Variation In Adaptation Research Articles

Association between gender inequality and climate adaptation across the global

Abstract Introduction Climate change has a disproportionate impact on women in comparison to men and women have a key role to play in climate adaptation. However, evidence is lacking on how gender inequalities may be associated with climate vulnerability and ability to respond at country level. Methods This ecological study investigated the association between climate adaptation, measured by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Country Index (ND-GAIN), and gender inequality, measured by the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) developed by the World Economic Forum and the Gender Inequality Index (GII) developed by the United Nations. Simple linear regression was used to estimate the associations between the indices and their subdomains for 146 countries. Results There was an approximately linear association between the GGGI and climate adaptation. Each 1% increase in gender equality was associated with a 0.6% increase in the ND-GAIN score (slope 0.59, 95% confidence interval [0.33 to 0.84]). This was driven by a negative association between gender equality and vulnerability (-0.41 [-0.62 to -0.20]), and a positive association between gender equality and readiness (0.77 [0.44 to 1.10]). Gender equality in the education domain of the GGGI had the strongest association with climate adaptation. There was a strong negative linear association between the GII and climate adaptation, which explained most (87%) of the between-country variation in climate adaptation. Each 1% increase in gender inequality was associated with a 0.5% decrease in the ND-GAIN score (-0.53 [-0.57 to -0.50]). The association between gender inequality and readiness was stronger than the association with vulnerability (0.40 [0.37 to 0.44] for vulnerability versus -0.67 [-0.72 to -0.61] for readiness). Conclusions Gender inequality measured broadly across different domains of life is associated with climate adaptation at country level, both in terms of vulnerability to impact and readiness to respond. Key messages • Gender inequality, considered broadly across multiple domains of life, is associated with increased vulnerability to climate change and poor readiness to respond. • Addressing gender inequality needs to be a priority for governments and inter-governmental organisations if populations worldwide are to adapt to climate change.

Assessing the Impacts of Adaptation to Native-Range Habitats and Contemporary Founder Effects on Genetic Diversity in an Invasive Fish.

Species invading non-native habitats can cause irreversible environmental damage and economic harm. Yet, how introduced species become widespread invaders remains poorly understood. Adaptation within native-range habitats and rapid adaptation to new environments may both influence invasion success. Here, we examine these hypotheses using 7058 SNPs from 36 native, 40 introduced and 19 farmed populations of tench, a fish native to Eurasia. We examined genetic structure among these populations and accounted for long-term evolutionary history within the native range to assess whether introduced populations exhibited lower genetic diversity than native populations. Subsequent to infer genotype-environment correlations within native-range habitats, we assessed whether adaptation to native environments may have shaped the success of some introduced populations. At the broad scale, two glacial refugia contributed to the ancestry and genomic diversity of tench. However, native, introduced and farmed populations of admixed origin exhibited up to 10-fold more genetic diversity (i.e., observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and allelic richness) compared to populations with predominantly single-source ancestry. The effects of introduction to a new location were also apparent as introduced populations exhibited fewer private alleles (mean = 9.9 and 18.9 private alleles in introduced and native populations, respectively) and higher population-specific Fst compared to native populations, highlighting their distinctiveness relative to the pool of allelic frequencies across tench populations. Finally, introduced populations with varying levels of genetic variation and similar genetic compositions have become established and persisted under strikingly different climatic and ecological conditions. Our results suggest that lack of prior adaptation and low genetic variation may not consistently hinder the success of introduced populations for species with a demonstrated ability to expand their native range.

Four Different Build Angles in 3D-Printed Complete Denture Bases: A Comparative In Vitro Study

In this study, we aimed to investigate the differences in tissue surface adaptation and the variations in distances between reference points on the polished surfaces of 3D-printed denture bases produced at different build angles. The build angles were 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, with 15 denture bases printed for each angle. Using the Geomagic Control® software, a 3D best-fit alignment was conducted between the denture base tissue surface and the reference shape of the edentulous maxilla model to calculate the root mean square error. The distances between reference points on the polished surface were measured using digital calipers. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted for statistical analysis. The adaptation, as measured by the root mean square error, varied significantly among denture bases with different build angles. The distances between the anterior and posterior reference points of the polished surface were also significantly different. However, within the limitations of this study, the variations in adaptations and dimensional accuracy across different build angles were within clinically acceptable ranges. In clinical practice, the print angle can be adjusted based on factors such as printing time, resin consumption, and the number of denture bases being printed simultaneously.

