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Currently, approximately 70% of new cases of Chagas disease (CD) in Brazil are attributed to oral transmission, particularly through foods such as açaí, bacaba, and sugarcane juice, primarily in the northern and northeastern regions of the country. This underscores the imperative need to control the spread of the disease. The methods utilized to conduct quality control for food associated with outbreaks and to assess the potential for the oral transmission of CD through consuming açaí primarily rely on isolating the parasite or inoculating food into experimental animals, restricting the analyses to major research centers. While there are existing studies in the literature on the detection and quantification of T. cruzi DNA in açaí, the evaluation of parasites' viability using molecular methods in this type of sample and differentiating between live and dead parasites in açaí pulp remain challenging. Consequently, we developed a molecular methodology based on RT-qPCR for detecting and quantifying viable T. cruzi in açaí pulp samples. This protocol enables the stabilization and preservation of nucleic acids in açaí, along with incorporating an exogenous internal amplification control. The standardization of the RNA extraction method involved a simple and reproducible approach, coupled with a one-step RT-qPCR assay. The assay underwent validation with various T. cruzi DTUs and demonstrated sensitivity in detecting up to 0.1 viable parasite equivalents/mL in açaí samples. Furthermore, we investigated the effectiveness of a bleaching method in eliminating viable parasites in açaí samples contaminated with T. cruzi by comparing the detection of DNA versus RNA. Finally, we validated this methodology using açaí pulp samples positive for T. cruzi DNA, which were collected in a municipality with a history of oral CD outbreaks (Coari-AM). This validation involved comparing the detection and quantification of total versus viable T. cruzi. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the feasibility of this methodology in detecting viable forms of T. cruzi in açaí pulp samples, emerging as a crucial tool for monitoring oral outbreaks of Chagas disease resulting from açaí consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phrase פה אל פה אדבר בו in Num 12:8a is generally taken to mean to speak with Moses “face to face.” However, commentators have noted that this understanding presents grammatical difficulties. In this study I propose a new understanding of the idiom and argue that it refers to oral transmission, from one speaking agent to the next in a linear chain. This idiomatic use of the phrase “mouth to mouth” is found in ancient Egyptian texts and widely across many cultures. This understanding of the idiom פה אל פה is animated further by a re-examination of four pieces of textual data: a) the meaning of the phrase בכל ביתי נאמן הוא in Num 12:7, and specifically an interpretation widespread in rabbinic commentary, but absent from modern exegesis; b) the meanings and diffusion of the prepositional verb דבר ב; c) the morphologies of various פה-פה expressions found in 2 Kings, Jeremiah, and Ezra; d) the structural and thematic similarities of Num 11 and Num 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the invention of the Indian writing system around the third century BC, Sanskrit literature was no longer exclusively oral. However, not all genres immediately adopted the new possibilities. In order to fully understand the orality and writing of Sanskrit literature, I will first define a threefold division of what I call ‘the compositional complex’, the totality of processes involved in the creation of texts and their subsequent usages. The first stage is the composition of the text, the second is its preservation for the sake of future generations, and the third is its transmission to the audience. Each stage can be oral or written. After a brief discussion of secondary literature on the compositional complex of the Vedas, the Mahābhārata and the Purāṇas, I look for text-internal evidence for the compositional complex of Purāṇas in the Bhaviṣyapurāṇa, ‘the Purāṇa of the future’. On the basis of this single Purāṇa, it is possible to make a reconstruction of the composition, preservation, and transmission of Purāṇas, where orality and writing intertwine.

