Electrochemical Detection of Nucleic Acids Using Three-Dimensional Graphene Screen-Printed Electrodes.

Electrochemical approaches, along with miniaturization of electrodes, are increasingly being employed to detect and quantify nucleic acid biomarkers. Miniaturization of the electrodes is achieved through the use of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), which consist of one to a few dozen sets of electrodes, or by utilizing printed circuit boards. Electrode materials used in SPEs include glassy carbon (Chiang H-C, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Levon K, Biosensors (Basel) 9:2-11, 2019), platinum, carbon, and graphene (Cheng FF, He TT, Miao HT, Shi JJ, Jiang LP, Zhu JJ, ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 7:2979-2985, 2015). There are numerous modifications to the electrode surfaces as well (Cheng FF, He TT, Miao HT, Shi JJ, Jiang LP, Zhu JJ, ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 7:2979-2985, 2015). These approaches offer distinct advantages, primarily due to their demonstrated superior limit of detection without amplification. Using the SPEs and potentiostats, we can detect cells, proteins, DNA, and RNA concentrations in the nanomolar (nM) to attomolar (aM) range. The focus of this chapter is to describe the basic approach adopted for the use of SPEs for nucleic acid measurement.

Self-hybridization structures of BiOBr0.5Cl0.5: An ultra-high capacity anode material for half/full potassium-ion batteries.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are gaining attention among emerging technologies for their cost-effectiveness and the abundance of resources they utilize. Within this context, bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX) have emerged as exceptional candidates for anode materials in PIBs due to their unique structural and superior electrochemical properties. However, challenges such as structural instability and low electronic conductivity remain to be addressed. In this study, a flower-like BiOBr0.5Cl0.5/rGO composite anode material was synthesized, demonstrating outstanding K+ storage performance. The self-hybridized structure enhances ion adsorption and diffusion, which in turn improves charge and discharge efficiency as well as long-term stability. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests confirmed the gradual release and alloying potassium storage mechanism of Bi metal, which occurs through the intermediate KxBiOBr0.5Cl0.5 phase within the BiOBr0.5Cl0.5 anode. This composite exhibited a high specific capacity of 246.4 mAh/g at 50 A/g and maintained excellent capacity retention after 2400 cycles at 5 A/g. Additionally, in full battery tests, it showed good rate performance and long cycle life, maintaining a discharge specific capacity of 119.6 mAh/g at a high current density of 10 A/g. Comprehensive characterizations revealed insights into the structural, electrochemical, and kinetic properties, advancing high-performance PIBs.

Telomere Length Measurement in Human Tissue Sections by Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Q-FISH).

Telomeres in most somatic cells shorten with each cell division, and critically short telomeres lead to cellular dysfunction, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Thus, telomere shortening is an important hallmark of human cellular senescence. Quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections allows the estimation of telomere lengths in individual cells in histological sections. In our Q-FISH method, fluorescently labelled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes are hybridized to telomeric and centromeric sequences in FFPE human tissue sections, and relative telomere lengths (telomere signal intensities relative to centromere signal intensities) are measured. This chapter describes our Q-FISH protocols for assessing relative telomere lengths in FFPE human tissue sections.

Onion-Like Carbon Nanozyme: Controlling Peroxidase-Like Activity by Carbon Hybridization Patterns for Antibacterial Therapy.

