Search Results (1,957)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex genetic disease characterized by the heterogeneity of tumor cells. We have measured KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene mutations in circulating free tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma, bone marrow, and plasmacytoma samples as well as their correlation with various clinical and laboratory parameters. The prospective study included 113 MM patients (74 with plasmacytoma and 39 without), treated at the National Medical Research Center for Hematology (Moscow, Russia) from 2009 to 2024. FISH was performed on CD138+ bone marrow cells for 104 patients and array-CGH for two extramedullary plasmacytoma samples. Mutation analysis on CD138+ bone marrow cells was performed for 99 patients, on ctDNA for 80 patients, and, in 26 cases, samples of plasmacytoma were also investigated. Mutations in the KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes either in bone marrow, ctDNA, or plasmacytoma samples were found in 50% of patients. In patients with plasmacytoma, mutations in ctDNA were found in 28% of cases versus 0% in cases without plasmacytoma (p = 0.0007). Rare “noncanonical” KRAS and NRAS gene mutations were also more frequent in ctDNA compared to the bone marrow substrate (50% versus 9%, p = 0.01). Liquid biopsy in MM, particularly identification of the KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene mutations in ctDNA, is a valuable instrument for prognostication. Researching the intricate mechanisms underlying extramedullary involvement, and identifying novel high-risk factors associated with the disease, is worthwhile. Full article

As aquaculture expands globally, understanding immune responses in non-traditional farmed species like Octopus vulgaris under varying environmental conditions is increasingly important. This study investigated lysozyme activity, a key innate immune marker, in cell-free hemolymph of O. vulgaris following experimental challenge with four Gram-negative fish pathogens (Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, P. damselae subsp. damselae, Vibrio alginolyticus, and V. anguillarum O1) at two temperatures (21 ± 0.5 °C and 24 ± 0.5 °C). These pathogens were selected because octopus farming frequently occurs near fish aquaculture facilities, raising the potential for pathogen crossover. A total of 216 wild octopuses were injected intramuscularly or intravenously and sampled on days 0, 3, and 7 post-challenge. Lysozyme activity varied by pathogen, injection route, sampling time, and temperature. A significant time- and temperature-dependent increase was observed, especially in IM-challenged groups exposed to Photobacterium species. Elevated temperatures supported a more prolonged immune response. These results highlight lysozyme as a responsive biomarker of innate immunity in O. vulgaris and emphasize the role of environmental factors in immune modulation. This work provides a foundation for disease monitoring and health management in cephalopod aquaculture. Future research should examine long-term lysozyme dynamics, broader pathogen exposure, molecular mechanisms, and additional environmental stressors such as salinity and pollution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unbalanced diets contribute to a rise in low-grade systemic inflammation, a risk factor for metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to systematically review evidence from chronic intervention studies to understand the role of foods in modulating inflammatory responses in humans. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed using specific keywords. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane guidelines. Inclusion criteria required chronic dietary intervention studies measuring cytokine levels in humans. Results: In the 75 studies selected, results revealed extremely high variability both in outcomes, study design, and participant selection criteria. Studies with fruits and vegetables showed a reduction in circulating cytokine levels and/or an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines in 80% of studies (8/10), followed by fish (78%; 7/9), dairy (67%; 4/6), cereals (64%; 7/11), and oils (57%; 4/7). Beverages and hot beverages showed a decrease in circulating cytokines in 50% of cases (10/20 and 4/8, respectively). An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in dietary interventions with beverages. As further findings, we also observed greater effectiveness from fruits and vegetables (87.5%; 7/8), fish (75%; 6/8), and cereals (62.5%; 5/8) when studies were conducted in subjects with pathologies or risk factors. Conclusions: Fruits and vegetables, fish, and cereals reduce systemic inflammation mainly in subjects with pathologies or risk factors. However, the limited number of studies do not allow us to draw solid conclusions on individual foods. Standardized dietary intervention trials are urgently needed to understand the role of foods in modulating inflammatory responses and to deliver findings to the general public. Full article

