Metagenomic and volatile profiles of ripened cheese obtained from dairy ewes fed a dietary hemp seed supplementation.

Chemical and organoleptic properties of dairy products largely depend on the action of microorganisms that tend to be selected in cheese during ripening in response to the availability of specific substrates. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of a diet enriched with hemp seeds on the microbiota composition of fresh and ripened cheese produced from milk of lactating ewes. Thirty-two half-bred ewes were involved in the study, in which half (control group) received a standard diet, and the other half (experimental group) took a diet enriched with 5% hemp seeds (on a DM basis) for 35 d. The dietary supplementation significantly increased the lactose in milk, but no variations in total fat, proteins, caseins, and urea were observed. Likewise, no changes in total fat, proteins, or ash were detected in the derived cheeses. The metagenomic approach was used to characterize the microbiota of raw milk and cheese. The phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were in equally high abundance in both control and experimental raw milk samples, whereas Bacteroidetes was less abundant. The scenario changed when considering the dairy products. In all cheese samples, Firmicutes was clearly predominant, with Streptococcaceae being the most abundant family in the experimental group. The reduction of taxa observed during ripening was in accordance with the increment (relative abundance) of the starter culture Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, which together dominate the microbial community. The analysis of the volatile profile in ripened cheeses led to the identification of 3 major classes of compounds: free fatty acids, ketones, and aldehydes, which indicate a prevalence of lipolysis compared with the other biochemical mechanisms that characterize the cheese ripening.

Seasonal succession of tabanid species in equine infectious anaemia endemic areas of Italy.

Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is a disease with an almost worldwide distribution, with several outbreaks having been reported recently in European countries. In Italy, two regions, Lazio and Abruzzo, are considered as endemic areas for this disease. In nature, the EIA virus is mechanically transmitted by biting flies such as tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae), although few studies have investigated the epidemiological implications. In the present study, several sites characterized by different levels of EIA prevalence were sampled. In sites with high tabanid populations, a seasonal succession of tabanid species with a dual-peak corresponding to early active species (i.e. in June to July) and late active species (i.e. in August to September) was clearly observed. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between EIA prevalence and tabanid abundance and species richness, suggesting that tabanid diversity might extend the duration of the seasonal transmission period of EIA. Further observations are required to better assess how vector diversity influence EIA transmission.

Analysis of saliva samples in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Patients affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) usually show orofacial dysfunction, poor oral hygiene, severe tooth wear, generalized caries and thick sticky saliva. The aim of this study was to evaluate molecular/ionic changings in PWS patients compared to controls, as well as unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR); 7 patients with a mean age of 20.0±5.45 years were enrolled in the study group (PWS group) and 5 patients with a mean age of 22.6±3.05 years, in the control group. Results showed a greater Na+ (p=0.003), Cl+ (p=0.004) and P (p=0.001) concentration in saliva of PWS group as well as a greater concentration of secretory IgA (p=0.003) with a reduction of SFR (p=0.004) compared to controls. A Spearman’s analysis (based on the SFR of both groups) revealed an inverse correlation with Na (rho=-0.747), Cl (rho=-0.723), P (rho=-0.637) and sIgA (rho=-0.707) concentration and SFR, when linear regression model was performed only P and SFR were interdependent (ß=-0.748; p=0.005).

Lichen planus: molecular pathway and clinical implications in oral disorders.

Stem cells play a role in many mucosal disorders characterised by abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, such as oral lichen planus (OLP). In OLP there were changes in stem cell markers as component of integrin complexes α6 and ß1 integrin increased along with increase of melanoma-associated chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (MCSP) and decreased of notch1 (N1) and keratin 15 (K15). Stem cell marker expression may be altered by pathological signalling in these lesions. Cadherins are transmembrane receptors that provide cell-cell contact and communication function through calcium-dependent homophilic and heterophilic interactions. In actively diseased areas of OLP lesions, basal keratinocytes downregulate CD40 and were focally E-cadherin-negative, in contrast to non-diseased areas and normal oral mucosa. This loss of E-cadherin expression may contribute to epithelial basal cell destruction and T-cell migration into the epithelial compartment in OLP. In addition, Growth factor pathways as a role in OLP and has been analyzed in this review.

