Recently, several case-control studies demonstrated an association between gliptins and bullous pemphigoid (BP) occurrence. However, data on the clinical and immunologic features of ...gliptin-associated bullous pemphigoid (GABP) are controversial.
This study aimed to clinically and immunologically characterize a large cohort of GABP patients to get an insight into the pathophysiology of this emerging drug-induced variant of BP.
Seventy-four GABP patients were prospectively enrolled and characterized from 9 different Italian dermatology units between 2013 and 2020.
Our findings demonstrated the following in the GABP patients: (1) a noninflammatory phenotype, which is characterized by low amounts of circulating and skin-infiltrating eosinophils, is frequently found; (2) immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgE, and IgA humoral responses to BP180 and BP230 antigens are reduced in frequency and titers compared with those in patients with idiopathic BP; (3) IgG reactivity targets multiple BP180 epitopes other than noncollagenous region 16A.
A limitation of the study is that the control group did not comprise only type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with BP.
GABP patients show peculiar features of anti-BP180 and -BP230 humoral responses, laying the foundation for diagnostic improvements and getting novel insights into understanding the mechanism of BP onset.
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are widespread and highly diversified in wildlife and domestic mammals and can emerge as zoonotic or epizootic pathogens and consequently host shift from these reservoirs, ...highlighting the importance of veterinary surveillance. All genera can be found in mammals, with α and β showing the highest frequency and diversification. The aims of this study were to review the literature for features of CoV surveillance in animals, to test widely used molecular protocols, and to identify the most effective one in terms of spectrum and sensitivity. We combined a literature review with analyses in silico and in vitro using viral strains and archive field samples. We found that most protocols defined as pan-coronavirus are strongly biased towards α- and β-CoVs and show medium-low sensitivity. The best results were observed using our new protocol, showing LoD 100 PFU/mL for SARS-CoV-2, 50 TCID50/mL for CaCoV, 0.39 TCID50/mL for BoCoV, and 9 ± 1 log2 ×10−5 HA for IBV. The protocol successfully confirmed the positivity for a broad range of CoVs in 30/30 field samples. Our study points out that pan-CoV surveillance in mammals could be strongly improved in sensitivity and spectrum and propose the application of a new RT-PCR assay, which is able to detect CoVs from all four genera, with an optimal sensitivity for α-, β-, and γ-.
In June 2020, a cat from Arezzo (Italy) that died from a neurological disease was diagnosed with West Caucasian Bat Lyssavirus (WCBV). The virus retained high identity across the whole-genome with ...the reference isolate found in 2002 from a Russian bent-winged bat. We applied control measures recommended by national regulations, investigated a possible interface between cats and bats using visual inspections, bioacoustics analyses and camera trapping and performed active and passive surveillance in bats to trace the source of infection. People that were exposed to the cat received full post-exposure prophylaxis while animals underwent six months of quarantine. One year later, they are all healthy. In a tunnel located near the cat's house, we identified a group of bent-winged bats that showed virus-neutralizing antibodies to WCBV across four sampling occasions, but no virus in salivary swabs. Carcasses from other bat species were all negative. This description of WCBV in a non-flying mammal confirms that this virus can cause clinical rabies in the absence of preventive and therapeutic measures, and highlights the lack of international guidelines against divergent lyssaviruses. We detected bent-winged bats as the most probable source of infection, testifying the encroachment between these bats and pets/human in urban areas and confirming free-ranging cats as potential hazard for public health and conservation.
The illegal trade of animals poses several health issues to the global community, among which are the underestimated risk for spillover infection and the potential for an epizootic in both wildlife ...and domestic naïve populations. We herein describe the genetic and antigenic characterization of viruses of the specie
detected at high prevalence in puppies illegally introduced in North Eastern Italy and compared them with those circulating in wild carnivores from the same area. We found evidence of a wide diversity of canine parvoviruses (CPV-2) belonging to different antigenic types in illegally imported pups. In wildlife, we found a high circulation of feline parvovirus (FPV) in golden jackals and badgers, whereas CPV-2 was observed in one wolf only. Although supporting a possible spillover event, the low representation of wolf samples in the present study prevented us from inferring the origin, prevalence and viral diversity of the viruses circulating in this species. Therefore, we suggest performing more thorough investigations before excluding endemic CPV-2 circulation in this species.
