Search Results (54)

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a devastating pine disease that is characterized by rapid transmission, high lethality, and limited control options. In our previous study, the fucosyltransferase gene (fut) which encoded fucosyltransferase (FUT) was found to be a putative virulence determinant in PWN, which regulates pathogenicity of nematodes. To investigate the functional role of the fut gene in PWN, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to understand its molecular structure and biological activity. The full-length open reading frame (ORF) of fut was amplified using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and successfully ligated into the pET-28a expression vector. Heterologous expression of the recombinant FUT was achieved in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) through induction with 1.0 mM isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), followed by purification via nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography. Biochemical characterization revealed that the recombinant FUT exhibited optimal enzymatic activity at 30 °C and pH 8.0, respectively. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) validated by RT-qPCR was used to explore the biological functions of fut in PWN, and results indicated that downregulation of the fut gene could significantly reduce the vitality, reproduction, pathogenicity, development, and lifespan of PWN. Furthermore, gallic acid as an inhibitor of FUT displayed a strong inhibitory effect on recombinant FUT activity and nematicidal activity against PWNs in vitro and could alleviate the wilt symptom of pine seedlings inoculated with PWNs at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, indicating that it has the potential to be a novel nematicide. Collectively, these results establish fut as a critical virulence determinant in PWN and highlight its potential as a molecular target for controlling pine wilt disease. Full article

Probe-based capture represents a highly sensitive and cost-effective approach for overcoming host background and enriching viruses in metagenomic NGS (mNGS) libraries. Using clinical specimens collected globally from patients with fever or respiratory illness, we generated mNGS libraries by random priming and Nextera XT tagmentation, followed by target enrichment (teNGS) with Comprehensive Viral Research Panel (CVRP) probes. Capture pool sizes and total reads were optimized, and libraries were initially sequenced separately. Using only 3–4% of reads required for standard mNGS, teNGS achieved increased sensitivity, 100–10,000× increases in depth, and >50% genome coverage for pathogens with titers ≥ 1000 cp/mL. Application to >2000 clinical specimens from various matrices and to contrived samples containing viruses absent from the CVRP probe set enabled detection of diverse viral families and established a minimum 65% nucleotide identity for hybridization, respectively. To save time and resources, teNGS and mNGS libraries were then combined into one sequencing run: teamNGS. In addition to streamlining the workflow, teamNGS also improved genome recovery. Coupling methods maintain the sensitivity and coverage for viruses achieved by enrichment alone while also ensuring comprehensive recovery of non-viral microbes. teamNGS has the potential to improve patient management and lower the rates of unnecessary testing and antibiotic use. Full article

Background/Objectives: The functional architecture connecting speech production and reading comprehension remains unclear in multilinguals. This study investigated the cross-modal interaction between these systems in trilinguals to resolve the debate between Age of Acquisition (AoA) and usage frequency. Methods: We recruited 144 Uyghur (L1)–Chinese (L2)–English (L3) trilinguals, a population uniquely dissociating acquisition order from social dominance. Participants completed a production-to-comprehension priming paradigm, naming pictures in one language before performing a lexical decision task on translated words. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Results: Significant cross-language priming confirmed an integrated lexicon, yet a fundamental asymmetry emerged. The top-down influence of production was governed by AoA; earlier-acquired languages (specifically L1) generated more effective priming signals than L2. Conversely, the bottom-up efficiency of recognition was driven by social usage frequency; the socially dominant L2 was the most receptive target, surpassing the heritage L1. Conclusions: The trilingual lexicon operates via “Two Rules”: a history-driven production system (AoA) and an environment-driven recognition system (Social Usage). This asymmetrical baseline challenges simple bilingual extensions and clarifies the dynamics of multilingual language control. Full article

