Search Results (250)

Dieback of Quercus is a serious environmental and economic problem in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean basin, and the main causal factor is infection by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Reliable and rapid methods for evaluating host susceptibility are needed to support breeding and selection programs. This study developed and evaluated an in vitro pathogenicity assay for screening cork oak (Quercus suber L.) genotypes using both mycelial and zoospore inoculation methods. The effects of inoculum type and dose, symptom development, pathogen establishment, and disease progression were assessed, and the ability of the assay to discriminate among host genotypes was evaluated. Both inoculation methods consistently induced infection, producing characteristic root necrosis followed by aerial symptoms and plant death. Root necrosis became visible within two days after zoospore inoculation, and successful pathogen re-isolation from surface-sterilized roots confirmed tissue colonization within 24 h. Observations suggest that survival time and root necrosis length are useful indicators of disease progression. Genotype-related differences were detected in time-based variables, namely time to first symptoms and time to complete necrosis in the mycelial-suspension assay and survival time in the zoospore assay, whereas early root necrosis and growth variables did not differ significantly among the tested genotypes. Overall, these results support the use of the proposed in vitro protocols as short-term approaches for the preliminary assessment of genotype responses to P. cinnamomi, complementing greenhouse and field evaluations. Full article

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a major vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, posing significant public health risks worldwide. Understanding male mating performance is crucial for optimizing control methods such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of adult male diet on male Ae. albopictus mating success and competitiveness. Three adult diets were tested: 10% sugar solution, 10% molasses solution and 8% sugar solution enriched with 2% hydrolyzed yeast. Results revealed that males fed a molasses-based diet exhibited shorter latency time to mating and higher competitiveness against conspecifics. Male diet had no significant post-mating effects on females, neither due to fecundity nor to egg hatch rates. These findings underline the relevance of nutritional optimization in laboratory rearing. Although molasses-based diets appear promising for improving male quality, any implications for sterile-male release programs should be considered cautiously, as the present results derive solely from laboratory conditions. Full article

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a key cornerstone of hybrid breeding in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Reliable identification of cytoplasmic types and evaluation of their phenotypic stability are therefore important for the effective use of CMS in breeding programs. The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize 30 sugar beet breeding lines of different origins using molecular and phenotypic approaches. Mitochondrial minisatellite markers TR1–TR3 and the CAPS marker in chloroplast region petG-psbE were employed, together with evaluation of phenotypes for anther morphology and pollen fertility over three years under the conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan. Based on the molecular analysis, most CMS breeding lines were classified as carriers of mitotype min04, the O-type control lines with mitotype min18, and alloplasmic breeding lines with min06, which indicated the presence of an alternative origin of CMS. Combined analysis of mitochondrial and chloroplast markers revealed cytoplasm heterogeneity in several accessions, confirming the need for individual molecular control during the maintenance of CMS breeding lines. The evaluation of phenotypes over three years demonstrated that anther dehiscence and pollen fertility varied significantly depending on hydrothermal conditions. Combining molecular study with multi-year evaluations of phenotypes enables reliable cytoplasm type identification, cryptic heterogeneity detection, and the selection of breeding lines with stable male sterility for breeding of sugar beet hybrids. Full article

The ICARUS experiment is part of the Short-Baseline Neutrino program at Fermilab and aims to search for the possible existence of sterile neutrinos in the O (1 eV) mass range, addressing anomalies observed by the LSND and MiniBooNE experiments. The ICARUS-T600 detector is a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber that provides high-resolution three-dimensional imaging and precise calorimetric measurements of ionizing particles. This technology enables detailed studies of neutrino interactions over a wide energy range, from a few $\mathrm{keV}$ to several hundred $\mathrm{GeV}$. Event reconstruction relies on a software framework that applies pattern recognition algorithms to transform raw detector signals into fully reconstructed interaction topologies, including vertices, particle tracks, and electromagnetic showers. In some cases, however, a single particle track may be incorrectly split into multiple segments, leading to underestimated energy reconstruction and potential failures in particle identification. Since these effects can result in the loss of otherwise valid events, we designed a stitching algorithm that identifies the broken tracks and reconnects (“stitches”) the segments. This approach improves track reconstruction quality, energy estimation and overall event reconstruction efficiency. Full article

