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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 12 Mar 2025 at 01:45 Created:
Ecological Informatics
Wikipedia: Ecological Informatics Ecoinformatics, or ecological informatics, is the science of information (Informatics) in Ecology and Environmental science. It integrates environmental and information sciences to define entities and natural processes with language common to both humans and computers. However, this is a rapidly developing area in ecology and there are alternative perspectives on what constitutes ecoinformatics. A few definitions have been circulating, mostly centered on the creation of tools to access and analyze natural system data. However, the scope and aims of ecoinformatics are certainly broader than the development of metadata standards to be used in documenting datasets. Ecoinformatics aims to facilitate environmental research and management by developing ways to access, integrate databases of environmental information, and develop new algorithms enabling different environmental datasets to be combined to test ecological hypotheses. Ecoinformatics characterize the semantics of natural system knowledge. For this reason, much of today's ecoinformatics research relates to the branch of computer science known as Knowledge representation, and active ecoinformatics projects are developing links to activities such as the Semantic Web. Current initiatives to effectively manage, share, and reuse ecological data are indicative of the increasing importance of fields like Ecoinformatics to develop the foundations for effectively managing ecological information. Examples of these initiatives are National Science Foundation Datanet projects, DataONE and Data Conservancy.
Created with PubMed® Query: ( "ecology OR ecological" AND ("data management" OR informatics) NOT "assays for monitoring autophagy" ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2025-03-11
CmpDate: 2025-03-11
Recombination Analysis of Geminiviruses Using Recombination Detection Program (RDP).
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2912:125-143.
Geminiviruses are recombination-prone, and characterizing this evolutionary process within their genomes is a frequent goal of researchers. RDP is a stand-alone Windows program combining many algorithms that detect and characterize recombination. It has been widely used by the geminivirus community (and beyond). Here we describe the use of RDP4 and RDP5 for analysis of geminiviral nucleotide sequences including: (i) obtaining a reasonable dataset for analysis, (ii) making a credible multiple sequence alignment and (iii) analyzing an alignment with RDP on that alignment. RDP to both characterize recombination events and to produce statistically recombination-free datasets for other molecular evolution analyses.
Additional Links: PMID-40064777
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40064777,
year = {2025},
author = {Crespo-Bellido, A and Martin, DP and Duffy, S},
title = {Recombination Analysis of Geminiviruses Using Recombination Detection Program (RDP).},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2912},
number = {},
pages = {125-143},
pmid = {40064777},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Geminiviridae/genetics ; *Recombination, Genetic ; Software ; Algorithms ; Sequence Alignment ; Genome, Viral ; Evolution, Molecular ; Computational Biology/methods ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Geminiviruses are recombination-prone, and characterizing this evolutionary process within their genomes is a frequent goal of researchers. RDP is a stand-alone Windows program combining many algorithms that detect and characterize recombination. It has been widely used by the geminivirus community (and beyond). Here we describe the use of RDP4 and RDP5 for analysis of geminiviral nucleotide sequences including: (i) obtaining a reasonable dataset for analysis, (ii) making a credible multiple sequence alignment and (iii) analyzing an alignment with RDP on that alignment. RDP to both characterize recombination events and to produce statistically recombination-free datasets for other molecular evolution analyses.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Geminiviridae/genetics
*Recombination, Genetic
Software
Algorithms
Sequence Alignment
Genome, Viral
Evolution, Molecular
Computational Biology/methods
Phylogeny
RevDate: 2025-03-10
Glycemic variability and weight-focused eating behaviors among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes†.
Journal of pediatric psychology pii:8068908 [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) disease management and associated glycemic fluctuations can disrupt experiences of hunger and satiety, which may increase risk for disordered eating behaviors. Glycemic variability may be a useful trigger for just-in-time interventions for disordered eating behaviors. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that two metrics of glycemic variability would be associated with greater hunger and predict eating behaviors for weight loss or maintenance in adolescents and young adults with T1D.
METHODS: Individuals with T1D were recruited from a university diabetes clinic (N = 34; 50% female, Mage = 19.53 years, MHbA1c = 7.98%; 29% Hispanic/Latinx; 79% White). Participants wore a blinded continuous glucose monitor for 5 days, and completed ecological momentary assessments (four prompts per day) that included measures of hunger and eating behaviors for weight loss or maintenance purposes. Generalized and linear mixed models were used to test hypotheses.
RESULTS: Approximately 30% of participants were at risk for an eating disorder based on Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scores. Greater glycemic variability did not predict hunger, but was associated with increased odds of endorsing any eating behavior for weight loss or maintenance purposes within-person (ps<.05). Greater hunger was associated with increased odds of endorsing disordered eating behavior within-person (p<.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study provides some preliminary evidence that times of greater hunger and glycemic variability may be when individuals with T1D may be at higher risk of engaging in behaviors to lose or maintain weight.
Additional Links: PMID-40063696
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40063696,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, LB and Ahlich, E and Lang, B and Bollepalli, S and Prioleau, T and Bartolome, A and Hughes Lansing, A and Rancourt, D},
title = {Glycemic variability and weight-focused eating behaviors among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes†.},
journal = {Journal of pediatric psychology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jpepsy/jsaf009},
pmid = {40063696},
issn = {1465-735X},
support = {//Dexcom, Inc/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) disease management and associated glycemic fluctuations can disrupt experiences of hunger and satiety, which may increase risk for disordered eating behaviors. Glycemic variability may be a useful trigger for just-in-time interventions for disordered eating behaviors. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that two metrics of glycemic variability would be associated with greater hunger and predict eating behaviors for weight loss or maintenance in adolescents and young adults with T1D.
METHODS: Individuals with T1D were recruited from a university diabetes clinic (N = 34; 50% female, Mage = 19.53 years, MHbA1c = 7.98%; 29% Hispanic/Latinx; 79% White). Participants wore a blinded continuous glucose monitor for 5 days, and completed ecological momentary assessments (four prompts per day) that included measures of hunger and eating behaviors for weight loss or maintenance purposes. Generalized and linear mixed models were used to test hypotheses.
RESULTS: Approximately 30% of participants were at risk for an eating disorder based on Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scores. Greater glycemic variability did not predict hunger, but was associated with increased odds of endorsing any eating behavior for weight loss or maintenance purposes within-person (ps<.05). Greater hunger was associated with increased odds of endorsing disordered eating behavior within-person (p<.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study provides some preliminary evidence that times of greater hunger and glycemic variability may be when individuals with T1D may be at higher risk of engaging in behaviors to lose or maintain weight.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-11
CmpDate: 2025-03-11
Effects of the Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ligustrum lucidum, and Taraxacum mongolicum ultra-fine powder formula on meat quality of aged layers by multi-omics.
Poultry science, 104(2):104783.
This study was aimed to identify the targets of 1% ultra-fine Chinese medicine formula (UCMF, 0.5% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. + 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait. + 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) in delaying aging and explore its impacts on meat quality of aged layers. The effective components of the above three Chinese herbs were screened, and the network pharmacology analysis identified 91 common targets and enriched pathways between herbs and aging. The results showed that cellular response to chemical stimulus, response to oxidative stress, and response to oxygen-containing compound pathways were crucial for UCMF to resist aging. Further in vivo analyses confirmed that UCMF supplementation enhanced the antioxidant function in breast muscles of aged layers by upregulating (P < 0.05) the SOD2 gene expression. Meanwhile, UCMF supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) yellowness (b* value) and drip loss while enhancing (P < 0.05) cooked meat percentage of aged layers. For the health lipid indices in breast muscles, UCMF supplementation increased (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratios and decreased (P < 0.05) the thrombogenic index. The UCMF supplementation optimized the cecal microbiota of aged layers by enhancing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and reducing the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes (P < 0.05), which may be related to improving meat quality. In conclusion, dietary UCMF supplementation may be an effective strategy for improving antioxidant function and the meat quality of aged layers.
Additional Links: PMID-39823836
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39823836,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Z and Meng, C and Azad, MAK and Zhu, Q and Lin, W and Cui, Y and Lan, W and He, Q and Kong, X},
title = {Effects of the Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ligustrum lucidum, and Taraxacum mongolicum ultra-fine powder formula on meat quality of aged layers by multi-omics.},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {104},
number = {2},
pages = {104783},
pmid = {39823836},
issn = {1525-3171},
mesh = {*Taraxacum/chemistry ; Animals ; *Ligustrum/chemistry ; *Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry ; *Meat/analysis ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology/administration & dosage/chemistry ; *Diet/veterinary ; *Animal Feed/analysis ; *Dietary Supplements/analysis ; *Chickens/physiology ; Female ; Powders/chemistry ; Aging/drug effects ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {This study was aimed to identify the targets of 1% ultra-fine Chinese medicine formula (UCMF, 0.5% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. + 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait. + 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) in delaying aging and explore its impacts on meat quality of aged layers. The effective components of the above three Chinese herbs were screened, and the network pharmacology analysis identified 91 common targets and enriched pathways between herbs and aging. The results showed that cellular response to chemical stimulus, response to oxidative stress, and response to oxygen-containing compound pathways were crucial for UCMF to resist aging. Further in vivo analyses confirmed that UCMF supplementation enhanced the antioxidant function in breast muscles of aged layers by upregulating (P < 0.05) the SOD2 gene expression. Meanwhile, UCMF supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) yellowness (b* value) and drip loss while enhancing (P < 0.05) cooked meat percentage of aged layers. For the health lipid indices in breast muscles, UCMF supplementation increased (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratios and decreased (P < 0.05) the thrombogenic index. The UCMF supplementation optimized the cecal microbiota of aged layers by enhancing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and reducing the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes (P < 0.05), which may be related to improving meat quality. In conclusion, dietary UCMF supplementation may be an effective strategy for improving antioxidant function and the meat quality of aged layers.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Taraxacum/chemistry
Animals
*Ligustrum/chemistry
*Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry
*Meat/analysis
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology/administration & dosage/chemistry
*Diet/veterinary
*Animal Feed/analysis
*Dietary Supplements/analysis
*Chickens/physiology
Female
Powders/chemistry
Aging/drug effects
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-03-11
CmpDate: 2025-03-11
Unraveling the impact of PFOA toxicity on Zostera marina using a multi-omics approach: Insights from growth, physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic signatures.
Journal of hazardous materials, 486:137024.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an anthropogenic organic pollutant known for its persistence, resistance to degradation, and toxicity, has raised significant concerns about its potential ecological impacts. Zostera marina, a common submerged seagrass species in temperate offshore areas, is highly vulnerable to pollutant stressors. However, the impact of PFOA on Z. marina remains unclear. In this study, Z. marina was exposed to different concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 μg/L) for 14 days. We subsequently assessed survival rates, growth patterns, physiological indices, transcriptomic profiles, and metabolomic characteristics. The results revealed dose-dependent PFOA accumulation in Z. marina tissues and significant growth inhibition. Furthermore, exposure to PFOA resulted in a significant reduction in photosynthetic pigment content (IBRv2 indices: 2.78-10.29) and elevated enzyme activity (IBRv2 indices: 2.90-8.96). Transcriptomic analysis identified 1511 differentially expressed genes associated with 11 KEGG pathways predominantly affected by PFOA exposure. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis highlighted the crucial role of the hydroxyphenylpyruvate reductase (hppr) gene in antioxidant defense mechanisms and detoxification processes against PFOA-induced stress. Metabolomics identified 412 differentially expressed metabolites, mainly consisting of flavonoids, organic acids, and lipids. In summary, PFOA exposure resulted in the down-regulation of gene expression related to photosynthesis and energy metabolism while also affecting metabolite synthesis. The response of Z. marina to PFOA stress involves modulation of the cytoskeletal dynamics and signal transduction pathways, as well as activation of a suite of genes and metabolites to initiate defense mechanisms.
Additional Links: PMID-39752826
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39752826,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, X and Jiang, WY and Liu, JJ and Yan, WJ and Zhang, YH and Zhang, Z and Zhang, PD},
title = {Unraveling the impact of PFOA toxicity on Zostera marina using a multi-omics approach: Insights from growth, physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic signatures.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {486},
number = {},
pages = {137024},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.137024},
pmid = {39752826},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Caprylates/toxicity ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; *Transcriptome/drug effects ; *Zosteraceae/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; *Fluorocarbons/toxicity ; *Metabolomics ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an anthropogenic organic pollutant known for its persistence, resistance to degradation, and toxicity, has raised significant concerns about its potential ecological impacts. Zostera marina, a common submerged seagrass species in temperate offshore areas, is highly vulnerable to pollutant stressors. However, the impact of PFOA on Z. marina remains unclear. In this study, Z. marina was exposed to different concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 μg/L) for 14 days. We subsequently assessed survival rates, growth patterns, physiological indices, transcriptomic profiles, and metabolomic characteristics. The results revealed dose-dependent PFOA accumulation in Z. marina tissues and significant growth inhibition. Furthermore, exposure to PFOA resulted in a significant reduction in photosynthetic pigment content (IBRv2 indices: 2.78-10.29) and elevated enzyme activity (IBRv2 indices: 2.90-8.96). Transcriptomic analysis identified 1511 differentially expressed genes associated with 11 KEGG pathways predominantly affected by PFOA exposure. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis highlighted the crucial role of the hydroxyphenylpyruvate reductase (hppr) gene in antioxidant defense mechanisms and detoxification processes against PFOA-induced stress. Metabolomics identified 412 differentially expressed metabolites, mainly consisting of flavonoids, organic acids, and lipids. In summary, PFOA exposure resulted in the down-regulation of gene expression related to photosynthesis and energy metabolism while also affecting metabolite synthesis. The response of Z. marina to PFOA stress involves modulation of the cytoskeletal dynamics and signal transduction pathways, as well as activation of a suite of genes and metabolites to initiate defense mechanisms.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Caprylates/toxicity
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
*Transcriptome/drug effects
*Zosteraceae/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
*Fluorocarbons/toxicity
*Metabolomics
Photosynthesis/drug effects
Gene Expression Profiling
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-03-11
CmpDate: 2025-03-11
Mitochondrial mechanism of florfenicol-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in zebrafish using multi-omics technology.
Journal of hazardous materials, 486:136958.
Florfenicol (FF), a third-generation chloramphenicol antibiotic widely used in food-producing animals, has become a "pseudopersistent" environmental contaminant, raising concerns about its potential ecological and human health impacts. However, its bioaccumulation behavior and hepatotoxic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to address these gaps with a 28-day exposure experiment in adult zebrafish at 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L FF. Multiomic analyses (metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics), combined with histological and mitochondrial function assessments, were employed. Higher bioaccumulation was observed at 0.05 mg/L, potentially due to metabolic saturation at higher concentrations. Histological analysis revealed significant hepatic steatosis (>5 % steatosis area), indicative of moderate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Multiomic data demonstrated global dysregulation in energy metabolism, including marked alterations in lipids (accumulation of toxic sphingolipids, excessive fatty acids, and acylglycerol), amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and nucleotides. Crucially, mitochondrial dysfunction was identified as a central mechanism, with impaired respiratory chain activities, adenosine triphosphate depletion, elevated reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress promoting NAFLD progression. These findings highlight mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress as key drivers of FF-induced hepatotoxicity, providing novel insights into its toxicological mechanisms and emphasizing the ecological risks posed by antibiotic pollution in aquatic systems.
Additional Links: PMID-39724715
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39724715,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and Du, Y and Li, Y and Wang, T and Pan, Y and Xue, X and Mu, X and Qiu, J and Qian, Y},
title = {Mitochondrial mechanism of florfenicol-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in zebrafish using multi-omics technology.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {486},
number = {},
pages = {136958},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136958},
pmid = {39724715},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish ; *Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/chemically induced/metabolism/pathology ; *Thiamphenicol/analogs & derivatives/toxicity ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity ; Mitochondria/drug effects/metabolism ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Liver/drug effects/metabolism/pathology ; Metabolomics ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects ; Lipidomics ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Florfenicol (FF), a third-generation chloramphenicol antibiotic widely used in food-producing animals, has become a "pseudopersistent" environmental contaminant, raising concerns about its potential ecological and human health impacts. However, its bioaccumulation behavior and hepatotoxic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to address these gaps with a 28-day exposure experiment in adult zebrafish at 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L FF. Multiomic analyses (metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics), combined with histological and mitochondrial function assessments, were employed. Higher bioaccumulation was observed at 0.05 mg/L, potentially due to metabolic saturation at higher concentrations. Histological analysis revealed significant hepatic steatosis (>5 % steatosis area), indicative of moderate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Multiomic data demonstrated global dysregulation in energy metabolism, including marked alterations in lipids (accumulation of toxic sphingolipids, excessive fatty acids, and acylglycerol), amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and nucleotides. Crucially, mitochondrial dysfunction was identified as a central mechanism, with impaired respiratory chain activities, adenosine triphosphate depletion, elevated reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress promoting NAFLD progression. These findings highlight mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress as key drivers of FF-induced hepatotoxicity, providing novel insights into its toxicological mechanisms and emphasizing the ecological risks posed by antibiotic pollution in aquatic systems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Zebrafish
*Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/chemically induced/metabolism/pathology
*Thiamphenicol/analogs & derivatives/toxicity
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity
Mitochondria/drug effects/metabolism
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Liver/drug effects/metabolism/pathology
Metabolomics
Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
Energy Metabolism/drug effects
Lipidomics
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-03-10
The genome sequence of the Sandy Carpet moth, Perizoma flavofasciatum (Thunberg, 1792).
Wellcome open research, 10:40.
We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Perizoma flavofasciatum (Sandy Carpet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 369.30 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.88%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.61 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,915 protein-coding genes.
Additional Links: PMID-40062320
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40062320,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyes, D and Davis, J and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the Sandy Carpet moth, Perizoma flavofasciatum (Thunberg, 1792).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {40},
pmid = {40062320},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Perizoma flavofasciatum (Sandy Carpet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 369.30 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.88%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.61 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,915 protein-coding genes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-10
The genome sequence of the Alder Moth, Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767).
Wellcome open research, 10:68.
We present a genome assembly from a male Acronicta alni (Alder Moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 470.37 megabases and 472.86 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (98.95%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.38 kilobases in length.
Additional Links: PMID-40062319
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40062319,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyes, D and Boyes, C and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the Alder Moth, Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {68},
pmid = {40062319},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a male Acronicta alni (Alder Moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 470.37 megabases and 472.86 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (98.95%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.38 kilobases in length.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-10
CmpDate: 2025-03-10
Identifying leptospirosis hotspots in Selangor: uncovering climatic connections using remote sensing and developing a predictive model.
PeerJ, 13:e18851.
BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in countries with tropical climates such as South America, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia. There has been an increase in leptospirosis incidence in Malaysia from 1.45 to 25.94 cases per 100,000 population between 2005 and 2014. With increasing incidence in Selangor, Malaysia, and frequent climate change dynamics, a study on the disease hotspot areas and their association with the hydroclimatic factors could enhance disease surveillance and public health interventions.
METHODS: This ecological cross-sectional study utilised a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution of leptospirosis in Selangor from 2011 to 2019. Laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis cases (n = 1,045) were obtained from the Selangor State Health Department. Using ArcGIS Pro, spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran's I) and Getis-Ord Gi* (hotspot analysis) was conducted to identify hotspots based on the monthly aggregated cases for each subdistrict. Satellite-derived rainfall and land surface temperature (LST) data were acquired from NASA's Giovanni EarthData website and processed into monthly averages. These data were integrated into ArcGIS Pro as thematic layers. Machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) were employed to develop predictive models for leptospirosis hotspot areas. Model performance was then evaluated using cross-validation and metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-score.
RESULTS: Moran's I analysis revealed a primarily random distribution of cases across Selangor, with only 20 out of 103 observed having a clustered distribution. Meanwhile, hotspot areas were mainly scattered in subdistricts throughout Selangor with clustering in the central region. Machine learning analysis revealed that the LGBM algorithm had the best performance scores compared to having a cross-validation score of 0.61, a precision score of 0.16, and an F1-score of 0.23. The feature importance score indicated river water level and rainfall contributes most to the model.
CONCLUSIONS: This GIS-based study identified a primarily sporadic occurrence of leptospirosis in Selangor with minimal spatial clustering. The LGBM algorithm effectively predicted leptospirosis hotspots based on the analysed hydroclimatic factors. The integration of GIS and machine learning offers a promising framework for disease surveillance, facilitating targeted public health interventions in areas at high risk for leptospirosis.
Additional Links: PMID-40061226
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40061226,
year = {2025},
author = {Ab Kadir, MA and Abdul Manaf, R and Mokhtar, SA and Ismail, LI},
title = {Identifying leptospirosis hotspots in Selangor: uncovering climatic connections using remote sensing and developing a predictive model.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e18851},
pmid = {40061226},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Leptospirosis/epidemiology ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Malaysia/epidemiology ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; *Geographic Information Systems ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Incidence ; Machine Learning ; Middle Aged ; Child ; Young Adult ; Climate Change ; Aged ; Rain ; Child, Preschool ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in countries with tropical climates such as South America, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia. There has been an increase in leptospirosis incidence in Malaysia from 1.45 to 25.94 cases per 100,000 population between 2005 and 2014. With increasing incidence in Selangor, Malaysia, and frequent climate change dynamics, a study on the disease hotspot areas and their association with the hydroclimatic factors could enhance disease surveillance and public health interventions.
METHODS: This ecological cross-sectional study utilised a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution of leptospirosis in Selangor from 2011 to 2019. Laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis cases (n = 1,045) were obtained from the Selangor State Health Department. Using ArcGIS Pro, spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran's I) and Getis-Ord Gi* (hotspot analysis) was conducted to identify hotspots based on the monthly aggregated cases for each subdistrict. Satellite-derived rainfall and land surface temperature (LST) data were acquired from NASA's Giovanni EarthData website and processed into monthly averages. These data were integrated into ArcGIS Pro as thematic layers. Machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) were employed to develop predictive models for leptospirosis hotspot areas. Model performance was then evaluated using cross-validation and metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-score.
RESULTS: Moran's I analysis revealed a primarily random distribution of cases across Selangor, with only 20 out of 103 observed having a clustered distribution. Meanwhile, hotspot areas were mainly scattered in subdistricts throughout Selangor with clustering in the central region. Machine learning analysis revealed that the LGBM algorithm had the best performance scores compared to having a cross-validation score of 0.61, a precision score of 0.16, and an F1-score of 0.23. The feature importance score indicated river water level and rainfall contributes most to the model.
CONCLUSIONS: This GIS-based study identified a primarily sporadic occurrence of leptospirosis in Selangor with minimal spatial clustering. The LGBM algorithm effectively predicted leptospirosis hotspots based on the analysed hydroclimatic factors. The integration of GIS and machine learning offers a promising framework for disease surveillance, facilitating targeted public health interventions in areas at high risk for leptospirosis.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Leptospirosis/epidemiology
Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
Malaysia/epidemiology
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
*Geographic Information Systems
Male
Female
Adult
Adolescent
Incidence
Machine Learning
Middle Aged
Child
Young Adult
Climate Change
Aged
Rain
Child, Preschool
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset: A global plant database from Southern Ocean islands.
Scientific data, 12(1):397.
The Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset is a globally significant, open-access resource that compiles essential biodiversity data on vascular plants from islands across the Southern Ocean. The SIVFLORA dataset was generated through five steps: study area delimitation, compiling the dataset, validating and harmonizing taxonomy, structuring dataset attributes, and establishing file format and open access. Covering major taxonomic divisions, SIVFLORA offers a comprehensive overview of plant occurrences, comprising 14,589 records representing 886 species, 95 families, and 42 orders. This dataset documents that 58.62% of the taxa are native, 9.61% are endemic, and 31.77% are alien species. The Falkland/Malvinas Archipelago, the most species-rich, contrast sharply with less diverse islands like the South Orkney Archipelago. SIVFLORA serves as a taxonomically harmonized, interoperable resource for investigating plant diversity patterns, ecosystem responses to climate change in extreme environments, island biogeography, endemism, and the effects of anthropogenic pressures on Southern Ocean flora.
Additional Links: PMID-40055331
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@article {pmid40055331,
year = {2025},
author = {Guerrero, PC and Contador, T and DÃaz, A and Escobar, C and Orlando, J and MarÃn, C and Medina, P},
title = {Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset: A global plant database from Southern Ocean islands.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {397},
pmid = {40055331},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Islands ; *Plants ; Databases, Factual ; Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; Oceans and Seas ; },
abstract = {The Southern Islands Vascular Flora (SIVFLORA) dataset is a globally significant, open-access resource that compiles essential biodiversity data on vascular plants from islands across the Southern Ocean. The SIVFLORA dataset was generated through five steps: study area delimitation, compiling the dataset, validating and harmonizing taxonomy, structuring dataset attributes, and establishing file format and open access. Covering major taxonomic divisions, SIVFLORA offers a comprehensive overview of plant occurrences, comprising 14,589 records representing 886 species, 95 families, and 42 orders. This dataset documents that 58.62% of the taxa are native, 9.61% are endemic, and 31.77% are alien species. The Falkland/Malvinas Archipelago, the most species-rich, contrast sharply with less diverse islands like the South Orkney Archipelago. SIVFLORA serves as a taxonomically harmonized, interoperable resource for investigating plant diversity patterns, ecosystem responses to climate change in extreme environments, island biogeography, endemism, and the effects of anthropogenic pressures on Southern Ocean flora.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Biodiversity
*Islands
*Plants
Databases, Factual
Ecosystem
Climate Change
Oceans and Seas
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
Fire ecology database for documenting plant responses to fire events in Australia.
Scientific data, 12(1):399.
An understanding of fire-response traits is essential for predicting how fire regimes structure plant communities and for informing fire management strategies for biodiversity conservation. Quantification of these traits is complex, encompassing several levels of data abstraction scaling up from field observations of individuals, to general categories of species responses. We developed the Fire Ecology Database to accommodate this complexity. Its conceptual framework is underpinned by a flexible data pipeline enabling links between fire-related trait data and event information at individual, population, and community levels. Key features include: (a) concise and documented trait and method vocabularies; (b) documented uncertainty in observations and aggregation; and (c) documented origin of data including field observations, laboratory experiments, and expert elicitation. We demonstrated application of our framework using data from new field surveys and existing data sets in New South Wales, Australia. The database includes 14 traits for 6,287 plant species derived from 8,936 field work records from 2007 to 2018, 7,054 field records from surveys after 2019, and 48,306 records from 301 existing sources.
Additional Links: PMID-40055329
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@article {pmid40055329,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferrer-Paris, JR and Sánchez-Mercado, A and Cornwell, WK and Ooi, M and Tozer, M and Mackenzie, BDE and Woodward, R and Denham, AJ and Auld, TD and Keith, DA},
title = {Fire ecology database for documenting plant responses to fire events in Australia.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {399},
pmid = {40055329},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {*Databases, Factual ; *Fires ; *Plants ; Biodiversity ; Australia ; New South Wales ; },
abstract = {An understanding of fire-response traits is essential for predicting how fire regimes structure plant communities and for informing fire management strategies for biodiversity conservation. Quantification of these traits is complex, encompassing several levels of data abstraction scaling up from field observations of individuals, to general categories of species responses. We developed the Fire Ecology Database to accommodate this complexity. Its conceptual framework is underpinned by a flexible data pipeline enabling links between fire-related trait data and event information at individual, population, and community levels. Key features include: (a) concise and documented trait and method vocabularies; (b) documented uncertainty in observations and aggregation; and (c) documented origin of data including field observations, laboratory experiments, and expert elicitation. We demonstrated application of our framework using data from new field surveys and existing data sets in New South Wales, Australia. The database includes 14 traits for 6,287 plant species derived from 8,936 field work records from 2007 to 2018, 7,054 field records from surveys after 2019, and 48,306 records from 301 existing sources.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Databases, Factual
*Fires
*Plants
Biodiversity
Australia
New South Wales
RevDate: 2025-03-07
From motion to interaction: How multisensory information shapes motor behaviors in children with visual impairment.
Research in developmental disabilities, 159:104956 pii:S0891-4222(25)00040-X [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: The ability to move independently enables children to develop perceptual, cognitive, and social interaction skills. Concerning this, vision holds a key role. As a result, children with visual impairment (VI) might be more challenged in their ability to move within their surroundings and interact with their caregivers.
AIM: This study investigated whether the use of multisensory stimuli could influence the motor exploration of children with VI and shape their interaction with the caregivers. For this, the present work examined the variability of children's motor trajectory and the distance between children and caregivers in a setting with and without multisensory cues.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A Motion Capture System was used within an ecological playroom environment. The Strange Situation paradigm was simplified and adapted by placing three TechARMs in the corners of the playroom to deliver audio-visual stimuli, used instead of the stranger.
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children with VI showed larger variability within their motor trajectory and kept a shorter distance from the caregivers when multisensory cues were introduced in the playroom.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Multisensory signals were considered unusual and influenced the kinematic parameters. Motor control of the environment was achieved by managing attention flexibility. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD?: This study enriches available evidence about the study of motor and social interaction in children with VI, highlighting how multisensory stimuli could either support or hinder social and motor behaviors. Moreover, enhancing ecological validity could drive progress in the development and application of technological devices to clinical and research setting.
Additional Links: PMID-40054299
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@article {pmid40054299,
year = {2025},
author = {Guarischi, M and Montagnani, E and Catalano, G and Saligari, E and Signorini, S and Gori, M},
title = {From motion to interaction: How multisensory information shapes motor behaviors in children with visual impairment.},
journal = {Research in developmental disabilities},
volume = {159},
number = {},
pages = {104956},
doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104956},
pmid = {40054299},
issn = {1873-3379},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ability to move independently enables children to develop perceptual, cognitive, and social interaction skills. Concerning this, vision holds a key role. As a result, children with visual impairment (VI) might be more challenged in their ability to move within their surroundings and interact with their caregivers.
AIM: This study investigated whether the use of multisensory stimuli could influence the motor exploration of children with VI and shape their interaction with the caregivers. For this, the present work examined the variability of children's motor trajectory and the distance between children and caregivers in a setting with and without multisensory cues.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A Motion Capture System was used within an ecological playroom environment. The Strange Situation paradigm was simplified and adapted by placing three TechARMs in the corners of the playroom to deliver audio-visual stimuli, used instead of the stranger.
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children with VI showed larger variability within their motor trajectory and kept a shorter distance from the caregivers when multisensory cues were introduced in the playroom.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Multisensory signals were considered unusual and influenced the kinematic parameters. Motor control of the environment was achieved by managing attention flexibility. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD?: This study enriches available evidence about the study of motor and social interaction in children with VI, highlighting how multisensory stimuli could either support or hinder social and motor behaviors. Moreover, enhancing ecological validity could drive progress in the development and application of technological devices to clinical and research setting.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-08
CmpDate: 2025-03-06
Cross-validation for training and testing co-occurrence network inference algorithms.
BMC bioinformatics, 26(1):74.
BACKGROUND: Microorganisms are found in almost every environment, including soil, water, air and inside other organisms, such as animals and plants. While some microorganisms cause diseases, most of them help in biological processes such as decomposition, fermentation and nutrient cycling. Much research has been conducted on the study of microbial communities in various environments and how their interactions and relationships can provide insight into various diseases. Co-occurrence network inference algorithms help us understand the complex associations of micro-organisms, especially bacteria. Existing network inference algorithms employ techniques such as correlation, regularized linear regression, and conditional dependence, which have different hyper-parameters that determine the sparsity of the network. These complex microbial communities form intricate ecological networks that are fundamental to ecosystem functioning and host health. Understanding these networks is crucial for developing targeted interventions in both environmental and clinical settings. The emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies has generated unprecedented amounts of microbiome data, necessitating robust computational methods for network inference and validation.
RESULTS: Previous methods for evaluating the quality of the inferred network include using external data, and network consistency across sub-samples, both of which have several drawbacks that limit their applicability in real microbiome composition data sets. We propose a novel cross-validation method to evaluate co-occurrence network inference algorithms, and new methods for applying existing algorithms to predict on test data. Our method demonstrates superior performance in handling compositional data and addressing the challenges of high dimensionality and sparsity inherent in real microbiome datasets. The proposed framework also provides robust estimates of network stability.
CONCLUSIONS: Our empirical study shows that the proposed cross-validation method is useful for hyper-parameter selection (training) and comparing the quality of inferred networks between different algorithms (testing). This advancement represents a significant step forward in microbiome network analysis, providing researchers with a reliable tool for understanding complex microbial interactions. The method's applicability extends beyond microbiome studies to other fields where network inference from high-dimensional compositional data is crucial, such as gene regulatory networks and ecological food webs. Our framework establishes a new standard for validation in network inference, potentially accelerating discoveries in microbial ecology and human health.
Additional Links: PMID-40045231
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@article {pmid40045231,
year = {2025},
author = {Agyapong, D and Propster, JR and Marks, J and Hocking, TD},
title = {Cross-validation for training and testing co-occurrence network inference algorithms.},
journal = {BMC bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {74},
pmid = {40045231},
issn = {1471-2105},
support = {2125088//National Science Foundation/ ; 2125088//National Science Foundation/ ; 2125088//National Science Foundation/ ; 2125088//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Algorithms ; *Microbiota ; Computational Biology/methods ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Microorganisms are found in almost every environment, including soil, water, air and inside other organisms, such as animals and plants. While some microorganisms cause diseases, most of them help in biological processes such as decomposition, fermentation and nutrient cycling. Much research has been conducted on the study of microbial communities in various environments and how their interactions and relationships can provide insight into various diseases. Co-occurrence network inference algorithms help us understand the complex associations of micro-organisms, especially bacteria. Existing network inference algorithms employ techniques such as correlation, regularized linear regression, and conditional dependence, which have different hyper-parameters that determine the sparsity of the network. These complex microbial communities form intricate ecological networks that are fundamental to ecosystem functioning and host health. Understanding these networks is crucial for developing targeted interventions in both environmental and clinical settings. The emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies has generated unprecedented amounts of microbiome data, necessitating robust computational methods for network inference and validation.
RESULTS: Previous methods for evaluating the quality of the inferred network include using external data, and network consistency across sub-samples, both of which have several drawbacks that limit their applicability in real microbiome composition data sets. We propose a novel cross-validation method to evaluate co-occurrence network inference algorithms, and new methods for applying existing algorithms to predict on test data. Our method demonstrates superior performance in handling compositional data and addressing the challenges of high dimensionality and sparsity inherent in real microbiome datasets. The proposed framework also provides robust estimates of network stability.
CONCLUSIONS: Our empirical study shows that the proposed cross-validation method is useful for hyper-parameter selection (training) and comparing the quality of inferred networks between different algorithms (testing). This advancement represents a significant step forward in microbiome network analysis, providing researchers with a reliable tool for understanding complex microbial interactions. The method's applicability extends beyond microbiome studies to other fields where network inference from high-dimensional compositional data is crucial, such as gene regulatory networks and ecological food webs. Our framework establishes a new standard for validation in network inference, potentially accelerating discoveries in microbial ecology and human health.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Algorithms
*Microbiota
Computational Biology/methods
Bacteria/genetics/classification
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
Mind the Gap: A Neural Network Framework for Imputing Genotypes in Non-Model Species.
Molecular ecology resources, 25(3):e14066.
Reduced representation sequencing (RRS) has proven to be a cost-effective solution for sequencing subsets of the genome in non-model species for large-scale studies. However, the targeted nature of RRS approaches commonly introduces large amounts of missing data, leading to reduced statistical power and biased estimates in downstream analyses. Genotype imputation, the statistical inference of missing sites across the genome, is a powerful alternative to overcome the caveats associated with missing sites. Typically, genotype imputation requires the presence of a reference panel of haplotypes, however, this is not always feasible for non-model species. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Mora-Márquez et al. (2024) develop gtImputation, an unsupervised machine learning imputation tool with an interactive GUI, which leverages information from the underlying data structure itself, without the need for a reference panel. They showcase that their method performs equally well and even surpasses existing haplotype-clustering and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, particularly for sites with low minor allele frequency (MAF) and for data sets with strong underlying population structure. This innovative framework adds to the ongoing efforts to expand the applicability of imputation to non-model species, offering the opportunity to apply varied types of analyses requiring dense sets of markers, while also maintaining lower sequencing costs.
Additional Links: PMID-39749403
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@article {pmid39749403,
year = {2025},
author = {Bougiouri, K},
title = {Mind the Gap: A Neural Network Framework for Imputing Genotypes in Non-Model Species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {e14066},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14066},
pmid = {39749403},
issn = {1755-0998},
mesh = {*Neural Networks, Computer ; *Genotype ; Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Haplotypes/genetics ; Computational Biology/methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; },
abstract = {Reduced representation sequencing (RRS) has proven to be a cost-effective solution for sequencing subsets of the genome in non-model species for large-scale studies. However, the targeted nature of RRS approaches commonly introduces large amounts of missing data, leading to reduced statistical power and biased estimates in downstream analyses. Genotype imputation, the statistical inference of missing sites across the genome, is a powerful alternative to overcome the caveats associated with missing sites. Typically, genotype imputation requires the presence of a reference panel of haplotypes, however, this is not always feasible for non-model species. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Mora-Márquez et al. (2024) develop gtImputation, an unsupervised machine learning imputation tool with an interactive GUI, which leverages information from the underlying data structure itself, without the need for a reference panel. They showcase that their method performs equally well and even surpasses existing haplotype-clustering and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, particularly for sites with low minor allele frequency (MAF) and for data sets with strong underlying population structure. This innovative framework adds to the ongoing efforts to expand the applicability of imputation to non-model species, offering the opportunity to apply varied types of analyses requiring dense sets of markers, while also maintaining lower sequencing costs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Neural Networks, Computer
*Genotype
Genotyping Techniques/methods
Haplotypes/genetics
Computational Biology/methods
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
Teknonaturalist: A Snakemake Pipeline for Assessing Fungal Diversity From Plant Genome Bycatch.
Molecular ecology resources, 25(3):e14056.
Relatively little is known of the host associations and compatibility of fungal plant pathogens and endophytes. Publicly available plant genomic DNA can be mined to detect incidental fungal DNA, but taxonomic assignment can be challenging due to short lengths and variable discriminative power among different genomic regions and taxa. Here, we introduce a computationally lightweight and accessible Snakemake pipeline for rapid detection and classification (identification and assignment to taxonomic rank) of pathogenic and endophytic fungi (and other fungi associated with plants) that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a fungal barcode standard. We include methods for maximising query sequence length, which gives higher support for ITS1 and ITS2 taxonomic classifications by extending to other fragments of the ITS region and providing taxon-specific local cut-off and confidence scores. We demonstrate our pipeline with a case study using public genomic sequence data for six diverse plant species, including four species within Betula, an ecologically and economically important broadleaved forest tree genus, a shrub and a grass. Our pipeline classified fungi within minutes to a few hours per host individual, with 204 different fungal genera identified at high confidence (≥ 70%). Our pipeline detected and classified pathogenic and endophytic genera known to associate with Betula, and many others with no prior record of association. Our pipeline, leveraging existing sequence data, has several potential applications, including detecting cryptic fungal pathogens and helping characterise the endophytic fungal microbiome, bioprospecting commercially useful fungal species, and determining the plant host range of fungi.
