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A recent meta-analysis published in Parasites & Vectors [17(1):444, 2024] re-evaluated the prevalence of feline hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in Ctenocephalides felis . The authors compared prevalence studies using different PCR primers: those employing Jensen or Manvell primers reported high prevalence (~ 33%), while others showed much lower rates (< 1%). To investigate potential Jensen/Manvell primer non-specificity, the authors used both primers and sequencing to reanalyze archived individual flea samples from pools previously reported as positive by Jensen primer-based PCR. Based on low prevalence and non-specific amplifications, they questioned primer specificity and concluded that prevalence was lower than previously reported, and that C. felis is less likely to be a vector of feline hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. This correspondence critically reassesses that conclusion by highlighting multiple methodological and interpretive flaws in the meta-analysis. Sequencing-confirmed Mycoplasma spp. detections from Jensen primer-based studies were disregarded and key data from source studies, including prevalence values and flea washing/pooling practices, were misreported in the meta-analysis. The reanalysis experiment suffered from design limitations, including mismatched sampling units (individual vs pools), unclear distribution of results across previously reported positive pools, and unaddressed confounders such as DNA degradation and contamination over ~ 12 years of storage. Grouping Jensen and Manvell primers, despite their distinct diagnostic behaviors, further undermines the analysis. Alternative explanations for prevalence variation, such as population heterogeneity, pooling flea samples, primer sensitivity, and strain variation, were not considered. The citations were used selectively to emphasize supporting studies, while contradictory evidence was omitted. Due to these limitations, the revised prevalence estimate is not supported, and the vectorial role of C. felis remains unresolved, necessitating further well-designed studies to establish its true epidemiological role. Graphical Abstract

Timely diagnosis is essential for managing feline panleukopenia (FPL), a devastating disease of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV) or canine parvovirus variants (CPV-2a, -2b, -2c). To support swift clinical decisions, point-of-care (PoC) antigen kits offer frontline tools. Given their cost and availability advantages, CPV-specific kits are often used off-label in cats; however, their interchangeability with manufacturer-matched FPV-specific kits remains unverified. This study assessed the diagnostic agreement between paired canine- and feline-specific PoC parvovirus antigen tests from two manufacturers. Fifty cats (30 with acute gastroenteritis, 20 healthy) were tested using all test formats. All cats underwent PCR and sequencing for parvovirus typing. Tests from the same manufacturer showed near-perfect or perfect agreement for result interpretation (Cohen's κ: 0.919 and 1.000). This strong inter-kit concordance also extended to test line intensity (  = 0.908 and 1.000). Antigen-positive results were limited to diseased cats, mirroring the distribution of PCR positives. The latter included all the 30 cases, and were typed by sequencing as follows: 28 FPV, 1 CPV-2a, and 1 CPV-2c. All kit types detected FPV and CPV variants, and agreement within each manufacturer's paired kits was consistent across detected viral types. This preliminary evidence suggests that for two manufacturers, CPV antigen tests were non-inferior to their FPV counterparts, supporting flexible, cost-effective FPL diagnosis in cats, regardless of implicated parvovirus types.

