Differential Response Research Articles

Differential Stress Responses to Rice Blast Fungal Infection Associated with the Vegetative Growth Phase in Rice

During vegetative growth, plants undergo various morphological and physiological changes in the transition from the juvenile phase to the adult phase. In terms of stress resistance, it has been suggested that plants gain or reinforce disease resistance during the process of maturation, which is recognized as adult plant resistance or age-related resistance. While much knowledge has been obtained about changes in disease resistance as growth stages progress, knowledge about changes in plant responses to pathogens with progressing age in plants is limited. In this study, we experimentally compared rice blast resistance in rice leaves sampled from plants at different growth phases. The results indicate differential infection progression and fungal status depending on growth stage. Transcriptome analysis following blast fungus infection revealed that several genes involved in the defense response were upregulated in both the juvenile and intermediate stage, but the expression changes of many genes were growth phase-specific. These findings highlight differences in rice leaf stress responses to blast infection at different growth stages.

Genomic and cellular responses to aspirin in colonic organoids from African- and European-Americans.

Background: Aspirin (ASA) is a proven chemoprotective agent for colorectal cancer (CRC), though inter-individual responses and cellular mechanisms are not well characterized. Human organoids are ideal to study treatment responses across individuals. Here, colonic organoids from African-Americans (AA) and European-Americans (EA)were used to profile genomic and cellular ASA responses. Methods: Colonic organoids from 67 participants, 33 AA and 34 EA, were treated with 3mM ASA or vehicle control for 24h. Gene expression was assessed by RNA-seq, and differentially responsive genes analyzed by condition, population and for gene set enrichment. Top differentially responsive genes were assessed by time and ASA doses in independent organoids. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping was performed to identify variants associated with condition-specific responses. Proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis assays were performed, and apoptosis gene expression measured in organoids. Results: Overall, 8343 genes were differentially responsive to ASA with differences between AA and EA. Significant enrichment for fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and PPAR signaling was found. Significant treatment eQTLs were identified for relevant genes involved in FAO, apoptosis and prostaglandin metabolism. ASA-induced apoptosis and secondary necrosis were confirmed with identification of significant differential responses of apoptotic genes to ASA. Conclusions: Results demonstrate large transcriptional responses to ASA treatment with differences in responses between individuals. Genomic and cellular results suggest that ASA effects on the mitochondria are key mechanisms of action that could underlie clinical effects. These results could be used to assess clinical treatment responses for chemoprevention in the future.

Differences in the Sensitivity of Gross Primary Productivity and Ecosystem Respiration to Precipitation

The spatiotemporal variability of precipitation profoundly influences terrestrial carbon fluxes, driving shifts between carbon source and sink dynamics through gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). As a result, the sensitivities of GPP and ER to precipitation (SGPP and SER), along with their differential responses, are pivotal for understanding ecosystem reactions to precipitation changes and predicting future ecosystem functions. However, comprehensive evaluations of the spatiotemporal variability and differences in SGPP and SER remain notably scarce. In this study, we utilized eddy covariance flux data to investigate the spatial patterns, temporal dynamics, and differences in SGPP and SER. Spatially, SGPP and SER were generally strongly correlated. Among different ecosystems, the correlation between SGPP and SER was lowest in mixed forest and highest in broadleaf and needleleaf forest. Within the same ecosystem, SGPP and SER exhibited considerable variation but showed no significant differences. In contrast, they differed significantly across ecosystems, with pronounced variability in their magnitudes. For example, shrubland exhibited the highest values for SGPP, whereas needleleaf forest showed the highest values for SER. Temporally, SER demonstrated more pronounced changes than SGPP. Different ecosystems displayed distinct trends: shrubland exhibited an upward trend for both metrics, while grassland showed a downward trend in both SGPP and SER. Forest, on the other hand, maintained stable SGPP but displayed a downward trend in SER. Additionally, SGPP and SER exhibited a notable non-linear response to changes in the aridity index (AI), with both showing a rapid decline followed by stabilization. However, SER demonstrated a wider adaptive range to precipitation changes. Generally, this research enhances our understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem carbon fluxes under changing precipitation patterns.

