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One of the worst zoonotic illnesses, avian influenza (AI), or commonly referred to as bird flu, is caused by viruses belonging to the genus Influenza viruses, which are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family. The harmful effects of AI illness can affect both human and animal health and cause financial losses. Globally, the AI virus lacks political purpose and is not limited by geographical limits. It has been isolated from poultry, wild birds, and captive birds in Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. Their virulence is divided into highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) and low pathogenic AI (LPAI). The AI virus can also be diagnosed in a laboratory setting using molecular tests like real-time polymerase chain reaction or serological tests like the hemagglutinin inhibition test, agar gel immunodiffusion, antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and other immunoassays. The type of AI virus and host species determines the clinical manifestations, severity, and fatality rates of AI. Human infection with AI viruses typically results from direct transmission from infected birds to humans. AI outbreaks in domestic and wild birds are uncommon; however, an infection can pose a significant threat to public, veterinary, and medical health. Successful vaccination reduces the probability of AI H5N1 virus infection in meat and other poultry products and prevents systemic infection in chickens. This review will provide information that can be used as a reference for recognizing the dangers of AI and for preventing and controlling the disease, considering its potential to become a serious pandemic outbreak.

Abstract Protoberberine alkaloids and benzophenanthridine alkaloids (BZDAs) are subgroups of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), which represent a diverse class of plant-specialized natural metabolites with many pharmacological properties. Microbial biosynthesis has been allowed for accessibility and scalable production of high-value BIAs. Here, we engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae to de novo produce a series of protoberberines and BZDAs, including palmatine, berberine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine and chelirubine. An ER compartmentalization strategy is developed to improve vacuole protein berberine bridge enzyme (BBE) activity, resulting in >200% increase on the production of the key intermediate (S)-scoulerine. Another promiscuous vacuole protein dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase (DBOX) has been identified to catalyze two-electron oxidation on various tetrahydroprotoberberines at N7-C8 position and dihydrobenzophenanthridine alkaloids. Furthermore, cytosolically expressed DBOX can alleviate the limitation on BBE. This study highlights the potential of microbial cell factories for the biosynthesis of a diverse group of BIAs through engineering of heterologous plant enzymes.

Classical swine fever (CSF), sometimes referred to as hog cholera, is a highly contagious, virally-based, systemic illness that affects both domestic and wild pigs. The virus known as classical swine fever (CSFV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, specifically the genus Pestivirus. This disease is thought to be endemic in many Asian countries that produce pork as well as in several countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. As previously indicated, depending on the virulence of the virus strain involved and several host circumstances, clinical indications of CSFV infection can vary greatly, ranging from abrupt fatality to an occult course. CSF diagnosis can be made by serological detection, antigen, RNA, and isolation. CSF's highly varied symptoms and post-mortem pathology resemble those of African swine fever. African swine fever (ASF). The kind of CSFV, the pig's age, and its susceptibility all affect the clinical symptoms. Pigs that contract CSFV, a highly infectious and economically significant virus. The great economic significance of the swine business makes the classical swine fever virus a potential bioterrorism threat. Live attenuated CSF vaccinations have been around for many years and are quite safe and effective. Controlling epidemics in CSFV-free zones requires quick action. Pigs that are impacted must be slaughtered, and the carcasses must be buried or burned. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(10.000): 2497-2508]

Abstract Background Although insulin resistance (IR) is among the most frequent and pathogenically relevant complications accompanying childhood obesity, its role in modulating and exacerbating obesity pathophysiology has not yet been completely clarified. Methods To get deeper insights into the interplay between childhood obesity and IR, we leveraged a comprehensive experimental design based on a combination of observational data, in vivo challenge tests (i.e., oral glucose tolerance test), and ex vivo assays (i.e., incubation of erythrocytes with insulin) using a population comprising children with obesity and IR, children with obesity without IR, and healthy controls, from whom plasma and erythrocyte samples were collected for subsequent metabolomics analysis. Results Children with concomitant IR showed exacerbated metabolic disturbances in the crosstalk between endogenous, microbial, and environmental determinants, including failures in energy homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, oxidative stress, synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids, membrane lipid composition, as well as differences in exposome-related metabolites associated with diet, exposure to endocrine disruptors, and gut microbiota. Furthermore, challenge tests and ex vivo assays revealed a deleterious impact of IR on individuals’ metabolic flexibility, as reflected in blunted capacity to regulate homeostasis in response to hyperinsulinemia, at both systemic and erythroid levels. Conclusions Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that metabolite alterations in erythrocytes represent reliable and sensitive biomarkers to disentangle the metabolic complexity of IR and childhood obesity. This study emphasizes the crucial need of addressing inter-individual variability factors, such as the presence of comorbidities, to obtain a more accurate understanding of obesity-related molecular mechanisms.

The livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) strains are prevalent in the poultry farming environment and are a common component of the bacterial microbiota on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy animals. The origin and spread of LA-MRSA are attributed to the use of antibiotics in animals, and close contact between people and different animal species increases the risk of animal exposure to humans. The epidemiology of LA-MRSA in poultry significantly changed when ST398 and ST9 were found in food-producing animals. The significance of LA-MRSA and zoonotic risk associated with handling and processing foods of avian origin is highlighted by the LA-MRSA strain's ability to infect chickens. People who work with poultry are more prone to contract LA-MRSA than the general population. There is scientific consensus that individuals who have close contact with chickens can become colonized and subsequently infected with LA-MRSA; these individuals could include breeders, medical professionals, or personnel at chicken slaughterhouses. The prevention of LA-MRSA infections and diseases of poultry origin requires taking precautions against contamination across the entire chicken production chain. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(9.000): 2116-2128]

Background: Protein deficiency poses a significant challenge during the growth and development of children. Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) leaves, renowned for their high protein content, present a potential solution to address amino acid imbalances in protein-deficient conditions. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of MO leaves extract in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Methods: Protein extraction from Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves was performed using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) with ethanol. The ethanol leaf extract of MO (EEMO) was then characterized for protein content, amino acids, minerals, phytic acid, and phytochemicals. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) test, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on HepG2 and MDCK cells. EEMO was tested for acute toxicity in 60 healthy male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into five groups of six rats each, receiving single oral doses of 5, 50, 300, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg body weight (BW) of EEMO. Observations was conducted daily till day 14 before necropsy of rats. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested and preserved in 10% formalin for histopathological analysis. Results: The extraction process revealed a protein content of 45.5%, with phenylalanine being the predominant essential amino acid at 22.25 mg/g, and glutamic acid as the dominant non-essential amino acid at 60.03 mg/g. Potassium (1174.23 mg/100g) and selenium (149 mg/100g) were identified as the primary macro and micro minerals, respectively. The IC50 and CC50 values for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in HepG2 and MDCK were found to be 41.04 ppm,182.66 ppm and 121.04 ppm respectively. Toxicity testing on experimental animals resulted in an LD50 value of 5,000 mg/kg BW for EEMO, indicating its relative safety upon oral administration. Conclusion: MO extract produced by the UAE extraction method, containing high-quality food-grade protein, showed no cytotoxic effects on HepG2 and MDCK cells and exhibited no acute toxicity in rats. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(9.000): 2294-2309]