Background Data on the epidemiology and molecular characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in Egypt are limited. This study aimed to estimate FIV prevalence in 240 Egyptian cats during 2022–2024 using three diagnostic techniques: two point-of-care antibody detection kits (Anigen ® and SNAP ® ) and one end-point PCR targeting the env gene. FIV infection is defined as positivity in at least two of the three diagnostic methods or PCR alone confirmed by sequencing, Additionally, FIV-associated clinicopathological abnormalities were assessed, and, for the first time in Egypt, circulating FIV subtypes were identified through partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of all env gene-positive samples ( n  = 10), along with 4 additional gag gene-positive samples. Results Using our diagnostic criteria, 76 of 240 cats (31.7%) were identified as FIV-infected. Of these 76 cases, 75 were positive on both rapid kits, yielding a sensitivity of 98.7% for sequential testing with Anigen ® and SNAP ® , whereas only 10 were positive on PCR and sequencing (13.2% sensitivity). FIV-infected cats exhibited lymphopenia, thrombocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, and reduced albumin/globulin ratios. On env and gag gene-based phylogenetic analyses, Egyptian strains did not cluster with any known FIV subtype (A-F and U-NZ env ) but formed a distinct, previously uncharacterized clade. The Egyptian env sequences displayed low intra-group diversity (2.8–3.7%) but high divergence from all known subtypes (21–25%), with no evidence of recombination observed. Moreover, these env sequences were derived from both shelter-housed and client-owned cats across three Egyptian governorates within a one-year period. Conclusion Given their genetic distinctiveness and widespread detection, we propose a novel FIV subtype, tentatively designated “X-EGY.” Its dominance and limited variability among its strains suggest it represents an ancient lineage uniquely adapted to Egyptian cats, rather than a recently emerged variant. This subtype may partly contribute to Egypt’s notably high FIV prevalence. Serological testing, utilizing two point-of-care kits in screening and confirmation steps, is the most accurate FIV diagnostic approach, outperforming molecular testing, particularly in regions where genetic data on circulating strains are scarce. Overall, the findings enhance our understanding of FIV epidemiology and diagnostic strategies and offer new insights into viral diversity and evolution.

Background Feline parvovirus (FPV) causes feline panleukopenia (FPL) and cerebellar ataxia (CA) in cats. to date, only two complete Egyptian VP2 sequences have been available in GenBank. To investigate FPV diversity And evolution in Egypt, we generated 24 complete VP2 sequences from diseased cats during two FPV activity peaks in 2023 (January-February and November-December). Egyptian sequences were Analyzed with 967 global references to assess selection pressure and phylogenetic relationships. In silico predictions of VP2 Antigenic sites, 3D structure, and phosphorylation potential were performed to evaluate the impact of identified mutations. Results Egyptian sequences showed 99.3–100% nt And 99.8–100% aa identity among themselves, And 98.6–100% nt And 98.4–100% aa identity with global references. The overall dN/dS ratio was 0.121, with codon 101 under positive selection. Compared to the prototype FPV-b strain (M38246), Egyptian strains had 32 mutations (3 nonsynonymous: Ala5Thr, Ile101Thr, and Thr390Ala; 29 synonymous), forming 19 nt And 3 aa sequence types. Notably, Thr390Ala was unique to Egyptian sequences and absent from all global references. Phylogenetically, Egyptian strains formed two subclades: one composed solely of sequences carrying Thr390Ala ( n  = 13), And Another including the remaining 11 sequences clustering with 19 global strains sharing the synonymous mutation C135T in addition to A927G and/or A1236G. The Thr390Ala variant predominated in the first peak (11/17, 64.7%) but declined in the second (2/7, 28.6%). Residue 390 lies within an epitope-rich region (aa 350–450) and was predicted to be a phosphorylation site. Thr390Ala caused a modest drop in epitope score, disrupted local hydrogen bonding, and abolished predicted phosphorylation. Conclusions Beyond expanding the global dataset with the largest number of Egyptian full-length VP2 sequences to date, this study highlights the Thr390Ala mutant as a classic example of evolutionary trade-off: it emerged and predominate during the first peak, potentially as an immune escape variant, but declined in the second peak, likely due to structural constraints and competition with fitter variants. Despite strong purifying selection, this case illustrates that FPV evolution is not entirely static. This underscores the need for continuous genetic monitoring to capture viral evolution in real time and inform effective control strategies.