Additional Links: PMID-39739202
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@article {pmid39739202,
year = {2025},
author = {Bard, NW and Davies, TJ and Cronk, QCB},
title = {Teknonaturalist: A Snakemake Pipeline for Assessing Fungal Diversity From Plant Genome Bycatch.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {e14056},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14056},
pmid = {39739202},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {RGPIN-2019-04041//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2020-04439//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Fungi/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics ; Plants/microbiology ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; Endophytes/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; },
abstract = {Relatively little is known of the host associations and compatibility of fungal plant pathogens and endophytes. Publicly available plant genomic DNA can be mined to detect incidental fungal DNA, but taxonomic assignment can be challenging due to short lengths and variable discriminative power among different genomic regions and taxa. Here, we introduce a computationally lightweight and accessible Snakemake pipeline for rapid detection and classification (identification and assignment to taxonomic rank) of pathogenic and endophytic fungi (and other fungi associated with plants) that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a fungal barcode standard. We include methods for maximising query sequence length, which gives higher support for ITS1 and ITS2 taxonomic classifications by extending to other fragments of the ITS region and providing taxon-specific local cut-off and confidence scores. We demonstrate our pipeline with a case study using public genomic sequence data for six diverse plant species, including four species within Betula, an ecologically and economically important broadleaved forest tree genus, a shrub and a grass. Our pipeline classified fungi within minutes to a few hours per host individual, with 204 different fungal genera identified at high confidence (≥ 70%). Our pipeline detected and classified pathogenic and endophytic genera known to associate with Betula, and many others with no prior record of association. Our pipeline, leveraging existing sequence data, has several potential applications, including detecting cryptic fungal pathogens and helping characterise the endophytic fungal microbiome, bioprospecting commercially useful fungal species, and determining the plant host range of fungi.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Fungi/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Genome, Plant/genetics
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
Plants/microbiology
DNA, Fungal/genetics
Endophytes/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
Computational Biology/methods
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
A Pipeline and Recommendations for Population and Individual Diagnostic SNP Selection in Non-Model Species.
Molecular ecology resources, 25(3):e14048.
Despite substantial reductions in the cost of sequencing over the last decade, genetic panels remain relevant due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility across a variety of sample types. In particular, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels are increasingly favoured for conservation applications. SNP panels are often used because of their adaptability, effectiveness with low-quality samples, and cost-efficiency for population monitoring and forensics. However, the selection of diagnostic SNPs for population assignment and individual identification can be challenging. The consequences of poor SNP selection are under-powered panels, inaccurate results, and monetary loss. Here, we develop a novel and user-friendly SNP selection pipeline (mPCRselect) that can be used to select SNPs for population assignment and/or individual identification. mPCRselect allows any researcher, who has sufficient SNP-level data, to design a successful and cost-effective SNP panel for a diploid species of conservation concern.
Additional Links: PMID-39611246
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@article {pmid39611246,
year = {2025},
author = {Armstrong, EE and Li, C and Campana, MG and Ferrari, T and Kelley, JL and Petrov, DA and Solari, KA and Mooney, JA},
title = {A Pipeline and Recommendations for Population and Individual Diagnostic SNP Selection in Non-Model Species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {e14048},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14048},
pmid = {39611246},
issn = {1755-0998},
mesh = {*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Genetics, Population/methods ; Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Despite substantial reductions in the cost of sequencing over the last decade, genetic panels remain relevant due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility across a variety of sample types. In particular, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels are increasingly favoured for conservation applications. SNP panels are often used because of their adaptability, effectiveness with low-quality samples, and cost-efficiency for population monitoring and forensics. However, the selection of diagnostic SNPs for population assignment and individual identification can be challenging. The consequences of poor SNP selection are under-powered panels, inaccurate results, and monetary loss. Here, we develop a novel and user-friendly SNP selection pipeline (mPCRselect) that can be used to select SNPs for population assignment and/or individual identification. mPCRselect allows any researcher, who has sufficient SNP-level data, to design a successful and cost-effective SNP panel for a diploid species of conservation concern.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Genetics, Population/methods
Genotyping Techniques/methods
Computational Biology/methods
Animals
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
Development of SNP Panels from Low-Coverage Whole Genome Sequencing (lcWGS) to Support Indigenous Fisheries for Three Salmonid Species in Northern Canada.
Molecular ecology resources, 25(3):e14040.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels are powerful tools for assessing the genetic population structure and dispersal of fishes and can enhance management practices for commercial, recreational and subsistence mixed-stock fisheries. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) are among the most harvested and consumed fish species in Northern Indigenous communities in Canada, contributing significantly to food security, culture, tradition and economy. However, genetic resources supporting Indigenous fisheries have not been widely accessible to northern communities (e.g. Inuit, Cree, Dene). Here, we developed Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) panels for population assignment and mixed-stock analyses of three salmonids, to support fisheries stewardship or co-management in Northern Canada. Using low-coverage Whole Genome Sequencing data from 418 individuals across source populations in Cambridge Bay (Nunavut), Great Slave Lake (Northwest Territories), James Bay (Québec) and Mistassini Lake (Québec), we developed a bioinformatic SNP filtering workflow to select informative SNP markers from genotype likelihoods. These markers were then used to design GT-seq panels, thus enabling high-throughput genotyping for these species. The three GT-seq panels yielded an average of 413 autosomal loci and were validated using 525 individuals with an average assignment accuracy of 83%. Thus, these GT-seq panels are powerful tools for assessing population structure and quantifying the relative contributions of populations/stocks in mixed-stock fisheries across multiple regions. Interweaving genomic data derived from these tools with Traditional Ecological Knowledge will ensure the sustainable harvest of three culturally important salmonids in Indigenous communities, contributing to food security programmes and the economy in Northern Canada.
Additional Links: PMID-39552382
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@article {pmid39552382,
year = {2025},
author = {Beemelmanns, A and Bouchard, R and Michaelides, S and Normandeau, E and Jeon, HB and Chamlian, B and Babin, C and Hénault, P and Perrot, O and Harris, LN and Zhu, X and Fraser, D and Bernatchez, L and Moore, JS},
title = {Development of SNP Panels from Low-Coverage Whole Genome Sequencing (lcWGS) to Support Indigenous Fisheries for Three Salmonid Species in Northern Canada.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {e14040},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14040},
pmid = {39552382},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {//Genome Canada/ ; //Génome Québec/ ; //Ontario Genomics/ ; NST-1718-0036//Polar Knowledge Canada/ ; //Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; IT16149//Mitacs/ ; //Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)/ ; //Ressources Aquatiques Québec (RAQ)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Fisheries ; *Salmonidae/genetics/classification ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Genotype ; Trout/genetics/classification ; Canada ; Genetics, Population/methods ; Nunavut ; Quebec ; Northwest Territories ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels are powerful tools for assessing the genetic population structure and dispersal of fishes and can enhance management practices for commercial, recreational and subsistence mixed-stock fisheries. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) are among the most harvested and consumed fish species in Northern Indigenous communities in Canada, contributing significantly to food security, culture, tradition and economy. However, genetic resources supporting Indigenous fisheries have not been widely accessible to northern communities (e.g. Inuit, Cree, Dene). Here, we developed Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) panels for population assignment and mixed-stock analyses of three salmonids, to support fisheries stewardship or co-management in Northern Canada. Using low-coverage Whole Genome Sequencing data from 418 individuals across source populations in Cambridge Bay (Nunavut), Great Slave Lake (Northwest Territories), James Bay (Québec) and Mistassini Lake (Québec), we developed a bioinformatic SNP filtering workflow to select informative SNP markers from genotype likelihoods. These markers were then used to design GT-seq panels, thus enabling high-throughput genotyping for these species. The three GT-seq panels yielded an average of 413 autosomal loci and were validated using 525 individuals with an average assignment accuracy of 83%. Thus, these GT-seq panels are powerful tools for assessing population structure and quantifying the relative contributions of populations/stocks in mixed-stock fisheries across multiple regions. Interweaving genomic data derived from these tools with Traditional Ecological Knowledge will ensure the sustainable harvest of three culturally important salmonids in Indigenous communities, contributing to food security programmes and the economy in Northern Canada.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Fisheries
*Salmonidae/genetics/classification
Whole Genome Sequencing/methods
Genotyping Techniques/methods
Genotype
Trout/genetics/classification
Canada
Genetics, Population/methods
Nunavut
Quebec
Northwest Territories
Computational Biology/methods
RevDate: 2025-03-07
CmpDate: 2025-03-07
HMicroDB: A Comprehensive Database of Herpetofaunal Microbiota With a Focus on Host Phylogeny, Physiological Traits, and Environment Factors.
Molecular ecology resources, 25(3):e14046.
Symbiotic microbiota strongly impact host physiology. Amphibians and reptiles occupy a pivotal role in the evolutionary history of Animalia, and they are of significant ecological, economic, and scientific value. Many prior studies have found that symbiotic microbiota in herpetofaunal species are closely associated with host phylogeny, physiological traits, and environmental factors; however, insufficient integrated databases hinder researchers from querying, accessing, and reanalyzing these resources. To rectify this, we built the first herpetofaunal microbiota database (HMicroDB; https://herpdb.com/) that integrates 11,697 microbiological samples from 337 host species (covering 23 body sites and associated with 23 host phenotypic or environmental factors), and we identified 11,084 microbial taxa by consistent annotation. The standardised analysis process, cross-dataset integration, user-friendly interface, and interactive visualisation make the HMicroDB a powerful resource for researchers to search, browse, and explore the relationships between symbiotic microbiota, hosts, and environment. This facilitates research in host-microbiota coevolution, biological conservation, and resource utilisation.
Additional Links: PMID-39545396
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@article {pmid39545396,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Gao, Y and Shu, G and Chen, X and Zhu, J and Zheng, S and Chen, T},
title = {HMicroDB: A Comprehensive Database of Herpetofaunal Microbiota With a Focus on Host Phylogeny, Physiological Traits, and Environment Factors.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {e14046},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14046},
pmid = {39545396},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {2021YFF1201300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2021YFF1201303//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFC2703105//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023M731976//Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota/genetics ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Amphibians/microbiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Reptiles/microbiology ; Host Microbial Interactions/genetics ; Databases, Factual ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic microbiota strongly impact host physiology. Amphibians and reptiles occupy a pivotal role in the evolutionary history of Animalia, and they are of significant ecological, economic, and scientific value. Many prior studies have found that symbiotic microbiota in herpetofaunal species are closely associated with host phylogeny, physiological traits, and environmental factors; however, insufficient integrated databases hinder researchers from querying, accessing, and reanalyzing these resources. To rectify this, we built the first herpetofaunal microbiota database (HMicroDB; https://herpdb.com/) that integrates 11,697 microbiological samples from 337 host species (covering 23 body sites and associated with 23 host phenotypic or environmental factors), and we identified 11,084 microbial taxa by consistent annotation. The standardised analysis process, cross-dataset integration, user-friendly interface, and interactive visualisation make the HMicroDB a powerful resource for researchers to search, browse, and explore the relationships between symbiotic microbiota, hosts, and environment. This facilitates research in host-microbiota coevolution, biological conservation, and resource utilisation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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*Microbiota/genetics
Animals
*Phylogeny
*Amphibians/microbiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
Reptiles/microbiology
Host Microbial Interactions/genetics
Databases, Factual
RevDate: 2025-03-05
Canopy functional trait variation across Earth's tropical forests.
Nature [Epub ahead of print].
Tropical forest canopies are the biosphere's most concentrated atmospheric interface for carbon, water and energy[1,2]. However, in most Earth System Models, the diverse and heterogeneous tropical forest biome is represented as a largely uniform ecosystem with either a singular or a small number of fixed canopy ecophysiological properties[3]. This situation arises, in part, from a lack of understanding about how and why the functional properties of tropical forest canopies vary geographically[4]. Here, by combining field-collected data from more than 1,800 vegetation plots and tree traits with satellite remote-sensing, terrain, climate and soil data, we predict variation across 13 morphological, structural and chemical functional traits of trees, and use this to compute and map the functional diversity of tropical forests. Our findings reveal that the tropical Americas, Africa and Asia tend to occupy different portions of the total functional trait space available across tropical forests. Tropical American forests are predicted to have 40% greater functional richness than tropical African and Asian forests. Meanwhile, African forests have the highest functional divergence-32% and 7% higher than that of tropical American and Asian forests, respectively. An uncertainty analysis highlights priority regions for further data collection, which would refine and improve these maps. Our predictions represent a ground-based and remotely enabled global analysis of how and why the functional traits of tropical forest canopies vary across space.
Additional Links: PMID-40044867
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40044867,
year = {2025},
author = {Aguirre-Gutiérrez, J and Rifai, SW and Deng, X and Ter Steege, H and Thomson, E and Corral-Rivas, JJ and Guimaraes, AF and Muller, S and Klipel, J and Fauset, S and Resende, AF and Wallin, G and Joly, CA and Abernethy, K and Adu-Bredu, S and Alexandre Silva, C and de Oliveira, EA and Almeida, DRA and Alvarez-Davila, E and Asner, GP and Baker, TR and Benchimol, M and Bentley, LP and Berenguer, E and Blanc, L and Bonal, D and Bordin, K and Borges de Lima, R and Both, S and Cabezas Duarte, J and Cardoso, D and de Lima, HC and Cavalheiro, L and Cernusak, LA and Dos Santos Prestes, NCC and da Silva Zanzini, AC and da Silva, RJ and Dos Santos Alves da Silva, R and de Andrade Iguatemy, M and De Sousa Oliveira, TC and Dechant, B and Derroire, G and Dexter, KG and Rodrigues, DJ and EspÃrito-Santo, M and Silva, LF and Domingues, TF and Ferreira, J and Simon, MF and Girardin, CAJ and Hérault, B and Jeffery, KJ and Kalpuzha Ashtamoorthy, S and Kavidapadinjattathil Sivadasan, A and Klitgaard, B and Laurance, WF and Dan, ML and Magnusson, WE and Campos-Filho, EM and Manoel Dos Santos, R and Manzatto, AG and Silveira, M and Marimon-Junior, BH and Martin, RE and Vieira, DLM and Metzker, T and Milliken, W and Moonlight, P and Moraes de Seixas, MM and Morandi, PS and Muscarella, R and Nava-Miranda, MG and Nyirambangutse, B and Silva, JO and Oliveras Menor, I and Francisco Pena Rodrigues, PJ and Pereira de Oliveira, C and Pereira Zanzini, L and Peres, CA and Punjayil, V and Quesada, CA and Réjou-Méchain, M and Riutta, T and Rivas-Torres, G and Rosa, C and Salinas, N and Bergamin, RS and Marimon, BS and Shenkin, A and Silva Rodrigues, PM and Figueiredo, AES and Garcia, QS and Spósito, T and Storck-Tonon, D and Sullivan, MJP and Svátek, M and Vieira Santiago, WT and Arn Teh, Y and Theruvil Parambil Sivan, P and Nascimento, MT and Veenendaal, E and Zo-Bi, IC and Dago, MR and Traoré, S and Patacca, M and Badouard, V and de Padua Chaves E Carvalho, S and White, LJT and Zhang-Zheng, H and Zibera, E and Zwerts, JA and Burslem, DFRP and Silman, M and Chave, J and Enquist, BJ and Barlow, J and Phillips, OL and Coomes, DA and Malhi, Y},
title = {Canopy functional trait variation across Earth's tropical forests.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40044867},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {Tropical forest canopies are the biosphere's most concentrated atmospheric interface for carbon, water and energy[1,2]. However, in most Earth System Models, the diverse and heterogeneous tropical forest biome is represented as a largely uniform ecosystem with either a singular or a small number of fixed canopy ecophysiological properties[3]. This situation arises, in part, from a lack of understanding about how and why the functional properties of tropical forest canopies vary geographically[4]. Here, by combining field-collected data from more than 1,800 vegetation plots and tree traits with satellite remote-sensing, terrain, climate and soil data, we predict variation across 13 morphological, structural and chemical functional traits of trees, and use this to compute and map the functional diversity of tropical forests. Our findings reveal that the tropical Americas, Africa and Asia tend to occupy different portions of the total functional trait space available across tropical forests. Tropical American forests are predicted to have 40% greater functional richness than tropical African and Asian forests. Meanwhile, African forests have the highest functional divergence-32% and 7% higher than that of tropical American and Asian forests, respectively. An uncertainty analysis highlights priority regions for further data collection, which would refine and improve these maps. Our predictions represent a ground-based and remotely enabled global analysis of how and why the functional traits of tropical forest canopies vary across space.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-06
An online version and some updates of R package U.Taxonstand for standardizing scientific names in plant and animal species.
Plant diversity, 47(1):166-168.
•We present 'U.Taxonstand Online', a user-friendly web application for scientific name matching of both plants and animals.•U.Taxonstand Online provides a solution for the users with limited abilities of programming and data mining.•We add several new functions to clean and format the data for R package U.Taxonstand.
Additional Links: PMID-40041564
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40041564,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Qian, H and Wang, X},
title = {An online version and some updates of R package U.Taxonstand for standardizing scientific names in plant and animal species.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {166-168},
pmid = {40041564},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {•We present 'U.Taxonstand Online', a user-friendly web application for scientific name matching of both plants and animals.•U.Taxonstand Online provides a solution for the users with limited abilities of programming and data mining.•We add several new functions to clean and format the data for R package U.Taxonstand.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-04
CmpDate: 2025-03-04
Multi-omic stock of surface ocean microbiome built by monthly, weekly and daily sampling in Dapeng Bay, China.
Scientific data, 12(1):378.
The coastal ocean is the dynamic interface where terrestrial, atmospheric, and marine systems converge, acting as a hotspot for microbial activity, which underpins the intricate web of carbon and nitrogen cycling. Dapeng Bay, a typical semi-enclosed bay along the southern coastline of China, is strongly influenced by monsoon climates and human activities. Despite its ecological importance, long-term observations and investigations into the microbial community structure in this region are notably lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a two-year continuous sampling from May 2021 to June 2023 to explore shifts in nearshore surface microbial communities and assess the long-term effects of environmental stressors. This study presents comprehensive amplicon, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic information. We identified 3,600 amplicon sequence variants and recovered 1,216 high-quality metagenome-assembled MAGs, representing 17 bacterial and 3 archaeal phyla. Additionally, 587 MAGs were correlated with transcriptional activity, comprising 539 bacterial and 48 archaeal populations. This dataset is anticipated to provide a multi-dimensional perspective, enhancing our understanding of the complexity, dynamics, and adaptability of microbial communities in coastal environments.
Additional Links: PMID-40038315
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40038315,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Chen, S and Tao, J and Li, M and Wang, W and Chen, M and Fang, X and Kong, L and Wang, Y and Pereira, O and Zhang, C},
title = {Multi-omic stock of surface ocean microbiome built by monthly, weekly and daily sampling in Dapeng Bay, China.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {378},
pmid = {40038315},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {32393974//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42321004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42321004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 92351301//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32393974//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 92351301//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32393974//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42321004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42321004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 92351301//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32393974//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42321004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 92351301//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32393974//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; RCBS20221008093229035//Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission/ ; 92351301//École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Saint-Etienne (National Engineering School of Saint-Étienne)/ ; },
mesh = {China ; *Microbiota ; *Archaea/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; *Bays ; Seawater/microbiology ; Metagenome ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {The coastal ocean is the dynamic interface where terrestrial, atmospheric, and marine systems converge, acting as a hotspot for microbial activity, which underpins the intricate web of carbon and nitrogen cycling. Dapeng Bay, a typical semi-enclosed bay along the southern coastline of China, is strongly influenced by monsoon climates and human activities. Despite its ecological importance, long-term observations and investigations into the microbial community structure in this region are notably lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a two-year continuous sampling from May 2021 to June 2023 to explore shifts in nearshore surface microbial communities and assess the long-term effects of environmental stressors. This study presents comprehensive amplicon, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic information. We identified 3,600 amplicon sequence variants and recovered 1,216 high-quality metagenome-assembled MAGs, representing 17 bacterial and 3 archaeal phyla. Additionally, 587 MAGs were correlated with transcriptional activity, comprising 539 bacterial and 48 archaeal populations. This dataset is anticipated to provide a multi-dimensional perspective, enhancing our understanding of the complexity, dynamics, and adaptability of microbial communities in coastal environments.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
China
*Microbiota
*Archaea/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
*Bays
Seawater/microbiology
Metagenome
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-03-05
Comparative population pangenomes reveal unexpected complexity and fitness effects of structural variants.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology.
Structural variants (SVs) are widespread in vertebrate genomes, yet their evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. Using 45 long-read de novo genome assemblies and pangenome tools, we analyze SVs within three closely related species of North American jays (Aphelocoma, scrub-jays) displaying a 60-fold range in effective population size. We find rapid evolution of genome architecture, including ~100 Mb variation in genome size driven by dynamic satellite landscapes with unexpectedly long (> 10 kb) repeat units and widespread variation in gene content, influencing gene expression. SVs exhibit slightly deleterious dynamics modulated by variant length and population size, with strong evidence of adaptive fixation only in large populations. Our results demonstrate how population size shapes the distribution of SVs and the importance of pangenomes to characterizing genomic diversity.
Additional Links: PMID-39990470
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39990470,
year = {2025},
author = {Edwards, SV and Fang, B and Khost, D and Kolyfetis, GE and Cheek, RG and DeRaad, DA and Chen, N and Fitzpatrick, JW and McCormack, JE and Funk, WC and Ghalambor, CK and Garrison, E and Guarracino, A and Li, H and Sackton, TB},
title = {Comparative population pangenomes reveal unexpected complexity and fitness effects of structural variants.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39990470},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 GM123489/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG011485/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 DA047638/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Structural variants (SVs) are widespread in vertebrate genomes, yet their evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. Using 45 long-read de novo genome assemblies and pangenome tools, we analyze SVs within three closely related species of North American jays (Aphelocoma, scrub-jays) displaying a 60-fold range in effective population size. We find rapid evolution of genome architecture, including ~100 Mb variation in genome size driven by dynamic satellite landscapes with unexpectedly long (> 10 kb) repeat units and widespread variation in gene content, influencing gene expression. SVs exhibit slightly deleterious dynamics modulated by variant length and population size, with strong evidence of adaptive fixation only in large populations. Our results demonstrate how population size shapes the distribution of SVs and the importance of pangenomes to characterizing genomic diversity.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-04
Analysis of changes in temperature and precipitation in South American countries and ecoregions: Comparison between reference conditions and three representative concentration pathways for 2050.
Heliyon, 11(4):e42459.
Climate change is a global concern, and its impact on environmental variables such as temperature and annual precipitation is unknown spatially in the desert, andes, and rainforest ecoregions of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. In this study, we conducted a general review of climate drivers for South America (SA) and explored climate data using the GCM compareR package (General Circulation Models) and average ensembles for temperature and precipitation. Our results showed that all GCMs demonstrated increases in the annual mean temperature (BIO1) and in the mean temperature of the driest quarter (BIO9) for Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia for 2050 in three RCPs (2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). Also, most of the GCMs showed increases in the annual precipitation (BIO12) and the precipitation in the driest quarter (BIO17). We conducted non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis Test) to assess if the medians of temperature and precipitation in the three ecoregions are equal for both the baseline and the climate change scenarios. We rejected the null hypothesis that the medians are equal for both temperatures and precipitation in the baseline vs. 2050 RCPs (2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). A spatial analysis was conducted to visualize the variations in temperature and precipitation between the RCPs versus the baseline, and the spatial variation at the country or ecoregion level can be observed. The annual mean temperature (°C) or annual precipitation (mm) divided by its standard deviation for each ecoregion (M metric) was analyzed to see how much the average temperature or the annual precipitation is relatively large compared to the variability or dispersion of temperatures or precipitation respectively; the average temperature and the annual precipitation for the baseline and the three RCPs are relatively large and associated with the variability or dispersion of their temperatures in the Napo moist forest compared to the other ecoregions. Our study provides important insights into the potential impacts of climate change on these ecosystems. Prospects in the Napo moist forest ecoregion, where significant changes in temperature and humidity have already occurred, and new species have invaded or evolved in the western Amazon rainforest, are particularly highlighted and reflected in terms of risk mitigation, ecosystem restoration, surveillance, and monitoring.
Additional Links: PMID-40034275
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40034275,
year = {2025},
author = {Veneros, J and Hansen, AJ and Jantz, P and Roberts, D and Noguera-Urbano, E and GarcÃa, L},
title = {Analysis of changes in temperature and precipitation in South American countries and ecoregions: Comparison between reference conditions and three representative concentration pathways for 2050.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e42459},
pmid = {40034275},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Climate change is a global concern, and its impact on environmental variables such as temperature and annual precipitation is unknown spatially in the desert, andes, and rainforest ecoregions of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. In this study, we conducted a general review of climate drivers for South America (SA) and explored climate data using the GCM compareR package (General Circulation Models) and average ensembles for temperature and precipitation. Our results showed that all GCMs demonstrated increases in the annual mean temperature (BIO1) and in the mean temperature of the driest quarter (BIO9) for Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia for 2050 in three RCPs (2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). Also, most of the GCMs showed increases in the annual precipitation (BIO12) and the precipitation in the driest quarter (BIO17). We conducted non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis Test) to assess if the medians of temperature and precipitation in the three ecoregions are equal for both the baseline and the climate change scenarios. We rejected the null hypothesis that the medians are equal for both temperatures and precipitation in the baseline vs. 2050 RCPs (2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). A spatial analysis was conducted to visualize the variations in temperature and precipitation between the RCPs versus the baseline, and the spatial variation at the country or ecoregion level can be observed. The annual mean temperature (°C) or annual precipitation (mm) divided by its standard deviation for each ecoregion (M metric) was analyzed to see how much the average temperature or the annual precipitation is relatively large compared to the variability or dispersion of temperatures or precipitation respectively; the average temperature and the annual precipitation for the baseline and the three RCPs are relatively large and associated with the variability or dispersion of their temperatures in the Napo moist forest compared to the other ecoregions. Our study provides important insights into the potential impacts of climate change on these ecosystems. Prospects in the Napo moist forest ecoregion, where significant changes in temperature and humidity have already occurred, and new species have invaded or evolved in the western Amazon rainforest, are particularly highlighted and reflected in terms of risk mitigation, ecosystem restoration, surveillance, and monitoring.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-04
CmpDate: 2025-03-04
PROCEED v6.1: Phenotypic rates of change evolutionary and ecological database.
Ecology, 106(3):e70009.
Populations must continuously respond to environmental change or risk extinction. These responses can be measured as phenotypic rates of change, which allow researchers to predict their contemporary evolutionary responses. In 1999, a database of phenotypic rates of change in wild populations was compiled. Since then, researchers have used (and expanded) this database to examine the phenotypic responses as a function of the features of the study system (i.e., the population or set of populations, of a given species, that experienced a specific driver or disturbance), the measured traits, and methodological approaches. Therefore, PROCEED (Phenotypic Rates of Change Evolutionary and Ecological Database) is an ongoing compilation of rates of phenotypic change, typically calculated as Haldanes and Darwins, published in peer-reviewed literature (but also including data from theses and technical reports). Studies in this database measure the intraspecific change in quantitative (continuous or discrete) traits and report either the time elapsed from the onset of environmental novelty, or reference a historical or biological event reported in other sources (e.g., a mine opening or a well-documented biological invasion). Included studies either follow a single population through time (allochronic design) or compare two or more populations that diverged at a known time (synchronic design). Some included studies account for the total phenotypic variability in the field (i.e., phenotypic studies), while others employed common-garden or other quantitative genetic approaches to account for the heritable component of the phenotypic change (i.e., genetic studies). PROCEED includes systems in both natural and experimental conditions, provided that reproduction was not manipulated (i.e., artificial selection experiments were excluded). In the included experimental systems, the environment of the focal populations was manipulated (e.g., an herbivory exclusion experiment, where the type and load of herbivory are manipulated) but the studies did not deliberately select for trait values in the study population (e.g., the plant height). PROCEED does not include systems where the phenotypic change is presumably due to interspecific hybridization, polyploidy, or other chromosomal alterations. Here, we present the most recently updated PROCEED (Version 6.1). This new, curated version has 9263 records (n) collated from 326 studies, 1801 systems, and 428 species. The database includes records belonging to mammals (n = 686), birds (n = 1475), reptiles (n = 96), amphibians (n = 23), fishes (n = 3671), invertebrates (n = 1141, mostly arthropods), and plants (n = 2171). The maximum elapsed time between the environmental change and the sampling is 500 years but is typically less than 100 years (third quartile 89.5; median 45 years). The database also includes a set of variables describing biological and methodological aspects of the study system and measured traits, along with features of the sampling design in the primary source of information. This new version of PROCEED also includes a time series dataset comprising a subset of records included in the general dataset. These are allochronic studies with three or more sampling times throughout the entire study period. The time series dataset contains 655 time series (s)-belonging to 61 studies, from 156 systems, and 77 species-including mammals (s = 140), birds (s = 77), reptiles (s = 4), amphibians (s = 8), fishes (s = 404), and plants (s = 22). The data are released under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license.
Additional Links: PMID-40033715
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40033715,
year = {2025},
author = {Gorné, LD and Hendry, AP and Pelletier, F and Sanderson, S and Correa, C and Arias, C and Beausoleil, MO and Boisjoly, M and Crispo, E and Berner, D and De León, LF and DiBattista, JD and Haines, GE and Haller, BC and Kinnison, MT and Muttalib, S and McKellar, AE and O'Dea, RE and Reyes-Corral, WD and Ritchot, Y and Oke, KB and Wood, ZT and Farrugia, T and Gotanda, KM},
title = {PROCEED v6.1: Phenotypic rates of change evolutionary and ecological database.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70009},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70009},
pmid = {40033715},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Le Fonds Québécois de la Recherche sur la Nature et les Technologies/ ; //McGill University/ ; //National Science Foundation/ ; //Brock University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Animals ; *Phenotype ; *Databases, Factual ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Populations must continuously respond to environmental change or risk extinction. These responses can be measured as phenotypic rates of change, which allow researchers to predict their contemporary evolutionary responses. In 1999, a database of phenotypic rates of change in wild populations was compiled. Since then, researchers have used (and expanded) this database to examine the phenotypic responses as a function of the features of the study system (i.e., the population or set of populations, of a given species, that experienced a specific driver or disturbance), the measured traits, and methodological approaches. Therefore, PROCEED (Phenotypic Rates of Change Evolutionary and Ecological Database) is an ongoing compilation of rates of phenotypic change, typically calculated as Haldanes and Darwins, published in peer-reviewed literature (but also including data from theses and technical reports). Studies in this database measure the intraspecific change in quantitative (continuous or discrete) traits and report either the time elapsed from the onset of environmental novelty, or reference a historical or biological event reported in other sources (e.g., a mine opening or a well-documented biological invasion). Included studies either follow a single population through time (allochronic design) or compare two or more populations that diverged at a known time (synchronic design). Some included studies account for the total phenotypic variability in the field (i.e., phenotypic studies), while others employed common-garden or other quantitative genetic approaches to account for the heritable component of the phenotypic change (i.e., genetic studies). PROCEED includes systems in both natural and experimental conditions, provided that reproduction was not manipulated (i.e., artificial selection experiments were excluded). In the included experimental systems, the environment of the focal populations was manipulated (e.g., an herbivory exclusion experiment, where the type and load of herbivory are manipulated) but the studies did not deliberately select for trait values in the study population (e.g., the plant height). PROCEED does not include systems where the phenotypic change is presumably due to interspecific hybridization, polyploidy, or other chromosomal alterations. Here, we present the most recently updated PROCEED (Version 6.1). This new, curated version has 9263 records (n) collated from 326 studies, 1801 systems, and 428 species. The database includes records belonging to mammals (n = 686), birds (n = 1475), reptiles (n = 96), amphibians (n = 23), fishes (n = 3671), invertebrates (n = 1141, mostly arthropods), and plants (n = 2171). The maximum elapsed time between the environmental change and the sampling is 500 years but is typically less than 100 years (third quartile 89.5; median 45 years). The database also includes a set of variables describing biological and methodological aspects of the study system and measured traits, along with features of the sampling design in the primary source of information. This new version of PROCEED also includes a time series dataset comprising a subset of records included in the general dataset. These are allochronic studies with three or more sampling times throughout the entire study period. The time series dataset contains 655 time series (s)-belonging to 61 studies, from 156 systems, and 77 species-including mammals (s = 140), birds (s = 77), reptiles (s = 4), amphibians (s = 8), fishes (s = 404), and plants (s = 22). The data are released under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biological Evolution
Animals
*Phenotype
*Databases, Factual
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-03-04
CmpDate: 2025-03-03
MOTHER-DB: A Database for Sharing Nonhuman Ovarian Histology Images.
IEEE/ACM transactions on computational biology and bioinformatics, 21(6):2598-2603.
The goal of the Multispecies Ovary Tissue Histology Electronic Repository (MOTHER) project is to establish a collection of nonhuman ovary histology images for multiple species as a resource for researchers and educators. An important component of sharing scientific data is the inclusion of the contextual metadata that describes the data. MOTHER extends the Ecological Metadata Language (EML) for documenting research data, leveraging its data provenance and usage license with the inclusion of metadata for ovary histology images. The design of the MOTHER metadata includes information on the donor animal, including reproductive cycle status, the slide and its preparation. MOTHER also extends the ezEML tool, called ezEML+MOTHER, for the specification of the metadata. The design of the MOTHER database (MOTHER-DB) captures the metadata about the histology images, providing a searchable resource for discovering relevant images. MOTHER also defines a curation process for the ingestion of a collection of images and its metadata, verifying the validity of the metadata before its inclusion in the MOTHER collection. A Web search provides the ability to identify relevant images based on various characteristics in the metadata itself, such as genus and species, using filters.
Additional Links: PMID-38995706
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38995706,
year = {2024},
author = {Dietrich, SW and Ma, W and Ding, Y and Watanabe, KH and Zelinski, MB and Sluka, JP},
title = {MOTHER-DB: A Database for Sharing Nonhuman Ovarian Histology Images.},
journal = {IEEE/ACM transactions on computational biology and bioinformatics},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {2598-2603},
pmid = {38995706},
issn = {1557-9964},
support = {P51 OD011092/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Female ; *Databases, Factual ; *Ovary/pathology ; Animals ; Metadata ; Information Dissemination/methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {The goal of the Multispecies Ovary Tissue Histology Electronic Repository (MOTHER) project is to establish a collection of nonhuman ovary histology images for multiple species as a resource for researchers and educators. An important component of sharing scientific data is the inclusion of the contextual metadata that describes the data. MOTHER extends the Ecological Metadata Language (EML) for documenting research data, leveraging its data provenance and usage license with the inclusion of metadata for ovary histology images. The design of the MOTHER metadata includes information on the donor animal, including reproductive cycle status, the slide and its preparation. MOTHER also extends the ezEML tool, called ezEML+MOTHER, for the specification of the metadata. The design of the MOTHER database (MOTHER-DB) captures the metadata about the histology images, providing a searchable resource for discovering relevant images. MOTHER also defines a curation process for the ingestion of a collection of images and its metadata, verifying the validity of the metadata before its inclusion in the MOTHER collection. A Web search provides the ability to identify relevant images based on various characteristics in the metadata itself, such as genus and species, using filters.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Female
*Databases, Factual
*Ovary/pathology
Animals
Metadata
Information Dissemination/methods
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods
Computational Biology/methods
RevDate: 2025-03-03
CmpDate: 2025-03-03
The NAE1-mediated neddylation operates as an essential post-translational modification checkpoint for effector CD8[+] T cells.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 122(10):e2424061122.
Optimal activation of CD8+ T cells is crucial for immunity-mediated destruction of cancer, requiring a substantial amount of proteins involved in metabolism, proliferation, and effector function. Despite extensive studies emphasizing the role of transcriptional regulation in this process, paired transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal that the RNA profile is poorly correlated with protein levels. This discrepancy underscores the importance of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in controlling protein abundance during activation. However, the impact of PTMs on the CD8+ T cell protein dynamic remains underexplored. We identify that neddylation, a recently discovered PTM, is activated in response to T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and enriched in effector CD8+ T cells from colon cancer patients. Mechanistically, we found the rate-limiting enzyme of neddylation, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 activating enzyme E1 (NAE1), is induced by the NFATc1, a critical transcription factor downstream of TCR signaling. Our observation revealed that genetic ablation of NAE1 significantly disturbed the proteomic landscape related to activation and mitochondrial function. As a result, CD8+ T cells lacking NAE1 exhibited severely compromised activation, proliferation, and survival, which was accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function. Consistently, deletion of NAE1 in CD8+ T cells abolished their antitumor function and promoted tumor progression. By contrast, the overexpression of NAE1 significantly improved the function of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Overall, we uncovered neddylation, a previously underappreciated PTM, as a proteomic checkpoint for CD8+ T cell activation. Enforced expression of NAE1 offers promising therapeutic potential for boosting the antitumor CD8+ T cell responses.
Additional Links: PMID-40030035
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40030035,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, J and Zhang, R and Li, J and Gao, F and Liao, Z and Yu, Y and Wang, Y and Bucci, D and Xiao, M and Ma, R and Ma, Q and Gao, S and Lio, J and Novais, F and Huang, SC and Zhu, J and Ghoneim, H and Wen, H and Li, Z and Sun, N and Xin, G},
title = {The NAE1-mediated neddylation operates as an essential post-translational modification checkpoint for effector CD8[+] T cells.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {10},
pages = {e2424061122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2424061122},
pmid = {40030035},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {1R01CA269984//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; CCR231013713//Susan G. Komen (SGK)/ ; RSG-23-1036499-01//American Cancer Society (ACS)/ ; },
mesh = {*CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism ; Humans ; *Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Animals ; Mice ; *NEDD8 Protein/metabolism/genetics ; Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes/metabolism/genetics ; NFATC Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism ; Colonic Neoplasms/immunology/metabolism/genetics/pathology ; Signal Transduction ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {Optimal activation of CD8+ T cells is crucial for immunity-mediated destruction of cancer, requiring a substantial amount of proteins involved in metabolism, proliferation, and effector function. Despite extensive studies emphasizing the role of transcriptional regulation in this process, paired transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal that the RNA profile is poorly correlated with protein levels. This discrepancy underscores the importance of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in controlling protein abundance during activation. However, the impact of PTMs on the CD8+ T cell protein dynamic remains underexplored. We identify that neddylation, a recently discovered PTM, is activated in response to T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and enriched in effector CD8+ T cells from colon cancer patients. Mechanistically, we found the rate-limiting enzyme of neddylation, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 activating enzyme E1 (NAE1), is induced by the NFATc1, a critical transcription factor downstream of TCR signaling. Our observation revealed that genetic ablation of NAE1 significantly disturbed the proteomic landscape related to activation and mitochondrial function. As a result, CD8+ T cells lacking NAE1 exhibited severely compromised activation, proliferation, and survival, which was accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function. Consistently, deletion of NAE1 in CD8+ T cells abolished their antitumor function and promoted tumor progression. By contrast, the overexpression of NAE1 significantly improved the function of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Overall, we uncovered neddylation, a previously underappreciated PTM, as a proteomic checkpoint for CD8+ T cell activation. Enforced expression of NAE1 offers promising therapeutic potential for boosting the antitumor CD8+ T cell responses.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism
Humans
*Protein Processing, Post-Translational
Animals
Mice
*NEDD8 Protein/metabolism/genetics
Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes/metabolism/genetics
NFATC Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
Lymphocyte Activation
Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
Colonic Neoplasms/immunology/metabolism/genetics/pathology
Signal Transduction
Mice, Inbred C57BL
RevDate: 2025-03-03
CmpDate: 2025-03-03
Ecological suitability distribution of hop based on MaxEnt modeling.
