Zealand Strain Research Articles

Chloromonas fuhrii sp. nov. (Chlorophyceae), a cosmopolitan alga from colored snow

ABSTRACT The modern concept of the genus Chloromonas includes a subclade of species found exclusively in snow. We describe Chloromonas (Cr.) fuhrii sp. nov., a new member of this clade, which is closely related to Cr. muramotoi from Japan. The new species is characterised by the absence of a stigma, pyrenoid, and defined papilla, ready loss of flagella in culture, and a single lobed chloroplast. Strains of Cr. fuhrii have been sourced from green, orange, and pink/red snow. The species has been found in Svalbard, Antarctica, and New Zealand, with most genetic variation occurring in Svalbard. The minimal variation present in New Zealand strains suggests a relatively recent arrival. Secondary structure models for ITS2 in the new species demonstrate a separation from Cr. muramotoi due to one CBC. The nine New Zealand strains isolated showed no variation in ITS2 but four variable base positions in ITS1. Inclusion of the single Antarctic and four Svalbard strains resulted in 14 variable positions in ITS2 and 69 in ITS1, with the sequences remaining alignable. The ITS data showed a strong biogeographic signal, both in total in an unrooted tree, and using ITS2 alone with Cr. muramotoi as an outgroup. The absence of a stigma in this species prompted a survey of the literature, showing that stigma absence in Chloromonas is strongly associated with the snow habitat, occurring at about 10 times the rate observed in other habitats, perhaps owing to the difficulty of phototaxis in snow with abundant reflected light.

Molecular Characterization of Ciborinia camelliae Kohn Shows Intraspecific Variability and Suggests Transcontinental Movement of the Pathogen.

Ciborinia camelliae Kohn is the causal agent of camellia flower blight. The fungus infects only the flowers of camellias. C. camelliae isolates obtained from symptomatic samples, collected in 13 different localities worldwide, were characterized by Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) using the following: (i) a nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer; (ii) subunit 2 of β-tubulin (β-TUB II), (iii) elongation factor 1-α (EF1α); and (iv) glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). The variability of the strains was assessed using a universally primed-polymerase chain reaction (UP-PCR) with six universal primers. Gene sequence comparison showed high similarity among all the European strains and highlighted the diversity of the New Zealand and Chinese representative strains. The profiles obtained by UP-PCR confirmed the significant diversity of extra-European strains and identified subgroups within the European population. The presence of shared genetic profiles obtained from strains isolated in different countries (New Zealand and France) suggests the movement of strains from one location to another, which is probably due to the exchange of infected plant material. Moreover, our study shows the overall high intraspecific variability of C. camelliae, which is likely due to the sexual reproduction of the fungus, suggesting the risk of emergence of new pathotypes adapting to novel camellia varieties.

Hepatic metabolism of grazing cows of two Holstein strains under two feeding strategies with different levels of pasture inclusion.

The objective of the study was to characterize adaptations of hepatic metabolism of dairy cows of two Holstein strains with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy. Multiparous autumn calving Holstein cows of New Zealand (NZH) and North American (NAH) strains were assigned to a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two feeding strategies that varied in the proportions of pasture and supplementation: maximum pasture and supplementation with a pelleted concentrate (MaxP) or fixed pasture and supplementation with a total mixed ration (FixP) from May through November of 2018. Hepatic biopsies were taken at - 45 ± 17, 21 ± 7, 100 ± 23 and 180 ± 23 days in milk (DIM), representing prepartum, early lactation, early mid-lactation and late mid-lactation. The effects of DIM, feeding strategy (FS), strain and their interactions were analyzed with mixed models using repeated measures. Cows of both strains had similar triglyceride levels, mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver during lactation. However, there was an effect of DIM and FS as liver triglyceride was higher for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM and both mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver were lower for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM. Hepatic mitochondrial function and acetylation levels were affected by the interaction between strain and feeding strategy as both variables were higher for NAH cows in the MaxP strategy. Mid-lactation hepatic gene expression of enzymes related to fatty acid metabolism and nuclear receptors was higher for NZH than NAH cows. This work confirms the association between liver triglyceride, decreased hepatic mitochondrial function and greater mitochondrial acetylation levels in cows with a higher inclusion of pasture and suggests differential adaptative mechanisms between NAH and NZH cows to strategies with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy.