Background: Male sterility is a critical trait for large-scale hybrid rice seed production, yet the genetic and molecular regulatory networks governing tapetal degradation during anther development remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to clone the causal gene underlying a novel rice non-pollen male sterility mutant and elucidate its role in tapetal development and microsporogenesis. Methods: The nms1 (non-pollen male sterility 1) sterile mutant was screened from the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized progeny of the elite indica restorer line Shuhui 498 (R498). Map-based cloning and whole-genome resequencing-assisted bulked segregant analysis were used to identify the causal variant. Gene function was verified via cytological observation, genetic complementation testing, RNA sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to profile sterility-associated transcriptional changes. Results: Gene mapping identified a T635A single-nucleotide substitution within OsR498G0305626400.01 on chromosome 3, which encodes a strictosidine synthase-like protein. This nucleotide alteration causes a Val212Glu amino acid change and is associated with delayed tapetal degradation and pollen abortion. Transgenic complementation experiments verified that functional NMS1 restores fertility in nms1 mutant plants. Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed predominant NMS1 expression in late-developing spikelets. Furthermore, combined RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that loss of NMS1 function leads to significant transcriptional dysregulation of key regulators of programmed cell death (PCD) in the tapetum (PTC2, TIP2) and pollen wall biosynthesis genes (TIP3, OsMS2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that NMS1 plays a crucial role in coordinating tapetal degradation and microspore development in rice. The discovered functional SNP of NMS1 provides a novel theoretical foundation and a valuable sterile genetic resource for hybrid rice breeding. Full article

The Stress-Repressive Zinc Finger (SRZ) family is a class of zinc finger proteins in plants that has been closely associated with plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification of the SRZ family members and identified 14 and 10 members in rice and Arabidopsis, respectively. We further characterized their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, promoter cis-elements, synteny, and spatiotemporal expression patterns. To investigate the functional role of this family in rice, we generated targeted mutants of OsSRZ1 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Phenotypic analysis revealed that srz1 knockout mutants exhibited significantly reduced plant height. Notably, the homozygous mutant srz1 completely failed in panicle exsertion from the flag leaf sheath, resulting in complete enclosure, whereas the heterozygous mutant srz1(h) exhibited only partial panicle exsertion. Further cytological observations revealed abnormal floral organ development and premature anther senescence in srz1, accompanied by a significant reduction in seed setting rate—srz1(h) set significantly fewer seeds, whereas srz1 exhibited complete sterility with a seed setting rate of 0%. Collectively, these findings suggest that members of the SRZ family may play important roles in rice growth and development. Our results demonstrate that OsSRZ1 is a critical regulator of plant height and panicle exsertion by regulating internode elongation, and that its disruption leads to premature anther programmed cell death (PCD) and consequent seed setting failure. Full article

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered a promising and environmentally sustainable tool for controlling Aedes albopictus. While current guidelines address its implementation in moderately large and partially isolated areas, evidence from small, fully urban and spatially connected environments remains limited. In 2025, we evaluated SIT in two municipalities in southern Switzerland, releasing sterile males in small (≈12 ha), non-isolated urban areas representing contrasting operational contexts within ongoing integrated vector management programs. Entomological responses were assessed using a spatial, distance-based framework integrating ovitrap-derived egg abundance and hatching rates from treated and surrounding zones, alongside adult female monitoring. Following releases, egg abundance declined within treated areas relative to surrounding zones, with model-based peak reductions of approximately 57% in Ascona and 67% in Losone. Egg hatching rates were also lower within treated areas, with estimated reductions of approximately 9% and 22%, respectively. For both indicators, spatial analyses revealed gradual distance-dependent patterns rather than abrupt boundary effects. No consistent pattern was detected for adult female abundance, likely reflecting limited sampling intensity. The spatial and temporal responses observed across the two study sites suggest that SIT may contribute to modifying local reproductive dynamics of Ae. albopictus even in small, non-isolated urban areas under operational conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Vascular access in cancer patients with limited mobility remains a persistent clinical challenge, although both devices and insertion methods have improved considerably. We present our clinical experience with at-home PICC placement, supported by real-world data from routine practice, in oncology patients unable to attend hospital care, exploring its feasibility, safety, and practical applicability. Materials and Methods: All PICC insertions were performed at patients’ bedside by a trained surgeon using sterile technique. A single- or double-lumen PICC catheter was inserted under ultrasound guidance, magnetic tracking, and intracavitary ECG confirmation to secure optimal venous entry and accurate tip positioning. Results: A total of 28 PICC lines were successfully inserted in 26 oncologic patients. Two patients required catheter re-insertion, one following accidental removal and one due to infection. In 26 of 28 cases (92.9%), insertions were completed on the first attempt, while two cases required a second attempt. Insertion in the Green Zone per the ZIM classification was achieved in 26 of 28 cases (92.9%), and only two required insertions in the Yellow Zone. The basilic vein was chosen in 75% of patients. A total of 23 single-lumen and five double-lumen catheters were inserted. In terms of complications, four cases of systemic infection occurred more than 15 days after insertion and were not considered insertion-related; two patients developed localized edema requiring anticoagulation, and four catheter occlusions were managed conservatively. Conclusions: At-home PICC placement appears to be a feasible and clinically applicable approach when performed by qualified and credentialed professionals. These observations, derived from real-world clinical experience, suggest a potential role for this model in selected patient populations. Using proper sterile technique and real-time tip confirmation tools, this intervention may contribute to improved continuity of care and reduced hospital visits in selected patients. These observations suggest a potential role for expanding outpatient vascular access programs in selected patient populations. Full article

