Search Results (20,996)

The Adriatic Sea is a critical neritic habitat for juvenile and adult female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), where intense anthropogenic pressures and environmental stressors may influence their reproductive biology. Knowledge on the onset of puberty in this population is limited by scarce information on the sub-adult stage, a transitional phase in which reproductive competence is acquired. This study integrated histological analysis and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) imaging spectroscopy to provide both structural and biochemical characterization of folliculogenesis, with emphasis on vitellogenesis, in C. caretta from the north-central Adriatic Sea. Histological analysis determined the progression of follicle development, while FTIR imaging, a label-free and spatially resolved technique, mapped the distribution of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids across ovarian compartments. Logistic regression estimated the size at which 50% of females are sexually mature (L₅₀) at 58.54 cm Curved Carapace Length (CCL). Based on this value, 60% of sub-adult females were already mature, indicating earlier puberty than previously inferred from macroscopic criteria. These preliminary results, along with reports of sporadic nesting in the Adriatic, raise the question of whether this basin may host further nesting events in the future. FTIR imaging proved to be a powerful tool for reproductive biology in non-model marine vertebrates. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Spina bifida in the cervical region is closely associated with Chiari malformation, which is an amalgamation of terminology for separate conditions with similar pathophysiological mechanisms and progression from one another. Chiari malformations are associated with varying degrees of dilation of the foramen magnum or lack of fusion of the occipital bone with syringomyelia, herniation of the cerebellum, occipitocele and occipitomyelocele; Case Presentation: A previously healthy 23-year-old primigravida presented to our institution due to fetal demise in the third lunar month, established on routine outpatient maternal consultation. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed an amniotic sac measuring 3 cm in diameter and containing a single fetus, without cardiac function. Due to these, the patient was scheduled for pregnancy termination, during which the cervix was noted to be spontaneously dilated and abrasion accomplished complete evacuation of the amniotic sac, without its rupture. Upon sectioning of the amniotic sac, a fetus, measuring 2.5 cm in length, was noted, with a significant cuffing of the occipital and cervical paraspinal region. Histology revealed fetal structures with an adequate maturation index for its gestational age, but it presented with a pronounced meningoencephalomyelocele in the cervical and thoracic regions, characterized by the complete absence of vertebral arches and spinous processes from the atlanto-occipital to the sacral region; Conclusions: In the present case, not only is a significant and complex form of Chiari type III reported, but the condition is also associated with spina bifida aperta in all spinal regions, leading to meningoencephalomyelocele, incompatible with life. Full article

N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), the predominant form of sialic acids (Sias), is extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Microbial fermentation serves as a critical production method for its economical, eco-friendly, and scalable production. Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, as primary industrial workhorses for Neu5Ac production, have been extensively investigated owing to their well-characterized genetic frameworks and mature molecular toolkits. Nevertheless, the intricate regulatory networks inherent to microbial systems present formidable obstacles to the high-efficiency biosynthesis of Neu5Ac. This review delineates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying Neu5Ac biosynthesis in both E. coli and B. subtilis. Furthermore, the rational and irrational strategies for constructing Neu5Ac microbial cell factories are systematically summarized, including the application of rational metabolic engineering to relieve feedback regulation, reconfigure metabolic networks, implement dynamic regulation, and optimize carbon sources; as well as the use of irrational strategies including directed evolution of key enzymes and high-throughput screening based on biosensors. Finally, this review addresses current challenges in Neu5Ac bioproduction and proposes integrative solutions combining machine learning with systems metabolic engineering to advance the construction of high-titer Neu5Ac microbial cell factory and the refinement of advanced fermentation technologies. Full article

