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S100A10 protein, a member of S100 protein family, has been extensively studied in mammalian models. In fish species, evolution of S100 proteins including S100A10 has been clarified, revealing that two paralogous genes, S100A10a and S100A10b, arose in teleosts through the fish-specific whole-genome duplication event. However, the functional roles of fish S100A10 genes remain largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we identified two S100A10 homologs in grass carp, designated gcS100A10a and gcS100A10b, and demonstrated that their mRNA is highly expressed in grass carp skin and strongly upregulated after skin trauma by real-time quantitative PCR. Using the fish epithelial cell line, Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells, as a model, we showed that overexpression of gcS100A10a or gcS100A10b enhances cell viability, increases expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and promotes DNA synthesis, thereby demonstrating their capacity to stimulate cell proliferation. Flow cytometric analysis further uncovered that both proteins accelerate EPC cell cycle progression by promoting transition into the S and G2/M phases. Additionally, gcS100A10a and gcS100A10b significantly elevate EPC cell migration and this elevation is attenuated by a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, GM6001, suggesting involvement of MMP activity in this process. This suggestion is strongly supported by findings that overexpression of gcS100A10a or gcS100A10b increases extracellular MMP activity and decreases intracellular MMP accumulation although |MMP-2/MMP-9 mRNA levels remain unchanged. Collectively, these results demonstrate the positive regulation of gcS100A10a and gcS100A10b on fish epithelial cell proliferation and migration, together with their high and injury-inducible expression in grass carp skin, indicating their possible involvement in fish skin wound healing.
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Carpas , Movimiento Celular , Células Epiteliales , Proteínas de Peces , Proteínas S100 , Piel , Animales , Carpas/genética , Carpas/fisiología , Carpas/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular , Células Epiteliales/fisiología , Células Epiteliales/metabolismo , Piel/lesiones , Piel/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/fisiología , Proteínas S100/genética , Proteínas S100/metabolismo , Proteínas de Peces/genética , Proteínas de Peces/metabolismo , Cicatrización de Heridas , Línea Celular , Secuencia de AminoácidosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Consumer interest in grass-finished meat and plant-based meat alternatives is growing due to concerns about health and environmental sustainability. Although these options differ in nutrient composition, their acute effects on postprandial inflammation remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare acute postprandial inflammatory responses following the consumption of grass-finished beef, a plant-based meat alternative, and grain-finished beef. Secondary outcomes included subjective measures of hunger, fullness, and thirst. METHODS: In a randomized crossover trial, 36 middle-aged adults (mean ± SD: 46.5 ± 8 y; 47% male, 53% female) with a BMI 25-35 kg/m2 (mean ± SD: 29.6 ± 3) consumed three dietary interventions: ground grass-finished beef, plant-based meat alternative, and ground grain-finished beef. Blood was collected at baseline and multiple time points over five hours after eating to measure C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Hunger, fullness, and thirst were assessed using visual analog scales. Data was analyzed using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline inflammation. RESULTS: No significant differences in postprandial inflammatory markers were observed across interventions (p = 0.64). CRP increased slightly (+0.05 to +0.38 mg/L), TNF-α decreased moderately (-0.75 to -1.08 pg/ml), and IL-6 increased slightly (+1.29 to +1.92 pg/ml) across interventions (all p>0.05). Exploratory analyses indicated a marginal association between age and inflammatory responses (p = 0.12), with no effects of BMI or sex (p = 0.60 and 0.56). Subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, and thirst did not differ between interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in nutrient composition, acute consumption of grass-finished beef, a plant-based meat alternative, and grain-finished beef did not elicit significantly different postprandial inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that, in the short term, the choice between these protein sources may not meaningfully impact inflammation. Further research is needed to explore potential long-term health implications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05690061.
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Triploid fish are considered a promising candidate for aquaculture; however, their immunological properties remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we investigated the immunological differences between 10-month-old triploid and diploid grass carp. Triploids exhibited a higher head kidney index and obvious macrophage aggregation in the head kidney compared to diploids. Among the immune and antioxidant indices, serum IgM content, head kidney lysozyme and acid phosphatase activities, and catalase and total superoxide dismutase activities, were significantly elevated in the triploids. Transcriptomic analysis identified 610 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the head kidney between triploids and diploids. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were primarily associated with primary immunodeficiency and phagosome pathways. Notably, genes involved in antigen presentation, immunoregulation, phagocytosis, and inflammation were significantly down-regulated in triploids. In contrast, MYD88, macrophage proliferation genes, and macrophage marker genes were up-regulated. Further investigation into macrophage function demonstrated that triploid macrophages exhibited reduced phagocytic capacity, but maintained respiratory burst activity comparable to that of diploids. This was accompanied by elevated expression of respiratory burst-related and lysosome-associated genes. Collectively, these findings suggest that although triploid grass carp exhibit diminished macrophage phagocytosis and inflammatory responses, compensatory immune regulatory mechanisms may be at play. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the application of triploid grass carp in aquaculture.
