Uddin S et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Mutagenesis combined with ionomic profiling offers a powerful approach to explore the genetic basis of essential and toxic element accumulation in rice grain and to generate materials for marker-assisted breeding. However, large-scale ionomic screening has not previously been conducted in Bangladeshi rice germplasm. To isolate mutants with altered grain concentrations of iron, zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), we mutagenized BRRI dhan84 using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS; 0.5% and 1%) and gamma rays (250, 300, 350, and 400 Gy). A total of 8503 M 2 plants were screened for brown rice ionome using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Candidate mutants were selected based on robust Z-scores (|Z-scores| > 2) of the elements for individual plants, resulting in the isolation of 38 mutants. To validate the screening process, two mutants were characterized in detail: high grain As (osabcc1-3) and low grain Zn and Cd (oshma2-4). Whole genome sequencing of the mutants and the correlation between phenotype and genotype in the F 2 population indicated that OsABCC1 and OsHMA2 are likely the causal genes. The osabcc1-3 mutant carries a splice-site mutation at the exon-intron junction of OsABCC1, whereas oshma2-4 harbors a 3.3 kb insertion in OsHMA2. Notably, oshma2-4 exhibited similar growth and yield to BRRI dhan84 in a paddy field, suggesting its potential for breeding low-Cd rice. Together, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of ionomic screening in Bangladeshi rice for uncovering allelic variation controlling metal homeostasis and provide valuable genetic resources and physiological insights relevant to rice improvement.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Pardo Larrabeiti I et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Cellulosomes are multi-enzyme assemblies whose catalytic efficiency depends on the spatial organization of their components. However, their pronounced conformational flexibility has precluded quantitative characterization of inter-enzyme distances and overall topology. Here, we present a methodological framework to tailor and analyze the architecture of constrained multi-enzyme complexes composed of two endoglucanases AtCel8A and AtCel9R and one xylanase AtXyn11A by fixing enzyme positions using the Jo-In scaffold. This approach enables generation of defined assemblies structurally characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and/or atomic force microscopy (AFM). SAXS analysis of the two-glucanase complexes reveals distinct scattering profiles corresponding to different degrees of compaction depending on the enzyme spatial arrangement. Complementary AFM imaging of bifunctional assemblies supports SAXS derived models at the single-particle level, reinforcing the robustness of the proposed workflow. The three-enzyme assemblies' SAXS measurements distinguish different constructions while showing relatively homogeneous radii of gyration (53 ± 2 Å) and maximum dimensions of 180 to 200 Å. Atomistic modeling using two independent approaches, DADIMODO and BILBO-MD, converges toward consistent average spatial organizations with constrained interdomain distance ranges, and consistent quantitative parameters validating the structural models. Altogether, the results establish a quantitative framework for designing tailored multi-enzyme assemblies. Jo-In scaffold provides a versatile tool for structural analysis of modular, dynamic protein complexes, advancing our understanding of structure-function relationship in multi-enzyme systems.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Fetene E et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Background Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is among the most important transboundary animal diseases, causing widespread economic losses due to decreased productivity, trade restrictions, and costly disease management efforts. Objectives This study aimed to characterize circulating FMDV serotypes and quantify within-farm transmission dynamics during active outbreaks in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Methods Five epithelial tissue and 39 oral swab samples were collected from 11 dairy farms experiencing active FMD outbreaks. Samples were tested using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and antigen-capturing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for FMDV detection and serotyping. A susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model was fitted to outbreak data to quantify transmission dynamics. Results Out of 44 samples, 37 (84.1%) were positive for FMDV using RT-qPCR, and 23 (52.3%) were positive by ELISA. Serotypes O, SAT-1, and SAT-2 were identified, with SAT-2 being predominant. Transmission modelling indicated an average transmission rate (λ) of 0.82 and a recovery rate (γ) of 0.32 per day, corresponding to a mean basic reproductive number (R 0 ) of 3.7. The trivalent vaccine demonstrated low effectiveness (31% against single serotypes; 26% when adjusted for mixed infections), which was insufficient to achieve herd immunity given the high transmission intensity. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that vaccination alone cannot control FMD in these systems. Control requires improved vaccine matching and the combination of vaccination with enhanced biosecurity measures, such as animal isolation and movement control.