Search Results (91)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, particularly clade 2.3.4.4b, has demonstrated an unprecedented capacity for cross-species transmission, with recent reports confirming its presence in dairy cattle in the United States of America (USA) in 2024. This unexpected spillover challenges traditional understanding of the virus’s host range and raises serious public health and veterinary concerns. Infected cattle presented with clinical signs such as decreased milk production, thickened or discolored milk, respiratory issues, and lethargy. Pathological findings revealed inflammation of the mammary glands and the detection of a virus in nasal secretions and raw milk, suggesting a potential for both intra- and interspecies transmission. While the current risk of human-to-human transmission remains low, the detection of H5N1 in a human exposed to infected cattle highlights the need for heightened surveillance and protective measures. Moreover, the presence of infectious viruses in the food chain, particularly in unpasteurized milk, introduces a new dimension of zoonotic risk. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the epidemiology, pathology, diagnostic findings, and zoonotic implications of HPAI H5N1 infection in cattle. It also highlights the importance of genomic surveillance, intersectoral collaboration, and One Health approaches in managing this evolving threat. As the virus continues to circulate and adapt across diverse hosts, including wild birds, domestic poultry, and now mammals, the potential for reassortment and emergence of novel strains remains a significant concern. Immediate actions to strengthen biosecurity, monitor viral evolution, and protect both animal and human populations are critical to mitigate the global risk posed by this expanding panzootic. Full article

Duckweeds have emerged as frontier plants in research, food, and bioenergy applications. Consistency in genetic and morphological traits within species is therefore crucial for their effective use. Thailand hosts diverse duckweed populations with representatives from four of the five genera and at least four species recorded. However, the extent of genetic and morphological variation within these species in Thailand remains unclear. Here, we investigated the genetic and morphological variation in four duckweed species—Landoltia punctata, Lemna aequinoctialis, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Wolffia globosa—collected from 26 sites across Thailand. Using the multilocus sequence typing approach based on three chloroplast genes (rbcL, atpF–atpH, and psbK–psbI), we show that genetic variation in duckweed is distinct at both inter-species and intra-species levels. Among these four species, Lemna aequinoctialis exhibits the highest genetic variation, forming four distinct phylogenetic clusters. This is followed by Spirodela polyrhiza, Wolffia globosa, and Landoltia punctata. In addition, we observe that morphological variation, particularly frond aspect ratio, varies significantly among clusters but remains consistent within each cluster of each species. These findings suggest that duckweed populations in Thailand exhibit substantial genetic variation at the intraspecific level, which is closely associated with frond morphological variation. Full article

In subtropical regions of China, the expansion of Moso bamboo has become increasingly prominent, resulting in massive mortality of original trees in adjacent forest stands. Significant changes have also occurred in the population characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of these native tree species. This study aims to examine the impacts of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) expansion on the successional dynamics of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. Three sample plots were successively set up in the transition zone from bamboo to conifer and broad-leaved forest, including conifer and broad-leaved mixed forest (CF), transition forest (TF), and Moso bamboo forest (MF); a total of 72 10 m × 10 m quadrats (24 per forest type) were included. The species composition, diameter class structure and distribution pattern of living stems and snags (dead standing stems) were studied. The results showed that during the late expansion phase of bamboo, the density of living stems and snags separately increased by 2234 stems·ha⁻¹ and 433 stems·ha⁻¹, basal area increments of 23.45 m²·ha⁻¹ and 7.81 m²·ha⁻¹. The individuals with large diameter in living stems and snags gradually decreased, and the distribution range of the diameter steps mainly narrowed to 10–15 cm. On the scale of 0–10 m, the spatial pattern of standing stems changed from random and weak aggregation distribution to strong aggregation distribution and then to weak aggregation and random distribution in the three stands, while the overall distribution of snags in the three stands was random. The spatial correlation between living stems and snags evolved from uncorrelated in CF, to significant positive correlation in TF, and then to positive correlation and uncorrelation in MF. These results indicated that the bamboo expansion accelerated the mortality rate of the original tree species, leading to the diversity of tree species decreased, the composition of diameter classes was simplified, the degree of stem aggregation increased, and intra- and inter-species competition became the main reasons for tree death. Full article

Bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to infect hosts, evade immune responses, and establish successful infections. While the role of transcription factors in bacterial virulence is well documented, emerging evidence highlights the significant contribution of small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) in bacterial pathogenesis. These sRNAs function as posttranscriptional regulators that fine-tune gene expression, enabling bacteria to adapt rapidly to challenging environments. This review explores the multifaceted roles of bacterial sRNAs in host–pathogen interactions. Firstly, it examines how sRNAs regulate pathogenicity by modulating the expression of key virulence factors, including fimbriae, toxins, and secretion systems, followed by discussing the role of sRNAs in bacterial stress response mechanisms that counteract host immune defenses, such as oxidative and envelope stress. Additionally, this review investigates the involvement of sRNAs in antibiotic resistance by regulating efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and membrane modifications, which contribute to multi-drug resistance phenotypes. Lastly, this review highlights how sRNAs contribute to intra- and interspecies communication through quorum sensing, thereby coordinating bacterial behavior in response to environmental cues. Understanding these regulatory networks governed by sRNAs is essential for the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies. This review highlights the growing significance of sRNAs in bacterial pathogenicity and explores their potential as therapeutic targets for the treatment of bacterial infections. Full article

In spite of the increasing industrial cultivation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), no genetic linkage map and mapping of QTLs (quantitative trait locus) has been reported for Lavandula species. We present the development of a set of SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers and the first genetic linkage map of lavender following the genotyping of a segregating population obtained by the self-pollination of the industrial lavender variety Hemus. The resulting genetic map comprises 25 linkage groups (LGs) corresponding to the chromosome number of the lavender reference genome. The map includes 375 loci covering a total of 2631.57 centimorgan (cM). The average marker distance in the established map is 7.01 cM. The comparison of the map and reference genome sequence shows that LG maps cover an average of 82.6% of the chromosome sequences. The PCR amplification tests suggest that the developed SSR marker set possesses high intra-species (>93%) and inter-species (>78%) transferability. The QTL analysis employing the constructed map and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) dataset of flower extracted volatiles resulted in the mapping of a total of 43 QTLs for the accumulation of 25 different floral volatiles. The comparison of the genome location of the QTLs and known biosynthetic genes suggests candidate genes for some QTLs. Full article

The Vibrio genus represents a critical group of bacterial pathogens in the marine environment globally, leading to massive mortality in the aquaculture industry. Diagnosing vibriosis, an infection caused by Vibrio species, in clinical samples poses challenges due to its non-specific clinical manifestations. In this study, we developed a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of four Vibrio pathogens: Vibrio anguillarum (Va), Vibrio alginolyticus (Val), Vibrio harveyi (Vh), and Vibrio scophthalmi (Vsc). The assay targets conserved intra-species regions and specific inter-species regions using specific primers and TaqMan probes to ensure specificity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the multiplex real-time PCR assay could simultaneously detect the four different bacteria, with detection limits of 26–60 copies per reaction, making it 100 times more sensitive than conventional PCR assays. Additionally, the assay exhibited high reproducibility, with intra- and inter-group coefficients of variation below 1.4%. A total of 63 clinical samples was analyzed using this established assay, which successfully detected both single and mixed infections. These results demonstrate that the multiplex quantitative PCR assay is a rapid, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of Va, Val, Vh, and Vsc, making it suitable for monitoring these bacteria in both single- and co-infected clinical samples. Full article

Prior to this study, Myanmar was known to host 15 species of snakehead fishes (genus Channa) distributed across Southeast Asia. The region, characterized by its confluence of diverse river systems and two biodiversity hotspots, is presumed to have notable gaps in its biodiversity assessments. Recently, a new snakehead species, Channa shingon, was discovered in China, with its potential distribution in Myanmar warranting further investigation. This study focused on exploring Channa species in Kachin State and examined collected specimens using an integrated approach. The specimens were identified as C. shingon based on their distinct morphological characters, with a maximum standard length of 99.2 mm. Additionally, mitochondrial COI sequence data were generated, and species confirmation was achieved through nucleotide BLAST searches, genetic distance estimations, and phylogenetic analyses. The DNA sequences of C. shingon showed a mean inter-species genetic distance of 7.97% to 27.41% compared with other Channa species in the dataset, while the intra-species genetic distance between the Burmese and Chinese populations was 0.27%. Both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses distinctly separated C. shingon from other congeners through a monophyletic clustering pattern, revealing its sister relationship with C. rubora. Overall, this study provides the first report of C. shingon from Myanmar and suggests its speciation from a common ancestor with C. rubora, likely driven by geographical barriers such as the Irrawaddy River. Furthermore, the study contributes a robust DNA barcode dataset encompassing 85.7% of the global Channa species diversity, which can serve as a valuable resource for further species identification, discovery, and diversity assessments of snakeheads from South and Southeast Asia. Full article

In this study, we simulated biologically realistic agent-based models over neutral landscapes to examine how spatial structure affects the spread of a rabies-like virus in a two-species system. We built landscapes with varying autocorrelation levels and simulated disease dynamics using different transmission rates for intra- and interspecies spread. The results were analysed based on combinations of spatial landscape structures and transmission rates, focusing on the median number of new reservoir and spillover cases. We found that both spatial landscape structures and viral transmission rates are key factors in determining the number of infected simulated agents and the epidemiological week when the highest number of cases occurs. While isolated habitat patches with elevated carrying capacity pose significant risks for viral transmission, they may also slow the spread compared to more connected patches, depending on the modelled scenario. This study highlights the importance of spatial landscape structure and viral transmission rates in cross-species spread. Our findings have implications for disease control strategies and suggest that future research should also focus on how landscape factors interact with pathogen dynamics, especially in those locations where susceptible agents could be more in contact with pathogens with high transmission rates. Full article

