Journals
2025 EN
Alsudairi Ahmad Nayef Salih · Rafie Azmin Shakrine Mohd · Algarni Abdullah Mohammad
+4 more
Abstract Designing a sounding rocket is an interdisciplinary activity, involving many domains and many stages. The alignment between the disciplines and life cycle stages is not straightforward. Much effort is required in life cycle model management and tailoring processes. In this article, an objective was set to make a comparative study and analysis of life cycle concepts related to Malaysian university‐scale sounding rocket development, to assist in any future life cycle tailoring. Toward that goal, a comprehensive review and analysis of the related life cycle models was performed. The review covered three dimensions: engineering standards, aerospace vehicle design (AVD), and actual sounding rockets projects. Many reviewed models were re‐prescribed using model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) diagrams. This allowed greater insight and better assistance for any future tailoring. This expedition stresses the importance of the proposed three‐dimensional reviewing of life cycles. Unconventional life cycle models (e.g., Western vs. Eastern) have also been included. It is argued that mapping the standards onto actual projects improved insight. One of the important outcomes is the demonstration of the importance of the concept of the centrality of the values in the development process, which shall govern the stakeholders’ requirements.
Journals
2025 EN
Firdharini Cherly · Yildiz Ibrahim · AlNaqbi Halima
+1 more
Abstract Homotypic coacervates, formed of a single component, are notable for compartmentalization and could serve as artificial cells for our understanding of living cells. Recently, small designer biomolecules have been investigated for liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), like intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), allowing them to make coacervate droplets spontaneously through associative molecular interactions. In this context, we highlight the recent developments in the reductionist approach for designer biomolecules, particularly amino acid derivatives, dipeptides, and bioinspired polypeptides, which undergo coacervation to create biomimetic protocells. Weak non‐covalent molecular interactions usually drive the self‐coacervation of biomolecules, and their structure‐function properties are crucial for phase separation. Besides this, we discuss the essential parameters required for promising applications of protocell formation to mimic living cells, including the catalytic ability for enzymatic reactions and the sequestration of micro‐ and macro‐molecules. Finally, we provide some perspective and conclude that simple coacervates formed from small peptide building blocks undergo phase separation to form protocells.
Journals
2025 EN
Pacurari Maricica · Cox Irmanecia · Farah Ibrahim
ABSTRACT MicroRNA‐1 (miR‐1) is a conserved microRNA that is highly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues. Moreover, miR‐1 regulates genes and has critical roles in cell migration and invasion. Downregulation of miR‐1 has been found in many pathologies of numerous organs, including the lungs. What exactly contributes to the downregulation of miR‐1 is not fully understood, and in the present study, we investigated whether ROS regulate miR‐1 and its role in cell migration and invasion. A549 cells were grown and maintained in DMEM:F12 (1:1) and supplemented with 10% FBS and 1000 U of Penicillin/Streptomycin and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer (ATCC). Cell migration and invasion, IHC, Western blot, qPCR, ROS, miR‐1 transfection, and qPCR were used to determine miR‐1 regulation and its role in cell migration. Exogenous miR‐1 decreased the formation of ROS and inhibited cell migration and invasion, whereas inhibition of miR‐1 increased ROS formation and stimulated cell migration and invasion. Inhibition of miR‐1 induced the formation of actin filaments contractile structures, whereas exogenous miR‐1 limited the formation of these structures. Hydrogen peroxide significantly decreased miR‐1 level, whereas inhibition of Nox4 had no effect on miR‐1 level. Alpha amanitin did not decrease miR‐1 level, whereas inhibition of NF‐кB temporally decreased miR‐1 level. This study demonstrates that ROS suppress miR‐1 and that miR‐1 is posttranscriptionally regulated via MAPK. Endogenous Nox4‐dependent ROS are not involved in miR‐1 regulation, whereas exogenous ROS regulates miR‐1. NF‐κB plays a key role in miR‐1 regulation in both redox and nonredox environments. Moreover, Mir‐1 limits cell migration and invasion even in the presence of ROS. TSP‐1 is a major regulator of TGFβ and its expression is upregulated by ROS. Our work indicates ROS is a major regulator of miR‐1 and TSP‐1 and could be a potential therapeutic target to limit ROS‐ and non‐ROS‐mediated processes in lung cells.
