Spread Of Pathogens Research Articles

The Veterinarian’s Role in Biocontainment Research Animal Facilities and Prevention of Spread of Pathogens: A Case of Nigeria and South Africa

Infections acquired in research laboratories and unintentional pathogen escapes from breaches in biocontainment pose risks to humans and the environment, necessitating the need for effective biosafety and biosecurity management frameworks in biocontainment research animal facilities (BRAFs). We examine key biosafety issues associated with BRAFs, including inadequate decontamination procedures for wastewater and experimental samples, handling high biosafety level pathogens in lower-level laboratories, risks of animal bites and sharps injuries, contamination of bedding and enrichment materials, and improper management and transportation of biohazard samples. Additionally, we discuss the role of veterinarians in research animal facilities and the challenges they encounter in maintaining biocontainment standards. We emphasise the importance of routine monitoring of effluent water to detect possible disease outbreaks. We recommend a thorough investigation of disease outbreaks to identify potential sources of pathogen release from BRAFs, which could serve as hotspots for future disease outbreaks. Findings from such investigations will inform the development of policies aimed at safeguarding human populations from future pandemics and preventing BRAFs from becoming sources of infectious disease outbreaks.

Marangoni flows triggered by cationic-anionic surfactant complexation

HypothesisThe gradients in surfactant distribution at a fluid-fluid interface can induce fluid flow known as the Marangoni flow. Fluid interfaces found in biological and environmental systems are seldom clean, where mixtures of various surfactants are present. The presence of multi-component surfactant mixtures introduces the possibility of interactions among constituents, which may impact Marangoni flows and alter flow dynamics. ExperimentsWe employed flow visualization, surface tension and reaction kinetic measurements, and numerical simulations to quantitatively investigate the Marangoni flows induced by the reacting surfactant mixtures. Different binary surfactant mixtures were utilized for comparative analysis. FindingsThe impact of surfactant interactions on Marangoni flows is confirmed through the observation of diverse complex flow patterns that result from the combination of oppositely charged surfactants in varying composition ratios and concentrations. Unique flow patterns originate from the composition-dependent interfacial phenomena upon mixing surfactants. Our findings provide vital insights that could be used to guide the development of effective oil remediation or the spreading of waterborne pathogens in contaminated regions.

Species Composition and Feeding Behaviors of Vector Mosquitoes of Avian Infectious Diseases at a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Facility in Japan.

Although wild bird rehabilitation facilities are important for the conservation of wild species, individuals may be kept within the facilities for long periods, consequently posing a risk for the bird to be infected with pathogens to which they are not naturally exposed. In turn, novel pathogens may be introduced through rescued migratory species. Avian malaria and West Nile fever are important avian diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. To understand the transmission dynamics of such diseases at rehabilitation facilities, the ecology of vector mosquitoes, including species composition, seasonality, and feeding behaviors, were explored. Mosquitoes were collected at a wild bird rehabilitation facility and wildlife sanctuary in Japan from 2019 to 2020 using mouth aspirators, sweep nets, and light traps. A total of 2,819 mosquitoes of 6 species were captured, all of which are potential vectors of avian diseases. Culex pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens form molestus were the dominant species (82.9% of all collected mosquitoes). Density and seasonality differed between sampling locations, presumably because of differences in mosquito behaviors including feeding preferences and responses to climatic factors. Blood-fed Culex mosquitoes fed solely on birds, and many mosquito species are thought to have fed on birds within the facility. Particularly, Cx. pipiens group probably fed on both rescued and free-living birds. The rehabilitation facility may be an important site for the introduction and spread of pathogens because 1) numerous mosquitoes inhabit the hospital and its surroundings; 2) blood-fed mosquitoes are caught within the hospital; 3) there is direct contact between birds and mosquitoes; 4) both birds within the hospital and wild birds are fed upon. Furthermore, blood-fed Cx. pipiens form molestus were observed in the winter, suggesting that pathogens might be transmitted even during the winter when other mosquito species are inactive.

