Distribution Of Molecular Species Research Articles

Anatomy of the Class I protostar L1489 IRS with NOEMA. I. Disk, streamers, outflow(s) and bubbles at 3mm

Over the past few years, chemical studies have revealed multiple structures in the vicinity of young stellar objects (YSOs). It has become evident that specific physical conditions are associated with the emission of particular molecular lines, allowing us to use molecular probes of the YSO physics. Consequently, chemical surveys are now necessary to fully constrain the origin of the observed structures. Several surveys have been conducted to explore the chemistry of YSOs, focusing on Class 0 and Class II objects. However, our knowledge of intermediate objects, that are Class I objects, remains limited. To bridge the gap and establish the relationship between observed structures and molecular line emission at the Class I evolutionary stage, we investigate the spatial distribution of key molecular gas species in the low-mass Class I protostar L1489 IRS (IRAS 04016+2610), a source part of the ChemYSO survey. We performed a 3mm line survey at high spatial and high spectral resolution using the NOEMA interferometer and the IRAM-30m telescope. For the data analysis, we applied and compared two methods: a streamline model and the new python package TIPSY We present here the ten brightest lines of our survey, in which we identified a new sim \,3\,000 au long streamer in HC3N C2H and c-C3H2 emission, likely associated with more localized accretion shocks probed in SO. In addition, two sim \,10\,000 au bubbles are seen with the dense molecular tracers HCO^+ CS, and HCN around the YSO. We retrieve previously identified structures, like an outflow in HCO^+ and another streamer in C2H . Additionally, potential indicators of a second outflow appear in CS and HCN emission, but its nature remains to be confirmed. The late infall identified at large scales may originate from the nearby prestellar core L1489 and is likely responsible for the formation of an external warped disk in this system. The detection of a potential second outflow could be the direct evidence of a binary system. Finally, we hypothesize that the bubbles may result from the magnetic pressure as observed in numerical simulations.

“Milk on Ice”: A detailed analysis of Ernest Shackleton's century-old whole milk powder in comparison with modern counterparts

Whole milk powder (WMP) manufactured in New Zealand in 1907 was sent to the Antarctic continent with the Shackleton-led British Antarctic Expedition from 1907 to 1909. This powder was stored at ambient conditions at Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds, Antarctica, for over 100 yr before a sample was collected on behalf of Fonterra by the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Having spent most of its existence both dried and in frozen storage, any deleterious reactions within the WMP would have been markedly retarded. The composition and some properties of the roller-dried Shackleton's WMP are reported along with those of 2 modern spray-dried New Zealand WMP. The Shackleton powder was less white and more yellow than the modern WMP and was composed of flakes rather than agglomerated particles, consistent with that expected of a roller-dried powder. Headspace analysis showed lipolytic and oxidative volatile compounds were present in the Shackleton WMP, indicting some deterioration of the milk either before powder manufacture or on storage of the finished product. On a moisture-free basis, the Shackleton WMP had higher protein, higher fat (with a markedly higher free fat level), higher ash, and a lower lactose level than the modern WMP. The lysine level was lower in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powders, whereas the fatty acid composition was relatively similar. The sodium level was markedly higher in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powder, which is probably due to the addition of an alkaline sodium salt to adjust the pH of the milk before roller drying. Lead, iron, and tin levels were markedly higher in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powders, possibly due to the equipment used in powder manufacture and the tin-plated cases used for storage. The proteins in the Shackleton WMP were more lactosylated than in the spray-dried powders. The Shackleton WMP had a higher ratio of κ-casein A to B variants and a higher ratio of β-lactoglobulin B to A variants than the spray-dried powders, whereas the αS1-casein, β-casein, αS2-casein, and α-lactalbumin protein variants were similar in all powders. The total phospholipid content was markedly lower in the Shackleton WMP than the spray-dried powders, primarily due to a lower phosphatidylethanolamine concentration. The molecular species distributions within the phospholipid classes were generally similar in the 3 powders. Claims are sometimes encountered that the milk of today is different from that consumed by previous generations. However, this comparative study has shown that the Shackleton WMP was generally similar to modern WMP. Although differences in some components and properties were observed, these were attributable to the manufacturing equipment and processes used in the pioneering years of WMP manufacture.