Environmental monitoring and assessment, 197(4):346.
Hop has been widely utilized in both food production and traditional medicine owing to their distinctive flavor and various pharmacological effects. In recent years, the increasing demand for hop has led to their cultivation in many regions across China. However, hops require specific ecological conditions, including climate, soil, precipitation, and temperature, which significantly affect their distribution and growth. To facilitate the standardization and scientific cultivation of hops, it is essential to clarify the distribution of their ecological suitability. In this study, we collected data from 95 hops distribution locations and 115 ecological factors to determine the areas suitable for hops cultivation using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and Geographic Information System (GIS). The highly suitable areas are primarily located in the northwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the eastern part of Gansu Province, Shaanxi Province, the southwestern part of Shanxi Province, and parts of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province. These findings provide valuable guidance for the scientific cultivation of hops, ensuring the efficient use of ecological resources and promoting sustainable cultivation practices.
Additional Links: PMID-40029426
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40029426,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Wang, Q and Gao, H and Qi, Q and He, W and Li, J and Yao, S and Li, W},
title = {Ecological suitability distribution of hop based on MaxEnt modeling.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {4},
pages = {346},
pmid = {40029426},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {China ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Humulus/growth & development ; *Ecosystem ; Geographic Information Systems ; Climate ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Hop has been widely utilized in both food production and traditional medicine owing to their distinctive flavor and various pharmacological effects. In recent years, the increasing demand for hop has led to their cultivation in many regions across China. However, hops require specific ecological conditions, including climate, soil, precipitation, and temperature, which significantly affect their distribution and growth. To facilitate the standardization and scientific cultivation of hops, it is essential to clarify the distribution of their ecological suitability. In this study, we collected data from 95 hops distribution locations and 115 ecological factors to determine the areas suitable for hops cultivation using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and Geographic Information System (GIS). The highly suitable areas are primarily located in the northwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the eastern part of Gansu Province, Shaanxi Province, the southwestern part of Shanxi Province, and parts of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province. These findings provide valuable guidance for the scientific cultivation of hops, ensuring the efficient use of ecological resources and promoting sustainable cultivation practices.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
China
*Environmental Monitoring
*Humulus/growth & development
*Ecosystem
Geographic Information Systems
Climate
Soil/chemistry
RevDate: 2025-03-03
CmpDate: 2025-03-03
Estimating Spatially Explicit Survival and Mortality Risk From Telemetry Data With Thinned Point Process Models.
Ecology letters, 28(3):e70092.
Mortality risk for animals often varies spatially and can be linked to how animals use landscapes. While numerous studies collect telemetry data on animals, the focus is typically on the period when animals are alive, even though there is important information that could be gleaned about mortality risk. We introduce a thinned spatial point process (SPP) modelling framework that couples relative abundance and space use with a mortality process to formally treat the occurrence of mortality events across the landscape as a spatial process. We show how this model can be embedded in a hierarchical statistical framework and fit to telemetry data to make inferences about how spatial covariates drive both space use and mortality risk. We apply the method to two data sets to study the effects of roads and habitat on spatially explicit mortality risk: (1) VHF telemetry data collected for willow ptarmigan in Alaska, and (2) hourly GPS telemetry data collected for black bears in Colorado. These case studies demonstrate the applicability of this method for different species and data types, making it broadly useful in enabling inferences about the mechanisms influencing animal survival and spatial population processes while formally treating survival as a spatial process, especially as the development and implementation of joint analyses continue to progress.
Additional Links: PMID-40028932
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40028932,
year = {2025},
author = {Eisaguirre, JM and Lohman, MG and Frye, GG and Johnson, HE and Riecke, TV and Williams, PJ},
title = {Estimating Spatially Explicit Survival and Mortality Risk From Telemetry Data With Thinned Point Process Models.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {e70092},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70092},
pmid = {40028932},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; //National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; //Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Telemetry ; Alaska ; Ecosystem ; Models, Biological ; Mortality ; Geographic Information Systems ; },
abstract = {Mortality risk for animals often varies spatially and can be linked to how animals use landscapes. While numerous studies collect telemetry data on animals, the focus is typically on the period when animals are alive, even though there is important information that could be gleaned about mortality risk. We introduce a thinned spatial point process (SPP) modelling framework that couples relative abundance and space use with a mortality process to formally treat the occurrence of mortality events across the landscape as a spatial process. We show how this model can be embedded in a hierarchical statistical framework and fit to telemetry data to make inferences about how spatial covariates drive both space use and mortality risk. We apply the method to two data sets to study the effects of roads and habitat on spatially explicit mortality risk: (1) VHF telemetry data collected for willow ptarmigan in Alaska, and (2) hourly GPS telemetry data collected for black bears in Colorado. These case studies demonstrate the applicability of this method for different species and data types, making it broadly useful in enabling inferences about the mechanisms influencing animal survival and spatial population processes while formally treating survival as a spatial process, especially as the development and implementation of joint analyses continue to progress.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Telemetry
Alaska
Ecosystem
Models, Biological
Mortality
Geographic Information Systems
RevDate: 2025-03-03
CmpDate: 2025-03-03
NeoFrugivory: A comprehensive database for frugivory interactions and functional traits in the Neotropics.
Ecology, 106(3):e70049.
Frugivory plays a crucial role in shaping Neotropical ecosystems, influencing plant dispersal, community dynamics, and ecosystem function. Despite its ecological significance, a systematic understanding of frugivore-fruit interactions spanning the entire Neotropical realm has been lacking. Therefore, we compiled the NeoFrugivory database, which addresses this gap by synthesizing data from a wide range of sources, including peer-reviewed literature, field studies, and existing databases. NeoFrugivory represents a comprehensive compilation of 10,175 unique frugivory interactions across the Neotropical region, the most diverse in terms of vertebrate frugivores, and consolidates information from 419 studies spanning from 1967 to 2023. It includes 2375 plant species and 758 terrestrial vertebrate species. In addition to documenting frugivory interactions, NeoFrugivory includes information on functional traits for both plants and vertebrates, such as body mass, diet, fruit morphology, and seed characteristics. The database encompasses diverse terrestrial vertebrate taxa, including species belonging to taxonomic groups such as Primates, Chiroptera, Birds, Artiodactyla/Perissodactyla, Reptilia, Carnivora, Marsupialia, and Rodentia. By providing a centralized repository of frugivory interactions, NeoFrugivory facilitates comprehensive analyses of ecological networks, evolutionary patterns, and ecosystem dynamics across the Neotropics, and NeoFrugivory provides a unique resource for researchers interested in exploring the intricate dynamics of plant-animal frugivory interactions in the Neotropics. This database enables researchers to explore the ecological roles of different frugivore taxa, identify keystone species, assess the resilience of mutualistic networks, and evaluate the impacts of environmental change on fruit-frugivore interactions. Furthermore, NeoFrugivory serves as a valuable resource for conservation practitioners, supporting the design and implementation of targeted conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Neotropical region. Overall, NeoFrugivory represents a significant advancement in our understanding of frugivory dynamics in the Neotropics and provides a foundation for future research and conservation efforts in this ecologically diverse and critically important region. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; this paper should be cited when data are used in publications.
Additional Links: PMID-40028774
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40028774,
year = {2025},
author = {Fuzessy, L and Pizo, MA},
title = {NeoFrugivory: A comprehensive database for frugivory interactions and functional traits in the Neotropics.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70049},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70049},
pmid = {40028774},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2023/12469-5//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 21/02943-6//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 151167/2023-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 304742/2019-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fruit/physiology ; Vertebrates/physiology ; Databases, Factual ; Tropical Climate ; Plants/classification ; Feeding Behavior ; Herbivory ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Frugivory plays a crucial role in shaping Neotropical ecosystems, influencing plant dispersal, community dynamics, and ecosystem function. Despite its ecological significance, a systematic understanding of frugivore-fruit interactions spanning the entire Neotropical realm has been lacking. Therefore, we compiled the NeoFrugivory database, which addresses this gap by synthesizing data from a wide range of sources, including peer-reviewed literature, field studies, and existing databases. NeoFrugivory represents a comprehensive compilation of 10,175 unique frugivory interactions across the Neotropical region, the most diverse in terms of vertebrate frugivores, and consolidates information from 419 studies spanning from 1967 to 2023. It includes 2375 plant species and 758 terrestrial vertebrate species. In addition to documenting frugivory interactions, NeoFrugivory includes information on functional traits for both plants and vertebrates, such as body mass, diet, fruit morphology, and seed characteristics. The database encompasses diverse terrestrial vertebrate taxa, including species belonging to taxonomic groups such as Primates, Chiroptera, Birds, Artiodactyla/Perissodactyla, Reptilia, Carnivora, Marsupialia, and Rodentia. By providing a centralized repository of frugivory interactions, NeoFrugivory facilitates comprehensive analyses of ecological networks, evolutionary patterns, and ecosystem dynamics across the Neotropics, and NeoFrugivory provides a unique resource for researchers interested in exploring the intricate dynamics of plant-animal frugivory interactions in the Neotropics. This database enables researchers to explore the ecological roles of different frugivore taxa, identify keystone species, assess the resilience of mutualistic networks, and evaluate the impacts of environmental change on fruit-frugivore interactions. Furthermore, NeoFrugivory serves as a valuable resource for conservation practitioners, supporting the design and implementation of targeted conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Neotropical region. Overall, NeoFrugivory represents a significant advancement in our understanding of frugivory dynamics in the Neotropics and provides a foundation for future research and conservation efforts in this ecologically diverse and critically important region. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; this paper should be cited when data are used in publications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Fruit/physiology
Vertebrates/physiology
Databases, Factual
Tropical Climate
Plants/classification
Feeding Behavior
Herbivory
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-03-03
EasyMetagenome: A user-friendly and flexible pipeline for shotgun metagenomic analysis in microbiome research.
iMeta, 4(1):e70001.
Shotgun metagenomics has become a pivotal technology in microbiome research, enabling in-depth analysis of microbial communities at both the high-resolution taxonomic and functional levels. This approach provides valuable insights of microbial diversity, interactions, and their roles in health and disease. However, the complexity of data processing and the need for reproducibility pose significant challenges to researchers. To address these challenges, we developed EasyMetagenome, a user-friendly pipeline that supports multiple analysis methods, including quality control and host removal, read-based, assembly-based, and binning, along with advanced genome analysis. The pipeline also features customizable settings, comprehensive data visualizations, and detailed parameter explanations, ensuring its adaptability across a wide range of data scenarios. Looking forward, we aim to refine the pipeline by addressing host contamination issues, optimizing workflows for third-generation sequencing data, and integrating emerging technologies like deep learning and network analysis, to further enhance microbiome insights and data accuracy. EasyMetageonome is freely available at https://github.com/YongxinLiu/EasyMetagenome.
Additional Links: PMID-40027489
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40027489,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, D and Chen, T and Xun, J and Ma, C and Luo, H and Yang, H and Cao, C and Cao, X and Cui, J and Deng, YP and Deng, Z and Dong, W and Dong, W and Du, J and Fang, Q and Fang, W and Fang, Y and Fu, F and Fu, M and Fu, YT and Gao, H and Ge, J and Gong, Q and Gu, L and Guo, P and Guo, Y and Hai, T and Liu, H and He, J and He, ZY and Hou, H and Huang, C and Ji, S and Jiang, C and Jiang, GL and Jiang, L and Jin, LN and Kan, Y and Kang, D and Kou, J and Lam, KL and Li, C and Li, C and Li, F and Li, L and Li, M and Li, X and Li, Y and Li, ZT and Liang, J and Lin, Y and Liu, C and Liu, D and Liu, F and Liu, J and Liu, T and Liu, T and Liu, X and Liu, Y and Liu, B and Liu, M and Lou, W and Luan, Y and Luo, Y and Lv, H and Ma, T and Mai, Z and Mo, J and Niu, D and Pan, Z and Qi, H and Shi, Z and Song, C and Sun, F and Sun, Y and Tian, S and Wan, X and Wang, G and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, J and Wang, J and Wang, K and Wang, L and Wang, SK and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Xiao, Z and Xing, H and Xu, Y and Yan, SY and Yang, L and Yang, S and Yang, Y and Yao, X and Yousuf, S and Yu, H and Lei, Y and Yuan, Z and Zeng, M and Zhang, C and Zhang, C and Zhang, H and Zhang, J and Zhang, N and Zhang, T and Zhang, YB and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhou, M and Zhou, Y and Zhu, C and Zhu, L and Zhu, Y and Zhu, Z and Zou, H and Zuo, A and Dong, W and Wen, T and Chen, S and Li, G and Gao, Y and Liu, YX},
title = {EasyMetagenome: A user-friendly and flexible pipeline for shotgun metagenomic analysis in microbiome research.},
journal = {iMeta},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {e70001},
pmid = {40027489},
issn = {2770-596X},
abstract = {Shotgun metagenomics has become a pivotal technology in microbiome research, enabling in-depth analysis of microbial communities at both the high-resolution taxonomic and functional levels. This approach provides valuable insights of microbial diversity, interactions, and their roles in health and disease. However, the complexity of data processing and the need for reproducibility pose significant challenges to researchers. To address these challenges, we developed EasyMetagenome, a user-friendly pipeline that supports multiple analysis methods, including quality control and host removal, read-based, assembly-based, and binning, along with advanced genome analysis. The pipeline also features customizable settings, comprehensive data visualizations, and detailed parameter explanations, ensuring its adaptability across a wide range of data scenarios. Looking forward, we aim to refine the pipeline by addressing host contamination issues, optimizing workflows for third-generation sequencing data, and integrating emerging technologies like deep learning and network analysis, to further enhance microbiome insights and data accuracy. EasyMetageonome is freely available at https://github.com/YongxinLiu/EasyMetagenome.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-01
Contamination by benzothiazoles in the Arctic: first evidence in the seawater of the Greenland Sea.
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) pii:S0269-7491(25)00316-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Benzothiazoles (BTHs), used in industrial chemistry, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals, are emerging contaminants due to their environmental presence and toxicological risks to aquatic life and human health. However, their environmental fate in seawater remains poorly investigated. This study reports for the first time the occurrence and distribution of six BTHs in the sub-Arctic seawater of the Greenland Sea. Using solid-phase extraction combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, total BTHs were detected at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1043 ng L[-1]. Benzothiazole, 2-hydroxy-benzothiazole, 2-methylthio-benzothiazole, and 2-methyl-benzothiazole exhibited higher mean concentrations (355 ± 335, 114 ± 80, 34 ± 7, 15 ± 8 ng L[-1], respectively) compared to 2-thiocyanomethylthio-benzothiazole (0.5 ± 0.9 ng L[-1]) and 2-amino-benzothiazole (0.3 ± 0.2 ng L[-1]). Local emissions and both short- and long-range transport may account for BTHs presence in the Greenland Sea. The spatial distribution of BTHs along the 75° N transect and in the water column appears influenced by the Greenland Sea Gyre circulation and deep convection processes. Total BTHs distribution showed no significant differences between superficial and water column concentrations or between the outermost and innermost transect zones, as determined by the Mann-Whitney test, although concentrations were generally higher in the zone influenced by the Norwegian Atlantic Current. The ecological risks of BTHs, assessed using the risk quotient methodology, indicate a low threat to aquatic life. This research underscores the need for monitoring BTHs in the Arctic to understand their sources, transport, and environmental fate, providing a foundation for future studies.
Additional Links: PMID-40023237
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40023237,
year = {2025},
author = {Munteanu, A and Bortolini, M and Feltracco, M and Alterio, A and Cairns, WRL and Turetta, C and Barbaro, E and Barbante, C and Gambaro, A and Azzaro, M},
title = {Contamination by benzothiazoles in the Arctic: first evidence in the seawater of the Greenland Sea.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125943},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125943},
pmid = {40023237},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Benzothiazoles (BTHs), used in industrial chemistry, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals, are emerging contaminants due to their environmental presence and toxicological risks to aquatic life and human health. However, their environmental fate in seawater remains poorly investigated. This study reports for the first time the occurrence and distribution of six BTHs in the sub-Arctic seawater of the Greenland Sea. Using solid-phase extraction combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, total BTHs were detected at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1043 ng L[-1]. Benzothiazole, 2-hydroxy-benzothiazole, 2-methylthio-benzothiazole, and 2-methyl-benzothiazole exhibited higher mean concentrations (355 ± 335, 114 ± 80, 34 ± 7, 15 ± 8 ng L[-1], respectively) compared to 2-thiocyanomethylthio-benzothiazole (0.5 ± 0.9 ng L[-1]) and 2-amino-benzothiazole (0.3 ± 0.2 ng L[-1]). Local emissions and both short- and long-range transport may account for BTHs presence in the Greenland Sea. The spatial distribution of BTHs along the 75° N transect and in the water column appears influenced by the Greenland Sea Gyre circulation and deep convection processes. Total BTHs distribution showed no significant differences between superficial and water column concentrations or between the outermost and innermost transect zones, as determined by the Mann-Whitney test, although concentrations were generally higher in the zone influenced by the Norwegian Atlantic Current. The ecological risks of BTHs, assessed using the risk quotient methodology, indicate a low threat to aquatic life. This research underscores the need for monitoring BTHs in the Arctic to understand their sources, transport, and environmental fate, providing a foundation for future studies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-01
High-precision inversion of urban river water quality via integration of riparian spatial structures and river spectral signatures.
Water research, 278:123378 pii:S0043-1354(25)00291-X [Epub ahead of print].
With the ongoing process of urbanization, it poses challenges to the monitoring of water quality in urban rivers. The mainstream methods for remote sensing water quality monitoring rely on the optical characteristics of water to achieve water quality inversion, while overlooking the correlation between water quality and riparian zones. The spatial arrangement and scale fluctuation of the riparian zones exert a substantial influence on water quality as it serves as an intermediary region connecting riverine and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, this study firstly employed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne multispectral remote sensing technology to capture the subtle variations in urban river water quality and obtain detailed spatial information of the riparian zone. The Liang-Kleeman information flow was subsequently employed to quantitatively assess the causal responses of the spatial composition of riparian zone to water quality parameters across various spatial scales. Finally, we developed a hierarchical ensemble learning model for water quality assessment by integrating the spatial characteristics of the riparian zone with the spectral properties of the water body. The result demonstrates that this model accurately delineated water quality grades for three key parameters: ammonia nitrogen (NH3N), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus (TP), achieving accuracies of 94.87 %, 92.31 %, and 89.74 %, respectively. Our study presents a water quality inversion method for urban rivers, which holds significant guidance for the monitoring and management of urban rivers and contributes to further promoting the sustainable development of cities.
Additional Links: PMID-40022802
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40022802,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H and Liu, C and Li, L and Kong, Y and Akbar, A and Zhou, X},
title = {High-precision inversion of urban river water quality via integration of riparian spatial structures and river spectral signatures.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {278},
number = {},
pages = {123378},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123378},
pmid = {40022802},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {With the ongoing process of urbanization, it poses challenges to the monitoring of water quality in urban rivers. The mainstream methods for remote sensing water quality monitoring rely on the optical characteristics of water to achieve water quality inversion, while overlooking the correlation between water quality and riparian zones. The spatial arrangement and scale fluctuation of the riparian zones exert a substantial influence on water quality as it serves as an intermediary region connecting riverine and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, this study firstly employed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne multispectral remote sensing technology to capture the subtle variations in urban river water quality and obtain detailed spatial information of the riparian zone. The Liang-Kleeman information flow was subsequently employed to quantitatively assess the causal responses of the spatial composition of riparian zone to water quality parameters across various spatial scales. Finally, we developed a hierarchical ensemble learning model for water quality assessment by integrating the spatial characteristics of the riparian zone with the spectral properties of the water body. The result demonstrates that this model accurately delineated water quality grades for three key parameters: ammonia nitrogen (NH3N), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus (TP), achieving accuracies of 94.87 %, 92.31 %, and 89.74 %, respectively. Our study presents a water quality inversion method for urban rivers, which holds significant guidance for the monitoring and management of urban rivers and contributes to further promoting the sustainable development of cities.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-03
Prediction and Characterization of Genetically Regulated Expression of Target Tissues in Asthma.
medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences.
BACKGROUND: Genetic control of gene expression in asthma-related tissues is not well-characterized, particularly for African-ancestry populations, limiting advancement in our understanding of the increased prevalence and severity of asthma in those populations.
OBJECTIVE: To create novel transcriptome prediction models for asthma tissues (nasal epithelium and CD4+ T cells) and apply them in transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to discover candidate asthma genes.
METHODS: We developed and validated gene expression prediction databases for unstimulated CD4+ T cells (CD4+T) and nasal epithelium using an elastic net framework. Combining these with existing prediction databases (N=51), we performed TWAS of 9,284 individuals of African-ancestry to identify tissue-specific and cross-tissue candidate genes for asthma. For detailed Methods, please see the Supplemental Methods.
RESULTS: Novel databases for CD4+T and nasal epithelial gene expression prediction contain 8,351 and 10,296 genes, respectively, including four asthma loci (SCGB1A1, MUC5AC, ZNF366, LTC4S) not predictable with existing public databases. Prediction performance was comparable to existing databases and was most accurate for populations sharing ancestry with the training set (e.g. African ancestry). From TWAS, we identified 17 candidate causal asthma genes (adjusted P<0.1), including genes with tissue-specific (IL33 in nasal epithelium) and cross-tissue (CCNC and FBXW7) effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Expression of IL33, CCNC, and FBXW7 may affect asthma risk in African ancestry populations by mediating inflammatory responses. The addition of CD4+T and nasal epithelium prediction databases to the public sphere will improve ancestry representation and power to detect novel gene-trait associations from TWAS.
Additional Links: PMID-39974046
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39974046,
year = {2025},
author = {Slack, SD and Esquinca, E and Arehart, CH and Boorgula, MP and Szczesny, B and Romero, A and Campbell, M and Chavan, S and Rafaels, N and Watson, H and Landis, RC and Hansel, NN and Rotimi, CN and Olopade, CO and Figueiredo, CA and Ober, C and Liu, AH and Kenny, EE and Kammers, K and Ruczinski, I and Taub, MA and Daya, M and Gignoux, CR and Kechris, K and Barnes, KC and Mathias, RA and Johnson, RK},
title = {Prediction and Characterization of Genetically Regulated Expression of Target Tissues in Asthma.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39974046},
support = {R01 AI132476/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL104608/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Genetic control of gene expression in asthma-related tissues is not well-characterized, particularly for African-ancestry populations, limiting advancement in our understanding of the increased prevalence and severity of asthma in those populations.
OBJECTIVE: To create novel transcriptome prediction models for asthma tissues (nasal epithelium and CD4+ T cells) and apply them in transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to discover candidate asthma genes.
METHODS: We developed and validated gene expression prediction databases for unstimulated CD4+ T cells (CD4+T) and nasal epithelium using an elastic net framework. Combining these with existing prediction databases (N=51), we performed TWAS of 9,284 individuals of African-ancestry to identify tissue-specific and cross-tissue candidate genes for asthma. For detailed Methods, please see the Supplemental Methods.
RESULTS: Novel databases for CD4+T and nasal epithelial gene expression prediction contain 8,351 and 10,296 genes, respectively, including four asthma loci (SCGB1A1, MUC5AC, ZNF366, LTC4S) not predictable with existing public databases. Prediction performance was comparable to existing databases and was most accurate for populations sharing ancestry with the training set (e.g. African ancestry). From TWAS, we identified 17 candidate causal asthma genes (adjusted P<0.1), including genes with tissue-specific (IL33 in nasal epithelium) and cross-tissue (CCNC and FBXW7) effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Expression of IL33, CCNC, and FBXW7 may affect asthma risk in African ancestry populations by mediating inflammatory responses. The addition of CD4+T and nasal epithelium prediction databases to the public sphere will improve ancestry representation and power to detect novel gene-trait associations from TWAS.},
}
RevDate: 2025-03-02
CmpDate: 2025-03-02
Integrating DNA metabarcoding and morphological analysis improves marine zooplankton biodiversity assessment.
Scientific reports, 15(1):7283.
Marine copepod communities play crucial roles in ocean ecosystems. However, their accurate assessment remains challenging due to taxonomic complexities. This study combines morphological and DNA metabarcoding approaches to evaluate copepod diversity and community structure in the northern East China Sea. Zooplankton samples were collected from 10 stations along a coastal-offshore gradient in August 2019. Morphological analysis identified 34 species from 25 genera, while DNA metabarcoding detected 31 species from 20 genera. Both methods revealed distinct coastal and offshore assemblages, with Paracalanus parvus s.l. as the dominant species across all stations. A significant positive correlation was found between morphology-based individual counts and metabarcoding sequence reads (Spearman's Rho = 0.58, p < 0.001), improving at the genus level (Rho = 0.70, p < 0.001). Redundancy analysis revealed that salinity, temperature, and phytoplankton density significantly influenced copepod distribution. Although both approaches captured similar broad-scale patterns, they provided complementary insights into community structure. Morphological identification was more effective for detecting Cyclopoida diversity, whereas DNA metabarcoding had greater sensitivity for specific Calanoid species. This study underscores the value of integrating traditional and molecular methods for marine biodiversity assessment, especially in the context of global environmental changes.
Additional Links: PMID-40025088
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40025088,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, SY and Cheon, S and Park, C and Soh, HY},
title = {Integrating DNA metabarcoding and morphological analysis improves marine zooplankton biodiversity assessment.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7283},
pmid = {40025088},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RS-2018-KS181192//Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST) funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea/ ; RS-2018-KS181192//Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST) funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea/ ; No. RS-2024-00442775)//Global-Learning & Academic research institution for Master's · PhD students, and Postdocs (LAMP) Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; Grant number: 2018-3416//Chonnam National University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Zooplankton/genetics/classification ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Biodiversity ; *Copepoda/genetics/classification ; Ecosystem ; China ; Oceans and Seas ; Aquatic Organisms/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {Marine copepod communities play crucial roles in ocean ecosystems. However, their accurate assessment remains challenging due to taxonomic complexities. This study combines morphological and DNA metabarcoding approaches to evaluate copepod diversity and community structure in the northern East China Sea. Zooplankton samples were collected from 10 stations along a coastal-offshore gradient in August 2019. Morphological analysis identified 34 species from 25 genera, while DNA metabarcoding detected 31 species from 20 genera. Both methods revealed distinct coastal and offshore assemblages, with Paracalanus parvus s.l. as the dominant species across all stations. A significant positive correlation was found between morphology-based individual counts and metabarcoding sequence reads (Spearman's Rho = 0.58, p < 0.001), improving at the genus level (Rho = 0.70, p < 0.001). Redundancy analysis revealed that salinity, temperature, and phytoplankton density significantly influenced copepod distribution. Although both approaches captured similar broad-scale patterns, they provided complementary insights into community structure. Morphological identification was more effective for detecting Cyclopoida diversity, whereas DNA metabarcoding had greater sensitivity for specific Calanoid species. This study underscores the value of integrating traditional and molecular methods for marine biodiversity assessment, especially in the context of global environmental changes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Zooplankton/genetics/classification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Biodiversity
*Copepoda/genetics/classification
Ecosystem
China
Oceans and Seas
Aquatic Organisms/genetics/classification
RevDate: 2025-02-28
CmpDate: 2025-02-28
Predicting end-of-season timing across diverse North American grasslands.
Oecologia, 207(3):44.
Climate change is altering the timing of seasonal vegetation cycles (phenology), with cascading consequences on larger ecosystem processes. Therefore, understanding the drivers of vegetation phenology is critical to predicting ecological impacts of climate change. While numerous phenology models exist to predict the timing of the start of the growing season (SOS), there are fewer end-of-season (EOS) models, and most perform poorly in grasslands, since they were made for forests. Our objective was to develop an improved EOS grassland phenology model. We used repeat digital imagery from the PhenoCam Network to extract EOS dates for 44 diverse North American grassland sites (212 site-years) that we fit to 20 new and 3 existing EOS models. All new EOS models (RMSE = 22-33 days between observed and predicted dates) performed substantially better than existing ones (RMSE = 43-46 days). The top model predicted EOS after surpassing a threshold of either accumulated cold temperatures or dryness, but only after a certain number of days following SOS. Including SOS date improved all model fits, indicating a strong correlation between start- and end-of-season timing. Model performance was further improved by independently optimizing parameters for six distinct climate regions (RMSE = 4-19 days). While the best model varied slightly by region, most included similar drivers as the top all-sites model. Thus, across diverse grassland sites, EOS is influenced by both weather (temperature, moisture) and SOS timing. Incorporating these new EOS models into Earth System Models should improve predictions of grassland dynamics and associated ecosystem processes.
Additional Links: PMID-40021550
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40021550,
year = {2025},
author = {Post, AK and Richardson, AD},
title = {Predicting end-of-season timing across diverse North American grasslands.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {3},
pages = {44},
pmid = {40021550},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {EF-1065029//National Science Foundation/ ; EF-1702697//National Science Foundation/ ; DESC0016011//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; },
mesh = {*Grassland ; *Seasons ; *Climate Change ; North America ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Climate change is altering the timing of seasonal vegetation cycles (phenology), with cascading consequences on larger ecosystem processes. Therefore, understanding the drivers of vegetation phenology is critical to predicting ecological impacts of climate change. While numerous phenology models exist to predict the timing of the start of the growing season (SOS), there are fewer end-of-season (EOS) models, and most perform poorly in grasslands, since they were made for forests. Our objective was to develop an improved EOS grassland phenology model. We used repeat digital imagery from the PhenoCam Network to extract EOS dates for 44 diverse North American grassland sites (212 site-years) that we fit to 20 new and 3 existing EOS models. All new EOS models (RMSE = 22-33 days between observed and predicted dates) performed substantially better than existing ones (RMSE = 43-46 days). The top model predicted EOS after surpassing a threshold of either accumulated cold temperatures or dryness, but only after a certain number of days following SOS. Including SOS date improved all model fits, indicating a strong correlation between start- and end-of-season timing. Model performance was further improved by independently optimizing parameters for six distinct climate regions (RMSE = 4-19 days). While the best model varied slightly by region, most included similar drivers as the top all-sites model. Thus, across diverse grassland sites, EOS is influenced by both weather (temperature, moisture) and SOS timing. Incorporating these new EOS models into Earth System Models should improve predictions of grassland dynamics and associated ecosystem processes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Grassland
*Seasons
*Climate Change
North America
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-02-28
CmpDate: 2025-02-28
Multifactorial risk mapping of oil spill accidents for emergency response areas at regional, national and international scales.
Marine pollution bulletin, 213:117670.
Quantification and mapping of oil spill risk are essential for emergency response and mitigation of marine accidents. Large-scale risk management involves geographical identification of hazards and sensitivities in coastal and offshore regions. In this study, a multifactorial oil spill risk model was developed on a national scale by determining the frequency (probability) and sensitivity (severity) of marine and coastal accidents. Seven accident frequency and 51 sensitivity factors were investigated within the Turkish Emergency Response Area (TERA) of 660,908 km[2]. Hydrographical, meteorological, oceanographical, and maritime conditions were analyzed to calculate accident frequency. The sensitive areas were mapped using the geographical distribution of ecologic, social, and economic assets. Using data analytics, digital maps of accident frequency, sensitivity and risk were produced in a GIS grid of 21,410 cells with 3NM resolution. Accident hotspots were identified from scalable frequency maps showing regions of high accident probability. Sensitivity factors were analyzed from environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities. Using their geographic distribution, a sensitivity map was generated and hotspots were identified. Frequency and sensitivity indices were combined to obtain the grid-based high-resolution oil spill risk map on a scalable GIS platform. High-risk areas were identified for future research on oil spill simulations and emergency response plans. The methodology may help scientists and environmental experts develop regional, national, and global risk assessment tools. The outcomes within the TERA may serve as planning and decision support tools for lawmakers, environmental experts, and oil spill response professionals to manage oil pollution risk across the TERA.
Additional Links: PMID-39955977
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39955977,
year = {2025},
author = {Otay, EN and Uzun, P and Üstün, A},
title = {Multifactorial risk mapping of oil spill accidents for emergency response areas at regional, national and international scales.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {213},
number = {},
pages = {117670},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117670},
pmid = {39955977},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Petroleum Pollution ; Risk Assessment ; Geographic Information Systems ; Turkey ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Risk Management ; Accidents/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {Quantification and mapping of oil spill risk are essential for emergency response and mitigation of marine accidents. Large-scale risk management involves geographical identification of hazards and sensitivities in coastal and offshore regions. In this study, a multifactorial oil spill risk model was developed on a national scale by determining the frequency (probability) and sensitivity (severity) of marine and coastal accidents. Seven accident frequency and 51 sensitivity factors were investigated within the Turkish Emergency Response Area (TERA) of 660,908 km[2]. Hydrographical, meteorological, oceanographical, and maritime conditions were analyzed to calculate accident frequency. The sensitive areas were mapped using the geographical distribution of ecologic, social, and economic assets. Using data analytics, digital maps of accident frequency, sensitivity and risk were produced in a GIS grid of 21,410 cells with 3NM resolution. Accident hotspots were identified from scalable frequency maps showing regions of high accident probability. Sensitivity factors were analyzed from environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities. Using their geographic distribution, a sensitivity map was generated and hotspots were identified. Frequency and sensitivity indices were combined to obtain the grid-based high-resolution oil spill risk map on a scalable GIS platform. High-risk areas were identified for future research on oil spill simulations and emergency response plans. The methodology may help scientists and environmental experts develop regional, national, and global risk assessment tools. The outcomes within the TERA may serve as planning and decision support tools for lawmakers, environmental experts, and oil spill response professionals to manage oil pollution risk across the TERA.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Petroleum Pollution
Risk Assessment
Geographic Information Systems
Turkey
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Risk Management
Accidents/statistics & numerical data
RevDate: 2025-02-27
Correction: Fishery and ecology-related knowledge about plants among fishing communities along Laguna Lake, Philippines.
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 21(1):11 pii:10.1186/s13002-025-00763-7.
Additional Links: PMID-40016792
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40016792,
year = {2025},
author = {Mendoza, JN and Prūse, B and Ciriaco, A and Mendoza, A and Ciriaco, H and Buen, C and Pua, JJ and Primavera, F and Mattalia, G and Sõukand, R},
title = {Correction: Fishery and ecology-related knowledge about plants among fishing communities along Laguna Lake, Philippines.},
journal = {Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {11},
doi = {10.1186/s13002-025-00763-7},
pmid = {40016792},
issn = {1746-4269},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-27
CmpDate: 2025-02-27
A genome-based phylogeny for Mollusca is concordant with fossils and morphology.
Science (New York, N.Y.), 387(6737):1001-1007.
Extreme morphological disparity within Mollusca has long confounded efforts to reconstruct a stable backbone phylogeny for the phylum. Familiar molluscan groups-gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods-each represent a diverse radiation with myriad morphological, ecological, and behavioral adaptations. The phylum further encompasses many more unfamiliar experiments in animal body-plan evolution. In this work, we reconstructed the phylogeny for living Mollusca on the basis of metazoan BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) genes extracted from 77 (13 new) genomes, including multiple members of all eight classes with two high-quality genome assemblies for monoplacophorans. Our analyses confirm a phylogeny proposed from morphology and show widespread genomic variation. The flexibility of the molluscan genome likely explains both historic challenges with their genomes and their evolutionary success.
Additional Links: PMID-40014700
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40014700,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Z and Baeza, JA and Chen, C and Gonzalez, MT and González, VL and Greve, C and Kocot, KM and Arbizu, PM and Moles, J and Schell, T and Schwabe, E and Sun, J and Wong, NLWS and Yap-Chiongco, M and Sigwart, JD},
title = {A genome-based phylogeny for Mollusca is concordant with fossils and morphology.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {387},
number = {6737},
pages = {1001-1007},
doi = {10.1126/science.ads0215},
pmid = {40014700},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Mollusca/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology ; *Genome ; *Fossils ; },
abstract = {Extreme morphological disparity within Mollusca has long confounded efforts to reconstruct a stable backbone phylogeny for the phylum. Familiar molluscan groups-gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods-each represent a diverse radiation with myriad morphological, ecological, and behavioral adaptations. The phylum further encompasses many more unfamiliar experiments in animal body-plan evolution. In this work, we reconstructed the phylogeny for living Mollusca on the basis of metazoan BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) genes extracted from 77 (13 new) genomes, including multiple members of all eight classes with two high-quality genome assemblies for monoplacophorans. Our analyses confirm a phylogeny proposed from morphology and show widespread genomic variation. The flexibility of the molluscan genome likely explains both historic challenges with their genomes and their evolutionary success.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Phylogeny
*Mollusca/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology
*Genome
*Fossils
RevDate: 2025-02-27
The genome sequence of the Olive Crescent, Trisateles emortualis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775).
Wellcome open research, 9:178.
We present a genome assembly from an individual male Trisateles emortualis (the Olive Crescent; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 565.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.01 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,176 protein coding genes.
Additional Links: PMID-40012989
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40012989,
year = {2024},
author = {Boyes, D and Holland, PWH and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the Olive Crescent, Trisateles emortualis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {178},
pmid = {40012989},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual male Trisateles emortualis (the Olive Crescent; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 565.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.01 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,176 protein coding genes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-27
The genome sequence of the silver stretch spider, Tetragnatha montana (Simon, 1874) (Araneae: Tetragnathidae).
Wellcome open research, 9:288.
We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tetragnatha montana (the silver stretch spider; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Tetragnathidae). The genome sequence is 784.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.49 kilobases in length.
Additional Links: PMID-40012987
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@article {pmid40012987,
year = {2024},
author = {McGregor, AP and Sumner-Rooney, L and Burkmar, R and Schoenauer, A and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the silver stretch spider, Tetragnatha montana (Simon, 1874) (Araneae: Tetragnathidae).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {288},
pmid = {40012987},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tetragnatha montana (the silver stretch spider; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Tetragnathidae). The genome sequence is 784.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.49 kilobases in length.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-27
Reply to: Causal claims, causal assumptions and protected area impact.
Nature, 638(8052):E42-E44.
Additional Links: PMID-40011724
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40011724,
year = {2025},
author = {Brodie, JF and Mohd-Azlan, J and Chen, C and Wearn, OR and Deith, MCM and Ball, JGC and Slade, EM and Burslem, DFRP and Teoh, SW and Williams, PJ and Nguyen, A and Moore, JH and Goetz, SJ and Burns, P and Jantz, P and Hakkenberg, CR and Kaszta, Z and Cushman, S and Coomes, D and Helmy, OE and Reynolds, G and RodrÃguez, JP and Jetz, W and Luskin, MS},
title = {Reply to: Causal claims, causal assumptions and protected area impact.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {638},
number = {8052},
pages = {E42-E44},
pmid = {40011724},
issn = {1476-4687},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-26
CmpDate: 2025-02-26
Random forest algorithm applied to model soil textural classification in a river basin.
Environmental monitoring and assessment, 197(3):330.
