Importance of OsRac1 in Signalling of Pigm-1 Mediated Resistance to Rice Blast Disease.

In rice, leucine-rich repeat nucleotide-binding site (NLR) proteins are pivotal immune receptors in combating -triggered rice blast. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying how NLR proteins regulate downstream signalling remains elusive due to the lack of knowledge regarding their direct downstream targets. The NLR protein Pigm-1 was cloned from Shuangkang 77009 in our laboratory.

Integrated Effects of Water and Nitrogen Coupling on Eggplant Productivity, Fruit Quality, and Resource Use Efficiency in a Cold and Arid Environment.

In order to explore the water and fertilizer requirements of eggplants in the western oasis of the river, the experiment was conducted in Minle County of Gansu Province in 2022 and 2023 under three water stress gradients and three nitrogen application levels: (1) moderate water stress (W, 50-60% in field water capacity [FC]), mild water stress (W, 60-70% in FC), and full irrigation (W, 70-80% in FC); (2) low nitrogen (N, 215 kg·ha), medium nitrogen (N, 270 kg·ha), and high nitrogen (N, 325 kg·ha). Moderate and mild water stress were applied during eggplant flowering and fruiting while full irrigation was provided during the other growth stages; a control class (CK) was established with full irrigation throughout the whole plant growth without nitrogen application. This study investigated the effects of water-saving and nitrogen reduction on the yield, quality, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of eggplants in a cold and arid environment in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area of China.

Identification of the Granule-Bound Starch Synthase (GBSS) Genes Involved in Amylose Biosynthesis in Tartary Buckwheat ( (L.) Gaertn.).

Tartary buckwheat is a nutrient-rich pseudo-cereal whose starch contents, including amylose and amylopectin contents, and their properties hold significant importance for enhancing yield and quality. The granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) is a key enzyme responsible for the synthesis of amylose, directly determining the amylose content and amylose-to-amylopectin ratio in crops. Although one has already been cloned, the genes at the genome-wide level have not yet been fully assessed and thoroughly analyzed in Tartary buckwheat.

Combined Impact of Canada Goldenrod Invasion and Soil Microplastic Contamination on Seed Germination and Root Development of Wheat: Evaluating the Legacy of Toxicity.

The concurrent environmental challenges of invasive species and soil microplastic contamination increasingly affect agricultural ecosystems, yet their combined effects remain underexplored. This study investigates the interactive impact of the legacy effects of Canada goldenrod ( L.) invasion and soil microplastic contamination on wheat ( L.

The Gene Enhances the Cold Resistance of .

Plants have large amounts of the late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) family of proteins, which is involved in osmotic regulation. The Korla Pear () is an uncommon pear species that thrives in Xinjiang and can survive below-freezing conditions. We found that the gene was more expressed after cold treatment by looking at the transcriptome data of the Korla Pear.

Using Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Genomic Resources to Improve Breeding Precision in Peaches: Current Insights and Future Prospects.

Modern breeding technologies and the development of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping have brought about a new era in peach breeding. This study examines the complex genetic structure that underlies the morphology of peach fruits, paying special attention to the interaction between genome editing, genomic selection, and marker-assisted selection. Breeders now have access to precise tools that enhance crop resilience, productivity, and quality, facilitated by QTL mapping, which has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic determinants underlying essential traits such as fruit shape, size, and firmness.

Herbicidal and Antibacterial Secondary Metabolites Isolated from the -Derived Endophytic Fungus TE-739D.

Endophytic fungi possess a unique ability to produce abundant secondary metabolites, which play an active role in the growth and development of host plants. In this study, chemical investigations on the endophytic fungus TE-739D derived from the cultivated tobacco ( L.) afforded two new polyketide derivatives, namely japoniones A () and B (), as well as four previously reported compounds -.

Variations in the End-Use Quality of Whole Grain Flour Are Closely Related to the Metabolites in the Grains of Pigmented Wheat ( L.).

