21603 research outputs found
Sort by
The impact of spray-induced gene silencing on cereal phyllosphere microbiota
Get PDFBackgroundFusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting cereal crops including wheat, barley, rye, oats and maize. Its predominant causal agent is the ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum, which infects the spikes and thereby reduces grain yield and quality. The frequency and severity of FHB epidemics has increased in recent years, threatening global food security. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is an alternative technique for tackling this devastating disease through foliar spraying with exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence specific pathogen genes via RNA interference. This has the advantage of avoiding transgenic approaches, but several aspects of the technology require further development to make it a viable field-level management tool. One such existing knowledge gap is how dsRNA spraying affects the microbiota of the host plants.ResultsWe found that the diversity, structure and composition of the bacterial microbiota are subject to changes depending on dsRNA targeted and host studied, while the fungal microbiota in the phyllosphere remained relatively unchanged upon spraying with dsRNA. Analyses of fungal co-occurrence patterns also showed that F. graminearum established itself among the fungal communities through negative interactions with neighbouring fungi. Through these analyses, we have also found bacterial and fungal genera ubiquitous in the phyllosphere, irrespective of dsRNA treatment. These results suggest that although rarer and less abundant microbial species change upon dsRNA spray, the ubiquitous bacterial and fungal components of the phyllosphere in wheat and barley remain unchanged.ConclusionWe show for the first time the effects of exogenous dsRNA spraying on bacterial and fungal communities in the wheat and barley phyllospheres using a high-throughput amplicon sequencing approach. The results obtained further validate the safety and target-specificity of SIGS and emphasize its potential as an environmentally friendly option for managing Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley
ESBL- and pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales from Swedish dogs and cats 2017-2021: a retrospective study
Get PDFBackgroundAntibiotic resistant bacteria are a threat to both human and animal health. Of special concern are resistance mechanisms that are transmissible between bacteria, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC). ESBL/AmpC resistance is also of importance as it confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics including third generation cephalosporins. The Swedish Veterinary Agency (former English name National Veterinary Institute) performs confirmatory testing of suspected ESBL-/pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical background, antibiotic susceptibility, and genetic relationships of confirmed isolates from dogs and cats in Sweden from 2017 to 2021.ResultsThe study includes 92 isolates of ESBL/pAmpC-producing bacteria from 82 dogs, and 28 isolates from 23 cats. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacteria, and the most frequent sampling site was the urinary tract. From eight dogs and two cats, ESBL/pAmpC-producing bacteria were isolated on more than one occasion. Multi-resistance was more than twice as common in samples from dogs (50%) than in samples from cats (22%). Among dogs, sequence type (ST) 131 and ST372 were the dominant strains and blaCMY-2 and blaCTX-M-15 the dominant genes conferring reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins. Among cats, ST73 was the dominant strain and blaCTX-M-15 the dominant gene.ConclusionsMonitoring the resistance patterns and genetic relationships of bacteria over time is important to follow the results of measures taken to reduce resistance. Knowledge of the appropriate antibiotic usage is also crucial. In this study, a variety of STs and ESBL/pAmpC-genes were detected among the isolates. There were available antibiotics likely effective for treatment in all cases, based on resistance pattern, infection site and host species
Aboveground and belowground trait coordination across twelve boreal forest tree species
Get PDFThe existence of trait coordination in roots and leaves has recently been debated, with studies reaching opposing conclusions. Here, we assessed trait coordination across twelve boreal tree species. We show that there is only partial evidence for above-belowground coordination for "fast-slow" economic traits across boreal tree species, i.e., while N content in leaves and roots were positively correlated, as well as dry matter content, root dry matter content and leaf N had no significant relationship. For resource acquisition traits (i.e. related to light capture and nutrient uptake) we did not find strong evidence for trait coordination, as specific root length and specific leaf area were not positively correlated. We further show that site only explained between 0 and 7% of the total trait variation, while within-site variation contributed substantially to the total trait variation for a large number of traits (1.6-96%), and more so for morphological root traits than leaf traits. This likely influences the strength of above-belowground trait coordination found across species in our study. Understanding sources of trait variation and above-belowground trait relationships can contribute to improving global and regional C cycling models. However, fine-scale environmental variability should be accounted for given its importance for driving trait variation
Companion animal and equine clinical research: a Nordic perspective
