Effects of a milk oligosaccharide biosimilar on fecal characteristics, microbiota, and bile acid, calprotectin, and immunoglobulin concentrations of healthy adult dogs treated with metronidazole

In recent dog and cat experiments, a novel milk oligosaccharide biosimilar (GNU100) positively modulated fecal microbiota and metabolite profiles, suggesting benefits to gastrointestinal health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of GNU100 on the fecal characteristics, microbiota, and bile acid (BA) concentrations of healthy adult dogs treated with antibiotics. Twelve healthy adult female dogs (mean age: 3.74 ± 2.4 yr) were used in an 8-wk crossover design study (dogs underwent both treatments). All dogs were fed a control diet during a 2-wk baseline, then randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments (diet only or diet + 1% GNU100) for another 6 wk. From weeks 2 to 4, dogs were orally administered metronidazole (20 mg/kg BW) twice daily. Fecal scores were recorded daily and fresh fecal samples were collected at weeks 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 for measurement of pH, dry matter, microbiota populations, and BA, immunoglobulin A, and calprotectin concentrations. On weeks 0, 4, and 8, blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology analysis. All data were analyzed as repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS version 9.4, with significance considered P < 0.05. Metronidazole increased (P < 0.0001) fecal scores (looser stools) and modified (P < 0.05) fecal microbiota and BA profiles. Using qPCR, metronidazole reduced fecal Blautia, Fusobacterium, Turicibacter, Clostridium hiranonis, and Faecalibacterium abundances, and increased fecal Streptococcus and Escherichia coli abundances. DNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that metronidazole reduced microbial alpha diversity and influenced the relative abundance of 20 bacterial genera and families. Metronidazole also increased primary BA and reduced secondary BA concentrations. Most antibiotic-induced changes returned to baseline by week 8. Fecal scores were more stable (P = 0.01) in GNU100-fed dogs than controls after antibiotic administration. GNU100 also influenced fecal microbiota and BA profiles, reducing (P < 0.05) the influence of metronidazole on microbial alpha diversity and returning some fecal microbiota and secondary BA to baseline levels at a quicker (P < 0.05) rate than controls. In conclusion, our results suggest that GNU100 supplementation provides benefits to dogs treated with antibiotics, providing more stable fecal scores, maintaining microbial diversity, and allowing for quicker recovery of microbiota and secondary BA profiles which play an essential role in gut health.

Abstract 5600: Glycopeptides promote anti-cancer immune response against solid tumors

Only a fraction of patients benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Tumor cells exhibit a distinct glycosylation pattern and supplementation of glycans has the potential to promote response and overcome resistance to ICI, thus addressing an urgent clinical need. Using a subcutaneous tumor mouse model, we investigated whether two glycopeptide-based test items reduce tumor burden when orally administered alone or in combination with ICI.

C57/BL6 mice were supplemented with 3% GNU-201 (n=10) or 3% GNU-101 (n=10) in the drinking water starting 14 days prior to tumor cell injection (d-14), while control mice (n=10) received normal drinking water. On day 0, all mice were injected subcutaneously with YUMM1.7 melanoma cells in each flank. On days 6, 9 and 12, mice in each group received anti-PD1 antibody or an isotype control. Tumor size was measured every 3rd day. On day 15, the mice were sacrificed to analyze tumor weight and tumor infiltrating immune cells. 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal samples was performed on days -14, 0 and 14.

GNU-201 and GNU-101 supplementation was well tolerated, no difference in water consumption and no abnormal behavior were detected that would indicate adverse effects of the products. While anti-PD1 on its own had no effect on tumor growth, we observed reduced tumor growth in the GNU-201+anti-PD1, GNU-101 and GNU-101+anti-PD1-treated groups, resulting in a significantly reduced tumor volume in these three groups on day 15.

Administration of the two test items had a clear effect on anti-tumor T cell responses. In combination with anti-PD1, GNU-201 promoted the overall abundance of T cells, and among those the proportion of CD8+ T cells and IFNγ producing CD4+ T cells. Even in absence of anti-PD1, GNU-201 promoted the number of IFNγ+ CD8+ T cells, indicating that GNU-201 did not only promote tumor infiltration but also activation of CD8+ T cells, which are known to directly kill tumor cells. Finally, GNU-201+anti-PD1 resulted in significantly increased levels of Perforin and TNFα producing CD8+ T cells. With GNU-101 there was a trend towards elevated numbers of T cells and TNFα+ CD4 T cells. In mice that received GNU-101 with anti-PD1, we observed significantly elevated levels of TNFα+ CD8+ T cells and a trend towards higher numbers of IFNγ+ CD8+ T cells.

GNU-201 and GNU-101 induced a significant modulation of the gut microbiota. In particular, the products promoted the growth of Akkermansia spp., a genus previously associated with anti-tumor immunity.

In conclusion, GNU-201 and GNU-101 are both able to boost an anti-tumor immune response upon PD1 inhibition and GNU-101 shows moderate anti-tumor effects on its own. The response is linked with tumor-infiltration and activation of T cells and seems to be associated with changes in the gut microbiome. This study highlights a potential therapeutic role for glycopeptides in boosting anti-tumor immunity in response to ICI therapy.

Citation Format: Marianne R. Spalinger, Romain Wyss, Sara Vidal, Yong Miao, Michael Scharl, Yemi Adesokan. Glycopeptides promote anti-cancer immune response against solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5600.

High power continuous laser at 461 nm based on a compact and high-efficiency frequency-doubling linear cavity

A Watt-level continuous and single frequency blue laser at 461 nm is obtained by frequency-doubling an amplified diode laser operating at 922 nm via a LBO crystal in a resonant Fabry-Pérot cavity. We achieved a best optical conversion efficiency equal to 87% with more than 1 W output power in the blue, and limited by the available input power. The frequency-converted beam is characterized in terms of long term power stability, residual intensity noise, and geometrical shape. The blue beam has a linewidth of the order of 1 MHz, and we used it to magneto-optically trap ⁸⁸Sr atoms on the 5s^2 1S₀ - 5s5p ¹P₁ transition. The low-finesse, linear-cavity doubling system is very robust, maintains the lock for several days, and is compatible with a tenfold increase of the power levels which could be obtained with fully-fibered amplifiers and large mode area fibers.

