Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis of Major Viral Diseases of Pig Farms in Guangxi from 2019 to 2022

In order to understand the epidemic characteristics of major viral infectious diseases of pig farms in Guangxi from 2019 to 2022,the PCR and RT-PCR methods were applied to detect the pathogens of 1046 samples suspected CSFV(swine fever virus),PRRSV(porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus),PCV-2(porcine circovirus virus type 2),PCV-3(porcine circovirus virus type 3),PRV(pseudorabies virus),TGEV(transmissible gastroeneritis of pigs virus),PEDV(porcine epidemic diarrhea virus)and PoRV(porcine rotavirus)infections in recent four years,and epidemiological analysis was carried out.The results showed that positive rates of CSFV,PRRSV,PCV-2,PCV-3,PRV,TGEV,PEDV and PoRV were 3.91%(21/537),20.46%(143/699),29.90%(116/388),16.10%(81/503),27.75%(121/436),2.10%(8/381),28.50%(61/214)and 13.74%(18/131).The infection rates of PCV-2 and PEDV were decreasing year by year,while the infection rate of TGEV was increasing year by year.In single infection,the infection rates of PRV and PEDV were higher,with an average infection rate of 13.53%and 18.22%.In the mixed infection,the infection rate of PRRSV and PCV-2 was the highest,with an average infection rate of 11.34%.The second mixed infection rate was PEDV and PoRV,and the average infection rate was 8.05%.The infection rate of PCV-3 and PEDV was higher in spring,with 18.80%and 40.00%respectively.The infection rate of PRRSV,PCV-2,PRV,TGEV and PoRV was higher in winter,with 24.40%,40.57%,37.30%,3.23%and 19.44%respectively.The results showed that PRRSV,PCV-2,PRV and PEDV were the main viral diseases with serious damage to pig farms in Guangxi.It was necessary to strengthen pathogen monitoring and improve comprehensive prevention and control ability,in order to reduce the incidence of disease and economic losses.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Compound Preparation on Viral Diseases in Poultry

[Objective] To develop a new antiviral agent with high and long efficacy, wide spectrum, low toxicity and low cost from traditional Chinese herbal medicine and their compound. [ Method] The ＂Quxie＂ （ i. e. eliminating pathogenic factors） drugs including Hedyotis diffusa and Loni- cera japonica and ＂Fuzheng＂ （ i. e. strengthening body resistance） drugs including Radix astragali and Glycyrrhiza uralensis were taken to form an antiviral herbal compound preparation. Taking the astragalus polysaccharide monomer as control, the experiment was constructed by using the agent to treat some naturally occurring viral diseases, including Newcastle disease （ND）, infectious bursal disease （IBD）, duck viral hepatitis （DVH）, avian influenza （Al） H9 subtype and avian swollen head syndrome. [Ressult] The effective rates of the agent for treatment of the above- mentioned diseases were 87%, 87%, 69%, 100% and 100%, respectively, which were higher than that of astragalus polysaccharide monomer. The cure rates for these diseases were 33%, 37%, 13%, 69% and 75%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of astragalus polysacchadde monomer （ P 〈 0.01 ）. The rates of poor therapeutic efficacy were 15%, 21%, 24%, 6% and 7%, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of astragalus polysaccharide monomer （P 〈 0.01 ）. [ Condusion] The Chinese herbal compound preparation shows good therapeutic effects on some avian viral diseases, which can decrease mortality rate and improve production performance of poultry more greatly than astragalus polysaccharide monomer.

Machine learning insights concerning inflammatory and liver-related risk comorbidities in non-communicable and viral diseases

The liver is a key organ involved in a wide range of functions,whose damage can lead to chronic liver disease(CLD).CLD accounts for more than two million deaths worldwide,becoming a social and economic burden for most countries.Among the different factors that can cause CLD,alcohol abuse,viruses,drug treatments,and unhealthy dietary patterns top the list.These conditions prompt and perpetuate an inflammatory environment and oxidative stress imbalance that favor the development of hepatic fibrogenesis.High stages of fibrosis can eventually lead to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Despite the advances achieved in this field,new approaches are needed for the prevention,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CLD.In this context,the scientific community is using machine learning(ML)algorithms to integrate and process vast amounts of data with unprecedented performance.ML techniques allow the integration of anthropometric,genetic,clinical,biochemical,dietary,lifestyle and omics data,giving new insights to tackle CLD and bringing personalized medicine a step closer.This review summarizes the investigations where ML techniques have been applied to study new approaches that could be used in inflammatoryrelated,hepatitis viruses-induced,and coronavirus disease 2019-induced liver damage and enlighten the factors involved in CLD development.

