Article
Microbiology
Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, William E. E. Grant, Taylor G. G. Donaldson, Pete D. D. Teel
Summary: This study used a spatially explicit model to simulate the effects of exclosures and acaricides on the distribution and abundance of lone star ticks in forestlands of the southeastern United States. The results showed that both exclosures and acaricides were successful in reducing tick densities, with exclosures being more effective at larger sizes and acaricides losing their effectiveness at smaller sizes. Targeting acaricides at medium-sized hosts may be an effective method for tick suppression.
Review
Immunology
Abid Ali, Ismail Zeb, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Hafsa Zahid, Mashal M. Almutairi, Fahdah Ayed Alshammari, Mohammed Alrouji, Carlos Termignoni, Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior, Tetsuya Tanaka
Summary: Tick salivary molecules play a crucial role in disarming host immunity, assisting blood-feeding, and facilitating pathogen transmission. The composition of tick saliva changes during the blood-feeding process to meet the tick's needs. Understanding the interactions between tick salivary components and host immune responses is essential for controlling ticks.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Kristie D. Goughenour, Ayesha S. Nair, Jintao Xu, Michal A. Olszewski, Karen L. Wozniak
Summary: Fungal infections, especially Cryptococcus, are a growing public health concern. The immune response, specifically the T-cell response mediated by dendritic cells (DCs), plays a critical role in protecting the host from pulmonary Cryptococcus infections. DCs are not only important for adaptive immunity, but also armed cells of the innate immune system capable of recognizing and killing fungal cells.
Article
Immunology
Deborah C. Jaworski, Ying Wang, Arathy Nair, Huitao Liu, Roman R. Ganta
Summary: This study identified 55 mutations in E. chaffeensis, which demonstrated the critical nature of these genes for its growth in a canine infection model. Four mutations resulted in replication deficiency in the tick vector, similar to the vertebrate host. Additionally, three mutations caused growth defects only in the tick vector. The findings suggest that genes essential for growth in the canine host may not be essential for growth in the tick vector.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Shahid Karim, Juan Manuel Leyva-Castillo, Sukanya Narasimhan
Summary: Tick salivary glycans play important roles in the phenomenon of red meat allergy and acquired tick resistance.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Wikel
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne infectious agents are increasing global public health threats due to various factors, such as the abundance of vectors and pathogens. Understanding the interactions between ticks, hosts, and pathogens can lead to the development of novel strategies for tick control and disease prevention. Gaps in our understanding of these relationships were identified as areas for further research to successfully disrupt both tick feeding and pathogen transmission.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oscar Rodriguez, Gabriela de la Fuente, Isabel G. Fernandez de Mera, Rita Vaz-Rodrigues, Christian Gortazar, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal distribution of adult Hyalomma marginatum ticks and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in addax antelope in Morocco. The results showed that addax is an important host for H. marginatum ticks and the ticks carried various tick-borne pathogens.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Liu, Juan Jiang, Caiguanxi Deng, Xinshuo Huang, Shuang Huang, Zhengjie Liu, Jiang Yang, Jingshan Mo, Hui-jiuan Chen, Ji Wang, Xi Xie
Summary: This work presents a nanochannel electro-injection (NEI) system for safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acid molecules into dendritic cells (DCs), which is critical for successful cancer immunotherapy.
Article
Microbiology
Marilena P. Etna, Aurora Signorazzi, Daniela Ricci, Martina Severa, Fabiana Rizzo, Elena Giacomini, Andrea Gaggioli, Isabelle Bekeredjian-Ding, Anke Huckriede, Eliana M. Coccia
Summary: The study showed that inactivated TBEV (I-TBEV) induced differentiation of a sub-population of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) specialized in type I interferon production in human PBMC. This was critical for B cell differentiation to plasmablasts, highlighting the importance of preserving key viral molecules during vaccine manufacturing process.