Climate resilience in aquaculture: A cluster analysis of Chinese coastal regional production and farming practices in the face of climatic shifts 2017–2021

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the aquaculture industry across 11 coastal regions in eastern China from 2017 to 2021 to assess their adaptability and resilience in the face of climate change. Cluster analysis was employed to examine regional variations in aquaculture adaptation by analyzing data on annual average temperatures, annual extreme high/low temperatures, annual average relative humidity, annual sunshine duration, and total yearly precipitation alongside various aquaculture practices. The findings reveal that southern regions, such as Fujian and Guangdong, demonstrate higher adaptability and resilience due to their stable subtropical climates and advanced aquaculture technologies. In contrast, northern regions like Liaoning and Shandong, characterized by more significant climatic fluctuations, exhibit varying degrees of cluster changes, indicating a continuous need to adjust aquaculture strategies to cope with climatic challenges. Additionally, the study explores the specific impacts of climate change on species selection, disease management, and water resource utilization in aquaculture, emphasizing the importance of developing region-specific strategies. Based on these insights, several strategic recommendations are proposed, including promoting species diversification, enhancing disease monitoring and control, improving water quality management techniques, and urging governmental support for policies and technical guidance to enhance the climate resilience and sustainability of the aquaculture sector. These strategies and recommendations aim to assist the aquaculture industry in addressing future climate challenges and fostering long-term sustainable development.

Genomes of diverse Actinidia species provide insights into cis-regulatory motifs and genes associated with critical traits

BackgroundKiwifruit, belonging to the genus Actinidia, represents a unique fruit crop characterized by its modern cultivars being genetically diverse and exhibiting remarkable variations in morphological traits and adaptability to harsh environments. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying such morphological diversity remain largely elusive.ResultsWe report the high-quality genomes of five Actinidia species, including Actinidia longicarpa, A. macrosperma, A. polygama, A. reticulata, and A. rufa. Through comparative genomics analyses, we identified three whole genome duplication events shared by the Actinidia genus and uncovered rapidly evolving gene families implicated in the development of characteristic kiwifruit traits, including vitamin C (VC) content and fruit hairiness. A range of structural variations were identified, potentially contributing to the phenotypic diversity in kiwifruit. Notably, phylogenomic analyses revealed 76 cis-regulatory elements within the Actinidia genus, predominantly associated with stress responses, metabolic processes, and development. Among these, five motifs did not exhibit similarity to known plant motifs, suggesting the presence of possible novel cis-regulatory elements in kiwifruit. Construction of a pan-genome encompassing the nine Actinidia species facilitated the identification of gene DTZ79_23g14810 specific to species exhibiting extraordinarily high VC content. Expression of DTZ79_23g14810 is significantly correlated with the dynamics of VC concentration, and its overexpression in the transgenic roots of kiwifruit plants resulted in increased VC content.ConclusionsCollectively, the genomes and pan-genome of diverse Actinidia species not only enhance our understanding of fruit development but also provide a valuable genomic resource for facilitating the genome-based breeding of kiwifruit.

Lipidomic analyses reveal distinctive variations in homeoviscous adaptation among clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, providing insights from an environmental adaptation perspective.

