Search Results (20)

Climate change and anthropogenic stressors are accelerating coral reef degradation, prompting urgent restoration strategies. This study evaluates the performance of two coral nursery types, floating mid-water nurseries (FNs) and bottom-attached table nurseries (TNs), at two contrasting reef environments in Mauritius: the degraded, high sedimentation site of Flic-en-Flac (FEF) and the more pristine Pointe aux Feuilles (PAF). Coral fragments from Millepora sp., Acropora muricata, Acropora selago, and Pocillopora damicornis were monitored over three years for survivorship, growth, and linear extension rate (LER). Survivorship exceeded 88% in all cases, with Millepora sp. in PAF–TN achieving the highest rate (99.8%) and P. damicornis in FEF–FN the lowest (88%). Growth was greatest at PAF–TN, where Millepora sp. reached a mean length of 27.25 cm and LER of 9.66 mm y⁻¹. In contrast, the same species in FEF–TN averaged only 3.64 cm in length and 3.44 mm y⁻¹ in LER. Environmental conditions including higher turbidity, nitrate, and phosphate at FEF, and higher phytoplankton density at PAF significantly influenced coral performance. We propose a site-specific nursery selection framework, including FNs for high-sediment areas and TNs for protected and biodiverse sites, to support more effective coral farming outcomes in island restoration programs. Full article

In the selection of new horticultural crops varieties, fruit shape and size are key agronomic traits targeted by breeders, as well as critical criteria for commercial evaluation and grading. Wild germplasm resources typically exhibit greater genetic diversity in fruit morphology compared to cultivated varieties. The study analyzed fruit shape-related traits of 216 Actinidia eriantha plants from a wild population in Jiangxi Province, China, and identified significant associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes for the target traits using genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). The results revealed substantial phenotypic variation in fruit shape- and size-related traits. A total of 115 SNPs and 349 putative coding genes were significantly associated with 7 fruit shape-related traits. Within the candidate genomic regions, we identified several key genes linked to specific morphological features, including F-box and MADS4, previously reported to influence fruit shape; WOX, F-box, and OVATE, associated with fruit shape index; RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferase, correlated with transverse diameter; and PLATZ, COL, and Aux/IAA, implicated in fruit weight regulation. These findings facilitate the precise identification of genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing fruit morphology. Furthermore, the associated SNP markers provide valuable tools for marker-assisted breeding, enabling the development of elite cultivars with desirable fruit characteristics. Full article

This study reports the first successful establishment of Perovskia atriplicifolia hairy root cultures using Rhizobium rhizogenes and evaluates their potential for bioactive phenolic acid production, particularly rosmarinic acid (RA). Hairy roots were induced using two R. rhizogenes strains, A4 and ATCC 15834; transformation was confirmed by PCR analysis targeting the rol and aux genes. The A4 strain exhibited higher transformation efficiency (41.3%) than ATCC 15834 (30.2%). Eight transgenic root clones (C1–C8) were established and confirmed as transformed. The clones exhibited significant variation in biomass accumulation and phenolic acid production. RA production was most strongly correlated with PAL, RAS, and CYP98A14 expression. Hierarchical clustering clustered the clones into three groups based on growth, metabolite content, and gene expression. Lines C1 and C2 exhibiting the highest RA, total polyphenol content, and the highest productivity were selected for further experiments. McCown Woody Plant (WP) and Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) media demonstrated the greatest biomass accumulation, with growth indexes exceeding 13. Conversely, Gamborg (B5) medium enhanced RA content, achieving 38.3 and 40.8 mg/g dry weight (DW) for clones C1 and C2, respectively, representing a fourfold increase compared to the least favorable Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. These findings establish P. atriplicifolia hairy roots as efficient systems for RA biosynthesis and can provide a basis for metabolic engineering and scale-up production of phenolic acids in medicinal plants. Full article

Light provides seeds with information that is essential for the adjustment of their germination to the conditions that are most favorable for the successful establishment of the future seedling. The promotion of germination depends mainly on environmental factors, like temperature and light, as well as internal factors associated with the hormonal balance between gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA), although other hormones such as auxins may act secondarily. While transcriptomic studies of light-germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds suggest that auxins and auxin transporters are necessary, there are still no functional studies connecting the activity of the auxin transporters in light-induced seed germination. In this study, we investigated the roles of two auxin efflux carrier (PIN3 and PIN7) proteins and one auxin influx (AUX1) carrier protein during Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination. By using next-generation sequencing (RNAseq), gene expression analyses, hormonal sensitivity assays, and the quantification of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, we assessed the functional roles of PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 during light-induced seed germination. We showed that auxin levels are increased 24 h after a red-pulse (Rp). Additionally, we evaluated the germination responses of pin3, pin7, and aux1 mutant seeds and showed that PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 auxin carriers are important players in the regulation of seed germination. By using gene expression analysis in water, fluridone (F), and ABA+F treated seeds, we confirmed that Rp-induced seed germination is associated with auxin transport, and ABA controls the function of PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 during this process. Overall, our results highlight the relevant and positive role of auxin transporters in germinating the seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana. Full article