Changes in Expression in BMP2 and Two Closely Related Genes in Guinea Pig Retinal Pigment Epithelium during Induction and Recovery from Myopia.

We previously reported differential gene expression of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) in guinea pig retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after 1 day of hyperopic defocus, imposed with a negative contact lens (CLs). The study reported here sought to obtain insights into the temporal profiles of gene expression changes in Bmp2, as well as those of two closely related genes, the inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (Id3) and Noggin (Nog), both during myopia induction and when the CL treatment was terminated to allow recovery from induced myopia. To induce myopia, 2-week-old pigmented guinea pigs (New Zealand strain, n = 8) wore monocular -10 diopter (D) rigid gas-permeable (RGP) CLs for one week, while the other eye served as a control. Ocular measurements were made at baseline, 3 days, and 7 days after the initiation of CL wear, with treatment then being terminated and additional measurements being made after a further 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs), axial length (AL), choroidal thickness (ChT), and scleral thickness (ScT) data were collected using retinoscopy, optical biometry (Lenstar), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), respectively. RPE samples were collected from both eyes of the guinea pigs after either 1 day or 1 week of CL wear or 1 day or 2 weeks after its termination, and RNA was subsequently isolated and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses, targeting the Bmp2, Id3, and Nog genes. Mean interocular differences (treated-control) in AL and SER were significantly different from baseline after 3 and 7 days of CL wear, consistent with induced myopia (p < 0.001 for all cases). Termination of CL wear resulted in the normalization (i.e., recovery) of the ALs and SERs of the treated eyes within 7 days, and the earlier significant ChT thinning with CL wear (p = 0004, day 7) was replaced by rapid thickening, which remained significant on day 7 (p = 0.009) but had normalized by day 14. The ChT changes were much smaller in magnitude than the AL changes in both phases. Interocular differences in the ScT showed no significant changes. The Bmp2 and Id3 genes were both significantly downregulated with CL wear, after 1 day (p = 0.012 and 0.016) and 7 days (p = 0.002 and 0.005), while Bmp2 gene expression increased and Nog gene expression decreased after the termination of CL wear, albeit transiently, which was significant on 1 day (p = 0.004 and 0.04) but not 2 weeks later. No change in Id3 gene expression was observed over the latter period. Conclusions: The above patterns of myopia induction and recovery validate this negative RGP-CL model as an alternative to traditional spectacle lens models for guinea pigs. The defocus-driven, sign-dependent changes in the expression of the Bmp2 gene in guinea pig RPE are consistent with observations in chicks and demonstrate the important role of BMP2 in eye growth regulation.

EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK DAUN BELIMBING WULUH (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) SECARA TOPIKAL TERHADAP PENYEMBUHAN LUKA PADA KELINCI (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Wound healing is a repair process of damaged skin tissue caused by injury. The bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) plant is widely known to have potential in wound healing and the plant part that is commonly used is the leaves. The purpose of this study was to determine the wound healing effects of bilimbi leaf extract (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) topically. The wound healing test was conducted using the New Zealand strain rabbit test animal. The rabbit’s back skin was induced with 8 mm diameter wound and the induced wounds were grouped into 5 groups. The groups included a negative control group that was given with aqua dest solution; the positive control group was given with betadine solution; treatment groups were given with 3%; 6%; and 12% bilimbi leaves extract. The wounds that were treated with betadine solution and bilimbi leaves extract 3% healed on day 13th. The wounds that were treated with bilimbi leaves extract 6 and 12% were healed on day 12nd. The different results showed by the wounds that were treated with aqua destilata which were healed on day 14th. The results showed that bilimbi leaf extract was topically effective in wound healing on rabbit test animals. The most effective concentration of bilimbi leaves extract in wound healing was 6% and 12%.

