Search Results (12,025)

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical public health challenge requiring a coordinated One Health approach. Escherichia coli is a key indicator of AMR and fecal contamination, as well as a zoonotic pathogen transmissible from animals to humans, often through contaminated products like meat and eggs. This study assessed the presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and associated resistance genes in 248 cloacal/eggshell samples collected from four autochthonous Portuguese laying hen breeds (Preta Lusitânica, Amarela, Branca, and Pedrês Portuguesa) raised under low antibiotic exposure. A total of 81 E. coli isolates were analyzed for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility (EUCAST/CLSI) and genotypic resistance, using PCR. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was observed in 98.0% of the isolates. Gentamicin resistance was particularly high (97.1% cloacal; 95.7% eggshell isolates), followed by tetracycline (31.0% cloacal; 41.0% eggshell) and ampicillin (14.0% cloacal; 24.0% eggshell). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 14.3% of cloacal and 17.4% of eggshell isolates. Notably, no resistance was found against critically important antibiotics. The most prevalent resistance genes were sul2 (45.0% cloacal; 48.0% eggshell) and bla_TEM (45.0% cloacal; 36.0% eggshell). Detection of resistant and MDR E. coli in low input systems suggests environmental acquisition, with chickens as reservoirs, highlighting the need for One Health surveillance. Full article

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a major pathogen responsible for bovine respiratory disease, mastitis, and arthritis, causing significant economic losses to the cattle industry worldwide. To elucidate the genetic and biological characteristics of M. bovis circulating in Yunnan Province, China, twenty PCR-positive bovine respiratory samples were collected from cattle farms in Kunming; three isolates—M.bo-YNXD-1, A1, and A8—were successfully cultured and identified through colony morphology, biochemical assays, and molecular characterization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that M.bo-YNXD-1 exhibited multidrug resistance to six antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and lincomycin, while A1 and A8 were resistant to one or two agents, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis revealed that isolates M.bo-YNXD-1 and M.bo-YNXD-A8 belonged to sequence type ST52, whereas isolate M.bo-YNXD-A1 was assigned to ST90, indicating the coexistence of distinct genetic lineages in this region. Virulence gene screening showed that isolate M.bo-YNXD-A8 was positive for VspX and p81, whereas all three isolates were positive for p48 and Vpam. A SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the oppD/F gene was established, exhibiting high specificity, a detection limit of 10 copies/μL, and intra-/inter-assay variation below 3%. Validation using clinical samples demonstrated superior sensitivity compared with conventional PCR. Taken together, these findings indicate the presence of distinct MLST genotypes and virulence-associated genetic heterogeneity among regional Mycoplasma bovis isolates, and introduce a rapid, sensitive, and reliable qPCR assay for early detection and epidemiological surveillance. This study provides critical insights for rational antimicrobial use and targeted control strategies against M. bovis infections. Full article

The meat industry generates wastewater with high organic matter loads, posing a significant environmental risk if not properly treated. The present study evaluated the performance of a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSF-CW) treating slaughterhouse effluents characterized by high-strength influent concentrations of 3570.51 ± 153.82 mg/L COD, 2114.33 ± 104.58 mg/L BOD₅, and 1173.77 ± 96.95 mg/L TOC. Furthermore, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the operational parameters. The independent variables considered were hydraulic retention time (HRT: 3, 5, and 10 days) and vegetation type (Heliconia latispatha, Typha latifolia, and polyculture). The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in treatment efficiency, achieving maximum removal efficiencies of 86.5% for COD, 89.4% for BOD₅, and 91.5% for TOC. The statistical models exhibited high accuracy (R² ≥ 0.996, p < 0.001). Adjusted response surface equations identified the polyculture with a 5-day HRT as the most favorable operational scenario. These findings confirm that properly designed and operated constructed wetlands represent a viable and sustainable alternative for treating high-load agro-industrial effluents, contributing to the protection of receiving water bodies. Future research should focus on full-scale studies and the inclusion of critical parameters such as nutrients and pathogens for a more comprehensive system characterization. Full article