Article
Dermatology
Evelyn Kelemen, Renata Bozo, Gergely Groma, Zsuzsanna Bata-Csorgo, Lajos Kemeny, Judit Danis, Marta Szell
Summary: In the last two decades, large-scale gene-expression studies on psoriatic skin samples have revealed molecular differences in nonlesional skin compared to healthy skin, which were originally thought to be susceptibility factors for plaque formation. However, immune regulation and structural alteration specific to nonlesional skin serve as protective factors against plaque formation and contribute to maintaining the nonlesional phenotype.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael D. Nodine
Summary: Parental contributions affect early embryogenesis by regulating maternal resources distribution to offspring. A new study in Arabidopsis thaliana shows that signaling components from maternal sporophytic tissues and paternal gametes converge in zygotes to promote elongation of the extraembryonic suspensor, supporting embryo development.
Article
Parasitology
Elise A. Richardson, Caitlin E. Taylor, Brittney Jabot, Estelle Martin, Carl N. Keiser
Summary: This study assessed the effects of habitat type and pathogen infection on host-seeking behavior in the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. The results showed that infected ticks spent less time questing compared to uninfected ticks, and ticks collected from xeric hammock habitats spent over twice as long questing compared to ticks from successional hardwood forests.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
H. Heinrich Hoffmann, William M. Schneider, Kathryn Rozen-Gagnon, Linde A. Miles, Felix Schuster, Brandon Razooky, Eliana Jacobson, Xianfang Wu, Soon Yi, Charles M. Rudin, Margaret R. MacDonald, Laura K. McMullan, John T. Poirier, Charles M. Rice
Summary: Flaviviruses pose a constant threat to human health, being transmitted by infected mosquitoes and ticks, and causing regular outbreaks. Through full-genome loss of function CRISPR-Cas9 screens, TMEM41B and VMP1 were identified as key factors in flavivirus infection. TMEM41B was found to be essential for all tested members of the Flaviviridae family, as well as for SARS-CoV-2 of the Coronaviridae. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in nearly 20% of East Asian populations were shown to reduce flavivirus infection.
Article
Immunology
Bernard Ong'ondo Osero, Zama Cele, Raphael Taiwo Aruleba, Rebeng A. Maine, Mumin Ozturk, Manfred B. Lutz, Frank Brombacher, Ramona Hurdayal
Summary: This study suggests that IL-4R alpha signaling on DCs is not key in the regulation of immune-mediated protection in mice against L. mexicana infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher B. Zinck, Prasobh Raveendran Thampy, Ryan O. M. Rego, Dustin Brisson, Nicholas H. Ogden, Maarten Voordouw
Summary: This study compared the infection prevalence and spirochete abundance of different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi in a rodent host. The results showed variations in tissue infection and spirochete load among strains, with differences observed between male and female mice. Furthermore, the study suggests that laboratory-based estimates of pathogen abundance can predict the strain composition of this tick-borne pathogen in nature.
Article
Pediatrics
Natalia Vieira Inacio Calapodopulos, Monica Miguel Sawan-Mendonca, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Virginia Resende Weffort, Denise Bertululucci Rocha Rodrigues, Virmondes Rodrigues Jr
Summary: This study analyzed the hematological and immune responses of children with recurrent respiratory infections compared to those without infections. The results showed no significant differences in blood cell counts, lymphocyte counts, and cytotoxic cell counts between the two groups. However, the production of reactive oxygen intermediates was significantly reduced in the test group, suggesting compromised microbicide capacity in these children, which may be related to their susceptibility to respiratory infections.
JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra, Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Tarcisio de Albuquerque Martins, Thais Soares Farnesi De-Assuncao, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva, Marcos Vinicius da Silva
Summary: Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, is responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Conventional treatments have limitations, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Metallic nanoparticles have shown promise as they can be easily prepared, have a broad spectrum of action and low toxicity. This review explores the progress and gaps in knowledge regarding metallic nanoparticles as new tools in leishmaniasis treatment.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Amandha Kaiser da Silva, Mal Mateus Santos, Pamela Aparecida Candido, Erica de Oliveira Lopes, Fernando Rogerio Pavan, Zumira Aparecida Carneiro, Marcos Vincius da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Alzir Azevedo Batista, Ronaldo Junio de Oliveira, Victor Marcelo Deflon, Pedro Ivo da Silva Maia
Summary: This study synthesized new gold(III) heteroleptic complexes and characterized them. In vitro experiments showed that these complexes have significant antiproliferative effects on breast adenocarcinoma cells, and their activity is influenced by the co-ligands. Further investigation revealed that these complexes may interact with human serum albumin (HSA) and inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) enzyme.