The proportion of sand, silt, and clay defines soil texture, significantly influencing agricultural and ecological practices. However, conventional classification methods are costly and limit evaluation frequency and scope. In contrast, machine learning algorithms, such as random forest, provide a more efficient solution for accurate soil texture predictions. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by integrating geoprocessing, precision agriculture, and machine learning to classify soil texture in the Sorocabuçu River Basin (SRB), predominantly agricultural. Twenty-seven sampling points were selected based on topography and land use, ensuring the representativeness of area variations and the reliability of classification. Granulometric analysis was performed using the pipette method to separate sand, silt, and clay. The data were spatially interpolated using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Soil texture was classified using the random forest algorithm, trained on 70% of the data and tested on 30%, evaluating overall accuracy, kappa index, sensitivity, and specificity. Fifty trees (ntree) and four features per split (ntry) were used, considering the variability of parameters to ensure satisfactory results. The varied spatial distribution of clay, along with high levels of sand and silt, suggests greater vulnerability to erosion without conservation management practices. The random forest model achieved an out-of-bag (OOB) error of 2.78%, a kappa index of 0.88, and an overall accuracy of 0.92, demonstrating excellent predictive capacity. The variability of sand was essential, but the Sandy Clay Loam (SCL) class posed challenges due to its intermediate characteristics between sand and clay, resulting in classification overlaps. This integrated methodology enhances understanding of soil structure in the SRB and provides a foundation for future research and practical applications, supporting food security and environmental sustainability. The model can be applied in other locations and agricultural contexts. In homogeneous soils, the method can be improved through the application of machine learning algorithms to enhance accuracy.
Additional Links: PMID-40011233
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40011233,
year = {2025},
author = {Dos Santos, AP and da Silva Junior, AX and Nery, LM and Gomes, G and Toniolo, BP and da Cunha E Silva, DC and Lourenço, RW},
title = {Random forest algorithm applied to model soil textural classification in a river basin.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {3},
pages = {330},
pmid = {40011233},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Soil/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Rivers/chemistry ; *Algorithms ; Agriculture ; Machine Learning ; Geographic Information Systems ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Random Forest ; },
abstract = {The proportion of sand, silt, and clay defines soil texture, significantly influencing agricultural and ecological practices. However, conventional classification methods are costly and limit evaluation frequency and scope. In contrast, machine learning algorithms, such as random forest, provide a more efficient solution for accurate soil texture predictions. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by integrating geoprocessing, precision agriculture, and machine learning to classify soil texture in the Sorocabuçu River Basin (SRB), predominantly agricultural. Twenty-seven sampling points were selected based on topography and land use, ensuring the representativeness of area variations and the reliability of classification. Granulometric analysis was performed using the pipette method to separate sand, silt, and clay. The data were spatially interpolated using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Soil texture was classified using the random forest algorithm, trained on 70% of the data and tested on 30%, evaluating overall accuracy, kappa index, sensitivity, and specificity. Fifty trees (ntree) and four features per split (ntry) were used, considering the variability of parameters to ensure satisfactory results. The varied spatial distribution of clay, along with high levels of sand and silt, suggests greater vulnerability to erosion without conservation management practices. The random forest model achieved an out-of-bag (OOB) error of 2.78%, a kappa index of 0.88, and an overall accuracy of 0.92, demonstrating excellent predictive capacity. The variability of sand was essential, but the Sandy Clay Loam (SCL) class posed challenges due to its intermediate characteristics between sand and clay, resulting in classification overlaps. This integrated methodology enhances understanding of soil structure in the SRB and provides a foundation for future research and practical applications, supporting food security and environmental sustainability. The model can be applied in other locations and agricultural contexts. In homogeneous soils, the method can be improved through the application of machine learning algorithms to enhance accuracy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Soil/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Rivers/chemistry
*Algorithms
Agriculture
Machine Learning
Geographic Information Systems
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Random Forest
RevDate: 2025-02-26
CmpDate: 2025-02-26
Factors Associated With Habitual Drug Use Among Adolescents: A Secondary Data Analysis.
Asian nursing research, 19(1):78-85.
PURPOSE: Drug use during adolescence can have lasting health consequences, and understanding the factors that contribute to drug use is essential for effective prevention. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing habitual drug use among South Korean adolescents. It employed Bronfenbrenner's ecological model to examine personal, familial, school-related, and social factors.
METHODS: The study analyzed data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 41,928 students from 1st grade of middle school to 3rd grade of high school. Data analysis involved cross-tabulation and logistic regression for complex samples.
RESULTS: The prevalence of habitual drug use was 1.4%. Significant personal factors included smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.61], alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.55), sexual intercourse (aOR = 1.45), smartphone overdependence (high-risk group aOR = 2.04, potential risk group aOR = 1.31), suicidal ideation (aOR = 2.66), depressed mood (aOR = 1.87), and loneliness (aOR = 1.88). Significant family factors included non-cohabitation with family (aOR = 1.86) and both parents being foreign-born (aOR = 3.36). Experience of violence (aOR = 2.95) was also a significant factor.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for an integrated approach to prevent adolescent drug use by addressing adolescents' personal behaviors, family dynamics, and school environments. Prevention programs should account for the influence of multiple systems on habitual drug use. School and community nurses should adopt a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy that involves families, schools, and communities to prevent adolescent drug use. Additionally, there is a need to develop family-centered and culturally sensitive drug prevention programs for adolescents.
Additional Links: PMID-39742992
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@article {pmid39742992,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, DH and Kim, Y},
title = {Factors Associated With Habitual Drug Use Among Adolescents: A Secondary Data Analysis.},
journal = {Asian nursing research},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {78-85},
doi = {10.1016/j.anr.2024.12.006},
pmid = {39742992},
issn = {2093-7482},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; Female ; Male ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; *Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology ; *Adolescent Behavior/psychology ; Risk Factors ; Risk-Taking ; Prevalence ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Secondary Data Analysis ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Drug use during adolescence can have lasting health consequences, and understanding the factors that contribute to drug use is essential for effective prevention. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing habitual drug use among South Korean adolescents. It employed Bronfenbrenner's ecological model to examine personal, familial, school-related, and social factors.
METHODS: The study analyzed data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 41,928 students from 1st grade of middle school to 3rd grade of high school. Data analysis involved cross-tabulation and logistic regression for complex samples.
RESULTS: The prevalence of habitual drug use was 1.4%. Significant personal factors included smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.61], alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.55), sexual intercourse (aOR = 1.45), smartphone overdependence (high-risk group aOR = 2.04, potential risk group aOR = 1.31), suicidal ideation (aOR = 2.66), depressed mood (aOR = 1.87), and loneliness (aOR = 1.88). Significant family factors included non-cohabitation with family (aOR = 1.86) and both parents being foreign-born (aOR = 3.36). Experience of violence (aOR = 2.95) was also a significant factor.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for an integrated approach to prevent adolescent drug use by addressing adolescents' personal behaviors, family dynamics, and school environments. Prevention programs should account for the influence of multiple systems on habitual drug use. School and community nurses should adopt a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy that involves families, schools, and communities to prevent adolescent drug use. Additionally, there is a need to develop family-centered and culturally sensitive drug prevention programs for adolescents.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Adolescent
Female
Male
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
*Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology
*Adolescent Behavior/psychology
Risk Factors
Risk-Taking
Prevalence
Cross-Sectional Studies
Secondary Data Analysis
RevDate: 2025-02-27
CmpDate: 2025-02-27
Digital health and wearable devices for retinal disease monitoring.
Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie, 263(2):279-289.
Digital health is wielding a growing influence across all areas of healthcare, encompassing various facets such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic healthcare records. In Ophthalmology, digital health innovations can be broadly divided into four categories: (i) self-monitoring home devices and apps, (ii) virtual and augmented reality visual aids, (iii) AI software, and (iv) wearables. Wearable devices can work in the background, collecting large amounts of objective data while we do our day-to-day activities, which may be ecologically more valid and meaningful to patients than that acquired in traditional hospital settings. They can be a watch, wristband, piece of clothing, glasses, cane, smartphone in our pocket, earphones, or any other device with a sensor that we carry with us. Focusing on retinal diseases, a key challenge in developing novel therapeutics has been to prove a meaningful benefit in patients' lives and the creation of objective patient-centred endpoints in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss wearable devices collecting different aspects of visual behaviour, visual field, central vision, and functional vision, as well as their potential implementation as outcome measures in research/clinical trial settings. The healthcare landscape is facing a paradigm shift. Clinicians have a key role of collaborating with the development and fine-tuning of digital health innovations, as well as identifying opportunities where they can be leveraged to enhance our understanding of retinal diseases and improve patient outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-39297890
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39297890,
year = {2025},
author = {Daich Varela, M and Sanders Villa, A and Pontikos, N and Crossland, MD and Michaelides, M},
title = {Digital health and wearable devices for retinal disease monitoring.},
journal = {Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie},
volume = {263},
number = {2},
pages = {279-289},
pmid = {39297890},
issn = {1435-702X},
support = {206619/Z/17/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Wearable Electronic Devices ; *Telemedicine/instrumentation ; *Retinal Diseases/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology ; Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation/methods ; Artificial Intelligence ; Digital Health ; },
abstract = {Digital health is wielding a growing influence across all areas of healthcare, encompassing various facets such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic healthcare records. In Ophthalmology, digital health innovations can be broadly divided into four categories: (i) self-monitoring home devices and apps, (ii) virtual and augmented reality visual aids, (iii) AI software, and (iv) wearables. Wearable devices can work in the background, collecting large amounts of objective data while we do our day-to-day activities, which may be ecologically more valid and meaningful to patients than that acquired in traditional hospital settings. They can be a watch, wristband, piece of clothing, glasses, cane, smartphone in our pocket, earphones, or any other device with a sensor that we carry with us. Focusing on retinal diseases, a key challenge in developing novel therapeutics has been to prove a meaningful benefit in patients' lives and the creation of objective patient-centred endpoints in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss wearable devices collecting different aspects of visual behaviour, visual field, central vision, and functional vision, as well as their potential implementation as outcome measures in research/clinical trial settings. The healthcare landscape is facing a paradigm shift. Clinicians have a key role of collaborating with the development and fine-tuning of digital health innovations, as well as identifying opportunities where they can be leveraged to enhance our understanding of retinal diseases and improve patient outcomes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Wearable Electronic Devices
*Telemedicine/instrumentation
*Retinal Diseases/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology
Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation/methods
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Health
RevDate: 2025-02-26
Planetary health education in undergraduate medical education in Germany: results from structured interviews and an online survey within the national PlanetMedEd Project.
Frontiers in medicine, 11:1507515.
BACKGROUND: In light of the accumulating evidence, awareness and urgency to act upon the three planetary crises - climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - the concept of Planetary Health underscores their profound implications for health and promotes actionable solutions to advance both wellbeing and ecological sustainability. Despite (inter)national calls to integrate Planetary Health into health workers' curricula, the current status of Planetary Health Education in undergraduate medical education in Germany is unclear. This study therefore aimed (a) to assess the current implementation of Planetary Health in undergraduate medical education in Germany and (b) to explore its characteristics as a foundation to develop evidence-informed recommendations for mainstreaming Planetary Health Education in medical schools in Germany.
METHODS: The study comprised structured interviews followed by an online survey, both targeting all 39 medical schools in Germany. In 2021, structured interviews were conducted with students, educators and deanery staff at medical schools. In 2023, educators and deanery staff participated in an online survey based on the findings from the interviews.
FINDINGS: In total, 80% of the 39 medical schools participated in the interviews, while 90% took part in the online survey. Based on integrated findings, 35 medical schools (90%) offered Planetary Health Education, with a median of two educational activities, including both stand-alone courses and lectures integrated into other courses. Despite an overall increase since winter semester 2021/2022, most educational activities were electives and not part of the mandatory curriculum. Innovative educational approaches and learning objectives differed significantly between mandatory and elective formats. In contrast to mandatory educational activities, student involvement was reported for the majority of electives and was significantly associated with transformative learning objectives.
INTERPRETATION: Despite a steady rise in teaching activities, mandatory Planetary Health Education remains insufficiently integrated into undergraduate medical education in Germany. Key criteria defining high-quality Planetary Health Education, such as innovative educational approaches, practical skills, and transformative learning, were primarily reflected in electives, that reach only a minority of students. To adequately equip the future healthcare workforce, the current barriers to successfully integrating Planetary Health into medical education must be systematically addressed and overcome.
Additional Links: PMID-40007820
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40007820,
year = {2024},
author = {Grieco, F and Parisi, S and Simmenroth, A and Eichinger, M and Zirkel, J and König, S and Jünger, J and Geck, E and Schwienhorst-Stich, EM},
title = {Planetary health education in undergraduate medical education in Germany: results from structured interviews and an online survey within the national PlanetMedEd Project.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1507515},
pmid = {40007820},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In light of the accumulating evidence, awareness and urgency to act upon the three planetary crises - climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - the concept of Planetary Health underscores their profound implications for health and promotes actionable solutions to advance both wellbeing and ecological sustainability. Despite (inter)national calls to integrate Planetary Health into health workers' curricula, the current status of Planetary Health Education in undergraduate medical education in Germany is unclear. This study therefore aimed (a) to assess the current implementation of Planetary Health in undergraduate medical education in Germany and (b) to explore its characteristics as a foundation to develop evidence-informed recommendations for mainstreaming Planetary Health Education in medical schools in Germany.
METHODS: The study comprised structured interviews followed by an online survey, both targeting all 39 medical schools in Germany. In 2021, structured interviews were conducted with students, educators and deanery staff at medical schools. In 2023, educators and deanery staff participated in an online survey based on the findings from the interviews.
FINDINGS: In total, 80% of the 39 medical schools participated in the interviews, while 90% took part in the online survey. Based on integrated findings, 35 medical schools (90%) offered Planetary Health Education, with a median of two educational activities, including both stand-alone courses and lectures integrated into other courses. Despite an overall increase since winter semester 2021/2022, most educational activities were electives and not part of the mandatory curriculum. Innovative educational approaches and learning objectives differed significantly between mandatory and elective formats. In contrast to mandatory educational activities, student involvement was reported for the majority of electives and was significantly associated with transformative learning objectives.
INTERPRETATION: Despite a steady rise in teaching activities, mandatory Planetary Health Education remains insufficiently integrated into undergraduate medical education in Germany. Key criteria defining high-quality Planetary Health Education, such as innovative educational approaches, practical skills, and transformative learning, were primarily reflected in electives, that reach only a minority of students. To adequately equip the future healthcare workforce, the current barriers to successfully integrating Planetary Health into medical education must be systematically addressed and overcome.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-26
The genome sequence of the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, 1796.
Wellcome open research, 10:12.
We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Ostrinia nubilalis (European Corn Borer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 495.50 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.87%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.24 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 16,780 protein-coding genes.
Additional Links: PMID-40007688
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Citation:
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@article {pmid40007688,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyes, D and Lees, DC and Coates, BS and , and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, 1796.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {12},
pmid = {40007688},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Ostrinia nubilalis (European Corn Borer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 495.50 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.87%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.24 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 16,780 protein-coding genes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-26
The genome sequence of Red Underwing, Catocala nupta Linnaeus, 1767.
Wellcome open research, 10:36.
We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Catocala nupta (Red Underwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 930.40 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.82%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.57 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,889 protein-coding genes.
Additional Links: PMID-40007687
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40007687,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyes, D and Lewis, OT and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of Red Underwing, Catocala nupta Linnaeus, 1767.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {36},
pmid = {40007687},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Catocala nupta (Red Underwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 930.40 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.82%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.57 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,889 protein-coding genes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-26
CmpDate: 2025-02-26
Hepatoprotective Activity of Nature-Derived Polyphenols Studied by Mass Spectrometry Based Multi-OMICS Approach.
International journal of molecular sciences, 26(4): pii:ijms26041604.
The aim of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin in the BALB/C mouse model, with subacute liver failure (SALF) induced by the administration of toxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The hepatoprotective activity of activated hydrolytic lignin (BP-Cx-1), humic acid peloids (HA), and isoflavones from kudzu Pueraria lobata roots (IFL) was evaluated using mass spectrometry (MS)-based omics technologies. Our MS-based approach revealed new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin. Significant differences were observed in the proteome and metabolome profiles of the urine and liver of BALB/c mice with SALF between a control group with CCl4 administration, intact controls, and groups receiving potential hepatoprotectors of natural origin (BP-Cx-1, HA, IFL). Proteomic and metabolomics analyses demonstrated that among the hepatoprotectors, IFL possessed the highest hepatoprotective potential, which correlated well with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded during in vitro studies. These results correlate with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded in previous in vitro and in vivo studies. The leading IFL activity may be attributed to a higher content of active polyphenolic components compared to heterogeneous HA and BP-Cx-1. Enrichment with active components by fractionation is a direction that can be explored for developing hepatoprotective agents based on natural complex polyphenols.
Additional Links: PMID-40004070
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40004070,
year = {2025},
author = {Brzhozovskiy, AG and Semenov, SD and Zherebker, AY and Bugrova, AE and Yurova, MN and Zhernov, YV and Kovaleva, OA and Semenov, AL and Abroskin, DP and Kruglov, SS and Fedoros, EI and Kononikhin, AS and Nikolaev, EN},
title = {Hepatoprotective Activity of Nature-Derived Polyphenols Studied by Mass Spectrometry Based Multi-OMICS Approach.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26041604},
pmid = {40004070},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {22-75-10140//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Polyphenols/pharmacology ; Mice ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Carbon Tetrachloride ; *Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *Protective Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Liver/drug effects/metabolism ; Mass Spectrometry/methods ; Proteomics/methods ; Pueraria/chemistry ; Metabolome/drug effects ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Male ; Proteome/drug effects/metabolism ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {The aim of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin in the BALB/C mouse model, with subacute liver failure (SALF) induced by the administration of toxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The hepatoprotective activity of activated hydrolytic lignin (BP-Cx-1), humic acid peloids (HA), and isoflavones from kudzu Pueraria lobata roots (IFL) was evaluated using mass spectrometry (MS)-based omics technologies. Our MS-based approach revealed new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin. Significant differences were observed in the proteome and metabolome profiles of the urine and liver of BALB/c mice with SALF between a control group with CCl4 administration, intact controls, and groups receiving potential hepatoprotectors of natural origin (BP-Cx-1, HA, IFL). Proteomic and metabolomics analyses demonstrated that among the hepatoprotectors, IFL possessed the highest hepatoprotective potential, which correlated well with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded during in vitro studies. These results correlate with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded in previous in vitro and in vivo studies. The leading IFL activity may be attributed to a higher content of active polyphenolic components compared to heterogeneous HA and BP-Cx-1. Enrichment with active components by fractionation is a direction that can be explored for developing hepatoprotective agents based on natural complex polyphenols.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Polyphenols/pharmacology
Mice
*Metabolomics/methods
*Carbon Tetrachloride
*Mice, Inbred BALB C
*Protective Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Liver/drug effects/metabolism
Mass Spectrometry/methods
Proteomics/methods
Pueraria/chemistry
Metabolome/drug effects
Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Male
Proteome/drug effects/metabolism
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-02-25
Antarctic bacterial natural products: from genomic insights to drug discovery.
Natural product reports [Epub ahead of print].
Covering: up to the end of 2024Microbial life dominates the extreme continent Antarctica, playing a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning and serving as a reservoir of specialized metabolites known as natural products (NPs). NPs not only contribute to microbial adaptation to harsh conditions but also modulate microbial community structure. Long-term isolation and environmental pressures have shaped the genomes of Antarctic bacteria, suggesting that they also encode unique NPs. Since NPs are also an important source of drugs, we argue that investigating Antarctic bacterial NPs is essential not only for understanding their ecological role and evolution, but also for discovering new chemical structures, biosynthetic mechanisms, and potential new drugs. Yet, despite advances in omics technologies and increased scientific activities in Antarctica, relatively few new bacterial NPs have been discovered. The lack of systematic research activities focused on the exploration of Antarctic bacteria and their NPs constitutes a big problem considering the climate change issue, to which ecosystems in polar regions are the most sensitive areas on the Earth. Here, we highlight the currently available data on Antarctic bacteria, their biosynthetic potential, and the successful NP discoveries, while addressing the challenges in NP research and advocating for systematic, collaborative efforts aligned with the Antarctic Treaty System and the Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions.
Additional Links: PMID-39996333
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39996333,
year = {2025},
author = {Medeiros, W and Kralova, S and Oliveira, V and Ziemert, N and Sehnal, L},
title = {Antarctic bacterial natural products: from genomic insights to drug discovery.},
journal = {Natural product reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4np00045e},
pmid = {39996333},
issn = {1460-4752},
abstract = {Covering: up to the end of 2024Microbial life dominates the extreme continent Antarctica, playing a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning and serving as a reservoir of specialized metabolites known as natural products (NPs). NPs not only contribute to microbial adaptation to harsh conditions but also modulate microbial community structure. Long-term isolation and environmental pressures have shaped the genomes of Antarctic bacteria, suggesting that they also encode unique NPs. Since NPs are also an important source of drugs, we argue that investigating Antarctic bacterial NPs is essential not only for understanding their ecological role and evolution, but also for discovering new chemical structures, biosynthetic mechanisms, and potential new drugs. Yet, despite advances in omics technologies and increased scientific activities in Antarctica, relatively few new bacterial NPs have been discovered. The lack of systematic research activities focused on the exploration of Antarctic bacteria and their NPs constitutes a big problem considering the climate change issue, to which ecosystems in polar regions are the most sensitive areas on the Earth. Here, we highlight the currently available data on Antarctic bacteria, their biosynthetic potential, and the successful NP discoveries, while addressing the challenges in NP research and advocating for systematic, collaborative efforts aligned with the Antarctic Treaty System and the Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-25
Generative spatial artificial intelligence for sustainable smart cities: A pioneering large flow model for urban digital twin.
Environmental science and ecotechnology, 24:100526.
Rapid urbanization, alongside escalating resource depletion and ecological degradation, underscores the critical need for innovative urban development solutions. In response, sustainable smart cities are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies-such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Foundation Models (FMs), and Urban Digital Twin (UDT) frameworks-to transform urban planning and design practices. These transformative tools provide advanced capabilities to analyze complex urban systems, optimize resource management, and enable evidence-based decision-making. Despite recent progress, research on integrating GenAI and FMs into UDT frameworks remains scant, leaving gaps in our ability to capture complex urban flows and multimodal dynamics essential to achieving environmental sustainability goals. Moreover, the lack of a robust theoretical foundation and real-world operationalization of these tools hampers comprehensive modeling and practical adoption. This study introduces a pioneering Large Flow Model (LFM), grounded in a robust foundational framework and designed with GenAI capabilities. It is specifically tailored for integration into UDT systems to enhance predictive analytics, adaptive learning, and complex data management functionalities. To validate its applicability and relevance, the Blue City Project in Lausanne City is examined as a case study, showcasing the ability of the LFM to effectively model and analyze urban flows-namely mobility, goods, energy, waste, materials, and biodiversity-critical to advancing environmental sustainability. This study highlights how the LFM addresses the spatial challenges inherent in current UDT frameworks. The LFM demonstrates its novelty in comprehensive urban modeling and analysis by completing impartial city data, estimating flow data in new locations, predicting the evolution of flow data, and offering a holistic understanding of urban dynamics and their interconnections. The model enhances decision-making processes, supports evidence-based planning and design, fosters integrated development strategies, and enables the development of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. This research advances both the theoretical and practical dimensions of AI-driven, environmentally sustainable urban development by operationalizing GenAI and FMs within UDT frameworks. It provides sophisticated tools and valuable insights for urban planners, designers, policymakers, and researchers to address the complexities of modern cities and accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban futures.
Additional Links: PMID-39995465
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39995465,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, J and Bibri, SE and Keel, P},
title = {Generative spatial artificial intelligence for sustainable smart cities: A pioneering large flow model for urban digital twin.},
journal = {Environmental science and ecotechnology},
volume = {24},
number = {},
pages = {100526},
pmid = {39995465},
issn = {2666-4984},
abstract = {Rapid urbanization, alongside escalating resource depletion and ecological degradation, underscores the critical need for innovative urban development solutions. In response, sustainable smart cities are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies-such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Foundation Models (FMs), and Urban Digital Twin (UDT) frameworks-to transform urban planning and design practices. These transformative tools provide advanced capabilities to analyze complex urban systems, optimize resource management, and enable evidence-based decision-making. Despite recent progress, research on integrating GenAI and FMs into UDT frameworks remains scant, leaving gaps in our ability to capture complex urban flows and multimodal dynamics essential to achieving environmental sustainability goals. Moreover, the lack of a robust theoretical foundation and real-world operationalization of these tools hampers comprehensive modeling and practical adoption. This study introduces a pioneering Large Flow Model (LFM), grounded in a robust foundational framework and designed with GenAI capabilities. It is specifically tailored for integration into UDT systems to enhance predictive analytics, adaptive learning, and complex data management functionalities. To validate its applicability and relevance, the Blue City Project in Lausanne City is examined as a case study, showcasing the ability of the LFM to effectively model and analyze urban flows-namely mobility, goods, energy, waste, materials, and biodiversity-critical to advancing environmental sustainability. This study highlights how the LFM addresses the spatial challenges inherent in current UDT frameworks. The LFM demonstrates its novelty in comprehensive urban modeling and analysis by completing impartial city data, estimating flow data in new locations, predicting the evolution of flow data, and offering a holistic understanding of urban dynamics and their interconnections. The model enhances decision-making processes, supports evidence-based planning and design, fosters integrated development strategies, and enables the development of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. This research advances both the theoretical and practical dimensions of AI-driven, environmentally sustainable urban development by operationalizing GenAI and FMs within UDT frameworks. It provides sophisticated tools and valuable insights for urban planners, designers, policymakers, and researchers to address the complexities of modern cities and accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban futures.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-25
A pilot study of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder: clinical, metabolic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings.
BJPsych open, 11(2):e34 pii:S205647242400841X.
BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may be effective for bipolar disorder.
AIMS: To assess the impact of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder on clinical, metabolic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy outcomes.
METHOD: Euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (N = 27) were recruited to a 6- to 8-week single-arm open pilot study of a modified ketogenic diet. Clinical, metabolic and MRS measures were assessed before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: Of 27 recruited participants, 26 began and 20 completed the ketogenic diet. For participants completing the intervention, mean body weight fell by 4.2 kg (P < 0.001), mean body mass index fell by 1.5 kg/m[2] (P < 0.001) and mean systolic blood pressure fell by 7.4 mmHg (P < 0.041). The euthymic participants had average baseline and follow-up assessments consistent with them being in the euthymic range with no statistically significant changes in Affective Lability Scale-18, Beck Depression Inventory and Young Mania Rating Scale. In participants providing reliable daily ecological momentary assessment data (n = 14), there was a positive correlation between daily ketone levels and self-rated mood (r = 0.21, P < 0.001) and energy (r = 0.19 P < 0.001), and an inverse correlation between ketone levels and both impulsivity (r = -0.30, P < 0.001) and anxiety (r = -0.19, P < 0.001). From the MRS measurements, brain glutamate plus glutamine concentration decreased by 11.6% in the anterior cingulate cortex (P = 0.025) and fell by 13.6% in the posterior cingulate cortex (P = <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a ketogenic diet may be clinically useful in bipolar disorder, for both mental health and metabolic outcomes. Replication and randomised controlled trials are now warranted.
Additional Links: PMID-39995103
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39995103,
year = {2025},
author = {Campbell, IH and Needham, N and Grossi, H and Kamenska, I and Luz, S and Sheehan, S and Thompson, G and Thrippleton, MJ and Gibbs, MC and Leitao, J and Moses, T and Burgess, K and Rigby, BP and Simpson, SA and McIntosh, E and Brown, R and Meadowcroft, B and Creasy, F and Mitchell-Grigorjeva, M and Norrie, J and McLellan, A and Fisher, C and Zieliński, T and Gaggioni, G and Campbell, H and Smith, DJ},
title = {A pilot study of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder: clinical, metabolic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings.},
journal = {BJPsych open},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {e34},
doi = {10.1192/bjo.2024.841},
pmid = {39995103},
issn = {2056-4724},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may be effective for bipolar disorder.
AIMS: To assess the impact of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder on clinical, metabolic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy outcomes.
METHOD: Euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (N = 27) were recruited to a 6- to 8-week single-arm open pilot study of a modified ketogenic diet. Clinical, metabolic and MRS measures were assessed before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: Of 27 recruited participants, 26 began and 20 completed the ketogenic diet. For participants completing the intervention, mean body weight fell by 4.2 kg (P < 0.001), mean body mass index fell by 1.5 kg/m[2] (P < 0.001) and mean systolic blood pressure fell by 7.4 mmHg (P < 0.041). The euthymic participants had average baseline and follow-up assessments consistent with them being in the euthymic range with no statistically significant changes in Affective Lability Scale-18, Beck Depression Inventory and Young Mania Rating Scale. In participants providing reliable daily ecological momentary assessment data (n = 14), there was a positive correlation between daily ketone levels and self-rated mood (r = 0.21, P < 0.001) and energy (r = 0.19 P < 0.001), and an inverse correlation between ketone levels and both impulsivity (r = -0.30, P < 0.001) and anxiety (r = -0.19, P < 0.001). From the MRS measurements, brain glutamate plus glutamine concentration decreased by 11.6% in the anterior cingulate cortex (P = 0.025) and fell by 13.6% in the posterior cingulate cortex (P = <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a ketogenic diet may be clinically useful in bipolar disorder, for both mental health and metabolic outcomes. Replication and randomised controlled trials are now warranted.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-25
CmpDate: 2025-02-25
Uncovering soil amendment-induced genomic and functional divergence in soybean rhizosphere microbiomes during cadmium-contaminated soil remediation: Novel insights from field multi-omics.
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987), 368:125787.
Soil amendments exhibit great potential in reducing cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and its accumulation in crop grains, but their practical implications on microbial characteristics (genomic traits and ecological functions) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to combine metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to track the dynamics of bacterial and viral communities in the soybean rhizosphere during the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil using a commercial Mg-Ca-Si conditioner (CMC), applied at low and high (975 kg ha[-1] and 1950 kg ha[-1]) rates under field conditions. Application of CMC increased the average size and decreased the guanine-cytosine (GC) content of microbial genomes, which were strongly shaped by soil pH and available Cd (ACd). Gene and transcript abundances analysis indicated that CMC promoted the enrichment of Alphaproteobacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) carrying czcC gene encoding Cd efflux and dsbB gene encoding disulfide bond oxidoreductase. These genes are closely related to Cd resistance and exhibited notable (p < 0.05) increased expression in CMC-treated soils. Additionally, low and high CMC addition significantly increased viral alpha diversity by 5.7% and 9.6%, and viral activity by 3.3% and 7.8%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Temperate viruses were predicted as the major group (64%) and actively linked to the dominant host, and CMC amendment increased host metabolism and adaptability by enhancing (p < 0.05) the abundance and transcriptional activity of virus-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) involved in heavy metal resistance (ABC transport), sulfur cycling (cysH), and host metabolism (galE and queD) through "piggyback-the-winner" strategy. Structural equation modeling further revealed that CMC application influences Cd accumulation in soybean grains through its direct and indirect effects on soil properties and rhizosphere microbiomes, and highlighted the potential role of rhizosphere viruses in agricultural soil remediation.
Additional Links: PMID-39909332
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39909332,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, Z and He, Y and Wang, N and Wu, L and Xu, J and Shi, J},
title = {Uncovering soil amendment-induced genomic and functional divergence in soybean rhizosphere microbiomes during cadmium-contaminated soil remediation: Novel insights from field multi-omics.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {368},
number = {},
pages = {125787},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125787},
pmid = {39909332},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {*Cadmium/metabolism ; *Glycine max/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Soil/chemistry ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Metagenomics ; Metagenome ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Soil amendments exhibit great potential in reducing cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and its accumulation in crop grains, but their practical implications on microbial characteristics (genomic traits and ecological functions) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to combine metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to track the dynamics of bacterial and viral communities in the soybean rhizosphere during the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil using a commercial Mg-Ca-Si conditioner (CMC), applied at low and high (975 kg ha[-1] and 1950 kg ha[-1]) rates under field conditions. Application of CMC increased the average size and decreased the guanine-cytosine (GC) content of microbial genomes, which were strongly shaped by soil pH and available Cd (ACd). Gene and transcript abundances analysis indicated that CMC promoted the enrichment of Alphaproteobacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) carrying czcC gene encoding Cd efflux and dsbB gene encoding disulfide bond oxidoreductase. These genes are closely related to Cd resistance and exhibited notable (p < 0.05) increased expression in CMC-treated soils. Additionally, low and high CMC addition significantly increased viral alpha diversity by 5.7% and 9.6%, and viral activity by 3.3% and 7.8%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Temperate viruses were predicted as the major group (64%) and actively linked to the dominant host, and CMC amendment increased host metabolism and adaptability by enhancing (p < 0.05) the abundance and transcriptional activity of virus-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) involved in heavy metal resistance (ABC transport), sulfur cycling (cysH), and host metabolism (galE and queD) through "piggyback-the-winner" strategy. Structural equation modeling further revealed that CMC application influences Cd accumulation in soybean grains through its direct and indirect effects on soil properties and rhizosphere microbiomes, and highlighted the potential role of rhizosphere viruses in agricultural soil remediation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Cadmium/metabolism
*Glycine max/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota
Soil/chemistry
Biodegradation, Environmental
Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Metagenomics
Metagenome
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-02-25
CmpDate: 2025-02-25
Distribution of early-branching Cyanobacteriia and the potential habitats that gave rise to the earliest oxygenic phototrophs.
mSphere, 10(2):e0101324.
The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis in the Cyanobacteria was one of the most transformative events in Earth history, eventually leading to the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere. However, it is difficult to understand how the earliest Cyanobacteria functioned or evolved on early Earth in part because we do not understand their ecology, including the environments in which they lived. Here, we use a cutting-edge bioinformatics tool to survey nearly 500,000 metagenomes for relatives of the taxa that likely bookended the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis to identify the modern environments in which these organisms live. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that the common ancestors of these organisms lived in terrestrial (soil and/or freshwater) environments. This restricted distribution may have increased the lag between the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis and the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere.IMPORTANCECyanobacteria generate oxygen as part of their metabolism and are responsible for the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere over two billion years ago. However, we do not know how long this process may have taken. To help constrain how long this process would have taken, it is necessary to understand where the earliest Cyanobacteria may have lived. Here, we use a cutting-edge bioinformatics tool called branch water to examine the environments where modern Cyanobacteria and their relatives live to constrain those inhabited by the earliest Cyanobacteria. We find that these species likely lived in non-marine environments. This indicates that the rise of oxygen may have taken longer than previously believed.
Additional Links: PMID-39882857
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39882857,
year = {2025},
author = {Grettenberger, C and Gold, DA and Brown, CT},
title = {Distribution of early-branching Cyanobacteriia and the potential habitats that gave rise to the earliest oxygenic phototrophs.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {e0101324},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.01013-24},
pmid = {39882857},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {*Cyanobacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; *Oxygen/metabolism ; *Ecosystem ; *Photosynthesis ; Phototrophic Processes ; Biological Evolution ; Computational Biology/methods ; Phylogeny ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis in the Cyanobacteria was one of the most transformative events in Earth history, eventually leading to the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere. However, it is difficult to understand how the earliest Cyanobacteria functioned or evolved on early Earth in part because we do not understand their ecology, including the environments in which they lived. Here, we use a cutting-edge bioinformatics tool to survey nearly 500,000 metagenomes for relatives of the taxa that likely bookended the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis to identify the modern environments in which these organisms live. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that the common ancestors of these organisms lived in terrestrial (soil and/or freshwater) environments. This restricted distribution may have increased the lag between the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis and the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere.IMPORTANCECyanobacteria generate oxygen as part of their metabolism and are responsible for the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere over two billion years ago. However, we do not know how long this process may have taken. To help constrain how long this process would have taken, it is necessary to understand where the earliest Cyanobacteria may have lived. Here, we use a cutting-edge bioinformatics tool called branch water to examine the environments where modern Cyanobacteria and their relatives live to constrain those inhabited by the earliest Cyanobacteria. We find that these species likely lived in non-marine environments. This indicates that the rise of oxygen may have taken longer than previously believed.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Cyanobacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
*Oxygen/metabolism
*Ecosystem
*Photosynthesis
Phototrophic Processes
Biological Evolution
Computational Biology/methods
Phylogeny
Metagenome
RevDate: 2025-02-25
CmpDate: 2025-02-25
Assessing Human Influence and Vegetative Dune Dynamics on Barrier Islands via Satellite Raster Classification.
Environmental management, 75(3):524-537.
Barrier islands support ecological diversity and offshore ecosystems and provide critical protection to coastal communities. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of hurricanes affecting these islands, leading to ongoing erosion. The primary goal of this study was to explore the relationship between human intervention such as development and construction and the vegetative dune systems on Gulf Coast barrier islands in Alabama and Mississippi, USA. This research employed two decades of satellite images of three neighboring barrier islands and employed GIS raster classification to track changes in the vegetative dune system in terms of: (1) dune coverage (surface area of the vegetation), (2) vegetative maturity (vegetation type), and (3) stability (fluctuations in the vegetative coverage over time). Time series and trend analyses were used to compare the results for three neighboring islands. The findings show that Dauphin Island, which features both commercial facilities and vacation homes, exhibited a decrease in total area over time, and had the lowest percentage of vegetative dune coverage and highest level of vegetative fluctuation. In contrast, Petit Bois and Horn Islands, which remain untouched by human activity, displayed significantly higher levels of vegetative maturity and coverage and comparatively less fluctuation. This research provides a foundation for those advocating for dune restoration strategies, development limitations, and conservation regulations as nature-based infrastructure solutions to combat erosion on barrier islands and serves as a point of entry for future inquiries in the field of environmental management.
Additional Links: PMID-39240386
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39240386,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, S and Hogue, W},
title = {Assessing Human Influence and Vegetative Dune Dynamics on Barrier Islands via Satellite Raster Classification.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {75},
number = {3},
pages = {524-537},
pmid = {39240386},
issn = {1432-1009},
mesh = {Alabama ; *Islands ; Humans ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Ecosystem ; Mississippi ; Satellite Imagery ; Geographic Information Systems ; Climate Change ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; },
abstract = {Barrier islands support ecological diversity and offshore ecosystems and provide critical protection to coastal communities. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of hurricanes affecting these islands, leading to ongoing erosion. The primary goal of this study was to explore the relationship between human intervention such as development and construction and the vegetative dune systems on Gulf Coast barrier islands in Alabama and Mississippi, USA. This research employed two decades of satellite images of three neighboring barrier islands and employed GIS raster classification to track changes in the vegetative dune system in terms of: (1) dune coverage (surface area of the vegetation), (2) vegetative maturity (vegetation type), and (3) stability (fluctuations in the vegetative coverage over time). Time series and trend analyses were used to compare the results for three neighboring islands. The findings show that Dauphin Island, which features both commercial facilities and vacation homes, exhibited a decrease in total area over time, and had the lowest percentage of vegetative dune coverage and highest level of vegetative fluctuation. In contrast, Petit Bois and Horn Islands, which remain untouched by human activity, displayed significantly higher levels of vegetative maturity and coverage and comparatively less fluctuation. This research provides a foundation for those advocating for dune restoration strategies, development limitations, and conservation regulations as nature-based infrastructure solutions to combat erosion on barrier islands and serves as a point of entry for future inquiries in the field of environmental management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Alabama
*Islands
Humans
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Ecosystem
Mississippi
Satellite Imagery
Geographic Information Systems
Climate Change
Environmental Monitoring/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-24
One-hectare fine-scale dataset of a fynbos plant community in the Cape Floristic Region.
