Detrimental effects of amitraz exposure in honey bees (Apis mellifera) infected with Nosema ceranae.

In recent years, there has been growing concern on the potential weakening of honey bees and their increased susceptibility to pathogens due to chronic exposure to xenobiotics. The present work aimed to study the effects on bees undergoing an infection by Nosema ceranae and being exposed to a frequently used in-hive acaricide, amitraz. To achieve this, newly emerged bees were individually infected with N. ceranae spores and/or received a sublethal concentration of amitraz in their diets under laboratory conditions. Mortality, food intake, total volume excrement, body appearance, and parasite development were registered. Bees exposed to both stressors jointly had higher mortality rates compared to bees exposed separately, with no difference in the parasite development. An increase in sugar syrup consumption was observed for all treated bees while infected bees fed with amitraz also showed a diminishment in pollen intake. These results coupled with an increase in the total number of excretion events, alterations in behavior and body surface on individuals that received amitraz could evidence the detrimental action of this molecule. To corroborate these findings under semi-field conditions, worker bees were artificially infected, marked, and released into colonies. Then, they were exposed to a commercial amitraz-based product by contact. The recovered bees showed no differences in the parasite development due to amitraz exposure. This study provides evidence to which extent a honey bee infected with N. ceranae could potentially be weakened by chronic exposure to amitraz treatment.

First large-scale study reveals important losses of managed honey bee and stingless bee colonies in Latin America.

Over the last quarter century, increasing honey bee colony losses motivated standardized large-scale surveys of managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), particularly in Europe and the United States. Here we present the first large-scale standardized survey of colony losses of managed honey bees and stingless bees across Latin America. Overall, 1736 beekeepers and 165 meliponiculturists participated in the 2-year survey (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). On average, 30.4% of honey bee colonies and 39.6% of stingless bee colonies were lost per year across the region. Summer losses were higher than winter losses in stingless bees (30.9% and 22.2%, respectively) but not in honey bees (18.8% and 20.6%, respectively). Colony loss increased with operation size during the summer in both honey bees and stingless bees and decreased with operation size during the winter in stingless bees. Furthermore, losses differed significantly between countries and across years for both beekeepers and meliponiculturists. Overall, winter losses of honey bee colonies in Latin America (20.6%) position this region between Europe (12.5%) and the United States (40.4%). These results highlight the magnitude of bee colony losses occurring in the region and suggest difficulties in maintaining overall colony health and economic survival for beekeepers and meliponiculturists.

rhBMP-2 induces terminal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells only by synergizing with other signals.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) have been thoroughly studied for research and translational bone regeneration purposes. rhBMP-2 induces bone formation in vivo, and hBM-MSCs are its target, bone-forming cells. In this article, we studied how rhBMP-2 drives the multilineage differentiation of hBM-MSCs both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: rhBMP-2 and hBM-MSCs were tested in an in vivo subcutaneous implantation model to assess their ability to form mature bone and undergo multilineage differentiation. Then, the hBM-MSCs were treated in vitro with rhBMP-2 for short-term or long-term cell-culture periods, alone or in combination with osteogenic, adipogenic or chondrogenic media, aiming to determine the role of rhBMP-2 in these differentiation processes. RESULTS: The data indicate that hBM-MSCs respond to rhBMP-2 in the short term but fail to differentiate in long-term culture conditions; these cells overexpress the rhBMP-2 target genes DKK1, HEY-1 and SOST osteogenesis inhibitors. However, in combination with other differentiation signals, rhBMP-2 acts as a potentiator of multilineage differentiation, not only of osteogenesis but also of adipogenesis and chondrogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our data indicate that rhBMP-2 alone is unable to induce in vitro osteogenic terminal differentiation of hBM-MSCs, but synergizes with other signals to potentiate multiple differentiation phenotypes. Therefore, rhBMP-2 triggers on hBM-MSCs different specific phenotype differentiation depending on the signalling environment.