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Carpas , Riñón Cefálico , Inmunidad Innata , Macrófagos , Fagocitosis , Triploidía , Animales , Carpas/inmunología , Carpas/genética , Riñón Cefálico/inmunología , Fagocitosis/inmunología , Fagocitosis/genética , Macrófagos/inmunología , Inmunidad Innata/genética , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica/veterinariaRESUMEN
While T cells are well established as key players in mammalian adaptive immunity, their functional roles in teleosts remain poorly understood. Here, a monoclonal antibody against grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) CD3ε was generated, and characterized by Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. In healthy fish, CD3ε+ T cells accounted for 5.1 %, 4.0 %, and 2.6 % of splenic, head kidney, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, respectively. Upon Aeromonas hydrophila infection, CD3ε+ T cell populations elevated significantly in immune tissues such as spleen, head kidney, and posterior intestine, accompanied by upregulated transcription of T cell markers (Cd3ε, Tcr-ß, and Lck). Strikingly, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that CD3ε+ T cells and MCSFR+ macrophages were located in the same region in the spleen tissue of A. hydrophila-infected fish, suggesting functional crosstalk between T cells and macrophages. Our findings provide the first evidence of T cell-macrophage interaction in teleost antibacterial defense, offering insights into the adaptive immune responses in fish.
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Carpas , Enfermedades de los Peces , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas , Macrófagos , Linfocitos T , Animales , Carpas/inmunología , Aeromonas hydrophila/fisiología , Enfermedades de los Peces/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Peces/microbiología , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/inmunología , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/veterinaria , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/microbiología , Macrófagos/inmunología , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Proteínas de Peces/inmunología , Proteínas de Peces/genética , Complejo CD3/inmunología , Complejo CD3/genéticaRESUMEN
Bacterial pathogens like Aeromonas hydrophila threaten aquaculture by compromising fish immune defenses. The intestinal barrier is a critical frontline defense against pathogenic bacteria in fish, yet its regulation by neuroimmune mechanisms remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the immune response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) following bacterial challenge. The full-length grass carp VIP gene was 462 bp, encoding a 153-amino acid precursor protein with high sequence conservation across vertebrates. VIP expression was highest in the intestinal tract and significantly upregulated upon A. hydrophila infection. Administration of recombinant grass carp VIP protein enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction molecules (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) and the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-22, while reducing plasma LPS and D-lactate levels. Furthermore, grass carp VIP treatment promoted the expression of the mucosal barrier component MUC2 and antimicrobial peptides (LEAP-2, Lyz1, Hepcidin-1), reduced bacterial load, and significantly improved survival rates. Mechanistic studies confirmed that VIP interacted specifically with the VIP receptor 2 (VIPR2), and knockdown of VIPR2 abolished the protective effects of VIP on barrier integrity and antimicrobial immunity. These findings demonstrate that the VIP-VIPR2 axis plays a crucial role in modulating intestinal immunity in grass carp, offering new insights into neuroimmune regulation in aquatic animals during pathogenic challenge.
