Search Results (724)

A comparative cross-sectional study was undertaken in organized and unorganized dairy sectors to evaluate the prevalence of bovine mastitis and the antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus spp. of dairy animals and their associated personnel. A total of 391 households (HH) consisting of 211 and 180 HHs from organized and unorganized sectors, respectively, were selected based on 30-cluster sampling methodology in southern and northeastern regions of India. From 391 HHs, a total of 1920 milking cows (organized dairy—533; unorganized dairy—1387) were screened for subclinical and clinical mastitis by the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Out of 1920 milk samples, 1002 milk samples, 362 associated personnel hand and nasal swabs, and 27 milking machine swabs were sourced. The samples were subjected to Staphylococcus spp. by isolation and identification by multiplex polymerase chain reactions (mPCRs) and antibiotic sensitivity testing (ABST) to determine antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles. CMT results showed high mastitis prevalence (54.65%) in unorganized farms compared to organized ones (45.78%), with a significant association of mastitis to dairy sectors (p = 0.0004). On speciation, S. aureus isolates were comparatively less than those of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (3.5% and 7.7%, respectively) in the organized dairy sector, and the same was recorded for the unorganized dairy sector (0.85% and 13.19%, respectively). In both the dairy sectors, the highest antibiotic resistance for Staphylococcus spp. was observed against the β-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins) group (71.36% and 76.59%) and the lowest for nitrofurans (3.5% and 3%), oxazolidines (0.7% and 5.1%), and rifamycin (0.7% and 5.1%), respectively. In both the sectors, human isolates had comparatively high mecA positives (15.70% and 15.96%) compared to the animal isolates (8.36% and 12.94%). Based on mPCR, a smaller number of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates (3.95%) than methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) was detected in milk samples (6.05%), and the same was observed for associated personnel samples (MRCoNS (14.63%) compared to MRSA (1.05%)). In four HHs, mecA positives were detected in both animal and human samples, and this highlights the transmission dynamics of mecA between animals and humans in households. The resistance of Staphylococcus spp. to β-lactams highlights the need for cautious antibiotic use to prevent AMR. Full article

Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal contamination severely limit global crop productivity and threaten food security. Plants have evolved epigenetic strategies, particularly DNA methylation, to perceive, adapt to, and memorize environmental challenges. This review systematically elucidates the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation—including establishment via RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), maintenance by methyltransferases (MET1, CMT), and active removal by demethylases (ROS1)—in plant responses to diverse abiotic stresses. We highlight how stress-induced methylation reprogramming modulates gene expression, chromatin states, and physiological adaptations, contributing to both somatic and transgenerational stress memory. Furthermore, we discuss advanced detection technologies for profiling methylation patterns and evaluate their applications in epigenetic breeding, such as exploiting heritable epialleles, RdDM-based gene silencing, and methylation markers for heterosis prediction. Despite significant progress, translating epigenetic insights into predictable breeding tools remains challenging. Future efforts should focus on establishing causal links between methylation changes and stress phenotypes, improving epigenome editing precision, and integrating multi-omics approaches for the development of climate-resilient crops. This work provides a comprehensive epigenetic perspective for enhancing crop adaptability and sustainable agriculture. Full article

This paper proposes a dual-modal monitoring system combining visible and infrared imaging to enhance overlap defect detection in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) based on cold metal transfer (CMT) welding for multi-pass builds. Traditional single-modal approaches, primarily relying on melt pool imagery, are often hindered by arc light and spatter interference, which can compromise detection accuracy. In this work, overlap defect refers to insufficient overlap between adjacent tracks, and the dataset is created by inducing overlap defects through inter-track spacing in multi-pass deposition. The proposed dual-modal strategy mitigates these challenges and significantly improves detection precision. A dual-input convolutional neural network model named Multimodal Mutual Fusion Network (MMFNet) was designed, fusing visible and infrared data at the feature level to achieve a prediction accuracy of 98.34%. Comparative experiments with single-modal models demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach, with single-modal accuracies of only 95.76% (infrared) and 92.85% (visible light). The proposed system provides a robust solution for monitoring of overlap defects in WAAM in the studied multi-pass setting, highlighting the potential of dual-modal systems for improving quality control in additive manufacturing processes. Full article

