Stunted growth of pikeperch Sander lucioperca in Lake Sahajärvi, Finland

Growth of pikeperch Sander lucioperca in the eutrophic and clay-turbid Lake Sahajärvi, Southern Finland, was extremely slow in comparison with other lakes at similar latitudes. The most important food item in July was phantom midge larvae Chaoborus flavicans for all sizes of S. lucioperca (239–423 mm total length L _T), while later, in August and September, the diet of S. lucioperca (149–407 mm L _T) consisted of small (30–100 mm L _T) perch Perca fluviatilis , ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus and roach Rutilus rutilus .     

Characterization of the gut microbiota in early life stages of pikeperch Sander lucioperca

This study characterized the gastrointestinal microbiome of nine juvenile farmed pikeperch Sander lucioperca using a metagenomics approach based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Potential changes in the gut microbiota during 2 months of S. lucioperca juvenile life were investigated. Results revealed that gut microbiota was dominated by Proteobacteria (95–92%), while other phyla Firmicutes (1–1·5%) and Actinobacteria (0·9–1·5%) were less abundant. At the family level, fish‐gut microbiota were dominated by Enterobacteriaceae, which constituted c. 83% of all DNA sequence reads. Such a situation was present in all of the examined fish except one, which showed a different proportion of particular microbial taxa than the other fish. In this fish, a higher relative abundance (%) of Fusobacteria (21·0%), Bacteroidetes (9·5%) and Firmicutes (7·5%) was observed. There were no significant differences in the gut microbiome structure at different stages of development in the examined fish. This may indicate that Proteobacteria inhabiting the gut microbiota at an early stage of life are a necessary component of the pikeperch microbiome that may support proper nutrition of the fish. The information obtained on the gut microbiome could be useful in determining juvenile S. lucioperca health and improving rearing conditions by welfare monitoring in aquaculture.     

Isolation and characterization of nine microsatellite loci from the pike-perch, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758)

In order to facilitate studies on the genetic structure of wild populations as well as to monitor genetic changes in cultured stocks, nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from pike-perch (Sander lucioperca). Single loci allele numbers varied between two (loci MSL-3 and MSL-7) and six (loci MSL-1 and MSL-2), and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.36 (locus MSL-2) to 1.00 (locus MSL-9) in a test panel of 25 individuals. Only one pair of loci (MSL-5 and MSL-8) displayed significant linkage disequilibrium after sequential Bonferroni corrections. Hardy-Weinberg tests revealed significant excesses of heterozygotes at three loci (MSL-1, MSL-7, and MSL-9).     

Diet overlap among non‐native trout species and native cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) in two U.S. ecoregions

The invasion of freshwater ecosystems by non‐native species can constitute a significant threat to native species and ecosystem health. Non‐native trouts have long been stocked in areas where native trouts occur and have negatively impacted native trouts through predation, competition, and hybridization. This study encompassed two seasons of sampling efforts across two ecoregions of the western United States: The Great Basin in summer 2016 and the Yellowstone River Basin in summer 2017. We found significant dietary overlaps among native and non‐native trouts within the Great Basin and Yellowstone River Basin ecoregions. Three orders of invertebrates (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera) composed the majority of stomach contents and were responsible for driving the observed patterns. Great Basin trout had higher body conditions (k), and non‐native Great Basin trout had higher gut fullness values than Yellowstone River Basin trout, indicating a possible limitation of food in the Yellowstone River Basin. Native fishes were the least abundant and had the lowest body condition in each ecoregion. These findings may indicate a negative impact on native trouts by non‐native trouts. We recommend additional monitoring of native and non‐native trout diets, regular invertebrate surveys to identify the availability of diet items, and reconsidering stocking efforts that can result in overlap of non‐native fishes with native cutthroat trout.     

Novel long non‐coding RNA CYB561‐5 promotes aerobic glycolysis and tumorigenesis by interacting with basigin in non‐small cell lung cancer

Abnormally expressed long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The role of the novel lnc‐CYB561‐5 in NSCLC and its specific biological activity remain unknown. In this study, lncRNAs highly expressed in NSCLC tissue samples compared with paired adjacent normal tissue samples and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia were identified by RNA‐seq analysis. Lnc‐CYB561‐5 is highly expressed in human NSCLC and is associated with a poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. In vivo, downregulation of lnc‐CYB561‐5 significantly decreases tumour growth and metastasis. In vitro, lnc‐CYB561‐5 knockdown treatment inhibits cell migration, invasion and proliferation ability, as well as glycolysis rates. In addition, RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays show that basigin (Bsg) protein interacts with lnc‐CYB561‐5. Overall, this study demonstrates that lnc‐CYB561‐5 is an oncogene in NSCLC, which is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and metastasis. Lnc‐CYB561‐5 interacts with Bsg to promote the expression of Hk2 and Pfk1 and further lead to metabolic reprogramming of NSCLC cells.     

Effects of heating on growth and condition of pikeperch (Lucioperca lucioperca) in lowland ponds created by sand extraction

The growth rates of pikeperch (Lucioperca lucioperca L.) originating from two lowlands ponds in the north of Belgium, one of which is heated by the effluents of power plants, were compared by means of scalimetry and operculometry. The overall condition of the fish in both ponds was also investigated. The pikeperch grew significantly faster in heated water, although overall condition was comparable. Seasonal variations resulted in the heated pond arriving at a temperature higher than the optimum.     

