Diversity and habitat association of medium and large mammals in Gibe Sheleko National Park,Southern Ethiopia

Complete documentation on the status of mammals is indispensable for appropriate conservation measures in protected areas. However, there is inadequate information on mammalian resources in the ecosystem of Gibe Sheleko National Park (GSNP). Thus, the study aimed to assess species diversity, abundance, and habitat association of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals in GSNP. We stratified the study area into five dominant habitat types, namely dense forest, wooded grassland, grassland, riverine forest, and farmland habitat types based on land cover and vegetation structures and further employed stratified random sampling technique across each habitat type. The sample transects covered 20% of the study area. Transect width ranged from 50 m to 400 m based on vegetation cover and visibility of mammals. The main data were collected via direct observation. Data were analyzed via chi‐square test and species diversity indexes. We recorded the total of 20 mammals species'' those belong to 10 families of which 8 species were large‐sized and 12 species medium‐sized mammals. There were two IUCN vulnerable species, namely Hippopotamus amphibious and Panthera pardus, and two globally near‐threatened species, particularly Litocranius walleri and Caracal caracal in the study area. Dense forest held the highest species diversity of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals (H′ = 2.28) with the highest evenness index (J = 0.84). Riverine forest had the least diversity with uneven population distribution. Papio anubis was the most abundance species, whereas Caracal caracal was the least abundant in the study area. GSNP is home for threatened and spectacular mammals species''; hence, an appropriate conservation measure is mandatory to keep existing mammals species''.     

Concordant geographic and genetic structure revealed by genotyping‐by‐sequencing in a New Zealand marine isopod

Population genetic structure in the marine environment can be influenced by life‐history traits such as developmental mode (biphasic, with distinct adult and larval morphology, and direct development, in which larvae resemble adults) or habitat specificity, as well as geography and selection. Developmental mode is thought to significantly influence dispersal, with direct developers expected to have much lower dispersal potential. However, this prediction can be complicated by the presence of geophysical barriers to dispersal. In this study, we use a panel of 8,020 SNPs to investigate population structure and biogeography over multiple spatial scales for a direct‐developing species, the New Zealand endemic marine isopod Isocladus armatus. Because our sampling range is intersected by two well‐known biogeographic barriers (the East Cape and the Cook Strait), our study provides an opportunity to understand how such barriers influence dispersal in direct developers. On a small spatial scale (20 km), gene flow between locations is extremely high, suggestive of an island model of migration. However, over larger spatial scales (600 km), populations exhibit a clear pattern of isolation‐by‐distance. Our results indicate that I. armatus exhibits significant migration across the hypothesized barriers and suggest that large‐scale ocean currents associated with these locations do not present a barrier to dispersal. Interestingly, we find evidence of a north‐south population genetic break occurring between Māhia and Wellington. While no known geophysical barrier is apparent in this area, it coincides with the location of a proposed border between bioregions. Analysis of loci under selection revealed that both isolation‐by‐distance and adaption may be contributing to the degree of population structure we have observed here. We conclude that developmental life history largely predicts dispersal in the intertidal isopod I. armatus. However, localized biogeographic processes can disrupt this expectation, and this may explain the potential meta‐population detected in the Auckland region.     

MiR‐223‐3p inhibits rTp17‐induced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis by targeting NLRP3

The incidence of syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum subsp pallidum (T pallidum) infection is accompanied by inflammatory injuries of vascular endothelial cells. Studies have revealed that T pallidum infection could induce inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in macrophages. MicroRNA‐223‐3p (miR‐223‐3p) was reported to be a negative regulator in inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to explore whether miR‐223‐3p regulates T pallidum‐induced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in vascular endothelial cells, and determine the mechanisms which underlie this process. MiR‐223‐3p levels in syphilis and control samples were determined. The biological function of miR‐223‐3p in the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis was evaluated in T pallidum‐infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We observed a dramatic decrease in miR‐223‐3p levels in syphilis patients (n = 20) when compared to healthy controls (n = 20). Moreover, miR‐223‐3p showed a notable inhibitory effect on recombinant Tp17 (rTP17)‐induced caspase‐1 activation, resulting in decrease in IL‐1β production and pyroptosis, which was accompanied by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in HUVECs. Additionally, the dual‐luciferase assay confirmed that NLRP3 is a direct target of miR‐223‐3p. Moreover, NLRP3 overexpression or knockdown largely blocked the effects of miR‐223‐3p on T pallidum‐induced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HUVECs. Most importantly, a notable negative correlation was observed between miR‐223‐3p and NLRP3, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β, respectively, in the serum of syphilis patients and healthy controls. Taken together, our results reveal that miR‐223‐3p targets NLRP3 to suppress inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in T pallidum‐infected endothelial cells, implying that miR‐223‐3p could be a potential target for syphilis patients.     