In this study, we explore writing development from Grade 3 to 6 in four groups of students with varying reading abilities measured in a screening in Grade 2 as follows: students with (1) poor word reading, (2) poor reading comprehension, (3) mixed difficulties, and (4) typical reading. The written texts were collected from the narrative writing assignments in the National Assessment Tests in Swedish (L1) in Grades 3 and 6. The texts were analysed in relation to vocabulary diversity (VocD), narrative text quality (Narrative Scoring Scheme), and text length (total number of words). A mixed ANOVA was used to explore between-group differences and within-group changes in writing measures from Grades 3 to 6. A significant main effect for time was found for vocabulary diversity, narrative text quality, and text length, indicating a growth in writing performance for all groups from Grade 3 to 6. There were no significant interaction effects between group and time. Furthermore, there was a significant main effect for group on all three written text measures. Post-hoc analyses revealed significant differences between the groups with typical reading and mixed difficulties on all written text measures. The results will be discussed in relation to the varying reading abilities among the four reading profiles and in relation to possible educational implications. Full article

Oculomotor reading behavior is influenced by both universal factors, like the “big three” of word length, frequency, and contextual predictability, and language-specific factors, such as script and grammar. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the “big three” factors on L2 reading focusing on a typologically distant L1/L2 pair with dramatic differences in script and grammar. A total of 41 native Chinese-speaking learners of Russian (levels A2-B2) and 40 native Russian speakers read a corpus of 90 Russian sentences for comprehension. Their eye movements were recorded with EyeLink 1000+. We analyzed both early (gaze duration and skipping rate) and late (regression rate and rereading time) eye movement measures. As expected, the “big three” effects influenced oculomotor behavior in both L1 and L2 readers, being more pronounced for L2, but substantial differences were also revealed. Word frequency in L1 reading primarily influenced early processing stages, whereas in L2 reading it remained significant in later stages as well. Predictability had an immediate effect on skipping rates in L1 reading, while L2 readers only exhibited it in late measures. Word length was the only factor that interacted with L2 language exposure which demonstrated adjustment to alphabetic script and polymorphemic word structure. Our findings provide new insights into the processing challenges of L2 readers with typologically distant L1 backgrounds. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous foodborne pathogen whose occurrence in food and food-processing environments raises public-health concerns, particularly when isolates carry antimicrobial-resistance determinants. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly used to detect resistance genes and to predict phenotypic resistance. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for original articles (2015–2024) that used second- and/or third-generation sequencing to characterize antibiotic resistance in L. monocytogenes from food and food-processing environments. After deduplication and screening, 58 studies were included from an initial 418 records. NGS reliably detected a set of recurrent resistance determinants across diverse sample types and geographies. The fosX locus (intrinsic fosfomycin-related marker) was effectively ubiquitous across studies, while acquired determinants were variably distributed: lin (35/58 studies, 60.34%), norB (33/58, 56.90%), and tetracycline genes overall in 20/58 (34.48%) with tetM as the most common (11/58, 18.97%). Reported concordance between the genotypes and phenotypes for acquired resistance was very high (>99% for most agents), with notable exceptions (e.g., ciprofloxacin and some fosfomycin cases). Common analysis pipelines and databases included ResFinder, CARD, BIGSdb-Lm, ABRicate, and ARIBA; most sequencing used Illumina short reads, with an increasing use of long-read or hybrid approaches. NGS is a powerful surveillance tool for detecting resistance determinants and for source-tracking, but its predictive value depends on integration with phenotypic testing, standardized reporting, and comprehensive, curated databases. Key gaps include inconsistent phenotype reporting, variable database coverage, and limited assessment of gene expression/regulatory effects. Full article

