Genetic analysis of human and swine influenza A viruses isolated in Northern Italy during 2010–2015

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection in swine plays an important role in the ecology of influenza viruses. The emergence of new IAVs comes through different mechanisms, with the genetic reassortment of genes between influenza viruses, also originating from different species, being common. We performed a genetic analysis on 179 IAV isolates from humans (n. 75) and pigs (n. 104) collected in Northern Italy between 2010 and 2015, to monitor the genetic exchange between human and swine IAVs. No cases of human infection with swine strains were noticed, but direct infections of swine with H1N1pdm09 strains were detected. Moreover, we pointed out a continuous circulation of H1N1pdm09 strains in swine populations evidenced by the introduction of internal genes of this subtype. These events contribute to generating new viral variants—possibly endowed with pandemic potential—and emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance at both animal and human level.     

Methacarn preserves mucus integrity and improves visualization of amoebae in gills of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Two aqueous fixation methods (modified Davidson's solution and modified Davidson's solution with 2% (w/v) Alcian blue) were compared against two non‐aqueous fixation methods (methacarn solution and methacarn solution with 2% (w/v) Alcian blue) along with the standard buffered formalin fixation method to (a) improve preservation of the mucous coat on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., gills and (b) to examine the interaction between the amoebae and mucus on the gill during an infection with amoebic gill disease. Aqueous fixatives demonstrated excellent cytological preservation but failed to deliver the preservation of the mucus when compared to the non‐aqueous‐based fixatives; qualitative and semi‐quantitative analysis revealed a greater preservation of the gill mucus using the non‐aqueous methacarn solution. A combination of this fixation method and an Alcian blue/Periodic acid–Schiff staining was tested in gills of Atlantic salmon infected with amoebic gill disease; lectin labelling was also used to confirm the mucus preservation in the methacarn‐fixed tissue. Amoebae were observed closely associated with the mucus demonstrating that the techniques employed for preservation of the mucous coat can indeed avoid the loss of potential mucus‐embedded parasites, thus providing a better understanding of the relationship between the mucus and parasite.     

Apium graveolens PI 181714 is a source of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii race 4 in celery (A. graveolens var. dulce)

Celery has little genetic diversity and is highly susceptible to the new fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii (Foa) race 4. After screening an Apium graveolens germplasm collection for resistance to Foa race 4, we crossed celery cv. 'Challenger', which is Foa race 2-resistant but Foa race 4-susceptible and A. graveolens PI 181714, which is Foa races 2- and 4-resistant but non-celery type. After selfing F₁s, we screened the F₁S₁ for race 4-resistance and celery-type and then selfed selected F₁S₁. Greenhouse and field trials indicate that three selected F₁S₂ families (76–8-4, 76–8-27 and 76–8-36) are suitable as germplasm for celery breeders for resistance to Foa race 4. A F1S3 76–8–36-124 is either fixed or nearly so for resistance to Foa races 4 and 2. Furthermore, quantitative PCR indicates that PI 181714 is resistant, rather than tolerant, to Foa races 4 and 2, and that this resistance has been introgressed into F1S3 76–8–36-124.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 2-Decenoic Acid Modified Chitosan for Infection Prevention and Tissue Engineering

Chitosan nanofiber membranes are recognized as functional antimicrobial materials, as they can effectively provide a barrier that guides tissue growth and supports healing. Methods to stabilize nanofibers in aqueous solutions include acylation with fatty acids. Modification with fatty acids that also have antimicrobial and biofilm-resistant properties may be particularly beneficial in tissue regeneration applications. This study investigated the ability to customize the fatty acid attachment by acyl chlorides to include antimicrobial 2-decenoic acid. Synthesis of 2-decenoyl chloride was followed by acylation of electrospun chitosan membranes in pyridine. Physicochemical properties were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis. The ability of membranes to resist biofilm formation by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was evaluated by direct inoculation. Cytocompatibility was evaluated by adding membranes to cultures of NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Acylation with chlorides stabilized nanofibers in aqueous media without significant swelling of fibers and increased hydrophobicity of the membranes. Acyl-modified membranes reduced both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm formation on membrane while also supporting fibroblast growth. Acylated chitosan membranes may be useful as wound dressings, guided regeneration scaffolds, local drug delivery, or filtration.     

Consumer acceptance of transgenic crops

It has long been recognised that a key determinant of the future development of genetic engineering in food production is likely to be consumer acceptance. Much of the earlier research into acceptance issues has assumed that public perceptions of genetic engineering are defined by beliefs about the technology overall. However, it is now known that acceptance of novel products is unlikely to be related to general attitudes towards genetic engineering. People's perceptions of risk and benefit associated with particular products and applications will determine acceptance. There is a need to develop effective risk–benefit communication strategies, based on the best scientific information available, in order to enable the public to make informed choices about consuming the products of genetic engineering. It is also essential to develop effective communication methods if the public is to contribute to the wider debate about strategic development of genetic engineering. Issues of social context (such as trust in risk regulators) must also be considered. Providing information is likely to change people's attitudes, which will in turn generate further public concerns and create a demand for more information about genetic engineering. © 1998 SCI     

A proposed framework for accelerating technology trajectories in agriculture: a case study in China

Precision agriculture (PA) technologies have great potential for promoting sustainable intensification of food production, ensuring targeted delivery of agricultural inputs, and hence food security and environmental protection. The benefits of PA technologies are applicable across a broad range of agronomic, environmental and rural socio-economic contexts globally. However, farmer and land-manager adoption in low to middle income countries has typically been slower than that observed in more affluent countries. China is currently engaged in the process of agricultural modernisation to ensure food security for its 1.4 billion population and has developed a portfolio of policies designed to improve food security, while simultaneously promoting environmental protection. Particular attention has been paid to the reduction of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides. The widespread adoption of PA technologies across the Chinese agricultural landscape is central to the success of these policies. However, socio-economic and cultural barriers, farm scale, (in particular the prevalence of smaller family farms) and demographic changes in the rural population, (for example, the movement of younger people to the cities) represent barriers to PA adoption across China. A framework for ensuring an acceptable and accelerated PA technology trajectory is proposed which combines systematic understanding of farmer and end-user priorities and preferences for technology design throughout the technology development process, and subsequent end-user requirements for implementation (including demonstration of economic and agronomic benefits, and knowledge transfer). Future research will validate the framework against qualitative and quantitative socio-economic, cultural and agronomic indicators of successful, or otherwise, PA implementation. The results will provide the evidence upon which to develop further policies regarding how to secure sustainable food production and how best to implement PA in China, as well as practical recommendations for optimising end-user uptake.