Get PDFBackgroundThe societal value of cats, dogs and horses is high, and the companion and sport animal health care sector is growing. Clinical research concerning cats, dogs and horses is crucial for the development of evidence-based medical care that benefits animals and their owners, and has implications for human and environmental health from a One Health perspective. Basic information on companion animal and equine research enables more directed measures to improve conditions for research within the area. The aim of the present study was to describe Nordic companion animal and equine clinical research from 2010 to 2019, including bibliometrics, human resources and funding.ResultsThere were 2 042 published research publications originating from Nordic countries on cats (n = 282), dogs (n = 1 086), and horses (n = 781) from 2010 to 2019. The majority (83%) of the publications came from the four Nordic universities with veterinary programs. Seven percent of the publications were collaborations between two or more Nordic universities. Approximately 18% of the PhD theses (178 out of 970) from veterinary faculties or corresponding units concerned these species, most of them dogs (n = 86), followed by horses (n = 64), cats (n = 15) or a combination of these species (n = 13). The scientific areas cardiology, infectious diseases, reproduction, and surgery were prominent for all three species. A large proportion of grants were received from small- to medium-sized funding bodies, mainly funding running costs and only to a limited degree salaries. During 2010-2019, costs for veterinary and other services for cats and dogs steadily increased. The growth of the veterinary healthcare sector was not reflected in an increasing number of clinical research publications, for which no increase was seen after 2014.ConclusionsDespite a high societal value of the species, veterinary clinical research on sports and companion animals has not increased, in contrast to the veterinary healthcare sector. Activities stimulating the research area, e.g. funding bodies enabling coverage of salaries, are needed. The development of Nordic veterinary clinical care may benefit from strengthened research cooperation between countries
Founders and their brands: how founder identity matters in small firm branding
Get PDFPurposeBranding is essential for business survival and growth, particularly for small firms in their early development. However, small firms approach branding differently than large organisations. This study aims to delve into the evolution of small firm brands over time, emphasising the role of founders' personal identities on shaping their firms' brands. It also explores how these firm brands develop through ongoing interactions with stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachOver eight years, empirical material was collected through a longitudinal multi-case study of small firms and their brands, using in-depth interviews over time with founders as the primary data source. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the empirical data.FindingsThis research reveals the intertwined relationship between founders' identity work and small firm branding. The authors emphasise how founders use their personal identities to shape their small firm brands, influencing recognition, differentiation and value creation. As firm brands evolve over time, they often deviate from founders' identities due to stakeholder pressure from within and outside the organisations.Originality/valueThis study addresses a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the branding processes within small firms, which have been largely overlooked in favour of larger organisations. By exploring the transformative journey of small firm brands from inception through development and ownership changes, this research elucidates the intricate entanglement of founder identity and brand. It highlights the distinctive challenges faced by small firms, offering new insights into their branding dynamics
Epigenetic suppression of creatine kinase B in adipocytes links endoplasmic reticulum stress to obesity-associated inflammation
Get PDFIn white adipose tissue, disturbed creatine metabolism through reduced creatine kinase B (CKB) transcription contributes to obesity-related inflammation. However, the mechanisms regulating CKB expression in human white adipocytes remain unclear. By screening conditions perturbed in obesity, we identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as a key suppressor of CKB transcription across multiple cell types. Through follow-up studies, we found that ER stress through the IRE1-XBP1s pathway, promotes CKB promoter methylation via the methyltransferase DNMT3A. This epigenetic change represses CKB transcription, shifting metabolism towards glycolysis and increasing the production of the proinflammatory chemokine CCL2. We validated our findings in vivo, demonstrating that individuals living with obesity show an inverse relationship between CKB expression and promoter methylation in white adipocytes, along with elevated CCL2 secretion. Overall, our study uncovers a regulatory axis where ER stress drives inflammation in obesity by reducing CKB abundance, and consequently altering the bioenergetic state of the cell
First detection of viral pathogens of chickpea in Germany
Get PDFLegumes play a crucial role in agriculture and serve as a valuable source of protein for human and animal consumption. However, legumes are susceptible to various viral infections, which can cause significant losses in yield and quality. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume worldwide. While its cultivation in Germany is still in its infancy, it is expected to increase due to its numerous advantages. It is adapted to drought conditions, is an attractive additional option for crop rotations in organic farming and is gaining popularity for regionally produced food products. However, there is little knowledge about the presence and potential agronomic impact of viral pathogens in chickpea grown under German conditions. This study is the first that investigated the prevalence of legume-infecting viruses on chickpea crops grown in Germany. In 2022 and 2023, we collected sample material from symptomatic plants at three locations and analyzed it for the presence of circular (ss) DNA viruses, such as pea necrotic yellow dwarf virus (PNYDV), using a combination of rolling circle amplification (RCA) and downstream restriction fragment length pattern (RFLP) analysis. Furthermore, we conducted a reverse transcription PCR assay