Progressive alterations in mineral contents in citrus genotypes toward Alternaria citri causing brown spot of citrus.

Brown spot of citrus caused by Alternaria citri is one of the emerging threats to the successful production of citrus crops. The present study, conducted with a substantial sample size of 50 leaf samples for statistical reliability, aimed to determine the change in mineral content in citrus leaves after brown spot disease attack. Leaf samples from a diverse range of susceptible citrus varieties (Valentia late, Washington navel, and Kinnow) and resistant varieties (Citron, Eruka lemon, and Mayer lemon) were analyzed. Significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) in mineral contents were observed across reaction groups (inoculated and un-inoculated), types (resistant and susceptible), and varieties of citrus in response to infection of Alternaria citri. The analysis of variance showed significant changes in mineral levels of citrus leaves, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). The results indicate that the concentration of N and P differed by 6.63% and 1.44%, respectively, in resistant plants, while susceptible plants showed a difference of 6.07% and 1.19%. Moreover, resistant plants showed a higher concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Na, Fe, and Cu at 8.40, 2.1, 1.83, 2.21, 1.58, 2.89, and 0.36 ppm respectively, compared to susceptible plants which showed concentrations of 5.99, 1.93, 1.47, 1.09, 1.24, 1.81, and 0.31 ppm respectively. Amounts of mineral contents were reduced in both resistant as well as susceptible plants of citrus after inoculation. Amount of N (8.56), P (1.87) % while K (10.74), Ca (2.71), Mg (2.62), Zn (2.20), Na (2.08), Fe (3.57) and Cu (0.20) ppm were recorded in un-inoculated group of citrus plants that reduced to 3.15 and 0.76% and 3.66, 1.40, 0.63,0.42, 0.74, 1.13 and 0.13 ppm in inoculated group respectively. It was accomplished that susceptible varieties contained lower ionic contents than resistant varieties. The higher concentrations of ionic contents in resistant citrus varieties build up the biochemical and physiological processes of the citrus plant, which help to restrict spread of pathogens. Further research could explore the interplay between mineral nutrition and disease resistance in citrus, potentially leading to the development of new disease-resistant varieties.

Immune System of Dental Pulp in Inflamed and Normal Tissue.

Teeth are vulnerable to structural compromise, primarily attributed to carious lesions, in which microorganisms originating from the oral cavity deteriorate the mineralized structures of enamel and dentin, subsequently infiltrating the underlying soft connective tissue, known as the dental pulp. Nonetheless, dental pulp possesses the necessary capabilities to detect and defend against bacteria and their by-products, using a variety of intricate defense mechanisms. The pulp houses specialized cells known as odontoblasts, which encounter harmful substances produced by oral bacteria. These cells identify pathogens at an early stage and commence the immune system response. As bacteria approach the pulp, various cell types within the pulp, such as different immune cells, stem cells, fibroblasts, as well as neuronal and vascular networks, contribute a range of defense mechanisms. Therefore, the immune system is present in the healthy pulp to restrain the initial spread of pathogens, and then in the inflamed pulp, it prepares the conditions for necrosis or regeneration, so inflammatory response mechanisms play a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the immune system in dental pulp, encompassing current knowledge on this topic that explains the diverse mechanisms of recognition and defense against pathogens exhibited by dental pulp cells, elucidates the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity in inflamed pulp, and highlights the difference between inflamed and normal pulp tissue.

Are Rattus rattus fleas invasive? Evaluation of flea communities in invasive and native rodents in Chile.