POS0132 IS THE INTERCRITICAL GOUT REALLY ASYMPTOMATIC? THE INFLAMMATORY ROLE OF THE SILENT URATE CRYSTAL DEPOSITION

Background:

Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis. Gout is chronic inflammatory deposition disease related to an increase of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. Subclinical chronic inflammation has been demonstrated in this patients but not its relation with the monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposit size and the number of CV risk factors.

Objectives:

To study the subclinical inflammation in intercritical gout patients and its possible relation to the estimated size of the crystal deposition and the number of CV risk factors.

Methods:

To analyze subclinical inflammation we performed a secretome analysis and a cytokine and adiponektine plasma levels quantification (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, sIL-6R, TNFα, CXCL-5, RANTES, leptin, resistin and adiponectin) in a cohort of gout patients. As nowadays it is not feasible to determinate the whole body deposit of MSU crystals we created three different MSU crystal deposit size patient groups using an indirect clinical and analytical classification to estimate it. Then we compared cytokine levels between healthy donors and gout patients. We also compared cytokine levels between the different crystal size deposition groups and studied its association to the number of CV risk factors.

Results:

Ninety consecutive patients attending a Crystal Arthritis Unit were studied. Mean age was 68.27 (28-101) years. 81.1% were male. Clinical gout evolution was of 10.1±9.8 years. 77.5% were on urate lowering treatment. 24% had tophaceous gout. Mean uric acid was 6.3±2.1 mg/dl with 47.1% of them being on target. Hypertension was present in 68.9%, diabetes mellitus in 18.9%, dislipemia in 48.9%, BMI>30 in 32.9%, abdominal obesity in 50% and 16.1% suffered from ischemic heart disease. From the 102 molecules studied in the secretome analysis in 56 there was at least a 20% difference between donors group and any of the deposition groups. In 74% of them gout patients secreted lower levels. IL-18, sIL-6R, RANTES, leptin and adiponectin were higher in patients than in healthy donors. IL-18, sIL6-R, RANTES and CXCL5 levels were associated to the size of the crystal deposits. IL-18, sIL-6R, RANTES and leptin were higher in gout groups with CV risk factors. IL-18, sIL6-R, RANTES and leptin were higher in gout patients with no risk factors when compared to healthy donors with no risk factors. We found no differences when comparing urate lowering treated and non-treated patients.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that some proinflammatory cytokines and metabolic proteins are raised in intercritical gout patients. Some of them are different from the flare/inflammasome expected ones. In some cytokines this elevation is related to the size of the monosodium urate crystal deposit and/or to the number of cardiovascular risk factors. This cytokine changes could help to explain the increase of the cardiovascular events in gout patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

Cesar Diaz-Torne Grant/research support from: Received a grant from Grünenthal, Maria Angels Ortiz: None declared, Sicylle Jeria Navarro: None declared, Andrea Garcia-Gullien: None declared, Lluis Sainz: None declared, Hector Corominas: None declared, Silvia Vidal: None declared

[Difficult-to-engage patients: What evolution after discharge from Assertive Community Programs?]

OBJECTIVES

Beneficial effects of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs on patients with severe mental disorders are well established over short or medium term. However, studies that investigate long term clinical and psychosocial outcomes are remarkably scarce, and it is not known whether the support and intensive care delivered by these programs maintain their benefits over time, especially after discharge. Thus, the present study sought further understanding on this issue by evaluating long term clinical and psychosocial evolution of patients who had been treated by an ACT team in 2007. We investigated the nature of treatment interventions and the level of care since discharge from ACT, especially in terms of adherence to care and number of psychiatric hospitalizations. We also examined factors, at inclusion in the ACT program and after six months of treatment, that could predict better long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with severe mental disorders, characterized by the heavy use of inpatient facilities and refusal of care, were treated by an ACT team which was implmented between 2007 and 2009. They participated at that time in an initial study on the effect of the program and were therefore assessed at inclusion and again after six months of treatment. Between 2016 and 2017, the present follow up took place and patients were assessed again on their current psychosocial functioning, quality of life and intensity of symptoms, using the same scales as those administered in the initial study. This design allowed us to compare baseline with "early" (after six months) and "late" (after a mean of 8.7 years) effects of ACT program on patients. In order to assess adherence to care since discharge from ACT, data on nature and level of psychiatric treatment was systematically reviewed, including all public and private inpatient and outpatient treatments since the end of the ACT program.

RESULTS

Detailed tables on hospitalizations before, during and after ACT treatment are reported, as well as tables summarizing the level of care and nature of treatment since discharge from ACT. During the mean of 8.7 years of evolution and 6.3 years after discharge from ACT, these patients, characterized by severe mental disorders, heavy use of inpatient facilities and refusal of care, sustained a reduced rate of hospitalizations and a minor rate of disengagement from outpatient care (6.9 %). Both severity of symptoms, poorer quality of life and worst functioning in the community at inclusion (baseline) as well as early improvements (after six month of ACT treatment) of the same outcomes were significantly associated with long term improvements. Results also show other baseline predictors of long term improvement: fewer years since disorder onset was associated with improvement of functioning in the community; further advancement in the recovery process predicted better enhancement in quality of life, and a better initial functioning in the community was associated with a better improvement of symptomatology.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight on the sustainability of the benefits of ACT programs, suggesting that these interventions can help patients who are refractory to care to gain clinical and psychosocial improvement in the long term. Our results also suggest that baseline severity as well as early improvements after six months of treatment were associated with larger improvement at follow up. These clinical predictors provide some help to distinguish which patients are more likely to benefit from an ACT approach.

