Host Reaction Research Articles

Review On Biological Properties of Suture Materials

Suture is a general term for all materials used to stitch torn tissues. Surgical sutures are imperative in management of surgical and traumatic wounds. Sutures are primarily used to oppose tissues together to assist and accelerate the recovery process after an incident or surgical operation. In addition, sutures also aid in obliteration of dead space, even distribution of stress on the incision line, and maintenance of adequate tensile strength throughout the critical wound healing process until appropriate tissue strength is achieved. Considering availability of a wide variety of suture materials, it’s important to know the differences between various sutures before making an informed decision. Suture material's overall performance is influenced by its physical qualities, handling features, and biological factors. The aim of this seminar paper is to give highlights on the biological properties of suture materials. Suturing is not simply about closing a wound; it is a skill that requires finesse and can significantly impact the healing process, reduce complications, and even affect long-term results. Suture selection involves the choice of both the appropriate type and size of suture material. Sutures may cause different host reactions in living tissues. While the suture remains in the tissue, it can trigger the inflammation cascade through different pathways such as degradation, a foreign body reaction, an allergic reaction, or abrasion. Natural suture materials such as catgut and silk are more immunogenic than synthetic materials because they are degraded by proteolysis in contrast to synthetic suture materials, which are degraded by hydrolysis. Therefore, surgery professionals should choose a suture material with good tissue acceptance.

Tissue response following implantation with the posterior dynamic distraction device (PDDD) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

PurposeThe PDDD is a ratchet-based, unidirectional expandable rod to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), primarily by correcting scoliotic deformity without full spinal fusion. We hypothesized that the device will be fully tolerated by the host and, if aseptic screw loosening occurs, it will be unrelated to wear particle formation.MethodsThis study comprised tissue samples from seven patients from a prospective study (NCT04296903) to assess the PDDD’s safety and benefits, reoperated due to complications. Host response was assessed from histological slides (four levels/implant) in accordance with GLP and ISO10993-6:2016. The elementary chemical composition of wear particles present in tissue sections was quantified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).ResultsHost reaction was minor, characterized by low levels of diverse inflammatory cells, mild fibrosis, occasional small necrotic foci, neovascularization, hemorrhage, and, rarely, small bone fragments. Twenty-four of 28 tissue sections displayed varying degrees of wear particles (black discoloration), and most sections (17) were scored as 1 (< 25% of the sample). The discoloration observed corresponded to black-appearing, fine granular pigment. EDX analysis confirmed particles were composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. Twenty-six of 28 samples were scored zero for necrosis and 2/28 were scored 1. Eleven samples were scored zero for fibrosis, 12 as 1, and five as 2. No aseptic screw loosening occurred.ConclusionThe PDDD induced minimal host reaction with little or no degeneration, inflammation or fibrosis. No changes present could be expected to promote device failure. The PDDD implant for treating AIS is well-tolerated and locally safe.

Phylogenesis of virulent races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici based on phenotyping and genotyping using newly developed SNP markers for genetic groups in clades

Ug99 (TTKSK) and Digalu (TKTTF) race groups of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), are thought to be the most virulent, rendering many wheat stem rust resistance genes (Sr) ineffective. A total of 600 single pustule Pgt isolates were collected from eight Egyptian provinces during 2016–2022, undergoing both phenotyping and genotyping assays. Among these, 129 viable samples (v-samples) underwent phenotyping using the North American differentials delineated to Pgt races in the TTKS (Ug99) and TKTTF race groups, identifying 24 distinct physiologic races of Pgt. Notably, seven virulent races, TKTTF (Digalu), TKKTF, TKPTF, TKKTP, TTRTF, TTTTF, and TKFTF, were discovered in Egypt. The host reaction of wheat germplasm to these seven races indicated a high level of susceptibility. A set of 437 dead samples (d-samples) of Pgt isolates from Egypt were genotyped using newly created 17 core SNP markers. Genotypic analysis revealed that these seven races could be classified into two major clades: III and IV. Within these clades, six subclades were identified, namely III-B, IV-A.2, IV-B, IV-E.1, IV-E.2, and IV-F. These SNP genotypes exhibited a broad geographic distribution, highlighting the global movement of Pgt populations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Notably, none of these genetic groups were present in Egypt before 2016. The most prevalent genotypes were subclades IV-A.2 (TKTTF; Digalu), IV-E.2 (TKKTF, TKPTF, TKFTF), and III-B (TTRTF). The prevalence of these unique genotypes/races suggests clonal reproduction and evolution within them. Race TKKTP (subclade IV-E.1) is particularly concerning because of its ability to overcome the resistance conferred by gene Sr24 against race TTKSK (Ug99). Phylogenetic analysis of Pgt genetic groups revealed that the majority of identified races belong to TKTTF (Digalu) race group (subclade IV-A.2). Notably, no races were found to belong to the TTKS (Ug99) race group (clade I). This information should help breeders select a broader range of resistance genes that are both diverse and effective to enhance the durability of stem rust resistance.

