Changes In Patterns Research Articles

Segment specific loss of NFAT5 function in the kidneys is sufficient to induce a global kidney injury like phenotype.

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) is a transcription factor known for its role in osmotic stress adaptation in the renal inner medulla, due to the osmotic gradient that is generated between the renal cortex and renal inner medulla. However, its broader implications in kidney injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are less understood. Here we used two different Cre deleter mice (Ksp1.3-Cre and Aqp2-Cre) to generate tubule segment and even cell type-specific NFAT5-deficient mice and performed extensive gene expression profiling. In both Nfat5 knockout models, we observed massive changes in gene expression pattern, with heightened inflammatory responses and renal injury, culminating in renal fibrosis. Interestingly, inflammatory responses were much more prominent in the Aqp2Cre+/-Nfat5fl/fl mice that lack NFAT5 only in the collecting duct. By analyzing gene expression in the medullary and cortical regions of the kidney separately, we confirmed that the loss of NFAT5 results in kidney injury that extends beyond hypertonic areas. Renal injury correlates with the expression level of genes involved in inflammatory response, injury severity, and cytokine signaling. Thus, NFAT5 is essential not only for adapting to osmotic stress but also for its loss of function, which induces activation of inflammatory response and cytokine signaling that might affect regions with functional NFAT5 expression.

Light alters calling-song characteristics in crickets.

Communication is crucial for mate choice and thus for the survival and fitness of most species. In the cricket, females choose males according to their calling-song attractiveness and, exhibiting positive phonotaxis they approach the chosen male. Light has been widely reported to induce changes in crickets' daily activity patterns, including the males' stridulation behavior. It had remained unknown, however, whether light also affects the calling-song properties and thus may consequently also alter female choice. Here we present a novel semi-automated process, enabling the analysis of calling-song properties in an extremely large sample size of recording sections from males subjected to lifelong light:dark (LD) or constant light (LL) conditions. Our findings revealed that the LD calling songs consisted of longer chirps, longer inter-syllable intervals, and a higher proportion of 4-syllable chirps compared to those of LL males. We also conducted some preliminary female choice experiments suggesting that females (reared in LD conditions) exposed to playbacks of male calling songs exhibit a preference towards LD over LL recordings. We therefore conclude that illumination conditions such as constant light affect the male crickets' calling-song properties in a manner that may be discernible to the females. It remains unclear, however, how and to what extent female mate choice and the species' overall fitness are affected by these changes.

Dynamics of water status during fruiting body development of Agaricus bisporus and its relationship to mushroom quality

BackgroundThe analysis of changes in subcellular water distribution during mushroom fruiting is essential for elucidating the movement of water molecules within subcellular compartments. However, prior research on mushrooms has predominantly concentrated on alterations in water status during drying and postharvest processes in the food processing sector. Knowledge regarding subcellular water compartments throughout mushroom growth and fruiting remains limited. In the present study, the dynamics of subcellular water status across various growth stages of Agaricus bisporus were investigated using LF-NMR relaxometry.ResultsThree components were resolved from transverse relaxation curves, assigned to cell wall, cytoplasmic and vacuolar water, in both whole mushroom and mushroom tissues (stalk and Pileus). As fruiting body developed, the proton degree of freedom of three water fractions determined by T2 measurement all increased. The T2 values of three water fractions in stalk were higher than those in pileus during the first three stages, whereas they became lower compared to those in pileus from somewhere between the two stages of 2–3 and 3–4. Apparently different patterns of change in three water contents were observed, indicating the variations in water distribution at subcellular level. Furthermore, relative humidities caused obvious changes in water status. In addition, highly significant correlations were observed between T2 and textural parameters, indicating that the dynamics of water status exert a substantial influence on the formation of mushroom quality.ConclusionsA consistent increase in the transverse proton degree of freedom of three distinct water fractions, accompanied by markedly divergent patterns in the variations of the three water contents, was observed across different growth stages of fruiting bodies. Subsequently, highly significant correlations between T2 and textural parameters were established. This study would contribute to reveal macroscopic water transport within mushroom tissues and provide theoretical insights for optimizing high-quality mushroom cultivation.Graphical

Oedema index trajectories at heart failure nurse clinics over 6 months after acute heart failure predict patient outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

