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Sinojackia, endemic to China, comprises five species, and each has restricted distribution but with high value in landscaping. However, how such species respond to climate change remains unclear. We selectedS. xylocarpa as a representative, built an ensemble model in Biomod2 to [...] Read more.

Sinojackia, endemic to China, comprises five species, and each has restricted distribution but with high value in landscaping. However, how such species respond to climate change remains unclear. We selectedS. xylocarpa as a representative, built an ensemble model in Biomod2 to forecast its potential distribution, identified its key influencing factors, and analyzed its conservation gaps in China’s nature reserves. The four leading factors were precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and elevation. This species was mainly distributed in southeast China. Its suitable area was 697,200 km², accounting for 7.26% of China’s total territory. Nevertheless, only 3.91% was located within national or provincial nature reserves. Under future climates, its suitable areas would averagely decrease by 10.97% compared to the current, with intensifying habitat fragmentation. Collectively, its centroid is expected to shift northeastward in the future. Therefore, our findings first demonstrate that future climate change may have an adverse effect on its distribution. We recommend conducting a supplementary investigation within the projected suitable range and establishing new conservation sites forS. xylocarpain China. Moreover, this study can provide a valuable reference for conserving other endangeredSinojackiaspecies under global warming.Full article

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-limited Gram-negative phytopathogen responsible for severe plant diseases globally. Colonization and dissemination on host plants are regulated primarily by diffusible signal factors (DSFs) and quorum sensing (QS) molecules regulating biofilm formation, motility, and virulence factor synthesis. [...] Read more.

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-limited Gram-negative phytopathogen responsible for severe plant diseases globally. Colonization and dissemination on host plants are regulated primarily by diffusible signal factors (DSFs) and quorum sensing (QS) molecules regulating biofilm formation, motility, and virulence factor synthesis. DSFs play a critical role in the transition of bacteria from adhesion to dispersal phases, influencing plant infection and transmission by vector. Because ofXf’s host range (over 550 plant species), effective containment strategies are highly demanded. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism of DSF-mediated signalling inXf, especially concerning its role in pathogenicity and adaptation. Moreover, we shed light on innovative approaches to manageXf, including quorum-quenching (QQ) strategies and transgenic plants targeted to disrupt QS pathways. Improved knowledge of DSF interactions with host plants and bacterial communities could provide an entry point for novel, sustainable disease control strategies to decreaseXf’s agricultural and ecological impact.Full article

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The increasing demand for agricultural products has led to a rise in pesticide use, resulting in the pollution of aquatic habitats and raising significant health concerns for both aquatic life and humans. Difenoconazole, a triazole fungicide, is becoming increasingly popular in agriculture, yet [...] Read more.

The increasing demand for agricultural products has led to a rise in pesticide use, resulting in the pollution of aquatic habitats and raising significant health concerns for both aquatic life and humans. Difenoconazole, a triazole fungicide, is becoming increasingly popular in agriculture, yet its effects on non-target organisms, such as annelids, are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the toxicological effects of difenoconazole and assess its potential impact on toxicity biomarkers, usingTubifex tubifex as a model organism, to better understand the ecotoxicity of difenoconazole on freshwater annelids. The 96-h LC₅₀ value of difenoconazole was determined to be 2.68 mg/L. Sublethal concentrations (10% and 20% of the 96-h LC₅₀ value; 0.268 and 0.536 mg/L, respectively) caused significant changes in the activities of oxidative stress enzymes. A concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione transferase (GST) was observed compared to control organisms. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations increased throughout the exposure period. An Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) assessment was used to characterize and illustrate the impact of difenoconazole onT. tubifex. In conclusion, exposure to this fungicide appears to reduce the survival rate ofT. tubifex at acute levels and disrupt its normal behavioral patterns. Moreover, it alters oxidative stress enzyme levels during sublethal exposure. Long-term exposure to the fungicide could potentially have population-level consequences, including a reduction in the number of individuals within a population.Full article

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This trio-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) study enhances the accuracy of variant detection by leveraging parental genotypes, which facilitates the identification of de novo mutations and population-specific variants. Nonetheless, the comprehensive genetic variation data of the Thai population remain limited, posing challenges to advancing [...] Read more.