Hantaviruses include several zoonotic pathogens that cause different syndromes in humans, with mortality rates ranging from 12 to 40%. Most commonly, humans get infected through the inhalation of ...aerosols or dust particles contaminated with virus-containing rodent excreta. Hantaviruses are specifically associated with the host species, and human cases depend on the presence and the dynamics of reservoir hosts. In this letter, we report the identification of Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) from Italy. The virus was detected in the mountainous area of the province of Udine, bordering Austria and Slovenia, during an event of enhanced mortality in wild mice and voles. Despite serological evidence in rodents and humans that suggested the circulation of hantaviruses in Italy since 2000, this is the first virological confirmation of the infection. Phylogenetic analyses across the whole genome of the two detected viruses confirmed the host-specificity of DOBV sub-species and showed the highest identity with viruses identified in Slovenia and Croatia from both A. flavicollis and humans, with no signs of reassortment. These findings highlight the need for ecologists, veterinarians and medical doctors to come together in a coordinated approach in full compliance with the One Health concept.
Artificial illumination at night represents an increasingly concerning threat to ecosystems worldwide, altering persistence, behaviour, physiology and fitness of many organisms and their mutual ...interactions, in the long-term affecting ecosystem functioning. Bats are very sensitive to artificial light at night because they are obligate nocturnal and feed on insects which are often also responsive to lights. Here we tested the effects of LED lighting on prey-predator interactions at riverine ecosystems, using bats and their insect prey as models, and compared bat and insect reactions in terms of bat activity and prey insect abundance and diversity, respectively, on artificially lit vs. unlit nights. Artificial light influenced both insect and bat assemblages in taxon-specific directions: insect abundances increased at lit sites, particularly due to an increase in small dipterans near the light source. Composition of insect assemblages also differed significantly between lit and unlit sites. Total bat activity declined at lit sites, but this change was mainly due to the response of the most abundant species, Myotis daubentonii, while opportunistic species showed no reaction or even an opposite pattern (Pipistrellus kuhlii). We show that artificial lighting along rivers may affect trophic interactions between bats and insects, resulting in a profound alteration of community structure and dynamics.
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•Artificial lighting may fragment watercourses putting an obstacle to bat movement.•Photopositive insects may fall victim to light-tolerant bats along lit rivers.•Light-averse bats reduce activity as a direct effect of lighting, not prey decrease.•Lighting is widespread along rivers and may alter ecosystem services bats provide.
It is widely accepted that interpersonal problems are a central area of difficulty for those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, empirical elucidation of the specific behaviors, or ...patterns of behaviors, characterizing interpersonal dysfunction or dissatisfaction with relationships in BPD is limited. In this paper, we review the literature on interpersonal functioning of individuals with BPD by focusing on studies that include some assessment of interpersonal functioning that is not solely self-report; that is, studies with either behavioral laboratory tasks or manipulation of interpersonal stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting were included. First, we review the literature relevant to social cognition, including perceptual biases, Theory of Mind/empathy, and social problem-solving. Second, we discuss research that assesses reactivity to interpersonal stressors and interpersonal aggression in BPD. Next, we review the literature on trust and cooperation among individuals with BPD and controls. Last, we discuss the behavior of mothers with BPD in interactions with their infants. In conclusion, we specify areas of difficulty that are consistently identified as characterizing the interpersonal behaviors of those with BPD and the relevant implications. We also discuss the difficulties in synthesizing this body of literature and suggest areas for future research.
•Interpersonal dysfunction is central in borderline personality disorder (BPD).•We highlight objective measures of areas of potential impairment in those with BPD.•Those with BPD have heightened emotional reactivity to interpersonal stressors.•Individuals with BPD show impairment in trust and cooperation.•We offer suggestions for future research.
Abstract
Anthropogenically driven environmental changes over recent centuries have led to severe declines of wildlife populations. Better tools are needed to assess the magnitude and consequences of ...these declines. Anecdotal evidence suggests European bat populations have suffered substantial declines in the past centuries. However, there is little empirical evidence of these declines that can be used to put more recent population trends into historic context.
This study is a collaboration between academics and conservation practitioners to develop molecular approaches capable of providing evidence of historic population changes that can inform conservation status assessments and management. We generated a genomic dataset of 46,872 SNPs for the Western barbastelle,
Barbastella barbastellus
, a regionally Vulnerable bat species, including colonies from across the species' British and Iberian ranges. We used a combination of landscape genetics and model‐based inference of demographic history to identify both evidence of population size changes and possible drivers of these changes.
Levels of genetic diversity increased and inbreeding decreased with increasing broadleaf woodland cover around the colony. Genetic connectivity was impeded by artificial lights and facilitated by rivers and broadleaf woodland cover.
The demographic history analysis showed that both the northern and southern British barbastelle populations have declined by 99% over the past 330–548 years. These declines may be linked to the loss of large oak trees and native woodlands due to shipbuilding during the early colonial period.
