scholarly journals Honey Bee(Apis mellifera)Exposomes and Biological Pathways Associated withNosema ceranaeInfection

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Broadrup ◽  
Christopher Mayack ◽  
Sassicaia J. Schick ◽  
Elizabeth J. Eppley ◽  
Helen K. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Biological Pathways ◽  
Nosema Ceranae ◽  
Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
And Control

AbstractA pilot study was conducted to determine if exposome profiles of honey bees(Apis mellifera)are associated withNosema ceranaeinfection and whether xenobiotic exposures effect changes in known biological pathways of bees. Thirty stationary hives were selected from seven apiaries representing urban and suburban geographies. Foraging bees were harvested during the summer of 2015 and analyzed forNosema ceranaeinfection via semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (sq-PCR) and discovery-based exposome analysis via gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF). The resulting datasets were divided into case and control groups based on the prevalence ofN. ceranaeinfection. Xenobiotic burden was determined to be associated withN. ceranaeinfection, and co-variate analysis determined differentially expressed biological chemicals and naturally occurring chemicals in the bee exposomes. Biological pathways analyses putatively identified 10 dysregulated pathways as well as the presence of the P450 oxidative metabolism of naphthalene for detoxification. Based on these results, it is evident that the integration of genetic disease screening with discovery-based exposomics provides a promising multi-omic platform to identify adverse biological effects to bees occurring from exposures to chemicals and parasites. In addition, this approach will generate new hypotheses for targeted follow-up studies to examine bee health.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains in Apis mellifera L. against Nosema ceranae

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Baffoni ◽  
F. Gaggìa ◽  
D. Alberoni ◽  
R. Cabbri ◽  
A. Nanetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Nosema Ceranae ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Sugar Syrup ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Microbial Symbionts ◽  
Antimicrobial Metabolites ◽  
And Control

Nosema ceranae is a widespread microsporidium of European honeybee Apis mellifera L. affecting bee health. The ban of Fumagillin-B (dicyclohexylammonium salt) in the European Union has driven the search for sustainable strategies to prevent and control the infection. The gut microbial symbionts, associated to the intestinal system of vertebrates and invertebrates and its impact on host health, are receiving increasing attention. In particular, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are normal inhabitants of the digestive system of bees, are known to protect their hosts via antimicrobial metabolites, immunomodulation and competition. In this work, the dietary supplementation of gut bacteria was evaluated under laboratory conditions in bees artificially infected with the parasite and bees not artificially infected but evidencing a low natural infection. Supplemented bacteria were selected among bifidobacteria, previously isolated, and lactobacilli, isolated in this work from healthy honeybee gut. Four treatments were compared: bees fed with sugar syrup (CTR); bees fed with sugar syrup containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (PRO); bees infected with N. ceranae spores and fed with sugar syrup (NOS); bees infected with N. ceranae and fed with sugar syrup containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (NP). The sugar syrup, with or without microorganisms, was administered to bees from the first day of life for 13 days. N. ceranae infection was carried out individually on anesthetised 5-day-old bees. Eight days after infection, a significant (P<0.05) lower level of N. ceranae was detected by real-time PCR in both NP and PRO group, showing a positive effect of supplemented microorganisms in controlling the infection. These results represent a first attempt of application of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli against N. ceranae in honeybees.

scholarly journals Increased alarm pheromone component is associated withNosema ceranaeinfected honeybee colonies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Mayack ◽  
Robert L. Broadrup ◽  
Sassicaia J. Schick ◽  
Elizabeth J. Eppley ◽  
Zaeema Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Communication ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Alarm Pheromone ◽  
Nosema Ceranae ◽  
Pheromone Component ◽  
Recognition Mechanism ◽  
Alarm Pheromones ◽  
Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Use of chemicals, such as alarm pheromones, for rapid communication with conspecifics is widespread throughout evolutionary history. Such chemicals are particularly important for social insects, such as the honeybee (Apis mellifera), because they are used for collective decision-making, coordinating activities and self-organization of the group. What is less understood is how these pheromones change due to an infection and what the implications might be for social communication. We used semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (sqPCR) to screen for a common microsporidian gut parasite,Nosema ceranae, for 30 hives, across 10 different locations. We then used high-resolution accurate mass gas chromatography–quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry to generate an exposome profile for each hive. Of the 2352 chemical features identified, chemicals associated with infection were filtered for cosanes or cosenes. A significant association was found betweenN. ceranaeand the presence of (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol, a known alarm pheromone component. The increase in (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol could be the recognition mechanism for healthy individuals to care for, kill, or quarantine infected nestmates.Nosema ceranaehas contributed to the global decline in bee health. Therefore, altered alarm pheromones might play a role in disrupting social harmony and have potential impacts on colony health.