This trio-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) study enhances the accuracy of variant detection by leveraging parental genotypes, which facilitates the identification of de novo mutations and population-specific variants. Nonetheless, the comprehensive genetic variation data of the Thai population remain limited, posing challenges to advancing personalized medicine and population-based screening strategies. We establish the genetic variation information of a healthy Thai population by analyzing the sequences of 40 trios, yielding 120 whole genomes (excluding offspring). The resulting dataset encompasses 20.2 million variants, including 1.1 million novel and 19.1 million known variants. Within this dataset, we identify 169 pathogenic variants, of which 56 are classified as rare and 87 are absent from the ClinVar database as of version 2023. These pathogenic variants, particularly the rare and de novo mutations, will likely be of significant interest for genetic association studies. Notably, one pathogenic variant linked to a de novo mutation is found in theSF3B2 gene, which is associated with craniofacial microsomia. With its innovative methodology and comprehensive dataset, our trio-based whole-genome sequencing study provides an invaluable representation of the genetic variations in the Thai population. These data provide a critical foundation for further analyses of the pathogenic variants related to human disease phenotypes in genetic association studies.Full article

Acid mine drainage (AMD) has serious impacts on the environment. To inhibit the generation of AMD from copper sulfide tailings at the source, in this paper, a strategy is developed for promoting the biopassivation of copper sulfide tailings using algal biochar, and the [...] Read more.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) has serious impacts on the environment. To inhibit the generation of AMD from copper sulfide tailings at the source, in this paper, a strategy is developed for promoting the biopassivation of copper sulfide tailings using algal biochar, and the effects of the pyrolysis temperature and concentration of algal biochar on the passivation efficiency and stability are investigated. The results reveal that the introduction of algal biochar during the biopassivation of copper sulfide tailings significantly enhances the tailings passivation effect of the testedAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain and greatly stabilizes the formed passivation layer. Algal biochar prepared with a pyrolysis temperature of 300 °C and applied at a concentration of 6 g/L not only optimizes biopassivation but also significantly improves the stability of the passivation layer. The complex mechanisms of algal biochar in this system include regulating the pH and oxidation‒reduction potential of the reaction system, effectively adsorbing microbial cells, efficiently aggregating metal cations in solution, stimulating the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances, and accelerating electron transfer. This research offers a novel method for the benign treatment of copper sulfide tailings and resource utilization of algae.Full article

The development of the human immune system starts during the fetal period in a largely, but probably not completely, sterile environment. During and after birth, the immune system is exposed to an increasingly complex microbiota. The first microbiota encountered during passage through the [...] Read more.

The development of the human immune system starts during the fetal period in a largely, but probably not completely, sterile environment. During and after birth, the immune system is exposed to an increasingly complex microbiota. The first microbiota encountered during passage through the birth canal colonize the infant gut and induce the tolerance of the immune system. Transplacentally derived maternal IgG as well as IgA from breast milk protect the infant from infections during the first 100 days, during which the immune system further develops and immunological memory is formed. The Weaning and introduction of solid food expose the immune system to novel (food) antigens and allow for other microbiota to colonize. The cells and molecules involved in the mutual and intricate interactions between microbiota and the developing immune system are now beginning to be recognized. These include bacterial components such as polysaccharide A fromBacteroides fragilis, as well as bacterial metabolites such as the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, indole-3-aldehyde, and indole-3-propionic acid. All these, and probably more, bacterial metabolites have specific immunoregulatory functions which shape the development of the human immune system during the first 1000 days of life.Full article

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Secondary sexual traits, such as specific body parts or colouration, play an important role in mating interactions. It has been proposed that they function as quality indicators driven by sexual selection. In birds, much attention has been paid to the study of feather [...] Read more.

Secondary sexual traits, such as specific body parts or colouration, play an important role in mating interactions. It has been proposed that they function as quality indicators driven by sexual selection. In birds, much attention has been paid to the study of feather pigmentation, especially in diurnal passerines. However, recent research demonstrates that structural achromatic colours are likely to be of similar importance for communication, especially for species inhabiting poorly lit environments and that are active at night. Using 15 years of capture–recapture data from a long-term study on adult European Nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus), we investigated the role of males’ white tail and wing markings as secondary sexual traits. We show that the inter-individual variation in marking size exceeds that of the other morphometric variables, suggesting that wing and tail markings could be subject to sexual selection. Older males, individuals with a higher body condition index, and long-term territory holders had larger markings, while these effects were particularly pronounced in terminal tail feather markings. The importance of markings for signalling is likely related to their observed use in social displays. Pronounced site differences in tail marking sizes and annual variation suggest environmental factors acting on the ornaments that remain to be further examined.Full article

A recent study found evidence of symbolic gesture use in Japanese tits (Parus minor). The study reveals how these birds use wing-fluttering movements to transmit an “after you” directive to their partners, implying a degree of cognitive skill previously thought to [...] Read more.

