Search Results (1,108)

A two-year-old, intact female, domestic fawn-colored dwarf lop rabbit was presented with apathy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed hypothermia, tachycardia, and abdominal pain. Routine hematology, biochemistry, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated pneumoperitoneum, generalized small intestinal distention and marked focal dilation of the descending colon by amorphous and partially mineralized material. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of free gas along with abdominal effusion. Exploratory laparotomy revealed focal perforation of the descending colon associated with mural abscess formation containing fecal material and pus. The severity of the lesions and multiple adhesions to adjacent organs (urinary bladder and uterus) led to the decision for intraoperative euthanasia. This case report describes clinical, imaging and surgical findings of pneumoperitoneum related to septic peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation in a domestic rabbit. Full article

Due to its abundance, bird cherry–oat aphid is the most important vector in Poland of the complex of viruses causing barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). These viruses infect all cereals. During the growing season, cereal plants are exposed to many species of agrophages, which can limit their growth, development and yield. As observed for many years, global warming contributes to changes in the development of many organisms. Aphids (Aphidoidea), which are among the most important pests of agricultural crops, respond very dynamically to these changes. Under favorable conditions, their populations can increase several-fold within a few days. The bird cherry–oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) is a dioecious species that undergoes a seasonal host shift during its life cycle. Its primary hosts are trees and shrubs (Prunus padus L.), while secondary hosts include cereals and various grass species. R. padi feeds directly on bird cherry tree, reducing its ornamental value, and on cereals, where it contributes to yields losses. The species can also damage plants indirectly by transmitting harmful viruses. Indirect damage is generally more serious than direct feeding injury. Monitoring aphid flights with a Johnson suction trap (JST) is useful for plant protection, which enables early detection of their presence in the air and then on cereal crops. To provide early detection of R. padi migrations and to study the dynamics of abundance, flights were monitored in 2020–2024 with Johnson suction traps at two localities: Winna Góra (Greater Poland Province) and Sośnicowice (Silesia Province). The aim of the research conducted in 2020–2024 was to study the dynamics of the bird cherry–oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) population in relation to meteorological conditions as recorded by a Johnson suction trap. Over five years of research, a total of 129,638 R. padi individuals were captured using a Johnson suction trap at two locations (60,426 in Winna Góra and 69,212 in Sośnicowice). In Winna Góra, the annual counts were as follows: 5766 in 2020, 6498 in 2021, 36,452 in 2022, 5598 in 2023, and 6112 in 2024. In Sośnicowice, the numbers were as follows: 6954 in 2020, 9159 in 2021, 49,120 in 2022, 3855 in 2023, and 124 in 2024. The year 2022 was particularly notable for the exceptionally high abundance of R. padi, especially in the autumn. Monitoring crops for the presence of pests is the basis of integrated plant protection. Climate change, modern cultivation technologies, and increasing restrictions on chemical control are the main factors contributing to the development and spread of aphids. Therefore, measures based on monitoring the level of threat and searching for control solutions are necessary. Full article

The genus Lygodactylus includes a highly diverse and morphologically cryptic radiation of African dwarf geckos. Within the poorly known L. angularis group, the taxonomic distinction between L. heeneni and L. paurospilus has long been uncertain and controversial. Using newly available material from multiple localities of these taxa, combined with morphological and mitochondrial (16S rRNA) data, this study reveals that both taxa form a single, well-supported genetic lineage. Genetic divergence values between these taxa fall below the 6% interspecific threshold noted in previous studies for Lygodactylus, and previously proposed diagnostic morphological traits completely overlap with each other. These findings indicate that L. paurospilus represents a junior synonym of L. heeneni, which is now recognized as a widespread and morphologically variable species inhabiting diverse environments in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Zambia. This study highlights the importance of integrative approaches for resolving species boundaries in cryptic reptile groups. Full article

Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) is an economically important aquatic crop frequently challenged by abiotic stresses. The plant cell wall, a primary interface with the environment, undergoes dynamic remodeling to balance structural integrity with adaptation. UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase (UXS), a key enzyme synthesizing the nucleotide sugar precursor UDP-xylose, exists in distinct membrane-bound (e.g., Golgi) and cytosolic forms, channeling substrates into compartmentalized polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways and positioning the UXS family as a crucial regulator linking cell wall metabolism to plant adaptation. Here, we systematically characterized the NnUXS gene family in lotus through genome-wide identification, evolutionary synteny analysis, and functional validation. Integrated bioinformatic analysis revealed their physicochemical properties, motif patterns, and regulatory cis-elements, suggesting potential roles in growth and salt stress responses. Among the family, NnUXS3 was prioritized due to its preferentially upregulated in small plant architecture (SPA) varieties, its early induction under salt stress (0.5 days, 200 mM NaCl), and its highest predicted binding affinity for UDP-GlcA (−8.9 kcal/mol). Subsequent functional validation confirmed its dual role: heterologous overexpression in tobacco reduced plant height (47.22%) and leaf area (67.61%), while transient overexpression in lotus enhanced salt tolerance and shortened the petioles. This enhanced tolerance was achieved by upregulating key genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis (NnCSLC4, NnXTH22, NnCESA1) and antioxidant defense (NnSOD, NnPOD). Our findings establish NnUXS3 as a key mediator in balancing plant architecture and abiotic stress resilience. This work not only identifies a valuable genetic target for lotus breeding but also provides insights into the growth-stress trade-off, highlighting the importance of UXS subcellular localization in tailoring cell wall remodeling for environmental adaptation. Full article

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plant extracts has been widely explored for biomedical applications due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. In this study, gold nanoparticles were phytoformulated using an ethanolic extract of dwarf copper leaf. Their physicochemical properties, antineoplastic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and bactericidal efficacy against selected pathogenic microorganisms were systematically evaluated. The phyto-synthesized AuNPs show potential as an antineoplastic agent, significantly dropping the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells when administered at higher concentrations. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs were predominantly spherical with sizes ranging from 15–38 nm as observed by TEM, while XRD analysis confirmed their crystalline nature. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis determined the plant extract’s functional groups, which served as both reducing and stabilizing agents during synthesis. Additionally, the phyto-formulated AuNPs showed bactericidal efficacy against several microorganisms, including Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Serratia species. Particularly, the phyto-formulated AuNPs were effective against B. cereus and Serratia species. The present results showed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs could be used in biomedical contexts for bactericidal action and medication delivery. By using this cost-effective and eco-friendly nanobiotechnology method, AuNPs can enhance drug delivery and efficacy with lower toxicity effects associated with conventional chemotherapies. Full article

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is a major constraint to global wheat production, causing severe yield losses and economic disruption. Understanding the molecular basis of wheat–WDV interactions is essential for developing resistant cultivars. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are key regulators of gene expression and defence. This study identified ncRNAs involved in wheat responses to WDV, including host lncRNAs, miRNAs, and viral small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting WDV genomic regions. High-throughput sequencing revealed extensive ncRNA reprogramming under WDV infection. A total of 437 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and 58 miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were detected. Resistant genotypes displayed more DElncRNAs (204 in Svitava; 163 in Fengyou 3) than the susceptible Akteur (141). In Akteur, 66.7% of DElncRNAs were downregulated, whereas in Svitava, 56.9% were upregulated. Akteur also exhibited more DEmiRNAs (28) than resistant genotypes (15), with predominant downregulation. A co-expression network analysis revealed 391 significant DElncRNA–mRNA interactions mediated by 16 miRNAs. The lncRNA XLOC_058282 was linked to 298 transcripts in resistant genotypes, suggesting a central role in the host defence. Functional annotation showed enrichment in signalling, metabolic, and defence-related pathways. Small RNA profiling identified 1166 differentially expressed sRNAs targeting WDV, including conserved hotspots and 408 genotype-specific sites in Akteur versus Fengyou 3. Infected plants displayed longer sRNAs, a sense-strand bias, and a 5′ uridine preference, but lacked typical 21–24 nt phasing. These findings highlight the central roles of ncRNAs in orchestrating wheat antiviral defence and provide a molecular framework for breeding virus-resistant wheat. Full article

