Search Results (17,942)

Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) is an important medicinal plant in China; however, its production is affected by viral infections, leading to reduced yields and quality. In this study, we identified a novel carlavirus, tentatively named Angelica carlavirus virus (AnCV), in the leaves of A. dahurica exhibiting mosaic and leaf crinkling symptoms. Notably, the complete genome of AnCV was 8562 nt long and contained six open reading frames, with a genomic organization typical of the genus Carlavirus. AnCV exhibited 44.5–57.8% nucleotide identity at the whole-genome level with known members of the genus Carlavirus. In the polymerase gene and coat protein regions, the highest nucleotide and amino acid identities were 59.4–60.0% and 46.5–55.8%, respectively, which were below the species demarcation criteria established by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses for the genus Carlavirus. Importantly, 10 AnCV isolates clustered within subgroup I of the genus Carlavirus, forming a relatively distinct branch. Moreover, 119 of the 280 A. dahurica samples were positive for AnCV (detection rate of 42.58%). Our study revealed that AnCV is a novel member of the genus Carlavirus that infects A. dahurica, providing a theoretical basis for the monitoring and control of viral diseases in A. dahurica. Full article

Dengue virus infection is a febrile illness caused by the Orthoflavivirus Dengue, which is transmitted by the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. Despite the fact that Dengue virus (DENV) is present in tropical and subtropical areas, climate change with global warming has been associated with the spread of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in several other regions worldwide. Notably, as the presence of Aedes albopictus has been confirmed in Southern Europe, already locally transmitted cases of Dengue virus infection have been reported in Europe. Apart from Europe, Australia has reported DENV cases in the 21st century that have been associated with the transmission of Aedes aegypti in the neighboring islands. Climate change, namely increasing temperatures, higher humidity and rainfalls, together with the development of urban heat islands, uncontrollable deforestation and urbanization, travelling and trade, has contributed significantly to the spread of DENV infection. Modern diagnosis based upon the advent of “multi-omics” techniques and machinery learning programs will be of the utmost importance for the early and accurate diagnosis of DENV infection. Finally, preventive measures for controlling Dengue virus infection, such as the use of repellents, educational programs, and improvement in water storage and waste management at the community levels would be very useful. Regarding climate change, the One Health Approach by integrating collaboration of various sectors and raising public awareness seems to be of the utmost importance in this context. Further investigations regarding the development of antiviral agents and vaccines will be an important asset in our armamentarium against DENV infection. Full article

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop is a perennial plant of the family Asteraceae that is mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite being widely recognized as an invasive weed in agriculture, most of the scientific evidence shows its significant phytochemical and pharmacological importance. In the present review article, a comprehensive summary of the available literature on C. arvense’s botanical properties, phytochemical composition, biological activities, standardization potential, and future therapeutic prospects has been carefully provided. This plant has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, bleeding disorders, and liver-related disorders. Phytochemical investigations showed the presence of many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, glycosides, and volatile compounds. Among the reported biological activities, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties are the most studied activities. In addition, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have also been investigated. The environmental adaptability, rapid growth, and extensive root system of C. arvense highlight its potential for development as a sustainable medicinal and industrial crop. However, there are critical research gaps present in phytochemical standardization, toxicity assessment, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation, warranting further comprehensive studies. Full article

The diversity and abundance of the brain virome is an active field of investigation. However, how the brain virome relates to the presence of viruses outside of the nervous system remains unclear. The rationale for this study is that analyses across multiple biologically linked compartments within the same individuals provide an important opportunity to evaluate virome discordance and viral burden. To characterize viral prevalence and burden across anatomical compartments, we applied the targeted viral enrichment method ViroFind to matched postmortem brain (n = 66), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; n = 24), and peripheral samples (spleen, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and lymph nodes; n = 66) from individuals with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and substance use disorder (SUD) in the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium. We detected nucleic acids from 27 viruses representing 12 taxa. Several viruses, including adenovirus, torque teno virus, Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6 and 7, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, and JC polyomavirus, showed significant inter-compartment differences in prevalence or burden. CSF exhibited lower overall viral diversity than brain or peripheral samples, whereas peripheral samples showed the highest viral burden. CNS viral detection was more likely when the same virus was also detected in the periphery. We also detected HBV and HCV in CNS samples despite them not being classically regarded as neurotropic. Broader virome profiling showed greater peripheral viral burden and diversity in HIV-positive than HIV-negative individuals, whereas SUD was not associated with overall viral burden differences. These findings highlight important cross-compartment differences in viral detection, including occurrence of occult HBV infection within the CNS, and support the value of CNS–periphery comparisons in virome studies. These findings can contribute to improved diagnosis and management of viral infections. Full article

