Search Results (1,730)

Anthracnose is one of the main diseases of mango, which seriously affects the yield and quality. Previous studies found that mango anthracnose in China involves at least 13 species of Colletotrichum. From mango with anthracnose symptoms samples, we previously obtained 134 strains from 13 species, and 26.0% were C. fructicola, while 27.6% were C. siamense, and 31.3% were C. asianum, with a few specimens for each of the remaining species. These three main species were used in intraspecific mating tests to assess sexual reproduction. The intraspecific mating tests revealed that C. fructicola and C. siamense readily produced ascospores, while C. asianum did not. From the 595 intraspecific crosses with 35 isolates of C. fructicola, 34 crosses were considered fertile. Among these, thirty single-ascospore isolates were chosen for pathogenicity testing and genetic variation analysis (ITS and ApMat loci). The results revealed that some progeny showed higher aggressiveness than their parents, while some progeny showed lower aggressiveness. Future tests are needed to assess the genetic basis of these aggressiveness differences. The results provide a scientific basis for further research on sexual reproduction and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum, which may allow for comprehensive disease prevention and control. Full article

Drinking water pipe biofilms, comprising viable microorganisms, microbial residues, and organic/inorganic particulates, pose significant risks to water safety by promoting the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, pipe corrosion, and degradation of water quality. Their formation is strongly influenced by environmental conditions within the piping system. However, there is a lack of systematic research investigating the potential correlations between biofilm microbiota and the oral microbiomes of intensively farmed swine, as well as the age-dependent regulatory mechanisms shaping aquatic microbial communities. This pioneering study conducted a comparative analysis of biofilm microbiota from swine house water pipes and oral microbiomes across three growth stages (30-day BBF, 70-day NBF, and 110-day FBF groups), yielding three key findings. First, the biofilm biomass and dominant bacterial genera (e.g., Brevibacterium in BBF vs. Brevundimonas in FBF) exhibited stage-specific variations associated with swine age. Second, while the oral microbiomes showed no significant taxonomic divergence at the phylum or genus level, they shared characteristic phyla, including Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, with pipe biofilms, indicating potential cross-habitat microbial interactions. Third, the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) adeF was consistently detected at high prevalence across all biofilm groups. These findings offer new insights into microbial transmission dynamics and inform risk mitigation strategies for livestock water supply systems. Full article

Intracellular parasitic infections continue to pose significant public health and veterinary challenges globally, driven by their ability to evade immune responses, persist within host cells, and spread through complex transmission pathways. Caused by a diverse array of protozoan, helminthic, and arthropod-borne parasites, these infections, such as toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and tick-borne diseases, remain prevalent across many regions, often exacerbated by environmental, socio-economic, and ecological factors. This review explores the current knowledge on intracellular parasitic diseases, outlining parasite classification, immune evasion mechanisms, diagnostic difficulties, and control strategies. Special attention is given to recent advancements in vaccine development, with a focus on experimental and licensed vaccines targeting intracellular pathogens. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of a ‘One Health’ approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts to address the multifaceted nature of parasitic transmission and control. Within this global context, Armenia serves as a case study, offering insight into how local ecological conditions, vector distribution, public health capacity, and social determinants shape the national burden of these infections. Challenges in Armenia, such as limited access to advanced diagnostics, underreporting, and the need for robust surveillance systems, underscore broader regional needs for investment in research, infrastructure, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Full article