The leaps and bounds with which the knowledge domain of our modern civilization is growing pose a formidable challenge as to how this wealth of knowledge is to be preserved for posterity. Are we sufficiently prepared should there be any cataclysm of gigantic proportions or a major catastrophe such as a nuclear war? What if the whole world is thrown awry and crippled by such major events? How do we ensure that future generations of humans who would have inherited a substantially destroyed world can rebuild it back to its glory? How to safely supply the wealth of knowledge we amassed from modern advancements in science and technology to those generations who have to rebuild everything from scratch? This paper examines the techniques espoused by our wise ancient Indian sages to transmit knowledge to posterity across many millennia, the wisdom and philosophy behind such adopted measures and whether there are lessons for us to learn from them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe clinical, epidemiological and management information on cases of acute Chagas disease (ACD) by oral transmission in the state of Amazonas in western Amazon. Methods: Manual and electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with ACD at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT‐HVD) were included. Results: There were 147 cases of acute CD registered from 10 outbreaks that occurred in the state of Amazonas between 2004 and 2022. The transmission pathway was through oral route, with probable contaminated palm fruit juice (açaí and/or papatuá), and involved people from the same family, friends or neighbours. Of 147 identified cases, 87 (59%) were males; cases were aged 10 months to 82 years. The most common symptom was the febrile syndrome (123/147; 91.8%); cardiac alterations were present in 33/100 (33%), (2/147; 1.4%) had severe ACD with meningoencephalitis, and 12 (8.2%) were asymptomatic. Most cases were diagnosed through thick blood smear (132/147; 89.8%), a few (14/147; 9.5%) were diagnosed by serology and (1/147; 0.7%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood culture. In all these outbreaks, 74.1% of the patients were analysed by PCR, and Trypanosoma cruzi TcIV was detected in all of them. No deaths were recorded. The incidence of these foci coincided with the fruit harvest period in the state of Amazonas. Conclusion: The occurrence of ACD outbreaks in the Amazon affected individuals of both sexes, young adults, living in rural and peri‐urban areas and related to the consumption of regional foods. Early diagnosis is an important factor in surveillance. There was a low frequency of cardiac alterations. Continuous follow‐up of most patients was not carried out due to difficulty in getting to specialised centres; therefore, little is known about post‐treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease is a zoonosis caused by a hemoflagellate protozoan called Trypanosoma cruzi. We describe the clinical presentation of an acute outbreak of Chagas disease by oral transmission in a group of 3 cousins aged 10, 14, 16 years, with clinical picture of 18 days of fever peaks at 38 °C and moderate epigastric abdominal pain. The maternal grandmother was positive for Chagas disease, with no other history. On physical examination tachycardic, the rest without alteration. Paraclinical findings on admission: elevated CRP and negative thick drop. At 24 hours, positive Trypanosoma cruzi antibody in the 3 patients and positive febrile antigen for Proteus ox-19 1/320 in the youngest. Acute Chagas disease in pediatrics is usually asymptomatic; however, it is evident that it can rapidly progress to chagasic myocarditis and severe thrombocytopenia, increasing considerably the risk of cardiogenic shock, cardiac decompensation, and even death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lex Humana is the property of Lex Humana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chagas disease (CD) remains endemic throughout many regions of Colombia despite implementing decades of vector control strategies in several departments. Some regions have had a significant decrease in vectorial transmission, but the oral ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi through consumption of contaminated food and drink products is increasingly described. This form of transmission has important public health relevance in Colombia due to an increase in reported acute CD cases and clinical manifestations that often lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Oral CD in Colombia has been associated with the consumption of contaminated fruit juices, such as palm wine, sugar cane, or tangerine juice and water for consumption, or contaminated surfaces where food has been prepared. Another interesting route of oral transmission includes ingestion of unbeknownst infected armadillos’ blood, which is related to a traditional medicine practice in Colombia. Some earlier reports have also implemented consumption of infected bush meat as a source, but this is still being debated. Within the Amazon Basin, oral transmission is now considered the principal cause of acute CD in these regions. Furthermore, new cases of acute CD are now being seen in departments where CD has not been documented, and triatomine vectors are not naturally found, thus raising suspicion for oral transmission. The oral CD could also be considered a food-borne zoonosis, and odoriferous didelphid secretions have been implemented in contaminating the human dwelling environment, increasing the risk of consumption of infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes. In this article, we will discuss the complex transmission dynamics of oral CD in Colombia and further examine the unique clinical manifestations of this route of infection. New insights into the oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi are being discovered in Colombia, which can help bring increased awareness and a better understanding of this neglected tropical disease to reduce the burden of CD throughout Latin America.