Abstract Background Insulin resistance is a frequent precursor of typical obesity and metabolic syndrome complications. However, accurate diagnosis remains elusive because of its pathophysiological complexity and heterogeneity. Herein, we have explored the utility of insulin secretion dynamics in response to an oral glucose tolerance test as a surrogate marker to identify distinct metabotypes of disease severity. Methods The study population consisted of children with obesity and insulin resistance, stratified according to the post-challenge insulin peak timing (i.e., early, middle, and late peak), from whom fasting and postprandial plasma and erythrocytes were collected for metabolomics analysis. Results Children with late insulin peak manifested worse cardiometabolic health (i.e., higher blood pressure, glycemia, and HOMA-IR scores) than early responders. These subjects also showed more pronounced changes in metabolites mirroring failures in energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, metabolism of cholesterol and phospholipids, and adherence to unhealthy dietary habits. Furthermore, delayed insulin peak was associated with impaired metabolic flexibility, as reflected in compromised capacity to regulate mitochondrial energy pathways and the antioxidant defense in response to glucose overload. Conclusions Altogether, these findings suggest that insulin resistance could encompass several phenotypic subtypes characterized by graded disturbances in distinctive metabolic derangements occurring in childhood obesity, which serve as severity predictive markers.

Campylobacteriosis is a foodborne illness that is contracted by eating contaminated food, particularly animal products like meat from diseased animals or corpses tainted with harmful germs. The epidemiology of campylobacteriosis varies significantly between low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Campylobacter has a complicated and poorly known survival strategy for getting past host barriers and causing sickness in humans. The adaptability of Campylobacter to unfavorable environments and the host's immune system seems to be one of the most crucial elements of intestinal colonization. A Campylobacter infection may result in fever, nausea, vomiting, and mild to severe bloody diarrhea in humans. Effective and rapid diagnosis of Campylobacter species infections in animal hosts is essential for both individual treatment and disease management at the farm level. According to the most recent meta-analysis research, the main risk factor for campylobacteriosis is travel, which is followed by eating undercooked chicken, being exposed to the environment, and coming into close contact with livestock. Campylobacter jejuni, and occasionally Campylobacter coli, are the primary causes of Campylobacter gastroenteritis, the most significant Campylobacter infection in humans for public health. The best antibiotic medications for eradicating and decreasing Campylobacter in feces are erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin. The best strategy to reduce the number of human infections caused by Campylobacter is to restrict the amount of contamination of the poultry flock and its products, even if the majority of infections are contracted through handling or ingestion of chicken. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(8.000): 1733-1750]

The corona virus that caused the COVID-19 disease defied geographical boundaries, spreading faster than the measures to contain its transmission. The processing of personal health-related data became widespread as a measure to respond to the pandemic. This triggered new concerns about the possibility of there being a data crisis. Individuals suspected to be infected by COVID-19 were forced to undertake mandatory testing that involved the collection of health-related data. To limit the spread of the disease, the collection of personal data extended to secondary contacts. Personal health-related data are very prone to abuse, and this data included secondary data inconsistent with initial collection purposes. Admittedly, such risks are not new. Prior to the pandemic, health-related data were processed through electronic health (e-health) platforms. The health-related data processing methods during the pandemic were insufficient to meet the data protection principles of consent, transparency, purpose and storage, potentially violating the right to privacy. Globally, expectations are that countries should have data protection laws informed by established principles regulating the processing of personal data. While, Zimbabwe had not enacted the Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDP Act), which lists some of the data principles, this paper relies on existing laws to determine whether Zimbabwe is still abiding by constitutional and international human rights standards in protecting personal data privacy. The paper examines the development of data principles and their application in Zimbabwe in respect of health-related data protection during the pandemic. The paper 1) analyses the existing laws and their protection of personal health-related data; 2) explores the incorporation of data principles in COVID-19-related responses including in national laws as informed by international laws; and 3) highlights the gaps in both law and practice as they relate to the handling of personal health-related data in Zimbabwe during the pandemic. The paper concludes that even if the existing laws on data privacy were not comprehensive and even if the CDP Act came too late, the global regulations, the sectoral laws and other guidance accessible to Zimbabwe in responding to the pandemic would have sufficed to avert a data pandemic during the health pandemic and allowed Zimbabwe to be compliant with international data protection standards.

Salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella species, is one of the most common foodborne illnesses worldwide with an estimated 93.8 million cases and about 155,00 fatalities. In both industrialized and developing nations, Salmonellosis has been reported to be one of the most prevalent foodborne zoonoses and is linked with arrays of illness syndromes such as acute and chronic enteritis, and septicaemia. The two major and most common Salmonella species implicated in both warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals are Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enterica. To date, more than 2400 S. enterica serovars which affect both humans and animals have been identified. Salmonella is further classified into serotypes based on three primary antigenic determinants: somatic (O), flagella (H), and capsular (K). The capacity of nearly all Salmonella species to infect, multiply, and survive in human host cells with the aid of their pathogenic and virulence arsenals makes them deadly and important public health pathogens. Primarily, food-producing animals such as poultry, swine, cattle, and their products have been identified as important sources of salmonellosis. Additionally, raw fruits and vegetables are among other food types that have been linked to the spread of Salmonella spp. Based on the clinical manifestation of human salmonellosis, Salmonella strains can be categorized as either non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and typhoidal Salmonella. The detection of aseptically collected Salmonella in necropsies, environmental samples, feedstuffs, rectal swabs, and food products serves as the basis for diagnosis. In developing nations, typhoid fever due to Salmonella Typhi typically results in the death of 5% to 30% of those affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) calculated that there are between 16 and 17 million typhoid cases worldwide each year, with scaring 600,000 deaths as a result. The contagiousness of a Salmonella outbreak depends on the bacterial strain, serovar, growth environment, and host susceptibility. Risk factors for Salmonella infection include a variety of foods; for example, contaminated chicken, beef and pork. Globally, there is a growing incidence and emergence of life-threatening clinical cases, especially due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella spp, including strains exhibiting resistance to important antimicrobials such as beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and third generation cephalosporins. In extreme cases, especially in situations involving very difficult-to-treat strains, death usually results. The severity of the infections resulting from Salmonella pathogens is dependent on the serovar type, host susceptibility, the type of bacterial strains, and growth environment. This review therefore aims to detail the nomenclature, etiology, history, pathogenesis, reservoir, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, epidemiology, transmission, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance, public health importance, economic impact, treatment, and control of salmonellosis. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(6.000): 1313-1329]