Journals
2025 EN
McBreen Jordan · Babar Md. Ali · Jarquin Diego
+17 more
Abstract Enhancing predictive modeling accuracy in wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) breeding through the integration of high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) data with genomic information is crucial for maximizing genetic gain. In this study, spanning four locations in the southeastern United States over 3 years, models to predict grain yield (GY) were investigated through different cross‐validation approaches. The results demonstrate the superiority of multivariate comprehensive models that incorporate both genomic and HTP data, particularly in accurately predicting GY across diverse locations and years. These HTP‐incorporating models achieve prediction accuracies ranging from 0.59 to 0.68, compared to 0.40–0.54 for genomic‐only models when tested under different prediction scenarios both across years and locations. The comprehensive models exhibit superior generalization to new environments and achieve the highest accuracy when trained on diverse datasets. Predictive accuracy improves as models incorporate data from multiple years, highlighting the importance of considering temporal dynamics in modeling approaches. The study reveals that multivariate prediction outperformed genomic prediction methods in predicting lines across years and locations. The percentage of top 25% lines selected based on multivariate prediction was higher compared to genomic‐only models, indicated by higher specificity, which is the proportion of correctly identified top‐yielding lines that matched the observed top 25% performance across different sites and years. Additionally, the study addresses the prediction of untested locations based on other locations within the same year and in new years at previously tested locations. Findings show the comprehensive models effectively extrapolate to new environments, highlighting their potential for guiding breeding strategies.
Crop Science Society of America
Journals
2025 EN
Lakkakula Indira Priyadarshini · Kolmer James A. · Sharma Rajat
+8 more
Abstract Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina ( Pt ), is a serious constraint to wheat production. Developing resistant varieties is the best approach to managing this disease. Wheat leaf rust resistance ( Lr ) genes have been classified into either all‐stage resistance (ASR) or adult‐plant resistance (APR). The objectives of this study were to identify sources of leaf rust resistance in contemporary US hard winter wheat (HWW) and to dissect the genetic basis underlying leaf rust resistance in HWW. A panel of 732 elite HWW genotypes was evaluated for response to US Pt races at the seedling stage and at the adult plant stage in leaf rust nurseries in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Further, the panel was genotyped using multiplex restriction amplicon sequencing (MRA‐Seq) and DNA markers linked to the known ASR genes Lr18 , Lr19 , Lr21 , Lr24 , Lr37 , and Lr42 and APR genes Lr34 , Lr46 , Lr67 , Lr68 , Lr77 , and Lr78 . Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from MRA‐Seq, DNA markers linked to the known Lr genes, and the phenotypic data were used for genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify markers associated with leaf rust response. Gene postulation based on leaf rust reactions, DNA markers, and GWAS suggested the presence of Lr1 , Lr2a , Lr10 , Lr14a , Lr16 , Lr18 , Lr19 , Lr21 , Lr24 , Lr26 , Lr34 , Lr37 , Lr39 , Lr42 , Lr46 , Lr68 , Lr77 , and Lr78 in the HWW panel. The GWAS identified 59 SNPs significantly associated with leaf rust response, of which 20 were likely associated with novel resistance loci and can be used to enhance wheat leaf rust resistance.
Crop Science Society of America
Journals
2025 EN
Chang Hui · Ji Honghu · Liu Ruijie
+9 more
Abstract The length of fruit branches significantly influences plant architecture in upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.), which is crucial for optimizing fiber yield and quality. In this study, a comprehensive genome‐wide association study was conducted based on whole‐genome resequencing data that identified 249 significant SNPs associated with fruit branch length (FBL), forming 79 distinct quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions. Notably, stable QTL regions qFBL‐A10‐4 and qFBL‐D03‐17 were identified, harboring key candidate genes such as Ghir_A10G014390 and Ghir_D03G011390 . Superior haplotypes of these genes significantly enhance FBL, fiber yield, and quality, offering valuable targets for cotton breeding programs focused on optimizing plant architecture and productivity.
Journals
2025 EN
Shrestha Sandesh · Adhikari Laxman · Crain Jared
+9 more
Abstract The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) spring bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) program represents the largest and most diverse set of elite wheat germplasm globally. From 2013 to 2023, genotyping was conducted on 130,247 bread wheat lines advanced through CIMMYT's bread wheat breeding program with the objective to perform genomic prediction and identify genomic regions associated with important traits such as yield and disease resistance. We constructed and sequenced 636 genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) libraries, multiplexed at 96‐ to 384‐plex, and generated 30.7 terabases of sequence. Using an optimized TASSEL pipeline, we identified 24,125 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism on 21 chromosomes. Population genetic clustering of 444 selected lines within 10 pedigrees supported the accuracy of the GBS approach. Genome‐wide analysis of nucleotide diversity (π) and minor allele frequency across the entire dataset revealed significantly reduced genetic variation in pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes, which was confirmed by comparison to a genetic outgroup of diverse winter wheat lines. This pattern of low genetic diversity indicates fixation of large centromeric haplotype blocks. The limited diversity in non‐recombining regions has critical implications for future genetic gains in wheat breeding. Temporal pairwise F ST analyses further demonstrated signatures of selection that aligned with previously published genome‐wide association studies for agronomic traits such as grain yield and disease resistance. These datasets have been implemented for the selection of superior breeding lines and are distributed as a publicly available resource for global wheat breeding efforts and genetic studies.