Marta Krajewska’s series of novels forming the so-called Slavic universe (Idź i czekaj mrozów, 2016, Zaszyj oczy wilkom, 2017 Wezwijcie moje dzieci, 2021) is characterized by noticeable generic syncretism, with fairy tales playing an important role in the construction of the presented world. In her trilogy, the author draws on the most popular, universal fairy tale motifs recorded in international catalogues as well as in Polska bajka ludowa w układzie systematycznym (The Systematic Catalogue of the Polish Folk Tale) by Julian Krzyżanowski, using as the basis of her own story. Krajewska applies the plot patterns of these fairy tales (T. 400A “Urvasi”, T. 333 “Little Red Riding Hood”, T. 425 “The Quest for a Lost Husband”) in the construction of the fates of her protagonists; they also appear by way of folkloric quotes, present, for example, in dialogue replies of the characters. In the narratives of the novels, the writer also devotes a lot of space to the phenomenon of oral transmission of fairy tales, characteristic of folk tradition, and the function of this phenomenon in the life of the local community. However, the numerous references to folk tradition do not mean that Krajewska recreates the logic of selected motifs established in the folk tradition, with their characteristic intentionality and moral messages. The main novelty of the literary approach to traditional tales (especially the story of Little Red Riding Hood) lies in the author’s departure from the fairy tale’s warning role and in her focus on the ambivalence of fascination and horror evoked in the heroine by the figure of the wolf, which in the narrative structure initiates a complex love story with dramatic complications and frequent plot twists, leading, however, towards a happy ending.

Marta Krajewska’s series of novels forming the so-called Slavic uni- verse (Idź i czekaj mrozów, 2016, Zaszyj oczy wilkom, 2017, Wezwijcie moje dzieci, 2021) is characterized by noticeable generic syncretism, with fairy tales playing an important role in the construction of the presented world. In her trilogy, the author draws on the most popular, universal fairy tale motifs recorded in inter- national catalogues as well as in Polska bajka ludowa w układzie systematycznym (The Systematic Catalogue of the Polish Folk Tale) by Julian Krzyżanowski, using them as the basis of her own story. Krajewska applies the plot patterns of these fairy tales (T. 400A “Urvasi”, T. 333 “Little Red Riding Hood”, T. 425 “The Quest for a Lost Husband”) in the construction of the fates of her protagonists; they also appear by way of folkloric quotes, present, for example, in dialogue replies of the characters. In the narratives of the novels, the writer also devotes a lot of space to the phenomenon of oral transmission of fairy tales, characteristic of folk tradition, and the function of this phenomenon in the life of the local community. However, the numerous references to folk tradition do not mean that Krajewska recreates the logic of selected motifs established in the folk tradition, with their characteristic intentionality and moral messages. The main novelty of the literary approach to traditional tales (especially the story of Little Red Riding Hood) lies in the author’s departure from the fairy tale’s warning role and in her focus on the ambivalence of fascination and horror evoked in the heroine by the figure of the wolf, which in the narrative structure initiates a complex love story with dramatic complications and frequent plot twists, leading, however, towards a happy ending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemophilus influenzae can cause intra-amniotic infection and early pregnancy loss. The mode of transmission and risk factors for H. influenzae uterine cavity infections are unknown. Here, we present the case of chorioamnionitis caused by ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae in a 32-year-old Japanese woman at 16 weeks of gestation. Despite empirical treatment, including ampicillin, as recommended by the current guidelines, she had fetal loss. The antimicrobial regimen was changed to ceftriaxone, and the treatment was completed without complications. Although the prevalence and risk factors for chorioamnionitis caused by ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae are unknown, clinicians need to recognize H. influenzae as a potentially drug-resistant and lethal bacterium for pregnant women.

