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A novel bacterial strain, designated GeG2T, was isolated from soils of native Cerrado, a highly biodiverse savanna-like Brazilian biome. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain GeG2T revealed high sequence identity (100%) to the alphaproteobacterium Novosphingobium rosa, however, comparisons with N. rosa DSM7285T showed several distinctive features, prompting a full characterization of the new strain in terms of growth, morphology, biochemistry and, ultimately, its genome. GeG2T cells were Gram-stain negative bacilli, facultatively anaerobic, motile, positive for catalase and oxidase activities and for starch hydrolysis. Strain GeG2T presented planktonic-sessile dimorphism and cell aggregates surrounded by extracellular matrix and nanometric spherical structures were observed in liquid cultures, suggesting the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Whole genome assembly revealed four circular replicons: a 4.1 Mb chromosome, a 2.7 Mb extrachromosomal megareplicon and two plasmids (212.7 and 68.6 kb). The megareplicon contains few core genes and plasmid-type replication/maintenance systems, consistent with its classification as a chromid. Genome annotation shows a vast repertoire of carbohydrate active enzymes and genes involved in the degradation of aromatic compounds, highlighting the biotechnological potential of the new isolate obtained from Cerrado soils, especially regarding EPS production and biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds. Chemotaxonomic features, including polar lipid and fatty acid profiles, as well as physiological, molecular and whole genome comparisons showed significant differences between strain GeG2T and a N. rosa, clearly indicating that it represents a novel species, for which the name Novosphingobium terrae is proposed. The type strain is GeG2T (=CBMAI 2313T =CBAS 753T).IMPORTANCENovosphingobium is an alphaproteobacterial genus presenting diverse physiological profiles and broad biotechnological applications. However, many aspects regarding the biology of this important bacterial group remain elusive. A novel Novosphingobium strain was isolated from soils of Cerrado, an important Brazilian biome. Despite 100% 16S rRNA gene identity with Novosphingobium rosa, polyphasic characterizations, including physiological, chemotaxonomic, and whole genome- based analyses revealed significant differences between GeG2T and N. rosa DSM7285T, reinforcing resolution limitations in phylogenetic analysis based solely on 16S RNA and highlighting the importance of employing different approaches for the description of bacterial species. Using short and long read sequencing approaches, a high-quality fully resolved genome assembly was generated and one of the largest chromids reported to date was identified. A comprehensive characterization of environmental isolates allows us to better elucidate the diversity and biology of members of this bacterial group with potential biotechnological importance, guiding future bioprospecting efforts and genomic studies.

Germline mutation rates are essential for genetic and evolutionary analyses. Yet, estimating accurate fine-scale mutation rates across the genome is a great challenge, due to relatively few observed mutations and intricate relationships between predictors and mutation rates. Here we present MuRaL (Mutation Rate Learner), a deep learning framework to predict mutation rates at the nucleotide level using only genomic sequences as input. Harnessing human germline variants for comprehensive assessment, we show that MuRaL achieves better predictive performance than current state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, MuRaL can build models with relatively few training mutations and a moderate number of sequenced individuals, and can leverage transfer learning to further reduce data and time demands. We apply MuRaL to produce genome-wide mutation rate maps for four representative species - Homo sapiens, Macaca mulatta, Arabidopsis thaliana and Drosophila melanogaster, demonstrating its high applicability. As an example, we use improved mutation rate estimates to stratify human genes into distinct groups which are enriched for different functions, and highlight that many developmental genes are subject to high mutational burden. The open-source software and generated mutation rate maps can greatly facilitate related research.

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is a neuroleptic and antipsychotic medication for individuals suffering from schizophrenia and other medical conditions. This study investigated the effects of CPZ on the hematological, biochemical, and biometric characteristics in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. The fish were exposed to 0.53, 1.06 and 2.11 mgl−1 CPZ for 15 days after which they were withdrawn from the toxicant and allowed to recover for 5 days. Blood were sampled from the fish on day 1, 5, 10, 15 and during the 5-day recovering for hematological and biochemical analysis and thereafter, the fish were sacrificed for the morphometric analysis. While the values of the white blood cells significantly increased in the exposed fish, the hemoglobin, erythrocytes and packed cell volume decreased. Compared with the control, there were no significant differences in the values of the blood derivatives in the exposed fish. The values of protein and glucose reduced but that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated. Though there was no significant difference in the condition factor, a significant increase in hepatosomatic index occurred on day-15 at 5.28 mg/L CPZ. After the 5-day withdrawal from the drug, most of the studied parameters returned to the control values. The present study indicated that CPZ is toxic to fish and should be used with utmost care to guard against toxicological effect on non-target organisms.

Invasive Silver Carp (Hpophthalmichthys molitrix) have established populations throughout the Missouri River basin, including in the Kansas River. Understanding the spatial extent under which these invasive fish function in large, open river systems is crucial to inform management efforts. The Kansas River may play a vital role in the life-cycle of Silver Carp in the Missouri River basin as the main-stem Missouri River has undergone a multitude of alterations, creating a channel with greater mean depths and velocities. Here, we used otolith microchemistry of Silver Carp from the Kansas River to reconstruct environmental histories as a means to assess the proportions of resident and transient individuals. Silver Carp within the Kansas River were predominantly residents (adults = 54%; juveniles = 65%) with the majority of reproduction coming from within the Kansas River itself. These results suggest removal efforts in the Kansas River may be effective means of managing this invasive fish species. Transient individuals exhibited short durations of signatures indicative of the Missouri River (mean percent of data points for adults = 10% and juveniles = 36%), suggesting movements into the Missouri River were brief. These results highlight the importance of connectivity of tributary habitat among large rivers and provides important information for invasive species management.

Changes in the metabolic profile within the intestine of lenok (Brachymystax lenok) when challenged to acute and lethal heat stress (HS) are studied using no-target HPLC-MS/MS metabonomic analysis. Of 51 differentially expressed metabolites identified in response to HS, 34 occurred in the positive ion mode and 17 in negative ion mode (VIP > 1, P < 0.05). Changes in metabolites (i.e. alpha-D-glucose, stachyose and L-lactate) related to carbohydrate and glycolysis are identified in HS-treated lenok. Fatty acid β-oxidation in HS-treated lenok was inhibited by accumulation of acetyl carnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, carnitine, and erucic acid. Many amino acids (L-tryptophan, D-proline, L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-aspartate, L-tyrosine, L-methionine, L-histidine and L-glutamine) decreased to support energy demands in HS-treated lenok. Oxidative damage in HS-treated lenok was indicated by decreased glycerophospholipid metabolites (i.e. glycerophosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine), and increased oxylipin production (12-HETE and 9R, 10S-EpOME). Oxidative stress increased formation of eicosanoids and dicarboxylic acids, overwhelming the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway, while minor oxidative pathways (omega-oxidation and peroxisomal beta-oxidation) were likely to be activated in HS-treated lenok.