Specialization of the human hippocampal long axis revisited

The hippocampus possesses anatomical differences along its long axis. Here, we explored the functional specialization of the human hippocampal long axis using network-anchored precision functional MRI in two independent datasets (N = 11 and N = 9) paired with behavioral analysis (N = 266 and N = 238). Functional connectivity analyses demonstrated that the anterior hippocampus was preferentially correlated with a cerebral network associated with remembering, while the posterior hippocampus selectively contained a region correlated with a distinct network associated with behavioral salience. Seed regions placed within the hippocampus recapitulated the distinct cerebral networks. Functional characterization of the anterior and posterior hippocampal regions using task data identified and replicated a functional double dissociation. The anterior hippocampal region was sensitive to remembering and imagining the future, specifically tracking the process of scene construction, while the posterior hippocampal region displayed transient responses to targets in an oddball detection task and to transitions between task blocks. These findings suggest an unexpected specialization along the long axis of the human hippocampus with differential responses reflecting the functional properties of the partner cerebral networks.

Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and the Parity-Dependent Differential Uterine Response to Oxytocin in Rats.

The experience of pregnancy affects uterine function well beyond delivery. We previously demonstrated that the response to oxytocin is more robust in the uteri of proven breeder rats. This study investigates the contribution of T-type calcium channels (TTCCs) and L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) to the distinct response of virgin (V) and proven breeder (PB) rat uteri to oxytocin. Dose-inhibition responses to mibefradil (TTCC inhibitor) and verapamil (LTCC inhibitor) were conducted on isolated V and PB uterine strips. These experiments were followed by dose-response curves to oxytocin (10-10 to 10-5M) in the presence of 10µM of each inhibitor. Area-under-the-curve (AUC), amplitude, frequency, and duration of contractions were measured. V uteri generally showed a greater dependence on VGCCs, especially TTCCs. However, PB uteri exhibited a stronger frequency response to oxytocin. Blocking TTCCs had a more pronounced impact on the differential oxytocin response, particularly affecting the frequency component of contractions. The stronger frequency response in PB uteri may be due to a higher concentration of TTCCs in their myometrial pacemaker cells. This study provides supporting evidence that pregnancy induces lasting changes in uterine calcium handling. Our findings suggest that TTCCs play a more important role than LTCC in the parity-dependent differential response to oxytocin. The impact of ORAI and TRP channels still needs to be evaluated, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relative impact of voltage-gated calcium channels vs. storage-operated calcium entry channels on this phenomenon.

Differential insulin response characteristics of graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle composites under varied synthesis conditions.

The structural alterations in the constituent materials of nanocomposites such as graphene nanocomposites typically induce changes in their properties including mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. Therefore, by altering the preparation conditions of nanocomposites and investigating their responsiveness to basic biomolecules (such as proteins), it is possible to explore the application potentials of the composites and guide development of new nanocomposite preparation. In this study, different composites of graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/GO) were obtained by varying the volumes of reducing agents used in the one-pot hydrothermal method. Insulin was chosen as a basic protein to study the response characteristics of AuNPs/GO under different preparation conditions. Optical responses of these composites to pure insulin and various commercial insulin types were all explored for the first time. The results indicated that AuNPs/GO could optically respond to insulin, including pure insulin and various types of commercial insulin, and changes in the preparation conditions could really influence this response. Moreover, optimal preparation conditions could be determined by an optical method for the largest responses of the nanocomposites to insulin. Based on previous research and the results of this study, it is speculated that the responses of AuNPs/GO to insulin may attribute to glutamic acids, asparagines, and glutamines on insulin, which may interact with AuNPs/GO, particularly with the AuNPs in the composites. Besides, the AuNPs/GO could exhibit relatively stable responses to various commercial insulin types and detect the concentration of specific branded commercial insulin with smaller errors. In summary, this study demonstrated the application potential of AuNPs/GO in areas such as drug testing and production, while also furnishing an experimental foundation and direction for further applications of AuNPs/GO in biosensing and biomolecule detection.