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Visitors to the Holy Masjid (Masjid Al-Haram) During the Month of Ramadan in 2023.

Introduction Visits to the Holy Masjid are considered mass gatherings (MGs), defined as concentrations of people at a specific location for a certain objective over a predetermined amount of time. Such gatherings might strain the host nation's preparation and reaction capabilities, increasing the chances of spreading infectious diseases. Aim To evaluate the comprehension of hand hygiene (HH) and proper HH habits among visitors to the Holy Masjid during the month of Ramadan in 2023. Methods A total of 690 visitors to the Holy Masjid were interviewed for this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was developed using model questions from another published survey. Results Of the participants, 541 (78.4%), predominantly female, had generally good knowledge about HH. A total of 282 (40.9%) participants used nothing to clean their hands after shaking hands with someone. Four hundred and eighty (69.6%) participants were aware that poor HH does not spread HIV/AIDS, and 504 (73%) stated that consistent HH does not reduce the body's natural immunity. A total of 530 (76.8%) participants with good knowledge about HH cleaned their hands before meals, compared to 131 (19%) participants with poor knowledge of HH. Conclusion Based on the results of our study, the participants' awareness of HH was generally high, with most recognizing the role of good HH in preventing common infectious diseases, such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. However, certain aspects of HH, such as the necessity and proper use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, were not well understood. Regular, focused awareness-raising initiatives are recommended to enhance HH knowledge and practices among visitors to the Holy Masjid.

Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation: Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management. This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation, emphasizing disease progression and management. It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance, spanning innate and adaptive immunity. Viral factors’ disruption of this balance, as are interactions between viral antigens, immune cells, cytokine networks, and immune checkpoint pathways, are examined. Notably, the roles of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells are discussed, highlighting their influence on disease progression. HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity, hepatic flares, liver fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed. Management strategies, including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches, are critically analyzed. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation. In conclusion, this comprehensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation. With a dedicated focus on understanding its implications for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management strategies, this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base. The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches, ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes. The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized, spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Monkeypox: Pathogenesis, Prevention, Threats, Challenges and Immune Response Against It

"A rare zoonotic disease, monkeypox is brought on by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, and Poxviridae family. Smallpox-like symptoms are brought on by the monkeypox disease, which is closely linked to the variola virus (smallpox virus). In the past, it has been demonstrated that smallpox vaccination with the vaccinia virus (another orthopoxvirus) is 85% protective against monkeypox. The two most likely forms of monkeypox transmission are animal-human transmission and human-human transmission. Transmission between people has been connected to respiratory droplets, coming into contact with bodily fluids, contaminated patient things or surroundings, and skin lesions on infected people. Numerous strategies or tactics have been developed by monkeypox to subvert or exacerbate the host's immune reaction to infection. A crucial element of innate immunity, natural killer [NK] cells employ cytokines to kill virus-infected cells and interfere with the operation of other cell types like T cells and dendritic cells. Studies have shown that the smallpox vaccine provides cross-protection against other Orthopoxvirus species, including monkeypox. This study was out to provide a thorough overview of the pathogenesis, prevention, risks, immune response problems, and analysis of possible concerns associated with the monkeypox virus."

