The goal of this study was to investigate the behaviour of rainbow trout(n=30),Oncorhynchus mykiss,in small raceways when either self-feeders(T2) or hand-feeding(t2) were used.The method of food delivery in T2 was def...The goal of this study was to investigate the behaviour of rainbow trout(n=30),Oncorhynchus mykiss,in small raceways when either self-feeders(T2) or hand-feeding(t2) were used.The method of food delivery in T2 was defensible while that of t2 was indefensible.Fish in both raceways were subjected to restricted feeding(RF) for 25 days.Food was available in the morning(09:00-10:00) in the downstream area and in the afternoon(16:00-17:00) in the upstream area of the raceways.The results showed that the behaviour of rainbow trout was significantly different under interference competition(T2) for food compared with that under scramble competition(t2).RF in T2 fish limited food availability to meal times when feeding rewards were available while t2 fish only responded to the location of food delivery.The aggressive fish in T2 were dominant,and t2 fish at high densities showed intense social interactions under the indefensible pattern of food distribution;these interactions did not dampen to a minimum level to suppress the development of dominance hierarchies.Further,the stocking density did not break down the dominance hierarchies between the T2 fish.This suggests that decreased efficiency in the search for food or inefficient foraging,induced by interference competition at high densities,affected the behaviour of rainbow trout.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system.In addition to primary brain parenchymal damage,the enduring biological consequences of traumatic brain injury pose long-term risks for pati...Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system.In addition to primary brain parenchymal damage,the enduring biological consequences of traumatic brain injury pose long-term risks for patients with traumatic brain injury;however,the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear,and effective intervention methods are lacking.Intestinal dysfunction is a significant consequence of traumatic brain injury.Being the most densely innervated peripheral tissue in the body,the gut possesses multiple pathways for the establishment of a bidirectional“brain-gut axis”with the central nervous system.The gut harbors a vast microbial community,and alterations of the gut niche contribute to the progression of traumatic brain injury and its unfavorable prognosis through neuronal,hormonal,and immune pathways.A comprehensive understanding of microbiota-mediated peripheral neuroimmunomodulation mechanisms is needed to enhance treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury and its associated complications.We comprehensively reviewed alterations in the gut microecological environment following traumatic brain injury,with a specific focus on the complex biological processes of peripheral nerves,immunity,and microbes triggered by traumatic brain injury,encompassing autonomic dysfunction,neuroendocrine disturbances,peripheral immunosuppression,increased intestinal barrier permeability,compromised responses of sensory nerves to microorganisms,and potential effector nuclei in the central nervous system influenced by gut microbiota.Additionally,we reviewed the mechanisms underlying secondary biological injury and the dynamic pathological responses that occur following injury to enhance our current understanding of how peripheral pathways impact the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury.This review aimed to propose a conceptual model for future risk assessment of central nervous system-related diseases while elucidating novel insights into the bidirectional effects of the“brain-gut-microbiota axis.”展开更多
In the realm of Intelligent Railway Transportation Systems,effective multi-party collaboration is crucial due to concerns over privacy and data silos.Vertical Federated Learning(VFL)has emerged as a promising approach...In the realm of Intelligent Railway Transportation Systems,effective multi-party collaboration is crucial due to concerns over privacy and data silos.Vertical Federated Learning(VFL)has emerged as a promising approach to facilitate such collaboration,allowing diverse entities to collectively enhance machine learning models without the need to share sensitive training data.However,existing works have highlighted VFL’s susceptibility to privacy inference attacks,where an honest but curious server could potentially reconstruct a client’s raw data from embeddings uploaded by the client.This vulnerability poses a significant threat to VFL-based intelligent railway transportation systems.In this paper,we introduce SensFL,a novel privacy-enhancing method to against privacy inference attacks in VFL.Specifically,SensFL integrates regularization of the sensitivity of embeddings to the original data into the model training process,effectively limiting the information contained in shared embeddings.By reducing the sensitivity of embeddings to the original data,SensFL can effectively resist reverse privacy attacks and prevent the reconstruction of the original data from the embeddings.Extensive experiments were conducted on four distinct datasets and three different models to demonstrate the efficacy of SensFL.Experiment results show that SensFL can effectively mitigate privacy inference attacks while maintaining the accuracy of the primary learning task.These results underscore SensFL’s potential to advance privacy protection technologies within VFL-based intelligent railway systems,addressing critical security concerns in collaborative learning environments.展开更多
This study aims to investigate the defensible character of the Lahore railway station built in response to"the war of independenee in 1857,"which greatly impacted the location and design of the building.This...This study aims to investigate the defensible character of the Lahore railway station built in response to"the war of independenee in 1857,"which greatly impacted the location and design of the building.This study demonstrates the in tegral role played by the railway station in the development of the new colonial city,which the British wants to be defensive in every aspect.Railways were introduced in Pakistan(India)soon after their inauguration in Britain.Beginning from the mode of transportation,the multifaced contribution of railways toward the urban growth,new architectural style,mode of construction,and technology cannot be recanted.The research is based on the documentation and analysis of the history of Lahore railway station design.First,this study uses primary and secondary data to offer a history of the Lahore railway station from its inception to final execution.Second,it explores the criteria adopted by the British for its site selection to make the station a defensible post.The research finding in eludes the visual features that enhanced the architectural character of the building.Qualitative methods are used including several other approaches,namely,literature review,archival data collection,analysis of photographs,and study of architectural drawings and old maps,to achieve the objectives.展开更多
The rising prevalence of drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens,particularly methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus aureus(MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE),poses a substantial clinical challenge.Biofilm-a...The rising prevalence of drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens,particularly methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus aureus(MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE),poses a substantial clinical challenge.Biofilm-associated infections exacerbate this problem due to their inherent antibiotic resistance and complex structure.Current antibiotic treatments struggle to penetrate biofilms and eradicate persister cells,leading to prolonged antibiotic use and increased resistance.Host defense peptides(HDPs)have shown promise,but their clinical application is limited by factors such as enzymatic degradation and difficulty in largescale preparation.Synthetic HDP mimics,such as poly(2-oxazoline),have emerged as effective alter-natives.Herein,we found that the poly(2-oxazoline),Gly-POX_(20),demonstrated rapid and potent activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant Gram-positive strains.Gly-POX_(20) showed greater stability under physiological conditions compared to natural peptides,including resistance to protease degradation.Importantly,Gly-POX_(20) inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated mature biofilm and demonstrated superior in vivo therapeutic efficacy to vancomycin in a MRSA biofilm-associated mouse keratitis model,suggesting its potential as a novel antimicrobial agent against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria,especially biofilm-associated infections.展开更多