A severe epidemic erupted in Coyoacán at the southern end of Lake Texcoco, in Central Mexico, around 1330. Chroniclers of the 16th century reported that after disrupted fish supply, the inhabitants of Coyoacán had suffered high morbidity and mortality. They developed edema of their eyelids, face, and feet, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Many died, mainly the young and the old. Pregnant women miscarried. The disease is classically considered an illness of nutritional origin. However, its clinical picture and the circumstances of its emergence are remarkably consistent with an outbreak of foodborne Chagas disease, possibly acquired upon the hunting and consumption of alternative food sources, such as infected opossums (Didelphis spp.), unique reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay considers the genre and reception of Scott's 'Jock of Hazeldean' in its association with Child Ballad 293, as an independent poem, and as a song. This opens questions of what is meant by a ballad (since Jock of Hazeldean does not actually appear in the song ostensibly about him), and of the nature of the text as such. Paradoxically, shifting the originally Scottish location to England moves the work closer to a traditional Scottish ballad. Scott's piece has existed and continues to exist in a number of different forms. The brief work has gone from folksong origins (in the single verse which Scott reworked) to become first a formal and parlour song and then a folksong again, subject to the variations of oral transmission. Modern technology and the availability of recordings (some with a visual dimension) through the internet now offer increased possibilities for investigation into the reception of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores the tense relationship between the oral and written transmissions in the history of the Qurʾān. While Muslim scholars consider "orality" to be the cornerstone in the process of transmitting their holy text, I argue that writing, in its various forms, was a crucial element in transmitting and validating the Qurʾān. Orality was also an important component in this process of transmission but it also played a theological role in establishing the superiority of the Qurʾān over the Bible. Indeed, the written transmission of the Qurʾān might have been more authoritative than its oral counterpart, which was/is mainly used as an argumentative device to establish the integrity of the text rather than to establish the text itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent to small ruminants is still a major issue in the surveillance of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (L-BSE) is an atypical form of BSE with an unknown zoonotic potential that is transmissible to cattle and small ruminants. Our current knowledge of bovine atypical prion strains in sheep and goat relies only on experimental transmission studies by intracranial inoculation. To assess oral susceptibility of goats to L-BSE, we orally inoculated five goats with cattle L-BSE brain homogenates and investigated pathogenic prion protein (PrPsc) distribution by an ultrasensitive in vitro conversion assay known as Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC). Results Despite a prolonged observation period of 80 months, all these animals and the uninfected controls did not develop clinical signs referable to TSEs and tested negative by standard diagnostics. Otherwise, RT-QuIC analysis showed seeding activity in five out of five examined brain samples. PrPsc accumulation was also detected in spinal cord and lymphoreticular system. These results indicate that caprine species are susceptible to L-BSE by oral transmission and that ultrasensitive prion tests deserve consideration to improve the potential of current surveillance systems against otherwise undetectable forms of animal prion infections.

The oral biblical exegesis and oral transmission, or the unwritten tradition, represent pillars in the circulation of texts and ideas since the very dawn of Christianity, both in orthodox and heterodox circles. Namely, this vast topic encompasses the concepts related to the concepts of the written sources and the spoken word, and their interrelation, and, furthermore, to the symbolism of the ear, Logos, and secret teachings (arcana). The role and impact of the oral transmission will be examined on the example of the Bogomils, and this paper will re-assess the importance and function of the oral transmission of the Bogomil doctrine. Therefore, the Biblical exegesis will also be analyzed in that key, and the question of the Bogomil preachers will be addressed. More broadly, the oral transmission of the Bogomil teachings can be observed as one of the modi operandi that the Bogomils resorted to in the aim of propagating their ideas, as well as possibly their interpretative manner to approach the Scriptural material and parables.

Indigenous health knowledge refers to the skills and information created by human societies to treat sickness and improve well-being. Typically, this knowledge focuses on disease prevention and treatment via the use of indigenous plant-based therapies. The wealth of medical ethnobotanical data acquired in Limpopo Province, South Africa, necessitated an account of the development of knowledge regarding medicinal plant use. A purposive sampling procedure was used to make up a sample of 240 participants with the age range of between 25 and 90 years. They were traditional health practitioners, ordinary community members and patients consulting with traditional health practitioners. Common knowledge gained from family, friends, and neighbors; information inherited from ancestors; and apprenticeship knowledge are the main ways in which knowledge of medicinal plant use was developed. The knowledge was acquired and handed down verbally over generations, and it remains applicable today. This knowledge was passed down orally throughout centuries, protected as the family's or practitioner's trade sectret, whereas common knowledge is held as part of the community's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Leishmania transmission in nature is associated with the bite of an infected sandfly vector, other possible transmission routes are speculated to occur, such as the oral route. We evaluated the possibility of infection by this route in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) using Leishmania braziliensis (Lb) and Leishmania infantum (Li). Hamsters were exposed to experimental oral or intragastrical infection with axenic promastigotes, besides oral ingestion of a suspension of cultivated macrophages infected with amastigotes, lesion-fed Lutzomyia longipalpis, skin lesion or infective spleen fragment. The parasite's isolation, besides a positive PCR and IFAT, confirmed the intragastric infection by promastigote parasites. The oral ingestion of macrophages infected with L. braziliensis amastigotes was also infective. These results confirmed that Leishmania parasites could infect mammals by the intragastric route through the ingestion of promastigote forms (what can happen after a sandfly ingestion) and by the oral ingestion of infected macrophages (what can happen in nature in a predator–prey interaction). The better understanding of these alternative routes is essential to understand their transmission dynamics in nature. As far as we know, this is the first time that oral and intragastric Leishmania transmission has been experimentally demonstrated, constituting new infection routes, at least for L. infantum and L. braziliensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year-old male German Shepherd dog was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (RVP, IVRI), with a history of anorexia, progressive weight loss and relapsing fever for 15 days. Anamnesis revealed that the dog often attacked Nilgai and other wild animals in the forest and consumed wild rabbit regularly. Clinical examination revealed pale oral and conjunctival mucous membranes, pyrexia (104.3 F) and popliteal lymphadenopathy. Haemato-biochemical examination revealed anaemia, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels suggestive of multiple organ involvement. Oral mode of transmission of trypanosomiasis was suspected in this case and blood sample was subjected to staining and molecular techniques for confirmation. Giemsa stained blood smear revealed leaf-like haemoparasite with free flagella, subterminal kinetoplast and well-developed undulating membrane characteristic of Trypanosoma spp. Additionally, infection was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two different sets of primers, namely, Tevans F2/R2 and Tryp1S/1R, targeting paraflagellar rod-2 (PFR-2) and internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region, respectively. The dog was treated with diminazene aceturate with supportive therapy. Marked recovery in clinical signs and restoration of organ functions were noticed after completion of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 was first discovered in December 2019 as the etiologic agent of a serious respiratory illness later called COVID-19 or coronavirus disease 2019. The first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan, China and since then, has reached a pandemic level, spreading all over the world and multiplying faster than any other respiratory disease known until now in modern times, with more than 85 million confirmed cases and almost 2 million deaths, according to the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO). Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity that has systemic implications in the overall health homeostasis. It is an inflammatory disease that involves a series of dysbiotic events caused by periodontopathogenic microflora that causes destruction of the periodontal tissues locally, and an exacerbated proinflammatory status systemically. Diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and autoimmune diseases have been identified as risk factors for both periodontitis and severe Covid-19 infections. These diseases have similar inflammatory pathways that are involved in the progression of these conditions, thus, it is fair to assume a pathological common link.

This study seeks to address the critical knowledge gap surrounding the acute phase of Chagas disease in Colombia, with a specific focus on cases reported in 2019. The acute phase of Chagas disease is a pivotal period for intervention, yet it remains poorly understood, particularly in regions where oral transmission is presumed to be a significant factor. By analyzing these recent cases, our research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Chagas disease during its acute phase in Colombia in 2019. This understanding is essential not only for improving disease management and treatment strategies but also for enhancing public health responses to this neglected tropical disease. In particular, our study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing the unique challenges posed by oral transmission routes, which have been increasingly recognized within Colombia's Chagas disease landscape., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Objective: The spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent to small ruminants is still a major issue in the surveillance of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (L-BSE) is an atypical form of BSE with an unknown zoonotic potential that is transmissible to cattle and small ruminants. Our current knowledge of bovine atypical prion strains in sheep and goat relies only on experimental transmission studies by intracranial inoculation. To assess oral susceptibility of goats to L-BSE, we orally inoculated five goats with cattle L-BSE brain homogenates and investigated pathogenic prion protein (PrPsc) distribution by an ultrasensitive in vitro conversion assay known as Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC). Results: Despite a prolonged observation period of 80 months, all these animals and the uninfected controls did not develop clinical signs referable to TSEs and tested negative by standard diagnostics. Otherwise, RT-QuIC analysis showed seeding activity in five out of five examined brain samples. PrPsc accumulation was also detected in spinal cord and lymphoreticular system. These results indicate that caprine species are susceptible to L-BSE by oral transmission and that ultrasensitive prion tests deserve consideration to improve the potential of current surveillance systems against otherwise undetectable forms of animal prion infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: In Venezuela, Chagas disease (ChD) is considered a serious health problem, with about 6 million people at risk; and acute outbreaks due to oral transmission of Chagas Disease (OChD) are becoming increasingly important. In 2007 there was a major outbreak of OChD and although patients from this episode were treated with nifurtimox (Lampit®—Bayer), about 70% therapeutic failure was registered. These results led us to examine whether parasite’s drug susceptibility was related to this therapeutic failure. Methods: The Trypanosoma cruzi parasites were isolated by haemoculture of the peripheral blood drawn from the pre- and post-nifurtimox treated patients infected in the 2007 OChD outbreak at Caracas, Venezuela. The in vitro assays for drug testing were performed by the MTT methodology followed by calculation of inhibitory concentration-50 (IC50) values. Results: Parasite isolates obtained from the infected patients prior and after nifurtimox treatment when subjected to variable concentrations of the drug showed great heterogeneity in susceptibility with IC50 values ranging from 4.07 ± 1.82 to 94.92 ± 7.24 μM. Interpretation & conclusion: The high heterogeneity in nifurtimox IC50 values in the isolates and clones from the OChD patients, suggests that the therapeutic failure to nifurtimox could be due in part to a phenotypic variability that existed in the wild parasite population at the original source of contamination. Though, further pharmacological studies are needed to confirm the existence of natural nifurtimox resistance in the parasite.

