Search Results (295)

The Hebbian type of spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) with long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD) plays a crucial role at layer 4 (L4) to L2/3 synapses in deprivation-induced map plasticity. In addition, plasticity at the L2/3 horizontal connection is suggested to play an additional role in map plasticity, especially for “spared whisker response potentiation.” Unimodal STDP with only LTP, or all-LTP STDP drives circuit formation at thalamocortical, as well as L4-L2/3 synapse before the critical period. Here, we first show that the L2/3 horizontal connections exhibit all-LTP STDP when axons are extending during synapse formation before the critical period. LTP-STDP induced by pre-post timing was mediated by NMDA-R because APV blocked the induction. In addition, PKA signaling was involved because PKI 6-22 blocked the induction. However, LTP-STDP induced by post-pre timing was not mediated by NMDA-R, because APV could not block its induction. Nevertheless, PKA signaling was also involved in its induction because PKI 6-22 blocked the induction. Our finding indicates that PKA signaling plays an important role in all-LTP STDP during synaptic formation at the L2/3-L2/3 connection between neighboring columns with a distinct source of Ca²⁺ influx in the developing mouse barrel cortex. Full article

Due to morphological similarities, adulterants are frequently substituted for Qingfengteng (QFT, Sinomenium acutum) in regional markets. This study developed a TaqMan probe-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay targeting a 57-base pair (bp) fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region for the specific detection of QFT. The method was validated using a diverse set of samples, including: (1) 19 batches of QFT and 8 batches of Beidougen (BDG, Menispermum dauricum), comprising both medicinal materials and decoction pieces; (2) 5 batches each of decoction pieces from Qingsheteng (QST, Periploca calophylla), Jishiteng (JST, Paederia foetida), Kuanjinteng (KJT, Tinospora sinensis), and Huibeiqingfengteng (HBQFT, Sabia discolor); (3) 6 batches of commercial QFT-containing tablets (with different batch numbers) and 6 batches of laboratory-prepared QFT aqueous decoctions (with different decocting time). Distinct cycle threshold (Ct) values and amplification curves unambiguously differentiated QFT from all adulterants. An external standard-based quantification approach was established to detect adulteration with BDG, the morphologically and genetically most similar adulterant. Recovery rates ranged from 81.79 to 102.38% in herbal mixed powders spiked with 1%, 5%, 50%, and 100% BDG. The method reliably detected QFT in processed tablets and freeze-dried decoctions, demonstrating high tolerance to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) degradation. This qPCR assay enables specific and quantitative detection of QFT in dried and processed samples using short amplicons (57 bp), thereby supporting quality control throughout the herbal production chain. Full article

Psathyrostachys huashanica (2n = 2x = 14, NsNs) and Leymus mollis (2n = 4x = 28, NsNsXmXm) are important wild relatives of common wheat. The Ns chromosomes from two species have been successfully introgressed into wheat through distant hybridization. To compare the genetic effects and evolutionary relationship of Ns chromosomes from different genera in a wheat background, wheat-P. huashanica derivative WH15 and wheat-L. mollis derivative WM14-2 were selected. Sequential FISH-GISH showed that both WH15 and WM14-2 contained 40 wheat chromosomes (with 2D deletion) and two Ns chromosomes with different FISH karyotypes. Molecular markers and SNP array analysis revealed that the two lines both introduced 2Ns chromosomes. However, the P. huashanica 2Ns and L. mollis 2Ns had distinct sequence compositions, and the different SNPs between the two species 2Ns chromosomes were primarily clustered on the short arm. WH15 and WM14-2 exhibited significant differences in spike-related morphologies but shared leaf rust resistance and susceptibility to powdery mildew and Fusarium head blight. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed stable meiotic inheritance of the introduced 2Ns chromosomes. We further developed universal diagnostic markers for 2Ns chromosomes based on SLAF-seq. Therefore, substantial divergence likely exists between the Ns genomes of P. huashanica and L. mollis, and P. huashanica is probably not the direct Ns genome donor for Leymus. Our research-developed derivatives provide unique resources for comparative studies of the structural and functional evolution of homoeologous Ns chromosomes across genera, while offering valuable alleles for wheat improvement. Full article