Background: UBE has gained popularity as a minimally invasive alternative to open spinal procedures. However, it raises concerns about potential ocular complications. Despite these concerns, there is a lack of studies evaluating UBE’s impact on retinal microvasculature using objective imaging tools such as OCTA. This study aims to evaluate the effects of UBE on the microvascular structures of the retina and optic nerve using OCTA, and to determine whether UBE poses a risk for perioperative vision loss. Methods: This study included 32 patients who underwent UBE for lumbar stenosis and received ophthalmologic examinations preoperatively, and at postoperative weeks 1 and 4. Patients with systemic or ocular vascular comorbidities were excluded. OCTA parameters including vascular density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), central macular thickness (CMT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated using swept-source OCT. Results: No patients experienced clinical vision loss. A statistically significant change was observed over time in FAZ (p = 0.043), VDd superior (p = 0.018), VDd temporal (p = 0.032), and RNFLts (p = 0.032). However, only VDd superior showed a statistically significant decrease at postoperative week 4 compared to baseline (p = 0.050). All other parameters either returned to baseline or showed no significant change. No clinically relevant visual changes were detected. Conclusions: In this study, UBE spinal surgery was not associated with clinically evident visual loss or sustained OCTA-detected microvascular alterations during short-term follow-up. These findings should be interpreted as reflecting the absence of detectable short-term changes rather than definitive evidence of ocular safety. Full article

ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) is a critical molecule in facilitating cholesterol transport in a variety of organs. In the nervous system, cholesterol supply is essential and rate-limiting for myelin biogenesis, which underlies efficient conduction of nerve impulses. When myelin is damaged or improperly formed due to genetic defects, a host of neurological symptoms may arise. A rare form of peripheral neuropathy in Tangier disease (TD) patients is associated with autosomal recessive mutations in ABCA1. Accordingly, when ABCA1 loses its function due to misexpression, the neuropathic phenotype is over-represented. Independently, studies have revealed the altered expression of ABCA1 and dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in a host of inherited peripheral neuropathies engaging the Peripheral Myelin Protein 22 (PMP22), suggesting shared pathophysiology. While the role of ABCA1 has not been investigated broadly in peripheral nerves, the transporter molecule is a therapeutic target for human disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Investigations in rodent models of type 1 Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) neuropathies support the candidacy of this cholesterol transporter as a therapeutic target in efforts of peripheral myelin repair. Ongoing preclinical studies in central and peripheral nervous system disease models will provide critical information on the importance of ABCA1 as a target for disease modifying intervention. Full article

An outbreak of mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus occurred in a commercial dairy goat herd during kidding season, resulting in fatal gangrenous mastitis in approximately 30% of the herd. S. aureus was recovered from milk, mammary tissue, and other organs in does subjected to necropsy. The S. aureus milk culture-positive rate among does in the hospital pen was 58.3%, while whole-herd milk cultures of clinically normal mature does identified S. aureus in 15.0% with an additional 15.0% positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), yielding a total culture-positive rate of 30.0%. The prevalence of CNS in subclinical animals was consistent with previous reports from U.S. dairy goats; in contrast, S. aureus isolation rates substantially exceeded previously reported prevalences. Poor milking hygiene and milking machine dysfunction were identified as major factors contributing to the spread of the S. aureus from goat to goat. California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores were significantly higher in culture-positive does compared with culture-negative animals (p < 0.05), demonstrating the value of CMT as a practical on-farm tool for early treatment decision making. Interventions focused on addressing milking hygiene and milking machine maintenance, as well as segregation and vaccination of replacement females. S. aureus dropped to undetectable in the next two kidding seasons, whereas the CNS culture rates remained unchanged, suggesting other factors may be contributing to CNS infection. This case highlights the role of subclinical intramammary infection and milking practice factors in transmission and control of contagious mastitis pathogens like S. aureus. Full article