scholarly journals Identification of Phytoplasmas Representing Multiple New Genetic Lineages from Phloem-Feeding Leafhoppers Highlights the Diversity of Phytoplasmas and Their Potential Vectors

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 352
Author(s):  
Wei Wei ◽  
Valeria Trivellone ◽  
Christopher H. Dietrich ◽  
Yan Zhao ◽  
Kristi D. Bottner-Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Range ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Rflp Analysis ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Genetic Lineages ◽  
Genetic Subgroup ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Phloem Feeding ◽  
Fresh Insight

Phytoplasmas are obligate transkingdom bacterial parasites that infect a variety of plant species and replicate in phloem-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera, mainly leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). The insect capacity in acquisition, transmission, survival, and host range directly determines the epidemiology of phytoplasmas. However, due to the difficulty of insect sampling and the lack of follow-up transmission trials, the confirmed phytoplasma insect hosts are still limited compared with the identified plant hosts. Recently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based quick screening of 227 leafhoppers collected in natural habitats unveiled the presence of previously unknown phytoplasmas in six samples. In the present study, 76 leafhoppers, including the six prescreened positive samples, were further examined to identify and characterize the phytoplasma strains by semi-nested PCR. A total of ten phytoplasma strains were identified in leafhoppers from four countries including South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and China. Based on virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, these ten phytoplasma strains were classified into four distinct ribosomal (16Sr) groups (16SrI, 16SrIII, 16SrXIV, and 16SrXV), representing five new subgroups (16SrI-AO, 16SrXIV-D, 16SrXIV-E, 16SrXIV-F, and 16SrXV-C). The results strongly suggest that the newly identified phytoplasma strains not only represent new genetic subgroup lineages, but also extend previously undiscovered geographical distributions. In addition, ten phytoplasma-harboring leafhoppers belonged to seven known leafhopper species, none of which were previously reported insect vectors of phytoplasmas. The findings from this study provide fresh insight into genetic diversity, geographical distribution, and insect host range of phytoplasmas. Further transmission trials and screening of new potential host plants and weed reservoirs in areas adjacent to collection sites of phytoplasma harboring leafhoppers will contribute to a better understanding of phytoplasma transmission and epidemiology.

scholarly journals Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Infected with the Microsporidian Parasite Nosema ceranae

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 481
Author(s):  
Daniel Borges ◽  
Ernesto Guzman-Novoa ◽  
Paul H. Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Bifidobacterium Bifidum ◽  
Nosema Ceranae ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Microsporidian Parasite ◽  
Single Strain ◽  
Acacia Gum ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Commercial Probiotics

Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian fungus that parasitizes the midgut epithelial cells of honey bees, Apis mellifera. Due to the role that midgut microorganisms play in bee health and immunity, food supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics may assist in the control of N. ceranae. The dietary fiber prebiotics acacia gum, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides, as well as the commercial probiotics Vetafarm Probotic, Protexin Concentrate single-strain (Enterococcus faecium), and Protexin Concentrate multi-strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus salivarius, and E. faecium) were tested for their effect on N. ceranae spore loads and honey bee survivorship. Bees kept in cages were inoculated with N. ceranae spores and single-dose treatments were administered in sugar syrup. Acacia gum caused the greatest reduction in N. ceranae spore numbers (67%) but also significantly increased bee mortality (62.2%). However, Protexin Concentrate single-strain gave similarly reduced spore numbers (59%) without affecting the mortality. In a second experiment, multiple doses of the probiotics revealed significantly reduced spore numbers with 2.50 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic, and 0.25, 1.25, and 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. Mortality was also significantly reduced with 1.25 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 3.75 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic had higher survival than N. ceranae-inoculated bees, which was similar to that of non-inoculated bees, while N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain, had significantly higher survival than both N. ceranae-inoculated and non-inoculated bees. Protexin Concentrate single-strain is promising as it can reduce N. ceranae proliferation and increase bee survivorship of infected bees, even compared to healthy, non-infected bees.