Data in brief, 59:111334.
Cape fynbos, which forms part of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa, a global biodiversity hotspot, is renowned for its high levels of plant species endemism and diversity. This extraordinary ecosystem, characterised by nutrient-poor soils and fire-adapted vegetation, is a treasure trove of endemic flora. However, this fragile system faces increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Pristine fynbos, naturally high in plant diversity and which forms a large part of the CFR, presents an ideal opportunity to gather fine-scale data on community assembly patterns. Most fynbos vegetation surveys use a plot size of about 100 m[2], with no spatial structures within plots to demarcate individual subplots. Here, a groundbreaking dataset is presented that fully covers 1-hectare of pristine fynbos, systematically gridded into 50 × 50 subplots, each measuring 2 × 2 m, arranged evenly within a square-shaped survey site. Each plot was assigned a unique Y-X coordinate combination. For each plot, all plant species present were recorded, along with their total percentage covers and maximum height values. Total percentage covers were also recorded for bare soil, rock, and termite mounds. This dataset provides a valuable contribution to the field of fynbos ecology, as well as plant community ecology in general, and establishes a benchmark for future one-hectare surveys of similar fynbos vegetation types, delineating the fine-scale composition and structure of fynbos in the CFR. The dataset will be useful for a wide audience, including community and spatial ecologists, plant and environmental scientists, and biodiversity informaticians and statistical ecologists, offering ideal data for testing new metrics of diversity and compositional turnover.
Additional Links: PMID-39990132
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39990132,
year = {2025},
author = {Keet, JH and Hui, C},
title = {One-hectare fine-scale dataset of a fynbos plant community in the Cape Floristic Region.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {59},
number = {},
pages = {111334},
pmid = {39990132},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Cape fynbos, which forms part of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa, a global biodiversity hotspot, is renowned for its high levels of plant species endemism and diversity. This extraordinary ecosystem, characterised by nutrient-poor soils and fire-adapted vegetation, is a treasure trove of endemic flora. However, this fragile system faces increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Pristine fynbos, naturally high in plant diversity and which forms a large part of the CFR, presents an ideal opportunity to gather fine-scale data on community assembly patterns. Most fynbos vegetation surveys use a plot size of about 100 m[2], with no spatial structures within plots to demarcate individual subplots. Here, a groundbreaking dataset is presented that fully covers 1-hectare of pristine fynbos, systematically gridded into 50 × 50 subplots, each measuring 2 × 2 m, arranged evenly within a square-shaped survey site. Each plot was assigned a unique Y-X coordinate combination. For each plot, all plant species present were recorded, along with their total percentage covers and maximum height values. Total percentage covers were also recorded for bare soil, rock, and termite mounds. This dataset provides a valuable contribution to the field of fynbos ecology, as well as plant community ecology in general, and establishes a benchmark for future one-hectare surveys of similar fynbos vegetation types, delineating the fine-scale composition and structure of fynbos in the CFR. The dataset will be useful for a wide audience, including community and spatial ecologists, plant and environmental scientists, and biodiversity informaticians and statistical ecologists, offering ideal data for testing new metrics of diversity and compositional turnover.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-24
Electrical brain activity during human walking with parametric variations in terrain unevenness and walking speed.
Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.), 2:.
Mobile brain imaging with high-density electroencephalography (EEG) can provide insight into the cortical processes involved in complex human walking tasks. While uneven terrain is common in the natural environment and poses challenges to human balance control, there is limited understanding of the supraspinal processes involved with traversing uneven terrain. The primary objective of this study was to quantify electrocortical activity related to parametric variations in terrain unevenness for neurotypical young adults. We used high-density EEG to measure brain activity when 32 young adults walked on a novel custom-made uneven terrain treadmill surface with four levels of difficulty at a walking speed tailored to each participant. We identified multiple brain regions associated with uneven terrain walking. Alpha (8 - 13 Hz) and beta (13 - 30 Hz) spectral power decreased in the sensorimotor and posterior parietal areas with increasing terrain unevenness while theta (4 - 8 Hz) power increased in the mid/posterior cingulate area with terrain unevenness. We also found that within stride spectral power fluctuations increased with terrain unevenness. Our secondary goal was to investigate the effect of parametric changes in walking speed (0.25 m/s, 0.5 m/s, 0.75 m/s, 1.0 m/s) to differentiate the effects of walking speed from uneven terrain. Our results revealed that electrocortical activities only changed substantially with speed within the sensorimotor area but not in other brain areas. Together, these results indicate there are distinct cortical processes contributing to the control of walking over uneven terrain versus modulation of walking speed on smooth, flat terrain. Our findings increase our understanding of cortical involvement in an ecologically valid walking task and could serve as a benchmark for identifying deficits in cortical dynamics that occur in people with mobility deficits.
Additional Links: PMID-39989610
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39989610,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, C and Downey, RJ and Salminen, JS and Rojas, SA and Richer, N and Pliner, EM and Hwang, J and Cruz-Almeida, Y and Manini, TM and Hass, CJ and Seidler, RD and Clark, DJ and Ferris, DP},
title = {Electrical brain activity during human walking with parametric variations in terrain unevenness and walking speed.},
journal = {Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39989610},
issn = {2837-6056},
abstract = {Mobile brain imaging with high-density electroencephalography (EEG) can provide insight into the cortical processes involved in complex human walking tasks. While uneven terrain is common in the natural environment and poses challenges to human balance control, there is limited understanding of the supraspinal processes involved with traversing uneven terrain. The primary objective of this study was to quantify electrocortical activity related to parametric variations in terrain unevenness for neurotypical young adults. We used high-density EEG to measure brain activity when 32 young adults walked on a novel custom-made uneven terrain treadmill surface with four levels of difficulty at a walking speed tailored to each participant. We identified multiple brain regions associated with uneven terrain walking. Alpha (8 - 13 Hz) and beta (13 - 30 Hz) spectral power decreased in the sensorimotor and posterior parietal areas with increasing terrain unevenness while theta (4 - 8 Hz) power increased in the mid/posterior cingulate area with terrain unevenness. We also found that within stride spectral power fluctuations increased with terrain unevenness. Our secondary goal was to investigate the effect of parametric changes in walking speed (0.25 m/s, 0.5 m/s, 0.75 m/s, 1.0 m/s) to differentiate the effects of walking speed from uneven terrain. Our results revealed that electrocortical activities only changed substantially with speed within the sensorimotor area but not in other brain areas. Together, these results indicate there are distinct cortical processes contributing to the control of walking over uneven terrain versus modulation of walking speed on smooth, flat terrain. Our findings increase our understanding of cortical involvement in an ecologically valid walking task and could serve as a benchmark for identifying deficits in cortical dynamics that occur in people with mobility deficits.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-23
CmpDate: 2025-02-07
Improving the Utility, Safety, and Ethical Use of a Passive Mood-Tracking App for People With Bipolar Disorder Using Coproduction: Qualitative Focus Group Study.
JMIR formative research, 9:e65140.
BACKGROUND: Coproduction with users of new digital technology, such as passive mood monitoring, is likely to improve its utility, safety, and successful implementation via improved design and consideration of how such technology fits with their daily lives. Mood-monitoring interventions are commonly used by people with bipolar disorder (BD) and have promising potential for digitization using novel technological methods.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore how a passive behavioral monitoring platform, Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse, would meet the needs of people with BD by specifically considering purpose and function, diversity of need, personal preference, essential components and potential risks, and harms and mitigation strategies through an iterative coproduction process.
METHODS: A total of 17 people with BD were recruited via national charities. We conducted 3 web-based focus groups as a part of an iterative coproduction process in line with responsible research and innovation principles and with consideration of clinical challenges associated with BD. Data were analyzed thematically. Results were cross-checked by someone with lived experience of BD.
RESULTS: Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified as follows: (1) the purpose of using the app, (2) desired features, (3) when to use the app, (4) risks of using the app, (5) sharing with family and friends, and (6) sharing with health care professionals.
CONCLUSIONS: People with BD who are interested in using passive technology to monitor their mood wish to do so for a wide variety of purposes, identifying several preferences and potential risks. Principally, people with BD wished to use this novel technology to aid them in self-managing their BD with greater insight and a better understanding of potential triggers. We discuss key features that may aid this functionality and purpose, including crisis plans and sharing with others. Future development of passive mood-monitoring technologies should not assume that the involvement of formal mental health services is desired.
Additional Links: PMID-39918865
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39918865,
year = {2025},
author = {Astill Wright, L and Moore, M and Reeves, S and Vallejos, EP and Morriss, R},
title = {Improving the Utility, Safety, and Ethical Use of a Passive Mood-Tracking App for People With Bipolar Disorder Using Coproduction: Qualitative Focus Group Study.},
journal = {JMIR formative research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e65140},
pmid = {39918865},
issn = {2561-326X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bipolar Disorder/psychology/therapy ; *Focus Groups ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Mobile Applications ; *Qualitative Research ; Affect ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coproduction with users of new digital technology, such as passive mood monitoring, is likely to improve its utility, safety, and successful implementation via improved design and consideration of how such technology fits with their daily lives. Mood-monitoring interventions are commonly used by people with bipolar disorder (BD) and have promising potential for digitization using novel technological methods.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore how a passive behavioral monitoring platform, Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse, would meet the needs of people with BD by specifically considering purpose and function, diversity of need, personal preference, essential components and potential risks, and harms and mitigation strategies through an iterative coproduction process.
METHODS: A total of 17 people with BD were recruited via national charities. We conducted 3 web-based focus groups as a part of an iterative coproduction process in line with responsible research and innovation principles and with consideration of clinical challenges associated with BD. Data were analyzed thematically. Results were cross-checked by someone with lived experience of BD.
RESULTS: Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified as follows: (1) the purpose of using the app, (2) desired features, (3) when to use the app, (4) risks of using the app, (5) sharing with family and friends, and (6) sharing with health care professionals.
CONCLUSIONS: People with BD who are interested in using passive technology to monitor their mood wish to do so for a wide variety of purposes, identifying several preferences and potential risks. Principally, people with BD wished to use this novel technology to aid them in self-managing their BD with greater insight and a better understanding of potential triggers. We discuss key features that may aid this functionality and purpose, including crisis plans and sharing with others. Future development of passive mood-monitoring technologies should not assume that the involvement of formal mental health services is desired.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Bipolar Disorder/psychology/therapy
*Focus Groups
Male
Female
Adult
Middle Aged
*Mobile Applications
*Qualitative Research
Affect
RevDate: 2025-02-22
Untreated insomnia as a contributor to geographic disparities in risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Additional Links: PMID-39986902
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39986902,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, S and Kaufmann, CN and Lippi, CA and Ryan, SJ and Guo, Y},
title = {Untreated insomnia as a contributor to geographic disparities in risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.},
journal = {Sleep health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.sleh.2025.01.002},
pmid = {39986902},
issn = {2352-7226},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-22
A 10-meter resolution dataset of abandoned and reclaimed cropland from 2016 to 2023 in Inner Mongolia, China.
Scientific data, 12(1):317.
Amid growing global food security concerns and frequent armed conflicts, real-time monitoring of abandoned cropland is essential for strategic planning and crisis management. This study develops a method to map abandoned cropland accurately, crucial for maintaining the food supply chain and ecological balance. Utilizing Sentinel-1/2 satellite data, we employed multi-feature stacking and machine learning to create the ARCC10-IM (Abandoned and Reclaimed Cropland Classification at 10-meter resolution in Inner Mongolia) dataset, which tracks annual cropland activity. A novel temporal segmentation algorithm was developed to extract cropland abandonment and reclamation patterns annually, using sliding time windows over several years. This research differentiates cropland states-active cultivation, unstable fallowing, continuous abandonment, and reclamation-providing continuous, regional-scale maps with 10-meter resolution. ARCC10-IM is crucial for land planning, environmental monitoring, and agricultural management in arid areas like Inner Mongolia, enhancing decision-making and technology in land use tracking.
Additional Links: PMID-39987271
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39987271,
year = {2025},
author = {Wuyun, D and Sun, L and Chen, Z and Li, Y and Han, M and Shi, Z and Ren, T and Zhao, H},
title = {A 10-meter resolution dataset of abandoned and reclaimed cropland from 2016 to 2023 in Inner Mongolia, China.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {317},
pmid = {39987271},
issn = {2052-4463},
abstract = {Amid growing global food security concerns and frequent armed conflicts, real-time monitoring of abandoned cropland is essential for strategic planning and crisis management. This study develops a method to map abandoned cropland accurately, crucial for maintaining the food supply chain and ecological balance. Utilizing Sentinel-1/2 satellite data, we employed multi-feature stacking and machine learning to create the ARCC10-IM (Abandoned and Reclaimed Cropland Classification at 10-meter resolution in Inner Mongolia) dataset, which tracks annual cropland activity. A novel temporal segmentation algorithm was developed to extract cropland abandonment and reclamation patterns annually, using sliding time windows over several years. This research differentiates cropland states-active cultivation, unstable fallowing, continuous abandonment, and reclamation-providing continuous, regional-scale maps with 10-meter resolution. ARCC10-IM is crucial for land planning, environmental monitoring, and agricultural management in arid areas like Inner Mongolia, enhancing decision-making and technology in land use tracking.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-22
CmpDate: 2025-02-22
MCTASmRNA: A deep learning framework for alternative splicing events classification.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 300:139941.
Alternative splicing (AS) plays crucial post-transcriptional gene function regulation roles in eukaryotic. Despite progress in studying AS at the RNA level, existing methods for AS event identification face challenges such as inefficiency, lengthy processing times, and limitations in capturing the complexity of RNA sequences. To overcome these challenges, we evaluated 10 AS detection tools and selected rMATS for dataset construction. We then developed a multi-scale convolutional and Transformer-based model (MCTASmRNA) to classify AS events in mRNA sequences without relying on a reference genome. To handle the problem of large intra-class and small inter-class difference in AS event sequences, we incorporated an efficient channel attention mechanism and designed a new joint loss function to optimize MCTASmRNA training. MCTASmRNA outperformed baseline models, with an accuracy improvement and exhibited enhanced cross-species generalizability. This model provides valuable support for AS research across different organisms. Future work will focus on optimizing and expanding the model to further explore the complex mechanisms underlying AS.
Additional Links: PMID-39842565
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39842565,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, JY and Jiang, G and Gao, FH and Ren, SN and Zhu, CY and Xie, J and Li, Z and Yin, W and Xia, X and Li, Y and Wang, HL},
title = {MCTASmRNA: A deep learning framework for alternative splicing events classification.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {139941},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139941},
pmid = {39842565},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {*Deep Learning ; *Alternative Splicing/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; Computational Biology/methods ; Software ; },
abstract = {Alternative splicing (AS) plays crucial post-transcriptional gene function regulation roles in eukaryotic. Despite progress in studying AS at the RNA level, existing methods for AS event identification face challenges such as inefficiency, lengthy processing times, and limitations in capturing the complexity of RNA sequences. To overcome these challenges, we evaluated 10 AS detection tools and selected rMATS for dataset construction. We then developed a multi-scale convolutional and Transformer-based model (MCTASmRNA) to classify AS events in mRNA sequences without relying on a reference genome. To handle the problem of large intra-class and small inter-class difference in AS event sequences, we incorporated an efficient channel attention mechanism and designed a new joint loss function to optimize MCTASmRNA training. MCTASmRNA outperformed baseline models, with an accuracy improvement and exhibited enhanced cross-species generalizability. This model provides valuable support for AS research across different organisms. Future work will focus on optimizing and expanding the model to further explore the complex mechanisms underlying AS.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Deep Learning
*Alternative Splicing/genetics
RNA, Messenger/genetics
Humans
Animals
Computational Biology/methods
Software
RevDate: 2025-02-21
CmpDate: 2025-02-21
Strigolactone and karrikin receptors regulate phytohormone biosynthetic and catabolic processes.
Plant cell reports, 44(3):60.
Karrikin plays a more critical role in affecting the homeostasis of ABA and cytokinins, while strigolactones play a more critical role in influencing the homeostasis of jasmonic acid and gibberellins. Strigolactones (SLs) and karrikins (KARs) regulate plant growth and development through their crosstalk, and through the crosstalk between them and other phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin. However, how SL and KAR signaling pathways influence the levels of other phytohormones is still unknown. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana double mutant dwarf14 karrikin-insensitive 2 (d14 kai2), deficient in SL and KAR perception, and the wild-type (WT) using their rosette leaves. Ten gene ontology terms related to phytohormones were enriched with differentially expressed genes derived from the 'd14 kai2 vs WT' comparison. Our data revealed that the levels of auxin, ABA and salicylic acid (SA) were higher in d14 and kai2 single and d14 kai2 mutant plants than in WT, which was consistent with the results of previous investigations. In contrast, the levels of cytokinins (CKs) were found to be lower in all single and double mutants than in WT. The levels of active gibberellins were lower in d14 and d14 kai2 mutants than in WT, while they were comparable in kai2 and WT plants. Similarly, the levels of jasmonic acid (JA) were lower in d14 and d14 kai2 plants, but higher in kai2 plants than in WT. Both transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that SL and KAR signaling pathways affect the levels of auxin, SA, CKs, gibberellin 4 (GA4) and ABA by influencing the expression of their biosynthetic (in case of auxin, SA, GA4 and CKs) and catabolic (in case of ABA) genes. Collectively, our data demonstrated that KAI2 plays a more critical role in the homeostasis of ABA and CKs, while D14 plays a more critical role in the homeostasis of JA and gibberellins. Findings of this study indicate a complex and broad crosstalk among various phytohormones in plants, which can be considered for future exogenous applications and hormone engineering.
Additional Links: PMID-39982558
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@article {pmid39982558,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, L and Gupta, A and Zhu, C and Xu, K and Watanabe, Y and Tanaka, M and Seki, M and Mochida, K and Kanno, Y and Seo, M and Nguyen, KH and Tran, CD and Chu, HD and Yin, H and Jia, KP and Tran, LP and Yin, X and Li, W},
title = {Strigolactone and karrikin receptors regulate phytohormone biosynthetic and catabolic processes.},
journal = {Plant cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {60},
pmid = {39982558},
issn = {1432-203X},
support = {XDA28110100//State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2022YFD1500505//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32370321//Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; *Lactones/metabolism ; *Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; *Pyrans/metabolism ; *Cyclopentanes/metabolism ; *Furans/metabolism ; Oxylipins/metabolism ; Gibberellins/metabolism ; Abscisic Acid/metabolism ; Cytokinins/metabolism ; Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism/genetics ; Salicylic Acid/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Mutation ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Karrikin plays a more critical role in affecting the homeostasis of ABA and cytokinins, while strigolactones play a more critical role in influencing the homeostasis of jasmonic acid and gibberellins. Strigolactones (SLs) and karrikins (KARs) regulate plant growth and development through their crosstalk, and through the crosstalk between them and other phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin. However, how SL and KAR signaling pathways influence the levels of other phytohormones is still unknown. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana double mutant dwarf14 karrikin-insensitive 2 (d14 kai2), deficient in SL and KAR perception, and the wild-type (WT) using their rosette leaves. Ten gene ontology terms related to phytohormones were enriched with differentially expressed genes derived from the 'd14 kai2 vs WT' comparison. Our data revealed that the levels of auxin, ABA and salicylic acid (SA) were higher in d14 and kai2 single and d14 kai2 mutant plants than in WT, which was consistent with the results of previous investigations. In contrast, the levels of cytokinins (CKs) were found to be lower in all single and double mutants than in WT. The levels of active gibberellins were lower in d14 and d14 kai2 mutants than in WT, while they were comparable in kai2 and WT plants. Similarly, the levels of jasmonic acid (JA) were lower in d14 and d14 kai2 plants, but higher in kai2 plants than in WT. Both transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that SL and KAR signaling pathways affect the levels of auxin, SA, CKs, gibberellin 4 (GA4) and ABA by influencing the expression of their biosynthetic (in case of auxin, SA, GA4 and CKs) and catabolic (in case of ABA) genes. Collectively, our data demonstrated that KAI2 plays a more critical role in the homeostasis of ABA and CKs, while D14 plays a more critical role in the homeostasis of JA and gibberellins. Findings of this study indicate a complex and broad crosstalk among various phytohormones in plants, which can be considered for future exogenous applications and hormone engineering.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
*Lactones/metabolism
*Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism
*Pyrans/metabolism
*Cyclopentanes/metabolism
*Furans/metabolism
Oxylipins/metabolism
Gibberellins/metabolism
Abscisic Acid/metabolism
Cytokinins/metabolism
Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism/genetics
Salicylic Acid/metabolism
Signal Transduction
Mutation
Gene Expression Profiling
RevDate: 2025-02-21
CmpDate: 2025-02-21
Beyond boundaries: a location-based toolkit for quantifying group dynamics in diverse contexts.
Cognitive research: principles and implications, 10(1):10.
Existing toolkits for analyzing movement dynamics in animal ecology primarily focus on individual or group behavior in habitats without predefined boundaries, while methods for studying human activity often cater to bounded environments, such as team sports played on defined fields. This leaves a gap in tools for modeling and analyzing human group dynamics in large-scale, unbounded, or semi-constrained environments. Examples of such contexts include tourist groups, cycling teams, search and rescue teams, and military units. To address this issue, we survey existing methods and metrics for characterizing individual and collective movement in humans and animals. Using a rich GPS dataset from groups of military personnel engaged in a foot march, we develop a comprehensive, general-purpose toolkit for quantifying group dynamics using location-based metrics during goal-directed movement in open environments. This toolkit includes a repository of Python functions for extracting and analyzing movement data, integrating cognitive factors such as decision-making, situational awareness, and group coordination. By extending location-based analytics to non-traditional domains, this toolkit enhances the understanding of collective movement, group behavior, and emergent properties shaped by cognitive processes. To demonstrate its practical utility, we present a use case utilizing metrics derived from the foot march data to predict group performance during a subsequent strategic and tactical exercise, highlighting the influence of cognitive and decision-making behaviors on team effectiveness.
Additional Links: PMID-39982516
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39982516,
year = {2025},
author = {Elkin-Frankston, S and McIntyre, J and Brunyé, TT and Gardony, AL and Hancock, CL and O'Donovan, MP and Bode, VG and Miller, EL},
title = {Beyond boundaries: a location-based toolkit for quantifying group dynamics in diverse contexts.},
journal = {Cognitive research: principles and implications},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39982516},
issn = {2365-7464},
support = {W911QY1920003//U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center/ ; 1934553//National Science Foundation/ ; 1931978//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Group Processes ; *Military Personnel ; Geographic Information Systems ; Social Behavior ; Movement/physiology ; Models, Theoretical ; Group Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Existing toolkits for analyzing movement dynamics in animal ecology primarily focus on individual or group behavior in habitats without predefined boundaries, while methods for studying human activity often cater to bounded environments, such as team sports played on defined fields. This leaves a gap in tools for modeling and analyzing human group dynamics in large-scale, unbounded, or semi-constrained environments. Examples of such contexts include tourist groups, cycling teams, search and rescue teams, and military units. To address this issue, we survey existing methods and metrics for characterizing individual and collective movement in humans and animals. Using a rich GPS dataset from groups of military personnel engaged in a foot march, we develop a comprehensive, general-purpose toolkit for quantifying group dynamics using location-based metrics during goal-directed movement in open environments. This toolkit includes a repository of Python functions for extracting and analyzing movement data, integrating cognitive factors such as decision-making, situational awareness, and group coordination. By extending location-based analytics to non-traditional domains, this toolkit enhances the understanding of collective movement, group behavior, and emergent properties shaped by cognitive processes. To demonstrate its practical utility, we present a use case utilizing metrics derived from the foot march data to predict group performance during a subsequent strategic and tactical exercise, highlighting the influence of cognitive and decision-making behaviors on team effectiveness.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Group Processes
*Military Personnel
Geographic Information Systems
Social Behavior
Movement/physiology
Models, Theoretical
Group Dynamics
RevDate: 2025-02-21
Nested likelihood-ratio testing of the nonsynonymous:synonymous ratio suggests greater adaptation in the piRNA machinery of Drosophila melanogaster compared with Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila willistoni, two species with higher repeat content.
G3 (Bethesda, Md.) pii:8029657 [Epub ahead of print].
Numerous studies have revealed a signature of strong adaptive evolution in the piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) machinery of Drosophila melanogaster, but the cause of this pattern is not understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. One hypothesis is that transposable element (TE) families and the piRNA machinery are co-evolving under an evolutionary arms race, perhaps due to antagonism by TEs against the piRNA machinery. A related, though not co-evolutionary, hypothesis is that recurrent TE invasion drives the piRNA machinery to adapt to novel TE strategies. A third hypothesis is that ongoing fluctuation in TE abundance leads to adaptation in the piRNA machinery that must constantly adjust between sensitivity for detecting new elements and specificity to avoid the cost of off-target gene silencing. Rapid evolution of the piRNA machinery may also be driven independently of TEs, and instead from other functions such as the role of piRNAs in suppressing sex-chromosome meiotic drive. We sought to evaluate the impact of TE abundance on adaptive evolution of the piRNA machinery in D. melanogaster and 2 species with higher repeat content-Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila willistoni. This comparison was achieved by employing a likelihood-based hypothesis testing framework based on the McDonald-Kreitman test. We show that we can reject a faster rate of adaptive evolution in the piRNA machinery of these 2 species. We propose that the high rate of adaptation in D. melanogaster is either driven by a recent influx of TEs that have occurred during range expansion or selection on other functions of the piRNA machinery.
Additional Links: PMID-39982380
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39982380,
year = {2025},
author = {Blumenstiel, JP and Kingan, SB and Garrigan, D and Hill, T and Vedanayagam, J},
title = {Nested likelihood-ratio testing of the nonsynonymous:synonymous ratio suggests greater adaptation in the piRNA machinery of Drosophila melanogaster compared with Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila willistoni, two species with higher repeat content.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf017},
pmid = {39982380},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {1413532//NSF MCB/ ; P20GM103638//NIH-NIGMS/COBRE/ ; P20GM103418//NIH-NIGMS/KINBRE/ ; //University of Kansas/ ; DEB1209536//NSF-DDIG/ ; R00GM137077//NIH-NIGMS/ ; //University of Texas at San Antonio/ ; //KU Medical Center Genome Sequencing Facility/ ; NIH U54 HD090216/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR002366//Frontiers CTSA/ ; },
abstract = {Numerous studies have revealed a signature of strong adaptive evolution in the piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) machinery of Drosophila melanogaster, but the cause of this pattern is not understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. One hypothesis is that transposable element (TE) families and the piRNA machinery are co-evolving under an evolutionary arms race, perhaps due to antagonism by TEs against the piRNA machinery. A related, though not co-evolutionary, hypothesis is that recurrent TE invasion drives the piRNA machinery to adapt to novel TE strategies. A third hypothesis is that ongoing fluctuation in TE abundance leads to adaptation in the piRNA machinery that must constantly adjust between sensitivity for detecting new elements and specificity to avoid the cost of off-target gene silencing. Rapid evolution of the piRNA machinery may also be driven independently of TEs, and instead from other functions such as the role of piRNAs in suppressing sex-chromosome meiotic drive. We sought to evaluate the impact of TE abundance on adaptive evolution of the piRNA machinery in D. melanogaster and 2 species with higher repeat content-Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila willistoni. This comparison was achieved by employing a likelihood-based hypothesis testing framework based on the McDonald-Kreitman test. We show that we can reject a faster rate of adaptive evolution in the piRNA machinery of these 2 species. We propose that the high rate of adaptation in D. melanogaster is either driven by a recent influx of TEs that have occurred during range expansion or selection on other functions of the piRNA machinery.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-21
Adherence to a digital therapeutic mediates the relationship between momentary self-regulation and health risk behaviors.
Frontiers in digital health, 7:1467772.
INTRODUCTION: Smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity are modifiable health risk behaviors. Self-regulation is one fundamental behavior change mechanism often incorporated within digital therapeutics as it varies momentarily across time and contexts and may play a causal role in improving these health behaviors. However, the role of momentary self-regulation in achieving behavior change has been infrequently examined. Using a novel momentary self-regulation scale, this study examined how targeting self-regulation through a digital therapeutic impacts adherence to the therapeutic and two different health risk behavioral outcomes.
METHODS: This prospective interventional study included momentary data for 28 days from 50 participants with obesity and binge eating disorder and 50 participants who smoked regularly. An evidence-based digital therapeutic, called Laddr™, provided self-regulation behavior change tools. Participants reported on their momentary self-regulation via ecological momentary assessments and health risk behaviors were measured as steps taken from a physical activity tracker and breathalyzed carbon monoxide. Medical regimen adherence was assessed as daily Laddr usage. Bayesian dynamic mediation models were used to examine moment-to-moment mediation effects between momentary self-regulation subscales, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral outcomes.
RESULTS: In the binge eating disorder sample, the perseverance [β 1 = 0.17, 95% CI = (0.06, 0.45)] and emotion regulation [β 1 = 0.12, 95% CI = (0.03, 0.27)] targets of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day, and higher Laddr adherence was subsequently a positive predictor of steps taken the same day for both perseverance [β 2 = 0.335, 95% CI = (0.030, 0.717)] and emotion regulation [β 2 = 0.389, 95% CI = (0.080, 0.738)]. In the smoking sample, the perseverance target of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day [β = 0.91, 95% CI = (0.60, 1.24)]. However, higher Laddr adherence was not a predictor of CO values on the same day [β 2 = -0.09, 95% CI = (-0.24, 0.09)].
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that a digital therapeutic targeting self-regulation can modify the relationships between momentary self-regulation, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral health outcomes. Together, this work demonstrated the ability to digitally assess the transdiagnostic mediating effect of momentary self-regulation on medical regimen adherence and pro-health behavioral outcomes.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT03774433).
Additional Links: PMID-39981105
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39981105,
year = {2025},
author = {Plaitano, EG and McNeish, D and Bartels, SM and Bell, K and Dallery, J and Grabinski, M and Kiernan, M and Lavoie, HA and Lemley, SM and Lowe, MR and MacKinnon, DP and Metcalf, SA and Onken, L and Prochaska, JJ and Sand, CL and Scherer, EA and Stoeckel, LE and Xie, H and Marsch, LA},
title = {Adherence to a digital therapeutic mediates the relationship between momentary self-regulation and health risk behaviors.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1467772},
pmid = {39981105},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity are modifiable health risk behaviors. Self-regulation is one fundamental behavior change mechanism often incorporated within digital therapeutics as it varies momentarily across time and contexts and may play a causal role in improving these health behaviors. However, the role of momentary self-regulation in achieving behavior change has been infrequently examined. Using a novel momentary self-regulation scale, this study examined how targeting self-regulation through a digital therapeutic impacts adherence to the therapeutic and two different health risk behavioral outcomes.
METHODS: This prospective interventional study included momentary data for 28 days from 50 participants with obesity and binge eating disorder and 50 participants who smoked regularly. An evidence-based digital therapeutic, called Laddr™, provided self-regulation behavior change tools. Participants reported on their momentary self-regulation via ecological momentary assessments and health risk behaviors were measured as steps taken from a physical activity tracker and breathalyzed carbon monoxide. Medical regimen adherence was assessed as daily Laddr usage. Bayesian dynamic mediation models were used to examine moment-to-moment mediation effects between momentary self-regulation subscales, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral outcomes.
RESULTS: In the binge eating disorder sample, the perseverance [β 1 = 0.17, 95% CI = (0.06, 0.45)] and emotion regulation [β 1 = 0.12, 95% CI = (0.03, 0.27)] targets of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day, and higher Laddr adherence was subsequently a positive predictor of steps taken the same day for both perseverance [β 2 = 0.335, 95% CI = (0.030, 0.717)] and emotion regulation [β 2 = 0.389, 95% CI = (0.080, 0.738)]. In the smoking sample, the perseverance target of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day [β = 0.91, 95% CI = (0.60, 1.24)]. However, higher Laddr adherence was not a predictor of CO values on the same day [β 2 = -0.09, 95% CI = (-0.24, 0.09)].
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that a digital therapeutic targeting self-regulation can modify the relationships between momentary self-regulation, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral health outcomes. Together, this work demonstrated the ability to digitally assess the transdiagnostic mediating effect of momentary self-regulation on medical regimen adherence and pro-health behavioral outcomes.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT03774433).},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-21
A scientometric visualization analysis of the gut microbiota and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1485560.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition that is widespread globally, is increasing. The relationship between the gut microbiota and GDM has been a subject of research for nearly two decades, yet there has been no bibliometric analysis of this correlation. This study aimed to use bibliometrics to explore the relationship between the gut microbiota and GDM, highlighting emerging trends and current research hotspots in this field.
RESULTS: A total of 394 papers were included in the analysis. China emerged as the preeminent nation in terms of the number of publications on the subject, with 128 papers (32.49%), whereas the United States had the most significant impact, with 4,874 citations. The University of Queensland emerged as the most prolific institution, contributing 18 publications. Marloes Dekker Nitert was the most active author with 16 publications, and Omry Koren garnered the most citations, totaling 154. The journal Nutrients published the most studies (28 publications, 7.11%), whereas PLoS One was the most commonly co-cited journal, with a total of 805 citations. With respect to keywords, research focuses can be divided into 4 clusters, namely, "the interrelationship between the gut microbiota and pregnancy, childbirth," "the relationship between adverse metabolic outcomes and GDM," "the gut microbiota composition and metabolic mechanisms" and "microbiota and ecological imbalance." Key areas of focus include the interactions between the gut microbiota and individuals with GDM, as well as the formation and inheritance of the gut microbiota. Increasing attention has been given to the impact of probiotic supplementation on metabolism and pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients. Moreover, ongoing research is exploring the potential of the gut microbiota as a biomarker for GDM. These topics represent both current and future directions in this field.
CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive knowledge map of the gut microbiota and GDM, highlights key research areas, and outlines potential future directions.
Additional Links: PMID-39980689
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39980689,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, Z and Liu, L and Zhang, J and Guo, J and Wang, G and Zeng, X},
title = {A scientometric visualization analysis of the gut microbiota and gestational diabetes mellitus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1485560},
pmid = {39980689},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition that is widespread globally, is increasing. The relationship between the gut microbiota and GDM has been a subject of research for nearly two decades, yet there has been no bibliometric analysis of this correlation. This study aimed to use bibliometrics to explore the relationship between the gut microbiota and GDM, highlighting emerging trends and current research hotspots in this field.
RESULTS: A total of 394 papers were included in the analysis. China emerged as the preeminent nation in terms of the number of publications on the subject, with 128 papers (32.49%), whereas the United States had the most significant impact, with 4,874 citations. The University of Queensland emerged as the most prolific institution, contributing 18 publications. Marloes Dekker Nitert was the most active author with 16 publications, and Omry Koren garnered the most citations, totaling 154. The journal Nutrients published the most studies (28 publications, 7.11%), whereas PLoS One was the most commonly co-cited journal, with a total of 805 citations. With respect to keywords, research focuses can be divided into 4 clusters, namely, "the interrelationship between the gut microbiota and pregnancy, childbirth," "the relationship between adverse metabolic outcomes and GDM," "the gut microbiota composition and metabolic mechanisms" and "microbiota and ecological imbalance." Key areas of focus include the interactions between the gut microbiota and individuals with GDM, as well as the formation and inheritance of the gut microbiota. Increasing attention has been given to the impact of probiotic supplementation on metabolism and pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients. Moreover, ongoing research is exploring the potential of the gut microbiota as a biomarker for GDM. These topics represent both current and future directions in this field.
CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive knowledge map of the gut microbiota and GDM, highlights key research areas, and outlines potential future directions.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-21
CmpDate: 2025-02-21
Assessment of Environmental, Sociocultural, and Physiological Influences on Women's Toileting Decisions and Behaviors Using "Where I Go": Pilot Study of a Mobile App.
JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 13:e56533 pii:v13i1e56533.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about women's decisions around toileting for urination and how those decisions influence moment-to-moment behaviors to manage bladder needs. The new smartphone app "Where I Go" captures such nuanced and granular data in real-world environments.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe participant engagement with "Where I Go", variation in novel parameters collected, and readiness for the data collection tool's use in population-based studies.
METHODS: "Where I Go" has three components: (1) real-time data, (2) short look-back periods (3-4 h), and (3) event location (GPS recorded at each interaction). The sample size was 44 women. Recording of real-time toileting events and responding to look-back questions was measured over 2 days of data collection. The participant's self-entered location descriptions and the automatic GPS recordings were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 44 women with an average age of 44 (range 21-85) years interacted with the app. Real-time reporting of at least 1 toileting event per day was high (38/44, 86%, on day 1 and 40/44, 91%, on day 2) with a median of 5 (IQR 3-7 on day 1 and IQR 3-8 on day 2) toileting events recorded each day. Toileting most commonly occurred at home (85/140, 61%, on day 1 and 129/171, 75%, on day 2) due to a need to go (114/140, 66%, on day 1 and 153/171, 74%, on day 2). The most common reasons for delaying toileting were "work duties" (33/140, 21%, on day 1 and 21/171, 11%, on day 2) and "errands or traveling" (19/140, 12%, on day 1 and 19/171, 10%, on day 2). Response to at least 1 look-back notification was similarly high (41/44, 93%, on day 1 and 42/44, 95%, on day 2), with number of responses higher on average on day 2 compared with day 1 (mean on day 1=3.2, 95% CI 3.0-3.5; mean on day 2=4.3, 95% CI 3.9-4.7; P<.001). Median additional toileting events reported on the look-back survey were 1 (IQR 1-2) and 2 (IQR 1-2) on days 1 and 2, respectively. Overall concordance between self-reported location recording and GPS was 76% (188/247). Participants reported lower urge ratings when at home versus away when reporting real-time toileting (median rating 61, IQR 41-84 vs 72, IQR 56-98), and daily fluid intake showed a small to medium positive correlation with toileting frequency (day 1 r=0.3, day 2 r=0.24). Toileting frequency reported in "Where I Go" showed a small positive correlation with the frequency item from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (r=0.31 with day 1 toileting frequency and r=0.21 with day 2 toileting frequency).
CONCLUSIONS: "Where I Go" has potential to increase the understanding of factors that affect women's toileting decisions and long-term bladder health. We anticipate its use as a data collection tool in population-based studies.
Additional Links: PMID-39980161
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39980161,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, AR and Mueller, ER and Lewis, CE and Markland, A and Smerdon, C and Smith, AL and Sutcliffe, S and Wyman, JF and Low, LK and Miller, JM and , },
title = {Assessment of Environmental, Sociocultural, and Physiological Influences on Women's Toileting Decisions and Behaviors Using "Where I Go": Pilot Study of a Mobile App.},
journal = {JMIR mHealth and uHealth},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e56533},
doi = {10.2196/56533},
pmid = {39980161},
issn = {2291-5222},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Mobile Applications/standards/statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Pilot Projects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Urination/physiology ; Decision Making ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Little is known about women's decisions around toileting for urination and how those decisions influence moment-to-moment behaviors to manage bladder needs. The new smartphone app "Where I Go" captures such nuanced and granular data in real-world environments.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe participant engagement with "Where I Go", variation in novel parameters collected, and readiness for the data collection tool's use in population-based studies.
