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Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Andres Thorkelsson,

Chun Chou,

Audrey Tripp,

Samia A. Ali,

Jonas Galper,

Michael T. Chin

Abstract: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular condition in the world affecting around 1:500 people. HCM is characterized by ventricular wall thickening, decreased ventricular chamber volume and diastolic dysfunction. Inherited HCM is most commonly caused by sarcomere gene mutations, however approximately 50% of patients do not present with a known mutation highlighting the need for further research into additional pathologic mutations. CRYABR123W was previously identified as a novel sarcomere-independent mutation causing HCM associated with pathologic NFAT signaling in the setting of pressure overload. We generated stable H9C2 cell lines expressing FLAG tagged wild type and mutant CRYAB, which demonstrated that CRYABR123W has increased calcineurin activity. Using Alphafold to predict structural and interaction changes we generated a model where CRYABR123W uniquely binds to the autoinhibitory domain of calcineurin. Co-immunoprecipitation using the CRYAB FLAG tag followed by mass spectrometry showed novel and distinct changes in the protein interaction patterns of CRYABR123W. Finally, mouse hearts extracted from our wild type and CRYABR123W model with and without pressure overload caused by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were used in global proteomic and phosphoproteomic mass spectrometry analysis which showed dysregulation in cytoskeletal, metabolomic, cardiac and immune function. Our data illustrates how CRYABR123W drives calcineurin activation and exhibits distinct changes in protein interaction and cellular pathways during the development of HCM and pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

Gorka Barrrenetxea,

Ricardo Celis,

Sheila Samojluk,

Julen Barrenetxea,

Edurne Martínez,

María De Las Heras,

Oihane Gómez,

Olaia Aguirre

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: This study investigates the impact of maternal age and blastocyst development stage on aneuploidy rates. It evaluates the effectiveness of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in improving clinical outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF). While PGT-A is often recommended for older patients, this study highlights its value across all maternal age groups in optimizing embryo selection. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, analyzing 691 IVF cycles with PGT-A and 2,577 biopsied blastocysts between January 2019 and December 2023 at a single reproductive center. Patients were stratified into five age groups (<30, 31–33, 34–35, 36–40, >40 years), and blastocyst biopsies were performed on days 5 or 6 for genetic testing. Primary outcomes included euploidy and aneuploidy rates, while secondary outcomes assessed embryo availability and pregnancy complications. Results: The overall euploidy rate was 34.5%, declining with age from 43.6% (<30 years) to 15.9% (>40 years), while aneuploidy rates peaked at 75.43% (>40 years). Blastocysts biopsied on day 5 showed higher euploidy rates than on day 6 (40.16% vs. 27.92%, p<0.001). PGT-A cycles demonstrated superior ongoing pregnancy rates compared to cycles without genetic testing, with the most significant benefit observed in patients aged 36–40 (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.07–4.35). However, all age groups benefited from PGT-A in reducing failed transfers due to non-viable embryos. Conclusions: This study underscores the universal utility of PGT-A in IVF, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing clinical outcomes and embryo selection, not only among older patients but across all maternal age groups. These findings highlight PGT-A as a valuable tool for optimizing IVF success regardless of patient age.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Neuroscience and Neurology

Chihiro Hiraki,

Fuminori Tsuruta

Abstract: The brain, the most important component of the central nervous system (CNS), is protected by multiple intricate barriers that strictly regulate the entry of abnormal proteins and cells. Thus, the brain is often described as an organ with immune privilege. Within the brain parenchyma, microglia are thought to be the primary resident immune cells, with no other immune-related cells present under normal conditions. On the other hand, recent studies in the meningeal border regions have revealed the presence of meningeal-specific lymphatic vessels and channels that connect the skull bone marrow. Importantly, resident macrophage populations specific to these boundary regions, known as CNS-associated macrophages (CAMs) or border-associated macrophages (BAMs), have been identified. In contrast to the brain parenchyma, the meninges contain many immune-related structures and cells, making them an important immune interface at the CNS border. CAMs serve a dual function, triggering immune responses under pathological conditions and supporting the maintenance of brain homeostasis. This review focuses on the immune architecture of the meninges and the roles of CAMs, summarizing and discussing recent advances in this field.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Life Sciences

