Defensive Behavior and Integumentary Morphology of the Hairy Dwarf Porcupine Coendou spinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae).

New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) exhibit behaviors and possess integumentary structures, including the quills, that are used for self-defense. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) has been well studied regarding these features; however, information is lacking for the South American Coendou species. We describe the defensive behavior and integumentary morphology of Coendou spinosus to understand the defensive strategies of this species and to compare with those reported for other species. We assessed the behaviors related to warning, defense, and escape of eight porcupines, as well as the characteristics of their pelage and quills. Furthermore, we microscopically analyzed skin samples of a roadkill adult male specimen. Similar to E. dorsatum, C. spinosus exhibited omnidirectional quill erection, revealing an aposematic color and, with their backs toward the perceived human threat, they performed quick tail and body movements to strike the hands of the human trying to capture them by the tail. Furthermore, C. spinosus presented an integumentary structure similar to that of E. dorsatum, and mechanisms to facilitate quill release when touched, penetration, and fixation in the opponent. The most distinct warning behavior noted was the vibration of the quills, which has not been reported for Erethizon. Our study confirms that, like other erethizontids, C. spinosus does not attack but exhibits warning, defense, and escape mechanisms and behaviors when threatened or touched. The dissemination of such information helps to counter the negative stigma associated with porcupines, as they can be the victims of attacks by dogs and humans, and to promote their conservation.

Synthesis and application of new selanylfullerene derivatives as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.

This study aims to describe the synthesis of a new class of selanylfullerene derivatives in a convergent strategy route, affording the desired products in a few steps and in good yields. C60 compounds were evaluated as photosensitizers to be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) via the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), using the chemical trapping method. The photooxidation of the chemical probe1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) sensitized by selanylfullerenes followed a first-order kinetic and the values of singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) are appropriate for its use in PDT. The electronic absorption spectra, and the intersystem crossing tax rates for the most prominent synthesized compounds were calculated using the density functional theory and the Marcus electron transfer theory, with the theoretical results confirming the experimental findings.

Prevalence of germline variants in Brazilian pancreatic carcinoma patients.

We evaluated the prevalence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in Brazilian pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) patients, that represent a multiethnic population, in a cross-sectional study. We included 192 PC patients unselected for family history of cancer. We evaluated a panel of 113 cancer genes, through genomic DNA sequencing and 46 ancestry-informative markers, through multiplex PCR. The median age was 61 years; 63.5% of the patients presented disease clinical stages III or IV; 8.3% reported personal history of cancer; 4.7% and 16.1% reported first-degree relatives with PC or breast and/or prostate cancer, respectively. Although the main ancestry was European, there was considerable genetic composition admixture. Twelve patients (6.25%) were PGV carriers in PC predisposition genes (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, MSH2, PALB2) and another 25 (13.0%) were PGV carriers in genes with a limited association or not previously associated with PC (ACD, BLM, BRIP1, CHEK2, ERCC4, FANCA, FANCE, FANCM, GALNT12, MITF, MRE11, MUTYH, POLE, RAD51B, RAD51C, RECQL4, SDHA, TERF2IP). The most frequently affected genes were CHEK2, ATM and FANC. In tumor samples from PGV carriers in ACD, BRIP1, MRE11, POLE, SDHA, TERF2IP, which were examined through exome sequencing, the main single base substitutions (SBS) mutational signature was SBS1+5+18, probably associated with age, tobacco smoking and reactive oxygen species. SBS3 associated with homologous repair deficiency was also represented, but on a lower scale. There was no difference in the frequency of PGV carriers between: (a) patients with or without first-degree relatives with cancer; and (b) patients with admixed ancestry versus those with predominantly European ancestry. Furthermore, there was no difference in overall survival between PGV carriers and non-carriers. Therefore, genetic testing should be offered to all Brazilian pancreatic cancer patients, regardless of their ancestry. Genes with limited or previously unrecognized associations with pancreatic cancer should be further investigated to clarify their role in cancer risk.

