Search Results (504)

The potent and selective ‘genetic zipper’ method for insect pest control consists of three essential components: an antisense DNA (the finder), its complementary mature rRNA or pre-rRNA of the pest (the target), and the host’s endogenous DNA-guided rRNase (the degrader). Although this approach has been validated, the spectrum of effective rRNA targets remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we report for the first time the insecticidal efficacy of a novel oligonucleotide insecticide, Eriola-11, which targets the mitochondrial 16S rRNA of the woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann. We hypothesized that the antisense-mediated silencing of mitochondrial rRNA would impair aphid viability and lead to physiological disruptions associated with mitochondrial energy metabolism. Eriola-11 was applied either once or twice (with a 24 h interval) to aphid-infested plants, and aphid mortality was recorded over 14 days. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA expression levels were quantified using molecular assays, and the degradation kinetics of Eriola-11 were assessed in aphid tissue homogenates. Results showed significant insecticidal activity, with 67.55% mortality after a single treatment and 83.35% after two treatments. Treated aphids exhibited the loss of their characteristic white woolly wax covering, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA expression was reduced 0.66-fold relative to the control. Additionally, Eriola-11 was fully degraded by aphid DNases from tissue homogenates within 3 h, highlighting its rapid biodegradability. These findings establish mitochondrial 16S rRNA as a viable target for antisense insecticides and expand the catalogue of potential rRNA-based targets, offering a promising avenue for environmentally sustainable pest control strategies. Full article

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous disorder that impairs mucociliary clearance and leads to progressive lung disease. This study aimed to characterize lung function decline in a genetically homogeneous cohort of Puerto Rican patients with RSPH4A-associated PCD and to develop a clinical tool to predict lung function decline and support transplant referral decisions. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients (n = 25) with a confirmed RSPH4A [c.921+3_6delAAGT] genetic variant, collecting longitudinal spirometry data and applying linear regressions to calculate each patient’s individual FEV₁ decline. The median FEV₁ at diagnosis was 55%, with a median annual decline of −0.75% predicted. Adults exhibited significantly lower lung function compared to pediatric patients, while no difference was seen between males and females. Based on this observed decline, we developed the Predicted Capacity Decline Index (PCDx), an index that estimates the age and time until a patient reaches the 30% FEV₁ threshold, the point at which lung transplant referral is typically considered. Our findings underscore the need for early intervention and suggest that genotype-specific tools like the PCDx may enhance clinical decision-making in managing progressive lung disease in PCD. Full article

Data-driven approaches and calibration techniques for mathematical models, starting from observed data, are attracting more and more interest in the field of civil engineering. Among them, evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) is an artificial intelligence (AI) technique that combines genetic algorithms (GAs) and regression strategies. However, the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in the method have pointed out how the implementation of proper computational methods together with the use of recent and qualified databases of experimental data are essential to carry out reliable formulations. In this framework, this paper explores a new robust EPR approach able to remove potential outliers and leverage points often occurring in biased dataset and simultaneously accounting for the effects of probabilistic uncertainties. Uncertainties are incorporated in the EPR methodology by adopting the direct perturbation method. In particular, it is shown the importance to set the parameters representative of experimental and analytical dispersions on the basis of the characteristics of the database in terms of homogeneity. With this purpose, two different case-studies are analyzed, dealing with the shear capacity of RC beams without stirrups and the compressive strength of cement-based mortar specimens, respectively. Finally, the best capacity equations are selected and discussed. Full article

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a semi-perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, is native to the Paraguay–Brazil border region. The growing industrial interest in this species is due to its natural sweetening properties, such as steviol and its derivatives, which offer sweetness without adding calories. Morphological traits are crucial for assessing genetic variability and ensuring distinctness, homogeneity, and stability (DHS) for cultivar protection. This study characterized 19 elite Stevia genotypes from Embrapa Cerrados’ Active Germplasm Bank (BAG) using 21 morphological descriptors from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). Genetic distances were calculated using the simple coincidence index complement method, and clustering was performed via the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The results showed that 17 of the 21 descriptors (>80%) effectively differentiated the genotypes, revealing significant genetic variability. Dendrogram analysis identified at least four major similarity groups, highlighting the potential of these genotypes for Stevia breeding programs. These findings underscore the suitability of these elite genotypes for developing superior varieties adapted to Cerrado conditions, supporting future cultivation and genetic improvement efforts. Full article

