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This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries and advancements in the field of steroid chemistry, highlighting the isolation and characterization of various steroidal compounds from natural sources. This paper discusses a wide range of steroids, including pregnane steroids, steroidal alkaloids, ketosteroids, and novel triterpenoids, derived from marine organisms, fungi, and plants. Significant findings include the isolation of bioactive compounds such as the cytotoxic erectsterates from microorganisms, soft corals, the unusual tetracyclic steroid penicillitone from a fungal culture, and innovative steroidal derivatives with potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The synthesis of steroids from microorganisms as a tool for pharmaceutical development is also explored, showcasing the role of microbial biotransformation in generating steroidal drugs. Additionally, this paper emphasizes the ecological and medicinal relevance of these compounds, which are often used in traditional medicine and have potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases like cancer and microbial infections. This article serves as a vital resource for researchers interested in the chemical diversity of steroids and their applications in drug discovery and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Why do we need a collection of papers about the welfare of invertebrates, and what do we need to learn from it? The most important reason is that they make up most of the animals on the planet, so animal welfare without invertebrates simply is not the welfare of animals. Being vertebrates and mammals, we have concentrated on knowing about animals like us, and so there is a huge lack of information about invertebrates. We cannot care about them if we do not know they exist. More than that, we do not particularly like them. They are often small, seen as ugly cockroaches, parasitic ticks, biting mosquitoes, but think instead of dazzling butterflies, flexible octopuses, attractive fireflies. Most of all, we do not think about their welfare because we see them as just machines, no complex behavior and intelligence, not deserving of care. Recent science research is changing that, and we are beginning to see that they are often very smart and sensitive and deserve our consideration. Why this is true and how we can extend welfare to non-vertebrates is the subject of this set of papers. In the last few decades, science has begun to make great strides at understanding how varied, fascinating, and intelligent invertebrate animals are. Because they are poorly known, the invertebrates that make up about 98% of the animals on the planet have been overlooked. Because they are seen as both simple and unattractive, children and their teachers, as well as the general public, do not think they need care. Because until recently we did not know they can be both intelligent and sensitive—bees can learn from each other, butterflies can navigate huge distances, octopuses are smart, and lobsters can feel pain—we have to give them the consideration they deserve. This collection of papers should help us to see how the lives of invertebrates are tightly linked to ours, how they live, and what they need in terms of our consideration and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlorotannins are polyphenolic compounds produced via polymerization of phloroglucinol, and these compounds have varying molecular weights (up to 650 kDa). Brown seaweeds are rich in phlorotannins compounds possessing various biological activities, including algicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Many review papers on the chemical characterization and quantification of phlorotannins and their functionality have been published to date. However, although studies on the safety and toxicity of these phlorotannins have been conducted, there have been no articles reviewing this topic. In this review, the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins in different organisms are discussed. Online databases (Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) were searched, yielding 106 results. Following removal of duplicates and application of the exclusion criteria, 34 articles were reviewed. Phlorotannins from brown seaweeds showed low toxicity in cell lines, invertebrates, microalgae, seaweeds, plants, animals (fish, mice, rats, and dogs), and humans. However, the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins in aquaculture fish, livestock, and companion animals are limited. Further studies in these organisms are necessary to carry out a systematic analysis of the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins and to further identify the potential of phlorotannins as functional foods, feeds, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use changes influence the ecological water quality. In spite of this knowledge, land-use information is often missing in ecological water quality studies. Therefore, in the present research, we selected 39 peer-reviewed model-based scientific papers that study the relationship between land use and aquatic macroinvertebrates. From the selected papers, we found that certain water bodies responded more to local land use, while other water bodies were more likely to be affected by catchment land use. Hence, combined land-use information from both the local scale and the catchment scale will provide a better understanding of the impact of land-use changes on the ecological water quality. To gain this knowledge, efforts need to be taken to acquire land-use information from field observations and remote sensing or a geographic information system (GIS) data source. Furthermore, we concluded on the benefits of using models to better understand the relationship between the ecological water quality and environmental variables. Depending on the aim of the study and the nature of the data, researchers can select the most suitable model to ensure fast analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study discusses the moral issues surrounding the study of echinoderms, a class of marine animals that is attracting interest from scientists. The significance of safely handling these animals is stressed and promotes an ethical standard that is customized to their needs. Our strategy was heavily influenced by the 3Rs principle, which advocates for substituting aware living vertebrates with non-sentient material in research. Echinoderms are excellent models for experimental inquiry because they are typically thought to be non-sentient. Although it is not possible to assess their mental states at this time, there is ample evidence of social behavior in many species, suggesting that ignoring interactions with them could be detrimental to their wellbeing. Recently, progress has been made toward developing an ethical framework for invertebrates, such as crustaceans, echinoderms, and cephalopods. To protect the welfare of echinoderms even in the absence of specific standards, we suggest an enlarged version of the 5Rs framework that includes responsibility and respect. In addition to advancing our knowledge of these interesting species, this research establishes a critical standard for the responsible and sympathetic care of all animals in scientific research. This paper explores the ethical considerations surrounding research on echinoderms, a group of invertebrates that has recently garnered attention in the scientific community. The importance of responsible animal handling and the need for an ethical framework that encompasses echinoderms are emphasized. The 3Rs principle, advocating for the replacement of conscious living vertebrates with non-sentient material in research, is discussed as a guiding tool in current animal research practices. As invertebrates are generally classified as non-sentient animals, the replacement dimension tends to favor them as prevalent models in experimental research. While it currently lacks the means to assess the mental states of invertebrates, there is undeniable evidence of social behavior in many species, suggesting that a lack of interactions with these organisms could potentially adversely affect their wellbeing. In the last few years, considerable progress has been made in developing an ethical framework that takes invertebrates into account, particularly cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. In this context, we discuss the development of a broader conceptual framework of 5Rs that includes responsibility and respect, which may guide practices ensuring welfare in echinoderms, even in the absence of any particular normative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical imaging of neuronal activity with potentiometric probes has been credited with being able to address key questions in neuroscience via the simultaneous recording of many neurons. This technique, which was pioneered 50 years ago, has allowed researchers to study the dynamics of neural activity, from tiny subthreshold synaptic events in the axon and dendrites at the subcellular level to the fluctuation of field potentials and how they spread across large areas of the brain. Initially, synthetic voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs) were applied directly to brain tissue via staining, but recent advances in transgenic methods now allow the expression of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), specifically in selected neuron types. However, voltage imaging is technically difficult and limited by several methodological constraints that determine its applicability in a given type of experiment. The prevalence of this method is far from being comparable to patch clamp voltage recording or similar routine methods in neuroscience research. There are more than twice as many studies on VSDs as there are on GEVIs. As can be seen from the majority of the papers, most of them are either methodological ones or reviews. However, potentiometric imaging is able to address key questions in neuroscience by recording most or many neurons simultaneously, thus providing unique information that cannot be obtained via other methods. Different types of optical voltage indicators have their advantages and limitations, which we focus on in detail. Here, we summarize the experience of the scientific community in the application of voltage imaging and try to evaluate the contribution of this method to neuroscience research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Special Issue contributes to the evaluation of various aspects of biological drinking water quality and support both fundamental sciences and practical applications by drinking water companies. Gunkel et al. [[8]] summarizes the temperature increase of raw water (lakes, rivers, groundwater), and monitoring data from Northern Germany prove the increase in drinking water temperature within DWDSs. Nevertheless, the water quality can be secured by drinking water treatment plants, which can apply step-by-step increased water treatment technologies, and drinking waterworks outlet achieve a good water quality. [Extracted from the article]

