Genome-Wide Approach Identifies Natural Large-Fragment Deletion in ASFV Strains Circulating in Italy During 2023.

African swine fever (ASF), characterized by high mortality rates in infected animals, remains a significant global veterinary and economic concern, due to the widespread distribution of ASF virus (ASFV) genotype II across five continents. In this study, ASFV strains collected in Italy during 2022-2023 from two geographical clusters, North-West (Alessandria) and Calabria, were fully sequenced. In addition, an in vivo experiment in pigs was performed.

The Prevalence of Enteric Viruses in Bivalve Molluscs in a Farming Area in Liguria, Northwest Italy.

Bivalve molluscs are filter-feeding organisms, capable of concentrating pathogenic microorganisms from the surrounding environment, thus contributing to the spread of viral pathogens, which they can transmit to humans, especially if eaten raw or undercooked. Although norovirus (NoV) and the hepatitis A virus (HAV) are considered the most common causes of foodborne infections, in recent years, other viruses with a zoonotic potential have been identified in shellfish, such as the hepatitis E virus (HEV), astrovirus (AsV), and aichi virus (AiV). The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of classical and emerging pathogenic enteric viruses in oysters () and mussels () from a mollusc farming area in the northwest of Italy, between April 2022 and March 2023.

Determination of Cenozoic Sedimentary Structures Using Integrated Geophysical Surveys: A Case Study in the Hebei Plain, China.

The strong multi-stage tectonic movement caused the northwest of the North China Plain to rise and the southeast to fall. The covering layer in the plain area was several kilometers thick. In addition to expensive drilling, it is difficult to obtain deep geological information through traditional geological exploration.

Distributed Fiber Optic Strain Sensing Technology for Monitoring Soil Deformation Induced by Leakage in Buried Water Pipelines: A Model Test Study.

Water pipelines in water diversion projects can leak, leading to soil deformation and ground subsidence, necessitating research into soil deformation monitoring technology. This study conducted model tests to monitor soil deformation around leaking buried water pipelines using distributed fiber optic strain sensing (DFOSS) technology based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). By arranging strain measurement fibers in a pipe-soil model, we investigated how leak location, leak size, pipe burial depth, and water flow velocity affect soil strain field monitoring results.

Screening of Solvent Systems for Countercurrent Chromatography Separation of Polar Constituents from L. Seeds.

The separation of large polar constituents presents a substantial challenge in natural product research when employing column chromatography techniques, as the process is both complex and time-consuming. In this study, an acetonitrile/tetrahydrofuran/di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid/aqueous saturated sodium chloride solvent system was developed and utilized for the countercurrent chromatography of polar constituents from L. seeds.

Morphological Evolution and Extinction of Eodiscids and Agnostoid Arthropods.

The temporal range of eodiscids and agnostoid arthropods overlaps with several early Paleozoic geological events of evolutionary significance. However, the responses of agnostids to these events and how the perturbations associated with them (both abiotic and/or biotic) may have impacted agnostids remain uncertain. To address this uncertainty, we employ geometric morphometrics to reconstruct morphospace occupation for agnostids, thereby elucidating their evolutionary response to geological events during the early Paleozoic.

Gut Microbial Composition and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Dairy Calves with Diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea is a prevalent and significant health issue in dairy farming, severely impacting feed intake, weight gain, and survival rates in young calves. This study aimed to investigate the microbial composition and antibiotic resistance profiles of diarrheic calves to provide insights into the epidemiology and management of the condition. The prevalence of diarrhea in 1685 calves was analyzed.

Immunohistochemical Profiling of Histone Modification Biomarkers Identifies Subtype-Specific Epigenetic Signatures and Potential Drug Targets in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) subtypes exhibit distinct epigenetic landscapes, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacking effective targeted therapies. This study investigates histone biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities across BC subtypes. The immunohistochemical profiling of >20 histone biomarkers, including histone modifications, modifiers, and oncohistone mutations, was conducted on a discovery cohort and a validation cohort of BC tissues, healthy controls, and cell line models.

