The Himalaya and Hindu Kush remain among the least scientifically explored mountain regions of Asia. Within their vertebrate fauna, pitvipers of the Gloydius himalayanus (Günther, 1864) complex have long presented taxonomic challenges due to limited sampling in remote areas and the absence of integrative analyses. Here, we present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the G. himalayanus complex using an integrative framework that combines genetic and distributional data, external morphology, osteology, and ecological evidence. Our dataset also uniquely incorporates both newly collected material and DNA sequences obtained from 19th- and early 20th-century museum specimens, including one of the syntypes of G. himalayanus (BMNH 1946.1.19.64), underscoring the enduring value of historical collections in modern taxonomy. Analyses of four mitochondrial and three nuclear genes from populations across the western and central Himalaya and the Hindu Kush, many of which were genetically studied for the first time, recover five well-supported monophyletic lineages: G. himalayanus sensu stricto, G. chambensis, and three previously unrecognised lineages from the Hindu Kush of north-western Pakistan, the Hazara region of north-eastern Pakistan at the western margin of the Himalaya, and the Himalaya of western and central Nepal. Genetic distances in protein-coding mtDNA markers indicate species-level divergence among these lineages, ranging from 9.2-12.6% in cyt b and 8.1-14.1% in ND4, with additional support from partial allelic differentiation in phased nuclear markers, morphology, and osteology. Based on these results, we formally describe three new species, substantially expanding the known diversity of Gloydius along the southern Himalaya. To stabilise the nomenclature, we designate a lectotype for Halys himalayanus Günther. By integrating modern and historical data, this study demonstrates the lasting scientific relevance of natural history collections and emphasises the urgent need for conservation of these narrowly distributed and potentially regionally threatened mountain snakes.
Accurate species delimitation is fundamental yet challenging, particularly in recently diverged, phenotypically conservative taxa such as bats. The "Rhinolophus macrotis group" represents one of the most taxonomically contentious groups among horseshoe bats. During field surveys in Southwest China, we discovered an unidentified Rhinolophus sp. occurring sympatrically with R. osgoodi and R. episcopus, sharing broad morphological affinities with recognized species of the "R. macrotis group." To explore its taxonomic status, we employed an integrative approach combining morphological, acoustic, and multi-locus genetic (mitogenomic and nuclear) data. Phenotypically, Rhinolophus sp. closely resembles R. osgoodi but can be distinguished by its divergent echolocation resting frequency. Genetically, while mitochondrial data deeply nested Rhinolophus sp. within R. osgoodi with a shallow divergence time, phylogenies based on two nuclear introns positioned it closer to two other species, R. episcopus and R. siamensis. Species delimitation based on these genetic markers revealed a pattern of mitochondrial subdivision contrasted by overly conservative nuclear signals. Such mito-nuclear discordance suggests a complex evolutionary history that complicates taxonomic assignments. Given that only three specimens of Rhinolophus sp. were available, which precludes a robust assessment of intraspecific variation, we provisionally designate it as a candidate lineage within the "R. macrotis group," warranting future validation with additional comprehensive evidence. This study highlights the indispensable utility of integrative taxonomy in uncovering hidden diversity and provides insights into chiropteran evolutionary history.
Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are an important indigenous genetic resource in Indonesia, characterized by high adaptability and reproductive efficiency. However, conventional semen evaluation based on motility and morphology often fails to accurately predict bull fertility. Integrating functional sperm analysis with molecular quality indicators may provide a more reliable assessment of reproductive potential. This study aimed to perform an integrative evaluation of Bali bull semen by combining computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters with molecular sperm quality indicators, including acrosome integrity, DNA integrity, and protamine status, and to determine their multivariate relationships using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Frozen-thawed semen samples were collected from ten Bali bulls maintained at a Regional Artificial Insemination Center. Functional sperm parameters were evaluated using CASA, including total motility, progressive motility, velocity parameters (velocity average path, velocity curved line, and velocity straight line), linearity, straightness, wobble, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and beat cross frequency. Acrosome integrity was assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin staining, DNA integrity was evaluated using acridine orange staining, and protamine integrity was determined using chromomycin A3 staining. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test, and multivariate relationships between functional and molecular parameters were examined using CCA. CASA evaluation demonstrated inter-individual variation in semen quality, with total motility ranging from 49.80% to 60.48%. Acrosome integrity remained high across all bulls (85.03-95.59%), while DNA integrity (96.41%-98.55%) and protamine status (90.35%-97.04%) indicated well-preserved chromatin structure. The first canonical function showed a strong correlation between functional and molecular variables (r = 0.906), although the association was not statistically significant (p = 0.134). The canonical plot revealed a consistent positive trend, suggesting coordinated variation between sperm kinematics and chromatin integrity markers. The integrative evaluation of CASA-derived kinematic parameters with molecular sperm quality indicators provides a more comprehensive assessment of Bali bull fertility than conventional semen analysis alone. The strong but non-significant canonical correlation suggests a biologically plausible relationship between sperm motility and chromatin stability. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of combined functional and molecular semen evaluation to improve bull selection, enhance artificial insemination efficiency, and support genetic conservation of Bali cattle. Further studies with larger sample sizes and fertility-validated outcomes are required to confirm these findings.
Morphological conservatism and niche stasis frequently obscure species boundaries, especially in lineages that have experienced prolonged geographic isolation and restricted gene flow. The shrew moles of subfamily Uropsilinae, represented solely by the genus Uropsilus, exemplify this problem. Distributed mainly in mid- to high-elevation habitats of the Mountains of Southwestern China, Uropsilus currently includes 11 described species, and at least 18 evolutionarily independent lineages. The taxonomic status of multiple lineages remains uncertain, and new taxa continue to be proposed on an unstable systematic foundation. Here, we integrate genomic data with comprehensive morphological evidence to reassess species boundaries across the genus. We combined species delimitation incorporating speciation process, coalescent-based species trees with divergence time estimates, genome-wide patterns of absolute genetic divergence, and geographic distributions with both classical craniodental measurements and geometric morphometrics. We synthesized these lines of evidence within the context of a reticulate evolutionary. Our results indicate that, despite a complex history of introgression, long-term isolation has led to pronounced genomic divergence and stable morphological differentiation. Within an integrative taxonomic framework, we find consistent support for recognizing six lineages as distinct species, including five previously proposed putative species and one newly detected lineage, while one putative species is confirmed as conspecific with U. gracilis. We formally diagnose and describe these six species and provide an updated dichotomous key to all recognized members of the genus. Our study delivers a robust integrative framework for the taxonomy of this ancient montane clade and offers a methodological template for delimiting cryptic species in other rapidly diverged taxa.
Bacillus thuringiensis is a widely used biological control agent whose genomes contain a substantial proportion of coding sequences annotated as hypothetical proteins, limiting functional interpretation and hindering their exploitation in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Here, we present an integrative and reproducible bioinformatics workflow for the systematic annotation and prioritization of hypothetical proteins from three B. thuringiensis serovars (Kurstaki, Pakistani, and Toumanoffi). The pipeline combines consensus-based functional annotation, virulence-associated prediction, subcellular localization analysis, pathogen-enrichment statistics, and structure-aware prioritization. Sequential filtering reduced an initial dataset of 2,052 hypothetical proteins to 11 non-redundant candidates supported by convergent computational evidence. Prioritized proteins included SGNH/GDSL hydrolases, iron-sulfur cluster repair proteins, HNH nucleases, transcriptional regulators, and envelope-associated proteins potentially related to stress adaptation and host-associated processes. Localization analyses identified extracellular, membrane-associated, and cytoplasmic candidates, suggesting participation in complementary adaptive functions. Structural prioritization based on physicochemical stability, topology-associated features, and docking-readiness criteria identified six proteins with favorable profiles for downstream structural and functional analyses. Rather than assigning definitive biological functions, this study provides a transferable computational framework for reducing the functional uncertainty associated with hypothetical proteins and supporting rational candidate selection for functional genomics and biotechnological applications in Bacillus and related bacterial systems.