Hantaviruses are emerging rodent-borne pathogens that pose increasing global public health concerns due to their association with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), both of which can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Environmental change, climate variability, urbanization, and land-use transformation are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of hantavirus emergence and transmission. This review summarizes current evidence regarding hantavirus virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, surveillance systems, prevention strategies, and One Health preparedness approaches. Emphasis is placed on the influence of climate change and ecological disruption on rodent reservoir dynamics and spillover risk, as well as major surveillance and diagnostic gaps in tropical and Caribbean regions where hantavirus circulation may be underrecognized. Advances in molecular diagnostics, genomic surveillance, vaccine development, monoclonal antibody therapies, and climate-based early warning systems are also discussed. Existing evidence highlights the importance of integrated One Health surveillance systems that combine human, animal, and environmental monitoring to improve early detection and outbreak preparedness. Strengthening laboratory capacity, ecological surveillance, regional collaboration, and public health infrastructure will be essential for reducing the global burden of hantavirus infections and improving preparedness for future zoonotic disease threats. Full article

Herpesvirus infections belong to major pathogens in the human population. This study aimed at evaluating diagnostic data for eight human herpesviruses, based on datasets derived from a large European tertiary care center. Specifically, we analyzed 118,692 herpesvirus submittals to the Diagnostic Division of the Virological Institute, University Hospital Erlangen (UKER), Germany, between July 2014 and June 2024. Our points of focus were the following: (i) the frequencies of herpesvirus diagnostic results with positivity rates, (ii) departments representing main sample submitters, (iii) the specific importance of intensive care units (ICUs), (iv) the COVID-19 pandemic period, and (v) distinct properties of sample types. Overall, we are stating the highest frequencies of diagnostic assessment for herpes simplex virus (HSV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections, pointing to their dominant relevance for clinical practice. Notably, HCMV submittals (46.6% of total), together with EBV (26.2%) and HSV (15.7), accounted for almost 90% of all herpesviral diagnostic samples during this period. Within these key groups, HCMV, EBV and HSV showed positivity rates of 14.5%, 35.0%, and 18.5%, respectively. Concerning a main input of sample submittals, two departments were predominant in our center, i.e., the Departments of Haematology–Oncology and Anaesthesiology. These included patients under multifold types of treatment associated with an increased risk of herpesvirus reactivation or primary infection. Furthermore, another high portion of submittals was noted for ICUs and external sources. In addition, a numerical, transient increase in herpesvirus diagnostic submittals, from various sources, was shown for the COVID-19 pandemic years (mostly 2021) as compared to other periods. Combined, these data underlined the importance of clinical monitoring of herpesvirus infections, particularly for high-risk patients, and the steady need of improvements in preventive measures, therapeutic options, and safe diagnostic tools. Full article

Trichinellosis is an important parasitic zoonosis caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella, affecting numerous carnivorous and omnivorous mammal species. In Europe, wildlife represents the main reservoir of Trichinella spp., contributing to the maintenance of the sylvatic cycle and acting as a potential source of infection for domestic animals and humans. In Romania, Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi, and Trichinella pseudospiralis have been reported in domestic animals and wildlife, with T. britovi being frequently associated with the sylvatic cycle and wild carnivores. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and molecular characterization of Trichinella larvae isolated from muscle tissues of European badgers (Meles meles) originating from different areas of Romania. Overall, muscle samples collected from 24 European badgers from six Romanian counties were examined using the artificial digestion method. Recovered larvae were subjected to PCR-based species discrimination by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Trichinella larvae were detected in one of the 24 examined European badgers, originating from Arad County, Western Romania. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of T. britovi, the species most commonly identified in wild carnivores from temperate regions. Although T. britovi has previously been reported in the European badger in Romania in a specimen from Central Romania, the present finding represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first detection of this parasite–host association in Western Romania. The low infection prevalence and the detection of T. britovi in the European badger indicate circulation within the sylvatic cycle and highlight the need for continued wildlife monitoring, given the zoonotic potential of this parasite. Full article