From January 2019 to April 2020, the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) received cases of hepatitis and spiking mortality in young turkey poults (average age 15.5 days) from multiple turkey-producing states. Meat-type turkeys were mainly affected, with a few cases in breeders. Of 188 cases, 88 (47.5%) tested positive for reovirus by virus isolation, with most of the positive cases from 7 to 14-day-old birds (n = 42). Gross lesions consisted of hepatosplenomegaly with acute, multifocal necrosis in both liver and spleen. Microscopically, liver sections showed congestion of hepatic sinusoids and necrotizing hepatitis with infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Reovirus was detected in liver samples by electron microscopy and in situ hybridization (ISH). Sections of spleen showed areas of necrosis with infiltration of the mixed population of inflammatory cells and depletion of lymphocytes. We consistently isolated reoviruses from livers and tentatively named the virus “Turkey Hepatitis Reovirus” (THRV). Phylogenetic analysis of the newly emerged THRVs revealed their clustering into four distinct groups. This study also highlighted the close antigenic relation between TARV and THRV compared to turkey enteritis reoviruses (TERVs), which shed light on the probable origin of this newly emerged pathotype. In summary, further molecular and pathogenicity studies are recommended on THRVs to help diagnose and control this serious variant. Full article

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 lineage in late 2023 marked a major shift in viral evolution. By January 2024, it had displaced XBB variants to become the dominant strain worldwide. JN.1 and its descendants are antigenically distinct from earlier Omicron subvariants, with approximately 30 additional spike mutations compared to XBB-derived viruses. The combination of these features alongside growing evidence of considerable immune evasion prompted the FDA to recommend that vaccine formulations be updated to target JN.1 rather than XBB.1.5. The continued dominance of JN.1-derived variants necessitates the characterization of viral infection in established animal models to inform vaccine efficacy and elucidate host–pathogen interactions driving disease outcomes. In this study, transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 subvariants JN.1, KP.2, and EG.5.1 to compare the pathogenicity of JN.1-lineage and XBB-lineage SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Infection with JN.1 and KP.2 resulted in attenuated disease, with animals exhibiting minimal clinical symptoms and no significant weight loss. In contrast, EG.5.1-infected mice exhibited rapid progression to severe clinical disease, substantial weight loss, and 100% mortality within 7 days of infection. All variants replicated effectively within the upper and lower respiratory tracts and caused significant lung pathology. Notably, EG.5.1 resulted in neuroinvasive infection with a significantly high viral burden in the brain. Additionally, EG.5.1 infection resulted in a significant increase in CD8⁺ T cell and CD11b⁺ CD11c⁺ dendritic cell populations in infected lungs. Full article

Potassium (K) is a critical macronutrient for sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), playing a vital role in metabolic processes, sucrose accumulation, and yield formation. Herein, this study systematically evaluated the effects of potassium oxide (K₂O) application on sugarcane (cultivar YZ1696) growth at the seedling and tillering stages. Hydroponic experiments demonstrated that 6 mmol/L K₂O optimally promoted seedling growth, whereas field trials revealed that 150 kg/ha K₂O maximized growth rate, yield, and sucrose content. Sugarcane growth exhibited a biphasic response—stimulation followed by inhibition—with increasing K₂O dosage at both developmental stages. Transcriptomic profiling of sugarcane roots under low-potassium (K-deficient), optimal potassium, and high-potassium conditions identified 10,266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with the most pronounced transcriptional shifts occurring under K deficiency. Functional enrichment analysis identified DEGs associated with potassium transport, calcium signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism. Notably, potassium uptake was mediated by distinct mechanisms: Shaker family channels (AKT1, AKT2, SPIKE) and the TPK family member KCO1 were induced under optimal K supply, whereas HAK/KUP/KT transporters (HAK1/5/10/21/25) exhibited broad activation across K concentrations, underscoring their key role in K homeostasis. Furthermore, calcium signaling genes (e.g., CIPK23) displayed K-dependent expression patterns. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified key gene modules that correlated strongly with agronomic traits, including plant height, yield, and sucrose content. Optimal K conditions favored the expression of yield- and sucrose-associated genes, suggesting a molecular basis for K-mediated productivity enhancement. Our findings revealed the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying K-dependent sugarcane improvement, providing actionable insights for precise potassium fertilization to maximize the yield and sugar content. Full article