Varuna litterata is an estuarine crab species widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, commonly dwelling in brackish waters, mangrove forests, and tidal estuaries. In Bangladesh, while four Scylla species dominate the commercial crab market, the locally consumed V. litterata remains a biologically overlooked gem of the coastal waters. These crabs are frequently captured as a byproduct during shrimp fry collection from coastal estuaries. In this context, the current study investigates the reproductive biology, morphometric dynamics, and market potential of V. litterata collected from the Pasur River, a coastal mangrove forest-adjacent estuary of southern Bangladesh. A total of 75 individuals were collected from March to April 2023, comprising 35 males and 40 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 1:1.14 (♂:♀), with a predominance of females. A visual observation of ovary development revealed four distinct maturation stages, with Stage IV (fully mature) being the most prevalent (43%), indicating peak reproductive activity during the sampling period. Morphometric analysis revealed that the average carapace width (CW) was 31.2 ± 5.7 mm and 31.9 ± 5.8 mm and the mean carapace length (CL) was 29.3 ± 4.7 mm and 30.1 ± 4.9 mm in males and females, respectively. However, the mean body weight (BW) was 13.1 ± 4.3 g in males and 12.7 ± 3.8 g in female crabs. The dominant CW class ranges from 33 to 33.99 mm (males) and 28.99–29.99 mm (females), appear to be the most vulnerable to fishing pressure. BW-CW and CL-CW relationships demonstrated negative allometric growth, with high correlations in both sexes. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males having larger cheliped dimensions, while females had broader abdomens, likely supporting reproductive functions that are essential to their conservation. The marketing of this crab remains largely informal, yet rising local demand and prices highlight its emerging commercial potential. Therefore, incorporation into aquaculture and coastal fishery development of this crab species could enhance food security, support livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable blue economy initiatives in Bangladesh. Full article

‘Hainan Qingyou’ (Citrus maxima) Pomelo is one of the predominant local cultivars cultivated in Hainan Province, renowned for its high economic value and strong market competitiveness. However, during cultivation, it was observed that the fruit quality of ‘Hainan Qingyou’ grafted onto a ‘Sanhong’ interstock deteriorated, predominantly manifesting as vesicle granulation. This study was therefore conducted to investigate this phenomenon using ‘Sanhong’ Honey Pomelo as the interstock. Fruit quality indicators were measured, and pulp transcriptomic analysis was performed during the expansion and maturation stages. The results indicated that fruits grafted onto ‘Sanhong’ interstock (SHZ) exhibited increased peel thickness, yellower peel, reduced edible rate, higher pulp firmness, decreased total soluble solids (TSS), increased total acid content, and reduced total antioxidant capacity at maturity, all contributing to diminished fruit quality. Additionally, SHZ fruit accumulated higher lignin content in the pulp, leading to vesicle granulation, which severely compromised marketability. Transcriptomic analysis identified 42 structural genes involved in lignin biosynthesis in ‘Hainan Qingyou’ pulp, including 5 PAL, 2 C4H, 2 4CL, 6 CAD, 15 PER, 2 HCT, 1 C3′H, 1 CCoAOMT, 1 CCR, 1 COMT, 2 CSE, and 1 F5H genes. Most of these genes were highly expressed in SHZ fruit at maturity, with expression levels significantly higher than those in fruit grafted onto ‘Hainan Qingyou’ interstock (QYZ). The interstock also affected hormone signaling pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified transcription factors such as MYB, MIKC, ERF, and bZIP as key regulators involved in pulp lignin biosynthesis. This study provides insights into the effects of rootstocks on citrus fruit quality and offers valuable information for cultivar improvement in pomelo orchards. Full article

