Potential role of tanycyte-derived neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease

Tanycytes, specialized ependymal cells located in the hypothalamus, play a crucial role in the generation of new neurons that contribute to the neural circuits responsible for regulating the systemic energy balance. The precise coordination of the gene networks controlling neurogenesis in naive and mature tanycytes is essential for maintaining homeostasis in adulthood. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that govern the proliferation and differentiation of tanycytes into neurons remains limited. This article aims to review the recent advancements in research into the mechanisms and functions of tanycyte-derived neurogenesis. Studies employing lineage-tracing techniques have revealed that the neurogenesis specifically originating from tanycytes in the hypothalamus has a compensatory role in neuronal loss and helps maintain energy homeostasis during metabolic diseases. Intriguingly, metabolic disorders are considered early biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the neurogenic potential of tanycytes and the state of newborn neurons derived from tanycytes heavily depend on the maintenance of mild microenvironments, which may be disrupted in Alzheimer's disease due to the impaired blood-brain barrier function. However, the specific alterations and regulatory mechanisms governing tanycyte-derived neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease remain unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that tanycyte-derived neurogenesis might be impaired in Alzheimer's disease, exacerbating neurodegeneration. Confirming this hypothesis, however, poses a challenge because of the lack of long-term tracing and nucleus-specific analyses of newborn neurons in the hypothalamus of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying tanycyte-derived neurogenesis holds promise for identifying small molecules capable of restoring tanycyte proliferation in neurodegenerative diseases. This line of investigation could provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.

From the cauldron of conflict: Endogenous gene regulation by piRNA and other modes of adaptation enabled by selfish transposable elements

Transposable elements (TEs) provide a prime example of genetic conflict because they can proliferate in genomes and populations even if they harm the host. However, numerous studies have shown that TEs, though typically harmful, can also provide fuel for adaptation. This is because they code functional sequences that can be useful for the host in which they reside. In this review, I summarize the "how" and "why" of adaptation enabled by the genetic conflict between TEs and hosts. In addition, focusing on mechanisms of TE control by small piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), I highlight an indirect form of adaptation enabled by conflict. In this case, mechanisms of host defense that regulate TEs have been redeployed for endogenous gene regulation. I propose that the genetic conflict released by meiosis in early eukaryotes may have been important because, among other reasons, it spurred evolutionary innovation on multiple interwoven trajectories - on the part of hosts and also embedded genetic parasites. This form of evolution may function as a complexity generating engine that was a critical player in eukaryotic evolution.

4-Nitrophenol at environmentally relevant concentrations mediates reproductive toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans via metabolic disorders-induced estrogen signaling pathway

4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), as a toxic and refractory pollutant, has generated significant concern due to its adverse effects. However, the potential toxic effects and mechanism remained unclear. In this study, the reproduction, development, locomotion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of Caenorhabditis elegans were investigated to evaluate the 4-NP toxicity. We used metabolomics to assess the potential damage mechanisms. The role of metabolites in mediating the relationship between 4-NP and phenotypes was examined by correlation and mediation analysis. 4-NP (8 ng/L and 8 µg/L) caused significant reduction of brood size, ovulation rate, total germ cells numbers, head thrashes and body bends, and an increase in ROS. However, the oosperm numbers in uterus, body length and body width were decreased in 8 µg/L. Moreover, 36 differential metabolites were enriched in the significant metabolic pathways, including lysine biosynthesis, β-alanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, propanoate metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and estrogen signaling pathway. The mechanism of 4-NP toxicity was that oxidative stress caused by the perturbation of amino acid, which had effects on energy metabolism through disturbing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and finally affected the estrogen signaling pathway to exert toxic effects. Moreover, correlation and mediation analysis showed glycerol-3P, glucosamine-6P, glucosamine-1P, UDP-galactose, L-aspartic acid, and uracil were potential markers for the reproduction and glucose-1,6P2 for developmental toxicity. The results provided insight into the pathways involved in the toxic effects caused by 4-NP and developed potential biomarkers to evaluate 4-NP toxicity.

Induced resistance to herbivory and the intelligent plant

Plant induced responses to environmental stressors are increasingly studied in a behavioral ecology context. This is particularly true for plant induced responses to herbivory that mediate direct and indirect defenses, and tolerance. These seemingly adaptive alterations of plant defense phenotypes in the context of other environmental conditions have led to the discussion of such responses as intelligent behavior. Here we consider the concept of plant intelligence and some of its predictions for chemical information transfer in plant interaction with other organisms. Within this framework, the flow, perception, integration, and storage of environmental information are considered tunable dials that allow plants to respond adaptively to attacking herbivores while integrating past experiences and environmental cues that are predictive of future conditions. The predictive value of environmental information and the costs of acting on false information are important drivers of the evolution of plant responses to herbivory. We identify integrative priming of defense responses as a mechanism that allows plants to mitigate potential costs associated with acting on false information. The priming mechanisms provide short- and long-term memory that facilitates the integration of environmental cues without imposing significant costs. Finally, we discuss the ecological and evolutionary prediction of the plant intelligence hypothesis.

Vegetal memory through the lens of transcriptomic changes - recent progress and future practical prospects for exploiting plant transcriptional memory

Plant memory plays an important role in the efficient and rapid acclimation to a swiftly changing environment. In addition, since plant memory can be inherited, it is also of adaptive and evolutionary importance. The ability of a plant to store, retain, retrieve and delete information on acquired experience is based on cellular, biochemical and molecular networks in the plants. This review offers an up-to-date overview on the formation, types, checkpoints of plant memory based on our current knowledge and focusing on its transcriptional aspects, the transcriptional memory. Roles of long and small non-coding RNAs are summarized in the regulation, formation and the cooperation between the different layers of the plant memory, i.e. in the establishment of epigenetic changes associated with memory formation in plants. The RNA interference mechanisms at the RNA and DNA level and the interplays between them are also presented. Furthermore, this review gives an insight of how exploitation of plant transcriptional memory may provide new opportunities for elaborating promising cost-efficient, and effective strategies to cope with the ever-changing environmental perturbations, caused by climate change. The potentials of plant memory-based methods, such as crop priming, cross acclimatization, memory modification by miRNAs and associative use of plant memory, in the future's agriculture are also discussed.

The "plant neurobiology" revolution

The 21st-century "plant neurobiology" movement is an amalgam of scholars interested in how "neural processes", broadly defined, lead to changes in plant behavior. Integral to the movement (now called plant behavioral biology) is a triad of historically marginalized subdisciplines, namely plant ethology, whole plant electrophysiology and plant comparative psychology, that set plant neurobiology apart from the mainstream. A central tenet held by these "triad disciplines" is that plants are exquisitely sensitive to environmental perturbations and that destructive experimental manipulations rapidly and profoundly affect plant function. Since destructive measurements have been the norm in plant physiology, much of our "textbook knowledge" concerning plant physiology is unrelated to normal plant function. As such, scientists in the triad disciplines favor a more natural and holistic approach toward understanding plant function. By examining the history, philosophy, sociology and psychology of the triad disciplines, this paper refutes in eight ways the criticism that plant neurobiology presents nothing new, and that the topics of plant neurobiology fall squarely under the purview of mainstream plant physiology. It is argued that although the triad disciplines and mainstream plant physiology share the common goal of understanding plant function, they are distinct in having their own intellectual histories and epistemologies.