Paola Zanfardino,

Alessandro Amati,

Mirko Perrone,

Vittoria Petruzzella

Abstract: Mitochondrial dynamics, governed by fusion and fission, are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, energy production, and stress adaptation. MFN2 and OPA1, key regulators of mitochondrial fusion, play essential roles beyond their structural functions, influencing bioenergetics, intracellular signalling, and quality control mechanisms such as mitophagy. Disruptions in these processes, often caused by MFN2 or OPA1 mutations, are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) and Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA). This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial fusion, the impact of MFN2 and OPA1 dysfunction on oxidative phosphorylation and autophagy, and their role in disease progression. Additionally, we discuss the divergent cellular responses to MFN2 and OPA1 mutations, particularly in terms of proliferation, senescence, and metabolic signalling. Finally, we highlight emerging therapeutic strategies to restore mitochondrial integrity, including mTOR modulation and autophagy-targeted approaches, with potential implications for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

Karen Maybel Granados-Vega,

Silvia Evangelista-Lozano,

Tomás Rodríguez-García,

José Fernando Pérez-Barcena,

Ma. del Carmen Ángeles González-Chávez,

Daniel Tapia-Maruri,

Mario Rodríguez-Monroy

Abstract:

Starch is a polysaccharide produced by plants, which varies in size, shape and appearance and can be observed at different levels. Pouteria campechiana is a fruit tree of the Sapotaceae family. The fruits contain one to five large seeds with a high starch content. Given the increasing demand for food, it is crucial to explore alternative sources of non-conventional energy for human consumption. This study aims to characterize the starch granules of P. campechiana seeds at various stages of germination. Fruits were collected in the state of Morelos, Mexico and seeds were germinated. Samples were taken at 3, 33, 50, 50, 74, 98 and 130 days after sowing (das). They were fixed in FAA (formaldehyde, acetic acid and alcohol) and cut for embedding in paraffin. Sections were obtained with a microtome, stained with toluidine blue and mounted with resin. They were observed under the microscope. The microphotographs were subjected to digital analysis. The following were measured: area, circularity, solidity, roundness, diameter. At 3 das, the highest amount of starch was found, while at 50 and 130 das, the lowest amount was recorded. The majority of the granules are simple, round, large and small. As germination progresses, they become deformed, taking on a polygonal shape.

Communication
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

Malcolm Bogroff,

Clemente Brogca

Abstract:

In light of the discovery of the bacteria Ideonella Sakaiensis in 2016, enzyme based recycling has become a very promising field of study. The bacteria was found in the sludge of a Japanese recycling plant and produced the enzyme PET hydrolase. This was one of the first enzymes discovered capable of breaking down type 1 plastic. As time went on, researchers began developing more efficient versions of PET hydrolase. Though it has amazing potential, its ability in a low fidelity setting is still unknown. In our study, we produced a series of low fidelity bioreactors to test the enzyme’s capabilities under stress. For our procedures, we used E. Coli modified with the pET21b(+)-Is-PETase plasmid [3] to produce the enzyme for our study. We conducted our experiment over the course of 4 weeks with 5 unique batch style bioreactors. In our research we were able to determine that E.Coli was able to decrease the weight of 0.6 grams (± 200 milligrams) PET plastic strips by 0.2 milligrams (± 0.1 milligram).

[M1]Refs. Citation are not allowed in abstract, please move them to maintext.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Toxicology

Ahmed Mohamed Helaly,

Doaa Ghorab

Abstract:

There are many RNA polymerase inhibitors, such as rifampicin, which acts as an antituberculosis agent, and relatively new antiviral drugs, such as sofosbuvir. These drugs have a safe profile and strong efficacy in treating tuberculosis and hepatitis C infections. Studies have shown that high doses of these compounds promote cell longevity (prolonging life span) in humans. It is hypothesized that these drugs also affect human RNA polymerases at high doses. We predicted that such inhibition inhibits the RNA transcription machinery, which is considered a pacemaker of the biological clock. It is important to shift research to human RNA polymerase modulators to develop new versions of drugs treating diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders. Although there is no data about the crystal structure of the human RNA polymerase, the mammalian and even the bacterial structures look conserved. It is important to raise concerns about cancer risk from potential new drugs targeting RNA polymerase. However, adding adjuvant therapy, such as vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, to RNA polymerase inhibitors can be a wise strategy at the end of the tunnel. The speed of RNA polymerase elongation modulates longevity. Aging affects the transcription machinery, and transcription activity affects longevity, creating a loop.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Forestry

