Broad Resistance Research Articles

Marker-assisted introgression of a major broad spectrum blast resistance gene Pi54 into a popular rice variety Warangal Samba (WGL-14)

Warangal Samba (WGL-14) is a widely known medium slender-grain rice variety that matures within 135-140 days. This variety has been extensively cultivated in Telangana, India, due to its high yield potential of 7-7.5 t/ha and its favourable cooking qualities. However, it is highly susceptible to rice blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. This research sought to improve the blast resistance of WGL-14 by incorporating the Pi54 gene, a widely recognized blast resistance gene, using (MABB) along with selection based on phenotypic traits. NLR-145, a high-yielding rice variety containing the Pi54 gene, was used as the donor parent and crossed with WGL-14 to produce F1 plants. The Pi54MAS marker, which is specific to the Pi54 gene, was employed for foreground selection in F1, BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC3F1 generations, while background selection involved 80 parentals polymorphic SSR markers and phenotypic traits observed in each backcross generation. At BC3F5 generation, 28 lines were selected for their strong resistance to blast, high yields, plant type, grain characteristics and other traits comparable to the recurrent parent. These 28 lines were tested in yield trials during the wet seasons from 2018 to 2020 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in Warangal. At Advanced Varietal Trials (AVT), 3 lines namely WGL-1467, WGL-1472 and WGL-1473 were identified as having strong blast resistance and superior agronomic traits, closely resembling the original WGL-14.

Genotype and sex affect the combined impact of temperature and low-dose insecticide exposure on insect survival.

Insecticide contamination and climate change are key factors driving the global decline in insect populations. However, how these factors interact to impact insect survival remains uncertain. In this study, we examined the effects of sex and genotype on the response to long-term low insecticide exposure at two temperatures, 18 °C and 28 °C, using the Drosophila melanogaster model. We focused on a polymorphic gene, Cyp6g1, known for conferring broad insecticide resistance. We found that while temperature and insecticide have a synergistic effect on mortality of susceptible flies (Cyp6g1-M allele), they act additively on resistant flies (Cyp6g1-BA allele). And whereas the mortality of BA flies exposed to insecticides is strongly dependent on sex at 18 °C, no sex bias is found at 28 °C. Under no insecticide exposure, BA females showed shorter median lifespan than males regardless of temperature, possibly reflecting a cost associated with the resistant allele. Surprisingly, across all genotypes, females showed lower Cyp6g1 gene expression levels than males, which contrasts with their higher insecticide tolerance. Temperature and insecticide exposure had small effects on Cyp6g1 expression levels, suggesting the presence of additional mechanisms of resistance. Our results indicate that the effect of high insecticide doses on insect mortality cannot be used to predict how insects will respond to low contaminating doses, especially when considering the strong interactions between sex, temperature, and genotype. The combined effects of temperature and long-term low insecticide exposure are complex and can have major impacts on insect population dynamics and survival.

Stereochemical tuning, post-synthesis crosslinking and quaternizing to tune the membrane performance of ultra-stable polyamine nanofiltration membranes

Solvent resistant and pH-stable nanofiltration membranes play a crucial role in solvent or water reuse across various industries, including pharma, chemical, dairy and mining, where stringent pH conditions and chemical stability are imperative. Previous research introduced a chlorine-resistant top-layer for nanofiltration membranes, using 1,2,4,5-tetra(bromomethyl)benzene and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, with also exceptional stability at extreme pH values and a broad solvent resistance thanks to its crosslinked nature. To further optimize this remarkably stable and versatile membrane material, the unique property of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, i.e. its stereochemistry, is employed here to manipulate membrane properties through diastereomerism and enantiomeric excess. Filtration experiments employing different 1,2-diaminocyclohexane isomers revealed significant variations in membrane performance, emphasizing the impact of stereochemistry on separation performance. Adjusting the enantiomeric excess of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane resulted in notable changes in membrane permeability and rejection, highlighting the general power of stereochemical control in membrane synthesis. Additionally, post-synthesis modifications, including further crosslinking and quaternization, allowed to tune the membrane structure and performance in both aqueous and solvent media, offering opportunities for optimization towards specific applications. SEM and XPS providing insights into membrane morphology and composition, confirmed the influence of stereochemistry and post-synthesis modifications on membrane properties. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of stereochemistry manipulation and post-synthesis techniques in tailoring pH-stable and solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes for specific applications, paving the way for advanced membrane design.