Common bean under different water availability reveals classifiable stimuli-specific signatures in plant electrome

Plant electrophysiology has unveiled the involvement of electrical signals in the physiology and behavior of plants. Spontaneously generated bioelectric activity can be altered in response to changes in environmental conditions, suggesting that a plant's electrome may possess a distinct signature associated with various stimuli. Analyzing electrical signals, particularly the electrome, in conjunction with Machine Learning (ML) techniques has emerged as a promising approach to classify characteristic electrical signals corresponding to each stimulus. This study aimed to characterize the electrome of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. BRS-Expedito, subjected to different water availabilities, seeking patterns linked to these stimuli. For this purpose, bean plants in the vegetative stage were subjected to the following treatments: (I) distilled water; (II) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution; (III) -2 MPa PEG solution; and (IV) -2 MPa NaCl solution. Electrical signals were recorded within a Faraday's cage using the MP36 electronic system for data acquisition. Concurrently, plant water status was assessed by monitoring leaf turgor variation. Leaf temperature was additionally measured. Various analyses were conducted on the electrical time series data, including arithmetic average of voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, Probability Density Function (PDF), autocorrelation, Power Spectral Density (PSD), Approximate Entropy (ApEn), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Multiscale Approximate Entropy (ApEn(s)). Statistical analyses were performed on leaf temperature, voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, PDF µ exponent, autocorrelation, PSD β exponent, and approximate entropy data. Machine Learning analyses were applied to identify classifiable patterns in the electrical time series. Characterization of the electrome of BRS-Expedito beans revealed stimulus-dependent profiles, even when alterations in water availability stimuli were similar in terms of quality and intensity. Additionally, it was observed that the bean electrome exhibits high levels of complexity, which are altered by different stimuli, with more intense and aversive stimuli leading to drastic reductions in complexity levels. Notably, one of the significant findings was the 100% accuracy of Small Vector Machine in detecting salt stress using electrome data. Furthermore, the study highlighted alterations in the plant electrome under low water potential before observable leaf turgor changes. This work demonstrates the potential use of the electrome as a physiological indicator of the water status in bean plants.

Endogenous cAMP elevation in Brassica napus causes changes in phytohormone levels

In higher plants, the regulatory roles of cAMP (cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate) signaling remain elusive until now. Cellular cAMP levels are generally much lower in higher plants than in animals and transiently elevated for triggering downstream signaling events. Moreover, plant adenylate cyclase (AC) activities are found in different moonlighting multifunctional proteins, which may pose additional complications in distinguishing a specific signaling role for cAMP. Here, we have developed rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) transgenic plants that overexpress an inducible plant-origin AC activity for generating high AC levels much like that in animal cells, which served the genetic model disturbing native cAMP signaling as a whole in plants. We found that overexpression of the soluble AC activity had significant impacts on the contents of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and stress phytohormones, i.e. jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the transgenic plants. Acute induction of the AC activity caused IAA overaccumulation, and upregulation of TAA1 and CYP83B1 in the IAA biosynthesis pathways, but also simultaneously the hyper-induction of PR4 and KIN2 expression indicating activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways. We observed typical overgrowth phenotypes related to IAA excess in the transgenic plants, including significant increases in plant height, internode length, width of leaf blade, petiole length, root length, and fresh shoot biomass, as well as the precocious seed development, as compared to wild-type plants. In addition, we identified a set of 1465 cAMP-responsive genes (CRGs), which are most significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction pathway, and function mainly in relevance to hormonal, abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as growth and development. Collectively, our results support that cAMP elevation impacts phytohormone homeostasis and signaling, and modulates plant growth and development. We proposed that cAMP signaling may be critical in configuring the coordinated regulation of growth and development in higher plants.

Cold priming on pathogen susceptibility in the Arabidopsis eds1 mutant background requires a functional stromal Ascorbate Peroxidase

24 h cold exposure (4°C) is sufficient to reduce pathogen susceptibility in Arabidopsis thaliana against the virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) strain even when the infection occurs five days later. This priming effect is independent of the immune regulator Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) and can be observed in the immune-compromised eds1-2 null mutant. In contrast, cold priming-reduced Pst susceptibility is strongly impaired in knock-out lines of the stromal and thylakoid ascorbate peroxidases (sAPX/tAPX) highlighting their relevance for abiotic stress-related increased immune resilience. Here, we extended our analysis by generating an eds1 sapx double mutant. eds1 sapx showed eds1-like resistance and susceptibility phenotypes against Pst strains containing the effectors avrRPM1 and avrRPS4. In comparison to eds1-2, susceptibility against the wildtype Pst strain was constitutively enhanced in eds1 sapx. Although a prior cold priming exposure resulted in reduced Pst titers in eds1-2, it did not alter Pst resistance in eds1 sapx. This demonstrates that the genetic sAPX requirement for cold priming of basal plant immunity applies also to an eds1 null mutant background.

The primary role of sebum in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris and its therapeutic relevance in acne management

BACKGROUND

Sebum physiology and its contributions to acne vulgaris (AV) pathophysiology have been long debated. Within the pilosebaceous unit, androgens drive sebocyte production of sebum, comprising mono-, di-, and triglycerides (the latter converted to fatty acids); squalene; cholesterol; cholesterol esters; and wax esters. Upon release to the skin surface, human sebum has important roles in epidermal water retention, antimicrobial defenses, and innate immune responses.

AIMS

Alterations in sebum alone and with other pathogenic factors (inflammation, follicular hyperkeratinization, and Cutibacterium acnes [C. acnes] proliferation) contribute to AV pathophysiology. Androgen-driven sebum production, mandatory for AV development, propagates C. acnes proliferation and upregulates inflammatory and comedogenic cascades.

RESULTS

Some sebum lipids have comedogenic effects in isolation, and sebum content alterations (including elevations in specific fatty acids) contribute to AV pathogenesis. Regional differences in facial sebum production, coupled with patient characteristics (including sex and age), help exemplify this link between sebum alterations and AV lesion formation.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, only combined oral contraceptives and oral spironolactone (both limited to female patients), oral isotretinoin and topical clascoterone (cortexolone 17α-propionate) modulate sebum production in patients with AV. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying sebaceous gland changes driving AV development is needed to expand the AV treatment armamentarium.

Systematic data analysis pipeline for quantitative morphological cell phenotyping

Quantitative morphological phenotyping (QMP) is an image-based method used to capture morphological features at both the cellular and population level. Its interdisciplinary nature, spanning from data collection to result analysis and interpretation, can lead to uncertainties, particularly among those new to this actively growing field. High analytical specificity for a typical QMP is achieved through sophisticated approaches that can leverage subtle cellular morphological changes. Here, we outline a systematic workflow to refine the QMP methodology. For a practical review, we describe the main steps of a typical QMP; in each step, we discuss the available methods, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages, along with the R functions and packages for easy implementation. This review does not cover theoretical backgrounds, but provides several references for interested researchers. It aims to broaden the horizons for future phenome studies and demonstrate how to exploit years of endeavors to achieve more with less.

The role of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in knee osteoarthritis inflammation

Mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is known to mediate a variety of inflammatory pathways and is also involved in the occurrence and development of many orthopedic diseases. Although its role in the inflammatory mechanism of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has been reported, a systematic explanation is yet to be seen. This article aims to summarize the role of inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of KOA and elucidate the mechanism by which the Piezo1-mediated inflammatory response contributes to the pathogenesis of KOA, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The results indicate that in the mechanism leading to knee osteoarthritis, Piezo1 can mediate the inflammatory response through chondrocytes and synovial cells, participating in the pathological progression of KOA. Piezo1 has the potential to become a new target for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Additionally, as pain is one of the most severe manifestations in KOA patients, the inflammatory response mediated by Piezo1, which causes the release of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory factors leading to pain, can be further explored.

Chemotherapy-induced acceleration of DNA methylation-based biological age in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and is often treated with chemotherapy. Although previous studies have demonstrated increasing biological age in patients who receive chemotherapy, evaluation of this association with DNA methylation-based markers of biological ageing may provide novel insight into the role of chemotherapy on the ageing process. We therefore sought to investigate the association between chemotherapy and markers of biological ageing as estimated from DNA methylation in women with breast cancer. DNA methylation profiling was performed on peripheral blood collected from 18 patients before and after the first cycle of chemotherapy using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Six markers of biological age acceleration were estimated from DNA methylation levels. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between each metric of biological age acceleration and chemotherapy. After adjusting for chronological age and race, intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (p = 0.041), extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (p = 0.050), PhenoAge acceleration (p = 0.001), GrimAge acceleration (p < 0.001), and DunedinPACE (p = 0.006) were significantly higher and telomere length (p = 0.027) was significantly lower following the first cycle of chemotherapy compared to before treatment initiation. These results demonstrate greater biological ageing as estimated from DNA methylation following chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. Our findings illustrate that cytotoxic therapies may modulate the ageing process among breast cancer patients and may also have implications for age-related health conditions in cancer survivors.

eIF4E orchestrates mRNA processing, RNA export and translation to modify specific protein production

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E acts as a multifunctional factor that simultaneously influences mRNA processing, export, and translation in many organisms. Its multifactorial effects are derived from its capacity to bind to the methyl-7-guanosine cap on the 5'end of mRNAs and thus can act as a cap chaperone for transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we describe the multifactorial roles of eIF4E in major mRNA-processing events including capping, splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, nuclear export and translation. We discuss the evidence that eIF4E acts at two levels to generate widescale changes to processing, export and ultimately the protein produced. First, eIF4E alters the production of components of the mRNA processing machinery, supporting a widescale reprogramming of multiple mRNA processing events. In this way, eIF4E can modulate mRNA processing without physically interacting with target transcripts. Second, eIF4E also physically interacts with both capped mRNAs and components of the RNA processing or translation machineries. Further, specific mRNAs are sensitive to eIF4E only in particular mRNA processing events. This selectivity is governed by the presence of cis-acting elements within mRNAs known as USER codes that recruit relevant co-factors engaging the appropriate machinery. In all, we describe the molecular bases for eIF4E's multifactorial function and relevant regulatory pathways, discuss the basis for selectivity, present a compendium of ~80 eIF4E-interacting factors which play roles in these activities and provide an overview of the relevance of its functions to its oncogenic potential. Finally, we summarize early-stage clinical studies targeting eIF4E in cancer.