Since the inception of the concept of nanozymes, there has been a growing interest in the rational design and controllable synthesis of nanozymes with adjustable activities. In this study, onion-liked carbon (OLC) with remarkable peroxidase-like (POD) activity are developed through delicately controlling the sp2/sp3 configuration. The investigation reveals that enzymatic activity of OLC increases first and then decreases with the increased graphitic degree, with the highest activity observed at a moderate sp2/sp3 ratio of 17.17%. A series of experiments and theoretical calculations are conducted to elucidate the catalytic mechanism, and the structure-dependent activity is attributed to a synergistic effect of surface adsorption and electron transfer processes. The POD activity enables the OLC to catalyze the decomposition of H2O2, producing reactive oxygen species for eradicating Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, toxicity tests based on nematode and mouse models confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of OLC. Furthermore, the OLC exhibited antibacterial ability and promoted bacterial-infected wound healing in a mouse model. This work not only gives a deeper understanding of the structure-activity relationship and catalytic mechanism of carbon-based nanozymes, but also unveils a novel avenue for antibacterial therapy and wound healing applications.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the hybrid flat fish Platichthys stellatus (♀) × Platichthys bicoloratus (♂).

We report the complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid flounder Platichthys stellatus (♀) × Platichthys bicoloratus (♂). The mitochondrial genome contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 1 control region (D-loop), for a total length of 16,874 bp. The nucleotide composition of the heavy strand was 29.15% C, 26.99% A, 26.14% T, and 17.71% G. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed that the hybrid flat fish was a member of the same clade as P. stellatus (maternal inheritance). Our findings add to the extant data on the subfamily Pleuronecidae and provide insight into their molecular phylogeny and taxonomy.

Maize-Tripsacum-Teosinte allopolyploid (MTP), a novel dwarf mutant inducer tool in maize.

Dwarf plant architecture facilitates dense planting, and increased planting densities boost the maize yield. However, breeding applications of dwarfing materials for maize are currently limited. There is an urgent need remove the obstacles to applying dwarf resources. Here, we innovated a new method to add a novel maize dwarf germplasm through the distant hybridization of Maize-Tripsacum-Teosinte allopolyploid (MTP) with maize. We identified ten independent dwarf families with unique characteristics. Five germplasms in our library were controlled by their respective dwarf genes. However, no allele was controlled by Br2. Subsequently, d024 in the library was successfully fine mapped, revealing its linkage to indel-4 in ZmCYP90D1. The indel-4 polymorphism regulates the expression of ZmCYP90D1 and is controlled by an upstream transcription factor (ZmBES1/BZR1-5). The indel-4 of ZmCYP90D1 allele, which reduces plant height, originated from Tripsacum, a wild variety of maize. However, d024 exhibits sensitivity to brassinosteroids (BRs), with lower castasterone levels in the internodes than that in the wild type. Furthermore, ZmCYP90D1 interacted with ZmFDXs and ZmNAD(P)H to positively regulate the downstream BR synthesis pathway. Additionally, we showed that introgressing the indel-4 of the Tripsacum allele into modern hybrids ensures yield potential and improves the harvest index under high-density conditions. Overall, as we begin to manufacture highly engineered dwarf materials using the MTP, this approach will solve the problems faced by corn dwarfs.

Metabolomics reveals a key role of salicylic acid in embryo abortion underlying interspecific hybridization between Hydrangea macrophylla and H. arborescens.

KEY MESSAGE: Embryo abortion at the heart-shaped stage is the main reason for the failure of interspecific hybridization of hydrangea, and salicylic acid plays a key role during embryo abortion. Difficulties in obtaining seeds from interspecific hybridization between Hydrangea macrophylla and H. arborescens had severely restricted the process of breeding new hydrangea varieties. To clarify the cause of reproductive barriers, an interspecific hybridization was made between H. macrophylla 'Endless Summer' (female parent) and H. arborescens 'Annabelle' (male parent). The results showed that both parents' floral organs developed normally, 'Annabelle' had high pollen viability (84.83% at 8 h after incubation), and the pollen tube could enter into the ovule of 'Endless Summer' at 72 h after pollination. Therefore, the pre-fertilization barrier was not the main reason for the failure of interspecific hybridization. However, observation of the embryo development by paraffin sections showed that the embryo was aborted at the heart-shaped stage. In addition, salicylic acid (SA) content was significantly higher (fourfold, P < 0.01) at 21 days after pollination (DAP) as compared to that of 17 DAP, which means SA may be closely correlated with embryo development. A total of 957 metabolites were detected, among which 78 were significantly different. During the embryo abortion, phenylpropanoids and polyketides were significantly down-regulated, while organic oxygen compounds were significantly up-regulated. Further analysis indicated that the metabolic pathway was enriched in the shikimic acid biosynthesis pathway, which suggests that more SA was synthesized. Taken together, it can be reasonably speculated that SA plays a key role leading to embryo abortion underlying the interspecific hybridization between Hydrangea macrophylla and H. arborescens. The result is helpful to direct the breeding of hydrangea through distant hybridization.

