High Similarity Research Articles

Sorlinia euscelidii gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel acetic acid bacterium isolated from the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Acetic acid bacteria - belonging to the Acetobacteraceae family - are found in the gut of many sugar-feeding insects. In this study, six strains have been isolated from the hemipteran leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus. While they exhibit high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to uncultured members of the Acetobacteraceae family, they could not be unequivocally assigned to any particular type species. Considering the clonality of the six isolates, the EV16PT strain was used as a representative of this group of isolates. The genome sequence of EV16PT is composed of a 2.388 Mbp chromosome, with a DNA G+C content of 57 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and whole-genome multilocus sequence analysis indicate that EV16PT forms a monophyletic clade with the uncultivated endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri, the Candidatus Kirkpatrickella diaphorinae. Such a phylogenetic clade is positioned between those of Asaia-Swaminathania and Kozakia. The genomic distance metrics based on gene and protein sequences support the proposal that EV16PT is a new species belonging to a yet-undescribed genus. It is a rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative bacterium, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, showing optimal growth without salt (NaCl) at 30 °C and pH of 6-7. The major quinone is Q10, and the dominant cellular fatty acids (>10%) are C18:l ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω6c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 1 2OH. The polar lipid profile comprises diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, along with unidentified aminophospholipids, glycophospholipids, aminolipids and lipids. Based on a polyphasic approach, including phylogenetic, phylogenomic, genome relatedness, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterisations, EV16PT (= KCTC 8296T, = DSM 117028T) is proposed as a representative of a novel species in a novel genus with the proposed name Sorlinia euscelidii gen. nov., sp. nov., in honour of Prof. Claudia Sorlini, an Italian environmental microbiologist at the University of Milan who inspired the research on microbial diversity, including symbiosis in plants and animals.

Cloning and Identification of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) PI3KC3 and Its Expression in Response to CyHV-3 Infection.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a class of key regulatory factors in eukaryotes that can inhibit viral replication by influencing autophagy. Currently, cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) poses a serious threat to common carp culture. However, PI3K has not yet been identified in common carp. In this study, full-length PI3KC3 from common carp (CcPI3KC3), consisting of an open reading frame (ORF) of 2664 bp encoding a polypeptide of 887 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 101.19 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 5.97, was cloned. The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of CcPI3KC3 displayed high similarity to yellow catfish's (Tachysurus fulvidraco) PI3KC3. The tissue expression profile revealed that the mRNA levels of CcPI3KC3 in the liver, spleen, and head kidney were significantly greater than those in the brain, heart, intestines, gills, eyes, testes, and ovaries of common carp. We compared the expression patterns of CcPI3KC3 between "Longke-11" mirror carp (CyHV-3-resistant carp) and German mirror carp (non-resistant to CyHV-3) at different times (0, 48, 96, 144 h, 192, 240, 288 h post-infection (hpi)) after CyHV-3 infection. The results revealed that CcPI3KC3 mRNA expression significantly increased in the early infection stage. In the CyHV-3-resistant mirror carp variety, the relative expression of CcPI3KC3 was significantly greater at 48, 96, and 144 hpi compared with the nonbreeding strain groups after infection (p < 0.001). These results indicate that the full-length CcPI3KC3 sequence was successfully cloned from common carp for the first time, and it might play an important role in the immune system of common carp against CyHV-3 infection. This study provides a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of CyHV-3 resistance.

Diversity of Northwestern and North Caucasian Populations of &lt;i&gt;Puccinia striiformis&lt;/i&gt; f. sp. &lt;i&gt;tritici&lt;/i&gt; by Virulence and Microsatellite Loci in 2022

Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Pst) is a potentially dangerous disease of wheat. Genetic protection of wheat is an environmentally safe method of control. For its successful application, information on the structure of regional populations of the pathogen is needed. The purpose of these studies is to characterize the virulence and molecular polymorphism of Russian Pst populations in 2022. Wheat leaves with Pst urediniopustules were obtained from the North Caucasus (Krasnodar Territory, Dagestan, Kalmykia) and Northwestern (Leningrad region) regions. Virulence analysis was performed on 14 isogenic lines (AvocetNIL) and 15 differentiator varieties. The polymorphism of 20 microsatellite loci was evaluated in molecular analysis. We used SSR markers recommended by the Global Rust Reference Center. Virulence was studied in 74 monopustular isolates: 29 Dagestan, 10 Krasnodar, 5 Kalmyk, 30 northwestern. Resistance to all isolates was shown for lines with genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24, Yr26 and varieties Moro (Yr10, YrMor) and Nord Desprez (Yr3, YrND, Yr+). Isolates virulent to the AvYr17 line were detected for the first time in Dagestan and Krasnodar populations. They were moderately represented in the northwestern population (13%). Significant variation was observed in lines and varieties with the Yr1 and Yr3 genes. There was a decrease in virulence to Yr7 and YrSp compared to 2019–2021. 28 phenotypes (races) were determined in the virulence analysis (15 in Dagestan, 11 in North West, 3 in Krasnodar and 2 in Kalmyk). A common phenotype was noted for three North Caucasian Pst samples. The genetic distances between the identified phenotypes were estimated. In the multidimensional diagram, most of them combined together in a common group, with the exception of three Dagestan phenotypes with the fewest virulence alleles. According to the Fst index, Dagestan and Kalmyk Pst collections were characterized by high similarity; others differed moderately from them. The long-term virulence dynamics (2019–2022) of Pst populations in the Northwestern and North Caucasian regions was assessed. High similarity was determined between all regional population samples in 2019 and 2020. The northwestern and Dagestan populations differed slightly from them in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the Krasnodar and Kalmyk populations were divided into separate groups, which differed from each other and from the main group. Long-term results of virulence analysis indicate a high dynamic of the structure of Pst populations in Russia. All North Caucasian isolates and 23 Northwestern isolates were used in the SSR analysis. Six loci (RYN3, RYN9, RYN12, WU6, RJO21, RJO24) were monomorphic. Three polymorphic alleles were identified in the RYN13 and RJO27 loci and two in the remaining studied ones. Significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are noted for most loci. The observed heterozygosity exceeded the expected one, which indicates an excess of heterozygotes and the clonal origin of the population. The studied collection of isolates was represented by 20 multilocus genotypes (MGs) (Dagestan and Northwestern – 11 each, Krasnodar – 3, Kalmyk – 1). Common genotypes were detected in Dagestan, Krasnodar and Northwestern populations (MG_1); Dagestan, Kalmyk and Northwestern (MG_2); Dagestan and Krasnodar (MG_3, MG_4). The genetic distances between MGs were estimated. In the multidimensional diagram, they are divided into 4 groups. The main group included 80% of MGs. One Dagestan MG, two Northwestern MG and MG_3 common for Dagestan and Krasnodar collections, significantly differentiated from the main group and among themselves. According to the Fst index, most regional Pst collections were moderately differentiated among themselves, with the exception of Dagestan and Kalmyk, which is consistent with the virulence analysis. According to the Mantel test, a moderate correlation was found between the results of virulence analysis and SSR (r = 0.6). This indicates that both analyses can be used in assessing the genetic polymorphism of Pst. The high variability of Russian populations based on virulence and microsatellite loci determines the need for annual monitoring of regional Pst populations in Russia.

Deciphering the Genetic Architecture of Staphylococcus warneri Prophage vB_G30_01: A Comprehensive Molecular Analysis.

The current knowledge of Staphylococcus warneri phages is limited, with few genomes sequenced and characterized. In this study, a prophage, vB_G30_01, isolated from Staphylococcus warneri G30 was characterized and evaluated for its lysogenic host range. The phage was studied using transmission electron microscopy and a host range. The phage genome was sequenced and characterized in depth, including phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses. The linear dsDNA genome of vB_G30_01 contains 67 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), classifying it within Bronfenbrennervirinae. With a total of 10 ORFs involved in DNA replication-related and transcriptional regulator functions, vB_G30_01 may play a role in the genetics and transcription of a host. Additionally, vB_G30_01 possesses a complete set of genes related to host lysogeny and lysis, implying that vB_G30_01 may influence the survival and adaptation of its host. Furthermore, a comparative genomic analysis reveals that vB_G30_01 shares high genomic similarity with other Staphylococcus phages and is relatively closely related to those of Exiguobacterium and Bacillus, which, in combination with the cross-infection assay, suggests possible cross-species infection capabilities. This study enhances the understanding of Staphylococcus warneri prophages, providing insights into phage-host interactions and potential horizontal gene transfer.

