Original Species Research Articles

CNTs with nano-confined TiO2 and surface loading Co3O4: The analysis of its performance and mechanism of PMS activation for ECs degradation under visible light

The efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate for degrading emerging contaminants has become a focal point in recent decades, emphasizing the development of novel materials and efficient strategies for high-performance degradation. This study explores a spatial confinement strategy, where TiO2 is confined inside carbon nanotubes with Co3O4 loading outside, is performed to prepare the nano-confined composite TiO2-in-CNT/Co3O4. Norfloxacin is chosen as the primary target pollutant, revealing a degradation rate exceeding 97 % within 30 min. The non-radical 1O2 species were confirmed to be generated in nano-confined catalyst, but not observed in the control non-confined catalyst. Additionally, the quantity of original radical active species significantly increases in nano-confined catalyst compared to non-confined catalyst. TiO2-in-CNT/Co3O4 has excellent reusability and application universality. Wonderful stability is observed in real water and anti-ion interference experiments, highlighting its robust stability. Experimental and DFT calculation results also demonstrate that the spatial confinement strategy prevents nanoparticle aggregation, accelerates electron transfer efficiency, and promotes the cycling of Co2+/Co3+ electron pairs. This work provides insights into the regulation of confined effects in activating PMS and offers a feasible strategy for the synergistic activation of PMS for water environment remediation through a radical and non-radical mixed mechanism.

Comparative analysis of four iridoids between Gentiana rigescens and G. cephalantha from the sympatric and allopatric distributions

Gentiana rigescens Franch. Ex Hemsl. is listed as an original species of Gentianae radix et rhizoma which is also an endangered plant in Gentianaceae. G. cephalantha Franch. Ex Hemsl., a sister species to G. rigescens, is usually used as a substitute of this endangered species in folk because of its similar morphologic features and abundant resources. To investigate reasonability of the replacement, four iridoids, namely gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, sweroside, and amarogentin were determined based on HPLC method and compared between G. rigescens and G. cephalantha from the sympatric and allopatric distributions. Total contents of the four iridoids were 9.05%–9.77% with an average value of 9.45% for G. rigescens, and 9.01%–12.73% with an average value of 11.20% for G. cephalantha, respectively. The results showed that contents of the iridoids in G. cephalantha was significantly higher than those in G. rigescens (P < 0.001), including the samples from the sympatric distribution. Meanwhile, samples from the middle altitude possessed higher content than those from the low and high altitudes. Moreover, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed well regularity of the iridoids content between G. rigescens and G. cephalantha, except the sample Gr3 which indicated that there were obviously genetic differences between the two species. This study could provide scientific evidence on substituting for G. rigescens with G. cephalantha based on contents of the active components which would further expand medicinal resources and be beneficial to conservation of G. rigescens.

Trapping and on‐column hydrolysis strategy coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for new ginsenosides identification and quantification

AbstractMalonyl ginsenosides (mRs) are physiologically active constituents of Asian and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). They are also important quality markers for the herbs from the Panax genus. Their contents are relevant to several essential quality characteristics of ginseng, for example, the original species, the growing age, the planting areas, the cultivation methods, and the processing conditions. However, when extracted from the herb, an mR is very unstable to lose the malonyl group. This property hampers the structural and quantitative determination of an mR. Herein, We report a trapping and on‐column hydrolysis coupled with a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method. With this method, 19 mRs have been identified from Panax ginseng roots. The isomers of some mRs with identical MS/MS characteristics have been differentiated. The quantities of these mRs have also been determined without references using this method. The quantitative results can be traced to the quantity of certified neutral ginsenoside reference materials. The method has been well‐validated. In addition, unique low‐abundance acetyl ginsenoside Rg1 and malonyl pseudoginsenoside F11 were identified from P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius, respectively.

Confirmation of the recognition of Culiseta (Culiseta) indica Edwards, 1920 as a distinct species based on integrated morphological and molecular data.