Genome-Wide Identification, Phylogenetic Evolution, and Abiotic Stress Response Analyses of the Late Embryogenesis Abundant Gene Family in the Alpine Cold-Tolerant Medicinal Species.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are a class of proteins associated with osmotic regulation and plant tolerance to abiotic stress. However, studies on the gene family in the alpine cold-tolerant herb are still limited, and the phylogenetic evolution and biological functions of its family members remain unclear. In this study, we conducted genome-wide identification, phylogenetic evolution, and abiotic stress response analyses of family genes in species, alpine cold-tolerant medicinal herbs in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions.

The Impact of Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease () on Grain Yield and Nutritional Quality of Oat.

As an important cereal and feed crop, oat has significant economic value and is widely cultivated throughout the world. However, leaf diseases have become a crucial factor limiting the increase in oat grain yield and the optimization of its nutritional quality. Among these, the bacterial leaf blight disease (LBD) caused by has been an emerging and prevalent oat disease in Northwest China in recent years and has become a major challenge for oat cultivation in this region.

Cadmium Tolerance and Detoxification Mechanisms of : Physiology, Subcellular Distribution, and Chemical Forms.

has a strong cadmium-enrichment ability, posing a potential threat to human health. However, the cadmium tolerance and detoxification mechanisms of are not understood. We investigated the physiological responses, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms of cadmium in two strains (1504 and L130) with contrasting cadmium tolerance.

Investigation of Intestinal Microbes of Five Zokor Species Based on 16S rRNA Sequences.

Zokor is a group of subterranean rodents that are adapted to underground life and feed on plant roots. Here, we investigated the intestinal microbes of five zokor species (, , , , and ) using 16S amplicon technology combined with bioinformatics. Microbial composition analysis showed similar intestinal microbes but different proportions among five zokor species, and their dominant bacteria corresponded to those of herbivores.

Design of Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Its Application in Flexible Gripper.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are difficult to apply to flexible grippers due to their small deformation range and low output force. Hence, a DEA with a large bending deformation range and output force was designed, and a corresponding flexible gripper was developed to realize the function of grasping objects of different shapes. The relationship between the pre-stretch ratio and DEA deformation degree was tested by experiments.

A Novel Active Polyphase Filter Employing Frequency-Dependent Image Rejection Enhancement Technique.

In low intermediate frequency (low-IF) receivers, image interference rejection is one of the core tasks to be accomplished. Conventional active polyphase filters (APPFs) are unable to have a sufficient image rejection ratio (IRR) at high operating frequencies due to the degradation of the IRR by the amplitude and phase imbalances produced by the secondary pole. The proposed solution to the above problem is a frequency-dependent image rejection enhancement technique based on secondary pole compensation.

X-Ray Performance of SiC NPN Radiation Detector.

In this paper, a silicon carbide (SiC) phototransistor based on an open-base structure was fabricated and used as a radiation detector. In contrast to the exposed and thin sensitive region of traditional photo detectors, the sensitive region of the radiation detector was much thicker (30 μm), ensuring the high energy deposition of radiation particles. The response properties of the fabricated SiC npn radiation detector were characterized by high-energy X-ray illumination with a maximum X-ray photon energy of 30 keV.

Genome-Wide Identification, Conservation, and Expression Pattern Analyses of the BBR-BPC Gene Family Under Abiotic Stress in L.

Background: The BBR-BPC gene family is a relatively conservative group of transcription factors, playing a key role in plant morphogenesis, organ development, and responses to abiotic stress. L. (), commonly known as oilseed rape, is an allopolyploid plant formed by the hybridization and polyploidization of L.

Harnessing Non-Antibiotic Strategies to Counter Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pathogens with Special Reference to Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Coatings.