Cues involved in mate seeking and recognition prevent hybridization and can be involved in speciation processes. In malaria mosquitoes, females of the two sibling species Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii mate in monospecific male swarms and hybrids are rare. Long-range sex pheromones driving this behavior have been debated in literature but to date, no study has proven their existence or their absence. Here, we attempted to bring to light their existence. To put all the odds in our favor, we used different chemical ecology methods such as behavioral and electrophysiological assays as well chemical analyses, and we worked with mosquitoes at their optimal physiological mating state i.e. with swarming males during their natural swarming windows. Despite all our efforts, our results support the absence of long-range sex pheromones involved in swarm detection and recognition by females. We briefly discuss the implications of this finding in ecology, evolution and for control strategies.

It is generally assumed that viruses outnumber cells on Earth by at least tenfold. Virus-to-microbe ratios (VMR) are largely based on counts of fluorescently labelled virus-like particles. However, these exclude intracellular viruses and potentially include false positives (DNA-containing vesicles, gene-transfer agents, unspecifically stained inert particles). Here, we develop a metagenome-based VMR estimate (mVRM) that accounts for DNA viruses across all stages of their replication cycles (virion, intracellular lytic and lysogenic) by using normalised RPKM (reads per kilobase of gene sequence per million of mapped metagenome reads) counts of the major capsid protein (MCP) genes and cellular universal single-copy genes (USCGs) as proxies for virus and cell counts, respectively. After benchmarking this strategy using mock metagenomes with increasing VMR, we inferred mVMR across different biomes. To properly estimate mVMR in aquatic ecosystems, we generated metagenomes from co-occurring cellular and viral fractions (>50 kDa-200 µm size-range) in freshwater, seawater and solar saltern ponds (10 metagenomes, 2 control metaviromes). Viruses outnumbered cells in freshwater by ∼13 fold and in plankton from marine and saline waters by ∼2-4 fold. However, across an additional set of 121 diverse non-aquatic metagenomes including microbial mats, microbialites, soils, freshwater and marine sediments and metazoan-associated microbiomes, viruses, on average, outnumbered cells by barely two-fold. Although viruses likely are the most diverse biological entities on Earth, their global numbers might be closer to those of cells than previously estimated.

France displays a latitudinal range for the expansion of Aedes albopictus invasive populations that is not yet completely colonized providing a critical opportunity to address key invasion processes. We propose a spatio-temporal model (DISTIGRI) to describe and predict current and future expansion at both intra- and inter-annual scales of A. albopictus. This process-based model integrates mechanistic descriptions of the developmental cycle and the dispersal process of A. albopictus within a reaction-diffusion framework, depending on climatic suitability and photoperiod with a high spatio-temporal resolution. Using this model coupled with a climatic database, we propose several maps describing the current intra-annual distribution of A. albopictus, including the date of first emergence and the length of the period with significant adult presence. We also compute its future distribution over the next 10 years under several climatic scenarios, which shows a range expansion with a strong dependence on the climatic scenario. The outputs of the model may constitute a valuable asset for designing control and avoidance strategies, and to anticipate the biting nuisance with a high spatio-temporal resolution. These outputs also emphasize the importance of taking both dispersal and life cycle into account to obtain accurate descriptions of out-of-equilibrium processes such as ongoing invasions.

Background High-throughput metabolomics analytical methodology is needed for population-scale studies of bioenergy-relevant feedstocks such as poplar (Populus sp.). Here, the authors report the relative abundance of secondary aromatic metabolites in Populus trichocarpa leaves rapidly estimated using pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry (py-MBMS). A training set of leaves was analyzed in conjunction with GC/MS analysis of extracts to determine key spectral features associated with the aromatic metabolites and build PLS models to predict the relative composition of extractable aromatic metabolites in a second test set of leaves. The relative abundance of major secondary aromatic metabolites for the test set of leaves was validated by GC/MS analysis of extracts. Results The Pearson correlation coefficient for the relative abundance of aromatic metabolites based on ranking between GC/MS analysis and py-MBMS analysis of the test leaf set was 0.86 with R2 = 0.76 using a simplified prediction approach from select ions in MBMS spectra. Metabolites most influential to py-MBMS spectral features in the training set included the following compounds: catechol, salicortin, salicyloyl-coumaroyl-glucoside, a-salicyloylsalicin, tremulacin, and to a lesser degree: benzyl-coumaroyl glucoside, benzoyl-salicyloylsalicin, tremuloidin, salireposide, trichocarpin, salicylic acid, salicyl-salicylic acid-2-O-glucoside, phenethyl-tremuloidin, coumaroyl-tremuloidin, 2,6-cyclohexadiene-1,2-diol, and salicyl-tremuloidin. Ions in py-MBMS spectra with the highest correlation to the abundance of aromatic secondary metabolites, particularly those previously mentioned as determined by GC/MS analysis of extracts, included m/z 68, 71, 77, 91, 94, 105, 107, 108, and 122, and were used to develop the simplified prediction approach without PLS models or a priori measurements. Conclusions The simplified py-MBMS method is capable of rapidly screening leaf tissue for relative abundance of extractable aromatic secondary metabolites to enable prioritization of samples in large populations requiring comprehensive metabolomics that will ultimately inform plant systems biology models and advance the development of optimized biomass feedstocks for renewable fuels and chemicals.

Tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) is one of Asia's most economically valuable aquaculture species. However, winter production of this species in North China is limited by low water temperature and unavailability of high-quality feed, resulting in high mortality and low profitability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency (F1: one daily meal; F2: two daily meals; F3: four daily meals; F4: continuous diurnal feeding using a belt feeder) on the growth performance, plasma biochemistry, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and expression of appetite-related genes in T. rubripes (initial weight: 266.80 ± 12.32 g) cultured during winter (18.0 ± 1.0 °C) for 60 days. The results showed that fish in the F3 group had the highest final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, and best feed conversion ratio. Additionally, daily feed intake increased significantly with increasing feeding frequency. The protein efficiency and lipid efficiency ratios of fish in the F3 group were significantly higher than those of fish in the other groups. Furthermore, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels increased with increasing feeding frequency, peaking in the F2 group and decreasing under higher feeding frequencies. The antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase) and digestive (trypsin, amylase, and lipase) enzyme activities of fish in the F1 group were significantly higher than those of fish in the F3 and F4 groups. Additionally, there was a decrease in orexin expression with increasing feeding frequency. In contrast, the expression levels of tachykinin, cholecystokinin, and leptin increased with increasing feeding frequency, peaking in the F4 group. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that a feeding frequency of four meals per day was optimal for improved growth performance of pufferfish juveniles cultured during winter.

