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Search Results (2,183)

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Keywords = invertebrates

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13 pages, 1973 KiB  
Article
Energy Metabolism-Related Arginine Kinase Gene Expression in Mud Crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) Following Irgarol Exposure
by Won-Seok Kim, Kiyun Park, Jiwon Park and Ihn-Sil Kwak
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052489 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Antifouling paints are essentially used to prevent biological fouling of marine vessels and structures, but their release into the environment has resulted in various marine ecosystem problems. Irgarol, a representative antifouling paint substance, is well known for its direct effects on plankton productivity, [...] Read more.
Antifouling paints are essentially used to prevent biological fouling of marine vessels and structures, but their release into the environment has resulted in various marine ecosystem problems. Irgarol, a representative antifouling paint substance, is well known for its direct effects on plankton productivity, but studies on its harmful effects on estuarine organisms are limited. This study aimed to determine the impact of irgarol exposure at the transcriptional level in Macrophthalmus japonicus, a highly dominant crab species in estuaries. To this end, we characterized the M. japonicus arginine kinase (AK) gene, which plays a role in energy metabolism in invertebrates, and examined its expression levels in response to irgarol exposure. Consequently, AK was identified as a highly prevalent enzyme in invertebrate species, including crustaceans and insects. Following irgarol exposure, the gills of M. japonicus exhibited relatively elevated AK gene expression compared to the control group at 4 and 7 days of exposure. In addition, elevated AK gene expression was observed in the hepatopancreas. Notably, the relatively low irgarol exposure concentrations of 1 and 10 μg L−1 demonstrated comparatively higher AK gene expression in the hepatopancreas than the relatively high irgarol concentration of 30 μg L−1. The results of this study imply that irgarol exposure may disrupt the equilibrium of energy metabolic processes regulated by AK gene expression in the M. japonicus crab. Moreover, the sustained environmental accumulation of irgarol indicates that it may serve as a significant disturbance factor within estuarine ecosystems. Full article
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16 pages, 3137 KiB  
Article
Digging in Deep: Size and Site-Specific Variation in Burrow Morphology and Behaviour of the Mud Shrimp, Trypaea australiensis Dana, 1852
by Renae L. Kirby and Marian Y. L. Wong
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030432 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 149
Abstract
The importance of habitats, particularly burrows, for intertidal crustaceans is multifaceted. These habitats provide crucial shelter, food sources, and reproductive advantages that are essential for enhancing survival and fitness. However, maintaining these habitats can be costly, influencing whether individuals adapt to or relocate [...] Read more.
The importance of habitats, particularly burrows, for intertidal crustaceans is multifaceted. These habitats provide crucial shelter, food sources, and reproductive advantages that are essential for enhancing survival and fitness. However, maintaining these habitats can be costly, influencing whether individuals adapt to or relocate under changing environments. Burrowing mud shrimp present challenges when it comes to studying their behaviours and burrow morphology, owing to their cryptic lifestyle. In this study, we investigated burrow morphology and burrowing behaviour in the mud shrimp, Trypaea australiensis, to better understand the importance of burrows for these organisms. Firstly, we quantified burrow morphology in situ using resin casts and 3D imagery at two locations. Secondly, we examined shrimp burrowing behaviour in custom-made aquarium cuvettes in the laboratory. Resin casts showed that burrows at Shoalhaven Heads exhibited larger burrows with greater variation in the length of burrow measurements compared to burrows at Port Hacking. Laboratory observations of burrowing behaviour demonstrated that shrimp dedicate a large proportion of time to maintaining the structure of their burrows, irrespective of time of day or shrimp sex. Differences were observed between size categories, where smaller individuals were observed sitting significantly more and ventilating significantly less compared to larger individuals. Overall, our study provides a quantitative insight into the importance of burrow habitats and provides the first insights into burrowing behaviour and burrow structure for this endemic ecosystem engineer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution and Ecology of Crustaceans and Their Applications)
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23 pages, 2756 KiB  
Review
The Origin, Properties, Structure, Catalytic Mechanism, and Applications of Fucoidan-Degrading Enzymes
by Yi Zhao, Limin Ning, Penghui Zhu, Jinju Jiang, Zhong Yao and Benwei Zhu
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23030097 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Fucoidanase is a class of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing fucoidan, a complex sulfated polysaccharide found mainly in marine brown algae and some marine invertebrates. Fucoidan (FUC) has a wide range of potential health benefits and therapeutic effects, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hypoglycemic [...] Read more.