New Zealand isolates from snow of the widespread algal genus Raphidonema assigned to a single species

ABSTRACT Filamentous snow algae in the green algal class Trebouxiophyceae have been historically attributed to at least three genera: Raphidonema Lagerh., Koliella Hindák, and Stichococcus Nägeli. Their separation has been based on filament length and dissociation, and the shape of the terminal cells. However, the strong morphological plasticity of this material has been known since at least the 1970s, and a recent revision placed almost all of the known strains isolated from snow and ice globally into three species of Raphidonema: R. catena Leya & Yakimovich, R. nivale Lagerh., and R. sempervirens Chodat. In addition to three previously sequenced strains from New Zealand, we recently established 11 strains from snow collected throughout the Southern Alps (Fiordland, Otago, Canterbury, and Westland). Sequence data from the rbcL gene and the ITS2 rRNA region placed all of these strains into the species Raphidonema sempervirens. Some biogeographic structure is evident in the rbcL data, with New Zealand strains of the main subclade robustly split from strains isolated from the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Iceland, Svalbard, North America). The other subclade of R. sempervirens also includes some New Zealand strains, and this subclade could become recognised as a separate species with more data and analysis.

A New Zealand regional work-related sprains and strains surveillance, management and prevention programme: study protocol

BackgroundThe impact and costs associated with work-related sprains and strains in New Zealand and globally are substantial and a major occupational and public health burden. In New Zealand around one-third of all sprains and strains workers compensation (ACC) claims (2019) are for back injuries, but shoulder and arm injuries are increasing at a faster rate than other sprain and strain injuries (ACC, 2020). A need exists for a change to current approaches to sprains and strains prevention, to more effectively manage this significant and persistent problem in workplaces. Designing out hazards is one of the most effective means of preventing occupational injuries and illnesses. This paper outlines the study protocol of the surveillance, management and prevention programme and describes the utilisation of prevention through design principles in the prevention of work-related sprains and strains in agriculture/horticulture/food production in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand.MethodsThis is a prospective mixed methods study incorporating the collection of quantitative data to describe the epidemiology of work related sprains and strains injuries presenting to the regional health centre (Hastings Health Centre) over a period of 24 months and qualitative data from participants presenting at the health centre to identify high risk industry sectors/ occupations/ workplaces and tasks and design, develop and apply prevention through design principles/ solutions/interventions to critical features of the work and work environment and undertake an outcome evaluation during the last 6 months of the project.DiscussionThe purpose of this project is to establish an epidemiological surveillance programme to assess the incidence and prevalence of work-related sprains and strains according to age, sex, industry sector and occupation to target efforts to prevent work-related sprains and strains, by applying prevention through design (PtD) principles in selected workplaces in agriculture. The collection of more detailed case, occupational and work history data from a sample of patients presenting at the HHC clinic will identify high risk industry sectors/occupations/workplaces and tasks. Assessment techniques will include comprehensive design, design thinking and human factors/ergonomics methodologies through co-design and participatory ergonomics techniques. The PtD solutions/ interventions implemented will be evaluated using a quasi-experimental design consisting of a pre-test/ post-test with-in subjects design with control groups that do not receive the intervention.

Nitrate enrichment does not affect enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in aquatic microcosms but may affect other strains present in aquatic habitats.

Eutrophication of the planet’s aquatic systems is increasing at an unprecedented rate. In freshwater systems, nitrate—one of the nutrients responsible for eutrophication—is linked to biodiversity losses and ecosystem degradation. One of the main sources of freshwater nitrate pollution in New Zealand is agriculture. New Zealand’s pastoral farming system relies heavily on the application of chemical fertilisers. These fertilisers in combination with animal urine, also high in nitrogen, result in high rates of nitrogen leaching into adjacent aquatic systems. In addition to nitrogen, livestock waste commonly carries human and animal enteropathogenic bacteria, many of which can survive in freshwater environments. Two strains of enteropathogenic bacteria found in New Zealand cattle, are K99 and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). To better understand the effects of ambient nitrate concentrations in the water column on environmental enteropathogenic bacteria survival, a microcosm experiment with three nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg NO3-N /L), two enteropathogenic bacterial strains (STEC O26—human, and K99—animal), and two water types (sterile and containing natural microbiota) was run. Both STEC O26 and K99 reached 500 CFU/10 ml in both water types at all three nitrate concentrations within 24 hours and remained at those levels for the full 91 days of the experiment. Although enteropathogenic strains showed no response to water column nitrate concentrations, the survival of background Escherichia coli, imported as part of the in-stream microbiota did, surviving longer in 1 and 3 mg NO3-N/Lconcentrations (P < 0.001). While further work is needed to fully understand how nitrate enrichment and in-stream microbiota may affect the viability of human and animal pathogens in freshwater systems, it is clear that these two New Zealand strains of STEC O26 and K99 can persist in river water for extended periods alongside some natural microbiota.