Surface Optimization of Noble-Metal-Free Conductive [Mn1/4Co1/2Ni1/4]O2 Nanosheets for Boosting Their Efficacy as Hybridization Matrices.

Conductive 2D nanosheets have evoked tremendous scientific efforts because of their high efficiency as hybridization matrices for improving diverse functionalities of nanostructured materials. To address the problems posed by previously reported conductive nanosheets like poorly-interacting graphene and cost-ineffective RuO2 nanosheets, economically feasible noble-metal-free conductive [MnxCo1-2xNix]O2 oxide nanosheets are synthesized with outstanding interfacial interaction capability. The surface-optimized [Mn1/4Co1/2Ni1/4]O2 nanosheets outperformed RuO2/graphene nanosheets as hybridization matrices in exploring high-performance visible-light-active (λ >420 nm) photocatalysts. The most efficient g-C3N4-[Mn1/4Co1/2Ni1/4]O2 nanohybrid exhibited unusually high photocatalytic activity (NH4 + formation rate: 1.2 mmol g-1 h-1), i.e., one of the highest N2 reduction efficiencies. The outstanding hybridization effect of the defective [Mn1/4Co1/2Ni1/4]O2 nanosheets is attributed to the optimization of surface bonding character and electronic structure, allowing for improved interfacial coordination bonding with g-C3N4 at the defect sites. Results from spectroscopic measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that hybridization helps optimize the bandgap energy, and improves charge separation, N2 adsorptivity, and surface reactivity. The universality of the [Mn1/4Co1/2Ni1/4]O2 nanosheet as versatile hybridization matrices is corroborated by the improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of hybridized Co-Fe-LDH as well as the photocatalytic hydrogen production ability of hybridized CdS.

Spin-wave mode coupling in the presence of the demagnetizing field in cobalt-permalloy magnonic crystals.

We present the results of studies on the non-uniform frequency shift of spin wave spectrum in a two-dimensional magnonic crystal of cobalt/permalloy under the influence of external magnetic field changes. We investigate the phenomenon of coupling of modes and, as a consequence, their hybridization. By taking advantage of the fact that compressing the crystal structure along the direction of the external magnetic field leads to an enhancement of the demagnetizing field, we analyse its effect on the frequency shift of individual modes depending on their concentration in Co. We show that the consequence of this enhancement is a shift in the coupling of modes towards higher magnetic fields. This provides a potential opportunity to design which pairs of modes and in what range of fields hybridization will occur.

Highly divergent satellitomes of two barley species of agronomic importance, Hordeum chilense and H. vulgare.