Development of novel hybrid 3D-printed degradable artificial joints incorporating electrospun pharmaceutical- and growth factor-loaded nanofibers for small joint reconstruction

Small joint reconstruction remains challenging and can lead to prosthesis-related complications, mainly due to the suboptimal performance of the silicone materials used and adverse host reactions. In this study, we developed hybrid artificial joints using three-dimensional printing (3D printing) for polycaprolactone (PCL) and incorporated electrospun nanofibers loaded with drugs and biomolecules for small joint reconstruction. We evaluated the mechanical properties of the degradable joints and the drug discharge patterns of the nanofibers. Empirical data revealed that the 3D-printed PCL joints exhibited good mechanical and fatigue properties. The drug-eluting nanofibers sustainedly released teicoplanin, ceftazidime, and ketorolac in vitro for over 30, 19, and 30 days, respectively. Furthermore, the nanofibers released high levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and connective tissue growth factors for over 30 days. An in vivo animal test demonstrated that nanofiber-loaded joints released high concentrations of antibiotics and analgesics in a rabbit model for 28 days. The animals in the drug-loaded degradable joint group showed greater activity counts than those in the surgery-only group. The experimental data suggest that degradable joints with sustained release of drugs and biomolecules may be utilized in small joint arthroplasty.

RBM14 inhibits the replication of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus by recruiting p62 to degrade nucleocapsid protein through the activation of autophagy and interferon pathway.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) results in PED, which is an infectious intestinal disease with the representative features of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. PEDV infects neonatal piglets, causing high mortality rates. Therefore, elucidating the interaction between the virus and host in preventing and controlling PEDV infection is of immense significance. We found a new antiviral function of the host protein, RNA-binding motif protein 14 (RBM14), which can inhibit PEDV replication via the activation of autophagy and interferon (IFN) signal pathways. We found that RBM14 can recruit cargo receptor p62 to degrade PEDV nucleocapsid (N) protein through the RBM14-p62-autophagosome pathway. Furthermore, RBM14 can also improve the antiviral ability of the hosts through interacting with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein to induce IFN expression. These results highlight the novel mechanism underlying RBM14-induced viral restriction. This mechanism leads to the degradation of viral N protein via the autophagy pathway and upregulates IFN for inhibiting PEDV replication; thus, offering new ways for preventing and controlling PED.IMPORTANCEPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a vital reason for diarrhea in neonatal piglets, which causes high morbidity and mortality rates. There is currently no effective vaccine or drug to treat and prevent infection with the PEDV. During virus infection, the host inhibits virus replication through various antiviral factors, and at the same time, the virus antagonizes the host's antiviral reaction through its own encoded protein, thus completing the process of virus replication. Our study has revealed that the expression of RNA-binding motif protein 14 (RBM14) was downregulated in PEDV infection. We found that RBM14 can recruit cargo receptor p62 to degrade PEDV N protein via the RBM14-p62-autophagosome pathway and interacted with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein and TRAF3 to activate the interferon signal pathway, resulting in the inhibition of PEDV replication.

Literature Survey on Sub-Groups of Children with Kawasaki Disease a Data-Driven Cluster Analysis

A notable childhood vasculitis that has a high risk of cardiovascular problems is Kawasaki illness. Despite being first identified in 1967 by fever and mucocutaneous irritation, it has since shown a variety of symptoms, the most serious of which is coronary artery aneurysms. Its complicated etiology is influenced by the interaction of environmental stimuli and genetic predisposition. Current multi omic research has shown unique patient profiles with varying host reactions. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, inflammatory indicators, and early coronary dilatation are linked to varying risks of coronary artery aneurysms. Clinical management is guided by the categorization of patients into complete or incomplete Kawasaki illness. We seek to identify subgroups using data-driven cluster analysis, improving comprehension for accurate patient treatment and research

PAMPs and DAMPs in Sepsis: A Review of Their Molecular Features and Potential Clinical Implications.

