Search Results (57,078)

Astragalus root rot is a soil-borne disease primarily caused by Fusarium spp., which severely hampers the sustainable development of the Astragalus industry. F. acuminatum is a predominant pathogen causing this disease. To elucidate the genetic variation and adaptive evolutionary characteristics of F. acuminatum from different geographical origins, this study conducted whole-genome resequencing analysis on 28 isolates of F. acuminatum collected from four major Astragalus production regions. Approximately 124.9 Gb of high-quality sequencing data were obtained, and a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Population genetic analysis revealed that strains from different regions did not form strictly geographically specific clusters, exhibiting a complex mixed distribution pattern. Nucleotide polymorphism analysis indicated that the Dingxi, Gansu (GD) population possessed the highest nucleotide diversity (π) value, reflecting the richest genetic diversity. Fixation index (Fst) analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation (Fst > 0.15) among populations from different provinces, suggesting that geographic isolation may be a contributing factor to restricted gene flow between pathogenic isolates in these regions. Tajima’s D positive values suggest a deviation from neutrality, consistent with balancing selection or population contraction. Ka/Ks analysis further revealed that the majority of genes exhibited Ka/Ks > 1, differing from the typical pattern of purifying selection dominance. This study revealed the genetic variation and selection signals of F. acuminatum isolates from different geographical origins, observed significant genetic differentiation between the Gansu and Ningxia populations, and identified a large number of genes that may be subject to positive selection. Full article

The overreliance on chemical pesticides has caused severe environmental contamination, health risks, and increasing pest and pathogen resistance, creating an urgent need for greener and more efficient alternatives in sustainable agriculture. Microalgae-mediated green nano-synthesis has emerged as a promising strategy because of its environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and multifunctional potential. This review critically summarizes recent advances in microalgae-derived nanomaterials for agricultural applications. First, we discuss the biochemical basis of nanoparticle biosynthesis, highlighting the roles of microalgal polysaccharides, proteins, photosynthetic pigments, extracellular polymeric substances, and secondary metabolites as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. We then summarize intracellular and extracellular synthesis pathways, advanced synthesis strategies, and key reaction parameters, including temperature, pH, and metal precursor concentration, which regulate nanoparticle size, morphology, stability, and yield. Subsequently, major microalgae-derived nanomaterials, including gold, silver, selenium, zinc oxide, bimetallic, and other functional nanoparticles, are discussed in relation to their agricultural applications. These nanomaterials show potential in bacterial, fungal, and viral disease control, biofilm disruption, plant growth promotion, yield enhancement, and abiotic stress mitigation. Their agronomic effects are associated with multiple mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species generation, pathogen membrane disruption, inhibition of biofilm formation, enhanced nutrient bioavailability, antioxidant regulation, and activation of plant systemic resistance. In addition, this review evaluates the phytotoxicity, biocompatibility, soil microbial impacts, and environmental safety of microalgae-derived nanomaterials, emphasizing that green synthesis does not automatically guarantee biosafety. Finally, we discuss their integration into circular agriculture through CO₂ capture and wastewater-derived metal recovery, while highlighting remaining challenges in scale-up, quality control, economic feasibility, regulatory classification, and public acceptance. Overall, microalgae-mediated nanotechnology offers a promising platform for developing safer, more efficient, and circular agricultural inputs. Full article