Fluid accumulation is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). After acute HF, HF nurses provide home care suggestions based on oedema status assessed at outpatient clinics. However, the pattern of serial oedema changes and their associations with patient outcomes are unknown. We investigated the trajectories of bioimpedance analysis (BIA)-derived oedema index (EI) changes following acute HF and their prognostic value. This was a retrospective cohort study. We recruited 761 patients hospitalized for HF. Multisegmented and multifrequency BIA-derived EIs were measured at HF nurse outpatient clinics after discharge for 6 months. We explored the trajectories of EIs and their associations with all-cause rehospitalization and death within 2 years. Four EI trajectories were identified: trajectory 1 [T1, no oedema, n = 181 (23.8%)], T2 [transient, n = 341 (44.8%)], T3 [fluctuation, n = 195 (25.6%)], and T4 [worsening, n = 44 (5.8%)]. Compared with the T1 group, the T3 and T4 groups included more females; were older; had higher natriuretic peptide and glycohaemoglobin levels; and had higher incidences of comorbidities but lower albumin and cholesterol and worse kidney function (all P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that T2, T3, and T4 patients had lower event-free survival rates than did T1 patients (all P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that T3 and T4 were independently associated with an increased risk for events (P < 0.001). During the 6-month outpatient period after hospitalization, the EI trajectory of fluctuation or worsening was associated with poor outcomes. In the post-acute phase, monitoring the EI trajectory helps identify high-risk patients for optimizing HF management.

Pliocene Warmth and Patterns of Climate Change Inferred From Paleoclimate Data Assimilation

Pliocene Warmth and Patterns of Climate Change Inferred From Paleoclimate Data Assimilation

Climate change dominates over urbanization in tropical cyclone rainfall patterns

The role of climate change and urbanization has typically been considered in isolation of each other and it remains unclear which one has a more dominant effect in terms of changes in rainfall from tropical cyclones. Here, we employ a convection-permitting numerical model to quantify the relative effects of urbanization and climate change on rainfall from ten typhoons across a highly urbanized area in China. We show that climate change is largely responsible for the changes in the spatial pattern and amounts of rainfall from tropical cyclones; on the other hand, urbanization consistently contributes to the redistribution of rainfall, and its positive effects are comparable to those of climate change in the urban core. Although the role of the thermodynamic component in altering tropical-cyclone rainfall increases under a warming climate, these rainfall changes are still largely driven by dynamic effects, especially when considering the role of urbanization.

Rural-urban transformation shapes oasis agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains

Traditional agricultural activities and rural livelihoods in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains are rapidly changing. This is triggered by increasing rural-urban interactions and new livelihood opportunities in cities. A typical example is the oasis of Tizi N’Oucheg in the country’s High Atlas Mountains, which over centuries was largely self-sufficient in food grain and livestock production. Improved infrastructure and better connections to distant urban centers have caused declining livelihood reliance on agricultural activities and enhanced dependence on remittances and the tourism sector in the region. Based on the case of Tizi N’Oucheg, this study aims at assessing the socio-economic and ecological implications of rural-urban transformation for ancient oasis systems in Morocco. Surveys on agricultural practices, census, and meteorological data were combined with GIS (Geographical Information System) -based analyses to examine land use and cropping pattern changes of 625 fields from 1967 to 2022. For the GIS analyses, historical aerial images, multispectral satellite images, and drone-based surveys were used to generate manually classified agricultural fields and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) time series. Our results show a major decline in cultivated land from 13 ha to 6.8 ha over the past 50 years accompanied by an expansion of modern infrastructure since the 2000s. Land management has shifted from labor-intensive multiple cropping and natural fertilization to monocropping of barley for local livestock feeding and increased application of mineral fertilization. The challenging geography of the oasis increased the hardship of practicing traditional agriculture, and therefore largely determines the response of the community to rural-urban transformation. Our data also highlight the increased financial dependence of rural populations on urban centers and the demise of traditional, sustainable agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains if policies on agricultural development are not adapted to rural circumstances.

Hidden hunger: from a plant biologist's perspective.