The study aims to develop an auditory experience evaluation questionnaire to improve metaverse environments’ presence and derive evaluation components considering the acoustic and auditory user experience (AUX) through a survey. After conducting a survey with a total of 232 participants, five evaluation components were extracted from auditory presence and AUX evaluation factors through principal component analysis (PCA) and reliability analysis (RA): ‘realistic auditory background’, ‘acoustic aesthetics’, ‘consideration of acoustic control and accessibility’, ‘auditory utility and minimalist design’, and ‘auditory consistency’. In particular, although AUX evaluation factors such as ‘ease of access to sound control’ have limitations in improving the sense of presence, negative factors of presence such as ‘distraction due to sound’ can be improved by utilizing AUX evaluation factors, so it is judged that the sense of presence in the metaverse environments can be improved by enhancing the auditory sense of presence and AUX evaluation factors according to the composition of the five evaluation components derived in the study. The study can be used as a basis for developing an auditory experience evaluation questionnaire for the metaverse platform, creating sound design guidelines, and identifying sound development priorities. Full article

The primary determinants of apple (Malus) tree architecture include plant height and internode length, which are the significant criteria for evaluating apple dwarf rootstocks. Plant height and internode length are predominantly governed by phytohormones. In this study, we aimed to assess the mechanisms underlying dwarfism in a mutant of Malus baccata. M. baccata dwarf mutant (Dwf) was previously obtained through natural mutation. It has considerably reduced plant height and internode length. A comparative transcriptome analysis of wild-type (WT) and Dwf mutant was performed to identify and annotate the differentially expressed genes responsible for the Dwf phenotype using RNA-seq and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Multiple DEGs involved in hormone signaling pathways, particularly auxin signaling pathways, were identified. Moreover, the levels of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were lower in Dwf mutant than in WT. The Aux/IAA transcription factor gene MbIAA19 was downregulated in Dwf mutant due to a single nucleotide sequence change in its promoter. Genetic transformation assay demonstrated strong association between MbIAA19 and the dwarf phenotype. RNAi-IAA19 lines clearly exhibited reduced plant height, internode length, and endogenous IAA levels. Our study revealed that MbIAA19 plays a role in the regulation of dwarfism and endogenous IAA levels in M. baccata. Full article

This study encompasses two implementations of evaluation of the daily exposure to hand-arm vibration of employees. The first one focuses on maintenance technicians and operating agents in wastewater treatment plants and as network technicians on the water distribution network. The second one focuses on technicians in the after-sales service of a company supplying a wide range of percussive and vibrating portable tools for professionals and the general public. In both cases, we established a precise inventory of the tools used by the employees, and computed the duration of use per day of each tool. We used the INRS tools N43 “Calculette Vibrations Mains Bras” and N59 “OSEV—Vibrations transmises aux membres supérieurs” to determine the daily exposure A(8). These results were explained to the employees, with practical advice for prevention, collectively during meetings and individually during sensitization workshops. Full article

Aquatic environments could be reservoirs of pathogenic yeasts with acquired antifungal resistance. The susceptibility to antifungal agents of yeasts present in the wastewater and natural waters of the city of Cali was evaluated. Samples were taken from two types of water: drinking water (Meléndez River, drinking water treatment plant “Puerto Mallarino” in the Cauca River) and wastewater (South Channel of the Cauca River, “Cañaveralejo-PTAR” wastewater treatment plant). Physico-chemical parameters, heavy metal concentration, and yeast levels were determined using standard procedures. Yeasts were identified using API 20 C AUX (BioMérieux) and sequence analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D1/D2 regions of the large subunit of the ribosome. Susceptibility assays against fluconazole and amphotericin B using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test were determined using the microdilution method. The influence of physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals was established using principal component analysis (PCA). Yeast counts were higher at WWTP “PTAR” and lower at Melendez River, as expected. A total of 14 genera and 21 yeast species was identified, and the genus Candida was present at all locations. Susceptibility tests showed a 32.7% resistance profile to fluconazole in the order DWTP “Puerto Mallarino = WWTP “PTAR” > South Channel “Navarro”. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the physico-chemical parameters/concentration of heavy metals and yeast levels between the aquatic systems under study. A positive association was observed between yeast levels and total dissolved solids, nitrate levels, and Cr at the “PTAR” WWTP; conductivity, Zn, and Cu in the South Channel; and the presence of Pb in the “Puerto Mallarino” DWTP. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida sp. 1 were influenced by Cr and Cd, and Diutina catelunata was influenced by Fe (p < 0.05). The water systems explored in this study showed different yeast levels and susceptibility profiles, and, therefore, possible genetic differences among populations of the same species, and different physico-chemical and heavy metals concentrations, which were probably modulating the antifungal-resistant yeasts. All these aquatic systems discharge their content into the Cauca River. We highlight the importance to further investigate if these resistant communities continue to other locations in the second largest river of Colombia and to determine the risk posed to humans and animals. Full article