Effects of Salinity on Growth and In Vitro Ichthyotoxicity of Three Strains of Karenia mikimotoi

Karenia mikimotoi is one of the most damaging ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate species commonly found in China. However, its growth and ichthyotoxicity responses to salinity changes are still largely unknown. In this study, the growth and ichthyotoxicity of three K. mikimotoi strains, Hong Kong strain KMHK, Japanese strain NIES2411 and New Zealand strain CAWD133, under different salinities (25 to 35 ppt), initial algal densities (5 to 40 thousand cells) and growth phases were investigated. Results indicated that the optimum salinity for all three strains was 30 ppt. The Japanese strain achieved the highest maximum cell densities (cells mL−1) and the New Zealand strain achieved the highest specific growth rate. The Hong Kong and New Zealand strains could not tolerate the low salinity at 25 ppt and the algal cells burst after 3 days of exposure. The average cell widths of all three algal strains in 35 ppt salinity were significantly larger than that in 30 ppt. The acute toxicity test performed on Oncorhynchus mykiss gill cell line RTgill-W1 revealed that the median lethal times for KMHK and NIES2411 were 66.9 and 31.3 min, respectively, and their ichthyotoxicity was significantly affected by algal cell density and growth phase. Nevertheless, CAWD133 did not pose any ichthyotoxicity. The gill cell viability levels at 30 min were reduced from 96 to 61% and 95 to 39% for KMHK and NIES2411, respectively, when the algal cell density increased from 5 × 103 to 4 × 104 algal cells mL−1. Both KMHK and NIES2411 at stationary phase also had higher toxicity than at log phase, with a 27% reduction of gill cell viability, and exerted higher toxicity to the gill cells under extremely low (28 ppt) or high (35 ppt) salinity. These findings demonstrated that the growth–ichthyotoxicity response of Karenia mikimotoi to salinity was not only strain-specific but also depended on its density and growth phase. Study on the effects of salinity on the growth and toxicity of K. mikimotoi is greatly limited. Results from the present study provide valuable insight on the growth and toxicity of different K. mikimotoi strains, which is important in understanding their occurrence of algal bloom and fish-killing action.

Daily or Less Frequent Topical 1% Atropine Slows Defocus-Induced Myopia Progression in Contact Lens-Wearing Guinea Pigs

PurposeThis study compared the efficacy of topical 1% atropine applied daily versus every 3 days for controlling myopia progression in guinea pigs.MethodsTo induce myopia, pigmented guinea pigs (New Zealand strain, n = 38) wore monocular −10 D rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses, which were replaced after 3 weeks with −15 diopter (D) contact lenses. Animals were treated with 1% atropine either daily (Atr-QD; n = 12), or every 3 days (Atr-Q3D; n = 11), or with artificial tears (control group; n = 15). Spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) and axial length (AL) data, as well as retinal and choroidal thickness data were collected weekly.ResultsWhereas mean (±SEM) interocular differences (treated - fellow) in both SER and AL at week 0 (baseline) were similar for all groups, significant differences between the atropine-treated and control groups were evident by week 6 (SER and AL, P < 0.001). The treated eyes of the control group showed relatively more axial elongation and myopia progression than both the Atr-QD and Atr-Q3D groups. Choroidal blood vessel area also decreased over time in the treated eyes of the control group, coupled with choroidal thinning overall, with these changes being attenuated by atropine. Retinal thickness showed a developmental decrease over the treatment period but was unaffected by atropine.ConclusionsFor this defocus-induced guinea pig model of myopia, application of 1% topical atropine slows myopia progression, even when applied every 3 days.Translational RelevanceThe results from this study suggest that the frequency of dosing for topical atropine may be reduced from the widely used daily dosing regimen without loss of myopia control efficacy.

The First Mitochondrial Genome of Ciborinia camelliae and Its Position in the Sclerotiniaceae Family.

