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Understanding the effect of land use on soil carbon, nitrogen, and microbial activity associated with aggregates is critical for thorough comprehension of the C and N dynamics of karst landscapes/ecosystems. We monitored soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and C mic : C org ratio in large macro- (>2 mm), small macro- (0.25–2 mm), and micro- (0.053–0.25 mm) aggregates to determine the changes in soil properties under different land uses in the karst area of Southwest China. Five common land-use types—enclosure land (natural system, control), prescribed-burning land, fuel-wood shrubland, pasture and maize fields—were selected. Results showed that pasture and maize fields remarkably decreased the SOC and TN concentrations in aggregates. Conversion of natural system to other land uses decreased MBC (except for prescribed-burning) and increased C mic : C org ratios in aggregates. The extent of the response to land uses of SOC and TN concentrations was similar whereas that of MBC and C mic : C org ratios differed across the three aggregate sizes. Further, the SOC concentrations were significantly higher in macro-aggregates than micro-aggregates; the MBC and C mic : C org ratios were highest in small macro-aggregates. Therefore, small macro-aggregates might have more active C dynamics.

Background Lottiidae (Gray, 1840) is a derived family of Patellogastropoda and an important component of intertidal benthic communities. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been frequently used to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of Patellogastropoda. We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete mitogenomes of five species. We analyzed the basic base composition characteristics of these mitogenomes, constructed a phylogenetic tree, compared the characteristics of gene rearrangement with other related species, and discussed the evolutionary patterns between gastropod species and the evolutionary relationships of each subclass. In addition, we aim to infer the differentiation time and evolutionary characteristics of various species in the order Patellogastropoda. These results will enrich the mitogenome database of Patellogastropoda and enhance our understanding of the genetic characteristics of Lottiidae and the phylogenetic relationships between gastropods. Results We obtained the mitogenomes sequences of Lottia peitaihoensis , Patelloida saccharinoides , Patelloida ryukyuensis , Nipponacmea sp. and Nipponacmea nigrans , using next-generation sequencing technology. We analyzed the basic structural characteristics of their mitogenomes and found that their lengths ranged from 16.6 kbp to 19.1 kbp. While N. nigrans and P. saccharinoides contain 39 genes, L. peitaihoensis , P . ryukyuensis , and Nipponacmea sp. have only 38 genes, with one trnW less. The most abundant base among the five species is T, and most protein coding genes (PCGs) use ATT, ATG, and ATA as starting codons, and TAA and TAG as stopping codons. We selected the mitogenomes of 10 Lottiidae species for selection pressure analysis and found that all PCGs were subject to purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Patellogastropoda is a fundamental branch of the Gastropoda, and Lottiidae, within Patellogastropoda, is an independent branch at the outermost of the entire phylogenetic tree. Comparison of mitochondrial gene sequences of all Patellogastropoda species revealed a high degree of gene rearrangement within the family Lottiidae, eight sequences present among the 10 species examined. By estimating their divergence times, we found that the divergence of limpets occurred as early as the Permian period of the Paleozoic Era, and a large number of species diverged in the Cenozoic Era. Conclusion The data obtained from this study will provide information on the assembly of the mitochondrial genome of the Lottiidae species, which will contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary status and relationship among thes family of Patellogastropoda.

In order to enrich our taxonomic and systematic comprehension of Ovulidae within the evolutionary framework of Littorinimorpha. we present a comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of Volva habei using next-generation sequencing technology (GenBank accession number OR492307). The mitogenome spans a total length of 16,519 bp, encompassing a complete set of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs, demonstrating a distinct AT bias. Notably, trnS2 lacks a dihydrouracil (DHU) arm, thus preventing the formation of a typical secondary structure. In contrast, the remaining tRNAs exhibit a characteristic cloverleaf-like secondary structure. Comparative analysis with ancestral gastropods reveals substantial differences in three gene clusters (or genes), incorporating fifteen tRNAs and eight PCGs. Of particular significance are the observed inversions and translocations, representing the predominant types of rearrangements in V. habei . Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the monophyletic grouping of all Littorinimorpha species, with V. habei forming a distinct Ovulidae clade. It is noteworthy that V. habei forms a sister group with Cypraeidae, collectively belonging to the Cypraeoidea. In summary, this study not only advances our comprehension of the entire mitochondrial dataset for Calyptraeoidea but also provides novel insights into the phylogenetic relationships within Littorinimorpha.

Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) can provide useful information for phylogenetic relationships, gene rearrangement, and evolutionary traits. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the herbivorous crab Grapsus albolineatus . It is a typical metazoan mitochondrial genome. The total size is 15,583 bp, contains the entire set of 37 genes, and has an AT-rich region. Then, 23 of the 37 genes were encoded by the heavy (+) strand while 14 are encoded by the light (−) strand. Compared with the pan-crustacean ground pattern, two tRNA genes ( tRNA-His and tRNA-Gln ) were rearranged and the tandem duplication/random loss model was used to explain the observed gene rearrangements. The phylogenetic results showed that all Grapsidae crabs clustered together as a group. Furthermore, the monophyly of each family was well supported, with the exception of Menippidae. In general, the results obtained in this study will contribute to the better understanding of gene rearrangements in Grapsidae crab mitogenomes and provide new insights into the phylogeny of Brachyura.

Emerging evidence shows that the biomechanical environment is required to support cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play a crucial role in drug resistance. However, how mechanotransduction signals regulate CSCs and its clinical significance has remained unclear. Using clinical-practice ultrasound elastography for patients’ lesions and atomic force microscopy for surgical samples, we reveal that increased matrix stiffness is associated with poor responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, worse prognosis, and CSC enrichment in patients with breast cancer. Mechanically, TAZ activated by biomechanics enhances CSC properties via phase separation with NANOG. TAZ-NANOG phase separation, which is dependent on acidic residues in the N-terminal activation domain of NANOG, promotes the transcription of SOX2 and OCT4. Therapeutically, targeting NANOG or TAZ reduces CSCs and enhances the chemosensitivity in vivo. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the phase separation of a pluripotency transcription factor links mechanical cues in the niche to the fate of CSCs. Stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment are reported to regulate cancer stemness via biomechanical signals. Here the authors show that TAZ activated by biomechanical cues enhanced cancer stem cell properties via phase separation with Nanog.

For the purpose of determining the placement of Calyptraeidae within the Littorinimorpha, we hereby furnish a thorough analysis of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of Desmaulus extinctorium . This mitogenome spans 16,605 base pairs and encompasses the entire set of 37 genes, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs, with an evident AT bias. Notably, tRNA Ser1 and tRNA Ser2 lack dihydrouracil (DHU) arms, resulting in an inability to form a secondary structure. Similarly, tRNA Ala lacks a TΨC arm, rendering it incapable of forming a secondary structure. In contrast, the remaining tRNAs demonstrate a characteristic secondary structure reminiscent of a cloverleaf. A comparison with ancestral gastropods reveals distinct differences in three gene clusters (or genes), encompassing 15 tRNAs and eight PCGs. Notably, inversions and translocations represent the major types of rearrangements observed in D . extinctorium . Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates robust support for a monophyletic grouping of all Littorinimorpha species, with D . extinctorium representing a distinct Calyptraeoidea clade. In summary, this investigation provides the first complete mitochondrial dataset for a species of the Calyptraeidae, thus providing novel insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the Littorinimorpha.

Background The Caridea, affiliated with Malacostraca, Decapoda, and Pleocyemata, constitute one of the most significant shrimp groups. They are widely distributed across diverse aquatic habitats worldwide, enriching their evolutionary history. In recent years, considerable attention has been focused on the classification and systematic evolution of Caridea, yet controversies still exist regarding the phylogenetic relationships among families. Methods Here, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences of five caridean species, namely Heterocarpus sibogae , Procletes levicarina , Macrobrachium sp. , Latreutes anoplonyx , and Atya gabonensis , were determined using second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. The basic structural characteristics, nucleotide composition, amino acid content, and codon usage bias of their mitogenomes were analyzed. Selection pressure values of protein-coding genes (PCGs) in species within the families Pandalidae, Palaemonidae, and Atyidae were also computed. Phylogenetic trees based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of 13 PCGs from 103 caridean species were constructed, and divergence times for various families within Caridea were estimated. Results The mitogenome of these five caridean species vary in length from 15,782 to 16,420 base pairs, encoding a total of 37 or 38 genes, including 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 or 23 tRNA genes. Specifically, L. anoplonyx encodes an additional tRNA gene, bringing its total gene count to 38. The base composition of the mitogenomes of these five species exhibited a higher proportion of adenine-thymine (AT) bases. Six start codons and four stop codons were identified across the five species. Analysis of amino acid content and codon usage revealed variations among the five species. Analysis of selective pressure in Pandalidae, Palaemonidae, and Atyidae showed that the Ka/Ks values of PCGs in all three families were less than 1, indicating that purifying selection is influencing on their evolution. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that each family within Caridea is monophyletic. The results of gene rearrangement and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated correlations between these two aspects. Divergence time estimation, supported by fossil records, indicated that the divergence of Caridea species occurred in the Triassic period of the Mesozoic era, with subsequent differentiation into two major lineages during the Jurassic period. Conclusions This study explored the fundamental characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of mitogenomes within the infraorder Caridea, providing valuable insights into their classification, interspecific evolutionary patterns, and the evolutionary status of various Caridea families. The findings provide essential references for identifying shrimp species and detecting significant gene rearrangements within the Caridea infraorder.