Viruses are significant pathogens causing severe plant infections and crop losses globally.The resistance mechanisms of rice to viral diseases,particularly Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus(SRBSDV),remain poorl...Viruses are significant pathogens causing severe plant infections and crop losses globally.The resistance mechanisms of rice to viral diseases,particularly Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus(SRBSDV),remain poorly understood.In this study,we assessed SRBSDV susceptibility in 20 Xian/indica(XI)and 20 Geng/japonica(GJ)rice varieties.XI-1B accessions in the Xian subgroup displayed higher resistance than GJ accessions.Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed changes in processes like oxidoreductase activity,jasmonic acid(JA)metabolism,and stress response.JA sensitivity assays further linked antiviral defense to the JA pathway.These findings highlight a JA-mediated resistance mechanism in rice and offer insights for breeding SRBSDV-resistant varieties.展开更多
Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family memb...Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth.It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs).In this study,the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated.The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining.Intriguingly,the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens.The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation.A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established.LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice,whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis.Mechanistically,the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Interleukin-1 receptor 1(IL1R1),a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway,was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs.Additionally,the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking.In vivo,excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist.Overall,OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway.OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.展开更多
SaintMalo,a historic French port on the English Channel coast,is famous for having the highest tides in Europe,with breakwater defenses barely keeping giant waves from hitting residential buildings.Seeing SaintMalo at...SaintMalo,a historic French port on the English Channel coast,is famous for having the highest tides in Europe,with breakwater defenses barely keeping giant waves from hitting residential buildings.Seeing SaintMalo at low tide and then again at high tide is like looking at two completely different towns.The buildings and the way they are laid out are the same,but the existence of a beach as wide as the eye can see at one point,and the complete lack thereof just a few hours later,is truly strange.And not only does the ocean come in hard at high tide,but it's strong as well,with giant waves pounding against the waterfront and splashing up to the tops of exposed buildings.展开更多
Iron is an essential nutrient for plant growth,development,and disease resistance.Plants absorb iron through their roots,with citrate playing a key role in xylem transport of insoluble Fe3+.In this study,we identified...Iron is an essential nutrient for plant growth,development,and disease resistance.Plants absorb iron through their roots,with citrate playing a key role in xylem transport of insoluble Fe3+.In this study,we identified the cytoplasmic ATP-citrate lyase(ACL)subunit A2 in rice(Oryza sativa L.),OsACL-A2(Os12g0566300),as a critical factor for iron uptake and transport.The osacl-a2 mutant exhibited reduced leaf iron levels,leading to iron deficiency-induced chlorosis,activated defense signaling,and eventual necrosis in mature leaves.Additionally,blast resistance was weakened in immature osacl-a2 leaves.Exogenous iron supplementation rescued these defects.The mutant displayed reduced ATP-citrate lyase activity but increased citric acid levels compared with its wild type(WT),suggesting that the osacl-a2 mutation impairs enzyme activity.Thus,OsACL-A2-mediated citrate lyase activity plays a vital role in promoting iron uptake and associated blast resistance in rice.展开更多
Breast cancer cells manipulate a key nutrient to both fuel growth and disable immune defenses-a dual strategy revealed by Chinese scientists.Researchers from the Hangzhou Institute of Medicine(HIM)of the Chinese Acade...Breast cancer cells manipulate a key nutrient to both fuel growth and disable immune defenses-a dual strategy revealed by Chinese scientists.Researchers from the Hangzhou Institute of Medicine(HIM)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sun Yat-Sen University discovered that tumors exploit the amino acid arginine to rewire immune cells into cancer allies.展开更多
Asian citrus psyllid(ACP)is a significant pest of citrus crops that can transmit citrus Huanglongbing(HLB)by feeding on the phloem sap of citrus plants,which poses a significant threat to citrus production.Volatile si...Asian citrus psyllid(ACP)is a significant pest of citrus crops that can transmit citrus Huanglongbing(HLB)by feeding on the phloem sap of citrus plants,which poses a significant threat to citrus production.Volatile signal chemicals with plant communication functions can effectively enhance the resistance of recipient plants to herbivorous insects with minimal impacts on plant growth.While(E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene(DMNT),(E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecene(TMTT),(E)-β-caryophyllene,and dimethyl disulfide(DMDS),are known as signaling molecules in guava-sweet orange communication,whether these four chemical signals can enhance the resistance of Citrus sinensis to feeding by ACP adults with no apparent costs in terms of plant growth remains unclear.Therefore,this study measured the effect of non-damaging induction by DMNT,TMTT,(E)-β-caryophyllene,and DMDS on the ability of C.sinensis to resist feeding by ACP,as well as their impacts on the defensive phytochemicals,defensive enzymes,functional nutrients,Photosystem II's utilization and allocation of light energy,photosynthetic pigments,growth conditions,and leaf stomatal aperture in C.sinensis.The results indicate that non-damaging induction by these four chemicals can enhance the activity of the defensive enzyme polyphenol oxidase(PPO)and increase the contents of total phenols,tannins,and terpenoid defensive phytochemicals within C.sinensis,thereby enhancing the resistance of C.sinensis to ACP feeding.Specifically,DMNT and DMDS exhibit more significant effects in inducing resistance compared to TMTT and(E)-β-caryophyllene.The characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and changes in photosynthetic pigments in C.sinensis during different post-exposure induction periods revealed these chemicals can maintain the stability of the photosynthetic system in C.sinensis and regulate its capacity to capture,transmit,and distribute light energy,which significantly enhances the non-photochemical quenching ability of C.sinensis.In addition,detailed measurements of the water content,leaf mass per unit area(LMA),functional nutrients(soluble protein,soluble sugar,and amino acids),and stomatal parameters in C.sinensis leaves further indicated that the non-destructive induction by these chemicals can optimize the levels of functional nutrients in C.sinensis,primarily manifesting as the upregulation of soluble sugars,proline,or soluble proteins,and reduction of stomatal area and aperture,which maintains a stable leaf water content and LMA,thereby enhancing resistance to ACP while sustaining the healthy growth of C.sinensis.These results fully substantiate that the non-damaging induction by the signal chemicals DMNT,TMTT,(E)-β-caryophyllene,and DMDS can enhance the resistance of C.sinensis to ACP feeding while maintaining the balance between pest resistance and growth.This balance prevents any catastrophic effects on the growth of C.sinensis,so these agents can potentially be integrated with other pest management strategies for the collective protection of crops.This study provides theoretical support and assistance for the development of signal chemical inducers for the prevention and management of ACP in agricultural systems.展开更多
