Search Results (465)

The placenta is often described as the “window to the brain” due to its crucial role in fetal neurological development. In this study, we investigated a family where the older male offspring exhibited severe neurodevelopmental and mild motor coordination disorders. His brother displayed emotional and behavioral dysregulation along with mild motor coordination disorders. The father was asymptomatic, while the mother and daughter showed mild learning disabilities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a disruptive X-linked pathogenic variant, c.1088_1089del p.Asp363GlyfsTer2, within the calpain-6 (CAPN6) gene. We have submitted this variant to the ClinVar database (RCV005234146.2). The variant was found in hemizygous condition in the affected male offspring and in heterozygous condition in both the mother and daughter. As predicted, the variant undergoes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), preventing the translation of the CAPN6 gene into a functional protein. CAPN6 is a critical gene predominantly expressed in placental and trophoblast tissues. Although its function is not well characterized, CAPN6 is also expressed in several regions of the developing brain. Recent studies have shown that genetic variants in CAPN6 significantly influence vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity, thereby affecting angiogenesis and the blood supply essential for fetal growth and development. Although CAPN6 lacks an MIM phenotype code, we hypothesize that it might be enumerated as a novel candidate gene contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders. Functional studies are imperative to elucidate the role of CAPN6 in placental function and its potential implications for neurodevelopmental processes. This work aims to inspire further research into the role of CAPN6 in placental biology and its relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the structural differences and functional potential of the gut microbiota between Sichuan-Tibetan black pigs (n = 5) and Landrace pigs (n = 5) under identical rearing conditions. Fecal samples were collected and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The results revealed 963 and 910 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in Sichuan-Tibetan black pigs and Landrace pigs, respectively, with 808 OTUs shared between the two breeds. While both breeds shared Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria as the dominant phyla, significant compositional differences were observed at the genus level. Sichuan-Tibetan black pigs exhibited higher abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Parabacteroides, and Collinsella, whereas Landrace pigs were enriched in Bacteroides. Alpha diversity analysis showed no significant differences in Shannon, Simpson, or ACE indices, though the Chao index differed markedly between the two groups. Beta diversity analysis (PCoA and NMDS) confirmed distinct microbial community structures between the breeds. Functional prediction analysis demonstrated that metabolic pathways dominated in both groups, but with notable functional differentiation: the microbiota of Sichuan-Tibetan black pigs showed significant enrichment in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and amino acid biosynthesis; whereas, Landrace pigs were characterized by enhanced carbon and energy metabolism pathways. Additionally, BugBase phenotype prediction revealed significant differences in stress tolerance, cell wall properties, and oxygen utilization capabilities between the two groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the breed-specific characteristics of gut microbiota in swine and establish a foundation for further research on host-microbe interactions and their implications for animal health and nutrition. Full article

Wildfires represent one of the most destructive natural disturbances, yet they play a fundamental ecological role in the regeneration and evolution of forest ecosystems. In Mediterranean regions, fire acts as a selective factor shaping plant adaptive strategies and the structure of vegetation mosaics. This study analyzes post-fire regeneration dynamics in Pinus radiata and P. pinaster plantations located in Roccaforte del Greco (Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, southern Italy), severely affected by the 2021 wildfires. Phytosociological surveys were conducted along permanent transects using the Braun-Blanquet method and analyzed through diversity indices (Shannon, Evenness), Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), Indicator Species Analysis (IndVal), and hierarchical clustering. The results reveal a clear floristic differentiation among management conditions, with higher species diversity and variability, and a predominance of pioneer therophytes and hemicryptophytes in burned areas. The in situ retention of burned logs enhances structural and microenvironmental heterogeneity, facilitating the establishment of native species and supporting post-fire functional recovery. Overall, this preliminary study, focusing on early successional dynamics, suggests that the in situ retention of burned logs may positively contribute to ecosystem resilience and biodiversity in post-fire Mediterranean pine forests, while also highlighting the need for long-term monitoring to confirm the persistence of these effects. Full article

