Search Results (611)

Surveillance of swine influenza A virus (swIAV) traditionally focuses on respiratory matrices, yet emerging evidence suggests that fecal shedding and secondary environmental contamination may also contribute to viral dissemination. In this study, we collected and analyzed nasal, rectal, environmental, milk, and colostrum samples from naturally infected pigs in a commercial farm in Minas Gerais, Brazil. IAV RNA was detected in 25% of samples, including 42% from asymptomatic animals, with nasal swabs showing higher detection rates (30%) than rectal swabs (20%), though rectal Ct values were consistently higher, indicative of lower viral loads. We successfully isolated viable viruses from feces and effluent samples. Whole-genome sequencing revealed co-circulation of enzootic pH1N1 clade #2 (HA) and pN1 clade #4 (NA), alongside human-origin H3N2 sequences clustering within clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.1, and N2 segments related to pre-3C human lineages from 2001 to 2002. Phylogenetic and p-distance analyses support both recent reverse zoonosis and historical transmission events. Detection of complete HA/NA sequences from rectal swabs and treated effluent further emphasizes the surveillance value of non-respiratory matrices. The integration of respiratory and fecal/environmental sampling appears important to achieve more comprehensive IAV monitoring in swine herds and may have significant implications for One Health strategies in Brazil and beyond. Full article

The Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, located in southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, has been significantly impacted by historical mining activities, which resulted in environmental degradation, including acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal contamination. This study evaluates the potential of PRISMA hyperspectral imagery for multi-temporal mapping of AMD-related minerals in two mining-affected drainage basins: Beal and Gorguel. Key minerals indicative of AMD—iron oxides and hydroxides (hematite, jarosite, goethite), gypsum, and aluminium-bearing clays—were identified and mapped using band ratios applied to PRISMA data acquired over five dates between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, Sentinel-2 data were incorporated in the analysis due to their higher temporal resolution to complement iron oxide and hydroxide evolution from PRISMA. Results reveal distinct temporal and spatial patterns in mineral distribution, influenced by seasonal precipitation and climatic factors. Jarosite was predominant after torrential precipitation events, reflecting recent AMD deposition, while gypsum exhibited seasonal variability linked to evaporation cycles. Goethite and hematite increased in drier conditions, indicating transitions in oxidation states. Validation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), laboratory spectral curves, and a larger time-series of Sentinel-2 imagery demonstrated strong correlations, confirming PRISMA’s effectiveness for iron oxides and hydroxides and gypsum identification and monitoring. However, challenges such as noise, striping effects, and limited image availability affected the accuracy of aluminium-bearing clay mapping and limited long-term trend analysis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pancreatic fistula and post-hepatectomy liver failure remain significant complications after HPB surgery; however, superficial surgical site infection (SSI) is the most frequent wound-related complication. Closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) has been proposed to reduce superficial contamination, yet no liver-focused quantitative synthesis exists. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic ciNPWT after hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed were searched from inception to 30 April 2025. Randomized and comparative observational studies that compared ciNPWT with conventional dressings after elective liver transplantation, hepatectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, and liver resections were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (RoB-2/ROBINS-I). A random-effects Mantel–Haenszel model generated pooled risk ratios (RRs) for superficial SSI; secondary outcomes were reported descriptively. Results: Twelve studies (seven RCTs, five cohorts) encompassing 15,212 patients (3561 ciNPWT; 11,651 control) met the inclusion criteria. Device application lasted three to seven days in all trials. The pooled analysis demonstrated a 29% relative reduction in superficial SSI with ciNPWT (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.63–0.79; p < 0.001) with negligible heterogeneity (I² 0%). Absolute risk reduction ranged from 0% to 13%, correlating positively with the baseline control-group SSI rate. Deep/organ-space SSI (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79–1.09) and 90-day mortality (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69–1.28) were unaffected. Seven studies documented a 1- to 3-day shorter median length of stay; only two reached statistical significance. Device-related adverse events were rare (one seroma, no skin necrosis). Conclusions: Prophylactic ciNPWT safely reduces superficial SSI after high-risk HPB surgery, with the greatest absolute benefit when baseline SSI risk exceeds ≈10%. Its influence on deep infection and mortality is negligible. Full article

