Biology

Neuroendocrine stressors can disrupt the brains redox equilibrium by generating high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to oxidative stress. The magnitude of the effect of neuroendocrine stressors on brain redox equilibrium can be influenced by many internal and external factors. To what extent the relationship between neuroendocrine and oxidative stress is modulated by an individuals stress coping style is only beginning to be understood. To explore this, we subjected proactive and reactive zebrafish to an acute novelty stressor and subsequently quantified changes in behavior and whole brain biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidants (DNA damage, total glutathione (GSH), glutathione ratio, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Stressed fish had significantly higher total glutathione, trends higher ORAC, DNA damage, and glutathione ratio, and trend for lower SOD levels compared to controls. In addition, individuals with a reactive stress coping style exhibited significantly higher levels of SOD and glutathione ratio, and a trend for ORAC compared to proactive individuals. From a principal component analysis, we also found that the reactive individuals had significantly higher PC1 scores (antioxidant axis) compared to the proactive, and a trend for stressed fish having higher PC1 scores than control. The oxidative stress axis (PC2) showed that the stressed fish had a significantly higher PC2 score relative to control fish. Our results show that neuroendocrine stress-induced disruption of redox equilibrium in the brain differs by stress coping style. Those with a reactive stress coping style have elevated antioxidant capabilities and capacities. Overall, our findings suggest that elevated reactivity to neuroendocrine stressors commonly seen in reactive stress coping styles may be mitigated through the glutathione buffering system and other antioxidants.

HLA loci are highly polymorphic genome regions, with allele frequencies varying significantly across different populations. Population HLA frequency databases may contain biases and make cross-study comparison complicated due to varying data curation protocols, genotyping methodologies, resolution, and inconsistencies in the selection criteria for population samples. This study presents HLA allele frequencies of class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1, -DQA1) as well as their combined haplotypes obtained from over 18,000 whole genome sequencing samples of the Russian population. Cohort was stratified based on PCA and admixture components providing frequencies for 14 different ethnic groups. For 12 groups cohort size allowed us to reach average saturation of 96% of allele frequencies in groups. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of composed statistics for disease populational study using type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an example. Populations with similar aggregated genetic risk for T1D demonstrated substantial differences in frequencies of risk and protective HLA alleles. Obtained frequency data was made publicly available through the Allele Frequency Net Database improving previously sparse coverage in HLA frequencies data for east Europe and north Asia regions.

Monomorium pharaonis is one of the many invasive ant species which can be found associated with the endosymbiont bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. The association of M. pharaonis ants with Wolbachia is still being studied but is already known for giving the colony a reproductive advantage. The present work aimed to use biodemography analysis to check the effect of Wolbachia in the colonies of M. pharaonis ants, regarding its reproductive potential and rate of fertility (fertility pace). We took advantage of Birch (1948) methods to assess the effect of the bacteria in the whole colony, using data of the Dryad project. We evaluated the mean length of the generation, its capacity to multiply and the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and if the presence of the bacteria favors the longevity of the colony. The results obtained in the present work confirmed our initial hypothesis that the presence of the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia increased the reproductive rates of M. pharaonis colonies. We also found that the employment of interdisciplinary approaches highly contributes to obtaining more accurate and quantifiable results. The application of this methodological approach, highly contributed to obtain more accurate and directly driven results. For example, colonies infected with Wolbachia showed higher intrinsic growth rate (r) and thus enlightening with a new methodological approach results already presented in previous research. This "new" methodological approach revealed itself as a new tool extendible to other ants colonies or even other species. The use of statistical and biodemographic formulas and the adaptation of classical demography concepts for the study of the growth and reproduction of ant colonies revealed to be very useful.