No evidence for an association of voxel-based morphometry with short-term non-motor outcomes in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an established therapy in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Motor and non-motor outcomes, however, show considerable inter-individual variability. Preoperative morphometry-based metrics have recently received increasing attention to explain treatment effects. As evidence for the prediction of non-motor outcomes is limited, we sought to investigate the association between metrics of voxel-based morphometry and short-term non-motor outcomes following STN-DBS in this prospective open-label study. Forty-nine PD patients underwent structural MRI and a comprehensive clinical assessment at preoperative baseline and 6-month follow-up. Voxel-based morphometry was used to assess associations between cerebral volume and non-motor outcomes corrected for multiple comparisons using a permutation-based approach. We replicated existing results associating volume loss of the superior frontal cortex with subpar motor outcomes. Overall non-motor burden, however, was not significantly associated with morphometric features, limiting its use as a marker to inform patient selection and holistic preoperative counselling.

[Trends in the characteristics of patients treated with nutritional supplements in the Northern Area of Gran Canaria in the period 2016 -2021]. / Tendencias en las características de los pacientes tratados con suplementos nutricionales en el Área Norte de Gran Canaria en el periodo 2016 -2021.

AIM: assess the prescription of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in the Northern Area of Gran Canaria in the period 2016-2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: based on electronic prescription data, the first ONS prescription during 2016-2021 was analyzed considering age, gender, nutritional requirements (NR), body mass index (BMI), percentage of weight loss (%WL), albumin and number of prescribed ONS per patient. RESULTS: 10,595 prescriptions were identified corresponding to 6661 patients with the following characteristics: 46.3 % men, mean age 72.84 ± 15.93 years, BMI 20.60 ± 3.98 kg/m2, %WL 11.89 ± 8.32 %; albumin 3.08 ± 0.63 g/dl. The most frequent etiologies of DRE were: neoplasms 42.6 %; degenerative processes of the CNS 28.9 %; stroke 3.9 %; short intestine 6.9 %, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 5.5 %. The percentages of NR covered by the prescribed ONS were: 100 % in 8.9 % of cases, 50 % in 36.9 %, and 25 % in 54.2 %; 40.4 % of patients received 1 unit of ONS daily, 36.3 % took 2 units of ONS, and 23 % received > 3 units of ONS per day. Greater NR were associated with a greater number of ONS (p < 0.001), but 40.8 % of patients who needed to cover > 50 % of NR received only one unit of ONS. CONCLUSION: a significant percentage of patients with DRM do not receive a number of ONS according to their NR.

Assessment of metal and organic pollutants in combination with stable isotope analysis in tunas from the Gulf of Cadiz (east Atlantic).

Bioaccumulation patterns of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe and Cu) and organic (priority and emerging) pollutants, in combination with stable isotope analysis (SIA), were assessed in muscle and liver of three tuna species from the Gulf of Cadiz (Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus; Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda, and skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis). SIA and contaminant (heavy metal and organic) profiles separately discriminated between species. There was no significant overlap between the trophic niches estimated from isotopic data, suggesting that there are diet differences which may determine differential bioaccumulation patterns. The levels of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in muscle of all the individuals analyzed were below the allowable limits established by the current legislation. Concentrations of most contaminants were higher in liver than in muscle, underlining the powerful detoxifying capacity of the liver in tunas. In addition to diet, other factors such as size and age (exposure time to environmental chemicals) explain differences in pollutant accumulation patterns in tissues between species, each with varying degrees of involvement depending on the pollutant class. Our results show that combining contaminant profile data with trophic features based on SIA may help understand pollutant bioaccumulation patterns in upper levels of marine food webs.

Community-Delivered Evidence-Based Practice and Usual Care for Adolescent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Examining Mechanistic Outcomes.

