Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelly A. Speer
Summary: Parasitic and parasitoid organisms rely on chemical cues to locate a host. Recent research suggests that the microbiome can emit volatile organic compounds that attract or repel parasites. This innovative mechanism changes our understanding of host-parasite coevolution and highlights the role of the microbiome as a third actor in this interaction.
Article
Biology
Amy R. Sweeny, Melanie Clerc, Paulina A. Pontifes, Saudamini Venkatesan, Simon A. Babayan, Amy B. Pedersen
Summary: High-quality diet supplementation can enhance host resistance and immunity to gastrointestinal helminth infections, leading to more efficient worm clearance after anthelmintic treatment. Additionally, supplemented nutrition can significantly reduce the transmission potential of helminths.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeynep Ersoy, Meritxell Abril, Miguel Canedo-Arguelles, Carmen Espinosa, Lidia Vendrell-Puigmitja, Lorenzo Proia
Summary: Freshwater ecosystems are becoming saltier due to human activities. Increased salinity can affect ecosystem functioning and energy transfer by changing community and size structure, and this effect can be regulated by other environmental factors. Through a mesocosm approach, this study assessed the impact of salinization on zooplankton composition and size structure under eutrophic conditions, as well as the cascading effects on algal communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Hannelore MacDonald, Dustin Brisson
Summary: The timing of seasonal activity, or phenology, is an adaptive trait that maximizes individual fitness by timing key life events to coincide with favorable abiotic factors and biotic interactions. Studies on the biotic interactions that determine optimal phenology have focused on temporal overlaps among positively-interacting species such as mutualisms. Less well understood is the extent that negative interactions such as parasitism impact the evolution of host phenology.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Matthew E. Bitters, Jacqui Meyers, Julian Resasco, Stephen D. Sarre, Kika T. Tuff, Kendi F. Davies
Summary: This study provides rare long-term experimental evidence of how disturbances can cause local extinction in parasites with life cycles dependent on multiple host species through population bottlenecks at any life stage.
Article
Ecology
Jason Cosens Walsman, Alexander Thomas Strauss, Spencer Ryan Hall
Summary: Parasites can both decrease and increase host density by causing mortality and affecting host foraging behavior. This study integrates trait measurements, a resource-host-parasite model, and experimental epidemics to explore the effects of parasites on host density. The findings demonstrate the tension between density-mediated and trait-mediated effects of parasites, and reveal the importance of resource feedback in determining host density during epidemics.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Tad A. Dallas, Pedro Jordano
Summary: The study on host-helminth parasite interactions found that geographical area influences species richness and the number of species interactions, but the species-area slopes for host species and helminth parasites were different than theoretical predictions. Additionally, host-helminth network modularity decreased with increasing area, contrary to theoretical predictions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Tara E. Stewart Merrill, Dana M. Calhoun, Pieter T. J. Johnson
Summary: Understanding the capacity of different species to support parasite transmission, known as "competence", is crucial for modeling transmission and testing diversity-disease theory. However, the factors that generate competence and drive its variation are not well understood. This study developed novel approaches to systematically quantify competence for a multi-host, multi-parasite community. The findings suggest that variation in competence is mainly driven by differences in barrier resistance and pre-transmission mortality, highlighting the importance of host resistance and parasite pathogenicity. Host species identity was found to be a strong predictor of competence variation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of infection and epidemiological patterns.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maura Rojas-Pirela, Diego Andrade-Alviarez, Lisvaneth Medina, Christian Castillo, Ana Liempi, Jesus Guerrero-Munoz, Yessica Ortega, Juan Diego Maya, Veronica Rojas, Wilfredo Quinones, Paul A. Michels, Ulrike Kemmerling
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases, including those caused by parasitic protists. Additionally, miRNAs have the potential to be used as targets for drug design and as diagnostic and prognostic markers for parasitic diseases.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hung-Hsin Chen, Douglas M. Shaw, Lauren E. Petty, Misa Graff, Ryan J. Bohlender, Hannah G. Polikowsky, Xue Zhong, Daeeun Kim, Victoria L. Buchanan, Michael H. Preuss, Megan M. Shuey, Ruth J. F. Loos, Chad D. Huff, Nancy J. Cox, Julie A. Bastarache, Lisa Bastarache, Kari E. North, Jennifer E. Below
Summary: This study identified genetic loci associated with susceptibility and severity of pneumonia, including CFTR locus and HBB locus, which were validated in subsequent studies on COVID-19 hospitalization and lung function. Additionally, a new association in R3HCC1L locus was found in individuals without cystic fibrosis, offering crucial insights into genetic effects influencing the severity of COVID-19 sequelae.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorn P. Scharsack, Bartholomaus Wieczorek, Alexander Schmidt-Drewello, Janine Buescher, Frederik Franke, Andrew Moore, Antoine Branca, Anika Witten, Monika Stoll, Erich Bornberg-Bauer, Susann Wicke, Joachim Kurtz
Summary: Global climate change can influence the interaction between hosts and parasites, with rising temperatures potentially exacerbating host exploitation by parasites. The study showed that warm temperatures enhanced parasite growth and infectivity to final hosts, while hosts exhibited lower body condition and less active immune system at high temperatures. The data suggests that parasite exposure combined with rising temperatures can shift the host's immunometabolism, providing nutrients for parasite growth and suppressing immune defense.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Lisvane Paes-Vieira, Andre Luiz Gomes-Vieira, Jose Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
Summary: Belonging to the GDA1/CD39 protein superfamily, NTPDases catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP to AMP and Pi. Various isoforms have been described in different cells, with different specificities regarding divalent cations and substrates. NTPDases play a role in thrombosis and inflammation in mammals, and in parasites, their activity on the cell surface is crucial for processes like growth, infectivity, and virulence.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Sagarika Dash, Kheerthana Duraivelan, Dibyendu Samanta
Summary: This review delves into the crucial role of cell adhesion molecules, particularly cadherins, in host-pathogen interactions, illustrating how microbial pathogens exploit these molecules for invasion. The disintegration of host cell junctions and the related signaling pathways are thoroughly analyzed in the context of microbial infections.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Annemarie Voorberg-van der Wel, Clemens H. M. Kocken, Anne-Marie Zeeman
Summary: Recent studies on liver stage malaria parasite-host interactions have shed light on the intricate cross-talk between the parasite and its mammalian host, particularly focusing on the interactions between hypnozoites and hepatocytes. Understanding these interactions may help identify factors that could awaken dormant parasite reservoirs, potentially leading to the total eradication of malaria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Clare K. Cimperman, Mirna Pena, Sohret M. Gokcek, Brandon P. Theall, Meha V. Patel, Anisha Sharma, ChenFeng Qi, Daniel Sturdevant, Louis H. Miller, Patrick L. Collins, Susan K. Pierce, Munir Akkaya
Summary: Hundreds of thousands of lives are lost each year due to brain damage caused by malaria. The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan African children. Host genetic background plays a crucial role in determining the course and outcome of the disease.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)