Kristine Vander Mijnsbrugge,

Stefaan Moreels,

Sharon Moreels,

Damien Buisset,

Karen Van Campenhout,

Eduardo Notivol Paino

Abstract: Understanding how woody plants cope with severe water shortages is critical, espe-cially for regions where droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. We studied the effects of drought intensity, focusing on post-drought resprouting, autumn leaf se-nescence and the subsequent spring bud burst. Furthermore, we aimed to study popu-lation differentiation in the drought and post-drought responses. We performed a summer dry-out experiment in a common garden of potted Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae) saplings. We looked at the responses in different visual stress symptom categories and at provenance differentiation between a local (Western Europe), a more southern and a more northern provenance. The chance on post-drought resprouting was larger for the more severely affected plants, and the timing of resprouting was earlier than for the less severely affected ones. The plants that displayed wilting of the leaves during the drought had a leaf senescence 2.7 days earlier than the controls, whereas plants with 25 to 75% and more than 75% of desiccated leaves were 7 and 15 days later, respectively. During the drought, the local provenance was the first to de-velop visual symptoms. Still, for the plants with no to mild symptoms due to the drought, this provenance displayed a larger chance for post-drought resprouting. Among the control plants, the northern provenance was earlier, and the southern was later in leaf senescence compared to the local provenance. This differentiation disap-peared for the plants with more than 25% of desiccated leaves due to the drought. Whereas leaf senescence could be earlier or later depending on the developed drought symptoms, the timing of bud burst was only delayed. Results indicate that resprouting and timing of leaf senescence are responsive to the severity of the experienced drought in a provenance dependent way.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Other

Giusi Caragnano,

Anna Grazia Monteduro,

Silvia Rizzato,

Gianluigi Giannelli,

Giuseppe Maruccio

Abstract:

The exploration of alternatives to the use of animal models and cell cultures has culminated in the creation of organ-on-a-chip systems in which organs in physio-pathological conditions and their reactions to the presence of external stimuli are simulated. In addition, they support the recreation of tissue interfaces such as tissue-air, tissue-liquid and tissue-tissue, which are very similar to those present in vivo, even through the presence of biomechanical stimuli. In this way they are best suited to mimic biological barriers, such as the skin, placenta, blood-brain barrier and others, which are characterized by tissue interface and their functioning is important to ensure the homeostasis of the organism. This review shows the different biological membranes that we can simulate within an organ-on-chip, also using induced pluripotent stem cells to act in the direction of personalized medicine. Different methods that can be used to detect barrier formation, including the integration of electrodes for real-time monitoring, are also explained, highlighting advantages and challenges.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Yuwei Yang,

Yidong Shi,

Cuiling Tong,

Dejian Zhang

Abstract:

As an endogenous hormone, auxin plays a crucial role in regulating plants’ growth and development. Auxin synthesis and transport are mediated by gene expression regulation, but the regulatory mechanism is poorly understood. Therefore, we studied this problem using citrus (trifoliate orange, citrus rootstocks) as the experimental material. The experiment involved the treatment of two groups of trifoliate orange with exogenous auxin (indolebutyric acid, IBA) and auxin inhibitor (2-naphthoxyacetic acid, 2-NOA), respectively, in a sand culture system. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory mechanisms by which auxin affects seedling growth and mineral nutrition levels in trifoliate orange. The results showed that exogenous auxin significantly enhanced taproot elongation and lateral root density, while also markedly elevating the levels of phosphorus (P), cuprum (Cu), zinc (Zn), and other mineral nutrients in trifoliate orange leaves. In contrast, the auxin inhibitor produced the opposite effects. Exogenous auxin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of genes related to auxin synthesis and transport and led to a significant increase in auxin content. Exogenous auxin inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of most auxin synthesis and transport genes and led to a significant decrease in auxin content. According to the results of this study, the synthesis and transport of auxin regulate trifoliate orange root growth, thereby further affecting its absorption of mineral nutrients.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ping Gong,

