In this study, a bacterial strain exhibiting high degradation activity toward organic wastes was isolated and taxonomically identified. Five strains with excellent hydrolytic activity toward starch, lipids, and proteins were isolated from slaughter waste processors. Among the five strains, YBK-W4, which showed the highest amylase, protease, and lipase activities, was selected. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, YBK-W4 was identified as Bacillus atrophaeus (B. atrophaeus) and designated B. atrophaeus YBK-W4. The optimal temperature and pH for enzyme activity of B. atrophaeus YBK-W4 were 37~42°C and pH 7, respectively. The bacterium was grown on Luria-Bertani (LB) agar containing 12% NaCl, where enzyme activity was 11.4~29.7% of that observed in LB agar without NaCl. These results suggest that B. atrophaeus YBK-W4 is a useful bacterial agent for the decomposition of organic waste, such as food and slaughterhouse waste.
Baicalin is known to exhibit neuroprotective effects during brain injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Moreover, γ-enolase is specifically expressed in nerve cells and exhibits neuroprotective properties. In this study, we investigated whether baicalin regulates γ-enolase expression in an moddle cerebral artery occulsion (MCAO)-induced brain injury model. Adult male rats were intraperitoneally injected with baicalin (100 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) immediately after right MCAO surgery. Neurological behavior tests were performed 24 hours after surgery and brain water content was evaluated. Right cortical tissue was collected. Western blot analysis were conducted to elucidate γ-enolase expression in MCAO animals treated with baicalin. In addition, γ-enolase expression was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining. MCAO animals administered PBS displayed severe behavioral impairments and edema, whereas baicalin administration alleviated these disorders, demonstrating the protective effects of baicalin against ischemic damage. Western blot analysis results showed that MCAO-induced damage decreased γ-enolase expression, and baicalin treatment mitigated this reduction. These findings were confirmed through immunofluorescence staining. Since γ-enolase is known to contribute to neuroprotective effects, these results suggest that baicalin alleviates neurobehavioral impairments in stroke animals and exerts neuroprotective effects by attenuating the decline in γ-enolase expression caused by brain injury. In conclusion, we demonstrated that baicalin regulates γ-enolase expression during cerebral ischemic damage.
Amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT), a tricyclic antidepressant, is known to exhibit antimicrobial effects against a wide range of bacterial species. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AMT on Brucella (B.) abortus infection in RAW 264.7 cells and ICR mice, which has not yet been clearly characterized. The results showed that all tested concentrations of AMT had no direct bactericidal effect on B. abortus survival at any incubation time point. Interestingly, RAW 264.7 cells pre-treated with a non-toxic high concentration of AMT before B. abortus infection showed a significant reduction in the phagocytosis of B. abortus at 20 min post-infection, compared to untreated cells. However, AMT treatment did not affect the intracellular replication of B. abortus compared to the control cells. Based on the reduced bacterial uptake observed in-vitro, an in-vivo experiment was conducted to assess whether daily oral administration of AMT at a dose of 20 mg/kg could inhibit B. abortus growth in ICR mice. The results showed that AMT treatment slightly increased both organ weights and bacterial loads, suggesting possible systemic effects of prolonged AMT exposure. In summary, these preliminary results provide initial insight into the potential effects of AMT on B. abortus infection both in-vitro and in-vivo. Therefore, further study should focus on dose optimization in-vivo and exploration of the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in AMT-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis during Brucella infection.
The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases pose ongoing threats to public health. This study aims to develop an agent-based simulation model (ABM) to predict the spread of novel infectious diseases during early outbreak phases and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, specifically focusing on the impact of interventions such as maskwearing, vaccination, and social distancing on outbreak dynamics and the reduction of symptomatic cases. Using demographic and COVID-19 outbreak data from South Korea, we constructed a detailed contact network model encompassing workplaces, schools, households, and communities. Using demographic and COVID-19 outbreak data from Seoul, South Korea, we constructed a detailed contact network model encompassing workplaces, schools, households, and communities. Key transmission parameters were inferred using Approximate Bayesian Computation. The resulting ABM platform, implemented in a C-based R package, allows for flexible scenario simulation involving 56 adjustable parameters, including mask-wearing, vaccination coverage, and social distancing. Simulation outputs demonstrated the model’s capacity to reproduce observed transmission patterns in workplace and school outbreaks, enabling public health authorities to anticipate outbreak dynamics and assess interventions. This framework provides a valuable decision-support tool for controlling future infectious disease incursions.
Emerging RNA viruses continue to pose serious threats to animal and human health, necessitating the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents within a One Health framework. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral potential of Desmodesmus multivariabilis extracts against three representative RNA viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and hepatitis A virus (HAV). Extracts derived from four closely related microalgal isolates were tested using pre- and post-treatment protocols in vitro. Among them, strain ME749 demonstrated the most potent and consistent antiviral activity, with low cytotoxicity and high selectivity index (SI), particularly against IAV (SI = 23.8), followed by PEDV (SI = 10.7) and HAV (SI = 6.2). ME752 also showed moderate antiviral efficacy. RT-qPCR confirmed significant reductions in viral RNA levels for all three viruses, with ME749 achieving up to 3-log₁₀ reduction in IAV and 2.4-log₁₀ reduction in HAV. These results suggest that the antiviral effect may be mediated through mechanisms beyond direct virucidal activity, potentially involving host immune modulation. Although the active compounds remain unidentified, carotenoids are hypothesized as key bioactive components. This study highlights Desmodesmus multivariabilis, particularly ME749, as a promising source of novel, natural antiviral agents with applications in both veterinary and zoonotic disease control. Future studies including metabolomic profiling, mechanism-of-action analyses, and in vivo validation are warranted to further explore its potential in combating current and emerging RNA virus threats.