The frequent zoonotic disease known as "bovine tuberculosis" is brought on by the Mycobacterium bovis bacteria, which can infect both people and animals. The aim of this review article is to provide an explanation of the etiology, history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, risk factors, public health importance, economic impact, treatment, and control of bovine tuberculosis. Primarily, bovine tuberculosis affects cattle, but other animals may also be affected. Bovine tuberculosis is present throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Cattle that contract bovine tuberculosis might suffer from a persistent, crippling illness. In the early stages of the disease, there are no symptoms. The tuberculin test is the primary method for detecting bovine tuberculosis in cows. Depending on its localized site in the infected animal, M. bovis can be found in respiratory secretions, milk, urine, faeces, vaginal secretions, semen, feces, and exudates from lesions (such as lymph node drainage and some skin lesions). This illness generally lowers cattle productivity and could have a negative financial impact on the livestock business, particularly the dairy industry. The most effective first-line anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy consists of isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampin, and streptomycin. Second line drugs used against bovine tuberculosis include ethionamide, capreomycin, thioacetazone, and cycloserine. To successfully control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis, developed nations have implemented routine testing and culling of infected animals under national mandatory programs. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(6.000): 1330-1344]

Background and Aim: Bats are a reservoir for the pathogenic bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and can spread it through feces that fall in nests/caves, carried, and dropped while they fly near human settlements, and from their saliva. The emergence and spread of multidrug resistance (MDR) strains of K. pneumoniae indicate that resistant to antibiotics, especially extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), is considered an important global health threat. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of the gene encoding extended beta-lactamase in K. pneumoniae isolated from fresh bat feces collected from the Tanjung Ringgit bat cave, East Lombok. Materials and Methods: In this study, 150 fresh fecal samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques for the presence of K. pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae-positive isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing, followed by molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction. Results: This study showed that 14 (9.3%) of 150 samples were positive for K. pneumoniae. Ten of the 14 samples (71.4%) were MDR isolates and 6 (42.9%) had the blaSHV gene identified. Conclusion: The presence of K. pneumoniae isolated from fresh bat feces, which is MDR and has the blaSHV gene encoding ESBL indicates that bats can be a reservoir for the transmission of MDR and ESBL bacteria has an impact on public health in the study area.

One zoonotic infectious animal disease is brucellosis. The bacteria that cause brucellosis belong to the genus Brucella. Numerous animal and human species are affected by Brucellosis, with an estimated 500,000 human cases recorded annually worldwide. The occurrence of new areas of infection and the resurgence of infection in already infected areas indicate how dynamically Brucellosis is distributed throughout different geographic regions. Bacteria originate from the blood and are found in the reticuloendothelial system, the liver, the spleen, and numerous other locations, including the joints, kidneys, heart, and genital tract. Diagnosis of this disease can be done by Bacterial Isolation, Molecular tests, Modified acid-fast Stain, Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Milk Ring Test (MRT), Complement Fixation Test (CFT), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). The primary sign of a B. abortus infection is infertility, which can result in abortion and the birth of a frail fetus that may go on to infect other animals. In humans, the main symptoms are acute febrile illness, with or without localization signs, and chronic infection. Female cattle have a greater risk of contracting Brucella disease. Human populations at high risk of contracting brucellosis include those who care for cattle, veterinarians, slaughterhouse employees, and butchers. Antibiotic treatment of brucellosis is often unsuccessful due to the intracellular survival of Brucella and its adaptability in macrophages. A 'One Health' strategy is necessary to control illnesses like brucellosis. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(5.000): 1081-1097]

Background Indonesia is one of the countries that is endemic to avian influenza virus subtype H9N2. This study aims to compare the molecular characteristics of avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 from West Java. Methods Specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs were used to inoculate samples. RNA extraction and RT–qPCR confirmed the presence of H9 and N2 genes in the samples. RT–PCR was employed to amplify the H9N2-positive sample. Nucleotide sequences were obtained through Sanger sequencing and analyzed using MEGA 7. Homology comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis, utilizing the neighbor-joining tree method, assessed the recent isolate’s similarity to reference isolates from GenBank. Molecular docking analysis was performed on the HA1 protein of the recent isolate and the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate, comparing their interactions with the sialic acids Neu5Ac2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Results RT–qPCR confirmed the isolate samples as AIV subtype H9N2. The recent virus exhibited 11 amino acid residue differences compared to the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate. Phylogenetically, the recent virus remains within the h9.4.2.5 subclade. Notably, at antigenic site II, the recent isolate featured an amino acid N at position 183, unlike A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017. Molecular docking analysis revealed a preference of HA1 from the 2017 virus for Neu5Ac2-3Gal, while the 2023 virus displayed a tendency to predominantly bind with Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Conclusion In summary, the recent isolate displayed multiple mutations and a strong affinity for Neu5Ac2-6Gal, commonly found in mammals.

Background: Approximately 82% of children with childhood cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis. Living as a cancer survivor elicits a new reality that can include psychosocial impacts. These psychosocial impacts interact collectively, especially regarding reassimilation, and are rarely explored. Objective: To explore the psychosocial impacts of surviving childhood cancer and reassimilation back into society in young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Methodology: Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors and explored psychosocial aspects associated with returning to work, school, and social environments after remission. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted once interviews were manually transcribed. A group interview with survivors was held to discuss the study’s findings and interpretation. Results: Individual interviews and the group interview revealed three major themes: outlook on reassimilating, outlook on coping, and outlook on cancer. Conclusions: This work is a first step to understanding how survivors’ personal outlook on coping and healthcare system barriers play influential roles in reassimilation following cancer treatment. Survivors expressed the need for reliable survivorship information and improved communication with healthcare providers regarding what to expect, so they could feel prepared for life post-cancer. These aspects need to be explored more deeply through other qualitative studies.

Contexte : Environ 82 % des personnes atteintes d’un cancer pendant l’enfance survivent plus de 5 ans après le diagnostic. La survivance transforme leur quotidien et entraîne parfois des difficultés psycho­sociales. Les séquelles psychosociales – rarement étudiées – sont inter­reliées, surtout en ce qui concerne la réinsertion aux activités normales. Objectif : Examiner les effets psychosociaux de la survie au cancer pédiatrique et la réinsertion sociale des jeunes adultes. Méthodologie : Des entrevues individuelles semi-structurées détaillées ont été réalisées auprès de personnes ayant survécu à un cancer pédiatrique afin d’étudier les aspects psychologiques du retour au travail, à l’école et en société après la rémission. Après la transcription manuelle des entrevues, on a procédé à une analyse phénoménologique interprétative. Un groupe de discussion a été organisé pour permettre aux survivants de discuter des résultats de l’étude et de l’interprétation des données. Résultats : Les entrevues individuelles et le groupe de discussion ont fait ressortir trois grands thèmes : le regard porté sur la réinsertion, le regard porté sur l’adaptation et le regard porté sur le cancer. Conclusions : La présente recherche amorce une démarche visant à comprendre en quoi le regard que portent les survivants sur l’adaptation et les obstacles liés au système de santé influence la réintégration après le cancer. Les survivants ont exprimé le besoin d’obtenir des renseignements fiables sur la survivance au cancer et d’être mieux informés par leurs professionnels de la santé afin de se préparer à la vie après le cancer. Ces aspects devront faire l’objet d’autres études qualitatives détaillées.

Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease of great public health importance, particularly in Indonesia, where control measures are limited or are not implemented. This study aimed to detect the presence of Mycobacterium pathogens in milk samples from dairy cattle in Pasuruan regency and Surabaya City, East Java, using Ziehl–Neelsen acid-fast staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: Milk samples were aseptically collected from 50 cattle in the Lekok Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency, and 44 from dairy farms in the Lakarsantri Subdistrict, Wonocolo Subdistrict, Mulyorejo Subdistrict, and Kenjeran Subdistrict, Surabaya, East Java. To detect Mycobacteria at the species level, each sample was assessed by Ziehl–Neelsen staining and PCR using the RD1 and RD4 genes. Results: The results of PCR assay from 50 samples in Lekok Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency showed that 30 samples (60%) were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and two samples (4%) were positive for Mycobacterium bovis, although Ziehl–Neelsen staining did not show the presence of Mycobacterium spp. In the Surabaya region, 31 samples (70.45%) were positive for M. tuberculosis and three samples (6.8%) were positive for M. bovis. Six samples (13.63%) from all PCR-positive samples could be detected microscopically with Ziehl–Neelsen. Conclusion: The presence of bovine TB in this study supports the importance of using a molecular tool alongside routine surveillance for a better understanding of the epidemiology of bovine TB in East Java.

Background: The problem, poultry is one of the most prominent sources of Campylobacter jejuni, which is also a major means of transmission to people. Campylobacter jejuni contamination in chicken meat comes from chicken faeces because it naturally exists in the intestine of chickens. Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the antibiotic resistance genes and patterns of Campylobacter jejuni, which was found in hens in Pasuruan, Indonesia. Methods: The samples used in this study were 200 contents of the small intestine of broiler chickens from 40 farms in Pasuruan Regency. Enriched sample was streaked on the selective media of modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate (mCCDA) containing the CCDA selective supplement. Antimicrobial susceptibility test utilizing the Kirby-Bauer Diffusion Test method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the hipO, gyrA, blaOXA-61, and tetO genes, hipO is a gene encoding Campylobacter jejuni strain, while gyrA is a gene encoding fluoroquinolone resistance, blaOXA-61 encodes beta-lactam resistance, tetO encodes beta-lactam resistance. Results: The findings revealed a 14% (28/200) prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni. This isolates showed high resistance to enrofloxacin (92.9%). All isolates (100%) were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate. PCR results showed that all Campylobacter jejuni isolates (100%) detected the gyrA gene, 96.7% detected the blaOXA-61 gene, and 50% detected the tetO gene. Conclusion: The findings of antimicrobial resistance resistance in high level from the small intestine of broiler chickens illustrates the potential threat to human health. To lessen the effects now and in the future, coordinated and suitable action is needed, as well as steps to guarantee the poultry industry's economic survival and public health insurance. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 759-768]

Anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. According to current knowledge, the disease originates in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Egypt and Mesopotamia. Laboratory tests involving direct staining or culture of samples taken from malignant pustules, sputum, blood, or patient discharge must be performed to establish a diagnosis. B. anthracis infection can enter the body through the skin, mouth, or nose. Human infection is usually caused by contact with infected animals or animal products. Anthrax causes a reduction in resource efficiency and decreases livestock productivity. B. anthracis spores are resistant to extreme temperatures, pressure, pH, drying, solvents, and ultraviolet light. The biological weapon of this disease may be fatal if it is designed to spread B. anthracis spores by aerosols. In the past, the treatment of human anthrax with penicillin at a high dose was the preferred method. The public can take several measures to prevent anthrax infection, such as purchasing and consuming meat that has been legally certified to have been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, consuming healthy and properly cooked animal meat, and washing hands with antiseptic soap after handling, processing, and cooking animal products. This review aimed to describe the etiology, pathogenesis, mechanism of infection, epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, transmission, risk factors, public health importance, economic impact, potential as a bio-warfare agent, treatment, and control of anthrax.

Background: The discovery of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in wild animals is an indication of their potential for wildlife as a reservoir. Bats are natural reservoir hosts and a source of infection for several microorganisms and have the potential to become vectors for the spread of zoonotic diseases. Aim: A study was conducted based on these characteristics to identify and detect the blaTEM gene in Eschericia coli isolated from bat excrements in Tanjung Ringgit Cave, East Lombok. Methods: Bat faecal samples were firstly inoculated onto EMB agar media. Recovered bacterial isolates were further characterized using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. blaTEM gene detection was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Out of the 150 bat fecal samples obtained from Tanjung Ringgit cave, Lombok Island, Indonesia, 56 (37 %) were positive for E. coli. Eight (8) out of the 56 E. coli isolates that underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method were confirmed to be multidrug-resistant as they exhibited resistance to at least three different classes of antibiotics. Out of the eight (8) MDR E. coli isolates recovered from fecal samples of bats, 2 (two) harbored the blaTEM gene. Conclusion: The discovery of the blaTEM gene in bat fecal samples indicates the potential for wild animals, especially bats, to spread ESBL resistance genes to the environment and to humans. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(2.000): 699-706]

Background and Aim: There are numerous reports of subclinical mastitis cases in Blitar, which is consistent with the region’s high milk production and dairy cattle population. Staphylococcus aureus, which is often the cause of mastitis cases, is widely known because of its multidrug-resistant properties and resistance to β-lactam antibiotic class, especially the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. This study aimed to molecular detection and sequence analysis of the mecA gene in milk and farmer’s hand swabs to show that dairy cattle are reservoirs of MRSA strains. Materials and Methods: A total of 113 milk samples and 39 farmers’ hand swab samples were collected from a dairy farm for the isolation of S. aureus using Mannitol salt agar. The recovered isolates were further characterized using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates confirmed as S. aureus were tested for sensitivity to antibiotics. Oxacillin Resistance Screening Agar Base testing was used to confirm the presence of MRSA, whereas the mecA gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Results: : A total of 101 samples were confirmed to be S. aureus. There were 2 S. aureus isolates that were multidrug-resistant and 14 S. aureus isolates that were MRSA. The mecA gene was detected in 4/14 (28.6%) phenotypically identified MRSA isolates. Kinship analysis showed identical results between mecA from milk and farmers’ hand swabs. No visible nucleotide variation was observed in the two mecA sequences of isolates from Blitar, East Java. Conclusion: The spread of MRSA is a serious problem because the risk of zoonotic transmission can occur not only to people who are close to livestock in the workplace, such as dairy farm workers but also to the wider community through the food chain.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Clostridium perfringens sialidase treatment on monolayer cell behavior using computational screening and an in vitro approach to demonstrate interaction between enzyme-based drugs and ligands in host cells. Materials and Methods: The in silico study was carried out by molecular docking analysis used to predict the interactions between atoms that occur, followed by genetic characterization of sialidase from a wild isolate. Sialidase, which has undergone further production and purification processes exposed to chicken embryonic fibroblast cell culture, and observations-based structural morphology of cells compared between treated cells and normal cells without treatment. Results: Based on an in silico study, C. perfringens sialidase has an excellent binding affinity with Neu5Acα (2.3) Gal ligand receptor with Gibbs energy value (ΔG)—7.35 kcal/mol and Ki value of 4.11 μM. Wild C. perfringens isolates in this study have 99.1%–100% similarity to the plc gene, NanH, and NanI genes, while NanJ shows 93.18% similarity compared to the reference isolate from GenBank. Sialidase at 750 and 150 mU may impact the viability, cell count, and cell behavior structure of fibroblast cells by significantly increasing the empty area and perimeter of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells, while at 30 mU sialidase shows no significant difference compared with mock control. Conclusion: Sialidase-derived C. perfringens has the capacity to compete with viral molecules for attachment to host sialic acid based on in silico analysis. However, sialidase treatment has an impact on monolayer cell fibroblasts given exposure to high doses. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 667-676]