In recent years, changes in dietary patterns from an omnivore diet to a moderate-to-restrictive diet that includes more plant food are becoming popular for various reasons and the associated health benefits. Despite the increased consumption of plant food as recommended by these seemingly healthy diets, micronutrient deficiency is still prevalent particularly among the health-conscious populations. The aim of this review is to help guide interventions by understanding micronutrient deficiency trends from a dietary habit and plant physiology context. In this review, the author discusses how modern agricultural practices coupled with climate change, and with particular emphasis on the extreme dietary habits that lack variation and excessive consumption, may contribute to an increased ingestion of antinutrients which in turn potentially exacerbate vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While plants possess a wide range of secondary metabolites that exert beneficial health effects, some of these compounds are also antinutrients that interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. Furthermore, the article also raises questions concerning the fate of antinutrient traits in future crops that were to be redesigned with improved stress tolerance, and the impacts it may have on human nutrition and the environment. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Using High‐Resolution Fisheries Data to Identify Spatial Patterns in Retained Catch Compositions for Mixed Fisheries

ABSTRACTMixed fisheries exploit fish stocks that are heterogeneously distributed in space using gears that are not species selective. This poses a challenge for management as catch limits for less productive stocks constrain catches of more productive stocks leading to losses in yield and economic value. Decoupling catches of stocks caught together in mixed fisheries could increase potential yields and may be achieved through changes in spatial fishing patterns. This study identifies fine‐scale spatial patterns of retained catches for the UK otter trawlers in UK waters by combining vessel monitoring system positional information and logbook data on retained catches. Spatially contiguous units were identified through a combination of Principal Components Analysis and spatial clustering. Our results show a complex spatial structure in the fish assemblage which differs across UK sea areas, with greater similarity between the Northern North Sea and West of Scotland compared to other sea areas. Through simulation, we highlight how fine‐scale spatially resolved fisheries data can identify areas where choke risks from catches of low‐quota, low‐productivity species associated with target species can be reduced. This underscores the value of fine‐scale data for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in mixed fisheries. Wider benefits from the use of fine‐scale data include the ability to identify consistent spatial métier definitions for use in modelling technical interactions. Ultimately, our study informs strategies and approaches that decouple catches of low‐quota, low‐productivity species caught together in mixed fisheries, improving sustainability and the conservation of living resources under complex management challenges.

Intravitreal Administration of Adalimumab‐Loaded Poly(Lactic‐co‐Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles: Effects on Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics

Adalimumab, a monoclonal antibody used for treating inflammatory diseases, including eye diseases, faces challenges in biodistribution and targeted delivery. Nanoparticle (NP)‐based drug delivery systems have shown promise in enhancing the pharmacokinetic profiles of biologic drugs. This study aims to develop, and characterize intravitreal adalimumab‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs to improve antibody distribution and therapeutic efficacy. Characterization studies, morphological examination, and quantitative, stability, and physical properties are conducted. In vitro release kinetics are assessed using a dialysis membrane method. In vivo biodistribution is studied in rats after intravitreal administration by Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging. The optimized NPs were spherical (around 300 nm) with a surface charge of about −20 mV. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading reach values close to 100%. Stability studies showed minimal changes in particle size and drug content. In vitro release showed a biphasic pattern with an initial burst release followed by sustained release. Safety studies indicated no significant cytotoxicity or adverse effects. The adalimumab‐loaded PLGA NPs demonstrate favorable physicochemical characteristics, stability, and release profiles. In vivo distribution revealed a change in the antibody's distribution pattern after intravitreal administration via NPs encapsulation. These findings suggest the potential for enhanced therapeutic outcomes and warrant further investigation in disease‐specific models to explore the clinical potential of this NP‐based delivery system.

Temporal dynamics hidden within species baselines – multifaceted decline of a lichen bioindicator (Bryoria fuscescens)