Forty-two Jupiter Mass Binary Objects (JuMBOs) have been discovered in the Trapezium Cluster: either brown dwarf stars or planets mutually orbiting in pairs. Here it is shown that, just as in galaxies and wide binaries, the mutual orbits of the objects in each of these twin systems deviate from the Newtonian and level off around a mutual acceleration of $2c^2/\Theta =2\times {10}^{-10}$ m/s² supporting the minimum acceleration predicted by Quantised Inertia (QI), a theory that attributes inertial mass to an interaction between information horizons and quantum fields and predicts galaxy rotation without the need for dark matter. QI further predicts that the JuMBOs with separations of 400 AU should show orbital anomalies of 70 m/s. This could be tested using spectral Doppler data. Full article

Rootstock selection plays a pivotal role in determining the ecophysiological performance, growth dynamics, and hydraulic functioning of grafted citrus plants. This study evaluated three citrus rootstocks—Trifoliate Orange (TO), Swingle Citrumelo (SC), and Flying Dragon (FD)—grafted with Citrus clementina cv. SRA 63 (CLM), with the aim of elucidating how the rootstock genotype influences morphological traits, dry matter allocation, hydraulic conductance, and xylem anatomical features. Plants were monitored over two years under controlled agronomic conditions, and biometric, physiological, hydraulic, and anatomical traits were assessed. The results revealed distinct rootstock-dependent patterns. CLM/TO and CLM/SC exhibited greater vegetative vigor, higher total biomass, more extensive absorbing root systems, and larger conductive xylem areas, resulting in superior theoretical hydraulic flow. In contrast, CLM/FD demonstrated reduced growth, a smaller trunk diameter, lower biomass accumulation, and elevated hydraulic resistance in both root and graft union sectors, consistent with its known dwarfing behavior. Despite its lower hydraulic efficiency, FD promoted the highest stomatal conductance, suggesting a distinct water use strategy. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the rootstock genotype markedly influences the hydraulic architecture and growth partitioning of grafted Clementine plants. These insights contribute to our understanding of scion–rootstock interactions and support more informed selections of rootstocks in citrus orchards under diverse environmental and management scenarios. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivation in China covers an estimated area of 25,600 hectares, representing more than one-third of the global total. Viral diseases present a serious challenge to cherry production worldwide; however, the phytosanitary status of sweet cherry in China has remained poorly understood. In this study, 191 sweet cherry samples were collected from major growing regions and screened using RT-PCR combined with DNA sequencing for the presence of 14 viruses previously reported in China. Results revealed that 80.1% of the tested samples were infected with at least one virus, with mixed infections detected in 51.3% of the samples. Prevalent viruses included cherry virus A (CVA, 53.4%), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV, 35.1%), cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV, 32.5%), plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus (PBNSPaV, 31.4%), and prune dwarf virus (PDV, 10.5%). Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV) was found at a very low frequency (0.5%), and the remaining eight viruses were not detected in any sample. Based on these findings, we developed multiplex RT-PCR assays for simultaneous detection of CVA, PNRSV, CGRMV, PBNSPaV, and PDV. Several dual and triplex RT-PCR systems were successfully established, including combinations such as PBNSPaV/PNRSV, CVA/PDV, CVA/CGRMV, PBNSPaV/PDV/CGRMV, and PBNSPaV/PNRSV/PDV. This study identifies CVA, PNRSV, CGRMV, PBNSPaV, and PDV as the prevalent viruses in the investigated Chinese sweet cherry orchards. Accordingly, multiplex RT-PCR assays were developed for their simultaneous detection. Our work advances the understanding of sweet cherry viral diseases in China and provides a valuable complementary tool for the existing diagnostic toolkit. Full article

IC 10 is a dwarf galaxy in Cassiopeia, located at a distance of 660 kpc, and hosts a young stellar population, a large number of Wolf–Rayet stars, and a large number of massive stars in general. Utilizing a series of 11 Chandra observations (spanning 2003–2021, with a total exposure of 235.1 ks), 375 point sources of X-ray emission were detected. Similar studies have been conducted earlier in the central region of IC 10. Here, we consider all regions covered by Chandra-ACIS. By comparing our catalog of X-ray sources with a published optical catalog, we found that 146 sources have optical counterparts. We also created a list of 60 blue supergiant (SG) candidates with X-ray binary (XRB) companions by using an optical color–magnitude selection criterion to isolate the blue SGs. Blue SG-XRBs form a major class of progenitors of double-degenerate binaries. Hence, their numbers are an important factor in modeling the rate of gravitational-wave sources. Identifying the nature of individual sources is necessary as it paves the way toward a comprehensive census of XRBs in IC 10, thus enabling meaningful comparisons with other Local Group galaxies exhibiting starbursts, such as the Magellanic Clouds. Full article

