Search Results (555)

Roses are one of the most essential ornamental flowers in the world. At present, traditional techniques such as cross breeding are mainly used in rose breeding. The inefficiency of the in vitro regeneration system has become the limiting step for the innovation and genetic improvement of rose germplasm resources. A tissue culture rapid propagation system of Rosa ‘Pompon Veranda’ was established using the stem segments with shoots as the initial experimental material. The results showed that the best disinfection method was to soak the explants in 75% ethanol for 1 min, and then soak them in 15% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15 min. The contamination rate was only about 6%. The best rooting medium for tissue culture seedlings was 1/2MS with 0.1 mg∙L⁻¹ NAA, and the rooting rate can reach around 95%. On this basis, calluses were induced by using leaflets of tissue-cultured seedlings as explants. The results showed that the optimal medium for inducing callus tissue was MS + 5.0 mg∙L⁻¹ 2,4-D, with an induction rate of 100%. The calluses were cultured in the medium of MS with 0.01 mg∙L⁻¹ NAA, 1.5 mg∙L⁻¹ TDZ and 0.1 mg∙L⁻¹ GA₃ for 12 days in the dark and then transferred to light conditions. The differentiation rate of callus was 10.87%. On the medium of MS with 0.5 mg∙L⁻¹ 6-BA, 0.004 mg∙L⁻¹ NAA and 0.1 mg∙L⁻¹ GA₃, the shoots could regenerate into whole plants. This study has established an in vitro regeneration system of R. ‘Pompon Veranda’, which is a key perquisite for the subsequent establishment of its genetic transformation system. Moreover, this method will also be an important reference for studies on quality traits such as floral scent and prickles of Rosa plants. Full article

Honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) are essential pollinators in both ecosystems and agricultural production. However, their populations are declining due to various factors, including pesticide exposure. Despite their importance, the reproductive castes, particularly drones, remain understudied in terms of pesticide effects. To investigate the effects of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin on honey bee drones, the drones were exposed to different concentrations of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin for 14 days; the drone survival, body weight, nutrient content, reproductive organs, and sperm concentration were assessed. Results showed that exposure to both fungicides caused a significant reduction in drone survival rates, with survival rates decreasing progressively as the duration of exposure increased. Compared to the control group, the body weights of drones in all treatment groups were significantly lower on days 7 and 14. Nutrient analysis revealed that low concentrations of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin increased protein levels, while free fatty acid content decreased significantly in all treatment groups. No significant changes were observed in the total carbohydrate content. Morphological examination of reproductive organs showed that the lengths of the mucus glands and seminal vesicles in drones were significantly shorter in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, exposure to azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin resulted in a significant decline in sperm concentration in the drones. These findings indicate that azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin have adverse effects on the health and reproductive capacity of honey bee drones. The present study highlights the need to reassess the risks posed by these fungicides to pollinators, particularly given the critical role of drones in maintaining the genetic diversity and resilience of honey bee colonies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects and explore potential mitigation strategies. Full article