Abstract Rapid advances in species distribution modelling have been facilitated by open availability of ‘big data’ and powerful statistical methods. A key consideration remains the time window over which field recorded occurrence data are sampled to develop a baseline species distribution. Too narrow, and distributions are incomplete and affected by sampling bias, too broad and distributions may fail to meet an assumption of equilibrium, having been affected by dynamic change across a range of different predictors. Lichens are a case in point; being diverse, functionally important and the subject of bioclimatic modelling for conservation assessment, they are nevertheless a specialist taxonomic group that is comparatively less well recorded compared to birds, mammals or vascular plants, for example. In this study, we examined the distribution of the ‘hair-lichen’ Bryoria fuscescens, based on UK record data. We partitioned records into sub-decadal periods (1970s, 1990s, 2010s), and accounting for recording effort, we compared these distributions to three predictors: an historical reconstruction of two different pollutants (sulphur dioxide and nitrogen deposition), and the climate (minimum mean temperature). We asked whether the strength of evidence for the effect of environmental predictors on Bryoria fuscescens distribution varied among the different decades, while also considering a potential for lag-effects. We show that a Bryoria fuscescens distribution that appears static, is dynamic when referenced against patterns of field recording effort. Climate was consistently important in explaining Bryoria fuscescens distribution, which was also affected by the changing pattern of pollution over time. This included a lag-effect of peak sulphur dioxide in the 1970s, and accrued effects of nitrogen deposition that strengthen over time. Overall, we conclude that Bryoria fuscescens has undergone a long-term decline in extent over the last six decades, caused by complex multivariate effects of air pollution, probably combined with climate warming. The ability to resolve these trends for assessment against future conservation targets depends critically on maintaining field identification skills and a sufficiently robust recording effort.

Extreme migratory connectivity and apparent mirroring of non-breeding grounds conditions in a severely declining breeding population of an Afro-Palearctic migratory bird

Understanding the distribution of breeding populations of migratory animals in the non-breeding period (migratory connectivity) is important for understanding their response to environmental change. High connectivity (low non-breeding population dispersion) may lower resilience to climate change and increase vulnerability to habitat loss within their range. Very high levels of connectivity are reportedly rare, but this conclusion may be limited by methodology. Using multiple tracking methods, we demonstrate extremely high connectivity in a strongly declining, peripheral breeding population of a long-distance migrant, the Common Nightingale in the UK. Non-breeding population dispersion is lower than for previously tracked populations of this and other species and likely lower than can usually be detected by light-level geolocation, the main tracking method for small bodied species. Extremely low levels of population mixing were also detected, so any impacts on this population on the non-breeding grounds are unlikely to be shared with more distant breeding populations, corresponding to the observed patterns of European population change. According to a species distribution model using independent field data, this population’s non-breeding grounds had lower suitability than others and likely declined before the period we were able to assess. These results support hypotheses that climatic and habitat-related deterioration of non-breeding grounds contributes to population declines in peripheral and high-connectivity breeding populations of long-distance migrants, including the one studied here.

Estimates and trends in death and disability from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter due to high sodium intake, China, 1990 to 2019

ObjectiveThe effect of sodium intake on atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL), with respect to sex and age, has yet to be elucidated. This study aims to compare long-term trends in AF/AFL death and disability due to high sodium intake in China from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease study to assess the mortality and disability burden of AF/AFL attributable to high sodium intake (> 5 g/d) in China from 1990 to 2019. Overtime trends and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were analyzed with adjustments for age, sex, period, and cohorts.ResultsIn 2019, the number of AF/AFL deaths and disability-adjusted life years attributable to high sodium intake were 4209.944 (95% UI: [1250.690-8718.238]) and 235484.586 (95% UI: [89136.783-428566.694]), with males comprising 44.81% and 51.95% of cases, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and age-standardized disability rates (ASDRs) of AF/AFL attributable to high sodium intake exhibited downward trends from 1990 to 2019 in China. The AAPC was − 0.221(95% CI: -0.321–0.121)and − 0.631(95% CI: -0.816–0.446) for AF/AFL, respectively. An upward trend was observed in ASMRs for AF and AFL, attributable to high sodium intake due to high salt intake at ages 30–34, 35–39, and 40–44. With an increase in age, the AAPC for ASMRs increased correspondingly, and the AAPC for ASDRs exhibited a decreasing trend.ConclusionsOur findings provide strong evidence that high sodium levels in China significantly affect standard ASMRs and ASDRs for AF and AFL. Notably, different patterns of change are identified across various age groups, emphasizing the pronounced effect of salt reduction on AF and AFL.