Sepsis is a serious organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated immune host reaction to a pathogen. The innate immunity is programmed to react immediately to conserved molecules, released by the pathogens (PAMPs), and the host (DAMPs). We aimed to review the molecular mechanisms of the early phases of sepsis, focusing on PAMPs, DAMPs, and their related pathways, to identify potential biomarkers. We included studies published in English and searched on PubMed® and Cochrane®. After a detailed discussion on the actual knowledge of PAMPs/DAMPs, we analyzed their role in the different organs affected by sepsis, trying to elucidate the molecular basis of some of the most-used prognostic scores for sepsis. Furthermore, we described a chronological trend for the release of PAMPs/DAMPs that may be useful to identify different subsets of septic patients, who may benefit from targeted therapies. These findings are preliminary since these pathways seem to be strongly influenced by the peculiar characteristics of different pathogens and host features. Due to these reasons, while initial findings are promising, additional studies are necessary to clarify the potential involvement of these molecular patterns in the natural evolution of sepsis and to facilitate their transition into the clinical setting.

A Hydroponic-Based Bioassay to Facilitate Plasmodiophora brassicae Phenotyping.

Clubroot, caused by the obligate parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting the canola/oilseed rape (Brassica napus) industry worldwide. Currently, the planting of clubroot-resistant (CR) cultivars is the most effective strategy used to restrict the spread and the economic losses linked to the disease. However, virulent P. brassicae isolates have been able to infect many of the currently available CR cultivars, and the options to manage the disease are becoming limited. Another challenge has been achieving consistency in evaluating host reactions to P. brassicae infection, with most bioassays conducted in soil and/or potting medium, which requires significant space and can be labor intensive. Visual scoring of clubroot symptom development can also be influenced by user bias. Here, we have developed a hydroponic bioassay using well-characterized P. brassicae single-spore isolates representative of clubroot virulence in Canada, as well as field isolates from three Canadian provinces in combination with canola inbred homozygous lines carrying resistance genetics representative of CR cultivars available to growers in Canada. To improve the efficiency and consistency of disease assessment, symptom severity scores were compared with clubroot evaluations based on the scanned root area. According to the results, this bioassay offers a reliable, less expensive, and reproducible option to evaluate P. brassicae virulence, as well as to identify which canola resistance profile(s) may be effective against particular isolates. This bioassay will contribute to the breeding of new CR canola cultivars and the identification of virulence genes in P. brassicae that could trigger resistance and that have been very elusive to this day.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

3D-PRINTED HYBRID SCAFFOLDS FOR CARTILAGE REGENERATION

For chondral damage in younger patients, surgical best practice is microfracture, which involves drilling into the bone to liberate the bone marrow. This leads to a mechanically inferior fibrocartilage formed over the defect as opposed to the desired hyaline cartilage that properly withstands joint loading. While some devices have been developed to aid microfracture and enable its use in larger defects, fibrocartilage is still produced and there is no clear clinical improvement over microfracture alone in the long term. Our goal is to develop 3D printed devices, which surgeons can implant with a minimally invasive technique. The scaffolds should match the functional properties of cartilage and expose endogenous marrow cells to suitable mechanobiological stimuli in-situ, in order to promote healing of articular cartilage lesions before they progress to osteoarthritis, and rapidly restore joint health and mobility. Importantly, scaffolds should direct a physiological host reaction, instead of a foreign body reaction, associated with chronic inflammation and fibrous capsule formation, negatively influencing the regenerative outcome.Our novel silica/polytetrahydrofuran/polycaprolactone hybrids were prepared by sol-gel synthesis and scaffolds were 3D printed by direct ink writing. 3D printed hybrid scaffolds with pore channels of ~250 µm mimic the compressive behaviour of cartilage. Our results show that these scaffolds support human bone marrow stem/stromal cell (hMSC) differentiation towards chondrogenesis in vitro under hypoxic conditions to produce markers integral to articular cartilage-like matrix evaluated by immunostaining and gene expression analysis. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of subcutaneously implanted scaffolds in mice showed that scaffolds caused a minimal resolving inflammatory response. Our findings show that 3D printed hybrid scaffolds have the potential to support cartilage regeneration.Acknowledgements: Authors acknowledge funding provided by EPSRC grant EP/N025059/1.

Host Defence and Toxoplasma gondii: A Mini Review

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite intracellular in nature that affects pregnant animals and humans especially immunocompromised persons. Infected hosts show a robust inherent response followed by an adaptive response to contain the parasitic infection. More focus has recently been placed on innate lymphocytes, inflammatory monocytes, and inherent immunological processes. The operation of MyD88 independent pathways is necessary for these processes to function. Despite the host's immense immune reaction, the parasite has evolved to overcome the host's immune response either by down-regulation of signaling pathways or altering host gene expression. Also, the parasite continues to thrive as a lifelong infection in the infected individuals and may revive to its lethal form in stress conditions.