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Aeromonas hydrophila , Carpas , Enfermedades de los Peces , Proteínas de Peces , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas , Mucosa Intestinal , Intestinos , Receptores de Tipo II del Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo , Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo , Animales , Carpas/inmunología , Aeromonas hydrophila/inmunología , Aeromonas hydrophila/fisiología , Proteínas de Peces/metabolismo , Proteínas de Peces/genética , Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo/metabolismo , Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo/genética , Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Peces/inmunología , Receptores de Tipo II del Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo/metabolismo , Receptores de Tipo II del Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo/genética , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/inmunología , Mucosa Intestinal/inmunología , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Inmunidad Innata , Intestinos/inmunología , Péptidos Antimicrobianos/metabolismo , Inmunidad MucosaRESUMEN
The partial efficiency of ME used for net energy by growing ruminants is greater when fed alfalfa (ALF) than orchard grass (OG), but is unknown for lactating cows and may be influenced by varying the nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) grain source. The NSC sources evaluated were corn grain (CG) and barley grain (BG). Individual treatments were ALF-CG, ALF-BG, OG-CG, and OG-BG arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square having a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of forage (FOR) and NSC sources. Four multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows (milk = 33.8 ± 4.5 kg/d; BW = 599 ± 25.8 kg; DIM = 82 ± 20 d) were selected to measure whole-body energy balance via calorimetry. Forages were direct-cut and treated with formic acid and formaldehyde before ensiling. After 3 wk of adaptation, 6 d total collection energy and N balances were measured during the fourth week of each period. No FOR by NSC interactions were detected for lactational performance. Intake of DM (22.8, 23.5, 19.2, and 19.3 kg/d for ALF-CG, ALF-BG, OG-CG, and OG-BG, respectively), gross energy (106.6, 111.0, 91.6, and 90.0 Mcal/d) and N (681, 664, 561, and 521 g/d) were greater for lactating dairy cows fed ALF compared with lactating cows fed OG and similar for lactating cows fed CG compared with cows fed BG. Digestibility of DM (67.2%, 63.1%, 66.6%, and 64.1%) and gross energy (65.7%, 62.5%, 66.9%, and 64.0%) were similar when fed ALF and OG and increased when fed CG compared with BG. Intake of ME (60.5, 59.6, 51.9, and 48.5 Mcal/d) was greater for cows fed ALF compared with cows fed OG and similar when cows were fed CG and BG. However, heat production per unit of ME intake (56.8%, 53.7%, 59.4%, and 62.9%) was greater for cows fed OG compared with cows fed ALF, which reduced the efficiency of converting ME to net energy (NE; 43.2%, 46.3%, 40.6%, and 37.1%) for cows fed OG compared with cows fed ALF. The efficiency of converting ME to NE was similar when fed CG and BG. The consumption of O2 L/ kg DMI was greater when cows were fed OG compared with cows fed ALF and tended to be greater when fed CG compared with BG. Greater O2 consumption for cows fed OG by the intestinal and liver tissues resulted in greater heat production per unit of ME indicating an increase in energetic costs associated with metabolism when feeding grass compared with legumes, thereby reducing ME for productive purposes and the partial efficiency of ME.
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The spoilage of grass carp is driven by multiple factors, predominantly microbial proliferation and lipid oxidation. Although cinnamon essential oil exhibits potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, its industrial application is constrained by high volatility, poor water solubility, and a strong pungent odour. To address these challenges, ß-cyclodextrin-succinate (SACD) was synthesized via esterification. Prior studies confirmed that SACD demonstrates significantly improved solubility and antibacterial efficacy compared to ß-CD. Thereafter, SACD was employed to encapsulate cinnamon essential oil. Moreover, the succinic acid-modified cyclodextrin-encapsulated essential oil exhibits a stronger antioxidant capacity compared to the free essential oil. Through a series of characterization techniques and molecular docking analysis, the successful synthesis of SACD and its inclusion complexes was confirmed. To assess their efficacy in preserving grass carp meat, four experimental groups were established: a control group, an essential oil group (EO), an unmodified inclusion complex group (EO/CD), and a modified inclusion complex group (EO/SACD). Under refrigerated conditions at 4 °C, the pH, drip loss rate, TBARS, TVC, TVB-N, K-value, and texture of fish meat samples were determined across different treatment groups. During the later stages of storage, the total bacterial count in the inclusion complex group was lower than that in the EO group and the control group, indicating that the cyclodextrin-encapsulated essential oil effectively inhibited microbial growth (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the EO/SACD group delayed spoilage and prolonged the storage period of grass carp compared to both the EO and EO/CD groups.