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) is a biennial or annual herbaceous plant belonging to the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica of the Cruciferae family. The green flower curd serves as the primary edible organ, with its development and preservation critically determining broccoli yield and quality. Given that these processes are regulated by flowering time, understanding the mechanisms underlying floral transition is essential for enhancing broccoli yield and quality. This study aimed to identify the MADS-box family in broccoli and to investigate the function of the BoAGL8 gene in floral induction. We identified a total of 176 MADS-box genes, of which 54 genes were up-regulated and 50 genes were down-regulated under low-temperature treatment. Notably, the expression of BoAGL8 was up-regulated by 6.70-fold under low-temperature induction, prompting us to select and clone this gene for further analysis. Tissue-specific expression profiling further revealed that BoAGL8 is expressed at relatively high level in both mature and young leaves. After 15 days of low-temperature treatment, BoAGL8 expression in shoot tip was significantly upregulated compared to untreated controls. Subcellular localization analysis showed that BoAGL8 protein was located to the nucleus. Ectopic over-expression of BoAGL8 in Arabidopsis exhibited accelerated bolting and flowering, reduced rosette leaf number, and increased seed yield per plant compared to wild-type plants. Furthermore, compared to wild-type controls, transgenic lines exhibited upregulated expression of AtFT, AtAP1 and AtSEP3, alongside downregulation of SVP expression. The above results indicate that BoAGL8 may play a key regulatory role in the process of floral organ development in broccoli, providing an important theoretical basis for future research on flowering time regulation and breeding in broccoli. Full article

Mutations in the ACTN1 gene, which encodes the cytoskeletal protein α-actinin-1, have been implicated in the etiology of autosomal dominant congenital macrothrombocytopenia. α-Actinin-1 is a member of the spectrin superfamily and is essential for key physiological processes in megakaryocytes and platelets. The pathophysiological mechanisms by which α-actinin-1 mutations lead to macrothrombocytopenia have been attributed to alterations in actin organization, increased binding affinity of α-actinin-1 to actin filaments, and modulation of integrin αIIbβ3 signaling. In previous studies, we utilized megakaryocyte-specific α-actinin-1 knockout (PF4-ACTN1^−/−) mice to explore the influence of α-actinin-1 on megakaryocyte and platelet function. Despite these efforts, the precise mechanisms remain inadequately understood. To advance our understanding and clarify the role of α-actinin-1 in thrombopoiesis, we first delineated the functions of α-actinin-1 in megakaryocytes and platelets, followed by a comprehensive overview of the proteins known to interact with α-actinin-1. As a pivotal scaffold protein, α-actinin-1 interacts with a complex network of partners, including integrin αIIbβ3, and actin filaments, to modulate cytoskeletal dynamics, megakaryocyte maturation, and proplatelet formation. In addition to its well-documented proteins that interact with α-actinin-1 within megakaryocytes and platelets, α-actinin-1 also associates with proteins outside the megakaryocytic lineage, such as cytohesin-2 and MOB1, which have been predominantly examined in other cellular contexts. These varied interactions imply that α-actinin-1 may influence megakaryocyte and platelet functions through multiple mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge regarding the structure, binding partners of α-actinin-1, and essential roles of α-actinin-1 in thrombopoiesis. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in the transportation sector and global decarbonization goals have fueled debate on using hydrogen as an energy source. Although hydrogen’s potential is recognized in Brazil, its application in heavy-duty vehicles still faces structural and technological barriers. This study aimed to analyze the viability of hydrogen as an energy alternative for trucks in Brazil. The research adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, based on the expert analysis method, through semi-structured interviews with development engineers, representatives of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, and researchers specializing in hydrogen technologies. The data were organized into a thematic framework and interpreted using content analysis. The results show that, although there is growing interest and ongoing initiatives, challenges such as the cost of fuel cells, the lack of refueling infrastructure, and low technological maturity hinder large-scale adoption. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes by integrating specialized literature with practical insights from key industry players, broadening the understanding of the energy transition. In practical terms, it outlines some strategic paths, such as expanding technological development and forming partnerships. From a social perspective, it emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a pillar for sustainable, low-carbon mobility, capable of positively impacting public health and mitigating climate change. Full article