Shrimp and other arthropods are capable of specific, adaptive immune responses to viruses based on viral copy DNA (vcDNA) fragments in the host genome called endogenous viral elements (EVE). These may produce negative sense RNA transcripts leading to an RNA interference (RNAi) defense response against cognate viruses. We first reported high-frequency-read sequences (HFRS) of white spot syndrome virus EVE (named WSSV-EVE 4,6,8) in a WSSV-free breeding stock of whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Here we describe screening for the same HFRS-EVE in a captured giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) breeding stock, also free of WSSV. WSSV-EVE 4,6,8 was detected in some of the P. monodon stock individuals with positive or negative RNA expression. Eight broodstock individuals were selected for mating in 4 crosses. The offspring from these crosses were grown sufficiently to allow tagging and pleopod sampling for DNA and RNA analysis prior to challenge with WSSV. This allowed for Mendelian analysis of EVE inheritance and for its expression or not in the offspring, together with analysis of their relationships to survival and WSSV infection level after challenge. The results revealed that EVE inheritance was Mendelian, but that their RNA expression or not was independently controlled. In Crosses 1 and 2, all the offspring died and none of them carried 2 or more of the expressed EVE in their parental shrimp. In contrast, 100% of 10 arbitrarily selected surviving shrimp from Cross 3 and 90% from Cross 4 carried and expressed 2 or more of the 3 expressed EVE transmitted from the parental shrimp. These results reveal a potential protocol for development of viral tolerant shrimp stocks.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread human pathogen that has multiple, clinically relevant stages in its complex life cycle, including fast-replicating tachyzoites and latent bradyzoites. Bradyzoite differentiation is triggered by stress responses that lead to changes in transcription, translation, and metabolism. Two aspects of this process are addressed in this report: first, whether proteins that play roles in bradyzoite differentiation are specific to T. gondii and other bradyzoite-forming parasites of the Sarcocystidae family, and second, whether new bradyzoite differentiation proteins can be identified in T. gondii. To answer these questions, a phylogenetic approach was used, comparing proteomes of select members of the Sarcocystidae family that form morphologically different bradyzoite cysts and members of the Eimeriidae family that do not form cysts. This approach resulted in 8 distinct clusters of T. gondii proteins that reflected different conservation patterns; for example, one cluster showed conservation among all organisms, while another showed conservation in bradyzoite cyst-forming organisms. Known T. gondii proteins involved in bradyzoite differentiation were found in all clusters, indicating that this process uses both highly conserved pathways as well as bradyzoite-specific pathways. Importantly, the cluster containing proteins that are conserved in bradyzoite-forming organisms contained several known regulators of bradyzoites, and will be a source for identifying novel T. gondii proteins that are involved in bradyzoite differentiation.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that blood pressure variability (BPV) may offer prognostic value beyond average blood pressure levels. However, data on the association between BPV of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and mortality in patients aged 80 and older are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BPV and all-cause mortality in this population. Methods: A total of 5,838 ABPM records from the Geriatrics Department of Beijing Friendship Hospital, collected between October 12, 2018, and June 9, 2025, were analyzed. Patients were divided into death and non-death groups. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the number of completed ABPM sessions. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the associations between BPV and mortality. Kaplan?Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare survival across groups. Results: A median follow-up of 32.0 months included 727 hypertensive patients aged ?80 years. Multivariable cox regression and kaplan?meier analyses showed that the reverse-dipper blood pressure pattern was significantly associated with increased mortality. While short-term BPV was not linked to mortality, greater long-term variability in nighttime SBP and daytime DBP was significantly associated with higher mortality. Conclusion: Among individuals aged 80 and older, those with a reverse-dipper pattern and higher long-term BPV had a significantly higher mortality risk, despite achieving recommended blood pressure targets. Key words: blood pressure variability, ABPM, reverse-dipper pattern, elderly hypertension, mortality

AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWImproving feed efficiency in pigs is essential for reducing production costs and environmental impacts. This study examines the influence of circadian feeding rhythms and genetic polymorphisms on feed efficiency variability using two pig lines divergently selected for Residual Feed Intake (RFI) over ten generations. Feeding behavior was monitored using automatic concentrate dispensers, recording 6,494,097 visits from 3,824 pigs to analyze meal frequency, duration, and diurnal patterns. LRFI pigs ate less frequently, with larger meals and longer durations, they exhibited two distinct feeding peaks: one around 8:00 AM and a higher one at 5:00 PM and they consumed more feed during the diurnal period and less at night. HRFI pigs showed a smoother, less rhythmic feeding behavior with increased nocturnal intake. The differences between the two RFI lines became more pronounced as the number of generations of selection increased, suggesting a genetic basis. Feeding behaviors, including intake during the two main diurnal peaks, were found to be heritable (heritability estimates: 0.30-0.40) and genetic correlations were observed between feed intake and RFI, especially for intake between the two peaks. Then, we investigated the evolution of allele frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA sequences surrounding 10 core clock genes (ARNTL, CLOCK, CRY1, CRY2, NPAS2, NR1D1, PER1, PER2, PER3, RORA) along generations of selection. SNPs with significant frequency changes were mapped to regulatory regions and transposable elements, especially in HRFI line, suggesting potential functional impacts on circadian regulation. These results underscore the role of feeding behavior and genetic variation in feed efficiency, offering insights for breeding programs aimed at improving metabolic efficiency and sustainability in pig production.

Endogenous circadian oscillators regulate learning, cognitive performance and memory are disrupted due to circadian shifts. High-fat-high-fructose (H) diet, photoperiodic shifts induced chronodisruption (CD) and a combination (HCD) causes neurobehavioral perturbations wherein; the merits of exogenous melatonin in alleviating the said behavioral deficits are studied herein. Indices of anxiety (marble burying test, elevated plus maze test and hole board test) and depressive behavior (sucrose preference test, forced swim test and tail suspension test) were elevated in H, CD and HCD groups. Significant increments in the titres of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4 and TSH) and mRNA levels of hippocampal pro-inflammatory genes (Tnf-, Il-1{beta}, Il-4, Il-6, Il-10, Il-12, Il-17, Mcp-1 and Nf-{kappa}b) in the said experimental groups corroborates with the said changes. Exogenous melatonin treatment to the said experimental groups viz. HM, CDM and HCDM; accounted for moderate to significant improvement in the said neurobehavioral perturbations and hippocampal inflammatory markers. Hippocampal BDNF-TrkB pathway genes of H, CD and HCD had recorded a non-significant downregulation in mRNA but without prominent changes in proteins. Likewise, melatonin-treated groups showed moderate to significant improvement in transcripts of Bdnf, Trkb, Nt-3, Nt-4, Psd-95 and Syn-1. Herein, we report neurobehavioral perturbations caused by a combination of H and CD. Melatonin-mediated improvement in neurobehavior and the corrective changes in hippocampal BDNF-TrkB pathway implies towards the potential anxiolytic and anti-depressive activity as reported herein.

Boar semen contains spermatozoa and seminal plasma (SP) that carries extracellular vesicles (EVs) among other components. However, artificial insemination (AI) doses produced by AI companies are highly diluted based solely on sperm concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity of EVs isolated from AI doses, characterize the protein and miRNA content from high-fertility (HF) and reduced-fertility (RF) boars, and evaluate their functional impact on spermatozoa after dilution by a coincubation up to 24 hours at 38 {degrees}C. Proteomics identified 108 differentially expressed proteins between HF and RF EVs (97 upregulated in HF, 11 in RF), and transcriptomics revealed 80 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in EVs, 52 in SP, and 3 in spermatozoa, showing inverse expression in various shared DEMs between fertility rates, suggesting compartment-specific regulation. Functional coincubation demonstrated that EVs remain biologically active after dilution. HF EVs improved sperm quality parameters and reduced oxidative stress, while RF EVs increased total and progressive motility. Overall, our findings show that EVs from AI doses retain structural integrity, carry fertility-associated protein and miRNA signatures, and functionally modulate sperm quality in vitro. These features highlight porcine EVs as promising biomarkers and potential tools to optimize reproductive performance in swine production.

