Search Results (144)

With the rapid development of oyster farming and the emergence of new varieties, the identification and evaluation of genetic resources have become fundamental to the effective utilization of oyster germplasm resources. To evaluate the impact of selective breeding on the germplasm of Crassostrea ariakensis, this study conducted genetic structure analysis on five successive generations including four generations selected (F1 to F4) focusing on both fast growth and high glycogen content and one base population (F0) based on partial mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL gene sequences. Results showed that the 649 bp cox1 and 488 bp rrnL sequences exhibited (A+T)-biased composition and showed positive AT skew. A total of 12 haplotypes were found for the cox1 sequences, while only three haplotypes were detected for the rrnL sequences. However, among the F1 to F4 populations, only three cox1 haplotypes and two rrnL haplotypes were observed. Based on cox1 sequences, the values of the haplotype diversity index, average number of nucleotide differences, and nucleotide diversity index all decreased progressively from F1 to F4, indicating a reduction in genetic variation due to selective breeding. All populations exhibited a low level of nucleotide diversity (<0.05). In addition, the intra-population genetic distance declined from F0 to F4, with significant genetic differentiation between F0 and F1, as well as between F0 and F4 (p < 0.05). In contrast, only the F0 and F4 population had multiple rrnL haplotypes, and no statistically significant genetic differentiations were observed based on rrnL fragments (p > 0.05). The AMOVA results showed that intra-population genetic variation exceeded inter-population variation, regardless of whether it was assessed using the cox1 gene or the rrnL gene, indicating that substantial genetic diversity persists within populations despite multiple generations of selection, and complete genetic differentiation across generations has not been achieved. These findings indicate that the selectively bred lines retain considerable genetic potential and can serve as a valuable resource for future breeding programs. Full article

This review examines how distinct gut microbial community configurations—characterized by differential enrichment of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Lachnospira—may be associated with variations in host redox homeostasis through microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives. These compositional patterns represent reproducible features across populations and correlate with differential disease susceptibility in metabolic disorders. While microbial communities exist along compositional continua rather than discrete clusters, stratification based on dominant patterns offers a pragmatic framework for interpreting large-scale microbiome datasets and guiding precision nutrition interventions. Observational evidence suggests Bacteroides-enriched communities may associate with pro-inflammatory signatures, whereas Prevotella- Ruminococcus, Proteobacteria, Bifidobacterium, and Lachnospira-enriched configurations may exhibit anti-inflammatory or antioxidant characteristics in certain populations. However, inter-population variability and species- and strain-level heterogeneity limit generalization. Condition-dependent effects are exemplified by Prevotella copri, which demonstrates pro-inflammatory responses in specific settings despite beneficial profiles in others. When dysbiosis compromises intestinal barrier integrity, microbial translocation may amplify chronic oxidative stress and immune activation. We evaluate therapeutic potential of beneficial genera including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while examining the dose-dependent, context-specific, and sometimes paradoxical effects of key metabolites. Microbiota-stratified therapeutic strategies—personalizing dietary, probiotic, or prebiotic interventions to baseline community composition—show promise but remain at proof-of-concept stage. Current evidence derives predominantly from cross-sectional and preclinical studies; prospective interventional trials linking community stratification with oxidative stress biomarkers remain scarce. The community–redox relationships presented constitute a hypothesis-generating framework supported by mechanistic plausibility and observational associations, rather than established causal pathways. Future research should prioritize intervention studies assessing whether aligning therapeutic approaches with baseline microbial configurations improves outcomes in oxidative stress-related metabolic disorders. Full article

