Vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory pathology in COVID-19 hamsters after T(H)2-biased immunization

Vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD) is a severe complication for some respiratory infections. To investigate the potential for VAERD induction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we evaluate two vaccine leads utilizing a severe hamster infection model: a T helper type 1 (T(H)1)-biased measles vaccine-derived candidate and a T(H)2-biased alum-adjuvanted, non-stabilized spike protein. The measles virus (MeV)-derived vaccine protects the animals, but the protein lead induces VAERD, which can be alleviated by dexamethasone treatment. Bulk transcriptomic analysis reveals that our protein vaccine prepares enhanced host gene dysregulation in the lung, exclusively up-regulating mRNAs encoding the eosinophil attractant CCL-11, T(H)2-driving interleukin (IL)-19, or T(H)2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identifies lung macrophages or lymphoid cells as sources, respectively. Our findings imply that VAERD is caused by the concerted action of hyperstimulated macrophages and T(H)2 cytokine-secreting lymphoid cells and potentially links VAERD to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). In summary, we identify the cytokine drivers and cellular contributors that mediate VAERD after T(H)2-biased vaccination

Multiple adenomas of the thyroid gland in an African green monkey (<i>Chlorocebus aethiops</i>)

Two cystadenomas and one solid adenoma of the thyroid gland in a 27-year-old female African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) are described here. Histologically, the solid adenoma was classified as a well-defined solid follicular adenoma of microfollicular type. The solid adenoma was positive for thyroglobulin in immunohistochemistry staining, whereas the cystadenomas stained positive for both thyroglobulin and calcitonin. No evidence of excess hormone production related to the tumor presence was detected.</p

Spontaneous meningioma in a pig-tailed macaque (<i>Macaca nemestrina</i>)

We present a case of spontaneous meningioma in a female pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) more than 24 years old. Clinically, the monkey displayed slow, weak, and insecure movements and poor vision. A tumorous mass was present at the floor of the cranial vault extending from the optic chiasm towards the foramen magnum. It compressed adjacent parts of the brain, infiltrated the sphenoidal and occipital bone, and showed transcranial expansion into the pharyngeal area. Histologically, the tumor was consistent with a meningioma displaying mostly meningothelial and some microcystic components. Since only six cases of meningiomas in nonhuman primates have been reported so far and only two of these meningiomas have been described in detail, the findings of each case should be reported to expand the knowledge base of this type of tumor. In addition, this is the first description of a meningioma in pig-tailed macaques

Absence of infection in pigs inoculated with high-titre recombinant PERV-A/C

Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) represent a risk for xenotransplantation using pig cells or organs since they are integrated in the genome of all pigs and infect human cells in vitro. Recombinants between PERV-A and PERV-C have been described in pigs in vivo and found de novo integrated in the genome of somatic cells, but not in the germ line. To study whether PERV-A/C can infect and have a pathogenic effect in normal pigs, German landrace pigs were inoculated with high-titre PERV-A/C. No provirus integration was found in blood cells or in various tissues, and no antibody production was observed, indicating the absence of infection

Reciprocal chromosome painting shows that the great difference in diploid number between human and African green monkey is mostly due to non-Robertsonian fissions

We used reciprocal chromosome painting with both African green monkey (C. aethiops) and human chromosome specific DNA probes to delineate homologous regions in the two species. Probes were derived by fluorescence-activated chromosome flow sorting and then were reciprocally hybridized to metaphase spreads of each species. Segments in the size range of a single chromosome band were identified, demonstrating the sensitivity of the approach when comparing species that diverged more than 20 million years ago. Outgroup analysis shows that the great difference in diploid numbers between the African green monkey (2n = 60) and humans (2n = 46) is mainly owing to fissions, and the direction of change is towards increasing diploid numbers. However, most break points apparently lie outside of the centromere regions, suggesting that the changes were not solely Robertsonian as has been previously assumed. No reciprocal translocations have occurred in the phylogenetic lines leading to humans or African green monkeys. The primate paints established here are a valuable tool to establish interspecies homology, to define rearrangements, and to determine the mechanisms of chromosomal evolution in primate species

Potato Crop Management

Potatoes are very suitable for direct marketing thanks to their diversity. Good yields are necessary to cover the high costs for cultivation and mechanisation. The very high-quality demands in every marketing sector require the most careful maintenance, which includes preparation of planting material, plant protection, nutrient and water supply as well as harvest and storage. This manual provides a good basis to achieve high-quality products. Experienced organic potato farmers can enhance their knowledge with specialist advice and additional literature

Biobrambory

Tato příručka poskytuje dobrý základ pro vysoce kvalitní produkci. Informace uvedené v této příručce vycházejí ze zkušeností moderně vybavených ekofarem ze Švýcarska, Německa a z provozních pokusů výzkumného ústavu FiBL. Poradci svazu PRO-BIO a pracovníci Bioinstitutu řadu informací upravili a upřesnili na podmínky ČR. Věříme, že příručka bude dobrým pomocníkem a zdrojem inspirace i českým ekozemědělcům. Printed copies can be ordered at Bioinstitut o.p.s., Ondřejova 13, 779 00 Olomouc, e-mail: [email protected], www.bioinstitut.cz, s PRO-BIO Svazem ekologických zemědělců, Nemocniční 53, 787 01 Šumperk, www.pro-bio.cz, [email protected], tel.: 583 216 60