The Red Sea specimen of the marine sponge Hyrtios erectus (order Dictyoceratida) was found to contain scalarane-type sesterterpenes. 12-O-deacetyl-12,19-di-epi-scalarin (14), a new scalarane sesterterpenoid, along with fourteen previously-reported scalarane-type sesterterpenes (1–13 and 15) have been isolated. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed 1D and 2D NMR spectral data and mass spectroscopy, as well as by comparison with reported data. The anti-Helicobacter pylori, antitubercular and cytotoxic activities of all fifteen compounds were evaluated to reveal the potency of Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10. Amongst these, Compounds 1, 3, 4, 6 and 10 displayed a promising bioactivity profile, possessing potent activities in the antitubercular and anti-H. pylori bioassay. Compounds 2 and 7 showed the most promising cytotoxic profile, while Compounds 1 and 10 showed a moderate cytotoxic profile against MCF-7, HCT-116 and HepG2 cell lines.

Oral administration is the most preferred route for drug delivery due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and patient compliance. However, it is challenged by gastrointestinal barriers, enzymatic degradation, and first-pass metabolism, which reduce drug bioavailability. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), offer a promising strategy to overcome these limitations by enhancing drug stability, permeability, and absorption. The Quality by Design (QbD) framework provides a systematic approach for LNP development to ensure consistent product quality. By promoting process understanding and control, QbD not only supports scientific formulation development but also enhances industrial scalability by reducing the experimental workload, shortening the development time, and lowering the production costs. This review highlights key QbD elements such as the quality target product profile (QTPP), critical quality attributes (CQAs), critical material attributes (CMAs), critical process parameters (CPPs), and design of experiments (DoE) and their roles in guiding formulation and process optimization. The effects of various CMAs and CPPs on the CQAs such as particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, and drug release are discussed. Furthermore, the in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo performances of optimized LNPs were explored in detail. Overall, QbD offers a robust platform for the rational design and scalable production of high-quality lipid-based drug delivery systems for oral administration.

This paper presented the preparation, characterization, and adsorption properties of Brazil nut shell activated carbon for catechol removal from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium adsorption of catechol molecules on this activated was experimentally quantified at pH 6 and temperatures ranging from 25 to 55 °C, and at 25 °C and pH ranging from 6 to 10. These results were utilized to elucidate the role of surface functionalities through statistical physics calculations. All these experimental adsorption isotherms were fitted and interpreted via a monolayer model with one energy, which was chosen as the optimal model. Model physicochemical parameters, which may be categorized as stereographic parameters such as the maximum adsorbed quantity ( Q M ), the number of adsorbed catechol molecules per one Brazil nut shell activated carbon binding site ( n ), and the number of effectively occupied binding sites ( N M ) and energetic parameter such as the half saturation concentration ( C HS ), were analyzed. Microscopically speaking, these modeling results were employed to stereographically and energetically investigate the phenol derivative adsorption mechanism. The maximum catechol adsorbed quantities on this activated carbon ranged from 89.98 to 103.16 mg/g under the tested operating conditions. The adsorption of catechol molecules was found to be exothermic where the maximum adsorbed quantity augmented with solution temperature and the maximum adsorption efficiency was found 103.16 mg/g at 55 °C. In addition, it was found that the catechol molecules were adsorbed with nonparallel orientations on the activated carbon adsorbent since the numbers of catechol molecules per site were superior to 1 (1.10 <  n  < 1.86). Moreover, the calculated molar adsorption energies, which varied between 19.04 and 22.37 kJ/mol, showed exothermic ( ΔE  > 0) and physical ( ΔE  < 40 kJ/mol) adsorption process involving hydrogen bonds, π-π interactions, electron donor-acceptor interactions, and dispersion forces. Finally, the tested adsorbent exhibited unimodal pore size and site energy distributions with peaks centered at pore radius ranging from 2.26 to 2.68 nm, and at adsorption energy ranging from 20.01 to 23.78 kJ/mol, respectively. Macroscopically speaking, three thermodynamic potentials, including the adsorption entropy, internal energy of adsorption, and Gibbs free energy, suggested that the adsorption of catechol on Brazil nut shell activated carbon was a spontaneous and exothermic mechanism.