METHODS: "Where I Go" has three components: (1) real-time data, (2) short look-back periods (3-4 h), and (3) event location (GPS recorded at each interaction). The sample size was 44 women. Recording of real-time toileting events and responding to look-back questions was measured over 2 days of data collection. The participant's self-entered location descriptions and the automatic GPS recordings were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 44 women with an average age of 44 (range 21-85) years interacted with the app. Real-time reporting of at least 1 toileting event per day was high (38/44, 86%, on day 1 and 40/44, 91%, on day 2) with a median of 5 (IQR 3-7 on day 1 and IQR 3-8 on day 2) toileting events recorded each day. Toileting most commonly occurred at home (85/140, 61%, on day 1 and 129/171, 75%, on day 2) due to a need to go (114/140, 66%, on day 1 and 153/171, 74%, on day 2). The most common reasons for delaying toileting were "work duties" (33/140, 21%, on day 1 and 21/171, 11%, on day 2) and "errands or traveling" (19/140, 12%, on day 1 and 19/171, 10%, on day 2). Response to at least 1 look-back notification was similarly high (41/44, 93%, on day 1 and 42/44, 95%, on day 2), with number of responses higher on average on day 2 compared with day 1 (mean on day 1=3.2, 95% CI 3.0-3.5; mean on day 2=4.3, 95% CI 3.9-4.7; P<.001). Median additional toileting events reported on the look-back survey were 1 (IQR 1-2) and 2 (IQR 1-2) on days 1 and 2, respectively. Overall concordance between self-reported location recording and GPS was 76% (188/247). Participants reported lower urge ratings when at home versus away when reporting real-time toileting (median rating 61, IQR 41-84 vs 72, IQR 56-98), and daily fluid intake showed a small to medium positive correlation with toileting frequency (day 1 r=0.3, day 2 r=0.24). Toileting frequency reported in "Where I Go" showed a small positive correlation with the frequency item from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (r=0.31 with day 1 toileting frequency and r=0.21 with day 2 toileting frequency).
CONCLUSIONS: "Where I Go" has potential to increase the understanding of factors that affect women's toileting decisions and long-term bladder health. We anticipate its use as a data collection tool in population-based studies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Female
*Mobile Applications/standards/statistics & numerical data
Adult
Pilot Projects
Middle Aged
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Urination/physiology
Decision Making
Surveys and Questionnaires
RevDate: 2025-02-21
CmpDate: 2025-02-21
The Mediating Role of Meaning-Making in the Relationship Between Mental Time Travel and Positive Emotions in Stress-Related Blogs: Big Data Text Analysis Research.
Journal of medical Internet research, 27:e63407 pii:v27i1e63407.
BACKGROUND: Given the ubiquity of stress, a key focus of stress research is exploring how to better coexist with stress.
OBJECTIVE: This study conducted text analysis on stress-related Weibo posts using a web crawler to investigate whether these posts contained positive emotions, as well as elements of mental time travel and meaning-making. A mediation model of mental time travel, meaning-making, and positive emotions was constructed to examine whether meaning-making triggered by mental time travel can foster positive emotions under stress.
METHODS: Using Python 3.8, the original public data from active Weibo users were crawled, yielding 331,711 stress-related posts. To avoid false positives, these posts were randomly divided into two large samples for cross-validation (sample 1: n=165,374; sample 2: n=166,337). Google's natural language processing application programming interface was used for word segmentation, followed by text and mediation analysis using the Chinese psychological analysis system "Wenxin." A mini-meta-analysis of the mediation path coefficients was conducted. Text analysis identified mental time travel words, meaning-making words, and positive emotion words in stress-related posts.
RESULTS: The constructed mediation model of mental time travel words (time words), meaning-making words (causal and insightful words), and positive poststress emotions validated positive adaptation following stress. A mini-meta-analysis of two different mediation models constructed in the two subsamples indicated a stable mediation effect across the 2 random subsamples. The combined effect size (B) obtained was .013 (SE 0.003, 95% CI 0.007-0.018; P<.001), demonstrating that meaning-making triggered by mental time travel in stress-related blog posts can predict positive emotions under stress.
CONCLUSIONS: Individuals can adapt positively to stress by engaging in meaning-making processes that are triggered by mental time travel and reflected in their social media posts. The study's mediation model confirmed that mental time travel leads to meaning-making, which fosters positive emotional responses to stress. Mental time travel serves as a psychological strategy to facilitate positive adaptation to stressful situations.
Additional Links: PMID-39900590
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@article {pmid39900590,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Zheng, L and Ma, J and Zhu, H and Gan, Y},
title = {The Mediating Role of Meaning-Making in the Relationship Between Mental Time Travel and Positive Emotions in Stress-Related Blogs: Big Data Text Analysis Research.},
journal = {Journal of medical Internet research},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e63407},
doi = {10.2196/63407},
pmid = {39900590},
issn = {1438-8871},
mesh = {Humans ; *Stress, Psychological/psychology ; *Emotions ; *Big Data ; *Blogging ; Social Media ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Given the ubiquity of stress, a key focus of stress research is exploring how to better coexist with stress.
OBJECTIVE: This study conducted text analysis on stress-related Weibo posts using a web crawler to investigate whether these posts contained positive emotions, as well as elements of mental time travel and meaning-making. A mediation model of mental time travel, meaning-making, and positive emotions was constructed to examine whether meaning-making triggered by mental time travel can foster positive emotions under stress.
METHODS: Using Python 3.8, the original public data from active Weibo users were crawled, yielding 331,711 stress-related posts. To avoid false positives, these posts were randomly divided into two large samples for cross-validation (sample 1: n=165,374; sample 2: n=166,337). Google's natural language processing application programming interface was used for word segmentation, followed by text and mediation analysis using the Chinese psychological analysis system "Wenxin." A mini-meta-analysis of the mediation path coefficients was conducted. Text analysis identified mental time travel words, meaning-making words, and positive emotion words in stress-related posts.
RESULTS: The constructed mediation model of mental time travel words (time words), meaning-making words (causal and insightful words), and positive poststress emotions validated positive adaptation following stress. A mini-meta-analysis of two different mediation models constructed in the two subsamples indicated a stable mediation effect across the 2 random subsamples. The combined effect size (B) obtained was .013 (SE 0.003, 95% CI 0.007-0.018; P<.001), demonstrating that meaning-making triggered by mental time travel in stress-related blog posts can predict positive emotions under stress.
CONCLUSIONS: Individuals can adapt positively to stress by engaging in meaning-making processes that are triggered by mental time travel and reflected in their social media posts. The study's mediation model confirmed that mental time travel leads to meaning-making, which fosters positive emotional responses to stress. Mental time travel serves as a psychological strategy to facilitate positive adaptation to stressful situations.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Stress, Psychological/psychology
*Emotions
*Big Data
*Blogging
Social Media
RevDate: 2025-02-20
Editorial: Towards the embedding of artificial intelligence into synthetic organisms: engineering intelligence in microorganisms.
Frontiers in genetics, 16:1562092 pii:1562092.
Additional Links: PMID-39975655
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@article {pmid39975655,
year = {2025},
author = {Gutiérrez, ME and Lahoz-Beltrá, R and Donayre-Torres, AJ},
title = {Editorial: Towards the embedding of artificial intelligence into synthetic organisms: engineering intelligence in microorganisms.},
journal = {Frontiers in genetics},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1562092},
doi = {10.3389/fgene.2025.1562092},
pmid = {39975655},
issn = {1664-8021},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-20
CmpDate: 2025-02-20
Integrating animal tracking and trait data to facilitate global ecological discoveries.
The Journal of experimental biology, 228(Suppl_1):.
Understanding animal movement is at the core of ecology, evolution and conservation science. Big data approaches for animal tracking have facilitated impactful synthesis research on spatial biology and behavior in ecologically important and human-impacted regions. Similarly, databases of animal traits (e.g. body size, limb length, locomotion method, lifespan) have been used for a wide range of comparative questions, with emerging data being shared at the level of individuals and populations. Here, we argue that the proliferation of both types of publicly available data creates exciting opportunities to unlock new avenues of research, such as spatial planning and ecological forecasting. We assessed the feasibility of combining animal tracking and trait databases to develop and test hypotheses across geographic, temporal and biological allometric scales. We identified multiple research questions addressing performance and distribution constraints that could be answered by integrating trait and tracking data. For example, how do physiological (e.g. metabolic rates) and biomechanical traits (e.g. limb length, locomotion form) influence migration distances? We illustrate the potential of our framework with three case studies that effectively integrate trait and tracking data for comparative research. An important challenge ahead is the lack of taxonomic and spatial overlap in trait and tracking databases. We identify critical next steps for future integration of tracking and trait databases, with the most impactful being open and interlinked individual-level data. Coordinated efforts to combine trait and tracking databases will accelerate global ecological and evolutionary insights and inform conservation and management decisions in our changing world.
Additional Links: PMID-39973193
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@article {pmid39973193,
year = {2025},
author = {Beltran, RS and Kilpatrick, AM and Adamczak, SK and Beumer, LT and Czapanskiy, MF and Davidson, SC and McLean, BS and Mueller, T and Payne, AR and Soria, CD and Weeks, BC and Williams, TM and Salguero-Gómez, R},
title = {Integrating animal tracking and trait data to facilitate global ecological discoveries.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {Suppl_1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247981},
pmid = {39973193},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {IOS 2052497//National Science Foundation/ ; //Office of Naval Research/ ; //David and Lucile Packard Foundation/ ; //Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation/ ; //Elysea Fund/ ; NE/X013766/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; 101044740//European Union/ ; //University of California/ ; 80NSSC21K1182/NASA/NASA/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecology/methods ; Databases, Factual ; Animal Migration ; Big Data ; },
abstract = {Understanding animal movement is at the core of ecology, evolution and conservation science. Big data approaches for animal tracking have facilitated impactful synthesis research on spatial biology and behavior in ecologically important and human-impacted regions. Similarly, databases of animal traits (e.g. body size, limb length, locomotion method, lifespan) have been used for a wide range of comparative questions, with emerging data being shared at the level of individuals and populations. Here, we argue that the proliferation of both types of publicly available data creates exciting opportunities to unlock new avenues of research, such as spatial planning and ecological forecasting. We assessed the feasibility of combining animal tracking and trait databases to develop and test hypotheses across geographic, temporal and biological allometric scales. We identified multiple research questions addressing performance and distribution constraints that could be answered by integrating trait and tracking data. For example, how do physiological (e.g. metabolic rates) and biomechanical traits (e.g. limb length, locomotion form) influence migration distances? We illustrate the potential of our framework with three case studies that effectively integrate trait and tracking data for comparative research. An important challenge ahead is the lack of taxonomic and spatial overlap in trait and tracking databases. We identify critical next steps for future integration of tracking and trait databases, with the most impactful being open and interlinked individual-level data. Coordinated efforts to combine trait and tracking databases will accelerate global ecological and evolutionary insights and inform conservation and management decisions in our changing world.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Ecology/methods
Databases, Factual
Animal Migration
Big Data
RevDate: 2025-02-20
CmpDate: 2025-02-20
A temporal network analysis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis symptoms.
Psychological medicine, 55:e43 pii:S0033291725000030.
BACKGROUND: Symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) may play a role in the maintenance of psychotic symptoms. Network analyses have shown interrelationships between post-traumatic sequelae and psychosis, but the temporal dynamics of these relationships in people with psychosis and a history of trauma remain unclear. We aimed to explore, using network analysis, the temporal order of relationships between symptoms of cPTSD (i.e. core PTSD and disturbances of self-organization [DSOs]) and psychosis in the flow of daily life.
METHODS: Participants with psychosis and comorbid PTSD (N = 153) completed an experience-sampling study involving multiple daily assessments of psychosis (paranoia, voices, and visions), core PTSD (trauma-related intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal), and DSOs (emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, negative self-concept) over six consecutive days. Multilevel vector autoregressive modeling was used to estimate three complementary networks representing different timescales.
RESULTS: Our between-subjects network suggested that, on average over the testing period, most cPTSD symptoms related to at least one positive psychotic symptom. Many average relationships persist in the contemporaneous network, indicating symptoms of cPTSD and psychosis co-occur, especially paranoia with hyperarousal and negative self-concept. The temporal network suggested that paranoia reciprocally predicted, and was predicted by, hyperarousal, negative self-concept, and emotional dysregulation from moment to moment. cPTSD did not directly relate to voices in the temporal network.
CONCLUSIONS: cPTSD and positive psychosis symptoms mutually maintain each other in trauma-exposed people with psychosis via the maintenance of current threat, consistent with cognitive models of PTSD. Current threat, therefore, represents a valuable treatment target in phased-based trauma-focused psychosis interventions.
Additional Links: PMID-39973045
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@article {pmid39973045,
year = {2025},
author = {Panayi, P and Contreras, A and Peters, E and Bentall, R and Hardy, A and Berry, K and Sellwood, W and Dudley, R and Longden, E and Underwood, R and Steel, C and Jafari, H and Mason, L and Varese, F},
title = {A temporal network analysis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis symptoms.},
journal = {Psychological medicine},
volume = {55},
number = {},
pages = {e43},
doi = {10.1017/S0033291725000030},
pmid = {39973045},
issn = {1469-8978},
support = {2488414//Economic and Social Research Council/ ; NIHR128623//Health Technology Assessment Programme/ ; //NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/physiopathology ; *Psychotic Disorders/physiopathology ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Ecological Momentary Assessment ; Young Adult ; Self Concept ; Comorbidity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) may play a role in the maintenance of psychotic symptoms. Network analyses have shown interrelationships between post-traumatic sequelae and psychosis, but the temporal dynamics of these relationships in people with psychosis and a history of trauma remain unclear. We aimed to explore, using network analysis, the temporal order of relationships between symptoms of cPTSD (i.e. core PTSD and disturbances of self-organization [DSOs]) and psychosis in the flow of daily life.
METHODS: Participants with psychosis and comorbid PTSD (N = 153) completed an experience-sampling study involving multiple daily assessments of psychosis (paranoia, voices, and visions), core PTSD (trauma-related intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal), and DSOs (emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, negative self-concept) over six consecutive days. Multilevel vector autoregressive modeling was used to estimate three complementary networks representing different timescales.
RESULTS: Our between-subjects network suggested that, on average over the testing period, most cPTSD symptoms related to at least one positive psychotic symptom. Many average relationships persist in the contemporaneous network, indicating symptoms of cPTSD and psychosis co-occur, especially paranoia with hyperarousal and negative self-concept. The temporal network suggested that paranoia reciprocally predicted, and was predicted by, hyperarousal, negative self-concept, and emotional dysregulation from moment to moment. cPTSD did not directly relate to voices in the temporal network.
CONCLUSIONS: cPTSD and positive psychosis symptoms mutually maintain each other in trauma-exposed people with psychosis via the maintenance of current threat, consistent with cognitive models of PTSD. Current threat, therefore, represents a valuable treatment target in phased-based trauma-focused psychosis interventions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/physiopathology
*Psychotic Disorders/physiopathology
Adult
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Ecological Momentary Assessment
Young Adult
Self Concept
Comorbidity
RevDate: 2025-02-19
General practice antibiotic prescriptions attributable to respiratory syncytial virus by age and antibiotic class: an ecological analysis of the English population.
The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy pii:8023879 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may contribute to a substantial volume of antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. However, data on the type of antibiotics prescribed for such infections are only available for children <5 years in the UK. Understanding the contribution of RSV to antibiotic prescribing would facilitate predicting the impact of RSV preventative measures on antibiotic use and resistance. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions in English general practice attributable to RSV by age and antibiotic class.
METHODS: Generalized additive models examined associations between weekly counts of general practice antibiotic prescriptions and laboratory-confirmed respiratory infections from 2015 to 2018, adjusting for temperature, practice holidays and remaining seasonal confounders. We used general practice records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and microbiology tests for RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae from England's Second Generation Surveillance System.
RESULTS: An estimated 2.1% of antibiotics were attributable to RSV, equating to an average of 640 000 prescriptions annually. Of these, adults ≥75 years contributed to the greatest volume, with an annual average of 149 078 (95% credible interval: 93 733-206 045). Infants 6-23 months had the highest average annual rate at 6580 prescriptions per 100 000 individuals (95% credible interval: 4522-8651). Most RSV-attributable antibiotic prescriptions were penicillins, macrolides or tetracyclines. Adults ≥65 years had a wider range of antibiotic classes associated with RSV compared with younger age groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to reduce the burden of RSV, particularly in older adults, could complement current strategies to reduce antibiotic use in England.
Additional Links: PMID-39969100
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@article {pmid39969100,
year = {2025},
author = {Miller, L and Beaney, T and Hope, R and Cunningham, M and Robotham, JV and Pouwels, KB and Costelloe, CE},
title = {General practice antibiotic prescriptions attributable to respiratory syncytial virus by age and antibiotic class: an ecological analysis of the English population.},
journal = {The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jac/dkaf043},
pmid = {39969100},
issn = {1460-2091},
support = {MRF-145-0004-TPG-AVISO//Medical Research Foundation National PhD Training Programme in Antimicrobial Resistance Research/ ; //National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Royal Marsden/ ; //Institute of Cancer Research Biomedical Research Centre/ ; 2016-10-95//NIHR/ ; //National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit/ ; //Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance/ ; //University of Oxford/ ; NIHR200915//UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)/ ; /WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may contribute to a substantial volume of antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. However, data on the type of antibiotics prescribed for such infections are only available for children <5 years in the UK. Understanding the contribution of RSV to antibiotic prescribing would facilitate predicting the impact of RSV preventative measures on antibiotic use and resistance. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions in English general practice attributable to RSV by age and antibiotic class.
METHODS: Generalized additive models examined associations between weekly counts of general practice antibiotic prescriptions and laboratory-confirmed respiratory infections from 2015 to 2018, adjusting for temperature, practice holidays and remaining seasonal confounders. We used general practice records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and microbiology tests for RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae from England's Second Generation Surveillance System.
RESULTS: An estimated 2.1% of antibiotics were attributable to RSV, equating to an average of 640 000 prescriptions annually. Of these, adults ≥75 years contributed to the greatest volume, with an annual average of 149 078 (95% credible interval: 93 733-206 045). Infants 6-23 months had the highest average annual rate at 6580 prescriptions per 100 000 individuals (95% credible interval: 4522-8651). Most RSV-attributable antibiotic prescriptions were penicillins, macrolides or tetracyclines. Adults ≥65 years had a wider range of antibiotic classes associated with RSV compared with younger age groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to reduce the burden of RSV, particularly in older adults, could complement current strategies to reduce antibiotic use in England.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-19
CmpDate: 2025-02-19
Moving as a group imposes constraints on the energetic efficiency of movement.
Proceedings. Biological sciences, 292(2041):20242760.
Movement is a key part of life for many species. In solitary animals, the energetic costs of movement can be mitigated through energetically efficient strategies that produce faster, straighter movements. However, little is known about whether moving as part of a collective enhances or limits the ability of individual group members to express such strategies. Drawing on 6 years of population-level, high-resolution (1 Hz) GPS tracking of group-living vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum), we detected 886 events from 94 tagged individuals where their groups made large, range-shifting displacements in response to changing environmental conditions. We contrasted these movements with data from 94 similarly large displacement events by 19 lone, dispersing individuals. Our results suggest that individuals in groups can significantly reduce their energetic cost of transport when making large displacements (15.3% more efficient relative to their normal daily ranging) by increasing the speed and straightness of their movements. However, even during their most efficient movements, individuals in groups could not achieve or maintain comparable increases in speed to lone individuals, resulting in significantly limited efficiency gains (35.7% less efficient than solitary individuals). Overall, this study provides evidence for a substantial energetic cost arising from collective movement.
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@article {pmid39968615,
year = {2025},
author = {Klarevas-Irby, JA and Nyaguthii, B and Farine, DR},
title = {Moving as a group imposes constraints on the energetic efficiency of movement.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2041},
pages = {20242760},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2024.2760},
pmid = {39968615},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour/ ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; //Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour/ ; //H2020 European Research Council/ ; //Max Planck Society/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Max Planck-Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Energy Metabolism ; *Galliformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Movement ; Female ; Geographic Information Systems ; },
abstract = {Movement is a key part of life for many species. In solitary animals, the energetic costs of movement can be mitigated through energetically efficient strategies that produce faster, straighter movements. However, little is known about whether moving as part of a collective enhances or limits the ability of individual group members to express such strategies. Drawing on 6 years of population-level, high-resolution (1 Hz) GPS tracking of group-living vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum), we detected 886 events from 94 tagged individuals where their groups made large, range-shifting displacements in response to changing environmental conditions. We contrasted these movements with data from 94 similarly large displacement events by 19 lone, dispersing individuals. Our results suggest that individuals in groups can significantly reduce their energetic cost of transport when making large displacements (15.3% more efficient relative to their normal daily ranging) by increasing the speed and straightness of their movements. However, even during their most efficient movements, individuals in groups could not achieve or maintain comparable increases in speed to lone individuals, resulting in significantly limited efficiency gains (35.7% less efficient than solitary individuals). Overall, this study provides evidence for a substantial energetic cost arising from collective movement.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Energy Metabolism
*Galliformes/physiology
Social Behavior
Movement
Female
Geographic Information Systems
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
DiverReef: A global database of the behavior of recreational divers and their interactions with reefs over 20 years.
Ecology, 106(2):e4519.
Recreational diving is an important activity in reef environments worldwide, providing income and employment for coastal communities and connecting visiting divers to these ecosystems promoting conservation and stewardship. However, if poorly managed, diving has the potential to cause detrimental effects on benthic communities via mechanical damage caused by physical contact of divers with the reef, often in the form of unintentional fin kicks resulting from poor buoyancy. Understanding diver-reef interaction patterns is important to elucidate the potential impacts of diving tourism on the reef biota. The DiverReef database provides the first public dataset on the underwater behavior of recreational divers in shallow reef environments (<25 m depth) globally and their interactions with the reef seascape and/or reef benthic sessile organisms. The dataset comprises 20 years of data (2004-2023) by observing the behavior of 2311 recreational divers in nine countries at 19 diving destinations and 176 diving sites; 93% of the observations were in marine protected areas. The data were collected through on-site observations of divers' behavior during tourism activities and their physical interactions with the reef structure and/or benthic sessile reef organisms. Observers discreetly followed divers and recorded their behavior and interactions with the reef over set periods. Interactions were described as "contact" or "damage," the latter referring to when physical damage to a benthic organism or the reef structure was observed. Besides behavior, observers also recorded data on the type of diving activity (scuba or snorkeling), profiles of the divers (gender and experience), use of cameras by the divers, visibility, type of reef formation, and marine protection status of the dive site. The authors of this research expect that the data provided will be useful in advancing knowledge of how divers interact with reefs and in developing strategies to mitigate the potential detrimental effects of the diving industry on reef biota. Part of the data has already been used in reports and scientific articles. This dataset can be freely used for noncommercial purposes; we request that users of these data cite this data paper in all publications resulting from the use of this dataset.
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@article {pmid39963945,
year = {2025},
author = {Giglio, VJ and Adelir-Alves, J and Balzaretti Merino, N and Bravo-Olivas, ML and Camp, EF and Casoli, E and Chávez-Dagostino, RM and Ferretti, E and Fraser, D and Grillo, AC and Jiménez-Guiérrez, S and Leite, KL and Lucrezi, S and Luiz, OJ and Luna-Pérez, B and McBride, J and Milanese, M and Moity, N and Pinheiro, JV and Renfro, B and Roche, R and Saliba, BM and Sara, A and Schiavetti, A and Toso, Y and Valle-Pérez, C and Ferreira, CEL},
title = {DiverReef: A global database of the behavior of recreational divers and their interactions with reefs over 20 years.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {e4519},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.4519},
pmid = {39963945},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {17/22273-0//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 111.210/2014//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; },
mesh = {*Diving/physiology ; *Coral Reefs ; *Databases, Factual ; *Recreation ; Animals ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Recreational diving is an important activity in reef environments worldwide, providing income and employment for coastal communities and connecting visiting divers to these ecosystems promoting conservation and stewardship. However, if poorly managed, diving has the potential to cause detrimental effects on benthic communities via mechanical damage caused by physical contact of divers with the reef, often in the form of unintentional fin kicks resulting from poor buoyancy. Understanding diver-reef interaction patterns is important to elucidate the potential impacts of diving tourism on the reef biota. The DiverReef database provides the first public dataset on the underwater behavior of recreational divers in shallow reef environments (<25 m depth) globally and their interactions with the reef seascape and/or reef benthic sessile organisms. The dataset comprises 20 years of data (2004-2023) by observing the behavior of 2311 recreational divers in nine countries at 19 diving destinations and 176 diving sites; 93% of the observations were in marine protected areas. The data were collected through on-site observations of divers' behavior during tourism activities and their physical interactions with the reef structure and/or benthic sessile reef organisms. Observers discreetly followed divers and recorded their behavior and interactions with the reef over set periods. Interactions were described as "contact" or "damage," the latter referring to when physical damage to a benthic organism or the reef structure was observed. Besides behavior, observers also recorded data on the type of diving activity (scuba or snorkeling), profiles of the divers (gender and experience), use of cameras by the divers, visibility, type of reef formation, and marine protection status of the dive site. The authors of this research expect that the data provided will be useful in advancing knowledge of how divers interact with reefs and in developing strategies to mitigate the potential detrimental effects of the diving industry on reef biota. Part of the data has already been used in reports and scientific articles. This dataset can be freely used for noncommercial purposes; we request that users of these data cite this data paper in all publications resulting from the use of this dataset.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Diving/physiology
*Coral Reefs
*Databases, Factual
*Recreation
Animals
Humans
Male
Female
Time Factors
RevDate: 2025-02-18
A Short-Read Amplicon Sequencing Protocol and Bioinformatic Pipeline for Ecological Surveillance of Dipteran Disease Vectors.
Molecular ecology resources [Epub ahead of print].
Vector control remains an important strategy worldwide to prevent human infection with pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Vector control strategies rely on accurate identification of vector taxa along with vector-specific biological indicators such as feeding ecology, infection prevalence and insecticide resistance. Multiple 'DNA barcoding' protocols have been published over the past several decades to support these applications, generally relying on informal manual approaches such as BLAST to assign taxonomic identity to the resulting sequences. We present a standardised informatic pipeline for analysis of DNA barcoding data from dipteran vectors, VecTreeID, that uses short-read amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) coupled with sequence similarity assessment (BLAST) and an evolutionary placement algorithm (EPA-ng) to achieve vector taxonomic identification, capture bionomic features (blood and plant meal sources), determine Plasmodium infection status (for anopheline mosquitoes) and detect target-site insecticide resistance mutations. The VecTreeID pipeline provides uncertainty in assignment through identifications at varying levels of taxonomic rank, a feature missing from many approaches to DNA barcoding, but important given gaps and labelling problems in public sequence databases. We validated an Illumina-based implementation of VecTreeID on laboratory and field samples, and find that the blood meal amplicons can detect vertebrate DNA sequences up to 36 h post-feeding, and that short-read sequencing data are capable of sensitively detecting minor sequences in DNA mixtures representing multi-species blood or nectar meals. This high-throughput VecTreeID approach empowers researchers and public health professionals to survey and control arthropod disease vectors consistently and effectively.
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@article {pmid39963041,
year = {2025},
author = {Lima-Cordón, R and Mohabir, JT and Sooklall, M and Zurita, AM and Shieh, M and Knox, C and Gobran, S and Johnson, Z and Laws, M and Panchal, R and Niles-Robin, R and Cox, H and Grillet, ME and Moreno, JE and Herrera, S and Quinones, M and Early, AM and Tennessen, JA and Neafsey, DE},
title = {A Short-Read Amplicon Sequencing Protocol and Bioinformatic Pipeline for Ecological Surveillance of Dipteran Disease Vectors.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14088},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14088},
pmid = {39963041},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {INV-009416/GATES/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/United States ; U19AI110818//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services/ ; },
abstract = {Vector control remains an important strategy worldwide to prevent human infection with pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Vector control strategies rely on accurate identification of vector taxa along with vector-specific biological indicators such as feeding ecology, infection prevalence and insecticide resistance. Multiple 'DNA barcoding' protocols have been published over the past several decades to support these applications, generally relying on informal manual approaches such as BLAST to assign taxonomic identity to the resulting sequences. We present a standardised informatic pipeline for analysis of DNA barcoding data from dipteran vectors, VecTreeID, that uses short-read amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) coupled with sequence similarity assessment (BLAST) and an evolutionary placement algorithm (EPA-ng) to achieve vector taxonomic identification, capture bionomic features (blood and plant meal sources), determine Plasmodium infection status (for anopheline mosquitoes) and detect target-site insecticide resistance mutations. The VecTreeID pipeline provides uncertainty in assignment through identifications at varying levels of taxonomic rank, a feature missing from many approaches to DNA barcoding, but important given gaps and labelling problems in public sequence databases. We validated an Illumina-based implementation of VecTreeID on laboratory and field samples, and find that the blood meal amplicons can detect vertebrate DNA sequences up to 36 h post-feeding, and that short-read sequencing data are capable of sensitively detecting minor sequences in DNA mixtures representing multi-species blood or nectar meals. This high-throughput VecTreeID approach empowers researchers and public health professionals to survey and control arthropod disease vectors consistently and effectively.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-17
CmpDate: 2025-02-17
Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands.
Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE.
Coastal wetlands are the largest biotic source of methane, where methanogens convert organic matter into methane and methanotrophs oxidize methane, thus playing a critical role in regulating the methane cycle. The wetlands in South Texas, which are subject to frequent weather events, fluctuating salinity levels, and anthropogenic activities due to climate change, influence methane cycling. Despite the ecological importance of these processes, methane cycling in South Texas coastal wetlands remains insufficiently explored. To address this gap, we developed and optimized a method for detecting genes related to methanogens and methanotrophs, including mcrA as a biomarker for methanogens and pmoA1, pmoA2, and mmoX as biomarkers for methanotrophs. Additionally, this study aimed to visualize the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of methanogen and methanotroph abundance utilizing the geographic information system (GIS) software ArcGIS Pro. The integration of these molecular techniques with advanced geospatial visualization provided critical insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of methanogen and methanotroph communities across South Texas wetlands. Thus, the methodology established in this study offers a robust framework for mapping microbial dynamics in wetlands, enhancing our understanding of methane cycling under varying environmental conditions, and supporting broader ecological and environmental change studies.
Additional Links: PMID-39960184
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@article {pmid39960184,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferdousee, S and Alam, MS and Hwangbo, M and Kim, J},
title = {Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {215},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/67715},
pmid = {39960184},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Methane/metabolism ; Texas ; Geographic Information Systems ; },
abstract = {Coastal wetlands are the largest biotic source of methane, where methanogens convert organic matter into methane and methanotrophs oxidize methane, thus playing a critical role in regulating the methane cycle. The wetlands in South Texas, which are subject to frequent weather events, fluctuating salinity levels, and anthropogenic activities due to climate change, influence methane cycling. Despite the ecological importance of these processes, methane cycling in South Texas coastal wetlands remains insufficiently explored. To address this gap, we developed and optimized a method for detecting genes related to methanogens and methanotrophs, including mcrA as a biomarker for methanogens and pmoA1, pmoA2, and mmoX as biomarkers for methanotrophs. Additionally, this study aimed to visualize the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of methanogen and methanotroph abundance utilizing the geographic information system (GIS) software ArcGIS Pro. The integration of these molecular techniques with advanced geospatial visualization provided critical insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of methanogen and methanotroph communities across South Texas wetlands. Thus, the methodology established in this study offers a robust framework for mapping microbial dynamics in wetlands, enhancing our understanding of methane cycling under varying environmental conditions, and supporting broader ecological and environmental change studies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Wetlands
*Methane/metabolism
Texas
Geographic Information Systems
RevDate: 2025-02-17
Early-life environment shapes claw bilateral asymmetry in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus).
Biology open pii:366992 [Epub ahead of print].
Developmental plasticity refers to an organism's ability to adjust its development in response to changing environmental conditions, leading to changes in behaviour, physiology, or morphology. This adaptability is crucial for survival and helps organisms to cope with environmental challenges throughout their lives. Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental plasticity, particularly how environmental and ontogenetic factors shape functional traits, is fundamental for both evolutionary biology and conservation efforts. In this study we investigated the effects of early-life environmental conditions on the development of claw asymmetry in juvenile European lobsters (Homarus gammarus, N=244), a functional trait essential for survival and ecological success. Juveniles were randomly divided between four different rearing conditions characterized by the presence or absence of physical enrichments (e.g., substrate and shelters), which were introduced at different developmental stages in separated groups to assess the timing and nature of their effect. Results revealed that exposure to substrate alone, without additional stimuli, consistently promoted claw asymmetry, regardless of the timing of its introduction, while the 6th developmental stage emerged as the critical period for claw differentiation. By identifying the environmental factors that influence developmental outcomes in lobsters, and the timing of these effects, this study improves our understanding of developmental plasticity and offers valuable insights for optimizing conservation aquaculture and reintroduction strategies.
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@article {pmid39957502,
year = {2025},
author = {Latini, L and Burini, G and Mazza, V and Grignani, G and De Donno, R and Bello, E and Tricarico, E and Malavasi, S and Nascetti, G and Canestrelli, D and Carere, C},
title = {Early-life environment shapes claw bilateral asymmetry in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus).},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.061901},
pmid = {39957502},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//Universite degli Studi della Tuscia/ ; //Universite degli Studi di Firenze/ ; //Universite Ca' Foscari Venezia/ ; },
abstract = {Developmental plasticity refers to an organism's ability to adjust its development in response to changing environmental conditions, leading to changes in behaviour, physiology, or morphology. This adaptability is crucial for survival and helps organisms to cope with environmental challenges throughout their lives. Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental plasticity, particularly how environmental and ontogenetic factors shape functional traits, is fundamental for both evolutionary biology and conservation efforts. In this study we investigated the effects of early-life environmental conditions on the development of claw asymmetry in juvenile European lobsters (Homarus gammarus, N=244), a functional trait essential for survival and ecological success. Juveniles were randomly divided between four different rearing conditions characterized by the presence or absence of physical enrichments (e.g., substrate and shelters), which were introduced at different developmental stages in separated groups to assess the timing and nature of their effect. Results revealed that exposure to substrate alone, without additional stimuli, consistently promoted claw asymmetry, regardless of the timing of its introduction, while the 6th developmental stage emerged as the critical period for claw differentiation. By identifying the environmental factors that influence developmental outcomes in lobsters, and the timing of these effects, this study improves our understanding of developmental plasticity and offers valuable insights for optimizing conservation aquaculture and reintroduction strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-15
Pollution control mechanism of national water network with water quality differences based on differential game and case study.
Scientific reports, 15(1):5588.
The construction of the national water network optimizes water resource allocation but also causes a redistribution of pollutants due to water quality differences, posing urgent challenges for water pollution management. Taking the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and Yangtze-to-Hanjiang River Water Diversion Project (YHRWDP) as an example and considering the pressure brought by the redistribution of pollutants to the polluting enterprises (PE) and water diversion enterprises (WDE) situated in areas where pollution is aggravated, a differential game model of pollution control among the central government, water-supply area (WSA), PE and WDE is constructed based on the cost-sharing mechanism. The results show that: (1) The pressure coefficient has an apparent negative correlation with the effort level of the affected subject. (2) An increase in the amount of pollution elimination per unit of pollution control effort of WSA and PE will lead to their own investment in more efforts to improve the ecology of the basin, thus benefiting all participants in the system. (3) The cost-sharing rate of the central government on the WSA of the YHRWDP, the PE, and the WDE is influenced by several factors, which shows a stable monotonically increasing or decreasing relation. The results are an useful supplement to the research on natural river pollution control, and can also provide a reference for designing pollution control mechanisms of national water network.
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@article {pmid39955351,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Yang, Y and Yang, S and Zhang, J},
title = {Pollution control mechanism of national water network with water quality differences based on differential game and case study.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5588},
pmid = {39955351},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {51679089//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 51679089//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 51679089//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 51679089//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; GXJD004//Intelligent Water Conservancy Project of the Discipline Innovation Introduction Base of Henan Province, China/ ; GXJD004//Intelligent Water Conservancy Project of the Discipline Innovation Introduction Base of Henan Province, China/ ; GXJD004//Intelligent Water Conservancy Project of the Discipline Innovation Introduction Base of Henan Province, China/ ; GXJD004//Intelligent Water Conservancy Project of the Discipline Innovation Introduction Base of Henan Province, China/ ; },
abstract = {The construction of the national water network optimizes water resource allocation but also causes a redistribution of pollutants due to water quality differences, posing urgent challenges for water pollution management. Taking the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and Yangtze-to-Hanjiang River Water Diversion Project (YHRWDP) as an example and considering the pressure brought by the redistribution of pollutants to the polluting enterprises (PE) and water diversion enterprises (WDE) situated in areas where pollution is aggravated, a differential game model of pollution control among the central government, water-supply area (WSA), PE and WDE is constructed based on the cost-sharing mechanism. The results show that: (1) The pressure coefficient has an apparent negative correlation with the effort level of the affected subject. (2) An increase in the amount of pollution elimination per unit of pollution control effort of WSA and PE will lead to their own investment in more efforts to improve the ecology of the basin, thus benefiting all participants in the system. (3) The cost-sharing rate of the central government on the WSA of the YHRWDP, the PE, and the WDE is influenced by several factors, which shows a stable monotonically increasing or decreasing relation. The results are an useful supplement to the research on natural river pollution control, and can also provide a reference for designing pollution control mechanisms of national water network.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-14
The larval gut of Spodoptera frugiperda harbours culturable bacteria with metabolic versatility after insecticide exposure.
Insect molecular biology [Epub ahead of print].
Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) poses a substantial risk to crops worldwide, resulting in considerable economic damage. The gut microbiota of insects plays crucial roles in digestion, nutrition, immunity, growth and, sometimes, the degradation of insecticides. The current study examines the effect of synthetic insecticides on the gut microbiome of third instar S. frugiperda larvae using both culture-dependent techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial community profiling and diversity analysis. In untreated larvae, the sequencing approach revealed a diverse microbiome dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, with key genera including Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium and Pelomonas. In parallel, 323 bacterial strains were isolated and assigned to the orders Bacillales, Burkholderiales, Enterobacterales, Flavobacteriales, Lactobacillales, Micrococcales, Neisseriaies, Pseudomonadales, Sphingobacteriales and Xanthomonadales. The prevailing culturable species included Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella variicola and Enterobacter quasiroggenkampii. Treatment with sublethal concentrations of three insecticides (broflanilide, spinosad and indoxacarb) caused significant changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition. Treated larvae showed a shift towards increased Proteobacteria abundance and decreased Firmicutes. Specifically, Acinetobacter and Rhodococcus were dominant in treated samples. Functional predictions highlighted significant metabolic versatility involving nutrient processing, immune response, detoxification, xenobiotic metabolism, and stress response, suggesting microbial adaptation to insecticide exposure. Network correlation analysis highlighted disrupted microbial interactions and altered community structures under insecticide treatment. These findings enhance our understanding of how insecticides impact the gut microbiota in S. frugiperda and may inform future strategies for managing pest resistance through microbiome-based approaches.