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common chronic disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by intestinal dysmotility. Central sensitization has a proposed role in intestinal dysmotility, yet the precise neural circuits and mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a neonatal maternal deprivation plus restraint stress (NMD + RS) mouse model that recapitulates key diarrhea-like phenotypes. Neural activation mapping revealed a significant upregulation of c-Fos expression within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and locus coeruleus (LC), which was predominantly localized to glutamatergic neurons. Chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC glutamatergic neurons suppressed intestinal dysmotility, whereas the activation of mPFC glutamatergic neurons evoked intestinal dysmotility in control mice. Furthermore, viral tracing revealed direct projections from mPFC neurons to glutamatergic neurons in the LC. Subsequent chemogenetic manipulation of these LC glutamatergic neurons receiving projection from mPFC neurons similarly regulated intestinal motility, demonstrating a functional downstream node. Critically, selective activation of the mPFC-LC glutamatergic circuit significantly induced intestinal dysmotility in CON mice. In contrast, inhibition of the mPFC-LC glutamatergic circuit significantly ameliorated intestinal dysmotility in NMD + RS mice. Our findings proved that the enhanced activity of the mPFC-LC circuit led to intestinal dysmotility in NMD + RS mice, hopefully providing new mechanistic perspectives and a potential neuromodulatory target for clinical management of IBS. Full article

Raccoon dog fur is a commercially valuable animal product. As the scale of raccoon dog breeding continues to expand, ensuring the health of these animals has become an urgent priority. The gut microbiota plays a central role in regulating animal health; however, current research on the composition of raccoon dog gut microbiota remains limited. This study aimed to characterize changes in the gut microbiota of suckling raccoon dogs across different stages, providing a foundation for future scientific feeding practices. Fecal samples of eight lactating raccoon dogs were collected and tested for microbiota on days 14, 21, and 45. Our results showed that the richness and diversity of microbiota increased with age in suckling raccoon dogs, peaking on the 45th day. Significant separation between groups was observed in both PCoA and NMDS analyses. UPGMA analysis indicated temporal fluctuations in gut microbiota composition. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant taxa across all stages. LEfSe analysis at the genus level showed that Bacteroides was the most enriched taxon on the 14th day, Fusobacterium on the 21st day, and Prevotella_9 on the 45th day. Tax4Fun and PICRUSt analyses identified metabolism and genetic information processing as the primary functional roles of the gut microbiota. Further investigation suggested that the microbiota may benefit raccoon dogs through membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. These findings establish a theoretical basis for improving the survival rate of suckling raccoon dogs and developing scientifically informed feeding and management protocols. Full article

Long-term continuous cropping is a prevalent agricultural practice aimed at maximizing land use efficiency and crop yields, yet it often leads to severe soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and microbial community disruption. Effective soil remediation strategies are urgently needed to restore soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural production. In this study, we investigated the impact of forest soil amendment on microbial community structure, diversity, and functional potential in long-term continuous cropping soils. Using metagenomic sequencing, we analyzed soils from natural forest (BK), forest soil-amended soils (BCP), and fields under continuous cropping for 15 years (CP15) and 30 years (CP30). Forest soil amendment significantly mitigated microbial diversity loss and structural degradation caused by prolonged monoculture. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that BCP restored microbial diversity to levels comparable to BK, while beta diversity and NMDS analyses showed that microbial community composition in BCP closely resembled that of forest soil. Taxonomic profiling indicated that forest soil amendment enriched beneficial taxa such as Actinobacterota and Acidobacteriota, reversing shifts observed in CP15 and CP30. Functionally, COG and KEGG annotations revealed that BCP soils exhibited higher abundances of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, and nutrient cycling. Notably, the amendment reduced antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors, potentially improving the microbial risk profile of soil communities. These findings demonstrate that forest soil amendment effectively restores microbial community structure and functionality in degraded soils, providing a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture. Full article