The Molise region in Central-Southern Italy is a major contributor to national truffle production, particularly of the highly prized Tuber magnatum Picco, accounting for approximately 40% of the country’s total output and hosting the highest density of truffle harvesters. Despite this, research on the Italian white truffle populations from this area remains limited. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to address this knowledge gap by characterizing four T. magnatum Picco populations collected from the municipalities of Agnone, Carovilli, Castel del Giudice, and Pietrabbondante, located in “Alto Molise”, through morphological, genetic, and microbiological investigations. The statistical analyses revealed significant differences in peridium thickness and ascocarp-associated microbiota even though pairwise comparisons did not identify statistically significant differences between specific population pairs. No significant variation was observed in ascocarp weight and maturation degree. Furthermore, the presence of a unique haplotype at the single-locus marker SCAR A21-inf was confirmed in a subset of the analyzed fruiting bodies. Collectively, these findings expand current biological knowledge of the Molise white truffle and provide a foundation for future research aimed at identifying specific provenance markers to discriminate truffle populations at both regional and local scales. Full article

This study investigated the role of miR-144 in mitigating oxidized fish oil (OFO)-induced muscle oxidative stress and quality deterioration in Megalobrama amblycephala. The feeding trial was conducted for 5 weeks, and four experimental diets were formulated, namely NC (fresh fish oil), OF (OFO), OF + ago (OFO and miR-144 agomir), and OF + anta (OFO and miR-144 antagomir). Histological results showed that OFO significantly reduced myofiber density (from 758.00 ± 13.69 to 636.57 ± 13.44 N/mm²) and decreased the percentage of myofibers with diameters > 50 μm (from 53.45% to 38.52%). OFO intake significantly increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in muscle. OFO treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors (NF-κB, TNF-α, HO-1, and IL-6), significantly down-regulated NQO1. Moreover, OFO reduced muscle differentiation and maturation by down-regulating the expression of MyoG, MYHC1, and protein synthesis genes (AKT3, TOR, and S6K1), and up-regulating the expression of protein hydrolysis genes (FoxO3a, MuRF1, HSP70, Beclin-1, P62, and ATG8). Moreover, miR-144 agomir exacerbated OFO-induced muscle damage by suppressing Nrf2, whereas miR-144 antagomir mitigated these effects. Silencing miR-144 re-activates Nrf2, alleviating oxidative damage, enhancing protein deposition, and improving muscle quality. These findings suggest that targeting the miR-144/Nrf2 axis could counteract OFO-induced muscle deterioration. Full article

Gastrochilus fuscopunctatus is a rare epiphytic orchid in Korea threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro propagation system by evaluating asymbiotic germination and seedling growth. Mature seeds germinated on both Hyponex (Hy) and Orchid Seed Sowing Medium (OSM), but protocorm development was more active on Hy, regardless of 1 µM NAA supplementation. For seedling culture, Murashige and Skoog (MS), Hy, and Orchid Maintenance Medium (OM) were tested with apple homogenate (AH), banana homogenate (BH), and coconut water (CW). At 7 months, Hy supported the greatest biomass and root formation, while Hy + BH produced the highest values (0.066 g fresh weight, 1.3 cm root length). Although BH improved growth on MS and OM, the effects were less pronounced. At 14 months, Hy + BH again yielded superior results (1.93 g fresh weight, 5.3 cm root length, 17.2 leaves), clearly outperforming all other combinations. AH and CW showed inconsistent or limited effects across media, indicating strong medium–additive interactions. These findings demonstrate that Hy + BH is the most effective combination for both early and prolonged growth of G. fuscopunctatus, providing a practical framework for ex situ conservation and reintroduction. Full article