Fucoidanase is a class of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing fucoidan, a complex sulfated polysaccharide found mainly in marine brown algae and some marine invertebrates. Fucoidan (FUC) has a wide range of potential health benefits and therapeutic effects, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hypoglycemic activities. Fucoidanase can hydrolyze high-molecular-weight fucoidan into medium- and low-molecular-weight fucoidan. The low-molecular-weight fucoidan not only has good solubility, low viscosity, and high absorption rate but also retains the original biological activities of fucoidan. Fucoidanase has received much attention in recent years. This paper reviews the taxonomic origin, structure, enzymatic properties, and applications of fucoidanase to provide a reference for the study of fucoidanase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Marine-Derived Enzymes)
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13 pages, 3115 KiB  
Article
The Acute-Phase Serum Amyloid A Promotes Cytokines Production in Oyster Crassostrea gigas
by Junlei Cheng, Weilin Wang, Xuemei Cheng, Xuesong Li, Luyi Lun, Xingye Lian, Lingling Wang and Linsheng Song
Fishes 2025, 10(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10030093 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is one of the most abundant acute-phase response proteins and has been extensively studied in vertebrates for its role in modulation of the inflammatory response and as a marker of disease diagnosis. By comparison, SAA is rarely identified in [...] Read more.
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is one of the most abundant acute-phase response proteins and has been extensively studied in vertebrates for its role in modulation of the inflammatory response and as a marker of disease diagnosis. By comparison, SAA is rarely identified in aquatic species and its physical functions are also not well studied. The present study identified the only one gene encoding SAA protein in oyster Crassostrea gigas. The open reading frame (ORF) of CgSAA was of 417 bp, encoding a putative polypeptide of 138 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 15.66 kDa. CgSAA was composed of a signal peptide (residues 1–22) and a conserved SAA domain (residues 36–138). The mRNA expression of CgSAA in normal individuals was detectable but at a low level, with the lowest expression level in the tissue of labial palp and a slightly higher expression level in hemocytes. The mRNA expression level of CgSAA was significantly up-regulated at 6 h (2.76-fold of that in control group, p < 0.01) post V. splendidus stimulation. It was also significantly induced under environmental stress at high temperature (34 °C) or low salinity (15‰ salinity). The recombinant protein rCgSAA was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. After rCgSAA was injected into oysters or incubated with culture primary hemocytes, the mRNA expressions of the cytokines CgIL17-1, CgIL17-5, and CgTNF were all significantly up-regulated. The results collectively suggested that CgSAA, as a conserved acute-phase response protein in oyster, was quickly induced under environmental stress and promoted the expressions of cytokines, which provide fresh ideas for understanding the roles of SAA proteins in aquatic invertebrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Invertebrates)
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13 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Use of Electrolyzed Water as Disinfection Technology in Aquaculture Systems: Effects on Vibrio harveyi, a Significant Marine Pathogen for Marine Fish and Invertebrates
by Adolfo Blasco, Pablo Ibányez-Payá, Belén Fouz, Carmen Amaro, Pedro Amorós and José V. Ros-Lis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052334 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Background: The aquaculture sector is vital for food supply and marine species conservation. However, vibriosis poses significant threats, affecting fish and invertebrates. Vibrio harveyi outbreaks are increasing due to global warming-driven expansion of virulent strains. Methods: This study investigates the bactericidal potential of [...] Read more.
Background: The aquaculture sector is vital for food supply and marine species conservation. However, vibriosis poses significant threats, affecting fish and invertebrates. Vibrio harveyi outbreaks are increasing due to global warming-driven expansion of virulent strains. Methods: This study investigates the bactericidal potential of in situ-generated electrolyzed water (EW) as a complementary strategy to antibiotic therapy. Strains of V. harveyi isolated from diseased fish were exposed to EW under varying conditions of salinity (1.5 and 3%), pH (5, 6.5, and 7.5), and free available chlorine (FAC) (5, 20, 25, and 125 ppm) to reduce bacterial concentrations. Results: EW demonstrated high bactericidal potential at 20–25 ppm FAC and non-acidic pH, reducing bacterial populations by over four logarithmic units within 15 min. Efficacy diminished when EW was stored for days. Conclusions: EW shows a promising disinfection method during vibriosis outbreaks and as a preventive measure during stress in aquaculture. Its advantages include on-site production and avoidance of concentrated chemicals, which minimize health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Green Sustainable Science and Technology)
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17 pages, 2120 KiB  
Article
Characterizing the Roles of Life Stage and Season on the Prevalence of Select Viral Pathogens in Acheta domesticus Crickets on a Commercial Cricket Farm in the United States
by Kimberly L. Boykin, Amy Bitter, Zoey N. Lex, John Tuminello and Mark A. Mitchell
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030191 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Commercial cricket production has been plagued by viral disease outbreaks that have decimated their potential outputs and profit margins. To date, no epidemiological studies have been performed to estimate the prevalence of major viruses affecting crickets raised in commercial settings. A cross-sectional study [...] Read more.