In this paper, we have performed an in-depth study of the complete set of the satellite DNA (satDNA) families (i.e. the satellitomes) in the genome of two barley species of agronomic value in a breeding framework, H. chilense (H1 and H7 accessions) and H. vulgare (H106 accession), which can be useful tools for studying chromosome associations during meiosis. The study has led to the analysis of a total of 18 satDNA families in H. vulgare, 25 satDNA families in H. chilense (accession H1) and 27 satDNA families in H. chilense (accession H7) that constitute 46 different satDNA families forming 36 homology groups. Our study highlights different important contributions of evolutionary and applied interests. Thus, both barley species show very divergent satDNA profiles, which could be partly explained by the differential effects of domestication versus wildlife. Divergence derives from the differential amplification of different common ancestral satellites and the emergence of new satellites in H. chilense, usually from pre-existing ones but also random sequences. There are also differences between the two H. chilense accessions, which support genetically distinct groups. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) patterns of some satDNAs yield distinctive genetic markers for the identification of specific H. chilense or H. vulgare chromosomes. Some of the satellites have peculiar structures or are related to transposable elements which provide information about their origin and expansion. Among these, we discuss the existence of different (peri)centromeric satellites that supply this region with some plasticity important for centromere evolution. These peri(centromeric) satDNAs and the set of subtelomeric satDNAs (a total of 38 different families) are analyzed in the framework of breeding as the high diversity found in the subtelomeric regions might support their putative implication in chromosome recognition and pairing during meiosis, a key point in the production of addition/substitution lines and hybrids.

WISH-BONE: Whole-mount in situ histology, to label osteocyte mRNA and protein in 3D adult mouse bones.

Bone is a three-dimensional (3D) highly dynamic tissue under constant remodeling. Commonly used tools to investigate bone biology require sample digestion for biomolecule extraction or provide only two-dimensional (2D) spatial information. There is a need for 3D tools to investigate spatially preserved biomarker expression in osteocytes. In this work, we present a new method, WISH-BONE, to label osteocyte messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in whole-mount mouse bone. For mRNA labeling, we used hybridization chain reaction-fluorescence in situ hybridization (HCR-FISH) to label genes of interest in osteocytes. For protein labeling, samples were preserved using an epoxy-based solution that protects tissue structure and biomolecular components. Then an enzymatic matrix permeabilization step was performed to enable antibody penetration. Immunostaining was used to label various proteins involved in bone homeostasis. We also demonstrate the use of customized fluorescent nanobodies to target and label proteins in the cortical bone (CB). However, the relatively dim signal observed from nanobodies' staining limited detection. mRNA and protein labeling were performed in separate samples. In this study, we share protocols, highlight opportunities, and identify the challenges of this novel 3D labeling method. They are the first protocols for whole-mount osteocyte 3D labeling of mRNA and protein in mature mouse bones. WISH-BONE will allow the investigation of molecular signaling in bone cells in their 3D environment and could be applied to various bone-related fields of research.

Protocol for simultaneous detection of mRNAs and (phospho-)proteins with ARTseq-FISH in mouse embryonic stem cells.

Understanding the molecular signatures of individual cells within complex biological systems is crucial for deciphering cellular heterogeneity and uncovering regulatory mechanisms. Here, we present a protocol for simultaneous multiplexed detection of selected mRNAs and (phospho-)proteins in mouse embryonic stem cells using spatial single-cell profiling. We describe steps for employing single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-labeled antibo'dies, padlock probes, and rolling circle amplification to achieve simultaneous visualization of mRNAs and (phospho-)proteins at subcellular resolution. This protocol has potential application in identifying cells in heterogeneous biological microenvironments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hu et al.1.

Effect of pH on the surface charges of permanently/variably charged soils and clay minerals.

Traditionally, the surface charge number (SCN) of permanently charged soils/clay minerals is believed to be unaffected by environmental pH. However, recent studies have revealed the occurrence of polarization-induced covalent bonding between H+ and the surface O atoms of permanently charged clay minerals. This discovery challenges the traditional notions of "permanently charged soil" and "permanently charged clay mineral". The purpose of this study is to confirm that there are no true "permanently charged clay" or "permanently charged soil". In this study, the SCNs of two permanently charged clay minerals, two variably charged clay minerals, five permanently charged soils (temperate soils), and four variably charged soils (tropical or subtropical soils) were measured at different pH values using the universal determination method of SCN. The results showed that: (1) The SCNs of the permanently/variably charged soils and clay minerals decreased significantly with decreasing pH; (2) the SCN of montmorillonite decreased less with decreasing pH than the SCNs of variably charged minerals, whereas the SCN of illite decreased to nearly the same extent, indicating strong polarization-induced covalent bonding between H+ and the surface O atoms of illite; (3) the SCNs of permanently charged soils decreased to a similar extent as those of variably charged soils with decreasing pH. This study demonstrated that the concepts, "permanently charged clay mineral" or "permanently charged soil", are questionable because of the polarization-induced covalent bonding between H+ and the surface O atoms of clay minerals.