Climatic niche modelling and genetic analyses highlight conservation priorities for the Spotted Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus variegatus)

The Spotted Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus variegatus) has been recognised since 2019 from Vietnam and Hainan Island, China, but little information about its population status and distribution range is currently available. The species has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered by the Turtle and Tortoise Working Group, although the status has not been officially accepted by the IUCN, due to the threats the species is facing, including habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation for food, competition with other non-native softshell turtles and pollution. To identify conservation priority sites for P. variegatus in mainland Indochina, this study combines molecular analyses and species distribution modelling. Our results show that, in Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has the largest suitable area and high probability of species occurrence, followed by Vu Quang National Park and Song Thanh and Ke Go Nature Reserves. In addition, the central provinces, from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam, constitute a key part of the species distribution and should be prioritised for conservation actions. According to the study’s findings, although P. variegatus is possibly found in Laos, the probability decreases sharply at the border between both countries and there is also a gap in the occurrence of wetlands, arguing for strong natural barriers. Unfortunately, to date, only part of the species potential distribution is protected, while no records are known from protected areas, highlighting the need for extended or even new reserves. To recover natural populations of the species and following the IUCN’s One Plan Approach to Conservation, breeding programmes have been established in Vietnam with a potential to expand to other facilities in the country and abroad. Once suitable sites are identified, offspring can be released into the protected areas to improve the current conservation status of this highly-threatened softshell turtle.

Cardiac lipidomic profiles in mice undergo changes from fetus to adult

AimsLipids are essential cellular components with many important biological functions. Disturbed lipid biosynthesis and metabolism has been shown to cause cardiac developmental abnormality and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the composition and the molecular profiles of lipids in mammalian hearts between embryonic and adult stages and uncover the underlying links between lipid and cardiac development and maturation. Materials and methodsWe collected mouse hearts at the embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5), E15.5, and the age of 2 months, 4 months and 10 months, and performed lipidomic analysis to determine the changes of the composition, molecular species, and relative abundance of cardiac lipids between embryonic and adult stages. Additionally, we also performed the electronic microscopy and RNA sequencing in both embryonic and adult mouse hearts. Key findingsThe relative abundances of certain phospholipids and sphingolipids including cardiolipin, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and ceramide, are different between embryonic and adult hearts. Such lipidomic changes are accompanied with increased densities of mitochondrial membranes and elevated expression of genes related to mitochondrial formation in adult mouse hearts. We also analyzed individual molecular species of phospholipids and sphingolipids, and revealed that the composition and distribution of lipid molecular species in hearts also change with development. SignificanceOur study provides not only a lipidomic view of mammalian hearts when developing from the embryonic to the adult stage, but also a potential pool of lipid indicators for cardiac cell development and maturation.

Thermodynamics of the Glassy Polymer State: Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Aspects.

This work examines, first, the non-equilibrium character of the glassy state of polymer systems and its significance in the development of novel materials for important technological applications. Subsequently, it summarizes the essentials of the generalized lattice fluid approach for the description of this highly complex non-equilibrium behavior with an approximate and simple, yet analytically powerful formalism. The working equations are derived in a straightforward and consistent manner by clearly defining the universal and specific variables needed to describe the discussed properties. The role of the non-random distribution of molecular species and free volume in the glassy system is also examined, as is the role of strong specific interactions, such as hydrogen-bonding networks. This work also reports examples of applications in a variety of representative systems, including glass densification, retrograde vitrification, increase in glass-transition temperature in hydrogen-bonded polymer mixtures, and hysteresis phenomena in sorption-desorption from glassy polymer matrices.

