Abstract: Drug discovery faces significant obstacles posed by unpredictable pharmacokinetic and safety properties, necessitating a complex, multiparameter optimization process. ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity) issues remain the primary reason for failure in drug development, with over 90% of discovery compounds failing basic ADME standards and unexpected ADMET problems causing around 30% of clinical setbacks. Conventional approaches that mainly rely on broad molecular properties offer limited guidance because they lack detailed insight into the atomic-level interactions between drugs and the body’s complex systems. Transforming small-molecule drug discovery requires a systematic, detailed understanding of the "Avoid-ome": the broad set of proteins that influence ADME and toxicity characteristics. The Avoid-ome includes a finite, manageable set of enzymes, transporters, receptors, and channels, which must be treated as "anti-targets" and avoided during the design process. OpenADMET (https://openadmet.org), an international open-science initiative, aims to fill the critical ADMET data gap by creating pre-competitive, open datasets covering metabolism, transport, distribution, and toxicity. The initiative is developing platforms that make compound synthesis, measurements (using technologies like scaled mass spectrometry and synthetic biology), and data analysis more affordable and capable of high-throughput processing. This approach uses high-throughput structural biology to ensure models are based on mechanistic, atomistic understanding, helping to clarify the structural basis of outliers, species differences, and genetic variation. Additionally, an active learning workflow is used across diverse chemical spaces to select compounds that are the most informative for building generalizable predictive models. OpenADMET includes blind community challenges, inspired by CASP and SAMPL, to evaluate predictive models with unreleased data, encouraging rigorous assessment and ongoing improvement within the research community. By systematically studying the Avoid-ome and creating open, structural, and mechanistic datasets, OpenADMET establishes a foundation for a new era of rational drug design, demonstrating that the most effective way to improve drug discovery is to stop avoiding the Avoid-ome and instead study it directly.

Abstract: External causes of death contribute to over four million annual global fatalities, with drug use representing a significant risk factor. However, the true national impact and regional variations of psychoactive substance use in these deaths remains unde-fined in Brazil. To address this critical knowledge gap, this pioneering four-region study sought to elucidate the influence of alcohol and drug use on external cause mor-tality. We collected post-mortem blood from 3,577 victims of violent death across four distinct Brazilian regions using a standardized protocol to identify alcohol, illicit drugs, and psychoactive medicines. Analysis revealed a predominantly male cohort (89.7%; 56.0% aged 30 years or more), with homicide as the primary manner of death (67.3%). Critically, over half of the victims (53.0%) were positive for at least one psy-choactive substance prior to death, most commonly cocaine (29.6%) and alcohol (27.7%). Substance consumption was highest among homicide victims (55.7%), pre-dominantly cocaine (36.0%), and in self-harm cases (26.4%), which showed high ben-zodiazepine rates (20.0%). Consumption patterns varied regionally: alcohol-related deaths were more common in the Northeast, drug-only deaths concentrated in the Southeast and North, and the South showed a higher prevalence of alcohol use versus drug use. This widespread, regionally heterogeneous prevalence underscores the ur-gent need for targeted, region-specific interventions. By critically linking psychoactive substance use to various modes of violent death, these data provide crucial forensic and public health insights to inform tailored preventive strategies.