Extracellular particles (EPs), an umbrella term encompassing membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) and non-vesicular extracellular particles ([NVEPs], previously described as extracellular condensates [ECs]) contain a complex cargo of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, reflecting the physiological state of their cell of origin. Identifying proteins associated with EPs that regulate host responses to physiological and pathophysiological processes is of critical importance. Here, we report the findings of our study to gain insight into the proteins associated with NVEPs. We used samples from human semen, the rat brain, and the rhesus macaque (RM) brain and blood to assess the physical properties and proteome profiles of NVEPs from these specimens. The results show significant differences in the zeta potential, concentration, and size of NVEPs across different species. We identified 938, 51, and 509 total proteins from NVEPs isolated from rat brain tissues, RM blood, and human seminal plasma, respectively. The species-specific protein networks show distinct biological themes, while the species-conserved protein interactome was identified with six proteins (ALB, CST3, FIBA/FGA, GSTP1, PLMN/PLG, PPIA) associated with NVEPs in all samples. The six NVEP-associated proteins are prone to aggregation and formation of wide, insoluble, unbranched filaments with a cross-beta sheet quaternary structure, such as amyloid fibrils. Protein-to-function analysis indicates that the six identified proteins are linked to the release of dopamine, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, replication of RNA viruses, HIV-HCV co-infection, and inflammation. These interesting findings have created an opportunity to evaluate NVEPs for their potential use as biomarkers of health and disease. Additional in-depth studies are needed to clarify when and how these proteins sustain their physiological role or transition to pathogenic roles. Full article

Pasteurella multocida is capable of infecting various animal species, causing hemorrhagic septicemia or infectious pneumonia, and it is widely prevalent and pathogenic worldwide. However, the prevention and control technologies for animal pasteurellosis remain relatively under-developed, with a heavy reliance on the traditional inactivated vaccines and live attenuated vaccines developed in the mid-20th century. A previous systematic review summarized research progress in the field of inactivated vaccines for animal pasteurellosis and revealed that inactivated vaccines exhibit high levels of homologous protective efficacy, albeit with a relatively short duration of immunity and limited cross-protection between different serotypes. Live attenuated vaccines are known to exhibit significant advantages, including a prolonged duration of immunity, strong cross-protective capacity, and low production costs. Throughout the history of vaccine development, various live attenuated vaccines have been extensively used as critical tools for preventing and controlling infectious diseases in animals and humans and combating antimicrobial resistance, substantially reducing the morbidity and mortality rates of regional or international epidemics. The developmental history of live attenuated vaccines against Pasteurella multocida has primarily encompassed three distinct research and application periods, characterized by natural attenuated vaccines, traditional attenuated vaccines, and genetically engineered live attenuated vaccines. Here, we comprehensively review the research and application history of natural attenuated vaccines for Pasteurella multocida. Our aim was to provide theoretical foundations and novel perspectives for the development of a new generation of live attenuated vaccines against pasteurellosis in livestock and poultry. Full article

The H7N9 influenza viruses, which are capable of causing severe respiratory syndrome in humans, were first discovered to infect humans in 2013 and continue to pose a persistent public health threat. Quail has been proposed as a potential intermediate host that may facilitate the emergence of novel reassorted influenza A viruses with the capacity to infect humans across species barriers; however, information on the biological characterization of quail H7N9 remains limited. In this study, we isolated and identified an avian H7N9 influenza virus from quails, designated as A/quail/Hebei/CH06-07/2018 (H7N9) and abbreviated as CH06-07, in Hebei, China. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that both the HA gene and the NA gene of CH06-07 were clustered in the Eurasian lineage. Furthermore, CH06-07 exhibited binding affinity for both α2,3-linked and α2,6-linked sialic acid receptors and demonstrated high pathogenicity in both quails and mice. Notably, transmission studies revealed that CH06-07 not only exhibited efficient inter-quail transmission and inter-guinea pig transmission but also demonstrated effective cross-species transmission. Importantly, infected quails and guinea pigs generated significant quantities of viral aerosols (≥18,998 ± 1672 copies per liter of air at 3 days post-infection), and infectious viruses were successfully recovered from environmental aerosols. These findings highlight the necessity for continuous surveillance of the prevalence of quail-origin H7N9 influenza A viruses in poultry populations due to their potential threat to human health. Full article