Commercial cricket production has been plagued by viral disease outbreaks that have decimated their potential outputs and profit margins. To date, no epidemiological studies have been performed to estimate the prevalence of major viruses affecting crickets raised in commercial settings. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of three important viruses (Acheta domesticus densovirus [AdDV], Acheta domesticus volvovirus [AdVVV], and invertebrate iridovirus 6 [CrIV]). Samples were collected across age groups (2-, 4-, and 6-week-olds) and seasons (January, May, August, and October) to determine the effect that these variables had on the prevalence rates. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed and revealed the following high overall prevalence rates: 46.7, 100, and 100% for AdDV, AdVVV, and CrIV, respectively. Viral loads varied from 101–5 for AdDV, 102–7 for AdVVV, and 102–9 for CrIV. AdDV prevalence rates were statistically significant across age and season (age: χ2 = 8.3, p = 0.015; season: χ2 = 59.7, p < 0.001), with crickets more likely to be infected as they aged and during the colder winter months. CrIV followed similar trends when looking at changes in viral loads between ages and seasons. AdVVV experienced a spike in viral loads across all ages during the month of August. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is instrumental in determining best management practices for commercially raised crickets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
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30 pages, 4603 KiB  
Review
Galleria mellonella as an Invertebrate Model for Studying Fungal Infections
by Gabriel Davi Marena, Luciana Thomaz, Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk and Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
J. Fungi 2025, 11(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11020157 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections continues to increase and one of the factors responsible for these high rates is the emergence of multi-resistant species, hospitalizations, inappropriate or prolonged use of medications, and pandemics, such as the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic. The recent pandemic caused [...] Read more.
The incidence of fungal infections continues to increase and one of the factors responsible for these high rates is the emergence of multi-resistant species, hospitalizations, inappropriate or prolonged use of medications, and pandemics, such as the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic. The recent pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a significant increase in fungal infections, especially systemic mycoses caused by opportunistic fungi. There is a growing and urgent need to better understand how these microorganisms cause infection and develop resistance as well as to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat the diverse diseases caused by fungi. Non-mammalian hosts are increasingly used as alternative models to study microbial infections. Due to their low cost, simplicity of care, conserved innate immunity and reduced ethical issues, the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an excellent model host for studying fungal infections and it is currently widely used to study fungal pathogenesis and develop innovative strategies to mitigate the mycoses studied. G. mellonella can grow at 37 °C, which is similar to the mammalian temperature, and the anatomy of the larvae allows researchers to easily deliver pathogens, biological products, compounds and drugs. The aim of this review is to describe how G. mellonella is being used as a model system to study fungal infections as well as the importance of this model in evaluating the antifungal profile of potential drug candidates or new therapies against fungi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal-Nematode-Insect Interactions)
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18 pages, 3671 KiB  
Article
Biotic Integrity Assessment of Multi-Trophic Cascade in Former Chinese Sturgeon Spawning Grounds Using Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Technology
by Zhaopeng Cui, Ditao Zhang, Peng Zhang and Jianbo Chang
Water 2025, 17(4), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040554 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
In comparison with traditional species identification techniques, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding technology markedly enhances the resolution and precision of species classification, while simultaneously facilitating the efficiency and accuracy of data collection. However, the majority of extant methods for assessing biological integrity concentrate on [...] Read more.