Evaluation of a novel animal milk oligosaccharide biosimilar: macronutrient digestibility and gastrointestinal tolerance, fecal metabolites, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs and in vitro genotoxicity assays

Milk oligosaccharides (MO) are bioactive compounds in mammalian milk that provide health benefits to neonates beyond essential nutrients. GNU100, a novel animal MO biosimilar, was recently tested in vitro, with results showing beneficial shifts in microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, but other effects of GNU100 were unknown. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the safety, palatability, and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance of GNU100. In study 1, the mutagenic potential of GNU100 was tested using a bacterial reverse mutation assay and a mammalian cell micronucleus test. In study 2, palatability was assessed by comparing diets containing 0% vs. 1% GNU100 in 20 adult dogs. In study 3, 32 adult dogs were used in a completely randomized design to assess the safety and GI tolerance of GNU100 and explore utility. Following a 2-wk baseline, dogs were assigned to one of four treatments and fed for 26 wk: 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% GNU100. On weeks 2, 4, and 26, fresh fecal samples were collected to measure stool quality, immunoglobulin A, and calprotectin, and blood samples were collected to measure serum chemistry, inflammatory markers, and hematology. On weeks 2 and 4, fresh fecal samples were collected to measure metabolites and microbiota. On week 4, total feces were collected to assess apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility. Although revertant numbers were greater compared with the solvent control in tester strain WP2uvrA(pKM101) in the presence of metabolic activation (S9) in the initial experiment, they remained below the threshold for a positive mutagenic response in follow-up confirmatory tests, supporting that GNU100 is not mutagenic. Similarly, no cytotoxicity or chromosome damage was observed in the cell micronucleus test. The palatability test showed that 1% GNU100 was strongly preferred (P < 0.05; 3.6:1 consumption ratio) over the control. In study 3, all dogs were healthy and had no signs of GI intolerance or illness. All diets were well accepted, and food intake, fecal characteristics, metabolite concentrations, and macronutrient digestibilities were not altered. GNU100 modulated fecal microbiota, increasing evenness and Catenibacterium, Megamonas, and Prevotella (SCFA producers) and reducing Collinsella. Overall, the results suggest that GNU100 is palatable and well-tolerated, causes no genotoxicity or adverse effects on health, and beneficially shifts the fecal microbiota, supporting the safety of GNU100 for the inclusion in canine diets.

Effect of a novel animal milk oligosaccharide biosimilar on macronutrient digestibility and gastrointestinal tolerance, fecal metabolites, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult cats

GNU100 is a novel animal milk oligosaccharide (AMO) biosimilar. In a recent in vitro fermentation study, GNU100 was shown to be fermentable by feline gastrointestinal microbiota and lead to increased short-chain fatty acid production. Our objectives herein were to evaluate the palatability, safety, and gastrointestinal tolerance of GNU100 in healthy adult cats. Exploratory end-points were measured to assess utility. In study 1, 20 adult cats were used to test the palatability of diets containing 0% or 1% GNU100. In study 2, 32 (mean age = 1.9 yr; mean body weight = 4.6 kg) male (n = 12) and female (n = 20) adult cats were used in a completely randomized design. After a 2-wk baseline, cats were assigned to one of the following treatment groups and fed for 26 wk: control (CT, no GNU100), low dose (LD, 0.5% GNU100), medium dose (MD, 1.0% GNU100), and high dose (HD, 1.5% GNU100). On weeks 2, 4, and 26, fresh fecal samples were collected for the measurement of stool quality and immune and inflammatory markers and on weeks 2 and 4 for microbiota and metabolites. On week 4, total feces were collected to measure apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility. On weeks 2, 4, and 26, blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and inflammatory marker measurement. The palatability test showed that 1% GNU100 was strongly preferred (P < 0.05), with GNU100 having a 17.6:1 consumption ratio compared with control. In the long-term study, all cats remained healthy, without any signs of gastrointestinal intolerance or illness. All diets were well accepted, resulting in similar (P > 0.05) food intake, fecal characteristics, immunoglobulin A, and calprotectin, and dry matter, organic matter, fat, and crude protein digestibilities. Fecal butyrate was greater (P = 0.02) in cats fed HD than cats fed LD or MD. Fecal indole was lower (P = 0.02) in cats fed HD than cats fed LD. Cats fed CT had a higher (P = 0.003) relative abundance of Actinobacteria than cats fed LD. The relative abundance of Peptococcus was impacted by diet and time. At 4 wk, Campylobacter was lower in fecal samples of cats fed HD. Overall, the data suggest that dietary GNU100 supplementation was highly palatable, well tolerated, did not cause detrimental effects on fecal quality or nutrient digestibility, increased fecal butyrate concentrations, and reduced fecal indole concentrations, supporting the safety of GNU100 for inclusion in feline diets and suggesting potential benefits on gastrointestinal health of cats.

Effect of a novel animal milk oligosaccharide biosimilar on the gut microbial communities and metabolites of in vitro incubations using feline and canine fecal inocula