Abstract: Replication stress (RS) is a primary driver of genomic instability in cancer, yet the contribution of transcription-coupled repair to this process remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate how the TC-NER factor ERCC6 (CSB) shapes mutational landscapes under RS. We demonstrate that ERCC6 deficiency impairs replication restart and biases early damage signaling toward a 53BP1-mediated response, ultimately leading to senescence. Conversely, ERCC6-proficient cells prioritize survival and proliferative recovery but at the cost of distinct genomic alterations. Whole-exome sequencing reveals that ERCC6 drives the retention of stress-induced mutations specifically within coding regions of transcriptionally active loci, whereas ERCC6-deficient cells accumulate variants primarily in intergenic regions. These findings uncover a survival-mutagenesis trade-off: ERCC6 safeguards transcriptional continuity during replication stress but promotes mutational burdens in functional genomes. This mechanism parallels bacterial adaptive mutagenesis, identifying ERCC6 as a context-dependent driver of somatic evolution and tumor heterogeneity.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts constitute functionally important components of cheese microbiota, contributing to acidification, aroma formation, prolonged shelf life and microbial safety. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and growth kinetics of LAB and yeasts isolated from selected ripened Ugandan cheese varieties in order to evaluate their suitability as starter or adjunct cultures. Isolates were identified through morphological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed using agar well diffusion following established protocols. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using disc diffusion in accordance with EUCAST and CLSI guidelines. Growth kinetics across pH gradients were monitored using a Bioscreen C automated microplate reader. The cheeses harbored diverse microbial communities, with considerable variation in antimicrobial activity among isolates. Pediococcus pentosaceus exhibited clear inhibition of S. aureus, whereas most isolates demonstrated limited antagonistic effects. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance in Pediococcus acidilactici and in some opportunistic contaminants, emphasizing the need for careful safety assessments. Growth analysis showed that LAB grew optimally at moderately acidic pH (4.5–5.5), while Yarrowia lipolytica and Staphylococci preferred near-neutral conditions (pH 6.5–7.5). These findings highlight the presence of technologically valuable strains in Ugandan cheeses while underscoring the importance of antibiotic resistance screening in artisanal dairy systems. Select LAB strains, particularly P. pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, show potential for starter culture development following genomic safety verification.

Abstract:

Bacteriophages, traditionally viewed solely as antibacterial agents, are increasingly being studied for their immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we demonstrate that PM16 phage therapy not only effectively controls subcutaneous Proteus mirabilis infection in mice, but also induces long-term specific humoral immunity against subsequent reinfection. This immunomodulatory effect was dose-dependent. In vitro, PM16 directly activates macrophages, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and enhances macrophage bactericidal activity against P. mirabilis. We assume that the enhancement of the adaptive immune response is mediated not by the phage acting as a classical antigenic adjuvant, but by its ability to prime innate immune cells, specifically macrophages. This priming leads to more efficient bacterial clearance, antigen presentation, and the formation of protective immunological memory.

Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious concern for wheat production worldwide. The current study was conducted to identify morpho-phenological traits that contribute to passive resistance against FHB. For this purpose, a set of 332 spring wheat genotypes from different origins was used. Eight morpho-phenological traits and FHB severity were evaluated using spray inoculation under field conditions in 2022 and 2023. A non-parametric test was performed to evaluate genotypic variation for all studied traits, revealing significant differences among genotypes across the three years. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong negative association between phenological traits and FHB severity and a low to medium negative correlation between spike length, spikelets per spike, and FHB resistance. Furthermore, there was a significant negative but weak association between anther extrusion and FHB severity. Random forest regression analysis demonstrated that a complex of eight morpho-phenological traits predicted FHB severity with an accuracy of 65% in 2023 and 57% across two years. According to permutation importance analysis, days to flowering, heading, and anther extrusion had the highest contribution to FHB severity, and all three traits had a significant effect on FHB prediction.

Abstract: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a vital drought-tolerant crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, serving as both food and fodder. However, under environmental stress, sorghum accumulates cyanogenic glucosides (primarily dhurrin), which hydrolyze into toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon ingestion, posing lethal risks to livestock. This review examines the biochemical pathways of dhurrin synthesis and HCN release, highlighting key risk factors including drought, frost, and improper grazing management. This study is structured to first elucidate the biochemical and risk factors behind sorghum poisoning, then to evaluate a suite of integrated mitigation strategies—from agroforestry to genetic solutions—and finally to discuss the implementation pathways through education and policy.We evaluate mitigation strategies such as agroforestry integration—using nitrogen-fixing trees (Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium) to reduce plant stress and provide alternative fodder—alongside feed management techniques (ensiling, sulfur supplementation). Additionally, we explore genetic solutions (low-dhurrin cultivars developed via CRISPR-Cas9) and microbial/phytoremediation approaches (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Eucalyptus camaldulensis) for cyanide detoxification. Farmer education on risk recognition and safe practices emerges as a critical preventive measure. By synthesizing current research, this paper proposes integrated, sustainable strategies to minimize sorghum poisoning while maintaining agricultural productivity in vulnerable regions.

