster model by enhancing ATP concentration, as well as mitochondrial transporter and myosin expression, indicating their potential for DCM treatment.

Development of in-house ELISAs for the detection of anti-SARS‑CoV‑2 RBD and N IgG and IgM antibodies in biological samples

By the end of year 2019, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared, causing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and spread very fast globally. A continuing need for diagnostic tools is a must to contain its spread. Till now, the gold standard method, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is the precise procedure to detect the virus. However, SARS-CoV-2 may escape RT-PCR detection for several reasons. The development of well-designed, specific and sensitive serological test like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is needed. This EIA can stand alone or work side by side with RT-PCR. In this study, we developed several EIAs including plates that are coated with either specially designed SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid or surface recombinant proteins. Each protein type can separately detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM or IgG antibodies. For each EIAs, the cut-off value, specificity and sensitivity were determined utilizing RT-PCR confirmed Covid-19 and pre-pandemic healthy and other viruses-infected sera. Also, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to define the specificities and sensitivities of the optimized assay. The in-house EIAs were validated by comparing against commercial EIA kits. All in-house EIAs showed high specificity (98-99%) and sensitivity (97.8-98.9%) for the detection of IgG/IgM against RBD and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2. From these results, the developed Anti-RBD and anti-N IgG and IgM antibodies EIAs can be used as a specific and sensitive tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, calculate the burden of disease and case fatality rates.

Inoculation with selected indigenous mycorrhizal complex improves Ceratonia siliqua's growth and response to drought stress

In the current study, we investigated the impact of inoculation with a selected indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) complex on the growth and physiology of carob plants at increasing levels of watering (25, 50, 75 and 100% field capacity). The following growth and stress parameters were monitored in carob seedlings after 6 months of growth and 2 months of applied drought stress: fresh and dry weight, root and shoot lengths, leaf surface area, relative water content, stomatal conductance and membrane stability. Chlorophyll a and b, total soluble sugars, proline and protein contents were also determined along with the activities of stress enzymes: Catalase, Peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase. The obtained results indicate that inoculation with the indigenous AMF complex has a positive impact on the plant’s growth as all the assessed parameters were significantly improved in the mycorrhizal plants. Additionally, our results show that mycorrhization contributes to the minimization of the impact of drought stress on the carob plants and allows a better adaptation to dry conditions.

Benomyl, a benzimidazole fungicide, induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in neural cells

Fungicides are used in the agricultural sector against the harmful action of fungi, however they are potential toxic agents for the environment and the living organisms. Benomyl is a widely encountered benzimidazole fungicide that exerts its toxicity via inhibiting microtubule formation in the nervous system and the male reproductive and endocrine systems, whilst it is a known teratogen. Since toxic effects of benomyl and its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, we aimed to detect its neurotoxic potential via evaluating cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line. The cells were incubated with benomyl in a concentration range between 1 and 6 μM for 24 h. Our results indicated a concentration-dependent enhancement of reactive oxygen species measured through flow cytometry and DNA damage evaluated via the comet assay. Additionally, it induced apoptosis in all tested concentrations. According to the findings of the present study, benomyl is a xenobiotic, which it appears to exert its toxic action via a redox-related mechanism that, finally, induces cell apoptosis and death. We believe that this study will offer further insight in the toxicity mechanism of benomyl, although further studies are recommended in order to elucidate these mechanisms in the molecular level.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro cytostatic potential of ethnopharmacological important medicinal plants

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Murraya koenigii induced higher cytotoxicity in Dalton’s lymphoma through apoptotic cell death as compared to other plants under study.

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The plant extract mediated apoptotic cell death is mediated by ROS generation and caspases activation.

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The study support the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants extracts and suggests further validation in other human cancer cell lines.

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Conservation organization would eventually need to document this indigenous traditional knowledge (TK).

Annonareticulate (Mart.), Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, Murrayakoenigii (L.) Spreng, Moringaoleifera (Lam.), Hibiscussabdariffa (L.) and Euphorbiahirta (L.) are most commonly used medicinal plants by the traditional healers of Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India against different human ailments including cancer suspected cases. The proposed study includes field survey related to ethnomedicinal aspects of medicinal plants, phytochemical analysis, and evaluation of their cytostatic potential with the possible mode of action against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cell line. The phytochemical analysis of all the plant's extract was studied using standard protocol. The cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts was determined by MTT reduction assay. The effect of the same extract was also tested for development of apoptosis features in DL cells using a fluorescence microscope and flowcytometry. The underlying mechanism closely associated with apoptotic cell death was also studied by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression level of apoptosis inducing proteins. Murraya koenigii induced more apoptotic features in DL cells, followed by Annona reticulate. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome- c, increase in ROS level and higher expression of caspases (3 and 9) after plant extracts treatment may cause involvement of mitochondria in the process of apoptosis. From this study, it can be concluded that the plant species mainly Murraya koenigi and Annona reticulate significantly induced cytotoxicity in DL cells through apoptosis by utilizing mitochondrial pathway.