Zhaohui Guo,

Shengping Wang,

Shufeng Gao,

Qinhong Cao

Abstract: DNA damage response (DDR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing the accumulation of mutations that can lead to various diseases, including cancer. DDR is a complex cellular regulatory network that involves DNA damage sensing, signal transduction, repair, and cell cycle arrest. Modifications in histone phosphorylation play important roles in these processes, facilitating DNA repair factor recruitment, damage signal transduction, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle regulation. The precise regulation of histone phosphorylation is critical for the effective repair of DNA damage, genomic integrity maintenance, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, where DNA repair mechanisms are often compromised. Thus, understanding histone phosphorylation in DDR provides insights into DDR mechanisms and offers potential therapeutic targets for diseases associated with genomic instability, including cancers.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biology and Biotechnology

David E. Jaramillo,

Ji Wook Jeong,

Enrico Divito

Abstract: Pulp tissue debridement and eradication of microorganisms from an infected root canal system before obturation is a primary focus of endodontic treatment and the best predictor for the long-term success of endodontic treatment. The purpose of this in vitro laboratory study was to evaluate pulp tissue debridement and the disinfection efficacy of two different Er;Cr:YSGG laser units, with 2790 nm wavelength, compared to Ultrasonic Activated Irrigation (UAI) in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. The different laser-activated irrigation protocols showed multiple areas of remaining bacteria, biofilm, tissue, and thermal ablation. The laser fiber tips also displayed significant tip degradation after use which might affect efficacy. While UAI showed similar results. In this in-vitro study, laser-activated irrigation using Er;Cr:YSGG technology and UAI were inefficient in eliminating pulp tissue from difficult-to-reach areas and Enterococcus faecalis from infected root canals.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Virology

Chen Chen,

Zhengfu Zhang,

Qiao Zheng,

Yingshun Zhou,

Shujun Zhang

Abstract: Since the end of 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 strain has undergone several mutations, and new variants continue to emerge. The immune escape ability of the mutants has enhanced, showing robust transmissibility. The neutralizing ability of the neutralizing antibodies produced during previous infections decreased in some mutants. This poses a severe challenge to the preventive and therapeutic effectiveness of vaccines and antibody drugs. Nucleocapsid protein, one of the main structural proteins of the coronavirus, plays an important role in the life cycle of the novel coronavirus and has proven to be one of the key targets for drug development. The first key step in drug development is to obtain pure nucleocapsid proteins. However, as nucleocapsid proteins have a nucleic acid binding function and can automatically undergo liquid–liquid phase separation and agglomerate, the purification of full-length nucleocapsids is extremely challenging. In this study, a set of easy-to-operate processes for the purification of nucleocapsid protein was developed. Finally, a pure full-length nucleocapsid protein without nucleic acid contamination was obtained. Subsequently, we also targeted the nucleic acid binding domain of the nucleocapsid protein and screened for potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors using virtual screening and biolayer interferometry (BLI) technology. Finally, a small molecule inhibitor, Light Green SF (KD = 19.9 µM), which can bind to nucleocapsid protein, was identified. In the future, we will continue to conduct more in-depth research and attempt to develop drugs that possess a good inhibitory effect on the current novel coronavirus mutants.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Virology

Sandra Landazabal-Castillo,

Lucero Alva-Alvarez,

Dilan Suarez-Agüero,

Enrique Mamani-Zapana,

Egma Mayta-Huatuco

Abstract:

(1) Background: The emergence of H5N1 Influenza A viruses clade 2.3.3.4b since 2020, have caused the mortality of thousands of birds/mammals worldwide, through evolu-tionary changes have been associated with acquired mutations and posttranslational modifications. (2) Methods: This study aimed to compare the mutational profile of H5N1 avian Influenza virus isolated from a Peruvian natural reserve, with recent data from other related international studies made in human and different species of domestic and wild birds and mammals. Briefly, the near complete protein sequences of Influenza virus coming from a Calidris alba were analyzed in a multisegmented level, altogether with 55 samples collected between 2022-2024 in different countries. Moreover, the glycosylation patterns were also predicted in silico. (3) Results: A total of 603 amino acid changes were found among H5N1 viruses analyzed, underscoring the detection of critical mutations HA:143T, HA:156A, HA:208K, NA: 71S, NP:52H, PA:336M, PA:36T, PA:85A/N, PB1-F2:66S, PB2:199S, PB2:292V, PB2:559T, as well as PA:86I, PA:432I, PA:558L, HA:492D, NA:70D, NS1-83P, PB1:515A, PA-X:57Q, PB1-F2:22E, NS1-21Q, NEP:67G, among others, considered of importance under One Health perspective. Similarly, changes in the N-linked glycosylation sites (NLGs) predicted in both HA and NA proteins were found, highlighting the loss/acquisition or changes in some NLGs sites such as 209NNTN, 100 NPTT, 302NSSM (HA) and 70NNTN, 68NISS, 50NGSV (NA). (4) Conclu-sions: This study provides our understanding about the evolution of current Influenza A viruses H5N1 HPAIV circulating globally. These findings outline the importance of sur-veillance updating mutational profiles and glycosylation patterns of these highly evolved virus.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Cell and Developmental Biology

Naoko Nishii,

Tomoko Kawai,

Hiroki Yasuoka,

Tadashi Abe,

Nanami Tatsumi,

Yuika Harada,

Takaaki Miyaji,

Shunai Li,

Moemi Tsukano,

Masami Watanabe

+4 authors
Abstract: Glomerular podocytes act as a part of filtration barrier in the kidney. The activity of this filter is regulated by ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Adjacent podocytes can potentially release glutamate into intercellular space; however, little is known about how podocytes release glutamate. Here, we demonstrated vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)-dependent glutamate release from podocytes. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that rat glomerular podocytes and an immortal mouse podocyte cell line (MPCs) express VGLUT1 and VGLUT3. Consistent with this finding, quantitative RT-PCR revealed the expression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT3 mRNA in undifferentiated and differentiated MPCs. In addition, the exocytotic proteins vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, synapsin 1, and synaptophysin 1 were present in punctate patterns, and colocalised with VGLUT3 in MPCs. Interestingly, approximately 30% of VGLUT3 colocalised with VGLUT1. By immunoelectron microscopy, VGLUT3 was often observed around clear vesicle-like structures in differentiated MPCs. Differentiated MPCs released glutamate following depolarization with high potassium levels and after stimulation with the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. Depletion of VGLUT3 in MPCs by RNA interference reduced depolarization-dependent glutamate release. These results strongly suggest that VGLUT3 is involved in glutamatergic signaling in podocytes and maybe a new drug target for various kidney diseases.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Other

Aurelia Hall-Bromley,

Laura Dixon

Abstract:

Horse welfare concerns have been a subject of increased discussion for decades. The issue of compromised horse welfare in the UK, and across the globe, is complex as welfare concerns are varied, wide ranging and nuanced. Several solutions to combat compromised horse welfare have been suggested by existing research, but each of these have their limitations. In this study, existing literature regarding horse welfare, and education and licensing as potential solutions were analysed. Distress behaviour was the most cited welfare concern in the literature, narrowly followed by health issues and behavioural issues. The citations for causes of poor welfare were dominated by management and training practices. Analysis found that the highest cited barrier to good welfare was a lack of knowledge, followed by lack of understanding. Further research into horse welfare was most commonly suggested as the best step to address welfare concerns, and increased awareness of welfare issues was suggested as the best solution to prevent welfare issues. In terms of education, the most cited positive outcomes were increased knowledge, awareness or understanding. However, the most prominent limitation of education was an unclear effect on behaviour, as well as other notable factors such as availability. The most cited licensing success was use as a consumer tool, but licensing was limited by enforcement. Taking the relevant literature as a whole, there is no single evident solution that can solve the horse welfare problem, but there are areas identified that merit closer consideration.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Endocrinology and Metabolism

Sonam Kumari,

Andrew Makarewicz,

Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska

Abstract: Thyroid cancer is a very common endocrine system malignancy. Nevertheless, a dearth of precise markers makes it challenging to apply precision medicine to thyroid cancer. The limitations to standard diagnosis technique (fine needle aspiration biopsy) such as indeterminate cases and inaccuracies in distinguishing between different types of cancers lead to unnecessary surgeries and thus warrant development of more discriminatory biomarkers to improve the accuracy of the existing diagnostic and prognostic techniques. Moreover, individualized therapies for thyroid cancer are necessary to avoid overtreatment of indolent lesions and undertreatment of high-risk progressive disease. Since thyroid cancer metabolic signatures are associated with disease ag-gressiveness and responsiveness to therapy, metabolomics has been recently used for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers discovery. This strategy enabled detection of several metabolites from tissue samples or biofluids to facilitate the classification of disease aggressiveness and to potentially assist in individualized therapies. In this review, we have summarized the utilization and potential of metabolomics in thyroid cancer.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