The production and quality of wheat and maize grain can be significantly affected by various pests and pathogens, with phytoplasmas posing a particular threat due to their rapid spread and potential to cause severe damage to cultivated crops. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the risk associated with these wall-less bacteria in wheat and maize crops. To achieve this, a survey was conducted in commercial fields located in southwestern Poland. Samples of winter wheat and fodder maize were collected at two distinct developmental stages, including both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants. Symptoms observed in wheat included yellowing, stunting, and excessive tillering, while maize plants showed yellow leaf striping, red discoloration, and stunted growth. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using phytoplasma-specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and sequence analysis, confirmed phytoplasma infections in 2% of wheat and 1.5% of maize samples. Virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis identified the wheat-infecting phytoplasmas as belonging to subgroup 16SrI-C (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma tritici’-related strain)—a pathogen of major concern for wheat, while maize-infecting phytoplasmas were classified into subgroups 16SrI-B and 16SrV-C. Additionally, wheat plants collected during the early elongation phase were tested for Mastrevirus hordei (former wheat dwarf virus, WDV) using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), which confirmed the presence of WDV in all tested samples. Preliminary screening of field-collected leafhoppers revealed that 7.5% of Psammotettix alienus, the predominant species in wheat fields, carried 16SrI-C phytoplasmas. In maize fields, Zyginidia scutellaris was the most prevalent species, with 1.7% of individuals carrying 16SrV-C phytoplasma. These findings suggest that these insect species may contribute to the transmission of phytoplasmas in wheat and maize. This study provides the first documented evidence of 16SrI-C phytoplasma infecting wheat in Poland, and of 16SrV-C and 16SrI-B phytoplasmas infecting maize, expanding the known host range of these subgroups in the country and highlighting their potential phytosanitary importance. Full article

Although global raspberries production has grown in the past decade, it remains threatened by plant viruses. This study surveyed raspberry viruses and associated arthropods in the Czech Republic between 2021 and 2022 across five regions. A total of 257 plant and 151 arthropod samples were tested using RT-(q)PCR for 12 viruses listed in the EPPO Certification scheme, plus raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV) and a novel virus, tentatively named raspberry-associated virus A (RaVA). Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) was most prevalent (51.8%), followed by black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV, 42.0%) and raspberry leaf mottle virus (RLMV, 28.4%). Four viruses—arabis mosaic virus, apple mosaic virus, strawberry latent ringspot virus, raspberry ringspot virus—were not detected. RBDV was also identified in Sambucus nigra, a new host, while mixed RLBV and RaVA infection was found in wild Rubus occidentalis. RLBV was experimentally transmitted to Nicotiana occidentalis 37B in the presence of Phyllocoptes gracilis. Seven of 39 arthropod species carried viruses, but only two—Amphorophora rubi idaei and Aphis idaei—are known vectors. PCR amplicons from 92 isolates were sequenced, revealing high variability in several viruses. These findings offer new insights but highlight the need for continued monitoring and research. Full article