Abstract: The phenomenon of collective intelligence in biological swarms has traditionally been explained through emergentist paradigms, where complex global behaviors arise from simple local interactions. This paper presents an alternative geometric interpretation grounded in the Timeless Counterspace \& Shadow Gravity (TCGS)-SEQUENTION framework, proposing that collective behavior is fundamentally a projection artifact of a higher-dimensional static structure rather than an emergent property. We synthesize three independent lines of empirical research: (i) the mathematical proof by Soma et al.\ that honeybee swarm decision-making is equivalent to a single reinforcement learning agent, (ii) the demonstration by Vellinger et al.\ that stigmergic coordination in \textit{C.\ elegans} corresponds to Cross-Learning algorithms, and (iii) the Mean Feature Embedding approach of H\"uttenrauch et al.\ for permutation-invariant swarm representations. Within the TCGS ontology, these findings receive unified geometric interpretation: the ``single agent'' identified in swarm dynamics corresponds to a four-dimensional source singularity, pheromone fields constitute the physical instantiation of projected potentials, and invariant embeddings represent slice-independent geometric observables. We derive a single Extrinsic Constitutive Law for biological swarms that replaces the concept of ``emergence'' with ``projection,'' offering a deterministic, geometric resolution to the Combination Problem in collective cognition. The framework generates testable predictions regarding non-local correlations in partitioned colonies, critical acceleration scales in flocking dynamics, and decoherence thresholds in rapidly changing environments.

Abstract:

Influenza A virus (IAV) vectors with truncated NS1 proteins combine strong innate adjuvanticity with genetic flexibility and are attractive platforms for immune modulation. We engineered an NS1-truncated A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus, PR8/NS124_SS_CXCL10, to express human CXCL10 from the NS segment and compared its biological and immunological properties with the parental NS124 vector in mice. The CXCL10-expressing virus replicated efficiently in embryonated chicken eggs and MDCK cells and secreted high levels of CXCL10, but showed profoundly reduced replication in mouse lungs and peritoneal cavity, indicating a strongly attenuated in vivo phenotype. After intraperitoneal immunization, both vectors induced rapid local cytokine and innate-cell recruitment, although early inflammatory responses and viral RNA loads were lower with PR8/NS124_SS_CXCL10 than with NS124. Despite this attenuation, PR8/NS124_SS_CXCL10 elicited significantly higher frequencies of systemic antigen-specific CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ effector-memory T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, and promoted robust recall CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cell responses in the lungs following low-dose homologous challenge. In a stringent heterologous challenge model with A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2), however, mice primed intranasally with the CXCL10 vector experienced greater weight loss than NS124-primed animals, consistent with enhanced T-cell–driven immunopathology in the context of insufficient early viral control. These data show that CXCL10 expression in an NS1-attenuated IAV backbone simultaneously enforces replication restriction and amplifies T-cell immunogenicity, supporting its potential as a chemokine-armed platform for immune modulation and oncolytic virotherapy while underscoring the need to carefully balance mucosal priming and recall in chemokine-expressing influenza vaccines.

Abstract: Excitable neurons are intrinsically capable of firing action potentials, yet a state of hyperexcitability is prevented in the central nervous system by powerful GABAergic inhibition. For this inhibition to be effective, it must occur before excitatory signals can initiate runaway activity, implying the existence of a proactive control system. To test for such proactive inhibition, we used Ca²⁺ imaging and patch-clamp recording to measure how hippocampal neurons respond to depolarization and glutamatergic agonists. In mature hippocampal cultures (14 DIV) and acute brain slices from two-month-old rats, neurons exhibited non-simultaneous responses to various excitatory stimuli, including KCl, NH4Cl, forskolin, domoic acid, and glutamate. We observed that the Ca²⁺ rise occurred significantly earlier in GABAergic neurons than in glutamatergic neurons. This delay in glutamatergic neurons was abolished by GABA(A) receptor inhibitors, suggesting a mechanism of preliminary GABA release. We further found that these early-responding GABAergic neurons express calcium-permeable kainate and AMPA receptors (CP-KARs and CP-AMPARs). Application of domoic acid induced an immediate Ca²⁺ increase in neurons expressing these receptors, but a delayed response in others. Crucially, when domoic acid was applied in the presence of the AMPA receptor inhibitors NBQX or GYKI-52466, the response delay in glutamatergic neurons was significantly prolonged. This confirms that CP-KARs on GABAergic neurons are responsible for the delayed excitation of glutamatergic neurons. In hippocampal slices from two-month-old rats, depolarization with 50 mM KCl revealed two distinct neuronal populations based on their calcium dynamics: a majority group (presumably glutamatergic) exhibited fluctuating Ca²⁺ signals, while a minority (presumably GABAergic) showed a steady, advancing increase in [Ca²⁺]i. This distinction was reinforced by the application of domoic acid. The "advancing-response" neurons reacted to domoic acid with a similar prompt increase, whereas the "fluctuating-response" neurons displayed an even more delayed and fluctuating reaction (80 s delay). Therefore, we identify a subgroup of hippocampal neurons—in both slices and cultures—that respond to depolarization and domoic acid with an early [Ca²⁺]i signal. Consistent with our data from cultures, we conclude these early-responding neurons are GABAergic. Their early GABA release directly explains the delayed Ca²⁺ response observed in glutamatergic neurons. We propose that this proactive mechanism, mediated by CP-KARs on GABAergic neurons, is a primary means of protecting the network from hyperexcitation. Furthermore, the activity of these CP-KAR-expressing neurons is itself regulated by GABAergic neurons containing CP-AMPARs.