Acinetobacter baumannii is known for its antibiotic resistance and is increasingly found outside of healthcare settings. To survive colder temperatures, bacteria, including A. baumannii, adapt by modifying glycerophospholipids (GPL) to maintain membrane flexibility. This study examines the lipid composition of six clinical A. baumannii strains, including the virulent AB5075, at two temperatures. At 18°C, five strains consistently show an increase in palmitoleic acid (C16:1), while ABVal2 uniquely shows an increase in oleic acid (C18:1). LC-HRMS2 analysis identifies shifts in GPL and glycerolipid composition between 18°C and 37°C, highlighting variations in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipids. ABVal2 shows increased PE with C18:1 and C16:1 at 18°C, but no change in PG, in contrast to other strains that show increased PE and PG with C16:1. Notably, although A. baumannii typically lacks FabA, a key enzyme for unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, this enzyme was found in both ABVal2 and ABVal3. In addition, ABVal2 contains five candidate desaturases that may contribute to its lipid profile. The study also reveals variations in strain motility and biofilm formation over temperature. These findings enhance our understanding of A. baumannii's physiological adaptations, survival strategies and ecological fitness in different environments.IMPORTANCEAcinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics, is a concern in healthcare settings. This study focused on understanding how this bacterium adapts to different temperatures and how its lipid composition changes. Lipids are the building blocks of cell membranes. By studying these changes, scientists can gain insights into how the bacterium survives and behaves in various environments. This understanding improves our understanding of its global dissemination capabilities. The results of the study contribute to our broader understanding of how Acinetobacter baumannii works, which is important for developing strategies to combat its impact on patient health.

Роль ценностных ориентаций в академической адаптации студентов в связи с удовлетворенностью их потребностей в автономии, компетентности и связанности с другими

<p>This study aims to clarify the role of value orientation in the satisfaction of basic needs and academic adaptation of students. It will allow us to set goals, which help to achieve psychological well-being. The study involved (N=390) students of pedagogical profiles of the university (35% men, 65% women), aged 17–22, average age 19,85, SD=3,17. The following methods were used in the study: A scale of satisfaction of basic needs (M.M. Johnston, S.J. Finney, 2010); a "Portrait value questionnaire" (S. Schwartz, 2012); a methodology for diagnosing academic adaptation (R.M. Shamionov, M.V. Grigorieva, E.S. Grinina, A.V. Sozonnik, 2022) and a questionnaire to establish socio-demographic characteristics. It is established that the preservation and openness values are positive predictors of satisfaction of basic psychological needs as an personal autonomy, competence and connection with others. The positive effect of preservation values and the negative effect of openness on variations in academic adaptation is mediated by satisfaction of basic needs for autonomy and competence, which respectively enhance or reduce these effects.</p>

Short-term fluctuating and long-term divergent selection on sympatric Monkeyflowers: insights from decade-spanning reciprocal transplants.

Sympatric species are often locally adapted to distinct microhabitats. However, temporal variation may cause local maladaptation and species boundary breakdown, especially during extreme climatic events leading to episodic selection. Repeated reciprocal transplants can reveal the interplay between short and long-term patterns of natural selection. To examine evolutionary trajectories of sympatric Monkeyflowers adapted to different niches, Mimulus guttatus and M. laciniatus, we performed three replicated transplants and combined them with previous experiments to leverage a dataset of five transplants spanning 10 years. We performed phenotypic selection analyses on parents and hybrids in parental habitats in Yosemite NP, CA during years of drastically differing snowpack. If there is ecological isolation, then we predicted divergent phenotypic selection between habitats in line with species' differences and local adaptation. We found interannual fluctuations in phenotypic selection, often in unpredicted directions. However, a combined-year analysis detected longer-term divergent selection on flowering time, a key temporally isolating and adaptative trait, suggesting that selection may reinforce species boundaries despite short-term fluctuations. Finally, we found temporal variation in local adaptation with M. laciniatus locally adapted in low snowpack years, while an extremely high snowpack year contributed to average local maladaptation of M. guttatus.

