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The Vfm quorum sensing (QS) system is preponderant for the virulence of different species of the bacterial genus Dickeya. The vfm gene cluster encodes 26 genes involved in the production, sensing or transduction of the Vfm QS signal [1]. It does not share any gene homology with other known QS loci, indicating that both the structure of the Vfm QS signal and its signaling cascade exhibit unique features. The presence of nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes suggests that the Vfm QS signal is a complex short peptide. To date, the latter has escaped detection by analytical chemistry methods. However, a strain-specific polymorphism in the NRPS genes vfmO and vfmP is predicted to be related to the production of different analogues of the QS Vfm signal. Consequently, in several species of Dickeya, the Vfm communication is expected to be impossible between strains possessing different variants of the genes vfmO/P. We constructed three Vfm QS biosensor strains possessing different variants of the genes vfmO/P, and compared these biosensor strains for their responses to samples prepared from 36 Dickeya strains possessing different vfmO/P variants. A pattern of specificity was demonstrated, providing experimental evidence that the polymorphism in the genes vfmO/P determines the production of different analogues of the Vfm QS signal [2]. Unexpectedly, this vfmO/Pdependent pattern of specificity is linked to a polymorphism in the ABC transporter gene vfmG, suggesting an adaptation of the putative permease VfmG to specifically bind different analogues of the Vfm QS signal and to act as co-sensor of the Vfm two-component regulatory system.

"The Vfm quorum sensing (QS) system is preponderant for the virulence of different species of the bacterial genus Dickeya. In the model strain D. dadantii 3937, the Vfm QS system was shown to be responsible for the control of the production of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDE). The transduction of the Vfm QS signal results into the activation of the promoter of the gene vfmE encoding a transcriptional regulator of the AraC family which itself activates the promoter of PCWDE genes [1]. The vfm gene cluster includes 26 genes involved in the biosynthesis, sensing or transduction of the QS signal. It encodes several nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), indicating that the Vfm QS signal is a complex short peptide. To date, the Vfm QS signal has escaped detection by analytical chemistry methods. Using specific biosensors, a strain-specific polymorphism in the NRPS genes vfmO and vfmP was shown to determine the production of different analogs of the Vfm QS signal [2]. By analogy with the Agr QS system of Staphylococcus aureus, the production of different analogs of the signal is expected to be related to variations in the signal transduction activity of the Vfm QS system, resulting to variations in the level of activation of the promoter of the gene vfmE. To explore this hypothesis, we used a reporter gene fused to the promoter of the gene vfmE to compare the activity of the vfmE promoter among strains of Dickeya producing different analogs of the Vfm QS signal.

Recently, automation is gaining an even more important role in the port and maritime industry. In particular, several technological innovations are changing both the freight and passenger transport sector. The introduction of these technologies in port terminals (smart ports) require involved stakeholders to adapt their asset and organisations in order to improve the economic competi-tiveness in global markets. The geographical context where new technologies are put in place can also influence their deployment and foreseen impacts. Hence, in order to take the proper decisions at a strategic level and maximize the positive effects in a selected scenario, a feasibility analysis is essential. In the present study, this challenge is addressed for the Adriatic region by proposing a proce-dure for evaluating and selecting the most promising innovations. Several rele-vant stakeholders from the selected area are inquired to assess the relevance and deployment difficulties for a set of new technologies dealing with automation in port areas. Then, the impacts on technical operation and labour market are as-sessed, thus, providing valuable information to support the regional organisations in facing the change and deploying procedures to be potentially replicated in other geographical areas.

Harmonised microlitter monitoring data is fundamental to inform policy and support the implementation of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) towards provisions such as reduction targets, the definition of threshold values or the determination of Good Environmental Status. EU Member States have performed a large number of surface microlitter surveys on the European Regional Seas under the MSFD. A total of 2552 single measures have been collected during the period 2012 - 2020 in close collaboration with the European Marine Monitoring and Data network (EMODnet). The analysis of the dataset should support the establishment of baselines of marine microlitter on the surface layer of the water column that enable further discussion of the definition of agreed threshold values in conjunction with EU Member States and Regional Seas Conventions. Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/427374/document, In MICRO 2022, Online Atlas Edition: Plastic Pollution from MACRO to nano

Big data technologies offer new opportunities for the port and maritime industry in both freight and passengers transport. In order to ensure the success of a new big data project in a specific environment, it is essential to assess the benefits and the efforts required by its implementation. The present work addresses this topic for a specific area: the Adriatic region. Several relevant stakeholders from the selected area have been inquired to assess the relevance and deployment difficulties for a set of promising big data technologies. The study provides a picture of the current state and the future outlook for the Adriatic region, being useful for local operators and a valuable example to be replicated in other contexts.