Article
Immunology
Bruna Raphaela Oliveira Silva, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Daniela Gomes Pires Abadia, Djalma A. Alves da Silva, Leonardo E. Silva, Chamberttan S. Desiderio, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Juliana C. Costa-Madeira, Rafaela M. Barbosa, Anna V. Borges, Andrezza C. C. Hortolani Cunha, Loren Q. Pereira, Fernanda R. Helmo, Marcela Rezende Lemes, Lais M. Barbosa, Rafael O. Trevisan, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Giovanna F. Bueno, Fabiano V. Mundim, Ana Carolina M. Oliveira-Scussel, Ivan B. Monteiro, Yulsef M. Ferreira, Guilherme H. Machado, Kennio Ferreira-Paim, Helio Moraes-Souza, Marcos Vinicius Da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira
Summary: This study describes the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients in the Triangulo Sul macroregion of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The findings suggest that age, comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and drug treatment significantly alter COVID-19's lethality.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Regis Gomes, Iva Kolarova, Anderson Sa-Nunes, Matheus Carneiro
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Pedro Henrique Marques, Ligia Carolina da Silva Prado, Andrei Giacchetto Felice, Thais Cristina Vilela Rodrigues, Ulisses de Padua Pereira, Arun Kumar Jaiswal, Vasco Azevedo, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Siomar Soares
Summary: The Vibrio genus bacteria are widely present in marine systems and have a high capacity to infect humans and fish. The species most closely related to humans have a higher number of proteins associated with colonization, while aquaculture-associated species have more resistance-associated genes. The study proposes new drug targets and natural molecules for potential treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marlos Aureliano Dias de Sousa, Chamberttan Souza Desiderio, Jonatas da Silva Catarino, Rafael Obata Trevisan, Djalma Alexandre Alves da Silva, Vinicius Ferreira Resende Rocha, Weslley Guimaraes Bovi, Rodolfo Pessato Timoteo, Renata Cristina Franzon Bonatti, Alex Eduardo da Silva, Alfredo Leboreiro Fernandez, Helioswilton Sales-Campos, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira
Summary: The immune response in multiple sclerosis involves CD4(+) T cells that produce cytokines and chemokines. Changes in certain cytokines and chemokines, along with the presence of double positive lymphocytes, can help better understand the clinical forms and progression of the disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed Amine Jmel, Hanne Voet, Ricardo N. Araujo, Lucas Tirloni, Anderson Sa-Nunes, Michail Kotsyfakis
Summary: Kunitz domain-containing proteins are serine protease inhibitors with therapeutic potential. They inhibit key proteases involved in inflammation or hemostasis through competitive inhibition. Tick saliva contains Kunitz-type inhibitors that play a role in host inhibition and blood feeding. Understanding their effects on host immunity and hemostasis may lead to novel therapies and vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Anna Gloria Fonseca Teodoro, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Anna V. Bernardes e Borges, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Djalma A. Alves da Silva, Leonardo E. Andrade-Silva, Chamberttan S. Desiderio, Juliana C. Costa-Madeira, Rafaela M. Barbosa, Andrezza C. C. Hortolani Cunha, Loren Q. Pereira, Fernanda Bernadelli de Vito, Sarah Cristina Sato Vaz Tanaka, Fernanda R. R. Helmo, Marcela Rezende Lemes, Lais M. Barbosa, Rafael O. . O. Trevisan, Fabiano V. V. Mundim, Ana Carolina M. Oliveira-Scussel, Paulo Roberto Resende Jr, Ivan B. Monteiro, Yulsef M. Ferreira, Guilherme H. Machado, Kennio Ferreira-Paim, Helio Moraes-Souza, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Marcos Vinicius da Silva
Summary: COVID-19 infection can lead to a wide range of clinical presentations and predisposition to thromboembolic disease due to excessive inflammation. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and laboratory aspects of hospitalized patients and analyze the serum cytokine pattern associated with thromboembolic events. A retrospective cohort study of 97 COVID-19 patients revealed 7 cases of thrombotic occurrence. The thrombus group showed a reduction in prothrombin activity and 27.8% of all patients had thrombocytopenia. Higher levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-2 were observed in the group with thrombotic events. The study found an increase in inflammatory response and a link between IL-10 percentage and the likelihood of thrombotic events.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana Carolina Vilarinho, Vinicius Marques Lopez, Everton Tizo-Pedroso, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira
Summary: This study investigated the potential predictors of scorpion sting incidence in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of interventions. The findings revealed that mean annual temperature and major land use type were significant predictors of scorpion sting incidence. The estimated Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for scorpion sting incidents in Minas Gerais was substantial, highlighting the need for effective prevention and treatment measures.