Previous research suggests that routine psychosocial care for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an eclectic and individualized mix of diluted evidence-based practices (EBPs) and low-value approaches. This study evaluated the extent to which a community-delivered EBP and usual care (UC) for adolescents with ADHD produce differential changes in theorized behavioral, psychological, and cognitive mechanisms of ADHD. A randomized community-based trial was conducted with double randomization of adolescent and community therapists to EBP delivery supports (Supporting Teens' Autonomy Daily [STAND]) versus UC delivery. Participants were 278 culturally diverse adolescents (ages 11-17) with ADHD and caregivers. Mechanistic outcomes were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up using parent-rated, observational, and task-based measures. Results using linear mixed models indicated that UC demonstrated superior effects on parent-rated and task-based executive functioning relative to STAND. However, STAND demonstrated superior effects on adolescent motivation and reducing parental intrusiveness relative to UC when it was delivered by licensed therapists. Mechanisms of community-delivered STAND and UC appear to differ. UC potency may occur through improved executive functioning, whereas STAND potency may occur through improved teen motivation and reducing low-value parenting practices. However, when delivered by unlicensed, community-based therapists, STAND did not enact proposed mechanisms. Future adaptations of community-delivered EBPs for ADHD should increase supports for unlicensed therapists, who comprise the majority of the community mental health workforce.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Spanish version of the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS).

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) into Spanish. METHODS: The English KPPS was forward translated into Spanish, back translated, and revised by the original developers. Cross-cultural adaptation of relevant target groups was conducted following COSMIN standards. Cognitive pretesting in Spanish people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and pain was performed via three semi-structured focus group meetings. Changes were implemented based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. A Delphi study (two rounds) of individual assessments by Spanish experts was conducted. Changes were implemented based on the Content Validity Index (CVI) at item and scale levels (I-CVI/S-CVI). RESULTS: Five Spanish professionals performed the initial translation. Thirty-eight inter-translation inconsistencies were identified, and consensus was reached for a unified version. After back translation and confirmation with scale developers, the pre-final Spanish KPPS was obtained. Cognitive pretesting in 30 people with PD-related pain identified 5 items where terminology changes were made to assure comprehensibility. The Delphi study in 14 Spanish experts underlined the necessity to further modify two items. After the second round, all experts agreed on the modifications and I-CVI and S-CVI were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The KPPS was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted into Spanish.

The King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) was translated into Spanish by 5 independent experts.Cross-cultural validity was assessed by Spanish Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients and neurology experts.The Spanish KPPS adaptation was relevant, understandable, and comprehensive.Rehabilitation professionals will have access to the Spanish KPPS version for assessing PD-related pain in Spanish speaking patients.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Acebuche Oil Exert a Retinoprotective Effect in a Murine Model of High-Tension Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is characterized by cupping of the optic disc, apoptotic degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, with patchy loss of vision. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for hypertensive glaucoma and the only modifiable one. There is a need to find novel compounds that counteract other risk factors contributing to RGC degeneration. The oil derived from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), also called Acebuche (ACE), shows powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and retinoprotective effects. We evaluated whether ACE oil could counteract glaucoma-related detrimental effects. To this aim, we fed mice either a regular or an ACE oil-enriched diet and then induced IOP elevation through intraocular injection of methylcellulose. An ACE oil-enriched diet suppressed glaucoma-dependent retinal glia reactivity and inflammation. The redox status of the glaucomatous retinas was restored to a control-like situation, and ischemia was alleviated by an ACE oil-enriched diet. Notably, retinal apoptosis was suppressed in the glaucomatous animals fed ACE oil. Furthermore, as shown by electroretinogram analyses, RGC electrophysiological functions were almost completely preserved by the ACE oil-enriched diet. These ameliorative effects were IOP-independent and might depend on ACE oil's peculiar composition. Although additional studies are needed, nutritional supplementation with ACE oil might represent an adjuvant in the management of glaucoma.

Personal care products: an emerging threat to the marine bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum.