In AA amyloidosis, cross-species oral transmission has been demonstrated in several animal models. While it is known that the transmission efficiency of AA amyloidosis between different species is lower than that among the same species, the mechanism of this speciesbarrier is unclear. In this study, we found at first that mice orally given a large amount of bovine AA simultaneously with inflammatory stimulation did not develop AA amyloidosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the low efficiency of the cross-species oral transmission of AA amyloidosis might be due to the low absorption rate in Peyer's patches. To evaluate the hypothesis, we next investigated whether bovine AA was taken up by Peyer's patches and translocated to other organs in vivo and ex vivo models. The direct absorption of bovine AA by Peyer's patches was not observed. Besides, translocation of bovine AA to the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, or kidney was not observed except the mesenteric lymph node of a single mouse. Thus, absorption of bovine AA by Peyer's patches occurred much less efficiently in mouse models of cross-species oral transmission of AA amyloidosis. The present study suggests that the less efficient amyloid uptake by Peyer's patches may be involved in the species-barrier of oral transmission of AA amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a lethal disease characterized by systemic AA amyloid deposition, and is reported in many animal species. Despite experiments have shown that AA amyloidosis can be transmitted orally, horizontal transmission and cross-species transmission are concerns, the transmission mechanism has been unknown. In this study, we examined the oral transmission efficiency of AA amyloidosis using oxazolone-induced gastrointestinal disorder mice. As a result, the upper or lower gastrointestinal disorder groups developed more severe amyloid deposition in systemic tissues than the group without gastrointestinal disorders. The results of this study suggest that gastrointestinal damage promotes the oral transmission of AA amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Musical Chilena is the property of Universidad de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although Leishmania transmission in nature is associated with the bite of an infected sandfly vector, other possible transmission routes are speculated to occur, such as the oral route. We evaluated the possibility of infection by this route in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) using Leishmania braziliensis (Lb) and Leishmania infantum (Li). Hamsters were exposed to experimental oral or intragastrical infection with axenic promastigotes, besides oral ingestion of a suspension of cultivated macrophages infected with amastigotes, lesion-fed Lutzomyia longipalpis, skin lesion or infective spleen fragment. The parasite’s isolation, besides a positive PCR and IFAT, confirmed the intragastric infection by promastigote parasites. The oral ingestion of macrophages infected with L. braziliensis amastigotes was also infective. These results confirmed that Leishmania parasites could infect mammals by the intragastric route through the ingestion of promastigote forms (what can happen after a sandfly ingestion) and by the oral ingestion of infected macrophages (what can happen in nature in a predator–prey interaction). The better understanding of these alternative routes is essential to understand their transmission dynamics in nature. As far as we know, this is the first time that oral and intragastric Leishmania transmission has been experimentally demonstrated, constituting new infection routes, at least for L. infantum and L. braziliensis.