3D engineered tissue models for studying human-specific infectious viral diseases

Viral infections cause damage to various organ systems by inducing organ-specific symptoms or systemic multi-organ damage.Depending on the infection route and virus type,infectious diseases are classified as respiratory,nervous,immune,digestive,or skin infections.Since these infectious diseases can widely spread in the com-munity and their catastrophic effects are severe,identification of their causative agent and mechanisms un-derlying their pathogenesis is an urgent necessity.Although infection-associated mechanisms have been studied in two-dimensional(2D)cell culture models and animal models,they have shown limitations in organ-specific or human-associated pathogenesis,and the development of a human-organ-mimetic system is required.Recently,three-dimensional(3D)engineered tissue models,which can present human organ-like physiology in terms of the 3D structure,utilization of human-originated cells,recapitulation of physiological stimuli,and tight cell–cell interactions,were developed.Furthermore,recent studies have shown that these models can recapitulate infection-associated pathologies.In this review,we summarized the recent advances in 3D engineered tissue models that mimic organ-specific viral infections.First,we briefly described the limitations of the current 2D and animal models in recapitulating human-specific viral infection pathology.Next,we provided an overview of recently reported viral infection models,focusing particularly on organ-specific infection pathologies.Finally,a future perspective that must be pursued to reconstitute more human-specific infectious diseases is presented.

Insight to Pyroptosis in Viral Infectious Diseases

Background: Pyroptosis is defined as programmed necrosis executed by gasdermin D or E (GSDMD or GSDME), which punches cellular membrane. Morphologically, pyroptosis is characterized by cell swelling and cell membrane rupture, leading to the release of cellular contents that triggers intense inflammatory response. More and more studies have found that pyroptosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of viral infection, which may be a determinant for inflammation observed in most viral diseases. Objective: This paper aims to summarize the roles of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of viral infectious diseases and to provide potential drug targets for the treatment of viral diseases, which will contribute to medical research and public health. Measures: This paper mainly summarizes pyroptosis occurring in diseases caused by different viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis virus, enterovirus, influenza virus and dengue fever virus. Meanwhile, the reported mechanism underlying pyroptosis mediating pathogenesis of these viral diseases will also be described. Conclusion: Current studies have shown that pyroptosis is a double-edged sword in viral infectious diseases. On one hand, pyroptosis leads to pathogenic inflammation of many viral infectious diseases which aggravate tissue damage initiated by viral infection, and blocking proptosis usually relieves the inflammation, which exerts therapeutic effects on viral diseases. On the other hand, moderating pyroptosis can contribute to defense against pathogen infection by releasing immune epitopes and inducing antiviral immune response.

Detection,Occurrence,and Survey of Rice Stripe and BlackStreaked Dwarf Diseases in Zhejiang Province,China

The major viral diseases that occur on rice plants in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, are stripe and rice black-streaked dwarf diseases. Rice stripe disease is only caused by rice stripe tenuivirus （RSV）, while rice black-streaked dwarf disease can be caused by rice black-streaked dwarf fijivirus （RBSDV） and/or southem rice black-streaked dwarf fijivirus （SRBSDV）. Here we review the characterization of these viruses, methods for their detection, and extensive surveys showing their occurrence and spread in the province.

Application of Well-Known Antiviral Drugs in the Field Formed by the Unexplained Properties of Low-Level Laser Radiation in Therapy of Covid-19 and Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser has been used in medicine for several decades. However, the method utilizes a direct contact of the light beam with a patient. Further research resulted in development of another method that enables remote transmission of the pharmacological properties of a medicament into a human body with the application of low-level laser radiation as the light source. 18 patients with different viral diseases were treated with the antiviral drugs placed into the field formed by the unexplained properties of low-level laser radiation of the “device for transfer of the pharmacological properties of a drug into the patient’s body”. This resulted in improvement of the patient’s condition, the absence of side effects and adverse reactions when using drugs in the proposed device and shortened therapy period for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and Covid-19 patients. The long-term follow-up of the patients with chronic hepatitis B infection showed that hepatitis B virus remained at low replication levels under the influence of the therapy, which made it possible to avoid such formidable complications of the disease as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Effect of Rice Sowing Date on Occurrence of Small Brown Planthopper and Epidemics of Planthopper-Transmitted Rice Stripe Viral Disease