Homebuyer complaints during defect liability period: critical analysis of individual presumptions, defect discovery and post-rectifications factors

Purpose This study aims to investigate factors leading to homebuyer complaints during defect liability periods (DLP). The specific study objectives are to: identify critical factors leading to homebuyer complaints during DLP; compare the factors among regions, house price and developer recognition; group the factors into subcategories; and evaluate the criticality of the categories. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 20 homebuyers were carried out, generating 37 factors. A survey was developed with the factors categorized into three categories: individual presumptions, defects discovery and post-rectifications. The survey data were collected from 104 homebuyers who had acquired new houses within the last five years. The collected data were subjected to statistical analyses, including normalized mean analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation. Findings The results indicate that individual presumptions, defects discovery and post-rectifications have 8, 14 and 6 critical factors. Then, there are high similarities in the criticality of the factors among regions, house price and developer recognition. The defect discovery factors can be grouped into function- and precision-related factors. Finally, the defect discovery category has the highest overall criticality, followed by post-rectification and individual presumption categories. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to quantitatively investigate factors leading to homebuyers’ complaints during DLP. The study findings offer a new perspective for policymakers in the development of housing regulations.

Advances in Deep Learning for Skin Cancer Diagnosis

The most prevalent type of cancer worldwide is known as skin cancer. Early detection is critical because if left undiagnosed in the primary stage, it might be fatal. Although there are differences within the class and high inter-class similarities, it is too difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Owing to the disease's global prevalence, a number of deep learning based automated systems were created thus far to help doctors identify skin lesions early on. Using pre-trained ImageNet weights and fine-tuning the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), we trained VGG19 on the HAM10000 dataset. The optimal performance was observed with FT. The model that was created, which yielded an accuracy that was greater overall than the one used in transfer learning, was 82.4±1.9 %. By offering a second opinion and supporting the clinician's diagnosis, this performance could lower morbidity and treatment costs.

P02.15.A INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF CELLULAR SENESCENCE IN BRIDGING GLIOBLASTOMA AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract BACKGROUND With changing demographics, age-related diseases like neurodegenerative disorders and cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent. We previously demonstrated that over 50% of glioblastoma (GB) patients show Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-like changes in the tumor-adjacent cortex. However, whether these diseases are biologically linked remains unclear. Here, we investigate cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, as a shared mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS We utilized single cell and single nucleus RNA sequencing datasets from 110 GB patients (GBmap core atlas) and 89 individuals with varying stages of AD (SEA-AD MTG atlas). Following data integration, we assessed senescent cells using three established gene lists, performed differential gene expression and conducted gene set enrichment analysis. Senescence scores were compared across different cell types and patients. Co-expression modules with senescence-associated genes were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Quantitative neuropathological analysis of published measurements (Iba1, AT8, 6E10) complemented the molecular findings. RESULTS Senescence was found in both GB and AD patient cells including cell types of the microenvironment. Notably, the variability in scores per patient was significantly higher in GB as compared to AD cell types, indicating greater inter-patient heterogeneity. Microglia were specifically enriched for senescence gene sets among glial cells. Subset analysis of microglia through data harmonization identified a proinflammatory GB microglia subtype that shared high similarity with AD microglia and had highest senescence scores. Notably, the increase in senescent microglia was associated with progression to advanced disease stages in both diseases. WGCNA identified 3 consensus modules of senescence-associated genes that were coexpressed with disease-specific genes, like PTEN implicated phosphorylation in the AD module and SPP1 for extracellular matrix remodeling in the GB module. All senescence associated modules showed increased expression in more advanced disease stages. Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemistry measurements in the AD dataset confirmed that samples with a high senescence score showed a significantly higher density of tau pathology and an altered microglia morphology. CONCLUSION Our study identifies cellular senescence as one connection between GB and AD pathology by utilizing atlas-level transcriptomic datasets. Particularly microglia upregulate senescence signatures with disease progression. The co-expression of senescence-associated genes within disease-specific modules underscores the complexity of senescence in this context.