Co-invasion, characterized by the simultaneous introduction of hosts and parasites with the latter establishing themselves in native hosts, is a phenomenon of ecological concern. Rattus rattus, a notorious invasive species, has driven the extinction and displacement of numerous avian and mammalian species and serves as a key vector for diseases affecting both humans and wildlife. Among the parasites hosted by R. rattus are fleas, which exhibit obligate parasitic behaviour, a generalist nature and high prevalence, increasing the likelihood of flea invasion. Simultaneously, invasive species can serve as hosts for native parasites, leading to potential amplification or dilution of parasite populations in the environment. In Chile, R. rattus has been present since the 17th century because of the arrival of the Spanish colonizers through the ports and has spread throughout urban, rural and wild Chilean territories. This study aims to evaluate whether co-invasion of native fleas of invasive rats occurs on native rodents in Chile and to determine whether black rats have acquired flea native to Chile during their invasion. For this, we captured 1132 rodents from 26 localities (20° S-53° S). Rattus rattus was found coexisting with 11 native rodent species and two species of introduced rodents. Among the native rodents, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus exhibited more extensive sympatry with R. rattus. We identified 14 flea species associated with R. rattus, of which only three were native to rats: Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. These three species presented a higher parasite load in black rats compared to native fleas. Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were also found associated with native rodent species that cohabit with R. rattus. The remaining species associated with R. rattus were fleas of native rodents, although they were less abundant compared to those associated with native rodents, except for Neotyphloceras pardinasi and Sphinctopsylla ares. Although there has been evidence of flea transmission from rats to native species, the prevalence and abundance were relatively low. Therefore, it cannot be definitively concluded that these fleas have established themselves in native rodent populations, and hence, they cannot be classified as invasive fleas. This study underscores R. rattus' adaptability to diverse environmental and geographical conditions in Chile, including its capacity to acquire fleas from native rodents. This aspect has critical implications for public health, potentially facilitating the spread of pathogens across various habitats where these rats are found.

E3SIM: epidemiological-ecological-evolutionary simulation framework for genomic epidemiology.

Infectious disease dynamics are driven by the complex interplay of epidemiological, ecological, and evolutionary processes. Accurately modeling these interactions is crucial for understanding pathogen spread and informing public health strategies. However, existing simulators often fail to capture the dynamic interplay between these processes, resulting in oversimplified models that do not fully reflect real-world complexities in which the pathogen's genetic evolution dynamically influences disease transmission. We introduce the epidemiological-ecological-evolutionary simulator (e3SIM), an open-source framework that concurrently models the transmission dynamics and molecular evolution of pathogens within a host population while integrating environmental factors. Using an agent-based, discrete-generation, forward-in-time approach, e3SIM incorporates compartmental models, host-population contact networks, and quantitative-trait models for pathogens. This integration allows for realistic simulations of disease spread and pathogen evolution. Key features include a modular and scalable design, flexibility in modeling various epidemiological and population-genetic complexities, incorporation of time-varying environmental factors, and a user-friendly graphical interface. We demonstrate e3SIM's capabilities through simulations of realistic outbreak scenarios with SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, illustrating its flexibility for studying the genomic epidemiology of diverse pathogen types.

Wound-dependent leg amputations to combat infections in an ant society

Open wounds pose major infection and mortality risks in animals.1,2 To reduce these risks, many animal species apply antimicrobial compounds on their wounds.1,2,3,4 Ant societies use antimicrobial secretions from the metapleural gland to combat pathogens,5,6,7,8,9,10 but this gland has been lost over evolutionary time in several genera, including Camponotus.11 To understand how infected wounds are handled without the use of antimicrobial secretions from the metapleural gland, we conducted behavioral and microbiological experiments in Camponotus floridanus. When we experimentally injured a worker's leg at the femur, nestmates amputated the injured limb by biting the base (trochanter) of the leg until it was severed, thereby significantly increasing survival compared to ants that did not receive amputations. However, when the experimental injury was more distal (at the tibia), nestmates did not amputate the leg and instead directed more wound care to the injury site. Experimental amputations also failed to improve survival in ants with infected tibia injuries unless the leg was amputated immediately after pathogen exposure. Micro-CT scans revealed that the muscles likely responsible for leg hemolymph circulation are predominantly in the femur. Thus, it is likely that femur injuries, by attenuating hemolymph flow, provide sufficient time for workers to perform amputations before pathogen spread. Overall, this study provides the first example of the use of amputations to treat infected individuals in a non-human animal and demonstrates that ants can adapt their type of treatment depending on the location of wounds.