Identification of Soybean Mosaic Virus Resistant Soybean Genotypes using Gene-Linked Markers

Soybean is widely consumed legumes both in the form of food and feed. In the present scenario, the quality and quantity of soybean production is largely affected by different biotic factors, Soybean Mosaic Virus being one of the major biotic stress. Plant host resistance is an effective major to develop durable resistance from viral diseases, therefore understanding the molecular mechanism and identifying the resistant genotypes can contribute to resistance breeding in soybean. In 2020, ninety genotypes collected from Grain Legume Research Program, local collection and National Agricultural Genetic Resource Center were screened for the presence of resistant genes using gene linked molecular markers. Among them, three genotypes were identified with Soybean Mosaic Virus resistant loci, Rsv1 amplified by linked marker Satt114, four genotypes were identified with resistant loci, Rsv3 with linked marker Sat_424, and eight genotypes were identified with resistant loci, Rsv4 amplified by linked marker Satt558. Thus, showing expression of dominant resistance to some SMV strains. Interestingly, two genotypes (Co 175 and TGx1990-55) possessed both Rsv1 and Rsv3 loci thus showing potential of resisting broad spectrum SMV resistance to all SMV strains. Therefore, this study has identified potential genotypes that can be used as parental materials for resistant gene pyramiding in soybean breeding for SMV resistance

Metagenomic insights into plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater: antibiotics occurrence and genetic markers.

Slaughterhouse wastewater represents important convergence and concentration points for antimicrobial residues, bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), which can promote antimicrobial resistance propagation in different environmental compartments. This study reports the assessment of the metaplasmidome-associated resistome in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater treated by biological processes, employing metagenomic sequencing. Antimicrobial residues from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that treats poultry slaughterhouse influents and effluents were investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Residues from the macrolide, sulfonamide, and fluoroquinolone classes were detected, the latter two persisting after the wastewater treatment. The genetic markers 16S rRNA rrs (bacterial community) and uidA (Escherichia coli) were investigated by RT-qPCR and the sul1 and int1 genes by qPCR. After treatment, the 16S rRNA rrs, uidA, sul1, and int1 markers exhibited reductions of 0.67, 1.07, 1.28, and 0.79 genes copies, respectively, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The plasmidome-focused metagenomics sequences (MiSeq platform (Illumina®)) revealed more than 100 ARG in the WWTP influent, which can potentially confer resistance to 14 pharmacological classes relevant in the human and veterinary clinical contexts, in which the qnr gene (resistance to fluoroquinolones) was the most prevalent. Only 7.8% of ARG were reduced after wastewater treatment, and the remaining 92.2% were associated with an increase in the prevalence of ARG linked to multidrug efflux pumps, substrate-specific for certain classes of antibiotics, or broad resistance to multiple medications. These data demonstrate that wastewater from poultry slaughterhouses plays a crucial role as an ARG reservoir and in the spread of AMR into the environment.

Synthesis of low-temperature NH3-SCR catalysts for MnOx with high SO2 resistance using redox-precipitation method with mixed manganese sources

It remains a big challenge to enhance the SO2 resistance of catalyst in low-temperature NH3-SCR reduction. In this work, a series of MnOx-a%Mn (a = 0, 1, 3, 5, 10) catalysts were prepared by introducing manganese acetylacetonate during the reaction between lactic acid and KMnO4, based on the molar ratio of manganese acetylacetonate to KMnO4. Notably, MnOx-5 %Mn exhibited more than 95 % NO conversion and 100 % N2 selectivity at 80–240 °C. Moreover, the catalyst demonstrated excellent sulfur resistance by sustaining over 90 % NO conversion at 140 °C at the presence of 100 ppm SO2 for more than 6 h. Furthermore, XPS characterization indicated that adding manganese acetylacetonate enhanced electron transfer efficiency and improved the reduction capacity of the catalyst due to the interconversion between Mn3+ and Mn4+, which improved electron transfer efficiency. The enhanced reduction capacity of the catalyst promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies and surface-adsorbed oxygen species (Oα), avoiding over-oxidation of NH3. The results elucidated that manganese acetylacetonate could optimize the overall performance by modulating the synergistic effect between the oxidizing ability and surface acidity of the catalyst. Therefore, the MnOx-5 %Mn catalyst possessed a broad operational temperature window (40–240 °C) and SO2 resistance in the NH3-SCR reaction, indicating its potential for practical application.