In comparison with traditional species identification techniques, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding technology markedly enhances the resolution and precision of species classification, while simultaneously facilitating the efficiency and accuracy of data collection. However, the majority of extant methods for assessing biological integrity concentrate on monitoring at a single trophic level, and there is a paucity of systematic studies that consider multi-trophic level biomes in an integrated manner. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the multi-trophic biotic communities in the downstream section of the Gezhou Dam in the Yangtze River mainstem, which formerly constituted Chinese sturgeon spawning grounds, utilizing eDNA metabarcoding technology. Furthermore, the objective was to establish a multi-trophic Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) assessment system. In this study, we sampled 18 sampling sites in three time periods, and reference sites were selected based on a number of factors, including the distance between the sampling site and the outfall, the extent of vegetation cover, and the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. The biological integrity of the sampling sites was then compared over different time periods (before, during, and after spawning season). The eDNA analysis enabled the construction of comprehensive biological integrity indicators, which considered fish, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton, fungi, and microbial communities (It should be noted that due to the overlap of information and the weak indication of integrity of the indicators, the final indicator system will not include all taxa, but only some of them). The results demonstrated that the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores of the reference and disturbance sites exhibited notable differences in both individual and whole time periods (p < 0.05), with an observed tendency for increased integrity with distance from the dam. Positive linear correlation was observed between IBI scores and sturgeon eDNA concentrations at all sampling sites. The assessment outcomes exhibited satisfactory indicative capacity and spatial and temporal consistency, providing a reliable foundation for an ecosystem health assessment. Furthermore, the successful application of this assessment method offers novel insights and tools for future ecosystem monitoring and assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 2353 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Evaluation of a Novel Insecticide, Isocycloseram, Against the Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
by Xiaodan Pan, Souvic Sarker and Changlu Wang
Insects 2025, 16(2), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020200 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Isocycloseram is a novel insecticide belonging to the class of isoxazoline (IRAC MoA Group 30) that exhibits excellent efficacy and selectivity against invertebrate pests. We evaluated the efficacy of two 0.1% isocycloseram formulations against a laboratory and four insecticide-resistant field strains of common [...] Read more.
Isocycloseram is a novel insecticide belonging to the class of isoxazoline (IRAC MoA Group 30) that exhibits excellent efficacy and selectivity against invertebrate pests. We evaluated the efficacy of two 0.1% isocycloseram formulations against a laboratory and four insecticide-resistant field strains of common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) by direct spray and forced exposure on three surfaces (fabric, vinyl tiles, and unpainted pinewood). Their efficacy was compared with that of five commercial insecticides including Demand CS (0.03% λ-cyhalothrin), Temprid FX (0.05% imidacloprid and 0.025% β-cyfluthrin), Crossfire (0.4% clothianidin, 0.01% metofluthrin, and 1.0% piperonyl butoxide), Bedlam Plus (0.4% d-phenothrin, 1.0% MGK 264, and 0.05% imidacloprid), and PT Phantom II (0.5% chlorfenapyr). Both isocycloseram 45 SC and 400 SC formulations were the most effective among the tested insecticides. The isocycloseram 45 SC formulation caused faster mortality than the 400 SC formulation. Four hours of exposure to 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% isocycloseram 45 SC residue on porous and non-porous surfaces caused 100% bed bug mortality after 3–4 days. Exposure to 30-day-aged 0.1% isocycloseram 45 SC residue for 4 h still caused 100% mortality, compared to 0–73% mortality by the five commercial insecticides. Isocycloseram is a highly effective compound for controlling resistant C. lectularius populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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21 pages, 1582 KiB  
Review
Evolutionary Insights into Irisin/FNDC5: Roles in Aging and Disease from Drosophila to Mammals
by Kiwon Lee and Myungjin Kim
Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020261 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 420
Abstract
The Irisin/FNDC5 protein family has emerged as a pivotal link between exercise and the prevention of age-associated diseases. Irisin is highly expressed during exercise from skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, playing a critical role in mediating systemic health benefits through its actions on [...] Read more.