Root branching and mycorrhizal symbioses are two major mechanisms for soil resources acquisition by trees. Understanding the relationship between these two mechanisms and their responses to varied environmental conditions are crucial for predicting the responses of foraging strategies of roots to environmental changes. This study was conducted in 11 Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations distributed in different environmental conditions in Subtropical China to assess the relationship between root tip traits related to nutrient foraging (branching ratio of 1st order roots to 2nd order roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization) and their environmental variables including annual mean precipitation (MAP), annual mean temperature (MAT), soil C, soil N, soil P and soil pH. Results Root branching was more sensitive to environmental conditions than mycorrhizal symbioses. The branching ratio and AM colonization of Chinese fir were significantly related to several environmental variables. The branching ratios were positively correlated with MAT but negatively correlated with soil C, soil N and soil pH (P P P

Death-feigning behavior is an anti-predator behavior in a wide range of animal taxa, and it often correlates with the movement (i.e. death-feigning syndrome). In the present study, we performed reciprocal crossing among strains with genetically longer (L strain) and shorter (S strain) duration of death feigning, and investigated related heritable factors in the F1 and F2 populations. We also investigated moving activity which negatively responded to artificial selection for death feigning in T. castaneum. Our results showed that death feigning occurred more frequently and for shorter periods in the F1 population. In the F2 population, death feigning and movement showed continuous segregation. The distribution of each trait value in the F2 generation was different from the distribution of trait values in the parental generation, and no individuals transgressing the distribution of trait values in the parental generation emerged in the F2 generation. Chi-square analysis of the observed death feigning and movement of F1 and F2 progenies rejected the hypothesis of mono-major gene inheritance. These results suggest that death-feigning syndrome is controlled in a polygenic manner. Our study indicated that reciprocal crossing experiments are useful in assessing the quantitative inheritance of behavioral traits.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is suitable for growing in heavy metal-polluted soil for non-food purposes, and can be used as a potential crop to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil. The main objective of this study was to investigate kenaf phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd), including uptake, translocation, and accumulation differences in tissues among kenaf cultivars. A field experiment was conducted in a Cd contaminated paddy field in southern China area with 13 kenaf cultivars in 2015 and 2016. Agronomic performance, Cd concentrations in plant tissues (root, xylem, and phloem), and biomass of different tissues of each cultivar were measured and evaluated. Significant differences in Cd concentrations and accumulation among tissues and cultivars were observed. The phloem had the highest Cd accumulation and transfer capability compare with the roots and xylem. Approximately 35 ~ 65g of Cd could be taken up by the aerial parts of different kenaf cultivars within every hectare of soil. The percentage of Cd uptake by the phloem ranged from 47–61% and by the xylem ranged from 38–53%. By evaluating the agronomic traits and Cd bioaccumulation capacity, Fuhong 952, Fuhong 992, and Fuhong R1 were regarded as Cd accumulators for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Our study clearly demonstrated that a significant level of Cd in the soil was taken up through the phytoremediation with kenaf. In addition, harmless utilization of kenaf planting in Cd-contaminated paddy soil was discussed.

Spartina anglica is an invasive perennial marsh grass causing significant negative impacts on tidal flat ecosystem. There have been only a few studies focusing on the patch structure of S. anglica according to size and its effects on macrofauna. A field experiment was conducted to identify effects of S. anglica patches where they have been introduced no later than 5 years after invasion occurred on macrofauna assemblages. The survey area was divided into two sections according to vegetation: (1) Suaeda japonica vegetation from 0 to 60 m away from the embankment, and (2) bare mudflat from 60 to 90 m away from the embankment. The patch sizes of S. anglica were categorized into small (1–4 m2), medium (5–11 m2), and large (13–40 m2) in area with four replicates for each section. The biomass ratio of the belowground and aboveground in the small size patch of S. anglica was significantly higher than those in the medium and large size patch of S. anglica. It indicated that more resource was allocated to rhizomes in small size patch with short invasion history (1 ~ 2 years). After S. anglica invaded, macrofauna richness (70%), Shannon-Wiener diversity (80%), and density (67%) were decreased. However, infaunal deposit-feeding polychaete Perinereis linea and epifaunal gastropods Batillaria cumingi and Lactiforis takii increased by S. anglica. Ordination of macroinvertebrate assemblages separated the habitat with S. anglica invasion from the adjacent uninvaded tidal flat and Suaeda japonica habitats. This study offers a significant insight into early invasion strategies of an aggressive plant invader, S. anglica for management of coastal wetlands and its impacts on macrofaunal assemblages.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious threat to the health of infants, which can be caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). The clinical symptoms are mostly self-limited, but some of them develop into aseptic meningitis with poor prognosis and even death. In this study, we screened Urolithin A (UroA), an intestinal metabolite of ellagic acid, significantly inhibited the replication of EV71 in cells. Further evaluation showed that UroA was better than ribavirin in CC50, IC50 and selection index (SI). Moreover, we found that UroA inhibits the proliferation of EV71 by promoting autophagy and apoptosis of infected cells. Therefore, UroA is a candidate drug for the treatment of EV71 infection.

Xanthomonas wilt (XW) of banana caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum (Xvm) does not spread to all plants physically interconnected through the rhizome when one or a few are diseased. Factors causing this incomplete systemic spread of Xvm are not fully known yet could be important for XW management. We explored the effect of 1) Xvm inoculum amounts; 2) number, size, and position of suckers on mother plant corms; and 3) other mother plant attributes on sucker colonization. A shorter (p Xvm was recovered in corms at 29 days post inoculation (dpi) in both treatments with no differences (p > 0.05) in proportions of corms with Xvm between the treatments. However, Xvm was recovered earlier and at a higher frequency in attached suckers when all leaves were inoculated. Lower Xvm recoveries occurred in the lower corm sections to which most suckers were attached relative to the middle and upper corm sections. Xvm incidence in corms increased with the number of attached maiden suckers, and the dpi, while it declined with increasing mother plant pseudostem and corm height. Thus, Xvm spread within mats is influenced by the amount of inoculum and the physiological stage of the mother plant and attached suckers. The position of suckers, predominantly at the bottom of corms also protects them from infection. Measures that reduce Xvm inoculum build-up in mats will thus minimize within mat Xvm spread.

Iridoviruses are emerging pathogens widely spread in diverse environments and hosts. Numerous species of the iridoviridae family are known to cause severe disease in freshwater and marine organisms. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the iridovirus strain LPIV-ZS-2021 isolated from a small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in China. The genome sequence comprises 110,560 bp with a G+C content of 53.42%, has 104 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and shares highest sequence homology with Red red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) isolated in Japan (98.61%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it is clustered within RSIV clade1. This is the first fully sequenced RSIV genomes detected in the small yellow croaker. The host range expansion of Megalocytivirus genus iridovirus warrants further attention to determine its potential economic and ecological impact.

