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Leishmania is a trypanosomatid parasite that causes skin lesions in its cutaneous form. Current therapies rely on old and expensive drugs, against which the parasites have acquired considerable resistance. Trypanosomatids are unable to synthesize purines relying on salvaging from the host, and nucleoside analogues have emerged as attractive antiparasitic drug candidates. 4-Methyl-7-β-D-ribofuranosyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (CL5564), an analogue of tubercidin in which the amine has been replaced by a methyl group, demonstrates activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Herein, we investigated its in vitro and in vivo activity against L. amazonensis. CL5564 was 6.5-fold (P = 0.0002) more potent than milteforan™ (ML) against intracellular forms in peritoneal mouse macrophages, and highly selective, while combination with ML gave an additive effect. These results stimulated us to study the activity of CL5564 in mouse model of cutaneous Leishmania infection. BALB/c female and male mice infected by L. amazonensis treated with CL5564 (10 mg kg−1, intralesional route for five days) presented a >93% reduction of paw lesion size likely ML given orally at 40 mg kg−1, while the combination (10 + 40 mg kg−1 of CL5564 and ML, respectively) caused >96% reduction. The qPCR confirmed the suppression of parasite load, but only the combination approach reached 66% of parasitological cure. These results support additional studies with nucleoside derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematode spicules play a vital role in the reproductive activity of species that possess them. Our primary objective was to compare the lengths of spicules of the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) – maintained isolate H. bakeri – with those of H. polygyrus from naturally infected wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus). On a more limited scale, we also included H. glareoli from bank voles (Myodes glareolus), a species reputed to possess longer spicules than either of the 2 former species. In total, we measured 1264 spicules (H. bakeri , n = 614; H. polygyrus n = 582; and H. glareoli, n = 68). There was a highly significant difference between the spicule lengths of the Nottingham-maintained H. bakeri (mean = 0.518 mm) and H. polygyrus (0.598 mm) from 11 different localities across the British Isles. A comparison of the spicules of H. bakeri maintained in 4 different laboratories in 3 continents revealed a range in the mean values from 0.518 to 0.540 mm, while those of worms from Australian wild house mice were shorter (0.480 mm). Mean values for H. polygyrus from wood mice from the British Isles ranged from 0.564 to 0.635 mm, although isolates of this species from Norway had longer spicules (0.670 mm). In agreement with the literature, the spicules of H. glareoli were considerably longer (1.098 mm). Since spicules play a vital role in the reproduction of nematode species that possess them, the difference in spicule lengths between H. bakeri and H. polygyrus adds to the growing evidence that these 2 are quite distinct species and likely reproductively isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a breakthrough by researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, who have developed a novel hydrogel that can significantly reduce blood alcohol levels in laboratory mice. It highlights the potential of this oral hydrogel, designed to decompose alcohol and mitigate its harmful effects, pending further research and regulatory approval for human use.

To detect whether these shapes came from an ancestral bat wing or evolved independently, Sears and her colleagues investigated the embryology of different bat species and the genes responsible for the tissue's development. The findings provide important evidence for how skin layers fuse together to form bats' essential flight membrane, says University of Melbourne biologist Charles Feigin, who was not involved in the new study. BATS HAVE DONE something no other mammal ever has: the leathery-winged beasts evolved powered flight thanks to specialized membranes called patagia connecting their limbs and digits to the rest of their body. [Extracted from the article]