Thermodynamic Approach to Modeling Complexity of Regional Hewett-Hubbert Resource Bubbles and Large Dynasties

This paper examines how the phenomena of emergence and complexity can be applied to the analysis of physical Hewett-Hubbert resource bubbles and historical dynasties. Concepts and definitions of energy, the laws of thermodynamics, efficiency, power and other useful terminology are introduced. Relevant proposed extensions of the Second Law of Thermodynamics are discussed. Several definitions of complexity are discussed and critiqued, including the energy rate density approach. Approaches between energy rate density and entropy approaches are compared. The divergence between energy rate density and complexity artifacts is explored. Principles of extended thermodynamics are then applied to the emergence of medium-term dissipative structures, such as the rise and fall of physical resource bubbles and historical dynasties. Changes in complexity are discussed when resource bubbles and historical dynasties progress through their processes of emergence. Patterns in complexity change are identified and a characteristic complexity profile for resource bubbles and historical dynasties is articulated.

Interaction of population density and slope will exacerbate spatiotemporal changes in land use and landscape patterns in mountain city

The complex topography of the mountain cities leads to uneven distribution of land resources. Currently, available studies mainly focuse on land use and landscape patterns (LU and LP) in plains or plateaus. Thus, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the drivers of changes in LU and LP in mountain cities. As the typical mountain city in China, Chongqing has changed significantly of land use in recent years. Here, we identified LU and LP changes from 2000 to 2020, and explored their drivers using GeoDetector in Yubei District, Chongqing. The following are the outcomes: (1) From 2000 to 2020, construction land, wetland and cropland had the greatest change in area, with 876.03%, -70.72% and -24.53%, respectively. The area of cropland transferred out was larger than the area transferred into it, while cropland still the largest among all land use types. (2) At the landscape level,construction landscape was at a low level. Grassland had the greatest degree of fragmentation, but showed a decreasing trend. The landscape’s complexity resulted from the conversion of various land uses. (3) The results of GeoDetector indicated that the interaction of population density and slope was the primary LU and LP changing factor. The results of the study provided a rational basis for the development of land use and landscape plans in the mountain cities.

System under Seismic Loadings and Seismic Response of Curve Bridge with Frictional Pendulum System under Multidimensional Seismic Excitation

The earthquake exhibits significant abruptness and extensive destruction, while the bridge is crucial for linking the transportation hub pre- and post-earthquake. Ensuring the bridge's seismic resilience is vital for minimizing casualties and property damage, as well as facilitating rescue operations. This study examines the impact of multidimensional seismic excitation on the seismic performance of a curved bridge utilizing a friction pendulum. A finite element model of a four-span curved simply supported beam girder is developed using Sap2000. Seismic excitation artificially manufactured with MATLAB. The analysis focuses on the influence of the seismic wave's characteristic period and the friction coefficient of the friction pendulum on the seismic response of vibration-isolated bridges, employing the nonlinear time-distance method. The findings indicate that the characteristic period of seismic waves exerts varying effects on distinct locations of the bridge structure, with vertical seismic waves significantly impacting the seismic response of the abutment structure, the maximum rate of change exceeds 40%. Furthermore, as the friction coefficient escalates, the varying dimensions of seismic waves increasingly affect different locations of the bridge structure, while the seismic response of the abutment follows a consistent pattern of change, the minimal value is achieved at a friction factor of 0.07.

Relationship between muscle activation and sagittal knee joint biomechanics in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common conditions affecting the knee joint, yet its pathomechanics remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in muscle activation and gait patterns and to analyze the relationship between muscle activation and kinetic gait patterns in patients with PFPS.MethodsThis study included 31 patients with PFPS and 28 healthy volunteers without any symptoms. The sagittal plane motion of the knee joint, representing primary movement of the knee joint, was evaluated to identify changes in gait patterns. Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activation of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (ST), and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles during gait analysis. Biomechanical features were analyzed during the three phases of the gait cycle; weight acceptance (WA), single limb support (SLS), and swing limb advancement (SLA) (0 ~ 12%, 13 ~ 50%, and 51 ~ 100% of the gait cycle, respectively).ResultsThe average knee extension moment (KEM) during WA was lower in the patient group and no significant differences were observed in the knee flexion angle (KFA). With respect to muscle activation, the patient group showed significantly higher muscle activation of the ST muscle in all phases. As the absolute value of the moment increased, the activation of the VM, VL, and ST muscles increased more rapidly in the patient group, especially when KEM was under −1% body weight × height (Bw × Ht) or over 5% Bw × Ht.ConclusionsPatients with PFPS exhibit elevated muscle activation, particularly in response to changes in the knee extension moment, which is likely a compensatory mechanism to manage knee joint loading during gait. These results highlight altered neuromuscular adaptations in PFPS, suggesting targeted therapies may help improve functional outcomes.Level of evidence III, cross-sectional study

