Environmental persistence of amphibian and reptilian ranaviruses

Ranaviruses infect fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The present study was conducted to compare the persistence of amphibian and reptilian ranaviruses in a pond habitat. The 4 viruses used in this study included 2 amphibian ranaviruses, Frog virus 3 (FV3, the type species of the genus Ranavirus) and an isolate from a frog, and 2 ranaviruses of reptilian origin (from a tortoise and from a gecko). A sandwich germ-carrier technique was used to study the persistence of these viruses in sterile and unsterile pond water (PW) and soil obtained from the bank of a pond. For each virus, virus-loaded carriers were placed in each of the 3 substrates, incubated at 4 and 20°C, and titrated at regular intervals. Serial data were analyzed using a linear regression model to calculate T-90 values (time required for 90% reduction in the virus titer). Resistance of the viruses to drying was also studied. All 4 viruses were resistant to drying. At 20°C, T-90 values of the viruses were 22 to 31 d in sterile PW and 22 to 34 d in unsterile PW. Inactivation of all 4 viruses in soil at this temperature appeared to be non-linear. T-90 values at 4°C were 102 to 182 d in sterile PW, 58 to 72 d in unsterile PW, and 30 to 48 d in soil. Viral persistence was highest in the sterile PW, followed by the unsterile PW, and was lowest in soil. There were no significant differences in the survival times between the amphibian and reptilian viruses. The results of the present study suggest that ranaviruses can survive for long periods of time in pond habitats at low temperatures.

Selection, characterisation and evaluation of potential probiotic Lactobacillus spp. isolated from poultry droppings

Aim of the present study was to characterise and evaluate probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from indigenous poultry. Lactobacilli were isolated from poultry droppings and identified by genus specific polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were characterised in vitro by their ability to tolerate low pH and bile salts, phytase activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and autoaggregation and coaggregation with poultry gut pathogens. In vivo evaluation of selected isolates was done by their effect on the body weight gain and immune response of broiler chicks. Total of 90, one-day old chicks, were randomly divided in 9 groups and given selected lactobacilli alone and in combinations (10⁸ cfu/bird, daily) from day 7 to day 35. Body weight gain and humoral immune response to New Castle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine were determined weekly. Three lactobacilli isolates (SMP52, SMP64 and SMP70) were selected as potentially probiotic bacteria on the basis of in vitro characterisation and identified as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus casei and L. crispatus, respectively. Chicks supplemented with 'SMP52', 'SMP64', 'SMP70' and 'SMP64+SMP70' and a commercial probiotic product (Protexin) showed significantly higher mean weight gain per bird (1,584±35.2, 1,629±30.6, 1,668±34.7, 1,619±29.5 and 1,576±31.7 g/bird, respectively) as compared to negative control group (1,394±26.7 g/bird), on day 35. SMP 70 also showed significantly higher geometric mean titre against NDV vaccine at day 21 as compared to negative control. It is concluded that L. crispatus SMP52, L. casei SMP64 and L. crispatus SMP70 are potential probiotic candidates which alone or in different combinations may increase body weight of broilers.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells - a novel therapeutic tool in infectious diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized lipid-bilayer encapsulated vesicles produced by the cells. These EVs are released into the surrounding space by almost all cell types. The EVs help in intercellular communication via their payloads which contain various proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids generated from the donor cells and allow for synergistic responses in surrounding cells. In recent years, EVs have been increasingly important in treating infectious diseases, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, wound infections, sepsis, and intestinal infections. Studies have confirmed the therapeutic value of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) for treating infectious diseases to eliminate the pathogen, modulate the resistance, and restore tissue damage in infectious diseases. This can be achieved by producing antimicrobial substances, inhibiting pathogen multiplication, and activating macrophage phagocytic activity. Pathogen compounds can be diffused by inserting them into EVs produced and secreted by host cells or by secreting them as microbial cells producing EVs carrying signalling molecules and DNA shielding infected pathogens from immune attack. EVs play a key role in infectious pathogenesis and hold great promise for developing innovative treatments. In this review, we discuss the role of MSC-EVs in treating various infectious diseases.