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is effective as a bio-based fumigant in controlling soil-borne diseases; however, the selective pressure it exerts on soil microecology and evolutionary dynamics remains inadequately characterized. This study systematically investigated the remodeling effects of continuous AITC fumigation on soil microbial communities, functional genes, and functional strains by integrating metagenomic analysis and pure culture techniques. Results demonstrate that AITC drives directional selection from “sensitive” to “tolerant” microorganisms. Fungal communities exhibit greater cumulative damage than bacterial communities, with the proportion of significantly suppressed fungi increasing linearly from 9.3% at baseline to 35.7%. At the genus level, sensitive groups were predominantly enriched in pathogen-associated genera, e.g., Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas, whereas tolerant groups, represented by Bacillus and Streptomyces, maintained ecological dominance under continuous stress. Functionally, AITC induced differential evolution of functional gene repertoires. Nitrogen cycle genes (e.g., amoC) exhibited high negative sensitivity, with significant downregulation by 20%, whereas the TCA core module in the carbon cycle exhibited strong robustness. Virulence assays confirmed EC₅₀ values for tolerant beneficial bacteria (Bacillus spp.) (>40 mg·L⁻¹) were significantly higher than those for pathogens (1.3–7.9 mg/L). This study established a microbial “sensitive-tolerant” response framework under AITC stress, revealing the core potential of endogenous tolerant strains for the precise ecological restoration of fumigated soils. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and genetic factors may influence its development. Approximately 10–15% of all BCs are hereditary and known as Hereditary Breast Cancer (HBC). A remarkable family history and young onset are the strongest risk factors of HBC. The rapid development of genetic testing techniques has increased the detection rate of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in several genes associated with high, moderate, or low risk of HBC. This allowed us to identify the whole family at risk of HBC. Among hereditary cases, pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are particularly notable, especially in certain populations where founder mutations (specific genetic variants originating from a common ancestor) are more prevalent. In this article, an overview of the current state of knowledge on HBC is provided, focusing on the frequency of founder mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in HBC in Poland compared to other countries. We will also highlight the role of genetic counseling in the diagnosis and treatment of BC, emphasizing its crucial importance in identifying genetic predispositions, selecting appropriate therapeutic strategies, and supporting patients and their families in making informed medical decisions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dynein axonemal heavy chain (DNAH) genes, including DNAH6, are implicated in male infertility, particularly multiple morphological abnormalities of the spermatozoa flagellum (MMAF). However, an underlying mechanism is unclear. Methods: This in silico study analyzed 19 previously reported DNAH6 mutations to elucidate their effects on the structural, mechanical, and microstructural aspects and axonemal assembly of flagellum and how these changes impact reproductive health, correlating with pathogenicity scores, ATP binding capacity, and protein interactions. Results: DNAH mutations were associated with CDGP (52.63%), male infertility (36.84%), and primary ovarian insufficiency (10.53%). MMAF-linked mutations exhibited higher SNAP2 scores (57.25 ± 5.68 vs. −32.58 ± 44.85, p = 0.002), reduced ATP binding affinity (−6.27 ± 4.20 vs. −8.92 ± 0.23 kcal/mol, p = 0.05), and smaller catalytic cavity size (17,646 ± 13,005 vs. 27190 ± 3485 ų, p = 0.04). These mutations showed reduced DNAH6-CLIP4 binding affinity (−303.90 ± 5.23 vs. −313.60 ± 4.28 kcal/mol, p = 0.002). Literature-based semen analysis revealed correlations between Phred scores and absent flagella (r = 0.952, p = 0.012) and inverse correlations between ATP binding capacity and absent flagella (r = −0.902, p = 0.036) or irregular width (r = −0.949, p = 0.014). A mathematical model of ATP binding kinetics predicted reduced flagellar motility in MMAF mutants due to impaired dynein function. Ultrastructural analyses indicated that high pathogenicity scores and reduced ATP binding correlate with absent inner dynein arms and radial spokes, while impaired DNAH6-CLIP4 interactions disrupt axonemal assembly. Conclusions: In silico analyses, integrated with microstructural, axonemal, and mathematical modeling data, demonstrate that DNAH6 mutations cause MMAF by impairing ATP binding, protein interactions, and axonemal assembly, leading to severe flagellar dysfunction and thereby negatively affecting reproductive health. Full article

