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Evidence of Phylosymbiosis in the Microbiome of Conifer Roots
Get PDFPhylosymbiosis describes an association between the phylogenetic relationships among host species and the composition of their microbiomes. Conifers have long evolutionary histories and extensive opportunity for coevolution to have occurred among these host plants and their microbiomes. We tested for phylosymbiosis in the root microbiomes of conifer seedlings as an indicator of coevolutionary plant–microbiome selection processes or concurrent ecological filtering. We grew 23 species of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae in a common soil for 52 weeks and assessed whether similarity in bacterial and fungal root microbiome composition was based on host phylogenetic distances using correlation and topology-based methods. Relationships among soil physicochemical properties, host traits, and microbial community composition were also assessed. Phylosymbiosis was significant in both bacterial and fungal root microbiomes. Host taxonomic relationships consistently explained more variance in microbiome composition than host traits or soil physicochemical properties. Indirect host effects on soil physicochemical properties, specifically sulfate sulfur, explained variation in microbiome composition in most models. We have evidence for phylosymbiosis in the root systems of conifer seedlings in both bacterial and fungal communities. This represents an important step toward uncovering patterns of coevolution in long-lived organisms and their associated microbes and indicates the fundamental role of phylosymbiosis in root microbiome assembly.</p
Urbanization and Its Environmental Impact in Ceredigion County, Wales:A 20-Year Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Assessment (2003–2023)
Get PDFUrbanization is a dominant force reshaping human settlements, driving socio-economic development while also causing significant environmental challenges. With over 56% of the world’s population now residing in urban areas—a figure expected to rise to two-thirds by 2050—land use changes are accelerating rapidly. The conversion of natural landscapes into impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt intensifies the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, raises urban temperatures, and strains local ecosystems. This study investigates land use and landscape changes in Ceredigion County, UK, utilizing remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze urbanization impacts over two decades (2003–2023). Results indicate significant urban expansion of approximately 122 km2, predominantly at the expense of agricultural and forested areas, leading to vegetation loss and changes in water availability. County-wide mean land surface temperature (LST) increased from 21.4 °C in 2003 to 23.65 °C in 2023, with urban areas recording higher values around 27.1 °C, reflecting a strong UHI effect. Spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, NDBI, and NDBaI) reveal that urban sprawl adversely affects vegetation health, water resources, and land surfaces. The Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) further highlights areas experiencing thermal discomfort. Additionally, machine learning models, including Linear Regression and Random Forest, were employed to forecast future LST trends, projecting urban LST values to potentially reach approximately 27.4 °C by 2030. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, reforestation, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid urban growth and ensure the resilience of both human and ecological systems
Pan-S-locus analysis reveals insights into the origin and evolution of self-incompatibility in the orange subfamily
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Self-incompatibility is controlled by a highly polymorphic supergene complex, the S-locus, which is structurally complex, rich in repetitive sequences, and varies in length from hundreds of kilobases to tens of megabases across different plant families. Due to these challenges, the S-locus has been fully reconstructed in only a few species, limiting our understanding of its evolutionary dynamics. RESULTS: This study systematically explores the evolutionary mechanisms and structural characteristics of the self-incompatibility system mediated by S-RNase in the Aurantioideae (orange subfamily) of Rutaceae. We construct a pan-S-locus framework spanning 11 genera within the orange subfamily from 14 newly assembled genomes from representative accessions and the analysis of 41 published citrus genomes. Our analyses reveal significant structural variations and transposable element (TE)-driven pseudogenization of SLF genes. By constructing a comprehensive library of S-RNases and developing a novel genotyping pipeline, we reveal divergent frequencies of S-RNases between self-incompatible and self-compatible populations. Comparative analyses demonstrate a unique evolutionary trajectory marked by asynchronous core nonS-genes duplication and TE-mediated structural diversification, distinct from other families. Innovatively, we identified TE-induced self-incompatibility loss as the primary driver of self-compatibility transition, which implies the uniqueness of the origin and evolution of self-incompatibility in the orange subfamily. CONCLUSIONS: Through the construction and characterization of the pan-S-locus, this study provides profound insight into the origin and evolution of the S-locus in the orange subfamily. These findings not only advance our understanding of self-incompatibility mechanisms, but also establish a foundational framework for investigating the evolution of the gametophytic self-incompatibility systems in other families.</p
Plant seedling growth and soil respiration responses to seasonal United Kingdom seaweed wrack extracts
Get PDFMacroalgal extracts offer an alternative option to increase crop yields and plant performance whilst reducing reliance on inorganic chemical fertilisers. Macroalgae have high concentrations of bioactive compounds capable of enhancing crop growth, stress tolerance and pest resistance. This study investigated whether seasonal variation in the chemical composition of three brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus affected plant growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, Beta vulgaris and Lactuca sativa through different extract concentrations. Crops were treated with 1:20, 1:50 and 1:100 dilutions from macroalgal extracts and compared to controls tap water, deionised water and one commercial macroalgae-based fertiliser made from A. nodosum. Dry weight assessment results revealed that moderately diluted dosages had better effects on plant growth than concentrated dosages, showing that the most suitable concentrations of all macroalgae extracts are 1:50 for Arabidopsis; no trend was detected in B. vulgaris or L. sativa growth. Overall, there were peaks of increased plant growth when treated with extracts harvested in June and August, which correlates with fertility peaks in commercial brown macroalgae in the wild. These results suggest that the optimal harvest for A. nodosum, F. serratus and F. vesiculosus for plant stimulant products should occur between May and August at sustainable harvest levels. Soil respirometry trials using the extracts showed no differences in CO2 fluxes between the macroalgal species, different harvesting seasons, or correlation with plant biomass. It is therefore likely that macroalgal extracts impact the plant directly and produce minor impact on soil microbiota. Thus, these results support the use of macroalgal fertilizers as a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilisers.</p
Will landscape responses reduce glacier sensitivity to climate change in High Mountain Asia?