Directional root growth control is crucial for plant fitness. The degree of root growth deviation depends on several factors, whereby exogenous growth conditions have a profound impact. The perception of mechanical impedance by wild-type roots results in the modulation of root growth traits, and it is known that gravitropic stimulus influences distinct root movement patterns in concert with mechanoadaptation. Mutants with reduced shootward auxin transport are described as being numb towards mechanostimulus and gravistimulus, whereby different growth conditions on agar-supplemented medium have a profound effect on how much directional root growth and root movement patterns differ between wild types and mutants. To reduce the impact of unilateral mechanostimulus on roots grown along agar-supplemented medium, we compared the root movement of Col-0 and auxin resistant 1-7 in a root penetration assay to test how both lines adjust the growth patterns of evenly mechanostimulated roots. We combined the assay with the D-root system to reduce light-induced growth deviation. Moreover, the impact of sucrose supplementation in the growth medium was investigated because exogenous sugar enhances root growth deviation in the vertical direction. Overall, we observed a more regular growth pattern for Col-0 but evaluated a higher level of skewing of aux1-7 compared to the wild type than known from published data. Finally, the tracking of the growth rate of the gravistimulated roots revealed that Col-0 has a throttling elongation rate during the bending process, but aux1-7 does not. Full article

Auxin has a profound impact on plant physiology and participates in almost all aspects of plant development processes. Auxin exerts profound pleiotropic effects on plant growth and differentiation by regulating the auxin response genes’ expressions. The classical auxin reaction is usually mediated by auxin response factors (ARFs), which bind to the auxin response element (AuxRE) in the promoter region of the target gene. Experiments have generated only a limited number of plant genes with well-characterized functions. It is still unknown how many genes respond to exogenous auxin treatment. An economical and effective method was proposed for the genome-wide discovery of genes responsive to auxin in a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). Our method relies on cis-regulatory-element-based targeted gene finding across different promoters in a genome. We first exploit and analyze auxin-specific cis-regulatory elements for the transcription of the target genes, and then identify putative auxin responsive genes whose promoters contain the elements in the collection of over 25,800 promoters in the A. thaliana genome. Evaluating our result by comparing with a published database and the literature, we found that this method has an accuracy rate of 65.2% (309/474) for predicting candidate genes responsive to auxin. Chromosome distribution and annotation of the putative auxin-responsive genes predicted here were also mined. The results can markedly decrease the number of identified but merely potential auxin target genes and also provide useful clues for improving the annotation of gene that lack functional information. Full article

Ovule abortion is a common phenomenon in plants that has an impact on seed production. Previous studies of ovule and female gametophyte (FG) development have mainly focused on angiosperms, especially in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, because it is difficult to acquire information about ovule development in gymnosperms, this remains unclear. Here, we investigated the transcriptomic data of natural ovule abortion mutants (female sterile line, STE) and the wild type (female fertile line, FER) of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. to evaluate the mechanism of ovule abortion during the process of free nuclear mitosis (FNM). Using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS), 18 cDNA libraries via Illumina and two normalized libraries via PacBio, with a total of almost 400,000 reads, were obtained. Our analysis showed that the numbers of isoforms and alternative splicing (AS) patterns were significantly variable between FER and STE. The functional annotation results demonstrate that genes involved in the auxin response, energy metabolism, signal transduction, cell division, and stress response were differentially expressed in different lines. In particular, AUX/IAA, ARF2, SUS, and CYCB had significantly lower expression in STE, showing that auxin might be insufficient in STE, thus hindering nuclear division and influencing metabolism. Apoptosis in STE might also have affected the expression levels of these genes. To confirm the transcriptomic analysis results, nine pairs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Taken together, these results provide new insights into ovule abortion in gymnosperms and further reveal the regulatory mechanisms of ovule development. Full article