Diagnosis and follow-up of Bartonella henselae infection in the spleen of an immunocompetent patient by real-time quantitative PCR

2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 1081-1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carla Liberto ◽  
Giovanni Matera ◽  
Angelo G. Lamberti ◽  
Angela Quirino ◽  
Giorgio S. Barreca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Bartonella Henselae ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Immunocompetent Adults

Systemic Bartonella henselae infections are unusual in immunocompetent adults. However, here we report one such case of bartonellosis in a 34-year-old patient, who presented with fever and multinodular splenomegaly. We also describe a novel method of identifying Bartonella henselae by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of amplified products. This could prevent splenic bartonellosis being mistaken for lymphoma and thereby avert unnecessary splenectomy.

scholarly journals Quantitative polymerase chain reaction in paucibacillary leprosy diagnosis: A follow-up study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. e0007147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel R. Barbieri ◽  
Fernanda S. N. Manta ◽  
Suelen J. M. Moreira ◽  
Anna M. Sales ◽  
José A. C. Nery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Polymerase Chain

scholarly journals L-Norvaline, a New Therapeutic Agent against Alzheimer’s disease

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baruh Polis ◽  
Kolluru D Srikanth ◽  
Vyacheslav Gurevich ◽  
Hava Gil-Henn ◽  
Abraham O. Samson
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Biological Pathways ◽  
Arginase Activity ◽  
Insidious Onset ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an insidious onset. The disease is characterized by cognitive impairment and a distinct pathology with neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.Growing evidence highlights the role of arginase activity in the manifestation of AD. Upregulation of arginase was shown to contribute to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Regulation of arginase activity appears to be a promising approach for interfering with the pathogenesis of AD and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, the enzyme represents a novel therapeutic target.Here, we administer an arginase inhibitor L-norvaline to a mouse model of AD. Then, we evaluate the neuroprotective effect of L-norvaline using immunohistochemistry, proteomics, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Finally, we identify the biological pathways activated by the treatment.Remarkably, we find that L-norvaline treatment reverses the cognitive decline in AD mice. We show the treatment is neuroprotective as indicated by reduced beta-amyloidosis, alleviated microgliosis, and TNFα transcription levels. Moreover, elevated levels of neuroplasticity related protein PSD-95 were detected in the hippocampi of mice treated with L-norvaline. Furthermore, we disclose several biological pathways, which are involved in cell survival and neuroplasticity and are activated by the treatment.Through these modes of action, L-norvaline has the potential to improve the symptoms of AD and even interfere with its pathogenesis. As such, L-norvaline is a promising neuroprotective molecule that might be tailored for the treatment of a range of neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals Plant-Derived Antimicrobials ReduceE. coliO157:H7 Virulence Factors Critical for Colonization in Cattle Gastrointestinal TractIn Vitro

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangeetha Ananda Baskaran ◽  
Kumar Venkitanarayanan
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Intestinal Contents ◽  
Polymerase Chain

This study investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations (SIC) of five plant-derived antimicrobials (PDAs), namely, trans cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, andβ-resorcylic acid, onE. coliO157:H7 (EHEC) attachment and invasion of cultured bovine colonic (CO) and rectoanal junction (RAJ) epithelial cells. In addition, PDAs’ effect on EHEC genes critical for colonization of cattle gastrointestinal tract (CGIT) was determined in bovine rumen fluid (RF) and intestinal contents (BICs). Primary bovine CO and RAJ epithelial cells were established and were separately inoculated with three EHEC strains with or without (control) SIC of each PDA. Following incubation, EHEC that attached and invaded the cells were determined. Furthermore, the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in cattle was investigated using real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction in RF and BICs. All the PDAs decreased EHEC invasion of CO and RAJ epithelial cells (P<0.05). The PDAs also downregulated (P<0.05) the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in CGIT. Results suggest that the PDAs could potentially be used to control EHEC colonization in cattle; however follow-upin vivostudies in cattle are warranted.

scholarly journals Dynamic Changes in Plasma MicroRNAs Have Potential Predictive Values in Monitoring Recurrence and Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Xu ◽  
Juan Lu ◽  
Fan Wang ◽  
Xiong Liu ◽  
Xiaohong Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Treatment Initiation ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Circulating Micrornas ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Plasma Mirnas

Although circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have already proven to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the potential of these molecules to monitor patients over time has been less explored. This study aimed to analyze dynamic changes in plasma miRNAs before and after treatment and explore their clinical significance in monitoring recurrence and metastasis of NPC. Candidate miRNAs were screened by microarray analysis and validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In the follow-up cohort including 102 patients, blood samples (plasma) were collected before the treatment initiation, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatments, and at the time of any recurrence or metastasis. Among these plasma miRNAs, miR-9-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-892b, and miR-3676-3p were significantly upregulated (P = 0.018, P = 0.039, P = 0.001, and P = 0.01, resp.) after treatment compared with pretreatment, and the four plasma miRNAs were downregulated again at recurrence or metastasis (P < 0.001, P = 0.015, P = 0.003, and P = 0.026, resp.). The dynamic changes in plasma miRNAs after treatment reflect the outcome of the disease and have the potential to monitor recurrence and metastasis in patients with NPC.

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