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a global health burden. Beyond classical pathogens, dermatophytes are increasingly identified within sexually linked transmission networks. Genital dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of the genital area, primarily caused by anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes. Recently, Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII and Trichophyton indotineae have emerged as clinically significant dermatophytes, increasingly linked to human-to-human and sexually associated transmission within highly interconnected sexual networks. These infections are often marked by inflammatory, persistent, and treatment-refractory presentations, with prominent genital involvement and rising antifungal resistance—particularly to terbinafine—posing growing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) has recently emerged as a novel preventive strategy for bacterial STIs, involving the administration of 200 mg doxycycline within 24–72 h after activities associated with increased infection exposure, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. While effective in reducing infections such as syphilis and chlamydia, its broader implementation raises concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. Chemsex is an increasingly prevalent behavioural phenomenon, defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances during sexual activity to enhance or prolong the experience, particularly among MSM. It is associated with multiple adverse effects, including increased STI transmission, substance dependence, drug toxicity, psychological disturbances, and significant challenges in treatment adherence and healthcare engagement. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically oriented overview of emerging trends in STIs, with a particular focus on dermatophyte infections as pathogens with potential sexually associated transmission, alongside evolving prevention strategies and behavioral factors influencing transmission. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the demographic characteristics of patients, clinical specimen types, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) isolates obtained in a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye between 2019 and 2025. Materials and Methods: A total of 443 S. maltophilia strains isolated from various clinical specimens between June 2019 and December 2025 were included in the study. Identification of the isolates and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using conventional methods and an automated system. Demographic and clinical data of the patients, along with antibiotic susceptibility results, were obtained from the hospital information system. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 22.0 and R version 3.3.2. Results: The number of isolates showed a fluctuating trend over the years, with the highest number recorded in 2022 (n = 94). The majority of isolates were obtained from intensive care units (71.3%), followed by inpatient wards (21.9%). Among clinical specimens, blood (42.7%) and tracheal aspirates (18.5%) were the most common. Significant temporal changes were observed in TMP–SMX susceptibility patterns. Fully susceptible isolates predominated in the early years, whereas intermediate susceptibility became increasingly common after 2021, while resistance rates remained relatively low throughout the study period. Conclusion: S. maltophilia remains an important nosocomial pathogen, particularly in intensive care patients and in association with invasive procedures. The observed changes in susceptibility patterns may affect treatment efficacy. Therefore, regular resistance surveillance, and consideration of local antibiograms are of great importance. Full article

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important zoonotic pathogens that can disseminate through environmental water systems, yet data from Southern Italy remain scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of STEC isolated from surface water samples collected from rivers and lakes in the Apulia region (Southern Italy). A total of 120 samples were processed according to ISO/TS 13136:2012, followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) for isolate confirmation and characterization. Overall, 20% of the samples were stx-positive in screening. STEC strains were isolated from 4.2% of stx-positive enrichments, corresponding to one sample out of a total of 120 (0.8%). The isolate was identified as O139:H1, carrying the stx2e subtype and belonging to sequence type ST1. Genomic analysis revealed multiple virulence-associated determinants, including the complete F18 fimbrial operon (fedA-F), hlyA, csgA, gad, chuA, yehA-D, and ompT, along with stress-resistance and tellurite-resistance genes. The strain was susceptible to all antibiotics tested. The genomic profile suggests a swine-associated lineage with multiple environmental persistence traits but limited antimicrobial resistance. The detection of a swine-associated STEC strain in surface waters highlights potential environmental dissemination pathways and underscores the importance of continued monitoring within integrated water–livestock surveillance frameworks. Full article

Climate change is reshaping the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in Europe by altering the ecological conditions that determine vector survival, seasonal activity and pathogen transmission. Rising temperatures, milder winters, prolonged warm seasons and changing precipitation patterns are increasing the suitability of parts of Europe for competent mosquito, tick and sandfly vectors. These changes, combined with human mobility and land-use change, increase the probability that imported pathogens encounter permissive conditions for local transmission. This Opinion article examines autochthonous vector-borne disease transmission in Europe, using dengue as a sentinel example of a wider climate-sensitive transition. We discuss how imported viraemic cases, established competent vectors, vector–host contact and delayed clinical recognition can converge to enable local outbreaks. Beyond dengue, we consider West Nile virus, chikungunya, tick-borne encephalitis, leishmaniasis and Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever as examples of a broader and increasingly heterogeneous European risk landscape. We argue that the public-health impact of this transition is shaped not only by vector expansion, but also by gaps in surveillance integration, diagnostic readiness, workforce preparedness and One Health coordination. Strengthening climate-informed surveillance, rapid laboratory capacity, frontline clinical awareness and cross-sectoral response systems will be essential to prevent repeated introductions from becoming sustained public-health challenges. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections. Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Resistance arises through mutations in two-component systems (TCS) regulating the arn operon. Data on colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa from Pakistan remain limited. A total of 3189 clinical samples (urine, blood, sputum, pus, wound swabs) were cultured. P. aeruginosa was identified by Gram staining, biochemical tests (catalase, oxidase, API 20E), and oprL gene amplification. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion and MIC strips. Resistance genes (PhoP, PhoQ, PmrA, PmrB, mcr-1, oprD) were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Wild-type protein structures were retrieved from PDB; mutant structures were predicted using AlphaFold3. ANP (phosphoaminophosphonic acid-adenylate ester) was docked using MOE 2019.0102. Of 3189 samples, 384 (12.0%) yielded P. aeruginosa. Wound/pus (38.0%) and surgical wards (30.0%) were the predominant sources. Colistin and polymyxin B showed 99.0% susceptibility (MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀ = 1 µg/mL). High resistance was observed for Piperacillin–Tazobactam (96.4%), Aztreonam (70.6%), and Gentamicin (64.2%). oprD was the most prevalent gene (87.5%), followed by PmrB (54.0%), PhoQ (44.0%), PhoP (36.0%), PmrA (18.0%), and mcr-1 (8.0%). Docking revealed the strongest binding in wild-type PhoQ (1ID0; −12.0 kcal/mol, LYS392), wild-type PmrB (2JSO; −9.8 kcal/mol, ASP37), and wild-type PhoP (2PKX; −9.1 kcal/mol, LYS87/ARG111). Mutant proteins showed reduced binding affinities and dispersed interaction networks. Mutant PhoP formed 16 contacts (strongest −4.3 kcal/mol) versus wild-type PhoP with 13 contacts (−9.1 kcal/mol). Colistin remains highly effective against P. aeruginosa in this setting (99.0% susceptibility). The presence of mcr-1 (8.0%) and high oprD prevalence (87.5%) require continued surveillance. Mutations in TCS proteins reduce ANP binding affinity and alter interaction specificity, suggesting that ATP-competitive inhibitors targeting these kinases merit further investigation and experimental validation. Full article