While various haemoparasites have been reported from anuran hosts, this study provides the first published record of dactylosomatid parasites (Dactylosomatidae Jakowska & Nigrelli, 1955 emend. Levine, 1971) in frogs from Slovakia. Of the 239 anurans screened for apicomplexans, 67 individuals belonging to three species of water frogs, Pelophylax esculentus (Linnaeus, 1758), P. ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), and P. lessonae (Camerano, 1882) were found to be infected with haemogregarines of the genus Dactylosoma Labbé, 1894. Our results demonstrate that the haemogregarine found in all three species of water frogs, collected from three different localities in western Slovakia, represents a single taxon that morphologically resembles the type species, Dactylosoma ranarum (Kruse, 1890). Based on comprehensive morphometric, morphological, and molecular data from newly collected isolates from Pelophylax frogs, including the type host, we provide an integrative assessment of Dactylosoma cf. ranarum. We also conducted molecular screening of dipterans collected from the study sites, which could serve as potential vectors of the parasite, but no representatives of Dactylosoma were detected in any of the examined specimens. Évaluation intégrative de Dactylosoma cf. ranarum (Apicomplexa : Dactylosomatidae) chez les grenouilles du genre Pelophylax. Bien que divers hémoparasites aient été signalés chez des hôtes anoures, cette étude fournit la première mention publiée de dactylosomatidés (Dactylosomatidae Jakowska & Nigrelli, 1955 emend. Levine, 1971) parasites de grenouilles de Slovaquie. Parmi les 239 anoures examinés pour la recherche d'apicomplexes, 67 individus appartenant à trois espèces de grenouilles, Pelophylax esculentus (Linnaeus, 1758), P. ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) et P. lessonae (Camerano, 1882) étaient infectés par des hémogrégarines du genre Dactylosoma Labbé, 1894. Nos résultats démontrent que l'hémogrégarine présente chez ces trois espèces de grenouilles, collectées dans trois localités différentes de l'ouest de la Slovaquie, représente un taxon unique qui ressemble morphologiquement, à Dactylosoma ranarum (Kruse, 1890). À partir de données morphométriques, morphologiques et moléculaires exhaustives issues d'isolats nouvellement collectés chez des grenouilles du genre Pelophylax, y compris l'hôte-type, nous proposons une évaluation intégrative de Dactylosoma cf. ranarum. Nous avons également effectué un criblage moléculaire des diptères collectés sur les sites d'étude, qui pourraient servir de vecteurs potentiels du parasite, mais aucun représentant de Dactylosoma n'a été détecté dans aucun des spécimens examinés.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness marked by cognitive impairment, synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Tau protein abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction are key features of its pathogenesis, and both are involved in driving disease development. Emerging evidence suggests that pathogenic tau not only destabilizes microtubules but also directly compromises mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics and quality control, ultimately aggravating neurodegeneration. However, the molecular processes by which tau disease causes mitochondrial failure are poorly known. In this review, we discuss the tau-mitochondria interplay in AD and highlight how integrated multi-omics and computational approaches are boosting the development of disease-modifying treatments. We conducted an extensive evaluation of recent literature in key scientific databases related to tau biology, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and computational drug development in AD. The results demonstrate that hyperphosphorylated tau leads to inhibition of mitochondrial transport, changes in membrane potential, impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Multi-omics analyses show coordinated changes in molecular pathways affecting energy metabolism, synaptic maintenance and neuronal survival. Furthermore, computational and AI-based methods have enabled the recognition of novel tau-interacting proteins, mitophagy modulators and treatment candidates. The tau-mitochondrial interaction is a key pathogenic axis in Alzheimer's disease and provides prospective avenues for harnessing multi-omics and computational techniques to create mechanism-based treatments to restore mitochondrial function and synaptic integrity. This integrative paradigm provides a basis for next-generation precision therapies for neurodegenerative network dysfunction.
Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a parasitic disease responsible for intestinal injury, oxidative stress, and significant economic losses in animal production. The increasing emergence of anticoccidial drug resistance has intensified the search for effective plant-derived alternatives. This study evaluated the in vivo anticoccidial activity of Citrus sinensis leaf extract (CSLE) against Eimeria papillata infection in mice and investigated its potential molecular mechanisms through integrated transcriptomic, molecular docking, and ADMET analyses. GC-MS profiling identified 43 phytochemicals, from which major compounds were prioritized based on abundance, docking affinity, active-site interactions, and pharmacokinetic safety predictions. In vivo treatment of infected C57BL/6 mice with CSLE (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) significantly reduced oocyst shedding in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose decreasing counts to 9.8 × 106 oocysts/g and improving body weight gain and jejunal histology. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that parasite persistence was associated with suppression of host IFN-γ signaling, whereas CSLE partially restored immune responsiveness. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding of Cholestan-3-ol, Estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ol, and a secoyohimban derivative to CDPK1, PKG, and HSP90, exceeding amprolium affinity. ADMET analysis supported favorable safety and pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, CSLE showed strong dose-dependent anticoccidial activity through multiple mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a natural alternative for coccidiosis control.
There is a paucity of ultrastructural data on hypotrichous ciliates. In the present work, a comprehensive investigation of the ultrastructure, morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of a hypotrichous species, Parentocirrus hortualis, was performed. Historically, the taxonomy of Parentocirrus has been complicated by morphological variability. While P. brasiliensis is nearly identical to the type species P. hortualis in most respects, it differs in the presence of additional dorsal kinetids, a key distinction that now appears unstable. Consequently, we propose that P. brasiliensis should be recognized as a synonym of P. hortualis. In terms of the ultrastructure of P. hortualis, we found that: (1) the semi-rigid or rigid cortex of stylonychine species might be related to the presence of a single or double layer(s) of subpellicular microtubules, respectively; (2) the highly degenerated kinetosome of the dorsal bristle unit, i.e., the parakinetosomal body, has only been observed in two distantly related species of the subfamily Stylonychinae, suggesting this feature might have evolved independently; and (3) the ultrastructure of other organelles, such as the perilemma, buccal lip, buccal seal, and pharyngeal disks, was also documented. This is the first report on the ultrastructural features of P. hortualis and of the genus Parentocirrus, which should help improve the diagnosis and definition of this widely distributed species.
Climate variability fundamentally realigns the processes by which mining-derived contaminants are generated, transported, and transformed at major scales, from mineral surface to watershed hydrology. Synthesizing the mechanistic architecture of the climate-mining-water nexus, the review shows that non-stationary hydroclimatic forcing wherein historical precipitation return periods, temperature baselines, and streamflow statistics no longer reliably predict future conditions invalidates the steady-state conditions of traditional water quality predictions. Coupled thermal hydrological geochemical biological atmospheric interactions produce behaviors that emerge at thresholds, hysteresis, and contaminant pulses, which reductionist frameworks overlook. Predictive capacity, therefore, calls for bidirectional, not parallel, integrative approaches to monitoring and modelling for observatories that discriminate within competing conceptual models and reactive transport frameworks that integrate multi-platform data in the face of formal uncertainty quantification. Adaptive management will need to replace static designs with decision architectures robust to deep uncertainty for signpost-based triggers, flexible infrastructure, and iterative learning. Facing up to the nexus will be a transdisciplinary fusion of molecular mechanisms to watershed outcomes, which can sustain prudent stewardship of waters influenced by mining during the age of accelerating climate change.