Understanding the effects on HR-QoL of treatment for overactive bladder: a detailed analysis of EQ-5D clinical trial data for mirabegron

BACKGROUND

Analysis of EQ-5D data often focuses on changes in utility, ignoring valuable information from other parts of the instrument. The objective was to explore how the utility index, EQ-5D profile, and EQ-VAS captured change in clinical trials of mirabegron, a new treatment for overactive bladder (OAB).

DATA

Data were pooled from three phase III clinical trials that investigated the efficacy and safety of mirabegron vs placebo. Tolterodine ER 4 mg was included as an active control in one study: (1) placebo, mirabegron 50 mg and 100 mg, and tolterodine 4 mg ER; (2) placebo, mirabegron 50 mg and 100 mg; (3) placebo, and mirabegron 25 mg and 50 mg. Data were collected at baseline, week 4, 8, and 12.

METHODS

Analyses were performed on full analysis and modified intention to treat (ITT) data sets using UK utilities. Analysis controlled for relevant patient characteristics. Analysis of Covariance identified changes from baseline at each time point in utilities and EQ-VAS. Areas Under the Curve were estimated to summarize inter-temporal differences in effect. EQ-5D profile data were analysed using the Paretian Classification of Health Change.

RESULTS

In modified ITT analyses, mirabegron 50 mg was superior to tolterodine 4 mg in changes from baseline utilities after 12 weeks (p < 0.05); similarly, AUC results showed mirabegron 50 mg to be superior to tolterodine (p < 0.05) and placebo (p < 0.05) with the benefit already apparent at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). EQ-VAS more consistently indicated superior outcomes: all three mirabegron doses showed statistically significant greater effectiveness compared to tolterodine at 12 weeks. Individual EQ-5D dimensions and the overall profile showed no significant differences between study arms.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron showed quicker and superior improvement in HR-QoL compared to tolterodine 4 mg ER. A limitation of the study is that EQ-5D was a secondary outcome in the pivotal trials, which were not powered to measure differences on EQ-5D.

An incidence model of the cost of advanced prostate cancer in Spain

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cancer diagnosed among men. In Spain the incidence of PCa was 70.75 cases per 100,000 males. Advanced PCa has spread outside of the prostate capsule and may involve other parts of the body. The aim of this study was to estimate the lifetime costs of a cohort of advanced PCa patients diagnosed in Spain in 2012.

METHODS

A partitioned economic model was developed in EXCEL incorporating Spanish incidence, mortality, and cost data supplemented with data from the international literature. Progression from Stage III to Stage IV was permitted. Costs were discounted at the standard rate of 3%. Lifetime costs were presented on an individual basis and for the entire cohort of newly diagnosed Stage III and Stage IV PCa patients.

RESULTS

Lifetime costs for advanced PCa were ∼€19,961 per patient (mean survival of 8.4 years). Using the projected incident cases for 2012 (3047), the total cost for the incident cohort of patients in 2012 would amount to €61 million. These results were more sensitive to changes in the ongoing costs (post-initial 12 months) of Stage III PCa, the rate of progression from Stage III to Stage IV, and the discount rate applied to costs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an estimate of the lifetime costs of advanced PCa in Spain and a framework for further research. The study is limited by the availability of long-term Spanish data and the need to make inferences from international studies. However, until long-term prospective or observational data do become available in Spain, based on the assumptions, the current results indicate that the burden of advanced PCa in Spain is substantial. Any treatments that could potentially reduce the economic burden of the disease should be of interest to healthcare decision makers.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling and Phylogenetic Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Clinical Isolates From Kenya in a Resource-Limited Setting

Background

Africa has one of the highest incidences of gonorrhea. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is gaining resistance to most of the available antibiotics, compromising treatment across the world. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is an efficient way of predicting AMR determinants and their spread in the population. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies like Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) have helped in the generation of longer reads of DNA in a shorter duration with lower cost. Increasing accuracy of base-calling algorithms, high throughput, error-correction strategies, and ease of using the mobile sequencer MinION in remote areas lead to its adoption for routine microbial genome sequencing. To investigate whether MinION-only sequencing is sufficient for WGS and downstream analysis in resource-limited settings, we sequenced the genomes of 14 suspected N. gonorrhoeae isolates from Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