to detect different legume-infecting RNA viruses. In 2022 PNYDV was detected in 5 plants, all from the 'Amorgos' chickpea variety, located near a pea field. RNA viruses were detected in 27 plants, mostly TuYV or PEMV-1. Double and triple infections were common, with one plant exhibiting a triple infection of PNYDV, TuYV and PEMV-1. Symptoms of viral infection included leaf yellowing, dwarfism and chlorotic spots, with coinfections leading to more severe symptoms. In 2023, pea, cowpea and chickpea samples were collected from Schleibnitz/Wanzleben, Saxony-Anhalt, along with various chickpea accessions and cultivars from ZALF experimental fields, where the presence of PSbMV, PEMV, PNYDV, BYMV and TuYV was confirmed across these hosts. These findings indicate that viral pathogens pose a significant threat to chickpea production in Germany, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars and integrated management strategies
Effects of a laminarin-rich algal extract on caecal microbiota composition, leukocyte counts, parasite specific immune responses and growth rate during Eimeria tenella infection of broiler chickens
Get PDFCoccidiosis, infection with protozoan parasites of genus Eimeria, is a major problem in poultry husbandry worldwide. The disease is currently managed by coccidiostats and live vaccines, but these approaches are not sustainable. Hence, it is important to identify new means to control the infection and/or ameliorate its detrimental effects on gut health. Laminarin, a (3-glucan found in marine brown algae, has prebiotic and bioactive properties that could be beneficial in coccidiosis control. The present study aimed to examine the potential of laminarin as an immunostimulatory and microbiota-regulatory compound in broiler chickens infected with E. tenella. Chickens were continuously fed a diet supplemented with a laminarin-rich algal extract (AE) from first feed and subsequently infected with E. tenella at 19 days old. The outcome of infection including caecal microbiota and some immune parameters were monitored during the experiment. Results showed that AE supplementation affected some lymphocyte subpopulations, with increased numbers of TCR gamma/delta+CD8-, B-cells and CD4-CD8 alpha(3+ cells and lower numbers of CD4+CD8 alpha alpha+ cells in blood and increased proportions of CD4-CD8 alpha(3+ spleen cells compared to those in control chickens. The AE diet did not affect parasite excretion, lesion scores or E. tenella specific T-cell responses. However, reductions of E. tenella induced contraction of Bifidobacteriaceae and expansion of Clostridiaceae in caecal microbiota were observed for AE fed chickens compared to chickens fed the control diet. Thus, AE feed supplementation induced some immunostimulatory activity in chickens and affected some of the alterations in caecal microbiota evoked by E. tenella infection
Simultaneous inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and degradation of antibiotic-resistant genes in alkalized human urine
Get PDFThe coexistence of pharmaceuticals and microorganisms in source separated urine poses a risk for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially when urine-based fertilizers are applied to soils. While prior studies have investigated pathogen inactivation in source-separated wastewater matrices, few have evaluated the simultaneous fate of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and their corresponding resistance genes (ARGs) in real urine matrices, particularly under alkaline conditions. Here, we studied the inactivation of β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and the degradation of their respective ARGs (blaCTX − M and van-A) in alkalized, unhydrolyzed urine (pH 10.8 and 12.5) treated with UV (65 W low pressure dichromatic mercury lamp at 185/254 nm), hydrogen peroxide (1.25 g L−1 H2O2), and their combination (UV/H2O2). UV/H2O2 treatment resulted in >7 log10 inactivation of both ARBs, with inactivation rate constants of −0.058 log10 cfu min−1 (E. coli, UV) and −0.093 log10 cfu min−1 (E. faecium, UV/H2O2). In contrast, ARG reduction was limited with UV alone and negligible with H2O2 alone. Gene copy reductions of 3 log10 (blaCTX − M, k = −0.055 log10 copies min−1) and 2 log10 (van-A, k = −0.040 log10 copies min−1) were observed under UV/H2O2. Notably, brief storage (>3 h) at pH 12.5 achieved similar ARB inactivation and ARG reduction as 80 min of UV/H2O2 treatment at pH 10.8, offering a low-energy alternative for sanitizing source-separated urine
Forest restoration for environment and well-being is associated with empowered local governance over long time horizons
Get PDFForest restoration is widely recognized as a global priority to sequester carbon, conserve biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of rural and indigenous people. Contemporary interventions often target landscapes with a substantial human presence, and they regularly call for stakeholder participation during project implementation. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence linking local involvement with multiple forest benefits over long time horizons. Using a unique dataset of four decades of government-sponsored tree planting in North India, we find that both substantive local influence over planning projects and sustained control over management into the present—a favorable combination of long-term, empowered local governance—is associated with greater livelihood benefits and improvements in forest canopy cover over time. Our work points toward complex socio-ecological relationships, which may be explained by a positive interaction between empowered local governance, interventions that align with local needs, and long-term local care for planted forests. This implies that current financial commitments may need to be accompanied by institutional reforms that give communities meaningful control over planning and build capacities for self-governance that can endure into the future. In light of this work, we suggest that a paradigm of ‘people-centered restoration’ may offer the best opportunity to support long-term environmental goals in densely settled landscapes in the Global South