The ICARUS Collaboration is now entering its sixth year of continuing operations of the 760-ton liquid argon T600 detector. The T600 was overhauled at CERN after operations at the LNGS underground laboratory in Italy and moved to its present location at FNAL—as part of the Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program—where it completed its commissioning phase in June 2022. At FNAL, ICARUS collects neutrino interactions from both the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) and off-axis from the Neutrinos at Main Injector beam (NuMI). ICARUS has accumulated approximately $10.6\times {10}^{20}$ protons on target (POT) with the BNB and about $6.2\times {10}^{20}$ POT with NuMI. Within the SBN program, ICARUS will search for evidence of short-baseline oscillations, potentially explained by eV-scale sterile neutrinos, jointly with the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND). In addition, ICARUS is performing stand-alone oscillation searches in disappearance mode and measuring neutrino cross sections on argon with both the BNB and NuMI beams. It is also performing searches for additional Beyond the Standard Model signatures. This paper describes the analysis status as shown at ICNFP 2025. Full article

Trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs are the leading non-lethal approach to managing free-roaming cat populations. When cats are anesthetized for surgical sterilization, veterinarians have a brief opportunity to obtain blood samples for pre-surgical screening, infectious-disease surveillance, and contribution to population-level reference-interval research. Field conditions, however, make collecting good-quality blood samples difficult: cats are often dehydrated and stressed, the procedure is kept brief, and their medical history is unknown. This narrative review draws on the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) reference-interval guidelines, feline anesthesia and the blood-collection literature, and operational experience from Portuguese TNR programs to describe seven points in the sampling workflow at which technique most often fails: anesthetic depth verification, controlled aspiration speed, immediate EDTA-tube mixing, post-venipuncture hemostasis, hemolysis recognition, precise FIV/FeLV point-of-care test timing, and adherence to a maximum-attempts limit. Three recurrent failure modes—collapsed veins from excessive aspiration, clotted EDTA samples from inadequate mixing, and hematoma formation from insufficient hemostasis—account for the majority of poor samples observed in routine practice. The framework presented here is intended to support reproducible, welfare-compliant sample collection during TNR operations, giving veterinary teams a single, structured reference that supports both animal welfare and the diagnostic value of the samples they collect. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction and proteinopathy are hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease, yet their mechanistic interplay remains poorly understood. Here, we show that loss of the neuronal NAD⁺-synthesizing enzyme Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) disrupts amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in cortical neurons, leading to accumulation of APP C-terminal fragments (APP-CTFs). NMNAT2 deficiency lowers the NAD⁺/NADH redox ratio coincident with APP-CTF buildup. Temporal profiling reveals a biphasic increase in APP-CTFs, with an initial gradual rise followed by rapid accumulation, paralleling the expansion of differentially expressed proteins. Pathway analysis indicates early activation of JNK/MAPK signaling, followed by late-stage suppression of mitochondrial pathways and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response programs. Seahorse analyses reveal early glycolytic impairment followed by deficits in mitochondrial respiration. Knockdown of the NAD⁺ hydrolase sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) restores mitochondrial function and normalizes APP-CTF levels in NMNAT2 knockout neurons, whereas NAD⁺ supplementation provides only modest rescue. Together, these data demonstrate that neuronal NAD⁺ depletion drives progressive, SARM1-dependent disruption of glucose metabolism and proteostasis, impairing APP processing. The NMNAT2–SARM1 axis thus links metabolic stress to proteinopathy and highlights SARM1 as a central mediator of neurodegenerative dysfunction. Full article

Sexual maturity in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) consumes substantial metabolic energy, constraining somatic growth and limiting meat yield. Artificial triploid induction (sterility) may redirect energy toward somatic growth. Cold-shock induced triploids were compared with diploid controls using muscle and liver tissues, and the phenotype, histology, nutritional composition, hormone levels, as well as transcriptome profiles were assessed. After 5 months, triploids attained significantly greater body length and body weight, with larger muscle fiber diameter but lower fiber density. The triploids yielded lower ash content and higher amounts of total (TAA), essential (EAA), non-essential (NEAA), and delicious amino acids (DAA), as well as higher total fatty acids (TFA), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). Growth-related hormones were elevated, including growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyroxine (T₄). Muscle transcriptome sequencing identified 231 differentially expressed genes, predominantly enriched in pathways related to cell growth regulation, metabolic processes, and energy conversion. These results provide reference data for breeding programs. Full article