Lung Damage Induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in Murine Model of Malarial Infection is Mitigated by Dietary Supplementation with DHA-Rich Omega-3.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe complications that can occur in infections caused by any Plasmodium species. Due to the high lethality rate and the lack of specific treatment for ALI/ARDS, studies aimed at understanding and searching for treatment strategies for such complications have been fundamental. Here, we investigated the protective role of dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil against lung damage induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in a murine model. Our results demonstrated that alveolar vascular damage, lung edema, and histopathological alterations were significantly reduced in mice that received dietary supplementation compared to those that did not receive the supplementation. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes, in addition to reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also observed. High levels of IL-10, but not of TNF-α and IFN-γ, were also observed in infected mice that received the supplementation, along with a reduction in local oxidative stress. Together, the data suggest that dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil in malarial endemic areas may help reduce lung damage resulting from the infection, thus preventing worsening of the condition.

Custom target-sequencing in triple-negative and luminal breast cancer from young Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVES: To identify somatic mutations in tumors from young women with triple-negative or luminal breast cancer, through targeted sequencing and to explore the cancer driver potential of these gene variants. METHODS: A customized gene panel was assembled based on data from previous sequencing studies of breast cancer from young women. Triple-negative and luminal tumors and paired blood samples from young breast cancer patients were sequenced, and identified gene variants were searched for their driver potential, in databases and literature. Additionally, the authors performed an exploratory analysis using large, curated databases to evaluate the frequency of somatic mutations in this gene panel in tumors stratified by age groups (every 10 years). RESULTS: A total of 28 young women had their tumoral tissue and blood samples sequenced. Using a customized panel of 64 genes, the authors could detect cancer drivers in 11/12 (91.7 %) TNBC samples and 11/16 (68.7 %) luminal samples. Among TNBC patients, the most frequent cancer driver was TP53, followed by NF1, NOTCH1 and PTPN13. In luminal samples, PIK3CA and GATA3 were the main cancer drivers, and other drivers were GRHL2 and SMURF2. CACNA1E was involved in both TN and luminal BC. The exploratory analysis also indicated a role for SMURF2 in luminal BC development in young patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data further indicates that some cancer drivers are more common in a specific breast cancer subtype from young patients, such as TP53 in TNBC and PIK3CA and GATA3 in luminal samples. These results also provide additional evidence that some genes not considered classical cancer-causing genes, such as CACNA1E, GRHL2 and SMURF2 might be cancer drivers in this age group.

Therapeutic applications of synthetic gene/genetic circuits: a patent review.

A significant limitation of numerous current genetic engineering therapy approaches is their limited control over the strength, timing, or cellular context of their therapeutic effect. Synthetic gene/genetic circuits are synthetic biology approaches that can control the generation, transformation, or depletion of a specific DNA, RNA, or protein and provide precise control over gene expression and cellular behavior. They can be designed to perform logical operations by carefully selecting promoters, repressors, and other genetic components. Patent search was performed in Espacenet, resulting in 38 selected patents with 15 most frequent international classifications. Patent embodiments were categorized into applications for the delivery of therapeutic molecules, treatment of infectious diseases, treatment of cancer, treatment of bleeding, and treatment of metabolic disorders. The logic gates of selected genetic circuits are described to comprehensively demonstrate their therapeutic applications. Synthetic gene circuits can be customized for precise control of therapeutic interventions, leading to personalized therapies that respond specifically to individual patient needs, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects. They can be highly sensitive biosensors that provide real-time therapy by accurate monitoring various biomarkers or pathogens and appropriately synthesizing a therapeutic molecule. Synthetic gene circuits may also lead to the development of advanced regenerative therapies and to implantable biodevices that produce on-demand bioactive molecules. However, this technology faces challenges for commercial profitability. The genetic circuit designs need adjustments for specific applications, and may have disadvantages like toxicity from multiple regulators, homologous recombination, context dependency, resource overuse, and environmental variability.

Midgut morphology of the predator mosquito Lutzia bigoti (Diptera: Culicidae) and its implications for feeding behavior.