Milk oligosaccharides (MO) confer multiple potential physiological benefits, such as the selective growth promotion of beneficial microbiota, inhibition of enteric pathogen growth and adhesion to enterocytes, maturation of the gut mucosal barrier, and modulation of the gastrointestinal immune system. This study was conducted to determine the fermentation potential of GNU100, an animal MO biosimilar, in an in vitro system using healthy canine and feline fecal inocula. Single feline and single canine fecal samples were used to inoculate a batch fermentation system. Tubes containing a blank control (BNC), GNU100 at 0.5% (5 g/L; GNU1), or GNU100 at 1.0% (10 g/L; GNU2) were incubated for 48 h. Gas pressure, pH, lactate, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; acetate, propionate, and butyrate), and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA; isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate) were measured after 6, 24, and 48 h. Ammonium and microbiota (total bacteria by flow cytometry and Pet-16Seq; Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium by quantitative polymerase chain reaction ) were measured after 24 and 48 h. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Substrates were considered to be a fixed effect and replicates considered to be a random effect. Tukey's multiple comparison analysis was used to compare least squares means, with differences considered significant with P < 0.05. In feline and canine incubations, SCFA increases were greater (P < 0.0001) in GNU100 compared with BNC, with acetate making up the largest SCFA proportion (P < 0.0001). GNU100 cultures led to greater increases (P < 0.0001) in lactate and ammonium than BNC in the feline incubations. GNU100 cultures led to greater increases (P < 0.0001) in ammonium than BNC in canine incubations and greater increases (P < 0.0001) in BCFA than BNC in feline incubations. Pet-16Seq microbial profiles from the feline and canine fecal incubations exhibited a modulation after GNU100 fermentation, with a reduction of the genera Escherichia/Shigella and Salmonella. In feline incubations, Bifidobacterium populations had greater increases (P < 0.0001) in GNU100 than BNC. In feline incubations, Lactobacillus populations had greater increases (P = 0.01) in GNU100 than BNC, with GNU1 leading to greater increases (P = 0.02) in Lactobacillus than BNC tubes in canine incubations. Overall, this study demonstrated that GNU100 was fermented in an in vitro fermentation system inoculated with canine and feline microbiota, resulting in the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of SCFA, BCFA, and ammonium.

Large-Scale Analysis of the Mycoplasma bovis Genome Identified Non-essential, Adhesion- and Virulence-Related Genes

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen of cattle causing bovine mycoplasmosis. Clinical manifestations are numerous, but pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis cases are mainly reported. Currently, no efficient vaccine is available and antibiotic treatments are not always satisfactory. The design of new, efficient prophylactic and therapeutic approaches requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for M. bovis pathogenicity. Random transposon mutagenesis has been widely used in Mycoplasma species to identify potential gene functions. Such an approach can also be used to screen genomes and search for essential and non-essential genes for growth. Here, we generated a random transposon mutant library of M. bovis strain JF4278 containing approximately 4000 independent insertion sites. We then coupled high-throughput screening of this mutant library to transposon sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify M. bovis non-essential, adhesion- and virulence-related genes. Three hundred and fifty-two genes of M. bovis were assigned as essential for growth in rich medium. Among the remaining non-essential genes, putative virulence-related factors were subsequently identified. The complete mutant library was screened for adhesion using primary bovine mammary gland epithelial cells. Data from this assay resulted in a list of conditional-essential genes with putative adhesion-related functions by identifying non-essential genes for growth that are essential for host cell-adhesion. By individually assessing the adhesion capacity of six selected mutants, two previously unknown factors and the adhesin TrmFO were associated with a reduced adhesion phenotype. Overall, our study (i) uncovers new, putative virulence-related genes; (ii) offers a list of putative adhesion-related factors; and (iii) provides valuable information for vaccine design and for exploring M. bovis biology, pathogenesis, and host-interaction.

The most recurrent monogenic disorders that overlap with the phenotype of Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene; however, defects in other genes (CDKL5 and FOXG1) can lead to presentations that resemble classic RTT, although they are not completely identical. Here, we attempted to identify other monogenic disorders that share features of RTT. A total of 437 patients with a clinical diagnosis of RTT-like were studied; in 242 patients, a custom panel with 17 genes related to an RTT-like phenotype was run via a HaloPlex-Target-Enrichment-System. In the remaining 195 patients, a commercial TruSight-One-Sequencing-Panel was analysed. A total of 40 patients with clinical features of RTT had variants which affect gene function in six genes associated with other monogenic disorders. Twelve patients had variants in STXBP1, nine in TCF4, six in SCN2A, five in KCNQ2, four in MEF2C and four in SYNGAP1. Genetic studies using next generation sequencing (NGS) allowed us to study a larger number of genes associated with RTT-like simultaneously, providing a genetic diagnosis for a wider group of patients. These new findings provide the clinician with more information and clues that could help in the prevention of future symptoms or in pharmacologic therapy.

First Synthesis and Characterization of CH4 @C60

The endohedral fullerene CH₄@C₆₀, in which each C₆₀ fullerene cage encapsulates a single methane molecule, has been synthesized for the first time. Methane is the first organic molecule, as well as the largest, to have been encapsulated in C₆₀ to date. The key orifice contraction step, a photochemical desulfinylation of an open fullerene, was completed, even though it is inhibited by the endohedral molecule. The crystal structure of the nickel(II) octaethylporphyrin/ benzene solvate shows no significant distortion of the carbon cage, relative to the C₆₀ analogue, and shows the methane hydrogens as a shell of electron density around the central carbon, indicative of the quantum nature of the methane. The ¹H spin‐lattice relaxation times (T₁) for endohedral methane are similar to those observed in the gas phase, indicating that methane is freely rotating inside the C₆₀ cage. The synthesis of CH₄@C₆₀ opens a route to endofullerenes incorporating large guest molecules and atoms.

Limited added value of fungal ITS amplicon sequencing in the study of bovine abortion