Aging‐related cell type‐specific pathophysiologic immune responses that exacerbate disease severity in aged COVID‐19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is especially severe in aged patients, defined as 65 years or older, for reasons that are currently unknown. To investigate the underlying basis for this vulnerability, we performed multimodal data analyses on immunity, inflammation, and COVID‐19 incidence and severity as a function of age. Our analysis leveraged age‐specific COVID‐19 mortality and laboratory testing from a large COVID‐19 registry, along with epidemiological data of ~3.4 million individuals, large‐scale deep immune cell profiling data, and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing data from aged COVID‐19 patients across diverse populations. We found that decreased lymphocyte count and elevated inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio) are significantly associated with age‐specific COVID‐19 severities. We identified the reduced abundance of naïve CD8 T cells with decreased expression of antiviral defense genes (i.e., IFITM3 and TRIM22) in aged severe COVID‐19 patients. Older individuals with severe COVID‐19 displayed type I and II interferon deficiencies, which is correlated with SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load. Elevated expression of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry factors and reduced expression of antiviral defense genes (LY6E and IFNAR1) in the secretory cells are associated with critical COVID‐19 in aged individuals. Mechanistically, we identified strong TGF‐beta‐mediated immune–epithelial cell interactions (i.e., secretory‐non‐resident macrophages) in aged individuals with critical COVID‐19. Taken together, our findings point to immuno‐inflammatory factors that could be targeted therapeutically to reduce morbidity and mortality in aged COVID‐19 patients.     

Home‐site fidelity and homing behavior of the big‐headed turtle Platysternon megacephalum

Site fidelity refers to the restriction of dispersal distance of an animal and its tendency to return to a stationary site. To our knowledge, the homing ability of freshwater turtles and their fidelity is reportedly very low in Asia. We examined mark–recapture data spanning a 4‐year period in Diaoluoshan National Nature Reserve, Hainan Province, China, to investigate the site fidelity and homing behavior of big‐headed turtles Platysternon megacephalum. A total of 11 big‐headed turtles were captured, and all individuals were used in this mark–recapture study. The site fidelity results showed that the adult big‐headed turtles (n = 4) had a 71.43% recapture rate in the original site after their release at the same site, whereas the juveniles (n = 1) showed lower recapture rates (0%). Moreover, the homing behavior results showed that the adults (n = 5) had an 83.33% homing rate after displacement. Adult big‐headed turtles were able to return to their initial capture sites (home) from 150 to 2,400 m away and precisely to their home sites from either upstream or downstream of their capture sites or even from other streams. However, none of the juveniles (n = 4) returned home, despite only being displaced 25–150 m away. These results indicated that the adult big‐headed turtles showed high fidelity to their home site and strong homing ability. In contrast, the juvenile turtles may show an opposite trend but further research is needed.     

IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells regulate fibrosis through secreting IL‐21 in systemic scleroderma

This study aimed to explore the function of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells on fibrosis in systemic scleroderma (SSc). Blood and skin samples were collected from 20 SSc cases and 10 healthy individuals. The percentage of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells was detected using flow cytometry. The in vitro induction of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells was performed adopting PHA and rIL‐12. Gene expression was detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), whereas western blot analysis was adopted for protein analysis. The distribution of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with SSc stages (P = .031), disease duration (P = .016), activity (P = .025) and skin scores (P < .001). In vitro, IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells could promote the expressions of α‐SMA and COL1A1, revealing increased fibroblasts’ proliferation and enhanced collagen‐secreting capacity. In addition, IL‐21 expression was significantly increased in co‐culture medium of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells and fibroblasts (P < .001). IL‐21 neutralizer treatment resulted in the down‐regulation of α‐SMA and COL1A1. IL‐21 was confirmed as an effector of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells in fibrosis process. The distribution of IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with disease activity. IFN‐γ⁺IL‐17⁺Th17 cells could promote fibroblast proliferation and enhance collagen‐secreting ability via producing IL‐21, thus contributing to fibrosis in SSc.     