Identification and Validation of Blast Resistance Loci from the Durable Resistance Cultivar Hahng Yi 71

One of the effective strategies for developing blast disease-resistant cultivars to mitigate the yield losses caused by Pyricularia oryzae is the discovery of new genetic resources containing resistance genes. In the present study, a Thai landrace glutinous rice cultivar Hahng Yi 71 (HY71) was used as a durable, broad resistance source to identify QTLs against blast fungus and crossed with a susceptible recurrent parent cultivar RD6, generating 56 BC4F5 lines. The BC4F5 population was tested with six blast isolates, including THL54, THL583, THL658, THL690, THL795, and THL1119, and evaluated with 161 SSR markers to identify resistance regions using modified bulk segregation analysis. Single marker analysis showed 7 markers linked to a resistance reaction located on chromosomes 2, 4, and 5, then tentatively designated as qBL2-RD6, qBL4-HY71, and qBL5-HY71, respectively. Two introgressed lines from the mapping population, KKN97057-7-1-1-2-5-NKI-4-1 and KKN97057-7-1-1-2-5-NKI-5-1, were the qBL5-HY71 donor for introgressing into two rice lines, RGD07123-MS12-MS22-MS1, and RGD07123-MS12-MS22-MS9, which generated two single crosses and a backcross population by marker-assisted selection (MAS) using the linked markers RM39 and RM164. Three improved lines, RGD10021-MS18-B-MS8-MS40, RGD10031-MS-MS3-B-MS9-MS42 (single cross), and RGD11086-MS-MS15-MS10-MS19 (backcross), carrying qBL5-HY71, were tested for their resistance against leaf and neck blast disease by 62 and 8 blast isolates, respectively. The disease screening results showed that qBL5-HY71 was very effective in controlling leaf and neck blast. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of resistance loci qBL5-HY71 from HY71 on chromosome 5 and their linked markers in improving durable blast resistance in rice breeding programs.

Using priorities between human and livestock bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to identify data gaps in livestock AMR surveillance

BackgroundBacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to both humans and livestock. Despite this, there is limited global consensus on data-informed, priority areas for intervention in both sectors. We compare current livestock AMR data collection efforts with other variables pertinent to human and livestock AMR to identify critical data gaps and mutual priorities.MethodsWe globally synthesized livestock AMR data from open-source surveillance reports and point prevalence surveys stratified for six pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) and eleven antimicrobial classes important in human and veterinary use, published between 2000 and 2020. We also included all livestock species represented in the data: cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, turkeys, ducks, horses, buffaloes, and goats. We compared this data with intended priorities calculated from: disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), livestock antimicrobial usage (AMU), livestock biomass, and a global correlation exercise between livestock and human proportion of resistant isolates.ResultsResistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides in Staphylococcus aureus were identified as priorities in many countries but, less than 10% of these reported livestock AMR data. Resistance data for Escherichia coli specific to cattle, chickens, and pigs, which we prioritized, were also well collected. AMR data collection on non-typhoidal Salmonella and other livestock species were often not prioritized. Of 232 categories prioritized by at least one country, data were only collected for 48% (n = 112).ConclusionsThe lack of livestock AMR data globally for broad resistance in Staphylococcus aureus could underplay their zoonotic threat. Countries can bolster livestock AMR data collection, reporting, and intervention setting for Staphylococcus aureus as done for Escherichia coli. This framework can provide guidance on areas to strengthen AMR surveillance and decision-making for humans and livestock, and if done routinely, can adapt to resistance trends and priorities.