The molecular basis for the distinct intestinal tropism of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains remains poorly understood. This study identifies the S2 subunit of the spike glycoprotein as the critical determinant conferring duodenal tropism to the IBV CSL strain. Comparative pathogenesis in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks revealed that the CSL strain achieved significantly higher viral titers in the duodenum compared to strains D90, PYG QX1, and XXX QX5. This duodenal replication was associated with severe epithelial inflammation, characterized by upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, IL-22, TNF-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ) and disruption of barrier integrity via downregulation of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1). Crucially, reverse genetics using the non-enterotropic D90 backbone demonstrated that recombinant viruses carrying the CSL-S2 gene (rD90-ΔS/CSL and rD90-ΔS2/CSL), but not those carrying CSL-S1 (rD90-ΔS1/CSL), replicated efficiently and induced inflammation in the duodenum, phenocopying wild-type CSL. In contrast, renal tropism was independent of the S2 subunit. These findings establish the S2 subunit as both necessary and sufficient for IBV duodenal tropism, uncoupling it from renal pathogenicity. This identifies S2 as a prime molecular target for developing next-generation vaccines against intestinal IBV pathotypes. Full article

Glycosylation plays a pivotal role in regulating the functions and immunogenicity of antigens. Targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2, we examined the impact of different glycoforms on RBD antigen immunogenicity and the underlying mechanisms. IgG-specific antibody titers and pseudovirus neutralization were compared in mice immunized with RBD antigens bearing different glycoforms, which were prepared using glycoengineering-capable Pichia pastoris and mammalian cell expression systems with distinct glycosylation pathways. The glycosylation impacted the surface charges of the RBD antigen, and influenced its adsorption onto alum. This may further lead to variations in the antigen’s immunogenicity. The high-mannose variant of the RBD antigen (H-MAN/RBD) expressed in wild-type Pichia pastoris induced significantly higher IgG-specific antibody titers and pseudovirus neutralization activity compared with the complex RBD variant (Complex/RBD) expressed in mammalian cells (293F) or glycoengineering-capable Pichia pastoris. The rate of H-MAN/RBD adsorption onto aluminum hydroxide (alum) adjuvant was significantly higher than that of Complex/RBD. It was assumed that H-MAN/RBD might carry more negative charges because of its phosphomannose-modified surfaces, leading to a higher rate of adsorption onto the positively charged alum and enhancing the immune response. To assess the impact of phosphomannose modification on antigen immunogenicity, a yeast strain was engineered to prepare a low-mannose RBD antigen (L-MAN/RBD); additionally, a yeast strain was constructed to generate a low-phosphomannose-modified RBD antigen (L-MAN-P/RBD). In conclusion, phosphomannose modification substantially enhanced the immunogenicity of RBD by altering the surface charges of the RBD antigen and facilitating its adsorption onto alum. These findings offer novel insights and strategies for vaccine design and immunotherapeutic approaches. Full article

This study investigates age-related differences in motor unit (MU) properties and neuromuscular control during isometric elbow flexion across the human lifespan. High-density surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from the biceps brachii of 44 participants, divided into three groups: Child (8–14 years), Adult (20–40 years), and Elder (65–80 years). MU spike trains were extracted noninvasively by sEMG decomposition. Then the discharge rate, MU action potential (MUAP) morphology, recruitment threshold, and common neural drive were quantified and compared across age groups. This study provides novel insights into force tracking performance, revealing that both children and elders exhibit higher errors compared to young adults, likely due to immature or declining motor control systems. Significant differences in MU discharge patterns were observed across force levels and age groups. Children and elders displayed lower MU discharge rates at low force levels, which increased at higher forces. In contrast, adults demonstrated higher MU action potential peak-to-peak amplitudes (PPV) and recruitment thresholds (RTs), along with steeper PPV-RT slopes, suggesting a narrower RT range in children and older adults. Principal component analysis revealed a strong correlation between common neural drive and force across all groups, with neural drive being weaker in elders. Overall, young adults exhibited the most efficient and synchronized MU control, while children and older adults showed distinct deviations in discharge intensity, recruitment strategies, and neural synergy. These findings comprehensively characterize MU adaptations across the lifespan, offering implications for developmental neurophysiology and age-specific neuromuscular diagnostics and interventions. Full article