Bovine mycotic abortion is sporadic and caused by different ubiquitous and opportunistic fungi. Recently, a broad spectrum of bacterial opportunists involved in bovine abortion was revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We hypothesized that fungal organisms potentially involved in bovine abortion also might remain undetected by conventional culture. In this retrospective study, we therefore applied fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region amplicon sequencing to 74 cases of bovine abortion submitted to our diagnostic service. The investigation was complemented by fungal culture and, retrospectively, by data from bacteriological, virological and parasitological analyses and histopathological examination of placentas. Fungal DNA was found in both the placentas and abomasal contents, with 92 fungal genera identified. In 18 cases, >75% of the reads belonged to one specific fungal genus: Candida (n = 7), Malassezia (n = 4), Cryptococcus (n = 3), unidentified Capnodiales (n = 3), Actinomucor (n = 1), Cystofilobasidium (n = 1), Penicillium (n = 1), Verticillum (n = 1) and Zymoseptoria (n = 1) with one case harboring two different genera. By culture, in contrast, fungal agents were detected in only 6 cases. Inflammatory and/or necrotizing lesions were found in 27/40 histologically assessed placentas. However, no lesion-associated fungal structures were detected in HE- and PAS-stained specimens. Complementary data revealed the presence of one or more non-fungal possible abortifacient: Chlamydiales, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp., Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Streptococcus uberis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Bacillus licheniformis, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Serratia marcescens, Trueperella pyogenes, Schmallenbergvirus, Neospora caninum. The mycobiota revealed by sequencing did not differ between cases with or without a possible infectious etiology. Our study suggests that amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 region from DNA isolated from bovine abortion does not provide additional information or new insight into mycotic abortion and without complementary analyses may easily lead to a false interpretation of the role of fungal organisms in bovine abortion.

Effect of incarcerated HF on the exohedral chemical reactivity of HF@C60

The first chemical modification on the brand new endohedral HF@C₆₀ is reported. In particular, the isomerization from optically pure (2S,5S)-cis-pyrrolidino[3,4:1,2][60]fullerene 2b to (2S,5R)-trans-pyrrolidino[3,4:1,2][60]fullerene 2b has been studied and compared with empty C₆₀ (2a) and endohedral H₂O@C₆₀ (3). The comparative study shows a kinetic order for the isomerization process of H₂O@C₆₀ > HF@C₆₀ > C₆₀, thus confirming the effect of the incarcerated species on the zwitterionic intermediate stability.

Photochemical site-selective synthesis of [70]methanofullerenes

Methanofullerenes such as the well-known [70]PCBM are commonly synthesized under harsh conditions to obtain the product as a mixture of site-isomers (namely α, β and minor γ) due to the D_5h symmetry of the C₇₀ cage. We report the first site-selective synthesis of [70]methanofullerenes under light irradiation and low temperatures, thus avoiding time-consuming and highly expensive HPLC separations. Pure major site-isomers α-[70]PCBM and α-[70]DPM have been thus efficiently prepared including the crystal structure of 5b. Photovoltaic preliminary results revealed a slightly beneficial performance for α-pure [70]PCBM site-isomer devices.

Neglected zoonotic agents in cattle abortion: tackling the difficult to grow bacteria

BACKGROUND

Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus and Leptospira spp. are difficult to grow bacteria that play a role in bovine abortion, but their diagnosis is hampered by their obligate intracellular lifestyle (C. burnetii, C. abortus) or their lability (Leptospira spp.). Their importance is based on the contagious spread in food-producing animals, but also as zoonotic agents. In Switzerland, first-line routine bacteriological diagnostics in cattle abortions is regulated by national law and includes only basic screening by staining for C. burnetii due to the high costs associated with extended spectrum analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the true occurrence of these zoonotic pathogens in 249 cases of bovine abortion in Switzerland by serology (ELISA for anti-C. burnetii and C. abortus antibodies and microscopic agglutination test for anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies), molecular methods (real-time PCR and sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases), Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen (mod-ZN) stain and, upon availability of material, by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

After seroanalysis the prevalence was 15.9% for C. burnetii, 38.5% for C. abortus and 21.4% for Leptospira spp. By real-time PCR 12.1% and 16.9% of the cases were positive for C. burnetii and Chlamydiales, respectively, but only 2.4% were positive for C. burnetii or Chlamydiales by mod-ZN stain. Sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases revealed C. abortus in 10% of cases and the presence of a mix of Chlamydiales-related bacteria in 5.2% of cases. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 5.6% of cases. Inflammatory lesions were present histologically in all available samples which were real-time PCR-positive for Chlamydiales and Leptospira spp. One of 12 real-time PCR-positive cases for C. burnetii was devoid of histological lesions. None of the pathogens could be detected by IHC.

CONCLUSION

Molecular detection by real-time PCR complemented by histopathological analysis is recommended to improve definitive diagnosis of bovine abortion cases and determine a more accurate prevalence of these zoonotic pathogens.

Amplicon sequencing of bacterial microbiota in abortion material from cattle

Abortions in cattle have a significant economic impact on animal husbandry and require prompt diagnosis for surveillance of epizootic infectious agents. Since most abortions are not epizootic but sporadic with often undetected etiologies, this study examined the bacterial community present in the placenta (PL, n = 32) and fetal abomasal content (AC, n = 49) in 64 cases of bovine abortion by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. The PL and AC from three fetuses of dams that died from non-infectious reasons were included as controls. All samples were analyzed by bacterial culture, and 17 were examined by histopathology. We observed 922 OTUs overall and 267 taxa at the genus level. No detectable bacterial DNA was present in the control samples. The microbial profiles of the PL and AC differed significantly, both in their composition (PERMANOVA), species richness and Chao-1 (Mann-Whitney test). In both organs, Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus. The combination of NGS and culture identified opportunistic pathogens of interest in placentas with lesions, such as Vibrio metschnikovii, Streptococcus uberis, Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli. In placentas with lesions where culturing was unsuccessful, Pseudomonas and unidentified Aeromonadaceae were identified by NGS displaying high number of reads. Three cases with multiple possible etiologies and placentas presenting lesions were detected by NGS. Amplicon sequencing has the potential to uncover unknown etiological agents. These new insights on cattle abortion extend our focus to previously understudied opportunistic abortive bacteria.

Fullerenes for catalysis: metallofullerenes in hydrogen transfer reactions

[60]Fullerene hybrids have successfully been used as catalysts in hydrogen transfer reactions, namely ketone reduction and N-alkylation of amines with alcohols.