Theobaldia indica Edwards, 1920, classified as a subspecies of Culiseta (Culiseta) alaskaensis (Ludlow, 1906), was recently restored to its original species status, as Culiseta (Culiseta) indica (Edwards), based on comprehensive assessments of morphological, ecological and distributional data. Predating the recognition of indica as a separate species, we collected specimens of this nominal taxon in the Western Himalayan region of India during 20152017, and used morphological and molecular studies to assess its taxonomic status. Our detailed examination of adult morphology, male genitalia and larval characteristics revealed significant distinctions between putative Cs. alaskaensis alaskaensis and Cs. alaskaensis indica, and sequencing of the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene yielded a Kimura 2 parameter genetic distance of 5.9% between them, well above the standard 23% commonly accepted to indicate separate species. These results strongly support the formal recognition of Cs. indica as a separate species. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of Cs. indica provides additional evidence in support of its species status.

New morphological data for two rare species of sand-dwelling marine dinoflagellates, Amphidiniella sedentaria and Pachena cf. leibnizii

Abstract Benthic dinoflagellates have been the subject of extensive taxonomic research in recent decades. Studies of morphologies of already known species of benthic dinoflagellates from various geographical populations remain relevant, as these allow elucidation of some details that were overlooked in the original species descriptions or assessment of their morphological variability. In the present study, two rare species of dinoflagellates, Amphidiniella sedentaria and Pachena cf. leibnizii, have been studied, for the first time, from coastal sands of the northwestern Sea of Japan. In the cells of A. sedentaria from the Sea of Japan, we have found two anterior intercalar plates instead of one. Therefore, the original formula has been changed to APC 4′ 2a 7″ 5c 4s 6‴ 2⁗. As a result of the examination of P. cf. leibnizii from the Sea of Japan, we have counted seven precingular plates and six cingular plates, instead of six and five, respectively, indicated in the original description. The plate formula of the cells of P. cf. leibnizii from the Sea of Japan is APC 4′ 3a 7″ 6c 5s 5‴ 2⁗. It is currently difficult to judge whether these differences are morphological variations. Therefore, we have identified these cells as P. cf. leibnizii.

Applying DNA barcoding to identify the cultivated provenance of Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li and its related species

Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li is one of the original species of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (FCB), namely “Chuanbeimu”. It is difficult to identify the cultivated provenance of the FCB based on morphology, because of complexity of its original species. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an efficient molecular method to discriminate these species. In the present study, nine plastid genomes from cultivated F. taipaiensis and its related species were newly obtained using Next-generation sequencing, in addition to ITS sequences from Sanger sequencing. Then, DNA super, universal, and specific barcodes were compared in identifying these cultivation provenances using P-distance, Tree-building, and Online-blast methods. For the Tree-building, all individuals of F. taipaiensis could be successfully identified and DNA super barcode showed the highest success rate (91.67%) and reliability. Moreover, the super barcode could discriminate 88.88% of the individuals of these species except that of F. sichuanica using the Online-blast method in the NCBI database; however, only two individuals of F. taipaiensis were successfully identified using ITS sequences. This study further demonstrated that DNA super barcode based on plastid genome possesses a perfect ability of species discrimination on cultivation provenance of FCB.

A comprehensive strategy integrating metabolomics with DNA barcoding for discovery of combinatorial discriminatory quality markers: A case of Cimicifuga foetida and Cimicifuga dahurica