The postmortem interval (PMI), defined as the time elapsed between death and the discovery or examination of the body, is a crucial parameter in forensic science for estimating the time of death. There are many ways to measure the PMI, such as Henssge’s nomogram, which uses rectal temperature measurement; livor mortis; rigor mortis; and forensic entomology. However, these methods are usually affected by various conditions in the surrounding environment. The purpose of the present study was to compare molecular genetics and histological changes in the brain and skeletal muscle tissues of SD rats over increasing periods of time after death. For the PMIs, we considered 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 4 days, 6 days, 8 days, 10 days, 14 days, and 21 days and compared them at 4 °C and 26 °C. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe tissue changes. Morphological tissue changes were observed in cells for up to 21 days at 4 °C, and cell destruction was visually confirmed after 14 days at 26 °C. Total RNA (tRNA) was isolated from each tissue sample, and complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized. A reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) SYBR Green assay targeting three types of housekeeping genes, including Gapdh, Sort1, B2m, and 5S rRNA, was performed. The results showed that Gapdh and 5S rRNA were highly stable and could be better RNA targets for estimating the PMI in brain and skeletal muscle tissues. Conversely, Sort1 and B2m showed poor stability and low expression levels. In conclusion, these molecular biomarkers could be used as auxiliary indicators of the PMI in human, depending on the stability of the marker. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in TSC1 or TSC2. Cardiac rhabdomyoma is a common prenatal finding and can be associated with severe complications, including pericardial effusion. We administered prenatal sirolimus to mitigate pericardial effusion, which led to postnatal complications. Case Presentation: A 28-year-old pregnant woman with no significant family history underwent routine fetal ultrasound at 28.1 weeks of gestation, which identified a large right ventricular mass consistent with rhabdomyoma. Further fetal brain MRI revealed cortical-subcortical tubers and subependymal nodules, leading to a clinical diagnosis of TSC. At 30.4 weeks, oral sirolimus (3 mg/day) was started due to the significant pericardial effusion. The effusion remained after treatment, requiring pericardiocentesis at 33.6 weeks. The sirolimus dosage was raised to 6 mg/day at 35.6 weeks, reaching a plasma level of 3.76 ng/mL, but there was no discernible improvement because of the continued fluid accumulation. The mother did not experience any adverse side effects from the procedure. Genetic testing confirmed a pathogenic variant in TSC2 (c.1372C>T). After birth, the neonate received a single dose of sirolimus but subsequently developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), highlighting the potential adverse effects and the need for cautious consideration of treatment options. Conclusions: This case illustrates the complexities of managing prenatal tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). While sirolimus has been explored for fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma and associated complications, its effectiveness in resolving pericardial effusion remains uncertain. Additionally, the development of NEC postnatally raises concerns about the safety of mTOR inhibitors in this context. Further studies are necessary to assess the risks and benefits of this approach in fetal therapy. Full article

Introduction: Methadone, a synthetic opioid used for opioid substitution therapy (OST), is typically associated with arrhythmias rather than direct myocardial depression. Neurological complications, especially with concurrent antipsychotic use, have also been reported. Acute left ventricular failure in young adults is uncommon and often linked to genetic or infectious causes. We present a rare case of reversible cardiogenic shock and cerebellar insult due to methadone toxicity. Case Presentation: A 37-year-old man with a history of drug abuse on OST with methadone (130 mg/day) was admitted to the ICU with hemodynamic instability, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Diagnostic workup revealed low cardiac output syndrome and a right cerebellar insult, attributed to methadone toxicity. The patient received individualized catecholamine support. After 10 days in the ICU, he was transferred to a general ward for ongoing cardiac and neurological rehabilitation and discharged in stable condition seven days later. Conclusions: Methadone-induced reversible left ventricular failure, particularly when accompanied by cerebellar insult, is rare but potentially life-threatening. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are essential for full recovery in such complex toxicological presentations. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease stemming from genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. It is characterized by immune dysregulation, increased mast cell activity, elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), and excessive proinflammatory mediator expression. These factors contribute to hallmark symptoms such as pruritus, erythema, and skin barrier dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Taraxacum mongolicum (WTM) water extract, as well as its skin barrier regulation and immune functions in AD. In the present study, we explored the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of WTM in a BALB/c mouse model of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Mice were administered WTM orally or topically for 14 consecutive days. The results demonstrated that WTM treatment significantly alleviated clinical severity, showing reductions in skin lesion scores, epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, and scratching behavior, compared to the DNCB-treated group. Mechanistically, WTM reduced serum levels of IgE and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-31) while suppressing the expression of the JAK/STAT/TSLP signaling pathway in skin tissues. Furthermore, WTM inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK pathways and enhanced antioxidant defense by elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. These findings indicate that WTM attenuates DNCB-induced AD progression in mice, likely through the dual modulation of inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that WTM may modulate the immune response and alleviate AD symptoms by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT/TSLP pathways. Full article

The yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is limited by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures, which frequently occur simultaneously under field conditions. This study examined 100 bean genotypes under three environmental conditions, namely, the rainy season (optimal conditions), full irrigation in the dry season (high-temperature stress), and terminal drought in the dry season (combined stress), via a 10 × 10 triple-lattice design. Agronomic parameters evaluated included days to flowering (DF), days to physiological maturity (DM), plant height (PH), aerial biomass (BIO), grain yield (YLD), and 100-seed weight (100SW). The natural temperature exceeded 35 °C during the reproductive stage of the dry season. Combined stress revealed differential adaptive mechanisms in the tested germplasms, indicating that the response to multiple stresses is more complex than the sum of individual stress responses. The average yield under optimal conditions was 1344 kg/ha, decreasing to 889 kg/ha (66.1%) under irrigation with high temperatures and to 317 kg/ha (23.6%) under terminal drought with high temperatures. Under terminal drought with high temperatures, the number of days to maturity decreased by 5%, and the seed weight decreased by 20%. The G69-33-PT and G-19158 genotypes presented high yields under high-temperature stress, with yields above 1800 kg/ha, suggesting specific physiological mechanisms for tolerance to elevated temperatures. Under combined stress, genotypes G69-Sel25, Pinto Mestizo, and Dalia presented yields above 680 kg/ha, indicating adaptations in terms of water use efficiency and tolerance to high temperature. The identification of genotypes with differential stress tolerance provides valuable genetic resources for breeding programs. The diverse origins of superior germplasms (bred lines, landraces, and commercial cultivars) highlight the importance of exploring various germplasms in the search for sources of abiotic stress tolerance for breeding projects aimed at developing cultivars adapted to climate change scenarios where drought and high temperatures occur simultaneously. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) represents a rare and heterogeneous distinct cytogenetic subgroup of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) initially associated with a poor prognosis. Treatment intensification with additional doses of methotrexate and asparaginase was associated with better treatment outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we evaluated the impact of iAMP21 on treatment outcome in a cohort of pediatric patients treated with an intensified asparaginase regimen and describe the genomic landscape of four patients with iAMP21. Results: Four out of 89 patients > 1 year old were classified as iAMP21 positive. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) was inferior in the iAMP21-positive group: 25% versus 85.6% (p = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of relapse and treatment-related mortality were 50% vs. 9.9% and 0% vs. 2.38%, respectively, in the iAMP21-positive and non-iAMP21 groups (p = 0.02 and 0.76, respectively). These results did not translate into a significant difference in overall survival: 100% vs. 93.7% (p = 0.6). The presence of iAMP21 (HR 7.68, 95% CI 2.04–29.05; p = 0.002) and a measurable residual disease ≥1% after induction on day +33 (HR 8.82, 95% CI 2.6–29.91; p = 0.001) retained significant negative impact on EFS in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: We found an independent significant prognostic impact of iAMP21 on EFS among pediatric patients with ALL, and clinical presentation and early treatment response did not classify these patients as HR. Diverse genetic backgrounds among iAMP21-positive patients might influence the treatment response and outcome of this heterogeneous disease. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It is generally accepted that IBD is characterized by an inappropriate immune response to the intestinal microbiome in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite the available treatment options ranging from salicylates and corticosteroids, to immunosuppressants and biologics, there is still a high unmet medical need for patients who respond poorly to drugs or are not able to tolerate them. Microbiome-based therapeutics offer a valid treatment strategy for IBD with enhanced safety. A butyrate-producing consortium of six commensal strains (MH002) was evaluated in a series of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments mimicking multiple IBD-related dysfunctions, namely disrupted intestinal permeability and immune activation. MH002 rapidly produced high levels of butyrate in fed-batch cultures, and significantly increased butyrate levels within one day after administration to IBD-derived gut microbial communities in vitro. Both in Caco-2/peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultures, and IBD patients-derived organoids and colonic explants, MH002 reduced inflammation and restored epithelial barrier integrity. In addition, MH002 promoted wound repair in vitro. Finally, MH002 protected mice and rats from chemically induced colitis. Altogether, results showed that MH002 presents a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of IBD. Full article