Burim N. Ametaj

Abstract: Milk fever, or periparturient hypocalcemia, in dairy cows has traditionally been ad-dressed as an acute calcium deficiency, leading to interventions like supplementation and adjustments in dietary cation-anion balance. Although these measures have im-proved clinical outcomes, milk fever remains a widespread and economically signifi-cant issue for the dairy industry. Emerging findings demonstrate that a narrow empha-sis on blood calcium concentration overlooks the complex interactioins of immune, en-docrine, and metabolic pathways. Inflammatory mediators and bacterial endotoxins can compromise hormone-driven calcium regulation and induce compensatory calcium se-questration, thereby worsening both clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia. Recent in-sights from systems biology illustrate that milk fever arises from non-linear interactions among various physiological networks, rather than a single deficiency. Consequently, this review contends that a holistic strategy, integrating nutrition, immunology, micro-biology, genetics, and endocrinology, is vital for comprehensive management and prevention of milk fever. By embracing a multidisciplinary perspective, producers and veterinarians can develop more robust, customized solutions that not only safeguard animal well-being but also bolster profitability. Such an approach promises to meet the evolving demands of modern dairy operations by reducing disease prevalence and enhancing overall productivity. Tackling milk fever through integrated methods may unlock possibilities for improved herd health and sustainable dairy farming.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Jia Jiao,

ChenFeng Dai,

MiJu Su,

XiaoYue Fan,

LuTing Yu,

YingFeng Wang

Abstract: This study investigates the stakeholder-driven mechanisms enabling China's tea industry's voluntary transition toward carbon neutrality. Based on the analysis of 11,358 research papers retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, published between 2001 and 2024, and supported by government funding sources, with a focus on carbon neutrality, carbon sink, carbon peaking, carbon storage, and carbon emissions, combined with policy analysis and value chain mapping, we identify key transformation pathways.The findings reveal:(1) Government and scholars play a dominant role in driving the low-carbon transition through policy and technological innovation.(2) Full-value-chain enterprises possess a significant advantage in coordinating technology and equipment upgrades across upstream and downstream segments, enhancing carbon reduction efficiency.(3) Carbon-emitting enterprises face market pressures and struggle to balance economic and environmental objectives.(4) While the tea industry’s capacity for internal carbon balance is limited, it can partially offset external carbon emissions in sectors like forestry.The study provides theoretical insights and policy recommendations to support the green transformation of China's tea industry, offering a reference for low-carbon development in other agricultural sectors.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

Jiajia Zhang,

Kaili Zhang,

Shaohua Sun,

Ping He,

Dafu Deng,

Hanrong Lv,

Mingwang Xie,

Pingping Zhang,

Wanglong Zheng,

Nanhua Chen

+2 authors
Abstract: African swine fever (ASF) is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), infection in domestic pigs and wild boars causes a highly contagious, hemorrhagic disease. The p54 protein is encoded by the ASFV E183L gene and is one of the important structural proteins located on the inner envelope of the virus. It is involved in processes of virus assembly, apoptosis induction and neutralizing antibody production. In this study, three specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against ASFV p54 protein were generated, namely 6B11, 3E3, and 3C10, from the mice immunized with recombinant prokaryotic p54 truncated protein. Three novel linear B cell epitopes recognized by the mAbs were revealed, which are 60AAIEEEDIQFINP72, 128MATGGPAAAPAAASAPAHPAE148, and 163MSAIENLRQRNTY175. The epitopes 60AAIEEEDIQFINP72 and 163MSAIENLRQRNTY175 were highly conserved in genotype I and II ASFV strains. In addition, the epitope peptide ELISA can be used for the detection of ASFV antibody. Our work provides new insights for vaccine development and tools for serological diagnosis of ASF.

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