A recent study found evidence of symbolic gesture use in Japanese tits (Parus minor). The study reveals how these birds use wing-fluttering movements to transmit an “after you” directive to their partners, implying a degree of cognitive skill previously thought to be unique to humans and great apes. If confirmed, this research contradicts long-held notions about animal communication by proving that Japanese tits not only participate in intricate vocal communications, which can comprise phrases with specific grammatical rules, but also use body language as a form of engagement. Here, we evaluate this claim by inspecting the data and utilizing bootstrapping to expand the sample size. We find a large variation in how frequently the “after you” gesture is employed in different bootstrap samples, suggesting that while the gesture is a consistent behavior, its frequency can vary significantly. Moreover, the timing of the male’s response to the female’s gesture can fluctuate, though the response itself appears to be a stable phenomenon. Beyond evaluating the bootstrapping technique, we employ causal inference to examine whether wing fluttering by female Japanese tits leads to a quicker response by males, entering the nest more swiftly. The analysis supports this hypothesis, suggesting that wing fluttering functions as an effective communicative gesture in this species, influencing male nesting behavior. However, because the frequency of the “after you” gesture varied greatly, especially in light of potential cognitive and other biases influencing the study, this bold claim should be taken with caution.Full article

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Establishing an optimum range of inter-species spacing that reduces competition among trees and mitigates the effects of drought is a critical yet complex challenge in forest management. Stand density plays a crucial role in forest functioning by regulating resource allocation within individual trees. [...] Read more.

Establishing an optimum range of inter-species spacing that reduces competition among trees and mitigates the effects of drought is a critical yet complex challenge in forest management. Stand density plays a crucial role in forest functioning by regulating resource allocation within individual trees. Higher stand densities have been shown to reduce sap velocities, indicating intensified competition for water and other resources. However, determining the precise spacing that minimizes competition while maintaining ecosystem balance remains unclear. In this study, conducted in temperate Norway spruce forests at an altitude range of 400–500 m in the Czech Republic, we propose a novel technique to define tree spacing that reduces competitive interactions. We used xylem sap flow residuals of an ordinary least square (OLS) regression model to filter out the effects of elevation and diameter at breast height (DBH) on field-measured sap flow for 101 planted Norway spruce trees with a DBH range of 40 ± 5 cm (≈90–100 years old). The model residuals allowed us to account for the most important driver of sap flow variability: tree density and its underlying effects on individual tree traits. To minimize the confounding effects of temporal and spatial variability, we used twelve consecutive daily measurements of sap flow (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) taken at the start of the growing season. By constructing an experimental variogram, we quantified sap flow variability as a function of tree spacing. The results showed a steady sap flow pattern at tree densities of 12, 11, and 10 trees per 314 m² (equivalent to 350 ± 32 trees per hectare), corresponding to inter-tree spacing measurements of 5.12 m, 5.34 m, and 5.60 m, respectively. These findings suggest that when theN number of trees (median) per unit area (A) is in equilibrium with resource availability, increasing or decreasing then number of trees may not significantly change competition levels (A; f(A) = N ± n). The size or deviation ofn depends on the area to define the minimum and maximum thresholds or tolerance capacity for the number of trees allowed to be in the area. This technique—using a variogram of sap flow residuals to determine tree spacing—can be periodically applied, such as every 10–15 years, and adapted for different elevation gradients (e.g., within 100 m intervals). It offers a practical tool for forest managers and policymakers, guiding thinning and planting strategies to enhance forest resilience in the face of water-stress conditions.Full article

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid that must be acquired exclusively through dietary intake. The metabolism of tryptophan plays a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance, as well as in preventing excessive inflammatory responses. Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is a tetrameric heme [...] Read more.