The Industrial Internet of Things(IIoT)is increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats,particularly zero-day attacks that exploit unknown vulnerabilities and evade traditional security measures.To address th...The Industrial Internet of Things(IIoT)is increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats,particularly zero-day attacks that exploit unknown vulnerabilities and evade traditional security measures.To address this critical challenge,this paper proposes a dynamic defense framework named Zero-day-aware Stackelberg Game-based Multi-Agent Distributed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(ZSG-MAD3PG).The framework integrates Stackelberg game modeling with the Multi-Agent Distributed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(MAD3PG)algorithm and incorporates defensive deception(DD)strategies to achieve adaptive and efficient protection.While conventional methods typically incur considerable resource overhead and exhibit higher latency due to static or rigid defensive mechanisms,the proposed ZSG-MAD3PG framework mitigates these limitations through multi-stage game modeling and adaptive learning,enabling more efficient resource utilization and faster response times.The Stackelberg-based architecture allows defenders to dynamically optimize packet sampling strategies,while attackers adjust their tactics to reach rapid equilibrium.Furthermore,dynamic deception techniques reduce the time required for the concealment of attacks and the overall system burden.A lightweight behavioral fingerprinting detection mechanism further enhances real-time zero-day attack identification within industrial device clusters.ZSG-MAD3PG demonstrates higher true positive rates(TPR)and lower false alarm rates(FAR)compared to existing methods,while also achieving improved latency,resource efficiency,and stealth adaptability in IIoT zero-day defense scenarios.展开更多
Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, whic...Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, which produces cholesterol that is further modified to produce steroidal glycoalkaloids. During the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, genetic engineering could alter the formation of cholesterol from provitamin D3(7-dehydrocholesterol) and produce vitamin D3. Cholesterol is a precursor for many steroidal glycoalkaloids, including a-tomatine and esculeoside A. Alpha-tomatine is consumed by mammals and it can reduce cholesterol content and improve LDL:HDL ratio. When there is a high a-tomatine content, the fruit will have a bitter flavor, which together with other steroidal glycoalkaloids serving as protective and defensive compounds for tomato against insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. These compounds also affect the rhizosphere bacteria by recruiting beneficial bacteria. One of the steroidal glycoalkaloids, esculeoside A increases while fruit ripening. This review focuses on recent studies that uncovered key reactions of the production of cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloids in tomato connecting to human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense and the potential application for tomato crop improvement.展开更多
The defense mechanisms induced in wild Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)in response to herbivores are not well characterized,especially in the field.To address this knowledge gap,we established a biological model syste...The defense mechanisms induced in wild Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)in response to herbivores are not well characterized,especially in the field.To address this knowledge gap,we established a biological model system to evaluate proteome variations in pine needles after feeding by the Chinese pine caterpillar(Dendrolimus tabulaeformis),a major natural enemy and dominant herbivore.Quantitative tandem mass tag(TMT)proteomics and bioinformatics were utilized to systematically identify differentially abundant proteins implicated in the induced defense response of Chinese pine.We validated key protein changes using parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Pathway analysis revealed that the induced defenses involved phenylpropanoid,coumarin,and flavonoid biosynthesis,among other processes.To elucidate the regulatory patterns underlying pine resistance,we determined the activities of defense enzymes and levels of physiological and biochemical compounds.In addition,the expression of upstream genes for key proteins was validated by qRT-PCR.Our results provide new molecular insights into the induced defense mechanisms in Chinese pine against this caterpillar in the field.A better understanding of these defense strategies will inform efforts to breed more-resistant pine varieties.展开更多
Due to the discharge of industrialwastewater,urban domestic sewage,and intensive marine aquaculture tailwater,nitrate(NO_(3)^(−))pollution has emerged as a significant issue in offshore waters.Nitrate pollution affect...Due to the discharge of industrialwastewater,urban domestic sewage,and intensive marine aquaculture tailwater,nitrate(NO_(3)^(−))pollution has emerged as a significant issue in offshore waters.Nitrate pollution affects aquatic life and may interact with other pollutants,leading to comprehensive toxicity.Cadmium(Cd^(2+))is the most widespread metal contaminant,adversely affecting aquatic life in the coastal waters of China.Despite this,few studies have focused on the synergistic toxicity of NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+)in marine organisms.This study conducted a 30-day exposure experiment on marine Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)to explore the synergistic toxicity of NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+).Our results demonstrated that the exposure to Cd^(2+)alone induced slight histopathological changes in the liver.However,malformations such as hepatic vacuolar degeneration and sinusoid dilatationwere exacerbated under co-exposure.Moreover,co-exposure induced the downregulation of antioxidants and the upregulation of the product malonaldehyde(MDA)from lipid peroxidation,indicating potent oxidative stress in the liver.The increased mRNA expression of IL-8,TNF-α,and IL-1β,along with the decreased expression level of TGF-β,indicated a synergistic inflammatory response in the organisms.Furthermore,the co-exposure led to an abnormal expression of P53,caspase-3,caspase-9,Bcl-2,and Bax,and disturbed the apoptosis in the liver through TUNEL staining analysis.Overall,our results imply that co-exposure synergistically affects inflammation,redox status,and apoptosis in flounders.Therefore,the findings from this study provide valuable perspectives on the ecological risk assessment of marine teleosts co-exposure to NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+).展开更多