Genetic characteristics of clinical carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: epidemic ST11 KPC-2-producing strains and non-negligible NDM-5-producing strains with diverse STs

Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most important Gram-negative pathogens that can cause serious nosocomial infections. The emergence and prevalence of hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP) pose a significant challenge to public health. In this study, we characterized thirty carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) strains from a tertiary care hospital in Sichuan province, China, by whole-genome sequencing and genome analysis. These strains were all highly resistant to carbapenem but remained susceptible to tigecycline. Of the 30 tested CRKP strains, 23 were positive for blaKPC−2 and seven for blaNDM−5. These blaKPC−2-positive strains all belonged to ST11, while blaNDM−5-positive strains belonged to five distinct STs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a predominant intra-hospital transmission of ST11-KL64 in KPC-2-producing CRKP, and that both clonal and horizontal transmission of blaNDM−5 have occurred among NDM-5-producing CRKP strains in this hospital. Hypervirulence genes were commonly detected in the CRKP. The prevalent pLVKP-like plasmid and ICEKp seem to have contributed largely to the transmission of virulence genes in them. blaNDM−5 was located on highly similar IncX3 plasmids in the collected strains, and its truncated vision was highlighted. blaKPC−2 was primarily carried by IncFII/IncR plasmids in our collection. At least two IncFII/IncR plasmid subtypes were identified, exhibiting high similarity to many previously reported blaKPC−2-bearing plasmids from different parts of China. The findings provide an expanded knowledge of the genetic characteristics of CRKP, the transmission pattern of carbapenem-resistance genes, and also the convergence of Hv-CRKP.

Enhancing multi-type fault diagnosis in lithium-ion battery systems: Vision transformer-based transfer learning approach

Ensuring the accurate diagnosis of internal short circuit (ISC) faults and consistency anomalies is crucial for maintaining the high safety and longevity of battery systems. The challenge lies in the high similarity between the features of ISC faults and consistency anomalies, which can complicate accurate fault diagnosis. This study introduces a multi-fault diagnostic model that leverages the Vision Transformer (ViT) and employs simulated data to accurately pinpoint ISC faults and intricate consistency anomalies, such as capacity and state of charge anomalies, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of up to 100 %. The process begins with an in-depth analysis of fault mechanisms to extract and differentiate multi-fault features using a mean difference model. Subsequently, the ViT's exceptional ability to capture temporal information, which aids in the accurate identification of fault features. The integration of transfer learning with experimental data further refines the real-world diagnosis accuracy. The results confirm the robustness of the proposed method, highlighting its potential to substantially mitigate safety hazards in battery systems and enhance operational reliability.

Comprehensive amino acids profiling: Grape varieties grown in California and in Tuscany, Italy.

Twenty-three amino acids and glutathione were profiled in 33 juices: Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Merlot grown in Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, and Napa Valley, CA, as well as Petit Verdot grown in Napa Valley, CA. The method was carried out by online pre-column derivatization followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection; residual standard deviation values for repeatability (n=20) were<5%. All amino acids could be successfully separated in these samples within 18 min. The most abundant amino acids, PRO, γ-aminobutyric acid, and ARG, varied by two-, two-, and three-fold, respectively, across all of the grape juices sampled. Comparisons between grape juices based on their geographic origin and variety were made with principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Merlot juices from both regions were correlated differently by amino acids profile than Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc juices. The amino acids profile in Merlot juices was more similar between most sites in Bolgheri. In contrast, Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc juices had a higher similarity between vineyards in Bolgheri and vineyards in Napa Valley. Overall, most of the amino acids quantified in Cabernet franc juices and, to a lesser degree, Cabernet sauvignon juices from Bolgheri and Napa Valley vineyards were strongly correlated with each other.

