Earthworms are able to protect themselves against invading pathogens due to efficient innate defense mechanisms. Currently, two types of antimicrobial factors including lysozyme-like molecule and factors with hemolytic activity, as well as a pattern recognition protein named coelomic cytolytic factor (CCF) have been identified in Eisenia foetida earthworms. However, the modulations of these defense molecules during in vivo immune response have not been addressed. In this study, we investigated the effect of experimental challenge with live Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and with beta-1,3-glucan on the expression of CCF and the hemolytic factor fetidin. In parallel, we followed levels of hemolytic activity and lysozyme-like activity in the coelomic fluid of challenged earthworms. We show that the biosynthesis of CCF, but not fetidin, is up-regulated upon microbial stimulation. Parenteral administration of bacteria or microbial polysaccharides in earthworms results, in the coelomic fluid, in augmented level of CCF, increased lysozyme-like activity and decreased hemolytic activity. The decreased hemolytic activity of the coelomic fluid reflects the increase of the whole protein content in the absence of synthesis of hemolytic proteins.

• MeSH
• cytotoxiny metabolismus   MeSH
• glukany farmakologie   MeSH
• gramnegativní bakterie metabolismus   MeSH
• grampozitivní bakterie metabolismus   MeSH
• hemolýza účinky léků   imunologie   MeSH
• lektiny metabolismus   MeSH
• Oligochaeta imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• tělesné tekutiny imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• coelomic cytolytic factor 1, Eisenia fetida MeSH Prohlížeč
• cytotoxiny MeSH
• fetidin MeSH Prohlížeč
• glukany MeSH
• lektiny MeSH
• proteiny MeSH

The aim of study was to determine the influence of zinc chelate, valnemulin and it's combination on Brachyspira hyodysenteriae shedding and morphological changes of colonic mucosa in an experimental model of swine dysentery (SD). The study was performed on pigs coming from a dysentery-free herd. Animals were inoculated by B. hyodysenteriae strain B204. When the clinical signs of SD and B. hyodysenteriae shedding developed, the pigs were divided into four treatment groups. The first group was treated with zinc chelate (250 ml/1000 L in water), second group was given valnemulin in feed at 75 ppm; the third group was given a combination of both and the fourth group was control. The results demonstrated therapeutic effect of valnemulin in pigs with serious SD and did not show therapeutic effect of chelated zinc.

• Klíčová slova
• Brachyspira, Chelated zinc, Swine dysentery, Valnemulin,
• MeSH
• Brachyspira hyodysenteriae růst a vývoj   MeSH
• diterpeny terapeutické užití   MeSH
• dyzenterie mikrobiologie   patologie   veterinární   MeSH
• gramnegativní bakteriální infekce farmakoterapie   mikrobiologie   patologie   veterinární   MeSH
• imunohistochemie veterinární   MeSH
• kolon patologie   MeSH
• kombinovaná farmakoterapie veterinární   MeSH
• nemoci prasat farmakoterapie   mikrobiologie   patologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• sefarosa analogy a deriváty   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• střevní sliznice patologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• diterpeny MeSH
• sefarosa MeSH
• valnemulin MeSH Prohlížeč
• zinc chelate-sepharose MeSH Prohlížeč

The EUOS/SLAS challenge aimed to facilitate the development of reliable algorithms to predict the aqueous solubility of small molecules using experimental data from 100 K compounds. In total, hundred teams took part in the challenge to predict low, medium and highly soluble compounds as measured by the nephelometry assay. This article describes the winning model, which was developed using the publicly available Online CHEmical database and Modeling environment (OCHEM) available on the website https://ochem.eu/article/27. We describe in detail the assumptions and steps used to select methods, descriptors and strategy which contributed to the winning solution. In particular we show that consensus based on 28 models calculated using descriptor-based and representation learning methods allowed us to obtain the best score, which was higher than those based on individual approaches or consensus models developed using each individual approach. A combination of diverse models allowed us to decrease both bias and variance of individual models and to calculate the highest score. The model based on Transformer CNN contributed the best individual score thus highlighting the power of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods. The inclusion of information about aleatoric uncertainty would be important to better understand and use the challenge data by the contestants.