Integration of histone modification-based risk signature with drug sensitivity analysis reveals novel therapeutic strategies for lower-grade glioma

BackgroundLower-grade glioma (LGG) exhibits significant heterogeneity in clinical outcomes, and current prognostic markers have limited predictive value. Despite the growing recognition of histone modifications in tumor progression, their role in LGG remains poorly understood. This study aimed to develop a histone modification-based risk signature and investigate its relationship with drug sensitivity to guide personalized treatment strategies.MethodsWe performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on LGG samples (n = 4) to characterize histone modification patterns. Through integrative analysis of TCGA-LGG (n = 513) and CGGA datasets (n = 693 and n = 325), we constructed a histone modification-related risk signature (HMRS) using machine learning approaches. The model's performance was validated in multiple independent cohorts. We further conducted comprehensive analyses of molecular mechanisms, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity associated with the risk stratification.ResultsWe identified distinct histone modification patterns across five major cell populations in LGG and developed a robust 20-gene HMRS from 129 candidate genes that effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different survival outcomes (training set: AUC = 0.77, 0.73, and 0.71 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival; P < 0.001). Integration of HMRS with clinical features further improved prognostic accuracy (C-index >0.70). High-risk tumors showed activation of TGF-β and IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathways, and distinct mutation profiles including TP53 (63% vs 28%), IDH1 (68% vs 85%), and ATRX (46% vs 20%) mutations. The high-risk group demonstrated significantly elevated immune and stromal scores (P < 0.001), with distinct patterns of immune cell infiltration, particularly in memory CD4+ T cells (P < 0.001) and CD8+ T cells (P = 0.001). Drug sensitivity analysis revealed significant differential responses to six therapeutic agents including Temozolomide and targeted drugs (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur study establishes a novel histone modification-based prognostic model that not only accurately predicts LGG patient outcomes but also reveals potential therapeutic targets. The identified associations between risk stratification and drug sensitivity provide valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies. This integrated approach offers a promising framework for improving LGG patient care through molecular-based risk assessment and treatment selection.

How the fish community structure change with seasons in Zhoushan Fishing Ground, China?

Understanding seasonal variations in fish communities is important for fishery resources conservation and management in fishery economic zones. However, there are still knowledge gaps regarding to the differential responses of fish functional traits to various disturbances. Here, we sampled fish communities of 20 sites during autumn (November 2023) and spring (April 2024) in Zhoushan Fishing Ground. Taxonomic diversity (TD), functional diversity (FD), and functional redundancy (FR) were calculated to investigate the state of the fish communities and their seasonal changes. Beta diversity was calculated based on the pairwise communities of spring and autumn and decomposed into turnover and nestedness proportions, to investigate the dissimilarities of the fish communities between the two seasons and their drive mechanisms. We also applied R-mode linked to Q-mode (RLQ) and fourth-corner methods to test the relationships between fish functional traits and environmental variables (trait-environment relationships). These results showed that the mean values of taxonomic and functional beta diversities were 0.852 and 0.769, respectively, which indicate that taxonomic and functional structures of the fish communities have high dissimilarities between spring and autumn. However, the taxonomic and functional structures showed different ecological processes of seasonal changes with the former were mainly driven by species turnover (occupied 89.9% of the total dissimilarity) and the latter were driven by both functional turnover and nestedness (occupied 57.9% and 42.1% of the total dissimilarity, respectively). Species occurrence, environmental variables, and functional traits matrices were closely correlated, which mainly result from the significant trait-environmental relationships. Combining with TD, FD, and FR, we concluded that the fish communities in autumn had higher resistance to environmental changes than in spring. Our findings are accepted to serve as a basis for fishery management.

