Kefir recovered depressive-like behaviour in CantonS lineage of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress protocol.

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is a widely accepted method for inducing depressive-like states in animal models. We decided to explore the effects of CUMS on the CantonS lineage of Drosophila melanogaster, which differs from the OregonR lineage in various ways. Additionally, we wanted to investigate the potential benefits of kefir in treating these chronically stressed flies, as previous research has shown promising results in using kefir components for depression treatment. To begin, we exposed male CantonS flies to a 10-day CUMS protocol and compared them to non-stressed flies. Within the stressed group, we had two subgroups: one treated with kefir (CUMS + Kefir group) and the other treated with sertraline (positive control). We then analysed various factors including serotonin levels, brain structure, markers of oxidative damage in lipids and proteins, and behavioural manifestations such as sociability, locomotor function, and anhedonic-like behaviour. Our results showed that flies exposed to CUMS experienced a decrease in serotonin levels without any signs of degeneration. They also exhibited reduced sociability, increased motor agitation, and decreased sucrose consumption, which are all indicative of stress-induced depressive-like behaviour. However, treatment with sertraline partially reversed these effects. Interestingly, treatment with kefir not only restored serotonin levels but also improved sociability and anhedonic-like behaviours. Additionally, flies in the CUMS + Kefir group had a longer lifespan compared to their untreated counterparts. These findings suggest that kefir has multiple advantageous effects on flies subjected to the 10-day CUMS protocol. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the CantonS lineage of D. melanogaster displays depressive-like manifestations after exposure to CUMS. Furthermore, kefir emerges as a powerful nutritional tool capable of reversing these effects and promoting beneficial outcomes in chronically stressed flies.

Peptide-based electrochemical biosensor for juvenile idiopathic arthritis detection.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a wide group of diseases, characterized by synovial inflammation and joint tissue damage. Due to the delay in the implementation of biomarkers into clinical practice and the association with severe sequels, there is an imperative need for new JIA diagnosis strategies. Electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes and peptides are promising alternatives for molecular diagnosis. In this work, a novel biosensor for detecting juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was developed based on the immobilization of the PRF+1 mimetic peptide, as recognition biological element, on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode. This biosensor was able to discriminate the JIA positive and negative serum samples from different individuals using differential pulse voltammetry, presenting limits of detection and quantification in diluted samples of 1:784 (v/v) and 1:235 (v/v), respectively. Evaluation by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed RCT 3 times higher for JIA positive sample than for a pool of human serum samples from healthy individuals. Surface analysis of the biosensor by atomic force microscopy, after contact with JIA positive serum, presented great globular clusters irregularly distributed. The long-term stability of the biosensor was evaluated, remaining functional for over 40 days of storage (after storage at 8°C). Therefore, a simple, miniaturized and selective biosensor was developed, being the first one based on mimetic peptide and screen-printed carbon electrode, aiming at the diagnosis of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis in real serum samples.

Salmonella Gallinarum field isolates and its relationship to vaccine strain SG9R.

1. The aim of the present study was to determine if the 9R-strain of the Salmonella Gallinarum live vaccine was responsible for having fowl typhoid outbreaks in chicken flocks from both chicken and turkey breeders as well as to verify the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates from the outbreaks. 2. The triplex polymerase chain reaction, standard antimicrobial test, beta-lactamase genes identification and Ion Torrent PMG whole-genome sequence were used in the field isolates and in the vaccine strain of S. Gallinarum. 3. The 60 tested isolates were not from vaccine origin and manifested high resistance to drugs from macrolide and quinolone groups. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis on selected isolates for core genes from Salmonella enterica confirmed the wild origin of these isolates and showed two possible sources of S. Gallinarum in the studied outbreaks. 4. S. Gallinarum isolated from fowl typhoid outbreaks in the studied period were not caused by the use of the SG9R live vaccine. The source of strains sequenced was diverse.

Cobalt chloride induces metaphase when topically applied to larvae and pupae of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini).

In order to optimize preparations of bee metaphases, we tested cobalt chloride, which has been used as a metaphase inducer in other organisms, such as hamsters and fish. Four microliters of 65 mM cobalt chloride aqueous solution was topically applied to larval and pupal stages of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. The cerebral ganglion was removed after treatment and prepared for cytogenetic analysis. Identically manipulated untreated individuals were used as controls. The number of metaphases was increased 3-fold in treated individuals compared to controls. The micronucleus test showed no mutagenic effects of cobalt chloride on M. scutellaris cells. We concluded that cobalt chloride is a metaphase-inducing agent in M. scutellaris, thus being useful for cytogenetic analyses.

Specific phage-displayed peptides discriminate different forms of neurocysticercosis by antibody detection in the serum samples.

Neurocysticercosis (NC), caused by Taenia solium metacestode, infects the central nervous system and is a devastating parasitic infection. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, imaging, serology and epidemiology. Current markers present variable sensitivity and specificity, frequent cross-reactions and are not able to discriminate NC clinical forms. The aim of this study was to select mimotopes of T. solium metacestode antigens that may be used in NC immunodiagnosis, specifically to discriminate between active and inactive forms. A random peptide phage display library was screened against IgY from chickens immunized with total saline extract from T. solium metacestodes and validated against 110 serum samples, classified into active NC (18), inactive NC (22), cross-reactive parasitic diseases (40) and healthy controls (30). We have successfully selected seven peptides with significant immunoreactivity to IgG of NC patients, with sensitivity ranging from 95.5% to 100% to detect the inactive form and specificity varied from 85.7% to 94.3%. One phage-displayed peptide (Cc48) can be directly used as biomarker to distinguish inactive from active forms with an accuracy of 95.7%, and this novel mimotope may also be used as an auxiliary tool to neuroimaging tests and treatment follow-up.