Fungi are diverse organisms that occupy important niches in natural settings and agricultural settings, acting as decomposers, mutualists, and parasites and pathogens. Interactions between fungi and other organisms, specifically invertebrates, are understudied. Their numbers are also severely underestimated. Invertebrates exist in many of the same spaces as fungi and are known to engage in fungal feeding or mycophagy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, global view of mycophagy in invertebrates to bring attention to areas that need more research, by prospecting the existing literature. Separate searches on the Web of Science were performed using the terms "mycophagy" and "fungivore". Invertebrate species and corresponding fungal species were extracted from the articles retrieved, whether the research was field- or laboratory-based, and the location of the observation if field-based. Articles were excluded if they did not list at least a genus identification for both the fungi and invertebrates. The search yielded 209 papers covering seven fungal phyla and 19 invertebrate orders. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are the most represented fungal phyla whereas Coleoptera and Diptera make up most of the invertebrate observations. Most field-based observations originated from North America and Europe. Research on invertebrate mycophagy is lacking in some important fungal phyla, invertebrate orders, and geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sensitive indicators reflecting the state of the environment is an important issue for the monitoring of marine ecosystems. The spionid polychaete Marenzelleria arctia and pontoporeiid amphipod Monoporeia affinis are common macrobenthic species in the brackish Gulf of Finland (the easternmost Baltic Sea). This paper aims to apply the Benthic Opportunistic Polychaetes Amphipods (BOPA) and Benthic Opportunistic Annelid Amphipods (BO2A) indices based on the polychaete/amphipod ratio as indicators of the environmental state in this region. We analyzed the relationships between environmental variables and benthic indices based on samples from two benthic surveys in 2019 (10 sites) and 2020 (9 sites). The coastal sites were characterized by worse water quality (i.e., the higher concentration of hydrocarbons, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a), but cleaner sediments (i.e., total phosphorus, organic carbon, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and trace metals) than offshore sites. The BOPA and BO2A correlated positively with the level of water pollution and negatively with sediment pollution. The activity of the benthic organisms seems to strongly influence the concentration of contaminants in sediments, so this factor hinders the use of BOPA and BO2A indices for the assessment of bottom sediments quality in the eastern Baltic Sea. At the same time, this study shows that BOPA and BO2A indices can be used in assessing water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine invertebrates are a paraphyletic group that comprises more than 90% of all marine animal species. Lipids form the structural basis of cell membranes, are utilized as an energy reserve by all marine invertebrates, and are, therefore, considered important indicators of their ecology and biochemistry. The nutritional value of commercial invertebrates directly depends on their lipid composition. The lipid classes and fatty acids of marine invertebrates have been studied in detail, but data on their lipidomes (the profiles of all lipid molecules) remain very limited. To date, lipidomes or their parts are known only for a few species of mollusks, coral polyps, ascidians, jellyfish, sea anemones, sponges, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, crabs, copepods, shrimp, and squid. This paper reviews various features of the lipid molecular species of these animals. The results of the application of the lipidomic approach in ecology, embryology, physiology, lipid biosynthesis, and in studies on the nutritional value of marine invertebrates are also discussed. The possible applications of lipidomics in the study of marine invertebrates are considered.

This paper provides a summary of the knowledge of drinking-water temperature increases and present daily, seasonal, and yearly temperature data of drinking-water distribution systems (DWDS). The increasing water temperatures lead to challenges in DWDS management, and we must assume a promotion of invertebrates as pipe inhabitants. Macro-, meio-, and microinvertebrates were found in nearly all DWDS. Data in relation to diversity and abundance clearly point out a high probability of mass development, and invertebrate monitoring must be the focus of any DWDS management. The water temperature of DWDS is increasing due to climate change effects, and as a consequence, the growth and reproduction of invertebrates is increasing. The seasonal development of a chironomid (Paratanytarus grimmii) and longtime development of water lice (Asellus aquaticus) are given. Due to increased water temperatures, a third generation of water lice per year has been observed, which is one reason for the observed mass development. This leads to an impact on drinking-water quality and an increased health risk, as invertebrates can serve as a host or vehicle for potential harmful microbes. More research is needed especially on (i) water temperature monitoring in drinking-water distribution systems, (ii) invertebrate development, and (iii) health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy has recently emerged as the technique of choice for obtaining high quality three-dimensional (3D) images of whole organisms, with low photo-damage and fast acquisition rates. Unlike conventional optical and confocal microscopy or scanning electron microscopy systems, it offers the possibility of obtaining multiple views of the sample by rotating it. We show that the use of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, for the analysis of invertebrates, provides a fair compromise compared to scanning electron microscopy in terms of resolution, but avoids some of its drawbacks, such as sample preparation or limited three-dimensional perspectives. In this paper, we will show how LSFM techniques can provide a cheap, high quality, multicolor, 3D alternative to classic microscopes, for the study of the morphological structure of insects and invertebrates in morphogenesis studies of the whole animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jumping is a locomotion strategy widely evolved in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition to terrestrial animals, several aquatic animals are also able to jump in their specific environments. In this paper, the state of the art of jumping robots has been systematically analyzed, based on their biological model, including invertebrates (e.g., jumping spiders, locusts, fleas, crickets, cockroaches, froghoppers and leafhoppers), vertebrates (e.g., frogs, galagoes, kangaroos, humans, dogs), as well as aquatic animals (e.g., both invertebrates and vertebrates, such as crabs, water-striders, and dolphins). The strategies adopted by animals and robots to control the jump (e.g., take-off angle, take-off direction, take-off velocity and take-off stability), aerial righting, land buffering, and resetting are concluded and compared. Based on this, the developmental trends of bioinspired jumping robots are predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine nemertean Cephalothrix simula originates from the Pacific Ocean but in recent years has been discovered in northern Europe. The species has been associated with high levels of the marine neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, traditionally associated with Pufferfish Poisoning. This study reports the first discovery of two organisms of C. simula in the UK, showing the geographical extent of this species is wider than originally described. Species identification was initially conducted morphologically, with confirmation by Cox 1 DNA sequencing. 16S gene sequencing enabled the taxonomic assignment of the microbiome, showing the prevalence of a large number of bacterial genera previously associated with TTX production including Alteromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas. LC-MS/MS analysis of the nemertean tissue revealed the presence of multiple analogues of TTX, dominated by the parent TTX, with a total toxin concentration quantified at 54 µg TTX per g of tissue. Pseudomonas luteola isolated from C. simula , together with Vibrio alginolyticus from the native nemertean Tubulanus annulatus , were cultured at low temperature and both found to contain TTX. Overall, this paper confirms the high toxicity of a newly discovered invasive nemertean species with links to toxin-producing marine bacteria and the potential risk to human safety. Further work is required to assess the geographical extent and toxicity range of C. simula along the UK coast in order to properly gauge the potential impacts on the environment and human safety.

