Climate change, competent vectors, and reservoir animals are the main factors for developing vector-borne zoonotic diseases. These diseases encompass a significant and widespread category of ...pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths) transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods, including ticks, fleas, lice, triatomines, mosquitoes, sandflies, and blackflies. In Chile, several studies have explored the role of dogs as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens; however, there is a lack of research investigating the presence of pathogens in arthropods. Specifically, within the order Diptera, limited knowledge exists regarding their roles as carriers of pathogens. This study aimed to examine the presence of zoonotic filarial nematodes in mosquitoes and dogs within a previously unstudied semi-rural area of Central Chile. Two hundred samples of dog blood and seven hundred and twenty-four mosquitoes were collected during 2021-2022 and studied for filarial nematodes by PCR. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs detected by Knott's test was 7.5%, with
being the only species identified.
(
)
was the most abundant mosquito species collected, and 15 out of 65 pools were positive for filarial nematodes. Among these pools, 13 tested positive for
, and two tested positive for
through PCR. Additionally, five
specimens were positive for
. Despite the absence of zoonotic filarial species, these findings underscore the significance of monitoring pathogens in mosquitoes and animal hosts and continued research into the dynamics of vector-borne diseases, particularly in unexplored regions.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of Mathematics Anxiety (MA) questionnaires based on the psychological state-trait anxiety model. Therefore, the
trait-Math Anxiety ...Questionnaire
(
trait-MAQ)
and the
state-Math Anxiety Questionnaire
(
state-MAQ
) were examined in a sample of Chilean school-aged children (
N
= 430,
M
age
= 10.09, 259 females and 171 males). Data analysis was performed using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). Consistent with previous findings, the results corresponding to the selected model for
trait-MAQ
show the presence of two factors: unhappiness and worry, and the results corresponding to the selected model for
state-MAQ
show the presence of a single factor, both immediately prior and after the completion of a mathematical test. Additionally, measurement invariance among participants classified by gender was confirmed by Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MCFA), and gender differences were reported with males outperforming females. The correlation among trait- and state-MA scales was moderate. These results are important evidence of the validity of the analyzed questionnaires. To our knowledge, this study is the first adaptation and validation of the
MAQ’s
in Spanish. Given the profound state-trait discrepancies in MA research, it is clear that valid diagnostic tools for state and trait MA are needed for the development of MA research in Latin American countries such as Chile. Furthermore, the questionnaires are useful for gaining new insights into gender differences in MA.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are part of a novel mechanism of gene regulation that is active in plants under abiotic stress conditions. In the present study, 12 miRNAs were analysed to identify miRNAs ...differentially expressed in sugarcane subjected to cold stress (4 °C). The expression of miRNAs assayed by stem–loop RT‐PCR showed that miR319 is up‐regulated in sugarcane plantlets exposed to 4 °C for 24 h. The induction of miR319 expression during cold stress was observed in both roots and shoots. Sugarcane miR319 was also regulated by treatment with abscisic acid. Putative targets of this miRNA were identified and their expression levels were decreased in sugarcane plantlets exposed to cold. The cleavage sites of two targets were mapped using a 5′ RACE PCR assay confirming the regulation of these genes by miR319. When sugarcane cultivars contrasting in cold tolerance were subjected to 4 °C, we observed up‐regulation of miR319 and down‐regulation of the targets in both varieties; however, the changes in expression were delayed in the cold‐tolerant cultivar. These results suggest that differences in timing and levels of the expression of miR319 and its targets could be tested as markers for selection of cold‐tolerant sugarcane cultivars.
Purpose of Review
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, caused by
Echinococcus granulosus
sensu lato and
E
.
multilocularis
, respectively, and
Taenia solium
cysticercosis are serious but neglected ...zoonotic diseases, caused by extra-intestinal cestode (tapeworm) infections. Humans are dead-end hosts for
Echinococcus
spp and acquire the infections by uptake of parasite eggs, either with contaminated food or via exposure by hand-mouth contact to eggs derived from the contaminated environment, including skin or coat of definitive hosts. Data related with the production of eggs of these parasites, their survival in the environment and the methodology for detection in food and environmental samples are summarized.