The Formation of Diradylglycerol Molecular Species in Murine Peritoneal Macrophages Varies Dose-Dependently with Dietary Purified Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Ethyl Esters

Substantial effects of dietary fish oil-derived fatty acid ethyl esters on the metabolism of diradylglycerol (DG) have recently been described. We undertook to isolate the separate effects of (n-3) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and (n-3) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on DG metabolism. For 3 wk, male C57BL/6 mice were fed one of six purified diets in which the lipid component was either 3 g/100 g corn oil ethyl ester (COEE) (control diet) or 1 g/100 g COEE plus 2 g/100 g of EPA ethyl ester (EPEE), DHA ethyl ester (DHEE) or an EPEE:DHEE mixture. Peritoneal macrophages were analyzed for DG content and for molecular species distributions of DG and phospholipid classes. We found that the degree of incorporation of EPA and DHA into DG in macrophages was dependent on the dietary concentration of EPEE and DHEE, under basal conditions and after stimulation with platelet-activating factor, phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. Incorporation of EPA and DHA into phospholipids was also significant and dose dependent in each phospholipid class. For both DG and phospholipid molecular species, the incorporation of EPA in the sn-2 position was considerably greater than that of species with DHA under conditions of equimolar dietary content. These results demonstrate that 1) incorporation of EPA and DHA into DG are independent and dependent on dietary content, 2) EPA is incorporated with greater affinity than DHA and 3) these effects on DG metabolism seem to result from corresponding effects on parent membrane phospholipids. Physiologically and therapeutically relevant differences may exist between EPA and DHA.

Heterogeneous Distribution of Phospholipid Molecular Species in the Surface Culture of Flammulina velutipes: New Facts about Lipids Containing α-Linolenic Fatty Acid.

Mycelial fungi grow as colonies consisting of polar growing hyphae, developing radially from spore or inoculum. Over time, the colony develops, hyphae are subject to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, and mycelium becomes heterogeneous in growth, gene expression, biosynthesis, and secretion of proteins and metabolites. Although the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of mycelium heterogeneity have been the subject of many studies, the role of lipids in colony development and zonality is still not understood. This work was undertaken to extend our knowledge of mycelium heterogeneity and to answer the question of how different lipid molecular species are distributed in the surface colony of the basidial fungus Flammulina velutipes and how this distribution correlates with its morphology. The heterogeneity in the lipid metabolism and lipid composition of the fungal mycelium was demonstrated. According to the real-time PCR and LC-MS/MS results, the expression of genes of PC metabolism, accumulation of phospholipid classes, and degree of unsaturation of PC and PE increased in the direction from the center to the periphery of the colony. The peripheral zone of the colony was characterized by a higher value of the PC/PE ratio and a higher level of phospholipids esterified by linolenic acid. Considering that the synthesis of phospholipids in fungi occurs in different ways, we also conducted experiments with deuterium-labeled phospholipid precursors and found out that the Kennedy pathway is the predominant route for PC biosynthesis in F. velutipes. The zonal differences in gene expression and lipid composition can be explained by the participation of membrane lipids in polar growth maintenance and regulation.

Myeloperoxidase-derived hypochlorous acid targets human airway epithelial plasmalogens liberating protein modifying electrophilic 2-chlorofatty aldehydes

Neutrophil and airway epithelial cell interactions are critical in the inflammatory response to viral infections including respiratory syncytial virus, Sendai virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Airway epithelial cell dysfunction during viral infections is likely mediated by the interaction of virus and recruited neutrophils at the airway epithelial barrier. Neutrophils are key early responders to viral infection. Neutrophil myeloperoxidase catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Previous studies have shown HOCl targets host neutrophil and endothelial cell plasmalogen lipids, resulting in the production of the chlorinated lipid, 2-chlorofatty aldehyde (2-ClFALD). We have previously shown that the oxidation product of 2-ClFALD, 2-chlorofatty acid (2-ClFA) is present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of Sendai virus-infected mice, which likely results from the attack of the epithelial plasmalogen by neutrophil-derived HOCl. Herein, we demonstrate small airway epithelial cells contain plasmalogens enriched with oleic acid at the sn-2 position unlike endothelial cells which contain arachidonic acid enrichment at the sn-2 position of plasmalogen. We also show neutrophil-derived HOCl targets epithelial cell plasmalogens to produce 2-ClFALD. Further, proteomics and over-representation analysis using the ω-alkyne analog of the 2-ClFALD molecular species, 2-chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDyA) showed cell adhesion molecule binding and cell-cell junction enriched categories similar to that observed previously in endothelial cells. However, in contrast to endothelial cells, proteins in distinct metabolic pathways were enriched with 2-ClFALD modification, particularly pyruvate metabolism was enriched in epithelial cells and mitochondrial pyruvate respiration was reduced. Collectively, these studies demonstrate, for the first time, a novel plasmalogen molecular species distribution in airway epithelial cells that are targeted by myeloperoxidase-derived hypochlorous acid resulting in electrophilic 2-ClFALD, which potentially modifies epithelial physiology by modifying proteins.