Patient and Community Perspectives on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Fertile Grounds for Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health threat. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the development and spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Antibiotics are also responsible for a high percentage of emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Despite this, ambulatory and urgent care providers often cite patient expectations as a reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices. We investigated patient and community understanding of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance to inform how they can be engaged as partners in combating antimicrobial resistance in our southwestern Virginia community. Methods: From July to September 2023, we conducted an online survey of patients and community members within the footprint of a large healthcare system in Southwest Virginia. Electronic medical records were used to randomly select and directly email the survey link to a representative sample of ambulatory patients who met criteria. Respondents were also recruited through the health system’s social media channels and through posters with quick response (QR) codes in outpatient offices. The survey used Likert scales and multiple-choice questions to understand experiences with and perceptions about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. We conducted a descriptive analysis of survey responses. Results: In total, 2,021 individuals completed the survey. Nearly 16% of respondents agreed with the statement “antibiotics can kill viruses” and almost 12% more were unsure. Thirty percent of respondents either agreed with or were unsure about the statement “antibiotics work on most coughs and colds”. When asked more directly about antimicrobial resistance, almost a quarter (25%) of respondents agreed with or were unsure about the statement “there is no connection between taking antibiotics and the development of resistant bacteria”. Responding to questions about possible negative effects of antibiotics, over 9% disagreed with the statement “antibiotics can kill the 'good' bacteria that normally live on the skin and in the gut” and another 19% were unsure. Similarly, over 20% disagreed with or were unsure about the statement “bacteria that do not respond to antibiotics could infect me or my family”. Reflecting on their own providers, nearly 83% of respondents trusted their doctor’s or nurse’s advice about antibiotic necessity. Conclusions: There are opportunities for patient and community engagement around antibiotic effectiveness for common viral illnesses and about the negative effects of overuse of antibiotics. Our data suggests most patients trust their providers as it relates to antibiotic prescribing and may be receptive to discussions and strategies that promote antimicrobial stewardship.

Biosensors for Public Health and Environmental Monitoring: The Case for Sustainable Biosensing.

Climate change is a profound crisis that affects every aspect of life, including public health. Changes in environmental conditions can promote the spread of pathogens and the development of new mutants and strains. Early detection is essential in managing and controlling this spread and improving overall health outcomes. This perspective article introduces basic biosensing concepts and various biosensors, including electrochemical, optical, mass-based, nano biosensors, and single-molecule biosensors, as important sustainability and public health preventive tools. The discussion also includes how the sustainability of a biosensor is crucial to minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the long-term availability of vital technologies and resources for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and beyond. One promising avenue for pathogen screening could be the electrical detection of biomolecules at the single-molecule level, and some recent developments based on single-molecule bioelectronics using the Scanning Tunneling Microscopy-assisted break junctions (STM-BJ) technique are shown here. Using this technique, biomolecules can be detected with high sensitivity, eliminating the need for amplification and cell culture steps, thereby enhancing speed and efficiency. Furthermore, the STM-BJ technique demonstrates exceptional specificity, accurately detects single-base mismatches, and exhibits a detection limit essentially at the level of individual biomolecules. Finally, a case is made here for sustainable biosensors, how they can help, the paradigm shift needed to achieve them, and some potential applications.