Tamoxifen-induced CreER-LoxP recombination is often used to induce spatiotemporally controlled gene deletion in genetically modified mice. Prior work has shown that tamoxifen and tamoxifen-induced CreER activation can have off-target effects that should be controlled. However, it has not yet been reported whether tamoxifen administration, independently of CreER expression, interacts adversely with commonly used anaesthetic drugs such as medetomidine or its enantiomer dexmedetomidine in laboratory mice (Mus musculus). Here, we report a high incidence of urinary plug formation and morbidity in male mice on a mixed C57Bl6/J6 and 129/SvEv background when tamoxifen treatment was followed by ketaminemedetomidine anaesthesia. Medetomidine is therefore contra-indicated for male mice after tamoxifen treatment. As dexmedetomidine causes morbidity and mortality in male mice at higher rates than medetomidine even without tamoxifen treatment, our findings suggest that dexmedetomidine is not a suitable alternative for anaesthesia of male mice after tamoxifen treatment. We conclude that the choice of anaesthetic drug needs to be carefully evaluated in studies using male mice that have undergone tamoxifen treatment for inducing CreER-LoxP recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Joyeuxiella pasqualei is frequently detected in cats from Mediterranean Europe, information on its biology is still scarce. This cestode is relatively less frequently reported in dogs, possibly because it is often misdiagnosed with the better-known Dipylidium caninum. The occurrence of J. pasqualei proglottids in a dog living in a closed environment triggered us to delve into the biology of this cestode by collecting biological samples from lizards and a road-killed cat. Two reptile species, Podarcis siculus (Lacertidae), and Tarentola mauritanica (Geckonidae) were also collected in the garden and its surroundings. In addition, experimental infections with eggs obtained from gravid proglottids were performed in laboratory mice, and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) beetles. Proglottids from the dog's feces and adult cestodes detected at necroscopy of a cat were morphologically identified as J. pasqualei. Two out of 13 T. mauritanica collected in the garden had natural infections of J. pasqualei cysts in the liver and attached to the intestine. All P. siculus lizards and experimentally infected rodents and beetles were negative. DNA sequences obtained from J. pasqualei showed the highest nucleotide similarities with Versteria sp., Echinococcus sp., Raillietina sonini , Taenia polyacantha and D. caninum. Data herein provided show the inability of rodents to become infected by direct ingestion of gravid proglottids, suggesting a need for an invertebrate first intermediate host in the life cycle. Thus, more research study is advocated to better understand the biology of J. pasqualei such as its first intermediate host and its mechanism of transmission in reptiles and rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to a preprint abstract from biorxiv.org, researchers have developed a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model that accurately replicates the unique characteristics of a patient with VEXAS Syndrome. This PDX model is a valuable tool for studying human diseases and testing new therapies. The research has not yet undergone peer review. For more information, the full text of the study can be found at biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.27.609907v1. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ERGtools2 package, an open-source R package designed for processing and analyzing visual electrophysiology data. The package focuses on data integrity, shareability, and long-term preservation. It provides a comprehensive and flexible solution for visual electrophysiology data analysis, with features such as importing, preprocessing, and analyzing data, as well as handling noisy data and storing data in the HDF5 format. The package promotes reproducibility and data sharing in visual neurosciences, making it useful for both research and potentially clinical applications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, explored the effects of pigment dispersion on ocular immune privilege in a mouse model of pigmentary glaucoma. The study found that dispersion of pigment particles in the eye's anterior chamber enhances the state of ocular immune privilege by influencing the immunosuppressive microenvironment and inducing more regulatory T cells. The research suggests that these findings could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in pigmentary glaucoma. The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Daegu, South Korea discusses the discovery of a spontaneous adenoma in a young laboratory mouse. The tumor, which was found in the peripheral lesion of the mouse's left lateral lobe, was well-circumscribed and measured 1 mm x 1 mm. Histopathologic evaluation revealed that the tumor was a type II cell-derived bronchioloalveolar adenoma. This case is considered rare because such tumors are typically observed in older laboratory animals, making it an interesting finding in a young mouse before puberty. [Extracted from the article]

The article investigates how sodium channel inhibitors impact the progression of neurofibrillary tangles in a mouse model of dementia. Topics discussed include the effects of phenytoin and GS967 on plaque sizes, the influence of these inhibitors on the density of neurofibrillary tangles, and the correlation between microglial cell density and tangles in treated mice.

The article discusses research from North South University highlighting the protective effects of green tea supplementation against myocardial infarction in mice. Topics discussed include the impact of isoproterenol on heart damage, the role of green tea in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and the study's methodology involving various biochemical assessments and histopathological analyses.

The article focuses on research from Xiamen Medical College on cardiac arrhythmias using a barium chloride-induced mouse model to explore potential anti-arrhythmic treatments. Topics discussed include the development of experimental arrhythmias in mice, comparisons with rat models, and the effects of drugs like lidocaine and amiodarone on reversing arrhythmias.

The article reports on a study investigating Withaferin A (WFA), a compound from Ashwagandha, for its effects on pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model of allergic airways disease. Topics include the reduction of eosinophilia and IL-25 production in WFA-treated mice, its potential mechanism involving the IL-25 signaling pathway, and plans for future research on chronic allergen-challenge effects.