Background Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has been proposed as the aetiological cause of Theiler's disease, also known as serum hepatitis. EqPV-H-associated Theiler's disease has not been previously reported in Europe. Objectives To determine whether EqPV-H infection was associated with a 2018-2019 outbreak of Theiler's disease in four horses on a studfarm. Study design Descriptive case series. Methods The medical records of four horses from the same farm diagnosed with fatal Theiler's disease were examined retrospectively. Information collected included a clinical history, physical examination findings, tetanus antitoxin exposure, serum biochemistry and necropsy reports. Liver tissue from all four horses was tested for EqPV-H using PCR and in situ hybridisation (ISH) assays. Results Three of the horses had a history of recent (7-11 weeks) tetanus antitoxin administration. Liver tissue from all four horses tested positive for EqPV-H with PCR. In situ hybridisation revealed a widespread distribution of viral nucleic acid in hepatocytes in one case, and a more sporadic distribution in the remaining three cases. Main limitations Case controls were not available from the farm in question given the retrospective nature of analysis. Conclusions This case series documents the first reported EqPV-H-associated Theiler's disease in Europe and the first use of ISH to visualise the viral nucleic acid in liver tissues of horses with Theiler's disease.

International audience; The Vfm quorum sensing (QS) system is preponderant for the virulence of different species of the bacterial genus Dickeya. The vfm gene cluster encodes 26 genes involved in the production, sensing or transduction of the QS signal. To date, the Vfm QS signal has escaped detection by analytical chemistry methods. However, we report here a strain-specific polymorphism in the biosynthesis genes vfmO and vfmP, which is predicted to be related to the production of different analogues of the QS signal. Consequently, the Vfm communication could be impossible between strains possessing different variants of the genes vfmO/P. We constructed three Vfm QS biosensor strains possessing different vfmO/P variants and compared these biosensors for their responses to samples prepared from 34 Dickeya strains possessing different vfmO/P variants. A pattern of specificity was demonstrated, providing evidence that the polymorphism in the genes vfmO/P determines the biosynthesis of different analogues of the QS signal. Unexpectedly, this vfmO/P-dependent pattern of specificity is linked to a polymorphism in the ABC transporter gene vfmG, suggesting an adaptation of the putative permease VfmG to specifically bind different analogues of the QS signal. Accordingly, we discuss the possible involvement of VfmG as co-sensor of the Vfm two-component regulatory system

This document describes the data management and computation methods used to produce the EMODnet Chemistry seafloor litter visualization products. The heterogeneities in the data described above induced some normalization depending on the product. The data used for the EMODnet Marine Litter Products have been homogenized and filtered in order to allow comparisons among countries. Thus, EMODnet Marine Litter products might not be comparable with source data accessible through other platforms.

The repeated occurrence of anthrax in grazing animals should be a reminder of a widespread presence of Bacillus anthracis spores in the environment. Its rapid diagnosis is critical to protect public health. Here, we report a case of anthrax in cattle that was investigated using conventional and molecular methods. In 2015, six cows suddenly died within three days and the number of dead animals increased to a total of 12 within two weeks. At necropsy, anthrax was suspected. Therefore, spleen tissue samples were collected (from 6/12 animals) and laboratory tests (microscopy, cultivation, and real-time PCR) performed. The results of tissue staining for microscopy and cultivation were in congruence, while B. anthracis real-time PCR outperformed both. Spleen tissues from all six animals were real-time PCR-positive, while B. anthracis was successfully cultivated and detected by microscopy from the spleen of only three animals. Additionally, the ear tissue from another (1/12) cow tested positive by real-time PCR, supporting the suitability of ear clippings for molecular confirmation of B. anthracis. Genotyping of the isolates using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) revealed a common source of infection as all three typed isolates had an indistinguishable MLVA genotype, which has not been observed previously in Europe. The results indicate that molecular testing should be selected as the first-line tool for confirming anthrax outbreaks in animals to ensure timely protection of public health.