The continuous advancement of the food industry is accompanied by increased generation of animal waste, including poultry feathers. Composting presents a sustainable alternative to disposal methods such as incineration by converting waste into valuable fertilizer products. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculation with the keratinolytic strain Bacillus subtilis P22 on the quality and maturity of compost produced from feathers combined with organic additives (wood shavings and lignite). The experiment involved evaluation of the keratinolytic potential of the tested strain, and characterization of its proteolytic enzymes, solid-state cultures and composting conducted at semi-technical scale. The B. subtilis P22 strain demonstrated the ability to solubilize 78% of feather material within 7 days of cultivation. The keratinolytic enzyme complex was likely dominated by polycatalytic alkaline serine proteases, i.e., subtilisins. The effectiveness of the inoculum was confirmed in laboratory solid-state cultures, where the dry mass loss in inoculated samples was twice that of the control containing only endogenous microflora. At the semi-technical scale, inoculation with B. subtilis P22 significantly accelerated compost maturation and mineralization (C/N = 10.2; N-NH₄⁺/N-NO₃⁻ = 0.4; Cw/Corg = 0.9) compared to the control. The final compost’s mineral composition indicates its potential for use as an organic soil amendment. Full article

Raman spectroscopy allows for analyzing local molecular matrix components while preserving spatial resolution in tissue samples. The aim of this study was to use Raman line scans to discriminate between healthy and diseased cartilage tissue based on the depth-dependent sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and total GAGs distribution. Full-thickness articular cartilage tissue was harvested from human individuals at different maturation stages (skeletally immature, skeletally mature) and from patients with diagnosed osteoarthritis. Raman spectroscopic line scans (30 µm step size) were utilized to analyze the sub-zonal sGAG (1062 cm⁻¹) and total GAG (1370–1380 cm⁻¹) distribution relative to the organic matrix (CH₂ band 1430–1480 cm⁻¹). We found a linear trend of the sGAG/CH₂ ratio over the tissue depth in all samples (p < 0.0001). The total GAG/CH₂ ratio of the skeletally immature and mature cartilage showed a characteristic non-linear behavior over the tissue distance. The elderly osteoarthritic cartilage exhibited lower total GAG/CH₂ ratios compared to the ratios of the skeletally immature and mature samples, without a pronounced increase in the superficial area. Raman spectroscopic line scans are a fast and representative method allowing us to identify the local and tissue depth-dependent distribution of GAGs at higher specificity and resolution compared to histological staining. Full article

This study investigated the effects of elevated temperature on the phenology and morphology of the early-maturing peach cultivar ‘Mihong’. The experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2024 in a temperature-gradient chamber at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju, Korea, with four warming treatments (+2.2 °C to +5.0 °C above ambient). Higher temperatures delayed the onset of endodormancy and markedly shortened the period from endodormancy release to full bloom. Elevated temperatures also increased the LD ratio, with the proportion of fruits exceeding an LD ratio of 1.0 rising significantly with temperature. The LD ratio showed strong correlations with November mean temperature (MT11) and March maximum temperature (HT3) (r = 0.81) and was also associated with the average temperature (Temp3, r = 0.51) and duration (P3, r = −0.54) of the endodormancy release to full bloom phase. Stepwise and PLS regression identified temperatures in May, November, and March as key predictors of the LD ratio, while PCA revealed that temperature variables (Temp3, Temp5) and stage durations (P3, P4) were major contributors. These results confirm that climate warming alters the phenology and morphology of ‘Mihong’, reducing fruit quality and marketability, while providing a basis for predictive modeling and highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies such as shading or growth regulator application. Full article

The whale shark Rhincodon typus is the largest known extant omnivorous fish species, reaching up to 17 m in length. Because of its slow growth and late maturity, R. typus is particularly vulnerable to human activities and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Understanding its biological characteristics, such as growth rate, is essential for their conservation. Non-invasive methods, including stereo-image measurements, have been used to measure the body length of the species over the years, which aggregates in coastal areas during specific life stages. This method enables us to estimate fish length by recording the target using a stereo camera, which commonly consists of two cameras. However, measurement errors increase in the setup as the target moves away from the camera. Therefore, we conducted a multi-stereo video shoot of a free-swimming whale shark in an aquarium tank and compared the performance of stereo cameras using two, three, and four cameras. The setups with three and four cameras outperformed the traditional two-camera stereo setup in terms of precision and accuracy, suggesting that a multi-stereo camera system can effectively estimate the body length of large animals such as whale sharks from a considerable distance. Full article