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Choline is an essential nutrient for fish, and its metabolites are components of all membrane systems. Membrane phospholipids play an important role in maintaining the morphology and function of mitochondria, which could affect the growth and development of myofiber. To evaluate the effects of choline on growth performance, muscle fiber development, and mitochondrial morphology and function in grass carp, six diets containing graded choline levels [154.0 (basal diet), 321.8, 672.2, 1024.9, 1373.2, and 1722.8 mg/kg] were fed to 450 sub-adult grass carp (583.44 ± 1.65 g) for 56 d. The fish were divided into six groups with three replicates of 25 fish each. The results showed as follows: 1) compared with the control group, choline increased the growth performance, muscle protein content and choline deposition in sub-adult grass carp (P < 0.05), while decreased adhesive force (P < 0.001) and cooking loss (P = 0.037), thus improving fish flesh quality. 2) Dietary choline levels of 1024.9 to 1373.2 mg/kg significantly increased the frequency of myofibers with diameter >100 µm (P = 0.002) and fusion coefficient (P < 0.001). The mRNA expression of MyoG (P < 0.001), MyoD (P < 0.001), Myf5 (P = 0.005), MRF4 (P = 0.028), MYHC (P = 0.005), and myomaker (P < 0.001) increased quadratically with dietary choline, whereas MSTN expression was non-significantly lower than controls at 1024.9 to 1373.2 mg/kg (P = 0.078). Furthermore, choline increased the mRNA expression of IGF1, PI3K, AKT, and TOR (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of FoxO3a and MuRF1 (P < 0.05). 3) Muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content (P < 0.001), protein levels of NDUFV1 (P = 0.004) and ATP5A1 (P = 0.046), and the mRNA levels of NRF1 (P = 0.017), TFAM (P = 0.014), and OPA1 (P < 0.001) were increased quadratically. Conversely, the mRNA levels of DRP1 (P < 0.001), PINK (P < 0.001), and PARKIN (P = 0.002) were decreased quadratically. 4) According to the quadratic regression analysis of percent weight gain (PWG) and muscle ATP content, the choline requirement of sub-adult grass carp was 951.2 and 1084.9 mg/kg diet, respectively. In summary, optimal levels of dietary choline improved the myofiber hypertrophy in grass carp, which was associated with upregulation of myogenesis regulator and the activation of the IGF1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and maintained mitochondrial stability probably via regulating mitochondrial quality control.
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This study examined the seasonal variation of trace elements (B, Ba, Cr, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn) in soil and Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) around the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Twenty sites were sampled during wet and dry seasons and compared with control areas, Pietermaritzburg (PMB), Dumabezwe, and Mqulela sports fields. The samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for trace element concentrations. The results showed that trace element concentrations were significantly elevated near the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works, especially during the dry season. Cr and Se had the highest soil levels, 1978 mg/kg and 1169 mg/kg, respectively. Only Cr showed substantial concentration in the Kikuyu grass tissue (957 mg/kg). The study evaluated the Kikuyu grass for soil remediation and trace element recovery; Cr (1.3) and Se (1.1) showed minimal bioaccumulation ability. Cr and Pb posed health risks via ingestion (hazard quotient > 1), particularly for children. Cr also showed the highest cancer risk, with total cancer risk values exceeding 1 × 10â»4, and Zn posed minimal health risks. Geo accumulation index (Igeo) values showed high pollution from Cr (Igeo > 5), and moderate from Pb and Zn. Enrichment factor (EF) values for Cr and Zn (EF > 1.5) indicated anthropogenic sources; Pb (EF < 1.5) suggested a natural origin. Correlation and Pearson correlation analysis linked trace elements to sewage sludge application. The sports fields showed low trace element concentrations, suggesting minimal risk of cross-contamination during grass transfer and reduced trace element content in regrown grass.
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Monitoreo del Ambiente , Pennisetum , Contaminantes del Suelo , Oligoelementos , Sudáfrica , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Oligoelementos/análisis , Pennisetum/química , Humanos , Suelo/química , Medición de RiesgoRESUMEN
PREMISE: Understanding how plant populations adapt to water limitation through stomatal traits is key to predicting drought responses. The dominant C4 grass Andropogon gerardi, distributed across sharp climate gradients in North America, offers an excellent focal species to study stomatal architecture (size and density). Using a common garden, we tested how stomatal architecture relates to home climate, how stomatal architecture influences gas exchange, and how experimental drought affects these responses in a greenhouse. We hypothesized that aridity drives stomatal architecture and that experimental drought reduces the size of stomata but increases their density to maintain photosynthesis. METHODS: We measured stomatal architecture and gas exchange in 25 populations sourced across temperature (4-21°C) and precipitation (350-1400 mm yr⻹) gradients under well-watered conditions. Eight populations (precipitation: 472-1356 mm yr⻹) were then subjected to drought (~15% moisture) or were well-watered (30% control) to assess trait plasticity. Stomatal traits were measured using epidermal peels and light microscopy, gas exchange with a LI-COR 6400, and network analyses were used to characterize adaptive strategies. RESULTS: Arid populations exhibited smaller, denser stomata compared to wet populations, and networks demonstrated a trade-off between stomatal size and density. In the experimental drought, stomatal size decreased. while density increased, with dry populations showing fewer changes than wet populations. Key traits in the network were stomatal size and water-use efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Andropogon gerardi demonstrated adaptive changes in stomatal architecture. Our findings emphasize the interplay between adaptation and climate, providing important insights into how plants may respond to increased droughts.