The multiple species characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are crucial for expanding TCMs sources, meeting the needs of the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring clinical requirements. It’s also one of the significant factors affecting the quality control of TCMs. Systematic differential analysis of original species in TCMs is an important link in achieving comprehensive quality control, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of clinical medication. The study aims to establish a reliable and efficient approach to screen combinatorial discriminatory quality markers for rapid differentiation of original species by metabolomics coupled with DNA barcoding as a case of Cimicifugae Rhizoma. DNA barcoding is used to identify the origin of Cimicifugae Rhizoma. The data-dependent acquisition mode integrated with the computerized intelligent filtering system was established for in-depth characterization of metabolites from Cimicifugae Rhizoma using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis was performed to screen and identify the potential combinatorial discriminatory quality markers. Finally, quantitative analysis and predictive model of these markers were employed to validate the feasibility of this strategy to distinguish the original species. Based on the scores of variable importance in projection greater than 1.0 and t-test (p < 0.05) in chemometric analysis, caffeic acid, cimifugin, ferulic acid and isoferulic acid were authenticated as combinatorial discriminatory quality markers for the two original species of Cimicifugae Rhizoma. In addition, the Fisher discriminant model successfully classified 56 batches of Cimicifugae Rhizoma with an accuracy of 94.4 %, showcased the practicality and scientific validity of this method. This study has provided a comprehensive strategy for efficient discrimination of multiple species of medicinal materials.

Orophilic and crenophilic stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) of the Italian region: new species, nomenclatural changes, updated and annotated checklist

An updated checklist of 191 Plecoptera species currently known from the Italian region is presented. Four new species are described: Protonemura marilouae sp. nov. from Calabria and Sicily, P. olahi sp. nov. from the central Apennines (Abruzzi), Leuctra stronensis sp. nov. from the Pennine Alps and L. trecimensis sp. nov. from the Dolomites. The males of Protonemura hirpina Consiglio, 1958b, and Leuctra silana Aubert, 1953b, are re-described, and their females are described for the first time. Four taxa are raised from subspecies to species rank: Protonemura padana Vinçon &amp; Ravizza, 2005, Leuctra aubertorum Ravizza &amp; Ravizza Dematteis, 1994a, L. orsiera Ravizza &amp; Vinçon, 2003 and L. incudensis Vinçon &amp; Ravizza, 2000b. Nemoura banatica Kis, 1965 is restored as a valid species, removed from synonymy with N. marginata Pictet, 1836, and its male is re-described. Protonemura beatensis robusta Berthélemy, 1963 is declared to be a junior synonym of P. salfii (Aubert, 1954c). Taxonomical notes on problematic species are added. The present checklist is the result of the compilation of published and unpublished data collected by the first three authors between 1974 and 2023. Distribution, altitudinal range and flight period of all species are summarized in table I. The altitudinal limits of nearly all orophilic Plecoptera species of the Italian Alps and Apennines are shown to have shifted to higher altitudes over a period of 30 or more years. An exhaustive bibliography of the original species descriptions of the Italian Plecoptera fauna is provided.

Response to Britz (2022) regarding the validity of the giant sunfish Mola alexandrini (Ranzani, 1834) (Teleostei: Molidae).

The small family of ocean sunfishes has a long and complicated taxonomic and nomenclatorial history dating back several centuries. Most recently, Britz (2022) questioned the validity of Mola alexandrini (Ranzani, 1839) as the valid name for Mola sp. A sensu Yoshita et al. (2009). Specifically, he questioned the authenticity of the purported Orthragoriscus alexandrini holotype rediscovered by Sawai et al. (2018) due to uncertainties regarding the original units of measurement, along with discrepancies between the original illustration and the purported holotype. He also questioned the reliability of the illustration to reflect the fresh morphology, and the adequacy of the species description (sans illustration and holotype) to link it to any of the currently recognized Mola species. In summary, Britz (2022) opined that M. alexandrini is a species inquirenda. Here we respond to Britzs concerns with the findings from an additional literature review. Firstly, the original species description appears to give measurements in Parisian units, yielding a discrepancy in length with the purported holotype within human error. However, due to various uncertainties, length does not appear to be a robust piece of evidence to neither confirm nor refute the specimens authenticity. Secondly, the morphological differences between the original illustration and the purported holotype were found to be within the expected level of accuracy for Mola illustrations at the time, by both Ranzani and others. Thirdly, a contemporaneous publication describes how Ranzani himself bought the specimen which became the Or. alexandrini holotype, suggesting he would likely have seen it in its fresh state, rendering it unlikely he would have produced a species description and illustration incongruent with this. Fourthly, re-examining the original species description suggests this provides adequate and sufficient information to link Or. alexandrini to Mola sp. A, even in the absence of a holotype. Finally, during this review, we came upon an even older paper describing Or. alexandrini, and we conclude that the currently valid name for Mola sp. A sensu Yoshita et al. (2009) is Mola alexandrini (Ranzani, 1834).