The limited ductility of the VW63K rare-earth magnesium alloy fabricated via cold metal transfer wire arc additive manufacturing (CMT-WAAM) was targeted in this work. An integrated approach that combines first-principles calculations with experimental characterization was employed to achieve this goal. This approach was used to systematically investigate how Ag doping alters the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy. First-principles calculations performed on the primary precipitate phase Mg₂₄(Gd,Y)₅ demonstrated that Ag atoms preferentially occupy the Mg lattice sites and form pronounced orbital hybridization with neighboring rare-earth atoms. These interactions were found to enhance critical mechanical parameters, including the Cauchy pressure, B/G ratio, and Poisson’s ratio, which are indicative of enhanced ductility and toughness of the phase. Experimental results indicate that the fracture strain of the VW63K-Ag alloy was increased from approximately 4% to above 12% following Ag doping. This resulted in a significant improvement in ductility. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) underwent only a moderate reduction. Using a closed-loop approach integrating theoretical prediction and experimental validation, the microstructural modification and strengthening mechanisms of Ag in the VW63K alloy fabricated via CMT-WAAM were clarified. These findings offer a theoretical foundation and experimental evidence for compositional design and optimizing additive manufacturing (AM) processes for rare-earth magnesium alloys. Full article

The aerodynamic behavior of small-scale UAV propellers operating under non-axial inflow conditions poses a significant prediction challenge due to the presence of strong azimuthal asymmetries, inherently unsteady flow phenomena, and Reynolds number effects that dominate forward flight conditions. Although numerical models based on the Moving Reference Frame (MRF) formulation combined with steady RANS solvers are widely used in engineering practice because of their low computational cost, the precise limits of their applicability in crossflow configurations remain poorly defined. This work conducts a comprehensive numerical investigation that systematically compares steady RANS–MRF predictions against time-accurate URANS simulations across a wide range of advanced ratios and rotor tilt angles. Rigorous validation of the computational framework against experimental data in axial and near-axial regimes demonstrates excellent agreement, with deviations below 5% in propulsive efficiency. The results clearly identify the operational envelope within which MRF-based steady models remain valid under non-axial inflow. In particular, the steady approach exhibits robust performance for low-to-moderate advance ratios, where global errors in thrust and power remain below 10% for $\mu =0.40$. However, the fidelity of the method deteriorates sharply under extreme edgewise-flight conditions ($\mu =0.70)$, in which the crossflow component dominates the aerodynamic field, the “frozen-rotor” assumption progressively loses mathematical consistency, and the solver may converge toward steady solutions that no longer represent a physically meaningful flow state. The URANS analysis further reveals two critical phenomena that cannot be captured by steady-state models. First, at high advance ratios, the retreating blade encounters an extensive region of reverse flow, which induces negative sectional thrust and strongly anharmonic load waveforms. This behavior has direct implications for structural design: the peak-to-peak amplitude of thrust oscillation in edgewise flight can exceed the mean thrust level, implying extreme cyclic loading and a high risk of high-cycle fatigue. Second, the simulations quantify the emergence of off-axis parasitic moments (pitching and rolling), which are negligible in vertical flight but reach magnitudes comparable to the total aerodynamic torque in forward-flight conditions. Taken together, these findings highlight the need for a hybrid-fidelity strategy in UAV propulsion analysis: employing steady RANS–MRF within the validated domain for energetic assessments, while relying on time-accurate URANS for mandatory evaluation of structural loading, vibration, and control logic in critical high-speed regimes. Full article

Mutations in the Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene cause Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2A (CMT2A). Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) is an autocrine factor that supports Schwann cell survival and differentiation, axon regeneration and myelination, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) integrity, and mitochondrial function. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of NT-3 gene therapy using the AAVrh74 serotype in the Mfn2^+/− mouse model for CMT2A. Although haploinsufficiency is not reported in CMT2A patients, our model shows some features of CMT2A, including axonal atrophy, muscle atrophy, length-dependent axon loss, and abnormal mitochondria, in muscle in the enzyme histochemistry. Eight-month-old Mfn2^+/− mice received a 3 × 10¹¹ vector genome dose of AAVrh74.tMCK.NT-3 intramuscularly, and functional, electrophysiological, and histological outcomes were assessed six months post-treatment. NT-3 gene therapy in Mfn2^+/− mice significantly improved grip strength and rotarod performance, and ameliorated electrophysiological abnormalities and NMJ denervation in lumbrical muscles. Additionally, our therapeutic approach improved muscle histopathology with reductions in mitochondrial abnormalities and oxidative stress. NT-3 further remodeled carbohydrate metabolism in muscle. Our study indicated that AAV.NT-3 gene therapy has a disease-modifying effect in the Mfn2^+/− model of CMT2A, providing further support for the translational potential of this surrogate gene therapy approach to CMT2A patients. Full article