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly utilized in urban inspection and emergency rescue missions, path planning under strong wind conditions persists as a critical challenge. Traditional algorithms frequently exhibit deficiencies in environmental adaptability or encounter difficulties in balancing exploration and exploitation. This paper presents a dynamic-proportion Bat–Cuckoo Search (BA-CS) Hybrid Algorithm enhanced with wind field perception to tackle the challenges of UAV path planning in urban environments with strong winds, specifically addressing the issues of insufficient environmental adaptation and the exploration–exploitation imbalance. The algorithm integrates a dual-feedback mechanism that dynamically modifies the ratio of the BA/CS subpopulations in accordance with real-time iteration progress and population diversity. By incorporating wind field perception into population initialization, interpopulation information exchange, and wind resistance perturbation strategies, it attains efficient path optimization under multiple constraints. Experimental results under strong winds with speeds ranging from 10.8 to 13.8 m/s indicate that the proposed algorithm generates paths that are smooth, continuous, and entirely collision-free. It achieves a superior average wind resistance cost of 0.92, which is 9.8%, 17.1%, and 52.6% lower than those of the A*, RRT, and PSO algorithms, respectively. With a planning time of 3.95 s, it satisfies the path wind resistance stability requirements stipulated in the GB/T 38930-2020 standard, providing an effective solution for UAV inspection and emergency rescue operations in urban wind scenarios. Full article

Genomic selection often faces challenges of insufficient prediction accuracy in cross-population applications, primarily due to differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns between populations. This study proposes an Fst-based strategy to enhance prediction performance by constructing a cross-population reference set with high genetic similarity to the target population (PopA). By integrating Fst-mediated SNP screening and Euclidean genetic distance analysis, the top 10%, 15% and 20% of individuals genetically most similar to PopA were screened from PopB and PopC, respectively, leading to the generation of six reference sets characterized by different mixing proportions. The results demonstrate that incorporating the top 10–20% of the most similar individuals significantly improves the accuracy and robustness of genomic estimated breeding value predictions. Among the methods evaluated, ssGBLUP and wGBLUP performed best, with prediction accuracy increasing as the mixing proportion rose up to 20%. This approach effectively mitigates structural bias caused by inter-population genetic differences and significantly enhances prediction efficiency. The multi-level mixing experiment not only validates the practical value of Fst and Euclidean distance but also provides theoretical support and a feasible solution for the efficient integration of cross-population germplasm resources. Full article

Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria) is among the most industrially and ecologically significant oak species, valued for its medicinal properties and considerable genetic importance. Cytogenetic analysis provides critical insight into evolutionary history, interspecific relationships, and karyotypic differentiation. This study investigated the chromosomal architecture and karyotypic diversity of five natural populations of this species in western Iran (Sardasht, Oramanat, Baneh, Paveh, and Marivan) using actively dividing root meristems and a high-resolution image-based cytogenetic system. All examined cells displayed a basic chromosome number of x = 12 and a diploid condition, and chromosome lengths ranged from 0.90 to 2.12 µm. ANOVA and mean comparisons of five chromosomal parameters (Long Arm, Short Arm and Total Length, Arm Ratio, and Centromeric Index) revealed significant interpopulation differences in chromosome length and arm dimensions. All populations shared the karyotype formula 12 m and were classified into Stebbins’ Category B, indicating a moderately symmetrical, relatively primitive cytogenetic structure. Principal component analysis reduced the dataset to two major axes explaining 99.93% of the total variance, predominantly influenced by SA and TL on PC1 and by LA, AR, and CI on PC2. Hierarchical clustering grouped the populations into three distinct lineages, with Sardasht–Oramanat–Baneh showing the greatest divergence. Biplot vector patterns further clarified trait correlations, highlighting genomic structuring and potential breeding utility. Full article