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This study aims to explore the resistance mechanism of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to heat stress (HS). Grass carp were cultured at 28°C, and then exposed to 30°C, 32°C or 34°C with a heating rate of 1°C/d, respectively. The results show that serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased after HS. In contrast, liver total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly reduced after HS. Additionally, serum triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels increased after HS. Notably, the hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of grass carp exposed to 30°C and 32°C was significantly higher than that of those exposed to 28°C. However, the liver ATP content of grass carp exposed to 34°C was significantly reduced compared to other groups. Further, the liver mitochondrial DNA copies significantly increased after HS. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes (pgc-1α, nrf1/2, tfam) and mitophagy genes (beclin1, atg5, atg7, pink1, parkin) was upregulated in grass carp after HS. However, the expression of mitochondrial fission gene (drp1) was significantly upregulated in grass carp exposed to 34°C compared to other groups, whereas no corresponding change was observed in the expression of mitochondrial fusion gene (mfn1/2) in grass carp exposed to 34°C. In conclusion, when grass carp were exposed to 30°C or 32°C, mitochondrial homoeostasis can be maintained via regulating mitochondrial quality, providing enough energy for grass carp to resist HS. However, when grass carp was exposed to 34°C, mitochondrial homoeostasis was impaired, leading to inadequate energy for grass carp to resist HS.
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OBJECTIVES: Ground-glass opacity (GGO) component is a favourable prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whereas NSCLC with interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) generally has poorer prognoses. We investigated the clinical significance of GGO in patients with NSCLC and ILA. METHODS: Among 1319 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for clinical stage IA NSCLC at 2 institutions between 2010 and 2020, we retrospectively assessed 216 patients with ILA based on preoperative CT. Patients were divided into 2 groups: pure solid tumours without GGO and subsolid tumours with GGO. RESULTS: Among 216 patients with ILA, 146 (68%) had pure solid tumours and 70 (32%) had subsolid tumours. Subsolid tumours had significantly better prognoses than pure solid tumours (5-year overall survival, 69.7% vs 48.6%, P = .0008; 5-year recurrence-free survival, 69.7% vs 42.3%, P < .0001). Recurrence occurred in 4 patients (6%) with subsolid tumours and 41 (28%) with pure solid tumours. Although the 5-year cumulative incidence of lung cancer deaths was significantly lower in subsolid tumours than in those with pure solid tumours (2.6% vs 23.6%, P = .0011), an increase in other causes of mortality after 2 years post-surgery in subsolid tumours resulted in a comparable 5-year cumulative incidence of other causes of death (28.4% vs 36.1%, P = .260). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical stage IA NSCLC with ILA, subsolid tumours have a lower lung cancer mortality than pure solid tumours; however, higher other-cause mortality after 2 years contributes to poorer overall survival. Optimizing comorbidity management may improve long-term prognosis.