An infectious disease known as rabies (family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus) causes severe damage to mammals' central nervous systems (CNS). This illness has been around for a very long time. The majority of human cases of rabies take place in underdeveloped regions of Africa and Asia. Following viral transmission, the Rhabdovirus enters the peripheral nervous system and proceeds to the CNS, where it targets the encephalon and produces encephalomyelitis. Postbite prophylaxis requires laboratory confirmation of rabies in both people and animals. All warm-blooded animals can transmit the Lyssavirus infection, while the virus can also develop in the cells of cold-blooded animals. In the 21st century, more than 3 billion people are in danger of contracting the rabies virus in more than 100 different nations, resulting in an annual death toll of 50,000–59,000. There are three important elements in handling rabies disease in post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), namely wound care, administration of anti-rabies serum, and anti-rabies vaccine. Social costs include death, lost productivity as a result of early death, illness as a result of vaccination side effects, and the psychological toll that exposure to these deadly diseases has on people. Humans are most frequently exposed to canine rabies, especially youngsters and the poor, and there are few resources available to treat or prevent exposure, making prevention of human rabies challenging. [Open Vet J 2023; 13(11.000): 1385-1399]

Background and Aim: Escherichia coli causes a bacterial illness that frequently affects cats. Diseases caused by E. coli are treated using antibiotics. Because of their proximity to humans, cats possess an extremely high risk of contracting antibiotic resistance genes when their owners touch cat feces containing E. coli that harbor resistance genes. This study was conducted to identify multidrug-resistant E. coli and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes from cat rectal swabs collected at Surabaya City Veterinary Hospital to determine antibiotic sensitivity. Materials and Methods: Samples of cat rectal swabs were cultured in Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth medium and then streaked on eosin methylene blue agar medium for bacterial isolation, whereas Gram-staining and IMViC tests were conducted to confirm the identification results. The Kirby–Bauer diffusion test was used to determine antibiotic sensitivity, and the double-disk synergy test was used to determine ESBL-producing bacteria. Molecular detection of the genes TEM and CTX-M was performed using a polymerase chain reaction. Results: Based on morphological culture, Gram-staining, and biochemical testing, the results of sample inspection showed that of the 100 cat rectal swab samples isolated, 71 (71%) were positive for E. coli. Furthermore, 23 E. coli isolates (32.39%) demonstrated the highest resistance to ampicillin. Four isolates were confirmed to be multidurg-resistant and ESBL-producing strains. Molecular examination revealed that three E. coli isolates harbored TEM and CTX-M. Conclusion: In conclusion, pet owners must be educated on the use of antibiotics to improve their knowledge about the risks of antibiotic resistance.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a S. aureus strain resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and is often associated with livestock, known as livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA. Using molecular typing with multi-locus sequence typing, MRSA clones have been classified in pigs, including clonal complex 398. Livestock-associated-methicillin-resistant S. aureus was first discovered in pigs in the Netherlands in 2005. Since then, it has been widely detected in pigs in other countries. Livestock-associated-methicillin-resistant S. aureus can be transmitted from pigs to pigs, pigs to humans (zoonosis), and humans to humans. This transmission is enabled by several risk factors involved in the pig trade, including the use of antibiotics and zinc, the size and type of the herd, and the pig pen management system. Although LA-MRSA has little impact on the pigs' health, it can be transmitted from pig to pig or from pig to human. This is a serious concern as people in direct contact with pigs are highly predisposed to acquiring LA-MRSA infection. The measures to control LA-MRSA spread in pig farms include conducting periodic LA-MRSA screening tests on pigs and avoiding certain antibiotics in pigs. This study aimed to review the emerging LA-MRSA strains in pig farms.

The leader is an authority figure in which case every gesture pattern and behavior can have an impact on the conditions and responses of subordinates and employees. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact and influence of the communication style and work motivation that the Principal of State Senior High School 57 Jakarta applies and has on the performance of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) there. The method used in this research is a qualitative research method with the type of case study, the use of case studies because researchers can understand in depth the context, process, and complexity of the phenomenon being studied. The data collection techniques used are interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of the research found in the field show that the communication that exists between the Principal and all Teachers at SMAN 57 Jakarta is an effective communication style. Effective communication style allows the Principal to convey vision and goals, provide support to Teachers, promote collaboration, build trust, and solve problems together. In addition, based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that effective communication style is a manifestation of one of Horald-Lasswell's communication theories.

Background and Aim: Clostridium toxins are widely used as medicinal agents. Many active metabolic enzymes, including sialidase (neuraminidase), hyaluronidase, and collagenase, contribute to the mechanism of action of these toxins. Sialidase from Clostridium perfringens recognizes and degrades sialic acid receptors in the host cell glycoprotein, glycolipid, and polysaccharide complexes. Sialic acid promotes the adhesion of various pathogens, including viruses, under pathological conditions. This study aimed to investigate the potential of C. perfringens sialidase protein to inhibit Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection in ovo model. Materials and Methods: C. perfringens was characterized by molecular identification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and is cultured in a broth medium to produce sialidase. In addition, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis was conducted to characterize the sialidase protein. In contrast, enzymatic activity and protein concentration were carried out using a neuraminidase assay kit and Bradford to obtain suitable active substances. Furthermore, embryonated chicken egg models were used to observe the toxicity of several sialidase doses. Then, the hemagglutination (HA) titer was obtained, and absolute quantitative reverse transcription–PCR assay was performed to measure the viral replication inhibitory activity of sialidase against NDV. Results: Each isolate had a specific sialidase gene and its product. The sialidase derived from C. perfringens could hydrolyze the sialic acid receptor Neu5Ac (2,6)-Gal higher than Neu5Ac (2,3)Gal in chicken erythrocytes, as observed by enzyme-linked lectin assay. A significant difference (p = 0.05) in the HA titer in the pre-challenge administration group at dosages of 375 mU, 187.5 mU, and 93.75 mU in the competitive inhibition experiment suggests that sialidase inhibits NDV reproduction. Quantification of infective viral copy confirmed the interference of viral replication in the pre-challenge administration group, with a significant difference (p = 0.05) at the treatment doses of 750 mU, 375 mU, and 46.87 mU. Conclusion: The potency of sialidase obtained from C. perfringens was shown in this study, given its ability to reduce the viral titer and copy number in allantoic fluids without adversely impacting the toxicity of the chicken embryo at different concentrations.