Stalk lodging is one of the major constraints limiting global maize yield. Chemical regulation and fertilization are essential agronomic practices that play critical roles in improving maize yield and lodging resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilization methods on maize plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, and yield under spraying chemical regulator (EDAH, consist of 27% ethephon and 3% DA-6). The experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025, using Jiangyu668 (JY668) and Jiangyu877 (JY877) with different plant heights. Three fertilization methods (no fertilization, N0; conventional fertilization, N15; and slow-release fertilization, SN15) were set up. Chemical regulation and fertilization methods had significant effects on plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, lodging rate, and grain yield. The combination of spraying EDAH and slow-release fertilization optimized ear position coefficient and gravity center, decreased stem–leaf angle, and increased leaf orientation value, which was beneficial for improving leaf photosynthetic capacity. EDAH and slow-release fertilization also increased the stem internode diameter and aerial root layers; enhanced bending resistance and puncture strength; and increased cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents and the lodging resistance index. These changes synergistically increased grain number and weight, ultimately increased maize yield, and decreased the lodging rate. CSN15 had highest yield and lowest lodging rate in different years and varieties. SN15 increased yield by 10.58% compared with N15, and CSN15 increased yield by 10.53% compared with CN15. JY877, as a medium- to high-stem maize variety, had better performance in plant morphology and yield than JY668 (dwarf maize variety) under EDAH and slow-release fertilization. These findings demonstrate that the strategy of combining chemical regulation and slow-release fertilization represents an optimal management approach for enhancing grain yield by optimizing plant morphology and improving stem mechanical properties and stem chemical composition in maize production. This strategy can increase agricultural productivity by enhancing yield and lodging resistance and provide significant environmental benefits and a scientific basis for agronomic practice recommendations. Full article

Global climate change has intensified land desertification in the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate plant species with ideal architecture and well-developed root systems to combat ecosystem degradation. Amorpha fruticosa is widely used as a windbreak and sand-fixation shrub; however, its rapid growth and high transpiration during the early planting stage often result in excessive water loss, low survival rates, and limited vegetation restoration effectiveness. Plant growth retardants (PGRts) are known to suppress apical dominance and promote branching. In this study, one-year-old A. fruticosa seedlings were treated with different combinations of paclobutrazol (PP₃₃₃) and uniconazole (S₃₃₀₇) to investigate their effects on plant morphology and biomass allocation; it aims to determine the optimal formula for cultivating shrub structures with excellent windbreak and sand-fixation effects in land desertification areas. The results showed that both PP₃₃₃ and S₃₃₀₇ significantly inhibited plant height while promoting basal stem diameter, branching, and root development. Among all treatments, the S₃₃₀₇ 200 mg·L⁻¹ + PP₃₃₃ 200 mg·L⁻¹ combination (SD3) was the most effective, resulting in the greatest increases in basal diameter, branch number, total root length, and root-to-shoot ratio, while significantly reducing height increment, leaf length and leaf area (p < 0.05). Under the S₃₃₀₇ 200 mg·L⁻¹ + PP₃₃₃ 300 mg·L⁻¹ treatment (SD4), leaf width and specific leaf area were reduced by 17.92% and 38.89%, respectively, compared with the control. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive or negative relationships among most growth traits, with leaf length negatively correlated with other morphological indicators. Fresh and dry weights of both aboveground and root tissues were significantly positively correlated with basal diameter (R = 0.38) and branch basal diameter (R = 0.33). Principal component analysis demonstrated that the SD3 treatment achieved the highest comprehensive score (2.91), indicating its superiority in promoting a compact yet robust plant architecture. Overall, the SD3 treatment improved drought resistance and sand-fixation capacity of A. fruticosa by “dwarfing and strengthening plants while optimizing root–shoot allocation.” These findings provide theoretical support for large-scale cultivation and vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid regions and offer a technical reference for growth regulation and windbreak and sand-fixation capacity in other xerophytic shrub species. Full article

Sophora moorcroftiana is a perennial deciduous dwarf shrub that exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, including strong drought resistance on the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, the complete mitogenome of S. moorcroftiana was reported and assembled for the first time, representing a circular molecule of 534,205 bp with a GC content of 44.93%. The mitogenome was annotated to include 33 unique protein-coding genes (PCGs), 19 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses of the mitogenomes of S. moorcroftiana and related species revealed their evolutionary relationships and a non-conserved structure. The codon usage of the PCGs and 166 simple sequence repeats was also analyzed. Conjoint analysis of the transcriptome and mitogenome identified 587 RNA editing sites across 33 PCGs, with 14 genes significantly induced in the roots under drought treatment. Moreover, the levels of proline, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and peroxidase activity were significantly elevated in S. moorcroftiana roots subjected to different PEG6000 concentrations. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying drought responses and offer genetic resources for improving drought resistance in S. moorcroftiana. Full article