Physician Attire - Does it Matter? A Study Evaluating Patient Preferences for Attire for Family Medicine

Introduction: Historically, white coats have been the distinctive and respected dress code worn by physicians. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many physicians exchanged white coats and professional attire for scrubs and personal protective equipment to feel safer and reduce the spread of infectious pathogens in clinical settings. Our aim was to investigate patient preferences in attire for family physicians in an outpatient setting following the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients from two family medicine clinics were recruited to participate in the study from June 2023 to December 2023. Surveys were distributed to volunteers who met demographic criteria: age ≥ 18 years, ability to read and speak English and not legally blind. Patients completed an anonymous survey consisting of six questions that would assess physician attire based on level of knowledge, trustworthiness, caring, approachability, comfortability, and professionalism on a 10-point scale (1=somewhat to 10=extremely). Each photo set included a male and female in one of the following attire: white coat with either business casual attire (#1) or scrubs (#2), or fleece with either business casual attire (#3) or scrubs (#4). A one-way analysis of variance was performed to compare photos sets on variable scores; means ± standard deviations were calculated. P<.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 288 patients participated in the study. Photo sets #1 (8.2±2.1) and #3 (7.7±2.4) were significantly different for approachability compared to #2 (7.6±2.5) and #4 (7.6±2.5) (p=.007). Otherwise, photo set #1 was significantly different from all other photo sets in regards to knowledge (p=.0001), trustworthiness (p=.0005), caringness (p=.0003), comfortableness (p=.002), and professionalism (p=<.0001). Conclusions: Patients prefer physicians to wear a white coat with business casual attire, based on all six of our study’s domains. Continuation of this study could look at variables of gender and race and the roles they play in patient preference for physician attire.

BEECH FORESTS OF THE "VYZHNYTSKYI NATIONAL NATURAL PARK": CURRENT SANITARY CONDITION AND PROBLEMS OF PRESERVATION

The beech primeval forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park are a unique cultural heritage and play a special role for the Carpathian region and Ukraine as a whole, therefore they are strictly protected in the territories of the nature reserve fund, performing ecological, educational and scientific-cognitive functions. In this regard, monitoring the current state of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park and highlighting the problem of their preservation becomes relevant. In the course of conducting research, classical and modern methods of forestry research were used, as well as specific methods of phytosanitary monitoring and comparative ecology. The massif of primeval beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park is characterized by a remarkable diversity of fungi. We identified fruiting bodies of wood-destroying fungi on the trunks of beech trees: Fomes fomentarius (L. ex Fr.) Gill., Daedalea quercina L. ex Fr., Phellinus igniarius (L.: Fr.) Quel, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Bond. et Sing., Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél., Stereum hirsutum (Willd.) Pers., Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De Not., Аrmillariella mellea (Vahl) P.Karst., and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P.Kumm. Groups of Coprinus micaceus (Fr.) and Hypholoma capnoides (Fr. ex Fr.) Kumm were noted near rotten beech stumps. We also came across a unique find the invasive red-listed Clathrus archeri (Berk.) Dring. In the course of surveys, fruiting bodies of typical representatives of the marsupial class Xylaria polymorpha (Pers.) Grev., and Xylaria hypoxylon (L.: Fr.) Grev). Representatives of xylophilic ascomycetes were identified on the dead trunk of a European beech Bisporella citrina (Batsch) Korf et S.E. Carp. Symptoms of dieback of central shoots and side branches, dieback of European beech bark, which is directly related to the vital activity of Nectria ditissima Tul., were recorded. & C.Tul. Cumulative manifestations of infectious and non-infectious pathologies were noted. The problems of preserving the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park should include: intensive and uncontrolled economic activity; irresponsible behavior of tourists (arson, mechanical damage, littering, poaching, etc.); construction of highways and tourist centers in the immediate vicinity of primeval forests; damage to forest stands due to atmospheric air pollution, climate change; significant spread of pests or pathogens of forest diseases; danger of forest fires; recreational load and livestock grazing. Given the role and importance of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park, a comprehensive study of the forest systems is necessary to preserve these unique resources.