T Cell-Specific Inactivation of the PI3K p110α Catalytic Subunit: Effect in T Cell Differentiation and Antigen-Specific Responses

Class IA PI3K p110δ and p110α subunits participate in TCR and costimulatory receptor signals involved in T cell-mediated immunity, but the role of p110α is not completely understood. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of the Cre-dependent functional inactivation of p110α (kinase dead) in T lymphocytes (p110αKD-T, KD). KD mice showed increased cellularity in thymus and spleen and altered T cell differentiation with increased number of CD4+CD8+ DP thymocytes, enhanced proportion of CD4+ SP lymphocytes linked to altered apoptosis, lower Treg cells, and increased AKT and ERK phosphorylation in activated thymocytes. In the spleen, the percentages of CD4+ Treg cells and CD8+ naive lymphocytes were reduced. In vitro, the differentiation of CD4+ cells from p110αKD-T mice showed lower induced Treg (iTreg) cell yield or IL-10 secretion. Moreover, Tfh cell yield, IL-21 secretion, and PI3-K-dependent elongation were hampered, as was Erk and Akt activation. Th1 or Th17 differentiation in vitro was not altered. The immunization of p110α-KD-T mice with KLH protein antigen induced an enhanced proportion of CXCR5+ CD4+ cells and germinal center B cells, increased ICOS expression in CD4+ cells, or IFN-γ secretion upon antigen re-activation in vitro. However, anti-KLH antibody responses in serum was similar in WT or p110α KD mice. These data show that T cell-specific p110α inactivation alters T cell differentiation and function.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the crucial role of YABBY genes family in hormonal induced parthenocarpy in Cucumis sativus L.

BackgroundThe plant-specific YABBY transcription factor family plays several activities, including responding to abiotic stress, establishing dorsoventral polarity, and developing lateral organs. Cucumis sativus L. commonly referred to as cucumber and one of the first vegetable crops with a fully sequenced genome.ResultsIn this work, we examined the application of NAA, CPPU, and GA4 + 7 to inflict parthenocarpy in the cucumber ZK line. The expression pattern of YABBY genes throughout fruit development and performed a genomic census of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Based on peptide classification, we discovered eight CsYABBY genes and divided them into five subfamilies. Similarities in motif composition and exon-intron structure were also observed. The cis-elements and gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed the involvement of CsYABBY genes in vegetative growth and the transition of vegetative to the reproductive phase. The expression analysis revealed the differential expression response to NAA, CPPU, and GA4 + 7. In particular, the CsYABBY1 was induced sharply by NAA and CPPU but not GA4 + 7. The transient expression of CsCRC disclosed that it is localized in the nucleus.ConclusionThese findings point to the possibility that CsYABBY1 and CsCRC may positively affect fruit development and could be utilized to generate parthenocarpic cucumber fruits.

Exploring Predictors of Treatment Response to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Smoking Cessation.