Clonorchis sinensis, a parasitic liver fluke, is the primary aetiological agent of clonorchiasis, a disease predominantly characterized by liver-related clinical manifestations. Currently, research on the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of local C. sinensis populations remains inadequate. Thus, in this study, we sequenced and annotated the mt genome of fish-borne C. sinensis (Cs-c2) from Changchun, Jilin Province, China, a strain not previously described. This mt genome is 14,136 bp in length and harbours 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a single control region (CR). We constructed a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND5, ND6, and ND1 from protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the C. sinensis mitochondrial genome (mt genome). This tree more clearly differentiated C. sinensis strains from three geographical regions (China, Russia, and South Korea) and distinguished Opisthorchiidae from two closely related families (Fasciolidae and Dicrocoeliidae). Additionally, we constructed an ML phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND4, ND5, ND1, ND2, and COX1 from the PCGs of digenean (Digenea) mt genomes. This approach—utilizing multiple high-resolution PCGs with evolutionary rates distinct from those of the mt genome—yielded robust clustering for multiple suborders and 13 families within Digenea and provided new molecular evidence for intergeneric relationships within the suborder Plagiorchiata of Digenea. These findings serve as important references for future research on the differentiation of closely related geographical strains of digeneans, as well as for studies on molecular taxonomy and population genetics. Full article

This study aimed to identify bacterial isolates associated with mortality events in Salmo trutta rearing farms in Spain and to assess their antibiotic resistance profiles. The analysis covered five fish farms: two with a recent history of antibiotic use and three without any antibiotic application in the six months prior to sampling. Tissue samples were collected from moribund fish displaying clinical signs such as erratic swimming, ocular hemorrhages, fin hemorrhages, and skin lesions during disease outbreaks in 2022 and 2023. The samples were analyzed using real-time PCR, amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and the ITS-1 intergenic spacer, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 19 bacterial isolates were identified, with Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Aeromonas spp., being the most prevalent. Other identified taxa included Plesiomonas sp., Hafnia alvei, Pseudomonas fulva, and Kluyvera intermedia, as well as Gram-positive species such as Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Lactococcus sp., and Enterococcus faecium. Notably, resistant strains were found in four of the five farms, even in those that had not administered antibiotics, suggesting that environmental contamination and anthropogenic factors may significantly contribute to the spread of resistance. Environmental stressors—such as sudden increases in water temperature and high turbidity caused by suspended organic matter—appeared to precede mortality peaks. The findings highlight the role of Aeromonas spp. as a key bacteria associated with mortality events in S. trutta and underscore the multifactorial nature of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. No florfenicol-resistant isolates were detected in the farms where it is routinely used, indicating that florfenicol remains an effective antibiotic in aquaculture. However, the continuous and systematic monitoring of its use remains essential. The detection of bacteria not traditionally associated with fish pathology in samples from diseased animals suggests the need for further studies into their pathogenic potential. Overall, this descriptive study emphasizes the importance of preventive health strategies, prudent antibiotic use, and environmental monitoring to mitigate bacterial diseases and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance in brown trout farming. These findings align with a One Health perspective, linking aquaculture practices, ecosystem integrity, and public health. Full article

Coral reef ecosystems are home to diverse marine flora and fauna. However, these ecosystems are threatened by an array of environmental and anthropogenic factors. Here, we investigated coral reef diversity, structure, and health status, and identified their key environmental drivers. Coral reef data were collected from Koh Seh Island, located inside the Marine Fisheries Management Area in the Kep archipelago. We found that the reef cover largely comprised live corals (64%, mainly Porites and Tubinaria species), followed by Zoanthids (15%) and sand/rubble (15%). Based on Ward’s hierarchical cluster analysis, coral communities were grouped into three zones: East, South, and West zones. Coral diversity was slightly higher in the East zone, though not statistically significant. Zone East showed a positive association with sediment loads and water temperature. Elevated levels of salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH were characteristic of the East and South zones, whereas the West zone was distinguished by deeper water conditions. We also found that Favites was the key indicator for coral communities in the East zone, which features shallow, high-DO, high-pH waters with more sediments, strong currents, and significant human activities like fishing and transportation. Goniastrea species were abundant in the South and East zones, making it the indicator taxon, while the West zone had no indicator, suggesting that coral species are sparse in this zone. Interestingly, only a few dead corals were found, and no signs of diseases were detected around the Koh Seh coral reefs. This may reflect the effectiveness of joint protection efforts by Marine Conservation Cambodia and the Marine Fisheries Department in Kep province. Overall, our study provides a valuable baseline for assessing future changes in benthic reefs and coral communities on Koh Seh island, throughout the Kep Archipelago and its surrounding areas. Full article