The macroalgal blooms of floating brown algae Sargassum horneri are increasing in the Yellow and East China Seas during the past few years. However, the annual pattern of Sargassum bloom is not well characterized. To study the developing pattern and explore the impacts from hydro-meteorologic environment, high resolution satellite imageries were used to monitor the distribution, coverage and drifting of the pelagic Sargassum rafts in the Yellow and East China Seas from September 2019 to August 2020. Sargassum blooms were detected from October 2019 to June 2020 and presented two successive drifting paths that both initiated from around 37°N. The first path spanned smaller spatial scale and shorter period, starting with a bloom of 3 km2 distribution area near the eastern tip of Shandong Peninsular in late October 2019 and drifted southwards, hit the Pyropia aquaculture area in early January 2020, then vanished in the northwest of East China Sea (ca. 32°N) around end of January. The second path began with a large distribution area of 23 000 km2 east of 123°E in late January 2020, firstly moved southwards in the central Yellow and northern East China Seas (north of 29°N) till late April, then turned northwards with monsoon wind and vanished in mid-June. The mean sea surface temperature of 8°C to 20°C in the Sargassum bloom areas corresponded to in situ observed temperature range for vegetative growth and floating of S. horneri. The surface temperature higher than 22°C in July-September prohibits Sargassum blooming or completing life cycle. The results provide insights to the future management of Sargassum blooms. Further studies are needed to validate the pattern and source of annual Sargassum bloom in the Yellow and East China Seas.

During the last century the mean sea level has been increasing at a rate of 0.2 to 0.4 mm·year -1 , and that rate is expected to accelerate during this century. Coastal wetland ecosystems are sensitive to the potential changes and impacts of resulting from a rise in sea level. In the coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico, freshwater swamps are wetlands located further inland than mangroves, and while influenced by the tides maintain freshwater conditions. Due to their location, the rise in sea level could increase the levels of flooding and salinity in these ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate, under greenhouse conditions, the effect of nine flood and salinity treatments on the survival, growth and increase in the biomass of Annona glabra (pond apple) seedlings. The treatments combined two factors: water level (saturation, flood, flood-drought) and salinity (0, 5 and 15 ‰). Germinated seedlings were used (average height: 18.6 ± 1.61 cm). Seedling survival was greater under freshwater conditions. Increase in height and diameter, as well as leaf and biomass gain, were greater under saturation and freshwater conditions. Based on our results, we conclude that under a scenario of rising sea level, increased flood levels and salinity will negatively affect the natural establishment of Annona glabra seedlings in freshwater swamps.

Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn (E. coracana) is one of the highest consuming food crops in Asia and Africa. E. coracana is a plant with several medicinal values including anti-ulcerative, anti-diabetic, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. However, the anti-inflammatory property of E. coracana remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the objective of present study was to investigate the potential in isolated molecule from E. coracana via a combination of in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. In this study we have isolated, purified and characterized an anti-inflammatory molecule from E coracana bran extract known as syringol. Purification of syringol was accomplished by combination of GC-MS and RP-HPLC techniques. Syringol significantly inhibited the enzyme activity of sPLA2 (IC50 = 3 µg) and 5-LOX (IC50 = 0.325 µg) in vitro. The inhibition is independent of substrate concentration, calcium ion concentration and was irreversible. Syringol interacts with purified sPLA2 enzymes as evidenced by fluorescence and molecular docking studies. Further, the syringol molecule dose dependently inhibited the development of sPLA2 and carrageenan induced edema. Furthermore, syringol decreases the expression of cPLA2, COX-2, IκBα, p38 and MPO in edematous tissues as demonstrated by western blots. These studies revealed that syringol isolated from E coracana bran may develop as a potent anti-inflammatory molecule.

Plastic – derived Bisphenol A (BPA) contaminated sewages in Trivandrum, Kerala, India are mosquito breeding sites. After summer rain, BPA in the stagnant water samples ranged between 0.86 and 1.14ppm. 1.0 ppm BPA is considered as environmentally relevant concentration. Present study revealed that BPA is a developmental agonist of Culex quinquefasciatus. Embryonic and larval development are shortened by BPA but pupal development is unaffected. Under the atmospheric temperature of 26 to 310C lifecycle was completed within 312 hours but during summer it was completed within 278 hours, meanwhile atmospheric temperature ranged between 30 and 370C. Reduction in the duration of development due to BPA was 50 to 70 hours during summer and 60 to 80 hours in other seasons. Larval – pupal stadium of the mosquito has three surges of 20-hydroxy ecdysone(20-HE), at 24,32 and 48th hour of the 4th instar. BPA resulted dose-dependent advancement of 20-HE peaks, Phospholipase A2 induction and expression of Ecdysone receptor EcRA and Ecdysone inducible gene E75A, which culminated in early pupation. Adults emerging from 1.0 ppm BPA treatment did not show significant difference in sanguivory and fecundity compared to control but pupae developed in 2 and 4 ppm BPA were significantly small.

Purpose: The yield of levan extracted from microbial fermentation broth is low, so in vitro catalytic synthesis of levan by levansucrase is expected to be one of the industrial production approaches of levan. Methods: A recombinant plasmid pET-28a-AcmA-Z constructed in the previous study was used to produce levansucrase. The effects of temperature, pH, and metal ions on the levan formation activity of the levansucrase were investigated. The polymer was analyzed by means of HPIC, FTIR, NMR techniques.Results: The recombinant levansucrase could be easily purified in one step and the purified enzyme had a single band clearly visible in SDS-PAGE. The conditions for enzymatic reactions was optimal at pH 5.2 and 40 ℃, and the activity of enzymes was stimulated by K+ and Ca2+. The yield of levan biosynthesis from 10% (w/v) sucrose with 6.45 U/g sucrose of levansucrase was 30.6 g/L. The molecular weight of the levan was about 1.56×106 Da, as measured by GPC. HPIC analysis showed that the monosaccharide composition of the levan was fructose and glucose. The results of FTIR and NMR analysis indicated that the polymer produced by the recombinant levansucrase was β-(2, 6) levan.Conclusions: The results of this study provide a basis for large-scale production of levan by enzymatic method.

The objective of the study was to determine the comparative toxicities and immune dysfunction in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and its two analogues; bisphenol AP (BPAP) and bisphenol P (BPP). Juveniles of C. gariepinus were exposed to sublethal concentrations (70 and 140 μg/L) of BPA, BPAP and BPP for 7, 14, or 21 days after which various endpoints which are indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, haematological and innate immune parameters were determined in the liver homogenates or blood plasma. The exposure of C. gariepinus to BPA and its analogues caused significant increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. The exposed fish had increased levels of DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, white blood cells, nitric oxide and respiratory burst while the red blood cells counts and the percentage packed cell volume decreased significantly in the exposed fish compared to control. The toxic effects elicited by the bisphenols were both concentration- and duration-dependent. Generally, BPA exerted the most toxic effects on the fish, followed by BPAP while BPP exerted the least toxic effect effects to C. gariepinus. Summarily, the findings indicated that BPA and its two analogues studied in the research are capable of causing cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in C. gariepinus.