Get PDFIn High Mountain Asia (HMA), ongoing climate change threatens mountain water resources as glaciers melt, and the resulting changes in runoff and water availability are likely to have considerable negative impacts on ecological and human systems. Numerous assessments of the ways in which these glaciers will respond to climate warming have been published over the past decade. Many of these assessments have used climate model projections to argue that HMA glaciers will melt significantly this century. However, we show that this is only one way in which these glaciers might respond. An alternative pathway is one in which increasing valley-side instability releases large amounts of rock debris onto glacier surfaces. The development of extensive glacier surface debris cover is common in HMA, and, if thick enough, this surface debris inhibits glacier melting to the extent that glacier ice becomes preserved under the surface debris cover. In so doing, a transition to glacier-derived rock glaciers and other ice debris landforms may prolong the lifetime of HMA glacial ice in the landscape. We call this alternative pathway the Paraglacial Transition Model. In this Perspective Article, we discuss the scientific basis of this alternative view in order to better understand how HMA glaciers may respond to climate change.</p
MNQ derivative D19 alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in sheep follicular granulosa cells through the GPX4-mediated ferroptosis
Get PDFIntroduction: 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ), a compound derived from Impatiens balsamina L., is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of D19, a derivative of MNQ, remain unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of D19 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced follicular granulosa cells (GCs) dysfunction in sheep and its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: An in vitro model of GCs injury was established using LPS to induce inflammation and oxidative stress. The effects of D19 were evaluated by examining inflammatory response, oxidative stress, ferroptosis and steroidogenesis following treatment. Gene interference was applied to knock down GPX4 expression to validate its role in the protective mechanism of D19.Results: D19 attenuated LPS-induced ferroptosis in GCs by restoring the expression of the key ferroptosis regulator GPX4. Subsequently, interfering with GPX4 activated NF-κB and upregulated the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) while disrupting NRF2 and inhibiting the expression of antioxidant-related factors (CAT, GSH-PX, SOD2). D19 effectively protected GCs from GPX4 deficiency-induced inflammation and oxidative damage. Furthermore, D19 mitigated ferroptosis caused by GPX4 deficiency and maintained iron metabolic homeostasis by restoring the morphology of GCs, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing the accumulation of Fe2+ and lipid peroxides, and promoting the expression of GPX4 and FTH1. D19 also improved steroid hormone secretion abnormalities caused by GPX4 deficiency.Discussion: These results demonstrate that D19 protects sheep follicular GCs from LPS-induced damage by modulating the GPX4-mediated ferroptosis signaling pathway, providing new potential drugs and therapeutic targets for addressing GCs dysfunction and follicular developmental abnormalities.<p/
A Reliability Study of Small, Portable, Easy-to-Use, and IMU-Based Sensors for Gait Assessment
No full textThe standard motion analysis systems are limited to laboratory settings; therefore, an individual’s gait may not be realistic, as it is removed from the day-to-day environment in which people ambulate. The modern world and advanced technologies have driven portable, affordable, and wearable sensors for real-world gait assessment that can be used outside the laboratory and during day-to-day activities. Wearable sensors offer a promising solution; however, despite that, the reliability of many wearable systems, especially under unsupervised and real-world-like conditions, remains insufficiently validated. This study aimed to establish intra- and inter-rater reliability of the inertial sensors as a tool used in gait analysis in a quasi-real-world environment. Ninety-eight healthy participants (52% females) aged 19–33 years took part in this reliability study. The research procedures included two separate measurements of gait analysis at participants’ preferred walking speed, conducted by two raters assessing selected spatiotemporal parameters. The reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and the bias was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. The analysis of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) revealed excellent, or near-excellent, reliability for walking speed, cadence, and stride length between raters (ICC = 0.932–0.941, 0.950–0.957, and 0.916–0.938, respectively) and between measurements (ICC = 0.916–0.928, 0.934–0.938, and 0.888–0.906, respectively). Bland–Altman plots confirmed minimal systematic bias for both inter- and intra-rater assessments, with differences in walking speed below 0.038 km/h, cadence below 0.283 steps/min, and stride length below 0.827 cm. The examined sensors are reliable tools for walking speed, cadence, and stride length in a quasi-real-world environment gait assessment. Future studies should include gait analysis involving random path and direction changes, turns, uneven or slippery surfaces, and natural environments. Additionally, research should consider individuals ambulating with various walking aids, or those with unilateral disorders, such as stroke.</p