We carried out an overview of the studies on the traits of the meiofauna of the littoral zone of lakes to investigate the question relating to the Raunkiaeran shortfall (lack of knowledge on biological traits). For this purpose, we selected a series of keywords associated with response and effect traits (feeding habits, locomotion and substrate relation, body size, shape and mass, life history, reproductive strategy, respiration and thermal tolerance) and we counted the relative frequency of occurrence in a set of scientific papers retrieved from Web of Science. The results showed that, except for the traits related to diet and feeding habits, the Raunkiaeran shortfall is very pronounced for all meiofaunal taxa of the littoral zone of lakes, especially for those related to soft-bodied organisms. The reason behind this deficiency concerns many aspects ranging from the high taxonomic expertise required to the intrinsic difficulties of observing organisms of such a small size. The relationship with temperature has not been sufficiently explored and formalized in any of the examined traits; this research aspect needs to be rapidly addressed since the prospects of climate change impacts on lake littorals are expected to be particularly severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most prevalent non-bacterial food-borne form of poisoning in French Polynesia, which results from the consumption of coral reef fish naturally contaminated with ciguatoxins produced by dinoflagellates in the genus Gambierdiscus. Since the early 2000s, this French territory has also witnessed the emergence of atypical forms of ciguatera, known as ciguatera shellfish poisoning (CSP), associated with the consumption of marine invertebrates. In June 2014, nine tourists simultaneously developed a major and persistent poisoning syndrome following the consumption of the gastropod Tectus niloticus collected in Anaho, a secluded bay of Nuku Hiva Island (Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia). The unusual nature and severity of this event prompted a multidisciplinary investigation in order to characterize the etiology and document the short/long-term health consequences of this mass-poisoning event. This paper presents the results of clinical investigations based on hospital medical records, medical follow-up conducted six and 20 months post-poisoning, including a case description. This study is the first to describe the medical signature of T. niloticus poisoning in French Polynesia and contributed to alerting local authorities about the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of this gastropod, which is highly prized by local communities in Pacific island countries and territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large areas of the Pacific coast of the Americas remain unstudied regarding their intertidal ecosystems. Given the increasing disturbance related to human impacts on intertidal ecosystems, it is essential to gather census data on the biological composition of poorly studied regions so that a framework for future monitoring and management can be developed. Here, we synthesize the available research on intertidal communities along the Pacific rim to support the goal to fill bioregional gaps in knowledge in three less-studied areas in Southeast Alaska and Peru. A census of taxonomic and functional group hierarchies in these communities should include the use of various measures of alpha and beta diversity to provide a metric of temporal and spatial comparisons. A narrower-scale approach focusing on foundation species that harbor algal and invertebrate communities and serve as buffers against environmental stresses should also be conducted. Conducting a comprehensive census in poorly studied or unstudied areas will contribute to a better understanding of the response to disturbances caused by oil spills, El Niño and marine heatwaves and provide a latitudinal continuum of scientific knowledge about the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in rocky intertidal systems on a trans-regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We used to think of brains as symmetrical, functioning in the same way on the left and right sides, but we now know that this is not so. From the small brains of insects to variously sized brains of vertebrates, including humans, the left and right sides process information differently and control different patterns of behaviour. This is known as lateralization. Lateralized brains can carry out different functions simultaneously on the left and right sides (e.g., monitoring for predators while searching for food). Avoiding duplication in this way increases cognitive capacity. This paper considers the cognitive advantages of two kinds of lateralization. The first, known as individual lateralization, means that most individuals in a species are lateralized, roughly half in one direction and the other half in the other direction. The second type of lateralization, known as directional or population lateralization, means that most individuals have the same direction of lateralization. Directional lateralization is important for social behaviour but, as this paper argues, it may not increase cognitive capacity any more than does individual lateralization. Strength of lateralization is discussed and so is the communication between the left and right sides of the brain. One way to increase cognitive capacity is to avoid duplication of functions on the left and right sides of the brain. There is a convincing body of evidence showing that such asymmetry, or lateralization, occurs in a wide range of both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Each hemisphere of the brain can attend to different types of stimuli or to different aspects of the same stimulus and each hemisphere analyses information using different neural processes. A brain can engage in more than one task at the same time, as in monitoring for predators (right hemisphere) while searching for food (left hemisphere). Increased cognitive capacity is achieved if individuals are lateralized in one direction or the other. The advantages and disadvantages of individual lateralization are discussed. This paper argues that directional, or population-level, lateralization, which occurs when most individuals in a species have the same direction of lateralization, provides no additional increase in cognitive capacity compared to individual lateralization although directional lateralization is advantageous in social interactions. Strength of lateralization is considered, including the disadvantage of being very strongly lateralized. The role of brain commissures is also discussed with consideration of cognitive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal mining activity contributes to energy security and employment occupation, but is associated with environmental deterioration. Coal combustion leads to GHG emissions, while coal mining results in the generation of saline effluents. These effluents are discharged in inland surface waters, applying significant pressure on their quality, with a negative impact on aquatic life and the economy of a region. This study includes water samples that were analyzed in order to investigate the organic compounds, heavy metals, and other physicochemical parameters. Biological monitoring was done according to the Water Framework Directive methodology. The results from an aquatic area in Southern Poland, which indirectly receives coal mine effluents, indicate elevated salinity with excessive chlorides, sulfates, and sodium ions. The water quality of another non-polluted aquatic area was also assessed to examine the impact of indirect coal mine wastewater discharge on this area. The high salinity levels hinder the use of river water for drinking, agricultural, or industrial purposes. The results obtained show high pressure on the ecological status of streams and rivers that receive mine effluents, and on the density and diversity of aquatic invertebrates. This pressure is clearly visible in the structure of benthic communities and in invertebrate diversity. It also contributes to the appearance of invasive species and increasing water salinity. Limiting discharges of mine water transporting large loads of saline substances would reduce the negative impact on the quality of river waters and biological life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in animals has remained a central focus of reproductive and developmental biology research. Among these, the study of sex differentiation mechanisms in amphioxus, an ancient and unique organism, holds significant value for understanding the evolution and origin of sex determination mechanisms in vertebrates. However, the current understanding of the sex differentiation regulatory mechanisms in amphioxus remains limited. This study aims to enrich and deepen our comprehension of the sex differentiation mechanisms in amphioxus through the identification of two cyp19 homologous genes and the analysis of their expression level in male and female gonads. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights into the formation and evolutionary pathways of sex determination mechanisms in vertebrates. The mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in animals remains a central focus of reproductive and developmental biology research, and the regulation of sex differentiation in amphioxus remains poorly understood. Cytochrome P450 Family 19 Subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) is a crucial sex differentiation gene that catalyzes the conversion of androgens into estrogens. In this study, we identified two aromatase-like genes in amphioxus: cyp19-like1 and cyp19-like2. The cyp19-like1 is more primitive and may represent the ancestral form of cyp19 in zebrafish and other vertebrates, while the cyp19-like2 is likely the result of gene duplication within amphioxus. To gain further insights into the expression level of these two aromatase-like, we examined their expression in different tissues and during different stages of gonad development. While the expression level of the two genes differs in tissues, both are highly expressed in the gonad primordium and are primarily localized to microsomal membrane systems. However, as development proceeds, their expression level decreases significantly. This study enhances our understanding of sex differentiation mechanisms in amphioxus and provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of sex determination mechanisms in vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global ecological concern regarding the transfer of fouling organisms to ship hulls is increasing. This study investigated the species composition, dominant species, distribution patterns, community structure, and life-cycle differences of hull-fouling macroinvertebrates on five research vessels (R/Vs: Isabu, Onnuri, Eardo, Jangmok 1, and Jangmok 2) operated by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). Hull-fouling macroinvertebrates were collected three to five times on quadrats from the upper and middle sectors of the hull sides, bottom, and niche areas (the propellers, shafts, and thrusters). A total of 47 macroinvertebrate species were identified, represented by 8519 individuals (ind.)/m2 and a biomass of 1967 gWWt/m2 on the five vessels. The number of species, density, and biomass were greater on the coastal vessels Eardo, Jangmok 1, and Jangmok 2 than on the ocean-going vessels the Isabu and Onnuri. Among the coastal vessels, barnacles were the most abundant and had the greatest density, while mollusks had the highest biomass. Differences between hull sectors showed that the highest species abundance and density appeared on all hulls in ports and bays where the Jangmok 1 operated, while the highest species abundance, density, and biomass were identified in the niche areas of the Eardo, which operated farther from the coast. The hull-fouling macroinvertebrates that exceeded 1% of all organisms were the barnacles Amphibalanus amphitrite, Balanus trigonus, and Amphibalanus improvisus; the polychaete Hydroides ezoensis; the bivalves Magallana gigas and Mytilus galloprovincialis; and the amphipod Jassa slatteryi. The dominant species were cosmopolitan and globally distributed, and many of them were cryptogenic. Six native species were identified: M. gigas, H. ezoensis, the amphipod Melita koreana, the isopod Cirolana koreana, and the barnacles B. trigonus and F. kondakovi. Eight non-indigenous species (NIS) were detected: the barnacles A. amphitrite and A. improvisus, the bivalve M. galloprovincialis, the polychaete Perinereis nuntia, the amphipods J. slatteryi and Caprella californica, and the bryozoans Bugulina californica and Bugula neritina. Of the fouling macroinvertebrates found on the vessel hulls, 13% were native, and 17% were NIS. More diverse communities developed on the hulls of vessels that operated locally rather than globally or in deep oceans. The species diversity index correlated positively with the total number of anchoring days and coastal operation days and negatively with the total number of operation days and ocean operation days. The macroinvertebrates differed by the area of operation, the port of anchorage, the number of days in operation and at anchor, and the hull sectors. There is no previous research data on hull-fouling macroinvertebrates in the Republic of Korea, and this study provides a basis for future studies to identify introduced species and their differences based on operation area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The welfare of invertebrates is a result of ethical human behaviour, presently stemming from religious traditions, but how do we get from religious traditions to ethical behaviour to the welfare of invertebrates? The Judaeo–Christian religions are firmly anthropocentric, though they urge utilitarian care for domestic animals. Similarly, the Buddhist tradition of rebirth, possibly as an animal, leads to a belief in ahisma or doing no harm. The theory does not necessarily lead to practice in either case, and Indigenous societies are not usually hunter-gatherers nowadays. Religious practices are often close to good ecology and lead to better consideration. None of these traditions extends much to invertebrates, as only those invertebrates thought 'worthy' of consideration are ones that might be sentient. Philosophy is often not based on biological reality, and science demands the simplest possible explanation and 'objective factual truth.' The result is a long haul to find and apply the best ethical principles to the welfare of these invertebrates, which are the majority of animals on the planet. Ethical behaviour tends to lead to the welfare consideration of animals, but much less so for invertebrates. Indigenous tradition often valued all animals as having an important role in life on the planet, a practical application of modern ecology. The Judaeo–Christian–Islamic tradition postulated 'man' as having dominion over all of Earth, resulting in anthropocentrism and careless practices. In contrast, the Buddhist/Hindu belief in rebirth leads to ahisma, or doing no harm. In the face of capitalist systems, practice does not necessarily follow these beliefs, especially in the 'shepherding' of domestic animals. Only Jainist beliefs value the lives of all invertebrates. Philosophers are often divorced from the physiological reality of the animals they muse about, and science's traditions of objectivity and the simplest possible explanation of behaviour led to ignorance of invertebrates' abilities. Ninety-seven percent of animals on the planet are invertebrates. We have a long way to go to provide moral standing and welfare consideration, which is consistent with the new information about the sentience of some of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species-area relationship (SAR) is a well-established, globally recognized ecological pattern, and research on SAR has expanded to include the phylogenetic diversity-area relationship (PDAR). However, this research has generally been limited to terrestrial systems. Using data on freshwater macroinvertebrates, the log–log form of the SAR and PDAR power models were compared between the Lhasa River and the Niyang River on the Tibetan Plateau in China. The study reveals that there is a significant difference in the slopes of SAR and PDAR between the two rivers, with the Lhasa River having a considerably higher slope. The beta diversity calculations in these two basins support this pattern, with the Lhasa River exhibiting significantly higher numbers of species and greater total phylogenetic beta diversity than the Niyang River. Regarding species replacement, the turnover component was the primary driver of both species and phylogenetic beta diversity in both rivers. These differences in the beta diversity components were mainly driven by dispersal constraints because spatial distance had a large effect on total beta diversity and turnover fractions. In addition, the nestedness component was more affected by climate and land cover, indicating that highland rivers are subject to the threats of anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Therefore, spatial factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of passively dispersed benthic organisms as the scale of change in rivers increases from local to regional effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetry of brain function is known to be widespread amongst vertebrates, and it seems to have appeared very early in their evolution. In fact, recent evidence of functional asymmetry in invertebrates suggests that even small brains benefit from the allocation of different functions to the left and right sides. This paper discusses the differing functions of the left and right sides of the brain, including the roles of the left and right antennae of bees (several species) in both short- and long-term recall of olfactory memories and in social behaviour. It considers the likely advantages of functional asymmetry in small and large brains and whether functional asymmetry in vertebrates and invertebrates is analogous or homologous. Neural or cognitive capacity can be enhanced both by the evolution of a larger brain and by lateralization of brain function: a possible reason why both processes occur side-by-side is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional studies of biotic communities are important for characterising their normal spatial and temporal variation, but there are few such studies of tropical streams. This paper describes changes in invertebrate communities in Yuccabine Creek, a seasonal upland rainforest stream in tropical Australia, over three-year and decadal periods. Invertebrate abundance, richness and evenness were temporally stable, except after major drying or wet-season flows, from which they recovered quickly; however, three wet seasons contrasted in abundance patterns. Species' responses to flood or drought varied depending on life-histories and habitat dynamics. Communities showed contrasts between wet, early-dry and late-dry seasons, with different characteristic species. Current velocity, leaf litter and substratum particle size were the main environmental correlates with species abundances and multivariate scores. Between-decade contrasts were due to antecedent rainfall and loss of canopy cover. Trophic composition varied seasonally, driven by abundances of predators and detritivores. Yuccabine Creek differs from comparable temperate streams in its high diversity of invertebrates, continual recruitment and spring-dominated