Whole grain flour is considered a part of a healthy diet, especially when produced with pigmented wheat (). However, the specific metabolic pathways and mechanisms by which these metabolites affect the end-use quality of pigmented wheat varieties still need to be better understood. This study examined the relationship between metabolite concentrations and the end-use quality of three wheat varieties: common wheat (CW, JM20), black wheat (BW, HJ1), and green wheat (GW, HZ148).

Leaf and Root Functional Traits of Woody and Herbaceous Halophytes and Their Adaptations in the Yellow River Delta.

Leaves and roots perform assimilation, supporting plant growth and functionality. The variations in their functional traits reflect adaptive responses to environmental conditions, yet limited information is available regarding these trait variations and their coordination in saline environments. In this study, 18 common woody and herbaceous halophyte species from the Yellow River Delta were collected, and their leaf and root functional traits were assessed and compared.

Genome-Wide Study of Plant-Specific PLATZ Transcription Factors and Functional Analysis of in Regulating Caryopsis Development of Rice ( L.).

Plant A/T-rich sequence- and zinc-binding protein (PLATZ) is a type of plant-specific zinc-dependent DNA-binding protein that binds to A/T-rich DNA sequences. This family is essential for plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, 15 were identified in the rice genome with complete PLATZ-conserved domains by CD-search, similar to those found in angiosperms.

Establishment of a Virus-Induced Gene Silencing System in L.

L. (Jinhuakui, JHK) is widely cultivated for its pharmacological properties owing to its high flavonoid content and is commonly used as a garden landscape plant. However, the absence of an efficient genetic transformation system poses significant challenges for functional gene studies in this species.

Relationship Between Depression and Epigallocatechin Gallate from the Perspective of Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review.

Depression, a serious mental illness, is characterized by high risk, high incidence, persistence, and tendency to relapse, posing a significant burden on global health. The connection between depression and gut microbiota is an emerging field of study in psychiatry and neuroscience. Understanding the gut-brain axis is pivotal for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of depression.

Integrating 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Metabolomics Analysis to Reveal the Mechanism of L-Proline in Preventing Autism-like Behavior in Mice.

Background/objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive stereotyped behavior. Effective interventions for the core autistic symptoms are currently limited.

Methods: This study employed a valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse model of ASD to assess the preventative effects of L-proline supplementation on ASD-like behaviors.

Luteolin Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Plasma Metabolism.

Background/objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and easily recurrent inflammatory bowel disease. The gut microbiota and plasma metabolites play pivotal roles in the development and progression of UC. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting the intestinal flora or plasma metabolites offer promising avenues for the treatment of UC.

Shape Memory Performance and Microstructural Evolution in PLA/PEG Blends: Role of Plasticizer Content and Molecular Weight.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits excellent shape memory properties but suffers from brittleness and a high glass transition temperature (T), limiting its utility in flexible and durable applications. This study explored the modification of PLA properties through the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), varying in both content (5-20 wt%) and molecular weight (4000-12,000 g/mol), to enhance its suitability for specific applications, such as medical splints. The PLA/PEG blend, containing 15 wt% PEG and with a molecular weight of 12,000 g/mol, exhibited superior shape fixity (99.

Flexible Vibration Sensors with Omnidirectional Sensing Enabled by Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Fabrication.

Vibration sensors are integral to a multitude of engineering applications, yet the development of low-cost, easily assembled devices remains a formidable challenge. This study presents a highly sensitive flexible vibration sensor, based on the piezoresistive effect, tailored for the detection of high-dynamic-range vibrations and accelerations. The sensor's design incorporates a polylactic acid (PLA) housing with cavities and spherical recesses, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane, and electrodes that are positioned above.

Optimization Study of a High-Efficiency Preservative for Ammonia-Free Concentrated Natural Rubber Latex.