This study identified the fertility alteration characteristics and cytological mechanisms of the thermo-photo-sensitive genic male sterile (TPSGMS) wheat line K64S. The fertility-sensitive stage of K64S extends from pollen mother cell formation to the tetrad development stage, with critical fertility alteration thresholds of 14–14.5 °C for temperature and 9–9.5 h for daylength. Under low-temperature and short-day conditions, K64S exhibits complete male sterility, whereas it returns to fertility under high-temperature and long-day conditions. Cytological analysis shows that K64S undergoes normal meiosis and successfully forms normal uninucleate microspores. 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining revealed the uninucleate microspores failed to form binucleate microspores, with abortion occurring during the late uninucleate stage. Transmission electron microscopy indicates the pollen abortion in sterile K64S arises primarily from premature tapetal degeneration (a form of programmed cell death, PCD), initiated at the pollen mother cell stage, which disrupts nutrient supply and leads to abnormal nuclear division during subsequent microspore development. These findings provide insights into the cytological mechanism of pollen abortion in TPSGMS wheat and may guide hybrid wheat breeding and application. Full article

Vascular–osteogenic coupling plays a central regulatory role in bone regeneration, but it is frequently impaired under pathological conditions, including aging, ischemia, and chronic inflammation, which compromises efficient bone repair. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels, which combine extracellular matrix-like bioactivity, adjustable mechanical properties, and compatibility with three-dimensional biomanufacturing, have become a widely used material platform for vascularized bone regeneration. From the perspective of vascular–osteogenic coupling, this review reframes and synthesizes GelMA-based approaches for vascularized bone regeneration, grouping existing strategies into three categories: (i) intrinsic material design, in which pore architecture, microchannels, dynamic networks, and interfacial functionalization are used to guide vascular ingrowth; (ii) exogenous bioactive delivery, involving growth factors, extracellular vesicles, cells, and inorganic ions to enhance vascularization; and (iii) smart responsive strategies, including ROS/pH-responsive systems, sequential release, and external stimulation, which aim to recapitulate the evolving microenvironment during bone repair. This review further compares these strategies in terms of evidence level, reproducibility, and translational potential. Exogenous delivery systems currently have the strongest preclinical support, but issues related to dose standardization, burst release, and long-term safety remain unresolved. Intrinsic material programming is less extensively studied, yet may be more compatible with manufacturing consistency, sterilization, and engineering translation. Most stimuli-responsive systems, by contrast, remain largely at the small-animal or proof-of-concept stage. Future GelMA-based systems should therefore shift from increasing functional complexity toward improving predictability, reproducibility, and clinical feasibility. Compositionally defined and structurally controllable GelMA composites that integrate vascular regulation with mechanical support may provide a more realistic path for vascularized bone regeneration. Full article

Inadequate surface sanitization represents a significant risk to sterility assurance and regulatory compliance. Therefore, an effective cleaning and disinfection program is a critical component of contamination control strategies in pharmaceutical facilities manufacturing sterile medicinal products. This study aimed to standardize a carrier-based methodology for evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants against in-house environmental isolates recovered from a pharmaceutical industry facility. Nine representative strains were selected from five different groups—Gram-positive non-spore-forming bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Kocuria spp.), Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria (two Bacillus spp. strains), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter haemolyticus), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and filamentous fungus (Penicillium spp.)—based on historical environmental monitoring data (2012–2022), and were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and molecular sequencing (16S rRNA or D2 LSU rDNA). Disinfectant efficacy was assessed on stainless-steel and low-density polyethylene surfaces using NF T 72-281:2014 with adaptations, testing alcohol 70%, sodium hypochlorite 0.5%, quaternary ammonium 0.05%, peracetic acid 0.5%, and accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipes. All agents demonstrated ≥5 log₁₀ reductions against vegetative bacteria and fungi on both surfaces. However, variable sporicidal performance was observed, particularly for one Bacillus cereus group strain (B1342/15), which showed limited viability reduction on stainless steel. These findings highlight inter-strain variability and the greater tolerance of surface-associated spores. The study reinforces the importance of carrier-based testing using in-house isolates to ensure realistic validation of disinfectants and to strengthen microbiological risk management within pharmaceutical contamination control strategies. Full article