Vairimorpha apis Versus Vairimorpha ceranae, Replacement or Dynamic Prevalence?

Abstract Nosematosis is currently a frequently discussed disease of bees caused by two species of microsporidia: Vairimorpha apis, and Vairimorpha ceranae. Vairimorpha apis represents the original species of Apis mellifera parasite, and Vairimorpha ceranae, is a species introduced from Asia. In the last two decades, epidemiological data on the growth of the prevalence of V. ceranae infection have increased, which has led to its dominant position at the expense of its congener V. apis, practically all over the world. This process is assumed to be the result of asymmetric competition within the host, where V. ceranae, showed a better ability to adapt to higher temperatures, which was first manifested by its spread in warmer climate zones. However, several results of studies from recent years somewhat unexpectedly showed that it is premature to talk about the complete replacement of V. apis by V. ceranae. They pointed to a greater influence of seasonality and average temperatures in winter and summer in a given year on the result of the current prevalence of infection and co-infection of Vairimorpha spp., regardless of the climatic zone in which the colonies were located. Considering the different clinical and subclinical manifestations of infection caused by V. apis, and V. ceranae, and its impact on the defense, survival and productivity of bee colonies, the aim of our work was to analyze the factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of Vairimorpha spp.

Tree structure instead of microclimatic zones determines differences in vascular epiphyte assemblages between forest and pasture

Land cover change threatens biodiversity by reducing species richness, altering species composition, and favouring generalist species. Pasture creation can promote the loss of original species, although this loss can be mitigated by maintaining scattered trees to reduce their structural differences with forests and thus retaining a portion of regional epiphyte diversity. We explore the negative effects of land cover change and potential factors promoting similarity of epiphyte assemblages between forests and pastures. We hypothesize that pasture epiphyte assemblages are characterized by low species richness and are dominated by xerotolerant and generalist species, with a species composition nested from the forest community, indicating a degree of overlap. We hypothesize that two main factors drive the similarity between forest and pasture epiphyte assemblages: “structural dependence”, whereby trees host similar species on their crowns and trunks independent of habitat, and “microclimatic dependence”, where pasture and forest trees are more similar in areas with comparable microclimatic conditions. We found lower species richness and higher abundance of generalist species in the pasture than in the forest, with differing species composition. However, there was still a significant overlap in species composition between the two habitats, indicating that the epiphyte assemblages in the pasture were nested from the forest assemblages. Pasture and forest trees shared more epiphyte species between crown and trunk zones rather than between shaded and sunlight-exposed zones. Hence, the similarity of vascular epiphyte assemblages between habitats is partially driven by structural factors, where certain epiphyte species preferentially occur in specific tree zones regardless of the microclimate or habitat. Considering these findings, we recommend maintaining and planting scattered trees in pastures to enhance structural complexity (e.g., longer trunks and multiple crown branching), which can foster a proportion of the vascular species from forested areas, thus maintaining the similarity in vascular epiphyte assemblages between habitats.

Breeding of Modern Rose Cultivars Decreases the Content of Important Biochemical Compounds in Rose Hips.