Micro- and Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose (MNFCs) have gained an increasing attention due to their remarkable properties but their production usually requires an intensive multi-step process. This study proposes to find a novel approach involving steam explosion for the production of lignin-containing micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose (L-MNFCs) using Eucalyptus globulus bark as a new lignocellulosic feedstock. Eucalyptus globulus bark was first pre-treated in alkali conditions by steam explosion in alkaline conditions (200°C, 8 min) or by conventional alkaline cooking in a rotating autoclave (170°C, 60 min), refined and then grinded until the formation of gels. The chemical composition (Ionic chromatography, FTIR-ATR) of the pulps and morphology of the products (Morfi Neo, Optical and Atomic Force Microscopies (AFM), suspension turbidity) have been studied. Nanopapers were produced from lignin-containing microfibrils to investigate the mechanical properties. Results obtained showed that steam explosion produced pulps with slightly higher lignin content (≈ 9 %), containing shorter fibers (≈ 400 µm) and higher amounts of fine elements (≈ 86 %) compared to conventional alkali cooking (≈ 5 %, ≈ 560 µm and 66 %, respectively). AFM images of SteamEx L-MNFC gels showed a web-like structure containing lignin nanoparticles.

The Pacific epizoic brittle star Ophiothela mirabilis Verrill, 1867 has widely spread and colonized hosts at high densities along the Western Atlantic. We assessed the impacts of O. mirabilis on the feeding performance of the preferred host Leptogorgia punicea (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857) through in situ experiments using incubation chambers and estimated its putative effects on the benthic-pelagic coupling processes of a rocky shore system. The feeding rates and heterotrophic carbon inputs of L. punicea treatments with high colonization by O. mirabilis (5.4 ± 0.6 individuals cm− 2 of host area) were compared to host controls naturally without brittle stars. No significant differences in host feeding performance were observed between the control and treatments. Overall, L. punicea ingested 2,688,569 ± 1,627,948 particles g DW (dry weight)−1 hour− 1 (mean ± standard deviation), corresponding to 156.8 ± 207.5 µg of carbon (C) g DW− 1 hour− 1. Therefore, although octocorals hosting O. mirabilis may have impaired polyp opening and extension, their feeding performance remains similar. In this sense, the impact of O. mirabilis on the carbon flux of the rocky shore system driven by octocoral ingestion is minimal. The grazing rate of 67.4 ± 89.2 mg C m− 2 day− 1 highlights the significant role of L. punicea in such benthic-pelagic coupling processes. Notwithstanding, further laboratory and field experimental studies assessing the effects on host taxa with distinct morphological and functional features are needed to better understand the responses of the recipient hard-bottom systems along the Western Atlantic to increasing densities of O. mirabilis.

Within captive management programs for species of conservation concern, understanding the genetic mating system is of fundamental importance, given its role in generating and maintaining genetic diversity and promoting opportunities for sperm competition. If a goal of a conservation program is reintroduction, knowledge of the mating system may also inform prediction models aimed at understanding how genetic diversity may be spatially organized, thus informing decisions regarding where and which individuals should be released in order to maximize genetic diversity in the wild population. Within captive populations, such information may also influence how animals are maintained in order to promote natural behaviors. Here we investigate the genetic mating system of the Guatemalan beaded lizard, Heloderma charlesbogerti, a member of a genus lacking such information. A group of adult male and female H. charlesbogerti were co-habited for five years during the species perceived breeding season. Through genomic parentage analysis, 50% of clutches comprising multiple offspring were found to result from polyandry, with up to three males siring offspring within single clutches. Furthermore, males were found to be polygamous both within and across seasons, and females would exhibit promiscuity across seasons. As such, within this captive environment, where opportunities existed for mating with multiple sexual partners, the genetic mating system was found to be highly promiscuous, with multiple paternity common within clutches. These findings are novel for the family Helodermatidae, and the results have broader implications about how reproductive opportunities should be managed within captive conservation programs.

BackgroundRecently, four Parkinson’s disease (PD)-linked mutations (Y92C, R141L, 184PGext*5 and 184Wext*5) in transmembrane protein 230 (TMEM230) were identified in PD patients, and these mutations have implications in protein trafficking and neurodegeneration. However, there is a lack of in vivo studies on the roles of PD-related variants of TMEM230 in PD pathogenesis.MethodsIn this study, we generated human wild-type (WT) and mutant TMEM230 (Y92C, R141L, 184PGext*5 and 184Wext*5) transgenic Drosophila using isoform Ⅱ cDNA. ResultsWe found that the expression of TMEM230 184PGext*5 in pan-neurons or dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila induced PD-like phenotypes, which included impaired locomotor ability, a shortened lifespan, reduced TH levels, and increased phosphorylated JNK and cleaved caspase-3 levels. Moreover, rotenone, a common pesticide, enhanced TMEM230-184PGext*5-induced PD-like phenotypes. In contrast, the overexpression of wild-type (WT) VPS35 rescued TMEM230-184PGext*5-induced PD-like phenotypes, while the knockdown of VPS35 by RNA interference (RNAi) or the expression of mutant VPS35 D620N worsened PD-like phenotypes. ConclusionThese results indicate that VPS35, as a downstream effector of TMEM230, plays a critical role in TMEM230-linked JNK/caspase-3 signalling pathways and that mutations in TMEM230 and VPS35 disrupt these pathways, resulting in dopaminergic neurodegeneration and PD-like phenotypes. These findings provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of mutant TME230- and VPS35-induced abnormalities underlying the pathogenesis of PD.

KIF17, which belongs to the kinesin-2 protein family, plays an indispensable role in mammalian spermiogenesis. However, the role of KIF17 in fish spermatid remodeling during spermiogenesis remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of KIF17 in spermatid remodeling during Larimichthys crocea (L. crocea) spermiogenesis. The kif17 cDNA sequence, 3247 bp in length, was cloned from L. crocea testis, which consisted of a 347 bp 5ʹ-untranslated region (UTR), 413 bp 3ʹ -UTR, and 2487 bp open reading frame. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that KIF17 obtained from L. crocea (Lc-KIF17) exhibited a high sequence identity compared with those from other teleosts and possessed the structural features of other kinesin-2 proteins. Based on structural similarity, we speculate that the role of Lc-KIF17 may be similar to that of KIF17 in other animals. Lc-kif17 mRNA was diffusely expressed in L. crocea tissues and was highly expressed in the testis, especially at stage IV testicular development. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Lc-KIF17 signals colocalized with β-tubulin signals and migrated from the perinuclear cytoplasm to the side of the nucleus where the tail forms during spermiogenesis. These findings revealed that KIF17 may be involved in L. crocea spermiogenesis. In particular, KIF17 may participate in spermatid remodeling by interacting with perinuclear microtubules during L. crocea spermiogenesis. Collectively, this study contributes to an improved understanding of the mechanism underlying L. crocea spermiogenesis and provides a basis for further research on L. crocea reproduction and development.