The Role of Cytokine IL-2 In Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, distinguished by its propensity for rapid proliferation, metastatic potential, and the ability to affect various organs with ease. If left untreated, it may lead to nerve compression, rupture of blood vessels, multi-organ failure, and may ultimately lead to the patient's death. The ability of immunotherapy to block signaling pathways that inhibit immune cell activation, enhance and amplify anti-tumor responses, or increase the amount of anti-tumor response cells makes it an important weapon in the fight against cancer. Among the key domains of cancer immunotherapy research, harnessing cytokines to invigorate anti-tumor reactions in cancer patients ranks as one of the foremost areas, given cytokines' capacity to regulate the host's immune reaction against cancer cells. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a recognized T-cell growth factor that has been used to treat metastatic melanoma. While extensive research has substantiated IL-2's potential in cancer therapy by impacting the immune system, its practical utility has encountered several constraints. This review centers on the diverse applications of IL-2-based cancer therapy, their underlying mechanisms, the associated limitations, and prospects for the future of IL-2 in the realm of cancer immunotherapy.

Malvidin promotes PGC-1α/Nrf2 signaling to attenuate the inflammatory response and restore mitochondrial activity in septic acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in sepsis is a vital and dangerous organ failure caused by an infection-induced dysregulation of the host reaction. Malvidin possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities. This study explored the critical roles of malvidin in sepsis AKI and the crosstalk among mitochondrial function, nucleotide-binding oligomerization-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. First, C57BL/6 mice were administered lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneally for 6 h to create an AKI model of sepsis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and serum biomarker assays showed that malvidin protected from AKI in sepsis. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that malvidin was able to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Western blot assays indicated that malvidin suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and enhanced antioxidant properties. Additionally, human renal tubular epithelial cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide/adenosine triphosphate to establish an NLRP3 inflammasome activation model in vitro, and in line with findings in vivo, malvidin significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, our data indicate that malvidin restored mitochondrial quality and function, reduced reactive oxygen species production, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced mitochondrial DNA copy number, and promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) nuclear translocation. Moreover, inhibitor blockade assays indicated that both PGC-1α and Nrf2 affected the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome by malvidin. Finally, immunoprecipitation assays showed that malvidin promoted PGC-1α and Nrf2 interactions. Overall, malvidin alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis AKI, improved mitochondrial function and mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome through the PGC-1α/Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that malvidin might translate into clinical applications for sepsis AKI therapy.

Significance of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) as Molluscicide against Bulinus wrighti (Mandahl, 1965) snails: A review of concepts

The objective of this paper is to bring a conceptual review of schistosomiasis and application of Balanites aegyptiaca in controlling the host (Bulinus wrighti) of the disease. The snail host (Bulinus wrighti) serve as the host that transmits schistosomiasis disease to humans; therefore, for effective management it shall be controlled. Whereas, schistosomiasis is mostly due to the parasites, S. haematobium, S.japonicum, S. mekongi, and S. intercalatum. Those parasites deposit their eggs in freshwater environment that tend to further develop in snail. Snail shed numerous cercariae that under opportunity invade the human body (for example, farmers, fishers, swimmers, etc). In the human body, the schistosomule is made from the cercariae; thereof allowed to be transported to various body parts (such as liver, messentric veins) depending on the specific parasite involved. Thereafter, eggs are formed and definitive host reactions are elicited in form of clinical portends (such as cough, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, skin symptoms) in respective of the parasite species. In Africa, millions of individuals are infected, and millions are at risk. To prevent the disease, natural or synthetic mollusucicides could be applied to kill the snail. Natural products such as Balanites aegyptiaca are proven with good virtues to act as mollusucicides. B. aegyptiaca in its various parts contain active compounds such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, etc that might be responsible for the activities of the plant. Therefore, it is relevant to advocate for natural-bases products such as B.aegyptiaca for prevention of schistosomiasis due to accessibility, cheapness, effectiveness, poverty, and culture-based traditions.