To understand the relationship between rice sowing date and occurrence of the rice small brown planthopper （SBPH） Laodelphax striatellus Fallen and the epidemics of the planthopper-transmitted rice stripe viral （RSV） disease, four sowing dates of rice were evaluated in 2006 and 2007. The results showed that the peak density of SBPH and RSV incidence in the nursery and in the transplanted field decreased with the delay of sowing date in single crop of japonica rice in north Zhejiang Province of China. The relationship between seedling RSV incidence at the end of the nursery trial with sowing date was well described by Weibull equation. The area under the curve of population dynamics （AUCPD or planthopper-day accumulation） or the peak density of the planthopper in the nursery could be summarized by a logistic equation. RSV incidence in the transplanted fields could be characterized quantitatively by a multivariate regression equation, including the variables of sowing date, peak density of the vector, and RSV incidence at the end of the nursery trial. That the descriptive model excluded the AUCPD in transplanted field implies that this variable is not necessary in forecasting disease epidemics in the field. The 2-year experiments sufficiently indicated that suitable sowing of rice could be used as one of the effective measures to control the vector population and therefore the planthopper-transmitted RSV on a larger scale. The optimal sowing date for the single-cropped transplanted japonica rice is recommended from late May to early June in north Zhejiang, China.

Mini-review of Major Diseases of Rosa chinensis Jacq in China

Rose （Rosa chinexis Jacq）, a traditional Chinese ornamental flower, is widely planted for landscaping in China. Diseases, together with their typical symptoms on R. chinensis in China, are presented in this review. Ten fungal, one bacterial, one viral and one physiological disease are noted in this study respec- tively. Two newly recorded diseases, rose leaf spot caused by ChaetomeUa raphigera and rose leaf blotch caused by Pestalotiopsis clavispom, are also described and illustrated. With the warming climate, the geographic distribution of rose diseases may expand and the losses cause by rose diseases are becoming more serious. Therefore, we must strengthen researches on host-pathogen-changing climate and pay more attentions on adapted management measures as well.

Identification and Control of Main Diseases of Cotton

The main symptoms of cotton viral diseases,bacterial diseases,fungal diseases and physiological diseases are introduced,and the corresponding prevention and control techniques are put forward,in order to provide a certain basis for the improvement of cotton yield and quality.

Prevention and Control Measures of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Developed Country and Its Inspiration to China

Bovine viral diarrhea disease is an important disease in the world, which causes great economic loss and leads to serious clinical symptoms such as drop in milk and meat production, reproductive failure, growth retardation, and secondary infection increasing the mortality rate. The developed countries have made a series of measures in preventing the disease and made a great purpose. This paper summarizes those methods in order to make a reference for the control of the disease in China.

Shuanghuanglian injection downregulates nuclear factor-kappa B expression in mice with viral encephalitis

A mouse model of viral encephalitis was induced by intracranial injection of a Coxsackie virus B3 suspension. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression of intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in the viral encephalitis and control groups. Nuclear factor-kappa B and intelectin-2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in mice with viral encephalitis. After intraperitoneal injection of Shuanghuanglian at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg for 5 successive days, intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased. To elucidate the relationship between intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B, mice with viral encephalitis were administered an intracerebral injection of 107 pfu recombinant lentivirus expressing intelectin shRNA. Both protein and mRNA levels of intelectin and nuclear factor-kappa B in brain tissue of mice were significantly decreased. Experimental findings suggest that Shuanghuanglian injection may downregulate nuclear factor-kappa B production via suppression of intelectin production, thus inhibiting inflammation associated with viral encephalitis.

Investigation on Viral Pathogens in <i>Vitis vinifera</i>from Four Production Bases in Hangzhou Vicinity of China by sRNAseq and Molecular Validation

This is the first systematic investigation of viral pathogens in Vitis vinifera from Hangzhou vicinity of China. About 7 viruses and 5 viroids were annotated from four production bases “Dushicun”, “Wangjiayuan”, “Xiajiangcun”, and “Yangducun” covering 15 cultivars through sRNAseq technique. At least 3 viruses—grapevine leaf roll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), grapevine fleck virus (GFkV) and grapevine geminivirus A (GGVA), and 4 viroids—hop stunt viroid (HSVd), citrus viroid II (CVd-II), grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd-1) and grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2 (GYSVd-2) infected all four bases. “Yangducun” base showed 11, the most infected pathogens. GYSVd-1 showed the highest accumulation in host of Wangjiayuan base. The main infected pathogens were verified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, the detected rate reached to 85% - 100%. The results provide an important basis for effective and precise detection of viral diseases in the area and for the virus-free cultivation in future.