The Irisin/FNDC5 protein family has emerged as a pivotal link between exercise and the prevention of age-associated diseases. Irisin is highly expressed during exercise from skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, playing a critical role in mediating systemic health benefits through its actions on various tissues. However, Irisin levels decline with age, correlating with a heightened incidence of diseases such as muscle weakness, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegeneration. Notably, the administration of Irisin has shown significant potential in both preventing and treating these conditions. Recently, an Irisin/FNDC5 homolog was identified in an invertebrate Drosophila model, providing valuable insights into its conserved role in exercise physiology. Importantly, Irisin/FNDC5 has been demonstrated to regulate autophagy—a process essential for clearing excessive nutrients, toxic aggregates, and dysfunctional organelles—in both flies and mammals. Dysregulated autophagy is often implicated in age-related diseases, highlighting its relevance to Irisin/FNDC5’s functions. These findings deepen our understanding of Irisin/FNDC5’s roles and its potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating aging-related health decline. Further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which Irisin regulates autophagy and its broader impact on physiological aging and related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skeletal Muscle in Health, Exercise and Aging)
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13 pages, 3481 KiB  
Article
Citrobacter freundii Caused Head Ulcer Disease and Immune Response in Juvenile Procambarus clarkii
by Yong He, Xiudan Yuan, Jinlong Li, Xing Tian, Zhigang He, Chunfang Zeng, Yukun Xie, Li Liu, Shiming Deng and Dongwu Wang
Fishes 2025, 10(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10020070 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is one of the most important aquaculture species in China. Frequent outbreaks of diseases seriously threatened the sustainable development of the industry. It is necessary to understand the causes of disease and study the mechanism of [...] Read more.
Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is one of the most important aquaculture species in China. Frequent outbreaks of diseases seriously threatened the sustainable development of the industry. It is necessary to understand the causes of disease and study the mechanism of disease resistance in P. clarkii. In this paper, the pathogenic bacteria causing head ulcers in juvenile P. clarkii were found and identified as Citrobacter freundii, which can cause severe pathological changes in the hepatopancreas and intestines of juvenile P. clarkii. Detection of humoral immune factors revealed that PO activity and lysozyme activity of infected P. clarkii were significantly enhanced at 15 and 20 dpi, respectively. Transcriptome analysis was conducted of hepatopancreas from normal and diseased P. clarkii after C. freundii injection, as well as bacteria-free control of P. clarkii. It was found that DEGs are rich in NF-κB, oxidative phosphorylation, JAK/STAT, Leukocyte transendothelial migration, MAPK, and PPAR signaling pathway. These pathways are related to immune modulation, metabolism, and pathogen clearance. Meanwhile, immune-related genes such as Gip, nfyA, psmD13, and FGFR were significantly highly expressed in the normal group, which was verified by qRT-PCR results, suggesting that they may be the key regulatory genes for juvenile P. clarkii resistance to C. freundii. This study will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the immune response of P. clarkii to C. freundii. The results are instructive for the prevention and treatment of P. clarkii diseases and for further understanding of the invertebrate immune system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Invertebrates)
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33 pages, 5213 KiB  
Article
The Revolution of Small Snails and the Early Modern Evolutionary Fauna
by Stefano Dominici
Diversity 2025, 17(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17020120 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
The species richness of major clades and functional groups among gastropods, a key element of Modern Evolutionary Fauna (MEF), underlines the dominant role of carnivorous Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia, including small ectoparasites and micrograzers, at modern tropical latitudes. Neogastropoda are active predators that radiated [...] Read more.
The species richness of major clades and functional groups among gastropods, a key element of Modern Evolutionary Fauna (MEF), underlines the dominant role of carnivorous Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia, including small ectoparasites and micrograzers, at modern tropical latitudes. Neogastropoda are active predators that radiated in the Cretaceous, but their early Mesozoic MEF roots are poorly understood. The escalation hypothesis emphasises prey–predator interactions as gastropods’ macroevolutionary drivers during the Mesozoic Marine Revolution but overlooks the significance of highly diversified smaller forms. The tropical fossil record of the Permian–Triassic mass extinction (PTME) and the Triassic rise of MEF suggests that non-carnivorous species dominated gastropod fauna immediately before and after the PTME: Permian micrograzers mainly fed on sponges and waned during the rise of MEF, while ectoparasites and micrograzing carnivores diversified starting from the Ladinian period. Patterns of gastropod species richness, size, and form, the fossil record of reef builders and other benthic invertebrates, and an analysis of stem neogastropods jointly suggest a Middle Triassic revolution of small-sized gastropods, triggered by the emergence of scleractinian corals and the diversification of echinoderms. Habitat heterogeneity and new food sources offered niches for the early radiation of modern gastropod clades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Biodiversity from the Triassic)
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23 pages, 9565 KiB  
Article
Discovery of Two New European Tree Trunk-Dwelling Medetera Species (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)
by Marc Pollet, Christopher Martin Drake, Maarten Jacobs and Andreas Stark
Taxonomy 2025, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5010007 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 728
Abstract
Two new European species in Medetera (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) are described here. Medetera demirae sp. nov.—named after the Flemish minister for Justice and Enforcement, Environment, Energy and Tourism (2019–2024)—has been discovered at three localities in the eastern province of Limburg (Flanders, Belgium) and is [...] Read more.