Immunophenotypic Characteristics and Cytogenetic Analysis of Adolescent and Young Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Correlations With Clinicopathological Parameters.

Introduction Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has suboptimal survival rates for adolescents and young adults (AYA) as compared to children. Very limited studies have been conducted on AYA patients in India. This study aimed to identify the cytogenetic and immunophenotype characteristics of B-cell ALL (B-ALL) in AYA patients and determine its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in the Southern India region. Method The study was a prospective study conducted for three years, from June 2019 to May 2022, in India. Newly diagnosed 90 patients with AYA (13-40 years) ALL were recruited. A B-ALL diagnosis was made based on morphology with cytochemical stains and immunophenotype by flow cytometry (FCM). Cytogenetic analysis was also performed using karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization to identify chromosomal aberrations. The cytogenetics results were correlated with immunophenotyping and clinicopathological characteristics. Variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The mean age was 22.68 ± 8.06 years. It was observed that the most common structural chromosomal abnormality for AYA was t(9;22) in 14 (15%) cases, followed by 6q deletions in seven (8%) cases, t(1;19) in four (4%) cases, and t(12;17) and t(6;14) in two (2%) cases each. In addition, t(3;12), t(2;11), t(12;21), t(1;9), t(2;12), and t(X;10) were found in one (1%) case each. The most common numerical abnormality was hyperdiploidy (15; 17%), followed by hypodiploidy (10; 11%). Further, myeloid antigen expression of CD33 was the most common aberrantly expressed marker found in 20 (28%) cases, followed by CD15 in three cases (5%), CD13 in three (4%) cases, and CD11b in two (3%) cases. It was also observed that in Ph+ve cases, CD33 and CD13 were most commonly expressed in three (33%) and two (17%) cases, respectively. In contrast, in Ph-ve patients, their expressions were lesser at 17 (27%) and one (2%) cases, respectively. In addition, leukemia-associated immunophenotype pattern (LAIP) markers CD44 6 (86%) and CD123 5 (55%) were also found to be significantly associated with Ph+ve, whereas their values in the Ph-ve group were lesser at 25 (42%) and 9 (17%), respectively. Our data also showed that older age wassignificantly associated with Ph+ve with a median age of 30 years (p = 0.012). In comparison, the median age of Ph-ve was only 21 years. Conclusion Our study established that the incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities for AYA was consistent with previously reported data. This study reaffirms that Ph+ve cases have significant associations with MyAg (CD13), LAIP (CD123 and CD44), and older age for the South Indian population.

Kinetic energy driven two-sublattice double-exchange: a general mechanism of magnetic exchange in transition metal compounds.