Benzoxazinoids(BXDs)are a class of plant secondary metabolites that play pivotal roles in plant defense against pathogens and pests,as well as in allelopathy.This review synthesizes recent advances in our understandin...Benzoxazinoids(BXDs)are a class of plant secondary metabolites that play pivotal roles in plant defense against pathogens and pests,as well as in allelopathy.This review synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the structural and functional diversity of BXDs,the independent evolutionary trajectories of their biosynthetic pathways across different plant species,their metabolic transformations in target organisms,and the opportunities and challenges of optimizing BXD biosynthesis in crops through metabolic engineering.Compared with monocotyledons,dicotyledons employ a more diverse set of enzymes to catalyze the core reactions of BXD biosynthesis.This functional divergence—yet biochemical convergence—between monocotyledons and dicotyledons exemplifies the convergent evolution of BXD biosynthetic pathways in plants.BXDs act not only as potent antifeedants,insecticides,and antimicrobials but also function as signaling molecules that induce callose deposition and activate systemic immunity,thereby enhancing plant resistance to biotic stress.Furthermore,BXDs shape the rhizosphere by modulating microbial communities through species-specific antimicrobial activities and microbial detoxification mechanisms,ultimately exerting allelopathic effects that alter soil chemistry and nutrient dynamics.The translational potential of BXDs is increasingly recognized by synthetic biology approaches,including artificial intelligence-driven enzyme optimization,heterologous pathway engineering,and gene-editing to enhance crop resistance.Despite these promising prospects,challenges remain in balancing metabolic trade-offs and mitigating ecological risks associated with persistent accumulation of BXDs.Future research integrating multi-omics,evolutionary genomics,and microbiome studies will be essential to fully harness BXDs for sustainable crop improvement and reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals.展开更多
Eyespots have been shown to perform an anti-predator function by intimidating predators.However,whether predators are deterred by the eyespots’mimicking eyes of higher-order predators,or by the conspicuousness of the...Eyespots have been shown to perform an anti-predator function by intimidating predators.However,whether predators are deterred by the eyespots’mimicking eyes of higher-order predators,or by the conspicuousness of the spots,is still being debated.The anti-predator mechanism of eyespots,which involves the predator’s visual perception and cognition,urges to be examined.To explore the“eye mimicry hypothesis”and“conspicuous signal hypothesis,”we designed prey with deceptive eyespots eliciting 2-dimensional(2D)or 3-dimensional(3D)visual illusions for domestic chicks(as predators).For 2D visual illusion,we provided prey with occluded eyespots for chicks.Chicks can“complete”the occluded eyespots into a full 2D concentric circle by the amodal completion mechanism,that is,one of visual illusion.For 3D visual illusion,we created the crescent-shaped sparkles on the eyespots to simulate a visually 3D eye.Our result indicated that(1)2D:chicks hesitated more when facing preys with occluded eyespots than facing preys with broken eyespots and(2)3D:compared to prey with no-sparkle eyespots,chicks spent more time approaching prey with sparkle eyespots and were more likely to approach them tangentially.Thus,the visual illusion perceived by chicks would impact the anti-predation effectiveness of eyespots.Eyespots that more closely resemble the real eyes,especially those with 3-dimensionality,provided more effective protection.Our study supported the eye mimicry hypothesis from the perspective of visual illusion.展开更多
Owing to their mechanism of action,antibiotics are prone to inducing drug resistance in the bacteria,viruses,and other pathogens.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a novel type of antimicrobial substance to ...Owing to their mechanism of action,antibiotics are prone to inducing drug resistance in the bacteria,viruses,and other pathogens.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a novel type of antimicrobial substance to safeguard human health.Antimicrobial peptides,members of the endogenous cathelicidin family in humans,possessing antibacterial,antiviral,and other related activities,represent promising potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics In terms of antibacterial properties.This review summarizes the relevant sources and secondary structure of LL-37 and elucidates that LL-37 not only exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects through non-specific mechanisms such as disrupting pathogen cell membranes,which reduces the likelihood of resistance development,but also exhibits multiple biological activities,including immunomodulation,wound healing promotion,antitumor effects,and alleviation of osteoporosis.Currently,LL-37 shows broad application prospects in fields such as food preservation,pharmaceutical research and development,industrial biomaterial coatings,agricultural and crop disease resistance.However,LL-37 exhibits a dual role,capable of either inhibiting or promoting the proliferation of certain cancer cells depending on the context,which warrants further in-depth investigation using genetic engineering and other approaches.This article summarizes recent research progress on cathelicidin LL-37,outlines its mechanisms of action and application domains,aiming to provide a reference for future research advances on LL-37.展开更多
Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairme...Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairments is essential for the long-term production of sweetpotatoes.Melatonin has been recognised for its capacity to assist plants in dealing with abiotic stress conditions.This research aimed to investigate how different doses of exogenous melatonin influence heat damage in sweetpotato plants.Heat stress drastically affected shoot and root fresh weight by 31.8 and 44.5%,respectively.This reduction resulted in oxidative stress characterised by increased formation of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))by 804.4%,superoxide ion(O_(2)^(·-))by 211.5%and malondialdehyde(MDA)by 234.2%.Heat stress also reduced chlorophyll concentration,photosystemⅡefficiency(F_v/F_m)by 15.3%and gaseous exchange.However,pre-treatment with 100μmol L^(-1)melatonin increased growth and reduced oxidative damage to sweetpotato plants under heat stress.In particular,melatonin decreased H_(2)O_(2),O_(2)^(·-)and MDA by 64.8%,42.7%and 38.2%,respectively.Melatonin also mitigated the decline in chlorophyll levels and improved stomatal traits,gaseous exchange and F_(v)/F_(m)(13%).Results suggested that the favorable outcomes of melatonin treatment can be associated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmo-protectants.Overall,these findings indicate that exogenous melatonin can improve heat stress tolerance in sweetpotatoes.This stu dy will assist re searchers in further investigating how melatonin makes sweetpotatoes more resistant to heat stress.展开更多
Highlights ZmMYC2 promoter contains favorable haplotypes selected during domestication,enhancing its expression level in modern maize.ZmMYC2 may balance the trade-off between growth and defense via jasmonate and auxin...Highlights ZmMYC2 promoter contains favorable haplotypes selected during domestication,enhancing its expression level in modern maize.ZmMYC2 may balance the trade-off between growth and defense via jasmonate and auxin signaling pathways.ZmMYC2 regulates drought-response genes(CER2 and TIP3c)to optimize drought stress resilience.展开更多
文摘The goal of this study was to investigate the behaviour of rainbow trout(n=30),Oncorhynchus mykiss,in small raceways when either self-feeders(T2) or hand-feeding(t2) were used.The method of food delivery in T2 was defensible while that of t2 was indefensible.Fish in both raceways were subjected to restricted feeding(RF) for 25 days.Food was available in the morning(09:00-10:00) in the downstream area and in the afternoon(16:00-17:00) in the upstream area of the raceways.The results showed that the behaviour of rainbow trout was significantly different under interference competition(T2) for food compared with that under scramble competition(t2).RF in T2 fish limited food availability to meal times when feeding rewards were available while t2 fish only responded to the location of food delivery.The aggressive fish in T2 were dominant,and t2 fish at high densities showed intense social interactions under the indefensible pattern of food distribution;these interactions did not dampen to a minimum level to suppress the development of dominance hierarchies.Further,the stocking density did not break down the dominance hierarchies between the T2 fish.This suggests that decreased efficiency in the search for food or inefficient foraging,induced by interference competition at high densities,affected the behaviour of rainbow trout.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82174112(to PZ)Science and Technology Project of Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine,No.22HHZYSS00015(to PZ)State-Sponsored Postdoctoral Researcher Program,No.GZC20231925(to LN)。