Ciborinia camelliae is the causal agent of camellia flower blight (CFB). It is a hemibiotrophic pathogen, inoperculate Discomycete of the family Sclerotiniaceae. It shows host and organ specificity infecting only flowers of species belonging to the genus Camellia, causing serious damage to the ornamental component of the plant. In this work, the first mitochondrial genome of Ciborinia camellia is reported. The mitogenome was obtained by combining Illumina short read and Nanopore long read technology. To resolve repetitive elements, specific primers were designed and used for Sanger sequencing. The manually curated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the Italian strain DSM 112729 is a circular sequence of 114,660 bp, with 29.6% of GC content. It contains two ribosomal RNA genes, 33 transfer RNAs, one RNase P gene, and 62 protein-coding genes. The latter include one gene coding for a ribosomal protein (rps3) and the 14 typical proteins involved in the oxidative metabolism. Moreover, a partial mtDNA assembled from a contig list was obtained from the deposited genome assembly of a New Zealand strain of C. camelliae. The present study contributes to understanding the mitogenome arrangement and the evolution of this phytopathogenic fungus in comparison to other Sclerotiniaceae species and confirms the usefulness of mitochondrial analysis to define phylogenetic positioning of this newly sequenced species.

Phylogenetic analysis shows that New Zealand isolates of Neonectria ditissima are similar to European isolates

Neonectria ditissima causes a debilitating apple tree canker disease. We determined the efficacy of polymerase chain reaction primers, originally designed for European strains, by sequencing New Zealand strains. The concatenated ribosomal inter-transcribed spacer and β-tubulin gene regions of 17 New Zealand isolates were compared with those of two European strains by phylogenetic analysis. New Zealand and European isolates of N. ditissima were in the same clade, suggesting that there has been little change in these gene regions following introduction to New Zealand. There was 100% homology with Bt-FW135 and Bt-RW284 primers. Based on sequencing 17 New Zealand isolates from several locations, these polymerase chain reaction primers can be relied upon to amplify New Zealand isolates of N. ditissima.

First record of the cyanobacterial genus &lt;italic&gt;Wilmottia&lt;/italic&gt; (Coleofasciculaceae, Oscillatoriales) from the South Orkney Islands (Antarctica)

Two cyanobacterial morphotypes isolated from Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctica were characterised using a polyphasic approach combining morphological, cytological and molecular analyses. These analyses showed that the strains grouped with members of the genus Wilmottia. This genus currently includes three species, W. murrayi, W. stricta, and W. koreana. Both morphotypes analysed in this study were placed within the clade of W. murrayi. This clade showed a well-supported separation from Antarctic and New Zealand strains, as well as strains from other regions. W. murrayi was first described from Antarctica and is now known from several Antarctic regions. Confirmation of the occurrence of W. murrayi at Signy Island significantly extends its known distribution in Antarctica. In addition, a new combination, W. arthurensis, is suggested for Phormidium arthurensis. Key words: Antarctic cyanobacteria; distribution; polyphasic analysis; taxonomy; 16S rDNA

Multilevel systems biology analysis of lung transcriptomics data identifies key miRNAs and potential miRNA target genes for SARS-CoV-2 infection

BackgroundThe spread of a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected both the public health and the global economy. The current study was aimed at analysing the genetic sequence of this highly contagious corona virus from an evolutionary perspective, comparing the genetic variation features of different geographic strains, and identifying the key miRNAs as well as their gene targets from the transcriptome data of infected lung tissues. MethodsA multilevel robust computational analysis was undertaken for viral genetic sequence alignment, phylogram construction, genome-wide transcriptome data interpretation of virus-infected lung tissues, miRNA mapping, and functional biology networking. ResultsOur findings show both genetic similarities as well as notable differences in the S protein length among SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS viruses. All SARS-CoV-2 strains showed a high genetic similarity with the parent Wuhan strain, but Saudi Arabian, South African, USA, Russia and New Zealand strains carry 3 additional genetic variations like P333L (RNA -dependant RNA polymerase), D614G (spike), and P4715L (ORF1ab). The infected lung tissues demonstrated the upregulation of 282 (56.51%) antiviral defensive response pathway genes and downregulation of 217 (43.48%) genes involved in autophagy and lung repair pathways. By miRNA mapping, 4 key miRNAs (hsa-miR-342-5p, hsa-miR-432-5p, hsa-miR-98-5p and hsa-miR-17-5p), targeting multiple host genes (MYC, IL6, ICAM1 and VEGFA) as well as SARS-CoV2 gene (ORF1ab) were identified. ConclusionSystems biology methods offer a new perspective in understanding the molecular basis for the faster spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The antiviral miRNAs identified in this study may aid in the ongoing search for novel personalized therapeutic avenues for COVID patients.