Fusing ToF‐SIMS Images for Spatial‐Spectral Resolution Enhancement using a Convolutional Neural Network

AbstractHyperspectral data sets generated by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) contain valuable spatial‐spectral information characterizing the distribution of atomic and molecular species across a sample surface. Modern ToF‐SIMS instruments have high spatial resolution (in the order of tens of nanometers) relative to most other mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques. However, there is generally a trade‐off between spatial and mass resolution when using different instrument modes. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN) fusion method is used to fuse correlated high spatial and high mass resolution ToF‐SIMS hyperspectral data sets. This process generates resolution‐enhanced data, which exhibit both high spatial and mass resolution. The CNN fusion method is applied to ToF‐SIMS images of a simple, well‐characterized gold mesh sample and a significantly more complex biological (tumor) tissue section. The method is compared to another linear fusion method used in the broader MSI community and a substantial improvement is found. This comparison focuses on both visual quality observations as well as statistical similarity measures. This work demonstrates the utility of the CNN fusion method for ToF‐SIMS data, enabling investigation of the atomic and molecular characteristics of surfaces at high spatial and mass spectral resolution.

Lipidome analysis and characterization of Buglossoides arvensis acyltransferases that incorporate polyunsaturated fatty acids into triacylglycerols

Buglossoides arvensis is a burgeoning oilseed crop that contains an unique combination of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), constituting ~80–85% of seed triacylglycerols (TAGs). To uncover the critical TAG biosynthetic pathways contributing for high PUFA accumulation, we performed lipidome of developing seeds and characterized acyltransferases involved in the final step of TAG biosynthesis. During seed development, distribution of lipid molecular species in individual lipid classes showed distinct patterns from an early-stage (6 days after flowering (DAF)) to the middle-stage (12 and 18 DAF) of oil biosynthesis. PUFA-containing TAG species drastically increased from 6 to 12 DAF. The expression profiles of key triacylglycerol biosynthesis genes and patterns of phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol molecular species during seed development were used to predict the contribution of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1 and DGAT2) and phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDAT1 and PDAT2) to PUFA-rich TAG biosynthesis. Our analysis suggests that DGATs play a crucial role in enriching TAGs with PUFA compared to PDATs. This was further confirmed by fatty acid feeding studies in yeast expressing acyltransferases. BaDGAT2 preferentially incorporated high amounts of PUFAs into TAG, compared to BaDGAT1. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of TAG accumulation in this plant and identify target genes for transgenic production of SDA in traditional oilseed crops.

Lipid Readjustment in Yarrowia lipolytica Odd-Chain Fatty Acids Producing Strains.

Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising oleaginous yeast for producing unusual lipids, such as odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA). Their diverse applications and low natural production make OCFA particularly interesting. In recent studies, inhibiting the catabolic pathway of precursor, boosting precursor pools, and optimizing substrate combination greatly improved the production of OCFA in Y. lipolytica. We explored the lipid readjustment of OCFA in engineered Y. lipolytica strains. NPLC-Corona-CAD® evidenced a time-dependent overproduction of free fatty acids, diglycerides, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in obese LP compared to obese L. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol, largely overproduced in obese LP at 72 h compared to obese L, vanished at 216 h. The fatty acyls (FAs) composition of glycero- and glycerophospholipids was determined by NPLC-APPI+-HRMS from in-source generated monoacylglycerol-like fragment ions. C18:1 and C17:1 were predominant acylglycerols in obese L and obese LP, respectively. Phosphatidic acid, PE, and PC exhibited similar FAs composition but differed in their molecular species distributions. Cardiolipin (CL) is known to contain mostly C18:2 FAs corresponding to the composition in obese L, 50% of C18:2, and 35% of C18:1. In obese LP, both FAs dropped to drop to 20%, and C17:1 were predominant, reaching 55%. We hypothesize that CL-modified composition in obese LPs may alter mitochondrial function and limit lipid production.