• Klíčová slova
• Consensus, Descriptor based models, Graph neural networks, Kaggle challenge, OCHEM, Representation learning, Solubility prediction, Transformer CNN,
• MeSH
• algoritmy * MeSH
• chemické databáze MeSH
• konsensus MeSH
• neuronové sítě * MeSH
• rozpustnost MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Toxoplasma gondii is a food-borne zoonotic parasite widespread in a variety of hosts, including humans. With a majority of infections in Europe estimated to be meat-borne, pork, as one of the most consumed meats worldwide, represents a potential risk for consumers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the progress of T. gondii infection and tissue tropism in experimentally infected pigs, using different T. gondii isolates and infectious stages, i.e. tissue cysts or oocysts. Twenty-four pigs were allocated to treatment in four groups of six, with each group inoculated orally with an estimated low dose of either 400 oocysts or 10 tissue cysts of two European T. gondii isolates, a type II and a type III isolate. The majority of pigs seroconverted two weeks post-inoculation. Pigs infected with the type III isolate had significantly higher levels of anti-T. gondii antibodies compared to those infected with the type II isolate. Histopathological exams revealed reactive hyperplasia of the lymphatic tissue of all pigs. Additionally, a selected set of nine tissues was collected during necropsy at 50 dpi from each of the remaining 22 pigs for T. gondii DNA detection by quantitative real-time PCR. A positive result was obtained in 29.8 % (59/139) of tested tissues. The brain was identified as the most frequently positive tissue in 63.6 % (14/22) of the animals. In contrast, liver samples tested negative in all animals. The highest mean parasite load, calculated by interpolating the average Cq values on the standard curve made of ten-fold serial dilutions of the genomic DNA, corresponding to 100 to 104 tachyzoites/µL, was observed in shoulder musculature with an estimated concentration of 84.4 [0.0-442.5] parasites per gram of tissue. The study highlights the variability in clinical signs and tissue distribution of T. gondii in pigs based on the combination of parasite stages and strains, with type III isolates, particularly oocysts, causing a stronger antibody response and higher tissue parasite burden. These findings suggest the need for further investigation of type III isolates to better understand their potential risks to humans.

• Klíčová slova
• Distribution, Oocyst, Parasite burden, Pork, Tissue cyst, Toxoplasmosis,
• MeSH
• genotyp * MeSH
• nemoci prasat * parazitologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• protilátky protozoální krev   MeSH
• protozoální DNA genetika   MeSH
• Toxoplasma * genetika   MeSH
• toxoplazmóza zvířat * parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• protilátky protozoální MeSH
• protozoální DNA MeSH

Surface electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive means of recording gastric myoelectric activity or slow waves from cutaneous leads placed over the stomach. This paper provides a comprehensive review of preclinical EGG. Our group recently set up and worked out the methods for EGG in experimental pigs. We gained our initial experience in the use of EGG in assessment of porcine gastric myoelectric activity after volume challenge and after intragastric administration of itopride and erythromycin. The mean dominant frequency in pigs is comparable with that found in humans. EGG in experimental pigs is feasible. Experimental EGG is an important basis for further preclinical projects in pharmacology and toxicology.

• Klíčová slova
• electrogastrography, experimental pig, preclinical studies,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• AIDS opičí prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• farmaceutická technologie MeSH
• HIV infekce prevence a kontrola   přenos   MeSH
• HIV-1 * MeSH
• modely u zvířat MeSH
• sliznice virologie   MeSH
• vakcíny proti AIDS * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• vakcíny proti AIDS * MeSH

Five fusions between mouse embryonic cells and syngeneic adult peritoneal macrophages were performed. The resulting hybrids as well as both parental cells (6 cultures of embryonal cells and 6 cultures of adult macrophages) were grown in vitro under the same culture conditions. All populations of explanted macrophages died during the second month in primary culture and five populations of cultured embryonic cells were lost within six months under in vitro conditions as well. One embryonic cell line survived and acquired transformed and/or malignant phenotype: When inoculated into either newborn or adult syngeneic mice, progressive growth of tumors with 100% take (6/6), histologically classified as poorly differentiated fibrosarcoma with areas of metaplastic bone and osteoid, was observed. Two out of five wild hybrid strains died within six months of cell culture. The resulting three hybrid cultures adapted themselves to in vitro conditions and finally permanent lines were established with all features of transformed phenotype in vitro and with the capacity to grow as undifferentiated fibrosarcomas with 100% take (6/6) when inoculated into syngeneic mice either s.c. or i.p. Cytogenetic studies were performed and phenotypic characteristics of these lines were explored as well. Biological assays performed for the presence of oncogenic viruses were negative and none of the malignant cell lines showed positive staining with the monoclonal antibody specific for large T-antigen. It is suggested that cell fusion of two normal partners may switch on the cascade of abnormal processes which may culminate in neoplastic conversion. Cell fusion might play also a significant role in the so called "spontaneous" transformation.