Effects on intestinal microbiota and immune genes of Solea senegalensis after suspension of the administration of Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11

The interaction host-intestinal microbiota is essential for the immunological homeostasis of the host. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are promising tools for the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota towards beneficial effects to the host. The objective of this study was to evaluate the modulation effect on the intestinal microbiota and the transcription of genes involved in the immune response in head kidney of Solea senegalensis after administration of diet supplemented with the prebiotic alginate and the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 CECT 7627 (SpPdp11). The results showed higher adaptability to dietary changes in the intestinal microbiota of fish fed diet with alginate and SpPdp11 together compared to those fish that received an alginate-supplemented diet. The alginate-supplemented diet produced up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in immunological responses, such as complement, lysozyme G and transferrin, and oxidative stress, such as NADPH oxidase and glutation peroxidase. On the other hand, the administration of alginate combined with SpPdp11 resulted in a significant increase of the transcription of genes encoding for glutation peroxidase and HSP70, indicating a potential protective effect of SpPdp11 against oxidative stress. In addition, these effects were maintained after the suspension of the probiotic treatment. The relationship between the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the expression of genes with protective effect against the oxidative stress was demonstrated by the Principal Components Analysis.

A short CD3/CD28 costimulation combined with IL-21 enhance the generation of human memory stem T cells for adoptive immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy based on the adoptive transfer of gene modified T cells is an emerging approach for the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Memory stem T cells, due to their enhanced antitumor and self-renewal capacity, have become potential candidate for adoptive T cell therapy of cancer. Methods to generate memory stem T cells ex vivo rely on CD3/CD28 costimulation and the use of cytokines such as IL-7 and IL-15 during the entire culture period. However, a strong costimulation may induce differentiation of memory stem T cells to effector memory T cells. Here we show that manipulation of the length of the costimulation and addition of IL-21 enhance the ex vivo expansion of memory stem T cells.

METHODS

Purified naïve T cells from healthy donors were cultured in the presence of anti-CD3/CD28 coated beads, IL-7, IL-15 and/or IL-21 (25 ng/ml). T cells phenotype from the different memory and effector subpopulations were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A short anti-CD3/CD28 costimulation of naïve T cells, combined with IL-7 and IL-15 significantly increased the frequencies of CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory stem T cells ex vivo, compared to a prolonged costimulation (34.6 ± 4.4 % vs 15.6 ± 4.24 % in CD4(+); p = 0.008, and 20.5 ± 4.00 % vs 7.7 ± 2.53 % in CD8(+); p = 0.02). Moreover, the addition of IL-21 to this condition further enhanced the enrichment and expansion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory stem T cells with an increase in the absolute numbers (0.7 × 10(6) ± 0.1 vs 0.26 × 10(6) ± 0.1 cells for CD4(+); p = 0.002 and 1.1 × 10(6) ± 0.1 vs 0.27 × 10(6) ± 0.1 cells for CD8(+); p = 0.0002; short + IL-21 vs long).

CONCLUSIONS

These new in vitro conditions increase the frequencies and expansion of memory stem T cells and may have relevant clinical implications for the generation of this memory T cell subset for adoptive cell therapy of patients with cancer.

Assessing climate change impacts on the rape stem weevil, Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll., based on bias- and non-bias-corrected regional climate change projections

Agricultural production is directly affected by projected increases in air temperature and changes in precipitation. A multi-model ensemble of regional climate change projections indicated shifts towards higher air temperatures and changing precipitation patterns during the summer and winter seasons up to the year 2100 for the region of Goettingen (Lower Saxony, Germany). A second major controlling factor of the agricultural production is the infestation level by pests. Based on long-term field surveys and meteorological observations, a calibration of an existing model describing the migration of the pest insect Ceutorhynchus napi was possible. To assess the impacts of climate on pests under projected changing environmental conditions, we combined the results of regional climate models with the phenological model to describe the crop invasion of this species. In order to reduce systematic differences between the output of the regional climate models and observational data sets, two different bias correction methods were applied: a linear correction for air temperature and a quantile mapping approach for precipitation. Only the results derived from the bias-corrected output of the regional climate models showed satisfying results. An earlier onset, as well as a prolongation of the possible time window for the immigration of Ceutorhynchus napi, was projected by the majority of the ensemble members.

Dietary administration of the probiotic SpPdp11: Effects on the intestinal microbiota and immune-related gene expression of farmed Solea senegalensis treated with oxytetracycline

Few antimicrobials are currently authorised in the aquaculture industry to treat infectious diseases. Among them, oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of the first-choice drugs for nearly all bacterial diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary administration of OTC both alone and jointly with the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11) on the intestinal microbiota and hepatic expression of genes related to immunity in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) juveniles. The results demonstrated that the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbiota of fish treated with OTC decreased compared with those of the control group but that these effects were lessened by the simultaneous administration of SpPdp11. In addition, specimens that received OTC and SpPdp11 jointly showed a decreased intensity of the Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) bands related to Vibrio genus and the presence of DGGE bands related to Lactobacillus and Shewanella genera. The relationship among the intestinal microbiota of fish fed with control and OTC diets and the expression of the NADPH oxidase and CASPASE-6 genes was demonstrated by a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) carried out in this study. In contrast, a close relationship between the transcription of genes, such as NKEF, IGF-β, HSP70 and GP96, and the DGGE bands of fish treated jointly with OTC and SpPdp11 was observed in the PCA study. In summary, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that the administration of OTC results in the up-regulation of genes related to apoptosis but that the joint administration of OTC and S. putrefaciens Pdp11 increases the transcription of genes related to antiapoptotic effects and oxidative stress regulation. Further, a clear relationship between these changes and those detected in the intestinal microbiota is established.

Prognostic severity scores for patients with COPD exacerbations attending emergency departments

SETTING

Reported predictors of the adverse evolution of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (eCOPD) are various and inconsistent in the bibliography.

OBJECTIVE

To develop clinical prediction rules for short-term outcomes in eCOPD patients attending an emergency department (ED).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study of patients with an eCOPD. Short-term outcomes were admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), admission to an intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) and death in these groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for each of the outcomes.