Decay of TRPV3 as the genomic trace of epidermal structure changes in the land‐to‐sea transition of mammals

The epidermis plays an indispensable barrier function in animals. Some species have evolved unique epidermal structures to adapt to different environments. Aquatic and semi‐aquatic mammals (cetaceans, manatees, and hippopotamus) are good models to study the evolution of epidermal structures because of their exceptionally thickened stratum spinosum, the lack of stratum granulosum, and the parakeratotic stratum corneum. This study aimed to analyze an upstream regulatory gene transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 3 (TRPV3) of epidermal differentiation so as to explore the association between TRPV3 evolution and epidermal changes in mammals. Inactivating mutations were detected in almost all the aquatic cetaceans and several terrestrial mammals. Relaxed selective pressure was examined in the cetacean lineages with inactivated TRPV3, which might contribute to its exceptionally thickened stratum spinosum as the significant thickening of stratum spinosum in TRPV3 knock‐out mouse. However, functional TRPV3 may exist in several terrestrial mammals due to their strong purifying selection, although they have “inactivating mutations.” Further, for intact sequences, relaxed selective constraints on the TRPV3 gene were also detected in aquatic cetaceans, manatees, and semi‐aquatic hippopotamus. However, they had intact TRPV3, suggesting that the accumulation of inactivating mutations might have lagged behind the relaxed selective pressure. The results of this study revealed the decay of TRPV3 being the genomic trace of epidermal development in aquatic and semi‐aquatic mammals. They provided insights into convergently evolutionary changes of epidermal structures during the transition from the terrestrial to the aquatic environment.     

3,6'‐disinapoyl sucrose attenuates Aβ1‐42‐ induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans by enhancing antioxidation and regulating autophagy

The aggregation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) has the neurotoxicity, which is thought to play critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). Inhibiting Aβ deposition and neurotoxicity has been considered as an important strategy for AD treatment. 3,6''‐Disinapoyl sucrose (DISS), one of the oligosaccharide esters derived from traditional Chinese medicine Polygalae Radix, possesses antioxidative activity, neuroprotective effect and anti‐depressive activity. This study was to explore whether DISS could attenuate the pathological changes of Aβ_1‐42 transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The results showed that DISS (5 and 50 μM) treatment significantly prolonged the life span, increased the number of egg‐laying, reduced paralysis rate, decreased the levels of lipofuscin and ROS and attenuated Aβ deposition in Aβ_1‐42 transgenic C. elegans. Gene analysis showed that DISS could up‐regulate the mRNA expression of sod‐3, gst‐4, daf‐16, bec‐1 and lgg‐1, while down‐regulate the mRNA expression of daf‐2 and daf‐15 in Aβ_1‐42 transgenic C. elegans. These results suggested that DISS has the protective effect against Aβ_1‐42‐induced pathological damages and prolongs the life span of C. elegans, which may be related to the reduction of Aβ deposition and neurotoxicity by regulating expression of genes related to antioxidation and autophagy.     

A novel multikinase inhibitor SKLB‐YTH‐60 ameliorates inflammation and fibrosis in bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis mouse models

ObjectivesIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is marked by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which participates in a variety of chronic diseases or injuries and seriously threatens human health. Due to the side effects of clinical drugs, there is still a need to develop novel and less toxic drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis.Materials and MethodsSKLB‐YTH‐60 was developed through computer‐aided drug design, de novo synthesis and high‐throughput screening. We employed the bleomycin (BLM)‐induced lung fibrosis animal models and used TGF‐β₁ to induce the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein expression of collagen I and the α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), E‐cadherin, p‐FGFR1, p‐PLCγ, p‐Smad2/3 and p‐Erk1/2 was detected by western blot.ResultsYTH‐60 has obvious anti‐proliferative activity on fibroblasts and A549 cells. Moreover, YTH‐60 could impair the EMT of A549 cells and suppressed fibrosis by inhibiting FGFR and TGF‐β/Smad‐dependent pathways. Intraperitoneal administration of preventive YTH‐60 could significantly reduce the degree of fibrosis in mice and regulate the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. In addition, we observed that therapeutic YTH‐60 treatment attenuated fibrotic changes in mice during the period of fibrosis. Importantly, YTH‐60 has shown an acceptable oral bioavailability (F = 17.86%) and appropriate eliminated half‐life time (T _1/2 = 8.03 hours).ConclusionsTaken together, these preclinical evaluations suggested that YTH‐60 could be a promising drug candidate for treating IPF.     