The article details advancements in the isolation and characterization of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bone marrow using a novel "CAGS-Snorkel" mouse model. Topics include the development of the Snorkel-tag for specific EV tracking, differences in miRNA profiles between EVs from different bone cell types, and the implications of these differences for bone metabolism and cell communication.

The article discusses new research from Second Xiangya Hospital on beta-thalassemia, using quasi-targeted metabolomics to identify biomarkers and potential drug candidates in a mouse model. Topics include metabolic disorders related to beta-thalassemia, key metabolites for predicting the disease, and potential drug candidates based on molecular docking studies.

This article discusses a study that aims to understand the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study analyzes 13 different mouse models of IBD and compares their transcriptomic profiles to established patient datasets. The researchers identify common and unique features of IBD at the molecular level and identify pathways and cellular processes that are comparable between mouse models and patients. This study provides valuable insights for selecting appropriate experimental models to study specific aspects of IBD pathogenesis. Please note that this article is a preprint and has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses the development of a novel screening approach to identify potential therapies for spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), a group of neurodegenerative conditions. The researchers focused on the shared CAG repeat expansion mutation found in many SCAs and identified two compounds, including the FDA-approved drug Colchicine, that reduce the expression of disease-associated transcripts in patient cell lines and mouse models. The lead candidate also showed promise in correcting dysregulated alternative splicing. This research represents a significant step towards targeting the underlying mechanisms of multiple CAG SCAs with small molecules. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

According to a preprint abstract, researchers have identified netoglitazone, an antidiabetic drug, as an antagonist to the aggregation of toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The drug improved cognition and reduced microglia activity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's. Using quantitative whole-brain three-dimensional histology (Q3D), the researchers were able to identify specific brain regions where netoglitazone reduced the number and size of Aβ plaques. This study demonstrates the potential of Q3D in preclinical drug evaluation for Alzheimer's disease. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison explored the impact of stroke on circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles. The researchers found that stroke triggers dynamic reprogramming of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in circRNAs, which significantly influences their metabolism and functionality. The study also revealed that circRNAs derived from protein-coding genes showed differential regulation and changes in m6A modification patterns after stroke. Gene ontology analysis suggested that m6A-modified circRNAs may play a role in regulating synapse-related processes, potentially influencing post-stroke synaptic pathophysiology. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the relationship between stroke and circRNA regulation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Heinrich-Heine-University in Dusseldorf, Germany, aimed to investigate the prevalence, phenotype, and etiology of kidney cysts in mice. The researchers retrospectively analyzed laboratory data from a central animal facility in Germany from 2009 to 2019. They found that 0.4% of dissected mice had kidney cysts, with more males than females affected. The study concluded that kidney cysts were harmless for the affected mice, but affected animals should be excluded from breeding due to the suggested inheritability of the condition. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents research from the University of Texas Austin on microvascular plasticity in a mouse stroke model using longitudinal in vivo two-photon angiography and network vectorization. Topics discussed include the dynamics of cortical microvascular network remodeling post-stroke, temporal patterns of cerebrovascular plasticity, and the correlation between neurovascular and neuronal plasticity.

The article discusses recent findings from Catholic University in Brazil, on the use of mouse models to study severe acute lung injury (ALI). It states that this research aims to enhance understanding of bacterial ALI by evaluating different models and their effectiveness in simulating the disease's inflammatory processes, ultimately aiding in the development of new treatments.

The article discusses a study from Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital in Gyeongnam, South Korea, that explores the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) to alleviate asthma symptoms exacerbated by PM2.5 exposure in a mouse model. It notes that the research found PBM significantly reduced various asthma-related markers and pathologies in PM2.5-exposed mice, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for respiratory complications associated with air pollution.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Trinity College Dublin has found that gene therapy using AAV-NDI1 therapy can provide significant benefits to murine and cellular models of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and vision. The AAV-NDI1 therapy, which improves mitochondrial function and reduces reactive oxygen species, was shown to protect retinal ganglion cells from cell death and improve photonegative responses in mice with glaucoma. The therapy also demonstrated benefits in glaucomatous human cells. This study highlights the potential utility of NDI1 therapies in the treatment of glaucoma by improving mitochondrial function. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Life Sciences Lublin in Poland investigated the effects of pregabalin, a medication used to treat neurosis, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain, on the development of Lucilia sericata flies. The study found that pregabalin prolonged the life cycle of the flies and caused a decrease in body weight and increased mortality of the larvae and pupae. The research contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism of bioaccumulation and provides valuable information for estimating the time of death in forensic investigations. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Medycyna Weterynaryjna. [Extracted from the article]

The article from University Hospital Zurich updates understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with new findings. Topics include the impact of nanoplastic (NP) particles on macrophage inflammation, the effects of NP exposure on intestinal health and inflammation in a mouse model, and the reassurance provided to IBD patients despite potential long-term concerns about plastic consumption.