This study examines the impacts of industrial wastewater from the Uttara Export Processing Zone (UEPZ) on natural resources, agriculture, and the health of nearby communities in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Using a quantitative, self-report approach, data were collected from 162 households across four villages in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, selected based on proximity to the UEPZ. Findings reveal significant environmental degradation: almost all (96%) respondents reported that water in nearby rivers and ponds has changed color and is odorous, unpleasant to taste, and contaminated, harming aquatic biodiversity. Agricultural productivity has declined, with 67 percent of respondents experiencing reduced crop yields, increased crop diseases, and rising cultivation costs due to greater dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. Also, 96 percent of respondents reported that the fish population diminished, reducing alternative income sources. Health impacts were pronounced; 69 percent of the respondents experienced water pollution-related complications, including skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye problems. Perceptions of wastewater health risks were strongly aligned with reported illnesses. Binary logistic regression further indicated a positive association between degraded crop health and human health problems. The study concludes that UEPZ’s wastewater disposal negatively affects natural resources, agriculture, and public health, underscoring the need for improved waste management and mitigation to protect affected communities. Full article

The emergence and spread of pathogens pose significant challenges to the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture globally. For the Chilean salmon farming industry, salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS), caused by the facultative intracellular bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis, constitutes one of the main disease challenges. In this study, the efficacy of various oral doses of florfenicol (FFC) (5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg BW/day) against SRS was assessed in Atlantic salmon, when treatment was initiated at an early stage of infection. Since salmonids infected with P. salmonis typically lose appetite as the disease progresses, and the therapeutic FFC dose is dependent on a normal specific feeding rate (SFR), the treatments were administered 5 days post-challenge (DPC5). On the day of challenge, experimental fish were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with 0.2 mL of P. salmonis genogroup LF-89 inoculum (9.07 × 10⁷ CFU mL⁻¹). Fish mortality, behavior, clinical signs of disease, feed intake and SFR were monitored throughout the study. Conclusions: An important finding in this study was that all tested antibiotic doses halted disease progression and prevented mortality in fish challenged with P. salmonis when administered DPC5. In the control group, mortality reached 32.2% with fish displaying clinical signs of SRS. Full article

The present study investigates the gut microbiota dynamics of Micropterus salmoides during Nocardia seriolae infection and identifies potential probiotic candidates for disease control in aquaculture. We artificially infected M. salmoides with N. seriolae and analyzed the gut microbiota of dying fish, asymptomatic fish during the peak mortality period, and healthy fish. The results showed that N. seriolae infection significantly altered the gut microbiota diversity. Based on analysis of gut microorganisms, we isolated and identified an N. seriolae-resistant Bacillus from the gut of M. salmoides, which was named B. amyloliquefaciens MS05 (BaMS05). BaMS05 demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against N. seriolae and other common pathogens of M. salmoides both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, BaMS05 could colonize the gut of M. salmoides for at least five days and exhibited a protective effect against N. seriolae infection, reducing cumulative mortality by 40% at the fifth day. This study provides insights into the role of gut microbiota in disease resistance and highlights BaMS05 as a potential probiotic for preventing and controlling N. seriolae infections in aquaculture. Further research will focus on optimizing the application of BaMS05 and verifying its biosafety for practical use in M. salmoides farming. Full article