文摘Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system.In addition to primary brain parenchymal damage,the enduring biological consequences of traumatic brain injury pose long-term risks for patients with traumatic brain injury;however,the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear,and effective intervention methods are lacking.Intestinal dysfunction is a significant consequence of traumatic brain injury.Being the most densely innervated peripheral tissue in the body,the gut possesses multiple pathways for the establishment of a bidirectional“brain-gut axis”with the central nervous system.The gut harbors a vast microbial community,and alterations of the gut niche contribute to the progression of traumatic brain injury and its unfavorable prognosis through neuronal,hormonal,and immune pathways.A comprehensive understanding of microbiota-mediated peripheral neuroimmunomodulation mechanisms is needed to enhance treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury and its associated complications.We comprehensively reviewed alterations in the gut microecological environment following traumatic brain injury,with a specific focus on the complex biological processes of peripheral nerves,immunity,and microbes triggered by traumatic brain injury,encompassing autonomic dysfunction,neuroendocrine disturbances,peripheral immunosuppression,increased intestinal barrier permeability,compromised responses of sensory nerves to microorganisms,and potential effector nuclei in the central nervous system influenced by gut microbiota.Additionally,we reviewed the mechanisms underlying secondary biological injury and the dynamic pathological responses that occur following injury to enhance our current understanding of how peripheral pathways impact the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury.This review aimed to propose a conceptual model for future risk assessment of central nervous system-related diseases while elucidating novel insights into the bidirectional effects of the“brain-gut-microbiota axis.”
基金supported by Systematic Major Project of Shuohuang Railway Development Co.,Ltd.,National Energy Group(Grant Number:SHTL-23-31)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(U22B2027).
文摘In the realm of Intelligent Railway Transportation Systems,effective multi-party collaboration is crucial due to concerns over privacy and data silos.Vertical Federated Learning(VFL)has emerged as a promising approach to facilitate such collaboration,allowing diverse entities to collectively enhance machine learning models without the need to share sensitive training data.However,existing works have highlighted VFL’s susceptibility to privacy inference attacks,where an honest but curious server could potentially reconstruct a client’s raw data from embeddings uploaded by the client.This vulnerability poses a significant threat to VFL-based intelligent railway transportation systems.In this paper,we introduce SensFL,a novel privacy-enhancing method to against privacy inference attacks in VFL.Specifically,SensFL integrates regularization of the sensitivity of embeddings to the original data into the model training process,effectively limiting the information contained in shared embeddings.By reducing the sensitivity of embeddings to the original data,SensFL can effectively resist reverse privacy attacks and prevent the reconstruction of the original data from the embeddings.Extensive experiments were conducted on four distinct datasets and three different models to demonstrate the efficacy of SensFL.Experiment results show that SensFL can effectively mitigate privacy inference attacks while maintaining the accuracy of the primary learning task.These results underscore SensFL’s potential to advance privacy protection technologies within VFL-based intelligent railway systems,addressing critical security concerns in collaborative learning environments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51778123).
文摘This study aims to investigate the defensible character of the Lahore railway station built in response to"the war of independenee in 1857,"which greatly impacted the location and design of the building.This study demonstrates the in tegral role played by the railway station in the development of the new colonial city,which the British wants to be defensive in every aspect.Railways were introduced in Pakistan(India)soon after their inauguration in Britain.Beginning from the mode of transportation,the multifaced contribution of railways toward the urban growth,new architectural style,mode of construction,and technology cannot be recanted.The research is based on the documentation and analysis of the history of Lahore railway station design.First,this study uses primary and secondary data to offer a history of the Lahore railway station from its inception to final execution.Second,it explores the criteria adopted by the British for its site selection to make the station a defensible post.The research finding in eludes the visual features that enhanced the architectural character of the building.Qualitative methods are used including several other approaches,namely,literature review,archival data collection,analysis of photographs,and study of architectural drawings and old maps,to achieve the objectives.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(no.2022YFC2303100)National Natural Science Foundation of China(nos.T2325010,22305082,52203162,and 22075078)+1 种基金Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism(Shanghai Municipal Education Commission),the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(nos.JKVD1241029 and JKD01241701)Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry(Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences),the Open Project of Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology(Ministry of Education,no.R202201).
文摘The rising prevalence of drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens,particularly methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus aureus(MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE),poses a substantial clinical challenge.Biofilm-associated infections exacerbate this problem due to their inherent antibiotic resistance and complex structure.Current antibiotic treatments struggle to penetrate biofilms and eradicate persister cells,leading to prolonged antibiotic use and increased resistance.Host defense peptides(HDPs)have shown promise,but their clinical application is limited by factors such as enzymatic degradation and difficulty in largescale preparation.Synthetic HDP mimics,such as poly(2-oxazoline),have emerged as effective alter-natives.Herein,we found that the poly(2-oxazoline),Gly-POX_(20),demonstrated rapid and potent activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant Gram-positive strains.Gly-POX_(20) showed greater stability under physiological conditions compared to natural peptides,including resistance to protease degradation.Importantly,Gly-POX_(20) inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated mature biofilm and demonstrated superior in vivo therapeutic efficacy to vancomycin in a MRSA biofilm-associated mouse keratitis model,suggesting its potential as a novel antimicrobial agent against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria,especially biofilm-associated infections.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Plan of China(2023YFD1400300)National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A6006,32270149,32272555)+1 种基金Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation(LZ22C140001)the Ningbo Major Research and Development Plan Project(2023Z124).