Alleles of ASIP gene (Agouti locus) in dogs determine a wide spectrum of coat colors, from red to black. Gain-of-function Ay allele is the most dominant in the range of known ASIP mutations: when all other genes affecting coat pigmentation are intact, presence of Ay allele results in red coat color. Loss-of-function a allele is the most recessive allele of this gene. When homozygous, it gives black coat color. Usually, dogs with Ay/a genotype have red coat, because a single copy of Ay allele is sufficient to fully compensate for the non-functional allele a, implying the complete dominance in this pair of alleles. However exceptions are known. In the Hungarian Puli breed there is a specific coat pigmentation type called fako. We investigated the genetic composition of fako dogs and found evidence that the dominance of the Ay allele over the a allele may be incomplete in these dogs. Analysis of the MC1R gene that interacts with ASIP in the hair pigmentation genetic cascade allowed us to find the variants that may be responsible for the incomplete dominance of Ay allele over a allele in Hungarian Puli dogs.

Documenting and understanding the welfare of aging animals are crucial for maintaining their well-being and making appropriate management decisions. This study details the behaviors of an extremely old rhesus macaque (ISK) in which senile plaques and phosphorylated tau deposition were observed in post-mortem pathological analyses of the brain. We report on the activity bsudgets, behavioral rhythms, gait, quality of life (QoL) scores, and anecdotal episodes of this individual. The average 24-hour activity budgets, analyzed from surveillance camera recordings, revealed that ISK spent most of her time inactive. ISK was sometimes active at night, though her behavior remained predominantly diurnal. Gait analysis suggested that her movement patterns changed between the first (December 2020) and the last (June 2021) assessment. QoL assessments, using a scoring sheet, indicated relatively good well-being until the later stage of her life. An anecdotal episode, along with the husbandry diary, suggested signs of cognitive decline. These results suggest possible signs of physical decline, and some behavioral changes that could be associated with cognitive decline in an extremely old rhesus macaque. However, we could not confirm cognitive dysfunction without further controlled cognitive testing. We hope that future studies will consider the behavioral symptoms observed in this study as monitoring items to better understand physical and cognitive decline, and possible relationships with QoL in primates.

AimsGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common pregnancy-related medical complication. GDM is linked to aberrant immune responses in both mothers and offsprings, specifically, the subsequent development of inflammatory diseases. Whereas prior research has focused on specific immune cell subsets, a comprehensive overview of the impacts of GDM on maternal and fetal immune landscape is lacking. Here, we aim to comprehensively decipher how GDM modulates various immune cell populations in mothers and offsprings. MethodsA prospective, longitudinal case-control study was carried out. Maternal blood from GDM-affected (GDM, n=18) and non-GDM-affected (Ctrl, n=21) mothers were collected at ante-(36-38 weeks of gestation) and post-partum (6-8 weeks post-partum) timepoints. Cord blood from GDM (n=7) and Ctrl (n=11) pregnancies were collected upon C-section. They were analyzed with the state-of-the-art cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) with a 40-marker panel. Additionally, a publicly available RNA-seq dataset for cord blood mononuclear cells was re-analyzed to confirm results from CyTOF experiments. ResultsCompared to Ctrl, GDM was associated with more activated maternal T cell subsets ante-partum, including increased CD45RO+ and Ki67+ CD4+ T cell populations, which reverted post-partum. GDM-affected maternal innate lymphoid cell (ILC) also exhibited increased granzyme B production ante-partum. On the other hand, in GDM-impacted cord blood, fetal T and B cells were more activated, displaying less naive and more effector phenotypes, further supported by RNA-seq analyses. ConclusionsOur comprehensive analyses revealed that GDM is linked to profound changes in the immune landscapes of the mothers (ante-/post-partum) and foetuses (at birth), casting novel insights towards GDM pathophysiology. Longitudinal immune profiling might be warranted for early detection and stratification of risk, and development of targeted interventions to prevent inflammatory disorders in GDM mothers and their offspring. Research in contextO_LIWhat is already known about this subject? O_LIThe maternal and intrauterine environments are important contributors to long-term health outcomes of mothers and offsprings. C_LIO_LISome maternal and fetal immunity changes have been observed in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)-affected pregnancies. C_LIO_LIGDM is associated with increased risk of later-life metabolic and inflammatory diseases in mothers as well as offsprings. C_LI C_LIO_LIWhat is the key question? O_LIWhat are the longitudinal alterations in maternal and fetal immune landscapes in GDM-affected pregnancies? C_LI C_LIO_LIWhat are the new findings? O_LIHigh-dimensional immune profiling provided the most comprehensive overview of alterations in maternal and fetal immune landscapes associated with GDM. C_LIO_LIGDM is associated with skewing of maternal CD4+ T cell and ILC towards activated phenotypes ante-partum. C_LIO_LIGDM is linked to more activated fetal T and B cell profiles. C_LI C_LIO_LIHow might this impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future? O_LIUnderstanding the complex alterations in the maternal and fetal immune landscape in GDM-affected pregnancy provides insights into the long-term impacts of GDM on the mother and offspring. C_LI C_LI