Genetic diversity of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in central Italy.

BACKGROUND: As the epidemiology of human Q Fever generally reflects the spread of Coxiella burnetii in ruminant livestock, molecular characterization of strains is essential to prevent human outbreaks. In this study we report the genetic diversity of C. burnetii in central Italy accomplished by MST and MLVA-6 on biological samples from 20 goat, sheep and cow farms. RESULTS: Five MST and ten MLVA profiles emerged from the analysis establishing a part of C. burnetii strain world atlas. In particular, ST32 occurred on 12 farms (60%), prevalently in goat specimens, while ST12 (25%) was detected on 4 sheep and 1 goat samples. ST8 and a variant of this genotype were described on 2 different sheep farms, whereas ST55 was observed on a goat farm. Five complete MLVA profiles different from any other published genotypes were described in this study in addition to 15 MLVA incomplete panels. Despite this, polymorphic markers Ms23, Ms24 and Ms33 enabled the identification of samples sharing the same MST profile. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of such data in international databases can be of further help in the attempt of building a global phylogeny and epidemiology of Q fever in animals, with a "One Health" perspective.

Validation of a fast real-time PCR method to detect fraud and mislabeling in milk and dairy products.

Fast real-time PCR TaqMan assays were developed and validated for species identification in dairy products. Based on the amplification of 12S rRNA and cytB partial genes of mitochondrial DNA, the methods were demonstrated to be sensitive, fast, and species-specific for Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Bubalus bubalis, and Capra hircus. The limit of detection calculated was lower than 1%, and the efficiency was reported to be higher than 96% in every assay. An internal amplification control was used to detect possible false negatives. The method was validated by means of laboratory-prepared samples mixing different species. Moreover, 18 commercial dairy samples were analyzed by both real-time PCR and isoelectric focusing, the official European Union reference method. The 4 TaqMan assays were confirmed to be a useful tool for milk and dairy product authentication.

A proteomics-driven assay defines specific plasma protein signatures in different stages of Ménière's disease.

Ménière's disease (MD) is a common disorder of the inner ear whose hallmarks are vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness, and progressive hearing loss. The degree of severity of the disease is quite heterogeneous, and so is its pathogenesis. A multifactorial inheritance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors has been described, but there is not a common agreement on the molecular basis of MD. In a recent article, we have demonstrated that patients suffering from MD share a common plasma proteomic signature, characterized by the presence of several up- and down-regulated proteins. In this study, we have further extended our analysis and show that the differential expression of plasma proteins can identify specific subsets of MD-affected individuals, depending on their stage. Our findings confirm our plasma proteomics-driven approach as a powerful tool for early diagnosis of MD and uncover a potentially starring role for some proteins in the development and fate of this frustrating disease, whose pathogenesis still remains unclear.

Molecular and morphological phylogeny of Saccocirridae (Annelida) reveals two cosmopolitan clades with specific habitat preferences.

Saccocirrids are tiny, slender annelids inhabiting the interstices among coarse sand sediments in shallow waters. The 22 nominal species can be grouped into two morphological groups "papillocercus" and "krusadensis", based on the absence/presence of a pharyngeal bulbus muscle, absence/presence of ventral ciliary patterns, bilateral/unilateral gonad arrangement and chaetal differences. We present herein the first phylogenetic analyses of Saccocirridae based on four molecular markers and 34 morphological characters, employing maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. All analyses confirmed the monophyly of each morphological group with high nodal support. As a consequence and based on several apomorphic characters, a new genus, Pharyngocirrus gen. nov., is erected for the "krusadensis" clade. Remarkably, the habitat preferences and trophic guilds are also shown to differ between the two genera, yet show strong consistency within each group. Geographic distribution analyses underscore the family preference for subtropical areas, but reject the previously proposed restriction of Pharyngocirrus gen. nov. to the Indo-Pacific. The finding of two morphologically diverging, cosmopolitan sister clades with different habitat preferences suggest an early ecological diversification of the family, conserved during the later evolution, speciation processes and dispersal of the family.

