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Abstract Objectives Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a member of a class of highly pathogenic coronaviruses. The large family of coronaviruses, however, also includes members that cause only mild symptoms, like human coronavirus‐229E (HCoV‐229E) or OC43 (HCoV‐OC43). Unravelling how molecular (and cellular) pathophysiology differs between highly and low pathogenic coronaviruses is important for the development of therapeutic strategies. Methods Here, we analysed the transcriptome of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBEC), differentiated at the air–liquid interface (ALI) after infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, SARS‐CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)‐CoV and HCoV‐229E using bulk RNA sequencing. Results ALI‐PBEC were efficiently infected by all viruses, and SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV and HCoV‐229E infection resulted in a largely similar transcriptional response. The response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection differed markedly as it uniquely lacked the increase in expression of immediate early genes, including FOS, FOSB and NR4A1 that was observed with all other coronaviruses. This finding was further confirmed in publicly available experimental and clinical datasets. Interfering with NR4A1 signalling in Calu‐3 lung epithelial cells resulted in a 100‐fold reduction in extracellular RNA copies of SARS‐CoV‐2 and MERS‐CoV, suggesting an involvement in virus replication. Furthermore, a lack in induction of interferon‐related gene expression characterised the main difference between the highly pathogenic coronaviruses and low pathogenic viruses HCoV‐229E and HCoV‐OC43. Conclusion Our results demonstrate a previously unknown suppression of a host response gene set by SARS‐CoV‐2 and confirm a difference in interferon‐related gene expression between highly pathogenic and low pathogenic coronaviruses.

Abstract Miscanthus ×giganteus (giant miscanthus), first found as a naturally occurring hybrid, has shown promise as a bioenergy/biomass crop throughout much of the temperate world. This allotriploid (2n = 3x = 57) hybrid resulted from a cross between tetraploid Miscanthus sacchariflorus (2n = 4x = 76) and diploid Miscanthus sinensis (2n = 2x = 38) and is particularly desirable due to its low fertility that minimizes reseeding and potential invasiveness. However, there is limited genetic diversity in commonly grown cultivars of triploid M. ×giganteus and breeding and development efforts to improve and domesticate this crop have been minimal. Here, we report on newly developed M. ×giganteus hybrids compared with the industry standard M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Dry biomass yields of new hybrids ranged from 19.5 to 32.4 Mg/ha/year for the fourth growing season, compared with 21.0 Mg/ha/year for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Plant reproductive fertility remained low for all accessions with overall fertility [(seed set × seed germination)/100] ranging from 0.3% to 4.5% for new hybrids compared to 0.4% for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Culm density and height varied among accessions and were positively correlated with increased biomass. Based on compositional analyses, theoretical ethanol yields ranged from 9, 740 to 16,278 L/ha/year for new hybrids compared to 10,406 L/ha/year for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Relative feed value indices were low overall and ranged between 66.0 and 72.8 for new hybrids compared to M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780' with 71.3. The genetic diversity of new hybrids, compared with existing cultivars, was characterized using whole genome sequences. Based on pair‐wise distances, cluster analysis clearly showed increased diversity of new hybrids compared with earlier selections. These results document new triploid hybrids of M. ×giganteus with enhanced biomass and theoretical ethanol yields in combination with broader genetic diversity and lowreproductive fertility.

Abstract Artificial habitat for cavity nesting birds can provide excellent opportunities for research and conservation efforts but may expose species to the negative impacts of warming ambient temperatures with climate change. Artificial nest boxes have been successfully used to monitor the breeding activity of the Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), a small burrow‐nesting seabird, on Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) since 1971. Mean monthly ambient air temperatures on SEFI during the summer months have increased at an annual rate of roughly 0.03°C from 1971 to 2022, along with an increase in the number of extreme heat days and average maximum temperature, confirming a warming trend at this seabird colony. Given a projected increase in global temperature, we assessed the effectiveness of traditional wooden nest boxes vs. newer ceramic modules at buffering external ambient air temperatures in normal and extreme heat days across a gradient of microclimates on SEFI. Results from fitting linear mixed effects models indicated that, on average, internal temperatures of wooden and ceramic nests (of comparable size and shape) exhibited similar rates of deviation from ambient air temperature of approximately 0.15°C, even during extreme heat events. Ceramic modules did keep nest chambers cooler by approximately 1.2°C than wooden boxes during extreme events at the warmer, drier southern location of the island. Our results can help guide future efforts to design artificial nests that can effectively provide habitat for seabirds as ambient temperatures increase.