Cancer-related genomic instability (GI) may cause genetic alterations in spermatozoa, implying health issues not only in cancer survivors, but also in their children [1, 2]. We therefore studied Loss of Y chromosome (LOY), considered as hallmark of GI [3-15], in spermatozoa and blood from survivors of childhood and testicular cancer (CC, TC), and controls (CTRL). We found that LOY was statistically significantly more frequent in spermatozoa from cancer survivors than in controls (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.2 for CC vs. CTRL and OR=2.4 for TC vs. CTRL). Furthermore, LOY was about an order of magnitude more prevalent in spermatozoa than in blood among 18-53-year-old males within all cohorts. Our findings suggest that LOY in spermatozoa might be a clinically useful marker of GI, reduced fertility and disease predisposition in males. Introducing LOY in spermatozoa as a biomarker opens a new research avenue into disease prevention and the causes and consequences of LOY.

Mothers milk is known for its crucial roles in infant health and development. Probably the most commonly studied effects of milk are those on an infants intestinal barrier, metabolism, and immunity. While these functions of milk were mostly attributed to its protein and fat content, recent evidence points to a potential role of milk microRNAs in these processes. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that can fine-tune gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Human milk (HM) is rich in microRNAs, which are mainly found associated with milk extracellular vesicles (EVs). HM microRNAs are proposed to transfer from mother to infant via breastfeeding and execute gene regulatory functions in infant cells. For microRNAs to be able to act as "genetic programmers" rather than mere nutritional molecules, they should resist digestion in the infants gastrointestinal tract. Milk EVs are believed to protect microRNAs against degradation and facilitate their delivery to the cells. Here, we used two lots of pasteurized HM that were originally destined for human milk banks. We showed that HM contains different populations of EVs with different physicochemical properties, similar to those previously identified in commercial bovine milk. We also showed that these EVs, which are often discarded, contain the majority of HM microRNAs. Finally, we showed that three highly abundant milk microRNAs resisted differentially to infants simulated digestion conditions, with a relatively small number of microRNAs surviving a two-hour digestion. Milk microRNA copy numbers surviving digestion may be too low to influence gene expression in infant cells. HighlightsO_LIPasteurized HM contains heterogeneous populations of EVs. C_LIO_LIThese EVs associate with the majority of HM microRNAs. C_LIO_LIDifferent microRNAs show varying stability during infant digestion. C_LIO_LIThe copy number of milk miR-148a-3p surviving digestion might be too low to influence gene expression in infant cells. C_LI