Identification of resistant cowpea genotypes and aggressiveness of Macrophomina phaseolina isolates by diallel analysis

AbstractCowpea is grown in semiarid regions of Brazil. However, the occurrence of diseases, such as charcoal rot, is one of the main limiting factors to production. Disease is caused by the fungus Macrophomina spp., one of the most important plant pathogens in semiarid conditions. The use of resistant cultivars is the most effective method to control this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate cowpea lines inoculated with different Macrophomina phaseolina isolates to determine the aggressiveness of the pathogen isolates and the predominant type of resistance in the host. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, using a 5 × 10 factorial scheme with five replications (two plants per pot) in two independent crops. Partial diallel analysis was used to assess the reaction of host genotypes (horizontal and vertical resistance) and the aggressiveness of the isolates. Host reaction and pathogen aggressiveness were analysed by lesion length. Horizontal resistance was observed, corresponding to 56.69% of the variation. The lines L19, L29, L48, and L95 were the most resistant based on estimates of general responsiveness. Among the M. phaseolina isolates evaluated, N105 and ISO16 were the most aggressive based on general aggressiveness ability. By diallel analysis, we identified the most promising genotypes, as well as the most aggressive isolates.

Host Reaction of Some Local Tomato Varieties against Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood

An experiment was conducted for the investigations on screening on different local tomato varieties against RKN, Meloidogyne incognita under net house conditions during the year 2021-22. Out of thirty-five varieties only four (Abhimanyu, HY- Rocky, HY- 1276 and HY-Red Boar) were found to be moderately resistant to the nematode having root gall index between 2.1 to 3.0. Twenty-one varieties were found to be susceptible having root gall index between 3.1 to 4.0, but the remaining varieties were quite vulnerable to the nematode having root gall index between 4.1 to 5.0. Additionally, it was discovered that, in comparison to the other tomato types, Amlan and HY-3682 (Special) had the most gall infestation. All the varieties showed significant differences in their responses or reactions to root-knot nematodes from moderately resistant to vulnerable.

Infection of endemic chub Squalius tenellus with the intestinal tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda): histopathology and ultrastructural surveys.

The endemic chub Squalius tenellus (Heckel, 1843) was introduced more than 100 years ago to Lake Blidinje (Bosnia-Herzegovina). Only 1 species of enteric helminth was found in a sample of 35 chubs, the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Janiszewska, 1953). The paper includes histopathological investigation with identification of innate immune cells involved in host reaction and molecular data allowed correct designation of the cestode species. Of 35 specimens of chub examined, 21 (60%) harboured individuals of C. brachycollis and a total of 1619 tapeworms were counted, the intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 390 worms per fish (46.2 ± 15.3, mean ± s.e.). Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations showed strict contact between the worm's body and the epithelia and increase in the number of mucous cells, rodlet cells among the epithelial cells. Within the tunica propria-submucosa, beneath the site of scolex attachment, numerous neutrophils and mast cells were noticed. This is the first study of the occurrence of C. brachycollis in chub from Lake Blidinje and on the response of the innate immune cells of S. tenellus to this tapeworm. Interestingly, in 3 very heavily infected chubs, perforation of the intestinal wall was documented; this is uncommon among cestodes which use fish as a definitive host.

Flavonoids with Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Properties: Deciphering Their Mechanisms in Disrupting the Viral Life Cycle.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA human virus that causes persistent infections with recurrent outbreaks. HSV exists in two forms: HSV-1, responsible for oral herpes, and HSV-2, primarily causing genital herpes. Both types can lead to significant complications, including neurological issues. Conventional treatment, involving acyclovir and its derivatives, faces challenges due to drug resistance. This underscores the imperative for continual research and development of new drugs, with a particular emphasis on exploring the potential of natural antivirals. Flavonoids have demonstrated promise in combating various viruses, including those within the herpesvirus family. This review, delving into recent studies, reveals the intricate mechanisms by which flavonoids decode their antiviral capabilities against HSV. By disrupting key stages of the viral life cycle, such as attachment to host cells, entry, DNA replication, latency, and reactivation, flavonoids emerge as formidable contenders in the ongoing battle against HSV infections.