Solid organ transplantation remains a life-saving treatment for patients worldwide. Unfortunately, the supply of donor organs cannot meet the current need, making the search for alternative sources even more essential. Xenotransplantation using sophisticated genetic engineering techniques to delete and overexpress specific genes in the donor animal has been investigated as a possible option. However, the use of exogenous tissue presents another host of obstacles, particularly regarding organ rejection. Given these limitations, interspecies blastocyst complementation in combination with precise gene knockouts presents a unique, promising pathway for the transplant organ shortage. In recent years, great advancements have been made in the field, with encouraging results in producing a donor-derived organ in a chimeric host. That said, one of the major barriers to successful interspecies chimerism is the mismatch in the developmental stages of the donor and the host cells in the chimeric embryo. Another major barrier to successful chimerism is the mismatch in the developmental speeds between the donor and host cells in the chimeric embryos. This review outlines 19 studies in which blastocyst complementation was used to generate solid organs. In particular, the genesis of the liver, lung, kidney, pancreas, heart, thyroid, thymus and parathyroids was investigated. Of the 19 studies, 7 included an interspecies model. Of the 7, one was completed using human donor cells in a pig host, and all others were rat–mouse chimeras. While very promising results have been demonstrated, with great advancements in the field, several challenges continue to persist. In particular, successful chimerism, organ generation and donor contribution, synchronized donor–host development, as well as ethical concerns regarding human–animal chimeras remain important aspects that will need to be addressed in future research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plasmid-mediated resistance is a significant mechanism that contributes to the gradual decrease in the efficacy of antibiotics from various classes, including carbapenems. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of transfer of carbapenemase-encoding plasmids from K. pneumoniae to E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Methods: Matings were performed on agar with subsequent isolation of transconjugant, recipient, and donor colonies. The frequency of conjugation (CF) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of meropenem were determined for the PCR-confirmed transconjugants. A pharmacodynamic study was conducted using a hollow-fiber infection model on E. coli transconjugant in order to evaluate its viability in the presence of therapeutic concentrations of meropenem. Results: CF for K. pneumoniae-K. pneumoniae was similar to that for K. pneumoniae-E. coli and was higher the higher was meropenem MIC of the K. pneumoniae donor. The meropenem MICs for K. pneumoniae and E. coli transconjugants were higher (0.25–4 μg/mL) compared to recipients (0.03–0.06 μg/mL). P. aeruginosa did not acquire plasmids from K. pneumoniae. In pharmacodynamic experiments, an E. coli transconjugant with MIC of 2 mg/L within the “susceptibility range”, failed to respond to meropenem treatment. Conclusions: The frequency of conjugation between K. pneumoniae and E. coli falls within a similar range. A higher permissiveness of K. pneumoniae for plasmids from K. pneumoniae, i.e., within the same species, was observed. Conjugation did not occur between K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The transconjugants with meropenem MICs with borderline susceptibility may pose a potential threat to the efficacy of meropenem. Full article

An increasing body of evidence indicates that owning a pet dog is associated with improvements in child health and well-being. Importantly, the degree of the social bond between child and dog may mediate the beneficial outcomes of dog ownership. The formation of social bonds is an intrinsically dyadic, interactive process where each interactor’s behavior influences the other’s behavior. For this reason, it is critical to evaluate the biological mechanisms of attachment in both children and their pet dogs as a socially bonded pair. Here, we review the physical, mental, and emotional outcomes that are associated with pet dog ownership or interaction in children. We then discuss the evidence that suggests that the strength of a social bond between a child and their pet dog matters for maximizing the beneficial outcomes associated with pet dog ownership, such as possible stress-buffering effects. We review the existing literature on the neural and endocrinological mechanisms of social attachment for inter-species social bonds that form between human children and dogs, situating this emerging knowledge within the context of the mechanisms of intra-species bonds in mammals. Finally, we highlight the remaining open questions and point toward directions for future research. Full article

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are a diverse family of transmembrane transporter proteins widely identified in various organisms. The ABCG transporters belong to the G subfamily of the ABC transporter family. Rarely research on ABCG transporters involved in salt tolerance of rice was found. In this study, the evolutionary relationships, conserved motifs, intra- and inter-species homologous genes, and cis-acting elements of ABCG subfamily members were analyzed, and the expression changes of these genes under salt stress at 0 h, 3 h, and 24 h were detected. Based on these results, the candidate gene OsABCG7, which is induced by salt stress, was selected for further studies. Yeast experiments confirmed that the OsABCG7 gene might be involved in the regulation of salt tolerance. The abcg7 mutant showed a higher degree of leaf wilting and a lower survival rate, exhibiting a salt-sensitive phenotype. Systematic analysis of this family in rice helps design effective functional analysis strategies and provides data support for understanding the role of ABCG transporters under salt stress. Full article

