Extensive Admixture Among Karst-Obligate Salamanders Reveals Evidence of Recent Divergence and Gene Exchange Through Aquifers.

Karst ecosystems often contain extraordinary biodiversity, but the complex underground aquifers of karst regions present challenges for assessing and conserving stygobiont diversity and investigating their evolutionary history. We examined the karst-obligate salamanders of the species complex in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas using population genomics data to address questions about population connectivity and the potential for gene exchange within the underlying aquifer system. The species complex has historically been divided into three nominal species, but their status, and spatial extent of species ranges, have remained uncertain.

Enhancing chemical signal transformation in lateral flow assays using aptamer-architectured plasmonic nanozymes and para-phenylenediamine.

The widespread adoption and commercialization of lateral flow assays (LFAs) for clinical diagnosis have been hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and the absence of quantitative data. To address these challenges, we developed aptamer-architectured gold nanoparticles as nanozymes that catalytically convert -phenylenediamine (PPD) into Bandrowski's base (BB), thereby amplifying signal strength and sensitivity. The physiochemical properties of the nanozymes were characterized and their specific binding efficiency was demonstrated using experimental studies.

Identification of βIIΣ1-spectrin as a binding partner of the GH-regulated human obesity scaffold protein SH2B1.

SH2B1β is a multifunctional scaffold protein that modulates cytoskeletal processes such as cellular motility and neurite outgrowth. To identify novel SH2B1β-interacting proteins involved in these processes, a yeast two-hybrid assay was performed. The C-terminal 159 residues of the cytoskeleton structural protein, βIIΣ1-spectrin, interacted with the N-terminal 260 residues of SH2B1β, a region implicated in SH2B1β enhancement of cell motility and localization at the plasma membrane.

Developmental plasticity does not improve performance during a species interaction: Implications for species turnover.

Species interactions can contribute to species turnover when the outcomes of the interactions are context dependent (e.g., change along environmental gradients).

Human presence shifts the landscape of fear for a free-living mammal.

Humans may play a key role in providing small prey mammals spatial and temporal refuge from predators, but few studies have captured the heterogeneity of these effects across space and time. Global COVID-19 lockdown restrictions offered a unique opportunity to investigate how a sudden change in human presence in a semi-urban park impacted wildlife. Here, we quantify how changes in the spatial distributions of humans and natural predators influenced the landscape of fear for the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) in a COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and non-COVID (2019) year.

Susceptibility of different mice species to chemical induction of colorectal cancer by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern. Animal models play a crucial role in understanding the disease pathology and development of effective treatment strategies. Chemically induced CRC represents a cornerstone in animal model development; however, due to the presence of different animal species with different genetic backgrounds, it becomes mandatory to study the susceptibility of different mice species to CRC induction by different chemical entities such as 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH).

Characterization, phylogeny and prevalence of the coding-complete genomes of aviadenoviruses and siadenovirus in young racing pigeons.

Adenoviruses are a concern for pigeon breeders due to their impact on animal health. Furthermore, they have been studied for nearly five decades and are one of the most studied viruses in pigeons. However, the number of complete genomic sequences of pigeon-infecting adenoviruses available is very low, and the pathogenic effect of these viruses on pigeons is still yet to be thoroughly explored.

A conserved switch to less catalytically active Polycomb repressive complexes in non-dividing cells.

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), composed of the core subunits EED, SUZ12, and either EZH1 or EZH2, is critical for maintaining cellular identity in multicellular organisms. PRC2 deposits H3K27me3, which is thought to recruit the canonical form of PRC1 (cPRC1) to promote gene repression. Here, we show that EZH1-PRC2 and cPRC1 are the primary Polycomb complexes on target genes in non-dividing, quiescent cells.

Integrative bioinformatics approach identifies novel drug targets for hyperaldosteronism, with a focus on SHMT1 as a promising therapeutic candidate.

Primary aldosteronism (PA), characterized by autonomous aldosterone overproduction, is a major cause of secondary hypertension with significant cardiovascular complications. Current treatments mainly focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying mechanisms. This study aims to discover novel therapeutic targets for PA using integrated bioinformatics and experimental validation approaches.

The North American Repository for Archaeological Isotopes.

Here, we present the North American Repository for Archaeological Isotopes (NARIA), the largest open-access compilation of previously reported isotopic measurements (n = 28,374) from bioarchaeological samples in North America (i.e., Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and the United States of America) covering a time-frame of more than 12,000 years.

DNA-binding affinity and specificity determine the phenotypic diversity in BCL11B-related disorders.

BCL11B is a Cys2-His2 zinc-finger (C2H2-ZnF) domain-containing, DNA-binding, transcription factor with established roles in the development of various organs and tissues, primarily the immune and nervous systems. BCL11B germline variants have been associated with a variety of developmental syndromes. However, genotype-phenotype correlations along with pathophysiologic mechanisms of selected variants mostly remain elusive.

Evaluating the physiological benefits of behavioral flexibility in chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) using a biophysical model.

As opportunistic generalists occupying a range of ecological niches, chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) are considered a highly flexible species of relatively low conservation priority. Underlying their ecological flexibility is a repertoire of behavioral strategies observed in response to ecological stressors. Although these strategies are relatively well-documented, we know very little about how they impact upon an individual's thermal and energetic physiology, which can influence population-level reproductive potential in the face of climatic warming.