Water quality management is crucial for sustainable whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture, though little research has comprehensively investigated the spatiotemporal fluctuation of trace elements in tropical semi-intensive ponds. This study investigated the water quality variations and trace element concentrations in an earthen pond across a 56-day culture cycle during the dry season. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Mg) were measured concurrently with shrimp growth and survival. The DO and pH readings were observed to fluctuate significantly during the mid-to-late stages of culture, with DO nearing critical thresholds (<5.0 mg L⁻¹). A sudden increase in ammonia and nitrite levels suggested the accumulation of organic matter and a microbial imbalance. Zinc concentrations (0.28–1.00 mg L⁻¹) approached stress-inducing levels, while magnesium remained low (10.44–10.72 mg L⁻¹). Pearson’s correlation revealed strong positive associations between ammonia and nitrate (r = 0.95) and between DO and pH (r = 0.94), while Mg was negatively correlated with Fe (r = −0.99) and nitrite (r = −0.88). Shrimp achieved 13.43 ± 0.73 g mean weight, with 77.8% survival and an FCR of 1.08. These results provide baseline evidence that combined water quality and trace element monitoring can become an early warning framework for pond management. Future studies integrating shrimp physiology and immune responses are needed to establish direct causal relationships. Full article

Translanguaging has become a significant concept in applied linguistics, promoting inclusive education and equitable treatment of languages. However, despite its increasing prominence, the impact of translanguaging pedagogy on second-language (L2) reading proficiency and the methodological rigor of studies in this area remain insufficiently examined. This systematic review, conducted in alignment with the PRISMA guidelines, addresses these gaps by analyzing 21 studies comprising 25 samples that examine the relationship between translanguaging and L2 reading development. The findings indicate a small but statistically significant positive effect of translanguaging on L2 reading comprehension (g = 0.33, CI [0.21–0.45]), though considerable variation exists across studies. Qualitative research (k = 9) generally reports favorable outcomes, while quantitative studies (k = 16) present mixed findings—ten studies show positive effects, whereas six report no significant impact. The methodological assessment highlights several shortcomings, including the absence of a priori power analysis, inconsistencies in reporting instrument and coding reliability, insufficient transparency in data reporting, and vagueness in the implementation of translanguaging practices. Additionally, contextual trends reveal a need for more research in underrepresented regions and secondary school contexts. This review emphasizes the importance of conducting rigorous, contextually diverse research to validate translanguaging as an effective approach for enhancing L2 reading proficiency. Full article

Reading comprehension in Chinese as a second language (L2 Chinese) presents unique challenges due to the language’s logographic writing system. Analysis of oral reading miscues reveals specific patterns in L2 learners’ reading processes and comprehension difficulties. Despite established theoretical frameworks for miscue analysis in alphabetic languages, empirical research on miscues in logographic systems such as Chinese remains limited, particularly regarding their relationship with reading comprehension. This study investigates the relationship between oral reading miscues and literal comprehension of Chinese texts among L2 Chinese learners. Sixty-six intermediate-level Chinese learners from U.S. universities participated in the study. Oral reading and sentence-level translation tasks were administered to examine miscues and assess comprehension. Through analyzing the oral reading data, we identified 14 types of oral reading miscues, and they were categorized into four categories: orthographic, syntactic, semantic, and word processing miscues. Results showed strong negative correlations between oral reading miscues and comprehension. Orthographic, syntactic, and semantic miscues were negatively correlated with reading comprehension performance, while word processing miscues showed no significant correlation with comprehension. The findings reveal the complex relationship between character recognition, word processing behaviors, and comprehension in L2 Chinese reading, and suggest a need for a nuanced approach to oral reading error correction in L2 Chinese reading instruction. Based on the findings, pedagogical implications for effective reading instruction and reading assessment in L2 Chinese classrooms are discussed. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, with its incidence and recurrence rates steadily rising. To explore the relationship between CRC and longevity-associated genes (LAGs), and to offer new therapeutic avenues for CRC treatment, we developed a prognostic model based on these genes to predict the outcomes for CRC patients. Additionally, we conducted an immune correlation analysis. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effects of 81 LAGs in CRC by integrating multiple omics datasets. This analysis led to the identification of two distinct molecular subtypes and revealed that alterations in LAGs across various layers were linked to clinicopathological features, prognosis, and cell infiltration characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The training and validation cohorts for the models were derived from the TCGA-COAD, TCGA-READ, and GSE35279 datasets. Subsequently, we developed a risk score model, and the Kaplan–Meier method was employed to estimate overall survival (OS). Ultimately, we established a prognostic model based on five LAGs: BEDN3, EXOC3L2, CDKN2A, IL-13, and CAPN9. Furthermore, we assessed the correlations between the risk score and factors such as immune cell infiltration, microsatellite instability, and the stem cell index. Results: Our comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed a strong association between longevity genes and CRC. The risk score derived from the five newly identified LAGs was determined to be an independent prognostic factor for CRC. Patients categorized by this risk score demonstrated significant differences in immune status and microsatellite instability. Conclusions: Our comprehensive multi-omic analysis of LAGs highlighted their potential roles in the tumor immune microenvironment, clinicopathological features, and prognosis, offering new insights for the treatment of CRC. Full article