Using WGS, the isolates were confirmed to be cases of N. gonorrhoeae (n = 9), and there were three co-occurrences of N. gonorrhoeae with Moraxella osloensis and N. meningitidis (n = 2). N. meningitidis has been implicated in sexually transmitted infections in recent years. The near-complete N. gonorrhoeae genomes (n = 10) were analyzed further for mutations/factors causing AMR using an in-house database of mutations curated from the literature.

Results

We observe that ciprofloxacin resistance is associated with multiple mutations in both gyrA and parC. Mutations conferring tetracycline (rpsJ) and sulfonamide (folP) resistance and plasmids encoding beta-lactamase were seen in all the strains, and tet(M)-containing plasmids were identified in nine strains. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the 10 isolates into clades containing previously sequenced genomes from Kenya and countries across the world. Based on homology modeling of AMR targets, we see that the mutations in GyrA and ParC disrupt the hydrogen bonding with quinolone drugs and mutations in FolP may affect interaction with the antibiotic.

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate the utility of mobile DNA sequencing technology in producing a consensus genome for sequence typing and detection of genetic determinants of AMR. The workflow followed in the study, including AMR mutation dataset creation and the genome identification, assembly, and analysis, can be used for any clinical isolate. Further studies are required to determine the utility of real-time sequencing in outbreak investigations, diagnosis, and management of infections, especially in resource-limited settings.

Identification of key transcription factors and their functional role involved in Salmonella typhimurium infection in chicken using integrated transcriptome analysis and bioinformatics approach

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide that causes economic losses to poultry and is able to cause infection in humans. Indigenous chicken breeds are a potential source of animal protein and have the added advantage of being disease resistant. An indigenous chicken, Kashmir favorella and commercial broiler were selected for understanding the mechanism of disease resistance. Following infection in Kashmir favorella, three differentially expressed genes Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB1), Forkhead Box Protein O3 (FOXO3) and Paired box 5 (Pax5) were identified. FOXO3, a transcriptional activator, is the potential marker of host resistance in Salmonella infection. NF-κB1 is an inducible transcription factor which lays the foundation for studying gene network of the innate immune response of Salmonella infection in chicken. Pax5 is essential for differentiation of pre-B cells into mature B cell. The real time PCR analysis showed that in response to Salmonella Typhimurium infection a remarkable increase of NF-κB1 (P˂0.01)_, FOXO3 (P˂0.01) gene expression in liver and Pax5 (P˂0.01) gene expression in spleen of Kashmir favorella was observed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) and protein-TF interaction network by STRINGDB analysis suggests that FOXO3 is a hub gene in the network and is closely related to Salmonella infection along with NF-κB1. All the three differentially expressed genes (NF-κB1, FOXO3 and PaX5) showed their influence on 12 interacting proteins and 16 TFs, where cyclic adenosine monophosphate Response Element Binding protein (CREBBP), erythroblast transformation-specific (ETSI), Tumour-protein 53(TP53I), IKKBK, lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF1), and interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4) play role in immune responses. This study shall pave the way for newer strategies for treatment and prevention of Salmonella infection and may help in increasing the innate disease resistance.

Immune profile and responses of a novel dengue DNA vaccine encoding an EDIII-NS1 consensus design based on Indo-African sequences