● Microbiologically influenced corrosion is reviewed focusing on its mechanisms and mitigation ● MIC mechanisms help understand the complex interaction of microbes and metallic surfaces ● Traditional and advanced monitoring techniques for diagnosing and assessing MIC are discussed ● Application of various biocides are highlighted, along with their performance enhancement strategies ● Enzymatic remediation is explored as a sustainable alternative approach for MIC mitigation Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is a complex and destructive phenomenon that occurs in various sectors, involving the interaction between microorganisms and metal surfaces, resulting in accelerated corrosion rates. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of MIC, encompassing microbial species involved, their metabolic activities, and influential environmental factors driving the corrosion process. The mechanisms of MIC, both in the presence and absence of oxygen, are explored, along with the diverse effects of microbes on different types of corrosion and their economic impacts. Assessment and monitoring techniques, including traditional and advanced methods such as microbiological and electrochemical methods, are discussed. Furthermore, it examines preventive and control measures, such as the use of biocides and their mechanisms of action. Strategies to enhance the performance of these control measures and the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents during disinfection processes, including surfactants and chelators, are discussed. Additionally, the review highlights enzymatic remediation as a sustainable alternative approach, providing detailed examples. The challenges in mitigating MIC and potential future developments and collaborative opportunities are also addressed. This systematic review is a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complex phenomenon of MIC and effective strategies for its management.

In this study, the experimental adsorption isotherms of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DA) on peanut skin treated with sulfuric acid were analyzed under different temperatures and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption mechanism was interpreted based on statistical physics theory using the homogeneous double-layer model with one energy (HDLM1E). The modeling results indicated that the removal of 2,4-DA molecules occurred through a multi-interactive adsorption mechanism at temperatures of 25, 35, and 45 °C (0.76 <  n  < 0.99). In comparison, at 55 °C, a monomolecular adsorption mechanism was observed ( n  = 1.00). At 25 °C, the adsorbent demonstrated excellent performance in the 2,4-DA removal, with a maximum capacity of 244.33 mg/g. The increase in temperature reduced the adsorbent’s performance in removing 2,4-DA molecules because it increased thermal collisions, which harmed the system. From an energetic point of view, the adsorbent showed less effectiveness in removing the herbicide at high temperatures, indicating an exothermic adsorption process. The surface adsorption energies ranged from 4.72 to 6.06 kJ/mol, indicating the predominance of a physisorption mechanism. Therefore, the adsorption process at low temperatures is essential for industrial applications to ensure efficient wastewater treatment. This result is possible using an adsorbent from peanut skin subjected to acid treatment. Finally, the creation of an adsorbent from acid-treated peanut ( Arachis hypogaea ) skin presents an excellent alternative, yielding exceptional results in removing the 2,4-DA herbicide.

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), one of the promising stem cell sources for myocardial repair, have been tested in clinical trials and resulted in beneficial effects; however, the relevant mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that CDCs favor heart repair by switching the macrophages from a pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) into a regulatory anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2). Macrophages from mice were cultured with CDCs-conditioned medium or with fibroblasts-conditioned medium as a control. Immunostaining showed that CDCs-conditioned medium significantly enhanced the expression of CD206 (a marker for M2 macrophages), but decreased the expression of CD86 (a marker for M1 macrophages) 3 days after culture. For animal studies, we used an acute myocardial infarction model of mice. We injected CDCs, fibroblasts, or saline only into the border zone of infarction. Then we collected the heart tissues for histological analysis 5 and 14 days after treatment. Compared with control animals, CDCs treatment significantly decreased M1 macrophages and neutrophils but increased M2 macrophages in the infarcted heart. Furthermore, CDCs-treated mice had reduced infarct size and fewer apoptotic cells compared to the controls. Our data suggest that CDCs facilitate heart repair by modulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization and neutrophil recruitment, which may provide a new insight into the mechanisms of stem cell-based myocardial repair.