Genotyping validates the efficacy of photographic identification in a capture‐mark‐recapture study based on the head scale patterns of the prairie lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus)

Population studies often incorporate capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) techniques to gather information on long‐term biological and demographic characteristics. A fundamental requirement for CMR studies is that an individual must be uniquely and permanently marked to ensure reliable reidentification throughout its lifespan. Photographic identification involving automated photographic identification software has become a popular and efficient noninvasive method for identifying individuals based on natural markings. However, few studies have (a) robustly assessed the performance of automated programs by using a double‐marking system or (b) determined their efficacy for long‐term studies by incorporating multi‐year data. Here, we evaluated the performance of the program Interactive Individual Identification System (I³S) by cross‐validating photographic identifications based on the head scale pattern of the prairie lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus) with individual microsatellite genotyping (N = 863). Further, we assessed the efficacy of the program to identify individuals over time by comparing error rates between within‐year and between‐year recaptures. Recaptured lizards were correctly identified by I³S in 94.1% of cases. We estimated a false rejection rate (FRR) of 5.9% and a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0%. By using I³S, we correctly identified 97.8% of within‐year recaptures (FRR = 2.2%; FAR = 0%) and 91.1% of between‐year recaptures (FRR = 8.9%; FAR = 0%). Misidentifications were primarily due to poor photograph quality (N = 4). However, two misidentifications were caused by indistinct scale configuration due to scale damage (N = 1) and ontogenetic changes in head scalation between capture events (N = 1). We conclude that automated photographic identification based on head scale patterns is a reliable and accurate method for identifying individuals over time. Because many lizard or reptilian species possess variable head squamation, this method has potential for successful application in many species.     

Genome‐wide selective detection of Mile red‐bone goat using next‐generation sequencing technology

The ecotype population of goats (Capra hircus) was created by long‐term artificial selection and natural adaptation. Mile red‐bone goat is an indigenous breed with visible red bones, and its special bone structure has received extensive attention. This study aimed to identify genetic variants and candidate genes associated with specific bone phenotypes using next‐generation sequencing technology (NGS). The results revealed that 31,828,206 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained from 72 goats (20 Mile red‐bone goats and 52 common goats) by NGS. A total of 100 candidate genes were identified on the basis top 1% window interaction from nucleotide diversity (π), π ratio (π _A/π _B), and pairwise fixation index (F _ST). Exactly 77 known signaling pathways were enriched. Specifically, three coding genes (NMNAT2, LOC102172983, and PNLIP) were annotated in the vitamin metabolism signaling pathways, and NCF2 was annotated to the osteoclast (OC) differentiation pathway. Furthermore, 5862 reliable copy number variations (CNVs) were obtained, and 14 and 24 genes were annotated with the top 1‰ CNV based on F _ST (>0.490) and V _ST (>0.527), respectively. Several pathways related to bone development and metabolism of exogenous substances in vivo, including calcium signaling pathway, OC differentiation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism, were annotated. Specifically, six genes from 19 candidate CNVs, which were obtained by interaction of the top 1‰ CNVs with F _ST and V _ST, were annotated to mucin‐type O‐glycan biosynthesis and metabolic pathways. Briefly, the results implied that pseudopurpurin and specific genetic variants work together to contribute to the red‐bone color and specific bone structure of Mile red‐bone goat. This study is helpful to understanding the genetic basis of the unique bone phenotype of Mile red‐bone goats.     

17‐a‐estradiol late in life extends lifespan in aging UM‐HET3 male mice; nicotinamide riboside and three other drugs do not affect lifespan in either sex

In genetically heterogeneous mice produced by the CByB6F1 x C3D2F1 cross, the “non‐feminizing” estrogen, 17‐α‐estradiol (17aE2), extended median male lifespan by 19% (p < 0.0001, log‐rank test) and 11% (p = 0.007) when fed at 14.4 ppm starting at 16 and 20 months, respectively. 90th percentile lifespans were extended 7% (p = 0.004, Wang–Allison test) and 5% (p = 0.17). Body weights were reduced about 20% after starting the 17aE2 diets. Four other interventions were tested in males and females: nicotinamide riboside, candesartan cilexetil, geranylgeranylacetone, and MIF098. Despite some data suggesting that nicotinamide riboside would be effective, neither it nor the other three increased lifespans significantly at the doses tested. The 17aE2 results confirm and extend our original reports, with very similar results when started at 16 months compared with mice started at 10 months of age in a prior study. The consistently large lifespan benefit in males, even when treatment is started late in life, may provide information on sex‐specific aspects of aging.     