Investigation into alternative testing methodologies for characterization of influenza virus vaccine

The objective of this study was to explore various testing methodologies suitable for characterizing sedimented or agglomerated material. To model this, bioCSL's split influenza virus vaccine, Fluvax® was utilized. The investigation was conducted on 5 dispensed lots of commercially manufactured vaccine, formulated for the 2013 Southern Hemisphere season. Vaccine syringes were initially inspected by visual tests; the material was then aseptically pooled for characterization assessment by microscopy and several agglomeration assays. All syringes passed bioCSL's description test where any fine or large sized particles of sediment observed in the vaccine were resuspended upon shaking; inverted light microscopy verified that the sediment morphology was consistent with influenza vaccine. Electron microscopic examination of pooled vaccine material demonstrated the presence of typical influenza structures including split virus, virosomes, whole virus particles and agglomerates. An optical density turbidity assay revealed relatively high protein recoveries in the vaccine supernatant post-centrifugation treatment, thus indicative of a well-dispersed vaccine formulation. This was corroborated by particle sizing analysis using dynamic light scattering which generated reproducible volume particle size distributions of a polydisperse nature. Ultraviolet-visible absorbance profiles further confirmed the presence of some agglomerated material. Data from all methods demonstrated consistent results between all batches of vaccine. Therefore, this investigation revealed the suitability and usefulness of the various methodologies in characterizing the appearance of agglomerated vaccine material. It is suggested that such methods may be applicable and beneficial for the development of a wider spectrum of heterogeneous and agglomerated formulations to provide safe, efficacious and superior quality biopharmaceutical products.

Prevalence of rotavirus antibodies in breast milk and inhibitory effects to rotavirus vaccines

Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide, and several vaccines have been successfully developed to reduce the burden of disease. However, lower vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy in developing countries might be related to the virus-neutralizing activity of breast milk. We examined possible differences in breast milk antibody levels (total IgA antibody, RV-specific antibodies, and RV-neutralizing antibodies) between healthy mothers living in a rural area (n=145) and mothers living in an urban area (n=147) of Vietnam. Total IgA concentration was significantly higher in samples from mothers in the rural region than in samples from mothers in the urban region, whereas urban mothers had significantly higher RV-specific IgA antibody titers than did rural mothers. Neutralizing antibodies against RV strain G1P[8] were undetected in nearly one-half of the breast milk samples (45-48%), whereas the majority of the remaining samples had low antibody titers (2-16). Despite these low titers, the breast milk still reduced vaccine strain titers (2×10(6) plaque forming units/mL) up to 80% or more, even at a milk-to-virus ratio of 1:8. An increase in neutralizing anti-G1P[8] antibody titers (P<0.05) in rural infants over time suggests a continuous exposure to circulating RV. These results contribute to the understanding of the potential interference of breast milk with RV vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity in Vietnamese infants.

A multi-epitope vaccine CTB-UE relieves Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammatory reaction via up-regulating microRNA-155 to inhibit Th17 response in C57/BL6 mice model

Vaccination is an effective mean of preventing infectious diseases, including those caused by Helicobacter pylori. Th17 cell responses are critical for the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. In view of Th17 responses to multi-epitope vaccine CTB-UE, the IL-17 production in antiserum was examined. CTB-UE immunization decreased IL-17 production, implying that Th17 responses may be inhibited. Furthermore, IL-17 aggravated GES-1 cell injury induced by H. pylori SS1; In contrast, CTB-UE antiserum could alleviate this cell injury, which suggesting that CTB-UE can protect GES-1 cell infected with H. pylori SS1 by inhibiting Th17 responses. Treatment of mice with CTB-UE significantly reduced the H. pylori burden and inflammation in the stomach. On the other hand, the production of IL-17 in the stomach in H. pylori-infected mice was increased; but the production of IL-17 in the stomach was decreased after treatment with CTB-UE. Furthermore, the expression of microRNA-155 in gastric tissue was significantly up-regulated. The results suggested that CTB-UE could relieve the H. pylori-induced gastric inflammatory reaction via up-regulating microRNA-155 to inhibit Th17 responses, implying that the microRNA-155/IL-17 pathway was involved. Further study is required to elucidate the relationship between miRNA-155 and IL-17. We found that the production of IL-17 was significantly increased after the expression of miRNA-155 being down-regulated; however, the production of IL-17 was significantly decreased after the expression of miRNA-155 being upregulated.