RESULTS

Predictors of ICU or IRCU admission were use of long-term home oxygen therapy (LT-HOT) or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), elevated PCO2 and decreased pH upon ED arrival (area under the curve [AUC] 0.87 in the derivation sample; 0.89 in the validation sample). Among those admitted to an ICU or IRCU, predictors of death were increased age, use at home of LT-HOT or NIMV, use of inspiratory accessory muscles upon ED arrival and altered Glasgow Coma Scale (<15 points) (AUC 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Three clinical predictors available in the ED can be used to create a simple score to predict the need for intensive treatment among eCOPD patients. Such a score can be a tool for clinical practice.

Chemotherapy-associated anemia in patients with lung cancer: an epidemiological, retrospective and multicenter study

ABSTRACT 

Aim: Providing epidemiological data and treatment of anemia in lung cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Methods: Epidemiological, observational, retrospective and multicenter study carried out at 30 sites throughout Spain. Results: The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] level <12 g/dl) was 18.3% and the incidence 80.7%. Mean Hb levels were 13.4 g/dl (95% CI: 13.2–13.6) and 11.5 g/dl (95% CI: 11.3–11.7) at starting and at the end of chemotherapy, respectively. Of the 294 patients with anemia, 174 (59.2%) were treated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were given to 90.2% patients, alone in 31.6% and combined iron in 39.7%, transfusion in 9.2% and iron and transfusion in 9.8%. Conclusion: These results suggest an appropriate and rational use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy-associated anemia in lung cancer patients.

IL-6 blockade reverses the abnormal STAT activation of peripheral blood leukocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients

Considering the interplay of multiple STATs in response to cytokines, we investigated how IL-6 and its blocking affect STAT signaling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Leukocytes obtained from RA patients before and after tocilizumab treatment and healthy donors (HDs) were cytokine-stimulated and STAT phosphorylation was analyzed by cytometry. RA patients had significantly fewer pSTAT1+, pSTAT3+, and pSTAT6+ monocytes and pSTAT5+ lymphocytes than HDs. After 24weeks of treatment, percentages of IFNγ-induced pSTAT1+ and IL-10-induced pSTAT3+ monocytes in RA patients increased, reaching levels comparable to HDs. pSTAT1+ and pSTAT3+ cells correlated inversely with RA disease activity index and levels of pSTAT+ cells at baseline were higher in patients with good EULAR response to tocilizumab. IFNγ-induced pSTAT1+ cells correlated inversely with memory T cells and anti-CCP levels. IL-10-induced pSTAT3+ cells correlated with Treg/Teff ratio. Our findings suggest that IL-6 blocking reduces the inflammatory mechanisms through the correction of STAT1 and STAT3 activation status.

Reaction of diazocompounds with C70: unprecedented synthesis and characterization of isomeric [5,6]-fulleroids

Three new [5,6]-PCBM isomeric fulleroids photoisomerize, in a quantitative and highly selective way, to their respective [6,6]-PCBM methanofullerenes.

The treatment with the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 of specimens of Solea senegalensis exposed to high stocking densities to enhance their resistance to disease

Aquaculture industry exposes fish to acute stress events, such as high stocking density, and a link between stress and higher susceptibility to diseases has been concluded. Several studies have demonstrated increased stress tolerance of fish treated with probiotics, but the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 is a strain isolated from healthy gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and it is considered as probiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary administration of this probiotics on the stress tolerance of Solea senegalensis specimens farmed under high stocking density (PHD) compared to a group fed a commercial diet and farmed under the same conditions (CHD). In addition, during the experiment, a natural infectious outbreak due to Vibrio species affected fish farmed under crowding conditions. Changes in the microbiota and histology of intestine and in the transcription of immune response genes were evaluated at 19 and 30 days of the experiment. Mortality was observed after 9 days of the beginning of the experiment in CHD and PHD groups, it being higher in the CHD group. Fish farmed under crowding stress showed reduced expression of genes at 19 day probiotic feeding. On the contrary, a significant increase in immune related gene expression was detected in CHD fish at 30 day, whereas the gene expression in fish from PHD group was very similar to that showed in specimens fed and farmed with the conventional conditions. In addition, the dietary administration of S. putrefaciens Pdp11 produced an important modulation of the intestinal microbiota, which was significantly correlated with the high number of goblet cells detected in fish fed the probiotic diet.

Predictors of hospital admission in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors predictive of hospital admission among patients attending an emergency department (ED) with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to determine if these were consistent with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommendations.

DESIGN

In a prospective cohort of 2487 COPD patients with exacerbations conducted in 16 EDs, clinical data were obtained and physical examination and blood gas analyses were performed on arrival at the ED and at decision time about hospitalisation. Multivariate analyses were performed using hospital admission as the dependent measure.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, factors predictive of hospital admission on ED arrival were previous hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation (OR 2.03, 95%CI 1.32-3.11), resting dyspnoea (OR 3.05, 95%CI 2.39-3.88) and altered blood gas (PaO2 = 45-60 mmHg, OR 2.7, 95%CI 2.12-3.44; PaO2 < 45 mmHg, OR 3.24, 95%CI 2.14-4.92; PaCO2 = 56-65 mmHg, OR 2.35, 95%CI 1.58-3.51; and PaCO2 > 65 mmHg, OR 6.98, 95%CI 4.03-12.09). The predictive capacity of the model using variables available at decision time was better than for those at ED arrival (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.89 and 0.83). These factors are included in the GOLD recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Among COPD patients presenting to the ED with exacerbation, factors immediately associated with episode severity were independent predictors of hospitalisation. Our criteria for hospitalisation are in line with GOLD recommendations.