The structure of the environment influences the patterns and genetics of local adaptation

Abstract Environmental heterogeneity can lead to spatially varying selection, which can, in turn, lead to local adaptation. Population genetic models have shown that the pattern of environmental variation in space can strongly influence the evolution of local adaptation. In particular, when environmental variation is highly autocorrelated in space local adaptation will more readily evolve. However, there have been few attempts to test this prediction empirically or characterize the consequences it would have for the genetic architecture underlying local adaptation. In this study, I analyze a large-scale provenance trial conducted on lodgepole pine and find suggestive evidence that spatial autocorrelation in environmental variation is related to the strength of local adaptation that has evolved in that species. Motivated by those results, I use simulations to model local adaptation to different spatial patterns of environmental variation. The simulations confirm that local adaptation is expected to increase with the degree of spatial autocorrelation in the selective environment, but also show that highly heterogeneous environments are more likely to exhibit high variation in local adaptation, a result not previously described. I find that the spatial pattern of environmental variation influences the genetic architectures underlying local adaptation. In highly autocorrelated environments, the genetic architecture of local adaptation tends to be composed of high-frequency alleles with small phenotypic effects. In weakly autocorrelated environments, locally adaptive alleles may have larger phenotypic effects but are present at lower frequencies across species’ ranges and experience more evolutionary turnover. Overall, this work emphasizes the profound importance that the spatial pattern of selection can have on the evolution of local adaptation and how spatial autocorrelation should be considered when formulating hypotheses in ecological and genetic studies.

De novo genome assembly of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) reveals the role of copy number variation in rapid environmental adaptation

BackgroundWhite clover (Trifolium repens) is a globally important perennial forage legume. This species also serves as an eco-evolutionary model system for studying within-species chemical defense variation; it features a well-studied polymorphism for cyanogenesis (HCN release following tissue damage), with higher frequencies of cyanogenic plants favored in warmer locations worldwide. Using a newly generated haplotype-resolved genome and two other long-read assemblies, we tested the hypothesis that copy number variants (CNVs) at cyanogenesis genes play a role in the ability of white clover to rapidly adapt to local environments. We also examined questions on subgenome evolution in this recently evolved allotetraploid species and on chromosomal rearrangements in the broader IRLC legume clade.ResultsIntegration of PacBio HiFi, Omni-C, Illumina, and linkage map data yielded a completely de novo genome assembly for white clover (created without a priori sequence assignment to subgenomes). We find that white clover has undergone extensive transposon diversification since its origin but otherwise shows highly conserved genome organization and composition with its diploid progenitors. Unlike some other clover species, its chromosomal structure is conserved with other IRLC legumes. We further find extensive evidence of CNVs at the major cyanogenesis loci; these contribute to quantitative variation in the cyanogenic phenotype and to local adaptation across wild North American populations.ConclusionsThis work provides a case study documenting the role of CNVs in local adaptation in a plant species, and it highlights the value of pan-genome data for identifying contributions of structural variants to adaptation in nature.

New insights on the chromosomal inversion thermal adaptation in insects: American populations of Drosophila subobscura

AbstractDrosophila subobscura is an excellent model species for testing genetic variation in thermal adaptation due to its rich inversion chromosomal polymorphism. In Palearctic populations, the inversions of this species can be classified as “cold”, “warm” or “nonthermal” adapted. Based on this classification the Chromosomal Thermal Index (CTI) was developed, which allows measuring the thermal adaptation of populations and monitoring changes over time. Here, we aim to use this index in American colonizing populations of D. subobscura for the first time to obtain new information on the species thermal adaptation. Thus, thermal adapted inversions (“cold” and “warm”) were defined for the American continent and CTI was computed in South American (1981 and 1999 samples) and North American (1985 and 2004 samples) populations of D. subobscura. In general, both American populations showed an inverse relationship between CTI values and latitude, with CTI values decreasing when latitude increases. When comparing populations sampled in different years, an increase in CTI values was detected in four out of six temporal comparisons (only one was significant) of South America (1981 and 1999) and in six out of seven populations of North America (1985 and 2004). A global analysis using a one‐way repeated measures anova of CTI values in both American hemispheres showed a trend of increase for “warm” adapted inversions in Chile and North America, but this increase was only significant for the latter. Overall, these results are in agreement with global warming expectations, although natural selection acted differently in the colonized hemispheres.