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Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Humanos , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/diagnóstico por imagen , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/mortalidad , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/cirugía , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Pulmonares/cirugía , Neoplasias Pulmonares/mortalidad , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anciano , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/mortalidad , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/patología , Neumonectomía/efectos adversos , Neumonectomía/mortalidad , Pronóstico , Factores de Tiempo , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
Context: Sustainable livestock production depends on efficient pasture management and the continuous monitoring of the health of grazing animals. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of pasture types and sheep production systems on the hematological traits of Karacabey Merino (German Mutton Merino × Kivircik) ewes and lambs grazing on different pasture types throughout the year and reared in a semi-intensive system (control group). Methods: In this twenty-six-month study, the hematological characteristics of ewes and lambs grazing on natural pastures and in spring (triticale and oat grass pasture), summer (sorghum Sudangrass and wheat stubble pasture), and autumn (triticale and oat grass pasture) were compared with ewes and lambs reared in a semi-intensive system (no pasture for lambs). A total of 36 ewes (aged 3-4 and 65.2 ± 0.55 kg) and 98 lambs were used. There were 12 ewes in total in each treatment group and four ewes in subgroups. Each subgroup in the pasture was separated by fences. The 12 ewes tagged in the control group were within the unit sheep flock. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of ewes and lambs at three to four-week intervals during live weight weighing using 3-4 mL edged tubes and transported in the cold chain to the laboratory for analysis. Results: Pregnant ewes grazing on natural autumn pasture had significantly lower red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and platelet (PLT) counts (P < 0.05). Animals grazing on wheat stubble pasture exhibited higher hematological values compared to those grazing on Sorghum-Sudangrass pasture (P < 0.05). Lambs in the control group had lower hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) levels during the post-weaning period than those in the pasture group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The hematological parameters of pregnant Karacabey Merino ewes grazing on natural pastures during the autumn season, as well as those of lambs raised in a semi-intensive system during the post-weaning period, should be carefully monitored. Additionally, appropriate feed supplementation, along with vitamin and mineral support, should be provided to maintain animal health and physiological balance.
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Alimentación Animal , Crianza de Animales Domésticos , Animales , Ovinos/sangre , Femenino , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Estaciones del Año , Hemoglobinas/análisis , HematócritoRESUMEN
Bioremediation represents a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economical approach to mitigating heavy metal contamination in soils. This study investigated the synergistic effects and mechanisms of Trichoderma harzianum DAA8 and Trichoderma asperellum LDA4 strains inoculation in king grass (KG) and Sedum alfredii (S. alfredii) for phytoremediation of Cd-Cr co-contaminated farmland soils. The inoculation of DAA8+LDA4 effectively enhanced plant biomass by 15.37-23.28 % in king KG and 10.91-23.75 % in S. alfredii, while increasing Cd/Cr extraction by 25.54-37.20/14.19-17.30 % in KG and 15.42-22.45/8.86-9.92 % in S. alfredii under low-high pollution level compared to uninoculated plants. The maximum removal efficiency was 32.56 % for Cd in S. alfredii and 22.56 % for Cr in KG inoculated with DAA8+LDA4. Root secretions of jasmonic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and isobavachalcone were closely correlated with Cd-Cr phytoextraction under low and high pollution levels. DAA8+LDA4 colonization induced favorable rhizosphere conditions by reducing soil pH (1.57-2.12 and 2.17-2.25 units), increasing soil organic matter (2.92-4.64 and 1.03-2.48 %), enhancing electrical conductivity (17.26-22.91 and 8.20-16.09 %), and improving cation exchange capacity (22.91-23.12 and 20.72-21.71 %) under low-high pollution levels in inoculated KG and S. alfredii respectively, as compared uninoculated KG and S. alfredii. The inoculation also improved soil enzyme activities and significantly increased the relative abundance of rhizosphere fungal (KG; Ascomycota; 3-6 %, and S. alfredii; 3-7 %) and bacterial (KG; Actinobacteriota; 2-7 %, and S. alfredii; 7-11 %) communities as compared to unlocated KG and S. alfredii. Nitrogen fixation and nitrification were more prominent in the KG rhizosphere with DAA8+LDA4 inoculation compared to S. alfredii under both pollution levels. The findings demonstrate that phytoremediation efficiency of KG and S. alfredii was improved by T. harzianum DAA8 and T. asperellum LDA4 through regulation of plant growth, root exudation, and microbial functioning in Cd/Cr-polluted soils. The findings of the present work highlight the potential of Trichoderma inoculation as a sustainable, effective strategy to promote phytoremediation, providing an effective solution to the remediation of HM-polluted lands and reduction of the environmental cost of cadmium and chromium pollution.