• MeSH
• buněčné dělení fyziologie   MeSH
• buňky 3T3 MeSH
• chromozomy fyziologie   MeSH
• embryo savčí cytologie   MeSH
• experimentální nádory etiologie   genetika   patologie   MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• fúze buněk genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• hybridní buňky cytologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• makrofágy cytologie   patologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorová transformace buněk genetika   patologie   MeSH
• nádorové buňky kultivované MeSH
• onkogenní viry genetika   MeSH
• ploidie MeSH
• transplantace nádorů MeSH
• viabilita buněk fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Tropical forests are highly diverse systems involving extraordinary numbers of interactions between species, with each species responding in a different way to the abiotic environment. Understanding how these systems function and predicting how they respond to anthropogenic global change is extremely challenging. We argue for the necessity of 'whole-ecosystem' experimental manipulations, in which the entire ecosystem is targeted, either to reveal the functioning of the system in its natural state or to understand responses to anthropogenic impacts. We survey the current range of whole-ecosystem manipulations, which include those targeting weather and climate, nutrients, biotic interactions, human impacts, and habitat restoration. Finally we describe the unique challenges and opportunities presented by such projects and suggest directions for future experiments.

• Klíčová slova
• climate change, forest fragmentation, forest restoration, logging, nutrients, species interactions,
• MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• lesy * MeSH
• regenerace a remediace životního prostředí MeSH
• tropické klima * MeSH
• výzkumný projekt MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Allergic asthmatics with both an early (EAR) and a late allergic reaction (LAR) following allergen exposure are termed 'dual responders' (DR), while 'single responders' (SR) only have an EAR. Mechanisms that differentiate DR from SR are largely unknown, particularly regarding the role and phenotypes of neutrophils. Therefore, we aimed to study neutrophils in DR and SR asthmatics. METHODS: Thirty-four allergic asthmatics underwent an inhaled allergen challenge, samples were collected before and up to 24 h post-challenge. Cell differentials were counted from bronchial lavage, alveolar lavage and blood; and tissue neutrophils were quantified in immune-stained bronchial biopsies. Lavage neutrophil nuclei lobe segmentation was used to classify active (1-4 lobes) from suppressive neutrophils (≥5 lobes). Levels of transmigration markers: soluble (s)CD62L and interleukin-1Ra, and activity markers: neutrophil elastase (NE), DNA-histone complex and dsDNA were measured in lavage fluid and plasma. RESULTS: Compared with SR at baseline, DR had more neutrophils in their bronchial airways at baseline, both in the lavage (p = .0031) and biopsies (p = .026) and elevated bronchial neutrophils correlated with less antitransmigratory IL-1Ra levels (r = -0.64). DR airways had less suppressive neutrophils and more 3-lobed (active) neutrophils (p = .029) that correlated with more bronchial lavage histone (p = .020) and more plasma NE (p = .0016). Post-challenge, DR released neutrophil extracellular trap factors in the blood earlier and had less pro-transmigratory sCD62L during the late phase (p = .0076) than in SR. CONCLUSION: DR have a more active airway neutrophil phenotype at baseline and a distinct neutrophil response to allergen challenge that may contribute to the development of an LAR. Therefore, neutrophil activity should be considered during targeted diagnosis and bio-therapeutic development for DR.

• Klíčová slova
• CD62L, IL-1Ra, NETosis, allergic asthma, inhaled allergen challenge, late allergic reaction, neutrophils,
• MeSH
• alergeny MeSH
• alergie * MeSH
• bronchiální astma * MeSH
• bronchoprovokační testy MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• histony MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• neutrofily MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alergeny MeSH
• histony MeSH

An infection model for sharpsnout seabream Diplodus puntazzo (Walbaum) challenged with the myxosporean Enteromyxum leei (Diamant, Lom et Dyková, 1994), resembling the natural infection conditions, was used to evaluate the antiparasitic efficacy of a functional diet. Fish of an average weight of 12.5 ± 1.2 g were delivered either a functional (included as feed supplement at 0.3% levels) or a control extruded diet. After four weeks of administration of the experimental diets, fish were challenged with the parasites (cohabitation with infected donors; donor: recipient ratio 1 : 1). The experiment was terminated four weeks after the start of the challenge. At the end of the experiment, growth and feeding (specific growth rate and feed efficiency), as well as immunological parameters (respiratory burst activity, antibacterial activities, hemoglobin concentration, anti-protease activity and ceruloplasmin activity) were measured along with cumulative mortality and total parasitic count in the gut. No significant difference was evident with regard to growth and feeding performance, mortality, gut parasitic load or immunological parameters as the parasitical challenge significantly affected both the performance of the control and functional diet fed fish. However, there was a less prominent impact on antibacterial, anti-protease and ceruloplasmin activity in fish fed with the functional diet. Overall, the present study validated the experimental cohabitation infection model and evaluated the efficacy of a functional ingredient as an antiparasitic agent, showing some potential effects on the fish immune response.

• Klíčová slova
• Cohabitation parasitical challenge, Myxosporea, gut parasite, hemoglobin, immune response, inflammation, parasite intensity, parasite prevalence, qPCR.,
• MeSH
• dieta veterinární   MeSH
• mořan zlatý * MeSH
• Myxozoa fyziologie   MeSH
• nemoci ryb parazitologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• parazitární nemoci u zvířat parazitologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH