Prevalence, Time of Infection, and Diversity of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRVS) is a major swine viral pathogen that affects the pig industry worldwide. Control of early PRRSV infection is essential, and different types of PRRSV-positive samples can reflect the time point of PRRSV infection. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of PRRSV in China from Q4 2021 to Q4 2022, which will be beneficial for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)control in the swine production industry in the future. A total of 7518 samples (of processing fluid, weaning serum, and oral fluid) were collected from 100 intensive pig farms in 21 provinces, which covered all five pig production regions in China, on a quarterly basis starting from the fourth quarter of 2021 and ending on the fourth quarter of 2022. Independent of sample type, 32.1% (2416/7518) of the total samples were PCR-positive for PRRSV, including 73.6% (1780/2416) samples that were positive for wild PRRSV, and the remaining were positive for PRRSV vaccine strains. On the basis of the time of infection, 58.9% suckling piglets (processing fluid) and 30.8% weaning piglets (weaning serum) showed PRRSV infection at an early stage (approximately 90% of the farms). The sequencing analysis results indicate a wide range of diverse PRRSV wild strains in China, with lineage 1 as the dominant strain. Our study clearly demonstrates the prevalence, infection stage, and diversity of PRRSV in China. This study provides useful data for the epidemiological understanding of PRRSV, which can contribute to the strategic and systematic prevention and control of PRRSV in China.

COVID-19 transmission driven by age-group mathematical model in Shijiazhuang City of China.

Background: A COVID-19 outbreak in the rural areas of Shijiazhuang City was attributed to the complex interactions among vaccination, host, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Herein, we investigated the epidemiological characteristics of all reported symptomatic cases by picking Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province in Northern China as research objective. In addition, we established a with age-group mathematical model to perform the optimal fitting and to investigate the dynamical profiles under three scenarios. Methods: All reported symptomatic cases of Shijiazhuang epidemic (January 2-February 3, 2021) were investigated in our study. The cases were classified by gender, age group and location, the distributions were analyzed by epidemiological characteristics. Furthermore, the reported data from Health Commission of Hebei Province was also analyzed by using an age-group mathematical model by two phases and three scenarios. Results: Shijiazhuang epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 wild strain was recorded with the peak 84 cases out of 868 reported symptomatic cases on January 11, 2021, which was implemented with strong NPIs by local government and referred as baseline situation in this study. The research results showed that R0 under baseline situation ranged from 4.47 to 7.72, and Rt of Gaocheng Distinct took 3.72 with 95% confidence interval from 3.23 to 4.35 on January 9, the declining tendencies of Rt under baseline situation were kept till February 3, the value of Rt reached below 1 on January 19 and remained low value up to February 3 for Gaocheng District and Shijiazhuang City during Shijiazhuang epidemic. This indicated Shijiazhuang epidemic was under control on January 19. However, if the strong NPIs were kept, but remote isolation operated on January 11 was not implemented as of February 9, then the scale of Shijiazhuang epidemic reached 9482 cases from age group who were 60 years old and over out of 31,017 symptomatic cases. The investigation also revealed that Shijiazhuang epidemic reached 132,648 symptomatic cases for age group who were 60 years old and over (short for G2) under risk-based strategies (Scenario A), 58,048 symptomatic cases for G2 under late quarantine strategies (Scenario B) and 207,124 symptomatic cases for G2 under late quarantine double risk strategies (Scenario C), and that the corresponding transmission tendencies of Rt for three scenarios were consistently controlled on Jan 29, 2021. Compared with baseline situation, the dates for controlling Rt below 1 under three scenarios were delayed 10 days. Conclusions: Shijiazhuang epidemic was the first COVID-19 outbreak in the rural areas in Hebei Province of Northern China. The targeted interventions adopted in early 2021 were effective to halt the transmission due to the implementation of a strict and village-wide closure. However we found that age group profile and NPIs played critical rules to successfully contain Shijiazhuang epidemic, which should be considered by public health policies in rural areas of mainland China during the dynamic zero-COVID policy.

Determination and Analysis of Hyper-Variable A Mating Types in Wild Strains of Lentinula edodes in Korea.

The diversity of A mating type in wild strains of Lentinula edodes was extensively analyzed to characterize and utilize them for developing new cultivars. One hundred twenty-three A mating type alleles, including 67 newly discovered alleles, were identified from 106 wild strains collected for the past four decades in Korea. Based on previous studies and current findings, a total of 130 A mating type alleles have been found, 124 of which were discovered from wild strains, indicating the hyper-variability of A mating type alleles of L. edodes. About half of the A mating type alleles in wild strains were found in more than two strains, whereas the other half of the alleles were found in only one strain. About 90% of A mating type combinations in dikaryotic wild strains showed a single occurrence. Geographically, diverse A mating type alleles were intensively located in the central region of the Korean peninsula, whereas only allele A17 was observed throughout Korea. We also found the conservation of the TCCCAC motif in addition to the previously reported motifs, including ATTGT, ACAAT, and GCGGAG, in the intergenic regions of A mating loci. Sequence comparison among some alleles indicated that accumulated mutation and recombination would contribute to the diversification of A mating type alleles in L. edodes. Our data support the rapid evolution of A mating locus in L. edodes, and would help to understand the characteristics of A mating loci of wild strains in Korea and help to utilize them for developing new cultivars.

Temporal dysregulation of genes in lamb testis cell during sheeppox virus infection.

The present study was aimed to elucidate the host-virus interactions using RNA-Seq analysis at 1 h and 8 h of post-infection of sheeppox virus (SPPV) in lamb testis cell. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the underlying mechanisms linked to the host immune responses were obtained. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) illustrated the interaction between the DEGs and their involvement in cell signalling responses. Highly connected hubs viz. AURKA, CHEK1, CCNB2, CDC6 and MAPK14 were identified through PPI network analysis. IPA analysis showed that IL-6- and ERK5-mediated signalling pathways were highly enriched at both time points. The TP53 gene was identified to be the leading upstream regulator that directly responded to SPPV infection, resulting in downregulation at both time points. The study provides an overview of how the lamb testis genes and their underlying mechanisms link to growth and immune response during SPPV infection.

Experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni isolated from the wild rodent Holochilus sciureus shows a low parasite burden but induces high schistosomiasis severity in BALB/c mice.

Wild mammals, especially rodents, can participate in the life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni; however, the impact of these parasite strains on the severity of schistosomiasis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the parasitological and immunopathological alterations induced by an S. mansoni strain isolated from the wild rodent Holochilus sciureus (HS strain) and a parasite strain isolated from a human (LE strain) in experimentally infected mice. Male BALB/c mice were subcutaneously infected with 50 cercariae/mouse of either the HS or the LE strain and were evaluated for 12 weeks. In the experimental groups, the parasite burden was estimated by worm and egg (feces and tissues) count, and immunopathological alterations were evaluated in the liver and intestines. Compared to experimental infection with the LE parasite strain, HS-infected mice showed reduced number of parasite worms but higher fecundity rate, significant reduction in IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 concentrations, lower EPO-activity in liver homogenate and higher concentrations of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 in the small intestine homogenate. Moreover, HS infection resulted in higher concentrations of NO end-products in both the liver and intestine, suggesting a predominance of the Th1/Th17 immune response. HS-infected mice also showed higher plasma transaminase levels, formed larger granulomas, and had a higher mortality rate in comparison with LE-infected mice. Data indicate that BALB/c mice infected with the HS strain of S. mansoni showed reduced susceptibility to the parasite but stronger tissue inflammation and high disease severity.

Successful Rescue of Wild Trametes versicolor Strains Using Sawdust and Rice Husk-based Substrate.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Trametes versicolor</i> has not only been valued in medical use but also in environmental protection. One of the major challenges currently faced in the commercial cultivation of <i>T. versicolor</i> is finding superior strains that can produce high yields. In an attempt to search for high-yield potential <i>T. versicolor</i>, two wild strains, namely VNUA and BV, were isolated and evaluated for potential cultivation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Optimized culture conditions were set up by one-individual factor-at-a-time. Four different kinds of culture media, including Czapek, Raper, PGA and modified Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), were investigated to ascertain the optimal media. The efficiency of sawdust and rice grain for mother spawn production was evaluated. Different combinations of sawdust and rice husk were tested to investigate the most favorable substrate mixtures. <b>Results:</b> The ideal medium and temperature for the favorable mycelial growth of <i>T. versicolor</i> were PGA and 30°C, respectively. The optimal spawning material for upscaling of the mycelium was Treatment D (20% rice grain, 79% sawdust and 1% calcium carbonate). The strains were successfully cultivated in a basal substrate combination of sawdust and rice husk supplemented with wheat bran. Investigated strains responded differently to different substrates cultivation. Of note, compared with strain BV, strain VNUA showed a significantly higher biological efficiency (7.3%). <b>Conclusion:</b> Wild <i>T. versicolor</i> strains were successfully fructified under artificial cultivation conditions. Strain VNUA can be considered as a potential strain for commercial cultivation. The use of sawdust for the spawn production of <i>T. versicolor</i> can reduce the cost of manufacturing.

Genome-wide expression analysis reveal host genes involved in immediate-early infections of different sheeppox virus strains.