Abandoned smelting sites in karst terrain pose a serious environmental problem due to the complex relationship between specific hydrogeological elements and heavy metal contamination. This review combines work from across the globe to consider how karst-specific features (i.e., rapid underground drainage, high permeability, and carbonate mineralogy) influence the mobility, speciation, and bioavailability of “metallic” pollutants, such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and As. In some areas, such as Guizhou (China), the Cd content in the surface soil is as high as 23.36 mg/kg, indicating a regional risk. Molecular-scale analysis, such as synchrotron-based XAS, can elucidate the speciation forms that underlie toxicity and remediation potential. Additionally, we emphasize discrepancies between karst in Asia, Europe, and North America and synthesize cross-regional contamination events. The risk evaluation is complicated, particularly when dynamic flow systems and spatial heterogeneity are permanent, and deep models like DI-NCPI are required as a matter of course. The remediation is still dependent on the site; however, some technologies, such as phytoremediation, biosorption, and bioremediation, are promising if suitable geochemical and microbial conditions are present. This review presents a framework for integrating molecular data and hydrogeological concepts to inform the management of risk and sustainable remediation of legacy metal pollution in karst. Full article

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the non-Mendelian transfer of genetic material between organisms, is relatively frequent in prokaryotes, whereas its extent among eukaryotes remains unclear. Here, we raise the hypothesis of a possible cross-phylum HGT event involving 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). A specific type of 5S rDNA sequence from the anuran Xenopus laevis was highly similar to a 5S rDNA sequence of the genome of its flatworm parasite Protopolystoma xenopodis. A maximum likelihood analysis revealed phylogenetic incongruence between the gene tree and the species trees, as the 5S rDNA sequence from Pr. xenopodis was grouped along with the sequences from the anurans. Sequence divergence analyses of the gene region and non-transcribed spacer also agree with an HGT event from Xenopus to Pr. xenopodis. Additionally, we examined whether contamination of the Pr. xenopodis genome assembly with frog DNA could explain our findings but found no evidence to support this hypothesis. These findings highlight the possible contribution of HGT to the high diversity observed in the 5S rDNA family. Full article

Background: In order to address complex scenarios in anti-doping science, especially in cases where an unintentional exposure of athletes to prohibited substances and a corresponding contamination of doping control samples at the collection event are argued, an understanding of tissue-specific drug metabolism is essential. Hence, in this study, the metabolic capacity of the seminal vesicle using in vitro assays was investigated. Methods: The aim was to assess whether selected doping-relevant substances—stanozolol, LGD-4033, GW1516, trimetazidine, and anastrozole—are metabolised in seminal vesicle cellular fractions (SV-S9) and how that metabolism compares to biotransformations induced by human liver S9 fractions (HL-S9). Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution/accurate mass spectrometry (LC HRAM MS) enabled the sensitive detection and identification of metabolites, revealing a limited metabolic activity of SV-S9. Results: For LGD-4033, GW1516, and trimetazidine, minor metabolic transformations were observed, whereas no metabolites of stanozolol or anastrozole were detected. Gene expression analysis using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) confirmed transcripts of CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP2C9 in SV-S9, though no enzymatic activity was detected. Gene expression and enzymatic activity in CYP3A4 and CYP1A2—major hepatic enzymes—were absent in SV-S9. Conclusions: Overall, these pilot study results suggest that the seminal vesicle has only a low capacity for xenobiotic metabolism, which translates into a limited role in the biotransformation of drugs and, hence, the metabolic pattern. Full article