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) are major aboveground and belowground pests of soybean (Glycine max) in the U.S. Midwest, but the molecular basis of their combined effects on soybean defense remains poorly understood. This study examines how soybean genotypes influence demographic and root-transcriptomic responses to single and combined pest infestation. Soybean cyst nematode reproduction increased under combined infestation in the susceptible cultivar but remained unchanged in the resistant cultivar, whereas soybean aphid populations declined when plants were also infested with nematodes. Root RNA-seq revealed strong time-dependent transcriptional responses, with substantially more differentially expressed genes at 30 days post-infestation than at 5 days post-infestation. Co-expression and enrichment analyses showed that early responses were associated with defense signaling, plant–pathogen interaction, and cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, whereas later responses involved redox processes, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and one-carbon metabolism. Several differentially expressed soybean genes co-localized with known soybean cyst nematode resistance quantitative trait loci, including genes near the rhg1 region. Together, these results suggest that soybean genotypes strongly influence soybean aphid–soybean cyst nematode interactions and identify candidate genes and pathways that may contribute to durable resistance against interacting aboveground and belowground pests. Full article

The increasing virulence of field strains of Marek’s disease virus (MDV), which can overcome the immunity conferred by the widely used CVI988 vaccine, underscores the need for more effective alternatives. The SC9-1 vaccine strain has demonstrated superior protective efficacy and is being increasingly adopted in China. Importantly, it harbors a unique recombinant REV-LTR insertion junction that is absent from all other MDV strains. Targeting this strain-exclusive genomic locus, this study established an SYBR Green I-based quantitative real-time PCR assay for specific detection and quantification of SC9-1 to support clinical vaccine surveillance. We designed specific primers and systematically optimized the qPCR reaction conditions. The resulting assay demonstrated high specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with other MDV strains or common avian pathogens. It achieved a sensitivity of 1.0 × 10¹ copies/μL, and reproducibility was excellent, with both intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation below 1.0%. Furthermore, the LOD of this assay for commercial SC9-1 vaccine samples was determined to be 1.22 PFU per 200 μL sample. In conclusion, this SYBR Green I-based qPCR assay provides a specific, sensitive, and reproducible tool for the rapid quantification of the SC9-1 vaccine virus. It is fully validated for routine vaccine quality control, while exhibiting promising potential for subsequent field surveillance within MD vaccination programs. Full article