Co-Occurrence of Two Plasmids Encoding Transferable blaNDM-1 and tet(Y) Genes in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter bereziniae.

Acinetobacter bereziniae has emerged as a significant human pathogen, acquiring multiple antibiotic resistance genes, including carbapenemases. This study focuses on characterizing the plasmids harboring the blaNDM-1 and tet(Y) genes in two carbapenem-resistant A. bereziniae isolates (UCO-553 and UCO-554) obtained in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on UCO-553 and UCO-554. Both isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing to ascertain their sequence type (ST), core genome multilocus sequence-typing (cgMLST) profile, antibiotic resistance genes, plasmids, and mobile genetic elements. Conjugation experiments were performed for both isolates. Results: Both isolates exhibited broad resistance, including resistance to carbapenems, third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, and aminoglycosides. Both isolates belong to sequence type STPAS1761, with a difference of 17 out of 2984 alleles. Each isolate carried a 47,274 bp plasmid with blaNDM-1 and aph(3')-VI genes and two highly similar plasmids: a 35,184 bp plasmid with tet(Y), sul2, aph(6)-Id, and aph(3″)-Ib genes, and a 6078 bp plasmid containing the ant(2″)-Ia gene. Quinolone-resistance mutations were identified in the gyrA and parC genes of both isolates. Importantly, blaNDM-1 was located within a Tn125 transposon, and tet(Y) was embedded in a Tn5393 transposon. Conjugation experiments successfully transferred blaNDM-1 and tet(Y) into the A. baumannii ATCC 19606 strain, indicating the potential for horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of plasmids in disseminating resistance genes in A. bereziniae and underscores the need for the continued genomic surveillance of this emerging pathogen. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring A. bereziniae for its potential to cause difficult-to-treat infections and its capacity to spread resistance determinants against clinically significant antibiotics.

NVL-655 Is a Selective and Brain-Penetrant Inhibitor of Diverse ALK-Mutant Oncoproteins, Including Lorlatinib-Resistant Compound Mutations.

Three generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have been approved for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, none address the combined need for broad resistance coverage, brain activity, and avoidance of clinically dose-limiting TRK inhibition. NVL-655 is a rationally designed TKI with >50-fold selectivity for ALK over 96% of the kinome tested. In vitro, NVL-655 inhibits diverse ALK fusions, activating alterations, and resistance mutations, showing ≥100-fold improved potency against ALKG1202R single and compound mutations over approved ALK TKIs. In vivo, it induces regression across 12 tumor models, including intracranial and patient-derived xenografts. NVL-655 inhibits ALK over TRK with 22-fold to >874-fold selectivity. These preclinical findings are supported by three case studies from an ongoing first-in-human phase I/II trial of NVL-655 which demonstrate preliminary proof-of-concept clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with ALK fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer, including in patients with brain metastases and single or compound ALK resistance mutations. Significance: By combining broad activity against single and compound ALK resistance mutations, brain penetrance, and selectivity, NVL-655 addresses key limitations of currently approved ALK inhibitors and has the potential to represent a distinct advancement as a fourth-generation inhibitor for patients with ALK-driven cancers.

Presence of carbapenem resistance in hybrid Escherichia coli pathovars from ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits in Accra, Ghana.

This study reports the presence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli hybrid pathovars and its prevalence in 200 fresh-cut fruits from Accra. Standard culture methods were used to quantify microbial indicators and E. coli on fresh-cut fruits retailed in formal and informal outlets in Accra. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli, while multiplex PCR was employed to identify the virulence and carbapenem-resistance genes. Escherichia coli prevalence in cut fruits was 17%, with pawpaw, watermelon, and mixed fruit having higher prevalence than pineapple. Of the 34 E. coli isolates from fresh-cut fruits, 44% showed broad resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, while 5.9% showed carbapenem resistance. The study identified virulence genes associated with all E. coli isolates, including stx1, stx2, escV, and ipaH, of which 97% were hybrid pathovars bearing genes for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli/enteropathogenic E. coli/enteroinvasive E. coli. The carbapenemase gene, blaIMP, was associated with both carbapenem-resistant E. coli phenotypes identified. Despite a low-carbapenem-resistance prevalence observed among E. coli isolates, hypervirulent hybrid strains of E. coli is present in fresh-cut fruits in the sampling area, posing a potential public health risk to fresh-cut fruit consumers.