MS imaging and absorption methods visualizing sun filter skin spatial distribution and penetration.

Sunscreens must now be effective in protecting skin from ultraviolet, as well as visible/infrared radiation. Here, TriAsorB, a new broad-spectrum sun filter, was formulated with three other sunscreens and their distribution on human skin was studied using a standard penetration protocol and two novel mass spectrometry imaging techniques: atmospheric pressure matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry and time of flight - secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The standard penetration protocol showed that sun filters absorption was very low, with most of the dose recovered at the surface (none entered the receptor fluid). Absorption was not increased in damaged skin. The results were confirmed by AP-MALDI and ToF-SIMS imaging of the spatial distribution of molecular species in cross-section samples of human skin. Each sun filter was detected on or in the stratum corneum, with a good homogenous coverage over the valleys and peaks of the skin, and correlated well with the distribution of endogenous biomarkers. In conclusion, conventional and novel imaging analysis methods showed that the sun filters remained mainly on the skin surface after topical application. Mass spectrometry imaging is a promising complementary approach to traditional skin penetration studies to visualize penetration of compounds.

Molecular Epidemiology, Species Distribution, and Zoonotic Importance of the Neglected Meat-Borne Pathogen Sarcocystis spp. in Cattle (Bos taurus): A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Sarcocystis species are diverse apicomplexan parasites, though only two zoonotic species (S. hominis and S. heydorni) circulate between cattle and humans. Due to the importance of cattle in the human food chain and to prevent the consequences of parasitosis in humans, the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on molecular epidemiology, species distribution, and zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis infection in cattle was performed. For this aim, four international English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were systematically searched till 20th September 2021, and random-effect models were drawn to calculate total estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Finally, 44 papers from 21 countries were qualified for this review which examined 8526 cattle regarding Sarcocystis infection, rendering a total prevalence of 62.7% (95% CI 53-71.5%). Globally, 12 Sarcocystis spp. have been reported from cattle, including S. cruzi, S. hominis, S. hirsuta, S. rommeli, S. heydorni, S. bovifelis, S. bovini, S. sinensis, S. gigantea, S. fusiformis, S. hjorti and S. tenella. Among them, S. cruzi (37 studies), S. hominis (22 studies) and S. hirsuta (19 studies) were the 3 most common species, with 76.4% (95% CI 64.8-85%), 30.2% (95% CI 19.3-44%) and 8.7% (95% CI 3.8-18.6%), respectively. However, molecular identification was not performed in 48.4% (95% CI 27.3-70.1%) of the positive samples. Despite the zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis spp., particularly S. hominis, the epidemiology and distribution of Sarcocystis infection in cattle remains unclear and demands more extensive researches around the world.

Mass spectrometry imaging and its potential in food microbiology

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a tool capable of simultaneously providing in situ untargeted chemical information as well as the spatial distribution of vast molecular species with high efficiency. Over decades, this technique has been proven quite solid in many life science disciplines including microbiology, yet few food microbiologists have been using it. This review briefly introduces MSI technology and covers some interesting topics regarding sample preparations. Successful applications of MSI in disciplines similar to food microbiology will be described and perspectives of how MSI could benefit food microbiology and how it may be challenged will be given. This review aims to draw more attention from food microbiologists to this developing technology and subsequently inspire more actual applications.

Overexpression of phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase in Brassica napus results in changes in lipid metabolism and oil accumulation.

The regulation of lipid metabolism in oil seeds is still not fully understood and increasing our knowledge in this regard is of great economic, as well as intellectual, importance. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is a major global oil crop where increases in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation have been achieved by overexpression of relevant biosynthetic enzymes. In this study, we expressed Arabidopsis phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT1), one of the two major TAG-forming plant enzymes in B. napus DH12075 to evaluate its effect on lipid metabolism in developing seeds and to estimate its flux control coefficient. Despite several-fold increase in PDAT activity, seeds of three independently generated PDAT transgenic events showed a small but consistent decrease in seed oil content and had altered fatty acid composition of phosphoglycerides and TAG, towards less unsaturation. Mass spectrometry imaging of seed sections confirmed the shift in lipid compositions and indicated that PDAT overexpression altered the distinct heterogeneous distributions of phosphatidylcholine (PC) molecular species. Similar, but less pronounced, changes in TAG molecular species distributions were observed. Our data indicate that PDAT exerts a small, negative, flux control on TAG biosynthesis and could have under-appreciated effects in fine-tuning of B. napus seed lipid composition in a tissue-specific manner. This has important implications for efforts to increase oil accumulation in similar crops.