Evidence of endozoochory in upland geese Chloephaga picta and white‐bellied seedsnipes Attagis malouinus in sub‐Antarctic Chile

Birds are known to act as potential vectors for the exogenous dispersal of bryophyte diaspores. Given the totipotency of vegetative tissue of many bryophytes, birds could also contribute to endozoochorous bryophyte dispersal. Research has shown that fecal samples of the upland goose (Chloephaga picta) and white‐bellied seedsnipe (Attagis malouinus) contain bryophyte fragments. Although few fragments from bird feces have been known to regenerate, the evidence for the viability of diaspores following passage through the bird intestinal tract remains ambiguous. We evaluated the role of endozoochory in these same herbivorous and sympatric bird species in sub‐Antarctic Chile. We hypothesized that fragments of bryophyte gametophytes retrieved from their feces are viable and capable of regenerating new plant tissue. Eleven feces disk samples containing undetermined moss fragments from C. picta (N = 6) and A. malouinus (N = 5) and six moss fragment samples from wild‐collected mosses (Conostomum tetragonum, Syntrichia robusta, and Polytrichum strictum) were grown ex situ in peat soil and in vitro using a agar Gamborg medium. After 91 days, 20% of fragments from A. malouinus feces, 50% of fragments from C. picta feces, and 67% of propagules from wild mosses produced new growth. The fact that moss diaspores remained viable and can regenerate under experimental conditions following the passage through the intestinal tracts of these robust fliers and altitudinal and latitudinal migrants suggests that sub‐Antarctic birds might play a role in bryophyte dispersal. This relationship may have important implications in the way bryophytes disperse and colonize habitats facing climate change.     

Kinetics and persistence of cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in healthcare workers with or without prior COVID‐19

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines are highly efficient against severe forms of the disease, hospitalization and death. Nevertheless, insufficient protection against several circulating viral variants might suggest waning immunity and the need for an additional vaccine dose. We conducted a longitudinal study on the kinetics and persistence of immune responses in healthcare workers vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine with or without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. No new infections were diagnosed during follow‐up. At 6 months, post‐vaccination or post‐infection, despite a downward trend in the level of anti‐S IgG antibodies, the neutralizing activity does not decrease significantly, remaining higher than 75% (85.14% for subjects with natural infection, 88.82% for vaccinated after prior infection and 78.37% for vaccinated only). In a live‐virus neutralization assay, the highest neutralization titres were present at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up in persons vaccinated after prior infection. Anti‐S IgA levels showed a significant descending trend in vaccinated subjects (p < 0.05) after 14 weeks. Cellular immune responses are present even in vaccinated participants with declining antibody levels (index ratio 1.1–3) or low neutralizing activity (30%–40%) at 6 months, although with lower T‐cell stimulation index (p = 0.046) and IFN‐γ secretion (p = 0.0007) compared to those with preserved humoral responses.     

Genome‐wide analysis reveals demographic and life‐history patterns associated with habitat modification in landlocked,deep‐spawning sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Human‐mediated habitat fragmentation in freshwater ecosystems can negatively impact genetic diversity, demography, and life history of native biota, while disrupting the behavior of species that are dependent on spatial connectivity to complete their life cycles. In the Alouette River system (British Columbia, Canada), dam construction in 1928 impacted passage of anadromous sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), with the last records of migrants occurring in the 1930s. Since that time, O. nerka persisted as a resident population in Alouette Reservoir until experimental water releases beginning in 2005 created conditions for migration; two years later, returning migrants were observed for the first time in ~70 years, raising important basic and applied questions regarding life‐history variation and population structure in this system. Here, we investigated the genetic distinctiveness and population history of Alouette Reservoir O. nerka using genome‐wide SNP data (n = 7,709 loci) collected for resident and migrant individuals, as well as for neighboring anadromous sockeye salmon and resident kokanee populations within the Fraser River drainage (n = 312 individuals). Bayesian clustering and principal components analyses based on neutral loci revealed five distinct clusters, largely associated with geography, and clearly demonstrated that Alouette Reservoir resident and migrant individuals are genetically distinct from other O. nerka populations in the Fraser River drainage. At a finer level, there was no clear evidence for differentiation between Alouette Reservoir residents and migrants; although we detected eight high‐confidence outlier loci, they all mapped to sex chromosomes suggesting that differences were likely due to uneven sex ratios rather than life history. Taken together, these data suggest that contemporary Alouette Reservoir O. nerka represents a landlocked sockeye salmon population, constituting the first reported instance of deep‐water spawning behavior associated with this life‐history form. This finding punctuates the need for reassessment of conservation status and supports ongoing fisheries management activities in Alouette Reservoir.     

