Application of versatile reverse genetics system for feline coronavirus.

Unlabelled: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). Although multiple gene mutations in FCoV likely account for FIP pathogenesis, molecular studies for FCoV have been limited due to the lack of a suitable reverse genetics system. In the present study, we established a rapid PCR-based system to generate recombinant FCoV using the circular polymerase extension reaction (CPER) method for both serotype 1 and 2 viruses.

Molecular characterization of feline caliciviruses isolated from several adult cats with atypical infection showing severe flu-like symptoms on a remote island in Ehime, Japan.

In November 2020, a volunteer group reported an outbreak of an infectious disease with a high fatality rate and flu-like symptoms among stray cats in Aoshima, a remote island in Ehime, Japan. Nine adult cats with severe symptoms were hospitalized. Feline calicivirus (FCV) was isolated from pharyngeal swabs of six hospitalized cats.

Genetic diversity and virulence of group isolates from bloodstream infections.

catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are an increasing concern in Japanese hospitals. Although their clinical characteristics have been explored, the genetic relationships and virulence profiles of isolates from CRBSIs remain understudied. Here, using advanced genomic techniques, we investigated the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and virulence profiles of isolates from patients with bloodstream infections.

Isolation and characterization of Iwanai Valley virus, a new tick-borne nairovirus from Ixodes ovatus ticks in Hokkaido, Japan.

Most members of the genus Orthonairovirus, represented by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Nairobi sheep disease virus, are tick-borne, and some have become a public health concern in recent years. Here, we report the isolation and genetic and biological characterization of a new orthonairovirus, designated as "Iwanai Valley virus" (IWVV), from Ixodes ovatus ticks in Hokkaido, Japan. The amino acid sequence of the viral nucleoprotein (NP) was found to be 34-45% identical to those of known orthonairoviruses.

Taxonomy of freshwater gobies of the genus Rhinogobius (Oxudercidae, Gobiiformes) from central Vietnam, with descriptions of two new species.

Taxonomy of the genus Rhinogobius was investigated for the first time in Central Vietnam. Five species occurring in this region can be distinguished by shape of their head, number of pectoral-fin rays, vertebral counts, arrangements of scales and cutaneous sensory papillae, and coloration. Two species are described as new, Rhinogobius rong sp.

Transboundary Movement of Yezo Virus via Ticks on Migratory Birds, Japan, 2020-2021.

Migratory birds carry ticks harboring various pathogens, including the zoonotic Yezo virus. In Hokkaido, Japan, we collected ticks from migratory birds during 2020-2021. Eight of 385 pools, comprising 2,534 ticks, tested positive for Yezo virus RNA, suggesting Yezo virus might be spread through the flyways of migratory birds.

The High Prevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi Among Wild Rodents and the Identification of Its Major Serotypes in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, Where Scrub Typhus Patients Are Rarely Identified.

Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) is an obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by larval trombiculid mites, responsible for scrub typhus in humans. In Japan, approximately 500 human cases are reported annually, with six major serotypes identified as Kato, Karp, Gilliam, Irie/Kawasaki, Shimokoshi, and Hirano/Kuroki. However, the prevalence of OT in Yamaguchi prefecture remains largely unknown.

Green Tea Catechin Epigallocatechin Gallate Inhibits Vegetative Cell Outgrowth and Expression of Beta-Lactamase Genes in Penicillin-Resistant Strain PCr.

The green tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) has antimicrobial effects on many bacteria. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of EGCg on spores and vegetative cells. The spores were insensitive to EGCg, but the growth of vegetative cells derived from germinated spores was inhibited by EGCg.

The transcriptional landscape underlying larval development and metamorphosis in the Malabar grouper ().

Most teleost fishes exhibit a biphasic life history with a larval oceanic phase that is transformed into morphologically and physiologically different demersal, benthic, or pelagic juveniles. This process of transformation is characterized by a myriad of hormone-induced changes, during the often abrupt transition between larval and juvenile phases called metamorphosis. Thyroid hormones (TH) are known to be instrumental in triggering and coordinating this transformation but other hormonal systems such as corticoids, might be also involved as it is the case in amphibians.

β-d-N-hydroxycytidine, a metabolite of molnupiravir, exhibits in vitro antiviral activity against rabies virus.

Rabies is a fatal neurological disorder caused by rabies virus (RABV) infection. Approximately 60,000 patients die from rabies annually, and there are no effective treatments for this disease. Nucleoside analogs are employed as antiviral drugs based on their broad antiviral spectrum, and certain nucleoside analogs have been reported to exhibit anti-RABV activity.

Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Rodent Populations in Tokyo, Japan.

The persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among wildlife populations poses a potential risk for the emergence of novel variants. Therefore, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals is crucial. As urban rodents live in close proximity to human habitats, there is a concern that they may be a potential source of zoonoses.

Molecular and serological investigation of Francisella tularensis among wild animals in Yamaguchi prefecture.

Francisella tularensis is an intracellular gram-negative bacterium known as the causative agent of tularemia, which can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with wild animals or by tick bites. Although F. tularensis is highly pathogenic, its recent prevalence in Japan is underreported due to the small number of reported cases.

Construction of Vero cell-adapted rabies vaccine strain by five amino acid substitutions in HEP-Flury strain.

Rabies virus (RABV) causes fatal neurological disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) using inactivated-virus vaccines are the most effective measures to prevent rabies. In Japan, HEP-Flury, the viral strain, used as a human rabies vaccine, has historically been propagated in primary fibroblast cells derived from chicken embryos.

Distribution and Population Genetic Structure of the Hau Giang Medaka, , Along the East Coast of the Indochinese Peninsula.

The east coast of the Indochinese Peninsula is a well-known transition zone from subtropical to tropical systems, yet only a small number of studies have been conducted on the biogeography and phylogeography of aquatic organisms in this region. The Hau Giang medaka, , was originally described from the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, and later reported also from southeastern Thailand, west of the Mekong Delta region. However, the species' full geographic range and population genetic structures remain unknown.

Single Amino Acid Substitution in the Matrix Protein of Rabies Virus Is Associated with Neurovirulence in Mice.

Rabies is a fatal encephalitic infectious disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV). RABV is highly neurotropic and replicates in neuronal cell lines . The RABV fixed strain, HEP-Flury, was produced via passaging in primary chicken embryonic fibroblast cells.