This study presents the results of scientific research analyzing the resistance to late blight in created potato hybrids of various maturity groups and the possibility of identifying early-maturing forms with increased resistance to both leaf and tuber late blight. The aim of the study is to evaluate potato breeding material for resistance to late blight, identify combinations for crossing with a high percentage of disease-resistant and early-maturing forms. The methods of field, laboratory, and statistical research were employed. The article presents the results of breeding work on evaluating potato varieties and hybrids to create breeding material resistant to late blight. Maternal and paternal forms were identified, along with crossing combinations yielding a large number of disease-resistant offspring. Hybrids and breeding material have been developed, combining resistance: 13 hybrids to late blight of leaves and tubers, and 14 hybrids combining resistance to late blight and early maturity. These hybrids will be further used in breeding practices to develop new potato varieties resistant to late blight. Based on the conducted research, the following main conclusions were formulated: parental forms and crossing combinations were identified, which provide the majority of late blight-resistant offspring and are valuable for breeding practices. Hybrids combining resistance to late blight of leaves and tubers, as well as resistance to late blight and early maturity, have been developed. The breeding material will be used as a basis for creating new potato varieties resistant to the pathogen. In 2022–2023, work on the breeding project was completed, resulting in the identification of combinations forming from 0.2 to 2.5% of forms resistant to late blight of leaves and tubers in combination with early maturity. As a result of the research, hybrids derived from the crosses Slavyanka/Povin, 04/21c31/Bellarosa, and Virinea/Strumok have been identified. These hybrids, named Solomia, Sofia, and Mirami, were submitted for trials in 2022–2023. The varieties Mirami and Solomia combine early maturity with resistance to late blight of leaves, while Sofia combines early maturity with resistance to late blight of tubers. Full article

Stray cats (Felis vaga) are key hosts for feline and zoonotic pathogens. From June to August 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional study across six districts in Shenzhen, China, involving 126 cats sampled from three types of sites. Multiple specimens were tested via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for feline coronavirus type I (FCoV-I), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus type I (FHV-I), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and rabies virus (RABV); serum was analyzed for RABV-neutralizing antibodies by the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization (FAVN) assay. The overall pathogen positivity was 89.68%. FPV was most prevalent (61.90%), followed by FCV (57.14%), FCoV-I (46.83%), and FHV-I (23.02%). No RABV nucleic acid was detected. The co-infection rate reached 62.70%, primarily dual infections (33.33%). Geographical variation was observed, with significantly higher FCoV-I in Longgang than Futian (p < 0.05). RABV seropositivity was only 6.00%. FCV and FPV co-occurred most frequently (Jaccard = 0.456). All pathogen pairs had relative risk (RR) > 1, suggesting non-random co-infections, though not significant after correction. In summary, major feline pathogens are widespread with frequent co-infections among Shenzhen stray cats, while low rabies immunity indicates potential public health risk. Targeted control measures are warranted. Full article

Enteroviruses (EVs), particularly those within the species Enterovirus A and B, represent a significant global public health burden, especially in infants and young children. While often causing self-limiting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), certain serotypes can lead to severe neurological and cardiopulmonary complications. This comprehensive review focuses on the major pathogenic serotypes, including enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16), coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6), coxsackievirus B3 (CV-B3), and enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). We began by reconstructing a phylogenetic tree based on VP1 protein sequences, elucidating the genetic relationships and evolutionary patterns among these serotypes, which underpin their diverse antigenicity and epidemiology. Building upon this genetic foundation, the review then provides a detailed synthesis of their distinct pathogenesis, highlighting the five-phase clinical progression from exanthematous phase to convalescence, and their unique tropisms for target organs such as the central nervous system and heart. Progressing to the molecular mechanisms, a critical component of this work is a systematic summary of the specific host receptors that mediate viral entry, including SCARB2 for EV-A71 and CV-A16, sialic acid and ICAM-5 for EV-D68, and CAR/CD55 for CV-B3, explaining the mechanistic basis for their tissue specificity and pathogenicity. Finally, to translate these insights into clinical applications, we critically evaluate the current landscape of vaccine development, noting the high efficacy (~90%) of inactivated EV-A71 vaccines in Asia and the significant global success of poliovirus vaccines, while also addressing the stark lack of cross-protective or licensed vaccines for other prevalent serotypes like CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68. The review concludes that the high genetic diversity and serotype-specific immunity of enteroviruses pose a major challenge, necessitating a concerted shift towards the development of broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics informed by an integrated understanding of viral evolution, receptor usage, and pathogenesis. Full article