The article reports on new study findings from researchers at Capital Medical University regarding the effects of the Qingchang Ligan formula (QCLG). The study explores the pathogenesis of HE, a severe neurological disorder linked to advanced liver injury. Using a thioacetamide-induced HE mouse model, the researchers found that QCLG improved weight loss, cognitive impairment, neurological function, and inflammatory markers associated with HE.

Dartmouth College has been granted a patent for a method and device that allows surgeons to better visualize and differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues during surgery. This is particularly useful in cases where tumors or lesions do not have clear boundaries. The invention involves an imaging system that uses fluorescent compounds to make abnormal tissues more visible, enabling surgeons to remove tumors more precisely while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The system includes an illumination device and a surgical microscope with optical output ports to provide imaging data to the surgeon. The patent, filed by Frederic Leblond and assigned to Trustees of Dartmouth College, describes a hyperspectral imaging system that determines the depth and concentration of fluorophores in tissue during surgery. The system captures white-light and fluorescence-light hyperspectral image cubes of the tissue, which are then analyzed by an image processor to extract scattering and absorption parameters, normalize selected pairs of images, derive the depth of the fluorophores, and determine fluorophore concentration. The system can be integrated into a surgical microscope or used independently. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study examined the gut bacterial strains found in laboratory mice and their evolutionary history compared to wild mice. The researchers found that the gut microbiota of laboratory mice has diverged from that of wild mice over the past 120 years of captivity, with laboratory mice experiencing an accelerated accumulation of genetic load. This divergence has led to differences in immune-cell proliferation, infection resistance, cancer progression, and the ability to model drug outcomes for humans. The study suggests that stochastic processes, such as bottlenecks, rather than natural selection, have been the main evolutionary forces driving the divergence of gut bacterial strains between laboratory and wild mice. The findings highlight the importance of restoring laboratory mice with wild gut bacterial strain diversity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, focused on Dent's disease-1 (DD-1), a rare X-linked tubular disorder. The disease is characterized by low-molecular-weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, and nephrocalcinosis, and is caused by mutations in the CLCN5 gene. The researchers generated a mouse model with a pathogenic CLCN5 variant and found that sodium 4-phenylbutyrate, a small chemical chaperone, reduced the symptoms of DD-1 in the mouse model. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying pathological processes of DD-1 and may contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for this rare condition. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Duke University School of Medicine reveals advancements in understanding genetic risk associated with autism by utilizing genome-editing and proximity proteomics to study protein interactions in a mouse model. Topics include the identification of spatial proteomes related to autism, the interaction of high-confidence risk genes, and the implications for new research directions.

The article reviews new findings from Sloan Kettering Institute on cancer metastasis using mouse models, highlighting challenges in modeling tumor dormancy and outgrowth. Topics discussed include the phases of cancer metastasis, methods for modeling metastasis, and advancements in understanding metastatic dormancy.

The article presents new findings from Ajou University School of Medicine regarding the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture in alleviating ulcerative colitis symptoms in a mouse model. Topics discussed include the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic mixture, the modulation of inflammatory markers, and the impact on gut microbiota diversity.

The article reports new findings from the University of Karachi on the role of Rap1A GTPase in pancreas function, highlighting its involvement in insulin secretion and metabolism. Topics discussed include the differential proteomic profiles of Rap1A-deficient and wild-type mice pancreata, the impact of Rap1A deficiency on glucose tolerance, and the compromised cAMP-Epac2-Rap1A pathway in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

The article focuses on research from Dalian Medical University exploring how integrated imaging and proteomics sensors detect proteome aggregation induced by platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. Topics include the development of sensors to image and analyze proteome aggregation, the impact of platinum-based drugs on protein stability and homeostasis, and the use of these sensors in living cells and a mice model to uncover changes in proteostasis and metabolic pathways.

The article focuses on the effects of a novel synthetic peptide, A7-1, on wound healing in a mouse model. Topics include the evaluation of A7-1's impact on wound and skin graft healing compared to a control, the enhancement of angiogenesis observed through fluorescein angiography, and the analysis of histological and molecular markers to assess healing progress.