Identification of Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using Molecular Markers and Host–Pathogen Interaction Tests

ABSTRACTThe leaf rust (Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici), stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici), and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) are major fungal constraints affecting wheat production worldwide. Identifying and deploying wheat varieties with diverse resistance are the best ways to manage all the rusts. Therefore, a continuous search goes on to identify diverse germplasm with effective rust resistance that expresses at different stages of plant growth (seedling and adult plant). A set of 22 rust resistant wheat genotypes and 4 checks (controls), viz., Avocet‐Yr10, Avocet ‐Yr15, Agra Local, and respective positive checks were studied for characterising rust resistance genes using host–pathogen interactions complemented by molecular markers. Among 22 elite genotypes, 05 genotypes amplified 191 bp fragment with marker PSY1E1, confirmed the presence of gene Lr19/Sr25. These genotypes also expressed resistance to most virulent leaf rust pathotypes, 77‐5 and 77‐9 in host–pathogen interaction test (HPI). Seven genotypes showed the presence of Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Ltn1 in homozygous state, whereas G4 showed its presence in heterozygous condition. Among 22 genotypes, 16 genotypes possessed Yr10. Five genotypes (22.7%) exhibited two gene combinations, Lr19/Sr25, and Yr10 as revealed through the detection of 191 bp fragment with marker PSY1E1 and 260 bp fragment with co‐dominantly inherited microsatellite marker Xpsp3000, respectively. All five genotypes (G2, G3, G8, G9, and G18) also expressed brown glumes controlled by the gene Rg1 tightly linked to Yr10 on the 1BS chromosome. Broad spectrum rust resistance present in these lines in good agronomic backgrounds could be used as potent genetic donors for diverse and durable rust resistance breeding programmes in wheat.

The microbiome of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and its influence on the respiratory microbiome of healthy office workers.

Air particulate matter (PM) is widely recognized for its potential to negatively affect human health, including changes in the upper respiratory microbiome. However, research on PM-associated microbiota remains limited and mostly focused on PM (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10). This study aims to characterize for the first time the microbiome of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and investigate the correlations of indoor TSP with the human upper respiratory microbiome. Biological and environmental samples were collected over three collection periods lasting three weeks each, between May and July 2022 at the University of Milan and the University of Insubria Como. TSP were sampled using a filter-based technique, while respiratory samples from both anterior nares (AN) and the nasopharynx (NP) were collected using swabs. Microbiome analysis of both human (N = 145) and TSP (N = 51) samples was conducted on metagenomic sequencing data. A comparison of indoor and outdoor TSP microbiomes revealed differences in microbial diversity and taxonomic composition. The indoor samples had higher relative abundance of environmental bacteria often associated with opportunistic infections like Paracoccus sp., as well as respiratory bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, both indoor and outdoor TSP samples contained broad spectrum antibiotic resistance genes. Indoor TSP exposure was negatively associated with commensal bacteria and positively associated with Staphylococcus aureus relative abundance. Finally, a correlation between the relative abundance of respiratory bacteria identified in the indoor TSP and the upper respiratory microbiome was found, suggesting a potential interaction between TSP and the upper airways.

Prediction of resistance, virulence, and host-by-pathogen interactions using dual-genome prediction models