Epizootic, Endemic and Pandemic Zoonotic Viral Infections

More than 60% human infectious diseases have zoonotic origin. Cross species transmission of pathogens is a continuous, dynamic process that occurs throughout the world, giving rise to epizootic (temporary, limited infection), endemic (on-going infection limited to a defined geographic region) and pandemic viral infections (infection spreading to every part of the world) like the current COVID-19 pandemic, which depends on the existing conditions on the ground. In Nov 2021, sudden mortality of numerous migrating demoiselle cranes was reported from their resting site near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The symptomatic cranes became gradually weak and were unable to fly. They eventually fell dead which caused concern locally, given the current prevailing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic situation the world over. By the end of Dec 2021, the number of cranes with mortality and morbidity reduced, making it a temporary “epizootic infection”. Molecular diagnosis carried out at a specialized laboratory identified the etiological agent to be the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 (HPAIV), which has been responsible for morbidity of avian species from different parts of the world. There was no report of spreading the H5N1 AIV infection from the infected migratory cranes to nearby chicken farms or pig farms for now. In the absence of vaccines against the highly pathogenic H5N1 AIVs, and the inherent ability of influenza viruses, both avian AIV and human IAVs to constantly mutate its envelope gene or the surface antigens, resulting from the error-prone nature of the viral RNA Polymerase enzyme are the roadblocks for development of a universal, broad-spectrum influenza vaccine. Even when such a universal vaccine against H5N1 is available, vaccinating a large number of wild migratory cranes would be difficult. However, it is possible and indeed necessary to vaccinate chickens in poultry farms and pigs in farms that raise pigs for human consumption.

A review of inherent beneficial effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa)in Marburg virus disease management

Background:In the management of patients with MARV infection,this review article focuses on the potential protective effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa).Methods:To find studies that evaluated various effects of black seeds(N.sativa)related to signs and symptoms of MARV infection,reference lists and databases such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC,Google Scholar,Science Direct,Ebsco,Scopus,Web of Science,and Embase were searched.Results:In numerous clinical,animal,in-vitro,in-vivo,and in-ovo studies,black seeds(N.sativa)have demonstrated potential antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,and hepatoprotective properties that may aid in the treatment of MARV-infected patients.Conclusion:In the initial generalization phase of MARV infection,patients may use black seeds(N.sativa)as an adjunctive therapy in addition to symptomatic treatment and supportive care.Future randomized controlled clinical trials would confirm N.sativa’s efficacy and safety in MARV-infected patients.

Cloning and Characterization of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) Gene Family in Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam) for Understanding Hexaploid Sweetpotato-Virus Interactions

Characterization of genes related to sweetpotato viral disease resistance is critical for understanding plant-pathogen interactions, especially with feathery mottle virus infection. For example, genes encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)4E, its isoforms, eIF(iso)4E, and the cap-binding protein (CBP) in plants, have been implicated in viral infections aside from their importance in protein synthesis. Full-length cDNA encoding these putative eIF targets from susceptible/resistant and unknown hexaploid sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) were amplified based on primers designed from the diploid wild-type relative Ipomoea trifida consensus sequences, and designated IbeIF4E, IbeIF(iso)4E and IbCBP. Comparative analyses following direct-sequencing of PCR-amplified cDNAs versus the cloned cDNA sequences identified multiple homeoalleles: one to four IbeIF4E, two to three IbeIF(iso)4E, and two IbCBP within all cultivars tested. Open reading frames were in the length of 696 bp IbeIF4E, 606 bp IbeIF(iso)4E, and 675 bp IbCBP. The encoded single polypeptide lengths were 232, 202, and 225 amino acids for IbeIF4E, IbeIF(iso)4E, and IbCBP, with a calculated protein molecular mass of 26 kDa, 22.8 kDa, and 25.8 kDa, while their theoretical isoelectric points were 5.1, 5.57, and 6.6, respectively. Although the homeoalleles had similar sequence lengths, single nucleotide polymorphisms and multi-allelic variations were detected within the coding sequences. The multi-sequence alignment performed revealed a 66.9% - 96.7% sequence similarity between the predicted amino acid sequences obtained from the homeoalleles and closely related species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed ancestral relationships between the eIF4E homeoalleles and other species. The outcome herein on the eIF4E superfamily and its correlation in sequence variations suggest opportunities to decipher the role of eIF4E in hexaploid sweetpotato feathery mottle virus infection.