One of the most important phenomena in magnetism is the exchange interaction between magnetic centers. In this topical review, we focus on the exchange mechanism in transition-metal compounds and establish kinetic-energy-driven two-sublattice double-exchange as a general exchange mechanism, in addition to well-known mechanisms like superexchange and double exchange. This mechanism, which was first proposed [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 85}, 2549 (2000)], in the context of Sr$_2$FeMoO$_6$, a  double-perovskite compound, later found to describe a large number of 3d and 4d or 5d transition metal-based double perovskites. The magnetism in  multi-sublattice magnetic systems like double-double and quadrupolar perovskites involving 3d and 4d or 5d transition-metal ions have also been found to be governed by this as a primary mechanism of exchange.  For example, the numerical solution of a two-sublattice double exchange with additional superexchange couplings for the FeRe-based double double and quadrupolar perovskites are found to reproduce the experimentally observed magnetic ground state as well as the high transition temperature of above 500 K. The applicability of this general mechanism extends beyond the  perovskite crystal structures, and oxides, as demonstrated for the pyrochlore oxide, Tl$_2$Mn$_2$O$_7$ and the square-net chalcogenides KMnX$_2$ (X=S, Se, Te). The counter-intuitive doping dependence and pressure effect of magnetic transition temperature in Tl$_2$Mn$_2$O$_7$ is explained, while KMnX$_2$ (X=S, Se, Te) compounds are established as half-metallic Chern metals guided by two sublattice double exchange. While the kinetic energy-driven two-site double-exchange mechanism was originally proposed to explain ferromagnetism, a filling-dependent transition can lead to a rare situation of the antiferromagnetic metallic ground state, as found in La-doped Sr$_2$FeMoO$_6$, and proposed for computer predicted double perovskites Sr(Ca)$_2$FeRhO$_6$. This opens up a vast canvas to explore.

Establishing of 3D-FISH on frozen section and its applying in chromosome territories analysis in Populus trichocarpa.

KEY MESSAGE: Fluorescence in situ hybridization with frozen sections of root tips showed difference of chromosome territories distribution between autosome and sex-chromosome homologous pairs in Populus trichocarpa. The spatial organization of chromatin within the interphase nucleus and the interactions between chromosome territories (CTs) are essential for various biologic processes. Three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH) is a powerful tool for analyzing CTs, but its application in plants is limited. In this study, we established a 3D-FISH technique using frozen sections of Populus trichocarpa root tips, which was an improvement over the use of paraffin sections and enabled us to acquire good FISH signals. Using chromosome-specific oligo probes, we were able to analyze CTs in interphase nuclei in three dimensions. The distribution of chromosome pairs 17 and 19 in the 3D-preserved nuclei of P. trichocarpa root tip cells were analyzed and showed that the autosome pair 17 associated more often than sex chromosome 19. This research lays a foundation for further study of the spatial position of chromosomes in the nucleus and the relationship between gene expression and spatial localization of chromosomes in poplar.

Chickadees sing different songs in sympatry versus allopatry.

Character displacement theory predicts that closely-related co-occurring species should diverge in relevant traits to reduce costly interspecific interactions such as competition or hybridization. While many studies document character shifts in sympatry, few provide corresponding evidence that these shifts are driven by the costs of co-occurrence. Black-capped (Poecile atricapillus) and mountain chickadees (P. gambeli) are closely-related, ecologically similar, and broadly distributed songbirds with both allopatric and sympatric populations. In sympatry, both species appear to suffer costs of their co-occurrence: 1) both species are in worse body condition compared to allopatry and 2) hybridization sometimes yields sterile offspring. Here, we explored character displacement in the songs of black-capped and mountain chickadees by characterizing variation in male songs from sympatric and allopatric populations. We found that mountain chickadees sing differently in sympatry versus allopatry. Specifically, they produced more notes per song, were more likely to include an extra introductory note, and produced a smaller glissando in their first notes compared to all other populations. Combined with previous research on social dominance and maladaptive hybridization between black-capped and mountain chickadees, we posit that differences in sympatric mountain chickadee song are population-wide shifts to reduce aggression from dominant black-capped chickadees and/or prevent maladaptive hybridization.

Detecting Cholangiocarcinoma in the Setting of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Is Biliary Tract Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Helpful?