The p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K mediates cAMP-PKA and insulin biological effects on MCF-7 cell growth and motility.

Recent studies have shown that hyperinsulinemia may increase the cancer risk. Moreover, many tumors demonstrate an increased activation of IR signaling pathways. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is necessary for insulin action. In epithelial cells, which do not express GLUT4 and gluconeogenic enzymes, insulin-mediated PI3K activation regulates cell survival, growth, and motility. Although the involvement of the regulatory subunit of PI3K (p85α (PI3K)) in insulin signal transduction has been extensively studied, the function of its N-terminus remains elusive. It has been identified as a serine (S83) in the p85α (PI3K) that is phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA). To determine the molecular mechanism linking PKA to insulin-mediated PI3K activation, we used p85α (PI3K) mutated forms to prevent phosphorylation (p85A) or to mimic the phosphorylated residue (p85D). We demonstrated that phosphorylation of p85α (PI3K)S83 modulates the formation of the p85α (PI3K)/IRS-1 complex and its subcellular localization influencing the kinetics of the insulin signaling both on MAPK-ERK and AKT pathways. Furthermore, the p85α (PI3K)S83 phosphorylation plays a central role in the control of insulin-mediated cell proliferation, cell migration, and adhesion. This study highlights the p85α (PI3K)S83 role as a key regulator of cell proliferation and motility induced by insulin in MCF-7 cells breast cancer model.

Assessment of host defence mechanisms induced by Candida species.

Some species of Candida are opportunistic pathogens that can cause disease in a host immunocompromised by underlying local or systemic pathological processes. C. albicans is the species most often associated with oral lesions, but other species of Candida, including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, have also been isolated in the saliva of subjects with and without candidiasis. In the present study we evaluated the host defence mechanisms induced by Candida albicans and other Candida species in monocytes and oral epithelial cells in order to establish the existence of a species-specific cellular response. Our results indicated that, during Candida species infection, the epithelial cells actively participate in the host defence by producing antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, in infections caused by Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata, the host defence may be strengthened by the release of perforin and granzyme by polymorphonuclear leukocytes recruited at the site of infection.