The recovery of amplifiable DNA from formaldehyde{square}fixed (FF) zooplankton samples has long been considered unfeasible. Nevertheless, advances in DNA sequencing and methods for retrieving highly degraded genetic material have demonstrated that even million{square}year{square}old samples and FF museum specimens can yield usable DNA. To access the biological information preserved in long{square}term zooplankton time series, we assessed methodologies for extracting amplifiable DNA from community samples stored for up to 28 years in formaldehyde at room temperature. On one hand, we report the failure of a method previously described as successful for FF zooplankton samples, likely due to the cold{square}storage conditions (4{square}{degrees}C) used in the original study. On the other hand, by adapting two extraction protocols designed for FF museum specimens--representing harsher and softer alternatives (HHA and HPC, respectively)--we successfully amplified and sequenced a subset of FF zooplankton samples. As expected, DNA integrity and sample pH were inversely related to preservation time, and only short DNA fragments were recovered, ruling out the use of commonly employed [≥]300{square}bp metabarcoding markers. While DNA integrity appeared to be a better predictor than DNA yield for amplification success, the presence of a gel band of the expected size did not always guarantee congruence with microscopy{square}based assessments. Although amplifiable DNA was recovered from most samples, including some of the oldest, community compositions concordant with microscopy were consistently recovered only from samples preserved for up to two years. Beyond this point, the HHA and HPC methods produced divergent results, reflecting a trade{square}off between the removal of formaldehyde{square}induced cross{square}linkages and the avoidance of additional DNA damage. Among the small universal markers tested ([~]120-170{square}bp), including one nuclear rRNA marker and two mitochondrial markers, only the 18S rRNA V9 region consistently amplified. We conclude by providing a set of recommendations aimed at improving the methods presented here.

The Drosophila adult central brain contains 240 circadian neurons, of which there are more than 25 different neuron subtypes based on connectomic data. Recent single cell RNA-seq (scRNAseq) characterization of these neurons "around the clock" also indicates a similar number of molecular subtypes of circadian neurons, but other conclusions from these transcriptomic studies warranted verifying and extending with other approaches. To this end: 1) We used a genetic multiplexing strategy to profile the transcriptomes of circadian neurons from multiple time points in a single experiment, reducing confounding technical variation between timepoints; 2) Large numbers of single nuclei were sequenced (snRNA-seq), which was enabled because the new method EL-INTACT purifies nuclei from frozen heads; 3) We assayed 12 time points under both light-dark (LD) and constant darkness (DD) conditions. These approaches showed dramatic transcriptional differences between time points in many circadian neuron types and enhanced time-of-day gene expression analysis. The data indicate that most of this regulation is transcriptional and circadian. There were however a small number of light-dependent transcripts, including a few that correspond to mammalian immediate-early genes. They probably play a role in the light-regulation of gene expression and behavior in specific neurons, perhaps circadian entrainment or phase-shifting. The results taken together provide a more comprehensive picture of gene expression heterogeneity within adult Drosophila circadian neurons including how intrinsic clock mechanisms and light cues are integrated across circadian neuron subtypes.

Data from 80,713 first-calving cows (1984 to1989) of the Holstein, Mambi, and Siboney breeds, belonging to seven large dairy enterprises in Cuba and progenies of 1,297 sires, were analyzed. For each cow, the average across all lactations for at least 14 years after first calving was defined as individual productivity (PI), and the corresponding lifetime sum as accumulated productivity (PA); both traits were. Two genetic models were fitted: a classical Animal Model (M1) and a Sire maternal grandsire model (Sire MGS; M2), aimed at partitioning additive genetic variance into paternal and maternal-line components. Heritability estimates under model M1 were moderate (h2 {approx} 0.135 to 0.140), whereas M2 yielded higher values (h2 {approx} 0.158 to 0.170), reflecting increased additive variance due to a better connectedness across herds. Using estimated breeding values (EBV) for PI and PA, a global cow merit index (H1) was defined under M1. Under M2, a parental index (IM2) combining four standardized predictors (paternal and maternal-grandsire EBV for PI and PA) was constructed. Multiple regression of H1 on IM2 showed that the paternal and maternal-grandsire paths accounted for 73% and 27% of the variation, respectively, indicating a non-negligible maternal-line contribution. Model M2 provided the best overall fit according to information criteria and cross validation using two independent subsamples and the full population yielded correlations of 0.870 to 0.881, demonstrating strong predictive ability and stability of IM2 rankings. These results support the Sire MGS model as a structural extension of the Animal Model for breeding programs targeting lifetime productivity in tropical dairy cattle.

The paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of gene networks activated by water stress and low temperatures in extensive (Saratovskaya 29, S29) and intensive (Yanetskis Probat, YP) wheat varieties during the seedling development stage. It is concluded that the creation of the S29 variety, which occurred through complex stepwise hybridization and selection for morphological traits, productivity, and grain quality traits, resulted in the emergence and inheritance of regulatory gene networks involving proteins with the CC domain, as well as the BTB/POZ and TAZ domains, which have an increased affinity for transcription factors involved in the transcriptomic response to changing external conditions. It was established that, at the transcriptomic level, the S29 variety is characterized by a transition to an energy saving mode to maintain the activity of the Calvin-Benson cycle under the water deficit conditions and the inhibition of proteolytic processes at low temperatures. The transcriptional response of the high-yielding YP variety to 24-hour low-temperature treatment was more active and involved a larger number of genes compared to the S29 variety. Identifying varietal variability in molecular genetic mechanisms of resistance to abiotic stressors facilitates the development of marker-assisted and genomic selection technologies for common wheat. Key messageThe extensive S29 variety was characterized by its transition to energy-saving mode to maintain the Calvin-Benson cycle under water deficit and a reduction in proteolytic processes under low temperature.

Imagine you walk in a plane. You move by making a step of a certain length per time interval in a chosen direction. Repeating this process by randomly sampling step length and turning angle defines a two-dimensional random walk in what we call comoving frame coordinates. This is precisely how Ross and Pearson proposed to model the movements of organisms more than a century ago. Decades later their concept was generalised by including persistence leading to a correlated random walk, which became a popular model in Movement Ecology. In contrast, Langevin equations describing cell migration and used in active matter theory are typically formulated by position and velocity in a fixed Cartesian frame. In this article, we explore the transformation of stochastic Langevin dynamics from the Cartesian into the comoving frame. We show that the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process for the Cartesian velocity of a walker can be transformed exactly into a stochastic process that is defined self-consistently in the comoving frame, thereby profoundly generalising correlated random walk models. This approach yields a general conceptual framework how to transform stochastic processes from the Cartesian into the comoving frame. Our theory paves the way to derive, invent and explore novel stochastic processes in the comoving frame for modelling the movements of organisms. It can also be applied to design novel stochastic dynamics for autonomously moving robots and drones.

The use of domestic pigs in clinical training and biomedical research is expanding rapidly, increasing the need for reliable, noninvasive indicators of health and welfare. Vocal analysis offers a non-invasive promising tool, yet the acoustic repertoire of adult domestic pigs remains poorly defined. However, the vocalization repertoire of adult domestic pigs has yet to be characterized. This study characterizes the vocal repertoire of adult pigs housed in a biomedical research laboratory. Twelve mixed-breed pigs (2-3 months old; 5 males, 7 females) were recorded during routine husbandry and experimental procedures. Vocal classification was conducted using perceptual and objective clustering techniques. First, aural- visual (AV) inspection of spectrograms was used to construct a hierarchical repertoire. Second, a two-step cluster analysis based on six acoustic parameters (5% frequency, first quartile frequency, center frequency, 90% bandwidth, interquartile range bandwidth, and 90% duration) provided an objective classification. Agreement between methods was evaluated using Cramers V. A total of 1,136 vocalizations from 69 recordings were analyzed. AV classification revealed five major vocal classes-- grunt, squeal, complex, scream, and bark--subdividing into 16 distinct call types. Standardized definitions integrating descriptive and quantitative criteria are provided. The two-step cluster analysis identified two clusters as the optimal statistical solution, with moderate agreement between methods (Cramers V = 0.67, p < 0.0001). Most AV-defined call types aligned with previously reported repertoires, although whines, yelps, and stable screams were unique to this study. While two-cluster solutions are commonly reported, our findings indicate that richer acoustic structure exists and that high gradation among pig calls may limit the resolution of statistical clustering. These results establish a detailed acoustic framework for adult pig vocalizations and provide essential groundwork for developing predictive models to enhance welfare assessment and support comparative research in laboratory-housed pigs.