Prions are proteinaceous pathogens responsible for a variety of devastating diseases in mammals, including scrapie in sheep and goats, chronic wasting disease in cervids, and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. They are characterized by their exceptional persistence to common inactivation procedures. This applies to all possible sources of prion contamination as prions may be present in the tissues and biological fluids of infected individuals. Hence, efficient prion inactivation procedures are still being sought to minimize the risk of intra- or inter-species transmission. In the past, photocatalytic treatment has been proven to be capable of efficiently oxidizing and inactivating prions. In the present study, the efficacy of homogeneous photo-Fenton-based photocatalysis as well as heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO₂ in reducing RML mouse scrapie infectivity was evaluated. Prion inactivation was assessed by means of a bioassay, and the results were confirmed by in vitro experiments. While the prion infectivity of the RML mouse scrapie was reduced after treatment with the photo-Fenton reagent, the heterogeneous photocatalytic treatment of the same prion strain completely eliminated prion infectivity. Full article

The response of plants to abiotic stress is intricately mediated by PYR/PYL/RCARs, key components within the ABA signal transduction pathway. Despite the widespread identification of PYL genes across diverse plant species, the evolutionary history and structural characteristics of these genes within the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) remained unexplored. In this study, we uncovered, for the first time, 12 PgPYLs from the whole genome dataset of ‘Tunisia’, mapping them onto five chromosomes and categorizing them into three distinct subgroups (Group I, Group II, and Group III) through phylogenetic analysis. Detailed examination of the composition of these genes revealed similar conserved motifs and exon–intron structures among genes within the same subgroup. Fragment duplication emerged as the primary mechanism driving the amplification of the PYL gene family, as evidenced by intra-species collinearity analysis. Furthermore, inter-species collinearity analysis provided insights into potential evolutionary relationships among the identified PgPYL genes. Cis-acting element analysis revealed a rich repertoire of stress and hormone response elements within the promoter region of PgPYLs, emphasizing their putative roles in diverse signaling pathways. Upon treatment with 100 μmol/L ABA, we investigated the expression patterns of the PgPYL gene family, and the qRT-PCR data indicated a significant up-regulation in the majority of PYL genes. This suggested an active involvement of PgPYL genes in the plant’s response to exogenous ABA. Among them, PgPYL1 was chosen as a candidate gene to explore the function of the gene family, and the CDS sequence of PgPYL1 was cloned from pomegranate leaves with a full length of 657 bp, encoding 218 amino acids. Tobacco transient expression analysis demonstrated a consistent trend in the expression levels of pBI121-PgPYL1 and the related genes of the ABA signaling pathway, both of which increased initially before declining. This study not only contributes to the elucidation of the genomic and structural attributes of PgPYL genes but also provides a foundation for understanding their potential functions in stress responses. The identified conserved motifs, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns under ABA treatment pave the way for further research into the PgPYL gene family’s role in pomegranate biology, offering valuable insights for future studies on genetic improvement and stress resilience in pomegranate cultivation. Full article

The literature suggests that the yield strain of cortical bone is invariant to its stiffness (elastic modulus) and strength (yield stress). However, data about intra-individual variations, e.g., the influence of different collagen/mineral organisations observed in bone aspects withstanding different habitual loads, are lacking. The hypothesis that the yield strain of human cortical bone tissue, retrieved from femoral diaphyseal quadrants subjected to different habitual loads, is invariant was tested. Four flat dumbbell-shaped specimens were machined from each quadrant of the proximal femoral diaphysis of five adult donors for a total of 80 specimens. Two extensometers attached to the narrow specimen region were used to measure deformation during monotonic tensile testing. The elastic modulus (linear part of the stress–strain curve) and yield strain/stress at a 0.2% offset were obtained. Elastic modulus and yield stress values were, respectively, in the range of 12.2–20.5 GPa and 75.9–136.6 MPa and exhibited a positive linear correlation. All yield strain values were in the narrow range of 0.77–0.87%, regardless of the stiffness and strength of the tissue and the anatomical quadrant. In summary, the results corroborate the hypothesis that tensile yield strain in cortical bone is invariant, irrespective also of the anatomical quadrant. The mean yield strain value found in this study is similar to what was reported by inter-species and evolution studies but slightly higher than previous reports in humans, possibly because of the younger age of our subjects. Further investigations are needed to elucidate a possible dependence of yield strain on age. Full article