The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in riverine ecosystems poses a pressing public health threat, while the mechanisms governing the assembly of the gut resistome in wild fish remain poorly elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the distributional patterns of ARGs across multiple environmental compartments and to identify factors associated with their variation, particularly the contributions of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs) to gut resistome variation. Metagenomic sequencing was conducted on 60 samples, comprising water, sediment, and gut contents from three wild fish species (Megalobrama terminalis, Aristichthys nobilis, and Coilia nasus) with distinct feeding habits, collected from four reaches of the Qiantang River basin. A total of 305 ARG subtypes belonging to 23 classes were identified. ARG composition differed significantly across environmental media and host species (permutational multivariate analysis of variance, PERMANOVA; p < 0.01), with host species identity as the primary structuring factor. Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) revealed that MGEs independently explained the largest fraction of ARG variation in A. nobilis (33.8%, p = 0.006), whereas MRGs dominated in C. nasus (33.3%, p = 0.005); in M. terminalis, MGEs and MRGs together accounted for 47.9% of the variation. Metagenomic assembly recovered 2622 ARG-carrying contigs, of which 28.3% (743) were predicted as plasmid sequences; physical co-localization among ARGs, MGEs, and MRGs was detected on both chromosomes and plasmids. Metagenomic binning validated the physical co-localization of ARG-MGE-MRG modules in genera such as Morganella and Burkholderia at the genome level, while plasmid-borne high-risk ARGs were identified in Aeromonas. Risk ranking further revealed significant enrichment of Rank II potentially high-risk ARGs (e.g., mcr-7.1, blaZ) in fish guts, carried by potential pathogens. These findings suggest that horizontal gene transfer involving MGEs and co-selection related to MRGs are closely associated with the fish gut resistome composition in a manner dependent on host ecology, providing a scientific basis for shifting riverine resistance management from concentration-based control toward the interruption of dissemination pathways. Full article

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is commonly regarded as a sporadic malignancy primarily driven by ultraviolet exposure. However, the occurrence of multiple, aggressive tumors at a relatively young age suggests the presence of underlying genetic susceptibility. The role of germline variants affecting extracellular matrix organization, pigmentation pathways, and tumor metabolism in aggressive cSCC remains incompletely understood. Case Presentation: We describe a 53-year-old patient with a long-standing history of multiple aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas involving the scalp and facial regions, characterized by recurrent and multifocal disease. A comprehensive diagnostic approach was undertaken, including histopathological examination, fluorescence confocal microscopy, high-frequency cutaneous ultrasound, and genetic analysis using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Results: Histopathology confirmed high-risk features consistent with aggressive cSCC. Cutaneous ultrasound and fluorescence confocal microscopy provided complementary, non-invasive insights into tumor depth, architecture, and invasive patterns. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous truncating variant in COL6A3 (NM_004369.4:c.5645C>A, p.Ser1882Ter), classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG criteria. Additionally, two heterozygous variants of uncertain significance were detected in TYR (NM_000372.5:c.1569C>A, p.Ser523Arg) and FH (NM_000143.4:c.1237-5_1237-4insTCTCCCTCCCTC). Although individually inconclusive, the combined germline genetic background may have contributed to the patient’s aggressive and multifocal cutaneous phenotype. Discussion: This case report supports a potential role of extracellular matrix remodeling, pigmentation-related susceptibility, and metabolic dysregulation in cutaneous carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. This case illustrates how integrating WES with advanced non-invasive imaging techniques can enhance the understanding of biologically aggressive cSCC. Conclusions: This report highlights a unique case of multifocal aggressive cSCC characterized by a distinct germline genetic profile identified by WES and multimodal imaging assessment. Comprehensive molecular and imaging evaluation may be beneficial in selected patients with atypical or aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with implications for personalized surveillance and management. Full article

Aspergillus flavus and its primary secondary metabolite, aflatoxin B1, pose a persistent threat to global food security and public health, highlighting the need to identify novel molecular targets for the development of highly specific fungicides. In this study, the transcription factor Aflrpn4 was investigated by constructing gene deletion and complementation strains to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms in controlling the growth, development, and pathogenicity of A. flavus. Phenotypic analysis revealed that, compared with the wild-type and complemented strains, loss of Aflrpn4 severely restricted radial colony growth, reduced conidial yield, and caused structural defects in conidiophores. Furthermore, AFB1 content was reduced by 52% compared with the wild-type. In storage simulation assays using peanut and maize kernels, the ΔAflrpn4 strain exhibited significantly compromised colonization capacity, reduced biomass, and lower AFB1 accumulation. Under aflatoxin-inducing YES culture conditions, deletion of Aflrpn4 was associated with significant downregulation of key pathway-specific regulatory and structural genes, including aflR, aflS, and aflP. Furthermore, under osmotic stress induced by 1.2 M NaCl and KCl, the growth inhibition rates of the ΔAflrpn4 strain reached 70% and 59%, respectively, and cell membrane integrity was severely compromised. Loss of Aflrpn4 also disrupted intracellular redox homeostasis, characterized by a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity, compensatory increases in catalase and peroxidase activities, and substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Aflrpn4 acts as a pivotal regulator coordinating vegetative growth, asexual development, stress adaptation, and aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus. Consequently, Aflrpn4 represents a promising molecular target for developing targeted interventions to control A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination during grain storage. Full article