This work screened out the optimal conditions for pretreatment of natural lignocellulose with inorganic salts and provided a simple, easy-to-operate, low-cost, clean and efficient pretreatment method for the efficient degradation of natural lignocellulose by strains. The results showed that the optimal pretreatment inorganic salt was FeCl2 with a concentration of 11%, pretreatment at 60°C for 48 h, and the solid-liquid ratio was 1:11 (g/mL). According to the characterization results, after pretreatment of FeCl2 solution, the smooth and dense structure of natural lignocellulose surface became rough and irregular, and surface fiber bundles showed spalling and fracture. Subsequently, the enzymes produced by solid-state fermentation of Aspergillus fumigatus were easier to enter the interior, which increased the contact area between materials and enzymes, and increased the amount of enzymatic loads, thereby improving the biodegradation effect.

Post-depositional degradation of organic matter (OM) in freshwater sediments is crucial for driving the biogeochemical dynamics and influencing the consequential carbon burial. This process also often causes diagenetic alterations on paleoenvironmental proxies. Yet, mechanisms behind the degradation of sedimentary OM and the depth-related variations in stable isotope ratios can only be explained in part. Degradation of sedimentary OM in two drinking water reservoirs with contrasting trophic states (eutrophic versus mesotrophic) and catchment land-use (agriculture versus forestry) were studied with a combination of typical chemical treatments to group sedimentary organic matter into four different biochemical fractions, i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lignins and lipids. Our results show that the degradation of sedimentary OM was mainly driven by preferential degradation of aquatic proteins and carbohydrates. In a subsequent step, lipids seemed to be degraded. This process entails more pronounced reduction of sedimentary OM and associated depth variations in δ13C and δ15N in the eutrophic reservoir of agricultural catchment, when compared to the mesotrophic reservoir with a forest dominated catchment. Moreover, changes in the relative proportions of biochemical components in sedimentary OM have more pronounced impact on δ15N isotope values relative to the ones of δ13C. Our findings also suggest that algae-derived OM is primarily responsible for the post-depositional alterations of elemental and isotopic compositions of sedimentary OM. This may be of importance for estimates of carbon sinks in lakes and reservoirs.

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is often related to the brownification of water in continental aquatic systems and to changes in the physiology of zooplankton organisms. Zooplankton resting eggs are particularly sensitive to changes in light and chemical characteristics of water, but the physical and chemical effects associated to DOC on dormant stages have never been tested before. Herein we tested how DOC affects hatching rates and time to hatching of Cladocera (Diaphanosoma birgei) resting eggs. In order to analyze the chemical (i.e. toxic) and physical (i.e. light attenuation) effects of DOC on hatching patterns, resting eggs were exposed to different concentrations of DOC in an experimental design which isolated chemical from physical effects. We observed higher hatching rates and lower time to hatching at intermediate DOC concentrations. DOC effects on hatching mainly relied on light attenuation, while chemical effects were likely of minor importance. We conclude that DOC may change Cladocera emergence patterns mainly through light attenuation in the water column.

Acanthochitona rubrolineatus (Lischke, 1873) (Polyplacophora, Neoloricata, Cryptoplacidae) is an important species widely distributed in the middle and low tide zone of coastal intertidal zone along the China Sea coast. In recent years, the serious pollution of seawater has caused a sharp decline in the number of wild populations of A. rubrolineatus. Lacking of effective molecular markers limits the effective protection and management of this species. Studies for the isolation and characterization of 135 A. rubrolineatus SNPs markers were carried out. The frequency of minor allele ranges from 0.0125 to 0.5000. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity are 0.0000-0.9750, 0.0731-0.6696, respectively. The inbreeding value varies from -0.2902 to 0.9966. Among them, there are 27 sites markablely differently from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The study of the polymorphic SNPs will provide a therotical basis for further analysis of population genetic analysis on A. rubrolineatus.

One victorivirus was detected in the isolate of Corynespora cassiicola strains 20180909-03, which was named Corynespora cassiicola victorivirus 1 (CcVV1). The whole-genome sequence of the virus was sequenced and identified. The CcVV1 genome is 5140 nt and contains 56.87%GC with two large open reading frames (ORFs) overlapping at the tetranucleotide AUGA. The two ORFs were predicted to encode coat protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) respectively, which were conservative in dsRNA fungal viruses of the family Totiviridae. Conservative domains comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of RdRp and CP showed that CcVV1 was a new virus of the Victorivirus genus. As far as we know, it is the first report of a genomic sequence of the genus Victorivirus infecting Corynespora cassiicola.

Wetland ecosystems are the most important natural sources of methane (CH4), with periodical changes of CH4 fluxes observed. Methanogens and methanotrophs are considered as the key factors affecting CH4 fluxes in wetlands. However, the relationship between methanogens and methanotrophs was still unclear. To close this gap, samples at four depths of soil in the Dajiuhu subalpine peatland in January, April, July, and October 2019 were collected and CH4 fluxes data from the eddy covariance (EC) system was acquired. The phylogenetic molecular ecological networks (pMENs) analysis was used to identify keystone species and the seasonal variations of co-occurrence patterns of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities. The results indicated that the seasonal variations of interactions between methanogenic and methanotrophic communities contributed to CH4 emissions in wetland. The keystone species discerned by network analysis also showed their importance in mediating CH4 fluxes. CH4 emissions in wetland were lowest in spring, during this period, most complex interactions between microbes were observed, with the intense competition among methanogens while methanotrophs represented better cooperation. Reverse patterns manifested in summer, when the highest CH4 flux was observed. Meanwhile, Methanoregula formicica was proven negatively correlated with CH4 fluxes that occupied largest ecological niches in the spring network, and Methanocella arvoryzae, as well as Methylocystaceae had positive correlations with CH4 fluxes survived better in the microbial community in summer. In addition, soil temperature and nitrogen were regarded as significant environmental factors to CH4 fluxes. This study explained the seasonal patterns and microbial driving mechanisms of CH4 emissions in wetlands.

Australian arboreal mammals are experiencing significant population declines, particularly due to land clearing and resulting habitat fragmentation. The squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis, is a threatened species in New South Wales, with a stronghold population in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA) where fragmentation due to urbanization is an ongoing problem for the species conservation. Here we report on the use of squirrel glider mitochondrial (385 bp cytochrome b gene, 70 individuals) and nuclear DNA (6,812 SNPs, 87 individuals) markers to assess their population genetic structure and connectivity across 14 locations sampled in the Lake Macquarie LGA. The mitochondrial DNA sequences detected evidence of a historical genetic bottleneck, while the genome-wide SNPs detected significant population structure in the Lake Macquarie squirrel glider populations at scales as fine as one kilometer. There was no evidence of inbreeding within patches, however there were clear effects of habitat fragmentation and biogeographical barriers on gene flow. A least cost path analysis identified thin linear corridors that have high priority for conservation. These areas should be protected to avoid further isolation of squirrel glider populations and the loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift.