Arboviral diseases are emerging as important public health threats in Saudi Arabia, driven by rapid urbanization, climate variability, the expansion of Aedes aegypti populations, international travel, and large-scale religious mass gatherings. Dengue virus remains the most established arboviral infection in the Kingdom, particularly in the southwestern regions such as Jazan and the western urban centers of Makkah and Jeddah, where ecological and climatic conditions are conducive to sustained vector survival and transmission. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, vector ecology, climatic determinants, diagnostics, and prevention strategies of arboviral diseases in Saudi Arabia. Particular attention is paid to the impacts of rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, urban heat island effects, population mobility, and cross-border movement on vector expansion and disease emergence. The review also identifies gaps in surveillance, diagnostics, insecticide resistance monitoring, and integrated vector management programs. Emerging preparedness strategies include climate-informed early warning systems, Geographic Information System-based risk mapping, multiplex molecular diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and community-based vector control. The review emphasizes the importance of implementing a One Health approach that combines data on humans, the environment, entomology, and climate. Currently, sustained endemic transmission of chikungunya and Zika viruses has not been conclusively demonstrated in Saudi Arabia, but increased environmental suitability and connectivity with other areas highlight the need for proactive surveillance and preparedness. Full article

Malassezia are commensal lipid dependent yeasts which can cause opportunistic skin infection. Topical imidazole antifungals such as clotrimazole and ketoconazole are the frontline treatment. However, the tendency of fungal infections to recur, combined with the emergence of multi-azole-resistant Malassezia isolates means that many patients have used these antifungal treatments repeatedly or for extended durations with limited efficacy. While the impact of single azole treatments has been studied, the ability of specific azoles to induce cross-resistance is unclear. Understanding the effect of prior exposure of one treatment on susceptibility to other antifungals is important in the selection of the appropriate treatment to avoid driving the evolution of greater resistance. We previously identified drug transporters from the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) and Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) to be upregulated on extended exposure to clotrimazole. In this study, we investigated the effect of extended clotrimazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole exposure on antifungal cross-resistance profiles and examined the expression of the MFS transporters OPT1 and FLR1 in resistance emergence. We observed that treatment with clotrimazole was associated with increased cross-resistance to other antifungals. Ketoconazole treatment caused elevated MICs in all tested antifungals that did not decrease after drug removal. These findings advance our understanding of fungal adaptive resistance mechanisms and inform improved antifungal strategies to mitigate resistance development. Full article

Background: Malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a common complication in children with cancer and is associated with impaired treatment tolerance, increased infection risk, altered pharmacokinetics, reduced quality of life, and poorer survival outcomes. Despite its importance, nutritional management in pediatric oncology lacks a unified, systematically organized clinical framework applicable to the full trajectory of the disease. Objective: This study aimed to develop expert consensus recommendations for nutritional intervention in pediatric oncology patients aged 4 to 18 years. Methods: A modified electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) process was conducted with a multidisciplinary expert panel of 22 specialists, including pediatric oncologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, clinical nutrition specialists, radiotherapy specialists, and pediatric surgeons. Statements were rated on a 9-point Likert scale across two anonymous rounds, with consensus predefined as ≥80% agreement. Results: Forty-one consensus recommendations were formulated across nine domains: nutritional screening and assessment, energy and protein requirements, micronutrient supplementation, physical activity, nutritional support escalation, refeeding syndrome prevention, treatment-specific management, survivorship, and palliative care. All recommendations achieved the predefined consensus threshold. Conclusions: This Delphi consensus provides a structured, multidisciplinary, and clinically actionable framework for nutritional management across the full trajectory of childhood cancer and is intended to reduce institutional variability and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Brucellosis remains a significant zoonotic disease in endemic regions such as Saudi Arabia, with children being particularly vulnerable. Pediatric brucellosis often presents with nonspecific symptoms, and hematological abnormalities can serve as important yet underrecognized diagnostic clues. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, microbiological, treatment, and hematological characteristics of patients with pediatric brucellosis in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia and to assess the diagnostic value of hematological parameters. Methods: This retrospective observational study included children aged ≤15 years who were diagnosed with brucellosis at a tertiary care hospital in Hail between 2014 and 2025. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and treatment data were analyzed. Hematological parameters were compared between culture-confirmed and non-culture-confirmed brucellosis cases using multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results: A total of 38 pediatric patients were included (mean age 8.6 years; 57.9% male). Positive culture results were observed in 42.1% of the cases, with Brucella melitensis being the predominant species (68.75%). Fever (89.5%) and bone/joint pain (71.1%) were the most frequent symptoms. Culture-confirmed brucellosis patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (10.8 vs. 12.1 g/dL; p = 0.020), white blood cell counts (p = 0.046), and absolute neutrophil counts (p = 0.037). ROC analysis revealed a fair diagnostic performance for hemoglobin (AUROC = 0.695), WBC (0.699), and ANC (0.680). Leukopenia demonstrated high specificity (95.5%) and positive predictive value. Conclusions: Pediatric brucellosis is commonly associated with anemia, leukopenia, and neutropenia. Although no single hematological parameter independently predicts infection, the combination of these abnormalities may support early clinical suspicion, particularly in resource-limited endemic settings. Full article