Although the health risks associated with exposure to potentially harmful elements (PHEs) are well documented, there is still limited research on their accumulation at trace concentrations in small mammals inhabiting agricultural ecosystems. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of PHE accumulation in fossorial water voles (Arvicola scherman) from two low-input apple orchards (Nava and Oles) located in Asturias, northwestern Spain, demonstrating its value as a potential bioindicator of trace element inputs. We quantified the concentrations of three toxic metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) and selenium (Se), an element with concentration-dependent toxicity, in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues. We also determined inter-population differences and associations with body condition. Overall, element concentrations generally reflected the natural content of the local soils, except for Cd in the kidney, which exceeded soil levels, highlighting its strong affinity for this organ. Significant differences in Pb, Cd, and Se accumulation were found among tissues, with the kidney showing the highest levels, underscoring the importance of organ-specific monitoring. The observed positive correlations between body condition and Se and Cd in kidney tissue, and Cd in liver tissue, particularly in the Nava population, suggest that individual health status modulates exposure and accumulation dynamics. Higher PHE burdens were found in Oles specimens, pointing to a potential threshold effect where higher contamination may begin to impair physiological condition. In contrast, Hg showed a negative relationship with body condition, suggesting possible adverse effects even in these low-input systems. These findings highlight the importance of carefully interpreting physiological biomarkers within an ecological context and demonstrate the potential for trace elements to propagate through the food web, with possible cascading effects on predator health and key ecosystem services, such as natural pest control. Future research should extend to more contaminated sites and adopt an integrative framework combining biomonitoring, dietary ecology, and stress physiology to better assess the ecological risks posed by trace elements in agroecosystems. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) represents a major threat to maize production across Pakistan, with chemical control serving as the predominant management approach. The intensive application of insecticides, particularly diamide compounds such as chlorantraniliprole, has escalated concerns regarding resistance evolution in field populations. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of seven commonly used compounds against geographically diverse field-collected populations of S. frugiperda from major maize-growing regions of Pakistan, revealing significant inter-population variability in susceptibility profiles. Chlorantraniliprole was selected for comprehensive transgenerational screening based on moderate baseline LC₅₀ values and optimal laboratory colony establishment parameters. A representative field strain underwent six consecutive generations of selection pressure at LC₇₀ concentrations, resulting in a 4.48-fold increase in resistance levels with a realized heritability (h²) of 0.198. Predictive modeling using established quantitative genetic frameworks demonstrated that resistance evolution rates are critically dependent on both selection intensity and genetic parameters. Under constant h² = 0.198, increasing selection intensity substantially accelerated resistance development, with 10-fold resistance achievable in approximately 18 generations at 80% selection intensity (slope = 2.696) compared to 36 generations at lower intensities (slope = 4.696). Sensitivity analysis revealed that heritability variations from 0.148 to 0.248 could reduce generation requirements from >40 to ~25 generations when slope was maintained at 3.696. Life table analyses of the chlorantraniliprole-selected strain demonstrated significant fitness costs manifested as extended developmental periods, reduced reproductive output, and decreased intrinsic rate of population increase (r), indicating evolutionary trade-offs associated with resistance acquisition. These findings provide crucial insights for developing sustainable management strategies, highlighting the importance of integrating resistance monitoring, refuge-based approaches, and rotation with insecticides of different modes of action to delay resistance buildup in field populations. Such data-driven management frameworks are vital for maintaining the long-term efficacy of diamides in Pakistan’s maize production systems. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity of the species Robinia pseudoacacia L. using several populations selected from places located in the Crișana Region. The first six ISSRs tested gave distinct bands, with a total of 59 loci, of which 45 were polymorphic (63.85%). The percentage of polymorphic loci varied within populations from 33.33% to 100%. The average number of observed alleles (Na) is 1.7627 and the average effective number of alleles (Ne) is 1.4926, indicating that the effective variability is lower than the observed variability. For the Nei (h) gene diversity index, we recorded an average value of 0.2795, and for allelic entropy, the average value of the Shannon index (I) was 0.4137. The study finds a significant differentiation between populations, with a Gst coefficient value of 0.43 indicating that 43% of the variability is due to interpopulation differences. Full article

Objectives: This study presents a comprehensive molecular investigation of Apis cerana cerana populations inhabiting the Lüliang Mountain region, aiming to evaluate their genetic diversity and population structure using polymorphic microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. Methods: A total of 23 microsatellite loci and three mtDNA fragments (COI–COII, COI, Cytb) were successfully amplified, of which 21 loci were polymorphic and used for subsequent genetic analyses. Measures of genetic variability, population differentiation, and molecular variance were computed to assess intra- and interpopulation diversity. Results: High levels of genetic variation were detected (mean PIC = 0.349), with observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.827) exceeding expected heterozygosity (He = 0.608). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 95.28% of total genetic variation occurred within populations, while 4.72% was attributed to among-population differences. Mitochondrial analyses identified 20 polymorphic sites forming 19 haplotypes, with high haplotype (Hd = 0.884) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00157). Conclusions: These results indicate substantial gene flow and interpopulation connectivity among A. c. cerana populations in the Lüliang region. Collectively, the findings provide critical molecular evidence supporting the conservation and sustainable management of A. c. cerana genetic resources in this area. Full article