The exceptional olfactory capabilities of trained detection dogs demonstrate high potential for identifying infectious diseases. However, safe and standardized canine training requires specific chemical targets rather than infectious biological samples. This study presents an analytical proof-of-concept combining untargeted metabolomics and machine learning (ML) to decode the specific odor profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS-ToF), axillary sweat samples from 76 individuals (SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative) were analyzed. Data preprocessing and dimensionality reduction were performed to feed a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model. The optimized model achieved an overall accuracy of 79%, with a specificity of 89% and sensitivity of 70% in external validation, identifying a specific panel of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as discriminant biomarkers. The optimized model achieved robust classification performance, effectively distinguishing infected individuals from healthy controls based solely on their volatilome. Six VOCs were found to be consistently presented in COVID-19-positive individuals. These compounds were proposed as candidate odor signatures for constructing artificial training aids to standardize and accelerate the training of detection dogs. This study establishes a framework where machine learning-driven metabolomic profiling directly informs biological sensor training, offering a novel synergy between ML and biological intelligence in disease detection. This study establishes a scalable computational framework to translate biological samples into chemical data, providing the scientific basis for designing safe, synthetic K9 training aids for future infectious disease outbreaks without the biosafety risks associated with handling live pathogens. Full article

Neospora caninum, the causative agent of abortion in cattle, has a major economic impact worldwide. This review aims to provide an overview of key advances over the last 10 years in understanding host−pathogen interactions, molecular mechanisms, and emerging control strategies and puts them into a context with previously published important findings. More recently, novel diagnostic tools with improved sensitivity and specificity have been developed. These have supplemented the already existing methods to detect infection in clinical cases and are essential for investigations on parasite distribution, disease incidence and prevalence, and transmission of N. caninum. Epidemiological studies have revealed the influence of environmental, genetic, and ecological factors on parasite transmission dynamics, and emphasized the importance of integrated “One Health” strategies. Characteristics of different Neospora strains have been elucidated through animal models and molecular tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-based gene editing, high-throughput sequencing, and advanced proteomics, aiming to shed light on stage-specific gene regulation and virulence factors, contributing to the development of interventions against neosporosis. Insights into immune modulation, immune evasion, and parasite persistence contributed to the efforts towards vaccine development. In terms of therapeutics, both repurposed drugs and more targeted inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in reducing parasite burden and mitigating vertical transmission in laboratory models. Here, more recent innovations in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and immunomodulatory strategies are prone to enhancing therapeutic outcomes. However, a significant challenge remains the integration of molecular and immunological insights into practical applications. Full article

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is one of the most important pathogens in ophthalmology. Reactivation may involve the adnexa (blepharoconjunctivitis, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis), cornea (dendritic keratitis, nummular and necrotizing stromal keratitis, disciform endotheliitis, neurotrophic ulcers, mucous-plaque keratitis) and sclera (episcleritis, anterior scleritis). Uveal inflammation ranges from anterior uveitis—with iris atrophy, trabeculitis-induced glaucoma and complicated cataract—to posterior necrotizing syndromes: acute retinal necrosis in immunocompetent hosts and progressive outer retinal necrosis in immunosuppressed patients, often complicated by occlusive vasculitis, macular edema, retinal detachment and phthisis. Optic nerve and cranial nerve involvement (optic neuritis, neuroretinitis, III/IV/VI palsies) and orbital inflammation may occur even without cutaneous signs (“zoster sine herpete”), making PCR-based intraocular diagnostics essential. Management relies on early, high-dose antivirals (acyclovir or valacyclovir), judicious corticosteroids and timely surgical intervention when required. Universal childhood varicella vaccination and recombinant zoster vaccination in adults ≥50 years have reduced VZV incidence and ocular complications in settings with high vaccine coverage, though rare post-vaccine keratitis or uveitis underscore the need for ongoing vigilance. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on varicella-zoster virus ocular disease, with a focus on host–pathogen interactions that drive both injury and defense. Full article