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid that must be acquired exclusively through dietary intake. The metabolism of tryptophan plays a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance, as well as in preventing excessive inflammatory responses. Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is a tetrameric heme protein and serves as one of the pivotal rate-limiting enzymes in the first step of tryptophan metabolism. Dysregulation of TDO2 expression has been observed in various digestive system diseases, encompassing those related to the oral cavity, esophagus, liver, stomach, pancreas, and colon and rectum. Digestive system diseases are the most common clinical diseases, with complex clinical manifestations and interrelated symptoms, and have become a research hotspot in the field of medicine. Studies have demonstrated that aberrant TDO2 expression is closely associated with various clinical manifestations and disease outcomes in patients with digestive system disorders. Consequently, TDO2 has garnered increasing recognition as a promising therapeutic target for digestive system diseases in recent years, attracting growing attention. This article provides a brief overview of the role of TDO2 in the tryptophan pathway, emphasizing its significant involvement in diseases of the digestive system. Strategies targeting TDO2 through specific inhibitors suggest considerable promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for digestive diseases. Thus, this review concludes by discussing recent advancements in the development of TDO2 inhibitors. We believe that targeted inhibition of TDO2 combined with immunotherapy, the screening of a large number of natural products, and the assistance of artificial intelligence in drug design will be important directions for developing more effective TDO2 inhibitors and improving treatment outcomes in the future.Full article

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Mucus trails are defining features of the class Gastropoda, which includes snails and slugs. While several studies have shown that mucus trails are followed by conspecifics, the detectable elements in the mucus have not been clearly identified. This is particularly relevant during periods [...] Read more.

Mucus trails are defining features of the class Gastropoda, which includes snails and slugs. While several studies have shown that mucus trails are followed by conspecifics, the detectable elements in the mucus have not been clearly identified. This is particularly relevant during periods of reproduction, whereby conspecific cues are critical for mate finding. A better understanding of the mucus’ molecular components, including proteins differentially represented between the reproductive and non-reproductive stages, could aid the development of novel eco-friendly biocontrol approaches. In this study, we investigated the mucus trails of the globally invasive land snailCernuella virgata, which has become a significant pest to the grain industry. We conducted a comparative proteomic analysis of the non-reproductive- and reproductive-stage trail mucus, whereby 533 proteins were identified, including 191 and 226 stage-exclusive proteins, respectively. Subsequent comparative tissue transcriptomic analysis found that the albumen gland, which is the key gland for the preparation of fertilized eggs prior to egg laying, was the primary source of secreted proteins present in the reproductive stage trail mucus. This included leukocyte elastase inhibitors, achacin, perlucin, and other proteins without any known function (uncharacterized). In summary, our results strongly implicate the albumen gland as a source for snail trail mucus proteins deposited during the reproductive stage, suggesting a mechanism that could convey their reproductive status to conspecifics. Further research testing their bioactivity related to chemical communication is paramount and may assist in the development of a novel biocontrol strategy.Full article

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This study aimed to investigate the endophytic microbial populations associated with wild and domesticated grapevines using both culture-based and culture-independent methods. Through culture-based methods, 148 endophytes were identified. The dominant fungal species includedAureobasidium pullulans,Alternaria alternata, andCladosporium allicinum, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the endophytic microbial populations associated with wild and domesticated grapevines using both culture-based and culture-independent methods. Through culture-based methods, 148 endophytes were identified. The dominant fungal species includedAureobasidium pullulans,Alternaria alternata, andCladosporium allicinum, while predominant bacterial species wereRalstonia pikettii,Nocardia niigatensis, andSphingomonas echinoides. Culture-independent methods employed metagenomic techniques to explore microbial biodiversity, focusing on targeted amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA as well as fungal ITS and 26S rRNA gene regions. The main bacterial species identified includedHalomonas sp.,Sphingomonas sp. andMassilia sp., whereas the fungal population was dominated byCladosporium sp.,Malassezia sp. andMucor sp. The findings revealed that vineyard management practices did not lead to statistically significant variations in microbial communities. The consistent presence of these genera across all samples suggests that they are stable components of the grapevine endophytic microbiota, remaining relatively unaffected by external environmental factors.Full article