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@article {pmid39952648,
year = {2025},
author = {Siddiqui, JA and Fan, R and Liu, Y and Syed, AH and Benlin, Y and Chu, Q and Ding, Z and Ghani, MI and Liu, X and Wakil, W and Liu, DD and Chen, X and Cernava, T and Smagghe, G},
title = {The larval gut of Spodoptera frugiperda harbours culturable bacteria with metabolic versatility after insecticide exposure.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imb.12983},
pmid = {39952648},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {32360705//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31960555//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GCC[2023]070//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Program/ ; HZJD[2022]001//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Program/ ; 2019-1410//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Program/ ; [2023]1-4//Guiyang Science and Technology Program/ ; D20023//Program for Introducing Talents to Chinese Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) poses a substantial risk to crops worldwide, resulting in considerable economic damage. The gut microbiota of insects plays crucial roles in digestion, nutrition, immunity, growth and, sometimes, the degradation of insecticides. The current study examines the effect of synthetic insecticides on the gut microbiome of third instar S. frugiperda larvae using both culture-dependent techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial community profiling and diversity analysis. In untreated larvae, the sequencing approach revealed a diverse microbiome dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, with key genera including Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium and Pelomonas. In parallel, 323 bacterial strains were isolated and assigned to the orders Bacillales, Burkholderiales, Enterobacterales, Flavobacteriales, Lactobacillales, Micrococcales, Neisseriaies, Pseudomonadales, Sphingobacteriales and Xanthomonadales. The prevailing culturable species included Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella variicola and Enterobacter quasiroggenkampii. Treatment with sublethal concentrations of three insecticides (broflanilide, spinosad and indoxacarb) caused significant changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition. Treated larvae showed a shift towards increased Proteobacteria abundance and decreased Firmicutes. Specifically, Acinetobacter and Rhodococcus were dominant in treated samples. Functional predictions highlighted significant metabolic versatility involving nutrient processing, immune response, detoxification, xenobiotic metabolism, and stress response, suggesting microbial adaptation to insecticide exposure. Network correlation analysis highlighted disrupted microbial interactions and altered community structures under insecticide treatment. These findings enhance our understanding of how insecticides impact the gut microbiota in S. frugiperda and may inform future strategies for managing pest resistance through microbiome-based approaches.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-14
The rapid diagnosis of intraamniotic infection with nanopore sequencing.
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology pii:S0002-9378(25)00091-2 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Intraamniotic infection (defined as intraamniotic inflammation with microorganisms) is an important cause of the preterm labor syndrome. Methods for the detection of microorganisms in amniotic fluid are culture and/or polymerase chain reaction. However, both methods take time, and results are rarely available for clinical decision-making. Nanopore sequencing technology offers real-time, long-read sequencing that can produce rapid results.
OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) the diagnostic performance of the 16S rDNA nanopore sequencing method for the identification of microorganisms in patients with intraamniotic inflammation; and 2) the relationship between microbial burden and the intensity of the amniotic fluid inflammatory response.
STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study that included singleton pregnancies presenting with symptoms of preterm labor with intact membranes or of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained for the evaluation of bacteria in the amniotic cavity using cultivation and polymerase chain reaction-based 16S Sanger sequencing methods. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to the results of an amniotic fluid culture, 16S Sanger sequencing, and an amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration: 1) no intraamniotic infection and intraamniotic inflammation (interleukin-6 <2.6 ng/mL and no microorganisms in the amniotic cavity determined by culture or 16S Sanger sequencing); 2) microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity without intraamniotic inflammation, defined by the presence of bacteria detected by culture or 16S Sanger sequencing; 3) sterile intraamniotic inflammation (interleukin-6 ≥2.6 ng/mL without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity); and 4) intraamniotic infection (interkeukin-6 ≥2.6 ng/mL with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity). Patients who underwent a midtrimester amniocentesis, had no intraamniotic infection or intraamniotic inflammation, and delivered at term represented the control group. 16S rDNA nanopore sequencing was performed and the diagnostic indices for the identification of intraamniotic infection were determined. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to identify microorganisms, and a read count of at least 100 or a read count exceeding that of the background species from the control group, along with a relative abundance of no less than 1%, was used.
RESULTS: 1) 16S nanopore sequencing had a sensitivity of 88.9% (8/9), specificity of 95.4% (41/43), positive predictive value of 80.0% (8/10), negative predictive value of 97.6% (41/42), positive likelihood ratio of 19.1 (95% CI, 4.8-75.4), negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 (95% CI, 0.02-0.7), and an accuracy of 94.2% (49/52) for the identification of intraamniotic infection [prevalence, 17% (9/52)]; 2) the microbial load determined by 16S nanopore sequencing had a strong positive correlation with the intensity of an intraamniotic inflammatory response (amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration; Spearman's correlation 0.9; p = 0.002); and 3) a subgroup of patients with intraamniotic inflammation did not have bacteria determined by culture, Sanger sequencing, or nanopore 16S, thus confirming the existence of sterile intraamniotic inflammation.
CONCLUSION: 16S nanopore sequencing has high diagnostic indices, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy in the diagnosis of intraamniotic infection.
Additional Links: PMID-39952543
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39952543,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaemsaithong, P and Romero, R and Pongchaikul, P and Warintaksa, P and Mongkolsuk, P and Bhuwapathanapun, M and Kotchompoo, K and Nimsamer, P and Kruasuwan, W and Amnuaykiatlert, O and Vivithanaporn, P and Meyyazhagan, A and Awonuga, A and Settacomkul, R and Singhsnaeh, A and Laolerd, W and Santanirand, P and Thaipisuttikul, I and Wongsurawat, T and Jenjaroenpun, P},
title = {The rapid diagnosis of intraamniotic infection with nanopore sequencing.},
journal = {American journal of obstetrics and gynecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajog.2025.02.011},
pmid = {39952543},
issn = {1097-6868},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intraamniotic infection (defined as intraamniotic inflammation with microorganisms) is an important cause of the preterm labor syndrome. Methods for the detection of microorganisms in amniotic fluid are culture and/or polymerase chain reaction. However, both methods take time, and results are rarely available for clinical decision-making. Nanopore sequencing technology offers real-time, long-read sequencing that can produce rapid results.
OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) the diagnostic performance of the 16S rDNA nanopore sequencing method for the identification of microorganisms in patients with intraamniotic inflammation; and 2) the relationship between microbial burden and the intensity of the amniotic fluid inflammatory response.
STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study that included singleton pregnancies presenting with symptoms of preterm labor with intact membranes or of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained for the evaluation of bacteria in the amniotic cavity using cultivation and polymerase chain reaction-based 16S Sanger sequencing methods. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to the results of an amniotic fluid culture, 16S Sanger sequencing, and an amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration: 1) no intraamniotic infection and intraamniotic inflammation (interleukin-6 <2.6 ng/mL and no microorganisms in the amniotic cavity determined by culture or 16S Sanger sequencing); 2) microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity without intraamniotic inflammation, defined by the presence of bacteria detected by culture or 16S Sanger sequencing; 3) sterile intraamniotic inflammation (interleukin-6 ≥2.6 ng/mL without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity); and 4) intraamniotic infection (interkeukin-6 ≥2.6 ng/mL with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity). Patients who underwent a midtrimester amniocentesis, had no intraamniotic infection or intraamniotic inflammation, and delivered at term represented the control group. 16S rDNA nanopore sequencing was performed and the diagnostic indices for the identification of intraamniotic infection were determined. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to identify microorganisms, and a read count of at least 100 or a read count exceeding that of the background species from the control group, along with a relative abundance of no less than 1%, was used.
RESULTS: 1) 16S nanopore sequencing had a sensitivity of 88.9% (8/9), specificity of 95.4% (41/43), positive predictive value of 80.0% (8/10), negative predictive value of 97.6% (41/42), positive likelihood ratio of 19.1 (95% CI, 4.8-75.4), negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 (95% CI, 0.02-0.7), and an accuracy of 94.2% (49/52) for the identification of intraamniotic infection [prevalence, 17% (9/52)]; 2) the microbial load determined by 16S nanopore sequencing had a strong positive correlation with the intensity of an intraamniotic inflammatory response (amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration; Spearman's correlation 0.9; p = 0.002); and 3) a subgroup of patients with intraamniotic inflammation did not have bacteria determined by culture, Sanger sequencing, or nanopore 16S, thus confirming the existence of sterile intraamniotic inflammation.
CONCLUSION: 16S nanopore sequencing has high diagnostic indices, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy in the diagnosis of intraamniotic infection.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-14
Quantifying the relative importance of natural and human factors on vegetation dynamics in China's western frontiers during 2010-2021.
Environmental research pii:S0013-9351(25)00371-8 [Epub ahead of print].
Vegetation is a core component of terrestrial ecosystems, thus understanding the drivers of its dynamics is crucial for ecological conservation and management, especially in regions rich in natural resources but ecologically fragile. Here, we examined vegetation cover changes in China's western frontiers and quantified the relative importance of key drivers of vegetation dynamics. First, we employed the Dimidiate Pixel Model (DPM) via Google Earth Engine (GEE) to estimate fractional vegetation cover (FVC), followed by trend analysis using the Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall methods to examine FVC dynamics from 2010 to 2021. Next, we applied the optimal parameter-based geographic detector (OPGD) to further assess the impact of natural (ie., temperature, precipitation, and elevation) and human (ie., land use and population density) factors on FVC. Our results revealed that approximately 61.26% of the vegetation-covered regions in China's western frontiers have shown improvement. In Xinjiang, population density, land use, and precipitation were the primary drivers of FVC changes, with Q values exceeding 0.20. In Xizang, precipitation, elevation, temperature, and land use changes were the dominant drivers, with Q values greater than 0.30. Furthermore, interactions between natural and human factors significantly influenced FVC variation. Our findings have the potential to provide references for promoting sustainable vegetation management in western China.
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@article {pmid39952461,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, W and Lu, P and Yang, H and Han, J and Wang, Q},
title = {Quantifying the relative importance of natural and human factors on vegetation dynamics in China's western frontiers during 2010-2021.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {121120},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121120},
pmid = {39952461},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Vegetation is a core component of terrestrial ecosystems, thus understanding the drivers of its dynamics is crucial for ecological conservation and management, especially in regions rich in natural resources but ecologically fragile. Here, we examined vegetation cover changes in China's western frontiers and quantified the relative importance of key drivers of vegetation dynamics. First, we employed the Dimidiate Pixel Model (DPM) via Google Earth Engine (GEE) to estimate fractional vegetation cover (FVC), followed by trend analysis using the Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall methods to examine FVC dynamics from 2010 to 2021. Next, we applied the optimal parameter-based geographic detector (OPGD) to further assess the impact of natural (ie., temperature, precipitation, and elevation) and human (ie., land use and population density) factors on FVC. Our results revealed that approximately 61.26% of the vegetation-covered regions in China's western frontiers have shown improvement. In Xinjiang, population density, land use, and precipitation were the primary drivers of FVC changes, with Q values exceeding 0.20. In Xizang, precipitation, elevation, temperature, and land use changes were the dominant drivers, with Q values greater than 0.30. Furthermore, interactions between natural and human factors significantly influenced FVC variation. Our findings have the potential to provide references for promoting sustainable vegetation management in western China.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-15
CmpDate: 2025-02-15
Identification of the primary pollution sources and dominant influencing factors of soil heavy metals using a random forest model optimized by genetic algorithm coupled with geodetector.
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 290:117731.
Identifying and quantifying the dominant factors influencing heavy metal (HM) pollution sources are essential for maintaining soil ecological health and implementing effective pollution control measures. This study analyzed soil HM samples from 53 different land use types in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, China. Pollution sources were identified using Absolute Principal Component Score (APCS), with 8 anthropogenic factors, 9 natural factors, and 4 soil physicochemical properties mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) kernel density estimation. Geodetector and a genetic algorithm optimized random forest model (GA-RF) were employed to quantify the dominant factors and precisely identify pollution sources. A Monte Carlo model was further applied to assess source-oriented health risk probabilities across age groups in the study area. The results revealed three principal components representing pollution sources, with contribution rates of 47.2 %, 33.3 %, and 19.5 %, respectively. For pollution source 1, industrial activities were dominant, with factory density (27.7 %) and distance from the factory (36.3 %) identified as the main factors. Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni had high loads in this source. Pollution source 2, a combination of natural and transportation influences, was primarily affected by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 37.8 %), road network density (16.8 %), and proximity to roads (15.3 %). Pollution source 3 was linked to agricultural activities, with cultivated land density (CLD) contributing 39.1 %. As exhibited a high load (91.1 %) in this source, with an exceedance rate of 93 % in cultivated soil, a moderate enrichment factor of 2.33, and a strong ecological risk index of 615.72, making it the most polluted metal in the area. The source-oriented Health Risk Assessment (HRA) showed that agricultural activities contributed 88.7 % to the carcinogenic risk from As in cultivated land. Overall, 99.3 % of the population faced an acceptable cancer risk level. Unlike traditional source apportionment methods, the GA-RF model effectively quantified the contributions of specific influencing factors (e.g., factory density) to pollution sources, rather than merely estimating the percentage contributions of the sources themselves. This approach provides a novel perspective for HM source apportionment under complex environmental conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-39823671
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39823671,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, T and Wang, M and Wang, M and Xiong, Q and Jia, L and Ma, W and Sui, S and Wu, W and Guo, X},
title = {Identification of the primary pollution sources and dominant influencing factors of soil heavy metals using a random forest model optimized by genetic algorithm coupled with geodetector.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117731},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117731},
pmid = {39823671},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {*Soil Pollutants/analysis ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; China ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Algorithms ; Geographic Information Systems ; Soil/chemistry ; Risk Assessment ; Environmental Pollution/analysis/statistics & numerical data ; Monte Carlo Method ; Principal Component Analysis ; Random Forest ; },
abstract = {Identifying and quantifying the dominant factors influencing heavy metal (HM) pollution sources are essential for maintaining soil ecological health and implementing effective pollution control measures. This study analyzed soil HM samples from 53 different land use types in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, China. Pollution sources were identified using Absolute Principal Component Score (APCS), with 8 anthropogenic factors, 9 natural factors, and 4 soil physicochemical properties mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) kernel density estimation. Geodetector and a genetic algorithm optimized random forest model (GA-RF) were employed to quantify the dominant factors and precisely identify pollution sources. A Monte Carlo model was further applied to assess source-oriented health risk probabilities across age groups in the study area. The results revealed three principal components representing pollution sources, with contribution rates of 47.2 %, 33.3 %, and 19.5 %, respectively. For pollution source 1, industrial activities were dominant, with factory density (27.7 %) and distance from the factory (36.3 %) identified as the main factors. Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni had high loads in this source. Pollution source 2, a combination of natural and transportation influences, was primarily affected by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 37.8 %), road network density (16.8 %), and proximity to roads (15.3 %). Pollution source 3 was linked to agricultural activities, with cultivated land density (CLD) contributing 39.1 %. As exhibited a high load (91.1 %) in this source, with an exceedance rate of 93 % in cultivated soil, a moderate enrichment factor of 2.33, and a strong ecological risk index of 615.72, making it the most polluted metal in the area. The source-oriented Health Risk Assessment (HRA) showed that agricultural activities contributed 88.7 % to the carcinogenic risk from As in cultivated land. Overall, 99.3 % of the population faced an acceptable cancer risk level. Unlike traditional source apportionment methods, the GA-RF model effectively quantified the contributions of specific influencing factors (e.g., factory density) to pollution sources, rather than merely estimating the percentage contributions of the sources themselves. This approach provides a novel perspective for HM source apportionment under complex environmental conditions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Soil Pollutants/analysis
*Metals, Heavy/analysis
China
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Algorithms
Geographic Information Systems
Soil/chemistry
Risk Assessment
Environmental Pollution/analysis/statistics & numerical data
Monte Carlo Method
Principal Component Analysis
Random Forest
RevDate: 2025-02-15
CmpDate: 2025-02-15
Application of the DEB-TKTD model with multi-omics data: Prediction of life history traits of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) under different salinities.
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 290:117635.
Saline-alkaline aquaculture plays a crucial role in the ecological restoration of saline soils, yet high water salinity can significantly restrict the growth of cultured organisms. The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is typically farmed in freshwater, to evaluate the effects of salinity stress on these crabs, this study conducted laboratory aquaculture experiments at salinities of ≤ 0.5 (freshwater), 6, 12, and 18 ‰. Regular data on crab survival and growth were collected over 35 days. Subsequently, tissues including the eyestalk, posterior gill, hepatopancreas, and ovary were sampled from crabs in both the freshwater control group and the 18 ‰ salinity treatment group for transcriptional and metabolomic analysis. The omics data were used to ascertain the physiological mode of action (pMoA) affected by salinity in the crabs. A dynamic energy budget toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (DEB-TKTD) model was built based on these pMoAs to predict the life history traits of crabs across different salinities, including survival, growth, and reproduction. The omics results indicated that at 18 ‰, the osmoregulatory capacity and oxidative stress resistance were enhanced, and vitellogenin synthesis was stimulated. This suggests that the two pMoAs involved increasing maintenance costs and reallocating energy between soma and reproduction. DEB-TKTD model predictions fit well with the observed data, with high R[2] values (0.9704 for survival, 0.9842 for carapace width, and 0.9283 for reproduction) and low NRMSE (0.0093, 0.1175, and 0.0778, respectively). The predictions indicate that after 60 days, survival rates under salinities of 6, 12, and 18 ‰ decreased by 35.7 %, 56.7 %, and 66.2 %, respectively, compared to freshwater conditions. Growth in carapace width was similarly affected, with reductions of 21.5 %, 42.3 %, and 62.5 %, respectively. The maturation process was accelerated for crabs in saline conditions, with puberty achieved at 45, 36, and 31 days, compared to the freshwater group that had not matured. Furthermore, the LC50 for salinity decreased from 9.07 ‰ (95 % CI: 7.33-10.15 ‰) at 35 days to 4.59 ‰ (95 % CI: 3.12-5.83 ‰) at 60 days. The findings of this study indicate the significant impact of salinity on the survival, growth, and maturation of Chinese mitten crabs by altering maintenance costs and energy allocation. The DEB-TKTD model, informed by omics data, accurately predicts the life history traits of crabs under saline stress. This approach provides an innovative tool for ecological toxicological research in the aquaculture environment.
Additional Links: PMID-39742640
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39742640,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Dong, S and Shan, H and Yang, C and Wang, F},
title = {Application of the DEB-TKTD model with multi-omics data: Prediction of life history traits of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) under different salinities.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117635},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117635},
pmid = {39742640},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {Animals ; *Brachyura/physiology/drug effects/growth & development/genetics ; *Salinity ; *Aquaculture ; Life History Traits ; Reproduction/drug effects ; Fresh Water ; Female ; Oxidative Stress ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; Osmoregulation ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Saline-alkaline aquaculture plays a crucial role in the ecological restoration of saline soils, yet high water salinity can significantly restrict the growth of cultured organisms. The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is typically farmed in freshwater, to evaluate the effects of salinity stress on these crabs, this study conducted laboratory aquaculture experiments at salinities of ≤ 0.5 (freshwater), 6, 12, and 18 ‰. Regular data on crab survival and growth were collected over 35 days. Subsequently, tissues including the eyestalk, posterior gill, hepatopancreas, and ovary were sampled from crabs in both the freshwater control group and the 18 ‰ salinity treatment group for transcriptional and metabolomic analysis. The omics data were used to ascertain the physiological mode of action (pMoA) affected by salinity in the crabs. A dynamic energy budget toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (DEB-TKTD) model was built based on these pMoAs to predict the life history traits of crabs across different salinities, including survival, growth, and reproduction. The omics results indicated that at 18 ‰, the osmoregulatory capacity and oxidative stress resistance were enhanced, and vitellogenin synthesis was stimulated. This suggests that the two pMoAs involved increasing maintenance costs and reallocating energy between soma and reproduction. DEB-TKTD model predictions fit well with the observed data, with high R[2] values (0.9704 for survival, 0.9842 for carapace width, and 0.9283 for reproduction) and low NRMSE (0.0093, 0.1175, and 0.0778, respectively). The predictions indicate that after 60 days, survival rates under salinities of 6, 12, and 18 ‰ decreased by 35.7 %, 56.7 %, and 66.2 %, respectively, compared to freshwater conditions. Growth in carapace width was similarly affected, with reductions of 21.5 %, 42.3 %, and 62.5 %, respectively. The maturation process was accelerated for crabs in saline conditions, with puberty achieved at 45, 36, and 31 days, compared to the freshwater group that had not matured. Furthermore, the LC50 for salinity decreased from 9.07 ‰ (95 % CI: 7.33-10.15 ‰) at 35 days to 4.59 ‰ (95 % CI: 3.12-5.83 ‰) at 60 days. The findings of this study indicate the significant impact of salinity on the survival, growth, and maturation of Chinese mitten crabs by altering maintenance costs and energy allocation. The DEB-TKTD model, informed by omics data, accurately predicts the life history traits of crabs under saline stress. This approach provides an innovative tool for ecological toxicological research in the aquaculture environment.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Brachyura/physiology/drug effects/growth & development/genetics
*Salinity
*Aquaculture
Life History Traits
Reproduction/drug effects
Fresh Water
Female
Oxidative Stress
Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
Osmoregulation
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-02-14
CmpDate: 2025-02-14
Probing the eukaryotic microbes of ruminants with a deep-learning classifier and comprehensive protein databases.
Genome research, 35(2):368-378 pii:gr.279825.124.
Metagenomics, particularly genome-resolved metagenomics, have significantly deepened our understanding of microbes, illuminating their taxonomic and functional diversity and roles in ecology, physiology, and evolution. However, eukaryotic populations within various microbiomes, including those in the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract, remain relatively underexplored in metagenomic studies owing to the lack of comprehensive reference genome databases and robust bioinformatic tools. The GI tract of ruminants, particularly the rumen, contains a high eukaryotic biomass but a relatively low diversity of ciliates and fungi, which significantly impacts feed digestion, methane emissions, and rumen microbial ecology. In the present study, we developed GutEuk, a bioinformatics tool that improves upon the currently available Tiara and EukRep in accurately identifying eukaryotic sequences from metagenomes. GutEuk is optimized for high precision across different sequence lengths. It can also distinguish fungal and protozoal sequences, further elucidating their unique ecological, physiological, and nutritional impacts. GutEuk was shown to facilitate comprehensive analyses of protozoa and fungi within more than 1000 rumen metagenomes, revealing a greater genomic diversity among protozoa than previously documented. We further curated several ruminant eukaryotic protein databases, significantly enhancing our ability to distinguish the functional roles of ruminant fungi and protozoa from those of prokaryotes. Overall, the newly developed package GutEuk and its associated databases create new opportunities for the in-depth study of GI tract eukaryotes.
Additional Links: PMID-39730187
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39730187,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, M and Andersen, TO and Pope, PB and Yu, Z},
title = {Probing the eukaryotic microbes of ruminants with a deep-learning classifier and comprehensive protein databases.},
journal = {Genome research},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {368-378},
doi = {10.1101/gr.279825.124},
pmid = {39730187},
issn = {1549-5469},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ruminants/microbiology ; *Deep Learning ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; Rumen/microbiology/parasitology ; Databases, Protein ; Metagenome ; Metagenomics/methods ; Eukaryota/genetics/classification ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {Metagenomics, particularly genome-resolved metagenomics, have significantly deepened our understanding of microbes, illuminating their taxonomic and functional diversity and roles in ecology, physiology, and evolution. However, eukaryotic populations within various microbiomes, including those in the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract, remain relatively underexplored in metagenomic studies owing to the lack of comprehensive reference genome databases and robust bioinformatic tools. The GI tract of ruminants, particularly the rumen, contains a high eukaryotic biomass but a relatively low diversity of ciliates and fungi, which significantly impacts feed digestion, methane emissions, and rumen microbial ecology. In the present study, we developed GutEuk, a bioinformatics tool that improves upon the currently available Tiara and EukRep in accurately identifying eukaryotic sequences from metagenomes. GutEuk is optimized for high precision across different sequence lengths. It can also distinguish fungal and protozoal sequences, further elucidating their unique ecological, physiological, and nutritional impacts. GutEuk was shown to facilitate comprehensive analyses of protozoa and fungi within more than 1000 rumen metagenomes, revealing a greater genomic diversity among protozoa than previously documented. We further curated several ruminant eukaryotic protein databases, significantly enhancing our ability to distinguish the functional roles of ruminant fungi and protozoa from those of prokaryotes. Overall, the newly developed package GutEuk and its associated databases create new opportunities for the in-depth study of GI tract eukaryotes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Ruminants/microbiology
*Deep Learning
*Fungi/genetics/classification
Rumen/microbiology/parasitology
Databases, Protein
Metagenome
Metagenomics/methods
Eukaryota/genetics/classification
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Computational Biology/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-14
CmpDate: 2025-02-14
DNAdesign: feature-aware in silico design of synthetic DNA through mutation.
Bioinformatics (Oxford, England), 41(2):.
MOTIVATION: DNA sequence and shape readout represent different modes of protein-DNA recognition. Current tools lack the functionality to simultaneously consider alterations in different readout modes caused by sequence mutations. DNAdesign is a web-based tool to compare and design mutations based on both DNA sequence and shape characteristics. Users input a wild-type sequence, select sites to introduce mutations and choose a set of DNA shape parameters for mutation design.
RESULTS: DNAdesign utilizes Deep DNAshape to provide ultra-fast predictions of DNA shape based on extended k-mers and offers multiple encoding methods for nucleotide sequences, including the physicochemical encoding of DNA through their functional groups in the major and minor groove. DNAdesign provides all mutation candidates along the sequence and shape dimensions, with interactive visualization comparing each candidate with the wild-type DNA molecule. DNAdesign provides an approach to studying gene regulation and applications in synthetic biology, such as the design of synthetic enhancers and transcription factor binding sites.
The DNAdesign webserver and documentation are freely accessible at https://dnadesign.usc.edu.
Additional Links: PMID-39891349
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39891349,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Li, J and Chiu, TP and Gompel, N and Rohs, R},
title = {DNAdesign: feature-aware in silico design of synthetic DNA through mutation.},
journal = {Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/btaf052},
pmid = {39891349},
issn = {1367-4811},
support = {RGP0021/2018//Human Frontier Science Program/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA/chemistry/genetics ; *Mutation ; *Software ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; Binding Sites ; Computer Simulation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {MOTIVATION: DNA sequence and shape readout represent different modes of protein-DNA recognition. Current tools lack the functionality to simultaneously consider alterations in different readout modes caused by sequence mutations. DNAdesign is a web-based tool to compare and design mutations based on both DNA sequence and shape characteristics. Users input a wild-type sequence, select sites to introduce mutations and choose a set of DNA shape parameters for mutation design.
RESULTS: DNAdesign utilizes Deep DNAshape to provide ultra-fast predictions of DNA shape based on extended k-mers and offers multiple encoding methods for nucleotide sequences, including the physicochemical encoding of DNA through their functional groups in the major and minor groove. DNAdesign provides all mutation candidates along the sequence and shape dimensions, with interactive visualization comparing each candidate with the wild-type DNA molecule. DNAdesign provides an approach to studying gene regulation and applications in synthetic biology, such as the design of synthetic enhancers and transcription factor binding sites.
The DNAdesign webserver and documentation are freely accessible at https://dnadesign.usc.edu.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*DNA/chemistry/genetics
*Mutation
*Software
Nucleic Acid Conformation
Binding Sites
Computer Simulation
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
Computational Biology/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-14
CmpDate: 2025-02-14
The Hidden Global Diversity of the Yeast Genus Carlosrosaea: A Biodiversity Databases Perspective.
Yeast (Chichester, England), 41(11-12):658-667.
Biodiversity gaps in microorganisms, such as yeasts, blur our understanding of microbial diversity, introducing biases in their biogeography, ecology, and taxonomy. The genus Carlosrosaea is a potential plant growth booster, yet it is still a little-known yeast group. Considering that databases like GBIF and GenBank are powerful tools for exploring biodiversity data, we aimed to map the geographic distribution, ecological patterns, and taxonomic potential of the genus Carlosrosaea. We found 176 records of the genus, with about 70% associated with plant material, mostly leaves. Furthermore, 55% of the records pertained to the tropical region and only 12% to the temperate. The data indicates the existence of more than a dozen possible new species of the genus, cataloged yet undescribed. This study advances our understanding of the geographic, ecological, and taxonomic aspects of Carlosrosaea. It also highlights how public databases and literature reviews provide accessible ways to analyze information about microbial groups with limited data.
Additional Links: PMID-39623597
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@article {pmid39623597,
year = {2024},
author = {Félix, CR and Navarro, HMC and Landell, MF},
title = {The Hidden Global Diversity of the Yeast Genus Carlosrosaea: A Biodiversity Databases Perspective.},
journal = {Yeast (Chichester, England)},
volume = {41},
number = {11-12},
pages = {658-667},
doi = {10.1002/yea.3986},
pmid = {39623597},
issn = {1097-0061},
support = {//This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, number of grants 475378/2013-0, 312889/2021-6 and 311553/2018-4), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Fundação de amparo a Pesquisa de Alagoas (FAPEAL). This work is also part of the project "INCT Yeasts: Biodiversity, preservation and biotechnological innovation", funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), grant #406564/2022-1./ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Phylogeny ; Saccharomycetales/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Databases, Factual ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity gaps in microorganisms, such as yeasts, blur our understanding of microbial diversity, introducing biases in their biogeography, ecology, and taxonomy. The genus Carlosrosaea is a potential plant growth booster, yet it is still a little-known yeast group. Considering that databases like GBIF and GenBank are powerful tools for exploring biodiversity data, we aimed to map the geographic distribution, ecological patterns, and taxonomic potential of the genus Carlosrosaea. We found 176 records of the genus, with about 70% associated with plant material, mostly leaves. Furthermore, 55% of the records pertained to the tropical region and only 12% to the temperate. The data indicates the existence of more than a dozen possible new species of the genus, cataloged yet undescribed. This study advances our understanding of the geographic, ecological, and taxonomic aspects of Carlosrosaea. It also highlights how public databases and literature reviews provide accessible ways to analyze information about microbial groups with limited data.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biodiversity
Phylogeny
Saccharomycetales/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Databases, Factual
RevDate: 2025-02-14
The genome sequence of the Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775).
Wellcome open research, 8:72.
We present a genome assembly from an individual male Polyommatus icarus (the Common Blue; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The genome sequence is 512 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.6 kilobases long. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,350 protein-coding genes.
Additional Links: PMID-39949385
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@article {pmid39949385,
year = {2023},
author = {Lohse, K and , and , and , and Vila, R and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {72},
pmid = {39949385},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual male Polyommatus icarus (the Common Blue; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The genome sequence is 512 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.6 kilobases long. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,350 protein-coding genes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-13
Metabolic biomarkers of clinical outcomes in severe mental illness (METPSY): protocol for a prospective observational study in the Hub for metabolic psychiatry.
BMC psychiatry, 25(1):122.
People with severe mental illness have high rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction may be causally linked to the risk of severe mental illness. However, more research is needed to identify reliable metabolic markers which may have an impact on mental health outcomes, and to determine the mechanisms behind their impact. In the METPSY research study, we will investigate the relationship between metabolic markers and clinical outcomes of severe mental illness in young adults. We will recruit 120 young adults aged 16-25 years living in Scotland with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or no severe mental illness (controls) for a prospective observational study. We will assess clinical symptoms at three in-person visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, and collect blood samples at each of these visits for agnostic profiling of metabolic biomarkers through an untargeted metabolomic screen, using the rapid hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography ion mobility mass spectrometry method (RHIMMS). Participants will also complete remote assessments at 3 and 9 months after the baseline visit: Ecological Momentary Assessments to measure mental health, wrist actigraphy to measure rhythms of rest and activity, and continuous glucose monitoring to measure metabolic changes. Throughout the 12-month enrolment period, we will also measure objective markers of sleep using a radar sleep monitor (Somnofy). Using advanced statistical techniques and machine learning analysis, we will seek to better understand the mechanisms linking metabolic health with mental health in young adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
Additional Links: PMID-39948527
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39948527,
year = {2025},
author = {Rakshasa-Loots, AM and Steyn, C and Swiffen, D and Marwick, KFM and Semple, RK and Reynolds, RM and Burgess, K and Lawrie, SM and Lightman, SL and Luz, S and Smith, DJ},
title = {Metabolic biomarkers of clinical outcomes in severe mental illness (METPSY): protocol for a prospective observational study in the Hub for metabolic psychiatry.},
journal = {BMC psychiatry},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {122},
pmid = {39948527},
issn = {1471-244X},
support = {MR/Z503563/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {People with severe mental illness have high rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction may be causally linked to the risk of severe mental illness. However, more research is needed to identify reliable metabolic markers which may have an impact on mental health outcomes, and to determine the mechanisms behind their impact. In the METPSY research study, we will investigate the relationship between metabolic markers and clinical outcomes of severe mental illness in young adults. We will recruit 120 young adults aged 16-25 years living in Scotland with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or no severe mental illness (controls) for a prospective observational study. We will assess clinical symptoms at three in-person visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, and collect blood samples at each of these visits for agnostic profiling of metabolic biomarkers through an untargeted metabolomic screen, using the rapid hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography ion mobility mass spectrometry method (RHIMMS). Participants will also complete remote assessments at 3 and 9 months after the baseline visit: Ecological Momentary Assessments to measure mental health, wrist actigraphy to measure rhythms of rest and activity, and continuous glucose monitoring to measure metabolic changes. Throughout the 12-month enrolment period, we will also measure objective markers of sleep using a radar sleep monitor (Somnofy). Using advanced statistical techniques and machine learning analysis, we will seek to better understand the mechanisms linking metabolic health with mental health in young adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-13
CmpDate: 2025-02-13
The population genetics of convergent adaptation in maize and teosinte is not locally restricted.
eLife, 12: pii:92405.
What is the genetic architecture of local adaptation and what is the geographic scale over which it operates? We investigated patterns of local and convergent adaptation in five sympatric population pairs of traditionally cultivated maize and its wild relative teosinte (Zea mays subsp. parviglumis). We found that signatures of local adaptation based on the inference of adaptive fixations and selective sweeps are frequently exclusive to individual populations, more so in teosinte compared to maize. However, for both maize and teosinte, selective sweeps are also frequently shared by several populations, and often between subspecies. We were further able to infer that selective sweeps were shared among populations most often via migration, though sharing via standing variation was also common. Our analyses suggest that teosinte has been a continued source of beneficial alleles for maize, even after domestication, and that maize populations have facilitated adaptation in teosinte by moving beneficial alleles across the landscape. Taken together, our results suggest local adaptation in maize and teosinte has an intermediate geographic scale, one that is larger than individual populations but smaller than the species range.
Additional Links: PMID-39945053
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39945053,
year = {2025},
author = {Tittes, S and Lorant, A and McGinty, SP and Holland, JB and de Jesus Sánchez-González, J and Seetharam, A and Tenaillon, M and Ross-Ibarra, J},
title = {The population genetics of convergent adaptation in maize and teosinte is not locally restricted.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7554/eLife.92405},
pmid = {39945053},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {1822330//National Science Foundation/ ; 1238014//National Science Foundation/ ; CA-D-PLS-2066-H 548//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Zea mays/genetics/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genetics, Population ; Genetic Variation ; Selection, Genetic ; },
abstract = {What is the genetic architecture of local adaptation and what is the geographic scale over which it operates? We investigated patterns of local and convergent adaptation in five sympatric population pairs of traditionally cultivated maize and its wild relative teosinte (Zea mays subsp. parviglumis). We found that signatures of local adaptation based on the inference of adaptive fixations and selective sweeps are frequently exclusive to individual populations, more so in teosinte compared to maize. However, for both maize and teosinte, selective sweeps are also frequently shared by several populations, and often between subspecies. We were further able to infer that selective sweeps were shared among populations most often via migration, though sharing via standing variation was also common. Our analyses suggest that teosinte has been a continued source of beneficial alleles for maize, even after domestication, and that maize populations have facilitated adaptation in teosinte by moving beneficial alleles across the landscape. Taken together, our results suggest local adaptation in maize and teosinte has an intermediate geographic scale, one that is larger than individual populations but smaller than the species range.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Zea mays/genetics/physiology
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genetics, Population
Genetic Variation
Selection, Genetic
RevDate: 2025-02-13
CmpDate: 2025-02-13
Sông Sà i Gòn: Extreme Plastic Pollution Pathways in Riparian Waterways.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 25(3): pii:s25030937.
Plastic pollution in waterways poses a significant global challenge, largely stemming from land-based sources and subsequently transported by rivers to marine environments. With a substantial percentage of marine plastic waste originating from land-based sources, comprehending the trajectory and temporal experience of single-use plastic bottles assumes paramount importance. This project designed, developed, and released a plastic pollution tracking device, coinciding with Vietnam's annual Plastic Awareness Month. By mapping the plastic tracker's journey through the Saigon River, this study generated high-fidelity data for comprehensive analysis and bolstered public awareness through regular updates on the Re-Think Plastics Vietnam website. The device, equipped with technologies such as drone flight controller, open-source software, embedded computing, and cellular networking effectively captured GPS position, track, and localized conditions experienced by the plastic bottle tracker on its journey. This amalgamation of data contributes to the understanding of plastic pollution behaviors and serves as a data set for future initiatives aimed at plastic prevention in the ecologically sensitive Mekong Delta. By illuminating the transportation of single-use plastic bottles in the riparian waterways of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, this study plays a role in collective efforts to understand plastic pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems. By deploying a GPS-enabled plastic tracker, this study provides novel, high-resolution empirical data on plastic transport in urban tidal systems. These findings contribute to improving waste interception strategies and informing environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic accumulation in critical retention zones.
Additional Links: PMID-39943576
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@article {pmid39943576,
year = {2025},
author = {Cleveland, P and Morrison, A},
title = {Sông Sà i Gòn: Extreme Plastic Pollution Pathways in Riparian Waterways.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/s25030937},
pmid = {39943576},
issn = {1424-8220},
support = {2023//Annual Award, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Techolology/ ; },
mesh = {*Plastics ; *Rivers/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Vietnam ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Water Pollution/analysis ; Geographic Information Systems ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Plastic pollution in waterways poses a significant global challenge, largely stemming from land-based sources and subsequently transported by rivers to marine environments. With a substantial percentage of marine plastic waste originating from land-based sources, comprehending the trajectory and temporal experience of single-use plastic bottles assumes paramount importance. This project designed, developed, and released a plastic pollution tracking device, coinciding with Vietnam's annual Plastic Awareness Month. By mapping the plastic tracker's journey through the Saigon River, this study generated high-fidelity data for comprehensive analysis and bolstered public awareness through regular updates on the Re-Think Plastics Vietnam website. The device, equipped with technologies such as drone flight controller, open-source software, embedded computing, and cellular networking effectively captured GPS position, track, and localized conditions experienced by the plastic bottle tracker on its journey. This amalgamation of data contributes to the understanding of plastic pollution behaviors and serves as a data set for future initiatives aimed at plastic prevention in the ecologically sensitive Mekong Delta. By illuminating the transportation of single-use plastic bottles in the riparian waterways of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, this study plays a role in collective efforts to understand plastic pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems. By deploying a GPS-enabled plastic tracker, this study provides novel, high-resolution empirical data on plastic transport in urban tidal systems. These findings contribute to improving waste interception strategies and informing environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic accumulation in critical retention zones.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Plastics
*Rivers/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Vietnam
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Water Pollution/analysis
Geographic Information Systems
Ecosystem
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-13
Environmental impact on the genome shaping of putative new Streptomyces species.