Cell-free DNA predicts all-cause mortality of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury

Background Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a common complication in critically ill patients. Therefore, reliable biomarkers for predicting S-AKI outcomes are necessary. Serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a circulating extracellular DNA fragment used as a noninvasive screening tool for many diseases, including sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of cfDNA in S-AKI patients and its relationship with some other parameters.Methods A total of 89 S-AKI patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from June 2021 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized into the low cfDNA group (< 855 ng/ml) and high cfDNA group (≥ 855 ng/ml) and were followed up for three months. CfDNA was extracted from serum and quantified using Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Reagent.Results Overall survival was significantly lower in the high cfDNA group than in the low cfDNA group (Log-Rank p = 0.012). Univariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that cfDNA was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR [hazard ratio] 2.505, 95% CI [95% confidence interval] 1.184-5.298, p = 0.016). Also, serum cfDNA was a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates (HR 2.191, 95% CI 1.017-4.721, p = 0.045). Moreover, cfDNA was positively correlated with several baseline parameters, including serum creatine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, prothrombin time, and International Normalized Ratio.Conclusion High serum cfDNA level is associated with higher mortality among the S-AKI population, indicating that cfDNA is a valuable biomarker for S-AKI prognosis.

Correlation between standard sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation from 11,339 samples

Conventional semen parameters have long been considered fundamental in male fertility analyses. However, doubts have been raised regarding the clinical utility of the assessment of spermatozoa (sperm) DNA damage. In this retrospective study, we investigated the potential correlation between conventional semen parameters and semen DNA fragmentation (SDF) assessed as sperm DNA damage, in 11,339 semen samples collected between January 2019 and June 2022. We observed significant negative correlations between the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm viability (correlation coefficient [r] = -0.514) as well as progressive sperm motility (r = -0.512, p < 0.05). Samples were categorized into three groups according to DFI levels (Groups A, B, and C: ≤15%, 15 < DFI ≤30%, and >30%, respectively). Furthermore, the percentage of semen samples with normal sperm conventional parameters in Groups A, B, and C was 76.7% (4369/5697), 61.4% (2351/3827), and 39.7% (721/1815), respectively. Moreover, according to the reference values of conventional sperm parameters, the samples were divided into Groups F, G, and H with all normal, only one abnormal, and > two abnormal parameters, respectively. In addition, the proportions of samples with abnormal DFI values (>30) in Groups F, G, and H were 9.7% (721/7441), 23.1% (618/2676), and 39.0% (476/1222), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that sperm vitality, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm form, total sperm count, semen volume, age, and some sperm kinematics collectively improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to 0.861, surpassing the predictive value of a single predictor of pathologically damaged sperm DNA. Our study suggests that samples with abnormal sperm parameters may have a higher likelihood of high DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, certain semen parameters could be potential indicators of sperm DNA fragmentation, aiding sperm selection in assisted reproductive procedures.

The relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and energy and macronutrients intakes during pregnancy in women from Yucatan, Mexico

In this observational study, our aim was to analyse the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and adequacy rates of energy and macronutrient intakes in a sample of pregnant women from Yucatan, Mexico. From September to December 2019, we collected data on socioeconomic, pregnancy, and dietary characteristics, and took anthropometric measurements of women during household visits. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated from measured height and self-reported body weight. Energy and macronutrient intakes (obtained from three 24-h dietary recalls) were compared with the estimated trimester-specific requirements to calculate adequacies (%). Multiple linear regression models showed that after accounting for maternal socioeconomic characteristics and perinatal variables, each unit increase in pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with decreases of 2%, 2%, and 2.6% in energy, carbohydrate, and total fat intakes, respectively. These results were significant when under- and over-reporters were excluded from the analyses. Women who enter pregnancy with higher BMI values may voluntarily or involuntarily reduce their food intake.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already know about this subject? Some studies have analysed the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obesity) and diet quality during pregnancy, but few studies have focussed on quantitative energy and macronutrient intakes or their adequacies in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI.What do the results of this study contribute? In this sample of Mexican women belonging to a middle socioeconomic status, we found that after excluding under- and over-reporters from the analyses and accounting for maternal socioeconomic characteristics and perinatal variables, BMI was negatively associated with adequacy intake rates of energy, carbohydrates, and total fats during pregnancy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Women who enter pregnancy with higher BMI values may voluntarily or involuntarily reduce their food intake. These results can be used to accordingly plan diet counselling during pregnancy.

The cutaneous effects of androgens and androgen-mediated sebum production and their pathophysiologic and therapeutic importance in acne vulgaris

Background: The recognition of an association between the development of acne vulgaris (AV) and pubertal hormonal changes during adolescence dates back almost 100 years. Since these formative observations, a significant role of circulating hormones in the pathophysiology of AV and other cutaneous disorders has been established.Aims: This review article aims to provide an overview of clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the influences of androgens on the skin and their therapeutic importance in AV pathophysiology.Results: The cutaneous effects of hormones are attributable, to a large extent, to the influence of steroid hormones, particularly androgens, on sebocyte development and sebum production in both sexes. Androgen-mediated excess sebum production is implicated as a necessary early step in AV pathophysiology and is therefore considered an important therapeutic target in AV treatment. Although the local production and/or activity of androgens within the skin is believed to be important in AV pathophysiology, it has received limited therapeutic attention.Conclusions: We have summarized the current evidence in support of the therapeutic benefits of targeted hormonal treatment to decrease androgen-stimulated sebum production for the effective and safe treatment of AV in both male and female patients.

Transmission of reduced levels of miR-34/449 from sperm to preimplantation embryos is a key step in the transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of the effects of paternal chronic social instability stress

The transgenerational effects of exposing male mice to chronic social instability (CSI) stress are associated with decreased sperm levels of multiple members of the miR-34/449 family that persist after their mating through preimplantation embryo (PIE) development. Here we demonstrate the importance of these miRNA changes by showing that restoring miR-34c levels in PIEs derived from CSI stressed males prevents elevated anxiety and defective sociability normally found specifically in their adult female offspring. It also restores, at least partially, levels of sperm miR-34/449 normally reduced in their male offspring who transmit these sex-specific traits to their offspring. Strikingly, these experiments also revealed that inducing miR-34c levels in PIEs enhances the expression of its own gene and that of miR-449 in these cells. The same induction of embryo miR-34/449 gene expression likely occurs after sperm-derived miR-34c is introduced into oocytes upon fertilization. Thus, suppression of this miRNA amplification system when sperm miR-34c levels are reduced in CSI stressed mice can explain how a comparable fold-suppression of miR-34/449 levels can be found in PIEs derived from them, despite sperm containing ~50-fold lower levels of these miRNAs than those already present in PIEs. We previously found that men exposed to early life trauma also display reduced sperm levels of miR-34/449. And here we show that miR-34c can also increase the expression of its own gene, and that of miR-449 in human embryonic stem cells, suggesting that human PIEs derived from men with low sperm miR-34/449 levels may also contain this potentially harmful defect.