This study aimed to determine the content and composition of bioactive compounds in autochthonous rose hips (R. pendulina, R. spinosissima, and R. gallica) and to compare them with the content of bioactive compounds in some cultivars ('Harstad', 'Bourgogne', 'Mount Everest', 'Poppius', 'Fruhlingsduft', 'Single Cherry', 'Fruhlingsmorgen', 'Violacea', and 'Splendens') derived from these main species. Due to insufficient information on how bioactive compound content changes when crossing roses, this study also sought to ascertain whether modern rose hip cultivars are still a sufficiently rich source of bioactive compounds and could, therefore, be potentially used as a functional food. All material was collected in the Arboretum Volčji Potok (Slovenia). The ascorbic acid content was highest in the 'Harstad' cultivar (12.79 g/kg FW), and the total organic acid content varied from 1.57 g/kg FW (R. spinosissima) to 34.39 g/kg FW ('Harstad'). Of all the carotenoids analyzed, only lycopene and β-carotene were present in all the samples. The total carotenoid content was highest in the 'Fruhlingsmorgen' cultivar (100.84 mg/kg FW), derived from R. spinosissima, and lowest in the main species, R. spinosissima (9.26 mg/kg FW). It can be concluded, therefore, that the content of bioactive compounds in rose hips of modern cultivars is generally lower than in rose hips of old cultivars and original species included in this study. The research results confirm that modern breeding strategies are mainly focused on goals such as abundant flowering and resistance to diseases and pests and not so much on the content of bioactive compounds.

Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides as a Functional Food: A Review.

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, in response to which vaccines and antiviral drugs are administered. In recent years, the antiviral effects of plants and foods have garnered attention. This review is the first to summarize the therapeutic properties of wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) against influenza from a phytochemical viewpoint. Wild watermelon is a wild plant with significant potential as a therapeutic candidate in antiviral strategies, when focused on its multiple anti-influenza functionalities. Wild watermelon juice inhibits viral growth, entry, and replication. Hence, we highlight the possibility of utilizing wild watermelon for the prevention and treatment of influenza with stronger antiviral activity. Phytochemicals and phytoestrogen (polyphenol, flavonoids, and prenylated compounds) in wild watermelon juice contribute to this activity and inhibit various stages of viral replication, depending on the molecular structure. Wild plants and foods closely related to the original species contain many natural compounds such as phytochemicals, and exhibit various viral growth inhibitory effects. These natural products provide useful information for future antiviral strategies.

Revision of the genus Fascaplysinopsis, the type species Fascaplysinopsis reticulata (Hentschel, 1912) (Porifera, Dictyoceratida, Thorectidae) and descriptions of two new genera and seven new species.

The present study examines the taxonomy of sponge specimens with unique chemistry collectively known as Fascaplysinopsis reticulata (Hentschel, 1912). Examination of Hentschels original species upon which the genus Fascaplysinopsis Bergquist, 1980 was based in conjunction with a comparison with recent Indo-west Pacific collections, using morphological and molecular analyses (ITS and 28S rDNA), revealed extensive variation. Fascaplysinopsis reticulata was found to be a species complex comprising the genus Fascaplysinopsis, as well as two new genera: Skolosachlys gen. nov. and Rubrafasciculus gen. nov. The new species of Fascaplysinopsis described are F. palauensis sp. nov., F. klobos sp. nov. and F. ronquinni sp. nov. The new species of Skolosachlys gen. nov. described herein are: S. enlutea sp. nov. and S. nidus sp. nov. The new species described of Rubrafasciculus gen. nov. includes: R. cerasus sp. nov. and R. fijiensis sp. nov..

Application of genomic big data to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of Korean domestic chickens

Genetic diversity analysis is crucial for maintaining and managing genetic resources. Several studies have examined the genetic diversity of Korean domestic chicken (KDC) populations using microsatellite markers, but it is difficult to capture the characteristics of the whole genome in this manner. Hence, this study analyzed the genetic diversity of several KDC populations using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data. We examined 935 birds from 21 KDC populations, including indigenous and adapted Korean native chicken (KNC), Hyunin and Jeju KDC, and Hanhyup commercial KDC populations. A total of 212,420 SNPs of 21 KDC populations were used for calculating genetic distances and fixation index, and for ADMIXTURE analysis. As a result of the analysis, the indigenous KNC groups were genetically closer and more fixed than the other groups. Furthermore, Hyunin and Jeju KDC were similar to the indigenous KNC. In comparison, adapted KNC and Hanhyup KDC populations derived from the same original species were genetically close to each other, but had different genetic structures from the others. In conclusion, this study suggests that continuous evaluation and management are required to prevent a loss of genetic diversity in each group. Basic genetic information is provided that can be used to improve breeds quickly by utilizing the various characteristics of native chickens.