Background: Bovine mastitis is a leading cause of economic loss in dairy farming and is increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing challenges to treatment and public health. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, bacterial etiology, and AMR patterns of mastitis pathogens in dairy herds from the Banat region of Romania. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 420 dairy cows from five localities. Mastitis diagnosis involved clinical examination, indirect tests (California Mastitis Test (CMT), R-Mastitest), and bacteriological culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the VITEK^® 2 system. Results: Out of 420 cows, 120 (28.6%) were diagnosed with mastitis. The predominant pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (33.3%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (22.5%). Most infections were monomicrobial (70%) and affected a single under quarter (77.5%). Beta-lactam resistance was widespread among both Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates, particularly against penicillin and ampicillin. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were identified in 33.3% of all isolates, with 100% of Gram-negative isolates exhibiting MDR profiles. Conclusions: The high prevalence of S. aureus and S. agalactiae, along with widespread beta-lactam resistance and frequent MDR phenotypes, highlights the urgent need for routine AMR surveillance and targeted antimicrobial therapy in bovine mastitis control programs. Full article

The mitochondrial outer membrane (OMM) plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, organelle interactions, and stress responses. In peripheral neurons—cells with high metabolic demands and long axons—the OMM acts as a vital platform for coordinating bioenergetics, calcium signaling, and redox balance. Ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1 (GDAP1), an OMM-anchored protein, has emerged as a key regulator of mitochondrial fission and transport, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial membrane contact sites (MCSs). Genetic variants in GDAP1 cause Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), emphasizing its essential role in peripheral nerve function. This review highlights the multifaceted functions of GDAP1 in neuronal physiology and as a model protein that integrates organelle communication and mitochondrial biology. We further discuss how GDAP1 dysfunction leads to structural and functional impairments in peripheral neurons, proposing the OMM and its microenvironment as critical targets for therapeutic intervention in inherited neuropathies. Full article