High coverage of diverse invasive meningococcal serogroup B strains by the 4-component vaccine 4CMenB in Australia, 2007–2011: Concordant predictions between MATS and genetic MATS

ABSTRACT Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) accounts for an important proportion of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The 4-component vaccine against MenB (4CMenB) is composed of factor H binding protein (fHbp), neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA), Neisseria adhesin A (NadA), and outer membrane vesicles of the New Zealand strain with Porin 1.4. A meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) and a fully genomic approach, genetic MATS (gMATS), were developed to predict coverage of MenB strains by 4CMenB. We characterized 520 MenB invasive disease isolates collected over a 5-year period (January 2007–December 2011) from all Australian states/territories by multilocus sequence typing and estimated strain coverage by 4CMenB. The clonal complexes most frequently identified were ST-41/44 CC/Lineage 3 (39.4%) and ST-32 CC/ET-5 CC (23.7%). The overall MATS predicted coverage was 74.6% (95% coverage interval: 61.1%–85.6%). The overall gMATS prediction was 81.0% (lower–upper limit: 75.0–86.9%), showing 91.5% accuracy compared with MATS. Overall, 23.7% and 13.1% (MATS) and 26.0% and 14.0% (gMATS) of isolates were covered by at least 2 and 3 vaccine antigens, respectively, with fHbp and NHBA contributing the most to coverage. When stratified by year of isolate collection, state/territory and age group, MATS and gMATS strain coverage predictions were consistent across all strata. The high coverage predicted by MATS and gMATS indicates that 4CMenB vaccination may have an impact on the burden of MenB-caused IMD in Australia. gMATS can be used in the future to monitor variations in 4CMenB strain coverage over time and geographical areas even for non-culture confirmed IMD cases.

Thermal inactivation of New Zealand Campylobacter jejuni strains in chicken under dynamic conditions

The objective of this study was to determine the microbial kinetic parameters ( D and z ) in chicken under dynamic temperature for the most implicated strains in campylobacteriosis cases in New Zealand. Campylobacter strains were inoculated on discs of chicken skin which were placed in a special aluminium cell and heated from room temperature to 65 °C with two heating regimes 8 min and 18 min, using a programmed-controlled water bath. Parameter optimisation was accomplished using the MATLAB Optimisation Toolbox. The D and z values at a reference temperature 56 °C for the four isolates were in the range of 31 s–40 s and 8.7 °C–10 °C, respectively. The obtained D and z values for New Zealand strains under dynamic conditions are broadly in agreement with the published international isothermal data, and the high rate of campylobacteriosis in New Zealand is not associated with the emergence of more heat resistant strains. • The study determined the first D and z values in chicken under dynamic temperature. • High campylobacteriosis is not associated with the emergence of more heat resistant strains. • The D and z under dynamic are more accurate than those under constant temperature. • Determination of the dynamic D and z is less laborious than the determination of the constant ones.

Trigonella foenum graecum derived mucilage supplementation in diet alleviates the progression of atherosclerosis in high cholesterol diet-fed rabbit model by regulating inflammation

Hypercholesterolemia is the risk factor that leads to atherosclerosis, which is the primary cause of mortality and morbidity in the developing and developed countries. This problem magnitude is profound as atherosclerosis claims more lives than all types of cancer combined, and the economic costs are considerable. Now, herbal medicine has grown in popularity all over the world. The present research work was undertaken to assess the effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) mucilage (FGM) on inflammatory mediators and antioxidants in atherosclerotic progression. Male white rabbits of New Zealand strain were used in this study. Rabbits were grouped into three and fed with varying diets for 90 days: Group I - normal diet, Group II - high cholesterol diet (HCD), and Group III - HCD + FGM (75 mg/kg body weight). FGM supplementation decreased the total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, triglycerides, and increased HDL-C levels significantly compared with HCD fed rabbits showing its atherogenicity. Administration of FGM significantly reduced the activities of inflammatory enzymes, inflammatory mediators, and acute-phase proteins which were elevated by HCD. The supplementation maintains the activities of antioxidant enzymes and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) that highlights its antioxidant role. The effect of FGM was further buttressed using the histopathological examination of the aorta. These findings indicated that FGM held promising potential to be further developed into a novel therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.