Recent Findings
The detection of taeniid DNA, more specifically from
E. multilocularis
, in food and soil has recently been described in some European countries. These findings have been directly connected with an increase in prevalence of human infections in countries like Poland.
Summary
The isolation and molecular identification of taeniid eggs is technically challenging and little standardized. The detection of taeniid DNA per se does not imply viability of eggs, and this must be considered when interpreting molecular results for transmission risk. Finally, easy, affordable, and sensitive methods replacing animal experiments should be developed to assess the viability of taeniid eggs isolated from environmental and food/water sources.
Measuring temperament is an important, yet challenging matter. The Children Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) is a widely used measure, yet its psychometric properties have not been established in Latin ...America, and few studies have analyzed its structure at the item level. We analyzed the factor structure and reliability of the CBQ-short form in 998 Chilean children (M
age
= 5.95 years) in central Chile. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 15 factors proposed by the theory unsatisfactorily fit the data (CFI = .58, TLI = .56, RMSEA = .046, SRMR = .080), and reliability was lacking (range of α = .30–.74). We extracted the 36 items of the CBQ-vsf and it performed better (CFI = .82, TLI = .80, RMSEA = .078, SRMR = .074). Exploratory analyses suggested that the surgency factor was composed of two latent variables, and separating them generated a model with better validity and reliability (CFI = .77, TLI = .75, RMSEA = .076, SRMR = .077, range of α = .68–.77). We suggest the CBQ-vsf provides more validity, reliability and parsimony than the CBQ-sf. Finally, we discuss the functioning of the CBQ in Chilean culture and child-rearing patterns, and issues with the wording of questions in the Spanish translation.
The endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a keystone species playing an essential role in ecology as well as in the social and spiritual lives of the Himalayan people. The latest ...estimate of the Bengal tiger population in Bhutan accounts for 103 individuals. Infectious organisms, including zoonotic parasites causing high burden in human health, have received little attention as a cause of mortality in tigers. Taeniosis/cysticercosis, caused by the cestode Taenia solium, is considered one of the major neglected tropical diseases in Southeast Asia. We present here a case of neurocysticercosis in a Bengal tiger showing advanced neurological disease outside Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. After palliative care, the animal died, and necropsy revealed multiple small cysts in the brain. Here we show the presence of two genetic variants of T. solium in the parasite material collected based on PCR and sequencing of the complete cox1 and cytB genes. The sequences form a discrete branch within the Asia plus Madagascar cluster of the parasite. On other hand, tests for feline morbillivirus, feline calicivirus, canine distemper virus, Nipah, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus were negative. In contrast, PCR for feline herpesvirus was positive and a latex agglutination test revealed an elevated antibody titer against Toxoplasma gondii (titer 1:256). The molecular examination of taeniid eggs isolated from the tiger faeces produced sequences for which the highest homology in GenBank is between 92% and 94% with T. regis and T. hydatigena. This fatal case of T. solium neurocysticercosis, a disease previously unrecorded in tigers or other non-domestic felids, demonstrates an anthropogenically driven transmission of a deadly pathogen which could become a serious threat to the tiger population.