We develop a food web population dynamical based on an experimental pest biocontrol setup consisting of thrips and aphids (pests) being consumed by two agentsMacrolophus pygmaeusandOrius laevigatus, and withO. laevigatusbeing an intraguild predator ofM. pygmaeus. By means of numerical simulations, we show that pest biocontrol disruption can be avoided depending on initial population densities of pests and agents, despite the intraguild predation (IGP) ofO. laevigatusuponM. pygmaeus. This possible avoidance of pest biocontrol disruption is in accordance with the referred experimental setup and moreover, the proposed model corroborates the importance of initial densities of pests and agents in the determination of the failure or success of pest biocontrol found in this and other biocontrol experimental setups.

The early detection of invasive species is essential to cease the spread of the species before it can cause irreversible damage to the environment. The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a non-harmful method to detect the presence of a species before visual detection and is a promising approach to monitor invasive species. Few studies have investigated the use of eDNA for arthropods, as their exoskeleton is expected to limit the release of eDNA into the environment. We tested published primers for the invasive European green crab, Carcinus maenas, in the Gulf of Maine and found them not species-specific enough for reliable use outside of the area for which they were designed for. We then designed new primers, tested them against a broad range of local faunal species, and validated these primers in a field study. We demonstrate that eDNA analyses can be used for crustaceans with an exoskeleton and suggest that primers and probe sequences must be tested on local fauna at each location of use to ensure no positive amplification of these other species.

Mantispoidea exhibit a remarkably diverse morphology and life history for a relatively small group of insects, in part, complicating our understanding of its evolutionary history. Dietary specialisation of the larvae, however, seems to have played an important evolutionary role in this group. Symphrasinae (Rhachiberothidae) larvae are thought to be predators of aculeate Hymenoptera brood, while Mantispinae (Mantispidae) larvae are predators of spider eggs. Herewith the first observation of a Mantispinae adult emerging from the nest of a mud-dauber wasp (Sphecidae) is described. This is also the first genus record of Afromantispa Snyman & Ohl from the Oriental Region, including three new name combinations. The curious coincidence of a Mantispinae emerging from an aculeate wasp nest, the food source of a related taxon, is discussed in the light of our current understanding of Mantispoidea classification.

Mixed pesticides have been broadly used in agriculture. However, assessing the combined effects of pesticides in the environment is essential for potential risk assessment, though the task is far from complete. Median lethal concentrations of pesticides as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels and cellulose activities were measured in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) individually and jointly exposed to pesticides imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), chlorpyrifos (CRF), and abamectin (ABM)). A 3:1 mixture of CRF and IMI had additive effects, while a 3:1 mixture of CRF and ACE had synergic effects. The joint effects of ABM with IMI or with ACE were synergistic. As CRF concentration increased, AChE activities were significantly decreased. For high concentrations of IMI, AChE activities under combined CRF and IMI applications were significantly inhibited following increased exposure time. Moreover, the cellulase activities under combined applications of CRF with IMI or with ACE had similar effects. This study provides basic data for scientifically evaluating the environmental risk and safety of combined uses of pesticides.

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.

We report the human-assisted spread of Senecio pseudoarnica, native to the northern coasts of North America and the Far East, to arctic and subarctic regions of Europe. Our findings indicate that the species, imported as a decorative plant, is currently rapidly spreading along coastal areas of Iceland and Norway. An exponential model comprehensively explained the increase in the number of known localities. Close climate matching between the native and non-native ranges (shown by our preliminary analyses), as well as practically exact environmental matching, are the main factors that facilitate the process of naturalisation and invasion. S. pesudoarnica is one of the very few species invading these arctic and subarctic regions.

In this work, two new Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) strains (Canola-12 and Canola-14) overcoming resistance in canola (Brassica napus) were isolated from a B. napus sample which showed typical TuMV-like symptoms and was collected from Gimcheon city, South Korea in 2020. Complete genomes and infectious clones of each isolate were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strains isolated from canola belonged to the World-B group. Both infectious clones which were driven by 35S and T7 promoters induced systemic symptoms on Nicotiana benthamiana and B. napus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TuMV infecting B. napus in South Korea.

Athletes might suffer from potentially fatal heart disease, which has always been a concern in cardiovascular medicine. The changes in left atrial (LA) size and function are related to the occurrence of arrhythmia. In the present study, four-dimensional automatic quantitation (4D LAQ) was used to explore the changes in LA function of young strength athletes. Eighty professional young strength athletes and sixty healthy young adults matched in age were selected for the study. The LA volumes and strains were automatically analyzed by 4D LAQ. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of strain in athletes' LA function. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the potential association between conventional echocardiographic indexes and 4D parameters related to athletes' LA function. Compared to the control group, LA longitudinal and circumferential strain in the athlete group decreased, while LA volume increased (P P > 0.05), while male athletes presented with a higher LA volume when compared to female controls (P

Single cell oil (SCO) produced by yeast is an attractive alternative due to higher lipid yield in a limited space with naturally manipulating the quality. In the present study, the banana peel is used as a source of carbon for biotransformation by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa to lipid. Further, the quality and quantity of the lipid are enhanced using discarded aqueous Prosopis cinerareia pod extract as a natural inhibitor. P. cineraria aqueous extract was quantified using HPLC, and it was contained phenyl propenoids such as epicatechin (0.068%), gallic acid (0.29%), quercetin (0.34%), epigallocatechin (0.091%), rutin (0.141%), ellagic acid (0.141%), along with glucose (1.22%), and sucrose (2.36%). The sucrose and glucose were isolated from the aqueous extract, and further characterized through NMR and TGA. Hence, this natural inhibitor is found advantageous as compared to the chemical inhibitor (statin) in terms of lipid production with desirable quality. It is achieved by inhibitors blocking the yeast competitive mevalonate pathway to promote higher lipid accumulation in the microbial cells. The anti-chlostrolemic activity of this natural inhibitor might be influenced lipid accumulation by blocking the mevalonate pathway. Thus, the reducing sugars as well as phenylpropenoids were worked in synergy to enhance accumulation of unsaturated lipid in the microbial cells. Phenylpropenoids may inhibit the key enzyme HMG reductase, which controls the mevalonate pathway for ergosterol formation to induce lipid accumulation. This lipid isolation from yeast cell was improved using green solvent viz. liquid-CO2. This lquid-CO2extract was enriched with unsaturated lipid (46.96%) including w-fatty acids such as linoleic (17.61%) and linolenic (5.35%). Thus, the SCO is produced using food waste as the source of carbon as well as an inhibitor, and this lipid is treated as natural to find suitable for nutritional purposes.