In vitro and in vivo amelioration of colitis using targeted delivery system of cyclosporine a in New Zealand rabbits

Necessity to develop the efficient targeted delivery of highly potent immunosuppressant for IBD in order to avoid surgical procedure, led to fabrication and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory potential. Previously formulated cyclosporine A (Cyp A) into enteric coated capsules was further evaluated for its site-specificity in the treatment of TNBS induced colitis. Contact angle measurement studies showed excellent spreadability of the developed formulation over the hydrophilic biological tissue substrate. HET-CAM study demonstrates that the formulation prepared is nonirritant to the highly vascular tissues and hence can be used for the immunological sensitive tissues like inflamed intestine in IBD. Further the developed formulation has been characterized for site specificity to distal parts of intestine by pharmacokinetic studies. The appearance of drug in systemic circulation at approximately 5 hours in New Zealand strain of rabbits confirms drug delivery at distal parts of intestine. Significant reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in drug treated animals signifies inhibition of inflammatory reactions at the TNBS treated site. Simultaneously, the change in body weight of same group of animals was observed for 15 days. Results showed a marginal recovery of body weight in Cyp A treated TNBS induced colitis animals. In conclusion, all in vitro and in vivo results confirm the successful site specific delivery and anti-inflammatory efficacy of developed formulation of Cyp A in TNBS induced colitis in New Zealand rabbits.

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits

Background: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits by using PGE1 induced hyperpyrexia method. We found that not much work has been done on the antipyretic effect of this plant.Methods: Laboratory breed New Zealand strains of rabbits of either sex weighing 1000-1500 gm were used in the study. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6). The rabbits of all the groups were made febrile by injecting misoprostol (PGE1) subcutaneously in the dose of 100 mcg/kg. For group 1 and 2, normal saline 2ml/kg as control and aspirin 28mg/kg as standard were given respectively. Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in the doses of 200, 400 and 800mg/kg were administered in remaining three groups respectively. Rectal temperatures were recorded with help of digital thermometer for every 30 min after drug treatment.Results: Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii produced highly significant (p&lt;0.001) antipyretic effect in 400 and 800 mg/kg doses. But onset of action was fast with 800mg/kg dose.Conclusions: This study concludes that Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii has fast onset of action and also exhibited sustained anti pyretic action in New Zealand rabbits.

The Development of a Vaccine Against Meningococcus B Using Reverse Vaccinology.

The discovery of vaccine antigens through whole genome sequencing (WGS) contrasts with the classical hypothesis-driven laboratory-based analysis of microbes to identify components to elicit protective immunity. This radical change in scientific direction and action in vaccine research is captured in the term reverse vaccinology. The complete genome sequence of an isolate of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) was systematically analyzed to identify proteins predicted to be secreted or exported to the outer membrane. This identified hundreds of genes coding for potential surface-exposed antigens. These were amplified, cloned in expression vectors and used to immunize mice. Antisera against 350 recombinant antigens were obtained and analyzed in a panel of immunological assays from which 28 were selected as potentially protective based on the -antibody dependent, complement mediated- serum bactericidal activity assay. Testing of these candidate vaccine antigens, using a large globally representative strain collection of Neisseria species isolated from cases of disease and carriage, indicated that no single component would be sufficient to induce broad coverage and that a “universal” vaccine should contain multiple antigens. The final choice of antigens to be included was based on cross-protective ability, assayed by serum bactericidal activity and maximum coverage of the extensive antigenic variability of MenB strains. The resulting multivalent vaccine formulation selected consisted of three recombinant antigens (Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen or NHBA, Factor H binding protein or fHbp and Neisseria Adhesin A or NadA). To improve immunogenicity and potential strain coverage, an outer membrane vesicle component obtained from the epidemic New Zealand strain (OMVNz) was added to the formulation to create a four component vaccine, called 4CMenB. A series of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials were conducted to evaluate safety and tolerability and to estimate the vaccine effectiveness of human immune responses at different ages and how these were affected by various factors including concomitant vaccine use and lot-to-lot consistency. 4CMenB was approved in Europe in 2013 and introduced in the National Immunization Program in the UK starting from September 2015 when the vaccine was offered to all newborns using a 2, 4, and 12 months schedule., The effectiveness against invasive MenB disease measured at 11 months after the study start and 5 months after the second vaccination was 83% and there have been no safety concerns.