Multiparametric correlation of laboratory biomarkers to multiorgan failure outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is an extremely contagious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that will keep broadly circulating and evolving. Collected evidence revealed the clinical profile of COVID-19 patients as a potential predictor of their outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between poor outcomes and laboratory parameters in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, in this sense observing how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects other organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 133 patients, positive for SARS-CoV-2, aged between 30 to 94 years, between January 12th and April 25th, 2021. Discharge from the hospital, transferral to the ordinary ward or nursing home, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality were recorded, along with demographic, laboratory and clinical parameters. The whole sample was summarized by median (interquartile range) for quantitative data, and absolute and relative percentage frequencies for qualitative variables. Univariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between all the parameters of interest and COVID-19 adverse outcomes, single (in-hospital mortality) and composite (in-hospital mortality and ICU admission). Hence, a multivariable model was fitted to identify potential independent predictors of the composite outcome. The accuracy of the model was assessed through appropriate fitting indices, such as the C-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Moreover, to detect multicollinearity, the variance inflation factor (VIF) was used. RESULTS: Our study sample had a median age of 72 years old (59.0-83.0). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (63.7%), cardiovascular disease (41.9%), diabetes (33.6%), and cerebrovascular disease (21.5%); while as the most common symptoms, we observed dry cough (32.5%), dyspnoea (50.8%), and fatigue (29.8%). Totally, 18 patients died during hospitalization (13.5%), 10 required ICU admission (7.5%), 78 (58.6%) were discharged from the hospital, and 27 (20.3%) were transferred to either ordinary wards or nursing homes. We disclosed an association of older age with both composite [OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09; p=0.003] and single outcome [OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16; p=0.001]. A higher oxygen saturation (SpO2) was associated with a better outcome [OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.93; p=0.009 and OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.95, p=0.009]. Among laboratory parameters, higher levels of neutrophils increased the risk of a poor outcome [OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10; p=0.043]; while higher levels of lymphocytes seem associated with a better outcome [OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.99; p=0.043]. Higher levels of creatinine were associated with a higher risk of both adverse outcomes [OR 6.20, 95% CI 2.16-17.81; p<0.001 and OR 19.90, 95% CI 5.07-78.06; p<0.001, respectively]. Higher levels of sodium (Na) were associated with a higher risk of adverse events [OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.28; p=0.014 and OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.27]. Similar findings were also observed for C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02; p=0.010 and OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02; p=0.024]. Conversely, being positive to IgM and IgG decreases the risk of adverse outcomes [IgM: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.77; p=0.011 and OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.66; p=0.006. IgG: OR 0.30 95% CI 0.13-0.72; p=0.007 and OR 0.22 95% CI 0.07-0.66; p=0.007]. Hence, a multivariable model was fitted to identify potential independent laboratory predictors of the composite outcome, with laboratory parameters that showed an association with composite outcome. The model can be considered accurate according to LH-Test and C-statistic [p>0.83, C-stat=0.90]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that COVID-19 is a multiorgan disease. In fact, the analysis of laboratory parameters has revealed a strong relationship between poorer outcomes and multiple organ dysfunction, particularly established by higher levels of neutrophils, creatinine, sodium, and CRP. Alongside, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and older age supported this finding. Of note, higher levels of SpO2, and lymphocytes, as well as positivity to IgM and IgG were associated with a lower risk of a poor outcome.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene promoter hypermethylation in semen samples of infertile couples correlates with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the methylation status of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) promoter region in semen samples associated with 'recurrent spontaneous abortion' (RSA)? SUMMARY ANSWER: MTHFR promoter hypermethylation is more frequent in semen samples from RSA couples than in semen samples from infertile couples with no history of RSA (NRSA) and affects the whole sperm population significantly more often. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Modifications to the MTHFR gene such as polymorphisms and promoter methylations are associated with male infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: Retrospective cohort study of semen samples from 20 RSA couples, 147 NRSA couples and 20 fertile men between 2011 and 2012. MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS: DNA from the semen samples of RSA, NRSA and fertile men were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR amplification using primers which anneal to the methylated or unmethylated cytosine-phosphodiester bond guanine (CpG) islands within the promoter region of MTHFR. The specificity of the PCR products was assessed by DNA sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The methylated MTHFR epigenotype (including samples where it co-existed with unmethylated MTHFR epigenotypes) was detected in 75% of RSA men, 54% of NRSA men and 15% of fertile men. MTHFR methylation was observed in the whole sperm population in semen samples from 55% of RSA men compared with 8% in NRSA men (P < 0.05) and 0% in fertile men (P < 0.05). DNA sequencing analysis was fully concordant with the PCR results and revealed that when MTHFR methylation occurred, CpG islands within the promoter region were 100% methylated (hypermethylation of MTHFR promoter). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The relatively small sample size of RSA infertile couples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The hypermethylation of the MTHFR gene promoter should be taken into consideration as a novel putative risk factor in RSA etiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Our institution has received an FAR research grant from the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. No competing interests declared.