Mapping potential wildlife habitats around Haro Abba Diko controlled hunting area,Western Ethiopia

Remote sensing and geographic information system technologies provide useful data to analyze and map potential wildlife habitats based on physical parameters collected from the field. HADCHA was established with a total area of 20,000 ha, while many more comparable potential wildlife habitats were left outside the area. This study aims to identify and map potential wildlife habitats around HADCHA. Data were collected using Landsat 5 thematic mapper and Sentinel‐2A satellite image, a digital elevation model with 30 m pixels downloaded from ASTER data, and existing GIS Shapefile layers. Thematic Mapper data were downloaded from USGS and processed with Erdas Imagine 2015 software. To evaluate potential wildlife habitat around HADCHA, habitat suitability parameters such as settlement, slope, water, and road buffer zones were used for habitat evaluation and mapping. Accordingly, 16,795 ha of potential wildlife habitats were identified and mapped on westwards of HADCHA. In the new PPWH, about 476.68 ha (2.84%) were moderately suitable, 14,119.17 ha (84.04%) suitable and 2,200.08 ha (13.10%) highly suitable but only 4.2 ha (0.02%) identified as unsuitable. Legal protection of the PPWH around HADCHA could increase the conservation of African buffalo, other mammals, and their habitats. While the mapped potential wildlife habitats had the potential to be parts of HADCHA, it was neglected and has not yet obtained conservation attention. The finding appeals for legal protection of the PPWH and expansion of HADCHA, which could maximize the conservation efforts taken to wild animals of the area. Neglecting this potential wildlife habitat for a long period of time exposed African buffalo and other large‐sized mammals to illegal hunting practices. Policymakers and conservationists shall revise and design the future action plan of HADCHA on how to expand the current‐controlled hunting area and maximize revenue generation from African buffalo and other potential trophy species of the area.     

Contributions of PARP‐1 rs1136410 C>T polymorphism to the development of cancer

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) is a nuclear chromatin‐associated enzyme involved in the DNA damage response. SNP rs1136410 C>T, the most studied polymorphism in PARP‐1 gene, is highly implicated in the susceptibility of cancer. However, the roles of PARP‐1 rs1136410 C>T on cancer risk vary from different studies. We comprehensively screened all qualified publications from several databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CNKI and Wanfang. The searching was updated to April 2020. Our meta‐analysis included 60 articles with 65 studies, comprised of a total of 23 996 cases with cancer and 33 015 controls. Overall, pooled data showed that the PARP‐1 rs1136410 C>T polymorphism was significantly but a border‐line associated with an increased risk of overall cancer (CC vs. TT/TC: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.24; C vs T: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.14). Subgroup analysis indicated that rs1136410 C allele contributed to high risk among gastric, thyroid, and cervical cancer, but lower risk among brain cancer. Furthermore, increased cancer risk was detected in the subgroups of Asian, controls from population‐based design studies, and HWE ≤ 0.05 studies. Sensitivity analysis and Egger''s test showed that results of the meta‐analysis were fairly stable. The current study indicated that PARP1 rs1136410 C>T polymorphism may have an impact on certain types of cancer susceptibility.     