Molecular phylogeography and species distribution modelling evidence of \u2018oceanic\u2019 adaptation for Actinidia eriantha with a refugium along the oceanic\u2013continental gradient in a biodiversity hotspot

BackgroundRefugia is considered to be critical for maintaining biodiversity; while discerning the type and pattern of refugia is pivotal for our understanding of evolutionary processes in the context of conservation. Interglacial and glacial refugia have been studied throughout subtropical China. However, studies on refugia along the oceanic–continental gradient have largely been ignored. We used a liana Actinidia eriantha, which occurs across the eastern moist evergreen broad-leaved forests of subtropical China, as a case study to test hypotheses of refugia along the oceanic–continental gradient and ‘oceanic’ adaptation.ResultsThe phylogeographic pattern of A. eriantha was explored using a combination of three cpDNA markers and 38 nuclear microsatellite loci, Species distribution modelling and dispersal corridors analysis. Our data showed intermediate levels of genetic diversity [haplotype diversity (hT) = 0.498; unbiased expected heterozygosity (UHE) = 0.510] both at the species and population level. Microsatellite loci revealed five clusters largely corresponding to geographic regions. Coalescent time of cpDNA lineages was dated to the middle Pliocene (ca. 4.03 Ma). Both geographic distance and climate difference have important roles for intraspecific divergence of the species. The Zhejiang-Fujian Hilly Region was demonstrated to be a refugium along the oceanic–continental gradient of the species and fit the ‘refugia in refugia’ pattern. Species distribution modelling analysis indicated that Precipitation of Coldest Quarter (importance of 44%), Temperature Seasonality (29%) and Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter (25%) contributed the most to model development. By checking the isolines in the three climate layers, we found that A. eriantha prefer higher precipitation during the coldest quarter, lower seasonal temperature difference and lower mean temperature during the wettest quarter, which correspond to ‘oceanic’ adaptation. Actinidia eriantha expanded to its western distribution range along the dispersal corridor repeatedly during the glacial periods.ConclusionsOverall, our results provide integrated evidence demonstrating that the Zhejiang-Fujian Hilly Region is a refugium along the oceanic–continental gradient of Actinidia eriantha in subtropical China and that speciation is attributed to ‘oceanic’ adaptation. This study gives a deeper understanding of the refugia in subtropical China and will contribute to the conservation and utilization of kiwifruit wild resources in the context of climate change.

Novel Tools to Measure Single Molecules Colocalization in Fluorescence Nanoscopy by Image Cross Correlation Spectroscopy.

Super Resolution Microscopy revolutionized the approach to the study of molecular interactions by providing new quantitative tools to describe the scale below 100 nanometers. Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) reaches a spatial resolution less than 50 nm with a precision in calculating molecule coordinates between 10 and 20 nanometers. However new procedures are required to analyze data from the list of molecular coordinates created by SMLM. We propose new tools based on Image Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (ICCS) to quantify the colocalization of fluorescent signals at single molecule level. These analysis procedures have been inserted into an experimental pipeline to optimize the produced results. We show that Fluorescent NanoDiamonds targeted to an intracellular compartment can be employed (i) to correct spatial drift to maximize the localization precision and (ii) to register confocal and SMLM images in correlative multiresolution, multimodal imaging. We validated the ICCS based approach on defined biological control samples and showed its ability to quantitatively map area of interactions inside the cell. The produced results show that the ICCS analysis is an efficient tool to measure relative spatial distribution of different molecular species at the nanoscale.