Essential Oils from Southern Italian Aromatic Plants Synergize with Antibiotics against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis Cell Growth and Biofilm Formation.

The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has prompted the development of novel approaches to identify molecules that synergize with antibiotics to enhance their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ten Essential Oils (EOs) on the activity of nine antibiotics in influencing growth and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. The effects of the EOs alone and in combination with antibiotics on both bacterial growth and biofilm formation were analyzed by measuring the MIC values through the broth microdilution method and the crystal violet assay, respectively. All EOs inhibited the growth of E. coli (1.25 ≤ MIC ≤ 5 mg/mL) while the growth of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis was only affected by EOs from Origanum vulgare, (MIC = 5 mg/mL) and O. vulgare (MIC = 1.25 mg/mL) and Salvia rosmarinus (MIC = 5 mg/mL), respectively. In E. coli, most EOs induced a four- to sixteen-fold reduction in the MIC values of ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and streptomycin, while in E. faecalis such a reduction is observed in combinations of ciprofloxacin with C. nepeta, C. bergamia, C. limon, C. reticulata, and F. vulgare, of gentamicin with O. vulgare, and of tetracycline with C. limon and O. vulgare. A smaller effect was observed in P. aeruginosa, in which only C. bergamia reduced the concentration of tetracycline four-fold. EO-antibiotic combinations also inhibit the biofilm formation. More precisely, all EOs with ciprofloxacin in E. coli, tetracycline in P. aeruginosa, and gentamicin in E. faecalis showed the highest percentage of inhibition. Combinations induce up- and down-methylation of cytosines and adenines compared to EO or antibiotics alone. The study provides evidence about the role of EOs in enhancing the action of antibiotics by influencing key processes involved in resistance mechanisms such as biofilm formation and epigenetic changes. Synergistic interactions should be effectively considered in dealing with pathogenic microorganisms.

Analysis of the causes of sheep endoparasites in farms of the Luga district of the Leningrad region

This article reflects current data on the assessment of the epizootic situation for the main endoparasitoses of small cattle in two peasant (farm) farms of the Luga district of the Leningrad region with similar animal conditions. The level of extensive invasion (EI) of sheep by pathogens of parasitic diseases was established, and the age and seasonal dynamics of the spread were studied. The level of infection of livestock with strongylates of the gastrointestinal tract with an EI of 87-97%, protostrongylidoses of the genus Mullerius (M. capillaris) with EI – 53%, tapeworms of the genus Moniezia (M. expansa) – 69%, trematodes Fasciola hepatica with EI – 24-28% and eimeria with EI – 96-98%. The analysis of the causes of diseases in the territories of the studied farms was carried out, and the main mechanisms of transmission of pathogens to susceptible animals were considered. A number of violations of the conditions of keeping small cattle in the conditions of the farms under study were identified: crowded livestock, untimely change of bedding and manure cleaning, keeping young animals together with adult animals, as well as violations of microclimate conditions (reduced air velocity and increased concentration of inert gases harmful to animals). In addition, an important factor in the spread of pathogens of invasive diseases among animals on the farms under study is the deworming of livestock without taking into account the characteristics of the life cycle of parasites and the timing of their preimaginal stages, as well as the duration of endogenous and exogenous stages of development of protozoa of the Eimeria genus.Thus, causal relationships in the occurrence and circulation of pathogens of invasive diseases of small cattle among livestock in the territory of the farms of the Luga district of the Leningrad region were studied and determined, taking into account the climatic and geographical features of the area and the seasons of the year