The Impact of Natural Regeneration of Phoebe bournei in Anfu County, Jiangxi Province, on Community Diversity and Soil Nutrient Characteristics

The ecological process of natural regeneration in forests is achieved by altering the relationship between community diversity and abiotic factors, thereby influencing the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Phoebe bournei is a unique and endangered tree species in China, and due to the rarity of P. bournei (Phoebe bournei) populations, there is limited research on the interaction between plant community diversity and soil environment during its natural regeneration process. Jiangxi Mingyue Mountain Forest Farm is one of the few locations where the natural regeneration of P. bournei communities occurs. From 2018 to 2021, the DBH (diameter at breast height) method was employed to define the stages of P. bournei regeneration. Community tree diversity, productivity, soil nutrients, and microbial diversity were investigated. The results showed the following: (1) P. bournei exhibits a competitive advantage compared to other tree species during natural regeneration, and it becomes the main contributor to community biomass and productivity in the later stages of regeneration. (2) The regeneration process of P. bournei has significant effects on community tree diversity and soil environment. Community diversity and biomass show a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. Soil moisture content, available phosphorus, and bacterial diversity significantly increase. P. bournei’s competitive advantage is likely derived from its regulation of soil nutrients and microorganisms. (3) Correlation analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between soil microbial diversity and community productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the composition and diversity of underground soil microorganisms in studies aimed at improving the quality of P. bournei forests. In summary, the natural regeneration of P. bournei involves the gradual removal of the original dominant evergreen species in the community by increasing its own competitive advantage and productivity, while continuously regulating community diversity, soil nutrients, and microbial diversity to facilitate the growth and development of P. bournei, ultimately establishing it as the dominant species in the forest community.

Freeze-thaw desertification of alpine meadow in Qilian Mountains and the implications for alpine ecosystem management

Freeze-thaw desertification (FTD) as a specific land degeneration form in high elevations is intensifying in alpine meadows due to climate change and human activities. It causes the formation of desertified patches (DPs), and further aggravating alpine meadow patchiness and impairing ecosystem functions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance. However, the impacts of FTD on the patch pattern, soil properties, and vegetation succession of alpine meadows and the elevation differences of these impacts still lack a comprehensive understanding. Here, we analyzed the patch patterns, soil and vegetation characteristics in typical FTD regions in the Qilian Mountains using aerial photography and field investigations along an elevation gradient. Our results indicated that, as elevation increases, the fragmentation of alpine meadows caused by FTD intensified, which was related to the elevational differentiation of freeze–thaw cycles and soil water holding capacity. DPs not only led to a decrease in soil water holding capacity and an increase in bulk density, but also caused surface soil sandification. Among them, the weakening of soil water holding capacity by DPs was particularly serious in high elevations. Additionally, the degradation of the original vegetation species communities in DPs caused the significant loss of vegetation cover, biomass and soil organic carbon, and made DPs exhibit certain alpine desert steppe characteristics, whereas the vegetation diversity of DPs had an increase at low elevations. Our findings highlight the significant impacts of FTD on the water conservation function and vegetation diversity of alpine meadows, and it is necessary to apply ecological protection measures to control DPs expansion such as fenced grazing, biological control and land cover (crop, vegetation, degradable plastic mulch, etc.).