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a growing environmental concern due to their adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems, human health, and economic activities. These blooms are driven by a combination of factors, including nutrient enrichment, environmental factors, and hydrological conditions, leading to the excessive growth of algae. HABs produce toxins that threaten aquatic biodiversity, contaminate drinking water, and cause economic losses in fisheries and tourism. The causes of HABs are multifaceted, involving interactions between environmental factors such as temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels. Agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution introduce excessive nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies, fueling bloom formation. Climate change further exacerbates the problem by altering precipitation patterns, increasing water temperatures, and intensifying coastal upwelling events, all of which create favorable conditions for HAB proliferation. This review explores the causes, ecological consequences, and potential mitigation strategies for HABs. Effective monitoring and detection methods, including satellite remote sensing, molecular biotechnology, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive models, offer promising avenues for early intervention. Sustainable management strategies such as nutrient load reductions, bioremediation, and regulatory policies can help mitigate the adverse effects of HABs. Public awareness and community involvement also play a crucial role in preventing and managing HAB events by promoting responsible agricultural practices, reducing waste discharge, and supporting conservation efforts. By examining existing literature and case studies, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches to regulate HABs. Full article

Understanding how marine debris accumulates within coastal ecosystems is a crucial aspect of predicting its long-term environmental and biological consequences. The release and subsequent dispersion of 50 billion microplastic pellets from the fire and subsequent sinking of the container ship X-Press Pearl along the western coast of Sri Lanka in 2021 provides an important case study. Here, we present a three-dimensional assessment of pellet accumulation (number density) along affected beaches and compare this with other common microplastic particles one year following the incident. Surveys confirmed that pellets were still widely present in the surface sediments of ocean beaches, with some locations returning average densities of 588 pellets m² (very high according to the global Pellet Pollution Index [PPI]). Profiling deeper into beach sediments showed pellets were present to depths of 30 cm; however, most were restricted to the top 10 cm. Our observations of persistent pellet contamination of beaches along Sri Lanka’s west coast emphasize the need for continued monitoring of these types of events to assess the magnitude and persistence of risks to the environment, wildlife, and human well-being. Full article

Background: Phytoremediation is an efficient approach for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils. Heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs)—crucial for metal ion homeostasis—are unique to vascular plants, featuring a heavy metal-associated (HMA) domain and an isoprenylated CaaX motif. However, ZmHIPP genes have not been systematically or functionally characterized in maize. Methods: This study characterizes ZmHIPP at the genome-wide level, including phylogenetic classification, motif/gene structure, chromosome location, gene duplication events, promoter elements, and tissue expression patterns. Cadmium (Cd) responses were evaluated by specific ZmHIPP expression and Cd accumulation in shoots and roots under Cd treatment. Results: A total of 66 ZmHIPPs were distributed unevenly across ten chromosomes, classified into five phylogenetic groups phylogenetically. Gene collinearity revealed 26 pairs of segmental duplications in ZmHIPPs. Numerous synteny genes were detected in rice and sorghum, but none in Arabidopsis, suggesting high conservation of HIPP genes in crop evolution. Transcriptomic analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of ZmHIPP members in maize. Cis-acting element analysis linked several binding elements to abscisic acid, MeJA response, and MYB and MYC transcription factors. Under Cd stress, 53 out of 66 ZmHIPP genes were significantly induced, exhibiting three expression patterns. Cd exposure confirmed that the expression of ZmHIPP11, ZmHIPP30, and ZmHIPP48 was generally higher in shoots than roots, while ZmHIPP02 and ZmHIPP57 exhibited the opposite. Cd accumulation was higher in roots than shoots, peaking at 72 h (96 mg/kg) in shoots and exceeding 1000 mg/kg in roots after 120 h. Conclusions: This study not only provides fundamental genetic and molecular insights into HIPP function in maize but also identifies specific ZmHIPP genes as promising genetic resources for breeding Cd-tolerant maize, aiding in phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils. Full article