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with different pathogenesis in humans and camels. The mechanisms behind the higher tolerance of camels to MERS-CoV infection are still unknown. Monocytes are innate myeloid cells that are able, depending on the [...] Read more.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with different pathogenesis in humans and camels. The mechanisms behind the higher tolerance of camels to MERS-CoV infection are still unknown. Monocytes are innate myeloid cells that are able, depending on the local stimulation in their microenvironment, to differentiate into different functional subtypes of macrophages with an impact on the adaptive immune response. Several in vitro protocols have been used to induce the differentiation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in human and several veterinary species. Such protocols are not available for camel species. In the present study, monocytes were separated from camel blood and differentiated in vitro in the presence of different stimuli into MDM. Camel MDMs generated in the presence of a combined stimulation of monocytes with LPS and GM-CSF resulted in the development of an M1 macrophages phenotype with increased abundance of the antigen-presentation receptor MHCII molecules and a decreased expression of the scavenger receptor CD163. The expression pattern of the cell markers CD163, CD14, CD172a, CD44, and CD9 on MDM generated in the presence of the MERS-CoV S1 protein revealed similarity with M-CSF-induced MDM, suggesting the potential of the MERS-CoV S1 protein to induce an M2 macrophages phenotype. Similarly to the effect of M-CSF, MERS-CoV-S protein-induced MDMs showed enhanced phagocytosis activity compared to non-polarized or LPS/GM-CSF-polarized MDMs. Collectively, our study represents the first report on the in vitro generation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in camels and the characterization of some phenotypic and functional properties of camel MDM under the effect of M1 and M2 polarizing stimuli. In addition, the results suggest a polarizing effect of the MERS-CoV S1 protein on camel MDMs, developing an M2-like phenotype with enhanced phagocytosis activity. To understand the clinical relevance of these in vitro findings on disease pathogenesis and camel immune response toward MERS-CoV infection, further studies are required.Full article

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Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease prevalent in the world, accompanied by a variety of diseases, endangering human health and safety. Bile acids (BAs) play an important role in the regulation of host glucose and lipid metabolism homeostasis, and are strictly [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease prevalent in the world, accompanied by a variety of diseases, endangering human health and safety. Bile acids (BAs) play an important role in the regulation of host glucose and lipid metabolism homeostasis, and are strictly regulated by gut microbiota. However, the relationship between key BAs, BAs transporters and signaling, as well as gut microbiota, and host metabolism in T2D remains elusive. In this study, 9-week-old db/db mice were used as diabetes model (db/db group,n = 10), and their wild-type (wt) littermates of same age were used as the healthy control (CON group,n = 10). After 8 weeks of feeding, the BA profiles and microbial composition in the colon, and gene expression level of BA regulatory factors were analyzed in the db/db and CON groups to explore the underlying mechanisms of T2D. Compared with healthy mice, the body weight, blood glucose and lipid levels of db/db mice were significantly increased. The concentrations of total BAs, primary BAs, conjugated BAs and non-12α–hydroxylated BAs (non-12–OH BAs) were significantly decreased, while Deoxycholic acid (DCA) in secondary BAs was increased in db/db group. Compared with wt mice, the synthesis of BAs in the liver was transformed from the alternative pathway to the classical pathway, and hepatic BAs transporters (NTCP, BSEP, MRP2, OATP–1 and OSTβ) and receptors (FXR and TGR5) were significantly down-regulated in the db/db mice. In the colon, the mRNA level of FXR was up-regulated, while TGR5 was down-regulated. The diabetic (db/db) mice presented a changed gut microbiota composition, including an increased abundance of secondary BAs-producing bacteria,Escherichia–Shigella, and a decreased the abundance ofAkkermansia, which are involved in the synthesis of non-12–OH BAs. We further found that the reduced BA types in db/db mice were negatively correlated with metabolic-disorder-related indicators, while an increased DCA level had the opposite correlation. Our results shed light into how the imbalance of BAs’ metabolism mediated by intestinal flora may be potential mechanisms of T2D.Full article

This Special Issue features five excellent papers on invertebrate neurobiology [...]Full article

Ciliates of the genusFrontonia have been extensively studied to resolve their phylogenetic and evolutionary history, but challenges remain. This study used molecular analyses of SSU rRNA genes, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, molecular dating, and diversification analysis, together with ancestral state reconstruction of morphological [...] Read more.

Ciliates of the genusFrontonia have been extensively studied to resolve their phylogenetic and evolutionary history, but challenges remain. This study used molecular analyses of SSU rRNA genes, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, molecular dating, and diversification analysis, together with ancestral state reconstruction of morphological traits and habitat preferences. Data included newly sequenced Korean species, GenBank records and published morphological information. Phylogenetic trees revealed paraphyly withinFrontonia, identifying four groups that emerged in the Mesozoic era: Group I (~172 mya), Group II (~83 mya), Group III (~115 mya), and Group IV (~190 mya), with a common ancestor dating to ~420 mya in the Palaeozoic era. Diversification analysis revealed higher extinction rates (0.826 and 0.613 species/year) than speciation rates (0.011 and 0.016 species/year). Morphological evolution showed habitat adaptation and plasticity, with habitat transitions unrelated to contractile vacuolar traits. The SSU rRNA gene polymorphism likely contributed to the paraphyletic state ofFrontonia. These results highlight the complex evolutionary patterns of the genus, shaped by genetic diversity, morphology, and environmental constraints.Full article

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The 3D organization of chromatin in the nucleus plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining cellular functions in eukaryotic cells. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) and its derivative technologies have been developed to map genome-wide chromatin interactions at the population [...] Read more.