Species-specific metabolites mediate host selection and larval recruitment of the symbiotic seastar shrimp

In marine environments, host selection, defining how symbiotic organisms recognize and interact with their hosts, is often mediated by olfactory communication. Although adult symbionts may select their hosts detecting chemosensory cues, no information is available concerning the recruitment of symbiotic larvae which is a crucial step to sustain symbioses over generations. This study investigates the olfactory recognition of seastar hosts by adult Zenopontoniasoror shrimps and the recruitment of their larvae. We examine the semiochemicals that influence host selection using chemical extractions, behavioural experiments in olfactometers, and mass spectrometry analyses. After describing the symbiotic population and the embryonic development of shrimps, our results demonstrate that asterosaponins, which are traditionally considered as chemical defences in seastars, are species-specific and play a role in attracting the symbiotic shrimps. Adult shrimps were found to be attracted only by their original host species Culcitanovaeguineae, while larvae were attracted by different species of seastars. This study provides the first chemical identification of an olfactory cue used by larvae of symbiotic organisms to locate their host for recruitment. These findings highlight the importance of chemical communication in the mediation of symbiotic associations, which has broader significant implications for understanding the ecological dynamics of marine ecosystems.

Hiding in the Arctic and in mountains: a (dis)entangled classification of Claxtonia (Heterotardigrada: Echiniscidae)

Abstract Numerous evolutionary lineages representing an armoured, limno-terrestrial family Echiniscidae are restricted to high mountainous or polar localities, exhibiting clear cold stenothermic preferences. One such group is the genus Claxtonia, with its type species Claxtonia wendti, originally described from Svalbard and later on reported globally. In this paper, we re-describe this taxon by establishing the neotype from Spitsbergen. We sequenced five genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-1, ITS-2, and COI) for multiple populations of Claxtonia, including C. mauccii, C. molluscorum, C. wendti, and several potentially new species, collected in the Alps, Andes, Carpathians, Scotland, Iceland, Southern Appalachians, Spitsbergen, Scandinavian Peninsula, Borneo, and the West Indies. The relationships between these species are elucidated thanks to the phylogenetic reconstructions based on nuclear loci. Various Claxtonia species frequently co-occur in mosses and lichens, which hampers delineating their probable geographic ranges. All historical records of C. wendti are questioned in the light of our revision. Delineation of new species within the genus is nipped in the bud due to numerous problems with original species descriptions, unknown intraspecific (including ontogenetic) variability, and the lack of DNA barcodes. Finally, it is hypothesized that Claxtonia potentially comprises two lineages: a cold-stenothermic one and a thermophilic subtropical–tropical one.

Conservation planning for the endemic and endangered medicinal plants under the climate change and human disturbance: a case study of Gentiana manshurica in China.

Human activities and climate change have significantly impacted the quantity and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa, a high-quality original species of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, has significant medicinal value. However, wild resources have experienced a sharp decline due to human excavation, habitat destruction, and other factors. Consequently, it has been classified as an Endangered (EN) species on the IUCN Red List and is considered a third-level national key-protected medicinal material in China. The effects of climate change on G. manshurica are not yet known in the context of the severe negative impacts of climate change on most species. In this study, an optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the current and future potential distribution of G. manshurica. In addition, land use data in 1980, 2000, and 2020 were used to calculate habitat quality by InVEST model and landscape fragmentation by the Fragstats model. Finally, using the above-calculated results, the priority protection areas and wild tending areas of G. manshurica were planned in ZONATION software. The results show that the suitable area is mainly distributed in the central part of the Songnen Plain. Bio15, bio03, bio01, and clay content are the environmental variables affecting the distribution. In general, the future potential distribution is expected to show an increasing trend. However, the species is expected to become threatened as carbon emission scenarios and years increase gradually. At worst, the high suitability area is expected to disappear completely under SSP585-2090s. Combined with the t-test, this could be due to pressure from bio01. The migration trends of climate niche centroid are inconsistent and do not all move to higher latitudes under different carbon emission scenarios. Over the past 40 years, habitat quality in the current potential distribution has declined yearly, and natural habitat has gradually fragmented. Existing reserves protect only 9.52% of G. manshurica's priority conservation area. To avoid extinction risk and increase the practicality of the results, we clarified the hotspot counties of priority protection area gaps and wild tending areas. These results can provide an essential reference and decision basis for effectively protecting G. manshurica under climate change.