Lutzia mosquitoes (Theobald, 1903) are predaceous during their larval stages, but the adult feeding is not clearly understood, especially in relation to blood feeding. In case these mosquitoes are harmless to humans and related animals, they can be useful in biological control of mosquito vectors of pathogens. Investigating the midgut morphology is a good strategy to understand the feeding behavior of this species. The midgut in Lutzia bigoti Bellardi, 1862 displays two distinct portions, a thin anterior midgut and a more dilated posterior midgut. Digestive cells form a single epithelium in the midgut. These cells have long and packed microvilli at their apex and membrane infoldings at their basal portion, the basal labyrinth. The epithelium is supported by a basal lamina. Regarding their cytoplasm, it is noteworthy the abundance of mitochondria, distributed in an apical-basal fashion, and also a whirl-shaped endoplasmic reticulum in the posterior midgut. Basal cells are also found in the midgut of L. bigoti, resembling regenerative cells. The general organization of L. bigoti's midgut closely resembles that of numerous hematophagous mosquitoes previously documented. However, it diverges due to the presence of a peritrophic matrix even when exclusively fed on sugary solutions. Peculiar aspects of L. bigoti's midgut are discussed and compared to those of other mosquito species.

Ehrlichia spp. infection worsens cardiac damage in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis.

In endemic areas for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), the occurrence of coinfection with other pathogens, such as Ehrlichia spp., has been associated with worsening of the clinical condition. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of histological changes in the myocardia of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi with or without coinfection with Ehrlichia spp.. We evaluated paraffin-embedded myocardial sections from 31 dogs, affected by either L. chagasi alone or coinfected with L. chagasi and Ehrlichia spp., to compare the extent and degree of cardiac damage. The blocks were divided into two groups. G1 (dogs infected only by L. chagasi) and G2 (dogs coinfected with L. chagasi and Ehrlichia spp.). The right atrium free wall, right ventricle free wall, left ventricle, and interventricular septum of all groups were evaluated. Cardiac alterations were observed in 41.93% (52/124) of the fragments evaluated and inflammatory infiltrate was the most common pattern found. The G2 group showed a higher incidence of myocarditis, with 61.53% (32/52), compared to the G1 group, in which 20 out of 72 cases (27.7%) exhibited histopathological changes (p <0.05). These findings confirmed that coinfection can potentiate cardiac damage in dogs.

High-Content Imaging-Based Assay for SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing Antibodies.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern necessitates the determination of populational serum potency against the virus. Here, we standardized and validated an imaging-based method to quantify neutralizing antibodies against lentiviral particles expressing the spike glycoprotein (pseudovirus). This method was found to efficiently quantify viral titers based on ZsGreen-positive cells and detect changes in human serum neutralization capacity induced by vaccination with up to two doses of CoronaVac, Comirnaty, or Covishield vaccines. The imaging-based protocol was also used to quantify serum potency against pseudoviruses expressing spikes from Delta, Omicron BA.1.1.529, and BA.4/5. Our results revealed increases in serum potency after one and two doses of the vaccines evaluated and demonstrated that Delta and Omicron variants escape from antibody neutralization. The method presented herein represents a valuable tool for the screening of antibodies and small molecules capable of blocking viral entry and could be used to evaluate humoral immunity developed by different populations and for vaccine development.

From forest to savanna and back to forest: Evolutionary history of the genus Dimorphandra (Fabaceae).

The tree genus Dimorphandra (Fabaceae), which contains 26 species divided into three subgenera, was studied using DNA sequence data from six chloroplast genome regions (cpDNA) and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The analyses, which included Bayesian phylogenies and haplotype networks, ancestral area reconstructions, and ecological niche modeling, allowed for exploring the evolutionary history of Dimorphandra. Within the subgenus Phaneropsia, the cpDNA sequence data were more closely-related to species from the genus Mora, while the ITS sequence data displayed a closer phylogenetic relationship with the subgenus Pocillum. This incongruence may be due to incomplete lineage sorting associated with ancient polymorphisms. The Amazonian Dimophandra lineages were highly polymorphic and divergent, while those from the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest had low levels of polymorphisms. The Amazon likely gave rise to the Dimophandra lineage that produced the Cerrado species, while a Cerrado lineage likely gave rise to the Atlantic Forest species. Habitat shifts were identified as a key factor in shaping the late evolutionary history of Dimorphandra.

A polyvalent RNA vaccine reduces the immune imprinting phenotype in mice and induces neutralizing antibodies against omicron SARS-CoV-2.