continual leaf fall; and from some other tropical streams in its seasonal flow regime. Interpretation of invertebrate metrics in these streams needs to account for historical, antecedent and current conditions, but biannual samples would adequately characterise the fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater ecosystems have been severely damaged worldwide by a multitude of human pressures, such as pollution, nutrient enrichment, damming or overexploitation, and this has been more intense over the past five decades. It is therefore important that the impacts of such stressors can be effectively detected, monitored and assessed in order to provide adequate legislative tools and to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems. The use of aquatic biota to detect, measure and track changes in the environment is often known as freshwater biomonitoring and is based on the premise that the presence or absence of biotic assemblages at a given site reflects its degree of environmental quality. For over a century, since the early pollution-oriented indicators, freshwater monitoring has been developing and testing progressively more complex indicator systems, and increasing the plethora of pressures addressed, using different biological groups, such as benthic macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, fish, phytoplankton and phytobenthos. There is an increasing demand for precision and accuracy in bioassessment. In this Special Issue, five high-quality papers were selected and are briefly presented herein, that cover a wide range of issues and spatial contexts relevant to freshwater biomonitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animals come in a huge array of types, species and structures, but without realizing it, we have focused our care on those like us, mammals. They look something like us, so it's easy to empathize with animals like dogs, cats and horses. We see them on magazine covers, worry about their pain and suffering and try to conserve their habitat. Because of this tight focus, we lose all the other animals—invertebrates, for instance, are 98% of the animals on the planet. Even though these animals aren't mammals, we should still care about their welfare. This paper gives the example of two groups, fish and crustaceans, whose welfare has been overlooked or denied, as an example of how we should care about the well-being of all animals, not just mammals. In the last few decades, we have made great strides in recognizing ethics and providing care for animals, but the focus has been mainly on mammals. This stems from a bias of attention not only in research but predominantly in non-scientists' attention (to 'popular' animals), resulting partly from discussion about and depiction of animals in publications addressed to the public. This is somewhat due to political pressure, and can result in uneven conservation efforts and biases in targets for welfare concerns. As a result, there has been a huge backlash again, with concerns about pain sensitivity and welfare in fish, and a less focused but more pervasive omission of consideration of all invertebrates. That means welfare efforts are focused on 0.2% of the animal species on the planet, and education about non-mammals, particularly addressed to children, is necessary to broaden this focus and care more fully for the inhabitants of the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtually all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) originate from primary producers but can be modified by bioconversions as they pass up the food chain in a process termed trophic upgrading. Therefore, although the main primary producers of PUFA in the marine environment are microalgae, higher trophic levels have metabolic pathways that can produce novel and unique PUFA. However, little is known about the pathways of PUFA biosynthesis and metabolism in the levels between primary producers and fish that are largely filled by invertebrates. It has become increasingly apparent that, in addition to trophic upgrading, de novo synthesis of PUFA is possible in some lower animals. The unequivocal identification of PUFA biosynthetic pathways in many invertebrates is complicated by the presence of other organisms within them. These organisms include bacteria and algae with PUFA biosynthesis pathways, and range from intestinal flora to symbiotic relationships that can involve PUFA translocation to host organisms. This emphasizes the importance of studying biosynthetic pathways at a molecular level, and the continual expansion of genomic resources and advances in molecular analysis is facilitating this. The present paper highlights recent research into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of PUFA biosynthesis in marine invertebrates, particularly focusing on cephalopod molluscs.

The main objective of this study was to examine the spatial distribution patterns of aquatic invertebrates in an environment characterized by significant anthropogenic stress. During the entire research period, at all the sites, we noticed 72 taxa of zooplankton and 30 taxa of macroinvertebrates. Variation partitioning analysis reveals that the assemblages of planktonic organisms are much more determined by the time of sampling rather than by the site, in contrary to macroinvertebrates where the sampling time was only slightly more responsible for the composition of the benthic communities than the site. Spatial distribution of aquatic organisms in a small lowland river under strong anthropopressure shows significant deviations from the expectations of the River Continuum Concept (RCC). The benthic macroinvertebrate and littoral zooplankton communities exhibited a strong association with local site conditions, while, in contrast, pelagic zooplankton exhibited a strong dependency on drift and its production in the upper reaches of the river, leading to relatively consistent compositions downstream despite the highly altered river environment. To improve the biodiversity values and ecological state of a river, restoration treatments of bed and shore zones are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decapod crustaceans are important components of the fauna of soft-bottom habitats. In this work, the records of decapod crustaceans are provided through the analysis of a large soft-bottom benthic macroinvertebrates dataset of the Central Mediterranean Sea. Decapod crustacean assemblages were collected in the last twenty years by a Van Veen grab in 42 study sites located along the Italian coasts at depths ranging from 1 up to 120 m. The spatial distribution of the crustaceans examined, which include 120 species belonging to 40 families, was investigated according to the biogeographical zones identified in the Italian seas. The spatial distribution of 36 species was updated, comparing the ISPRA decapod crustacean dataset with the most recent Italian checklists. For the species updated, the number of specimens, the year and season of sampling, and environmental data, such as the bathymetric range and habitat details, are provided for each site investigated. Data are discussed and compared with the existing literature, also referring to what is reported in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), with the aim of contributing to the knowledge of the biodiversity of the marine species and supporting the updating of checklists and registers in the Mediterranean Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roach, Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758), is one of the most common fish species in mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes throughout Europe. In the Serbian reservoirs selected for this study, this species accounts for the majority of juvenile fish biomass. The aim of this study was to investigate the diet composition of juvenile roach to assess their niche based on resource availability in five Serbian reservoirs with different trophic statuses. A modified Costello graph and Kohonen artificial neural network (i.e., a self-organizing map, SOM) were employed to examine the feeding habits of 142 specimens of roach caught in five reservoirs. Our results show that juvenile roach use zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, algae and detritus in their diet. In addition, five neuron clusters (A, B, C, D and E) were isolated in the SOM output network. The SOM identifies specimens that share similar feeding patterns and categorizes them onto the same or adjacent neurons, determined by dominant prey. In terms of the number of specimens, cluster B was the most numerous, and the predominant prey of these specimens were Daphnia sp., Bosmina sp. and calanoid and cyclopoid copepods. The cluster with the lowest number of specimens is cluster C, and the specimens in it benefited from Chironomidae and Insecta. Due to the different trophic statuses of the reservoirs selected for this study, knowledge of fish feeding habits is essential for the formulation of effective conservation and management strategies for both the species and the reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine animals and plants such as sponges, sea squirts, corals, worms and algae host diverse and abundant symbiotic microorganisms. Marine microbial symbionts are possible the true producers or take part in the biosynthesis of some bioactive marine natural products isolated from the marine organism hosts. Investigation of the pharmaceutical metabolites may reveal the biosynthesis mechanisms of related natural products and solve the current problem of supply limitation in marine drug development. This paper reviews the advances in diversity revelation, biological activity and related pharmaceutical metabolites, and functional genes of marine microbial symbionts from the China Sea.