Objective: The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an infectious disease that causes very high eco¬nomic losses due to decreased livestock production and poultry deaths. The vaccine's ineffec¬tiveness due to mutation of the genetic structure of the virus impacts obstacles in controlling the disease, especially in some endemic areas. This study aimed to provide an alternative treatment for NDV infection by observing the viral replication inhibitor activity of Clostridium perfringens sialidase in primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. Materials and Methods: The virus was adapted in CEF monolayer cells, then collected thrice using the freeze–thaw method and stored at −20°C for the next step in the challenge procedure. C. perfringens crude sialidase was obtained, but it was further purified via stepwise elution in ion exchange using Q Sepharose® Fast Flow and affinity chromatography with oxamic acid agarose. The purified sialidase was tested for its toxicity, ability to breakdown sialic acid, stopping viral replication, and how treated cells expressed their genes. Results: According to this study, purified C. perfringens sialidase at dosages of 187.5, 93.75, and 46.87 mU effectively hydrolyzes CEF cells' sialic acid and significantly inhibits viral replication on the treated cells. However, sialidase dosages of 375 and 750 mU affected the viability of mono¬layer CEF cells. Interestingly, downregulation of toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and TLR7 (p < 0.05) in the sialidase-treated group indicates viral endocytosis failure. Conclusions: By stopping endocytosis and viral replication in host cells, sialidase from C. perfrin¬gens can be used as an alternative preventive treatment for NDV infection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 335-345]

Abstract Study on sialidases as antiviral agents has been widely performed, but many types of sialidase have not been tested for their antiviral activity. Pasteurella multocida NanB sialidase is one such sialidase that has never been isolated for further research. In this study, the activity of NanB sialidase was investigated in silico by docking the NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida to the Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal ligands. Additionally, some local isolates of Pasteurella multocida, which had the NanB gene were screened, and the proteins were isolated for further testing regarding their activity in hydrolyzing Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal. Silico studies showed that the NanB sialidase possesses an exceptional affinity towards forming a protein–ligand complex with Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal. NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida B018 at 0.129 U/mL and 0.258 U/mL doses can hydrolyze Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal better than other doses. In addition, those doses can inhibit effectively H9N2 viral binding to red blood cells. This study suggested that the NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida B018 has a potent antiviral activity because can hydrolyze sialic acid on red blood cells surface and inhibit the H9N2 viral binding to the cells.

Intestinal macrophages and fibroblasts act as microenvironmental sentinels mediating inflammation and disease progression in Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to establish the effects of fecal supernatants (FSs) from patients with CD on macrophage and fibroblast phenotype and function. FS were obtained by ultracentrifugation, and the metabolites were analyzed. Monocyte-derived M2 macrophages and fibroblasts were conditioned with FS, and secreted proteins, surface proteins and gene expression were analyzed. M2 macrophage efferocytosis was evaluated. Patients with CD (n = 15) had a skewed fecal metabolite profile compared to healthy subjects (HS, n = 10). FS from CD patients (CD-FS) induced an anti-inflammatory response in M2 macrophages with higher expression of IL-10, IL1RA and CD206 as compared to healthy FS (HS-FS) while the efferocytotic capacity was unaltered. CD-FS did not affect extracellular matrix production from fibroblasts, but increased expression of the pro-inflammatory proteins IL-6 and MCP-1. Conditioned media from M2 macrophages treated with CD-FS modulated gene expression in fibroblasts for TGFβ superfamily members and reduced IL-4 expression compared to HS-FS. We show that M2 macrophages and fibroblasts react abnormally to the fecal microenvironment of CD patients, resulting in altered protein expression related to inflammation but not fibrosis. This implies that the gut microbiota and its metabolites have an important role in the generation and/or perpetuation of inflammation in CD.

Abstract Background To implement a tangential treatment technique for whole breast irradiation using the Varian Halcyon and to compare it with Elekta Synergy Agility plans. Methods For 20 patients two comparable treatment plans with respect to dose coverage and normal tissue sparing were generated. Tangential field-in-field treatment plans (Pinnacle/Synergy) were replanned using the sliding window technique (Eclipse/Halcyon). Plan specific QA was performed using the portal Dosimetry and the ArcCHECK phantom. Imaging and treatment dose were evaluated for treatment delivery on both systems using a modified CIRS Phantom. Results The mean number of monitor units for a fraction dose of 2.67 Gy was 515 MUs and 260 MUs for Halcyon and Synergy Agility plans, respectively. The homogeneity index and dose coverage were similar for both treatment units. The plan specific QA showed good agreement between measured and calculated plans. All Halcyon plans passed portal dosimetry QA (3%/2 mm) with 100% points passing and ArcCheck QA (3%/2 mm) with 99.5%. Measurement of the cumulated treatment and imaging dose with the CIRS phantom resulted in lower dose to the contralateral breast for the Halcyon plans. Conclusions For the Varian Halcyon a plan quality similar to the Elekta Synergy device was achieved. For the Halcyon plans the dose contribution from the treatment fields to the contralateral breast was even lower due to less interleaf transmission of the Halcyon MLC and a lower contribution of scattered dose from the collimator system.

Abstract The Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant is the second largest in the world in power generation. The artificial barrier created by its dam imposes an obstacle for fish migration. Thus, in 2002, a fish pass system, named Piracema Channel, was built to allow fish to access areas upstream of the reservoir. We tested the potential of environmental DNA metabarcoding to monitor the impact of both the dam and associated fish pass system in the Paraná River fish communities and to compare it with traditional monitoring methods. Using a fragment of the 12S gene, we characterized richness and community composition based on amplicon sequence variants, operational taxonomic units, and zero-radius OTUs. We combined GenBank and in-house data for taxonomic assignment. We found that different bioinformatics approaches showed similar results. Also, we found a decrease in fish diversity from 2019 to 2020 probably due to the recent extreme drought experienced in southeastern Brazil. The highest alpha diversity was recorded in the mouth of the fish pass system, located in a protected valley with the highest environmental heterogeneity. Despite the clear indication that the reference databases need to be continuously improved, our results demonstrate the analytical efficiency of the metabarcoding to monitor fish species.

Recent years have witnessed growing ubiquity and potency of state surveillance measures with heightened implications for human rights and social justice. While impacts of surveillance are routinely framed through ‘privacy’ narratives, emphasising ‘chilling effects’ surfaces a more complex range of harms and rights implications for those who are, or believe they are, subjected to surveillance. Although first emphasised during the McCarthy era, surveillance ‘chilling effects’ remain under-researched, particularly in Africa. Drawing on rare interview data from participants subjected to state-sponsored surveillance in Zimbabwe, the paper reveals complex assemblages of state and non-state actors involved in diverse and expansive hybrid online–offline monitoring. While scholarship has recently emphasised the importance of large-scale digital mass surveillance, the Zimbabwean context reveals complex assemblages of ‘big data’, social media and other digital monitoring combining with more traditional human surveillance practices. Such inseparable online–offline imbrications compound the scale, scope and impact of surveillance and invite analyses as an integrated ensemble. The paper evidences how these surveillance activities exert chilling effects that vary in form, scope and intensity, and implicate rights essential to the development of personal identity and effective functioning of participatory democracy. Moreover, the data reveals impacts beyond the individual to the vicarious and collective. These include gendered dimensions, eroded interpersonal trust and the depleted ability of human rights defenders to organise and particulate in democratic processes. Overall, surveillance chilling effects exert a wide spectrum of outcomes which consequently interfere with enjoyment of multiple rights and hold both short- and long-term implications for democratic participation.