Display omitted
•This is the first report of a fatal infection with Taenia solium in a Bengal tiger.•There is a need for research into infectious disease threats to tigers in Bhutan.•The importance of a ‘One Health’ approach is demonstrated and recommended.•Non-domestic felids.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in cell therapy; nonetheless, their application is limited by their poor survival after transplantation in a proinflammatory microenvironment. ...Macroautophagy/autophagy activation in MSCs constitutes a stress adaptation pathway, promoting cellular homeostasis. Our proteomics data indicate that RUBCNL/PACER (RUN and cysteine rich domain containing beclin 1 interacting protein like), a positive regulator of autophagy, is also involved in cell death. Hence, we screened MSC survival upon various cell death stimuli under loss or gain of function of RUBCNL. MSCs were protected from TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-induced regulated cell death when RUBCNL was expressed. TNF promotes inflammation by inducing RIPK1 kinase-dependent apoptosis or necroptosis. We determine that MSCs succumb to RIPK1 kinase-dependent apoptosis upon TNF sensing and necroptosis when caspases are inactivated. We show that RUBCNL is a negative regulator of both RIPK1-dependent apoptosis and necroptosis. Furthermore, RUBCNL mutants that lose the ability to regulate autophagy, retain their function in negatively regulating cell death. We also found that RUBCNL forms a complex with RIPK1, which disassembles in response to TNF. In line with this finding, RUBCNL expression limits assembly of RIPK1-TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 complex I, suggesting that complex formation between RUBCNL and RIPK1 represses TNF signaling. These results provide new insights into the crosstalk between the RIPK1-mediated cell death and autophagy machineries and suggest that RUBCNL, due to its functional duality in autophagy and apoptosis/necroptosis, could be targeted to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. Abbreviations: BAF: bafilomycin A1; CASP3: caspase 3; Caspases: cysteine-aspartic proteases; cCASP3: cleaved CASP3; CQ: chloroquine; CHX: cycloheximide; cPARP: cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase; DEPs: differential expressed proteins; ETO: etoposide; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; MLKL: mixed lineage kinase domain-like; MSC: mesenchymal stem cell; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; Nec1s: necrostatin 1s; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells; PLA: proximity ligation assay; RCD: regulated cell death; RIPK1: receptor (TNFRSF)-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1; RIPK3: receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3; RUBCNL/PACER: RUN and cysteine rich domain containing beclin 1 interacting protein like; siCtrl: small interfering RNA nonsense; siRNA: small interfering RNA; TdT: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; Tm: tunicamycin; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFRSF1A/TNFR1: tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1a.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in cell therapy; nonetheless, their application is limited by their poor survival after transplantation in a proinflammatory microenvironment. Macroautophagy/autophagy activation in MSCs constitutes a stress adaptation pathway, promoting cellular homeostasis. Our proteomics data indicate that RUBCNL/PACER (RUN and cysteine rich domain containing beclin 1 interacting protein like), a positive regulator of autophagy, is also involved in cell death. Hence, we screened MSC survival upon various cell death stimuli under loss or gain of function of RUBCNL. MSCs were protected from TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-induced regulated cell death when RUBCNL was expressed. TNF promotes inflammation by inducing RIPK1 kinase-dependent apoptosis or necroptosis. We determine that MSCs succumb to RIPK1 kinase-dependent apoptosis upon TNF sensing and necroptosis when caspases are inactivated. We show that RUBCNL is a negative regulator of both RIPK1-dependent apoptosis and necroptosis. Furthermore, RUBCNL mutants that lose the ability to regulate autophagy, retain their function in negatively regulating cell death. We also found that RUBCNL forms a complex with RIPK1, which disassembles in response to TNF. In line with this finding, RUBCNL expression limits assembly of RIPK1-TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 complex I, suggesting that complex formation between RUBCNL and RIPK1 represses TNF signaling. These results provide new insights into the crosstalk between the RIPK1-mediated cell death and autophagy machineries and suggest that RUBCNL, due to its functional duality in autophagy and apoptosis/necroptosis, could be targeted to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. Abbreviations: BAF: bafilomycin A1; CASP3: caspase 3; Caspases: cysteine-aspartic proteases; cCASP3: cleaved CASP3; CQ: chloroquine; CHX: cycloheximide; cPARP: cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase; DEPs: differential expressed proteins; ETO: etoposide; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; MLKL: mixed lineage kinase domain-like; MSC: mesenchymal stem cell; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; Nec1s: necrostatin 1s; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells; PLA: proximity ligation assay; RCD: regulated cell death; RIPK1: receptor (TNFRSF)-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1; RIPK3: receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3; RUBCNL/PACER: RUN and cysteine rich domain containing beclin 1 interacting protein like; siCtrl: small interfering RNA nonsense; siRNA: small interfering RNA; TdT: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; Tm: tunicamycin; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFRSF1A/TNFR1: tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1a.