This study explored the transcriptome of lamb testis cells infected with sheeppox virus (SPPV) wild strain (WS) and vaccine strain (VS) at an immediate-early time. Most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed highly connected (DEHC) gene network were found to be involved in SPPV-VS infection compared to SPPV-WS. Further, the signaling pathways were mostly involved in SPPV-VS infection than SPPV-WS. SPPV modulates the expression of several important host proteins such as CD40, FAS, ITGß1, ITGα1, Pak1, Pak2, CD14, ILK leading to viral attachment and entry; immune-related DEGs such as MAPK, JNK, ERK, NFKB, IKB, PI3K, STAT which provide optimal cellular condition for early viral protein expression; and FOXO3, ATF, CDKNA1, TCF, SRF, BDNF which help in inducing apoptosis and MPTP, BAD and Tp53 inhibits apoptosis or cell death at the immediate-early time. The results captured the specific genes and enabled to understand distinct pathogenic mechanisms employed by VS and WS of SPPV.

A Case of Infectious Laryngotracheitis in an Organic Broiler Chicken Farm in Greece.

Infectious laryngotracheitis is an economically significant viral disease of chickens, that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, and is present worldwide. This case reports the first outbreak of infectious laryngotracheitis in a four-week-old organic broiler farm and surrounding flocks in Greece, with typical clinical symptoms and lesions, allegedly provoked by a wild strain of infectious laryngotracheitis virus. Our findings contradict the general perception indicating that the disease appears mainly in older birds and that vaccine strains are the primary cause of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in most continents. A recombinant vectored vaccine was administered, supplementary to biosecurity measures, containing the viral spread. The responsible strain was potentially circulating in the area; therefore, an industry-wide holistic approach was applied, including the vaccination of neighboring broilers and breeders with the same vaccine, the rapid molecular diagnosis of the disease, and strict biosecurity protocols. The results of this holistic effort were effective because, following the application of vaccine and management protocols, manifestations of the disease in regional flocks dropped significantly, and there was no recurrence to date. These findings suggest that vaccination protocols should be modified, especially for organic broilers, to include vaccination against infectious laryngotracheitis.

Evolution of Attenuation and Risk of Reversal in Peste des Petits Ruminants Vaccine Strain Nigeria 75/1.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus of the Morbillivirus genus. The current PPR eradication effort relies mainly on the implementation of massive vaccination campaigns. One of the most widely used PPR vaccines is the Nigeria 75/1 strain obtained after attenuation by 75 serial passages of the wild type isolate in cell cultures. Here we use high throughput deep sequencing of the historical passages that led to the Nigeria 75/1 attenuated strain to understand the evolution of PPRV attenuation and to assess the risk of reversal in different cell types. Comparison of the consensus sequences of the wild type and vaccine strains showed that only 18 fixed mutations separate the two strains. At the earliest attenuation passage at our disposal (passage 47), 12 out of the 18 mutations were already present at a frequency of 100%. Low-frequency variants were identified along the genome in all passages. Sequencing of passages after the vaccine strain showed evidence of genetic drift during cell passages, especially in cells expressing the SLAM receptor targeted by PPRV. However, 15 out of the 18 mutations related to attenuation remained fixed in the population. In vitro experiments suggest that one mutation in the leader region of the PPRV genome affects virus replication. Our results suggest that only a few mutations can have a serious impact on the pathogenicity of PPRV. Risk of reversion to virulence of the attenuated PPRV strain Nigeria 75/1 during serial passages in cell cultures seems low but limiting the number of passages during vaccine production is recommended.

[Impact of egg laying delay on reproduction, gorging habit and mortality in gravid females Anopheles gambiae (Diptera Culicidae)]. / Impact du retard de ponte sur la reproduction, l'habitude de gorgement et la mortalité chez les femelles gravides d'Anopheles gambiae (Diptera Culicidae).

The main vector of malaria Anopheles gambiae maintains the transmission of malaria over long periods of time, because of the exceptional longevity and great ability to adapt to various environments. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of the predefined egg laying delay that characterizes long dry seasons on reproductive dynamics, feeding habit, and mortality rate of An. gambiae gravid females. For this purpose, gravid females of An. gambiae awaiting laying, previously fed with blood were kept under observation in cages for several weeks. Then, at the end of predefined periods of observation, these gravid females were individually made to lay eggs, and the development cycle of eggs was studied in comparison with eggs laid in the normal conditions (controls). In addition, the behaviour of feeding and mortality rate were studied in gravid females kept in cages, without laying, for several weeks. The results obtained show that the average egg-laying number of the control females varies little from that of the females obliged to retain their eggs in abdomen for several days. The hatching rate was 86.2% in no retention batches and 31% in a 50-day retention batches. The adults' emergence rate was 77.7% in no eggs retention batches and 18.3% for eggs laid after 50 days of retention. In the batches of eggs with 20 days of retention, the emergence rate decreased significantly 0.89 times compared to control batches. The feeding rate of gravid females increased from 96.7% at the 1st blood meal to 12.5% at the 10th. In addition, the mortality rate of gravid females awaiting for laying is 0.36 times lower than that of no gravid females.