文摘Viruses are significant pathogens causing severe plant infections and crop losses globally.The resistance mechanisms of rice to viral diseases,particularly Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus(SRBSDV),remain poorly understood.In this study,we assessed SRBSDV susceptibility in 20 Xian/indica(XI)and 20 Geng/japonica(GJ)rice varieties.XI-1B accessions in the Xian subgroup displayed higher resistance than GJ accessions.Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed changes in processes like oxidoreductase activity,jasmonic acid(JA)metabolism,and stress response.JA sensitivity assays further linked antiviral defense to the JA pathway.These findings highlight a JA-mediated resistance mechanism in rice and offer insights for breeding SRBSDV-resistant varieties.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071104)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23XD1434200/22Y21901000)+9 种基金Shanghai Hospital Development Center(SHDC12022120)National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases (NCRCO2021-omics-07)Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases (19MC1910600)Major and Key Cultivation Projects of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (JYZP006)Shanghai’s Top Priority Research Center (2022ZZ01017)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2019-I2M-5-037)Fundamental research program funding of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(JYZZ237)Eastern Talent Plan Leading Project (BJZH2024001)partly supported by the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University,School of Medicine(JYJC202223)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose diseases (14DZ2260300)
文摘Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth.It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs).In this study,the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated.The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining.Intriguingly,the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens.The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation.A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established.LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice,whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis.Mechanistically,the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Interleukin-1 receptor 1(IL1R1),a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway,was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs.Additionally,the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking.In vivo,excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist.Overall,OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway.OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.
文摘SaintMalo,a historic French port on the English Channel coast,is famous for having the highest tides in Europe,with breakwater defenses barely keeping giant waves from hitting residential buildings.Seeing SaintMalo at low tide and then again at high tide is like looking at two completely different towns.The buildings and the way they are laid out are the same,but the existence of a beach as wide as the eye can see at one point,and the complete lack thereof just a few hours later,is truly strange.And not only does the ocean come in hard at high tide,but it's strong as well,with giant waves pounding against the waterfront and splashing up to the tops of exposed buildings.
基金supported by the Basic Public Welfare Research Program of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.LY23C130003)the Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding,China(Grant No.2023ZZKT20203)+5 种基金the Major Science and Technology Project of Guangxi,China(Grant No.AA23062015)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(Grant No.CAAS-ASTIP-2013-CNRRI)the China Rice Research System,China(Grant No.CARS-01-011)the Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,China(Grant No.CPSIBRF-CNRRI-202301)High-Quality and Resistant Hybrid Rice Germplasm Creation and New Varieties Development with International Competitiveness,China(Grant Nos.2022KJCX45 and YBXM2437)Xi’nan League Science and Technology Project,China(Grant No.2023DXZD0001).
文摘Iron is an essential nutrient for plant growth,development,and disease resistance.Plants absorb iron through their roots,with citrate playing a key role in xylem transport of insoluble Fe3+.In this study,we identified the cytoplasmic ATP-citrate lyase(ACL)subunit A2 in rice(Oryza sativa L.),OsACL-A2(Os12g0566300),as a critical factor for iron uptake and transport.The osacl-a2 mutant exhibited reduced leaf iron levels,leading to iron deficiency-induced chlorosis,activated defense signaling,and eventual necrosis in mature leaves.Additionally,blast resistance was weakened in immature osacl-a2 leaves.Exogenous iron supplementation rescued these defects.The mutant displayed reduced ATP-citrate lyase activity but increased citric acid levels compared with its wild type(WT),suggesting that the osacl-a2 mutation impairs enzyme activity.Thus,OsACL-A2-mediated citrate lyase activity plays a vital role in promoting iron uptake and associated blast resistance in rice.
文摘Breast cancer cells manipulate a key nutrient to both fuel growth and disable immune defenses-a dual strategy revealed by Chinese scientists.Researchers from the Hangzhou Institute of Medicine(HIM)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sun Yat-Sen University discovered that tumors exploit the amino acid arginine to rewire immune cells into cancer allies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971424)。
文摘Asian citrus psyllid(ACP)is a significant pest of citrus crops that can transmit citrus Huanglongbing(HLB)by feeding on the phloem sap of citrus plants,which poses a significant threat to citrus production.Volatile signal chemicals with plant communication functions can effectively enhance the resistance of recipient plants to herbivorous insects with minimal impacts on plant growth.While(E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene(DMNT),(E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecene(TMTT),(E)-β-caryophyllene,and dimethyl disulfide(DMDS),are known as signaling molecules in guava-sweet orange communication,whether these four chemical signals can enhance the resistance of Citrus sinensis to feeding by ACP adults with no apparent costs in terms of plant growth remains unclear.Therefore,this study measured the effect of non-damaging induction by DMNT,TMTT,(E)-β-caryophyllene,and DMDS on the ability of C.sinensis to resist feeding by ACP,as well as their impacts on the defensive phytochemicals,defensive enzymes,functional nutrients,Photosystem II's utilization and allocation of light energy,photosynthetic pigments,growth conditions,and leaf stomatal aperture in C.sinensis.The results indicate that non-damaging induction by these four chemicals can enhance the activity of the defensive enzyme polyphenol oxidase(PPO)and increase the contents of total phenols,tannins,and terpenoid defensive phytochemicals within C.sinensis,thereby enhancing the resistance of C.sinensis to ACP feeding.Specifically,DMNT and DMDS exhibit more significant effects in inducing resistance compared to TMTT and(E)-β-caryophyllene.The characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and changes in photosynthetic pigments in C.sinensis during different post-exposure induction periods revealed these chemicals can maintain the stability of the photosynthetic system in C.sinensis and regulate its capacity to capture,transmit,and distribute light energy,which significantly enhances the non-photochemical quenching ability of C.sinensis.In addition,detailed measurements of the water content,leaf mass per unit area(LMA),functional nutrients(soluble protein,soluble sugar,and amino acids),and stomatal parameters in C.sinensis leaves further indicated that the non-destructive induction by these chemicals can optimize the levels of functional nutrients in C.sinensis,primarily manifesting as the upregulation of soluble sugars,proline,or soluble proteins,and reduction of stomatal area and aperture,which maintains a stable leaf water content and LMA,thereby enhancing resistance to ACP while sustaining the healthy growth of C.sinensis.These results fully substantiate that the non-damaging induction by the signal chemicals DMNT,TMTT,(E)-β-caryophyllene,and DMDS can enhance the resistance of C.sinensis to ACP feeding while maintaining the balance between pest resistance and growth.This balance prevents any catastrophic effects on the growth of C.sinensis,so these agents can potentially be integrated with other pest management strategies for the collective protection of crops.This study provides theoretical support and assistance for the development of signal chemical inducers for the prevention and management of ACP in agricultural systems.