Abstract:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis involves not only immune-mediated myelin injury but also glial responses. We examined how three charge isomers of myelin basic protein (MBP)—native (C1), phosphorylated (C4), and citrullinated (C8)—modulate rat astrocytes. Cytokines were quantified and grouped (pro/anti-inflammatory, chemotactic, neurotrophic, angiogenic, tissue remodeling), and regulatory markers assessed. C1 strongly upregulated the lipid-sensing receptor LXR, and reduced global DNA methylation; C4 moderately enhanced LXR; C8 failed to activate LXR or alter methylation. Functionally, C1 attenuated IL-1β, IL-6 and GM-CSF while increasing IL-10 and certain chemokines. C4 elicited an intermediate pattern, inducing CX3CL1 (fractalkine), CCL20, VEGF-A and TIMP-1 with minor effects on classical cytokines. In contrast, C8 triggered a robust pro-inflammatory phenotype, increasing IL-1α/β, TNF-α and GM-CSF, with higher IL-10, fractalkine, CCL20, VEGF-A and TIMP-1. All isomers suppressed IFN-γ, IL-4 and CNTF. These data indicate that MBP post-translational modifications drive distinct astrocyte phenotypes through integrated cytokine, metabolic and epigenetic pathways: C1 favours immune regulation and repair, C4 blends inflammatory and reparative cues, and C8 amplifies neuroinflammation. Understanding how modified MBP shapes astrocyte behaviour provides mechanistic insight into lesion evolution in MS and suggests astrocyte-directed strategies to modulate neuroinflammation and promote remyelination.

Abstract:

Pear decline (PD), associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’, is a major disease of pear in Europe and the United States. Several psyllid species are involved in the tritrophic system of PD as vectors of phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrX group. Four years after the first detection of PD in Sicily, an integrated approach was applied to investigate the epidemic in a major pear-growing area. Visual surveys and molecular analyses were conducted over two years in eight orchards. A total of 115 plant samples and 101 Cacopsylla spp. specimens selected from a total of 1,435 collected individuals were analysed, confirming ‘Ca. P. pyri’ in 69% of symptomatic plants and in 4.6% of C. pyri individuals. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed high genetic similarity among 16SrX isolates. Remote sensing analyses since 2018, combined with vector monitoring, confirmed the epidemic nature of PD and the persistence of a risk of further pathogen spread within the region, proving, inter alia, to be a valid method for identifying the syndrome even on a large scale.

Abstract: Digital twin technology is widely promoted as a transformative step for precision live-stock farming, yet no fully realized, engineering-grade digital twins are deployed in commercial dairy or poultry systems today. Existing platforms are better described as near-digital-twin systems with partial sensing and modelling, digital-twin-inspired prototypes, simulation frameworks or decision-support tools that are often labelled as twins despite lacking continuous synchronization and closed-loop control. This distinction matters because the empirical foundation supporting many claims remains limited. Three critical gaps emerge: lifecycle carbon impacts of digital infrastructures are rarely quantified even as sustainability benefits are frequently asserted; field-validated improvements in feed efficiency, particularly in poultry feed conversion ratio, are scarce and inconsistent; and systematic reporting of failure rates, downtime and technology abandonment is almost absent, leaving uncertainties about long-term reliability. Adoption barriers persist across technical, economic and social dimensions, including rural connectivity limitations, sensor durability challenges, capital and operating costs, and farmer concerns regarding data rights, transparency and trust. Progress for cows and chickens will require rigorous validation in commercial environments, integration of mechanistic and statistical modelling, open and modular architectures and governance structures that support biological, economic and environmental accountability whilst ensuring that system intelligence is worth its material and energy cost.