Journals
2025 EN
Mathew Jacklin · Echoh Daniel Ugih anak · Ibrahim Mohamad Hilmi
Abstract Rice is an important staple food and the main source of income and livelihood, especially for rural communities in Malaysia. However, the area under rice cultivation in Malaysia has decreased due to poor quality of rice fields due to low productivity and climate change. Agroforestry is a system that combines trees with crops or livestock. It not only counteracts the effects of climate change by increasing the resilience of agriculture, but also combats poverty, food security, and land degradation. The aim of this study was to determine the awareness and perception of rice farmers in Siburan, Sarawak, toward agroforestry. The data for the study were obtained through questionnaire‐based interviews in Kampung Skuduk and Kampung Chupak. Statistical tests were used to analyze and compare the data. Farmers’ knowledge of agroforestry practices was limited, especially among non‐agroforestry practitioners. There is no significant income difference between agroforestry practitioners and non‐agroforestry practitioners as agroforestry is practiced on a small scale and for household consumption as there are no commercial market opportunities for the products. Governmental or non‐governmental organizations should organize educational activities on agroforestry to disseminate information on these practices appropriate to the education level and age group of the target farmers. Awareness raising and information dissemination activities are important as lack of awareness hinders the implementation of agroforestry, for example, through awareness campaigns and training programs on agroforestry. The results of this study will serve as a guide for the authority to plan measures to increase the knowledge and importance of the agroforestry sector and the implementation of agroforestry.
Journals
2025 EN
Marasco Giovanni · Hod Keren · Colecchia Luigi
+65 more
ABSTRACT Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has highlighted the potential exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBIs). However, the distinct symptom trajectories and psychological burden in patients with post‐COVID‐19 DGBIs compared with patients with pre‐existing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)/functional dyspepsia (FD) and non‐DGBI controls remain poorly understood. Objectives To examine the long‐term gastrointestinal symptom progression and psychological comorbidities in patients with post‐COVID‐19 DGBI, patients with pre‐existing IBS/FD and non‐DGBI controls. Methods This post hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study reviewed patient charts for demographic data and medical history. Participants completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale at four time points: baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at 6 and 12 months. The cohort was divided into three groups: (1) post‐COVID‐19 DGBIs (2) non‐DGBI, and (3) pre‐existing IBS/FD, with the post‐COVID‐19 DGBIs group compared to the latter two control groups. Results Among 599 eligible patients, 27 (4.5%) were identified as post‐COVID‐19 DGBI. This group experienced worsening abdominal pain, hunger pain, heartburn, and acid regurgitation, unlike symptom improvement or stability in non‐DGBI controls ( p < 0.001 for all symptoms, except hunger pain, p = 0.001). While patients with pre‐existing IBS/FD improved in most gastrointestinal symptoms but worsened in constipation and incomplete evacuation, patients with post‐COVID‐19 DGBI exhibited consistent symptom deterioration across multiple gastrointestinal domains. Anxiety and depression remained unchanged in patients with post‐COVID‐19 DGBI, contrasting with significant reductions in controls (non‐DGBI: p = 0.003 and p = 0.057; pre‐existing IBS/FD: p = 0.019 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions COVID‐19 infection is associated with the development of newly diagnosed DGBIs and distinct symptom trajectories when compared with patients with pre‐existing IBS/FD. Patients with post‐COVID‐19 DGBI experience progressive gastrointestinal symptom deterioration and persistent psychological distress, underscoring the need for tailored management strategies for this unique subgroup.
Journals
2025 EN
Danpanichkul Pojsakorn · Pang Yanfang · Suparan Kanokphong
+13 more
ABSTRACT Background As alcohol consumption continues to rise rapidly in Asia, research into its significant consequences, alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD), and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is still limited. Objective This study examines the burden of alcohol‐related liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Asia from 2000 to 2021. Methods We analyzed data from the global burden of disease (GBD) Study 2021 to assess age‐standardized prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates for alcohol‐related liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Asia from 2000 to 2021. Results In 2021, there were approximately 1.40 million cases of ALD, resulting in 175,370 deaths and 53.18 million cases of AUD, with 57,110 deaths. Asia accounted for 46.35% of the global prevalence of ALD (an increase of 6.87% since 2000) and 47.86% of the global prevalence of AUD (an increase of 0.82% since 2000). A 91.2% increase in crude ALD prevalence, incidence, and mortality from 2000 to 2021 in Asia was observed. South Asia exhibited the highest crude burden of ALD, while Central Asia had the highest age‐standardized rate. Notably, ALD prevalence increased in South Asia (Annual Percent Change [APC]: 0.10%, 95% CI: 0.08–0.13) and Central Asia (APC: 0.88%, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97), even as other regions experienced declines. Conclusions This study reveals a disproportionately increasing burden of ALD and AUD in Asia compared with global trends, with significant variability across subregions. Central and South Asia are identified as the primary drivers of the burden associated with ALD and AUD in this region.