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global challenge in the 21st century, validating Sir Alexander Fleming's warning about the misuse of antibiotics leading to resistant microbes. With a dwindling arsenal of effective antibiotics, it is imperative to concentrate on alternative antimicrobial strategies. Previous studies have not comprehensively discussed the advantages and limitations of various strategies, including bacteriophage therapy, probiotics, immunotherapies, photodynamic therapy, essential oils, nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) within a single review.

Microbiological Analysis Conducted on Raw Milk Collected During Official Sampling in Liguria (North-West Italy) over a Ten-Year Period (2014-2023).

Milk has been consumed by humans for thousands of years for its nutritional properties. In recent years, raw milk demand has increased, valued for its authenticity and connection to local traditions. In Italy, the sale of raw milk is allowed exclusively through direct sale from the producing farm to the final consumer, either at the producing farm itself or through vending machines.

Genomic Landscape and Prediction of Udder Traits in Saanen Dairy Goats.

Goats are essential to the dairy industry in Shaanxi, China, with udder traits playing a critical role in determining milk production and economic value for breeding programs. However, the direct measurement of these traits in dairy goats is challenging and resource-intensive. This study leveraged genotyping imputation to explore the genetic parameters and architecture of udder traits and assess the efficiency of genomic prediction methods.

Genome Characterization of Mammalian Orthoreovirus and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Isolated from the Same Fattening Pig.

In 2020, severe diarrhea occurred in four-month-old fattening pigs from nine farms in Shandong Province, China. Fecal samples were collected from diseased pigs and tested by PCR for the presence of mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), porcine rotavirus A (PoRVA), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine kobuvirus (PKV), and pseudorabies virus (PRV). The viral RNA of MRV and PEDV was detected in the fecal samples.

Evaluating Tumor Tissue Modified Viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA for the Early Detection of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence.

Background: The incidence and mortality of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) are rising, with greater than 80% of cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily HPV16. Post-treatment surveillance can be challenging due to the limitations of anoscopy, digital anal rectal exam (DARE), and imaging. Plasma tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA has shown strong sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in detecting the recurrence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer.

Activity Performance Priorities for Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Insights from Management and Staff at a Transitional Housing Facility.

For people experiencing homelessness (PEH), the provision of affordable housing has been recognized as the most crucial intervention for improving housing stability and facilitating substance abuse treatment. However, evidence indicates that providing housing does not significantly improve substance abuse, mental health, or physical health outcomes. Optimal participation in essential daily activities has been shown to improve health outcomes and support independent living, but there is limited research that identifies activity performance priorities among PEH living in transitional housing.

A Qualitative Exploration of Relations Between Salutogenesis and Persistent Music Performance Among Refugees Resettled in the United States.

In its broadest meaning, salutogenesis denotes an orientation toward the origins and assets for positive health, as opposed to the origins and risk factors associated with disease (i.e., pathogenesis).

A Scoping Review of the Current Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health and Infectious Diseases (Specifically COVID-19, Tuberculosis, and H1N1 Influenza) in Canadian Arctic Indigenous Communities.

Social determinants of health (SDHs) and the impact of colonization can make Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities susceptible to infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and studied what is known about selected pandemics (COVID-19, tuberculosis, and H1N1 influenza) and SDHs (healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, mental health, cultural continuity, housing, community infrastructure, and socioeconomic status (SES)) for Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities. Original studies published in English and French up to October 2024 were located in databases (PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL), , and through reference tracking.

Drug Target Investigation of --Coumaroyl-'-Caffeoylputrescine, a Naturally-Occurring Alkaloid Derived from .

The exploration of drug targets has always been a priority in new drug research, and this work is even more essential for natural active compounds. is a traditional Tibetan medicine with excellent antioxidant properties. In this study, an alkaloid, --coumaroyl-'-caffeoylputrescine (PCC), was first isolated from the plant, , with a DPPH scavenging rate of 0.