Understanding predictors of smoking cessation medication efficacy facilitates the ability to enhance treatment effectiveness. In our pilot trial, exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, adjunct to nicotine patch improved smoking abstinence compared to nicotine patch alone. This secondary analysis explores potential baseline characteristics associated with differential treatment response to exenatide. The parent trial randomized (1:1) 84 smokers with prediabetes and/or overweight to once-weekly placebo or exenatide, 2mg, subcutaneously. All participants received nicotine patch (21mg) and brief smoking cessation counseling, with biologically confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 6 (end-of-treatment) deemed the primary outcome. Bayesian generalized linear modeling explored differential response to treatment as a function of baseline patient characteristics, including demographic, psychosocial, clinical, smoking related, and genetic factors. Posterior probability (PP)≥75% that an effect exists was taken as a minimum threshold of evidence in favor of model effects. Exenatide showed stronger benefit versus placebo in participants that smoked >20 cigarettes per day (PP=81.7%) and in those without prediabetes (PP=76.0%) or obesity (PP=94.4%). Exenatide's efficacy was observed only in individuals with no/minimal depression symptoms but not in those with symptoms (PP=91.2%). Finally, exenatide was more efficacious than placebo only in those with the CHRNA rs16969968 GG genotype (PP=88.6%). The effect of exenatide on abstinence may be moderated by the number of cigarettes smoked daily, metabolic, psychological, and genetic factors. Larger prospective investigations are needed to confirm and extend these findings. Understanding predictors of smoking cessation medication efficacy enhances the ability to improve treatment effectiveness. In our pilot trial, extended-release exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, adjunct to nicotine patch, improved smoking abstinence in smokers with prediabetes and/or overweight. The current post-hoc analysis found that the effect of exenatide on smoking abstinence may be moderated by the number of cigarettes smoked daily, metabolic, psychological, and genetic factors. Larger investigations are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Increasing temperature counteracts the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on Microcystis aeruginosa under future climate scenarios in relation to physiological processes.

Heat waves, are a major concern related to climate change, and are projected to increase in frequency and severity. This temperature rise causes thermal stratification, exposing surface-dwelling organisms to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This study aims to understand how the toxic bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa adapts to changing climatic conditions. The effects of increased temperature and UVR were evaluated in terms of cell abundance, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), the antioxidant activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S transferase (GST), fatty acid (FA) content, and lipid damage. Negative UVR effects on biomass, lipid damage, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were more pronounced at 26 °C compared to 29 °C. However, antioxidant responses were higher at 29 °C. The relative abundance of ω6 FAs was less affected by UVA, while ω3 FAs were highly sensitive at 29 °C but unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) did not experience peroxidation. The differential response in FA to high temperature and UVR results in differences in lipid damage and antioxidants. Changes in membrane FA may suggest an adaptation strategy at high UVR conditions. The exposure to environmental changes can alter membrane fluidity, affecting cell physiology. Thus, to survive UVR exposure, M. aeruginosa maintains a balance between damage and stress adaptation, increasing the protection of selected PUFAs at high temperatures, allowing them to effectively cope with the harmful effects of elevated temperature and UVR.

PTPN2 Expression in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance.

This study aimed to explore PTPN2 expression levels in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HPSCC) tissues and their relationship with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HPSCC patients. PTPN2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, has recently emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, and in many previous studies, PTPN2 may have a significant role in the growth, differentiation, metabolism and immune response of head and neck malignant tumors. In this study, PTPN2 expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) and other cancer tissues was analyzed using datasets derived from the Sangerbox database. Furthermore, we analyzed data on PTPN2 mRNA levels across various clinical stages of HNSCC (I, II, III, and IV), which was extracted from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Clinical data from patients who underwent surgical resection for hypopharyngeal malignancies at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between January 2013 and January 2024 were also obtained and analyzed. The patient specimens were categorized into two groups (the HPSCC tumor and paracarcinoma tissue groups) and compared for PTPN2 expression using Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Western Blot (WB) analyses. According to the results, HPSCC patients were mostly elderly males with a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, the most common site of HPSCC onset was piriform sinuses, and the disease was often diagnosed in the middle or advanced stages. Additionally, HPSCC tissues exhibited PTPN2 upregulation. Moreover, PTPN2 expression did not correlate significantly with patients' gender, Smoking Index (SI), alcohol abuse, tumor diameter, Hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and M stage. On the other hand, it correlated with HPSCC patients' T-stage, N-stage, Overall Survival (OS), and clinical stage. Based on these findings, we deduced that high PTPN2 expression could be involved in HPSCC patients' poor prognosis.

Doxorubicin and topotecan resistance in ovarian cancer: Gene expression and microenvironment analysis in 2D and 3D models.