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Kara MC et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Background The significant cross-reactivity between bovine, ovine, and caprine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) enables the adaptation of bovine-specific diagnostics for use in other ruminants; consequently, the Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test (AOFPT)-a blood-based lateral flow assay-provides a rapid and practical solution for pregnancy detection directly at the animal's head under field conditions. Objectives This study evaluated to assess and validate the performance of AOFPT in goats at days 21 and 28 post-mating, by comparing the results with serum progesterone (P4) analysis and using transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) as the gold standard. Methods The study involved 85 Kilis goats, five months post-partum. Estrus was synchronized using an 11-day progestagen device, d-cloprostenol, and PMSG. Whole blood and serum samples were collected on Days 21 and 28 post-mating. AOFPT was performed on-farm immediately after collection. For validation, serum progesterone concentrations were measured via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and TAUS was performed on Days 35 and 42, with Day 42 findings serving as the gold standard. Results Results indicated that on Day 21, AOFPT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 79.4%, 93.8%, 98.2%, and 51.7%, respectively. By Day 28, these metrics reached 100%, 81.3%, 95.8%, and 100%. Statistical agreement between AOFPT and the reference method was K = 0.55 (82.14%) on Day 21 and K = 0.87 (96.43%) on Day 28 (p Conclusions AOFPT demonstrated accuracy and reliability closely matching P4 measurements and the reference method. This test provides a practical tool for early on-farm pregnancy diagnosis in goats, potentially enhancing reproductive management and productivity in dairy goat farms and large herds.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Kenea AM et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Background Natural mineral water (hora) is a mineral source widely available in Ethiopia. However, its specific impacts on sheep growth performance and carcass characteristics remain understudied. Objective To evaluate the effect of hora supplementation on nutrient intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. Methods Twenty Horro breed sheep with an initial body weight (IBW) of 17.27 ± 0.71 kg were assigned to five treatment groups in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), blocked on the basis of their IBW. The treatments included control group (CON) fed basal diet only, and four treatment groups (H-200, H-300, H-400, and H-500) receiving 200, 300, 400, and 500 mL, of hora per day respectively. All sheep were fed grass hay and water ad libitum. Throughout the feeding trial data on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, body weight changes and various carcass traits were measured. Results Hora supplementation significantly improved (p 0.05). Total edible offal components showed a significant quadratic pattern (p = 0.001), whereas total non-edible offal showed a significant linear trend (p = 0.002). Conclusions Supplementation with 400 mL/day of hora is the optimal dose for significantly improving sheep growth performance, nutrient intake, and carcass characteristics. Overall, although hora provides clear benefits, its effects are dose-dependent, with potential diminishing returns beyond the 400 mL/day level.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
AlSedairy SA et al. · Jul 1, 2026
Adipocyte hypertrophy is an obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, which is frequently associated with decreased mitochondrial activity during adipocyte development. The current study aimed to assess the potential of epoxy clerodane diterpene (ECD) (IUPAC: 5R, 10R)-4R, 8R-dihydroxy-2S, 3R:15, 16-diepoxycleroda-13(16), 17, 12S:18,1S-dilactone) extracted from Cassia tora on adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were stimulated into adipocytes using the standard differentiation medium. The methodological design included the evaluation of ECD cytotoxicity, lipid accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. ECD didn't significantly reduce the cellular viability; however, it decreased lipid accumulation by 65%, 87%, and 87.5% at doses of 2, 4, and 8 μM, respectively. Also, at 4 µM of ECD, it decreased adipocyte hypertrophy, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, raised the expression of thermogenesis-related genes (UCP-1, PPARγC1α, SREBP1c), decreased the expression of adipogenic proteins (C/EBPα, PPARγ), increased adiponectin levels, and reduced inflammatory markers (IL-4, TNF-α) compared to untreated controls. Thus, ECD may hold tremendous promise as a natural agent for controlling adipogenesis, and its impacts on lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory responses demonstrate its potential for therapeutic use in the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Sapkota S et al. · Jun 24, 2026
Crown rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae (Pca), is a destructive foliar disease of oat. Use of host resistance is the preferred method of disease management. However, frequent emergence of new Pca races has hindered crown rust management in oat. Identification and deployment of non-race-specific genetic resistance will aid oat breeding efforts to develop germplasm with durable crown rust resistance. To map and characterize crown rust resistance, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between LA07065_SBSBSB_32-2 and CDC Dancer and evaluated for crown rust reaction in four field environments for two years. The RIL population was genotyped using the oat 6K Infinium iSelect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and a total of 956 polymorphic SNP markers were used to construct the linkage map. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping detected a total of six QTL on chromosomes 2D, 4A, 7A, 7C, and 7D influencing crown rust resistance. Two of these QTL were validated using genotype-phenotype association analysis in an independent set of oat lines. The identified QTL demonstrated additive effects on crown rust resistance within the RIL population. A major QTL on chromosome 7C, QPca-ars-7C, was detected consistently across environments and explained up to 16.54% of the phenotypic variation. Markers linked to QPca-ars-7C, and other QTL detected in this study have the potential to be used in marker-assisted selection for crown rust resistance.
Agricultural and Biological Sciences