Effects of landscape variation on thermoregulation and performance in Apis mellifera honey bee colonies: insights from mtDNA haplotypes

In a year-long research study, we delved into the thermoregulation and performance of twenty-one honey bee colonies situated in three distinct landscape settings: 1- Urban, 2- Agricultural (AG), and 3- Non-agricultural (Non-AG) environments. All colonies, consistent in size, were equipped with sensors designed to record inner hive temperature and humidity. Additionally, colonies were placed on precision electronic scales for weight monitoring. Varroa mite infestations were documented at seven different time points throughout the experiment. Colonies were genetically analyzed for subspecies and haplotype identification using the in silico DraI mtDNA COI-COII test. Our results unveiled an overall significant (p < 0.001) weight gain (5.76 kg) in colonies located within the urban setting, in stark contrast to both AG and Non-AG locations. Notably, colonies situated in the natural refuge center (Non-AG) experienced a weight loss of −0.05 kg, signaling a lack of sustainable forage resources in such a setting. Similarly, the inner hive temperature was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the urban area (33.65 °C) with a significantly lower relative humidity (61.2%) compared to both other locations. Among the locations, the temperature variable displayed the strongest significant correlation (p < 0.001) with a positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.95). Two distinct mtDNA haplotypes were identified: C1 and C2j, characterizing the ligustica and carnica maternal origin, respectively. These haplotypes consistently demonstrated significant differences in their thermoregulation and weight gain, irrespective of the landscape compositions. The C1 haplotype displayed significantly higher weight gain alongside lower inner hive temperature and humidity levels compared to the C2j haplotype. No differences in mite infestation were observed between the various locations or haplotypes. Our data underscores the substantial impact of landscape composition on honey bee performance. It also unveils significant variations in thermoregulation and adaptation between haplotypes, shedding light on the multifaceted relationship between environmental factors, genetics, and bee colony dynamics.

Factors affecting parental role adaptation in parents of preterm infants after discharge: a cross-sectional study.

Parenting a preterm infant can be incredibly challenging and stressful, particularly in the first year after discharge. Desirable parental role adaptation leads to appropriate parenting behaviors and parent-infant interaction, which are essential to child health and development. To investigate the level of parental role adaptation and its influencing factors among parents of preterm infants in the first year after hospital discharge according to Belsky's parenting process model among parents of preterm infants in the first year after hospital discharge. A cross-sectional study design was adopted using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Parental Role Adaptation Scale (PRAS) in parents with preterm infants, the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Coping Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS-15), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, Spearman correlation analyses, and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data. In total, 300 Chinese parents were included in the analysis. In the multivariate analysis, first-time parent (p = 0.003), master's degree and above (p = 0.042), coping adaptation processing (p = 0.000), residence location (towns: p = 0.019, city: p = 0.028), monthly family income (6000-10,000: p = 0.000, >10,000: p = 0.000), and perceived social support (p = 0.001) were all significant predictors of parental role adaptation and collectively accounted for 56.8% of the variation in parental role adaptation of parents with preterm infants (F = 16.473, p < 0.001). Coping adaptation processing mediated the relationship between perceived social support and parental role adaptation (95% bootstrap CI = 0.022, 0.130). Chinese parents of preterm infants experience a moderate level of parental role adaptation when their child is discharged from the hospital to home. Parents who are not first-time parents, have master's degrees or above, live in towns or cities, have higher coping and adaptation abilities, have high monthly family income, and greater perceived social support have a higher level of parental role adaptation. Healthcare providers should pay more attention to parents with low socioeconomic status and encourage them to improve their coping and adaptation abilities and to utilize their formal and informal social support networks.

