Editorial : Taking a Fresh Look at Old Zoonoses, What Have We Been Missing in One Health Research and Education?

In this Research Topic, we present a collection of papers focusing on the role of One Health education and research to promote and protect the health of human, animals, and environment. Covid-19 is the most recent demonstration of a human health crash in the post vaccine era, the pandemic has reminded that human health is inextricably linked to that of animals and the environment. Boriani et al. discussed the planetary aspects of the pandemic, and proposed a method aimed at easing the approach to systems and inter- and trans-disciplinary thinking to find nature-based solutions (NbS) for preventing future pandemics. A reclassification of Covid-19, as an emerging infectious disease (EID) was suggested by Haider et al. Withdrawing the designation of SARS-CoV-2 as a zoonosis and reviewing COVID-19 as an EID will be important to address the underlying drivers of the emergence of such pathogens and reduce the risk of inappropriate animal persecution or other unsuitable interventions. Looking at COVID-19 as an EID, makes it no less valuable that research confirms whether an animal reservoir actually exists becoming potential sources of future human infection. Emerging zoonoses are a rising threat to global health, having caused severe economic impacts in the past years. However, the greatest burden on human health and livelihoods is caused by endemic zoonoses that are persistent health problems around the world. This Research Topic particularly focuses on “neglected” zoonotic diseases, affecting poor, and marginalized populations in low-resource settings. For these diseases, whose burden has proven difficult to estimate, it is still virtually impossible to assess the real impact on the social wellbeing and the mental health of affected communities, livestock owners, and their families (1). Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are important chronic infections that are endemic in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries (2). Endemic diseases cannot be readily eradicated but best be monitored and acted upon with a control plan in the animal reservoir if and when the threshold of concern is reached. Therefore, surveillance plans play a crucial role in keeping neglected zoonoses at bay (3) as suggested by some authors in this Research Topic.Peer reviewe

Micronutrient Foliar Fertilization for the Biofortification of Raw and Minimally Processed Early Potatoes

Agronomic fortification with microelement as well as macronutrients has been used in recent years with increasing frequency to improve the nutritional quality of plant products for human consumption. Here the influence of pre-harvest foliar micronutrients fertilization (Micro+) including B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn compared to control (Micro−) on mineral profiles of raw and minimally processed potatoes of cv. Bellini was investigated. The mineral profile was analyzed on raw tubers at harvest and on minimally processed potatoes after 0 and 12 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Preliminary results showed that micronutrients fertilization improved mineral composition of raw potatoes, through an increase in tuber concentrations of Fe (+70%) and Zn (+27%), but also of N (+23%), and Mn (+18%). The increased concentrations of minerals in micro-fertilized raw potatoes led to a better concentration in micro-fertilized minimally processed potatoes, even if some minerals were lost in processing, presumably due to skin removal. The reduction was particularly evident in both Micro– and Micro+ samples for Fe (−29%) and Ca (−17%). However foliar micronutrient fertilization markedly improved the Fe and Zn contribution that a 200 g serving of potatoes can give to current recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) both in raw and minimally processed potatoes. Storage for 12 days did not alter the mineral profile of the tubers. Observations of the mineral profiles of the studied samples suggest that the application of foliar microelement-containing solutions was able to fortify both raw and minimally processed potatoes

Protective effects of the melanocortin analog NDP-α-MSH in rats undergoing cardiac arrest

We previously reported that melanocortins afford cardioprotection in conditions of experimental myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, with involvement of the janus kinases (JAK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signalings. We investigated the influence of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) on short-term detrimental responses to cardiac arrest (CA) induced in rats by intravenous (i.v.) administration of potassium chloride, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus epinephrine treatment. In CA/CPR rats i.v. treated with epinephrine (0.1mg/kg) and returned to spontaneous circulation (48%) we recorded low values of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), alteration of hemogasanalysis parameters, left ventricle low expression of the cardioprotective transcription factors pJAK2 and pTyr-STAT3 (JAK-dependent), increased oxidative stress, up-regulation of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as assessed at 1h and 3h after CPR. On the other hand, i.v. treatment during CPR with epinephrine plus NDP-α-MSH (340μg/kg) almost completely restored the basal conditions of MAP and HR, reversed metabolic acidosis, induced left ventricle up-regulation of pJAK2, pTyr-STAT3 and IL-10, attenuated oxidative stress, down-regulated TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and improved survival rate by 81%. CA/CPR plus epinephrine alone or in combination with NDP-α-MSH did not affect left ventricle pSer-STAT3 (ERK1/2-dependent) and pERK1/2 levels. These results indicate that melanocortins improve return to spontaneous circulation, reverse metabolic acidosis, and inhibit heart oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade triggered by CA/CPR, likely via activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