The 3D organization of chromatin in the nucleus plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining cellular functions in eukaryotic cells. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) and its derivative technologies have been developed to map genome-wide chromatin interactions at the population and single-cell levels. However, insufficient sequencing depth and high noise levels in bulk Hi-C data, particularly in single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) data, result in low-resolution contact matrices, thereby limiting diverse downstream computational analyses in identifying complex chromosomal organizations. To address these challenges, we developed a transformer-based deep learning model, HiCENT, to impute and enhance both scHi-C and Hi-C contact matrices. Validation experiments on large-scale bulk Hi-C and scHi-C datasets demonstrated that HiCENT achieves superior enhancement effects compared to five popular methods. When applied to real Hi-C data from the GM12878 cell line, HiCENT effectively enhanced 3D structural features at the scales of topologically associated domains and chromosomal loops. Furthermore, when applied to scHi-C data from five human cell lines, it significantly improved clustering performance, outperforming five widely used methods. The adaptability of HiCENT across different datasets and its capacity to improve the quality of chromatin interaction data will facilitate diverse downstream computational analyses in 3D genome research, single-cell studies and other large-scale omics investigations.Full article

Soil salinisation is threatening crop sustainability worldwide, mainly due to anthropogenic climate change. Molecular mechanisms developed to counteract salinity have been intensely studied in model plants. Nevertheless, the economically relevant olive tree (Olea europaea subsp.europaea L.), being highly exposed to soil [...] Read more.

Soil salinisation is threatening crop sustainability worldwide, mainly due to anthropogenic climate change. Molecular mechanisms developed to counteract salinity have been intensely studied in model plants. Nevertheless, the economically relevant olive tree (Olea europaea subsp.europaea L.), being highly exposed to soil salinisation, deserves a specific review to extract the recent genomic advances that support the known morphological and biochemical mechanisms that make it a relative salt-tolerant crop. A comprehensive list of 98 olive cultivars classified by salt tolerance is provided, together with the list of available olive tree genomes and genes known to be involved in salt response. Na⁺ and Cl^– exclusion in leaves and retention in roots seem to be the most prominent adaptations, but cell wall thickening and antioxidant changes are also required for a tolerant response. Several post-translational modifications of proteins are emerging as key factors, together with microbiota amendments, making treatments with biostimulants and chemical compounds a promising approach to enable cultivation in already salinised soils. Low and high-throughput transcriptomics and metagenomics results obtained from salt-sensitive and -tolerant cultivars, and the future advantages of engineering specific metacaspases involved in programmed cell death and autophagy pathways to rapidly raise salt-tolerant cultivars or rootstocks are also discussed. The overview of bioinformatic tools focused on olive tree, combined with machine learning approaches for studying plant stress from a multi-omics perspective, indicates that the development of salt-tolerant cultivars or rootstocks adapted to soil salinisation is progressing. This could pave the way for ‘smart oliviculture’, promoting more productive and sustainable practices under salt stress.Full article

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Sexual dysfunction, influenced by hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, and chronic diseases, affects a significant portion of the population. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for improving sexual health. This systematic review evaluates the impact [...] Read more.

Sexual dysfunction, influenced by hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, and chronic diseases, affects a significant portion of the population. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for improving sexual health. This systematic review evaluates the impact of probiotics on sexual function, hormonal regulation, and reproductive outcomes. A comprehensive search identified 3308 studies, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria—comprising 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 in vivo and in vitro studies. Probiotic interventions were shown to significantly improve sexual function, particularly in women undergoing antidepressant therapy (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were observed, with combined treatments such as Lactofem with Letrozole and Lactofem with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrating a 10% biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate compared to 0% in the control group (p = 0.05). Probiotic use was also associated with a 66% reduction in menopausal symptoms, increased sperm motility (36.08%), viability (46.79%), and morphology (36.47%). Probiotics also contributed to favorable hormonal changes, including a reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (from 3.0 to 2.5,p < 0.05) and increased testosterone levels. Regarding reproductive outcomes, probiotic use was associated with higher pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatments and improvements in sperm motility, viability, and morphology in men. This review highlights the promising role of probiotics in addressing sexual dysfunction and reproductive health, suggesting their potential as adjunctive treatments for conditions such as depression and infertility. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects.Full article