Simple Summary: High-altitude Andean streams are fragile ecosystems that require urgent actions such as bioassessment for proper environmental management. In the present study, we investigated the distribution and composition of the macroinvertebrate community in relation to the environmental variables in the Antisana river basin (Andean–Ecuadorian region). Macroinvertebrates were sampled at fifteen localities to predicate ecological condition which were expressed by the Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP-Col) index, the Andean Biotic Index (ABI) and the Andean–Amazon Biotic Index (AAMBI), and their main feeding traits as indicators of ecological functionality. Results show that dissolved oxygen saturation and total phosphorus, ammonia and conductivity contributed significantly to the composition of taxa and functional feeding groups (FFGs). Taxa and FFG diversity were most abundant at sites with the best ecological conditions. Shredders were, in general, dominant and especially abundant in the medium-high-quality sites. Predators were almost absent throughout the study, but they were collected from low-quality sites, showing greater tolerance to the presence of human disturbance. The BMWP-Col index seems to be the best fit for this ecosystem, showing a significant difference in FFG between the index classes compared to the other indices evaluated. The results of the present investigation may be regarded as a fundamental starting point and used in the future bioassessment works in other tropical Andean streams, especially where their resilience is threatened by poorly managed human activities. High-elevation tropical streams are under increasing threat from human activities and climate change. Specifically, Ecuadorian Andean streams require priority actions such as bioassessment (e.g., biodiversity and functional ecology of macroinvertebrates) in order to generate adequate environmental management policies. Therefore, we investigated the distribution and composition of the macroinvertebrate taxa and their functional feeding groups in relation to the environmental variables in the Antisana river basin (Andean–Ecuadorian Region). We sampled macroinvertebrates from 15 locations to assess ecological conditions (ECs), expressed as the Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP-Col) classes, the Andean Biotic Index (ABI) and the Andean–Amazon Biotic Index (AAMBI). Results indicate that dissolved oxygen saturation, elevation, nutrient concentration and conductivity contributed significantly to the composition of the taxa and functional feeding groups (FFGs). Taxa diversity and FFGs were more abundant in the best EC sites. Shredders (SH) were, overall, dominant and abundant at sites with medium-high ECs. Scrapers constituted the second most prevalent assemblage, exerting dominance at moderate ecological conditions (high altitude and high oxygen saturation). Collector–gathers (CGs) are less sensitive to contamination than the previous two groups but were equally abundant at medium-high EC sites. Collector–filterers (CFs) and parasites (PAs) were less abundant, although the presence of the former was slightly related to better environmental conditions. Predators (PRs) were almost absent throughout the study, but they were collected from poor EC sites. CGs, PAs and PRs showed more tolerance to the presence of human disturbances (e.g., hydraulic constructions or slope erosion). The BMWP-Col index seems to be the best fit for this ecosystem, showing a significant difference in FFG between the index classes, compared to the other indices evaluated. The results of this investigation may be regarded as a fundamental starting point and used in future bioassessment work in other similar ecosystems, particularly high-altitude tropical Ecuadorian streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of assessing human health exposure, it is necessary to characterize the toxins present in a given area and their potential impact on commercial species. The goal of this research study was: (1) to screen the prevalence and concentrations of lipophilic toxins in nine groups of marine invertebrates in the northwest Iberian Peninsula; (2) to evaluate the validity of wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as sentinel organisms for the toxicity in non-bivalve invertebrates from the same area. The screening of multiple lipophilic toxins in 1150 samples has allowed reporting for the first time the presence of 13-desmethyl spirolide C, pinnatoxin G, okadaic acid, and dinophysistoxins 2 in a variety of non-traditional vectors. In general, these two emerging toxins showed the highest prevalence (12.5–75%) in most of the groups studied. Maximum levels for 13-desmethyl spirolide C and pinnatoxin G were found in the bivalves Magallana gigas (21 µg kg−1) and Tellina donacina (63 µg kg−1), respectively. However, mean concentrations for the bivalve group were shallow (2–6 µg kg−1). Okadaic acid and dinophysistoxin 2 with lower prevalence (1.6–44.4%) showed, on the contrary, very high concentration values in specific species of crustaceans and polychaetes (334 and 235 µg kg−−1, respectively), to which special attention should be paid. Statistical data analyses showed that mussels could be considered good biological indicators for the toxicities of certain groups in a particular area, with correlations between 0.710 (for echinoderms) and 0.838 (for crustaceans). Polychaetes could be an exception, but further extensive surveys would be needed to draw definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gansfontein palaeosurface (Fraserburg, Karoo, South Africa), which is correlated with the stratigraphic lowermost part of the continental Middle–Upper Permian Teekloof Formation, is revisited. This treasure trove of peculiar and exquisitely preserved sedimentary structures and invertebrate and vertebrate traces serves as a document of a set of fluvial paleoenvironments ranging from small ponds to marginal lacustrine and muddy riverine outer banks. It represents an isolated and relatively small "oasis" within the dominating sedimentary environments of the Teekloof Formation characterized by fine and medium-grained siliciclastics related to repeated higher-energy flooding events. The vertebrate traces include abundant therapsid trackways and, locally, tetrapod swimming traces. Tetrapod footprints show a very variable preservation in different areas of the palaeosurface, and it also changed based on the time of impression. Fish trails (Undichna) are relatively common. The invertebrate ichnofauna is comprised of abundant arthropod traces and horizontal burrows; however, the palaeosurface was not intersected by intense bioturbation. The occurrence of this scenario of abundant life reflects complex interaction among different tracemakers with the substrate and is evidence of a relatively quiet palaeoenvironment, which was suddenly submerged and sealed during a flooding event. Sedimentological and ichnological insights from such a palaeosurface, therefore, opens a rare window into Middle Permian ecosystems in southernmost Gondwana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up over 95% of the earth's species yet compared with vertebrates (animals with backbones like fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) our understanding of and efforts relating to the topic of welfare is relatively minimal. We have selected seven of the most economically important and widely recognized invertebrate taxa to focus the topic of animal welfare on. In these pages the reader will learn about coelenterates (jellyfishes, anemones, and corals), mollusks (snails, slugs, squid, and octopi), crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, and shrimp), echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers), chelicerates (spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs), myriapods (centipedes and millipedes), and insects (butterflies, honeybees, and fruit flies). In addition to discussing the welfare of these species, other topics, including anatomy, physiology, husbandry, natural history, and environmental diseases, are reviewed. Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals that make up the majority of the animal kingdom and encompass a wide array of species with varying adaptations and characteristics. Invertebrates are found in nearly all of the world's habitats, including aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments. There are many misconceptions about invertebrate sentience, welfare requirements, the need for environmental enrichment, and overall care and husbandry for this amazing group of animals. This review addresses these topics and more for a select group of invertebrates with biomedical, economical, display, and human companionship importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Available research on invertebrates in Corallina officinalis settlements shows a high level of biodiversity due to a complex habitat structure. Our aim was to examine seasonal changes in the invertebrate population, considering the algae's growth patterns. Nine locations with over 90% algal coverage were selected in southern Istria, where quantitative sampling was performed using six replicates of 5 × 5 cm quadrats in each location. Results showed that 29,711 invertebrates were found during winter (maximum algae growth) and 22,292 during summer (minimum algae growth), with an extrapolated average density of 220,000 and 165,200 individuals per square meter, respectively. The total number of individuals showed a linear increase as the algae biomass increased. The highest density, 586,000 individuals, was recorded in the Premantura area during winter. Dominant groups such as amphipods, polychaetes, bivalves and gastropods made up over 80% of the invertebrates. Our study confirms high invertebrate richness in the C. officinalis settlements, with the maximum density being the highest when compared to previously published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern part of the Mekong Delta Limestones