Key messageIntegrating disease screening data and genomic data for host and pathogen populations into prediction models provides breeders and pathologists with a unified framework to develop disease resistance.Developing disease resistance in crops typically consists of exposing breeding populations to a virulent strain of the pathogen that is causing disease. While including a diverse set of pathogens in the experiments would be desirable for developing broad and durable disease resistance, it is logistically complex and uncommon, and limits our capacity to implement dual (host-by-pathogen)-genome prediction models. Data from an alternative disease screening system that challenges a diverse sweet corn population with a diverse set of pathogen isolates are provided to demonstrate the changes in genetic parameter estimates that result from using genomic data to provide connectivity across sparsely tested experimental treatments. An inflation in genetic variance estimates was observed when among isolate relatedness estimates were included in prediction models, which was moderated when host-by-pathogen interaction effects were incorporated into models. The complete model that included genomic similarity matrices for host, pathogen, and interaction effects indicated that the proportion of phenotypic variation in lesion size that is attributable to host, pathogen, and interaction effects was similar. Estimates of the stability of lesion size predictions for host varieties inoculated with different isolates and the stability of isolates used to inoculate different hosts were also similar. In this pathosystem, genetic parameter estimates indicate that host, pathogen, and host-by-pathogen interaction predictions may be used to identify crop varieties that are resistant to specific virulence mechanisms and to guide the deployment of these sources of resistance into pathogen populations where they will be more effective.

A Glutathione S-Transferase from Thinopyrum ponticum Confers Fhb7 Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly incited by Fusarium graminearum, has caused great losses in grain yield and quality of wheat globally. Fhb7, a major gene from 7E chromosome of Thinopyrum ponticum, confers broad resistance to multiple Fusarium species in wheat and has recently been cloned and identified as encoding a glutathione S-transferase (GST). However, some recent reports raised doubt about whether GST is the causal gene of Fhb7. To resolve the discrepancy and validate the gene function of GST in wheat, we phenotyped Fhb7 near-isogenic lines (Jimai22-Fhb7 versus Jimai22) and GST overexpressed lines for FHB resistance. Jimai22-Fhb7 showed significantly higher FHB resistance with a lower percentage of symptomatic spikelets, Fusarium-damaged kernels, and deoxynivalenol content than susceptible Jimai22 in three experiments. All the positive GST transgenic lines driven by either the maize ubiquitin promoter or its native promoter with high gene expression in the wheat cultivar 'Fielder' showed high FHB resistance. Only one maize ubiquitin promoter-driven transgenic line showed low GST expression and similar susceptibility to Fielder, suggesting that high GST expression confers Fhb7 resistance to FHB. Knockout of GST in the Jimai22-Fhb7 line using CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing showed significantly higher FHB susceptibility compared with the nonedited control plants. Therefore, we confirmed GST as the causal gene of Fhb7 for FHB resistance. Considering its major effect on FHB resistance, pyramiding Fhb7 with other quantitative trait loci has a great potential to create highly FHB-resistant wheat cultivars.

Unearthing the coloniality of neoliberalised curricular discourses to promote a public orientation towards secondary science education

ABSTRACT Considering the challenges facing curricula in science education forces a reckoning with neoliberalism and its transmogrification of education, generally. Science, which has contributed significantly to humanity, is exalted in neoliberal secular discourse and forms a key pillar of social policy governance. However, the progress and innovation attributed to scientific education, within the broader STEM agenda, must be read against the rise in societal inequalities wrought by far-right hostilities and the general erosion of democratic principles in the milieu of neoliberal policy making. This is especially prescient for science curricula given the widespread crystallisation of scientism in society and its role in framing anti-equality arguments. This must also be situated against the broad resistance movements that have arisen, demonstrating the resilience and promise from alternative perspectives such as decoloniality. While decolonial theory reckons with the epistemological violence of science, these perspectives remain underdiscussed in STEM fields. This is necessary for contemporary science curricula given the broader neoliberal erosions of public education that champion instrumentalism and mass measurement in the name of capitalism. This forms the impetus for this conceptual article which presents a decolonial consideration of recent curricular discourses in science.