BMC microbiology, 25(1):72.
BACKGROUND: The bacterial evolution and the emergence of new species are likely influenced by multiple forces, including long-term environmental pressure such as living in extreme conditions. In this study, the genomes of two potentially new Streptomyces species isolated from a former mine heap in Tarnowskie Góry in Poland, were analyzed.
RESULTS: A bioinformatic approach revealed notable phylogenetic and metabolic differences between the studied Streptomyces strains, despite originating from the same environment. While both strains are characterized by genetic features common to actinomycetes, additional unique biosynthetic gene clusters were also predicted in their genomes. The comparative genomic analysis with other Streptomyces spp. revealed a high conservation in heavy metal adaptive mechanisms, indicating a preadaptation to extreme conditions. The difference observed in the cad and mer operons could be attributed to the specific adaptations to heavy metal contamination. The high metal tolerance of examined strains was also confirmed by an agar dilution assay in the presence of several heavy metals. The confirmed siderophore production represents an additional mechanism allowing streptomycetes to survive in extreme conditions. On the other hand, both of studied genomes show significant differences in energy acquisition processes and the production of putative novel secondary metabolites. The isolates showed these differences not only among themselves but also compared to other Streptomyces species, indicating their uniqueness.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that extreme environmental conditions can lead to the development of various adaptation mechanisms in the Streptomyces spp. Furthermore, the results indicate that diverse Streptomyces species have developed conserved adaptation mechanisms against the heavy metals under extreme conditions, indicating the emergence of preadaptations that allow bacteria to respond rapidly to polluted environments and evolve their genomes accordingly up to the evolution of new species.
Additional Links: PMID-39939924
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39939924,
year = {2025},
author = {Lorková, Z and Cimermanová, M and Piknová, M and Adhvaryu, S and Pristaš, P and Kisková, J},
title = {Environmental impact on the genome shaping of putative new Streptomyces species.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {72},
pmid = {39939924},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {VEGA 1/0779/21//Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport, Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptomyces/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Metals, Heavy/metabolism ; Siderophores/metabolism ; Multigene Family ; Poland ; Secondary Metabolism/genetics ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Mining ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The bacterial evolution and the emergence of new species are likely influenced by multiple forces, including long-term environmental pressure such as living in extreme conditions. In this study, the genomes of two potentially new Streptomyces species isolated from a former mine heap in Tarnowskie Góry in Poland, were analyzed.
RESULTS: A bioinformatic approach revealed notable phylogenetic and metabolic differences between the studied Streptomyces strains, despite originating from the same environment. While both strains are characterized by genetic features common to actinomycetes, additional unique biosynthetic gene clusters were also predicted in their genomes. The comparative genomic analysis with other Streptomyces spp. revealed a high conservation in heavy metal adaptive mechanisms, indicating a preadaptation to extreme conditions. The difference observed in the cad and mer operons could be attributed to the specific adaptations to heavy metal contamination. The high metal tolerance of examined strains was also confirmed by an agar dilution assay in the presence of several heavy metals. The confirmed siderophore production represents an additional mechanism allowing streptomycetes to survive in extreme conditions. On the other hand, both of studied genomes show significant differences in energy acquisition processes and the production of putative novel secondary metabolites. The isolates showed these differences not only among themselves but also compared to other Streptomyces species, indicating their uniqueness.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that extreme environmental conditions can lead to the development of various adaptation mechanisms in the Streptomyces spp. Furthermore, the results indicate that diverse Streptomyces species have developed conserved adaptation mechanisms against the heavy metals under extreme conditions, indicating the emergence of preadaptations that allow bacteria to respond rapidly to polluted environments and evolve their genomes accordingly up to the evolution of new species.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Streptomyces/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification
*Genome, Bacterial/genetics
*Phylogeny
*Metals, Heavy/metabolism
Siderophores/metabolism
Multigene Family
Poland
Secondary Metabolism/genetics
Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Mining
Computational Biology/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-13
CmpDate: 2025-02-13
Mobile Applications to Support Multiple Sclerosis Communities: The Post-COVID-19 Scenario.
Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association, 30(6):e1615-e1628.
Introduction: The increase in the use of mobile apps since the COVID-19 pandemic, even among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and health care providers (HCPs), has enabled access to reliable information, symptoms monitoring and management, and social connections. The pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the acceleration of the "digital revolution." But how far has it progressed for the MS communities? Methods: Italian Google Play and App Store were queried, selecting MS-specific apps in English or Italian language and usable by a wide public. Results: Fifty-four (n = 54) MS-specific apps were identified; most were PwMS-oriented (83%), free of charge (94%), and in English language (76%). The 45 PwMS-oriented apps focused on increasing MS knowledge (71%), tracking symptoms (33%), and promoting networking with peers or HCPs (38%). The 13 HCPs-oriented tools addressed education and updates on MS (62%), disease assessment and management (54%), and research (15%). Google Search tool was also queried to find non-MS-specific apps to fulfill some unmet domains (as sleep, pain, sexual or mental health). Twenty-four additional apps were listed to provide a valuable contribution. Conclusion: The "digital revolution" led to increasingly customized tools for PwMS, especially as m-health or social-networking apps. However, apps to support other specific MS-relevant domains, appealing HCPs-oriented apps, and specific mobile tools for MS caregivers are still lacking. The absence of data assessing the usability and quality of MS apps in ecologically contexts leads to not reliable conclusions about potential benefits. A strong dialogue between MS communities and the digital industry is encouraged to fill this gap.
Additional Links: PMID-38452336
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38452336,
year = {2024},
author = {Vacchi, L and Zirone, E and Strina, V and Cavaletti, G and Ferrarese, C},
title = {Mobile Applications to Support Multiple Sclerosis Communities: The Post-COVID-19 Scenario.},
journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {e1615-e1628},
doi = {10.1089/tmj.2023.0515},
pmid = {38452336},
issn = {1556-3669},
mesh = {Humans ; Access to Information ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Digital Health/trends ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Mobile Applications/trends ; *Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis/therapy ; Social Networking ; *Telemedicine/trends ; },
abstract = {Introduction: The increase in the use of mobile apps since the COVID-19 pandemic, even among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and health care providers (HCPs), has enabled access to reliable information, symptoms monitoring and management, and social connections. The pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the acceleration of the "digital revolution." But how far has it progressed for the MS communities? Methods: Italian Google Play and App Store were queried, selecting MS-specific apps in English or Italian language and usable by a wide public. Results: Fifty-four (n = 54) MS-specific apps were identified; most were PwMS-oriented (83%), free of charge (94%), and in English language (76%). The 45 PwMS-oriented apps focused on increasing MS knowledge (71%), tracking symptoms (33%), and promoting networking with peers or HCPs (38%). The 13 HCPs-oriented tools addressed education and updates on MS (62%), disease assessment and management (54%), and research (15%). Google Search tool was also queried to find non-MS-specific apps to fulfill some unmet domains (as sleep, pain, sexual or mental health). Twenty-four additional apps were listed to provide a valuable contribution. Conclusion: The "digital revolution" led to increasingly customized tools for PwMS, especially as m-health or social-networking apps. However, apps to support other specific MS-relevant domains, appealing HCPs-oriented apps, and specific mobile tools for MS caregivers are still lacking. The absence of data assessing the usability and quality of MS apps in ecologically contexts leads to not reliable conclusions about potential benefits. A strong dialogue between MS communities and the digital industry is encouraged to fill this gap.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Access to Information
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Digital Health/trends
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Italy/epidemiology
*Mobile Applications/trends
*Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis/therapy
Social Networking
*Telemedicine/trends
RevDate: 2025-02-12
Assessing the impacts of reclamation and invasion on ecological dynamics of coastal wetland vegetation in the Yangtze Estuary from 1985 to 2019:A case study of Chongming Island, China.
Journal of environmental management, 376:124505 pii:S0301-4797(25)00481-5 [Epub ahead of print].
The distribution of coastal wetland vegetation is influenced by biological invasions, human reclamations and climate changes, which continually reshape vegetation structures. However, limited attention has been given to the impact of biological invasion on native vegetation and tidal wetlands. This study focuses on the wetlands of Chongming Island, employing a multi-feature dataset combining spectral, phenological, and temporal information on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Using the Random Forest (RF) classification method, we analyzed annual vegetation distribution changes and examined the distinct effects of natural and anthropogenic factors. The research results indicate that: (1) From 1985 to 2019, the total area of Chongming Island expanded, while wetland vegetation decreased due to embankment construction and island connection projects. (2) The total area of wetland vegetation on Chongming Island dropped to its lowest point in 2002 (3812.76 ha), and then gradually recovered. (3) Human reclamation was the primary driver of vegetation changes from 1985 to 1995. (4) Vegetation distribution in Dongtan was influenced by both human and natural factors, whereas Beiliuyao affected by the invasion and expansion of the S. alterniflor. These findings provide valuable insights into the drivers of long-term vegetation distribution changes, offering essential data and theoretical support for sustainable development and management of Chongming Island's ecosystems.
Additional Links: PMID-39938295
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39938295,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuo, W and Wu, N and Shi, R and Cui, Y and Zhang, C and Liu, S and Zhu, F and Zhang, B and Liu, P},
title = {Assessing the impacts of reclamation and invasion on ecological dynamics of coastal wetland vegetation in the Yangtze Estuary from 1985 to 2019:A case study of Chongming Island, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {376},
number = {},
pages = {124505},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124505},
pmid = {39938295},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The distribution of coastal wetland vegetation is influenced by biological invasions, human reclamations and climate changes, which continually reshape vegetation structures. However, limited attention has been given to the impact of biological invasion on native vegetation and tidal wetlands. This study focuses on the wetlands of Chongming Island, employing a multi-feature dataset combining spectral, phenological, and temporal information on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Using the Random Forest (RF) classification method, we analyzed annual vegetation distribution changes and examined the distinct effects of natural and anthropogenic factors. The research results indicate that: (1) From 1985 to 2019, the total area of Chongming Island expanded, while wetland vegetation decreased due to embankment construction and island connection projects. (2) The total area of wetland vegetation on Chongming Island dropped to its lowest point in 2002 (3812.76 ha), and then gradually recovered. (3) Human reclamation was the primary driver of vegetation changes from 1985 to 1995. (4) Vegetation distribution in Dongtan was influenced by both human and natural factors, whereas Beiliuyao affected by the invasion and expansion of the S. alterniflor. These findings provide valuable insights into the drivers of long-term vegetation distribution changes, offering essential data and theoretical support for sustainable development and management of Chongming Island's ecosystems.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-12
Digital health equity frameworks and key concepts: a scoping review.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA pii:8010284 [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVES: Digital health equity, the opportunity for all to engage with digital health tools to support good health outcomes, is an emerging priority across the world. The field of digital health equity would benefit from a comprehensive and systematic understanding of digital health, digital equity, and health equity, with a focus on real-world applications. We conducted a scoping review to identify and describe published frameworks and concepts relevant to digital health equity interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We searched 5 databases for frameworks related to or applied to digital health or equity interventions. Using deductive and inductive approaches, we analyzed frameworks and concepts based on the socio-ecological model.
RESULTS: Of the 910 publications initially identified, we included 44 (4.8%) publications in our review that described 42 frameworks that sought to explain the ecosystem of digital and/or health equity, but none were comprehensive. From the frameworks we identified 243 concepts grouped into 43 categories including characteristics of individuals, communities, and organizations; societal context; perceived value of the intervention by and impacts on individuals, community members, and the organization; partnerships; and access to digital health services, in-person services, digital services, and data and information, among others.
DISCUSSION: We suggest a consolidated definition of digital health equity, highlight illustrative frameworks, and suggest concepts that may be needed to enhance digital health equity intervention development and evaluation.
CONCLUSION: The expanded understanding of frameworks and relevant concepts resulting from this study may inform communities and stakeholders who seek to achieve digital inclusion and digital health equity.
Additional Links: PMID-39936843
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39936843,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, KK and Backonja, U},
title = {Digital health equity frameworks and key concepts: a scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jamia/ocaf017},
pmid = {39936843},
issn = {1527-974X},
support = {//The MITRE Innovation Program/ ; //MITRE Corporation/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Digital health equity, the opportunity for all to engage with digital health tools to support good health outcomes, is an emerging priority across the world. The field of digital health equity would benefit from a comprehensive and systematic understanding of digital health, digital equity, and health equity, with a focus on real-world applications. We conducted a scoping review to identify and describe published frameworks and concepts relevant to digital health equity interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We searched 5 databases for frameworks related to or applied to digital health or equity interventions. Using deductive and inductive approaches, we analyzed frameworks and concepts based on the socio-ecological model.
RESULTS: Of the 910 publications initially identified, we included 44 (4.8%) publications in our review that described 42 frameworks that sought to explain the ecosystem of digital and/or health equity, but none were comprehensive. From the frameworks we identified 243 concepts grouped into 43 categories including characteristics of individuals, communities, and organizations; societal context; perceived value of the intervention by and impacts on individuals, community members, and the organization; partnerships; and access to digital health services, in-person services, digital services, and data and information, among others.
DISCUSSION: We suggest a consolidated definition of digital health equity, highlight illustrative frameworks, and suggest concepts that may be needed to enhance digital health equity intervention development and evaluation.
CONCLUSION: The expanded understanding of frameworks and relevant concepts resulting from this study may inform communities and stakeholders who seek to achieve digital inclusion and digital health equity.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
[Reformulations in the national mental health policy: analysis of assistance data in the period from 2012 to 2022].
Ciencia & saude coletiva, 30(2):e13372023.
This article aims to analyze data on care in the field of public mental healthcare in Brazil from 2012 to 2022, corresponding to the years before and after the implementation of the New Mental Health Policy. For this purpose, quantitative methodology, of the longitudinal ecological study type, was used. Data was extracted for the period from 2012 to 2022. The sources used were Health Information Systems. The data was compiled into time series and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The results pointed to the enhancement of outpatient services and a decrease in the expansion of Psychosocial Care Centers and Primary Care facilities after 2017, indicating compliance with the New Policy guidelines to deprioritize territorial and community-based services. The number of psychiatric hospitals showed little variation for the entire period, indicating not only alignment with the strengthening of hospital institutions indicated in the New Policy, but also weaknesses in the deinstitutionalization policy of the period prior to 2017. This study concludes that the effects of the changes in national policies on the organization, management and execution of the health system can be seen, but at the same time there is continuity in various aspects.
Additional Links: PMID-39936690
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@article {pmid39936690,
year = {2025},
author = {Krefer, LT and Oliveira, WF},
title = {[Reformulations in the national mental health policy: analysis of assistance data in the period from 2012 to 2022].},
journal = {Ciencia & saude coletiva},
volume = {30},
number = {2},
pages = {e13372023},
doi = {10.1590/1413-81232025302.13372023},
pmid = {39936690},
issn = {1678-4561},
mesh = {Brazil ; Humans ; *Health Policy ; *Mental Health Services/organization & administration ; *Hospitals, Psychiatric/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Deinstitutionalization/trends ; Primary Health Care/organization & administration ; Mental Health ; Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data ; Health Care Reform ; Health Information Systems/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {This article aims to analyze data on care in the field of public mental healthcare in Brazil from 2012 to 2022, corresponding to the years before and after the implementation of the New Mental Health Policy. For this purpose, quantitative methodology, of the longitudinal ecological study type, was used. Data was extracted for the period from 2012 to 2022. The sources used were Health Information Systems. The data was compiled into time series and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The results pointed to the enhancement of outpatient services and a decrease in the expansion of Psychosocial Care Centers and Primary Care facilities after 2017, indicating compliance with the New Policy guidelines to deprioritize territorial and community-based services. The number of psychiatric hospitals showed little variation for the entire period, indicating not only alignment with the strengthening of hospital institutions indicated in the New Policy, but also weaknesses in the deinstitutionalization policy of the period prior to 2017. This study concludes that the effects of the changes in national policies on the organization, management and execution of the health system can be seen, but at the same time there is continuity in various aspects.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Brazil
Humans
*Health Policy
*Mental Health Services/organization & administration
*Hospitals, Psychiatric/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data
Longitudinal Studies
*Deinstitutionalization/trends
Primary Health Care/organization & administration
Mental Health
Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data
Health Care Reform
Health Information Systems/organization & administration
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
Advancing sustainable agriculture through multi-omics profiling of biosolids for safe application: A review.
Journal of environmental management, 375:124292.
Biosolids, derived from wastewater treatment processes, are valuable resources for soil amendment in agriculture due to their nutrient-rich composition. However, various contaminants of concern (CEC) such as pharmaceuticals, per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, endocrine disruptive chemicals, surfactants, pathogens, nanoplastics, and microplastics, are also reported in biosolids. The use of biosolids for agriculture may introduce these CEC into the soil, which raises concerns about their environmental and human health impacts. Moreover, the presence of pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella, Giardia, Rotavirus, etc.) even after treatment calls for microbial profiling of biosolids, especially in developing countries. Multi-omics approaches can be used as powerful tools for characterizing microbial communities and highlighting metabolic pathways. Moreover, these approaches also help in predicting the ecological and agronomic effects of biosolids application in agricultural soils. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of using biosolids in agriculture, considering the range of different CEC reported in biosolids. Moreover, the current legislation for the use of biosolids in agriculture is also presented, highlighting the limitations with respect to guidelines for emerging contaminants in biosolids. Furthermore, the role of the multi-omics approach in biosolids management, focusing on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics is also assessed. Multi-omics also allows for real-time monitoring, ensuring continuous optimization of biosolids towards changing environmental conditions. This dynamic approach not only enhances the safe use, but also enhances the sustainability of waste management practices, minimizing the negative effects. Finally, the future research directions for integrating the multi-omics approach into biosolid management practices are also suggested. The need for updating the legislative framework, continued innovation to promote sustainable and robust agricultural systems, bringing the process closer to the principles of a circular bioeconomy is also empahasized.
Additional Links: PMID-39889433
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39889433,
year = {2025},
author = {Shukla, S and Khan, R and Chrzanowski, Ł and Vagliasindi, FGA and Roccaro, P},
title = {Advancing sustainable agriculture through multi-omics profiling of biosolids for safe application: A review.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {375},
number = {},
pages = {124292},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124292},
pmid = {39889433},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Agriculture/methods ; Soil/chemistry ; Wastewater/chemistry ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Biosolids, derived from wastewater treatment processes, are valuable resources for soil amendment in agriculture due to their nutrient-rich composition. However, various contaminants of concern (CEC) such as pharmaceuticals, per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, endocrine disruptive chemicals, surfactants, pathogens, nanoplastics, and microplastics, are also reported in biosolids. The use of biosolids for agriculture may introduce these CEC into the soil, which raises concerns about their environmental and human health impacts. Moreover, the presence of pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella, Giardia, Rotavirus, etc.) even after treatment calls for microbial profiling of biosolids, especially in developing countries. Multi-omics approaches can be used as powerful tools for characterizing microbial communities and highlighting metabolic pathways. Moreover, these approaches also help in predicting the ecological and agronomic effects of biosolids application in agricultural soils. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of using biosolids in agriculture, considering the range of different CEC reported in biosolids. Moreover, the current legislation for the use of biosolids in agriculture is also presented, highlighting the limitations with respect to guidelines for emerging contaminants in biosolids. Furthermore, the role of the multi-omics approach in biosolids management, focusing on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics is also assessed. Multi-omics also allows for real-time monitoring, ensuring continuous optimization of biosolids towards changing environmental conditions. This dynamic approach not only enhances the safe use, but also enhances the sustainability of waste management practices, minimizing the negative effects. Finally, the future research directions for integrating the multi-omics approach into biosolid management practices are also suggested. The need for updating the legislative framework, continued innovation to promote sustainable and robust agricultural systems, bringing the process closer to the principles of a circular bioeconomy is also empahasized.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Agriculture/methods
Soil/chemistry
Wastewater/chemistry
Multiomics
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
Assessing riparian functioning condition for improved ecosystem services: A case study of the Back Creek watershed (Virginia, USA).
Journal of environmental management, 375:124154.
Riparian functioning condition refers to a rating and description of the current ecological status of a reach of a riparian ecosystem in consideration of its potential hydrology, vegetation, and geomorphology. Reach rating options are Proper Functioning Condition (PFC), Functional-At-Risk (FAR), Non-Functional, and apparent or monitored trends. We assessed the functioning condition of flowing riverbank areas of Back Creek located in Virginia (USA) following a PFC protocol developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The PFC protocol involves 17 qualitative assessment items that address three categories of attributes (hydrology, vegetation, and geomorphology); each is answered as "yes", "no," or "not applicable" with an explanation. We discussed key PFC items driving stream water quality contextualizing the previously modeled riparian buffer zones and ecosystem services tradeoffs in the Back Creek watershed published by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using the remote sensing data in the Geographic Information System, we delineated and characterized 26 Back Creek reaches of 41.1 km length. We also analyzed the 38-year (1981-2018) daily datasets of the precipitation, surface runoff, temperature, soil moisture pattern, and vegetation types for the watershed. Then, we conducted the PFC assessments using field reconnaissance of 10 reaches, 19.3 km of the Back Creek. The field assessments concluded that 52% of the assessed length of Back Creek was in PFC, attributed to diverse vegetation, maintained channel characteristics, floodplain accessibility (where appropriate), and balanced water and sediment loading supplied by individual headwater streams to the Back Creek. 48% of the assessed length was in FAR condition due to land use changes and urban road network. This study provides an exemplar of nonpoint source (diffused pollution generated by land runoff) methodology for identifying key riparian functioning issues and assessing effectiveness of the non-point source best management practice programs.
Additional Links: PMID-39854904
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39854904,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghimire, SR and Schumacher, B and Swanson, S and Hall, R and Hall, ES and Zambrana, J and Johnston, JM},
title = {Assessing riparian functioning condition for improved ecosystem services: A case study of the Back Creek watershed (Virginia, USA).},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {375},
number = {},
pages = {124154},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124154},
pmid = {39854904},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Rivers ; Virginia ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Water Quality ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Hydrology ; Geographic Information Systems ; },
abstract = {Riparian functioning condition refers to a rating and description of the current ecological status of a reach of a riparian ecosystem in consideration of its potential hydrology, vegetation, and geomorphology. Reach rating options are Proper Functioning Condition (PFC), Functional-At-Risk (FAR), Non-Functional, and apparent or monitored trends. We assessed the functioning condition of flowing riverbank areas of Back Creek located in Virginia (USA) following a PFC protocol developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The PFC protocol involves 17 qualitative assessment items that address three categories of attributes (hydrology, vegetation, and geomorphology); each is answered as "yes", "no," or "not applicable" with an explanation. We discussed key PFC items driving stream water quality contextualizing the previously modeled riparian buffer zones and ecosystem services tradeoffs in the Back Creek watershed published by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using the remote sensing data in the Geographic Information System, we delineated and characterized 26 Back Creek reaches of 41.1 km length. We also analyzed the 38-year (1981-2018) daily datasets of the precipitation, surface runoff, temperature, soil moisture pattern, and vegetation types for the watershed. Then, we conducted the PFC assessments using field reconnaissance of 10 reaches, 19.3 km of the Back Creek. The field assessments concluded that 52% of the assessed length of Back Creek was in PFC, attributed to diverse vegetation, maintained channel characteristics, floodplain accessibility (where appropriate), and balanced water and sediment loading supplied by individual headwater streams to the Back Creek. 48% of the assessed length was in FAR condition due to land use changes and urban road network. This study provides an exemplar of nonpoint source (diffused pollution generated by land runoff) methodology for identifying key riparian functioning issues and assessing effectiveness of the non-point source best management practice programs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Ecosystem
*Rivers
Virginia
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Water Quality
Conservation of Natural Resources
Hydrology
Geographic Information Systems
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
Evolutionary analysis of ecological-production-living space-carrying capacity in tourism-centric traditional villages in Guangxi, China.
Journal of environmental management, 375:124182.
The carrying capacity of ecological-production-living space (EPLS) is pivotal to the development of traditional villages and the optimization of their tourism industries. However, research on tourism-centric traditional villages in China remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining EPLS carrying capacity in tourism-focused villages in Guangxi, China. Using remote sensing imagery of Chengyang Bazhai (CYBZ) along with data on local tourism and socio-economic development, the study classifies different types of EPLS and establishes a comprehensive indicator system. Geographic information system spatial analysis, combined with grey correlation analysis, was employed to assess the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity and its influencing factors in CYBZ. The findings indicate that between 2006 and 2015, the overall carrying capacity of EPLS experienced a decline. While the carrying capacity of production spaces remained relatively stable, ecological and living spaces saw notable decreases. However, from 2015 to 2021, EPLS carrying capacity increased substantially. The most substantial growth was observed in Pingyan Village, followed by Chengyang Village, with Pingfu Village exhibiting the smallest improvement. The expansion of the tourism industry has significantly influenced the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity in CYBZ, creating a greater need for strategic future planning. Optimal EPLS and durable tourism development require continuous enhancements in EPLS capacity, reductions in negative interactions between carrying capacity and tourism growth, as well as ecological revitalization. This study contributes to the existing literature by enhancing EPLS carrying capacity understanding. It offers theoretical guidance for its optimization in Chengyang and practical insights into sustainable tourism development in similar regions.
Additional Links: PMID-39848196
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@article {pmid39848196,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Liping, Y and Arif, M},
title = {Evolutionary analysis of ecological-production-living space-carrying capacity in tourism-centric traditional villages in Guangxi, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {375},
number = {},
pages = {124182},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124182},
pmid = {39848196},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {China ; *Tourism ; Humans ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Geographic Information Systems ; Ecology ; },
abstract = {The carrying capacity of ecological-production-living space (EPLS) is pivotal to the development of traditional villages and the optimization of their tourism industries. However, research on tourism-centric traditional villages in China remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining EPLS carrying capacity in tourism-focused villages in Guangxi, China. Using remote sensing imagery of Chengyang Bazhai (CYBZ) along with data on local tourism and socio-economic development, the study classifies different types of EPLS and establishes a comprehensive indicator system. Geographic information system spatial analysis, combined with grey correlation analysis, was employed to assess the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity and its influencing factors in CYBZ. The findings indicate that between 2006 and 2015, the overall carrying capacity of EPLS experienced a decline. While the carrying capacity of production spaces remained relatively stable, ecological and living spaces saw notable decreases. However, from 2015 to 2021, EPLS carrying capacity increased substantially. The most substantial growth was observed in Pingyan Village, followed by Chengyang Village, with Pingfu Village exhibiting the smallest improvement. The expansion of the tourism industry has significantly influenced the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity in CYBZ, creating a greater need for strategic future planning. Optimal EPLS and durable tourism development require continuous enhancements in EPLS capacity, reductions in negative interactions between carrying capacity and tourism growth, as well as ecological revitalization. This study contributes to the existing literature by enhancing EPLS carrying capacity understanding. It offers theoretical guidance for its optimization in Chengyang and practical insights into sustainable tourism development in similar regions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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China
*Tourism
Humans
Conservation of Natural Resources
Geographic Information Systems
Ecology
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
Effects of different trophic conditions on total fatty acids, amino acids, pigment and gene expression profiles in Euglena gracilis.
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology, 40(10):325.
Euglena gracilis is a unique microalga that lacks a cell wall and is able to grow under different trophic culture conditions. In this study, cell growth, biomass production, and changes in the ultrastructure of E. gracilis cells cultivated photoautotrophically, mixotrophically, and under sequential-heterotrophy-photoinduction (SHP) were assessed. Mixotrophy induced the highest cell growth and biomass productivity (6.27 ± 0.59 mg/L/d) in E. gracilis, while the highest content of fatty acids, 2.69 ± 0.04% of dry cell weight (DCW) and amino acids, 38.16 ± 0.08% of DCW was obtained under SHP condition. E. gracilis also accumulated significantly higher saturated fatty acids and lower unsaturated fatty acids when cultivated under SHP condition. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of photosynthetic genes (PsbA, PsbC, F-type ATPase alpha and beta) was lower, carbohydrate and protein synthetic genes (glnA, alg14 and fba) were expressed higher in SHP-culture cells when compared to other groups. Different trophic conditions also induced changes in the cell ultrastructure, where paramylon and starch granules were more abundant in SHP-cultured cells. The findings generated in this study illustrated that aerobic SHP cultivation of E. gracilis possesses great potential in human and animal feed applications.
Additional Links: PMID-39294488
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@article {pmid39294488,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, WH and Gao, JW and Lau, CC and Jiang, ZF and Yeong, YS and Mok, WJ and Zhou, W},
title = {Effects of different trophic conditions on total fatty acids, amino acids, pigment and gene expression profiles in Euglena gracilis.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {40},
number = {10},
pages = {325},
pmid = {39294488},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {22zxbtsn00020//Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau/ ; },
mesh = {*Euglena gracilis/genetics/growth & development/metabolism/ultrastructure ; *Gene Expression Profiling ; *Amino Acids/metabolism ; *Fatty Acids/metabolism ; *Pigments, Biological/metabolism ; Biomass ; Gene Ontology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Heterotrophic Processes ; },
abstract = {Euglena gracilis is a unique microalga that lacks a cell wall and is able to grow under different trophic culture conditions. In this study, cell growth, biomass production, and changes in the ultrastructure of E. gracilis cells cultivated photoautotrophically, mixotrophically, and under sequential-heterotrophy-photoinduction (SHP) were assessed. Mixotrophy induced the highest cell growth and biomass productivity (6.27 ± 0.59 mg/L/d) in E. gracilis, while the highest content of fatty acids, 2.69 ± 0.04% of dry cell weight (DCW) and amino acids, 38.16 ± 0.08% of DCW was obtained under SHP condition. E. gracilis also accumulated significantly higher saturated fatty acids and lower unsaturated fatty acids when cultivated under SHP condition. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of photosynthetic genes (PsbA, PsbC, F-type ATPase alpha and beta) was lower, carbohydrate and protein synthetic genes (glnA, alg14 and fba) were expressed higher in SHP-culture cells when compared to other groups. Different trophic conditions also induced changes in the cell ultrastructure, where paramylon and starch granules were more abundant in SHP-cultured cells. The findings generated in this study illustrated that aerobic SHP cultivation of E. gracilis possesses great potential in human and animal feed applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Euglena gracilis/genetics/growth & development/metabolism/ultrastructure
*Gene Expression Profiling
*Amino Acids/metabolism
*Fatty Acids/metabolism
*Pigments, Biological/metabolism
Biomass
Gene Ontology
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Heterotrophic Processes
RevDate: 2025-02-11
PhyloFunc: phylogeny-informed functional distance as a new ecological metric for metaproteomic data analysis.
Microbiome, 13(1):50.
BACKGROUND: Beta-diversity is a fundamental ecological metric for exploring dissimilarities between microbial communities. On the functional dimension, metaproteomics data can be used to quantify beta-diversity to understand how microbial community functional profiles vary under different environmental conditions. Conventional approaches to metaproteomic functional beta-diversity often treat protein functions as independent features, ignoring the evolutionary relationships among microbial taxa from which different proteins originate. A more informative functional distance metric that incorporates evolutionary relatedness is needed to better understand microbiome functional dissimilarities.
RESULTS: Here, we introduce PhyloFunc, a novel functional beta-diversity metric that incorporates microbiome phylogeny to inform on metaproteomic functional distance. Leveraging the phylogenetic framework of weighted UniFrac distance, PhyloFunc innovatively utilizes branch lengths to weigh between-sample functional distances for each taxon, rather than differences in taxonomic abundance as in weighted UniFrac. Proof of concept using a simulated toy dataset and a real dataset from mouse inoculated with a synthetic gut microbiome and fed different diets show that PhyloFunc successfully captured functional compensatory effects between phylogenetically related taxa. We further tested a third dataset of complex human gut microbiomes treated with five different drugs to compare PhyloFunc's performance with other traditional distance methods. PCoA and machine learning-based classification algorithms revealed higher sensitivity of PhyloFunc in microbiome responses to paracetamol. We provide PhyloFunc as an open-source Python package (available at https://pypi.org/project/phylofunc/), enabling efficient calculation of functional beta-diversity distances between a pair of samples or the generation of a distance matrix for all samples within a dataset.
CONCLUSIONS: Unlike traditional approaches that consider metaproteomics features as independent and unrelated, PhyloFunc acknowledges the role of phylogenetic context in shaping the functional landscape in metaproteomes. In particular, we report that PhyloFunc accounts for the functional compensatory effect of taxonomically related species. Its effectiveness, ecological relevance, and enhanced sensitivity in distinguishing group variations are demonstrated through the specific applications presented in this study. Video Abstract.
Additional Links: PMID-39934908
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39934908,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Simopoulos, CMA and Serrana, JM and Ning, Z and Li, Y and Sun, B and Yuan, J and Figeys, D and Li, L},
title = {PhyloFunc: phylogeny-informed functional distance as a new ecological metric for metaproteomic data analysis.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {50},
pmid = {39934908},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {201906015034//China Scholarship Council/ ; TECHNOMISE Program//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; TECHNOMISE Program//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 32370050//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Beta-diversity is a fundamental ecological metric for exploring dissimilarities between microbial communities. On the functional dimension, metaproteomics data can be used to quantify beta-diversity to understand how microbial community functional profiles vary under different environmental conditions. Conventional approaches to metaproteomic functional beta-diversity often treat protein functions as independent features, ignoring the evolutionary relationships among microbial taxa from which different proteins originate. A more informative functional distance metric that incorporates evolutionary relatedness is needed to better understand microbiome functional dissimilarities.
RESULTS: Here, we introduce PhyloFunc, a novel functional beta-diversity metric that incorporates microbiome phylogeny to inform on metaproteomic functional distance. Leveraging the phylogenetic framework of weighted UniFrac distance, PhyloFunc innovatively utilizes branch lengths to weigh between-sample functional distances for each taxon, rather than differences in taxonomic abundance as in weighted UniFrac. Proof of concept using a simulated toy dataset and a real dataset from mouse inoculated with a synthetic gut microbiome and fed different diets show that PhyloFunc successfully captured functional compensatory effects between phylogenetically related taxa. We further tested a third dataset of complex human gut microbiomes treated with five different drugs to compare PhyloFunc's performance with other traditional distance methods. PCoA and machine learning-based classification algorithms revealed higher sensitivity of PhyloFunc in microbiome responses to paracetamol. We provide PhyloFunc as an open-source Python package (available at https://pypi.org/project/phylofunc/), enabling efficient calculation of functional beta-diversity distances between a pair of samples or the generation of a distance matrix for all samples within a dataset.
CONCLUSIONS: Unlike traditional approaches that consider metaproteomics features as independent and unrelated, PhyloFunc acknowledges the role of phylogenetic context in shaping the functional landscape in metaproteomes. In particular, we report that PhyloFunc accounts for the functional compensatory effect of taxonomically related species. Its effectiveness, ecological relevance, and enhanced sensitivity in distinguishing group variations are demonstrated through the specific applications presented in this study. Video Abstract.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-11
The genome sequence of the Bird-cherry Ermine moth, Yponomeuta evonymella (Linnaeus, 1758).
Wellcome open research, 9:618.
We present a genome assembly from an individual female Yponomeuta evonymella (the Bird-cherry Ermine; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Yponomeutidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 572.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the trivalent sex chromosomes Z 1, Z 2 and W. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.16 kilobases in length.
Additional Links: PMID-39931107
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@article {pmid39931107,
year = {2024},
author = {Boyes, D and Murray, C and , and , and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequence of the Bird-cherry Ermine moth, Yponomeuta evonymella (Linnaeus, 1758).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {618},
pmid = {39931107},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual female Yponomeuta evonymella (the Bird-cherry Ermine; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Yponomeutidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 572.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the trivalent sex chromosomes Z 1, Z 2 and W. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.16 kilobases in length.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-11
CmpDate: 2025-02-11
Capturing continuous, long timescale behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster postural data.
PLoS computational biology, 21(2):e1012753 pii:PCOMPBIOL-D-23-01766.
Animal behavior spans many timescales, from short, seconds-scale actions to daily rhythms over many hours to life-long changes during aging. To access longer timescales of behavior, we continuously recorded individual Drosophila melanogaster at 100 frames per second for up to 7 days at a time in featureless arenas on sucrose-agarose media. We use the deep learning framework SLEAP to produce a full-body postural dataset for 47 individuals resulting in nearly 2 billion pose instances. We identify stereotyped behaviors such as grooming, proboscis extension, and locomotion and use the resulting ethograms to explore how the flies' behavior varies across time of day and days in the experiment. We find distinct daily patterns in all stereotyped behaviors, adding specific information about trends in different grooming modalities, proboscis extension duration, and locomotion speed to what is known about the D. melanogaster circadian cycle. Using our holistic measurements of behavior, we find that the hour after dawn is a unique time point in the flies' daily pattern of behavior, and that the behavioral composition of this hour tracks well with other indicators of health such as locomotion speed and the fraction of time spend moving vs. resting. The method, data, and analysis presented here give us a new and clearer picture of D. melanogaster behavior across timescales, revealing novel features that hint at unexplored underlying biological mechanisms.
Additional Links: PMID-39899595
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39899595,
year = {2025},
author = {McKenzie-Smith, GC and Wolf, SW and Ayroles, JF and Shaevitz, JW},
title = {Capturing continuous, long timescale behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster postural data.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e1012753},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012753},
pmid = {39899595},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Locomotion/physiology ; *Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; *Posture/physiology ; Computational Biology ; Deep Learning ; Grooming/physiology ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Animal behavior spans many timescales, from short, seconds-scale actions to daily rhythms over many hours to life-long changes during aging. To access longer timescales of behavior, we continuously recorded individual Drosophila melanogaster at 100 frames per second for up to 7 days at a time in featureless arenas on sucrose-agarose media. We use the deep learning framework SLEAP to produce a full-body postural dataset for 47 individuals resulting in nearly 2 billion pose instances. We identify stereotyped behaviors such as grooming, proboscis extension, and locomotion and use the resulting ethograms to explore how the flies' behavior varies across time of day and days in the experiment. We find distinct daily patterns in all stereotyped behaviors, adding specific information about trends in different grooming modalities, proboscis extension duration, and locomotion speed to what is known about the D. melanogaster circadian cycle. Using our holistic measurements of behavior, we find that the hour after dawn is a unique time point in the flies' daily pattern of behavior, and that the behavioral composition of this hour tracks well with other indicators of health such as locomotion speed and the fraction of time spend moving vs. resting. The method, data, and analysis presented here give us a new and clearer picture of D. melanogaster behavior across timescales, revealing novel features that hint at unexplored underlying biological mechanisms.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Drosophila melanogaster/physiology
*Behavior, Animal/physiology
*Locomotion/physiology
*Circadian Rhythm/physiology
*Posture/physiology
Computational Biology
Deep Learning
Grooming/physiology
Female
Male
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