of Vietnam (MDL-HC or Hon Chong karst) comprises numerous small limestone hills. It is a hotspot of biodiversity for soil and cave invertebrates. Here, we synthesize the results of biological surveys carried out in Hang Mo So, the richest MDL-HC cave for troglobionts, and in surrounding karsts. Methodologies for the ecological characterization of species are discussed, with emphasis on parallel sampling (external soil plus cave). Hang Mo So has 27 troglobionts, including many still undescribed. An additional 40 cave-obligate species are known from other caves of MDL-HC. Among them, several are expected to be found in Hang Mo So. Most troglobionts of MDL-HC are endemic. Several relictual taxa without close relatives in Southeast Asia occur in Hang Mo So and in MDL-HC, reflecting an ancient origin of the fauna. The reasons for this richness are uncertain, but the cause of its current destruction—quarrying—is all too evident. Most of the original 4 km2 of the MDL-HC karst has been destroyed or soon will be, ultimately leaving only 1.6 km2 unquarried. Endemic species linked to karst habitats are, therefore, under clear threat of extinction. The Hon Chong karst (MDL-HC) was listed among the ten most endangered karsts on the planet 25 years ago. Today it would probably top the list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very common intertidal alga, Corallina officinalis, serves as a refuge for numerous invertebrates within its settlements. The composition and structure of invertebrates may differ in relation to different natural or human-induced stress, and this study examined the effects of anthropogenic impact on the abundance and diversity of mollusks residing within C. officinalis settlements. Sampling was conducted during two seasons (Season 1 = algae's maximum vegetation growth and Season 2 = algae's minimum vegetation growth). Gastropods and bivalves made up 50% of all invertebrates identified, with a total of 47 species of gastropods, 25 species of bivalves, and one polyplacophoran species recorded. Considering the overall count of individuals, 4562 gastropods, 21,738 bivalves, and 260 polyplacophorans were collected from all available Corallina samples. The results indicated that locations under human impact showed a reduced number of the most abundant gastropod and bivalve species and a reduced average number of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Seemingly disconnected elements of the environment, like the two visible halves of an animal behind a tree, can be correctly interpreted as part of the same object. This process is referred to as "amodal completion" and seems to take place across profoundly different animal species. In a previous experiment, we tested the ability of jumping spiders to associate geometric shapes with sucrose rewards and then generalize the learned association to the shapes' hidden versions. In that experiment, the spiders learned the association but failed the generalization task, leaving open the question of whether they are capable of amodally completing shapes. Here, we replicated the experiment, increasing the number of subjects and employing a deep neural network based scoring procedure. The results closely match those observed in the previous experiment, but without rising to significance. We stress the importance of employing hands-off approaches to scoring procedures, maximizing objectivity and efficiency. Spiders possess a unique visual system, split into eight different eyes and divided into two fully independent visual pathways. This peculiar organization begs the question of how visual information is processed, and whether the classically recognized Gestalt rules of perception hold true. In a previous experiment, we tested the ability of jumping spiders to associate a geometrical shape with a reward (sucrose solution), and then to generalize the learned association to a partially occluded version of the shape. The occluded shape was presented together with a broken version of the same shape. The former should be perceived as a whole shape only in the case the animals, like humans, are able to amodally complete an object partly hidden by an occluder; otherwise, the two shapes would be perceived as identical. There, the spiders learned the association but failed to generalize. Here, we present a replication of the experiment, with an increased number of subjects, a DeepLabCut-based scoring procedure, and an improved statistical analysis. The results of the experiment follow closely the direction of the effects observed in the previous work but fail to rise to significance. We discuss the importance of study replication, and we especially highlight the use of automated scoring procedures to maximize objectivity in behavioral studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of Neisseria research has involved the use of a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animal models, from insects to humans. In this review, we itemise these models and describe how they have made significant contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of Neisseria infections and to the development and testing of vaccines and antimicrobials. We also look ahead, briefly, to their potential replacement by complex in vitro cellular models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rodents in Australia's central deserts face highly unpredictable climatic conditions, with long dry 'bust' periods, when resources are sparse, punctuated by brief 'boom' periods, after heavy rainfall, when resources are abundant. We studied the diet of an Australian desert-dwelling rodent species, the sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, by watching what animals ate in the field and by analysing the stomach contents of preserved specimens collected opportunistically over 24 years. Both techniques showed that seeds were the most important component of the diet, and that invertebrates and green plant material were also consumed. Although there were no seasonal or sex-based differences in diet, invertebrates were consumed more frequently during bust periods compared to booms, perhaps suggesting that animals switch to invertebrates at times when seeds are scarce. We drew two main conclusions. Firstly, sandy inland mice are omnivorous. This contrasts with a common view that seeds generally are the mainstay of desert rodents but supports some previous research on Australian desert species. Secondly, in environments with unpredictable climatic conditions where food resources are likely to be unreliable, dietary flexibility is important in allowing animals to exploit different food groups as these become available at different times. Seeds are commonly viewed as the mainstay of the diet of desert rodents. We describe the diet of a common Australian desert rodent, the sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, using direct observations of free-living animals and analysis of the stomach contents of preserved specimens. Direct observations showed that animals forage mostly on the ground surface and eat seeds from a wide range of plant species, as well as invertebrates and occasional green plant material. Stomach content analysis revealed no differences in the presence or absence of these three major food groups between seasons or the sexes. However, invertebrates were more prominent in the diet of mice during prolonged, dry, population 'bust' periods compared with post-rain population 'boom' periods, with this dietary shift probably reflecting a scarcity of seeds during the busts. The results confirm that seed is an important component of the diet of P. hermannsburgensis, with 92% of stomachs containing seed. The results also support the classification of the species as omnivorous rather than granivorous, with 70% of stomachs containing invertebrates and over half the specimens analysed containing both seeds and invertebrates. We suggest that dietary flexibility is important for rodent persistence in Australia's climatically unpredictable arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In order to reliably record pollution from microplastics within animals, indicators for a monitoring program must be found. For this purpose, we collected invertebrates, fish, and sediment cores at 10 sites along the Wadden Sea coast of Lower Saxony, Germany; determined the amount of microplastics; and made recommendations for potential bioindicator species, based on the sampling conditions and results. The species studied included lugworm (Arenicola marina), common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), and European flounder (Platichthys flesus). In total, microplastics were detected in 88% of the specimens and in each sediment core sample. Regarding the polymer composition, eight different types of microplastic were identified. Based on the results, the species blue mussel and European flounder are recommended for microplastic monitoring in biota. Monitoring strategies are becoming increasingly important as microplastic contamination increases. To find potentially suitable organisms and sites for biota monitoring in the German Wadden Sea, we collected invertebrates (n = 1585), fish (n = 310), and sediment cores (n = 12) at 10 sites along the coast of Lower Saxony between 2018 and 2020. For sample processing of biota, the soft tissue was digested and the sediment samples additionally underwent a subsequent density separation step. Microplastic particles were identified using Nile red and fluorescence microscopy, followed by polymer composition analysis of a subset of particles via µRaman spectroscopy. All investigated species, sediment cores, and sites contained microplastics, predominantly in the morphology class of fragments. Microplastics were found in 92% of Arenicola marina, 94% of Littorina littorea, 85% of Mytilus edulis, and 79% of Platichthys flesus, ranging from 0 to 248.1 items/g. Sediment core samples contained MPs ranging from 0 to 8128 part/kg dry weight of sediment. In total, eight polymers were identified, predominantly consisting of polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. Considering the sampling, processing, and results, the species Mytilus edulis and Platichthys flesus are suitable species for future microplastic monitoring in biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and its oxide are nanomaterials considered currently to be very promising because of their great potential applications in various industries. The exceptional physiochemical properties of graphene, particularly thermal conductivity, electron mobility, high surface area, and mechanical strength, promise development of novel or enhanced technologies in industries. The diverse applications of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) include energy storage, sensors, generators, light processing, electronics, and targeted drug delivery. However, the extensive use and exposure to graphene and GO might pose a great threat to living organisms and ultimately to human health. The toxicity data of graphene and GO is still insufficient to point out its side effects to different living organisms. Their accumulation in the aquatic environment might create complex problems in aquatic food chains and aquatic habitats leading to debilitating health effects in humans. The potential toxic effects of graphene and GO are not fully understood. However, they have been reported to cause agglomeration, long-term persistence, and toxic effects penetrating cell membrane and interacting with cellular components. In this review paper, we have primarily focused on the toxic effects of graphene and GO caused on aquatic invertebrates and fish (cell line and organisms). Here, we aim to point out the current understanding and knowledge gaps of graphene and GO toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand how the sulfate (SO42−) anion may contribute to the adverse effects associated with elevated ionic strength or salinity in freshwaters, we measured the uptake and efflux of SO42− in four freshwater species: the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas, Teleostei: Cyprinidae), paper pondshell (Utterbackia imbecillis, Bivalvia: Unionidae), red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Crustacea: Cambaridae), and two-lined mayfly (Hexagenia bilineata, Insecta: Ephemeridae). Using δ(34S/32S) stable isotope ratios and the concentrations of S and SO42−, we measured the SO42− influx rate (Jin), net flux (Jnet), and efflux rate (Jout) during a 24 h exposure period. For all four species, the means of Jin for SO42− were positive, and Jin was significantly greater than 0 at both target SO42− concentrations in the fish and mollusk and at the lower SO42− concentration in the crayfish. The means of Jout and Jnet were much more variable than those for Jin, but several species by target SO42− concentration combinations for Jout and Jnet, were negative, which suggests the net excretion of SO42− by the animals. The results of our experiments suggest a greater regulation of SO42− in freshwater animals than has been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sentience is a complex and contentious concept, especially when attributing the label to non-human animals. Non-avian reptiles are often overlooked in many scientific, ethical and layperson discussions of sentience, awareness and consciousness in animals. Most modern declarations of sentience include all vertebrate animals, and some invertebrates, which automatically includes reptiles and fish. However, specific declarations often ignore the "lower" classes of non-human animals. This paper specifically focuses reviewing the concepts and definitions of consciousness, awareness and sentience; and then reviews research which provides solid evidence for sentience in non-avian reptiles. It is concluded that non-avian reptiles indeed possess all of the necessary capacities to be classified as sentient beings. The concept of sentience, how it is characterised and which non-human animals possess it have long been of contention in academic and intellectual debates. Many have argued that there is no way to empirically know that animals have conscious experiences. Yet others argue that consciousness, awareness and sentience in non-human animals can be quite obvious, and can indeed be measured empirically. Most modern declarations of animal sentience from official organisations and governments now include all vertebrate animals as sentient beings, including reptiles and fish. Some declarations also include some invertebrate species. This conceptual, ethical and scientific review first focuses on conceptual components and definitions of consciousness, awareness and sentience. It then specifically discusses how cognitive, neurobiological, ethological and comparative psychological research in non-avian reptiles over the last century has evidenced many capacities that historically were denied to this class of animals. Non-avian reptiles do indeed possess all of the necessary capacities to be declared as sentient beings, at least in the small proportion of reptile species that have actually been empirically investigated so far. It is suggested that much innovative future research will continue to uncover evidence of capabilities linked to sentience within a wide range of species, including non-avian reptiles, fish and invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrates such as Asellus aquaticus, halacarid mites, copepods and cladocerans are common in drinking water distribution systems. The Zeeuws-Vlaanderen drinking water distribution system (DWDS) of Evides water company is divided into western and eastern sections, initially supplied with drinking water derived from a eutrophic reservoir (water) and groundwater, respectively. The drinking water derived from eutrophic reservoir water was characterised as less biologically stable than the drinking water from groundwater. Due to groundwater level protection measures, since 2015 the groundwater supply to the eastern section has been gradually replaced with supply from the drinking water treatment plant, which uses eutrophic reservoir water as source water. This change caused increased regrowth conditions, as observed by regulated microbial regrowth indicators (HPC22 and Aeromonas), increased invertebrate biomass, and the dominant occurrence of Asellus aquaticus, confirming observations in other Evides DWDSs. The results from the western section supplied with the same less biological stable drinking water, however, showed that the occurrence of microbial regrowth, invertebrate biomass and A. aquaticus is not only related to the biological stability of the supplied drinking water, but also to the influence of DWDS-specific conditions. The DWDS configuration as well as higher water demands in summer (western section) and/or higher sediment and Fe accumulation in the DWDS (eastern section) are suggested factors affecting regrowth and therefore subjects for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body size is a key trait of species, populations, and organisms; it relates to abundance, home range, metabolic rates, and stressors. As reported by Damuth's law, the relationship between body size and abundance is negative with a slope value of −0.75. In aquatic ecosystems, particularly for benthic macroinvertebrates, the slope value deviates from the expected value of −0.75. This variation may depend on abiotic and biotic factors as well as methods that are used to sample benthic macroinvertebrates. "Leaf-bags" and "Surber-net" are the most used methods and they provide different data about the body size structures and abundance of the sampled benthic macroinvertebrates. Here, we used the slope of the body size–abundance relationships to compare the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages sampled with two sampling methods (Leaf-bags and Surber-net). We found that Leaf-bags sampled a greater number of smaller taxa than Surber-net, which collected individuals of larger sizes. In our study, differences in the benthic macroinvertebrate body size structures collected with these two sampling methods were evident even if the experiment was performed at a limited spatio–temporal scale. Therefore, Leaf-bags and Surber-net should be used as complementary rather than alternative techniques since they sample integrated information from the benthic macroinvertebrate communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Envenomation by animal venoms remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in tropical countries. On the other hand, animal venoms are widely used as a source of biologically active compounds for the development of novel drugs. Numerous derivatives of animal venoms are already used in clinical practice. When analysing the mechanisms of action of animal venoms, attention is usually focused on the main target of the venom's enzymes and peptides such as neurotoxic, cytotoxic or haemorrhagic effects. In the present review, we would like to draw attention to the "hidden" effects of animal venoms and their derivatives in regard to DNA damage and/or protection against DNA damage. Alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from sponges such as avarol, ingenamine G or variolin B manifest the capability to bind DNA in vitro and produce DNA breaks. Trabectidin, isolated from a sea squirt, also binds and damages DNA. A similar action is possible for peptides isolated from bee and wasp venoms such as mastoparan, melectin and melittin. However, DNA lesions produced by the crude venoms of jellyfish, scorpions, spiders and snakes arise as a consequence of cell membrane damage and the subsequent oxidative stress, whereas certain animal venoms or their components produce a genoprotective effect. Current research data point to the possibility of using animal venoms and their components in the development of various potential therapeutic agents; however, before their possible clinical use the route of injection, molecular target, mechanism of action, exact dosage, possible side effects and other fundamental parameters should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]