We explored the interplay between ethylene signals and the auxin pool in roots exposed to high salinity using Arabidopsisthaliana wild-type plants (Col-0), and the ethylene-signaling mutants ctr1-1 (constitutive) and ein2-1 (insensitive). The negative effect of salt stress was less pronounced in ctr1-1 individuals, which was concomitant with augmented auxin signaling both in the ctr1-1 controls and after 100 mM NaCl treatment. The R2D2 auxin sensorallowed mapping this active auxin increase to the root epidermal cells in the late Cell Division (CDZ) and Transition Zone (TZ). In contrast, the ethylene-insensitive ein2-1 plants appeared depleted in active auxins. The involvement of ethylene/auxin crosstalk in the salt stress response was evaluated by introducing auxin reporters for local biosynthesis (pTAR2::GUS) and polar transport (pLAX3::GUS, pAUX1::AUX1-YFP, pPIN1::PIN1-GFP, pPIN2::PIN2-GFP, pPIN3::GUS) in the mutants. The constantly operating ethylene-signaling pathway in ctr1-1 was linked to increased auxin biosynthesis. This was accompanied by a steady expression of the auxin transporters evaluated by qRT-PCR and crosses with the auxin transport reporters. The results imply that the ability of ctr1-1 mutant to tolerate high salinity could be related to the altered ethylene/auxin regulatory loop manifested by a stabilized local auxin biosynthesis and transport. Full article

Plant cell and organ cultures of Helianthella quinquenervis, a medicinal plant whose roots are used by the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua, Mexico, to relieve several ailments, were established to identify and quantify some chromenes with biological activity, such as encecalin, and to evaluate their potential for biotechnological production. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis corroborated the presence of quantifiable amounts of encecalin in H. quinquenervis cell cultures (callus and cell suspensions). In addition, hairy roots were obtained through three transformation protocols (prick, 45-s sonication and co-culture), using wild type Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4. After three months, cocultivation achieved the highest percentage of transformation (66%), and a comparable production (FW) of encecalin (110 μg/g) than the sonication assay (120 μg/g), both giving far higher yields than the prick assay (19 μg/g). Stable integration of rolC and aux1 genes in the transformed roots was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hairy roots from cocultivation (six months-old) accumulated as much as 1086 μg/g (FW) of encecalin, over three times higher than the cell suspension cultures. The production of encecalin varied with growth kinetics, being higher at the stationary phase. This is the first report of encecalin production in hairy roots of H. quinquenervis, demonstrating the potential for a future biotechnological production of chromenes. Full article

Bivalve aquaculture is an important component of the economy in eastern Canada. Because of current social, environmental, economic, and resource constraints, offshore mussel cultivation seems to be a promising strategy. With the objective of optimizing farming strategies that support the sustainability and development of the mussel industry at a microgeographic scale, we evaluated, after a traditional two year production cycle, the commercial performance of spat from several mussel (Mytilus edulis) stocks originating from sites separated by less than 65 km and cultivated at two different grow-out sites (shallow lagoon and offshore waters). The spatiotemporal variation in spat performance was studied through a multiyear in situ “stock-site” spat transfer design. The spat supply originating from the Bassin du Havre-Aubert lagoon systematically exhibited a larger size at sleeving time when compared to other stocks, and a better productivity level when harvested. Nevertheless, an alternative strategy would be to collect spat from the Havre-aux-Maisons lagoon, mostly because of the important commercial volumes of spat that can be collected there. Commercial performance (net income) was three times higher in the deep offshore grow-out site than in the shallow lagoon site. This better productivity in the open sea confirms the highly valuable strategy of offshore mussel farming in this area, where it was hypothesized that the less stressful environmental conditions positively influence reproduction, survival, and growth trends. Full article

Keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi, such as dermatophytes, are frequently a cause of infections in humans and animals. Underground ecosystems are inhabited by various animals and are of interest for tourists. Therefore, the main goal of our research was the first evaluation of sediment and soil samples taken inside and outside the Harmanecká Cave in Slovakia for the occurrence of keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi. Tests with Vanbreuseghema bait, as well as phenotyping and molecular methods, showed that all of the sampling sites contained ten isolates, all of the same species of keratinophilic fungi, belonging to the Microsporum cookei clade and with close affinities to Paraphyton cookei (Ajello) Y. Gräser, Dukik & de Hoog. Our research showed that, dependent on the medium, its mycelium varied in color and showed different growth rates. It also produced metabolites alkalizing DTM (dermatophyte test medium) medium. It dissolved keratin in in vitro hair perforation tests and was able to utilize most substrates in the API® 20C AUX, except for MDG (α-methyl-D-glucoside). In addition, the vegetative structures of mycelium were viable after storage at temperatures from −72 to −5 °C for 56 days, and actively grew after 28 days at a temperature range from 15 to 37 °C, with 25 °C being optimal. It showed weak, but active, growth at 5 and 10 °C after 56 days. We can assume that due to the low temperature in the caves, this fungus will not be able to actively grow rapidly on keratin substrates, but the contact with mammals, along with other favorable factors, might lead to an infection. Full article