Botryosphaeria dieback, caused by species of Botryosphaeriaceae, causes significant economic losses by infecting pruning wounds in vineyards and fruit trees. Previous studies have shown that pruning wounds constitute the main entry point for Botryosphaeriaceae and that isolates from different fruit hosts can infect these tissues regardless of origin. This study assessed the temporal susceptibility of Vitis vinifera pruning wounds in four cultivars (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc) to six Botryosphaeriaceae isolates from different fruit hosts (grapevine, apple, blueberry, and walnut) under greenhouse and field conditions in central Chile. Pruning wounds were inoculated at 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d after pruning, and lesion length and wound infection (%) were evaluated. Both variables decreased with increasing wound age in greenhouse and field trials. Wounds were most susceptible during the first 15 d after pruning, with a marked reduction thereafter, although susceptibility persisted up to 60 d. Neofusicoccum parvum and N. arbuti showed the highest aggressiveness. All isolates were able to infect pruning wounds regardless of host of origin. These results indicate that pruning wounds remain susceptible for an extended period and highlight the importance of considering both wound age and cross-host inoculum sources in disease management strategies. Full article

Ataxia–telangiectasia is a rare, autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the ATM gene on chromosome 11, which encodes a serine–threonine kinase essential for the recognition and repair of DNA double-strand breaks. The disease is characterized by progressive neurological impairment, immunological dysfunction, and an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections and malignancies. Pulmonary involvement represents a major source of morbidity and frequently arises from chronic infections, aspiration, and impaired airway clearance, ultimately leading to the development of bronchiectasis. The case of a 15-year-old adolescent with a history of recurrent aspiration pneumonias, neuropsychomotor developmental delay, and severe malnutrition is reported, who was admitted for evaluation of chronic productive cough, fever, and dysphagia. Comprehensive clinical assessment and ancillary investigations revealed recurrent respiratory infections, gastroesophageal reflux, and typical features of ataxia–telangiectasia, including cerebellar ataxia, oculomotor apraxia, and conjunctival telangiectasias. Additionally, bronchiectasis was identified as a secondary consequence of the underlying neurological and immunological impairment. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by ataxia–telangiectasia in pediatric patients presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms and emphasizes the importance of early recognition of the underlying systemic disorder. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and optimized management, aiming to address both the primary disease and its pulmonary complications. Full article

Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne neglected tropical disease, and detecting infected snails is a priority for its control and elimination. However, conventional parasitological methods, such as crushed snails and cercarial shedding, have limited sensitivity. In this study, we developed a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay (smND1-LAMP) targeting the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) gene of Schistosoma mansoni. The assay was optimized at 65 °C for 1 h and demonstrated a detection limit of one copy of the pUC57/smND1 recombinant plasmid. Its diagnostic performance was evaluated using laboratory-infected Biomphalaria snails and field-collected samples from Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, and compared with microscopy, conventional PCR and SYBR Green real-time PCR (SGPCR). In laboratory experiments, smND1-LAMP achieved 100% specificity and 75% sensitivity, outperforming microscopy and showing a similar performance to SGPCR. In field surveys, smND1-LAMP detected a higher positive rate (25.9%) than conventional PCR (22.2%) in Burkina Faso, while microscopy failed to identify any positive snails. Both molecular methods identified infections that were missed by parasitological techniques. These findings demonstrate that smND1-LAMP assay is a sensitive, specific, and field-applicable tool for detecting S. mansoni infection in snails. It provides an effective alternative for routine surveillance and early warning of changing schistosomiasis endemicity. Full article

One of the major agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal resource in the plant kingdom is the family of Cucurbitaceae, which is also recognized for its richness in carotenoids, terpenoids and triterpenoids. Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD) plays a crucial role in the mevalonate pathway by catalyzing a key step in isoprenoid biosynthesis, which is important for plant growth as well as for responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite its metabolic relevance, comparative analyses of the MVD gene and protein in cucurbits remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize MVD gene and protein in Cucurbitaceae using in silico approaches. Homology searches, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses, physicochemical characterization, structural prediction, conserved motif analysis, cis-regulatory element prediction, and public expression profiling were performed. The predicted proteins showed high conservation in amino acid sequence, motif organization, and structural conformation, with lengths ranging from 398 to 424 aa. Descriptive FPKM-based transcriptomic profiles in Cucumis sativus showed higher MVD expression values in reproductive tissues and an apparent increase under powdery mildew infection. These findings suggest a potential role of the MVD gene in the Cucurbitaceae family and provide an exploratory framework for future studies on terpenoid and triterpenoid metabolism, promoter regulation, and stress-associated transcriptional responses. Full article