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most consumed leafy vegetable in the world, with great economic and social importance in Brazil. In breeding programs, selecting genotypes with high agronomic potential is essential to meet market demands and cultivation conditions. In this context, plant phenotyping by means of multispectral imaging emerges as a modern, efficient and non-destructive tool, which enhances the analysis of phenotypic characteristics quickly and accurately. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to group different lettuce situations according to their group using image-based phenotyping, in addition to morphological descriptors and agronomic evaluations. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus of Monte Carmelo, MG, Brazil, in randomized blocks with three replicates and 17 treatments (lettuce populations of the F₂ generation, resulting from the cross between different lettuce cultivars and/or lines). Morphological descriptors and agronomic characteristics were obtained in the field. The vegetation indices GLI, NDVI, GNDVI, NGRDI and NDRE were calculated from images acquired at 49 days after transplanting. Means were compared using the Scott–Knott test (p ≤ 0.05), and the results were presented in box plots. Genetic dissimilarity was confirmed by multivariate analysis, which resulted in a cophenetic correlation coefficient of 96.11%. In addition, validation between field-collected data and image-obtained data was performed using heat maps and Pearson’s correlation. Populations UFU 003, UFU 006, UFU 009, UFU 011, UFU 012, UFU 013, UFU 014, UFU 016 and UFU 017 stood out, with high agronomic potential. Image-based phenotyping was correlated with agronomic traits and, therefore, can be considered an alternative to grouping different lettuce populations. Full article

This paper presents a methodology for the co-expansion planning of transmission lines and energy storage systems, considering unit commitment constraints and uncertainties in load demand and wind generation. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear program and solved using a decomposition-based approach that combines a genetic algorithm with mixed-integer linear programming. Uncertainties are modeled through representative day scenarios obtained via clustering. The methodology is validated on a modified IEEE 24-bus system. The results show that co-planning reduces total expansion costs by 14.69%, annual operating costs by 26.19%, and wind curtailment by 91.99% compared to transmission only expansion. These improvements are due to the flexibility introduced by energy storage systems, which enables more efficient thermal dispatch, reduces fuel consumption, and minimizes renewable energy curtailment. Full article

Considering the taxonomic uncertainties of Neotropical deer species, as well as the threat status of many of them, new studies and strategies for their maintenance are urgently needed. Obtaining live cells is of great importance for the conservation of wild species in order to allow cytogenetic and molecular studies to be carried out and for the construction of genomic resource banks. In order to increase the genetic diversity stored in these banks, the possibility of collecting skin fragments from dead animals (e.g., run over, hunted, deaths related to disease or natural causes) becomes a valuable source and a last alternative for obtaining material from these individuals. However, the interval between the death of the animal and the collection of tissue can directly interfere with the quality of the sample obtained and it is therefore essential to identify the maximum time during which viable cells are still found. Thus, this study sought to establish a protocol for the collection, storage, cryopreservation, and cultivation of skin obtained postmortem from individuals of the species Subulo gouazoubira (gray brocket deer) and Mazama rufa (red brocket deer). The collection of tissue fragments at different postmortem intervals (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, 8 h, 9 h, 10 h, and 11 h) was evaluated. The tissues were analyzed for fibroblast cell viability immediately after collection. Their ability to undergo cryopreservation was evaluated based on techniques that can be directly applied to samples obtained in the field and their subsequent thawing and success of cell cultures was performed in the laboratory. Regarding the genetic integrity of the cells, the number of metaphases was observed by the mitotic index. The cell viability presented by the samples always remained above 60%. It was possible to establish cell cultures even with the tissues obtained 11 h after the death of the individuals; however, they required twice as many days to reach bottle confluence compared to the cultures performed with the tissues obtained 0 h after the death of the individuals. The results suggest that the best rates of cell viability, time to reach confluence, and number of metaphases per cell (mitotic index) are found in skin fragments collected up to 5 h after the death of individuals when their carcasses are kept at room temperature. Full article

Rhizospheric fungi are emerging as a critical research component in dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) production systems. Introducing beneficial non-native fungi is increasingly common due to their positive effects on plant growth, yield, and pathogen suppression. However, this practice may disrupt soil microbial communities, and commercial isolates often show limited adaptation to local conditions. This study aimed to identify native beneficial soil fungi associated with dragon fruit cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast and evaluate their effect on commercial production. Fungal isolates from four dragon fruit plantations were identified using microscopy and genetic sequencing (ITS, EF-1α, and beta-tubulin). The selected fungi were isolates closely related to Talaromyces tumuli, Trichoderma asperellum, and Paecilomyces lagunculariae. All isolates were tested for pathogenicity using detached cladode assays at the laboratory, and non-phytopathogenic monomorphic cultures were further evaluated in the field under a randomized complete block design consisting of T. asperellum, Talaromyces tumuli, a combination of both, and a water control. The combination of T. asperellum and Talaromyces spp. showed a favorable trend in terms of the plants’ vegetative development. However, inoculating Talaromyces tumuli into the commercial plants exhibited a slow response during the first 20 days of the field evaluations. Still, it resulted in a significant increase in the fruit’s diameter and weight, with increases of 88.23% and 67.64%, respectively, compared to those in the control. T. asperellum presented a lower number of fruits per plant, although it showed an increase in fruit diameter and weight. In conclusion, using the native beneficial fungi T. asperellum and T. tumuli contributes positively to the dragon fruit production system. Full article