基金funded in part by the Humanities and Social Sciences Planning Foundation of Ministry of Education of China under Grant No.24YJAZH123National Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of China under Grant No.202510347069the Huzhou Science and Technology Planning Foundation under Grant No.2023GZ04.
文摘The Industrial Internet of Things(IIoT)is increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats,particularly zero-day attacks that exploit unknown vulnerabilities and evade traditional security measures.To address this critical challenge,this paper proposes a dynamic defense framework named Zero-day-aware Stackelberg Game-based Multi-Agent Distributed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(ZSG-MAD3PG).The framework integrates Stackelberg game modeling with the Multi-Agent Distributed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(MAD3PG)algorithm and incorporates defensive deception(DD)strategies to achieve adaptive and efficient protection.While conventional methods typically incur considerable resource overhead and exhibit higher latency due to static or rigid defensive mechanisms,the proposed ZSG-MAD3PG framework mitigates these limitations through multi-stage game modeling and adaptive learning,enabling more efficient resource utilization and faster response times.The Stackelberg-based architecture allows defenders to dynamically optimize packet sampling strategies,while attackers adjust their tactics to reach rapid equilibrium.Furthermore,dynamic deception techniques reduce the time required for the concealment of attacks and the overall system burden.A lightweight behavioral fingerprinting detection mechanism further enhances real-time zero-day attack identification within industrial device clusters.ZSG-MAD3PG demonstrates higher true positive rates(TPR)and lower false alarm rates(FAR)compared to existing methods,while also achieving improved latency,resource efficiency,and stealth adaptability in IIoT zero-day defense scenarios.
文摘Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, which produces cholesterol that is further modified to produce steroidal glycoalkaloids. During the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, genetic engineering could alter the formation of cholesterol from provitamin D3(7-dehydrocholesterol) and produce vitamin D3. Cholesterol is a precursor for many steroidal glycoalkaloids, including a-tomatine and esculeoside A. Alpha-tomatine is consumed by mammals and it can reduce cholesterol content and improve LDL:HDL ratio. When there is a high a-tomatine content, the fruit will have a bitter flavor, which together with other steroidal glycoalkaloids serving as protective and defensive compounds for tomato against insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. These compounds also affect the rhizosphere bacteria by recruiting beneficial bacteria. One of the steroidal glycoalkaloids, esculeoside A increases while fruit ripening. This review focuses on recent studies that uncovered key reactions of the production of cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloids in tomato connecting to human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense and the potential application for tomato crop improvement.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Development Program of Hebei Agricultural University,the Research on Molecular Mechanisms of Population Differentiation and Adaptation of Forest Pests and Insects under Environmental Stress(grant No.:30771739)Forest Pests and Diseases(grant No.:1528003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China for the study of community regulatory mechanisms of insect pest pandemics in larch plantation forests(Grant No.:32371882).
文摘The defense mechanisms induced in wild Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)in response to herbivores are not well characterized,especially in the field.To address this knowledge gap,we established a biological model system to evaluate proteome variations in pine needles after feeding by the Chinese pine caterpillar(Dendrolimus tabulaeformis),a major natural enemy and dominant herbivore.Quantitative tandem mass tag(TMT)proteomics and bioinformatics were utilized to systematically identify differentially abundant proteins implicated in the induced defense response of Chinese pine.We validated key protein changes using parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Pathway analysis revealed that the induced defenses involved phenylpropanoid,coumarin,and flavonoid biosynthesis,among other processes.To elucidate the regulatory patterns underlying pine resistance,we determined the activities of defense enzymes and levels of physiological and biochemical compounds.In addition,the expression of upstream genes for key proteins was validated by qRT-PCR.Our results provide new molecular insights into the induced defense mechanisms in Chinese pine against this caterpillar in the field.A better understanding of these defense strategies will inform efforts to breed more-resistant pine varieties.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32202963)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20220681)+3 种基金the Doctoral Program of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Jiangsu Province(No.JSSCBS20221625)the Scientific Research Foundation Program of Jiangsu Ocean University(No.KQ22009)the Undergraduate Innovation&Entrepreneurship Training Program of Jiangsu Province,China(No.SY202411641631001)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX2023-112).
文摘Due to the discharge of industrialwastewater,urban domestic sewage,and intensive marine aquaculture tailwater,nitrate(NO_(3)^(−))pollution has emerged as a significant issue in offshore waters.Nitrate pollution affects aquatic life and may interact with other pollutants,leading to comprehensive toxicity.Cadmium(Cd^(2+))is the most widespread metal contaminant,adversely affecting aquatic life in the coastal waters of China.Despite this,few studies have focused on the synergistic toxicity of NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+)in marine organisms.This study conducted a 30-day exposure experiment on marine Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)to explore the synergistic toxicity of NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+).Our results demonstrated that the exposure to Cd^(2+)alone induced slight histopathological changes in the liver.However,malformations such as hepatic vacuolar degeneration and sinusoid dilatationwere exacerbated under co-exposure.Moreover,co-exposure induced the downregulation of antioxidants and the upregulation of the product malonaldehyde(MDA)from lipid peroxidation,indicating potent oxidative stress in the liver.The increased mRNA expression of IL-8,TNF-α,and IL-1β,along with the decreased expression level of TGF-β,indicated a synergistic inflammatory response in the organisms.Furthermore,the co-exposure led to an abnormal expression of P53,caspase-3,caspase-9,Bcl-2,and Bax,and disturbed the apoptosis in the liver through TUNEL staining analysis.Overall,our results imply that co-exposure synergistically affects inflammation,redox status,and apoptosis in flounders.Therefore,the findings from this study provide valuable perspectives on the ecological risk assessment of marine teleosts co-exposure to NO_(3)^(−)and Cd^(2+).
基金supported by the Excellent Youth Science Project of Henan Natural Science Foundation(242300421110)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372129,32272038)Henan Provincial Nature Foundation Project(242300420151).