The association between gender equality and climate adaptation across the globe

IntroductionClimate change has a disproportionate impact on women in comparison to men, and women have a key role to play in climate adaptation. However, evidence is lacking on how gender inequalities may be associated with climate vulnerability and ability to respond at country level.MethodsThis ecological study investigated the association between climate adaptation, measured by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Country Index (ND-GAIN), and gender equality, measured by the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) developed by the World Economic Forum and the Gender Inequality Index (GII) developed by the United Nations. Simple linear regression was used to estimate the associations between the indices and their subdomains for 146 countries.ResultsThere was an approximately linear association between the GGGI and climate adaptation. Each 1% increase in gender equality was associated with a 0.6% increase in the ND-GAIN score (the slope was 0.59, with a 95% confidence interval [0.33 to 0.84]). This was driven by a negative association between gender equality and vulnerability (-0.41 [-0.62 to -0.20]), and a positive association between gender equality and readiness (0.77 [0.44 to 1.10]). The strongest associations between gender equality and climate adaptation were observed for the education domain of the GGGI. There was a strong negative linear association between the GII and climate adaptation, which explained most (86%) of the between-country variation in climate adaptation. Each 1% increase in gender inequality was associated with a 0.5% decrease in the ND-GAIN score (-0.54 [-0.57 to -0.50]). The association between gender inequality and readiness was stronger than the association with vulnerability (0.41 [0.37 to 0.44] for vulnerability versus − 0.67 [-0.72 to -0.61] for readiness).ConclusionsGender inequality, measured broadly across different domains of life, is associated with climate adaptation at country level, both in terms of vulnerability to impact and readiness to respond.

Intraspecific variation in thermal performance curves for early development in Fundulus heteroclitus.

Thermal performance curves (TPCs) provide a framework for understanding the effects of temperature on ectotherm performance and fitness. TPCs are often used to test hypotheses regarding local adaptation to temperature or to develop predictions for how organisms will respond to climate warming. However, for aquatic organisms such as fishes, most TPCs have been estimated for adult life stages, and little is known about the shape of TPCs or the potential for thermal adaptation at sensitive embryonic life stages. To examine how latitudinal gradients shape TPCs at early life stages in fishes, we used two populations of Fundulus heteroclitus that have been shown to exhibit latitudinal variation along the thermal cline as adults. We exposed embryos from both northern and southern populations and their reciprocal crosses to eight different temperatures (15°C, 18°C, 21°C, 24°C, 27°C, 30°C, 33°C, and 36°C) until hatch and examined the effects of developmental temperature on embryonic and larval traits (shape of TPCs, heart rate, and body size). We found that the pure southern embryos had a right-shifted TPC (higher thermal optimum (Topt) for developmental rate, survival, and embryonic growth rate) whereas pure northern embryos had a vertically shifted TPC (higher maximum performance (Pmax) for developmental rate). Differences across larval traits and cross-type were also found, such that northern crosses hatched faster and hatched at a smaller size compared to the pure southern population. Overall, these observed differences in embryonic and larval traits are consistent with patterns of both local adaptation and countergradient variation.

Variations in Gender Perceptions of Summer Comfort and Adaptation in Colonial Revival-Style Homes

Past investigations have assessed gender variations in thermal comfort and adaptation in different buildings. However, no reported study has evaluated differences in gender perceptions of the thermal environment in US Colonial Revival-style homes. As a result, this study aims to provide an understanding of variations in gender perceptions of summer comfort and adaptation in the buildings. The study evaluated data collected during the field studies of thermal comfort (FSTC), including physical measurements of environmental variables and subjects’ votes. In this study, 67% females and 33% males participated in the field surveys in summertime. The mean neutral temperature of 25.5 °C and preferred temperature of 24.9 °C were noted for females. For males, the mean neutral and preferred temperatures of 25.8 °C and 25.6 °C were observed. Females feel neutral and prefer “no change” to the thermal environment at lower temperatures than males. A difference of 0.3 °C was noted between the average heat indices for females and males. Male respondents who feel warm perceive less air quality more than females. Females and males who perceive being thermally comfortable also perceive good air quality. Females and males who are thermally comfortable rated air humidity to be acceptable. There are similarities and differences between gender perceptions of the thermal environment. The investigation suggests interventions that can help users regulate their skin temperatures and use control measures that are sensitive to clothing insulation. The research also calls for policies that can promote building users’ pivotal adaptive measures to improve their indoor thermal environment. The study enhances our understanding of sustainable indoor environments and how to improve living conditions and adaptive modifications among different groups of occupants in buildings.