Immune imprinting is now evident in COVID-19 vaccinated people. This phenomenon may impair the development of effective neutralizing antibodies against variants of concern (VoCs), mainly Omicron and its subvariants. Consequently, the boost doses with bivalent vaccines have not shown a significant gain of function regarding the neutralization of Omicron. The approach to design COVID-19 vaccines must be revised to improve the effectiveness against VoCs. Here, we took advantage of the self-amplifying characteristic of RepRNA and developed a polyvalent formulation composed of mRNA from five VoCs. LION/RepRNA Polyvalent induced neutralizing antibodies in mice previously immunized with LION/RepRNA D614G and reduced the imprinted phenotype associated with low neutralization capacity of Omicron B.1.1.529 pseudoviruses. The polyvalent vaccine can be a strategy to handle the low neutralization of Omicron VoC, despite booster doses with either monovalent or bivalent vaccines.

DHA-rich fish oil plays a protective role against experimental cerebral malaria by controlling inflammatory and mechanical events from infection.

Every year, thousands of children, particularly those under 5 years old, die because of cerebral malaria (CM). Following conventional treatment, approximately 25% of surviving individuals have lifelong severe neurocognitive sequelae. Therefore, improved conventional therapies or effective alternative therapies that prevent the severe infection are crucial. Omega-3 (Ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and protect against diverse neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, little is known regarding the effects of Ω-3 PUFAs against parasitic infections. In this study, C57BL/6 mice received supplemental treatment of a fish oil rich in the Ω-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which was started 15 days prior to infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and was maintained until the end of the study. Animals treated with the highest doses of DHA, 3.0 and 6.0 g/kg body weight, had 60 and 80% chance of survival, respectively, while all nontreated mice died by the 7th day postinfection due to CM. Furthermore, the parasite load during the critical period for CM development (5th to 11th day postinfection) was controlled in treated mice. However, after this period all animals developed high levels of parasitemia until the 20th day of infection. DHA treatment also effectively reduced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and brain edema and completely prevented brain hemorrhage and vascular occlusion. A strong anti-inflammatory profile was observed in the brains of DHA-treated mice, as well as, an increased number of neutrophil and reduced number of CD8+ T leukocytes in the spleen. Thus, this is the first study to demonstrate that the prophylactic use of DHA-rich fish oil exerts protective effects against experimental CM, reducing the mechanical and immunological events caused by the P. berghei ANKA infection.

Custom target-sequencing in triple-negative and luminal breast cancer from young Brazilian patients

Abstract Objectives: To identify somatic mutations in tumors from young women with triple-negative or luminal breast cancer, through targeted sequencing and to explore the cancer driver potential of these gene variants. Methods: A customized gene panel was assembled based on data from previous sequencing studies of breast cancer from young women. Triple-negative and luminal tumors and paired blood samples from young breast cancer patients were sequenced, and identified gene variants were searched for their driver potential, in databases and literature. Additionally, the authors performed an exploratory analysis using large, curated databases to evaluate the frequency of somatic mutations in this gene panel in tumors stratified by age groups (every 10 years). Results: A total of 28 young women had their tumoral tissue and blood samples sequenced. Using a customized panel of 64 genes, the authors could detect cancer drivers in 11/12 (91.7 %) TNBC samples and 11/16 (68.7 %) luminal samples. Among TNBC patients, the most frequent cancer driver was TP53, followed by NF1, NOTCH1 and PTPN13. In luminal samples, PIK3CA and GATA3 were the main cancer drivers, and other drivers were GRHL2 and SMURF2. CACNA1E was involved in both TN and luminal BC. The exploratory analysis also indicated a role for SMURF2 in luminal BC development in young patients. Conclusions: The data further indicates that some cancer drivers are more common in a specific breast cancer subtype from young patients, such as TP53 in TNBC and PIK3CA and GATA3 in luminal samples. These results also provide additional evidence that some genes not considered classical cancer-causing genes, such as CACNA1E, GRHL2 and SMURF2 might be cancer drivers in this age group.