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need to tackle viral variants, expand the number of antigens, and assess diverse delivery systems for vaccines against emerging viruses. In the present study, a DNA vaccine candidate was generated by combining in tandem envelope protein domain III (EDIII) of dengue virus serotypes 1-4 and a dengue virus (DENV)-2 non-structural protein 1 (NS1) protein-coding region. Each domain was designed as a serotype-specific consensus coding sequence derived from different genotypes based on the whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates in India and complemented with data from Africa. This sequence was further optimized for protein expression. In silico structural analysis of the EDIII consensus sequence revealed that epitopes are structurally conserved and immunogenic. The vaccination of mice with this construct induced pan-serotype neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific T cell responses. Assaying intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ staining, immunoglobulin IgG2(a/c)/IgG1 ratios, and immune gene profiling suggests a strong Th1-dominant immune response. Finally, the passive transfer of immune sera protected AG129 mice challenged with a virulent, non-mouse-adapted DENV-2 strain. Our findings collectively suggest an alternative strategy for dengue vaccine design by offering a novel vaccine candidate with a possible broad-spectrum protection and a successful clinical translation either as a stand alone or in a mix and match strategy.

The cost-effectiveness of solifenacin vs. trospium in the treatment of patients with overactive bladder in the German National Health Service

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a cost-utility analysis comparing initial treatment of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) with solifenacin 5 mg/day versus either trospium 20 mg twice a day or trospium 60 mg/day from the perspective of the German National Health Service.

METHODS

A decision analytic model with a 3 month cycle was developed to follow a cohort of OAB patients treated with either solifenacin or trospium during a 1 year period. Costs and utilities were accumulated as patients transitioned through the four cycles in the model. Some of the solifenacin patients were titrated from 5 mg to 10 mg/day at 3 months. Utility values were obtained from the published literature and pad use was based on a US resource utilization study. Adherence rates for individual treatments were derived from a United Kingdom general practitioner database review. The change in the mean number of urgency urinary incontinence episodes/day from after 12 weeks was the main outcome measure. Baseline effectiveness values for solifenacin and trospium were calculated using the Poisson distribution. Patients who failed second-line therapy were referred to a specialist visit. Results were expressed in terms of incremental cost-utility ratios.

RESULTS

Total annual costs for solifenacin, trospium 20 mg and trospium 60 mg were €970.01, €860.05 and €875.05 respectively. Drug use represented 43%, 28% and 29% of total costs and pad use varied between 45% and 57%. Differences between cumulative utilities were small but favored solifenacin (0.6857 vs. 0.6802 to 0.6800). The baseline incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ranged from €16,657 to €19,893 per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

The difference in cumulative utility favoring solifenacin was small (0.0055-0.0057 QALYs). A small absolute change in the cumulative utilities can have a marked impact on the overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and care should be taken when interpreting the results.

CONCLUSION

Solifenacin would appear to be cost-effective with an ICER of no more than €20,000/QALY. However, small differences in utility between the alternatives means that the results are sensitive to adjustments in the values of the assigned utilities, effectiveness and discontinuation rates.

Role of water chemistry and stabilizers on the Vero-cells-based infectivity of Newcastle disease virus live vaccine

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) live vaccines are supplied in lyophilized form and usually administered through conventional routes (drinking water, spray, or eye drop) following reconstitution in a diluent. Virus inactivation due to physico-chemical properties of the diluent at the time of administration may lead to vaccine failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the survival of NDV live vaccine strain immersed in 5 pH-amended water samples (pH 5.00, pH 6.00, pH 7.00, pH 8.00, and pH 9.00) by sequential determination of virus infectivity on Vero cells for 3 hours. Minimum reduction in virus infectivity was recorded in the water with neutral or slightly alkaline pH, while the virus was relatively less stable at extreme pH conditions. Maximum reduction of infectivity was observed in the water with pH 9.00 in which the virus was completely inactivated within 3 hours. Addition of stabilizers (Cevamune^® or skimmed milk) slightly altered the pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) values of the virus-charged water samples. In the stabilizer-added water samples, minimum reduction in infectivity was observed in the water with neutral pH, followed by the ones with a pH of 8.00, 6.00, 5.00, and 9.00. In all types of water samples, T-90 values (time required for 90% reduction in virus infectivity) were highest (485 minutes) at neutral pH (pH 7.00) and lowest (102 to 134 min) at an extreme alkaline condition (pH 9.00). Results of the present study indicate that water with a pH range of 7.00 to 8.00 is suitable for administration of NDV live vaccines. However, the addition of Cevamune^® or skimmed milk may have beneficial effects on preserving the infectivity of the virus, even at extreme pH conditions.