Porcine edema disease (ED) is an enterotoxemia of pigs caused by Escherichia coli that produces Stx2e. In this study, the protective efficacy of a recombinant modified Stx2e toxoid was evaluated as a vaccine candidate against ED in piglets. The recombinant Stx2e toxoid was expressed and purified using a commercial E. coli expression system. A total of 25 piglets were used and divided into 5 groups (A to E), with 5 piglets in each group. All piglets (except those in group A) were intramuscularly immunized at 5 days of age (0 weeks post prime immunization; 0 WPPI) and again at 3 weeks of age (2 WPPI). Group B piglets were inoculated with sterile PBS, while groups C to E were immunized with 25 μg/piglet, 50 μg/piglet, and 100 μg/piglet of the recombinant toxoid, respectively. All piglets in groups B to E were orally challenged with virulent wild-type Stx2e⁺ F18⁺ E. coli isolates at 5 weeks of age (4 WPPI). Serum IgG titers in groups D and E were significantly increased from 2 WPPI until the end of the study. Furthermore, no clinical signs were observed in groups A and E during the 7 days following the challenge, while clinical signs of ED were observed in 80%, 60%, and 20% of piglets in groups B, C, and D, respectively. These results indicate that intramuscular vaccination with 100 μg/piglet of the recombinant modified Stx2e toxoid can provide effective protection against ED in piglets.
The increasing emergence of wildlife-origin infectious diseases poses a growing threat to both public health and ecological stability. The One Health approach offers a comprehensive framework that recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies in disease prevention. This review explores the role of wildlife rescue centers as strategic frontline platforms in a broader surveillance system. These centers, by systematically collecting and accumulating baseline health data from rescued wildlife, can contribute to the construction of a big data-driven monitoring network. Such a network not only enables early detection of pathogens but also supports long-term health monitoring of wildlife populations. Furthermore, it provides a scientific foundation for the conservation of endangered species, as many of these animals are frequently admitted to rescue centers due to disease or injury. We propose a comprehensive surveillance strategy that leverages the potential of data generated by wildlife rescue centers to enhance early warning systems, inform biosecurity policies, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Ultimately, integrated disease monitoring will improve our capacity to detect, predict, and prevent infectious threats while safeguarding both biodiversity and public health. Furthermore, rescue centers play a pivotal role in collaborative research, public health preparation, and policy development, serving as essential hubs within the national disease control system.
This study evaluated the bactericidal efficacy of a disinfectant containing chlorine dioxide as its main ingredient against Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae) that is the causative agent of American foulbrood. A bactericidal efficacy test by broth dilution method was used to determine the lowest effective dilution of the disinfectant following exposure to P. larvae for 30 min at 4°C. The disinfectant and test bacterium were diluted with low and high organic matter (OM) suspension according to treatment condition. On low and high OM conditions, the bactericidal activity of the disinfectant against P. larvae was 2.5 and 1.25 fold dilution, respectively. The recommended dilution time of the disinfectant in low and high OM was 2.0 and 1.0 fold dilution, respectively. As the disinfectant possesses bactericidal efficacy against P. larvae, the disinfectant can be used to prevent American foulbrood in larvae of honeybees.
This study was conducted to reset the withdrawal time (WT) for amoxicillin (AMX) in pigs as a part of positive list system (PLS) program introduction. Forty-two healthy pigs were orally administered with AMX at doses of 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) (AMX-1, n=20) and 20 mg/kg BW (AMX-2, n=20), twice daily for 5 days, respectively. After the treatment, tissue samples were collected from four pigs at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days post-administration, respectively. Based on a previously established analysis method, residual AMX concentrations in pig tissues were determined using LC-MS/MS. In both AMX-1 and AMX-2 groups, AMX levels in all tissues except fat was below the limit of quantification (LOQ) at one day after the final administration. According to the European Medicines Agency’s guideline on determination of withdrawal periods, the withdrawal periods for AMX-1 and AMX-2 in fat tissue were established as 0 and 2 days, respectively. In conclusion, the estimated WT of AMX in edible tissues of pigs is shorter than the current WT recommendation of 5 days for AMX.
This case report describes a 40-year-old captive male hippopotamus exhibiting systemic clinical signs, including anorexia and coughing, prior to death. Despite comprehensive medical treatments, the animal died due to age-related immunodepression, which led to severe pneumonia. Necropsy and subsequent histopathological examination revealed severe acute diffuse seropurulent bronchopneumonia, right ventricular hypertrophy, hepatic congestion, and glomerulonephritis. These findings highlight the vulnerability of geriatric large animals to systemic infections and emphasize the need for improved pathological understanding and the development of evidence-based treatment protocols for these less-studied species like the hippopotamus. To enhance disease management and veterinary care for aging zoo animals, future research should prioritize gut microbiome analysis and antimicrobial resistance profiling.