Two new European species in Medetera (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) are described here. Medetera demirae sp. nov.—named after the Flemish minister for Justice and Enforcement, Environment, Energy and Tourism (2019–2024)—has been discovered at three localities in the eastern province of Limburg (Flanders, Belgium) and is thus far only known from this area. It can be easily recognized by a dentate hypandrium and phallus, a unique character not found in any other known Medetera species. M. nigrohalteralis sp. nov. had long been regarded as Medetera takagii Negrobov, 1970 by European dolichopodid workers but ultimately proved to represent a separate species. This species seems widespread in northwestern and central Europe. Morphologically, it is very similar to M. takagii and M. tristis (Zetterstedt, 1838) and shares an infuscate halter with both species. It differs from both by the shape of its hypandrium and surstylus. M. demirae sp. nov., large numbers of M. nigrohalteralis sp. nov., and other rarely seen Medetera species were collected in Belgium using a new type of tree trunk eclector. A widespread application of this trap might considerably change our view on the occurrence and rarity of tree trunk-dwelling invertebrates. Full article
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65 pages, 7602 KiB  
Review
Advanced Technologies for Large Scale Supply of Marine Drugs
by Henar Martínez, Mercedes Santos, Lucía Pedraza and Ana M. Testera
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23020069 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 693
Abstract
Marine organisms represent a source of unique chemical entities with valuable biomedical potentialities, broad diversity, and complexity. It is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of marine natural products (MNPs) for their translation into commercial drugs and other valuable products. From [...] Read more.
Marine organisms represent a source of unique chemical entities with valuable biomedical potentialities, broad diversity, and complexity. It is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of marine natural products (MNPs) for their translation into commercial drugs and other valuable products. From a structural point of view and with few exceptions, MNPs of pharmaceutical importance derive from the so-called secondary metabolism of marine organisms. When production strategies rely on marine macroorganisms, harvesting or culturing coupled with extraction procedures frequently remain the only alternative to producing these compounds on an industrial scale. Their supply can often be implemented with laboratory scale cultures for bacterial, fungal, or microalgal sources. However, a diverse approach, combining traditional methods with modern synthetic biology and biosynthesis strategies, must be considered for invertebrate MNPs, as they are usually naturally accumulated in only very small quantities. This review offers a comprehensive examination of various production strategies for MNPs, addressing the challenges related to supply, synthesis, and scalability. It also underscores recent biotechnological advancements that are likely to transform the current industrial-scale manufacturing methods for pharmaceuticals derived from marine sources. Full article
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20 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
Impact of Environmental Factors of Stream Ecosystems on Aquatic Invertebrate Communities
by Jong-Won Lee, Sang-Woo Lee, Heera Lee and Se-Rin Park
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031252 - 4 Feb 2025
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Understanding the responses of stream ecosystems to environmental disturbances is essential for maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the associations between benthic macroinvertebrate communities and environmental factors using machine learning approaches to identify key stressors potentially influencing stream ecosystem [...] Read more.
Understanding the responses of stream ecosystems to environmental disturbances is essential for maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the associations between benthic macroinvertebrate communities and environmental factors using machine learning approaches to identify key stressors potentially influencing stream ecosystem health. Various machine learning models were evaluated, with random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) identified as the optimal models for predicting tolerant species (TS) and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) species densities. SHAP analysis revealed that watershed variables, such as elevation, flow velocity, and slope, significantly influenced EPT and TS populations. EPT population density increased with elevation and flow velocity but decreased significantly with higher levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), and agricultural land-use proportions, with negative effects becoming evident beyond threshold levels. Conversely, TS population density showed a positive response to elevated BOD, TN, and agricultural land-use proportions, stabilizing at the threshold levels of BOD and TN, but continuing to increase with greater agricultural land use. Through machine learning, this study provides critical insights into how environmental variables are associated with the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. By identifying threshold levels of key stressors, this approach offers actionable guidance for managing agricultural runoff, enhancing riparian buffers, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. These findings contribute to the development of integrated watershed management strategies that promote the long-term sustainability of stream ecosystems. Full article
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