In the last few decades, there has been a growing interest in understanding the behavior of personal care products (PCPs) in the aquatic environment. In this regard, the aim of this study is to estimate the accumulation and effects of four PCPs within the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. The PCPs selected were triclosan, OTNE, benzophenone-3, and octocrylene. A progressive uptake was observed and maximum concentrations in tissues were reached at the end of the exposure phase, up to levels of 0.68 µg g-1, 24 µg g-1, 0.81 µg g-1, and 1.52 µg g-1 for OTNE, BP-3, OC, and TCS, respectively. After the PCP post-exposure period, the removal percentages were higher than 65%. The estimated logarithm bioconcentration factor ranged from 3.34 to 2.93, in concordance with the lipophobicity of each substance. No lethal effects were found although significant changes were observed for ethoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity, glutathione S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage.

Vertical distribution and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants in southern North Sea coastal waters.

Pharmaceutical compounds are micropollutants of emerging concern, as well as other classes of chemicals such as UV filters and artificial sweeteners. They enter marine environments via wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture runoff, hospital effluents, and shipping activities. While many studies have investigated the presence and distribution of these pollutants in numerous coastal areas, our study is the first to focus on their occurrence, spatial distribution, and vertical distribution in the sea surface microlayer (SML) and the near-surface layer of marine environments. We analyzed 62 pharmaceutical compounds, one UV filter, and six artificial sweeteners from the SML to the corresponding underlying water (0 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm) at four stations in the southern North Sea. One station is the enclosed Jade Bay, one is the Weser estuary at Bremerhaven, and the other two stations (NS_7 and NS_8) are in the open German Bight. Jade Bay receives pollutants from surrounding wastewater treatment plants, while the Weser estuary receives pollutants from cities like Bremerhaven, which has dense populations and industrial activities. Concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds were higher in the upper water layers (from the SML to 20 cm). Eleven pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine, carbamazepine, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, metoprolol, salicylic acid, clarithromycin, novobiocin, clindamycin, trimethoprim, and tylosin) were detected in >95 % of our samples. One UV filter (benzophenone-4) was found in 83 % and three artificial sweeteners (acesulfame, saccharin, and sucralose) in 100 % of all our samples. All artificial sweeteners posed high risks to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Understanding the spatial and vertical distribution of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants in marine environments may be essential in assessing their dispersal and detection in other aquatic environments.

Subthalamic stimulation has acute psychotropic effects and improves neuropsychiatric fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.

Background: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is a well-established treatment for motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms remain disputed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of STN-DBS on neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 26 patients with PD who underwent a preoperative levodopa challenge and postoperative levodopa and stimulation challenges 1 year after STN-DBS. Based on the Neuropsychiatric Fluctuations Scale, Neuropsychiatric State Scores and Neuropsychiatric Fluctuation Indices (NFIs) were calculated. Mixed-effects models with random effects for intercept were used to examine the association of Neuropsychiatric State Score and NFI with the different assessment conditions. Results: In acute challenge conditions, there was an estimated increase of 15.9 points in the Neuropsychiatric State Score in stimulation ON conditions (95% CI 11.4 to 20.6, p<0.001) and 7.6 points in medication ON conditions (95% CI 3.3 to 11.9, p<0.001). Neuropsychiatric fluctuations induced by levodopa, quantified with NFI, decreased by 35.54% (95% CI 49.3 to 21.8, p<0.001) 1 year after STN-DBS. Conclusions: Bilateral STN-DBS at therapeutic parameters has acute psychotropic effects similar to levodopa and can modulate and decrease levodopa-induced neuropsychiatric fluctuations.