Bioengineering a plant NLR immune receptor with a robust binding interface toward a conserved fungal pathogen effector

Bioengineering of plant immune receptors has emerged as a key strategy for generating novel disease resistance traits to counteract the expanding threat of plant pathogens to global food security. However, current approaches are limited by rapid evolution of plant pathogens in the field and may lack durability when deployed. Here, we show that the rice nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor Pik-1 can be engineered to respond to a conserved family of effectors from the multihost blast fungus pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. We switched the effector binding and response profile of the Pik NLR from its cognate rice blast effector AVR-Pik to the host-determining factor pathogenicity toward weeping lovegrass 2 (Pwl2) by installing a putative host target, OsHIPP43, in place of the native integrated heavy metal-associated domain (generating Pikm-1OsHIPP43). This chimeric receptor also responded to other PWL alleles from diverse blast isolates. The crystal structure of the Pwl2/OsHIPP43 complex revealed a multifaceted, robust interface that cannot be easily disrupted by mutagenesis, and may therefore provide durable, broad resistance to blast isolates carrying PWL effectors in the field. Our findings highlight how the host targets of pathogen effectors can be used to bioengineer recognition specificities that have more robust properties compared to naturally evolved disease resistance genes.

Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from American Bison (Bison bison) Showed Uncommon Virulent Gene Patterns and Antimicrobial Multi-Resistance.

E. coli is considered one of the most important zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Highly virulent and antimicrobial-resistant strains of E. coli have been reported in recent years, making it essential to understand their ecological origins. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of E. coli strains present in the natural population of American bison (Bison bison) in Mexico. We sampled 123 individuals and determined the presence of E. coli using standard bacteriological methods. The isolated strains were characterized using molecular techniques based on PCR. To evaluate the diversity of E. coli strains in this population, we analyzed 108 suggestive colonies from each fecal sample. From a total of 13,284 suggestive colonies, we isolated 33 E. coli strains that contained at least one virulence gene. The virotypes of these strains were highly varied, including strains with atypical patterns or combinations compared to classical pathotypes, such as the presence of escV, eae, bfpB, and ial genes in E. coli strain LMA-26-6-6, or stx2, eae, and ial genes in E. coli strain LMA-16-1-32. Genotype analysis of these strains revealed a previously undescribed phylogenetic group. Serotyping of all strains showed that serogroups O26 and O22 were the most abundant. Interestingly, strains belonging to these groups exhibited different patterns of virulence genes. Finally, the isolated E. coli strains demonstrated broad resistance to antimicrobials, including various beta-lactam antibiotics.

Venetoclax resistance leads to broad resistance to standard-of-care anti-MM agents, but not to immunotherapies

To our knowledge, venetoclax is the first example of personalized medicine for multiple myeloma (MM), with meaningful clinical activity as a monotherapy and in combination in patients with myeloma harboring the t(11:14) translocation. However, despite the high response rates and prolonged progression-free survival, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapse. Here, we aim to study adaptive molecular responses after the acquisition of venetoclax resistance in sensitive t(11:14) MM cell models. We therefore generated single-cell venetoclax-resistant t(11:14) MM cell lines and investigated the mechanisms contributing to resistance as well as the cells' sensitivity to other treatments. Our data suggest that acquired resistance to venetoclax is characterized by reduced mitochondrial priming and changes in B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins' expression in MM cells, conferring broad resistance to standard-of-care antimyeloma drugs. However, our results show that the resistant cells are still sensitive to immunotherapeutic treatments, highlighting the need to consider appropriate sequencing of these treatments after venetoclax-based regimens.

Room temperature stable twist-bend nematic materials without crystallization over 1 year

The twist-bend nematic (NTB) phase of achiral liquid crystals (LCs) manifests a unique self-assembled heliconical structure with nanometer-scale pitch length, mirroring the chiral symmetry-breaking phenomena in nature, thus sparking widespread research interest. However, the ingenious NTB phase is only stable at high temperatures within a very limited temperature interval, often undergoing inevitable crystallization at low temperatures. Herein, room temperature supercooled NTB material systems composed of meticulously designed LC dimer mixtures with varying molecular curvatures and central flexibility were developed, resulting in complete resistance to crystallization even after 1 year of storage. Furthermore, the proposed NTB material systems demonstrated exceptional compatibility with common nematic LCs, facilitating the tailoring of overall physical parameters, particularly to achieve a sufficiently low bend elastic constant with excellent stability. This work represents a paradigmatic advancement forward in realizing stable NTB phase materials with a broad temperature range and resistance to crystallization, thereby tackling the enduring and seemingly insurmountable challenge while providing impetus for further exploration of their applications in soft matter, crystallography, and advanced photonics.