Isoflavonoids are a class of industrially important plant natural products, but their low abundance and structural complexity limits their availability. Here, the authors engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism to become a platform for efficient production of daidzein which is core chemical scaffold for isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and show its application for production of bioactive glucosides from glucose.

Objective: The avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 circulating in Indonesia has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and its public health risks. In this study, the H9N2 virus from chicken poultry farms in Java was isolated and characterized molecularly. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three pooled samples of chicken brain, cloacal swab, trachea, and oviduct were taken from multiple chickens infected with AIV in five regions of Java, Indonesia. The samples were isolated from specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs that were 9 days old. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify H9N2 viruses. Results: This study was successful in detecting and characterizing 13 H9N2 isolates. The sequencing analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed a 96.9%98.8% similarity to the H9N2 AIV isolated from Vietnam in 2014 (A/muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM719/2014). According to the phylogenetic analysis, all recent H9N2 viruses were members of the lineage Y280 and clade h9.4.2.5. Nine of the H9N2 isolates studied showed PSKSSR↓GLF motifs at the cleavage site, while four had PSKSSR↓GLF. Notably, all contemporary viruses have leucine (L) at position 216 in the receptor-binding region, indicating that the virus can interact with a human-like receptor. Conclusion: This study described the features of recent H9N2 viruses spreading in Javas poultry industry. Additionally, H9N2 infection prevention and management must be implemented to avoid the occurrence of virus mutations in the Indonesian poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 423-434]

Background & Aims: Intestinal macrophages adopt a hyporesponsive phenotype through education by local signals. Lack of proper macrophage maturation in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission may initiate gut inflammation. The aim, therefore, was to determine the effects of fecal luminal factors derived from healthy donors and UC patients in remission on macrophage phenotype and function. Methods: Fecal supernatants (FS) were extracted from fecal samples of healthy subjects and UC patients in remission. Monocytes were matured into macrophages in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor without/with FS, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, and macrophage phenotype and function were assessed. Fecal metabolomic profiles were analyzed by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry. Results: Fecal luminal factors derived from healthy donors were effective in down-regulating Toll-like receptor signaling, cytokine signaling, and antigen presentation in macrophages. Fecal luminal factors derived from UC patients in remission were less potent in inducing lipopolysaccharide hyporesponsiveness and modulating expression of genes involved in macrophage cytokine and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Although phagocytic and bactericidal abilities of macrophages were not affected by FS treatment, healthy FS-treated macrophages showed a greater ability to suppress cluster of differentiation 4+ T-cell activation and interferon γ secretion compared with UC remission FS-treated counterparts. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis showed differential fecal metabolite composition for healthy donors and UC patients in remission. Conclusions: Our data indicate that UC patients in remission lack luminal signals able to condition macrophages toward a hyporesponsive and tolerogenic phenotype, which may contribute to their persistent vulnerability to relapse.

Background and Aim: Fowl avidenoviruses (FAdVs) are generally considered ubiquitous, but certain serotypes and strains are known to be associated with primary diseases, such as inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). Since 2018, the outbreak of IBH has been reported in part provinces of Indonesia. This study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize the FAdV from Banten and West Java Provinces of Indonesia and described the phylogenetic relationship with the FAdV that has been characterized in other countries. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 FAdV archive samples have been collected from January to August 2019 from clinical cases of FAdV infection in Banten and West Java Provinces, Indonesia. Collected samples were inoculated in 10-day-old specific-pathogenic-free chicken embryonated eggs. Hexon gene of FAdV was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a primer set from previous study. To gain a better understanding of the FAdV genetic properties and construct the phylogeny tree, the PCR products were sequenced and subjected to a BLAST search and inferred using the neighbor-joining method by bootstrap test 1000×. Results: FAdV-D and FAdV-E are present in Banten, Indonesia. The phylogenetic analysis of 850 nucleotides that encode 289 amino acid of the partial hexon gene shows that the isolates Broiler/MSL/Ciputat-149/18, Broiler/MSL/Lebak-151/18, and Broiler/MSL/Ciputat-29/19 have 100% homology with FAdV-E TR/BVKE/R/D-1 from Turkey, whereas the isolates Layer/MSL/Ciputat-20/19 and Broiler/MSL/Ciputat-30/19 have 100% homology with FAdV-D strain 685 from Canada. Conclusion: The present study provides updates of the circulating FAdV in commercial poultry flocks in Banten and West Java Provinces, Indonesia. Since the FAdV vaccine was unavailable in Indonesia, this result might be used as guidance to select a proper FAdV vaccine strain. Our result indicates that at least two FAdV species were circulating among poultry in Banten and West Java Provinces, Indonesia; they are FAdV-D and FAdV-E.

Metabarcoding of environmental DNA is based on primers specific to the target taxa (e.g. bacteria, zooplankton, fishes). However, because of commonly used protocols, regardless of the chosen primers, several sequences of non-target species will inevitably be generated, but are usually discarded in commonly used bioinformatics pipelines. These non-target sequences might contain important biological information about the presence of other species in the studied habitats and its potential for ecological studies is still poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the presence of mammal and bird species in aquatic environmental samples that were originally amplified targeting teleost fish species. After all cleaning and checking steps, we kept 21 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to mammals and ten to birds. Most ASVs were taxonomically assigned to farm/domestic animals, such as cats, cows, and ducks. Yet, we were able to identify a native semi-aquatic mammal, the capybara, in the samples. Four native bird species and a non-native potentially invasive bird (Corvus sp.) were also detected. Although the data derived from these samples for mammals and birds are of limited use for diversity analyses, our results show the potential of aquatic samples to characterize non-aquatic birds and highlight the possible presence of a potentially invasive species that had not been recorded before in the region.

This study concerns the sociotechnical bases of human autonomy. Drawing on recent literature on AI ethics, philosophical literature on dimensions of autonomy, and on independent philosophical scrutiny, we first propose a multi-dimensional model of human autonomy and then discuss how AI systems can support or hinder human autonomy. What emerges is a philosophically motivated picture of autonomy and of the normative requirements personal autonomy poses in the context of algorithmic systems. Ranging from consent to data collection and processing, to computational tasks and interface design, to institutional and societal considerations, various aspects related to sociotechnical systems must be accounted for in order to get the full picture of potential effects of AI systems on human autonomy. It is clear how human agents can, for example, via coercion or manipulation, hinder each other’s autonomy, or how they can respect each other’s autonomy. AI systems can promote or hinder human autonomy, but can they literally respect or disrespect a person’s autonomy? We argue for a philosophical view according to which AI systems—while not moral agents or bearers of duties, and unable to literally respect or disrespect—are governed by so-called “ought-to-be norms.” This explains the normativity at stake with AI systems. The responsible people (designers, users, etc.) have duties and ought-to-do norms, which correspond to these ought-to-be norms.

Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) is used for diverse therapeutic properties including immunomodulation. However, owing to the compositionally complex nature of Aloe, bioactive component(s) responsible for its beneficial properties, though thought to be attributed to polysaccharides (acemannan), remain unknown. We therefore aimed to determine the metabolite composition of various commercial Aloe extracts and assess their effects on human blood T cell activity in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were stimulated polyclonally in presence or absence of various Aloe extracts. T cell phenotype and proliferation were investigated by flow cytometry. Aloe extracts were analyzed using targeted 1H-NMR spectroscopy for standard phytochemical quality characterization and untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite profiling. Aloe extracts differing in their standard phytochemical composition had varying effects on T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-death in vitro, although this was not related to the acemannan content. Furthermore, each Aloe extract had its own distinct metabolite profile, where extracts rich in diverse sugar and sugar-derivatives were associated with reduced T cell activity. Our results demonstrate that all commercial Aloe extracts are unique with distinct metabolite profiles, which lead to differential effects on T cell activity in vitro, independent of the acemannan content.

Allergy is one of the most common diseases among young children yet all factors that affect development of allergy remain unclear. In a small cohort of 65 children living in the same rural area of south-west Sweden, we have previously found that maternal factors, including prenatal diet, affect childhood allergy risk, suggesting that in utero conditions may be important for allergy development. Here, we studied if metabolites in the umbilical cord blood of newborns may be related to development of childhood allergy, accounting for key perinatal factors such as mode of delivery, birth order and sex. Available umbilical cord blood plasma samples from 44 of the participants were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics; allergy was diagnosed by specialised paediatricians at ages 18 months, 3 years and 8 years and included eczema, asthma, food allergy and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Nineteen cord blood metabolites were related to future allergy diagnosis though there was no clear pattern of up- or downregulation of metabolic pathways. In contrast, perinatal factors birth order, sex and mode of delivery affected several energy and biosynthetic pathways, including glutamate and aspartic acid-histidine metabolism (p = 0.004) and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (p = 0.006) for birth order; branched chain amino acid metabolism (p = 0.0009) and vitamin B6 metabolism (p = 0.01) for sex; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism (p = 0.005) for mode of delivery. Maternal diet was also related to some of the metabolites associated with allergy. In conclusion, the cord blood metabolome includes individual metabolites that reflect lifestyle, microbial and other factors that may be associated with future allergy diagnosis, and also reflects temporally close events/factors. Larger studies are required to confirm these associations, and perinatal factors such as birth order or siblings must be considered in future cord-blood metabolome studies.

Neutrophil migration from blood to tissue-residing microbes is governed by a series of chemoattractant gradients of both endogenous and microbial origin. Periodontal disease is characterized by neutrophil accumulation in the gingival pocket, recruited by the subgingival biofilm consisting mainly of gram-negative, anaerobic and proteolytic species such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. The fact that neutrophils are the dominating cell type in the gingival pocket suggests that neutrophil-specific chemoattractants are released by subgingival bacteria, but characterization of chemoattractants released by subgingival biofilm species remains incomplete. In the present study we characterized small (< 3 kDa) soluble chemoattractants released by growing P. gingivalis, and show that these are selective for neutrophils. Most neutrophil chemoattractant receptors are expressed also by mononuclear phagocytes, the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) being an exception. In agreement with the selective neutrophil recruitment, the chemotactic activity found in P. gingivalis supernatants was mediated in part by a mixture of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are recognized by FFAR2, and other leukocytes (including monocytes) did not respond to SCFA stimulation. Although SCFAs, produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gut, has previously been shown to utilize FFAR2, our data demonstrate that the pronounced proteolytic metabolism employed by P. gingivalis (and likely also other subgingival biofilm bacteria associated with periodontal diseases) may result in the generation of SCFAs that attract neutrophils to the gingival pocket. This finding highlights the interaction between SCFAs and FFAR2 in the context of P. gingivalis colonization during periodontal disease, but may also have implications for other inflammatory pathologies involving proteolytic bacteria.

Background A vegetarian diet (VD) may reduce future cardiovascular risk in patients with ischemic heart disease. Methods and Results A randomized crossover study was conducted in subjects with ischemic heart disease, assigned to 4‐week intervention periods of isocaloric VD and meat diet (MD) with individually designed diet plans, separated by a 4‐week washout period. The primary outcome was difference in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) between diets. Secondary outcomes were differences in cardiometabolic risk factors, quality of life, gut microbiota, fecal short‐chain and branched‐chain fatty acids, and plasma metabolome. Of 150 eligible patients, 31 (21%) agreed to participate, and 27 (87%) participants completed the study. Mean oxidized LDL‐C (−2.73 U/L), total cholesterol (−5.03 mg/dL), LDL‐C (−3.87 mg/dL), and body weight (−0.67 kg) were significantly lower with the VD than with the MD. Differences between VD and MD were observed in the relative abundance of several microbe genera within the families Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansiaceae. Plasma metabolites, including l‐carnitine, acylcarnitine metabolites, and phospholipids, differed in subjects consuming VD and MD. The effect on oxidized LDL‐C in response to the VD was associated with a baseline gut microbiota composition dominated by several genera of Ruminococcaceae. Conclusions The VD in conjunction with optimal medical therapy reduced levels of oxidized LDL‐C, improved cardiometabolic risk factors, and altered the relative abundance of gut microbes and plasma metabolites in patients with ischemic heart disease. Our results suggest that composition of the gut microbiota at baseline may be related to the reduction of oxidized LDL‐C observed with the VD. Registration URL: https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02942628.

Umbilical cord blood is frequently used in health monitoring of the neonate. Results may be affected by the proportion of arterial and venous cord blood, the venous blood coming from the mother to supply oxygen and nutrients to the infant, and the arterial carrying waste products from the fetus. Here, we sampled arterial and venous umbilical cords separately from 48 newly delivered infants and examined plasma metabolomes using GC-MS/MS metabolomics. We investigated differences in metabolomes between arterial and venous blood and their associations with gestational length, birth weight, sex, and whether the baby was the first born or not, as well as maternal age and BMI. Using multilevel random forest analysis, a classification rate of 79% was achieved for arteriovenous differences (p = 0.004). Several monosaccharides had higher concentrations in the arterial cord plasma while amino acids were higher in venous plasma, suggesting that the main differences in the measured arterial and venous plasma metabolomes are related to amino acid and energy metabolism. Venous cord plasma metabolites related to energy metabolism were positively associated with parity (77% classification rate, p = 0.004) while arterial cord plasma metabolites were not. This underlines the importance of defining cord blood type for metabolomic studies.