Angiopteris fokiensis is an endangered fern with ecological and medicinal value, yet genetic studies to support its conservation have been scarce. We performed a genome survey using high-throughput sequencing, developed genomic SSR markers from a draft assembly, and genotyped 96 individuals from 10 populations in Guangdong Province. The genome size was ~4.44 Gb (1.89% heterozygosity). From a 3.58 Gb contig assembly, 4,327,181 SSR loci were identified, with 15 highly polymorphic SSR markers being developed. Genotyping showed high within-population genetic diversity, low inter-population differentiation, and 98.55% of variation within populations. Bayesian structure, principal coordinates analysis, and neighbor-joining tree analyses consistently indicated admixed genetic clusters without clear geographical division. Additionally, the analysis revealed no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. Conservation should prioritize intra-population diversity via in situ/ex situ strategies. This study provides the first genomic SSR resources for A. fokiensis and underscores the importance of conserving within-population genetic diversity through integrated in situ and ex situ strategies. Full article

This study investigates the genetic architecture of Salsk sheep—a long-established Russian Merino-type breed from the southern steppes—highlighting their broad genetic diversity, resilience to cold and drought, and dual-purpose (wool and meat) productivity as a unique gene pool shaped by natural and artificial selection. The study used data from 96 sheep. Genotyping was carried out on the Illumina Ovine Infinium^® HD BeadChip platform, and after filtering, 511,145 SNPs were retained. We assessed population structure and genetic diversity using principal component analysis (PCA), Fst, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) in comparison with four reference European breeds. To detect selection signatures, we employed a combination of complementary methods, including intra-population statistics (iHS, nSL, iHH12) and inter-population comparisons (XP-EHH). This integrated approach identified genomic regions under positive selection, reflecting the breed’s evolutionary response to both natural and artificial selection pressures. Strong selection signals were detected in genes associated with production traits like fertility and growth (CCSER1, SOX6), as well as fundamental adaptive functions, including immune response (IL6R, NLRP1) and energy metabolism (ACSL5, FANCA). These results elucidate the genetic basis of the Salsk breed’s high resilience and highlight its potential as a valuable genetic resource for improving this trait in other sheep populations. Full article

Sonneratia ovata is an important tree species for ornamental, economic, ecological, and medicinal value and is identified as an endangered species. There are very few studies on the reproductive traits, genetic diversity, and population structure of S. ovata. Therefore, it is urgent to accurately understand its genetic background and reproductive status in order to better conserve and manage S. ovata. S. ovata has a mixed mating system, is partially self-compatible and needs pollinators, according to the outcrossing index, pollen–ovule ratio, pollination treatment results and outcrossing rate. Natural populations maintained high outcrossing coupled with inbreeding and low genetic diversity (H_e = 0.215), and the population DC was regarded as the center of genetic diversity. The Mantel test showed that there existed a positive correlation between geographic and genetic distance among populations, which was in line with the IBD model. Molecular variance was largely confined to within-population differences (75.4%), while inter-population differences accounted for 24.6%. Structure and PCoA analysis supported the UPGMA cluster. This study is the first to investigate reproductive traits, genetic diversity, and population structure through SSR. The results provide a scientific basis for cross breeding, conservation, and management of this species. In future, it is necessary to increase relevant research (human, environment, habitat factors, etc.) to better protect and utilize this species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leeches constitute a pharmacologically significant animal group in traditional medicine due to their antithrombotic peptides, which include numerous members of the hirustasin gene superfamily. However, a comparative expression profile of this pharmaceutically important family across different leech species is lacking. Methods: This study conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of hirustasin gene superfamily expression in the hematophagous leech Hirudinaria manillensis and the non-hematophagous leech Whitmania pigra. Results: The total expression of the hirustasin gene superfamily, quantified as transcripts per million (TPM), showed no significant difference (p = 0.237) between H. manillensis (11,802.60 ± 1596.59) and W. pigra (8623.12 ± 965.96). However, both species exhibited pronounced intergenic expression heterogeneity. Five dominantly expressed genes (TPM > 1000) in H. manillensis and three in W. pigra were identified, collectively comprising 81% and 62% of the total hirustasin gene superfamily expression per species, respectively. Critically, the dominantly expressed genes exhibited no phylogenetic correspondence between species. Integrating expression profiles with phylogenetic reconstruction identified five high-potential candidate genes: poecistasin_Hman2, hirustasin_like_Hman01, hirustasin_like_Hman11, guamerin_Wpig, and bdellastasin_Wpig. Population-level analysis revealed marked population-specific expression patterns in H. manillensis, contrasting with minimal inter-population divergence in W. pigra. Nevertheless, geographically distinct populations of both species showed significant variation in the expression of their respective dominantly expressed genes. Conclusions: These findings provide a set of high-priority candidate genes and insights into their expression characteristics, serving as a starting point for subsequent functional validation and, when integrated with other screening methods, for future antithrombotic drug discovery. Full article

