832 research outputs found
Insect Derived Lauric Acid as Promising Alternative Strategy to Antibiotics in the Antimicrobial Resistance Scenario
No full textAntibiotic misuse is greatly contributing to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. Natural and synthetic alternative strategies are being investigated in human and veterinary medicine, but little attention is paid to the antimicrobial effects of edible lipids, such as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and monoglycerides. Among MCFAs, lauric acid (LA) and its monoglyceride derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), exhibit the strongest antimicrobial activity. Coconut and palm kernel oils are considered the main sources of LA. On the other hand, some edible insects (e.g., Hermetia illucens) are gaining interest as novel feed ingredients, due to the high amount of LA they contain as well as their numerous bioactive components, which provide many additional benefits to animal health. Although the beneficial effect of both MCFAs and LA is gradually being recognized, their high content within insects and, consequently, their possible role as antimicrobials, has not been well-reported. This mini review focuses on the anti-infective effects of the insect-derived MCFAs LA and its derivatives. We emphasize the potential of insect lipids, compared to the other vegetable sources, in the current global scenario where a sustainable and circular economy is required. Finally, we critically discuss the use and the benefits of edible insects such as favorable options as feed and food from the perspective of animal and human nutrition
Bacteria and parasites in Podarcis sicula and P. sicula klemmerii
No full textAbstract Background New epidemiological data on bacterial and parasitic infections in 24 Italian wall lizards, namely Podarcis sicula (mainland population) and P. sicula klemmerii (insular population) in southern Italy were provided. To achieve this goal, samples were collected from individuals belonging to the two populations and analysed by microbiological and parasitological methods. Results A wide range of bacteria (e.g. Pantoea spp., Citrobacter spp., Morganella spp., Pseudomonas, Enterobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli) and parasites (e.g. Ophionyssus natricis, coccidia, Dicrocoelidae) were detected in both P. sicula and P. sicula klemmerii individuals. Insular population presented similar bacterial and parasitic diversity to its mainland counterpart. Ampicillin was the antimicrobial with the highest resistance rate. Conclusion This study highlighted various bacteria and parasites, some of them potentially zoonotic. Further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of these pathogens along with their impact on the welfare and behaviour of Italian wall lizards
An Outdoor Access Period Improves Chicken Cecal Microbiota and Potentially Increases Micronutrient Biosynthesis
No full textCharacterizing the gut microbiota of free-range and alternative poultry production systems provides information, which can be used to improve poultry welfare, performance, and environmental sustainability. Gut microbiota influence not only the health and metabolism of the host but also the presence of zoonotic agents contaminating food of animal origin. In this study, the composition and diversity of the cecal microbiota community of free-range grown chickens were characterized by 16S rDNA high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Significant differences were observed in the composition of chicken cecal microbiota at the time points of 28 days of age (Indoor group) and 56 days of age (Outdoor group), i.e., before and after the outdoor access period of chicken groups. The Outdoor group showed a richer and more complex microbial community, characterized by the onset of new phyla such as Deferribacterota and Synergistota, while the Indoor group showed an increase in Campylobacterota. At the species level, it is noteworthy that the occurrence of Mucispirillum schaedleri in Outdoor group is known to potentially stimulate mucus layer formation in the distal intestinal tract, thus being associated with a healthy gut. We also report a significant decrease in the Outdoor group of Helicobacter pullorum, highlighting that the lower abundance at the age of slaughter reduced the possibility to contaminate chickens' carcasses and, consequently, its zoonotic potential. As revealed by a mutual exclusion study in network analysis, H. pullorum was present only if Bacteroides barnesiae, an uncultured organism of the genus Synergistes, and Bacteroides gallinaceum were absent. Finally, microbiome predictive analysis revealed an increase of vitamins and micronutrient biosyntheses such as queuosine (Q) and its precursor pre Q0, in the Outdoor group, suggesting that the outdoor evolved microbiota of chickens do contribute to the vitamin pool of the gut and the biosynthesis of micronutrients involved in vital cell processes
The Golden and the Diamond Light: Lorena Carrington’s Fairy-Tale Illustrations
No full textA fairy-tale author discusses her inspiration and admiration for the fairy-tale illustrations of artist Lorena Carrington
Campylobacter coli infection in pet birds in southern Italy
No full textAbstract