Identification of SNPs Related to Salmonella Resistance in Chickens Using RNA-Seq and Integrated Bioinformatics Approach

Potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected between two chicken breeds (Kashmir favorella and broiler) using deep RNA sequencing. This was carried out to comprehend the coding area alterations, which cause variances in the immunological response to Salmonella infection. In the present study, we identified high impact SNPs from both chicken breeds in order to delineate different pathways that mediate disease resistant/susceptibility traits. Samples (liver and spleen) were collected from Salmonella resistant (K. favorella) and susceptible (broiler) chicken breeds. Salmonella resistance and susceptibility were checked by different pathological parameters post infection. To explore possible polymorphisms in genes linked with disease resistance, SNP identification analysis was performed utilizing RNA seq data from nine K. favorella and ten broiler chickens. A total of 1778 (1070 SNPs and 708 INDELs) and 1459 (859 SNPs and 600 INDELs) were found to be specific to K. favorella and broiler, respectively. Based on our results, we conclude that in broiler chickens the enriched pathways mostly included metabolic pathways like fatty acid metabolism, carbon metabolism and amino acid metabolism (Arginine and proline metabolism), while as in K. favorella genes with high impact SNPs were enriched in most of the immune-related pathways like MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, etc., which could be a possible resistance mechanism against salmonella infection. In K. favorella, protein-protein interaction analysis also shows some important hub nodes, which are important in providing defense against different infectious diseases. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that indigenous poultry breeds (resistant) are clearly separated from commercial breeds (susceptible). These findings will offer fresh perspectives on the genetic diversity in chicken breeds and will aid in the genomic selection of poultry birds.

Combatting Salmonella: a focus on antimicrobial resistance and the need for effective vaccination

BACKGROUND

Salmonella infections represent a major global public health concern due to their widespread zoonotic transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and associated morbidity and mortality. This review aimed to summarize the zoonotic nature of Salmonella, the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, the global burden of infections, and the need for effective vaccination strategies to mitigate the rising threat of Salmonella.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published in English were identified using keywords including Salmonella, vaccination, antimicrobial resistance, and public health. Articles focusing on epidemiology, vaccine development, and strategies to control Salmonella infections were included, while conference abstracts and non-peer-reviewed studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Salmonella infections result in approximately 95 million global cases annually, with an estimated 150,000 deaths. Regional variations were evident, with higher infection rates in low- and middle-income countries due to poor sanitation and food safety standards. Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were the most prevalent serovars associated with human infections. The review highlighted an alarming rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains, particularly due to the overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock. Despite progress in vaccine development, challenges remain in achieving a universal vaccine that targets diverse Salmonella serovars. Live-attenuated, killed, recombinant, subunit, and conjugate vaccines are currently under development, but limitations such as efficacy, cost, and accessibility persist.

CONCLUSIONS

Salmonella infections continue to impose a significant burden on global health, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance. There is an urgent need for a multifaceted approach, including improved sanitation, prudent antibiotic use, and the development of affordable, broad-spectrum vaccines. Strengthening surveillance systems and promoting collaborative global efforts are essential to effectively control and reduce the burden of Salmonella.

Zoonotic spillover and viral mutations from low and middle-income countries: improving prevention strategies and bridging policy gaps

The increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events and viral mutations in low and middle-income countries presents a critical global health challenge. Contributing factors encompass cultural practices like bushmeat consumption, wildlife trade for traditional medicine, habitat disruption, and the encroachment of impoverished settlements onto natural habitats. The existing "vaccine gap" in many developing countries exacerbates the situation by allowing unchecked viral replication and the emergence of novel mutant viruses. Despite global health policies addressing the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence, there is a significant absence of concrete prevention-oriented initiatives, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations. This article is targeted at policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and global health stakeholders, particularly those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and control in low and middle-income countries. The article underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface and comprehending historical factors contributing to spillover events. To bridge policy gaps, comprehensive strategies are proposed that include education, collaborations, specialized task forces, environmental sampling, and the establishment of integrated diagnostic laboratories. These strategies advocate simplicity and unity, breaking down barriers, and placing humanity at the forefront of addressing global health challenges. Such a strategic and mental shift is crucial for constructing a more resilient and equitable world in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of Andrographolide and Ajwain as promising alternatives to antibiotics for treating Salmonella gallinarum infection in chicken