L2 reading fluency and accuracy are crucial aspects of second language (L2) acquisition, as they directly influence cognitive processing and overall reading comprehension. Developing these skills enables learners to engage with texts efficiently and build confidence in their reading abilities. This study uses reading software to examine the relationship between reading fluency and accuracy in the L2 learning context. Two primary research questions were addressed: the correlation between reading fluency and accuracy and potential gender-based differences in reading performance metrics, including reading time, comprehension, and developmental progress. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive relationship between fluency and accuracy, indicating that improvements in one skill are associated with enhancements in the other. Additionally, fluency and accuracy were positively correlated with reading comprehension and developmental measures, underscoring the interconnected nature of these skills. Gender comparisons, analyzed through independent t-tests, indicated no significant differences in reading software engagement or performance. This suggests the software provides equitable support across genders, enabling consistent skill development in fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. The findings highlight the critical role of technology in facilitating balanced reading instruction and offer insights into its potential to address diverse learner needs effectively. Full article

Existing studies have revealed that the reading comprehension ability of readers can be adversely affected by their psychosocial stress. Yet, the detailed impact of stress on various stages of text processing is understudied. This study aims to explore how the higher-level text processing ability, including syntactic parsing, sentence integration, and global text processing, of first language (L1) and second language (L2) English readers is affected under stress situations. In addition, the roles of trait anxiety, the central executive function moderating stress effects, in text processing were also examined. Twenty-two L1 readers and twenty-one L2 readers were asked to perform reading comprehension tasks under different stress situations. Eye-tracking technology was adopted to record participants’ visual behaviors while reading, and ten eye-movement measurements were computed to represent the effect of different types of text processing. The results demonstrate that the stress reduced the efficiency of syntactic parsing and sentence integration in both L1 and L2 groups, but only impaired global text processing in L2 readers. Specifically, L2 readers focused more on the topic structure of text to facilitate comprehension under stress situations. Moreover, only L1 readers’ higher-level text processing was affected by trait anxiety, while L2 readers’ processing was mainly related to their reading proficiency level. Future studies and applications were discussed. The findings advance our understanding of stress effects on different stages of higher-level text processing. They also have practical implications for developing interventions to help language learners suffering from stress disorders. Full article