This article presents three recitation versions of two tales from the famous Vetālapañcaviṃśati (VP; the "Twenty-Five Tales of an Animated Corpse", a medieval Sanskrit anthology of riddle-tales) that made their way orally from South Asia to Europe. The original work is one of the rare Sanskrit texts to have been disseminated widely and over a long period of time. It is a work that has thrived in oral, manuscript and printed versions. The stories in question, recorded in Germany as retold by three Nepali prisoners of war during World War I, show how this pre-modern Indian textual tradition was received into modern vernaculars and recounted in modern settings. It documents the fluidity of texts as dependent on the reciter's, scribe's or publisher's own outlook, as well as on differing times and circumstances. In addition to the text's long history of transmission, colonialism and print capitalism were further factors that influenced the retelling of the VP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral biblical exegesis and oral transmission, or the unwritten tradition, represent pillars in the circulation of texts and ideas since the very dawn of Christianity, both in orthodox and heterodox circles. Namely, this vast topic encompasses the concepts related to the concepts of the written sources and the spoken word, and their interrelation, and, furthermore, to the symbolism of the ear, Logos, and secret teachings (arcana). The role and impact of the oral transmission will be examined on the example of the Bogomils, and this paper will re-assess the importance and function of the oral transmission of the Bogomil doctrine. Therefore, the Biblical exegesis will also be analyzed in that key, and the question of the Bogomil preachers will be addressed. More broadly, the oral transmission of the Bogomil teachings can be observed as one of the modi operandi that the Bogomils resorted to in the aim of propagating their ideas, as well as possibly their interpretative manner to approach the Scriptural material and parables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chagas disease (CD) is transmitted by vectors but can also be transmitted orally through contaminated food, drinks, or meat. The One Health perspective aims to understand the complex interaction between human, animal, and environmental health in controlling disease. This study analyzed risk factors and drew lessons from past outbreaks of orally transmitted CD to develop effective preventive strategies., Methods: A simultaneous mixed methods study was conducted. The study consisted of two phases: an ecological epidemiological analysis at the municipal level using secondary data spanning from 1992 to 2023, and semistructured interviews with health providers and policymakers at the national level in Colombia. The results from both phases were triangulated to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic., Results: A total of 64 outbreaks, infecting 302 individuals, were reported. Most of these outbreaks (89.2%) were classified as family-related, and they occurred most frequently during the months of April to June (46.6%). It is worth noting that a significant number of these outbreaks took place in municipalities that lacked vector control plans. Risk factors for oral transmission included the location of food preparation, poor housing quality, food preparation water source, the presence of vectors/marsupials, forest type, and climatic variables. Interviews conducted emphasized the importance of implementing outbreak plans and providing staff training to effectively address the issue., Conclusion: A One Health approach strengthening prevention, surveillance, case management and cross-sectoral collaboration is needed to control outbreaks and reduce transmission in Colombia. Preparedness plans and education of health professionals are also important. This study identified modifiable risk factors to guide public health interventions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family. Mainly transmitted via mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus), ZIKV has been classified in the large category of arthropod-borne viruses, or arboviruses. However, during the past two outbreaks in French Polynesia (2013–2014) and Latin America (2015–2016), several cases of ZIKV human-to-human transmission were reported, either vertically via transplacental route but also horizontally after sexual intercourse. Interestingly, high viral burdens were detected in the colostrum and breast milk of infected women and mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV during breastfeeding was recently highlighted. In a previous study, we highlighted the implication of the mammary epithelium (blood–milk barrier) in ZIKV infectious particles excretion in breast milk. However, mechanisms of their further transmissibility to the newborn via oral route through contaminated breast milk remain unknown. In this study, we provide the first experimental proof-of-concept of the existence of the breastfeeding as a route for mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV and characterized the neonatal oral transmission in a well-established mouse model of ZIKV infection. From a mechanistical point-of-view, we demonstrated for the first time that ZIKV was able to infect and cross an in vitro model of tight human intestinal epithelium without altering its barrier integrity, permitting us to consider the gut as an entry site for ZIKV after oral exposure. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, this study strengthens the plausibility of mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV during breastfeeding and helps to better characterize underlying mechanisms, such as the crossing of the newborn intestinal epithelium by ZIKV. As a consequence, these data could serve as a basis for a reflection about the implementation of measures to prevent ZIKV transmission, while keeping in mind breastfeeding-associated benefits.

Abstract Background Several cases of food-borne acute Chagas disease (ACD) have been reported in the Brazilian Amazon so far. Up to 2004, the occurrence of ACD by oral transmission, associated with food consumption, was rare. Recent cases of ACD in Brazil have been attributed to the consumption of juice from the açai palm containing reservoir animals or insect vectors waste, infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to determine the T. cruzi contamination rate and to genotype the parasite in food samples prepared from açai, which are commercialized in Rio de Janeiro and the Pará States in Brazil. Methods The amplificability of DNA extracted from açai samples, and T. cruzi and Triatominae detection were performed by conventional PCR. Molecular characterization was done by multilocus PCR analysis, to determine the parasite discrete type units (DTUs) based on the size of PCR products in agarose gels, using the intergenic region of the spliced leader (SL), 24 Sα rDNA and nuclear fragment A10 as targets. Results From the 140 samples of açai-based products analyzed, T. cruzi DNA was detected in 14 samples (10%); triatomine DNA was detected in one of these 14 samples. The parasite genotyping demonstrated that food samples containing açai showed a mixture of T. cruzi DTUs with TcIII, TcV and TcI prevailing. Conclusions In this study, the molecular detection and identification of T. cruzi from açai-based manufactured food samples, was performed for the first time. Although parasite DNA is a marker of possible contamination during food manufacturing, our findings do not indicate that açai is a source of Chagas disease via oral transmission per se, as live parasites were not investigated. Nevertheless, a molecular approach could be a powerful tool in the epidemiological investigation of outbreaks, supporting previous evidence that açai-based food can be contaminated with T. cruzi. Furthermore, both food quality control and assessment of good manufacturing practices involving açai-based products can be improved, assuring the safety of açai products.