This study explores the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer (OC) using doxorubicin (DOX) and topotecan (TOP)-resistant cell lines derived from the drug-sensitive A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models were employed to examine the differential drug responses in these environments. The results revealed that 3D spheroids demonstrated significantly higher resistance to DOX and TOP than 2D cultures, suggesting a closer mimicry of in vivo tumour conditions. Molecular analyses identified overexpression of essential drug resistance-related genes, including MDR1 and BCRP, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as MYOT and SPP1, which were more pronounced in resistant cell lines. MDR1 and BCRP overexpression contribute to chemotherapy resistance in OC by expelling drugs like DOX and TOP. Targeting these transporters with inhibitors or gene silencing could improve drug efficacy, making them key therapeutic targets to enhance treatment outcomes for drug-resistant OC. The study further showed that EMT-associated markers, including VIM, SNAIL1, and SNAIL2, were upregulated in the 3D spheroids, reflecting a more mesenchymal phenotype. These findings suggest that factors beyond gene expression, such as spheroid architecture, cell-cell interactions, and drug penetration, contribute to the enhanced resistance observed in 3D cultures. These results highlight the importance of 3D cell culture models for a more accurate representation of tumour drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer, providing valuable insights for therapeutic development.

Differential Response to Local Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Administration in Tumors with Various Stimulator of Interferon Genes Statuses

Differential Response to Local Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Administration in Tumors with Various Stimulator of Interferon Genes Statuses

Sepsis subtypes and differential treatment response to vitamin C: biological sub-study of the LOVIT trial.

We hypothesised that the biological heterogeneity of sepsis may highlight sepsis subtypes with differences in response to intravenous vitamin C treatment in the Lessening Organ Dysfunction with VITamin C (LOVIT) trial. Our aims were to identify sepsis subtypes and to test whether sepsis subtypes have differences in treatment effect to vitamin C and describe putative biological effects of vitamin C treatment. We measured biomarkers of inflammation, at baseline and at 7days post-randomisation, in 457/863 (53.0%) of participants with plasma samples in the LOVIT trial. We used agglomerative hierarchical clustering on log10-transformed baseline data of 26 biomarkers to identify sepsis subtypes. We analysed differences in vitamin C treatment effect with regression models incorporating robust standard errors to report odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (OR(95% CI)). All analyses were completed blinded to treatment allocation. Our cohort included 233/429 (54.3%) allocated to vitamin C and 224/434 (51.6%) allocated to placebo. A three-subtype model best explained the variance in our data. Subtype-2 had the highest, and subtype-3 had the lowest levels of inflammatory response. In paired longitudinal samples, vitamin C did not have discernible anti-inflammatory effects, with anti-inflammatory effects related to time since randomisation and concomitant hydrocortisone treatment. The treatment effect estimates (OR (95% CI)) for subtype-1, subtype-2 and subtype-3 were 1.04 (0.63-1.73), 1.33 (0.53-3.36) and 1.95 (0.85-4.49), respectively (test of heterogeneity p = 0.002). We report three sepsis subtypes based on inflammatory response profile. No subtype benefitted from vitamin C treatment in the LOVIT trial, with heterogeneity of treatment effect in the magnitude of harm. Funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation; LOVIT ClinicalTrials.gov number,NCT03680274.

Differential response to right ventricular extrastimuli from the base and apex during long RP′ supraventricular tachycardia

Differential response to right ventricular extrastimuli from the base and apex during long <scp>RP</scp>′ supraventricular tachycardia

Differential biochemical responses of seven Indian wheat genotypes to temperature stress