Ammonia is commonly used as a preservative in the production of concentrated natural rubber latex (CNRL) and latex products; however, it poses a serious risk to human health and the environment. In this study, we investigated a thioacetamide derivative (TD) as a preservative of ammonia-free CNRL and the optimization of a stabilization system comprising potassium hydroxide (KOH), lauric acid (LA), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to enhance its preservation effect. The results revealed that an optimal amount of TD (0.

Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Among Isolates of spp. and spp. in Wildlife and Their Environment from Portugal: A Positive Epidemiologic Outcome.

One of the significant challenges facing modern medicine is the rising rate of antibiotic resistance, which impacts public health, animal health, and environmental preservation. Evaluating antibiotic resistance in wildlife and their environments is crucial, as it offers essential insights into the dynamics of resistance patterns and promotes strategies for monitoring, prevention, and intervention. and genera isolates were recovered from fecal samples of wild animals and environmental samples using media without antibiotic supplementation.

Potential Strategies Applied by to Survive the Immunity of Its Crustacean Hosts.

is the specific pathogen for "milky disease" in the Chinese mitten crab (), accounting for huge losses to the industry. And yet, there is no precise study describing the pathogenesis of , largely hindering the development of novel control methods against its causing diseases. Here, we compared the transcriptomes of cells collected from a control group (cultured without hemocytes) and a treatment group (cultured with hemocytes), using RNA sequencing.

The Role of Pathogens in Bumblebee Decline: A Review.

Bumblebees, the most important wild pollinators in both agricultural and natural ecosystems, are declining worldwide. The global decline of bumblebees may threaten biodiversity, pollination services, and, ultimately, agricultural productivity. Several factors, including pesticide usage, climate change, habitat loss, and species invasion, have been documented in the decline of bumblebee species, but recent studies have revealed the dominating role of pathogens and parasites over any of these causes.

Antibody Responses and the Vaccine Efficacy of Recombinant Glycosyltransferase and Nicastrin Against .

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease and the second most common parasitic disease after malaria. While praziquantel remains the primary treatment, concerns about drug resistance highlight the urgent need for new drugs and effective vaccines to achieve sustainable control. Previous proteomic studies from our group revealed that the expression of glycosyltransferase and nicastrin as proteins was higher in single-sex males than mated males, suggesting their critical roles in parasite reproduction and their potential as vaccine candidates.

Development of a Sustainable Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on Larvae Biomass-Derived Chitosan.

This study presents the fabrication of a sustainable flexible humidity sensor utilizing chitosan derived from mealworm biomass as the primary sensing material. The chitosan-based humidity sensor was fabricated by casting chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films with interdigitated copper electrodes, forming a laminate composite suitable for real-time, resistive-type humidity detection. Comprehensive characterization of the chitosan film was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and tensile testing, which confirmed its chemical structure, wettability, and mechanical stability.

Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Pesticides in Soil Based on Electronic Nose.

The rapid detection of petroleum hydrocarbons and organic pesticides is an important prerequisite for precise soil management. It is also a guarantee for soil quality, environmental safety, and human health. However, the current rapid detection methods are prone to sample matrix interference, complex development processes, short lifespan, and low detection accuracy.

Inductive Power Transfer Coil Misalignment Perception and Correction for Wirelessly Recharging Underground Sensors.

Field implementations of fully underground sensor networks face many practical challenges that have limited their overall adoption. Power management is a commonly cited issue, as operators are required to either repeatedly excavate batteries for recharging or develop complex underground power infrastructures. Prior works have proposed wireless inductive power transfer (IPT) as a potential solution to these power management issues, but misalignment is a persistent issue in IPT systems, particularly in applications involving moving vehicles or obscured (e.

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of the Active Components from Stem and Bioactivity Comparison with .

(ASC) contains a variety of bioactive compounds and serves as an important traditional Chinese medicinal resource. However, its prolonged growth cycle and reliance on wild populations limit its practical use. To explore the potential of (ASF) as an alternative, this study focused on optimizing the extraction process and assessing the bioactivity of stem extracts.