Synthesis and applications
. Genomic approaches can provide a better understanding of the conservation status of threatened species, within historic and contemporary contexts, and inform their conservation management. Our findings of will directly influence the definition of the Favourable Conservation Status of the barbastelle, in turn influencing considerations of the conservation of the species in development plans. Knowledge gained will also help set species recovery targets. Policymakers are interested in using our approach for other species. This study shows how we can bridge the implementation gap between genomic research and direct conservation applications. There is an urgent need to carry out such collaborative studies for other priority species to enable informed species recovery interventions via policy mechanisms and project delivery.
Resumen
Los cambios ambientales impulsados por el hombre en los últimos siglos han provocado una grave pérdida de biodiversidad, sobre todo de poblaciones e individuos. Se necesitan mejores herramientas para evaluar la magnitud de este declive de las poblaciones naturales. Evidencias anecdóticas sugieren que las poblaciones de murciélagos europeos han sufrido una disminución sustancial en los últimos siglos. Sin embargo, hay poca evidencia empírica de esta disminución que pueda usarse para poner las tendencias demográficas más recientes en su contexto histórico.
Este estudio es una colaboración entre científicos y voluntarios conservacionistas para desarrollar enfoques moleculares capaces de proporcionar estimas cuantitativas de cambios históricos de las poblaciones y sus impulsores y que puedan usarse para evaluarla gestionar el estado de conservación de las especies. Para ello, hemos generado un conjunto de datos genómicos de 46,872 SNPs (usando secuenciación ddRAD) para el murciélago de bosque occidental, Barbastella barbastellus, una especie de murciélago considerada casi amenazada a nivel global, y a nivel regional como vulnerable. Se han incluido colonias situadas a lo largo de toda el área de distribución británica e ibérica de la especie. Utilizamos una combinación de genética del paisaje y técnicas de inferencia bayesiana de la historia demográfica para identificar evidencia tanto de cambios en el tamaño de la población como los posibles impulsores de estos cambios.
Encontramos que Los niveles de diversidad genética aumentan y el nivel de endogamia disminuye a medida que aumentó la cobertura de bosques de hoja caduca alrededor de la ubicación de la colonia. La conectividad genética se vio afectada negativamente por la luz artificial y es facilitada por la presencia de ríos y la cubierta vegetal de bosques de hoja caduca.
El análisis de la historia demográfica mostró que las poblaciones de B. barbastellus británicas tanto del norte como del sur han disminuido en un 99% durante los últimos 330 a 548 años. Esta disminución puede estar relacionada con la pérdida de árboles viejos de robles y bosques nativos debido a la construcción naval durante el período colonial temprano.
Síntesis y aplicaciones
. Los enfoques genómicos pueden proporcionar una comprensión mas completa del estado de conservación de las especies amenazadas, dentro del contexto histórico y contemporáneo, y proporcionar información para su gestión de conservación. Los hallazgos de este artículo influirán directamente en la definición del estado de conservación del murciélago de bosque y de hecho, responsables políticos para la conservación han mostrado interés en el uso del mismo enfoque para otras especies de murciélagos. Esto a su vez influye en las consideraciones para la conservación de las especies reflejadas en los planes y proyectos de desarrollo correspondientes. El conocimiento adquirido también puede ayudar a identificar las especies objetivo para la conservación. Los elementos paisajísticos identificados asociados a la diversidad genética pueden contribuir al desarrollo de estrategias de gestión adecuadas. Este estudio muestra cómo podemos cerrar la brecha de implementación entre la investigación genómica y las aplicaciones directas de conservación. Existe una necesidad urgente de llevar a cabo más estudios colaborativos de este tipo para otras especies prioritarias que proporcionen la información necesaria para intervenciones de recuperación de especies a través del establecimiento de políticas adecuadas y la ejecución de proyectos.
Resumo
Nestes últimos séculos as mudanças ambientais de origem humana levaram a graves declínios nas populações de vida selvagem. Porém, são necessárias melhores ferramentas de análise para avaliar a magnitude e as consequências desses declínios. Há evidências anedóticas indicando que as populações de morcegos europeus sofreram declínios substanciais nos últimos séculos. Contudo, há pouca evidência empírica desses declínios que possa ser utilizada para interpretar as tendências populacionais mais recentes num contexto histórico.
Este estudo é o resultado duma colaboração entre académicos e profissionais da conservação com o objetivo de desenvolver abordagens com análises moleculares capazes de fornecer evidências acerca das mudanças históricas numa população natural e que essa informação possa ser utilizada na gestão e avaliação do estado de conservação duma espécie. Para o morcego‐negro, Barbastella barbastellus, uma espécie regionalmente Vulnerável, foram analisados um conjunto de dados genómicos de 46.872 SNPs obtidos de colónias englobando toda a distribuição britânica e ibérica da espécie. Foram ainda integradas as metodologias de análise de genética da paisagem e inferência baseada em modelos de história demográfica para identificar evidências de mudanças no tamanho da população e possíveis impulsionadores dessas mudanças.