FORECASTING THE DYNAMICS OF POPULATIONS OF HARMFUL INSECTS AND PATHOGENS OF WOODY PLANTS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. The emergence of dry tree patches in various parts of the globe indicates the global nature of processes related to planetary cycles and climate change. This is likely linked to various factors, including warming trends, changes in precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and alterations in ocean currents. To achieve the goal of this article, through empirical and analytical research methods, we analyzed contemporary scientific publications. We found that the projected spread of insect pests, parasites, and pathogens among tree species is increasingly concerning experts. Forest drying is a problem for both Europe and Ukraine, where the area affected by pine wilt has encompassed the Forest-Steppe region and spread to other natural zones. The paper highlights the pertinent issue of analyzing factors contributing to the weakening and deterioration of the sanitary condition of Forest-Steppe trees in Ukraine. Researchers predict significant climate changes in the near future. Due to such changes, insect pests and other pathogens may inflict even greater damage to forest plants. Climate change, particularly increased carbon dioxide emissions and warming, frequent droughts, and temperature fluctuations, affect pest populations. Common diseases of Forest-Steppe trees in Ukraine include those caused by insects, fungi, and bacteria. For instance, the most widespread affliction in forests is root rot (Fomes aппosus Fr., Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref.). Plants also suffer considerable damage from nematodes and viruses. The publication examines the impact of climate change (temperature, humidity, etc.) on the biology and ecology of insect pests and explores the potential use of modern monitoring technologies for pests and forecasting tools. Thus, projected climate changes can cause warming, altering the quantitative, qualitative, and temporal characteristics of precipitation. In this way, global climate changes affect water availability in soil, atmospheric water vapor flows, and hydrological processes. Many pests are sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperature, leading to shifts in their populations.

Blocking HXA3-mediated neutrophil elastase release during S. pneumoniae lung infection limits pulmonary epithelial barrier disruption and bacteremia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp), a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia, can spread from the lung into the bloodstream to cause septicemia and meningitis, with a concomitant three-fold increase in mortality. Limitations in vaccine efficacy and a rise in antimicrobial resistance have spurred searches for host-directed therapies that target pathogenic immune processes. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are essential for infection control but can also promote tissue damage and pathogen spread. The major Sp virulence factor, pneumolysin (PLY), triggers acute inflammation by stimulating the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) eicosanoid synthesis pathway in epithelial cells. This pathway is required for systemic spread in a mouse pneumonia model and produces a number of bioactive lipids, including hepoxilin A3 (HXA3), a hydroxy epoxide PMN chemoattractant that has been hypothesized to facilitate breach of mucosal barriers. To understand how 12-LOX-dependent inflammation promotes dissemination during Sp lung infection and dissemination, we utilized bronchial stem cell-derived air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures that lack this enzyme to show that HXA3 methyl ester (HXA3-ME) is sufficient to promote basolateral-to-apical PMN transmigration, monolayer disruption, and concomitant Sp barrier breach. In contrast, PMN transmigration in response to the non-eicosanoid chemoattractant fMLP did not lead to epithelial disruption or bacterial translocation. Correspondingly, HXA3-ME but not fMLP increased release of neutrophil elastase (NE) from Sp-infected PMNs. Pharmacologic blockade of NE secretion or activity diminished epithelial barrier disruption and bacteremia after pulmonary challenge of mice. Thus, HXA3 promotes barrier disrupting PMN transmigration and NE release, pathological events that can be targeted to curtail systemic disease following pneumococcal pneumonia.

Current insights into the effects of cationic biocides exposure on Enterococcus spp.

Cationic biocides (CBs), such as quaternary ammonium compounds and biguanides, are critical for controlling the spread of bacterial pathogens like Enterococcus spp., a leading cause of multidrug-resistant healthcare-associated infections. The widespread use of CBs in recent decades has prompted concerns about the potential emergence of Enterococcus spp. populations exhibiting resistance to both biocides and antibiotics. Such concerns arise from their frequent exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of CBs in clinical, food chain and diverse environmental settings. This comprehensive narrative review aimed to explore the complexity of the Enterococcus' response to CBs and of their possible evolution toward resistance. To that end, CBs' activity against diverse Enterococcus spp. collections, the prevalence and roles of genes associated with decreased susceptibility to CBs, and the potential for co- and cross-resistance between CBs and antibiotics are reviewed. Significant methodological and knowledge gaps are identified, highlighting areas that future studies should address to enhance our comprehension of the impact of exposure to CBs on Enterococcus spp. populations' epidemiology. This knowledge is essential for developing effective One Health strategies that ensure the continued efficacy of these critical agents in safeguarding Public Health.