Galectins in Protozoan Parasitic Diseases: Potential Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitute a group of diseases that generally develop in tropical or subtropical climatic conditions and are related to poverty. Within the spectrum of NTDs, diseases caused by protozoa such as malaria, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis exhibit elevated mortality rates, thereby constituting a substantial public health concern. Beyond their protozoan etiology, these NTDs share other similarities, such as the challenge of control and the lack of affordable, safe, and effective drugs. In view of the above, the need to explore novel diagnostic predictors and therapeutic targets for the treatment of these parasitic diseases is evident. In this context, galectins are attractive because they are a set of lectins bound to ß-galactosides that play key roles in a variety of cellular processes, including host-parasite interaction such as adhesion and entry of parasites into the host cells, and participate in antiparasitic immunity in either a stimulatory or inhibitory manner, especially the galectins-1, -2, -3, and -9. These functions bestow upon galectins significant therapeutic prospects in the context of managing and diagnosing NTDs. Thus, the present review aims to elucidate the potential role of galectins in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.

RNA Combined with Nanoformulation to Advance Therapeutic Technologies.

Nucleic acid-based therapies have the potential to address numerous diseases that pose significant challenges to more traditional methods. RNA-based therapies have emerged as a promising avenue, utilizing nanoformulation treatments to target a range of pathologies. Nanoformulation offers several advantages compared to other treatment modalities, including targeted delivery, low toxicity, and bioactivity suitable for drug loading. At present, various types of nanoformulations are available, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic NPs, nanoshells, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). RNA-based therapy utilizes intracellular gene nanoparticles with messenger RNA (mRNA) emerging prominently in cancer therapy and immunotechnology against infectious diseases. The approval of mRNA-based technology opens doors for future technological advancements, particularly self-amplifying replicon RNA (repRNA). RepRNA is a novel platform in gene therapy, comprising viral RNA with a unique molecular property that enables the amplification of all encoded genetic information countless times. As a result, repRNA-based therapies have achieved significant levels of gene expression. In this context, the primary objective of this study is to furnish a comprehensive review of repRNA and its applications in nanoformulation treatments, with a specific focus on encapsulated nanoparticles. The overarching goal is to provide an extensive overview of the use of repRNA in conjunction with nanoformulations across a range of treatments and therapies.

Evaluating the Antischistosomal Activity of Dehydrodieugenol B and Its Methyl Ether Isolated from Nectandra leucantha-A Preclinical Study against Schistosoma mansoni Infection.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting nearly 250 million individuals globally, poses a significant health challenge. With praziquantel being the sole available treatment and its limited efficacy in early stage infections, the identification of novel bioactive compounds becomes imperative. This study examines the potential of dehydrodieugenol B (1) and its methyl ether (2), derived from the leaves of the Brazilian Nectandra leucantha plant (Lauraceae), in combatting Schistosoma mansoni infections through a preclinical approach. Initially, compound 1 displayed noteworthy in vitro antiparasitic activity with an EC50 of 31.9 µM, showcasing low toxicity in mammalian cells and an in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans). Conversely, compound 2 exhibited no activity. In silico predictions pointed to favorable oral bioavailability and the absence of PAINS similarities. Subsequently, a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg of compound 1 or praziquantel was administered to mice infected with adult (patent infection) or immature parasites (prepatent infection). Remarkably, in prepatent infections, 1 resulted in a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in both worm and egg burden, while praziquantel reduced worm and egg numbers by 30%. The superior efficacy of dehydrodieugenol B (1) compared to praziquantel in premature infections holds the potential to advance the development of new molecular prototypes for schistosomiasis treatment.

Genome-wide survey and evolutionary history of the pectin methylesterase (PME) gene family in the Dothideomycetes class of fungi.