Melittin suppresses ovarian cancer growth by regulating SREBP1-mediated lipid metabolism.

Background: Melittin, a major peptide component of bee venom, has demonstrated promising anti-cancer activity across various preclinical cell models, making it a potential candidate for cancer therapy. However, its molecular mechanisms, particularly in ovarian cancer, remain largely unexplored. Ovarian cancer is a life-threatening gynecological malignancy with poor clinical outcomes and limited treatment options.

Identification and Characterization of a New Thermophilic κ-Carrageenan Sulfatase.

Carrageenans are sulfated polysaccharides found in the cell wall of certain red seaweeds. They are widely used in the food industry for their gelling and stabilizing properties. In nature, carrageenans undergo enzymatic modification and degradation by marine organisms.

Integrating Model-Informed Drug Development With AI: A Synergistic Approach to Accelerating Pharmaceutical Innovation.

The pharmaceutical industry constantly strives to improve drug development processes to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients. Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) uses mathematical models to simulate intricate processes involved in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, and Generative AI, offers powerful tools and algorithms to efficiently identify meaningful patterns, correlations, and drug-target interactions from big data, enabling more accurate predictions and novel hypothesis generation.

Almond Grafting for Plum Pox Virus Resistance Triggers Significant Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Shifts in Peaches.

Sharka disease, caused by the plum pox virus (PPV), negatively impacts stone fruit production, resulting in economic losses. It has been demonstrated that grafting the almond ( (Miller) D.A.

AMPK Phosphorylates LMX1b to Regulate a Brainstem Neurogenic Network Important for Control of Breathing in Neonatal Mice.

Ventilatory drive is modulated by a variety of neurochemical inputs that converge on spatially oriented clusters of cells within the brainstem. This regulation is required to maintain energy homeostasis and is essential to sustain life across all mammalian organisms. Therefore, the anatomical orientation of these cellular clusters during development must have a defined mechanistic basis with redundant genomic variants.

Release of apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) from pentameric IgM in serum predicts prognosis after hemodialysis initiation.

Background: The optimal timing for initiating dialysis and prognostic markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are under debate, with mortality and cardiovascular risks varying among patients. This study investigates whether the apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), which is mostly bound to pentameric IgM, could serve as an effective indicator.

Methods: We prospectively followed 423 patients at dialysis initiation and 563 at various CKD stages.

SMR-guided molecular subtyping and machine learning model reveals novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma.

Non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a markedly heterogeneous disease, with its underlying molecular mechanisms and prognosis prediction presenting ongoing challenges. In this study, we integrated data from multiple public datasets, including TCGA, GSE31210, and GSE13213, encompassing a total of 867 tumor samples. By employing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, machine learning techniques, and comprehensive bioinformatics approaches, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the molecular characteristics, prognostic markers, and potential therapeutic targets of LUAD.

Tracheal tuft cells release ATP and link innate to adaptive immunity in pneumonia.

Tracheal tuft cells shape immune responses in the airways. While some of these effects have been attributed to differential release of either acetylcholine, leukotriene C4 and/or interleukin-25 depending on the activating stimuli, tuft cell-dependent mechanisms underlying the recruitment and activation of immune cells are incompletely understood. Here we show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection activates mouse tuft cells, which release ATP via pannexin 1 channels.

Respiratory and hematological physiology of day 15 chicken embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus) during water submergence and air recovery: Implications for bird embryos experiencing nest inundation.

Bird nests of coastal or inland breeding birds can temporarily flood during high tides or storms. However, respiratory physiological disruption of such water submersion and implications for post-submergence survival are poorly understood. We hypothesized that respiratory physiological disturbances caused by submersion would be rapidly corrected following return to normal gas exchange across the eggshell, thus explaining survival of nest inundation in the field.

Developmental pathways underlying sexual differentiation in the U/V sex chromosome system of giant kelp.

In many multicellular organisms, sexual development is not determined by XX/XY or ZW/ZZ systems but by U/V sex chromosomes. In U/V systems, sex determination occurs in the haploid phase, with U chromosomes in females and V chromosomes in males. Here, we explore several male, female, and partially sex-reversed male lines of giant kelp to decipher how U/V sex chromosomes and autosomes initiate male versus female development.

Functional optimality underpins the repeated evolution of the extreme "saber-tooth" morphology.

"Saber teeth"-elongate, blade-like canines-are a classic example of convergence, having evolved repeatedly throughout mammalian history. Within canine teeth, there is a trade-off between the aspects of shape that improve food fracture and those that increase tooth strength. Optimal morphologies strike a balance between these antagonistic functional criteria.

Association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants with preeclampsia risk and angiogenic imbalance in Tunisian women.

Unlabelled: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific vascular disorder associated with endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme regulates essential cellular functions in pregnancy owing to its effects on folate metabolism and DNA methylation. Previous studies implicated the association of rs1801133 (C677T; Ala222Val) and rs1801131 (A1298C; Glu429Ala) in the MTHFR gene with PE in different ethnic groups, but with mixed outcomes.