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a clinically zoonotic pathogen associated with severe systemic and neurological complications, for which no approved vaccine is currently available. This study aimed to design a novel chimeric multi-epitope vaccine candidate targeting the RVFV Envelope polyprotein (Gn and Gc) via an integrative immunoinformatic and structural modeling approach, targeting viral envelope glycoproteins which play a crucial role in host cell entry and immune recognition. The epitopes used in the vaccine assembly were selected on the basis of antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity, then linked to the RS09 adjuvant and optimized using linkers. The vaccine's 3D model was built using AlphaFold 3, and its potential to bind to the human TLR4 receptor (PDB ID: 4G8A) was investigated using ClusPro 2.0 docking. Population coverage and immune simulation were conducted using IEDB and the C-ImmSim server, respectively. The vaccine is highly antigenic, soluble, stable, and has a global population coverage of more than 90%. In addition, the vaccine was found to be effective as indicated by a high binding energy and good complementarity to the complex formed by the TLR4 receptor. This study demonstrates that a highly effective and safe vaccine candidate for global RVF prevention is feasible and should be considered for development.
Bioacoustics is increasingly shifting from a mostly descriptive pursuit to one that can anticipate ecological change. Recent innovations-from autonomous recording units and edge-computing sensors to speech-inspired feature extraction and machine-learning techniques like transfer learning, unsupervised discovery, and explainable AI-are transforming the study of animal communication. These advances let us work at scales previously difficult to imagine. Automated species recognition, individual identification, and even tracking cultural evolution over decades are now within reach. Entire ecosystem soundscapes can be mapped with unprecedented resolution. Looking ahead, global listening networks, adaptive acoustic indices, and live biodiversity dashboards seem increasingly realistic. We may soon build digital models that simulate communication networks under future scenarios. Closer integration with genomics, physiology, and robotics could link vocal traits to their genetic, physiological, and ecological drivers. Challenges remain, including data governance, acoustic privacy, and equitable access to the planet's sonic heritage. Bioacoustics may be on the way to becoming a predictive, integrative science - one particularly well suited to monitoring, interpreting, and helping safeguard life's communication systems in a rapidly changing world.
Neurodegenerative and chronic pulmonary diseases represent major global health challenges and have widely been investigated separately. Emerging evidence indicates the existence of a lung-brain axis, through which pulmonary pathology and environmental exposures can influence neurological health. The current review highlights the mechanistic and clinical evidence linking chronic lung inflammation, air pollution, and immune dysregulation to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A pathway-based framework is presented in which lung inflammation, systemic cytokine release, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier disruption, immune priming, and protein misfolding mediate lung-to-brain communication. Associations between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, particulate matter exposure, and adverse neurological outcomes including cognitive decline, brain atrophy, disease progression, and elevated neurodegenerative risk are emphasized. Specific mechanisms are addressed, including immune-mediated effects in multiple sclerosis, inhalation-driven protein aggregation in Parkinson's disease, and vascular and oxidative injury contributing to dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. COVID-19 is considered a clinical model of acute lung-brain axis disruption, demonstrating inflammation-driven neurocognitive consequences, and its role in this context was also highlighted. Additionally, potential preventive and therapeutic strategies are discussed, highlighting pulmonary health and environmental exposure reduction as modifiable factors that may help mitigate neurological disease. This integrative review underscores the clinical relevance of the lung-brain axis and calls for interdisciplinary strategies to improve neurological outcomes through pulmonary and environmental interventions.