Understanding the molecular regulation of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits is crucial, as acidity directly influences fruit flavor, consumer preference, and commercial value. Citric acid is the predominant organic acid in citrus, and its levels are shaped by several factors, including genetic and developmental factors. ‘Jinyan’ Bingtang orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Jinyan) is a novel mutant derived from ‘Jinhong’ Bingtang orange (C. sinensis cv. Jinhong) that has a noticeably sour taste. However, the molecular basis of the increased citrate content in ‘Jinyan’ fruits remains unclear. This study compared the organic acid profiles and expression of citric acid metabolism-related genes between ‘Jinyan’ and ‘Jinhong’ fruit juice sacs throughout fruit development. The trend of citric acid content in both cultivars was similar; however, ‘Jinyan’ consistently presented significantly higher levels than ‘Jinhong’ did from 95 to 215 days after flowering (DAF). After 155 DAF, the transcript levels of citrate biosynthesis-related genes (PEPC1, PEPC2, PEPC3, CS1, and CS2) and citrate transport-related genes (V₁-E1, V₁-E2, V₀-a2, V₀-d, VHP1, VHP2, and CsPH8) were significantly greater in ‘Jinyan’ than in ‘Jinhong’. In contrast, citrate degradation-related genes (NAD-IDH2 and NAD-IDH3) were expressed at lower levels than in ‘Jinhong’. Notably, the expression patterns of V₁-E2 and CsPH8 closely matched the changes in citrate content in both cultivars. These results indicate that, compared with ‘Jinhong’, high citric acid accumulation in the juice sacs of ‘Jinyan’ fruit is likely due to increased citrate synthesis (via upregulated PEPCs and CSs) and increased vacuolar citrate sequestration (via upregulated proton pumps and transporters), coupled with reduced citrate degradation (lower NAD-IDH2/3). Full article

Background: Statin intolerance is a serious therapeutic dilemma in secondary cardiovascular prevention (e.g., ESC/EAS Guidelines 2023). This is especially true when confirmed by genetic predisposition and complicated by rhabdomyolysis. Although several non-statin agents have become available in recent years, evidence regarding their combined use in high-risk statin-intolerant patients remains limited. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics of statins in toxic concentrations are poorly characterized in clinical settings. Case Presentation: We present two cases of genetically confirmed statin-induced rhabdomyolysis, both accompanied by severe acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy. In both patients, serial measurements of rosuvastatin plasma concentrations revealed markedly delayed elimination, with detectable levels persisting for several weeks despite ongoing dialysis. Estimated half-lives exceeded 7 days in both cases, far beyond the known therapeutic range. Genetic testing identified SLCO1B1, ABCB1, and CYP2C9 polymorphisms linked to reduced hepatic uptake and impaired drug clearance. Following biochemical recovery, both patients were initiated on a triple non-statin lipid-lowering regimen consisting of ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and inclisiran. The combination was well tolerated, with no recurrence of muscle-related symptoms or biochemical toxicity. LDL-C levels were reduced from 3.05 to 1.59 mmol/L and from 4.99 to 1.52 mmol/L, respectively, with sustained response over 12 and 40 weeks. Full lipid profiles demonstrated favorable changes across all parameters. Conclusions: These two cases suggest that the combination of ezetimibe, inclisiran, and bempedoic acid may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with severe statin intolerance. Pharmacogenetic testing and serial pharmacokinetic assessment may guide personalized lipid-lowering strategies and improve outcomes in this challenging patient population. Full article