Avian reovirus (ARV), a highly pathogenic agent in poultry, causes severe economic losses through immunosuppression and secondary infections. Traditional diagnostic methods like reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) face limitations in resource-limited settings due to equipment dependency and prolonged processing. To address this, we developed a rapid, portable detection method integrating reverse transcription–recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) with CRISPR/Cas12a. By targeting the conserved P17-coding region of the ARV S1 gene, this assay amplifies viral RNA isothermally (37 °C) within 20 min, followed by Cas12a-mediated collateral cleavage of fluorescent or lateral flow reporters for visual readout. The method achieved a sensitivity of 1 copy/μL, surpassing RT-qPCR (10 copies/μL), and completed detection in 40 min. Specificity tests against non-target pathogens confirmed zero cross-reactivity. Utilizing a portable incubator and low-cost visual tools, this platform eliminates reliance on thermocyclers and skilled personnel. Its field-deployable design enables on-site diagnosis, facilitating early ARV detection to mitigate outbreaks and economic losses in poultry farming. This study provides a paradigm shift in avian pathogen surveillance, combining speed, sensitivity, and accessibility for global agricultural and public health applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a highly heterogeneous disorder accounting for ~10% of all males with ID. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the discovery of causal XLID genes and variants; however, many cases remain unresolved. We present a four-generation syndromic XLID family with multiple males exhibiting variable degree of ID, focal dystonia and epilepsy. Methods: Extensive cytogenetic and targeted genetic testing was initially performed, followed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and short-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Apart from the routine NGS analysis pipelines, sequencing data was revisited by focusing on poorly covered/mapped regions on chromosome X (chrX), to potentially reveal unidentified clinically relevant variants. Candidate variant validation and family segregation analysis were performed with Sanger sequencing. Results: All initial diagnostic testing was negative. Subsequently, 300 previously reported “dark” chrX coding DNA sequences, overlapping 97 genes, were cross-checked against 29 chrX genes highly associated (p < 0.05) with ID and focal dystonia, according to Phenomizer. Manual inspection of the existing NGS data in two low-coverage regions, chrX:25013469-25013696 and chrX:111744737-111744820 (hg38), revealed a recurrent pathogenic ARX variant NM_139058.3:c.441_464dup p.(Ala148_Ala155dup) (ARXdup24) associated with non-syndromic or syndromic XLID, including Partington syndrome. Sanger sequencing confirmed ARXdup24 in all affected males, with carrier status in their unaffected mothers, and absence in other unaffected relatives. Conclusions: After several years of diagnostic odyssey, the pathogenic ARXdup24 variant was unmasked, supporting a genotype–phenotype correlation in the first Partington syndrome family in Cyprus. This study highlights that re-examining underrepresented genomic regions and using phenotype-driven tools can provide critical diagnostic insights in unresolved XLID cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains one of the most economically significant pathogens in the global swine industry. Despite the availability of commercial vaccines for over three decades, they fail to induce sterile immunity and often provide inconsistent protection against heterologous PRRSV strains. This study aimed to predict vaccine immunogenicity by detecting strain-specific immune responses that related to an immune correlate of protection (CoP) against different PRRSV-2 strains. Methods: Post-weaning pigs were vaccinated with five commercially available PRRSV-2 vaccines or received sterile PBS injection as a control. At 28 days post-vaccination (dpv), all pigs were humanely euthanized for large-volume blood collection to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma, establishing the immune bank. PBMCs and plasma from each group were then tested against six PRRSV-2 strains to evaluate immune responses. In addition, T cell epitope coverage between vaccine and field PRRSV-2 strains was assessed using the EpiCC (in silico) tool to enhance predictive capacity. Results: While neutralizing antibodies were undetectable in all vaccinated pigs at 28 dpv, PRRSV-specific IFNγ–producing cells were detected at various levels in each vaccinated group following restimulation with different PRRSV-2 strains. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed for the EpiCC coverage of the N gene and mean IFNγ responses to VR2332 (SLA class I and II) and NC24-6 (SLA class II). Conclusions: The PRRSV immune bank demonstrated potential as a tool for predicting vaccine immunogenicity against different PRRSV-2 strains and EpiCC provides additional information on T cell epitope cross conservation. The combined approach may provide a valuable framework for selecting PRRSV vaccines for more effective prevention and control in endemic areas. Full article