Cytokines and VEGF induction in orthodontic movement in animal models.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that aims at the resolution of dental malocclusions. The specialist carries out the treatment using intraoral or extraoral orthodontic appliances that require forces of a given load level to obtain a tooth movement in a certain direction in dental arches. Orthodontic tooth movement is dependent on efficient remodeling of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, correlated with several biological and mechanical responses of the tissues surrounding the teeth. A periodontal ligament placed under pressure will result in bone resorption whereas a periodontal ligament under tension results in bone formation. In the primary stage of the application of orthodontic forces, an acute inflammation occurs in periodontium. Several proinflammatory cytokines are produced by immune-competent cells migrating by means of dilated capillaries. In this paper we summarize, also through the utilization of animal models, the role of some of these molecules, namely, interleukin-1ß and vascular endothelial growth factor, that are some proliferation markers of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, and the macrophage colony stimulating factor.

Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains (Sequence Types 23 and 35) from Wildlife.

This report describes the draft genomes of two Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that were isolated from two wild boars collected during epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of wild fauna in the Abruzzo and Molise regions. The strains belonged to sequence type 23 (ST23) and ST35, which are frequently reported in clinical cases.

Interplay between steroid receptors and neoplastic progression in sarcoma tumors.

Steroid hormones are expressed at low levels in mesenchymal cells and are highly expressed in soft tissue sarcoma. In human soft tissue fibrosarcoma cell line (HT-1080), the epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the express of matrix metal (MMPs) expression through a Src-dependent mechanism. In human fibrosarcomas, increased expression of MMPs correlates with the metastatic progression. Our recent data in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, demonstrates that EGF stimulates estradiol receptor (ER) phosphorylation on tyrosine at position 537 thereby promoting the association of a complex among EGF receptor (EGFR), androgen receptor (AR), ER, and Src that activates EGF-dependent signaling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that, in HT-1080 cells, the Src kinase activity is involved in EGFR phosphorylation and this activity is regulated by an interplay between Src, steroid receptors, and EGFR. In these cells, estradiol (E(2) )/ER and synthetic androgen (R1881)/AR trans-activate EGFR leading to the downstream signaling and to ERK activation. Indeed, the association between ER/AR and EGFR enhances metastatic progression of fibrosarcoma tumors. A population pilot study performed on 16 patients with soft tissue neoplasias highlights that MMPs expression correlates with progression of anaplastic sarcoma as well as overexpression of EGFR. These findings suggest that there is a crosstalk among AR, ER, and EGFR that lead to src activation also in fibrosarcoma cells.

Epiphytic hydroid community as sentinels of seagrass condition and human impacts.

Negative human actions on seagrasses affect habitat condition and its associated fauna. Epiphytic hydroid's assemblage response to seagrass condition, water quality, and human impacts was evaluated in two bays of the Sabana-Camagüey Ecosystem of Cuba, using the presence of contamination, causeways, and trawling fishing as impact level proxies to the seagrass meadows. Thirty-eight species composed the hydroid's assemblage including five new records. Symmetroscyphus intermedius was the most abundant species and sensitive to indicators of the seagrass condition. Dynamena disticha and Gastroblasta sp. were sensitive to water quality predictors. Obelia bidentata was exclusive to the most impacted sites. Species richness and abundance were low in impacted sites and were highly affected by fishing trawling and causeways construction. Salinity, depth, NO2, pH, SSV, macroalgae cover, shoot density, and wet weight of Thalassia testudinum were the best predictors for hydroid's assemblages. Results suggest epiphytic hydroids on tropical seagrass meadows as sentinel organisms.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and dental surgery procedures in children and young people with osteogenesis imperfecta: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates (BPs) contrast the bone fragility and improve bone density in some metastatic cancers and bone diseases, such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). BPs use has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJs) in adults needing for invasive dental procedures. AIM: To conduct a systematic review on BRONJ occurrence after dental surgery in paediatric population under BPs therapy for OI, so as to identify the pre-surgical protocols adopted. DESIGN: According to PRISMA guidelines, Pubmed, Web of Science (WoS) and Cochrane were investigated on September 2018, and re-checked on July 2019. Inclusion criteria were English-language papers on children/young adults (until 24 years old) reporting dental/oral surgery procedures. RESULTS: Totally, 60 articles were found. After title/abstract reviews and duplicates exclusion, 22 eligible titles underwent full-text evaluation. Finally, 10 studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of BRONJ occurrence in paediatric population suffering OI and treated with BPs, was confirmed, but the reasons are still debated, being the BPs therapies and the surgical strategies various and not standardized. Longitudinal studies should evaluate what happens to those former children once adult, to evaluate the delayed BRONJs onset associated with the occurrence of comorbidities during the adulthood.