Solar advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilising parabolic trough concentrators (PTCs) present a promising approach for the sustainable removal of recalcitrant contaminants from wastewater. This mini-review critically evaluates 25 peer-reviewed studies employing PTC-AOP systems for the degradation of chemical pollutants and microbial pathogens. Reported applications include photolysis, photo-Fenton and photocatalysis for the treatment of synthetic dyes, contaminants of emerging concern, industrial effluents, heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms. A performance-oriented comparison based on normalised indicators is introduced. The time required for one order-of-magnitude reduction (corresponding to 90% removal; τ₉₀) reveals a significant mineralisation setback, where parent-compound degradation outpaces total organic carbon removal. The PTC concentration ratio and photon utilisation metrics highlight substantial variability in reactor design (geometry, materials, optical performance), which directly influences the treatment kinetics. Overall, PTC-AOP systems demonstrate strong potential as a polishing step within hybrid wastewater treatment. Future research should prioritise the standardisation of performance metrics, the catalyst design suited for high-photon and -temperature operation, and the integration into scalable and climate-resilient solar wastewater treatment. Full article

Postbiotics represent a promising strategy for reconciling increasing consumer demand for clean-label foods with the need to maintain high microbiological safety standards. The present review analyzed the applications of postbiotics in meat products, other food matrices and bioactive packaging, with particular emphasis on their production methods, compositional analysis and antimicrobial properties. Available evidence indicates that postbiotics offer important technological advantages over live probiotics, including enhanced stability during processing and storage and the absence of viable cells, which facilitates their integration into established food quality and safety control systems. The reviewed studies show that postbiotics produced mainly via fermentation with selected lactic acid bacteria and subsequently stabilized, most often by freeze-drying, exhibit pronounced antimicrobial activity in diverse food matrices, particularly meat and dairy products. Their ability to inhibit the growth of major foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., highlights their potential as effective biopreservatives contributing to shelf-life extension and improved microbiological safety. From an industrial perspective, postbiotics can be implemented within the framework of hurdle technology and incorporated into active packaging systems and edible coatings. The wider use of postbiotics in industry remains limited by regulatory uncertainty and methodological diversity. Key challenges include inconsistent taxonomic/strain reporting, divergent methods of inactivation and final processing (which alter bioactive profiles), lack of standardized composition and potency testing, and limited food matrix validation and toxicological data. To eliminate these gaps, regulatory definitions and labelling should be harmonized, and guidelines for production and reporting (strain identity, inactivation parameters, preservation method), and targeted safety and shelf-life testing are recommended. These steps are necessary to translate the documented antibacterial and antioxidant properties of postbiotics into industrial applications. Full article

The bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) are fundamental to innate immunity. However, their functional diversity and evolutionary conservation in ecologically crucial invertebrates, such as oysters, remain largely understudied. In this study, we identify and characterize a novel homolog of BPI/LBP, designated as ChBPI/LBP in the Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis). Through structural and phylogenetic analysis, we identify ChBPI/LBP as a distinct member of the BPI protein family, with a high isoelectric point (pI of 9.26), indicating potent cationic BPI-like bactericidal function. We found that ChBPI/LBP is constitutively highly expressed at mucosal sites such as the gills and is rapidly upregulated in hemocytes following a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Recombinant ChBPI/LBP demonstrated potent and specific bactericidal activity against Gram-negative pathogens. These findings suggest that ChBPI/LBP is an important antimicrobial peptide (AMP) effector in the oyster’s immune response. This work provides novel perspectives on the evolutionary mechanisms of innate immunity in bivalves and may have implications for disease management in aquaculture. Full article