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a complex and chronic pathology with the potential to impact a number of factors, including the patient’s health, nutritional status and diet. Proper nutritional intake plays an essential role alongside the necessary medical and recovery treatments. Methods: This study was conducted on a group that included patients of varying age demographics. They were required to undertake a 24 h food recall as well as two other questionnaires (CNAQ and CLDQ-NASH) that reported the level of appetite and nutrition and other aspects that focused on the patient’s general health and quality of life, respectively. Results: The results of the study indicated the presence of reduced appetite and a decrease in quality of life, as reported by questionnaire scores of less than 28 points for appetite and less than 4 points for quality of life. The 24 h dietary recalls revealed that the majority of patients exhibited a preference for meals comprising red and processed meats and traditional foods such as soups and animal foods and a low consumption of white meat, fish, legumes and fiber. Conclusions: The study’s findings reveal an imbalance in the patients’ nutritional intake and underscore the critical importance of nutritional support for patients with liver cirrhosis. However, further research is needed in this regard to determine the factors leading to nutritional deficiencies and the causes leading to refusal of nutritional intervention within the management of this disease. Full article

Background: High-risk chromosomal abnormalities (HRCAs) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have a well-established adverse prognostic impact in multiple myeloma (MM). It is increasingly recognized that the coexistence of two or more HRCAs identifies a particularly poor-risk subgroup, often referred to as double- or multiple-hit MM. However, there is currently no consensus on its definition. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter cohort of 1122 newly diagnosed MM patients from 2008 to 2019. Double-hit MM was defined as the coexistence of at least two of the following four HRCAs: t(14;16), gain(1q), del(17p), and del(1p). Based on this definition, we constructed a novel prognostic model, the HBDH (Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital) double-hit model, and assessed its prognostic value for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: According to the HBDH model, double-hit patients showed significantly inferior outcomes compared to non-double-hit patients, with median PFS of 20.6 vs. 53.3 months (p < 0.001) and median OS of 40.2 vs. 84.2 months (p < 0.001). The addition of del(13q), t(4;14), or t(11;14) did not improve the prognostic performance of the model. Importantly, the HBDH model was independent of the International Staging System (ISS), elevated LDH, and advanced age. Conclusions: The HBDH double-hit model identifies a subset of ultra-high-risk MM patients carrying at least two major HRCAs, providing a simple and robust framework for prognostic stratification and a potential reference for future biologically driven treatment approaches. Full article

Bacterial diseases are a major constraint to aquaculture productivity, driving extensive antibiotic use and raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance, environmental contamination, and food safety. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities but is limited by poor water solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. This review was conducted through a literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using targeted keywords, including curcumin nanoparticles, antibacterial, aquatic pathogens, nanotechnology, synthesis, and disease control. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by full-text evaluation of selected studies. Key findings were critically analyzed and incorporated into the review. Findings from the literature indicate that curcumin nanoparticles, synthesized via milling, anti-solvent precipitation, ionic gelation, emulsification, spray drying, and metal/polymer nanocomposite formation, exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Optimally engineered curcumin nanoparticles (<100 nm, being mostly spherical, highly negatively charged) can penetrate bacterial membranes, disrupt biofilms, lower minimum inhibitory concentrations, and improve in vivo fish survival. Practical applications include dietary supplementation to boost fish immunity and growth, water disinfection to reduce pathogen loads, immersion therapy for external infections, and antimicrobial coatings for aquaculture equipment and surfaces, resulting in reduced infections and outbreaks, reduced mortality, improved water quality, and decreased antibiotic dependence. In conclusion, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin-based nanocomposites present a versatile, eco-friendly approach to sustainable aquaculture disease management. However, further field-scale validation, safety assessment, and cost-effective production methods are necessary to enable commercial adoption. Full article