Abstract Background Most studies investigating the association between physical activity (PA) and the risk of type 2 diabetes are derived from self-reported questionnaires, with limited evidence using device-based measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship between device-measured PA and incident type 2 diabetes. Methods This prospective cohort study included 40,431 participants of the UK Biobank. Wrist-worn accelerometers were used to estimate total, light, moderate, vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PA. The associations between PA and incident type 2 diabetes were analysed using Cox-proportional hazard models. The mediating role of body mass index (BMI) was tested under a causal counterfactual framework. Results The median follow-up period was 6.3 years (IQR: 5.7–6.8), with 591 participants developing type 2 diabetes. Compared to those achieving 600 min/week were at 49% (95% CI 62–32%), 62% (95% CI 71–50%) and 71% (95% CI 80–59%) lower risk of type 2 diabetes, respectively. For vigorous PA, compared to those achieving 75 min/week were at 38% (95% CI 48–33%), 48% (95% CI 64–23%) and 64% (95% CI 78–42%) lower type 2 diabetes risk, respectively. Twelve per cent and 20% of the associations between vigorous and moderate PA and type 2 diabetes were mediated by lower BMI, respectively. Conclusions PA has clear dose-response relationship with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Our findings support the current aerobic PA recommendations but suggest that additional PA beyond the recommendations is associated with even greater risk reduction. Trial registration The UK Biobank study was approved by the North West Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (Ref 11/NW/0382 on June 17, 2011).

This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of microgreen seeds purchased online, including the levels of total aerobic plate counts (APC), Escherichia coli/coliforms, mold & yeast, and the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, seed decontamination practices commonly found online were evaluated, involving soaking in water only (SDW), 3% hydrogen peroxide (H), and a “poor man's solution” (HV; a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 5% acidity white vinegar with water), with or without heat treatment at 50 and 60°C for 20 and 40 h. The effectiveness of these treatments was evaluated using Amaranth (AM), Borage (BO), and Carrot (CA) seeds in reducing Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and mold & yeast, along with examining the germination rate. A total of 102 samples composed of 14 species were purchased from online vendors, and the microbial levels tested were significantly different among the seed species (p < 0.05). Among the species, BO, CA, and Onion (ON) seeds exhibited the highest APC levels (4.99–5.37 log CFU/g), which was significantly higher than the APC of Arugula, Cabbage, Mustard, Kale, and Pea seeds (p < 0.05). The coliform population of BO (3.77 ± 0.68 log CFU/g) was significantly higher than in other species. The 10-min soaking of AM, BO, and CA in H significantly reduced the microbial levels (p < 0.05), and the subsequent heat treatment at 60°C for 20 h further enhanced microbial reduction (total 1.2–3.4 log reduction by heat and soaking). The germination rates were not significantly affected by the different treatment combinations (p > 0.05). This study provides scientifically-validated data for small-scale and home growers to ensure the safety and improve the quality of microgreens.

In Belgian Malinois dogs, a 38-base pair variable number tandem repeat in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) is associated with behavior changes in Malinois. By additional sequencing in SLC6A3, we identified an intronic 12-nucleotide poly(A) insertion ("PolyA(22)") before the terminal exon that was associated with seizure, "glazing over" behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors in a sample of 138 Malinois. We next investigated whether PolyA(22) was associated with 1) increased locomotor activity and 2) response to novelty. Using a sample of 22 Malinois and 25 dogs of other breeds, dogs' activity was monitored in a novel and non-novel environment while wearing activity monitoring collars. All dogs were more active in novel compared with non-novel environments, and Malinois were more active overall than other breeds. There was an effect of PolyA(22) genotype on activity levels, and this effect appeared to underlie the difference detected between Malinois and other breeds. There was no effect of PolyA(22) genotype on the relative decrease in activity between novel and non-novel environments for either group or all dogs considered together. In addition to an association between PolyA(22) and owner reports of seizure, "glazing over" behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors, these findings support an effect of PolyA(22) on dopamine transporter function related to activity. Further investigation is required to confirm mechanistic effects of PolyA(22) on SLC6A3. The complex polygenic nature of behavior and the range of behaviors associated with this insertion predict that effects are likely also modified by additional genetic and environmental factors.