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella gallinarum, poses a significant challenge to poultry health and food safety. In response, alternative strategies are urgently needed to mitigate bacterial infections without exacerbating antibiotic resistance. Phytoremediation, a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, harnesses the natural detoxification capabilities of plants to remediate contaminants. This study explores the potential of combined phytoremediation using Andrographolide, derived from Andrographis paniculata, and Ajwain derived from Trachyspermum ammi as promising alternatives to antibiotics for treating Salmonella gallinarum infection in poultry. Andrographolide, known for its potent antimicrobial properties, exhibits inhibitory effects while Ajwain, rich in bioactive compounds, possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. By leveraging their combined phytoremediation potential, Andrographolide and Ajwain offer a multifaceted approach to combat Salmonella gallinarum within the poultry environment. The study employed a rigorous experimental design, including in vitro assessments of antimicrobial susceptibility, cytotoxicity, and optimal concentration determination. Following this, in vivo experiments were conducted using a chicken model infected with Salmonella gallinarum. Results demonstrated that the selected combinations effectively reduced mortality rates, alleviated clinical symptoms, and mitigated gross pathological signs associated with Salmonella infection. Gene expression studies indicated a downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, underscoring potential implications of a combined phytoremediation strategy as an innovative and sustainable solution to address Salmonella gallinarum infections in poultry production systems.

Silver nanoparticle toxicity in rainbow trout: insights into physiological and molecular responses

Metallic nanoparticles, with their large surface area to volume ratio, are increasingly important in various life fields, but they can cause varying toxic effects on fish. This study investigates the toxicological effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), focusing on hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and histopathological changes. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of AgNPs (0.2, 0.8, and 1.4 mg/L) for 21 days. Hematological analysis revealed significant reductions in red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) at higher AgNPs concentrations, while white blood cell (WBC) counts increased, indicating immune system activation. Biochemical assays demonstrated dose-dependent decreases in total protein and albumin, alongside increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, suggesting impaired liver function and disrupted lipid metabolism. Antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, GST) initially increased at lower AgNPs concentrations but declined at higher exposures, indicating oxidative stress. Molecular analysis further supported these findings, with upregulation of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD1, CAT) and inflammatory markers (HSP70, IL-1β). Histopathological examinations revealed necrosis, hyperplasia, and lamellar fusion in the gills, along with significant liver damage, including vacuolation and Kupffer cell proliferation, particularly at the highest exposure. Behavioral assays showed erratic swimming and reduced feeding in fish exposed to higher AgNPs concentrations. This study highlights the dose-dependent toxic effects of AgNPs on rainbow trout and underscores the potential for long-term, possibly irreversible damage at higher exposure levels. These findings emphasize the need for stricter environmental regulations on nanoparticle use to mitigate their ecological impact.

Bridging Gaps in Antibody Responses and Animal Welfare: Assessing Blood Collection Methods and Vaginal Immunity in Mice Immunized with Intranasal Gonococcal Vaccines