A panel of genotypically and phenotypically diverse clinical Acinetobacter baumannii strains for novel antibiotic development.

Acinetobacter baumannii is globally notorious, and in an effort to combat the spread of such pathogens, several emerging candidate therapies have already surfaced. However, the strains used to test these therapies vary across studies (the sources and numbers of test strains are varied and often very large, with little heterogeneity). The variation complicates the studies. Furthermore, the limited standardized resources of A. baumannii strains have greatly restricted the research on the physiology, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is crucial for the research community to acquire a standardized and heterogeneous panel of A. baumannii. Our study meticulously selected 45 diverse A. baumannii strains from a total of 2,197 clinical isolates collected from 64 different hospitals across 27 provinces in China, providing a scientific reference for the research community. This assistance will significantly facilitate scientific exchange in academic research.

Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcome of Endogenous Endophthalmitis

Background: Endogenous Endophthalmitis is a sight threatening intraocular infection resulting from hematogenous spread of pathogens from distant foci.Objective: To find out the source, risk factors, microbiological profile, visual and anatomical outcome of management of Endogenous endophthalmitis.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done from medical records of diagnosed case of Endogenous Endophthalmitis at Vision Eye Hospital, Dhaka. Data collection was done on demographic factors, medical and surgical history, infectious data, BCVA throughout the clinical course and complications. Visual outcome and anatomical outcome were measured and compared.Results: 20 Eyes of 18 patients were diagnosed as Endogenous Endophthalmitis where 88.9% were unilateral and 11.1% were bilateral. Known foci of infection were found in 27.8% of cases and infective foci were not found on 33.3%. 44.4% were culture positive where the commonest organism was Pseudomonas followed by Klebsiella. 70% patients were treated by PPV and 30% were treated conservatively. Among 18 patients 6 had normal eyeball, 7 had formed eyeball, 3 developed phthisis bulbi and 1 needed enucleation. Finally, VA improved at 44.4% patients, remain unchanged at 22.2% patients and deteriorated at 33.3% patients. Conclusion: The prognosis of endogenous endophthalmitis is often poor despite treatment. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to salvage vision and eye. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 04, January 2024: 220-225.

Antimicrobial properties of hindered amine light stabilizers in polymer coating materials and their mechanism of action.

UV-stabilizers are a class of additives that provide extended polymer resistance to UV-degradation, but have also been suggested to have antimicrobial activity, potentially preventing the spread of pathogens, and inhibiting microbial-induced biodegradation. In this work, we incorporated different UV-stabilizers, a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), Tinuvin 770 DF and Tinuvin PA 123, or a hybrid HALS/UV-absorber, Tinuvin 5151, in polyurethane formulations to produce lacquer-films, and tested their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant and -sensitive strains), Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Lacquer-films incorporated with Tinuvin 770 DF showed strong antimicrobial performance against bacteria and fungi, while maintaining cytocompatibility. The mechanism of action revealed a positive relationship between Tinuvin 770 DF concentration, microbial death, and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), suggesting that RNS produced during autoxidation of Tinuvin 770 DF is responsible for the antimicrobial properties of this UV-stabilizer. Conversely, lacquer-films incorporated with Tinuvin 5151 or Tinuvin PA 123 exhibited no antimicrobial properties. Collectively, these results highlight the commercial potential of Tinuvin 770 DF to prevent photo- and biodegradation of polymers, while also inhibiting the spread of potentially harmful pathogens. Furthermore, we provide a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the biocidal activity of HALS associated to autooxidation of the amine group.