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Cadmio , Cromo , Chrysopogon , Hypocreales , Sedum , Contaminantes del Suelo , Cadmio/metabolismo , Contaminantes del Suelo/metabolismo , Biodegradación Ambiental , Sedum/metabolismo , Sedum/microbiología , Cromo/metabolismo , Hypocreales/metabolismo , Chrysopogon/metabolismo , Chrysopogon/microbiología , Suelo/química , Raíces de Plantas/metabolismoRESUMEN
White spot disease, caused by the parasitic Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, induces mortality exceeding 80% in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in global annual losses of >$1 billion. Current chemical controls (e.g., formaldehyde) face environmental persistence and drug resistance challenges. This study developed a synthetic isoquinoline derivative, BHTCA (s)-2-tert-butoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid), as a biodegradable alternative against I. multifiliis in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). In vitro assays revealed stage-selective efficacy: theronts exhibited higher susceptibility (EC50 = 0.10 mg/L at 4 h) than tomonts (EC50 = 0.40 mg/L at 24 h), with BHTCA disrupting ciliary structures and compromising cyst integrity. In vivo trials (0.6 mg/L) reduced parasite loads by 78.1% and host mortality by 66.7% versus untreated controls. Acute toxicity tests confirmed a high therapeutic index (LC50 = 16.75 mg/L; >167× effective concentration). With demonstrated efficacy, low production cost, and minimal eco-toxicity, BHTCA presents a sustainable strategy for Ichthyophthiriasis management in aquaculture.
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Carpas , Infecciones por Cilióforos , Enfermedades de los Peces , Hymenostomatida , Isoquinolinas , Animales , Carpas/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Peces/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Peces/parasitología , Isoquinolinas/farmacología , Isoquinolinas/síntesis química , Infecciones por Cilióforos/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Cilióforos/veterinaria , Infecciones por Cilióforos/parasitología , Hymenostomatida/efectos de los fármacos , AcuiculturaRESUMEN
Phytophotodermatitis is a skin condition that results when certain plant chemicals interact with sunlight, leading to dermatitis upon exposure. Parthenium hysterophorus, also referred to as Congress grass, is a growing concern in India due to its plethora of hazards to the environment, including its toxicity to livestock and its invasive nature, which disturbs the biodiversity and agricultural productivity and health-related threats which include severe allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and triggering respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and even asthma. This plant is invasive as well as contains phototoxic compounds, especially psoralens, which can trigger dermatitis following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in individuals who are sensitized. Clinical features in affected patients range from erythema, blisters, and changes in pigmentation of the skin, and especially impacts those who get exposed to the plant, primarily involving agricultural activities or outdoors. There is an increase in incidence of phytophotodermatitis secondary to Parthenium, which highlights the need for intensified public awareness and plan of action. The general public needs to be made aware of the risks that are linked to Parthenium exposure and reforms regarding the same need to be implemented. Given the invasiveness of this plant species, policies to control its spread in the region are needed. This article brings into limelight the necessity of further research in the fields of environmental, socio-economic, and clinical outcomes and prevention of Parthenium in India. Public health education and constructive management practices is indispensable to alleviate the risks posed by Parthenium.
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Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains being a major public health threat, and currently existing CHB therapies have limited efficacy and side effects. We have recently developed a vaccine termed VVX001 based on a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the preS domain of the large surface protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) fused to grass pollen allergen peptides. VVX001 has been shown to induce preS-specific antibodies in grass pollen allergic patients, and sera of immunized subjects inhibited HBV infection in vitro. Methods: In this study we investigated if immunization with VVX001 can induce preS-specific antibodies in CHB using the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-HBV murine model of CHB. Six groups of C57BL/6 female mice (n = 6) were transduced with AAV-HBV or AAV-Empty, and after six weeks, they were immunized five times with 20 µg of aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed VVX001 or preS or vehicle (Alum alone). Serum samples were taken continuously. Two weeks after the last immunization, spleen and liver mononuclear cells were collected. Serum reactivity to preS and preS-derived peptides was assessed by ELISA. B-cell responses were measured by ELISPOT assay, and intrahepatic lymphocyte (ILH) counts were determined by FACS. HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT, and AST were assessed using commercial kits. Results: Our results show that VVX001 induces preS-specific IgG antibodies that cross-react with different HBV genotypes A-H and are directed against the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor binding site of preS both in mice with and without HBV. Actively immunized AAV-HBV-treated mice had a higher number of intrahepatic lymphocytes than vehicle-vaccinated and mock-transduced animals. Conclusions: These findings encourage performing further trials to study the potential of VVX001 for therapeutic vaccination against CHB.