This work proposes an insight into the mycotoxins detected in wheat from the 2023 and 2024 harvests in Belgium and highlights the link between agronomic conditions and mycotoxin contamination. The study utilized samples from a Belgian trial network, covering nine locations in 2023 and eight in 2024, ensuring diverse pedoclimatic contexts and including 11 different varieties. Sowing and harvest dates, previous crops and meteorological data were collected for these locations. A validated UPLC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin method able to detect 20 mycotoxins, regulated or not, was used. Deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and enniatins B and B1 were detected in the 2023 and 2024 samples. Enniatin A1 was only detected in the 2024 samples. Mycotoxin contamination was higher in 2024 compared to 2023, in terms of both the number of contaminated samples and the contamination levels. Enniatins B and B1, non-regulated mycotoxins, were widely detected in the 2024 wheat samples, with enniatin B detected in 68 out 88 samples ranging from 12 to 488 µg/kg. Differences between the wheat varieties were observed, with some varieties showing significantly higher contamination. Additionally, geographic location appeared to influence contamination levels, which could be related to previous crops or meteorological events. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of mycotoxin co-contamination in wheat samples from diverse pedoclimatic contexts in Belgium based over 2 years. It shows the importance of weather conditions on mycotoxin contamination. It also emphasizes the importance of variety selection to manage mycotoxin contamination. Full article

The systematics and phylogeny of the most speciose genus (Leopardus) of the felidae have historically been contentious and problematic. These issues have been compounded with the recent advancement of genetic techniques that make it possible to detect events such as incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), punctual historical ancestral introgression (PHAI), and repetitive introgression or recent hybridization (RI-RH). Each of these events have noteworthily affected the Leopardus genus. One Leopardus taxon (Leopardus tigrinus, herein called tigrina) has been especially complex from a phylogenetic point of view. In the last decade, one new species has been reported (L. guttulus) and two other new species likely exist within the tigrinas (L. emiliae and L. pardinoides). However, the most surprising find was the discovery of a new and not previously reported tigrina, the Nariño cat, from the southern Andean region of Colombia (2023). Later that same year, a new paper criticized the discovery. In response to that criticism, herein, we provide new molecular genetics results of the Nariño cat as well as new insights into the molecular phylogeny of the tigrinas inside the Leopardus genus: (1) In this new work, we analyzed the mtND5 gene of Nariño cat samples collected over four years (2001, 2007, 2017, 2023) as well as analyzed mitogenomes of Nariño cat samples collected in three different years (2001, 2017, 2023). The temporal Nariño cat samples (2001, 2007, 2017, 2023) refer to samples taken from a single specimen across different years. Based on these analyses, data from 2001 and 2007 represent the most reliable information. In contrast, samples from 2017 and 2023 may be contaminated with DNA from the Pampas cat and tigrina, respectively. (2) On the other hand, based on sequencing the mtND5 gene of 164 specimens of Leopardus, northern Andean and Central American tigrinas (37 specimens) are divided into at least six different groups (without counting the Nariño cat). Based on our analysis of sequenced mitogenomes of 102 specimens (including 34 northern Andean and Central American tigrinas) of the Leopardus genus, there are at least eight different groups of tigrinas (without counting the Nariño cat). Henceforth, there are strong datasets which support the existence of multiple lineages within the presumed “a priori” northern Andean tigrina and thus much of the genetic diversity of this wild cat has gone unnoticed. There are a series of potential taxa that have gone unnoticed due to a lack of sampling of this polyphyletic Andean feline. Full article

Stream–aquifer interactions, as well as surface water/groundwater interactions within wetlands, require a solution of complex partial differential equations of flow and contaminant transport, namely a deterministic approach. Groundwater level (GWL) responses to precipitation, particularly for extreme value events such as annual maxima, require a probabilistic approach to evaluate potential climate trends. It is commonly assumed that the distribution of annual maxima series (AMS) precipitation follows the generalized extreme value distribution (GEV). If the extremes of the data are nonstationary, it is possible to incorporate this knowledge into the parameters of the GEV. This approach is also applied to the computed annual maxima of daily groundwater level data. Nonstationary versus stationary time series for both groundwater level and AMS 24-h duration precipitation are compared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stations with nearby wells. Predicted extreme value analysis (EVA) climate trends for wells penetrating limestone aquifers directly beneath rainfall monitoring stations at major airports indicate similar GWL response. Groundwater levels at wells located near coastlines are partially impacted by sea level rise. An extreme value analysis of the GWL is shown to be a useful tool to confirm hydrologic connections and long-term climate trends. Full article