Influence of the composition gradient on the propagation of heat pulses in functionally graded nanomaterials.

A theoretical model to describe heat transport in functionally graded nanomaterials is developed in the framework of extended thermodynamics. The heat-transport equation used in our theoretical model is of the Maxwell-Cattaneo type. We study the propagation of acceleration waves in functionally graded materials (FGMs). In the special case of functionally graded Si1-c Ge c thin layers, we point out the influence of the composition gradient on the propagation of heat pulses. A possible use of heat pulses as exploring tool to infer the inner composition of FGMs is suggested.

Multi-species okadaic acid contamination and human poisoning during a massive bloom of Dinophysis acuminata complex in southern Brazil.

On June 2016, a major bloom of Dinophysis acuminata complex was noticed over the coast of Paraná State (PR), southern Brazil, an area unprotected by any official monitoring program. Here we report the results of an extensive sampling effort that ultimately led PR authorities to issue the first State shellfish-harvesting ban due to multi-species okadaic acid (OA) contamination. During its peak, the bloom covered an area of 201 km2 (∼2.0-3.5 × 54.0 km), attaining unprecedentedly high cell densities along the shallow (<15 m) continental shelf (mean 2.2 × 105, maximum 2.1 × 106 cells L-1) and adjacent sandy beaches (mean 2.8 × 105, maximum 5.2 × 106 cells L-1). Only OA was detected in suspension (max. 188 ng L-1). Toxin levels measured in bivalves were several times greater than the regulatory limit of 160 ng g-1, reaching up to 3600 ng g-1 in Crassostrea gasar, by far the highest OA concentrations ever reported in oysters worldwide, 7700 ng g-1 in brown mussels, Perna perna, and lower levels in clams, Anomalocardia brasiliana, and mangrove mussels, Mytella spp. Nine cases of human intoxication were officially reported and five people were hospitalized with typical symptoms of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning linked to the consumption of contaminated bivalves. All bivalves quickly converted most of the OA into its esterified form, DTX-3, and eliminated the toxins only a few weeks following the bloom, with C. gasar being the slowest-detoxifying species. Lower OA levels were accumulated in zooplankton, gastropods and several novel toxin vectors, including benthic organisms such as sand dollars Mellita quinquiesperforata and the ghost-shrimp Callichirus major, which may act as a good indicator of the presence of toxins in sandy beaches, and pelagic fish species that can serve as potential alternative sources of OA to humans (Chaetodipterus faber and Mugil liza). Monitoring toxin contamination in seafood other than bivalves is thus recommended to ensure comprehensive human health protection during massive Dinophysis blooms. Additionally, since OA was also present at low concentrations in the liver of Guiana dolphins Sotalia guianensis and penguins Spheniscus magellanicus, exposure to biotoxins should be considered in conservation actions involving threatened and near-threatened marine organisms in this region.

Draft Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Strains APF9 and AP108, Isolated in Nigeria in 2014 to 2016.

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is the etiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). While several findings on CBPP prevalence in Nigeria were documented, no data were reported about the genomic characterization of Nigerian M. mycoides subsp. mycoides strains. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two novel M. mycoides subsp. mycoides strains isolated in Nigeria.