Sex-based immunological differences significantly influence the outcome of vaccination, yet the molecular mediators underpinning these differences remain largely elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, have emerged as critical modulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of selected circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers of sex-specific humoral responses to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of health care workers. Plasma samples were collected longitudinally at a defined time point (average 71 days) post-vaccination and analyzed using RT-qPCR to quantify a panel of immune-relevant miRNAs. Anti-spike (anti-S) IgG titers were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Our results revealed sex-dependent differences in miRNA expression dynamics, with miR-221-3p and miR-148a-3p significantly overexpressed in vaccinated female HCWs and miR-155-5p overexpressed in vaccinated males. MiR-148a-3p showed a significant association with anti-S/RBD (RBD: receptor binding domain) IgG levels in a sex-specific manner. Bioinformatic analysis for miRNA targets indicated distinct regulatory networks and pathways involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, potentially underlying the differential immune activation observed between males and females. These findings support the utility of circulating miRNAs as minimally invasive biomarkers for monitoring and predicting sex-specific vaccine-induced immune responses and provide mechanistic insights that may inform tailored vaccination strategies. Full article

Drought stress is a major environmental constraint that significantly reduces wheat productivity worldwide. In this study, seventeen wheat genotypes were evaluated under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions across two consecutive years (2023–2024) in a controlled greenhouse experiment. Twenty morphological and agronomic traits were recorded, and their responses to prolonged water limitation were assessed using multivariate statistical methods, including three-way ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Drought stress significantly decreased all traits except the harvest index (HI), with the most severe reductions observed in traits related to secondary spikes (e.g., grain weight reduced by 95%). The ANOVA results confirmed significant genotype × treatment (G × T) interactions for key agronomic traits, with the strongest effect observed for total grain weight (F = 7064.30, p < 0.001). A PCA reduced the 20 original variables to five principal components, explaining 87.2% of the total variance. These components reflected distinct trait groups associated with productivity, spike architecture, and development in phenology. Cluster analysis based on PCA scores grouped genotypes into three clusters with contrasting drought response profiles. A yield-based evaluation confirmed the cluster structure, distinguishing genotypes with a stable performance (average yield loss ~58%) from highly sensitive ones (~70% loss). Overall, the findings demonstrate that drought tolerance in wheat is governed by complex trait interactions. Integrating a trait-based multivariate analysis with a yield stability assessment enables the identification of genotypes with superior adaptation to water-limited environments, providing an excellent genotype background for future breeding efforts. Full article

Durum wheat, the world’s second most cultivated wheat species, is a staple crop, critical for global food security, including in Ethiopia where it serves as a center of diversity. However, climate change and genetic erosion threaten its genetic resources, necessitating genomic studies to support conservation and breeding efforts. This study characterized genome-wide diversity, population structure (STRUCTURE, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), neighbor-joining trees, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA)), and selection signatures (F_ST, Hardy–Weinberg deviations) in Ethiopian durum wheat by analyzing 376 genotypes (148 accessions) using an Illumina Infinium 25K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. A set of 7842 high-quality SNPs enabled the assessments, comparing landraces with cultivars and breeding populations. Results revealed moderate genetic diversity (mean polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.17; gene diversity = 0.20) and identified 26 loci under selection, associated with key traits like grain yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. AMOVA revealed 80.1% variation among accessions, with no significant differentiation by altitude, region, or spike density. Landraces formed distinct clusters, harboring unique alleles, while admixture suggested gene flow via informal seed exchange. The findings highlight Ethiopia’s rich durum wheat diversity, emphasizing landraces as reservoirs of adaptive alleles for breeding. This study provides genomic insights to guide conservation and the development of climate-resilient cultivars, supporting sustainable wheat production globally. Full article