With the acceleration of modernization, villages in Southwest China are experiencing spatial fragmentation and homogenization, leading to the loss of traditional identity. Addressing how to balance scientific planning with cultural and spatial continuity has become a key challenge in rural governance. This study takes Xuyong County in Luzhou City as a case and develops a three-tier analytical framework—“genome–spatial factors–specific indicators”—based on the space gene theory to identify, classify, and map spatial patterns in marginal villages of southern Sichuan. Through cluster analysis, common and distinctive spatial genes are extracted. Common genes—such as medium surface roughness (GeneN-2-b), medium building dispersion (GeneA-3-b), and low intelligibility (GeneT-2-b)—are prevalent across multiple village types, reflecting shared adaptive strategies to complex terrains, ecological constraints, and historical development. In contrast, distinctive genes—such as high building dispersion (GeneA-3-a) and linear boundaries (GeneB-1-c)—highlight unique spatial responses that are shaped by local cultural and environmental conditions. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of spatial morphology and adaptive mechanisms in rural settlements. This research offers a theoretical and methodological basis for village classification, conservation zoning, and spatial optimization, providing practical guidance for rural revitalization efforts focusing on both development and heritage protection. Full article

In recent decades, fishery stock enhancement has been increasingly utilized as a restoration tool to mitigate population declines and enhance the resilience of marine fisheries. Nevertheless, persistent enhancement efforts risk eroding the evolutionary potential of wild populations via genetic homogenization and maladaptive gene flow. Using long-term monitoring data (2017–2023), we quantified the effects of large-scale Penaeus penicillatus stock enhancement (~10⁸ juveniles/yr) on wild population dynamics and genetic integrity in the Beibu Gulf ecosystem. Temporal genetic changes were assessed using eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, comparing founder (2017) and enhanced (2024) populations to quantify stocking impacts. Insignificantly lower expected heterozygosity was observed in the stocked population (He = 0.60, 2024) relative to natural populations (He = 0.62–0.66; p > 0.1), indicating genetic dilution effects from enhancement activities. No significant erosion of genetic diversity was detected post-enhancement, suggesting current stocking practices maintain short-term population genetic integrity. Despite conserved heterozygosity, pairwise Fst analysis detected significant genetic shifts between temporal cohorts (pre-enhancement—2017 vs. post-enhancement—2024; Fst = 0.25, p < 0.05), demonstrating stocking-induced population restructuring. Genetic connectivity analysis revealed that while the enhanced Beihai population (A-BH) maintained predominant self-recruitment (>90%), it experienced substantial stocking-derived gene flow (17% SW → A-BH). The post-stocking period showed both reduced genetic exchange with adjacent populations and increased asymmetric dispersal from A-BH (e.g., 5% to YJ), indicating that hatchery releases simultaneously enhanced population isolation while altering regional genetic structure. Our findings revealed the paradoxical dual effects of stock enhancement and allelic diversity while disrupting natural genetic architecture. This underscores the need for evolutionary-impact assessments in marine resource management. Full article

To address traditional methods’ limitations in neglecting the interaction between random shock loads and progressive degradation, as well as failure correlations, this study proposes a dynamic reliability framework integrating Gamma processes, homogeneous Poisson processes (HPP), and mixed Copula functions. The framework develops a wind turbine gearbox reliability model under shock–degradation coupling while quantifying failure correlations. Gamma processes characterize continuous degradation, with parameters estimated from P-S-N curves. Based on stress–strength interference theory, random shocks within damage thresholds are integrated to form a coupled reliability model. A Gumbel–Clayton–Frank mixed Copula with a multi-layer nested algorithm quantifies failure correlations, with correlation parameters estimated via the RSS principle and genetic algorithms. Validation using a 2 MW gearbox’s planetary gear-stage system covers four scenarios: natural degradation, shock–degradation coupling, and both scenarios with failure correlations. The results show that compared to independent assumptions, the model accelerates reliability decline, increasing failure rates by >37%. Relative to natural degradation-only models, failure rates rise by >60%, validating the model’s effectiveness and alignment with real-world operational conditions. Full article