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This study investigated the effect of co-fermentation by Pediococcus acidilactici KKP 2065p and Lentilactobacillus buchneri KKP 2047p on propionic acid production and biogas yield from grass silage. The research was conducted in three stages. First, the growth dynamics and acid production of mono- and co-cultures were assessed in modified MRS media supplemented with glucose and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) under laboratory conditions. Len. buchneri monoculture produced the highest concentration of propionic acid (3.06 g/L), while co-culture with P. acidilactici yielded 2.88 g/L. In co-cultures of P. acidilactici KKP 2065p and Len. buchneri KKP 2047p, no synergistic increase in propionic acid or 1-propanol production was observed compared to monocultures. In MRS medium with 1,2-PDO, Len. buchneri primarily contributed to acetic acid synthesis, while P. acidilactici was responsible for propionic acid and propanol formation. Notably, a high concentration of 1-propanol was associated with a possible metabolic shift or intermediate accumulation. Second, silages were prepared from grass and inoculated with the selected LAB strains. Silage fermentation was evaluated through analysis, which revealed increased lactic acid content (7.30 vs. 2.83 g/kg DM in control) and a dominant presence of Lactobacillus (91.8 %) in inoculated silages, alongside a marked reduction in Weissella and Enterococcus spp. The synergism of the selected two strains significantly affected the increase in acetic acid content, which occurred more relevant in anaerobic digestion and biomethane yield in the third step when the biogas potential of the silages was assessed. Inoculated silages showed a 14-21 % increase in methane yield (up to 376 mL/g VS), with methane content reaching 46-55 % (compared to 36-45 % in the control). These results demonstrate that the combined use of P. acidilactici and L. buchneri can enhance both the volatile organic acids content in ensiled plant material and renewable energy output.
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Biocombustibles , Fermentación , Pediococcus acidilactici , Poaceae , Propionatos , Ensilaje , Ensilaje/microbiología , Propionatos/metabolismo , Pediococcus acidilactici/metabolismo , Poaceae/metabolismo , Poaceae/química , Biocombustibles/microbiología , Técnicas de Cocultivo , LactobacillusRESUMEN
Cytoskeletal integrity is a critical determinant of postmortem cellular stability in muscle tissues, yet its regulatory role in initiating cell death remains poorly defined. In this study, we applied integrated 4D proteomics, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting to investigate cytoskeletal disassembly and programmed cell death pathways in refrigerated grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) muscle. Results showed that actin-myosin complex dissociation and the upregulation of remodeling proteins (CFL2, TWF2, ARPC4) occurred prior to the activation of apoptosis-related proteins (CAPN1, UCHL1) and cytochrome c release. Meanwhile, declines in SERCA2 and FTH1 indicated calcium and iron homeostasis disturbances, implicating both apoptosis and ferroptosis. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the spatial uncoupling of MYH2 and α-actin alongside mitochondrial disruption. These findings suggest that cytoskeletal disintegration may serve as an upstream regulatory event that promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. This study provides novel mechanistic insight into postmortem muscle deterioration and offers a theoretical framework for understanding early structural triggers of quality loss in cold-stored fish.
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Actinas , Apoptosis , Carpas , Almacenamiento de Alimentos , Músculo Esquelético , Miosinas , Animales , Carpas/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Apoptosis/fisiología , Miosinas/metabolismo , Almacenamiento de Alimentos/métodos , Frío , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Proteómica , Proteínas de Peces/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismoRESUMEN
Introduction: Aeromonas hydrophila (AH) is a pathogenic bacterium commonly found in aquatic organisms, particularly in fish products. Baicalein, a bioactive flavonoid derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods: In vitro, the Oxford cup method was employed to assess the antibacterial activity of baicalein, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the microtiter broth dilution technique. Biofilm formation and bacterial motility were evaluated through the crystal violet assay and swimming assay, respectively. The impact of baicalein on bacterial membrane permeability and morphology was observed using the Live/Dead BacLight kit and transmission electron microscopy. In vivo, grass carp were used as the model organism to evaluate the effect of baicalein on AH proliferation, while the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant factors was quantified by qRT-PCR. Results: This study demonstrated the antibacterial activity of baicalein against AH infection. Baicalein exhibited bacteriostatic effects in vitro, with an MIC of 40 µg/mL and an MBC of 80 µg/mL. Time-kill assays confirmed its bactericidal properties. Additionally, baicalein inhibited biofilm formation and reduced bacterial motility. The antibacterial mechanism of baicalein involved increased membrane permeability and structural disruption of AH cells. In vivo studies in grass carp revealed a dose-dependent reduction in AH burden following baicalein administration. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while enhancing the expression of antioxidant-related genes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These findings indicate that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of baicalein contribute to its protective role against AH infection in vivo. Discussion: Baicalein effectively inhibits the proliferation of AH both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as a promising pharmacotherapeutic agent for the prevention of AH infections in fish.