Neurostimulation for Advanced Parkinson Disease and Quality of Life at 5 Years: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) improves quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD). However, controlled studies with more than 3 years of follow-up are lacking. Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of STN-DBS on QOL compared with standard-of-care medication (MED). Design, Setting, and Participants: In this prospective, observational, quasi-experimental, longitudinal nonrandomized controlled trial, 183 patients were screened for eligibility and 167 were enrolled from March 1, 2011, to May 31, 2017, at 3 European university centers. Propensity score matching for demographic and clinical characteristics was applied to 108 patients with PD (62 in the STN-DBS group and 46 in the MED group), resulting in a well-balanced, matched subcohort of 25 patients per group. Data analysis was performed from September 2022 to January 2023. Exposure: Treatment for PD of STN-DBS or MED. Main Outcomes and Measures: Assessments included Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ-8), Unified PD Rating Scale-motor examination, Scales for Outcomes in PD-activities of daily living (ADL) and motor complications, and levodopa-equivalent daily dose. Within-group longitudinal outcome changes, between-group differences, and correlations of change scores were analyzed. Results: The study population in the analysis included 108 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [8.3] years; 66 [61.1%] male). At 5-year follow-up, PDQ-8 and ADL worsened only in the MED group (PDQ-8 change, -10.9; 95% CI, -19.0 to -2.7; P = .01; ADL change: -2.0; 95% CI, -3.1 to -0.8; P = .002), whereas both outcomes remained stable in the STN-DBS group (PDQ-8 change, -4.3; 95% CI, -13.2 to 4.7; P = .34; ADL change, -0.8; 95% CI, -2.5 to 1.0; P = .38). Changes in PDQ-8 and ADL correlated moderately (rs = .40, P = .008). Furthermore, STN-DBS outcomes were favorable for motor complications (median difference in change scores between STN-DBS and MED, -2.0; 95% CI, -4.0 to -1.0; P = .003), mobility (-1.0; 95% CI, -2.0 to 0; P = .03), and levodopa-equivalent daily dose reduction (-821.4; 95% CI, -1111.9 to -530.8; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides evidence of differences in QOL outcomes at 5-year follow-up between STN-DBS (stable) and MED (worsened), mainly driven by the favorable effect of STN-DBS on mobility (class IIb evidence). The association between changes in QOL and ADL, but not motor impairment or complications, highlights the relative importance of ADL outcomes for long-term DBS assessments. Trial Registration: German ClinicalTrials Registry: DRKS00006735.

Validation of the Kazakh version of the movement disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale.

Background and Purpose: The International Movement Disorder Society revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is widely used in the assessment of the severity of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to validate the Kazakh version of the MDS-UPDRS, explore its dimensionality, and compare it to the original English version. Methods: The validation was conducted in three phases: first, the English version of the MDS-UPDRS was translated into Kazakh and thereafter back-translated into English by two independent teams; second, the Kazakh version underwent a cognitive pretesting; third, the Kazakh version was tested in 360 native Kazakh-speaking PD patients. Both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to validate the scale. We calculated the comparative fit index (CFI) for confirmatory factor analysis and used unweighted least squares for exploratory factor analysis. Results: The CFI was higher than 0.90 for all parts of the scale, thereby meeting the pre-set threshold for the official designation of a validated translation. Exploratory factor analysis also showed that the Kazakh MDS-UPDRS has the analogous factors structure in each part as the English version. Conclusions: The Kazakh MDS-UPDRS had a consistent overall structure as the English MDS-UPDRS, and it was designated as the official Kazakh MDS-UPDRS, which can reliably be used in the Kazakh-speaking populations. Presently, Kazakhstan stands as the sole country in both Central Asia and Transcaucasia with an MDS-approved translated version of the MDS-UPDRS. We expect that other Central Asian and Transcaucasian countries will embark on the MDS Translation Program for MDS-UPDRS in the near future.