Robinia pseudoacacia is one of the most widely introduced—but also controversial—tree species in Europe. On the one hand, it is valued for its productivity, timber quality, and melliferous blossom. On the other hand, it is highly invasive and causes habitat change and homogenization. The aim of the study reported on here was to assess the genetic diversity of selected R. pseudoacacia stands in Lithuania in districts with the highest black locust stands frequency and to evaluate its spatial distribution in self-establishing stands. To achieve this aim, we employed four nuclear SSR loci (Rops 02, Rops 05, Rops 06, and Rops 08) and investigated the genetic diversity of five R. pseudoacacia plots. The study results reveal that R. pseudoacacia in Lithuania is genetically diverse (the average allele number per plot was 3.66, and the average Ho was 0.83). R. pseudoacacia in the plots forms tight clonal groups that hardly intermix with each other; it also spreads by seeds (66 single-copy genotypes were found in total in all 5 investigated plots). R. pseudoacacia stands in Lithuania originate from different seed sources and from different introduction events, as revealed by the allelic pattern, genetic diversity, and genetic differentiation among the research plots. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, but its molecular drivers remain underexplored in Latin American populations. This study investigated the prevalence, co-occurrence, and tissue distribution of somatic mutations in the TERT promoter (C228T/C250T) and CTNNB1 exon 3, as well as TERT gene expression, in liver tissues from Brazilian patients. A total of 85 samples (42 HCC, 21 cirrhosis, and 22 hepatitis) were analysed using Sanger sequencing and RT-qPCR. TERT promoter mutations were detected in 47.6% of HCC tissues, including C228T (45.2%) and C250T (2.4%), and were also present in 19% of cirrhotic tissues but absent in hepatitis samples, supporting their emergence in early hepatocarcinogenesis. CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations occurred in 17.2% of HCCs and significantly co-occurred with TERTp mutations (66.7%, p = 0.0485), although the number of CTNNB1-mutated cases was limited. TERT expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues regardless of mutation status (p < 0.001). This is the first study to characterise these mutations in Brazilian HCC patients, highlighting the C228T mutation as a promising biomarker for early detection and molecular surveillance in cirrhotic individuals. Despite the genetic admixture of the studied population, the mutational patterns were comparable to those reported in more homogeneous populations, reinforcing the global relevance of these molecular alterations. Full article

Oak wood color plays a critical role in veneer production, where visual consistency directly affects material value. However, production choices are still often based on experience rather than systematic scientific data. Although many studies have examined individual factors affecting wood color, such as species or drying conditions, few have brought together ecological and industrial perspectives. This review addresses that gap by examining how habitat, species characteristics, and processing parameters influence color variation in Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. A structured literature review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, complemented by industry observations. The results show that site-specific factors—such as soil type, forest type, and regional climate—can significantly affect oak wood color, in some cases more than genetic differences. Drying methods, wood age, and log storage also contribute to variations in color and homogeneity. These findings highlight the potential for better raw material selection and processing strategies, leading to improved quality, sustainability, and economic efficiency in veneer production. Remaining knowledge gaps—particularly in predictive modeling and veneer-specific studies—point to important areas for future research. Full article

During field surveys carried out in 2021 at two farms in Lombardy (North Italy), leaf samples were collected from 113 plants (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) belonging to 18 medicinal and aromatic species. Amplification and nucleotide sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (subgroup 16SrXII-A) in 69 plants (61% infection rate) belonging to 14 of the 18 examined species. Among the 14 infected species, only Nepeta cataria L. exhibited symptoms including leaf and stem reddening. Molecular typing analyses showed that ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains identified in this study constitute a genetically homogeneous population, carrying the stamp gene sequence variant St5 and the new vmp1 gene sequence variant Vm93. Phylogenetic analyses showed that ‘Ca. P. solani’ strain St5/Vm93 belongs to the cluster b-II, associated with the bindweed-related pathosystem. In silico-translated Vmp1 protein sequence alignment suggested that ‘Ca. P. solani’ strain St5/Vm93 could be generated by recombination events between ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains co-infecting the same host. The results suggested future research investigating the diffusion and the ecology of ‘Ca. P. solani’ strain St5/Vm93 in agroecosystems (including other crops), and its effect on the composition of biologically active compounds in aromatic and medicinal plants. Full article

The alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) is a critically endangered species in China whose wild populations have precipitously declined due to habitat degradation and poaching. In response, China established the world’s first captive breeding facility for this species in 1990. Despite over three decades of closed breeding, the genetic consequences of long-term captivity remain unclear. Here, we present the first comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial genetic diversity in a captive population of 409 individuals, using three mitochondrial markers (D-loop, Cytb, and COI) and comparative data from wild conspecifics. Our results reveal a pronounced reduction in genetic diversity in the captive population compared to wild populations. Nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype diversity (Hd) were consistently lower across all markers in captivity, with D-loop Hd = 0.639 and π = 0.01073. Further combined sequence analysis revealed a single dominant haplotype (Hap4) representing 56.99% of individuals, indicative of severe haplotype loss and homogenization. Although some haplotypes are shared with wild populations, captive populations exhibit strong genetic differentiation from wild populations, with the captive populations retaining only a limited fraction of the species’ maternal lineages. This pronounced genetic erosion driven by strong founder effects and genetic drift raises concerns about the viability and reintroduction success of this species. These findings highlight the inherent limitations of closed captive populations in preserving evolutionary potential and adaptive capacity. Our study emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based genetic management, including founder augmentation and population exchange, to mitigate inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. Full article

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a high-value horticultural crop recognized for its significant economic importance and exceptional nutritional profile. We analyzed 76 raspberry accessions (wild and cultivar) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, and we established a standardized SRAP system for this species. Genetic similarity differed markedly between markers: SSR values spanned 0.47–0.98 (mean = 0.73), compared to the narrower range of 0.52–0.97 (mean = 0.75) for SRAP. Cultivar accessions exhibited higher intra-group homogeneity than wild accessions, and northeastern wild accessions showed more stable similarity metrics than Guizhou wild accessions. In hierarchical clustering, the resolution varied depending on the labeling marker. The cluster analysis by SSR markers identified two main clusters and further partitioned them into three clusters. In contrast, the SRAP system revealed two primary clusters, which subsequently diverged into five subclusters. SSR markers effectively captured population-level differentiation, whereas SRAP markers enabled precise discrimination of cultivars and ecotypes through non-coding region polymorphisms. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed closer genetic affinity between northeastern wild and cultivated accessions, which diverged significantly from Guizhou. This dual-marker approach revealed complementary information: SSR markers were used to survey genome-wide diversity, while SRAP markers were used to detect structural variations. Their integrated application enhances germplasm characterization efficiency and provides practical strategies for raspberry conservation and molecular breeding. Full article

This study examined genetic diversity in the endangered medicinal plant Celastrus paniculatus using 62 individual samples from seven natural populations in northern and northeastern Thailand to inform conservation strategies. The analysis of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) markers revealed 17 haplotypes (CpI1–CpI17) across these populations, with 15 being population-specific. The genetic diversity varied significantly among populations: CMI showed the highest diversity (Hd = 0.944 ± 0.070), while LEI and LPN displayed complete homogeneity. The haplotype network identified a central shared haplotype (CpI4), suggesting a common ancestry, with the PLK population showing a distinct genetic divergence through unique haplotypes separated by multiple mutation steps. Genetic distance calculations revealed close relationships between LEI and NPM populations (distance = 0.0004), with greater differentiation between PLK and other populations (distances > 0.005). Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the species integrity while highlighting population clusters, especially PLK in ITS analyses and LPN in rbcL analyses. This genetic structure information provides a foundation for targeted conservation planning. Results suggest that conservation efforts should prioritize both genetically diverse populations (like CMI and MKM) and genetically distinct ones (like PLK) to preserve the maximum evolutionary potential. This study delivers crucial molecular data for developing evidence-based conservation strategies to protect this valuable medicinal species from further decline. Full article

Himantoglossum metlesicsianum is a threatened orchid with low population numbers and fragmented distribution, present in four of the Canary Islands. This study focused on assessing the genetic variability and population genetic structure of the natural populations known to date, identifying those characteristics of the species that condition the flow and genetic variation. For that purpose, we collected samples from eight sites in its distribution range and developed 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Despite its rarity, this orchid presents high levels of genetic diversity and a homogeneous population structure, characterised by a low degree of genetic differentiation and patterns consistent with high genetic connectivity among populations. Our results suggest that the species might show dichotomy in seed dispersal, combining long- and short-distance events. In addition, it is possible that pollen cross-pollination (pollinia) between adjacent sites may also be involved. In conclusion, these findings reveal unexpectedly high genetic diversity and connectivity among populations, despite the species’ rarity and fragmented distribution, highlighting key biological traits that should be considered in future conservation and recovery plans. Full article