Radiometric calibration of UAV multispectral images under changing illumination conditions with a downwelling light sensor

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐acquired multispectral images commonly suffer from radiometric inaccuracies due to changing illumination produced by intermittent cloud cover. This study addressed cloud shadow effects by integrating direct irradiance measurements from a downwelling light sensor into reflectance calculations. Two reflectance calibration methods were proposed as follows: (1) use of a single calibration reference panel for all images (Method 1) and (2) employment of a minimum distance classifier to assign color‐graded in‐field reflectance calibration targets to individual images based on their proximity in irradiance levels (Method 2). Images were acquired from 30 and 75 m flight altitudes with fixed‐exposure and auto‐exposure settings. Conventional photogrammetric calibration of UAV multispectral images inadequately addressed cloud shadows, resulting in orthomosaics with poor to moderate spatial uniformity (R2 = 0.70–0.92) and high mean absolute percentage error (MAPE = 13.52%–49.18%). The proposed calibration methods improved radiometric accuracy, yielding average R2 = 0.99 and 0.98 at 30 and 75 m images, respectively. Method 1 showed superior performance on the red‐edge and near infrared bands, and Method 2 worked best in the blue, green, and red bands. Post‐processing empirical line calibration of orthomosaics from Methods 1 and 2 reduced MAPE in reflectance estimation by at least 50% compared to conventional calibration. The clear sky reference histograms had lower Jensen–Shannon distance, higher Pearson's correlation, and improved intersection ratios with the histograms from the proposed methods, implying high similarity. Vegetation indices calculated with the proposed methods closely matched those from the reference orthomosaic, exhibiting significantly lower MAPE than conventionally calculated vegetation indices.

Application of a shear cell for the simulation of extrusion to test the structurability of raw materials

The required raw material properties and the mechanisms behind fibrous structure formation during high moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC) to produce plant-based meat analogues are not sufficiently understood. The implementation of new raw materials is therefore a labour-intensive, empirical endeavour. Hence, this research explores the potential of a high-pressure shear cell (HPSC) as a tool for rapid screening of raw materials for HMEC suitability. During these texturisation tests, material viscosity was monitored to gain deeper mechanistic insights. For that, hydrated pea protein isolate (PPI) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) were sheared at 5-40 s−1 in the HPSC with a cone-plate or plate-plate geometry under extrusion-like conditions at 140–160 °C and 20 bar. Fibrous structures were successfully generated with both tested plant proteins, but reproducibility was limited to trials with SPC. Monitoring of viscoelastic properties revealed an onsetting polymerisation, followed by a decrease in viscosity, indicating fracturing of the forming network as underlying structuring mechanism. The suggested fracturing of an emerging network aligns with an observed increase in fibrousness in the plate-plate geometry compared to the cone-plate geometry due to the radial shear rate gradient. Finally, this research showcased a high similarity of the process-structure response pattern for SPC between the applied HPSC process and HMEC. Yet, further modifications, such as increasing the mechanical energy input capacity, are required to effectively apply HPSC processing for the prediction of the structuring behaviour in HMEC for the broad range of existing raw materials.

Characterization of six clinical drugs and dietary intervention in the non-obese CDAA-HFD mouse model of MASH and progressive fibrosis.