Review
Oncology
Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Camila Botelho Miguel, Melissa Carvalho Martins de Abreu, Jamil Miguel Neto, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira
Summary: This review summarizes the cellular and molecular relationships between vascular biology and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Various proteins associated with vascular biology, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and growth factors, have been linked to tumor activity in HL. Preclinical study models using cell culture and animal models have been optimized for HL research. Further study of these biomolecules may provide insights into obscure pathways and potential targets for prevention and treatment interventions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gabriella Teresinha Lima Teixeira, Rogerio Valentim Gelamo, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Leonardo Euripedes de Andrade Silva, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Brunela Pereira da Silva, Idalina Vieira Aoki, Jeferson Aparecido Moreto, Natalia Bueno Leite Slade
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the immobilization of the novel JIChis-2 peptide on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and evaluate its antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The immobilization process involved the formation of covalent bonds between the peptide and the surface using PECVD technique. Coated and uncoated surfaces were analyzed using various techniques, and corrosion studies were conducted to examine the effects of surface treatment. The functionalized material showed antibiofilm properties, indicating the success of the immobilization strategy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. P. L. Nascimento, G. T. L. Teixeira, M. M. S. Obata, M. Silva, C. J. F. Oliveira, L. E. A. Silva, R. Gelamo, N. B. L. Slade, J. A. Moreto
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of Nb2O5 thin films deposited on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy on antibacterial activity, cell proliferation, and biomineralization capacity. The reactive sputtering technique improves cell viability, osteogenic performance, and ability to delay bacterial proliferation, while promoting rapid amorphous apatite formation. These findings suggest the potential of Nb2O5-functionalized Ti-6Al-4V alloy for future implantable devices.
MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yago Marcos Pessoa-Goncalves, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Marlos Aureliano Dias de Sousa, Luis Marcos Ferreira Jr, Beatriz Sodre Matos, Anna Eduardo da Silva, Ana Carolina de Morais Oliveira-Scussel, Alex Eduardo da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Jr
Summary: This report presents a case study of a 47-year-old male mathematics teacher who experienced disorientation, aphasia, and acalculia during an online class. The study reveals the first documented case of HIV and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and human polyomavirus 2. Serum analysis showed elevated levels of certain factors that are known to affect blood-brain barrier permeability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Luisa Menezes-Silva, Jonatas da Silva Catarino, Laura Caroline de Faria, Barbara Cristina Pizzolante, Leonardo Euripedes Andrade-Silva, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Helioswilton Sales-Campos, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira
Summary: In this study, the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis and Rhodnius prolixus against Cryptococcus neoformans was evaluated. The results showed that the hemolymph of both insects could inhibit the growth of the fungus and enhance phagocytic and killing activities of macrophages. It also increased the production of certain cytokines.
JOURNAL OF VENOMOUS ANIMALS AND TOXINS INCLUDING TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