The South Tianshan records the latest accretionary and collisional events in the southwestern Altaids, but the internal subduction-related processes are controversial. This study provides an integrative analysis of a newly identified Late Carboniferous adakitic granodiorite from the South Tianshan, incorporating geochronological, zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr-Nd isotopic data. Zircon U-Pb analysis indicates that the granite was emplaced at 310 ± 2.5 Ma. Based on major element compositions, the granodiorite belongs to medium-K calc-alkaline weakly peraluminous series (A/CNK = 0.95–1.09). The samples exhibit typical high-silica adakitic affinity, as evidenced by the elevated contents of SiO₂ (67.75–69.27 wt.%), Al₂O₃ (15.29–15.90 wt.%), Sr (479–530 ppm), and Ba (860–910 ppm); low concentrations of Yb (0.43–0.47 ppm) and Y (7.12–7.44 ppm); high Sr/Y ratios (67–72); and slight Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.89–1.03). The sodium-rich composition (K₂O/Na₂O = 0.48–0.71) is comparable to adakitic rocks from slab-derived melts. Elevated concentrations of Ni (22.12–24.25 ppm), Cr (33.20–37.86 ppm), Co (6.32–6.75 ppm), and V (30.33–32.48 ppm), along with high Mg# values (55–57), suggest melt–mantle interaction during magma ascent. The slightly enriched isotopic signatures, characterized by higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.706086–0.706205) and lower ε_Nd(t) (−3.09 to –2.47) and ε_Hf(t) (−3.11 to +7.66) values, point to notable sedimentary contributions, potentially through source contamination and/or shallow-level crustal contamination. By integrating the new results with previously published data, we consider that the adakitic granodiorite was generated by partial melting of the subducted oceanic crust, triggered by asthenospheric upwelling associated with the southward rollback of the north-dipping South Tianshan oceanic lithosphere. Our data provide new insights into Late Carboniferous retreating subduction along the southern active margin of the Yili-Central Tianshan and the accretionary architecture of the southern Altaids. Full article

Snow cover constitutes a medium that can be used as a way of assessing air pollution. The chemical composition of snow layers from the same snowfall event reflects the composition of atmospheric aerosols and dry precipitates, depending on the properties of the adsorbing surface and prevailing weather conditions. Analyzing snow samples provides reliable insights into anthropogenic pollution accumulated in soil and groundwater of different land use type areas, as well as allows the evaluation of the degree and sources of environmental pollution. The aim of the research was to determine the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in various sites of Zawoja village and identify their possible sources and factors influencing their differentiation. A total of 15 surface snow samples of the same thickness and snowfall origin were collected from different locations in the village in the winter of 2024. The samples were pre-concentrated by solid phase extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. The sampling set was invented, and the extraction procedure and analysis parameters were optimized. A spatial distribution map of PAHs was created. The contamination of ∑16PAHs varied from 710 to 2310 ng/L in melted snow with the highest concentrations detected in Zawoja Markowa by the border of the Babia Góra National Park, which is interpreted mainly as a result of the topographical setting. Medium molecular weight PAHs were the dominant fraction, which, combined with specific PAH ratios, indicate the combustion of biomass and coal as the main source of contamination. Full article

Following heavy metal pollution caused by thallium in watersheds, people typically employ emergency treatment methods such as water sampling and transfer for dilution or in situ coagulation and precipitation. However, the thallium that is adsorbed by the precipitates in the sediment persists for a long time and is gradually released, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem. In this study, the 16S rRNA sequencing method was used to simulate the effects of water dilution or in situ coagulation and precipitation on microbial communities through thallium impact loading and thallium-containing iron floc shaking bottle experiments. The emendation of Fe(III) floc led to an increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota. Meanwhile, Nitrospira and Proteobacteria exhibited distinct tolerances to Tl shock and Tl floc stress, respectively. Thallium pollution inhibited the reduction in nitric oxide and nitrogen fixation while increasing the relative abundance of the napA/B genes and decreasing the relative abundance of narG/H genes involved in nitrate reduction. This study offers new insights into the effects of various emergency treatment measures on river ecosystems following sudden thallium pollution, particularly from the perspective of microbial community composition and biogeochemical cycles. Full article