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Biliary brushing cytology (BB) to detect cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is integral in the surveillance of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Since reactive changes can mimic carcinoma, indeterminant results are frequent. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using the UroVysion probe set has been advocated to enhance the detection of CCA. This study evaluates the performance of FISH for detecting CCA in patients with and without PSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A query of our pathology database for atypical and suspicious BB with concurrent FISH results was performed from 2014 to 2021. FISH (using UroVysion probe set containing centromere enumeration probes to chromosomes 3, 7, and 17) was positive if at least 5 cells demonstrated polysomy. Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify patients with PSC and CCA. CCA was confirmed by pathology or clinical impression. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients (103 BB) in the PSC cohort, 59 patients (94 BB) without CCA and 6 patients (9 BB) with CCA were identified. 33 non-PSC patients (41 BB) with CCA were included for comparison. Positive FISH was highest in non-PSC patients with CCA (10/41 BB, 24%). Positive FISH was seen in both PSC with (1/9 BB, 11%) and without (2/94 BB, 2%) CCA. CONCLUSIONS: FISH positivity was lower than expected and was positive in PSC patients without CCA. These results question the clinical utility of FISH for CCA surveillance in PSC patients.

Population genomics analyses reveal the role of hybridization in the rapid invasion of fall armyworm.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive species pose a major threat to global biodiversity and agricultural productivity, yet the genomic mechanisms driving their rapid expansion into new habitats are not fully understood. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, originally from the Americas, has expanded its reach across the Old World, causing substantial reduction in crop yield. Although the hybridization between two genetically distinct strains has been well-documented, the role of such hybridization in enhancing the species' invasive capabilities remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the contributions of hybridization and natural selection to the rapid invasion of the fall armyworm. METHODS: We analyzed the whole-genome resequencing data from 432 individuals spanning its global distribution. We identified the genomic signatures of selection associated with invasion and explored their linkage with the Tpi gene indicating strain differentiation. Furthermore, we detected signatures of balancing selection in native populations for candidate genes that underwent selective sweeps during the invasion process. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed pronounced genomic differentiation between native and invasive populations. Invasive populations displayed a uniform genomic structure distinctly different from that of native populations, indicating hybridization between the strains during invasion. This hybridization likely contributes to maintaining high genetic diversity in invasive regions, which is crucial for survival and adaptation. Additionally, polymorphisms on genes under selection during invasion were possibly preserved through balancing selection in their native environments. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal the genomic basis of the fall armyworm's successful invasion and rapid adaptation to new environments, highlighting the important role of hybridization in the dynamics of invasive species.

Multifaceted natural drought response mechanisms in three elite date palm cultivars uncovered by expressed sequence tags analysis.

This study extends our prior research on drought responses in three date palm cultivars (Khalas, Reziz, and Sheshi) under controlled conditions. Here, we investigated their drought stress adaptive strategies under ambient environment. Under natural field drought conditions, three date palm cultivars experienced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varying regulations in their physiological attributes. Specifically, chlorophyll content, leaf RWC, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration reduced significantly, while intercellular CO2 concentration and water use efficiency increased. Through suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH), a rich repertoire (1026) of drought-responsive expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified: 300 in Khalas, 343 in Reziz, and 383 in Sheshi. Functional analysis of ESTs, including gene annotation and KEGG pathways elucidation, unveiled that these cultivars withstand drought by leveraging indigenous and multifaceted pathways. While some pathways aligned with previously reported drought resilience mechanism observed under controlled conditions, several new indigenous pathways were noted, pinpointing cultivar-specific adaptations. ESTs identified in three date palm cultivars were enriched through GSEA analysis. Khalas exhibited enrichment in cellular and metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and metal ion binding. Reziz showed enrichment in biological regulation, metabolic processes, signaling, and nuclear functions. Conversely, Sheshi displayed enrichment in organelle, photosynthetic, and ribosomal components. Notably, ca. 50% of the ESTs were unique and novel, underlining the complexity of their adaptive genetic toolkit. Overall, Khalas displayed superior drought tolerance, followed by Reziz and Sheshi, highlighting cultivar-specific variability in adaptation. Conclusively, date palm cultivars exhibited diverse genetic and physiological strategies to cope with drought, demonstrating greater complexity in their resilience compared to controlled settings.