Narrative review synthesizes the most current literature on the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, focusing on its genomic evolution, immune evasion characteristics, epidemiological dynamics, and public health implications. To achieve this, we conducted a structured search of the literature of peer-reviewed articles, preprints, and official surveillance data from 2023 to early 2025, prioritizing virological, clinical, and immunological reports related to XEC and its parent lineages. Defined by the distinctive spike protein mutations, T22N and Q493E, XEC exhibits modest reductions in neutralization in vitro, although current evidence suggests that mRNA booster vaccines, including those targeting JN.1 and KP.2, retain cross-protective efficacy against symptomatic and severe disease. The XEC strain of SARS-CoV-2 has drawn particular attention due to its increasing prevalence in multiple regions and its potential to displace other Omicron subvariants, although direct evidence of enhanced replicative fitness is currently lacking. Preliminary analyses also indicated that glycosylation changes at the N-terminal domain enhance infectivity and immunological evasion, which is expected to underpin the increasing prevalence of XEC. The XEC variant, while still emerging, is marked by a unique recombination pattern and a set of spike protein mutations (T22N and Q493E) that collectively demonstrate increased immune evasion potential and epidemiological expansion across Europe and North America. Current evidence does not conclusively associate XEC with greater disease severity, although additional research is required to determine its clinical relevance. Key knowledge gaps include the precise role of recombination events in XEC evolution and the duration of cross-protective T-cell responses. New research priorities include genomic surveillance in undersampled regions, updated vaccine formulations against novel spike epitopes, and long-term longitudinal studies to monitor post-acute sequelae. These efforts can be augmented by computational modeling and the One Health approach, which combines human and veterinary sciences. Recent computational findings (GISAID, 2024) point to the potential of XEC for further mutations in under-surveilled reservoirs, enhancing containment challenges and risks. Addressing the potential risks associated with the XEC variant is expected to benefit from interdisciplinary coordination, particularly in regions where genomic surveillance indicates a measurable increase in prevalence. Full article

In this study, we examined the impact of an intelligent system and air conditioning control on power consumption. The experiment was carried out during five distinct time periods: (1) background room usage, (2) smart system setup, (3) air conditioning control to maintain room temperature at no more than 27 °C, (4) air conditioning temperature control during working hours, and (5) air conditioning operated continuously to maintain the room temperature at 27 °C. For each time period, the daily power consumption was evaluated, and outliers were identified and eliminated using a threshold derived from the hourly average. The findings demonstrated that the smart system setup period and air conditioning control resulted in lower usage compared to continuously operated air conditioning with substantial spikes in demand. The impacts of the novel system and air conditioning control on energy consumption were revealed through statistical analysis, which included regression models and hypothesis tests. According to this study’s findings, it is essential to regulate spikes and guarantee proper operation to reduce the carbon footprint while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. Notably, the integration of the smart system and optimized scheduling resulted in a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, with annual carbon emissions reduced by up to 65% compared to continuously operated air conditioning without smart control. Moreover, these systems can optimize energy use. Full article

Ultramarathon running elicits a profound inflammatory response, characterized by significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), with comparatively modest changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We reviewed approximately 80 field studies of ultramarathon events (distances >42.2 km) that measured IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α before and after races. IL-6 typically spiked immediately post-race—often rising dozens or even thousands of times above baseline—then rapidly declined, usually returning to near baseline within 24–48 h. CRP, an acute-phase protein, exhibited a slower, sustained elevation, peaking 24–72 h after race completion and remaining above baseline for 2–3 days before gradually returning to normal. TNF-α responses were variable: some studies reported small but significant post-race increases (roughly 1.2–1.7-fold above baseline), while others found no significant change in circulating TNF-α despite the extreme effort. Longer race durations and distances generally correlated with higher peak IL-6 and CRP levels. Experienced ultramarathon runners tended to exhibit attenuated inflammatory responses compared with less-trained individuals, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) increased in tandem with IL-6 in well-trained athletes, helping to mitigate TNF-α elevations. In total, 28 studies were included in the final synthesis, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Visual synthesis tools, including a PRISMA flowchart and time course plots, are provided to enhance the narrative’s interpretability. In summary, ultramarathon running elicits a robust systemic inflammatory response with distinct temporal patterns for IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. These findings have important implications for athlete recovery, monitoring, and understanding the physiological limits of the inflammatory response to extreme endurance stress. Full article