The relationship between insect diversity and crop production has been of continuous scientific interest. Understanding insect community dynamics using various sampling and monitoring methods at different crop phenology stages is crucial for enhancing pest management and ecosystem service functioning. The present study assessed the influence of four trap types (Blue, Yellow, White, and Malaise) applied at four tomato developmental stages (start of planting, flowering, flowering fruit development and harvest) on insect diversity in northeastern Tunisian open-field conditions. A total of 1771 insect individuals belonging to seven orders and 31 families were trapped, with the order Hymenoptera being the most common in the sampled plots, which was represented by 25 families. Trap type exerted a strong effect on both abundance and alpha diversity parameters. Yellow pan traps showed the highest diversity, with family richness (S) ranging from 1 to 16, Shannon diversity (H) reaching 2.54, Simpson (Is) diversity ranging from 0.72 to 0.90 and Pielou’s evenness (J) ranging from 0.83 to 0.98. Blue and white traps displayed intermediate diversity (Blue: S = 6 and H = 1.7; White: S = 7 and H = 1.6), while Malaise traps captured the least diverse assemblages (S = 4, H = 1.2 and Is = 0.65). These differences were highly significant (p < 0.05). Phenological stage significantly structured Hymenoptera diversity. Richness peaked at the start of planting (S = 1–16 and H up to 2.54) and declined sharply at harvest (S = 1–6). Pollinator families (Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae) were the most abundant during flowering, whereas parasitoid families (Braconidae, Eulophidae) dominated during the fruit development stage. Beta diversity analyses (NMDS, stress = 0.25) and PERMANOVA showed that trap type and phenological stage jointly explained 15.5% of the variation in community composition (R² = 0.155, p = 0.014). Although a strong taxonomic overlap among traps was observed, Indicator Value analysis revealed significant trap-specific associations, including the family Andrenidae with Blue traps and the family Scoliidae with White and Yellow traps. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that both trap type and crop phenology significantly influence insect population diversity. A multi-trap sampling strategy combining colored pan traps and Malaise traps could be recommended to accurately characterize insect communities and associated ecosystem services in Mediterranean open-field tomato systems. Full article

Woody debris decomposition is a key process in forest ecosystem material cycles, with invertebrate communities playing a vital role. Distinct physicochemical properties of woody debris types lead to varying effects on these communities. Taking woody debris in Saihanba’s Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations, Betula platyphylla natural secondary forests, and larch–birch mixed forests (northern China) as objects, we collected woody debris-inhabiting invertebrates via hand-sorting. We studied how tree species (larch/birch), forest types (pure/mixed), and decay stages (I–V) collectively regulate invertebrate community assembly. Results showed significant differences in woody debris physicochemical properties across these factors. Phytophagous groups dominated early decay stages (I–III) and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with reduced wood density. In contrast, saprophagous and predatory groups increased with decay, correlated with higher TN and were more abundant in mixed than pure forests. NMDS indicated significant community differences among tree species/forest types in early decay, converging later. PLS-PM further confirmed functional groups’ response pathways to woody debris characteristics. Thus, preserving woody debris integrity and diversity in plantations is crucial for maintaining invertebrate diversity, promoting nutrient cycling, and enhancing forest ecosystem functions. Full article

Fungal communities in the rhizosphere are crucial in maintaining soil health, driving nutrient cycling, and enhancing plant productivity. This study examined the role of intercropping of oats (Avena sativa L.) with vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and their subsequent use as green manure (incorporating fresh plant biomass into soil to enhance nutrient cycling and microbial activity) on fungal diversity and community structure. Three field treatments were organized as follows: (i) unplanted control, (ii) single-oat cultivation, and (iii) oat–vetch intercropping. In the ripening stage of oats development, the plants in the intercropping treatment were ploughed at a depth of 30 cm as green manure. Soil samples at ripening stage and 3 months after ploughing were analyzed. High-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 region, combined with multivariate diversity analyses (alpha and beta diversity, PCA, NMDS, and UniFrac), revealed distinct fungal community profiles across treatments. Ascomycota dominated under conventional and untreated conditions, while Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Glomeromycota were enriched in intercropped and organically amended plots, notably at intercropping. Intercropping and green manuring significantly increased species richness, evenness, and phylogenetic fungal diversity. These treatments also supported higher abundances of beneficial fungi such as Mortierella, Glomus, and Trichoderma, while reducing potentially pathogenic taxa like Fusarium. Rank–abundance curves and rarefaction analysis confirmed that diversified systems hosted more balanced and complex fungal assemblages. Beta diversity metrics and ordination analyses indicated strong dissimilarities between the conventionally managed and diversified systems. The results showed that intercropping and organic inputs alter fungal community composition and promote microbial resilience and ecological functionality in the rhizosphere. These practices promoted the development of stable and diverse fungal networks essential for sustainable soil management and crop production. Full article