Background: Previous research examining the effects of omnivorous and plant-based diets on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes has produced inconsistent findings, and the importance of diet quality is overlooked. Our study aimed to develop a novel heart-protective diet index to assess the association of a high-quality, predominantly plant-based diet—including fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products—with CVD incidence and mortality. Methods: This study included 192,274 participants in the UK Biobank (mean age: 56.3 ± 7.9 years) without CVD at baseline who completed a 24 h recall Oxford WebQ questionnaire. Using the Oxford WebQ questionnaire, we developed and validated a novel heart-protective diet score (HPDS) based on 22 food groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the associations between HPDS and outcomes. Results: During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 20,692 CVD events and 1131 CVD deaths were observed. After adjusting for demographics, Townsend deprivation index, lifestyle, and history of chronic diseases, participants in the top HPDS quartile were at lower risk, compared to those in the bottom quartile, of overall CVD (HR: 0.92 [95%CI: 0.88, 0.95]), IHD (HR: 0.89 [95%CI: 0.84, 0.94]), MI (HR: 0.85 [95%CI: 0.77, 0.94]), and HF (HR: 0.86 [95%CI: 0.77, 0.95]). Conclusions: Adherence to a healthy, predominantly plant-based heart-protective diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products is associated with a reduced cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Further research in diverse ethnic populations is necessary to examine the reproducibility of our findings and enhance generalizability. Full article

Aeromonas hydrophila is an important zoonotic bacterium that is related to multiple diseases in humans, terrestrial animals, and aquatic animals. Bacterial septicemia caused by A. hydrophila often results in high mortality and severe economic losses. Antibiotics, the major approach to dealing with bacterial infections, are limited due to the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. Anti-virulence strategies provide a promising approach to combat resistant bacterial infections. Here, growth curves, hemolysis, biofilm formation, and animal studies were performed to investigate the effect of fisetin against A. hydrophila. Moreover, RNA-seq technology was employed to determine the potent mechanism of fisetin. The results showed that fisetin could dose-dependently reduce the hemolytic activities mediated by aerolysin and hinder biofilm formation. Animal studies showed that treatment with 50 mg/kg fisetin could remarkably reduce the mortality to 40% in the infected group compared with fish in the fisetin-free group. Further, transcriptome analysis demonstrated that there were 565 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after treatment with 16 μg/mL fisetin. Fisetin significantly impacted the pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle, and virulence factor regulation. Furthermore, 159 virulence-related genes were influenced after fisetin treatment. Collectively, these findings revealed that fisetin could mitigate the pathogenicity of A. hydrophila by affecting oxidative phosphorylation and the citrate cycle pathway as well as inhibiting the production of virulence factors. The study not only identified a powerful substance for managing A. hydrophila-associated diseases in aquaculture but also clarified the mechanism of plant medicines in controlling diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. Full article

Background: Vaccination is often a highly effective approach for protecting against clinical disease and mortality caused by viruses. However, vaccine efficacy against viral transmission has rarely been assessed, which can provide vital information on the eradication efficacy and sustainability of vaccines in the field. Methods: Here, we evaluated the host mortality, shedding, and direct fish-to-fish transmission protection efficacy of three vaccine regimens (DNA, inactivated, and attenuated) against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in rainbow trout. We quantified protection against single- and mixed-genotype IHNV infections when the vaccines were delivered by intramuscular injection, intraperitoneal injection, and bath immersion, respectively, to reflect field conditions. Results: All three vaccine regimens provided significant protection against fish mortality. The DNA vaccine regimen was qualitatively the most protective and the attenuated vaccine regimen the least. However, these three vaccines provided limited protection against viral shedding. Cumulative shedding over the course of the infection was only slightly reduced compared to unvaccinated fish. There was some indication that the viral genotype fish were exposed to influenced vaccine efficacy, perhaps as a result of genetic similarity to the vaccine strain. Likewise, the DNA vaccine reduced direct transmission in fish cohabitation experiments from 100% to 50%. The inactivated and attenuated vaccine had little impact on IHNV transmission. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that existing IHNV vaccines that increase host survival provide minimal virus transmission protection in rainbow trout, which is likely to limit their long-term efficacy in the field. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence that enhancement of the transmission protection of IHNV and other vaccines will likely bolster disease reduction in the field. Full article