Vegetation fires are among the most common natural disasters, posing significant threats to people and the natural environment worldwide. Density-based clustering methods can be used to identify geospatial clustering patterns of fire points. It further helps reveal the spatial distribution characteristics of wildfires, which are crucial for regional-specific fire mapping, prediction, mitigation, and protection. DBSCAN (density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) is widely used for clustering spatial objects. It needs two user-determined threshold values: the local radius and the minimum number of neighboring points for core points, which require user expertise and background information. This work proposes a dual-population genetic optimization to determine threshold values of DBSCAN for clustering vegetation fire points in western China. By constructing randomly generated threshold populations, optimized threshold values are obtained through crossover, mutation, and inter-population exchange, measured by multiple clustering metrics. Focusing on vegetation wildfires in western China during 2016–2022, the results reveal that vegetation wildfires can be divided into eight regions, each exhibiting distinct spatiotemporal patterns and geographic contexts. Full article

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, a pharmacopoeial medicinal plant, is valued for its therapeutic efficacy in heat-clearing detoxification, dispelling wind-heat, and promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis. Flavonoids, ubiquitous secondary metabolites in F. suspensa, are critically linked to pharmacological activities and exhibit diverse biological functions. To elucidate the chemotypic divergence and ecological drivers of its bioactive compounds, we conducted flavonoid metabolomic profiling across ten wild populations F. suspensa using UPLC-MS/MS. Results revealed significant inter-population variation in all twenty-nine flavonoid metabolites analyzed. Notably, Notably, Cinchonain Ic was significantly enriched in the JX population, Flavanomarein in the LT population, and Desmethylxanthohumol in the HX population. Association analysis with environmental variables further indicated that Sulfuretin, Apigenin-5-O-glucoside, and Flavanomarein were positively correlated with multiple precipitation-related variables (bio12-Annual Precipitation, bio14-Precipitation of Driest Month, bio17-Precipitation of Driest Month, and bio19-Precipitation of Coldest Quarter), whereas Vicenin 2 was negatively correlated with bio12, bio17, and bio19. Homoplantaginin showed a positive correlation with bio4 (Temperature Seasonality) and bio7 (Temperature Annual Range). Loureirin B was positively correlated with elevation but negatively correlated with high-temperature variables (bio5-Max Temperature of Warmest Month, bio8-Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter, and bio10-Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter). 5-Demethoxynobiletin was positively associated with both precipitation (bio12, bio17, bio19) and temperature variables (bio1-Annual Mean Temperature, bio6-Min Temperature of Coldest Month, bio9-Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter and bio11-Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter). Cinchonain Ic was positively correlated with bio2 (Mean Monthly Temperature Range), and Oroxin A was negatively correlated with elevation. These findings demonstrated that flavonoids accumulation in F. suspensa was predominantly influenced by temperature heterogeneity, with precipitation serving as a secondary factor, while latitude and elevation play only limited roles. This study systematically investigates the divergence and environmental drivers of flavonoids in F. suspensa populations, clarifies the molecular ecological basis of its adaptation to environmental heterogeneity, and provides valuable insights for leveraging ecological factors to enhance medicinal potential, ultimately supporting targeted breeding and optimized field management strategies. Full article