Foi verificado que os níveis de diversidade genética aumentaram e a endogamia diminuiu com o aumento da cobertura de floresta de folhosas em torno duma colónia. Verificou‐se ainda que a conectividade genética foi limitada pela presença de luzes artificiais e promovida pelos rios e pela cobertura da floresta de folhosas.
A análise da história demográfica mostrou que as populações do morcego‐negro existentes no norte e no sul da Grã‐Bretanha diminuíram 99% nos últimos 330–548 anos. Estes declínios podem estar ligados à perda de grandes carvalhos e área de florestas nativas devido à construção naval durante o início do período colonial.
Síntese e aplicações
. As abordagens genómicas podem proporcionar uma melhor compreensão do estado de conservação das espécies ameaçadas, no contexto histórico e contemporâneo, e deste modo melhor gerir a sua conservação. As nossas descobertas podem influenciar diretamente a definição do Estatuto de Conservação Favorável do morcego‐negro, podendo também contribuir para o delineamento de planos de conservação para a espécie. Consequentemente, este conhecimento adquirido também poderá apoiar na definição de metas de recuperação para esta espécie. Além disso, os decisores políticos poderão também utilizar a nossa abordagem em outras espécies. Este estudo mostra como poderemos colmatar as falhas na implementação da investigação genómica nas ações diretas de conservação. Ainda assim, há uma necessidade urgente de realizar este tipo de estudos colaborativos em outras espécies prioritárias, através de mecanismos políticos e entrega de projetos, com o intuito de se fazer uma gestão informada na recuperação de espécies.
Bat responses to climate change: a systematic review Festa, Francesca; Ancillotto, Leonardo; Santini, Luca ...
Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society,
February 2023, Volume:
98, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
ABSTRACT
Understanding how species respond to climate change is key to informing vulnerability assessments and designing effective conservation strategies, yet research efforts on wildlife responses ...to climate change fail to deliver a representative overview due to inherent biases. Bats are a species‐rich, globally distributed group of organisms that are thought to be particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change because of their high surface‐to‐volume ratios and low reproductive rates. We systematically reviewed the literature on bat responses to climate change to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge, identify research gaps and biases and highlight future research needs. We found that studies are geographically biased towards Europe, North America and Australia, and temperate and Mediterranean biomes, thus missing a substantial proportion of bat diversity and thermal responses. Less than half of the published studies provide concrete evidence for bat responses to climate change. For over a third of studied bat species, response evidence is only based on predictive species distribution models. Consequently, the most frequently reported responses involve range shifts (57% of species) and changes in patterns of species diversity (26%). Bats showed a variety of responses, including both positive (e.g. range expansion and population increase) and negative responses (range contraction and population decrease), although responses to extreme events were always negative or neutral. Spatial responses varied in their outcome and across families, with almost all taxonomic groups featuring both range expansions and contractions, while demographic responses were strongly biased towards negative outcomes, particularly among Pteropodidae and Molossidae. The commonly used correlative modelling approaches can be applied to many species, but do not provide mechanistic insight into behavioural, physiological, phenological or genetic responses. There was a paucity of experimental studies (26%), and only a small proportion of the 396 bat species covered in the examined studies were studied using long‐term and/or experimental approaches (11%), even though they are more informative about the effects of climate change. We emphasise the need for more empirical studies to unravel the multifaceted nature of bats' responses to climate change and the need for standardised study designs that will enable synthesis and meta‐analysis of the literature. Finally, we stress the importance of overcoming geographic and taxonomic disparities through strengthening research capacity in the Global South to provide a more comprehensive view of terrestrial biodiversity responses to climate change.
We investigated the transmission dynamics of lyssavirus in
and
, using serological, virological, demographic and ecological data collected between 2015 and 2022 from two maternity colonies in ...northern Italian churches. Despite no lyssavirus detection in 556 bats sampled over 11 events by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 36.3% of 837 bats sampled over 27 events showed neutralizing antibodies to
, with a significant increase in summers. By fitting sets of mechanistic models to seroprevalence data, we investigated factors that influenced lyssavirus transmission within and between years. Five models were selected as a group of final models: in one model, a proportion of exposed bats (median model estimate: 5.8%) became infectious and died while the other exposed bats recovered with immunity without becoming infectious; in the other four models, all exposed bats became infectious and recovered with immunity. The final models supported that the two colonies experienced seasonal outbreaks driven by: (i) immunity loss particularly during hibernation, (ii) density-dependent transmission, and (iii) a high transmission rate after synchronous birthing. These findings highlight the importance of understanding ecological factors, including colony size and synchronous birthing timing, and potential infection heterogeneities to enable more robust assessments of lyssavirus spillover risk.
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