Design, synthesis and anti-HIV-1 RT evaluation of 2-(benzyl(4-chlorophenyl)amino)-1-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanone derivatives.

In this study, using molecular hybridization approach, fourteen novel 2-(benzyl(4-chlorophenyl)amino)-1-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanone derivatives (7a-n) were designed as inhibitor of HIV-1 RT. The binding affinity of the designed compounds with HIV-1 RT as well as their drug-likeness behavior was predicted using in-silico studies. All the designed compounds were synthesized, characterized and in-vitro evaluated for HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity, in which tested compounds displayed significant to weak potency against the selected target. Moreover, best active compounds of the series, 7k and 7m inhibited the activity of RT with IC50 values 14.18 and 12.26µM respectively. Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) studies were also performed in order to predict the influence of substitution pattern on the RT inhibitory potency. Anti-HIV-1 and cytotoxicity studies of best five RT inhibitor (7a, 7d, 7k, 7L and 7m) revealed that, except compound 7d other compounds retained significant anti-HIV-1 potency with good safety index. Best scoring pose of compound 7m was analysed in order to predict its putative binding mode with wild HIV-1 RT.

The laboratory inventory handling with poliovirus and potential infectious materials in Mongolia / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

BackgroundIn 1988, the Forty-first World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the Global Polio Eradication.Since the initiative was launched, number of polio cases has fallen by over 99%. Today, only threecountries in the world, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria - remain polio-endemic. The Polio Eradicationand Endgame Strategic Plan of 2013-2018 calls for the gradual eradication of wild virus strain and thevaccine virus strain at the same time. In order to prevent the border transmission of wild type poliovirus,virus leakage from laboratories, it is required to conduct inventory of laboratories handling poliovirus andpotential infectious materials every 2 year.GoalTo identify laboratories handling poliovirus and potential infectious materialsMethodsSurvey of laboratories handling poliovirus and potential infectious materials was conducted amongstate, private, clinical, biomedical and environmental testing in total of 127 laboratories operating in21 provinces and 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar city by questionnaire. Survey questionnaire consists of 6sections (general, sample storage, laboratory biosafety, staff knowledge, information source, trainingand etc.). Study results were processed using SPSS-19 statistical programme.Results34.7% of 96 biomedical laboratories were analyzed stool samples. These laboratories were analyzedrotavirus (17.0%), intestinal bacteria (67.0%), Helicobacter (14.3%), parasite and other indicators (1.7%)in stool samples. 43.8% of laboratories were stored stool samples for one day and 3.1% up to oneyear. From 31 environmental testing laboratories 73.3% were bacterialdetection test on environmentalsamples. 60% of wastewater samples were collected from rivers, 16% on entrance to wastewatertreatment plant and after biological treatment combined, and 24% from other sources. Soil sampleswere collected near waste disposal and other sources (46.4%), and from unknown sources (53.6%).24.1% of all laboratories were stored environmental samples for 3 days, 3.4% for 45 days. Accordingto results, surveyed laboratories did not store samples for more than 1 year. Also, none of surveyedlaboratories (100%) were not stored poliovirus and potential infectious materials.Conclusion· The investigated laboratories were not stored poliovirus and potential infectious materials.· The biosafety and biosecurity status of laboratories should be improved in near future throughenhancing knowledge of laboratory workers and organizing training related to biosafetyandbiosecurity.

Osmoregulation in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts transferred to seawater at different temperatures.

In order to investigate how changes in gill Na(+) , K(+) -ATPase (NKA) α1a and α1b subunits, Na(+) , K(+) , 2Cl(-) co-transporter (NKCC1) and the apical cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator-I (CFTR-I) transcripts in wild strain of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, smolts are affected by temperature during spring, hatchery-reared parr (mean ± s.e. fork length = 14·1 ± 0·5; mean ± s.e. body mass = 28·5 ± 4·5 g) originating from broodstock from the Vosso river (western Norway) were acclimated to three temperature regimes (4·1, 8·1 and 12·9° C) in May and reared under gradually increasing salinity between May and June. Changes in plasma Na(+) , haematocrit (Hct) and PCO2 were monitored in order to assess and compare key physiological changes with the transcriptional changes in key ion transporters. The temperatures reflect the natural temperature range in the River Vosso during late spring. Overall, higher gill NKA α1b mRNA levels, gill NKCC1a levels and CFTR-I levels were observed in the 4·1° C group compared to the 11·9° C group. This coincided with a 2-3 week period with decreased Hct and PCO2 and may indicate a critical window when smolts suffer from reduced physical performance during migration. Further research is needed to confirm the potential interaction between ecological and physiological conditions on mortality of hatchery-reared smolts from River Vosso during their natural migration.