Assessing antibody titers and functional responses is essential for evaluating vaccine efficacy, yet the impact of blood collection methods on these immunological assessments remains unclear. Retro-orbital (RO) blood collection is commonly used but significant complications can occur. Increasingly, investigators have adopted alternative blood collection approaches, such as saphenous vein (SV) sampling to improve laboratory animal welfare. This study compared RO and SV sampling in the development of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) vaccine, evaluating Adhesin Complex Protein (ACP) and multiple transferable resistance (Mtr) E protein (MtrE) as antigen candidates. Epitope mapping revealed that ACP and MtrE possess multiple, highly accessible B-cell and T-cell epitope clusters, reinforcing their immunological potential. Following intranasal immunization with rACP, rACP+CpG, and rMtrE+CpG, we assessed the specificity, magnitude, kinetics, and functional quality of immune responses elicited by the immunization regimens. Out of 45 comparisons, only eight significant differences were detected in antibody titers, while the human serum bactericidal assays revealed no differences between RO and SV in antigen-immunized groups. However, antibodies elicited by rACP alone or ACP+CpG in SV samples restored 30.05% and 75.2% of human lysozyme hydrolytic activity compared to 19.3 and 59.9 % in RO, respectively suggesting that SV sampling may be more reliable for assessing functional antibody responses. Beyond its immunological advantages, SV sampling reduces stress, minimizes ocular trauma, and improves animal welfare, making it a viable alternative to RO collection. Given its widespread use in vaccine research, standardizing SV sampling could improve data reliability, ethical compliance, and translational relevance in preclinical studies.

Assessing the Combined Toxicity of Silver and Copper Nanoparticles in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fingerlings

The growing use of silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) for their antimicrobial properties has raised environmental health concerns due to their coexistence in aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed the combined physiological and molecular toxicity of AgNPs and CuNPs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of the NP mixture for 21 days. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of co-exposure of AgNPs and CuNPs (T1 group 0.2 AgNPs + 0.2 mg/L CuNPs, T2 group 0.8 AgNPs + 0.6 mg/L CuNPs, and T3 group 1.4 AgNPs + 1.0 mg/L CuNPs). Behavioral alterations were evident, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and hematocrit levels, while white blood cell counts increased, indicating immune activation. Serum biochemical analyses revealed metabolic disturbances linked to oxidative stress and physiological imbalance. Enzymatic activities in gills and liver showed a dynamic response, with elevated catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels at T2 and T3 after 14 days, followed by a decline by day 21. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity increased in gills at T2 and T3 after 7 days and in the liver at T3 after 14 days, while lipid peroxidation (LPO) significantly increased in gills at T3 after 7 days and in the liver at T2 and T3 after 14 days. Molecular analysis confirmed upregulation of oxidative stress genes (SOD1, CAT) and inflammatory markers (HSP70, IL- 1β). Histopathological examination revealed gill damage, including lamellar fusion and hyperplasia, and liver degeneration, such as hepatocyte vacuolation and necrosis, with the most severe effects observed at T3. These findings highlight dose-dependent toxicity and oxidative damage caused by the AgNPs-CuONPs mixture, emphasizing its potential physiological and molecular impacts on aquatic organisms.

Exosomes in nanomedicine: a promising cell-free therapeutic intervention in burn wounds

Burn injuries are serious injuries that have a big impact on a person's health and can even cause death. Incurring severe burns can incite an immune response and inflammation within the body, alongside metabolic changes. It is of utmost importance to grasp the fact that the effects of the burn injury extend beyond the body, affecting the mind and overall well-being. Burn injuries cause long-lasting changes that need to be taken care of in order to improve their quality of life. The intricate process of skin regeneration at the site of a burn wound involves a complex and dynamic interplay among diverse cells, growth factors, nerves, and blood vessels. Exciting opportunities have arisen in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine, allowing us to explore the development of cell-free-based alternatives that can aid in the treatment of burn injuries. These cell-free-based therapies have emerged as a promising facet within regenerative medicine. Exosomes, also referred to as naturally occurring nanoparticles, are small endosome-derived vesicles that facilitate the delivery of molecular cargo between the cells, thus allowing intercellular communication. The knowledge gained in this field has continued to support their therapeutic potential, particularly in the domains of wound healing and tissue regeneration. Notably, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be safely administered in the system, which is then adeptly uptaken and internalized by fibroblasts/epithelial cells, subsequently accelerating essential processes such as migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Furthermore, exosomes released by immune cells, specifically macrophages, possess the capability to modulate inflammation and effectively diminish it in adjacent cells. Exosomes also act as carriers when integrated with a scaffold, leading to scarless healing of cutaneous wounds. This comprehensive review examines the role of exosomes in burn wound healing and their potential utility in regeneration and repair.