The choline-deficient L-amino acid defined-high fat diet (CDAA-HFD) mouse model is widely used in preclinical metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) research. To validate the CDAA-HFD mouse, we evaluated disease progression and responsiveness to dietary and pharmacological interventions with semaglutide, lanifibranor, elafibranor, obeticholic acid (OCA), firsocostat and resmetirom.Disease phenotyping was performed in C57BL/6J mice fed CDAA-HFD for 3-20 weeks and ranked using the MASLD Human Proximity Score (MHPS). Semaglutide, lanifibranor, elafibranor, OCA, firsocostat or resmetirom were profiled as treatment intervention for 8 weeks, starting after 6 weeks of CDAA-HFD feeding. Semaglutide and lanifibranor were further evaluated as early (preventive) therapy for 9 weeks, starting 3 weeks after CDAA-HFD diet feeding. Additionally, benefits of dietary intervention (chow reversal) for 8 weeks were characterized following 6 weeks of CDAA-HFD feeding. CDAA-HFD mice demonstrated a non-obese phenotype with fast onset and progression of MASH and fibrosis, high similarity to human MASH-fibrosis, and tumor development after 20 weeks of diet-induction. Semaglutide and lanifibranor partially reversed fibrosis when administered as prevention, but not as treatment intervention. Elafibranor was the only interventional drug to improve fibrosis. In comparison, chow-reversal resulted in complete steatosis regression with improved liver inflammation and fibrosis in CDAA-HFD mice. CDAA-HFD mice recapitulate histological hallmarks of advanced MASH with progressive severe fibrosis, however, in the absence of a clinical translational obese dysmetabolic phenotype. CDAA-HFD mice are suitable for profiling drug candidates directly targeting hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. The timing of pharmacological intervention is critical for determining antifibrotic drug efficacy in the model.

Helicobacter cappadocius sp. nov., from lizards: The first psychrotrophic Helicobacter species

It was aimed to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter in some reptilian and amphibian species in Türkiye and to describe the bacteria. For this purpose, 73 cloacal swab samples were used as material. The description of the isolates was performed by detailed phenotypic tests, whole genome analyses, and MALDI-TOF MS. As a result of the phenotypic analysis, two helical, curved Gram-negative, motile isolates were recovered. It was determined through the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences that two isolates belonged to the genus Helicobacter. These isolates were found to be in a distinct group from other Helicobacter species. However, the 16S rRNA sequence did not match any identified species, with the closest match being Helicobacter mustelae strain R85-13-6T, which had an identity level of 96.2 %. Additionally, it was found that strains faydin-H75T and faydin-H76 had a 99.3 % identity level for their 16S rRNA genes. After conducting dDDH and ANI analyses, it was found that strains faydin-H75T and their close neighbors H.anseris ATCC BAA-1299T shared 13.5 % and 68.8 % similarity, respectively. The genome size of the strains was 1.7 Mb while G + C contents were 33.5 %. Metagenomic analyses using IMNGS and Protologger tools revealed the presence of faydin-H75T in various lizard species with high similarity, confirming its broad distribution and host specificity. The results indicated that these two strains represent a novel species, for which we propose the name Helicobacter cappadocius with faydin-H75T (=NCTC014972 = LMG 33382 = DSM117062) as the respective type strain. The current novel species is the first Helicobacter species to exhibit a psychrotrophic feature.

Snake-like bird hisses induce anti-predator responses in a frog

Some snakes emit hissing calls which are imitated by birds to deter potential predators. However, the effect of these snake and bird hisses on anuran risk recognition is not yet explored. Here we hypothesize that these hisses may advertise dangers to frogs and evoke their anti-predator responses. We used little torrent frogs (Amolops torrentis) as subjects and conducted sound playbacks to test their anti-predator behaviors. We found that little torrent frogs changed their calling behaviors during sympatric snake hiss playbacks, but showed no response to white noise and allopatric snake hiss playbacks. They did not respond to sympatric avian hiss that has low acoustic similarity with snake sounds. However, they decreased calling activity in response to sympatric avian hiss that has high acoustic similarity with snakes. As compared to other treatments, more individuals ceased calling during the playbacks of the highly similar bird hiss. These results suggest that frogs may recognize risks from snake and snake-like hissing calls and perform anti-predator responses.

Misshaped boundary classifier model for license plate detection in haze weather using entropy CNN

Weather that creates haze can cover up car license plates, creating warped lines that make it difficult to see and identify them. This paper suggests a novel Primitive Boundary Classifier Model (PBCM) that uses the unique properties of bright and dark boundaries to solve this problem. Iteratively extracting characteristics from the input image, the PBCM draws volatile borders and ends linearity at particular pixel positions. To detect irregular boundaries in the hidden layers through changes in entropy and regularity terminations, this procedure is combined with linear entropy learning, which is accomplished by altering a convolutional neural network. Identifying the license plate area and its related embedding is possible by finding these terminating border pixel locations. The model evaluates its performance during validation by considering similarity and false rate metrics. The comparative analysis, this model improves the 7.34% detection precision with 15.98% high similarity and 8.95% less false rate for the maximum epochs performance ratio of 90.1% and error rate of 11.2%.