Genetic diversity and sex‐biased dispersal in the brown spotted pitviper (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus): Evidence from microsatellite markers

Dispersal plays a vital role in the geographical distribution, population genetic structure, quantity dynamics, and evolution of a species. Sex‐biased dispersal is common among vertebrates and many studies have documented a tendency toward male‐biased dispersal in mammals and female‐biased dispersal in birds. However, dispersal patterns in reptiles remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the genetic diversity and dispersal patterns of the widely distributed Asian pitviper Protobothrops mucrosquamatus. In total, 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci were screened in 150 snakes (48 males, 44 females, 58 samples without sex information) covering most of their distribution. Microsatellite analysis revealed high genetic diversity in P. mucrosquamatus. Bayesian clustering of population assignment identified two major clusters for all populations, somewhat inconsistent with the mitochondrial DNA phylogeny of P. mucrosquamatus reported in previous research. Analyses based on 92 sex‐determined and 37 samples of P. mucrosquamatus from three small sites in Sichuan, China (Mingshan, Yibin, and Zizhong) consistently suggested female‐biased dispersal in P. mucrosquamatus, which is the first example of this pattern in snakes. The female‐biased dispersal patterns in P. mucrosquamatus may be explained by local resource competition.     

Oral intake of Lactobacillus plantarum L‐14 extract alleviates TLR2‐ and AMPK‐mediated obesity‐associated disorders in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese C57BL/6J mice

ObjectivesWhether periodic oral intake of postbiotics positively affects weight regulation and prevents obesity‐associated diseases in vivo is unclear. This study evaluated the action mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum L‐14 (KTCT13497BP) extract and the effects of its periodic oral intake in a high‐fat‐diet (HFD) mouse model.Materials and methodsMouse pre‐adipocyte 3T3‐L1 cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSC) were treated with L‐14 extract every 2 days during adipogenic differentiation, and the mechanism underlying anti‐adipogenic effects was analysed at cellular and molecular levels. L‐14 extract was orally administrated to HFD‐feeding C57BL/6J mice every 2 days for 7 weeks. White adipose tissue was collected and weighed, and liver and blood serum were analysed. The anti‐adipogenic mechanism of exopolysaccharide (EPS) isolated from L‐14 extract was also analysed using Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) inhibitor C29.ResultsL‐14 extract inhibited 3T3‐L1 and hBM‐MSC differentiation into mature adipocytes by upregulating AMPK signalling pathway in the early stage of adipogenic differentiation. The weight of the HFD + L‐14 group (31.51 ± 1.96 g) was significantly different from that of the HFD group (35.14 ± 3.18 g). L‐14 extract also significantly decreased the serum triacylglycerol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (an insulin resistance marker) and steatohepatitis. In addition, EPS activated the AMPK signalling pathway by interacting with TLR2, consequently inhibiting adipogenesis.ConclusionsEPS from L‐14 extract inhibits adipogenesis via TLR2 and AMPK signalling pathways, and oral intake of L‐14 extract improves obesity and obesity‐associated diseases in vivo. Therefore, EPS can be used to prevent and treat obesity and metabolic disorders.     

Dynamics of NK,CD8 and Tfh cell mediated the production of cytokines and antiviral antibodies in Chinese patients with moderate COVID‐19

Recent studies have demonstrated a marked decrease in peripheral lymphocyte levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Few studies have focused on the changes of NK, T‐ and B‐cell subsets, inflammatory cytokines and virus‐specific antibodies in patients with moderate COVID‐19. A total of 11 RT‐PCR‐confirmed convalescent patients with COVID‐19 and 11 patients with non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia (control patients) were enrolled in this study. NK, CD8⁺ T, CD4⁺ T, Tfh‐like and B‐cell subsets were analysed using flow cytometry. Cytokines and SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies were analysed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. NK cell counts were significantly higher in patients with COVID‐19 than in control patients (P = 0.017). Effector memory CD8⁺ T‐cell counts significantly increased in patients with COVID‐19 during a convalescent period of 1 week (P = 0.041). TIM‐3⁺ Tfh‐like cell and CD226⁺ Tfh‐like cell counts significantly increased (P = 0.027) and decreased (P = 0.022), respectively, during the same period. Moreover, ICOS⁺ Tfh‐like cell counts tended to decrease (P = 0.074). No abnormal increase in cytokine levels was observed. The high expression of NK cells is important in innate immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2. The increase in effector memory CD8⁺ T‐cell counts, the up‐regulation of inhibitory molecules and the down‐regulation of active molecules on CD4⁺ T cells and Tfh‐like cells in patients with COVID‐19 would benefit the maintenance of balanced cellular and humoural immune responses, may prevent the development of severe cases and contribute to the recovery of patients with COVID‐19.