The intricate crosstalk between the immune and endocrine systems maintains physiological homeostasis of an organism by synchronizing immune, reproductive and neuroendocrine functions. The present study employed an integrative framework combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in-vivo approaches to investigate the role of neurotensin (NTS) in regulating inflammatory-steroidogenic interactions. Thirty six healthy female mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6/group): control, LPS (1 mg/kg bw), LPS + PD149163 low (NTSR1 agonist; 50 μg/kg bw), LPS + PD149163high (100 μg/kg bw, Only PD149163low, Only PD149163high.. After 32 days, plasma and ovarian samples were collected for biochemical analyses. An in-silico approach was employed to assess the potential interaction of SR48692/NTSR1 antagonist with the key proteins of steroidogenic pathway (CYP19A1,17 ꞵ-HSD, Progesterone receptor). Our findings indicate that LPS markedly suppresses CYP19A1 and estrogen production. Furthermore, NTSR1 activation using PD149163 robustly reverses LPS-driven-CYP19A1 suppression in the brain, ovary, as well as in the plasma plausibly via its potent anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The network pharmacology analysis offers innovative framework that allows for a holistic and systematic analysis of interaction between NTS-associated genes and ovarian inflammation-related targets. Molecular docking analyses support the functional relevance of NTSR1 signaling in steroidogenic regulation. Our results delineate the NTSR1-dependent mechanism that safeguards steroidogenic pathways against inflammatory insults. Altogether, network pharmacology, molecular docking analyses, and experimental validation deepen our insights into neuro-endocrine-immune crosstalk and exhibited NTS as a compelling therapeutic target in alleviating inflammation-driven endocrine disruption. PD149163 presumably protect against the endocrinological disorders arising from inflammation-driven disruption of the HPG axis.
Rhizosphere microbiome engineering is a promising approach that can enhance crop resilience and input use efficiency by redirecting plant-microbe-soil interactions toward predictable functions. Here, we review the mechanistic bases underlying rhizosphere assembly and stability, including root exudate-mediated selection, priority effects, keystone taxa, and metabolite-driven signaling, and connect these principles to proposed design rules for microbial inoculants. We present a generalizable Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) framework for engineering synthetic microbial consortia, covering trait-to-module mapping (nutrient acquisition, phytohormone modulation, ACC deaminase activity, stress-protective metabolites, and biocontrol), compatibility screening, minimal yet robust community architectures, and iterative optimization driven by multi-omics and high-throughput phenotyping. Translation to field settings is framed as an engineering challenge defined by formulation and administration limitations, including carrier type, seed coating and encapsulation methods, shelf life, strain invasiveness, and permanence of colonization amid environmental diversity. We also summarize how integrative measurement pipelines (amplicon and shotgun sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network or causal analyses) can advance microbiome studies from correlation to actionability. We describe how precision agriculture (sensors, remote sensing, and variable-rate inputs) and AI/ML (split-sample comparisons, transfer learning, and active learning) approaches can accelerate strain discovery, mixture optimization, and adaptive experimentation, driven by the need for stringent controls, metadata-rich reporting, and cross-site comparability. Use cases focus on stress conditions (drought, salinity, thermal extremes, and biotic stress) to demonstrate how microbial functions translate to agronomic outcomes and to highlight critical bottlenecks for reproducible, scalable microbiome products.
The microtubule-associated protein Tau, a key regulator of microtubule stability, is associated with neuronal function and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence indicates that Tau also participates in cancer-related signalling. However, a systematic understanding of Tau phosphorylation across cancers remains limited. We performed an integrative analysis of human cellular phosphoproteomics datasets to examine the Tau phosphorylation beyond its canonical neuronal roles. The comprehensive analysis of global cellular phosphoproteomics datasets revealed that the Tau phosphosites, such as S519, S713, S717, and S721, were present across various experimental conditions. The co-regulation study revealed that a comprehensive network of phosphosites in other proteins (PsOPs) exhibited either positive or negative co-regulation with these Tau phosphosites, suggesting unique site-specific phosphorylation dynamics. Considering the specific functional characterisation of Tau phosphosites, we employed a global co-regulation analysis by assessing the phosphosite-specific functions of co-regulated PsOPs, including binary interactors, complex interactors, and upstream kinases. The functional roles that can be inferred from the co-regulation patterns show cancer-related processes, such as DNA damage response, DNA repair, cell motility, and cell growth. The co-regulation analysis showed mutual regulation among S713, S717, and S721, indicating coordinated phosphorylation within Tau, which was further substantiated by the co-occurrence analysis. Additionally, the upstream kinases identified for Tau, such as CDK12/13/14/16, GSK3B, RPS6KA3, and CSNK1E, are involved in DNA damage response and carcinogenesis. These results provide a phosphosite-centric view of Tau regulation and its signalling networks in cancer, underscoring the relevance of Tau phosphosites beyond neuronal biology.