Genome-wide analysis reveals the contributors to fast molecular evolution of the Chinese hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens)

Variations in molecular evolutionary rate have been widely investigated among lineages and genes. However, it remains an open question whether fast rate of molecular evolution is driven by natural selection or random drift, and how the fast rate is linked to metabolic rate. Additionally, previous studies on fast molecular evolution have been largely restricted to concatenated matrix of genes or a few specifically selected genes, but less is known for individual genes at the genome-wide level. Here we addressed these questions using more than 5000 single-copy orthologous (SCO) genes through comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses among fishes, with a special focus on a newly-sequenced clupeocephalan fish the Chinese hook snout carp Opsariichthys bidens. We showed O. bidens displays significantly higher mean substitution rate and more fast-evolving SCO genes (2172 genes) than most fishes studied here. The rapidly evolving genes are enriched in highly conserved and very basic functions such as translation and ribosome that are critical for biological fitness. We further revealed that ∼25 % of these fast-evolving genes exhibit a constant increase of substitution rate from the common ancestor down to the present, suggesting a neglected but important contribution from ancestral states. Model fitting showed that ∼85 % of fast-evolving genes exclusive to O. bidens and related species follow the adaptive evolutionary model rather than random-drift model, and 7.6 % of fast-evolving genes identified in O. bidens have experienced positive selection, both indicating the reflection of adaptive selection. Finally, metabolic rate was observed to be linked with substitution rate in a gene-specific manner. Overall, our findings reveal fast molecular evolution of SCO genes at genome-wide level in O. bidens, and uncover the evolutionary and ecological contributors to it.

History of exposure to copper influences transgenerational gene expression responses in Daphnia magna

The establishment of transgenerational effects following chemical exposure is a powerful phenomenon, capable of modulating ecosystem health beyond exposure periods. This study assessed the transgenerational effects occurring due to copper exposure in the invertebrate D. magna at the transcriptional level, while evaluating the role of exposure history on such responses. Thus, daphnids acclimated for several generations in a copper vs. clean medium were then exposed for one generation (F0) to this metal, and monitored for the following non-exposed generations (F1, F2 and F3). Organisms differing in exposure histories showed remarkably different transcriptional profiles at the F0, with naïve organisms being more profoundly affected. These trends were confirmed for F3 treatments, which presented different transcriptional patterns for genes involved in detoxification, oxidative stress, DNA damage repair, circadian clock functioning and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, regardless of exposure history, a great number of histone modifier genes were always found transcriptionally altered, thus suggesting the involvement of histone modifications in the response of Daphnia to metal exposure. Lastly, remarkably distinct transgenerational transcriptional responses were found between naïve and non-naïve organisms, thereby highlighting the influence of exposure history on gene expression and confirming the capacity of metals to determine transgenerational transcriptional effects across non-exposed generations.

Characterization of biliary and duodenal microbiota in patients with primary and recurrent choledocholithiasis

Purpose

To explore the biliary and duodenal microbiota features associated with the formation and recurrence of choledocholithiasis (CDL).

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients with primary (P-CDL, n = 29) and recurrent CDL (R-CDL, n = 27) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Duodenal mucosa (DM), bile and bile duct stones (BDS) samples were collected in P- and R-CDL patients. DM samples were also collected in 8 healthy controls (HC). The microbiota profile analysis was performed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Short-course antibiotic application before ERCP showed no significant effects in alpha and beta diversities of the biliary and duodenal microbiota in CDL. Alpha diversity showed no difference between DM and bile samples in CDL. The duodenal microbial richness and diversity was lower in both P- and R-CDL than HC. The biliary microbiota composition showed a high similarity between P- and R-CDL. Fusobacterium and Enterococcus were higher abundant in DM, bile, and BDS samples of R-CDL than P-CDL, as well as Escherichia and Klebsiella in bile samples of R-CDL. The enriched duodenal and biliary bacteria in CDL were closely associated with cholecystectomy, inflammation and liver dysfunction. The bile-associated microbiota of R-CDL expressed enhanced capacity of D-glucuronide and D-glucuronate degradation, implicating an elevated level of β-glucuronidase probably produced by enriched Escherichia and Klebsiella in bile.

Conclusions

The duodenal microbiota was in an imbalance in CDL. The duodenal microbiota was probably the main source of the biliary microbiota and was closely related to CDL formation and recurrence. Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, Escherichia and Klebsiella might contribute to CDL recurrence.

Clinical trials

The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, ChiCTR2000033940).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13755-023-00267-2.

Community composition of phytopathogenic fungi significantly influences ectomycorrhizal fungal communities during subtropical forest succession

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) can form symbiotic relationships with plants, aiding in plant growth by providing access to nutrients and defense against phytopathogenic fungi. In this context, factors such as plant assemblages and soil properties can impact the interaction between EMF and phytopathogenic fungi in forest soil. However, there is little understanding of how these fungal interactions evolve as forests move through succession stages. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate fungal communities in young, intermediate, and old subtropical forests. At the genus level, EMF communities were dominated by Sebacina, Russula, and Lactarius, while Mycena was the most abundant genus in pathogenic fungal communities. The relative abundances of EMF and phytopathogenic fungi in different stages showed no significant difference with the regulation of different factors. We discovered that interactions between phytopathogenic fungi and EMF maintained a dynamic balance under the influence of the differences in soil quality attributed to each forest successional stage. The community composition of phytopathogenic fungi is one of the strong drivers in shaping EMF communities over successions. In addition, the EMF diversity was significantly related to plant diversity, and these relationships varied among successional stages. Despite the regulation of various factors, the positive relationship between the diversity of phytopathogenic fungi and EMF remained unchanged. However, there is no significant difference in the ratio of the abundance of EMF and phytopathogenic fungi over the course of successions. These results will advance our understanding of the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning during forest succession. KEY POINTS: •Community composition of both EMF and phytopathogenic fungi changed significantly over forest succession. •Phytopathogenic fungi is a key driver in shaping EMF community. •The effect of plant Shannon's diversity on EMF communities changed during the forest aging process.

Pathogenicity and virulence of African swine fever virus

African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating disease with a high impact on the pork industry worldwide. ASF virus (ASFV) is a very complex pathogen, the sole member of the family Asfaviridae, which induces a state of immune suppression in the host through infection of myeloid cells and apoptosis of lymphocytes. Moreover, haemorrhages are the other main pathogenic effect of ASFV infection in pigs, related to the infection of endothelial cells, as well as the activation and structural changes of this cell population by proinflammatory cytokine upregulation within bystander monocytes and macrophages. There are still many gaps in the knowledge of the role of proteins produced by the ASFV, which is related to the difficulty in producing a safe and effective vaccine to combat the disease, although few candidates have been approved for use in Southeast Asia in the past couple of years.

Thermal modulation of energy allocation during sex determination in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Water temperature governs physiological functions such as growth, energy allocation, and sex determination in ectothermic species. The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a major species in European aquaculture, exhibiting early dimorphic growth favoring females. The species has a polygenic sex determination system that interacts with water temperature to determine an individual's sex, with two periods during development that are sensitive to temperature. The current study investigated the influence of water temperature on energy allocation and sex-biased genes during sex determination and differentiation periods. RNA-Sequencing and qPCR analyses were conducted in two separate experiments, of either constant water temperatures typical of aquaculture conditions or natural seasonal thermal regimes, respectively. We focused on eight key genes associated with energy allocation, growth regulation, and sex determination and differentiation. In Experiment 1, cold and warm temperature treatments favored female and male proportions, respectively. The RNA-seq analysis highlighted sex-dependent energy allocation transcripts, with higher levels of nucb1 and pomc1 in future females, and increased levels of egfra and spry1 in future males. In Experiment 2, a warm thermal regime favored females, while a cold regime favored males. qPCR analysis in Experiment 2 revealed that ghrelin and nucb1 were down-regulated by warm temperatures. A significant sex-temperature interaction was observed for pank1a with higher and lower expression for males in the cold and warm regimes respectively, compared to females. Notably, spry1 displayed increased expression in future males at the all-fins stage and in males undergoing molecular sex differentiation in both experimental conditions, indicating that it provides a novel, robust, and consistent marker for masculinization. Overall, our findings emphasize the complex interplay of genes involved in feeding, energy allocation, growth, and sex determination in response to temperature variations in the European sea bass.