Once deposited in the plant cell wall, pectin undergoes demethylesterification by endogenous pectin methylesterases (PMEs), which play various roles in growth and development, including defense against pathogen attacks. Pathogen PMEs can alter pectin's methylesterification pattern, increasing its susceptibility to degradation by other fungal pectinases and thus playing a critical role as virulence factors during early infection stages. To investigate the evolutionary history of PMEs in the Dothideomycetes class of fungi, we obtained genomic data from 15 orders (79 species) and added genomic data from 61 isolates of Corynespora cassiicola. Our analyses involved maximum likelihood phylogenies, gene genealogies, and selection analyses. Additionally, we measured PME gene expression levels of C. cassiicola using soybean as a host through RT-qPCR assays. We recovered 145 putative effector PMEs and 57 putative non-effector PMEs from across the Dothideomycetes. The PME gene family exhibits a small size (up to 5 members per genome) and comprises three major clades. The evolutionary patterns of the PME1 and PME2 clades were largely shaped by duplications and recurring gene retention events, while biased gene loss characterized the small-sized PME3 clade. The presence of five members in the PME gene family of C. cassiicola suggests that the family may play a key role in the evolutionary success of C. cassiicola as a polyphagous plant pathogen. The haplogroups Cc_PME1.1 and Cc_PME1.2 exhibited an accelerated rate of evolution, whereas Cc_PME2.1, Cc_PME2.2, and Cc_PME2.3 seem to be under strong purifying selective constraints. All five PME genes were expressed during infection of soybean leaves, with the highest levels during from six to eight days post-inoculation. The highest relative expression level was measured for CC_29_g7533, a member of the Cc_PME2.3 clade, while the remaining four genes had relatively lower levels of expression.

An Overview of the Conventional and Novel Methods Employed for SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Measurement.

SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the pandemic that started in 2020. The virus enters the host cell through the interaction of its spike glycoprotein with the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) on the host cell's surface. Antibodies present an important role during the infection and pathogenesis due to many reasons, including the neutralization of viruses by binding to different spike epitopes. Therefore, measuring the neutralizing antibody titers in the whole population is important for COVID-19's epidemiology. Different methods are described in the literature, and some have been used to validate the main vaccines used worldwide. In this review, we discuss the main methods used to quantify neutralizing antibody titers, their advantages and limitations, as well as new approaches to determineACE2/spike blockage by antibodies.

Antibiofilm potential of Annona muricata L. ethanolic extract against multi-drug resistant Candida albicans.

ETNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional uses of Annona muricata L. (soursop) include treatment for cancer, fungal infections, and inflammatory diseases. Its phytoconstituents, mainly acetogenins and alkaloids, are associated with therapeutic activity and clinical application is currently under investigation. However, the application of phytotherapy to treat diseases caused by fungal biofilms, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is still limited. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the activity of the ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves (AML) against biofilms formed by multiresistant Candida albicans (ATCC® 10231) both in vitro and in a VVC experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: C. albicans biofilms were grown and their adhesion, proliferation, development, and matrix composition studied by spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whole slide imaging (WSI), and biochemical assays without or with AML treatment. In parallel, in vivo experiments were conducted using a murine model of infection treated with different concentrations of the extract and nystatin. Fungal burden and histological changes were investigated. RESULTS: The proliferation and adhesion of C. albicans biofilms were significantly reduced as confirmed by SEM and WSI quantitative analyses. Furthermore, the concentration of carbohydrates, proteins and DNA was reduced in the biofilm matrix. In vivo assays demonstrated that AML was able to reduce the fungal burden and the inflammatory process. CONCLUSIONS: The findings further emphasized the therapeutic and scientific potential of AML, thus encouraging its future use in the treatment of VVC.

Would Cutibacterium acnes Be the Villain for the Chronicity of Low Back Pain in Degenerative Disc Disease? Preliminary Results of an Analytical Cohort.

In the last decade, several studies have demonstrated Cutibacterium acnes colonization in intervertebral discs (IVDs) in patients with lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and low back pain (LBP), but the meaning of these findings remains unclear. Being aware of this knowledge gap, we are currently conducting a prospective analytical cohort study with LBP and LDD patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy and posterior fusion. The IVDs samples collected during the surgeries are subjected to a stringent analytical protocol using microbiological, phenotypic, genotypic, and multiomic techniques. Additionally, pain-related scores and quality-of-life indexes are monitored during patient follow-up. Our preliminary results for 265 samples (53 discs from 23 patients) revealed a C. acnes prevalence of 34.8%, among which the phylotypes IB and II were the most commonly isolated. The incidence of neuropathic pain was significantly higher in the colonized patients, especially between the third and sixth postoperative months, which strongly suggests that the pathogen plays an important role in the chronicity of LBP. The future results of our protocol will help us to understand how C. acnes contributes to transforming inflammatory/nociceptive pain into neuropathic pain and, hopefully, will help us to find a biomarker capable of predicting the risk of chronic LBP in this scenario.