Abstract: Background: Infertility and hormonal imbalances are becoming more prevalent issues among women globally, particularly in developing countries. Plant-based, protein-rich dietary interventions offer a natural approach to support reproductive health and metabolic balance. Protein-rich legumes from Uttarakhand's Kumaoni and Garhwal region combined with Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) (Shatavari) may provide phytoestrogens, antioxidants, and steroidal saponins that contribute to female hormonal and reproductive well-being. Objective: This study aimed to develop and characterize a protein-rich A. racemosus–legume premix as a therapeutic supplement targeting women’s reproductive and overall health. Methods: Four formulations of the premix were prepared using a mixture of legumes, A. racemosus powder, Kulthi Dal, Moth Bean dal, bhat dal, jaggery, and cocoa powder. The formulations were evaluated for proximate composition and mineral analysis, phytochemical levels (phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins), and antioxidant activity. Functional and structural properties were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and particle size analysis. Microbial safety was confirmed through total plate count and the absence of yeast, mold, and pathogenic bacteria. Results: Among the four formulations, BKMA4 demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (19.74 ± 0.45), elevated fat (19.04 ± 0.32) and fiber content (6.04 ± 0.24), Phenolic content (mg GAE/g) 1.0929 ± 0.1351,and uniform particle size (~1000 nm), suggesting improved dispersion and potential bioavailability. BKMA3 exhibited the highest protein content (9.02 ± 0.17). The premix successfully combined anthocyanin and isoflavone-rich legumes with saponin-containing A. racemosus, creating a nutrient-dense therapeutic, high-protein supplement for female reproductive and metabolic health. Conclusion: The developed protein-rich A. racemosus–legume premix shows promising dietary supplement as a functional food for women, providing both macronutrient support and bioactive compounds to address reproductive and metabolic health needs.

Abstract: The human body consists of multiple joints with many degrees of freedom that open the context for biomechanical interventions in the form of recommendations and feedback, with the purpose of improving performance, reducing the risk of injuries, and so forth. These interventions sometimes involve loading trade-offs between joints or loading redistribution. Removing the load from one joint or segment (“native” joint) and transferring it to another joint (“step” joint) seem to need more consideration. Therefore, the aim of the current paper is to highlight the necessity of scientific communication from data collection to conclusions in the form of recommendations, presentations, and publications. The tendency to focus on specific joints and develop expertise hides the trade-off between joint loads, and sometimes, recommendations or feedback on the basis of biomechanical loading simply shift the risk of injury. To address this concern, several approaches are suggested, including improved marker sets, dataset availability, departmental diversity, research team collaboration, and the sharing of conferences and sessions.

Abstract: The Electron-Ion Interaction Potential (EIIP) is an empirically derived descriptor introduced through pseudopotential theory, representing the effective interaction between conduction electrons and atomic cores. Remarkably, EIIP depends solely on the atomic number Z, positioning it as a direct function of the periodic system. This paper revisits the theoretical foundation of EIIP and demonstrates its proportionality to the fine-structure constant α≈1/137, revealing a universal relationship that bridges quantum electrodynamics and the periodic architecture of matter. We show that EIIP can be expressed as EIIP=f(Z)⋅α, where f(Z) is a periodic function empirically determined from spectroscopic data. This insight establishes EIIP as a structural descriptor with broad applicability across physics, chemistry, and biology. Extending this framework, we introduce the concept of an effective biological fine-structure constant αbio, which quantifies the degree of electromagnetic coherence in living systems. Life is viewed as a resonant electromagnetic phenomenon, where molecular recognition and energy flow depend on synchronized electron and photon exchange. We define αbio in terms of dielectric and charge-transfer properties of biological media, and propose its deviation from α as a marker of aging and decoherence. By unifying EIIP and αbio, we establish a theoretical foundation for Electronic Biology, linking atomic periodicity with biological vitality through a shared electromagnetic language.