Unraveling the genetic basis of epilepsy: Recent advances and implications for diagnosis and treatment

Epilepsy, affecting approximately 1% of the global population, manifests as recurring seizures and is heavily influenced by genetic factors. Recent advancements in genetic technologies have revolutionized our understanding of epilepsy's genetic landscape. Key studies, such as the discovery of mutations in ion channels (e.g., SCN1A and SCN2A), neurotransmitter receptors (e.g., GABRA1), and synaptic proteins (e.g., SYNGAP1, KCNQ2), have illuminated critical pathways underlying epilepsy susceptibility and pathogenesis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified specific genetic variations linked to epilepsy risk, such as variants near SCN1A and PCDH7, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (e.g., MBD5), histone modifications (e.g., HDACs), and non-coding RNAs (e.g., miR-134), play pivotal roles in altering gene expression and synaptic plasticity, contributing to epileptogenesis. These discoveries offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving outcomes for epilepsy patients. Genetic testing has become essential in clinical practice, facilitating precise diagnosis and tailored management approaches based on individual genetic profiles. Furthermore, insights into epigenetic regulation suggest novel therapeutic targets for developing more effective epilepsy treatments. In summary, this review highlights significant progress in understanding the genetic and epigenetic foundations of epilepsy. By integrating findings from key studies and specifying genes involved in epigenetic modifications, we underscore the potential for advanced therapeutic strategies in this complex neurological disorder, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine approaches in epilepsy management.

Role of miRNAs in assisted reproductive technology

Cellular proteins and the mRNAs that encode them are key factors in oocyte and sperm development, and the mechanisms that regulate their translation and degradation play an important role during early embryogenesis. There is abundant evidence that expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is crucial for embryo development and are highly involved in regulating translation during oocyte and early embryo development. MiRNAs are a group of short (18-24 nucleotides) non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene silencing. The miRNAs are secreted outside the cell by embryos during preimplantation embryo development. Understanding regulatory mechanisms involving miRNAs during gametogenesis and embryogenesis will provide insights into molecular pathways active during gamete formation and early embryo development. This review summarizes recent findings regarding multiple roles of miRNAs in molecular signaling, plus their transport during gametogenesis and embryo preimplantation.

The shell formation mechanism of Turbo argyrostomus based on ultrastructure and transcriptome analysis

The gold inner shell of Turbo argyrostomus is an important morphological classification characteristic in Gastropoda. However, the gene sets responsible for shell formation in gastropods remain poorly explored. In this study, we investigated the microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Alcian blue staining-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. The SEM results illustrated that the T. argyrostomus shell exhibited a special "sandwich" microstructure. The results of histological observation demonstrated two major cell types: adipocytes and mucin cells. A total of 318 differentially expressed genes were identified between edge mantle and central mantle, among which whey acidic protein, N66, and nacre-like proteins, and Lam G and EGF domains may be related to shell microstructure. 22.39% - 25.20% of the mucin genes had biomineralization related domains, which supported for the relationship between mucins and shell formation. Moreover, this study revealed energy distribution differences between the edge mantle and central mantle. These results provide insights for further understanding of the biomineralization mechanism in Gastropoda.

Birds influence vegetation coverage and structure on sandy biogeomorphic islands in the Dutch Wadden Sea

Small uninhabited islands form important roosting and breeding habitats for many coastal birds. Previous studies have demonstrated that guano can promote ecosystem productivity and functionality on island ecosystems. Here, we assess the role of external nutrient input by coastal birds on the vegetation structure and coverage on sandy biogeomorphic islands, where island-forming processes depend on vegetation-sedimentation feedbacks. As a first step, we investigated whether breeding birds affect vegetation productivity on sandy back-barrier islands in the Wadden Sea. Using a combination of bird observations and plant stable isotope (δ15N) analyses, we demonstrate that (i) breeding birds transport large quantities of nutrients via their faecal outputs to these islands annually and that (ii) this external nitrogen source influences vegetation development on these sandy, nutrient-limited, islands. Based on these results we discuss how this avian nutrient pump could impact island development and habitat suitability for coastal birds and discuss future directions for research. In general, we conclude that avian subsidies have the potential to affect both the ecological and biogeomorphic functioning of coastal soft-sediment systems. However, the strength and scale of especially these biogeomorphic interactions are not fully understood. For the conservation of both threatened coastal birds and sandy back-barrier islands and the design of appropriate management strategies, we argue that three-way interactions between birds, vegetation and sandy island morphodynamics need to be further elucidated.

Site characteristics determine the prevalence of extreme weather events affecting freshwater macroinvertebrate communities

Understanding the impacts of extreme weather events on freshwater ecosystems is imperative during a time when a multitude of challenges compromises these environments' health. Exploring how such events affect macroinvertebrate communities in rivers sheds light on the resilience of freshwater ecosystems, which is essential for human well-being and biodiversity conservation. In this study, long-term time series of benthic macroinvertebrate communities from four sites along three freshwater streams within the Rhine-Main-Observatory Long-Term Ecological Research site in Germany were analyzed. Each of them was sampled annually over a span of ~20 years to assess the impacts of extreme weather events (floods, droughts, and extreme heat) on macroinvertebrate communities. The findings reveal that the effects of extreme events are site-specific, suggesting that the impacts of an extreme event can vary based on several potential factors, including the life history traits of the organisms within the community and, among others, the hydrography of the site. Moreover, the analysis highlights that the cumulative impact of these events over time is more significant than the impact of a single event's magnitude, while following distinct temporal dynamics. This underscores the importance of considering both the temporal dynamics and the biological characteristics of communities when evaluating the consequences of extreme weather events on biodiversity, illustrating that the resilience of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity under such conditions depends on a complex interplay of factors rather than the severity of individual events.

Nature-based solutions: Assessing the carbon sink potential and influencing factors of urban park plant communities in the temperate monsoon climate zone

As nature-based solutions, urban park plant communities play a pivotal role in regulating urban carbon cycles, alleviating global climate change, and fostering sustainable urban development. However, the factors influencing the carbon sink efficiency of plant communities in urban parks within temperate monsoon climate zones have not been fully investigated. This study used multivariate heterogeneous data to evaluate plant communities' carbon storage (CS) and annual carbon sequestration (ACS) in 25 urban parks across different biotope types in Jinan, a city located in China's temperate monsoon climate zone. The driving mechanisms affecting carbon sink efficacy were revealed using Spearman correlation, regression, principal component analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results demonstrated that: 1) Closed broadleaf multi-layer green space has significant carbon sink potential compared to other vegetation structures. 2) The carbon sink efficiency of the plant communities negatively correlated with the sky view factor and planting layout density. Three-dimensional green quantity (3DGQ), the ratio of trees and shrubs, species richness, and vertical structures positively correlated with plant communities' carbon storage and sequestration. 3) Whether increasing 3DGQ, the ratio of trees and shrubs, or the total number of individuals of all species, there is a certain threshold bottleneck in enhancing the carbon sink benefits of plant communities. 4) Plant community structure, species composition, and species diversity influenced carbon sink efficiency, collectively forming the first principal component. The 3DGQ affected carbon sink efficiency as the second principal component. Synergistic effects existed among these driving factors, jointly explained 64.3 % and 90.1 % of the CS and ACS of plant communities, respectively. Optimization design strategies for different plant communities in urban parks were proposed.

Use of phytoextraction with Noccaea caerulescens to limit the transfer of cadmium and zinc to subsequent rocket crops

Soil trace metal (TM) contamination is a worldwide issue and threatens food production and security. Remediation of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) contaminated soils by phytoextraction with the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens is widely studied but few studies have investigated the efficiency of this technique to reduce Cd and Zn soil-to-crop transfers to subsequent vegetable crops. The vegetable biomonitor rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia was grown in pots on 13 moderately contaminated soils that had previously been cropped with N. caerulescens. Using mixed-effects models, we show the drivers of rocket biomass, Cd and Zn concentrations. Our models show, for our study soils, the benefit of previous N. caerulescens uptake of Cd and Zn in decreasing Cd and Zn concentrations in a subsequent rocket crop. We also show a slight positive impact of N. caerulescens biomass (and therefore uptake) on rocket growth. Our data show that exchangeable soil concentrations are major drivers of Cd and Zn rocket concentrations. Other soil variables negatively driving rocket Cd and Zn concentrations are NO3- content, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, and soil manganese which stimulate rocket biomass and/or influence TM bioavailability. Rocket D. tenuifolia seems to be a good biomonitor for contaminated soils as it is tolerant to relatively high TM soil concentrations. We demonstrate that 40 % of rockets grown on soils below 2 mg total Cd kg-1 dry soil have foliar Cd concentrations above the European maximum allowed level confirming the need to review soil legal thresholds to protect consumers' health. In conclusion, our study suggests promising use of N. caerulescens phytoextraction for bioavailable contaminant stripping which is all the more interesting given the increasing demand for urban growing spaces.