Management of Impulse Control and Related Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: An Expert Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Impulse-control and related behavioral disorders (ICBDs) significantly impact the lives of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and caregivers, with lasting consequences if undiagnosed and untreated. While ICBD pathophysiology and risk factors are well-studied, a standardized severity definition and treatment evidence remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to establish international expert consensus on ICBD treatment strategies. To comprehensively address diverse treatment availabilities, experts from various continents were included. METHODS: From 2021 to 2023, global movement disorders specialists engaged in a Delphi process. A core expert group initiated surveys, involving a larger panel in three iterations, leading to refined severity definitions and treatment pathways. RESULTS: Experts achieved consensus on defining ICBD severity, emphasizing regular PD patient screenings for early detection. General treatment recommendations focused on continuous monitoring, collaboration with significant others, and seeking specialist advice for legal or financial challenges. For mild to severe ICBDs, gradual reduction in dopamine agonists was endorsed, followed by reductions in other PD medications. Second-line treatment strategies included diverse approaches like reversing the last medication change, cognitive behavior therapy, subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation, and specific medications like quetiapine, clozapine, and antidepressants. The panel reached consensus on distinct treatment pathways for punding and dopamine dysregulation syndrome, formulating therapy recommendations. Comprehensive discussions addressed management strategies for the exacerbation of either motor or non-motor symptoms following the proposed treatments. CONCLUSION: The consensus offers in-depth insights into ICBD management, presenting clear severity criteria and expert consensus treatment recommendations. The study highlights the critical need for further research to enhance ICBD management. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Economic Burden of Parkinson's Disease: A Multinational, Real-World, Cost-of-Illness Study.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is now one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorders in the developed world, with an increasing prevalence and associated socioeconomic costs. Progression of the disease leads to a gradual deterioration in patients' quality of life, despite optimal treatment, and both medical and societal needs increase, often with the assistance of paid and/or unpaid caregivers. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify the incremental economic burden of Parkinson's disease by disease severity in a real-world setting across differing geographic regions. METHODS: Demographics, clinical characteristics, health status, patient quality of life, caregiver burden, and healthcare resource utilization data were drawn from the Adelphi Parkinson's Disease Specific Program™, conducted in the USA, five European countries, and Japan. RESULTS: A total of 563 neurologists provided data for 5299 individuals with Parkinson's disease; 61% were male, with a mean age of 64 years. Approximately 15% of individuals were deemed to have advanced disease, with significantly more comorbidities, and a poorer quality of life, than those with non-advanced disease. Overall, the mean annual healthcare resource utilization increased significantly with advancing disease, and resulted in a three-fold difference in the USA and Europe. The main drivers behind the high economic burden included hospitalizations, prescription medications, and indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS: People with Parkinson's disease, and their caregivers, incur a higher economic burden as their disease progresses. Future interventions that can control symptoms or slow disease progression could reduce the burden on people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, whilst also substantially impacting societal costs.

Beneficial Bacteria and Plant Extracts Promote Honey Bee Health and Reduce Nosema ceranae Infection.

The research aims to give new insights on the effect of administering selected bacterial strains, isolated from honey bee gut, and/or a commercial plant extract blend (HiveAlive®) on Nosema ceranae. Analyses were first performed under laboratory conditions such as different infective doses of N. ceranae, the effect of single strains and their mixture and the influence of pollen administration. Daily survival and feed consumption rate were recorded and pathogen development was analysed using qPCR and microscope counts. Biomarkers of immunity and physiological status were also evaluated for the different treatments tested using one bacterial strain, a mixture of all the bacteria and/or a plant extract blend as treatments. The results showed an increase of abaecin transcript levels in the midgut of the honey bees treated with the bacterial mixture and an increased expression of the protein vitellogenin in the haemolymph of honey bees treated with two separate bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium coryneforme and Apilactobacillus kunkeei). A significant effectiveness in reducing N. ceranae was shown by the bacterial mixture and the plant extract blend regardless of the composition of the diet. This bioactivity was seasonally linked. Quantitative PCR and microscope counts showed the reduction of N. ceranae under different experimental conditions. The antiparasitic efficacy of the treatments at field conditions was studied using a semi-field approach which was adapted from research on insecticides for the first time, to analyse antiparasitic activity against N. ceranae. The approach proved to be reliable and effective in validating data obtained in the laboratory. Both the mixture of beneficial bacteria and its association with Hive Alive® are effective in controlling the natural infection of N. ceranae in honey bee colonies.