Historically, methods to detect subclinical mastitis have been used to aid treatment decisions. The limitations of these tests have led to the exploration of the use of differential somatic cell count (DSCC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between DSCC and antibiotic success in subclinically infected cows. Cows were pre-screened to confirm an SCC ≥ 200,000 cells/mL and a positive bacterial culture. At enrollment, aseptic quarter milk samples were collected for culturing and evaluated using SCC, DSCC, the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and electrical conductivity. Enrolled quarters were treated with an intramammary antibiotic and resampled 7-, 14-, 28-, and 35-days post-treatment and retrospectively classified as “Cured” or failed to cure (Failed) based on a bacteriological cure. The overall cure rate was 51.5%. Pre-treatment SCC, total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophils, and CMT were lower in Cured quarters compared to Failed. Meanwhile, macrophage percentage was greater in Cured quarters compared to Failed. No difference was found between lymphocyte percentage and conductivity. When evaluating the use of multiple threshold optimizations to predict cure outcome, TLC tended to have the highest ranking for the metric of interest; however, SCC tended to numerically perform as well in sensitivity and specificity outside of the optimized parameter. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate the rate of exudative progression over time in patients with non-exudative macular neovascularization (NE-MNV) associated with various acquired macular degenerations presenting with a double-layer sign (DLS) or triple-layer sign (TLS) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to identify potential predictors of this progression. Methods: Fifty-one eyes of fourty-nine patients with a DLS or TLS on OCT images were identified. OCT angiography (OCTA) was performed to detect NE-MNV, and only eyes with confirmed NE-MNV were included in the final analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CT), morphology of the abnormal vessels, the duration of follow-up, progression to active exudative MNV, and the status of the contralateral eye were assessed. Results: The final analysis included 32 eyes of 30 participants with NE-MNV. The median observation period was 46 months. The causes of NE-MNV were age- related macular degeneration (AMD) in 59.38% of eyes, pachychoroid epitheliopathy (PPE) in 37.50%, and other causes in 3.12%. Exudation developed in 15.62% of eyes (median time to onset: 24 months), predominantly in the AMD subgroup. Abnormalities in the fellow eye were present in 59.38% of cases. Neither age nor other factors, including sex, cause of MNV, CMT, CT, MNV morphology, or fellow eye status, were statistically significant predictors of progression to active MNV (p = 0.67, p > 0.99, p = 0.62, p = 0.09, p = 0.09, p = 0.2, p = 0.62, resp.). Conclusions: NE-MNV is an asymptomatic condition that may occur in the course of various retinal diseases. While DLS and TLS demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of NE-MNV, their presence does not always indicate concurrent MNV. Multimodal imaging is essential for accurate monitoring of these patients and detection of potential disease progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) affects 0.3–3.9% of infants, requiring early physiotherapy to prevent deformities. Vojta and NDT Bobath therapies are widely used, yet comparative evidence remains limited. To compare Vojta versus NDT Bobath efficacy in improving head tilt and cervical rotation in infants with CMT. Methods: Retrospective cohort study (2016–2024) at Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital included 53 infants under 5 months with ultrasound-confirmed CMT. Non-random allocation based on therapist availability introduced selection bias. Participants received Vojta (n = 29) or NDT Bobath (n = 24) two 30 min sessions weekly for 20 weeks plus home exercises. Blinded physicians measured outcomes. Results: Vojta showed greater angular improvements versus NDT Bobath: head tilt MD = −5.69° (p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 1.29) and neck rotation MD = −5.89° (p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 1.21). Early intervention (1–2 months) demonstrated 5-fold (RR = 5.46) and 8-fold (RR = 8.19) higher likelihood of achieving optimal thresholds (70°/90°) versus later intervention (3–4 months) both p < 0.001. No therapy × age interaction was found, indicating consistent between-group differences across age strata. Large effect sizes suggest clinically meaningful angular improvements. Conclusions: Vojta therapy was associated with superior angular outcomes versus NDT Bobath, with early initiation showing better results. However, the retrospective non-randomized design, small sample (n = 53), and absence of functional outcome assessment limit causal inference. Only biomechanical outcomes were measured; functional motor development, complications, and quality of life were not evaluated. Prospective randomized trials with functional assessments and larger samples are essential to confirm these associations and determine clinical significance. Full article

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), caused by dominant loss-of-function mutations in DNM2, encoding the GTPase dynamin-2, impairs motor and sensory function. However, the respective contributions of muscle and nerve pathology, and the therapeutic potential of increasing DNM2 expression, remain unresolved. We evaluated tissue-targeted and systemic approaches to increase DNM2 in a mouse model carrying the common K562E-CMT mutation. Muscle-specific DNM2 overexpression from embryogenesis in Dnm2^K562E/+ mice ameliorated desmin and integrin mislocalization, membrane trafficking defects, mitochondrial abnormalities, and fibrosis in skeletal muscle, resulting in improved locomotor coordination despite persistent muscle atrophy. Conversely, systemic postnatal AAV delivery of human DNM2 increased DNM2 in muscle but failed to transduce nerves and paradoxically worsened the muscle pathology, producing centronuclear myopathy-like features. These findings reveal a primary pathogenic impact of DNM2-CMT mutation within skeletal muscle, independent of nerve involvement. Collectively, they underscore that precise DNM2 dosage is critical for neuromuscular homeostasis and reveal a narrow therapeutic window for safe and effective therapeutic intervention. This paradox, in which efforts to compensate for a loss-of-function neuropathy risk inducing a gain-of-function myopathy, highlights the need for tightly controlled modulation of DNM2 activity in future therapeutic strategies. Full article