I. Background: Pistacia is kind of unisexual plant species that can take 4–5 years to initiate bearing stage of trees in terms of economic value. The fruits of species have an extreme importance in food, health and baking industry as a raw material. So, identify the individual in early juvenile period for pollination and position of trees is very crucial for growers. The objective of this study is developing markers for each Pistacia species which helps the screening the sex of plant seedling quickly before they reach reproduction stage without waiting morphological data. II. Methods and Results: Within the context, by using the power of KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) assay technology as a marker screening system, we successfully discriminate 7 Pistacia species out of 8 which are P. atlantica, P. integerrima, P. khinjuk, P. mutica, P. terebinthus, P. vera and P. lentiscus. We have used a high-throughput DNA sequence read archive (SRA) to assemble a reference genome to use in our studies as de novo bioinformatics method. 4 genomic regions were sequenced with collected plant material from Antepfıstıgı Research Institute Collection Garden predominantly and 8 species were aligned intraspecifically for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) mining. 12 SNP markers are converted to KASP markers and 5 of them (SNP-PIS-133396, SNP-PIS-167992, P-ATL-91951-565, P-INT-91951-256, P-KHI-91951-115) showed obvious allelic discrimination between male and female species. SNP-PIS-167992 and P-ATL-91951-565 were identified as best marker assays due to the allelic frequency differences in graphs which are apparent for all individuals and homozygosis/heterozygosis observed clearly. These markers could be most comprehensive for whole genus because the discriminability power of several species in once. III. Conclusions: As a conclusion, this study is reported first Pistacia gender discrimination by KASP, besides the precursor study for sex discrimination by KASP in plants.

In contrast to typical planktonic hydromedusae, Cladonema medusae are mostly benthic, with specialised adhesive branches to adhere to the substrate. In this study, a Cladonema species discovered in a laboratory aquarium in Fuzhou, China, was confirmed as a new species, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The species was named Cladonema multiramosum sp. nov. Its medusa is distinct from that of congeners possessing substantially more adhesive branches (8–24, rarely 5–7), and tiny branches on the upper radial canals. The validity of C. multiramosumum sp. nov. was also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequence. However, C. multiramosum sp. nov. medusa also displayed considerable phenotypic plasticity with respect to its radial canals, tentacles, stinging branches per tentacle, oral tentacles, manubrium, and gonads, hindering species identification based solely on morphology. Although some morphological characteristics of hydroids (filiform tentacles and medusa buds) and nematocysts could also be used as diagnostic characters in the genus Cladonema, this information is unavailable for some Cladonema species. Thus, the taxonomy within the genus Cladonema was re-evaluated based mainly on the morphological characteristics of the medusa. Further revision of the genus Cladonema should be made when supplementary information on the life cycle and DNA barcoding are updated.

Many oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) do not differentiate to form myelin, suggesting additional roles of this cell population. The zebrafish optic tectum contains OPCs in regions devoid of myelin. Elimination of these OPCs impaired precise control of retinal ganglion cell axon arbor size during formation and maturation of retinotectal connectivity, and in consequence impaired visual acuity. Therefore, OPCs fine-tune neural circuit structure and function independently of their canonical role to make myelin.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

Graphene-functionalized fibers have attracted substantial attention due to their potential applications in flexible wearable electronics. However, these conventional conductive materials face difficulties in mass production, which limits their large-scale fabrication. In this paper, we report a graphene-coated Calotropis gigantea yarn by pad dyeing with graphene oxide and a reduction process, which endows it with high conductivity, outstanding conducting stability, and scale production capacity. By optimizing the dyeing parameters, the modified yarns display a high electrical conductivity of 6.9 S/m. Range analysis results indicate that the electrical conductivity of the graphene-coated yarns exhibits a strong dependence on the concentration of graphene oxide and pad dyeing cycles. The hydrogen bonding between the fiber and graphene during the dyeing process renders the functionalized yarns stable conductivity to washing and bending. Based on the simple fabrication process and fascinating performance, the graphene-coated yarn show great potential in facile scale production of conductive yarns.

Communication in social insect colonies depends on signals accurately reflecting the identity and physiological state of the individuals. Such information is coded by the products of multiple exocrine glands, and the resulting blends reflect the species, sex, caste, age, task, reproductive status, and health of an individual, and may also contain caste-specific pheromones regulating the behavior and physiology of other individuals. Here we examined the composition of labial gland secretions in females of the bumble bee Bombus impatiens, of different castes, social condition, age, mating status, and ovarian activation. We show that active queens, gynes, and workers each produce caste-specific compounds that may serve different communicative functions. The composition and amounts of wax esters, mostly octyl esters produced by active queens, differed significantly between castes, mating, and social conditions, suggesting a social signaling role. Farnesyl esters were predominant in gynes and peaked at optimal mating age (6-10 days), suggesting their possible roles as sex pheromone components. Reproductive status of females and age across castes was reflected by the ratio between short- and long-chain hydrocarbons, suggesting that these compounds may serve as fertility signals. Our findings overall suggest that the labial gland composition in B. impatiens reflects different facets of female bee physiology. While further bioassays are required to determine the function of these compounds, they are likely to have an important role in the communication between individuals and to the cohesion of the social structure.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of poroid Hymenochaetaceae based on the most comprehensive phylogenetic analyses are presented. A phylogeny based on a combined dataset of ITS and nLSU sequences for accepted genera of Hymenochaetaceae was analyzed and multigene phylogenies for most species of ten large genera including Clotricia, Fomitiporella, Fomitiporia, Fulvifomes, Fuscoporia, Inonotus, Phylloporia, Porodaedalea, Sanghuangporus and Tropicoporus, were carried out. Based on samples from 37 countries of five continents, seven new genera, Meganotus, Neophellinus, Nothonotus, Pachynotus, Perenninotus, Pseudophylloporia and Rigidonotus, are introduced, 37 new species, Coltricia tibetica, Fomitiporella crassa, F. queenslandica, Fomitiporia eucalypti, F. gatesii, F. ovoidospora, Fulvifomes azonatus, F. caligoporus, F. costaricense, F. floridanus, F. jouzaii, F. nakasoneae, F. subindicus, Fuscoporia sinuosa, F. submurina, Inonotus subradiatus, I. vietnamensis, Neomensularia castanopsidis, Pachynotus punctatus, Phellinus cuspidatus, P. subellipsoideus, Phylloporia minutissima, P. tabernaemontanae, Porodaedalea occidentiamericana, P. orientoamericana, P. qilianensis, P. schrenkianae, Pseudophylloporia australiana, Sanghuangporus australianus, S. lagerstroemiae, Tropicoporus angustisulcatus, T. hainanicus, T. lineatus, T. minus, T. ravidus, T. substratificans and T. tenuis, are described, and 108 new combinations are proposed. In addition, one illegitimate name and two invalid names are renamed. The taxonomic relevance and limits of the new taxa are discussed. Photos and illustrations for 37 new species are presented, and a full description for each new species is given. Eventually, this study recognizes 672 species in 34 genera and provides a modern treatment of the poroid Hymenochaetaceae in the world. A key to the accepted poroid genera of Hymenochaetaceae is provided, and identification keys to the accepted species of 32 poroid genera worldwide are given. A synopsis description of each species is included in these keys.