Modern pollen–vegetation relationships and human indicator taxa at high elevation human-impacted areas of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
No full textUnderstanding the relationships between modern pollen assemblages and vegetation patterns is fundamental for reconstructing past landscapes and assessing anthropogenic impacts in ecologically sensitive high-altitude ecosystems. While previous studies in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains explored paleo-reconstruction, quantitative approaches remain limited. This study quantifies pollen–vegetation relationships using transfer factors (TF), evaluates ecological diversity indices, and analyzes human-indicator pollen and spores. We collected 30 pollen samples from the Ericaceous and Afroalpine biomes of the Bale Mountains and analysed the data using palynological and ecological methods. Our findings record 119 pollen types from the two biomes. The transfer factor analysis revealed strong over-representation of some taxa, while most herbaceous families were underrepresented. Spatial variation in TFs across the biomes underscored the influence of microclimatic and ecological heterogeneity on pollen–vegetation relationships. Quantitative comparison of diversity indices showed that pollen family richness and diversity significantly exceeded that of vegetation, supporting the broader source area hypothesis. The study identified multiple palynological and non-palynomorph (NPP) human indicators. Cereal-type pollens were recorded in most of the samples, while ruderal taxa such as Amaranthus/Chenopodium, Geranium, and Rumex were detected. Spores of coprophilous fungi, especially Sporormiella, were highly abundant, indicating sustained grazing pressure and historical human activity in the area. Additionally, the detection of Pseudoschizaea spores, potentially linked to anthropogenic fire, was documented for the first time in modern African surface samples. These findings underscore the taxon and pollen zone specific nature of pollen representation and demonstrate the value of integrating pollen, fungal spores, and vegetation data to build a robust multi-proxy framework for paleoecology and land-use reconstruction in the region.</p
Co-spray drying whey protein isolate with polysaccharides provides additional lubrication impacting the sensory profile of model beverages
Get PDFFor older adults, whey protein is associated with negative sensory attributes, including undesirable mouthfeel qualities, that limit consumption and acceptance. Previous work suggests that increased lubrication may have the ability to reduce whey protein-associated mouthdrying, a driver for disliking, by limiting interactions of whey protein with salivary proteins and mucin. This was investigated in the current study by co-spray drying whey protein with combinations of maltodextrin, xanthan gum and/or guar gum; the resulting powders were used to make 10% suspensions. The particle size, zeta potential, rheological and tribological profiles of these suspensions were measured. It was shown that co-spray drying whey protein with guar gum led to a reduction in instrumental friction, irrespective of changes in viscosity. These samples were perceived as significantly more mouthcoating and smooth when assessed by a trained sensory panel. Contrastingly, suspensions containing xanthan gum showed increased viscosity and enhanced shear thinning compared with whey protein, but no change in instrumental friction at higher sliding speeds. This may be a result of a larger particle size, representing increased aggregation in samples containing xanthan gum. There was no significant difference in mouthdrying or slipperiness perception between the suspensions. These findings suggest that the incorporation of guar gum has the capacity to reduce oral friction and impact mouthfeel in whey protein model beverages. This should be taken forward into temporal sensory trials to further investigate the effects of additional lubrication.</p
Life satisfaction around the world:Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups
Get PDFThe Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset–with data collected between 2020 and 2022 –to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that configural and metric invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional SWLS model has universal applicability. Full scalar invariance was achieved across gender identities and age groups. Based on alignment optimisation methods, partial scalar invariance was achieved across all but three national groups and across all languages represented in the BINS. There were large differences in latent SWLS means across nations and languages, but negligible-to-small differences across gender identities and age groups. Across nations, greater life satisfaction was significantly associated with greater financial security and being in a committed relationship or married. The results of this study suggest that the SWLS largely assesses a common unidimensional construct of life satisfaction irrespective of respondent characteristics (i.e., national group, gender identities, and age group) or survey presentation (i.e., survey language). This has important implications for the assessment of life satisfaction across nations and provides information that will be useful for practitioners aiming to promote subjective well-being internationally.</p