文摘Benzoxazinoids(BXDs)are a class of plant secondary metabolites that play pivotal roles in plant defense against pathogens and pests,as well as in allelopathy.This review synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the structural and functional diversity of BXDs,the independent evolutionary trajectories of their biosynthetic pathways across different plant species,their metabolic transformations in target organisms,and the opportunities and challenges of optimizing BXD biosynthesis in crops through metabolic engineering.Compared with monocotyledons,dicotyledons employ a more diverse set of enzymes to catalyze the core reactions of BXD biosynthesis.This functional divergence—yet biochemical convergence—between monocotyledons and dicotyledons exemplifies the convergent evolution of BXD biosynthetic pathways in plants.BXDs act not only as potent antifeedants,insecticides,and antimicrobials but also function as signaling molecules that induce callose deposition and activate systemic immunity,thereby enhancing plant resistance to biotic stress.Furthermore,BXDs shape the rhizosphere by modulating microbial communities through species-specific antimicrobial activities and microbial detoxification mechanisms,ultimately exerting allelopathic effects that alter soil chemistry and nutrient dynamics.The translational potential of BXDs is increasingly recognized by synthetic biology approaches,including artificial intelligence-driven enzyme optimization,heterologous pathway engineering,and gene-editing to enhance crop resistance.Despite these promising prospects,challenges remain in balancing metabolic trade-offs and mitigating ecological risks associated with persistent accumulation of BXDs.Future research integrating multi-omics,evolutionary genomics,and microbiome studies will be essential to fully harness BXDs for sustainable crop improvement and reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32471564)。
文摘Eyespots have been shown to perform an anti-predator function by intimidating predators.However,whether predators are deterred by the eyespots’mimicking eyes of higher-order predators,or by the conspicuousness of the spots,is still being debated.The anti-predator mechanism of eyespots,which involves the predator’s visual perception and cognition,urges to be examined.To explore the“eye mimicry hypothesis”and“conspicuous signal hypothesis,”we designed prey with deceptive eyespots eliciting 2-dimensional(2D)or 3-dimensional(3D)visual illusions for domestic chicks(as predators).For 2D visual illusion,we provided prey with occluded eyespots for chicks.Chicks can“complete”the occluded eyespots into a full 2D concentric circle by the amodal completion mechanism,that is,one of visual illusion.For 3D visual illusion,we created the crescent-shaped sparkles on the eyespots to simulate a visually 3D eye.Our result indicated that(1)2D:chicks hesitated more when facing preys with occluded eyespots than facing preys with broken eyespots and(2)3D:compared to prey with no-sparkle eyespots,chicks spent more time approaching prey with sparkle eyespots and were more likely to approach them tangentially.Thus,the visual illusion perceived by chicks would impact the anti-predation effectiveness of eyespots.Eyespots that more closely resemble the real eyes,especially those with 3-dimensionality,provided more effective protection.Our study supported the eye mimicry hypothesis from the perspective of visual illusion.
基金support provided by Tianjin University of Science and Technology 2023 College Students’Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project“Novel Antibiotic-The Role of Antimicrobial Peptide VIP in Poultry Farming”No.:202310057068.
文摘Owing to their mechanism of action,antibiotics are prone to inducing drug resistance in the bacteria,viruses,and other pathogens.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a novel type of antimicrobial substance to safeguard human health.Antimicrobial peptides,members of the endogenous cathelicidin family in humans,possessing antibacterial,antiviral,and other related activities,represent promising potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics In terms of antibacterial properties.This review summarizes the relevant sources and secondary structure of LL-37 and elucidates that LL-37 not only exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects through non-specific mechanisms such as disrupting pathogen cell membranes,which reduces the likelihood of resistance development,but also exhibits multiple biological activities,including immunomodulation,wound healing promotion,antitumor effects,and alleviation of osteoporosis.Currently,LL-37 shows broad application prospects in fields such as food preservation,pharmaceutical research and development,industrial biomaterial coatings,agricultural and crop disease resistance.However,LL-37 exhibits a dual role,capable of either inhibiting or promoting the proliferation of certain cancer cells depending on the context,which warrants further in-depth investigation using genetic engineering and other approaches.This article summarizes recent research progress on cathelicidin LL-37,outlines its mechanisms of action and application domains,aiming to provide a reference for future research advances on LL-37.
基金supported jointly by the earmarked fund for CARS-10-GW2the key research and development program of Hainan Province(Grant No.ZDYF2020226)+1 种基金Collaborative innovation center of Nanfan and high-efficiency tropical agriculture,Hainan University(Grant No.XTCX2022NYC21)funding of Hainan University[Grant No.KYQD(ZR)22123]。
文摘Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairments is essential for the long-term production of sweetpotatoes.Melatonin has been recognised for its capacity to assist plants in dealing with abiotic stress conditions.This research aimed to investigate how different doses of exogenous melatonin influence heat damage in sweetpotato plants.Heat stress drastically affected shoot and root fresh weight by 31.8 and 44.5%,respectively.This reduction resulted in oxidative stress characterised by increased formation of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))by 804.4%,superoxide ion(O_(2)^(·-))by 211.5%and malondialdehyde(MDA)by 234.2%.Heat stress also reduced chlorophyll concentration,photosystemⅡefficiency(F_v/F_m)by 15.3%and gaseous exchange.However,pre-treatment with 100μmol L^(-1)melatonin increased growth and reduced oxidative damage to sweetpotato plants under heat stress.In particular,melatonin decreased H_(2)O_(2),O_(2)^(·-)and MDA by 64.8%,42.7%and 38.2%,respectively.Melatonin also mitigated the decline in chlorophyll levels and improved stomatal traits,gaseous exchange and F_(v)/F_(m)(13%).Results suggested that the favorable outcomes of melatonin treatment can be associated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmo-protectants.Overall,these findings indicate that exogenous melatonin can improve heat stress tolerance in sweetpotatoes.This stu dy will assist re searchers in further investigating how melatonin makes sweetpotatoes more resistant to heat stress.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1200503 to Shuai Ma and 2021YFD1200700 to Tianyu Wang)。
文摘Highlights ZmMYC2 promoter contains favorable haplotypes selected during domestication,enhancing its expression level in modern maize.ZmMYC2 may balance the trade-off between growth and defense via jasmonate and auxin signaling pathways.ZmMYC2 regulates drought-response genes(CER2 and TIP3c)to optimize drought stress resilience.