Identification of cotton non-pathogenic fungal agent isolates based on morphological and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method

In this study, morphological and MALDI-TOF MS identification and comparison of non-pathogenic fungal species isolated from diseased root, leaf and boll tissues of cotton plants were carried out. For this purpose, surveys were conducted in Bağlar, Sur, Çınar, Bismil, Yenişehir, Ergani, Eğil, Kayapınar and Silvan districts of Diyarbakır province where cotton production is intensive between June and September 2020 and 2021. 209 samples of plants showing typical fungal disease symptoms were collected from 75 different cotton production areas. A total of 171 fungal isolates were obtained by isolation, culture and purification procedures from diseased plant tissues in the samples. The 20 isolates that were negative in the pathogenicity test in the main host were identified and compared by morphological (traditional) and MALDI-TOF MS methods. According to the results, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus minisclerotigenes, Penicillium nalgıovense, Chaetomium globosum, Dichotomopilus funicola, Arthroderma gloria, Pseudogmnoacus pannorum, Tichophyton interdigitale, and Penicillium sp. Penicillium sp. were found to be intensively colonized in different parts of cotton such as leaves, bolls and roots. Again, it was determined that the most common species among the total saprophyte isolates was Aspergillus niger with a high similarity rate.

Diversity of Northwestern and North Caucasian Populations of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici by Virulence and Microsatellite Loci in 2022.

Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst)) is a potentially dangerous disease of wheat. Genetic protection of wheat is an environmentally safe method to control the disease, but its successful application requires information on the structure of regional populations of the pathogen. Virulence and molecular polymorphism were characterized in two Russian Pst populations in 2022. Wheat leaves with Pst urediniopustules were collected from the North Caucasus (Krasnodar Krai, Dagestan, and Kalmykia) and Northwestern Russia (Leningrad Oblast). Virulence was tested on 14 isogenic lines (AvocetNIL) and 15 differentiator cultivars. Polymorphism at 20 microsatellite loci was evaluated in molecular analyses. The SSR markers were as recommended by the Global Rust Reference Center. Virulence was assessed in 74 monopustular isolates, including 29 Dagestan, 10 Krasnodar, 5 Kalmyk, and 30 Northwestern ones. Resistance to all isolates was observed in lines with the genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24, and Yr26 and the cultivars Moro (Yr10, YrMor) and Nord Desprez (Yr3, YrND, Yr+). Isolates virulent to the AvYr17 line were detected for the first time in the Dagestan and Krasnodar populations. Their occurrence was moderate (13%) in the Northwestern population. A significant variation was observed in lines and cultivars with the Yr1 and Yr3 genes. Virulence to Yr7 and YrSp was found to be lower than in 2019 to 2021. In total, 28 phenotypes (races) were determined in the virulence analysis (15 in Dagestan, 11 in the Northwestern region, 3 in Krasnodar, and 2 in Kalmykia). A common phenotype was detected in three North Caucasian Pst samples. Genetic distances between the phenotypes were estimated. Most phenotypes grouped together in a multidimensional diagram, with the exception of three Dagestan phenotypes with the fewest virulence alleles. Based on the Fst index, the Dagestan and Kalmyk Pst collections were high similar to each other and differed moderately from the other collections. Long-term trends in virulence (from 2019 to 2022) were assessed in the Pst populations. A high similarity was observed between all regional population samples in 2019 and 2020. The Northwestern and Dagestan populations slightly differed from the other populations in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the Krasnodar and Kalmyk populations formed separate groups, which differed from each other and from the main group. The long-term virulence analysis indicated that the structure of Pst populations is highly dynamic in Russia. All North Caucasian isolates and 23 Northwestern isolates were used in the SSR analysis. Six loci (RYN3, RYN9, RYN12, WU6, RJO21, and RJO24) were monomorphic. Three polymorphic alleles were identified in each of the RYN13 and RJO27 loci; two alleles, in each of the remaining loci examined. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed for most loci. The observed heterozygosity exceeded the expected one, suggesting a clonal origin of the Pst population. Twenty multilocus genotypes (MGs) were found in the total isolate collection (11 in Dagestan, 11 in the Northwestern region, 3 in Krasnodar, and 1 in Kalmykia). Common MGs were detected in the Dagestan, Krasnodar, and Northwestern populations (MG_1); Dagestan, Kalmyk, and Northwestern populations (MG_2); and Dagestan and Krasnodar populations (MG_3 and MG_4). Genetic distances between MGs were estimated. MGs formed four groups in a multidimensional diagram. A major group included 80% of MGs. One Dagestan MG, two Northwestern MGs, and MG_3 common for the Dagestan and Krasnodar collections were significantly differentiated from the major group and differed from each other. Based on Fst, most regional Pst collections were moderately differentiated from each other, with the exception of the Dagestan and Kalmyk collections. The finding was consistent with the virulence analysis results. The Mantel test detected a moderate correlation between the virulence and SSR data (r = 0.6). This indicates that both analyses can be used to assess genetic polymorphism in Pst. The high variability of the virulence and microsatellite loci warrants annual monitoring of regional Pst populations in Russia.

Genetická charakterizace tisu červeného (Taxus baccata L.) v širší oblasti Podyjí/Thayatal a na Svitavsku s vazbou na ochranářský management

The aim of the work is to determine the genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and genetic structure of subpopulations of the specially protected common yew in the area of South Moravian Podyjí (Czech Republic), Thayatal (Austria) and in the Svitavy region (Czech Republic) using DNA analyses (nSSR-nuclear Simple Sequence Repeats). The subjects of the analyses were yews of 1) natural occurrences in the territory of the Podyjí National Park (NP), 2) cultural origin in the Podyjí NP, 3) natural occurrences in the Thayatal NP (Austria), 4) natural occurrences outside the Podyjí NP, and 5) cultural origin in the Podyjí region outside the NP. For the comparison and better interpretation of results there also were analysed geographically more distant subpopulations, 6) natural occurrences in the Hřebečský ridge (NW Moravia), 7) cultural yew occurrences in the Svitavy region (NE Bohemia &amp; NW Moravia), 8) natural occurrences in the Jílovské yews (N Bohemia), and 9) natural occurrences in the Moravian Karst (S Moravia). We observed higher level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.54; He = 0.77), the FST with ENA correction ranged from 0.007 to 0.123. According to a STRUCTURE analysis, high genetic similarity was observed between samples from the Podyjí NP and Hřebečský ridge. The impact of the analysis results on the conservation management of tested populations was outlined.

Computational Microbiome Pharmacology Analysis Elucidates the Anti-Cancer Potential of Vaginal Microbes and Metabolites.

The vaginal microbiome's role in risk, progression, and treatment of female cancers has been widely explored. Yet, there remains a need to develop methods to understand the interaction of microbiome factors with host cells and to characterize their potential therapeutic functions. To address this challenge, we developed a systems biology framework we term the Pharmacobiome for microbiome pharmacology analysis. The Pharmacobiome framework evaluates similarities between microbes and microbial byproducts and known drugs based on their impact on host transcriptomic cellular signatures. Here, we apply our framework to characterization of the Anti-Gynecologic Cancer Vaginal Pharmacobiome. Using published vaginal microbiome multi-omics data from the Partners PrEP clinical trial, we constructed vaginal epithelial gene signatures associated with each profiled vaginal microbe and metabolite. We compared these microbiome-associated host gene signatures to post-drug perturbation host gene signatures associated with 35 FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures database to identify vaginal microbes and metabolites with high statistical and functional similarity to these drugs. We found that Lactobacilli and their metabolites can regulate host gene expression in ways similar to many anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, we experimentally tested our model prediction that taurine, a metabolite produced by L. crispatus, kills cancerous breast and endometrial cancer cells. Our study shows that the Pharmacobiome is a powerful framework for characterizing the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of vaginal microbiome factors with generalizability to other cancers, microbiomes, and diseases.