This document describes the data management and computation methods used to produce the EMODnet Chemistry beach litter visualization products. The heterogeneities in the data described above induced some normalization depending on the product. The data used for the EMODnet Marine Litter Products have been homogenized and filtered in order to allow comparisons among countries. Thus, EMODnet Marine Litter products might not be comparable with source data available on other platforms.

Since its third phase (dated 2016), EMODnet Chemistry's scope of attention has been expanded with gathering data and developing access to data and data products for Marine Litter. This document gives background information about EMODnet strategy for marine litter (beach and seafloor) data collection, its synergy with existing information systems and achievements of EMODnet Chemistry so far. Thereafter it gives detailed information on how to deal with marine litter data from beaches and seafloor trawlings and, in particular, the formats to be used for gathering and describing this type of marine litter data sets by EMODnet Chemistry participants on a European scale. Published We acknowledge the fundamental contribution of EMODnet Chemistry Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, MSFD Technical Subgroup on Marine Litter, Regional Sea Conventions (OSPAR, HELCOM, UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, BSCS Black Sea Commission), ICES, ARPA FVG, CEFAS. We also acknowledge the contribution of the following EU-projects: BASEMAN, PERSEUS, MEDITS, DeFishGear, EMBLAS. Refereed Current 14.1 Marine debris Mature International Method Specification of criteria

Since its third phase (dated 2016), EMODnet Chemistry's scope of attention has been expanded with gathering data and developing access to data and data products for Marine Litter. This document gives background information about EMODnet strategy for marine litter (beach and seafloor) data collection, its synergy with existing information systems and achievements of EMODnet Chemistry so far. Thereafter it gives detailed information on how to deal with marine litter data from beaches and seafloor trawlings and, in particular, the formats to be used for gathering and describing this type of marine litter data sets by EMODnet Chemistry participants on a European scale. Published We acknowledge the fundamental contribution of EMODnet Chemistry Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, MSFD Technical Subgroup on Marine Litter, Regional Sea Conventions (OSPAR, HELCOM, UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, BSCS Black Sea Commission), ICES, ARPA FVG, CEFAS. We also acknowledge the contribution of the following EU-projects: BASEMAN, PERSEUS, MEDITS, DeFishGear, EMBLAS. Refereed Current 14.1 Marine debris Mature International Method Specification of criteria

The last phase of the EMODnet Chemistry project focused on the collection, standardization, quality control and sharing of "marine litter" data and products. Developing a system for the management of European marine litter data was on the one hand an opportunity and on the other a real challenge due to the diversity of protocols, formats and ontologies used for data collection.

This document provides technical specifications on the process of validating, inserting and extracting marine litter data acquired along the beaches, as part of the third phase of the EMODnet Chemistry project.

The Vfm quorum sensing (QS) system is preponderant for the virulence of different species of the bacterial genus Dickeya. The vfm gene cluster encodes 26 genes involved in the production, sensing or transduction of the QS signal. To date, the Vfm QS signal has escaped detection by analytical chemistry methods. However, we report here a strain-specific polymorphism in the biosynthesis genes vfmO and vfmP, which is predicted to be related to the production of different analogues of the QS signal. Consequently, the Vfm communication could be impossible between strains possessing different variants of the genes vfmO/P. We constructed three Vfm QS biosensor strains possessing different vfmO/P variants and compared these biosensors for their responses to samples prepared from 34 Dickeya strains possessing different vfmO/P variants. A pattern of specificity was demonstrated, providing evidence that the polymorphism in the genes vfmO/P determines the biosynthesis of different analogues of the QS signal. Unexpectedly, this vfmO/P-dependent pattern of specificity is linked to a polymorphism in the ABC transporter gene vfmG, suggesting an adaptation of the putative permease VfmG to specifically bind different analogues of the QS signal. Accordingly, we discuss the possible involvement of VfmG as co-sensor of the Vfm two-component regulatory system.

This document provides background information about the state of the art and results of the analysis for a data management strategy for Floating Marine Macro Litter (FMML).

Nowadays, a fast and challenging digitalisation process is underway within the maritime domain. Many disruptive technologies will cause a radical modification of the operations, of the logistics and of the labour market in the near future. With particular attention to the Adriatic region, this work provides an ex- tensive review of the disruptive innovations that might be applied by port authori- ties, shipping companies and terminal operators. The analysed technologies, deal- ing with both freight and passenger transport, are divided into three digitalisation macro trends: informatisation, big data and automation. In the further stages of this research activity, the most promising technologies to be implemented in the Adri- atic area will be selected by prime stakeholders and then subject to impact analysis. The planned methodology is here presented and discussed.