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus faecium is an opportunistic pathogen. Its resistance and virulence genes can spread through the food chain, posing risks to public health. This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance and genomic characteristics of MDR E. faecium isolated from milk samples from cows with mastitis in Ningxia between 2019 and 2024. From 2019 to 2024, 1341 milk samples were collected in Yinchuan, Yinnan, and Yinbei. MDRE. faecium was identified using plate screening, mass spectrometry, broth microdilution, and hemolysis detection. Whole-genome sequencing enabled SNP, MLST, pan-genome, and COG analyses, focusing on ARGs and MGEs. MRPP, AMOVA and PCoA were applied to compare gene communities and identify driver genes. Ninety-one E. faecium strains were isolated. Resistance to florfenicol, ceftiofur, and chloramphenicol exceeded 60%, while resistance to vancomycin and linezolid showed an overall increasing trend over the study period. Phylogenetic clustering revealed two subtypes, three clades, and 10 novel STs. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations among the resistance genes optrA, cfr(A), and vanF. Antibiotic resistance, particularly MDR, increased over time, and strains carried diverse ARGs and MGEs. Overall, strengthened surveillance of mastitis-derived E. faecium is warranted to support the control of bovine mastitis and safeguard public health. Full article

The operationalization of the One Health (OH) approach remains a major challenge due to persistent fragmentation across human, animal, and environmental data systems. This gap is exacerbated by climate change, which acts as a risk multiplier for pathogen transmission and agri-food system vulnerability. Drawing on more than a decade of research, including the re-emergence of brucellosis in Italy and the 2024 Salmonella Umbilo outbreak, this perspective discusses key weaknesses in current data management, particularly the lack of real-time, interoperable data sharing. To address these challenges, we propose an AI-enabled One Health Information System (OH-IS), grounded in FAIR data principles and privacy-preserving architectures. The proposed conceptual framework integrates multi-matrix data streams, combining Earth observation data, genomic surveillance through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and livestock mobility within a geospatially integrated architecture to support timely decision-making in vulnerable settings. By analyzing the constraints of siloed databases, we discuss how automated semantic harmonization could conceptually support improved risk assessment and outbreak reconstruction in recent zoonotic events. This approach may facilitate a transition from descriptive to anticipatory surveillance, providing a scalable model to move One Health from a conceptual paradigm toward a more integrated and data-driven surveillance framework aligned with EU digital health policies and global health security priorities. Full article

Common bunt (CB), caused by Tilletia caries and Tilletia laevis, poses a significant threat to wheat grain quality and yield. In organic farming, the development of resistant genotypes is the most effective way to combat the pathogen. This study aimed to identify new resistance sources against CB in international nurseries: Winter Wheat Nursery from Central Asia (WWN-CA) and International Common Bunt Resistance Nursery (CBUNT-RN), for strengthening winter breeding programs in Kazakhstan. Germplasm panels were evaluated against CB under artificial infection conditions in southeastern Kazakhstan and genotyped with KASP markers associated with QTLs (QBt.ifa-1AL, QBt.ifa-1BS, QBt.ifa-7AL and QBt.ifa-7DS) conferring bunt resistance. Results of immunological experiments and genotyping revealed 7 and 11 genotypes in WWN-CA and CBUNT-RN, respectively, and resistance to CB. CB incidence negatively correlated with SL (r = −0.23), NSS (r = −0.31), NKS (r = −0.41), and GWS (r = −0.44) (all p ≤ 0.01), in WWN-CA. ANOVA confirmed these findings, in which a pronounced reduction in these yield components was observed between inoculated and control HS groups (p ≤ 0.05). The QTL QBt.ifa-1AL on chromosome 1A shows promise for MAS against CB. The novel genetic knowledge and resistant resources identified here represent a valuable tool to enrich Central Asian germplasm with new alleles of resistance genes to advance organic farming in Kazakhstan. Full article