Abstract:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is linked to a variety of negative outcomes and prognoses that can profoundly affect the lives of individuals, resulting in significant disruptions to multiple facets of their daily activities. A prominent secondary consequence of SCI is the onset of systemic infections, which may disseminate to other organs, including the kidneys, thereby impairing their functionality. Previous studies have demonstrated that the alcoholic extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis and Melissa officinalis possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, indicating their potential utility in the treatment and management of SCI and its associated secondary complications. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the combined effects of these extracts on sensory and motor functions, alterations in kidney tissue, and the expression of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis in a rat model of SCI. In this investigation, thirty-five adult male rats were divided into five experimental groups: a control group, a group subjected to spinal cord injury (SCI), a group treated with an alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis, a group treated with an alcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis, and a group receiving both extracts. The extracts were administered via intraperitoneal injection starting one-day post-SCI and continued for 28 days. Evaluations of sensory and motor functions were performed weekly, while changes in kidney tissue and the expression of genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis were assessed using histomorphometric techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results indicate that the alcoholic Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts significantly enhanced sensory and motor functions while reducing the expression levels of genes associated with inflammation (TNF-α) and apoptosis (caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2). These findings underscore the potential of these plant extracts in improving the management and treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) and its secondary effects.

Abstract:

Existing animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often methodologically complex and produce variable outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a modified PTSD model that accurately recapitulates the clinical progression of the disorder incorporating both behavioral features and objective physiological parameters. We utilized a modified Single Prolonged Stress with Subsequent Stress (SPS&S) protocol, supplemented by a stress reminder phase (without re-exposure to primary stressors) and an evaluation of stress response extinction. Eighty Wistar rats were subjected to the stress protocol, followed by comprehensive behavioral, hematological (leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit), and hormonal (corticosterone, ACTH) assessments 4-5 weeks post-stress. The model produced a PTSD-like phenotype in 25% of animals, characterized by persistent alterations in the investigated biomarkers. The PTSD group exhibited sustained behavioral impairments (increased anxiety), hematological changes (neutrophilic leukocytosis), and endocrine dysregulation (decreased corticosterone, ACTH, and epinephrine). This modified SPS&S model demonstrates validity for studying the long-term consequences of stress, with PTSD markers remaining stable throughout the 28-day observation period.

Abstract:

Brassica crops (genus Brassica) represent globally important vegetables and oilseeds yet are continuously threatened by insect pests that reduce yield and quality. While classical physiological and chemical defence mechanisms such as the glucosinolate–myrosinase system have been well documented, recent advances in genomics and molecular biology are beginning to unravel the genetic basis of insect resistance in Brassica species. Notably, emerging evidence highlights the central role of jasmonic acid (JA) signalling and the transcription factor MYC2 as a master regulator of inducible defence responses, where stress-induced degradation of JAZ repressors releases MYC2 to activate downstream defence genes and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. This review synthesizes the current understanding of defence mechanisms in Brassica against herbivores, highlights identified resistance genes and their functional roles, and examines the knowledge gaps that hinder progress in molecular breeding. We then explore future molecular approaches including high-throughput omics, gene editing, and resistance gene mining that hold promise for designing durable insect-resistant Brassica cultivars. Recognising the scarcity of major insect-resistance loci relative to pathogen resistance, we argue for integrated strategies combining classical breeding, biotechnology, and ecological management to accelerate the development of resilient Brassica germplasm.

Abstract:

Coagulase-negative staphylococci, including Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus caprae can be causative agents of various nosocomial infections. A novel Staphylococcus phage StaphC_127, active against both S. caprae and S. capitis, was isolated from the surface of a spoiled tomato. All susceptible Staphylococcus strains were isolated from clinical samples collected from the irritated skin surface. StaphC_127 has low lytic activity against the host strain S. caprae CEMTC 1849 and is possibly a temperate phage as its genome encodes the repressor, antirepressor, and site-specific DNA recombinase. In addition, the StaphC_127 genome was detected in bacteriophage insensitive mutants (BIMs) obtained from at least two sensitive S. caprae strains after StaphC_127 infection. Notably, the StaphC_127 genome encodes the Tad2 protein belonging to the Tad2 phage protein family, which inhibits the Thoeris antiphage defense system. The obtained results of the genome analysis indicated that StaphC_127 is the first member of a new supposed Staphcevirus genus that, in turn, is part of a putative Estebevirinae subfamily containing phages capable of infecting coagulase-negative staphylococci.