Urbanization, expanding tourism, and infrastructure development are altering water quality in the Yucatán Peninsula (YP). This study evaluated temporal variations in water quality and trophic status using the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Trophic State Index (TSI) across ten inland water systems (IWS) monitored from 2012 to 2024. Spatial patterns from an additional 29 IWS sampled in 2024 were also analyzed. The Mann–Kendall test and Theil–Sen estimator revealed a significant decline in water quality (Z = −9.07, β = −2.62) and a sustained increase in eutrophication (Z = 4.00, β = 1.15). The NMDS separated two lake groups: one with high nutrients and total coliforms, and another with elevated TDS and conductivity. The PCA identified turbidity, nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and total coliforms as variables exerting the strongest influence on water variability. The WQI indicated generally poor conditions except in Bacalar Centro and Xul-Ha, which showed fair quality. The highest TSI values occurred in inland systems, except for La Sabana, which exhibited hypereutrophic conditions linked to wastewater inputs. NT–PT ratio indicated nitrogen limitation in most lakes, likely driven by groundwater recharge and low surface runoff. Overall, results demonstrate a progressive decline in water quality and widespread eutrophication across the YP. Full article

Epiphytic corticolous lichens are vital components of forest ecosystems, yet their species composition and distribution patterns along altitudinal gradients in the Populus tremula forests of Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China, remain understudied. This study analyzes the diversity and distribution of epiphytic corticolous lichens in these forests along an altitudinal gradient. Field research was conducted at six sites (940–1450 m) from June to July 2023–2024, with samples collected from 576 quadrats on 48 Populus tremula trees. Lichen identification involved morphological, anatomical, and chemical analyses. Data on cover and frequency were analyzed to calculate importance values (IV), diversity indices, and floristic similarity (Sørensen’s index). NMDS and TWINSPAN were used to explore distribution patterns along the altitude gradient. In total, 28 epiphytic lichen species were identified, with diversity indices peaking at 1040 m. Dominant species exhibited significant variations in IV across altitudes (P < 0.05), and NMDS/TWINSPAN revealed distinct community clustering associated with elevation. Sørensen’s index indicated a low similarity (<30%) between the highest and lowest altitude sites. This study provides a baseline for biodiversity conservation and forest management in arid and semi-arid land mountain ecosystems. Full article

Artificial hybrid pine (Pinus × rigitaeda) plantations, widely established in Northeast Asia for reforestation and timber production, have reached maturity, necessitating an evaluation of their ecological sustainability and successional dynamics. Although numerous studies have examined succession in pure Pinus rigida or Pinus densiflora stands, the long-term structural transition and regeneration potential of hybrid P. × rigitaeda plantations remain poorly understood. This study quantitatively assessed the successional stage and potential transition pathways of P. × rigitaeda stands using an integrated analytical framework combining vegetation classification (TWINSPAN), ordination (NMDS), successional index, survival analysis (Weibull model), and growth–environment modeling (GAM). Multi-layer vegetation data were analyzed to evaluate compositional changes, structural attributes, and nonlinear environmental responses. The results revealed that the dominance of P. × rigitaeda declined markedly while native deciduous species increased in lower strata. The Weibull survival model (k = 1.3) indicated accelerating mortality with stand aging, and the successional index showed the highest value (0.4) for Castanea crenata, followed by other Quercus species, confirming an ongoing shift toward hardwood dominance. GAM analysis confirmed that growth stability was influenced by stand age and precipitation. These findings demonstrate that P. × rigitaeda plantations are not merely artificial production forests but function as self-organizing systems facilitating natural forest recovery. In this respect, the hybrid pine plantation can be interpreted as a spontaneous ecological experiment, highlighting the restoration value of artificial hybrids as transitional stages bridging artificial afforestation and natural forest succession in temperate monsoon regions. Full article