Amphioxus belongs to the subphylum Cephalochordata and occupies a transitional position in evolution between invertebrates and vertebrates. Due to the lack of viruses suitable for immunostimulation in amphioxus, this study for the first time explored the pathogenicity and waterborne transmission of Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV), a double-stranded RNA virus, during its infection of amphioxus. Soaking amphioxus in GCRV suspension can cause obvious damage to gill tissues and severely disrupt the structure of gill filaments. The virus survived in seawater for no more than 48 h. Infection kinetics studies showed that the expression of VP5 (a viral capsid protein) mRNA in gill tissues peaked at 14 h. After co-culturing GCRV-infected amphioxus with healthy amphioxus for 72 h, the gills of healthy amphioxus showed obvious pathological damage. Additionally, the presence of the virus was verified by RT-PCR amplification of VP5 expression, indicating that GCRV can be transmitted via water. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), calcium signaling pathway, and chitin metabolic pathway were significantly activated in amphioxus after GCRV stimulation. This study confirmed that GCRV can infect cephalochordates, revealing its gill-tropism and water-borne transmission ability, providing a new perspective for studying the cross-species infection mechanism of aquatic viruses and the prevention and control of aquatic diseases. Full article

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy, yet its molecular basis remains poorly understood. Numerous studies have analyzed RNA, protein, and microRNA alterations, but results are often inconsistent across subtypes and methodologies. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and microRNA data from 117 human studies of FCD subtypes I–III. Differentially expressed factors were extracted, categorized by subtype, and analyzed using pathway enrichment and network approaches. Our integrative analysis revealed convergent dysregulation of neuroinflammatory, synaptic, cytoskeletal, and metabolic pathways across FCD subtypes. Consistently altered genes, including IL1B, TLR4, BDNF, HMGCR, and ROCK2, together with dysregulated microRNAs such as hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and hsa-miR-132-3p, were linked to PI3K–Akt–mTOR, Toll-like receptor, and GABAergic signaling, emphasizing shared pathogenic mechanisms. Importantly, we identified overlapping transcript–protein patterns and subtype-specific molecular profiles that may refine diagnosis and inform therapeutic strategies. This review provides the first cross-omics molecular framework of FCD, demonstrating how convergent pathways unify heterogeneous findings and offering a roadmap for biomarker discovery and targeted interventions. Full article

UV-C radiation has emerged as a germicidal agent against pathogens, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While UV-C effectively reduces cross-contamination in hospitals, it induces photodegradation in polymer devices, potentially damaging and posing risks to patient safety. Therefore, it is crucial to detect the effects of UV-C photodegradation on early stages, as well as the effects of prolonged UV-C exposure. In this study, we investigated the UV-C photodegradation (254 nm, 471 kJ/mol) of isotactic polypropylene homopolymer (PP), commonly used in medication packaging. The impact of UV-C on PP was evaluated through rheology and infrared spectroscopy. Surface energy was measured by the contact angles formed by drops of water and diiodomethane. The effects of photodegradation on the polymer’s morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the melting temperature and crystallinity by differential scanning calorimetry. Lastly, the effect of UV-C on molecular mobility was studied using ¹H Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H TD-NMR). These techniques proved to be valuable tools for identifying the early stages of UV-C photodegradation, and ¹H TD-NMR was a sensitive method to identify the chain branching as a photodegradation product. This study highlights the impact of UV-C on PP photodegradation and hence the importance of understanding UV-C-induced degradation. Full article