The pulmonary hypoplasia and anasarca syndrome (PHA) is a congenital lethal disorder, which until now has been reported in cattle and sheep. PHA is characterized by extensive subcutaneous fetal edema combined with hypoplasia or aplasia of the lungs and dysplasia of the lymphatic system. PHA is assumed to be of genetic etiology. This study presents the occurrence of PHA in two different cattle breeds and their genetic causation. Two PHA cases from one sire were observed in Slovenian Cika cattle. Under the assumption of monogenic inheritance, genome-wide homozygosity mapping scaled down the critical regions to 3% of the bovine genome including a 43.6 Mb-sized segment on chromosome 6. Whole-genome sequencing of one case, variant filtering against controls and genotyping of a larger cohort of Cika cattle led to the detection of a likely pathogenic protein-changing variant perfectly associated with the disease: a missense variant on chromosome 6 in ADAMTS3 (NM_001192797.1: c.1222C>T), which affects an evolutionary conserved residue (NP_001179726.1: p.(His408Tyr)). A single PHA case was found in Danish Holstein cattle and was whole-genome sequenced along with its parents. However, as there was no plausible private protein-changing variant, mining for structural variation revealed a likely pathogenic trisomy of the entire chromosome 20. The identified ADAMTS3 associated missense variant and the trisomy 20 are two different genetic causes, which shows a compelling genetic heterogeneity for bovine PHA.

This document provides background information about the status of the art and management strategy for seafloor litter images and video. In particular, it provides information on how to deal with marine litter data related to seafloor videos and images under EMODnet Chemistry, the formats for gathering, and how EMODnet Chemistry network should manage this kind of marine litter data sets.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites synthesized by molds that contaminate many foods of plant origin, including cereals which are the first factor of consumer exposure to these molecules. In particular, the species Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides are responsible for the production of mycotoxins belonging to trichothecene and fumonisin classes respectively. To fight against these fungi, an alternative strategy to phytosanitary products is the use of antagonistic microorganisms which by various mechanisms will reduce the progression of these fungi and limit the accumulation of mycotoxins. Actinobacteria show some of the most promising features for the biocontrol applications. Carrying a large toolbox of enzymes and active metabolites that allow them to settle in the soil environment, they are also able to interact directly with the plant. Our studies aim to propose a global approach to evaluate and to characterize the potential of actinobacteria isolated from amended soils. To this aim, our studies will span the control of wheat fungal diseases, from in vitro testing to in planta efficacy, and will also evaluate their technological properties for a future industrial production. Sixty actinobacteria strains were confronted against the mycotoxigenic fungi. Several isolates have shown promising antimycotoxigenic potential and have allowed us to select 10 strains for further investigations. In planta assays will be implemented to challenge our in vitro results. Finally, technological properties such as sporulation yield and resistance to conservation processes will be studied for the most promising strains. This will open new perspectives for the potential formulation of a biocontrol product. Moreover, the implementation of such protection methods requires a good knowledge of the biological mechanisms that govern the interaction between mycotoxinogenic molds and biocontrol agents, in order to favor the antagonistic phenomena but also to facilitate the selection of new biocontrol candidates according to the most promising processes. Thus, at the same time, a toolbox to decrypt the mechanisms of action is under development on 3 commercial agents. The impacts of these BCAs on pathogens are analyzed at the microscopic level, but also on the growth kinetics of the pathogens and their ability to produce mycotoxins under different conditions. Further studies on in vitro pathosystem will use omics to identify the genes and molecules differentially expressed during these interactions. The preliminary results show that in all the interaction combinations (pathogen-BCA), the BCA significantly reduce the growth of the pathogens. However, a great variability of interaction profiles is observed with in particular a strong impact of the nutrient source. For example, with a limiting nutrient source, T. asperellum causes a reduction in specific mycotoxinogenesis, while the opposite phenomenon is observed in a non-limiting nutritive source. Confrontation experiments will then be carried out on wheat spikelets in order to validate the hypotheses observed on synthetic medium and put the plant back at the heart of the experimental setup. In the long term, this highly integrative and multidisciplinary approach will provide elements of answers on the biological mechanisms involved in the biocontrol of mycotoxigenic fungi, the biological pathways involved in this interaction.