Organoids have revolutionized human biomedical research since their development in 2010. However, as nearly 75% of human infectious diseases originate in animals, animal-derived organoids are essential to complement human models, yet their development in veterinary contexts remains scarce. Organoids replicate native tissue architecture, enabling species-specific and comparative studies of viral infection and host response. Thus, animal organoids represent a powerful field in organoid technology, advancing cross-species virology research and strengthening strategies for zoonotic disease preparedness.
IntroductionCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was first detected in Spain in ticks collected from red deer in southwestern Cáceres. Since then, this region, established as endemic, has been the focus of several surveillance studies. However, updated data on viral circulation in this area remain limited.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective surveillance study to assess the presence and genetic diversity of CCHFV in ticks collected in central and southern Cáceres over multiple years (2017 and 2020–2024). A total of 3,183 ticks, grouped into 1,569 pools, were collected from wild ungulates, livestock, domestic animals and vegetation, and analyzed by two PCR methods. Positive pools were characterized by Sanger sequencing.ResultsCCHFV was exclusively detected in Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks, with an overall infection rate of 1.54% (95% CI: 1.14–2.03). Most positive pools originated from wild ungulates, particularly red deer. Genetic analysis revealed the circulation of two CCHFV genotypes, predominantly genotype III.DiscussionThe detection of CCHFV in ticks collected over multiple years supports the sustained circulation of the virus in southwestern Cáceres. Our findings also reinforce the key role of H. lusitanicum as the main vector maintaining the virus in wild ungulates and underscore the genetic diversity of circulating strains and the importance of using multiple molecular methods. These results emphasize the need for continuous surveillance in endemic areas to monitor viral circulation and assess animal and public health risks.
Plant genetic resources are considered a treasure trove of valuable, untapped diversity that holds the key to breeding the crops of the future. However, the use of these resources in breeding is often limited due to the lack of comprehensive phenotypic characterization. The present study provides extensive historical phenotypic data from nine genebanks as a MIAPPE compliant data set. We compiled and curated phenotypic data from 43,293 wheat accessions, encompassing 460,399 data points across 52 traits, including the three core traits of plant height, heading time, and thousand kernel weight from seven decades. The exceptional quality of the presented dataset was highlighted by predominantly high heritabilities. Phenotypic data of such quantity and quality is a crucial resource for unlocking the valuable diversity of plant genetic resources for agricultural advancement.
Disentangling how forests respond to aridification in terms of carbon storage and use, including bimodal growth, is critical to forecast their mitigation potential. Bimodality, characteristic of Mediterranean trees, refers to the potential to produce a second growth peak after the dry summer, often accompanied by intra-annual wood density fluctuations (IADF). To induce IADF formation, we performed a girdling experiment on Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera) branches in a semi-arid site, and monitored changes in branch diameter, and measured non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in sapwood and leaves. IADFs were formed in response to wet conditions in late summer in girdled and non-girdled branches. After girdling, the extraordinarily dry 2022 growing season hampered branch radial increment and IADF production. Girdled branches swelled more than control branches after rain pulses. This suggests girdled branches were osmotically more active. Girdled branches presented higher starch leaf concentrations, suggesting that osmolytes could proceed from starch hydrolysis upstream. Girdling did neither trigger bimodal growth nor IADF formation during a very dry year.
In Europe, Maedi-Visna disease has high prevalence rates at the individual and flock levels, respectively, and is regarded as one of the most significant infectious disease in sheep. The lack of treatment or a commercial vaccine underscores the need for accurate and reliable diagnostic tools to support control programs. Conventional methods, including ELISA and qPCR, provide useful but incomplete information due to the genetic variability of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and the heterogeneous host immune response. In this work, third-generation sequencing was assessed as a diagnostic strategy, focusing on Oxford Nanopore Technologies amplicon sequencing of different regions of the virus genome. DNA from whole blood, PBMCs, semen, and nasal mucosa of 44 rams previously tested for Maedi-Visna virus by ELISA was used to generate amplicons of the gag, pol, and p25 genes. Sequencing showed that blood DNA was the most reliable source for SRLVs detection by Nanopore, despite the low proportion of monocytes present in this medium. Compared with conventional approaches, Nanopore sequencing reduced the proportion of false negatives observed with ELISA (42%) and qPCR (77%). These results highlight Nanopore amplicon sequencing as a promising diagnostic alternative, combining epidemiological relevance with technological innovation to enhance SRLVs detection and strengthen control strategies for sustainable disease management.