Urban streams are subjected to a variety of impacts from stormwater runoff, channelization, routing through culverts, and highly modified riparian zones, all of which can have negative effects on stream habitats and resident fish communities. Coldwater trout streams in urban areas may be especially impacted due to their normally low fish diversity and the higher intolerance of those species to such factors as stream temperature, dissolved oxygen concentrations, and water chemistry. Fish communities were examined at two sites in each of four coldwater trout streams in southeastern Minnesota USA: one site within the residential/commercial areas of a city and one site outside of the city limits in rural (agricultural) areas. Fish were surveyed (all fish counted and identified) in representative 150 to 200 m sections at each stream site with a backpack electrofisher. Data were used to produce Simpson and Shannon diversity indices, taxa richness values, a coldwater index of biotic integrity (IBI) score and rating for each site, and an NMDS plot using fish communities to compare between urban and rural stream sections. Overall, fish representing 17 different species and 11 families were found at the sites examined. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) comprised 65% of the total catch and was the only species collected at every site. Average fish species richness was nearly three times higher at urban sites than at rural sites, and Simpson and Shannon diversities were also significantly (four to five times) higher at urban compared to rural sites. However, coldwater IBI scores were significantly higher at rural (average = 93, good rating) than at urban (average score = 59, a fair rating) sites, indicating better coldwater biotic integrity in rural stream sections. A NMDS plot indicated that fish communities at urban sites were more similar to one another than they were to rural site communities; separation between urban and rural sites was largely influenced by species exclusive to urban sites. Reduced biotic integrity and altered fish community composition in urban streams likely resulted from a combination of factors including modified stream habitat and hydrology, warmer water temperatures, and urban runoff. Full article

This study investigates hydroid species distribution across the western Atlantic coastline, focusing on biogeographic patterns, comparing them with Caribbean assemblages, and assess the influence of environmental variables—including salinity, temperature, primary productivity, ocean currents, and chlorophyll—on biogeographic structure. We analyzed 375 species from to 9259 records (1946–2022), spanning the western Atlantic from the Caribbean to southern Argentina (28° N–53° S). Cluster analyses using UPGMA and ordination via nMDS, based on Sorensen-transformed occurrence data. Taxonomic distinctness was assessed with Average Taxonomic Distinctness (Delta+) and Lambda+ variation. UPGMA clustering revealed two main groups: one in the Caribbean and Brazil, and another in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The Amazon River mouth acted as a semi-permeable barrier, with 21.4% species overlap between Caribbean and Brazil. Southeastern Brazil had the highest species richness, likely due to environmental synergy and biodiversity hotspot. Assemblages followed known biogeographic gradients, with lower diversity offshore and on islands. The Río de la Plata showed a distinct, salinity-driven composition. Salinity, chlorophyll, and currents were key distribution drivers. Full article

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) include a heterogeneous group of progressive chronic conditions that frequently lead to substantial physical disability and loss of autonomy. Although motor and functional impairments of NMDs are well documented, the psychological burden remains underexplored. This narrative review synthesizes current literature regarding four psychological domains in individuals with NMDs: (i) anxiety, (ii) depression, (iii) coping strategies, and (iv) quality of life. Evidence indicates that anxiety and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in the spectrum of NMDs, influenced by factors such as disease severity, onset age, and perceived social support. Maladaptive coping strategies, including avoidance and denial, are associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced involvement in rehabilitation. In contrast, adaptive strategies, such as acceptance and problem-focused coping, may help buffer psychological distress. Quality of life is consistently reported to be lower in people with NMDs compared to the general population, with psychosocial factors such as social support playing a role. Despite these findings, psychological care remains inconsistently integrated in NMD management. Full article