Isolation and Identification of Squash Leaf Curl China Virus in Zucchini

[Objectives]In 2019,virus diseases occurred widely on zucchini planted in Shandong Province.The disease symptom was different from previous reports.This study aimed to identify the pathogen causing the zucchini virus disease.[Methods]Ten diseased zucchini leaves were collected in the field and used as materials for PCR and sequencing.[Results]PCR detection and sequencing showed that the nucleotide sequence of the amplified fragment had the highest identity with the squash isolate of squash leaf curl China virus(SLCCNV)(MW389919.1)in Guangdong Province.Primers were further designed for amplifying the full-length SLCCNV.The full-length DNA-A was 2730 bp(OM692270.1),and the full-length DNA-B was 2711 bp(OM692269.1).Through sequence alignment,it was found that the DNA-A sequence shared identity of 89.65%-99.42%with registered SLCCNV,and the identity with the SLCCNV-GDHY pumpkin isolate(MW389919.1)in Guangdong was the highest,at 99.42%.The DNA-B sequence was identical with registered SLCCNV in the range of 81.82%-97.29%,and the identity with the SLCCNV-GDHY pumpkin isolate(MW389918.1)in Guangdong,was the highest,at 97.29%.Therefore,it was speculated that SLCCNV is the pathogen of zucchini virus disease.Since the virus was first found on zucchini in Shandong,it was named SLCCNV-SD.[Conclusions]This study provides materials for the research on the spread of SLCCNV in China and the analysis of population genetic characteristics,as well as a reference for the prevention and control of the virus in zucchini.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with worse intestinal complications in patients hospitalized for Clostridioides difficile infection

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence worldwide.Clostridioides difficile infection(CDI)remains the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed countries.AIM To assess the impact of NAFLD on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with CDI.METHODS This study was a retrospective cohort study.The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify a total of 7239 adults admitted as inpatients with a primary diagnosis of CDI and coexisting NAFLD diagnosis from 2010 to 2014 using ICD-9 codes.Patients with CDI and coexisting NAFLD were compared to those with CDI and coexisting alcoholic liver disease(ALD)and viral liver disease(VLD),individually.Primary outcomes included mortality,length of stay,and total hospitalization charges.Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications.Multivariate regression was used for outcome analysis after adjusting for possible confounders.RESULTS CDI with NAFLD was independently associated with lower rates of acute respiratory failure(2.7%vs 4.2%,P<0.01;2.7%vs 4.2%,P<0.05),shorter length of stay(days)(5.75±0.16 vs 6.77±0.15,P<0.001;5.75±0.16 vs 6.84±0.23,P<0.001),and lower hospitalization charges(dollars)(38150.34±1757.01 vs 46326.72±1809.82,P<0.001;38150.34±1757.01 vs 44641.74±1660.66,P<0.001)when compared to CDI with VLD and CDI with ALD,respectively.CDI with NAFLD was associated with a lower rate of acute kidney injury(13.0%vs 17.2%,P<0.01),but a higher rate of intestinal perforation(P<0.01)when compared to VLD.A lower rate of mortality(0.8%vs 2.7%,P<0.05)but a higher rate of intestinal obstruction(4.6%vs 2.2%,P=0.001)was also observed when comparing CDI with NAFLD to ALD.CONCLUSION Hospitalized CDI patients with NAFLD had more intestinal complications compared to CDI patients with VLD and ALD.Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal complications.

COVID-19:It's still time for health professionals,physical activity enthusiasts and sportive leagues not to let guard down

Emerging viral diseases represent a serious issue to public and global healthcare systems and have a high potential for disease dissemination in sport/physical activity and exercise facilities.The Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has frightened the sports and physical activity community and enthusiasts for potential trans-mission,dissemination,and lethality in vulnerable populations;those with chronic diseases,co-morbidities,the elderly people,and in young and healthy people.This pandemic has caused a chain reaction with cancellations of sports competitions and gymnasiums closing around the world.Currently,some sporting events are gradually resuming in certain regions of the world and also the return of competitions and training.In general,without fans and public,the sports media can only report the infection of athletes and coaching staff members.However,this situation is dynamic-the world is currently experiencing the second wave of the disease;with the safety and containment measures for the disease is changing daily.The purpose of this article is to present information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic,to clarify health issues for professionals and people connected to sport and physical activity venues,presenting information to assist in educations and the health promotion and prevention.The time is now for making changes,reviewing the actions and conducts necessary for prevention,and most importantly not letting our guard down,even as vaccines become available for all people in the world.Remembering that even after getting vaccinated,it is necessary to continue with safety measures,for example,the use of facial masks and social distance and hygiene,that is,washing your hands frequently and/or sanitizing with 70%alcohol.We can't let our guard down for COVID-19.