Chromolaena odorata affects soil nitrogen transformations and competition in tropical coral islands by altering soil ammonia oxidizing microbes

Invasive plants can change the community structure of soil ammonia-oxidizing microbes, affect the process of soil nitrogen (N) transformation, and gain a competitive advantage. However, the current researches on competition mechanism of Chromolaena odorata have not involved soil nitrogen transformation. In this study, we compared the microbially mediated soil transformations of invasive C. odorata and natives (Pisonia grandis and Scaevola taccada) of tropical coral islands. We assessed how differences in plant biomass and tissue N contents, soil nutrients, N transformation rates, microbial biomass and activity, and diversity and abundance of ammonia oxidizing microbes associated with these species impact their competitiveness. The results showed that C. odorata outcompeted both native species by allocating more proportionally biomass to aboveground parts in response to interspecific competition (12.92 % and 22.72 % more than P. grandis and S. taccada, respectively). Additionally, when C. odorata was planted with native plants, the available N and net mineralization rates in C. odorata rhizosphere soil were higher than in native plants rhizosphere soils. Higher abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in C. odorata rhizosphere soil confirmed this, being positively correlated with soil N mineralization rates and available N. Our findings help to understand the soil N acquisition and competition strategies of C. odorata, and contribute to improving evaluations and predictions of invasive plant dynamics and their ecological effects in tropical coral islands.

Interactions between Microcystis and its associated bacterial community on electron transfer and transcriptomic processes

Microcystis and bacteria always live together in the mucilage of Microcystis colonies. Extracellular electrons between Microcystis and bacteria can be translated from bioenergy to electric energy. Here, photosynthetic microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) were constructed to make clear the electron transfer mechanism between Microcystis and bacteria. A remarkable enhancement of current density with 2.5-fold change was detected in the coculture of Microcystis and bacteria than pure culture of Microcystis. Transcriptome analyses showed that photosynthesis efficiency of Microcystis was upregulated and may release more electron to improve extracellular electron transfer rate. Significant increase on oxidative phosphorylation of bacterial community was observed according to meta-transcriptome. Bacterial electrons were transferred out of cell membranes by enhancing VgrG and IcmF copies though the type II bacterial secretion system. Not only Microcystis and bacteria attached with each other tightly by filamentous, but also more gene copies relating to pilin and riboflavin production were detected from Microcystis culture. A confirmatory experiment found that riboflavin can upregulate the electron transfer and current density by adding riboflavin into cocultures. Thus, the direct contact and indirect interspecies electron transfer processes between Microcystis and bacteria were observed. Results enlarge knowledge for activities of Microcystis colonies in cyanobacterial blooms, and provide a better understanding for energy transformation.

Prediction of potential invasion of two weeds of the genus Avena in Asia under climate change based on Maxent

Avena sterilis L. (A. sterilis) and Avena ludoviciana Dur. (A. ludoviciana) are extremely invasive weeds with strong competitive ability and multiple transmission routes. Both species can invade a variety of dryland crops, including wheat, corn, and beans. Asia, as the world's major food-producing continent, will experience significant losses to agricultural production if it is invaded by these weeds on a large scale. This study used the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS to map the distribution of suitable habitats of the two species in Asia under climate change conditions. The constructed model comprised four levels, with a total of 25 index-level indicator factors used to evaluate the invasion risk of the two species. The results showed that the distribution of suitable habitats for both Avena species was highly dependent on precipitation and temperature. Under climate warming conditions, although overall the total suitable area is predicted to decrease compared to the current period, there are still moderately or highly suitable areas. Asian countries need to provide early warning for areas with significant increases in moderate and highly suitable zones for these two species of weeds under the background of climate change. If there is already an invaded area or if the suitability of the original area is increased, this should be closely monitored, and control measures should be taken to prevent further spread and deterioration.

Growth trends clustering: A novel method for detecting forest disturbances and extracting climate signals in tree rings

Tree-ring widths contain valuable historical information related to both forest disturbances and climate variability and changes within forests. However, current methods are still unable to accurately distinguish between disturbances and climate signals in tree rings, especially in the case of climate anomalies. To address this issue, we developed a novel method, called Growth Trends Clustering (GTC) that uses the distribution characteristics of tree-ring widths within a stand to distinguish the effects of climate and other forest disturbances. GTC employed a Gaussian mixture model to fit the probability density distribution of annual ring-width index (RWI) in a stand. Discriminative criteria were established to cluster diverse sub-distributions from the Gaussian mixture model into categories of growth release, suppression, or normal trends. This approach allowed us to identify the occurrence, duration, and severity of forest disturbances based on percentage changes in the growth release or suppression categories of trees. And the effect of climate on tree growth was assessed according to the mean statistics of the growth normal categories. Using common forest disturbances such as defoliating insects and thinning as examples, we validated our method using tree-ring collections from six sites in British Columbia and Quebec, Canada. We found that the GTC method was superior to traditional time-series analysis methods (e.g., Radial Growth Averaging, Boundary Line, Absolute Increase, and Curve Intervention Detection) for detecting past forest disturbances and was able to significantly enhance climate signals. In summary, the GTC method presented in this study introduces a novel statistical approach for accurately distinguishing between forest disturbances and climate signals in tree rings. This is particularly important for understanding forest disturbance regimes under climate change and for developing future disturbance mitigation strategies.

Evaluating Nature-based Solutions as urban resilience and climate adaptation tools: A meta-analysis of their benefits on heatwaves and floods

Extreme weather events driven by climate change threaten the resilience of urban structures and urban dwellers. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are an effective tool to reduce urban vulnerability to climate risks and, at the same time, develop more liveable urban areas. Despite the acknowledged positive impacts of individual observed NbS, numerous questions persist unanswered. While existing research supports NbS' positive influence on urban climate adaptation, the extent of their impact remains insufficiently studied. Understanding the magnitude of NbS impact is crucial for justifying their preference over non-NbS alternatives and, consequently, for securing public investment. Via a meta-analysis, this paper aims to contribute to research and practice by providing a more systematic assessment of NbS effects, offering urban planners and decision-makers a robust justification for their incorporation in climate change adaptation, urban resilience, and enhanced liveability. The results of the meta-analytic model indicate that the effect of NbS is indeed positive. When assessing the impact on temperature and flood protection, there is a general positive effect across the studied NbS. However, when evaluating an average effect, the task appears to be more complex due to methodological issues and limitations. The need to increase the formalisation of how the impact of NbS is measured and reported also emerges as a result. Replicable protocols would positively impact the formalisation of the literature on the topic and positively affect the evidence-based support for the implementation of NbS by urban decision-makers.

The impact of anthropogenic pressures on microbial diversity and river multifunctionality relationships on a global scale

Conserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining essential ecosystem functions, as indicated by the positive relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, the impacts of declining biodiversity on ecosystem functions in response to mounting human pressures remain uncertain. This uncertainty arises from the complexity of trade-offs among human activities, climate change, river properties, and biodiversity, which have not been comprehensively addressed collectively. Here, we provide evidence that river biodiversity was significantly and positively associated with multifunctionality and contributed to key ecosystem functions such as microbially driven water purification, leaf litter decomposition and pathogen control. However, human pressure led to abrupt changes in microbial diversity and river multifunctionality relationships at a human pressure value of 0.5. In approximately 30 % (N = 58) of countries globally, the ratio of area above this threshold exceeded the global average (∼11 %), especially in Europe. Results show that human pressure affected ecosystem functions through direct effects and interactive effects. We provide more direct evidence that the nonadditive effects triggered by prevailing human pressure impact the multifunctionality of rivers globally. Under high levels of human stress, the beneficial effects of biodiversity on nutrient cycling, carbon storage, gross primary productivity, leaf litter decomposition, and pathogen control tend to diminish. Our findings highlight that considering interactions between human pressure and local abiotic and biotic factors is key for understanding the fate of river ecosystems under climate change and increasing human pressure.