The article focuses on the development of new mouse models of allergic asthma, with topics including adjuvant-independent airway sensitization, infection, and disease mechanisms. It study found that environmental microbial exposures and infections play a crucial role in asthma pathogenesis and disease outcome, and that these findings can inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with asthma.

The article focuses on a study investigating the metabolic profile of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using a mouse model. Topics include the identification of altered metabolites associated with IPF, the analysis of these metabolites through KEGG pathway enrichment and machine learning for potential biomarkers, and the implications of these findings for understanding IPF pathogenesis and developing targeted treatments.

This article discusses a study on tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility in genetically diverse mice. The researchers used a collection of 19 wild-derived inbred mouse lines to identify novel phenotypes during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. They found that wild-derived mice have heterogeneous immune responses to infection, resulting in differential ability to control the disease. The study also identified a mouse line that had high numbers of neutrophils but still controlled the infection. The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify a novel neutrophil signature associated with failure to control infection. This preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses the challenges in developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), which are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The heterogeneity of these disorders, with causative mutations identified in over 280 genes, makes it difficult to find therapies that are applicable to a broad range of genetic causes. The study aims to understand the common molecular pathways that lead to photoreceptor death in IRDs. Through single-cell transcriptomics, the researchers identify common transcriptional signatures in degenerating photoreceptors and find that autophagy disruption and mitochondrial stress precede photoreceptor cell death by necroptosis in later stages of the disease. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for gene-agnostic treatments for IRDs that could benefit the majority of patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from the Second Hospital of Jilin University in China has found that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, a natural compound, can reduce the severity of acute liver injury by improving the diversity and function of the gut microbiota. The study used carbon tetrachloride to induce acute liver injury in mice and analyzed the changes in the intestinal flora using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The results showed that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides promoted the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, reduced oxidative stress injury, and improved intestinal mucosal inflammation, ultimately alleviating acute liver injury. This research provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on liver health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Western New England University examined the effects of long-term dietary consumption of grapes on kidney health in C57BL/6J mice. The study found that mice provided with a grape-supplemented diet had lower body/kidney weight ratios compared to those on a standard diet. Additionally, the grape diet resulted in the up-regulation of certain genes related to kidney health in female mice and the down-regulation of genes in male mice. The study suggests that the long-term consumption of grapes may contribute to renal health and resilience against fibrosis and related pathologies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Baylor University College of Medicine focused on Lafora disease (LD), a syndrome characterized by progressive myoclonic epilepsy and neurocognitive deterioration. The study examined the neurobehavioral deterioration in a mouse model of LD and aimed to identify preclinical endpoints for potential genetic treatments. The results showed that mice with malin deficiency, a genetic lesion associated with LD, did not exhibit abnormalities in various neurobehavioral endpoints, despite the presence of pathological markers such as Lafora bodies and cortical circuit dysfunction. These findings suggest a potential window for intervention in LD. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the effects of candesartan, an angiotensin II inhibitor, on epilepsy-related conditions in a mouse model. Topics discussed include the restoration of blood-brain barrier function; mitigation of abnormal gene expression; and extension of lifespan in the model, highlighting candesartan's dual role as an Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist.

The article focuses on a study on bladder cancer, topics include the development of a new treatment approach for muscle invasive bladder cancer, and the discovery of the potent anti-tumor activity of rosiglitazone and trametinib in a mouse model of this disease. It researchers found that combining rosiglitazone and trametinib reduced tumor volume by 91 present in a mouse model of basal/squamous bladder cancer.

The article investigates how SKF82958, a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, disrupts prepulse inhibition (PPI) in mice, highlighting its effects on specific brain regions. Topics discussed include the role of the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in PPI disruption, the effects of dopamine D1 receptor antagonists on PPI, and the potential implications for neuropsychiatric disorder treatments.

The article focuses on research from Huazhong University of Science and Technology regarding the optimization of mouse models for ulcerative colitis. Topics include the effects of different dosages and frequencies of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration, the impact on body weight and survival rates, and the evaluation of inflammatory markers and tissue damage in the model mice.

The article focuses on a study from Fudan University investigating a mouse model of Mahvash disease. Topics include the genetic modification using CRISPR-Cas9, the effects on pancreatic a-cell proliferation and glucagon levels, and the absence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) despite persistent hyperplasia.