Mechanisms of Hydrogen Sulfide against the Progression of Severe Alzheimer’s Disease in Transgenic Mice at Different Ages

Abstract Backgroud: Alzheimer disease is an age-related severe neurodegenerative pathology. The level of the third endogenous gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), is decreased in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients compared with the brain of the age-matched normal individuals; also, plasma H2S levels are negatively correlated with the severity of AD. Recently, we have demonstrated that systemic H2S injections are neuroprotective in an early phase of preclinical AD. Objectives: This study focuses on the possible neuroprotection of a chronic treatment with an H2S donor and sulfurous water (rich of H2S) in a severe transgenic 3×Tg-AD mice model. Method: 3×Tg-AD mice at 2 different ages (6 and 12 months) were daily treated intraperitoneally with an H2S donor and sulfurous water (rich of H2S) for 3 months consecutively. We investigated the cognitive ability, brain morphological alterations, amyloid/tau cascade, excitotoxic, inflammatory and apoptotic responses. Results: Three months of treatments with H2S significantly protected against impairment in learning and memory in a severe 3×Tg-AD mice model, at both ages studied, and reduced the size of Amyloid β plaques with preservation of the morphological picture. This neuroprotection appeared mainly in the cortex and hippocampus, associated with reduction in activity of c-jun N-terminal kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinases and p38, which have an established role not only in the phosphorylation of tau protein but also in the inflammatory and excitotoxic response. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that appropriate treatments with various sources of H2S, might represent an innovative approach to counteract early and severe AD progression in humans

Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation in Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder: The Effects on Cognitive Performance and Depression in a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Dementia, depression, and cardiovascular disease are major public health concerns for older adults, requiring early intervention. This study investigates whether a virtual reality cognitive remediation program (VR-CR) can improve cognitive function and depressive symptoms in older adults, and determines the necessary sample size for future studies. Integrated VR and CR interventions have shown promising outcomes in older adults with neurodegenerative and mental health disorders. Methods: This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial involves adults aged 58–75 years with bipolar disorder, excluding those with acute episodes, epilepsy, or severe eye diseases. The experimental group received standard treatment plus VR-CR, while the control group received only standard treatment. Results: No baseline differences were found between the experimental and control groups. No significant improvement was observed in the overall cognitive function test (p = 0.897) or in depressive symptoms (p = 0.322). A phase III efficacy study requires a sample size of 28 participants (alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.20). Conclusions: VR-CR can potentially treat depressive symptoms in adults and older adults, but the results support conducting phase III studies to further investigate these outcomes. However, the improvement in cognitive performance in the elderly is less pronounced than in younger individuals

#exploreART: il labirinto di A. Pomodoro e i bambini. Un progetto di fruizione condivisa con percorsi sensoriali partecipati

The contribution presents a research project conducted by Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro to formulate, design and create, together with children and teachers, and to evaluate – with the help of the University – a different approach to the experience of contemporary art. This project has been implemented thanks to co-funding provided by Fondazione Cariplo. The initial hypothesis, after many years of experimentation on the part of Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro in the field of art education, and in the various temporary and permanent exhibitions organized by the foundation, was to explore a series of new possibilities that underline the value of participation, in which the soundscape can also become part of a meaningful experience

Costs of UK community care for individuals with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa:Findings of the Prospective Epidermolysis Bullosa Longitudinal Evaluation Study