Small molecule BHJ solar cells based on DPP(TBFu)2 and diphenylmethanofullerenes (DPM): linking morphology, transport, recombination and crystallinity

The effect of alkyl chains in substituted diphenylmethano[70]fullerenes (C70-DPM) on the device characteristics of DPP(TBFu)2 small molecule-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cell devices is investigated. By measuring charge carrier mobilities as well as the morphology and crystallinity of each device we have been able to understand and explain the differences found between solar cells made with the different C70-DPM fullerenes despite the general lack of simple relationships between the molecular structure, orbital level positioning and power conversion efficiency. Our study then concludes with some general rules for the future design of acceptors for DPP(TBFu)2 containing photoactive layers in the search for efficient organic solar cells.

Monocyte implication in renal allograft dysfunction

Macrophages are involved in the development and progression of kidney fibrosis. The aim of this study was to analyse the phenotype of circulating monocytes and their ability to predict kidney allograft dysfunction in living kidney transplant recipients. Whole blood samples from 25 kidney recipients and 17 donors were collected at five time-points. Monocyte phenotype was analysed by flow cytometry, and interleukin (IL)-10 and soluble CD163 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One week after transplantation, surface CD163 and IL-10 levels increased significantly from baseline [2·99 ± 1·38 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) to 5·18 ± 2·42 MFI for CD163; 4·5 ± 1·46 pg/ml to 6·7 ± 2·5 pg/ml for IL-10]. This CD163 increase correlated with 4-month creatinine levels (r = 0·4394, P = 0·04). However, soluble CD163 decreased significantly from baseline at 1 week (797·11 ± 340·45 ng/ml to 576·50 ± 293·60 ng/ml). CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes increased at 4 months and correlated positively with creatinine levels at 12 and 24 months (r = 0·6348, P = 0·002 and r = 0·467, P = 0·028, respectively) and negatively with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) at 12 months (r = 0·6056, P = 0·003). At 4 months, IL-10 decreased significantly (P = 0·008) and correlated positively with creatinine at 2 years (r = 0·68, P = 0·010) and with CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes at 4 months (r = 0·732, P = 0·004). At 24 h, levels of human leucocyte antigen D-related declined from 12·12 ± 5·99 to 5·21 ± 3·84 and CD86 expression decreased from 2·76 ± 1·08 to 1·87 ± 0·95. Both markers recovered progressively until 12 months, when they decreased again. These results indicate that monitoring monocytes could be a promising new prognostic tool of graft dysfunction in renal transplant patients.

Soil application of an encapsulated CO2 source and its potential for management of western corn rootworm larvae

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larvae use carbon dioxide (CO2) to locate the roots of their hosts. This study investigated whether an encapsulated CO2 source (CO2-emitting capsules) is able to outcompete CO2 gradients established by corn root respiration in the soil. Furthermore, the following two management options with the capsules were tested in semifield experiments (0.5- to 1-m2 greenhouse plots): the disruption of host location and an "attract-and-kill" strategy in which larvae were lured to a soil insecticide (Tefluthrin) between the corn rows. The attract-and-kill strategy was compared with an application of Tefluthrin in the corn rows (conventional treatment) at 33 and 18% of the standard field application rate. Application of the CO2-emitting capsules 30 cm from the plant base increased CO2 levels near the application point for up to 20 d with a peak at day 10. Both the disruption of host location and an attract-and-kill strategy caused a slight but nonsignificant reduction in larval densities. The disruption of host location caused a 17% reduction in larval densities, whereas an attract-and-kill strategy with Tefluthrin added at 33 and 18% of the standard application rate caused a 24 and 27% reduction in larval densities, respectively. As presently formulated, the CO2-emitting capsules, either with or without insecticide, do not provide adequate control of western corn rootworm.

Pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination during pregnancy: a comparative study using the EFEMERIS database

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes following A/H1N1 vaccination in pregnant women.

METHODS

This observational cohort study compared vaccinated and non-vaccinated pregnant women in EFEMERIS, a French prescription database including pregnant women. Women who ended their pregnancy in South Western France between October 21, 2009 and November 30, 2010 (the period of the French vaccination campaign) were included. Two non-vaccinated women were individually matched to each vaccinated woman by month and year of pregnancy onset. Conditional logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate associations between each outcome (all-cause pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA) and neonatal pathology) and A/H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy.

RESULTS

1645 women of the 12,120 (13.6%) in the database who were administered A/H1N1 vaccine during pregnancy were compared to 3290 non-vaccinated women. Most were vaccinated in December 2009 (61%) with a non-adjuvanted vaccine (93%). The risks of pregnancy loss (adjusted HR=0.56; 95% CI=0.31-1.01), of preterm birth (adjusted HR=0.82; 95% CI=0.64-1.06), and of neonatal pathology (adjusted OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.49-1.02) did not differ between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated groups. The rate of SGA was lower in the vaccinated group than in the non-vaccinated group (0.5% vs. 1.4%; adjusted OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.17-0.78).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and vaccination with a non-adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine during pregnancy.

Insect fauna associated with Anacardium occidentale (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in Benin, West Africa

Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), is an important cash crop in Benin. However, its production is threatened by several biotic factors, especially insects. In Benin, very few studies have focused on insects and just listed species commonly found on cashew worldwide. The present investigation fills this gap by presenting an exhaustive inventory of insect species associated with this crop in the country. The survey was carried out from September 2009 to August 2010 in 22 cashew orchards (5 young and 17 mature) distributed over three major agroecological zones where cashew is most produced in the country. Insects were collected using chemical knock-down technique and visual observation followed by capture with sweep net. In addition, infested plant organs were sampled and incubated to collect emerging insects. In total, 262 insect species were recorded and identified. Among them, the wood borer Apate terebrans Pallas, the leafminer Eteoryctis gemoniella Stainton, and the mirid bugs Helopeltis schoutedeni Reuter., and Helopeltis anacardii Miller., appeared as the most important insect species attacking cashew in Benin. Beneficial insects encountered included some predators, parasitoids, and pollinators. Few vertebrate predators were also recorded on the trees. Differences in agroecological conditions or in field cleanliness did not affect the number of insect species encountered in the cashew orchards. The results of this study represent an important baseline data for the design and implementation of strategies for cashew protection in Benin.