Phages and their satellites encode hotspots of antiviral systems.

Bacteria carry diverse genetic systems to defend against viral infection, some of which are found within prophages where they inhibit competing viruses. Phage satellites pose additional pressures on phages by hijacking key viral elements to their own benefit. Here, we show that E.

Influence of Confounding Factors on Radiation Dose Estimation Using In Vivo Validated Transcriptional Biomarkers.

For triage purposes following a nuclear accident, blood-based gene expression biomarkers can provide rapid dose estimates for a large number of individuals. Ionizing-radiation-responsive genes are regulated through the DNA damage-response pathway, which includes activation of multiple transcription factors. Modulators of this pathway could potentially affect the response of these biomarkers and consequently compromise accurate dose estimation calculations.

Review: Drinking water for liquid-fed pigs.

Liquid feeding has the potential to provide pigs with sufficient water to remain hydrated and prevent prolonged thirst. However, lack of permanent access to fresh water prevents animals from drinking when they are thirsty. Moreover, individual differences between pigs in a pen may result in uneven distribution of the water provided by the liquid feed, leading to some pigs being unable to meet their water requirements.

Anaemia in the sow: a cohort study to assess factors with an impact on haemoglobin concentration, and the influence of haemoglobin concentration on the reproductive performance.

The aim of this study was to conduct a descriptive study of haemoglobin concentration found on high-prolificacy sows, to study the relationship between the concentration of haemoglobin and body reserves, and to determine whether anaemia is a risk factor for reproductive performance. A cohort of 308 sows from seven farms was followed from the last third of gestation to the confirmation of the following gestation. Haemoglobin concentration was assessed at four stages of the reproductive cycle: seven and four weeks before farrowing, a few days and three weeks after farrowing.