Swine enteric coronaviruses (SECoVs), including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), are major enteric pathogens causing severe diarrhea, dehydration, high neonatal mortality, and substantial global economic losses. Rapid viral evolution and recombination continually generate antigenically diverse variants that limit cross-protection and undermine vaccine efficacy, particularly for PEDV genogroup II strains that now dominate worldwide circulation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on epidemiology, diagnostic innovations, and emerging vaccine platforms, with emphasis on advances since 2022. Recent progress includes molecular surveillance tools, rapid point-of-care diagnostics, and next-generation vaccine technologies such as mRNA-based and virus-like particle platforms. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding viral evolution dynamics, co-infection synergies, and zoonotic spillover potential, particularly following documented human infections with PDCoV. Effective long-term control requires integrated genomic surveillance, strengthened farm-level biosecurity, rationally designed multivalent vaccines targeting conserved epitopes, and harmonized international surveillance systems to reduce outbreak risk and enhance pandemic preparedness at the human–animal interface. Full article

This review examines the status, challenges, and future trajectories of global mussel aquaculture within the blue food system. Despite steady production growth, mussels’ relative contribution to total bivalve output has significantly declined over recent decades due to disproportionate expansion of oyster, clam, and scallop sectors. A major geographical production shift has occurred, with Asia, spearheaded by China, emerging as the dominant region, supplanting traditional European producers while the Americas rapidly ascend. China’s overwhelming dominance in overall bivalve production starkly contrasts with its underdeveloped mussel sector, where growth lags behind other bivalves despite substantial absolute increases, reflecting a fundamental restructuring of species composition. The industry faces interconnected sustainability constraints: persistent vulnerabilities in spat supply stemming from environmental variability, hatchery limitations, and disease transmission risks; escalating environmental stressors including climate change impacts, harmful algal blooms, pollution, and pathogens; structural flaws in value chains characterized by fragmented production, market volatility, and underutilized byproducts; and governance challenges related to spatial access and licensing inefficiencies. This review advocates for a comprehensive strategy to boost the mussel aquaculture. These encompass advancing hatchery technology and genetic breeding programs, implementing ecosystem-based management such as multi-trophic systems and AI-enhanced environmental monitoring, restructuring value chains through producer cooperation and high value product diversification, and establishing science-based spatial planning frameworks with streamlined governance. Addressing these challenges holistically is critical to position mussel farming as a resilient pillar of sustainable blue food production capable of reconciling ecological integrity with economic viability and social equity. Full article

Picea schrenkiana is a keystone species in Central Asian ecosystems currently threatened by climate-driven disease outbreaks. Here, we investigated the causal agent of needle blight and characterized the associated microbial dynamics. By integrating tissue isolation, Koch’s postulates, and high-throughput amplicon sequencing across a disease severity level, we confirmed Lirula macrospora as the etiological agent. Community analysis revealed that disease severity is the primary driver of succession, with alpha diversity peaks at the moderate infection stage. Notably, the abundance of Lirula surged from 2.56% in healthy needles to 65.10% in severe cases, displacing the core endophyte Phaeococcomyces, while potentially beneficial bacteria like Sphingomonas showed only transient enrichment. Furthermore, cross-kingdom co-occurrence network analysis revealed marked topological restructuring whereby the system reached a complex ecological “tipping point” during moderate stage before undergoing significant simplification. As the disease progressed, L. macrospora shifted from a peripheral node to a central hub, effectively dismantling the native microbial network. We conclude that L. macrospora infection triggers a cascading collapse of the needle microbiome, driving a phase shift from a healthy homeostasis to a pathogen-dominated state. These findings elucidate the critical mechanisms of pathogen-microbiome interactions and provide a theoretical basis for the ecological management of P. schrenkiana forests. Full article