Ecosystem engineers cause biodiversity spill-over: Beavers are associated with breeding bird assemblages on both wetlands and adjacent terrestrial habitats

The influence of ecosystem engineers on habitats and communities is commonly acknowledged in a site-bounded context, i.e. in places directly affected by the presence of the focal species. However, the spatial extent of the effects of such engineering is poorly understood, raising the question as to what impact they have on ecosystems situated beyond the species' direct influence. Beavers Castor spp., iconic ecosystem engineers, are capable of significantly transforming aquatic ecosystems. Their presence boosts biodiversity in adjacent aquatic and riparian habitats, but as a result of cascading processes, beavers may affect terrestrial habitats situated beyond the range of their immediate activity. Our study investigates the breeding bird assemblage along a spatial gradient from the water to the forest interior on central European watercourses modified and unmodified by beavers. The results show that beaver sites are characterized by a higher species richness and abundance of breeding birds than unmodified watercourses. Such sites also host a different species pool, as 27 % of the recorded bird species occurred exclusively on the beaver sites. The effect of the beaver's presence on the bird assemblage extended to adjacent terrestrial habitats located up to 100 m from the water's edge, where the species richness and abundance was higher and the species composition was substantially modified. We also found a positive correlation between the total area of beaver wetland and the numbers of bird species and individuals recorded. Our study adds to the general understanding of the spatial context of the ecosystem engineering concept, as the changes brought about by engineers have an influence beyond the area of their immediate occurrence. Our work also has implications for landscape planning and management, where existing beaver sites with terrestrial buffer zones may constitute a network of biodiversity hotspots.

Global risk assessment of river pollution stress based on nighttime light remote sensing data

Rivers play a crucial role in the development of human civilization, and river pollution is a significant environmental issue that accompanies with intensified human activity. However, the evaluation of river pollution at a global scale is difficult because of the limitations of long-term pollution-related datasets. As human activities are the main factor causing river pollution, nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing data can be used as an alternative indicator of the risk of river pollution stress(RPS), which is closely related to human activities and refers to the amount of pollutants within the confluence range of river reaches. In this study, we propose a river pollution pressure index (PI) to indicate risk of RPS by considering the accumulation effect of water flow. Then we calculated PI of over 0.67 million reaches global with annual total flow >100 million m3/s from 2000 to 2022, which was validated using water quality data of >2000 river sections in China. The results show that, from 2000 to 2022, the spatial variations of the risk of RPS are uneven, with a migration trend from west to east. The risk of RPS continues to increase globally, especially rapidly after 2010. Central Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and eastern China are the regions with the fastest growth rates. In most developed countries, developing countries, and underdeveloped countries, the risk of RPS is high and increasing slowly, moderate and increasing rapidly, and low and increasing slowly, respectively. However, in some special cases, such as Japan, the risk of RPS continues to decrease. These spatiotemporal variations of the risk of RPS correlate with global events, such as quantitative easing of global economy after 2008, China's "Belt and Road Initiative", and COVID-19. This study demonstrates that NTL data can be applied to evaluate the global risk of RPS.

Basal levels of biochemical biomarkers in the freshwater prawn Palaemon argentinus and their alterations due to the exposure of both insecticides cypermethrin and spirotetramat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the prawn Palaemon argentinus to the pyrethroid cypermethrin (CYP) and the tetramic acid spirotetramat (STM). These treatments were compared with prawns collected at a reference site to define their basal physiological state. Initially, physicochemical parameters and several pollutants at the selected site were analyzed. The LC50-96 h was determined in adult prawns. Then, prawns were exposed for 96 h to sublethal concentrations of CYP (0.0005 μg/l) and STM (0.44 mg/l) to evaluate the effects on some biochemical endpoints. A treatment combining both pesticides was also added at 5 % of these values. Controls with and without solvent (acetone) were included. The LC50-96 h values were 0.005 μg/l and 4.43 mg/l for CYP and STM, respectively. Moreover, some biomarkers linked to oxidative and energy metabolism were analyzed in the hepatopancreas and muscle of both essayed prawns and those at the basal state. The STM caused a significant decrease in total protein content (32 %) in contrast to the increase of protein carbonyl content (71 %) (p < 0.05). Also, glutathione S-transferase (52 %) and catalase (61 %) activities in the hepatopancreas of exposed prawns were higher compared to both the control and state basal groups (p < 0.05). In muscle, only a significant decrease in the lactate content (69 %) was caused by STM (p < 0.05). In addition, CYP caused a significant increase in the lactate dehydrogenase activity (110 %) in muscle and triacylglycerol content (73 %) in the hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). The integrated biomarker index (IBRv2) analysis showed that STM caused greater damage than CYP. Besides, the combined treatment showed an antagonistic interaction between both insecticides. The differential response of biomarkers to both CYP and STM exposure with respect to their basal levels shows a high sensitivity of P. argentinus demonstrating its potential role as a bioindicator organism.

An afferent nerve-like electronic device with somatic mechanical perception and sensation management

Tactile and pain perception are essential for biological skin to interact with the external environment. This complex interplay of sensations allows for the detection of potential threats and appropriate responses to stimuli. However, the challenge is to enable flexible electronics to respond to mechanical stimuli such as biological skin, and researchers have not clearly reported the successful integration of somatic mechanical perception and sensation management functions into neuro-like electronics. In this work, an afferent nerve-like device with a pressure sensor and a perception management module is proposed. The pressure sensor comprises two conductive fabric layers and an ionic hydrogel, forming a capacitor structure that emulates the swift transition from tactile to pain perception under mechanical stimulation. Drawing inspiration from the neuronal "gate control" mechanism, the sensation management module adjusts signals in response to rubbing, accelerating the discharge process and reducing the perception duration, thereby replicating the inhibitory effect of biological neurons on pain following tactile interference. This integrated device, encompassing somatic mechanical perception and sensation management, holds promise for applications in soft robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine interaction.

Demystifying the tropics: FTIR characterization of pantropical woods and their α-cellulose extracts for past atmospheric 14C reconstructions

To ensure unbiased tree-ring radiocarbon (14C) results, traditional pretreatments carefully isolate wood cellulose from extractives using organic solvents, among other chemicals. The addition of solvents is laborious, time-consuming, and can increase the risk of carbon contamination. Tropical woods show a high diversity in wood-anatomical and extractive composition, but the necessity of organic-solvent extraction for the 14C dating of these diverse woods remains untested. We applied a chemical treatment that excludes the solvent step on the wood of 8 tropical tree species sampled in South-America and Africa, with different wood-anatomical and extractive properties. We analyzed the success of the extractive removal along with several steps of the α-cellulose extraction procedure using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and further confirmed the quality of 14C measurements after extraction. The α-cellulose extracts obtained here showed FTIR-spectra free of signals from various extractives and the 14C results on these samples showed reliable results. The chemical method evaluated reduces the technical complexity required to prepare α-cellulose samples for 14C dating, and therefore can bolster global atmospheric 14C applications, especially in the tropics.

Functional traits of exotic submerged macrophytes mediate diversity-invasibility relationship in freshwater communities under eutrophication

Plant diversity may respond differently in terms of whether it can drive plant invasions in freshwater ecosystem. Linkages and interactions between diversity and invasibility have not been clearly resolved, and it is unclear how nutrient enrichment (e.g., eutrophication) will affect this relationship. As a key predictor of plant growth, the ability of functional traits to mediate trade-offs in the diversity-invasibility relationship is unknown. Here, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the role of exotic plant functional traits in the diversity-invasibility relationship of submerged macrophyte communities under eutrophication. We selected common native and exotic submerged macrophytes in the subtropics to construct different diverse submerged macrophyte communities to simulate invasion. Meanwhile, to test the adaptability and importance of functional traits, we experimentally verified the differences in functional traits between exotic and native species. Our results showed a positive correlation between native plant diversity and community invasibility. Moreover, the invader's performance was predominantly determined by functional traits of exotic species, such as plant biomass and tissue nutrients, which were significantly altered by species diversity. Furthermore, our results suggested that functional traits contribute significantly more to the invasiveness of exotic submerged macrophytes than the other factors to which they are subjected. Plant functional traits can mediate the diversity-invasibility relationship because of the higher intrinsic dominance of exotic submerged macrophyte species. In summary, our study revealed diversity-invasibility relationship in submerged macrophyte communities and highlighted functional traits as key drivers of invasion of high-risk exotic submerged macrophyte species. Although previous studies have elucidated the importance of functional trait studies for plant invasions, our study provides the only current evidence demonstrating the important role of invaders' functional traits in mediating the diversity-invasibility relationship. This novel perspective offers valuable insights into the management and control of invasive aquatic plants.