Background Patellogastropoda, or true limpets, is a major taxonomic group within the Gastropoda, Mollusca. The complete mitochondrial genomes have been widely used to study the phylogenetic relationships of Patellogastropoda. To further enhance the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among families within this subclass, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of five species using third-generation sequencing technology: Limalepeta lima , Lepeta kuragiensis , Lottia versicolor , Lottia instabilis , and Lottia tenuisculpta . We examined mitochondrial genome structure, nucleotide composition and skew, as well as amino acid content and codon usage. Additionally, we assessed selective pressures on protein-coding genes in Lepetidae and Lottiidae species, constructed a phylogenetic tree for Patellogastropoda, analyzed gene arrangement, and estimated the divergence times within Patellogastropoda. Results The mitochondrial genomes of these five species all encoded 38 genes. They exhibited a higher AT base content, and the protein-coding genes were under purifying selection. The Patellogastropoda was divided into two clades: Clade 1 included a part of the Lottioidea superfamily and the Patelloidea superfamily, whereas the Lottiidae family within the Lottioidea superfamily formed a separate clade (Clade 2). The mitochondrial genomes of the Patellogastropoda exhibited extensive gene rearrangements, particularly those in Lottiidae, which were the most complex. The Patellogastropoda lineage was estimated to have originated in the Paleozoic Permian era, with active differentiation occurring in the Mesozoic Cretaceous and the Cenozoic era. Conclusions Our research results contribute to a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the Patellogastropoda, and reveal the extensive gene rearrangements, providing further insights into the evolution and genetics of gastropods.

Glucose-induced insulin secretion depends on β-cell electrical activity. Inhibition of ATP-regulated potassium (K ATP ) channels is a key event in this process. However, K ATP channel closure alone is not sufficient to induce β-cell electrical activity; activation of a depolarizing membrane current is also required. Here we examine the role of the mechanosensor ion channel PIEZO1 in this process. Yoda1, a specific PIEZO1 agonist, activates a small membrane current and thereby triggers β-cell electrical activity with resultant stimulation of Ca 2+ -influx and insulin secretion. Conversely, the PIEZO1 antagonist GsMTx4 reduces glucose-induced Ca 2+ -signaling, electrical activity and insulin secretion. Yet, PIEZO1 expression is elevated in islets from human donors with type-2 diabetes (T2D) and a rodent T2D model ( db/db mouse), in which insulin secretion is reduced. This paradox is resolved by our finding that PIEZO1 translocates from the plasmalemma into the nucleus (where it cannot influence the membrane potential of the β-cell) under experimental conditions emulating T2D (high glucose culture). β-cell-specific Piezo1 -knockout mice show impaired glucose tolerance in vivo and reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion, β-cell electrical activity and Ca 2+ elevation in vitro. These results implicate mechanotransduction and activation of PIEZO1, via intracellular accumulation of glucose metabolites, as an important physiological regulator of insulin secretion. Insulin secretion depends on action potential firing in pancreatic islet beta-cells, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, the authors show that activation of the mechanosensor ion channel PIEZO1 plays a central role in beta-cell electrical activity and insulin release.

We aimed to elucidate the temporal relationship between perceived social support, emotional self-disclosure and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in children. The super typhoon Lekima occurred on August 10, 2019, in China. Three waves of self-report questionnaires were administered to children at 3 months (T1, = 1596), 15 months (T2,  = 1072), and 27 months (T3, = 483) following the typhoon. The main analysis was based on data from 351 children who completed all three waves of assessment. We constructed cross-lagged panel models to examine temporal associations between perceived social support, emotional self-disclosure, and posttraumatic growth. Controlling for trauma exposure, age, gender, monthly income of family and parental marital status, results revealed that perceived social support at T1 and T2 was longitudinally related to emotional self-disclosure and PTG at T2 and T3. Emotional self-disclosure at T1 and T2 positively connected with perceived social support and PTG at T2 and T3. However, PTG did not relate to subsequent perceived social support. Mediation analyses revealed that perceived social support at T1 was positively connected with PTG at T3 through emotional self-disclosure at T2, and that emotional self-disclosure at T1 was positively connected with PTG at T3 through perceived social support at T2. These results demonstrated that perceived social support and emotional self-disclosure were mutually reinforcing, and both could facilitate PTG among children. Post-disaster psychological interventions could work to enrich social support resources and encourage children's emotional self-disclosure.