Correlations of university students' feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic with academic adaptation and quality of life

This study aimed to identify the feelings experienced by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with academic adaptation and quality of life (QoL). Through a cross-sectional and correlational design, 90 university students completed a questionnaire about feelings, academic adaptation, and QoL during the pandemic. Spearman's correlation was used to identify the correlation between the feelings of academic adaptation and quality of life. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the predictors of feelings of academic adaptation and the physical and mental components of the quality of life. Good academic adaptation and good QoL scores were identified in the sample. During the pandemic period, students experienced feelings of exhaustion, discouragement, irritation, exhaustion, insecurity, drowsiness, anxiety, worry, and tiredness with greater intensity. Positive feelings, such as energy and willingness, were reported as well. The feelings could predict variations in academic adaptation and physical and mental health. Additionally, a greater correlation of feelings was identified with the QoL domains related to the individual's perception of mental health. The results of this study highlight that, in the context of public health emergencies, investments are needed in institutional policies to support students, avoid difficulties in academic adaptation that impact dropout, and avoid the emergence or worsening of disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Population genomics highlights structural variations in local adaptation to saline coastal environments in woolly grape.

Structural variations (SVs) are a feature of plant genomes that has been largely unexplored despite their significant impact on plant phenotypic traits and local adaptation to abiotic and biotic stress. In this study, we employed woolly grape (Vitis retordii), a species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia with both coastal and inland habitats, as a valuable model for examining the impact of SVs on local adaptation. We assembled a haplotype-resolved chromosomal reference genome for woolly grape, and conducted population genetic analyses based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from coastal and inland populations. The demographic analyses revealed recent bottlenecks in all populations and asymmetric gene flow from the inland to the coastal population. In total, 1,035 genes associated with plant adaptive regulation for salt stress, radiation, and environmental adaptation were detected underlying local selection by SVs and SNPs in the coastal population, of which 37.29% and 65.26% were detected by SVs and SNPs, respectively. Candidate genes such as FSD2, RGA1, and AAP8 associated with salt tolerance were found to be highly differentiated and selected during the process of local adaptation to coastal habitats in SV regions. Our study highlights the importance of SVs in local adaptation; candidate genes related to salt stress and climatic adaptation to tropical and subtropical environments are important genomic resources for future breeding programs of grapevine and its rootstocks.

Variation in adaptation and growth among Corymbia citriodora natural-stand and landrace seed sources in southern China

ABSTRACT Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora has a long history of cultivation as a multipurpose tree in China and many other countries in Southeast and South Asia. Despite this history and longstanding interest in the species, published studies examining genetic variation among and/or within provenances/seed sources are scarce. Recognising this and to initiate an improvement program for this species, a field trial was established in southern coastal China in 2015 with 171 open-pollinated single mother-tree family seedlots representing five natural-stand seed sources in Australia and six planted seed sources in China. Large significant variation was found among seed sources for pest and disease resistance, survival, growth and stem form up to age 81 months. Australian seed sources were generally superior to Chinese ones for most traits. Phenotypic correlations among traits, at both the individual tree and seed-source mean levels, were favourable, with the strongest individual tree correlations found between disease susceptibility at 10 months and various tree growth traits. Overall, the variation observed in this field trial indicates the potential gains in this species from seed-source selection and ongoing breeding.

Genome-wide sequencing reveals geographical variations in the thermal adaptation of an aquaculture species with frequent seedling introductions

Climate change and human activity are essential factors affecting marine biodiversity and aquaculture, and understanding the impacts of human activities on the genetic structure to increasing high temperatures is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and marine biodiversity conservation. As a commercially important bivalve, the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is widely distributed along the coast of China, and it has been frequently introduced from Fujian Province, China, to other regions for aquaculture. In this study, we collected four populations of Manila clams from different areas to evaluate their thermal tolerance by measuring cardiac performance and genetic variations using whole-genome resequencing. The upper thermal limits of the clams showed high variations within and among populations. Different populations displayed divergent genetic compositions, and the admixed population was partly derived from the Zhangzhou population in Fujian Province, implying a complex genomic landscape under the influence of local genetic sources and human introductions. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with the cardiac functional traits, and some of these SNPs can affect the codon usage and the structural stability of the resulting protein. This study shed light on the importance of establishing long-term ecological and genetic monitoring programs at the local level to enhance resilience to future climate change.