Transcriptomic responses and evolutionary insights of deep-sea and shallow-water mussels under high hydrostatic pressure condition

Marine mussels inhabit a wide range of ocean depths, necessitating unique adaptations to cope with varying hydrostatic pressures. This study investigates the transcriptomic responses and evolutionary adaptations of the deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons and the shallow-water mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) conditions. By exposing atmospheric pressure (AP) acclimated G. platifrons and M. galloprovincialis to HHP, we aim to simulate extreme environmental challenges and assess their adaptive mechanisms. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, we identified both conserved and species-specific mechanisms of adaptation, with a notable change in gene expression associated with immune system, substance transport, protein ubiquitination, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and antioxidant processes in both species. G. platifrons demonstrated an augmented lipid metabolism, whereas M. galloprovincialis exhibited a dampened immune function. Additionally, the expressed pattern of deep-sea mussel G. platifrons were more consistent than shallow-water mussel M. galloprovincialis under hydrostatic pressures changed conditions which corresponding the long-term living stable deep-sea environment. Moreover, evolutionary analysis pinpointed positively selected genes in G. platifrons that are linked to transmembrane transporters, DNA repair and replication, apoptosis, ubiquitination which are important to cell structural integrity, substances transport, and cellular growth regulation. This indicates a specialized adaptation strategy in G. platifrons to cope with the persistent HHP conditions of the deep sea. These results offer significant insights into the molecular underpinnings of mussel adaptation to varied hydrostatic conditions and enhance our comprehension of the evolutionary forces driving their depth-specific adaptations.

The ongoing range expansion of the invasive oak lace bug across Europe: current occurrence and potential distribution under climate change

In recent years, the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata, has emerged as a significant threat to European oak forests. This species, native to North America, has in the last two decades rapidly extended its range in Europe, raising concerns about its potential impact on the continent's invaluable oak populations. To address this growing concern, we conducted an extensive study to assess the distribution, colonization patterns, and potential ecological niche of the oak lace bug in Europe. We gathered 1792 unique presence coordinates from 21 Eurasian countries, utilizing diverse sources such as research observations, citizen science initiatives, GBIF database, and social media reports. To delineate the realized niche and future distribution, we employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) framework. Two future greenhouse gas scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were considered across three-time intervals (2021-2040, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100) to project and evaluate the species' potential distribution in the future. Our analysis revealed that significant hotspots rich in host species occurrence for this invasive insect remain uninvaded so far, even within its suitable habitat. Furthermore, the native ranges of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto L.) species offer entirely suitable environments for the oak lace bug. In contrast, the pedunculate oak and sessile oak distribution ranges currently show only 40 % and 50 % suitability for colonization, respectively. However, our predictive models indicate a significant transformation in the habitat suitability of the oak lace bug, with suitability for these two oak species increasing by up to 90 %. This shift underlines an evolving landscape where the oak lace bug may exploit more of its available habitats than initially expected. It emphasises the pressing need for proactive measures to manage and stop its expanding presence, which may lead to a harmful impact on the oak population across the European landscape.

Topography- and depth-dependent rhizosphere microbial community characteristics drive ecosystem multifunctionality in Juglans mandshurica forest

Rhizosphere microbial community characteristics and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), both affected by topographic factors, are closely correlated. However, more targeted exploration is yet required to fully understand the variations of rhizosphere microbial communities along topographic gradients in different soil layers, as well as whether and how they regulate EMF under specific site conditions. Here, we conducted relevant research on Juglans mandshurica forests at six elevation gradients and two slope positions ranging from 310 to 750 m in Tianjin Baxian Mountain. Results demonstrated that rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities of both layers (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm) varied significantly with elevation, while only at top layer did slope position have significant impacts on most indicators. Bacterial richness and diversity were higher in the top layer at slope bottom and middle-high elevation, the difference in fungi was not as noticeable. Both topographic factors and soil depth significantly impacted microbial community structure, with Candidatus_Udaeobacter of bacteria, Mortierella, Sebacina, and Hygrocybe of fungi mainly contributing to the dissimilarity between communities. EMF rose with increasing elevation, bacteria were more critical drivers of this process than fungi, and topographic factors could affect EMF by altering bacterial diversity and dominant taxa abundance. For evaluating EMF, the aggregate structure of sub layer and the carbon cycle-related indicators of top layer were of higher importance. Our results revealed the depth-dependent characteristics of the rhizosphere microbial community along topographic gradients in studied stands, as well as the pivotal regulatory role of bacteria on EMF, while also highlighting depth as an important variable for analyzing soil properties and EMF. This work helps us better understand the response of individuals and communities of J. mandshurica to changing environmental conditions, further providing a scientific reference for the management and protection of secondary forests locally and in North China.

Controlled in vivo intrinsic detrimental effect of d-Limonene channelized by influential proximal interaction through apoptosis and steatosis in embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Bioaccumulation of d-Limonene in environment due to the aggrandised usage of their natural sources like citrus food wastes and industrial day to day life products has raised concern to their biotoxicity to environment biotic health. Moreover, their after-usage discharge to aquatic system has enhanced the distress of posing threat and needs attention. This study entails mechanistic and molecular evaluation of in-vivo biotoxicity of d-Limonene in zebrafish embryo models. Experimental analysis excavated the controlled concentration-dependent morphological, physiological and cellular in-vivo impact of d-Limonene in zebrafish embryos through significant changes in oxidative stress, steatosis and apoptosis regulated via 6-fold and 5-fold mRNA expression change in p53 and Sod1 genes. Computational evaluation deduced the cellular mechanism of d-limonene biotoxicity as irregularities in oxidative stress, apoptosis and steatosis due of their intrinsic interaction with metabolic proteins like Zhe1a (-4.8 Kcal/mol), Sod1(-5.3 Kcal/mol), p53, caspase3 and apoa1 leading to influential change in structural and functional integrity of the metabolic proteins. The study unravelled the measured in-vivo biotoxicity of d-Limonene at cellular and molecular level to advocate the controlled usage of d-Limonene related natural and industrial product for a sustainable environmental health.

Anthropogenic debris pollution in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis atlantis) nests in biosphere reserves of the Canary Islands

Anthropogenic debris, particularly plastic pollution, has emerged as a significant environmental threat to biodiversity. Given that seabirds interact with artificial debris through ingestion, entanglement, and nest incorporation, it is particularly important to quantify the quantity, origins, and chemical composition of these debris items. In this work, it was evaluated for the first time the occurrence of anthropogenic debris in nests of yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis atlantis) in biosphere reserves of the Canary Islands (Spain). A total of 48 abandoned nests were collected from five remote and hardly accessible sampling areas, revealing that 81.3 % contained anthropogenic waste, with plastic accounting for 34.7 % of the debris, followed by metal (33.6 %) and paper (19.6 %). On average, 32.8 ± 40.9 items were found per nest. Regarding the origin, food packagings (47.8 %), personal hygiene products (21.7 %), and textiles (15.8 %) were identified as the predominant sources. Furthermore, the polymer composition of the plastics was characterised by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, being polyester the most abundant (38.2 %), followed by polyethylene (25.6 %) and rayon (10.3 %). The incorporation of anthropogenic debris into nest construction may result from outdoor human activities carried out far from nesting areas.

Liked to death: the impacts of social media and photography on biodiversity

The advent and everyday prominence of social media has fuelled a rise in nature tourism and photography to share experiences online. This is increasingly resulting in disturbance to natural environments and causing a range of direct and indirect impacts to native species. We highlight the key negative impacts of social media on biodiversity and determine which characteristics predispose some taxa to a greater threat from social media than others. Direct disturbances arising from social media use include behavioural and physiological impacts, such as disruptions to breeding and feeding and increased predation risk. The use of call playback, drones and baiting of animals for photographs also have a range of negative impacts. Other direct impacts include the capture and handling of animals for photographs and damage and trampling to plants. Indirect impacts include the spread of diseases and increased poaching of flora and fauna. We advocate for the instigation of codes of ethics and tighter controls around the use and promotion of flora and fauna on social media. We propose a framework that considers species most at risk from social media activities, especially those that are rare, sessile and have restricted ranges.