The most common infusion in southern Latin-American countries is prepared with dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., an aboriginal ancestral beverage known for its high polyphenols ...concentration currently consumed in > 90% of homes in Argentina, in Paraguay and Uruguay. The economy of entire provinces heavily relies on the production, collection and manufacture of Ilex paraguariensis, the fifth plant species with highest antioxidant activity. Polyphenols are associated to relevant health benefits including strong antioxidant properties. Despite its regional relevance and potential biotechnological applications, little is known about functional genomics and genetics underlying phenotypic variation of relevant traits. By generating tissue specific transcriptomic profiles, we aimed to comprehensively annotate genes in the Ilex paraguariensis phenylpropanoid pathway and to evaluate differential expression profiles.
In this study we generated a reliable transcriptome assembly based on a collection of 15 RNA-Seq libraries from different tissues of Ilex paraguariensis. A total of 554 million RNA-Seq reads were assembled into 193,897 transcripts, where 24,612 annotated full-length transcripts had complete ORF. We assessed the transcriptome assembly quality, completeness and accuracy using BUSCO and TransRate; consistency was also evaluated by experimentally validating 11 predicted genes by PCR and sequencing. Functional annotation against KEGG Pathway database identified 1395 unigenes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, 531 annotated transcripts corresponded to the phenylpropanoid pathway. The top 30 differentially expressed genes among tissue revealed genes involved in photosynthesis and stress response. These significant differences were then validated by qRT-PCR.
Our study is the first to provide data from whole genome gene expression profiles in different Ilex paraguariensis tissues, experimentally validating in-silico predicted genes key to the phenylpropanoid (antioxidant) pathway. Our results provide essential genomic data of potential use in breeding programs for polyphenol content. Further studies are necessary to assess if the observed expression variation in the phenylpropanoid pathway annotated genes is related to variations in leaves' polyphenol content at the population scale. These results set the current reference for Ilex paraguariensis genomic studies and provide a substantial contribution to research and biotechnological applications of phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Aims
We applied for the first time a high-throughput transcriptome approach to elucidate biochemical and physiological mechanisms controlling early events in the interaction between maize seedlings ...and different beneficial diazotrophic bacteria.
Methods
mRNA transcriptomes from maize (
Zea mays
L.) seedlings were characterized seven days after inoculation with
Azospirillum brasilense
sp245 and
Herbaspirillum seropedicae
HRC54. The expression profiles of selected genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Results
Transcriptome profiling revealed a total of 764 and 3595 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in maize when exclusively associated with
A. brasilense
and
H. seropedicae
, respectively, whereas 455 DEGs were shared by both treatments. Our results support the modulation of the host nitrogen metabolism and phytohormone responses by both diazotrophic bacteria as well as distinct activation of host immune responses.
Conclusions
Diazotrophic bacteria modulate maize metabolism, with some common responses to both beneficial bacteria, while others are specific to each bacterial species. This study provides a valuable contribution on how these beneficial bacteria might amend host metabolism to improve growth and fitness.
Abstract Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto is the major cause of cystic echinococcosis in most human and animal cases in the world and the most widespread species within the E. granulosus sensu ...lato complex. E. granulosus s. s . remains endemic in South America together with other species of the Echinococcus genus, especially in some areas in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru. Except for a single human case caused by E. canadensis (G6) described in the literature, only E. granulosus s. s . has been found in the Chilean territory. In the current study 1609 bp of the cox 1 gene from 69 Chilean isolates of E. granulosus s. s . from humans and animals were analysed. In total, 26 cox 1 haplotypes were found, including the widespread haplotype EG01 (22 isolates) and also EGp1 (5), EgRUS7 (1), EgAus02 (1) and EgAus03 (2). Twenty-one different haplotype not previously described were identified from 38 Chilean isolates designated EgCL1–EgCL21. Previous work had described low variability of E. granulosus s. s . in South America, based on isolates from Peru. Results obtained in this work challenge the previously described idea of the low diversity of the parasite in South America, and warrant future investigation on the origin and spread of the parasite in the continent after the Spanish arrival.
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