Avian species are considered as the main reservoir of Campylobacter spp. However, few data are available on the presence of this microorganism in pet birds. This study was therefore performed to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in pet birds bred in southern Italy. Faecal samples were collected from 88 cages housing different species of pet birds and examined by bacteriological culture and polymerase chain reaction. A total of 13.6% of the cage samples were positive for Campylobacter coli . Other Campylobacter spp. were not found. The study shows that C. coli can be isolated from the cages of apparently healthy pet birds, which should therefore be considered as potential carriers of C. coli and a possible source of infection for humans and companion animals
Women making IT - interplay of personal and cultural values influencing career choices of women working in IT consulting
No full textAuthor Selina Lorena IllenseerMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 2024Arbeit nach Ablauf der Sperre auf den öffentlichen PCs in den Bibliotheken der JKU+Medizin abrufba
Women making IT - interplay of personal and cultural values influencing career choices of women working in IT consulting
No full textAuthor Selina Lorena IllenseerMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 2024Arbeit nach Ablauf der Sperre auf den öffentlichen PCs in den Bibliotheken der JKU+Medizin abrufba
Wild birds and the ecology of antimicrobial resistance: an approach to monitoring
No full textTackling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)requires joint efforts according to the principles of the OneHealth approach. In this context, wildlife, and especially wildbirds, are recognized as an important bridge between environ-ment, humans and livestock in perpetuating AMR. Over thelast decades, important progress has been made in under-standing the role of wild birds as carriers of antibiotic‐resistantbacteria and their genes (ARGs) within ecosystems; however,there are still many knowledge gaps regarding transmissionsources and routes. This commentary summarizes studies fromrecent years focusing on AMR in wild birds, highlighting themost frequently found zoonotic bacteria harboring ARGs andthe possible exchange scenarios between humans, livestock,and wild birds. We emphasize the need to standardize andoptimize a wild bird monitoring approach for AMR surveillancethat includes non‐invasive sampling methods, culture‐independent techniques for identification of ARGs, databaseintegration and implementation, and machine learning technol-ogy. This multidisciplinary perspective, which could involveveterinarians, biologists, ornithologists, conservationists, andmanagers, may represent part of the solution, not only forwildlife conservation but also for global health, consideringthat the goal is to reverse the route of AMR
Microbiological survey of sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) kept as pets in Italy.
No full textThe sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a small, arboreal, nocturnal, gliding mammalian possum belonging to the marsupial infraclass. Exotic marsupials, including sugar gliders, are becoming popular companion pets and, consequently, the risk of potential infections that can be transmitted to humans should be investigated. Data on the role of the sugar glider as a possible carrier of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria are scarce and fragmentary. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of potentially zoonotic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica) in 64 sugar gliders kept as pets in Italy. The highest prevalence of infection pertained to members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Citrobacter spp. (50%), Enterobacter spp. (28.1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.6%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 10 out of 64 samples (15.6%). All strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited some level of resistance to multiple antimicrobials (ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and doxycycline)
O começo da Revolução de 1842 em Lorena
No full textAs an introduction, the author presents a short appreciation of the causes which led to the outburst of the seditions movement in 1842. He outlines the historical background of the events in Lorena and Silveiras. He tries to explain the reasons for personal involvement in the revolutionary process caused by hatred between the Brazilian and the Portuguese people. He reminds us of the geographical importance of Lorena and the chacteristics of its inhabitants. He demonstrates how gossiping incites animosity. He ends up with the proceedings and their results. O autor, pretendendo uma introdução, faz uma rápida apreciação das causas que levaram à eclosão do movimento sedicioso de 1842. Estabelece o quadro histórico dos acontecimentos nas localidades de Lorena e Silveiras. Procura explicar os motivos dos envolvimentos pessoais com o processo revolucionário, atribuindo a este o ódio entre brasileiros e portugueses. Lembra a importância geográfica de Lorena e o tipo de seus habitantes. Demonstra o acirramento de ânimos e como os boatos os provocam. Finaliza com a instauração dos processos e seus resultados. 
- …