Neuroanatomical Insights: Convergence and Divergence of Tinnitus with Normal or Mild Hearing Loss

Objectives: To explore the neuroanatomical abnormalities in idiopathic tinnitus patients by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM) techniques. To elucidate the central plasticity in tinnitus patients with normal or mild hearing loss from the neuroanatomical insights. Methods: A total of 74 patients with idiopathic tinnitus (43 with normal hearing and 31 with mild hearing loss) and 98 healthy subjects were enrolled. VBM and SBM were employed to analyze neuroimaging data and identify neuroanatomical differences. Results: Our analysis revealed a reduction in gray matter volume and a distinctive pattern of changes in cortical surface features in patients with idiopathic tinnitus, especially in brain regions closely related to the limbic system, such as the bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral entorhinal cortex, and insula. Tinnitus patients with mild hearing loss have more extensive gray matter volume reduction, and more complex changes in cortical surface features compared to tinnitus patients with normal hearing. In addition, we also found a significant correlation between the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of patients with idiopathic tinnitus and cortical characteristic parameters in the above brain regions. Conclusions: There are extensive neuroanatomical alterations in tinnitus patients. Mild hearing loss may aggravate the reduction of gray matter volume and change the surface characteristics of the cortex. Anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic tinnitus may be related to neuroanatomical alterations in specific brain regions.

A comprehensive review on impact of climatic change on adaptability and mitigation in fruit crop

Global warming and climate change are among the most pressing challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Climate change will result in rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold spells, frost days, droughts and floods. The effects of climate change have recently become more evident, with rising temperatures, altered and irregular precipitation patterns and increased extreme weather events. These changes are directly impacting the maturity and development of fruit crops. Heat stress during flowering and fruit set can greatly reduce fruit production, while irregular rainfall may disrupt pollination and heighten the risk of pests and diseases. Furthermore, increased carbon dioxide levels can influence the quality characteristics of fruits. To maintain the ongoing production and sustainability of fruit crops, it is vital to enhance resilience. Focusing on developing new varieties that offer higher yield potential and resistance to various stresses, such as drought, flooding and salinity, is crucial for sustaining crop yields. Additionally, breeding programs should aim to enhance the germplasm of key tropical and subtropical fruit crops to improve heat stress tolerance. Recent advancements in genetic editing technologies present substantial opportunities for the agricultural sector, especially in enhancing fruit crop traits. These innovations can be precisely tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for driving commercial success. In this review, we strive to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this important topic, along with recommendations for future research.

Identification of core biomarkers for tuberculosis progression through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro research

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a significant global public health issue with high mortality rates and challenges posed by drug-resistant strains, emphasizing the continued need for new therapeutic targets and effective treatment strategies. Transcriptomics is a highly effective tool for the development of novel anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, most studies focus only on changes in gene expression levels at specific time points. This study screened for genes with altered expression patterns from available transcriptomic data and analysed their association with the TB progression. Initially, a total of 1228 genes with altered expression patterns were identified through two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). We define genes with a P-value less than 0.05 for the combined effect of infection and time on gene expression as those with altered expression patterns. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that the biological functions of these genes mainly involve DNA translation, RNA processing, and transcriptional regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are primarily associated with fatty acid degradation, pyruvate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, as well as cholesterol metabolism signaling pathways. Subsequent Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified four core genes closely associated with TB progression, namely Rac Family Small GTPase 1 (RAC1), Ring-Box 1 (RBX1), Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L33 (MRPL33), and ELAV Like RNA Binding Protein 1 (ELAVL1). Q-PCR experiments confirmed that Mtb infection led to changes in the gene expression patterns of RAC1, RBX1, MRPL33, and ELAVL1 in THP-1 cells. These four genes may serve as core biomarkers for TB progression and can be utilized in the development of more effective anti-tuberculosis drugs and host therapy.