Two new species, Aprostocetus eucalyptus Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Megastigmus bipolaris Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae), were discovered on populations of the invasive gall wasp Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) infesting Eucalyptus in Guangxi, China. An integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characterization and 28S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis was used for species identification and classification. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key for both sexes are provided. Field parasitism data confirm their potential as native natural enemies, supporting their utility for the biological control of this economically important pest.
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host metabolic balance and immune homeostasis, with increasing evidence linking its dysregulation to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative analysis of gut microbiota-mediated immune modulation in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. A structured literature-based approach was employed to examine recent studies focusing on microbial composition, metabolite production, and host microbe immune interactions. We summarize the role of key microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids, in regulating immune responses, maintaining gut barrier integrity, and modulating systemic inflammation. In addition, the bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis is discussed, highlighting its differential involvement in neurodegenerative disorders, while microbiota driven immune mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis are also evaluated. Importantly, this review emphasizes the translational relevance of microbiome-targeted interventions, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and emerging postbiotic strategies, in modulating disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Although limitations lies in correlating the human gut microbiota to the results obtained from the animal studies which may not fully reflect the physiological conditions of the human gut as it is affected by several factors, this work provides a unified framework linking gut microbiota, immune regulation, and disease pathogenesis, and outlines future directions for the development of targeted and personalized microbiome-based therapies which may be achieved through well designed longitudinal and large scale clinical studies further.
Across diverse organisms, the strength and ecological drivers of sexual selection vary enormously. In birds, some of the families with the most elaborate plumage and display-such as birds of paradise, manakins, and cotingas-are also specialist frugivores, yet links between shifts in diet, changes in breeding system, and the evolution of elaborate traits are poorly understood. We focus on manakins, a radiation of frugivorous Neotropical birds well known for spectacular courtship rituals and colorful plumage, and present an integrative analysis of the transition in both diet and mating systems in this clade to examine the causes and consequences of strong sexual selection. In manakins, we find reduced genetic diversity on the Z sex chromosome relative to autosomes, a predicted signature of sexual selection. We also identify targets of positive selection across the manakin radiation, including genes related to muscle function, visual perception, and the transition to frugivory. Among these, we observe selection on sugar-sensing taste receptors, as well as on lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, implicated in the consumption of chemically defended fruits. For both, we confirm that selection signatures correspond to functional changes and infer the relative time of these changes, as well as of shifts in diet, breeding systems, and plumage coloration: elaborated traits evolved subsequent to changes in mating systems and after key physiological changes facilitating fruit-eating. Altogether, these results suggest that intensified frugivory set the stage for the radiation of one of the planet's most colorful and acrobatic avian lineages.
This study evaluated the effects of supplementing a total mixed ration (TMR) with graded levels of artificial saliva (AS) on rumen fermentation, trace mineral status, metabolic responses, and carcass traits of growing lambs using a completely randomized design. Forty-five lambs were assigned to diets containing 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6% AS. Artificial saliva supplementation produced clear dose-dependent responses. Moderate AS levels (1.5-4.5%) improved ruminal pH stability (p = 0.002) and increased acetic and propionic acid production (p < 0.01), supporting improved rumen function. Ruminal fluid Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations increased with AS level (p < 0.0001), particularly at 6%, indicating enhanced mineral solubility. However, excessive AS (6%) reduced VFA production (p < 0.05), increased NEFA (p < 0.01), decreased serum glucose (p = 0.0004), and reduced visceral and adipose tissue weights (p < 0.05), suggesting metabolic imbalance. Meat initial and ultimate pH were also higher at 6% AS (p < 0.0001), reflecting reduced glycogen reserves. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Se) and key physiological indicators, including NEFA, meat pH, and rumen color attributes, highlighting the integrative relationship between mineral metabolism, rumen function, and whole-body energy status. In conclusion, moderate AS inclusion improved rumen fermentation and maintained metabolic stability.