The highly contagious FMDV is the agent responsible for foot-and-mouth disease, significantly impacting animals with cloven hooves and incurring substantial economic losses globally. The FMDV genome, composed of single-stranded RNA, consists of approximately 8500 nucleotides and harbors a single open reading frame (ORF) encoding both structural and non-structural proteins vital for the virus’s pathogenicity and replication. BHK-21 (baby hamster kidney) cells are the optimal cell line for FMDV culture due to their robust viral replication ability and high infection susceptibility. The insufficient elucidation of the host response to FMDV hampers progress towards the establishment of precise therapeutic interventions. To fill this void in understanding, samples from FMDV-challenged and control BHK-21 cells were systematically procured, with comprehensive transcriptome sequencing subsequently undertaken to delineate the gene expression landscapes of each group. A total of 4018 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 2044 were downregulated and 1974 were upregulated. The data indicate that FMDV infection significantly enhances transcription initiation in BHK-21. According to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, FMDV affects a number of immune-related processes as well as the movement of chemicals within cells. In the analysis of the protein–protein interaction network, Fos, Flt3lg, Rpl22l1, Ifi35, Ep300, and Rps16 emerged as pivotal hub proteins, underscoring their significant roles within the cellular interactome. The RT-qPCR experiment of Lgfb5, Ler2, Vgll3, and Ahr verified that the DEGs’ expression profiles matched the results of the RNA-seq investigation. The study’s findings have enhanced our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying FMDV pathogenesis and host interactions. Furthermore, the identification of key genes could serve as potential targets for therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools, thereby enhancing control measures for livestock foot-and-mouth disease and mitigating its economic impact. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, tremors, and cognitive disorders. Individuals with MS may employ different coping strategies to manage these symptoms, which in turn can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL). This review aims to analyze these coping strategies and their impact on QoL. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the key factors that influence the choice and effectiveness of these coping strategies, providing insights into which strategies are most beneficial for enhancing QoL in people with MS. Methods: Systematic searches were performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. This systematic review has been registered in OSF with the number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QY37X. Results: A total of 1192 studies were identified. After reading the full text of the selected studies and applying predefined inclusion criteria, 19 studies were included based on their pertinence and relevance to the topic. The results revealed that emotional variables, demographic factors, personality traits, and family support significantly influence the choice of coping strategies used to manage the symptoms of MS. Problem-solving and task-oriented coping were prevalent among MS patients and associated with better QoL outcomes. Emotional-focused and avoidance strategies were generally linked to poorer QoL, though avoidance provided temporary relief in certain contexts. Social support, emotional health, and cognitive reframing were crucial in enhancing QoL. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of tailored psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions focusing on emotional health, social support, and adaptive coping strategies. These interventions can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for individuals with MS. Future research should explore the dynamic interactions between coping strategies and QoL over time, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to best support MS patients in managing their disease. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been responsible for the globally devastating epidemics in wild and domesticated pigs. Of the 24 identified ASFV genotypes, genotype II is the primary cause for the pandemic occurring in Europe and Asia since its emergence in Georgia in 2007. The current study aimed to characterize the full-length genomic pattern of the ASFV strain from Thailand, TH1_22/CR (Accession No. PP915735), which was then compared with genomic diversity across other Asian isolates using Georgia 2007/1 (Accession No. FR682468) as the reference. Viral DNA was isolated from the pig spleen sample following library preparation and paired-end sequencing using the MiSeq Illumina platform. The sequenced TH1_22/CR isolate spanned 189,395 nucleotides encoding 193 open reading frames (ORFs), exhibiting maximum nucleotide similarity (99.99%) with Georgian (Georgia 2007/1) and Chinese (Wuhan 2019-1 and China HLJ) isolates. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the TH1_22/CR isolate (Accession No. PP915735) was characterized as genotype II, serogroup 8, and IGR-II due to the presence of three tandem repeat sequences (TRSs). Genetic variations including SNPs and single and polynucleotide indels were identified in TH1_22/CR in agreement with other Asian isolates. For comprehensive analysis, the genome was divided into four regions (I–IV) based on gene location. Overall, the TH1_22/CR isolate demonstrated eight SNPs and indels in its genome. Two unique SNPs were reported in the coding regions of the TH1_22/CR isolate, out of which, a C-591-T substitution was seen in MGF 360-4L and a C-297-T was found in A238L, and four unique SNPs were reported in non-coding regions (NCRs). Furthermore, a 29 bp deletion was observed in the IGR between MGF 110-13La and MGF 110-13Lb, as well as 52 bp deletion in the ASFV G ACD 00350 gene. This comparative analysis establishes the foundational information for future studies on the diversity and phylogeography of this regionally significant genetic sub-group of ASFV. Full article