Gold-TiO2@gallic acid nanospheres for enhanced surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can effectively reduce the matrix interference and ion suppression that occurred in traditional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI. In this work, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified TiO2 nanospheres were synthesized and modified with gallic acid (GA) to fabricate Au-TiO2@GA nanospheres (Au-TiO2@GA NSs). The SALDI substrate was prepared by coating the ITO glass slide with Au-TiO2@GA NSs using a gas-assisted electric sprayer. Compared with often-used MALDI matrices such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHA), and 9-aminoacridine (9-AA), the Au-TiO2@GA NSs provide higher detection sensitivity, lower background interference, dual-polarity detection and enhanced ionization efficiency of various endogenous molecules, particularly to the detection of neutral lipids. SALDI MSI could be straightforwardly performed on biological tissues thaw-mounted on the prepared substrate. The spatial distribution of various molecular species was unraveled in the mouse brain, kidney, and liver tissues. Not limited to animal tissues, Au-TiO2@GA NSs showed a more universal application to SALDI MSI of secondary metabolites in plant tissues. The spatial distribution of various natural products was mapped using SALDI MSI, such as parishins in Gastrodia elata tuber (Tianma) and glycoalkaloids in potato tuber. This work provides a high-efficient and high-compatible nanomaterial for SALDI MSI

Lateral Transmission of Yeast Symbionts Among Lucanid Beetle Taxa.

To deepen understanding the evolutionary process of lucanid–yeast association, the lateral transmission process of yeast symbionts among stag beetle genera Platycerus and Prismognathus around the border between Japan and South Korea was estimated based on molecular analyses and species distribution modelings. Phylogenetic analyses were based on yeast ITS and IGS sequences and beetle COI sequences using Prismognathus dauricus from the Tsushima Islands and Pr. angularis from Kyushu, Japan, as well as other sequence data from our previous studies. The range overlap based on the species distribution model (SDM) and differentiation in ecological space were analyzed. Based on the IGS sequences, Clade II yeast symbionts were shared by Platycerus hongwonpyoi and Pr. dauricus in South Korea and the Tsushima Islands, and Platycerus viridicuprus in Japan. Clade III yeasts were shared by Pr. dauricus from the Tsushima Islands and Pr. angularis in Japan. During the Last Interglacial period when the land bridge between Japan and the Korean Peninsula existed, range overlap was predicted to occur between Pl. viridicuprus and Pr. dauricus in Kyushu and between Pr. dauricus and Pr. angularis in Kyushu and the Tsushima Islands. The ecological space of Pl. hongwonpyoi was differentiated from that of Pl. viridicuprus and Pr. angularis. We demonstrated the paleogeographical lateral transmission process of Scheffersomyces yeast symbionts among lucanid genera and species: putative transmission of yeasts from Pr. dauricus to Pl. viridicuprus in Kyushu and from Pr. angularis to Pr. dauricus in Kyushu or the Tsushima Islands. We also found that the yeast symbionts are likely being replaced in Pr. dauricus on the Tsushima Islands. We present novel estimates of the lateral transmission process of microbial symbionts based on phylogenetic, SDM and environmental analyses among lucanid beetles.

Does the Garra population (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Labeoninae) from the Kol River drainage, Persian Gulf basin merit formal description?

Recognizing and defining a species has been a controversial concern for a long time. To define the variation and the limitation between different species, especially closely related taxa in a complex species group, several concepts have been proposed which may lead to different taxonomic decisions. When a taxonomist studies a specific taxon, she/he should adopt a species concept and provide a species limitation to define the studied taxa. Garra population from the Kol River drainage, Persian Gulf basin has already been considered as Garra sp., based on molecular data, and to date no taxonomic decision has been made to provide a specific name for it. The Kol population presents several morphological characters that distinguish it from congeners: fully scaled breast; 78 branched dorsal-fin rays; caudal fin with 1617 branched rays and well-developed mental disc with free lateral and posterior margins. It is also distinguished from all other congeners in the Garra rufa group in Iran, by having two fixed, diagnostic nucleotide substitutions in the mtDNA COI barcode region. Furthermore, the Kol population demonstrates some distinct osteological characteristics in comparison to its closest species G. mondica. Based on the integrative molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses, and morphological, osteological and distribution range data presented here, we think that the Kol River population merits formal description and can be considered as a distinct taxonomic unit (species).