BackgroundChanges in the temperature induction response are potential tools for the empirical assessment of plant cell tolerance. This technique is used to identify thermotolerant lines in field crops. In the present investigation, ten-day-old seedlings of six wheat genotypes released by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India were exposed to gradual increases in high temperature and duration (control 25 °C to 30 °C for 1 h, 34 °C for 1 h, 38 °C for 2 h and 42 °C for 3 h) to investigate their effects on some physiological and biochemical parameters to provide basic information for improving heat-tolerant cultivars.ResultsProline levels increased with increasing temperature up to 34 °C for 1 h but then decreased at higher temperatures (depending on genotype). Notably, proline levels decreased at 38 °C for 2 h in PDKV-Washim, AKAW-3722, and PDKV Sardar and at 42 °C for 3 h in all the genotypes. The relative leaf water content (RLWC) and chlorophyll 'b' content significantly decreased with increasing temperature. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels increased with temperature. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase also increased with temperature. However, these parameters, along with other biochemical indicators, generally decreased at 42 °C for 3 h.ConclusionThis study revealed positive relationships between increasing temperatures. Hydrogen peroxide levels and the activities of SOD, APX, and peroxidase enzymes across all the genotypes. The AKAW-4627 genotype presented better maintenance of physiological and biochemical parameters and lower H₂O₂ levels, indicating greater heat tolerance. Compared with PDKV-Washim and AKAW-3722, which are more susceptible to high temperatures, the WSM-109–04, AKAW-4627 and PDKV Sardar genotypes presented better adaptability to heat stress. These findings suggest that selecting wheat genotypes with higher proline accumulation and better maintenance of physiological and biochemical parameters under heat stress, such as AKAW-4627, can help in the development of heat-tolerant wheat cultivars.

Assessment of environmental degradation and conservation in the Maracanã River Basin, eastern amazon

Coastal basins stand out for their continent-estuary interface and connection as corridors of mangrove forests. The Maracanã River Basin (MRB) represents this environment, holding various ecosystem services for the component municipalities, protected areas with highly sensitive environments and water demand, and potential for multiple water uses. The proposed aim was to identify areas of degradation and environmental conservation in the MRB using the Blueprint model as support for water resource management. The methodology involved the application of the Blueprint model in the MRB, based on land use and cover information, rainfall, and characterization of the ecological units. The results showed that the MRB basin predominantly exhibits the degradation and restoration/connectivity classes in the Annual Blueprint (ABP) and Dry Blueprint (DBP), respectively. On the other hand, the Rainy Blueprint (RBP) predominantly exhibits Environmental Integrity. Statistical tests showed significant differences between ABP-RBP and DBP-RBP, which can be explained by the fact that on an annual scale of analysis, Blueprint classes are more heterogeneous, with a tendency toward environmental integrity, and intermediate classes in the rainy period; in the dry period, restoration and connectivity and degradation classes predominate. The correlation analysis indicates that natural vegetation cover shows a significant correlation with annual precipitation, rainy and dry quarters. These results provide significant insight into understanding the dynamics of degradation and conservation areas, assisting decision-makers in the environmental planning of the basin. In addition, the climatic component showed a differential response on annual and seasonal scales, acting as a modulating agent of the indicators.

Time-Course Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Salt-Tolerant and Salt-Sensitive Cotton Cultivars in Response to Salt Stress.

Salt stress is an environmental factor that limits plant seed germination, growth, and survival. We performed a comparative RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis during germination of the seeds from two cultivars with contrasting salt tolerance responses. A transcriptomic comparison between salt-tolerant cotton cv Jin-mian 25 and salt-sensitive cotton cv Su-mian 3 revealed both similar and differential expression patterns between the two genotypes during salt stress. The expression of genes related to aquaporins, kinases, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, trehalose biosynthesis, and phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling that include ethylene (ET), gibberellin (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and brassinosteroid (BR) were systematically investigated between the cultivars. Despite the involvement of these genes in cotton's response to salt stress in positive or negative ways, their expression levels were mostly similar in both genotypes. Interestingly, a PXC2 gene (Ghir_D08G025150) was identified, which encodes a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK). This gene showed an induced expression pattern after salt stress treatment in salt-tolerant cv Jin-mian 25 but not salt-sensitive cv Su-mian 3. Our multifaceted transcriptome approach illustrated a differential response to salt stress between salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cotton.