Background Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin fragility disorder requiring multidisciplinary management. Information regarding costs of current standard treatment is scant. Objectives As part of a longitudinal natural history study, we explored the community care costs of UK patients with different forms of RDEB. Methods Fifty-nine individuals with RDEB provided detailed information on multiple facets of RDEB including disease severity scores (iscorEB, BEBS) and patient reported outcomes (quality of life evaluation in epidermolysis bullosa, iscorEB patient questionnaire). Costs data included time spent doing dressings, frequency of dressing changes, details of materials used, and paid and unpaid care. Results Overall costs of dressing materials and associated care were high in RDEB. Median annual costs across all subtypes for those using dressings (n = 51) were over £26 000. For severe RDEB (RDEB-S), median costs were almost £90 000 per annum, with a median of 18 h per week spent on dressing changes. Half of working-age adults with RDEB were unemployed and 39time or part-time paid employment, adding to indirect costs and the financial burden from RDEB on families and society. Conclusions The findings demonstrate the high costs of care of RDEB, particularly for RDEB-S. The current expense supports the drive to develop new therapies which accelerate wound healing and diminish total wound burden, thereby reducing costs of dressings and care. While costly to bring to market, these might ultimately reduce the overall cost of treatment and also the impact on individuals living with this rare disease. The data also highlight the need for adequate reimbursement for EB care which can place significant financial strain on families.<br/

Treatment of Limbal Melanocytoma with Full Excision and a Fresh Homologous Corneoscleral Graft in a Dog

Background: Limbal melanoma has been diagnosed in dogs and due to progression may cause vision loss and eyeball removal. Definitive diagnosis is made through histopathological examination. Therapeutic options include full thickness resection and repair by homologous corneal tissue, synthetic graft material, and enucleation. In this report, we describe a case of limbal melanocitoma in a dog that has been treated successfully with fresh homologous corneoscleral graft.Case: A 5-year-old female Labrador was referred to the Ophthalmology Veterinary Section of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil, with a history of a pigmented mass located on the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a pigmented mass located at the left temporal limbus with corneal involvement. Surgical excision followed by reconstruction using fresh homologous corneoscleral was recommended. The patient was premedicated with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM) and meperidine (20 mg/kg, IM). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (10 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Atracurium (0.2 mg/kg, IV) was administered to maintain a central eye position. The mass and a free margin were removed by full-thickness corneoscleral resection. A corneoscleral graft was harvested from a dogthat had been euthanised for reasons unrelated to this study and sutured with 9-0 polyglactin 910 using a simple interrupted pattern. The mass was immediately fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and submitted for histological sectioning and routine staining. Based on the histopathological analysis it was confirmed limbal melanocytoma. Postoperative treatment consisted of topical administration of 0.3% flurbiprofen every 6 h for 15 days, and a combination of topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone eye drops every 6 h for 30 days. Systemic carprofen (4 mg/kg per day, VO) was prescribed for 10 days. Topical tropicamide was used twice daily for 1 week. Cyclosporin 0.2% eye drops were applied twice daily for 2 months. Examination of the left eye two months after surgery revealed decreased corneal vascularization, and the results of pupillary light response and vision testing were normal. The values of intraocular pressure remained normal in all postoperativeevaluations. The patient was followed for 36 months postoperatively, during which time there was no recurrence.Discussion: Limbal melanomas are the most common ocular melanomas in dogs. Most of them develop slowly and are located closely to the superior limbus. The tumors tend to grow more rapidly in younger dogs and more slowly in older dogs. Labrador Retrievers and German shepherds appear to be affected more frequently than other breeds. The present case involved a 5-year-old Labrador breed. The clinical presentation included a pigmented limbal mass extending intothe adjacent cornea, sclera and conjunctival tissue. A tissue biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In the present case, the diagnosis of limbal melanocytoma was based on clinical signs and confirmed by histopathological examination. The choice of treatment is influenced by the tumour size and location, availability of equipment and materials, clinician expertise and the cost of treatment. Some techniques for removing the mass and repairing the resultant corneoscleral defect has been described. In the present case, due to the location and size of the mass and the absence of intraocular invasion, surgical removal including a margin of normal tissue was performed. With this surgical procedure, the intention was to preserve the eyeball and maintain vision. In this case, surgical excision of a limbal melanocytoma combined with homologous corneoscleral graft was effective for repairing a full-thickness corneoscleral defect and preserving ocular function