A comparative study of two early Buddhist textual collections, the Aṭṭhaka-vagga and the Udāna, points to a process during which commentarial material gradually became part of the canonical text during oral transmission. This relates to the problem of inaccurate monitoring of the source from which a particular type of information stems, which can be related to the potential impact of mindfulness on the generation of false memories. Although the cultivation of mindfulness tends to strengthen various aspects of memory, its potential to empower the mind's ability to associate can at times result in errors of memory or recognition. The overall picture that emerges in this way helps understand a pattern evident in early Buddhist oral texts, which reflect a concern with precise transmission but at the same time also show substantial additions of later material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family. Mainly transmitted via mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus), ZIKV has been classified in the large category of arthropod-borne viruses, or arboviruses. However, during the past two outbreaks in French Polynesia (2013–2014) and Latin America (2015–2016), several cases of ZIKV human-to-human transmission were reported, either vertically via transplacental route but also horizontally after sexual intercourse. Interestingly, high viral burdens were detected in the colostrum and breast milk of infected women and mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV during breastfeeding was recently highlighted. In a previous study, we highlighted the implication of the mammary epithelium (blood–milk barrier) in ZIKV infectious particles excretion in breast milk. However, mechanisms of their further transmissibility to the newborn via oral route through contaminated breast milk remain unknown. In this study, we provide the first experimental proof-of-concept of the existence of the breastfeeding as a route for mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV and characterized the neonatal oral transmission in a well-established mouse model of ZIKV infection. From a mechanistical point-of-view, we demonstrated for the first time that ZIKV was able to infect and cross an in vitro model of tight human intestinal epithelium without altering its barrier integrity, permitting us to consider the gut as an entry site for ZIKV after oral exposure. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, this study strengthens the plausibility of mother-to-child transmission of ZIKV during breastfeeding and helps to better characterize underlying mechanisms, such as the crossing of the newborn intestinal epithelium by ZIKV. As a consequence, these data could serve as a basis for a reflection about the implementation of measures to prevent ZIKV transmission, while keeping in mind breastfeeding-associated benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BCG vaccination has been demonstrated to increase levels of activated CD4+ T cells, thus potentially influencing mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To assess the risk of BCG vaccination in HIV infection, we randomly assigned newborn rhesus macaques to receive BCG vaccine or remain unvaccinated and then undergo oral simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenges 3 weeks later. We observed elevated levels of activated peripheral CD4+ T cells (ie, HLA-DR+CD38+CCR5+ CD4+ T cells) by week 3 after vaccination. BCG was also associated with an altered immune gene expression profile, as well as with monocyte activation in both peripheral blood and the draining axillary lymph node, indicating significant BCG vaccine–induced immune activation. Despite these effects, BCG vaccination did not increase the rate of SIV oral transmission or disease progression. Our findings therefore identify patterns of T-cell and monocyte activation that occur after BCG vaccination but do not support the hypothesis that BCG vaccination is a risk factor for postnatal HIV transmission or increased pathogenesis in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an insidious cause of heart failure in Latin America. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible myocardial damage that progressively accumulates over decades. Several structural barriers account for the less than 1% of cases in Colombia being treated, including poor physician knowledge, especially considering that some regions are considered non-endemic. The two cases reported here represent an emerging epidemiologic scenario associated with pediatric Chagas disease. Both cases are suspected oral transmitted parasitic infection in a geographic region of Colombia (Andean region of Antioquia) where no previous oral transmission of Chagas disease had been reported. Their clinical histories and course of disease are presented here to increase physician awareness of the epidemiologic risk factors and clinical manifestations associated with pediatric oral Chagas disease in Antioquia department, Colombia.