Early development of the skull of Sander lucioperca (L.) (Teleostei: Percidae) relating to growth and mortality

The early osteological development of the skull (chondrocranium and osteocranium) of the pikeperch Sander lucioperca was studied. Specimens were reared at two temperatures, 15·5 and 18·0° C, from hatching until 47 and 43 days after fertilization (DAF), respectively. The skeletal elements characteristic for the different developmental stages were the same at both rearing temperatures, but pikeperch reared at 15·5° C reached the developmental stages later. The formation of the functional complexes, the neurocranium, jaws and suspensorium, branchial basket and hyoid arch, was evaluated chronologically. The focus was on skull development during several functional changes: at hatching, at the shift from endogenous to mixed feeding, the shift to exclusively exogenous feeding and upon reaching the final prey-capture mechanism. Growth in total length differed between fishes reared at the two temperatures, except during a phase of very slow growth from the end of the embryonic stage until the second larval stage. The latter phase, in which most of the bony elements of the viscerocranium started to form, was marked by high mortality. When exogenous feeding began, the growth rates at both temperatures increased distinctly and the first bony elements were formed in the neurocranium. Specimens reared at 18·0° C grew continuously, but those at 15·5° C showed a second period of slow growth and high mortality. Fish reared at 18·0° C reached the successive larval stages distinctly earlier than fish reared at 15·5° C.     

Genetic differentiation in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca): the relative importance of gene flow, drift and common history

To investigate the relative importance of homogenizing factors, such as gene flow, and diversifying factors, such as drift, genetic variation in pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca ) in two Fennoscandian regions (North and South) was analysed with microsatellites. Allelic richness and the degree of differentiation were significantly higher in the North ( F _ST= 0·20) than in the South ( F _ST= 0·064). In northern areas, assignments of genotypes were almost exclusively to the population of origin, but in southern areas, the proportion of correct assignments was significantly lower. Most samples exhibited significant heterozygote deficits, and the level of relatedness was higher than expected from randomness. These combined results suggest that there has been more gene flow between populations in southern areas than in northern areas, where the importance of genetic drift has been greater. Effective population sizes were small ( c. 100) and did not differ between areas. The effect of a common history appears minor, and thus processes such as genetic drift and gene flow have been more influential in shaping the patterns of genetic diversity in this species.     

Identification of necroptosis‐related gene signature and characterization of tumour microenvironment infiltration in non‐small‐cell lung cancer

Necroptosis is a programmed necrosis in a caspase‐independent fashion. The role of necroptosis‐related genes (NRGs) in lung cancer remains unknow. Herein, we classified TCGA‐LUAD cohort into two necroptosis‐related subtypes (C1 and C2) by consensus clustering analysis. The result showed that subtype C1 had a favourable prognosis and higher infiltration levels of immune cells. Moreover, subtype C1 was more activated in immune‐associated pathways. Then, we established an NRG prognosis model (NRG score) composed of six NRGs (RIPK3, MLKL, TLR2, TLR4, TNFRSF1A, NDRG2) and divided the cohort into low‐ and high‐risk group. We found that the NRG score was associated with prognosis, tumour immune microenvironment and tumour mutation burden. We also constructed an accurate nomogram model to improve the clinical applicability of NRG score. The result indicated that NRG score may be an independent prognostic marker for lung cancer patients. Taken together, we established a prognosis model that may deepen the understanding of NRGs in lung cancer and provide a basis for developing more effective immunotherapy strategies.     

In situ adaptation and ecological release facilitate the occupied niche expansion of a non‐native Madagascan day gecko in Florida

AimTo investigate whether the frequently advocated climate‐matching species distribution modeling approach could predict the well‐characterized colonization of Florida by the Madagascar giant day gecko Phelsuma grandis.LocationMadagascar and Florida, USA.MethodsTo determine the climatic conditions associated with the native range of P. grandis, we used native‐range presence‐only records and Bioclim climatic data to build a Maxent species distribution model and projected the climatic thresholds of the native range onto Florida. We then built an analogous model using Florida presence‐only data and projected it onto Madagascar. We constructed a third model using native‐range presences for both P. grandis and the closely related parapatric species P. kochi.ResultsDespite performing well within the native range, our Madagascar Bioclim model failed to identify suitable climatic habitat currently occupied by P. grandis in Florida. The model constructed using Florida presences also failed to reflect the distribution in Madagascar by overpredicting distribution, especially in western areas occupied by P. kochi. The model built using the combined P. kochi/P. grandis dataset modestly improved the prediction of the range of P. grandis in Florida, thereby implying competitive exclusion of P. grandis by P. kochi from habitat within the former''s fundamental niche. These findings thus suggest ecological release of P. grandis in Florida. However, because ecological release cannot fully explain the divergent occupied niches of P. grandis in Madagascar versus Florida, our findings also demonstrate some degree of in situ adaptation in Florida.Main conclusionsOur models suggest that the discrepancy between the predicted and observed range of P. grandis in Florida is attributable to either in situ adaptation by P. grandis within Florida, or a combination of such in situ adaptation and competition with P. kochi in Madagascar. Our study demonstrates that climate‐matching species distribution models can severely underpredict the establishment risk posed by non‐native herpetofauna.     

Migration patterns and home range of pike‐perch (Sander lucioperca,Linnaeus, 1758) in Dutch river systems

Pike‐perch (Sander lucioperca L. 1758) is one of the freshwater species caught by professional fishermen in the Netherlands. The species is also popular with sport fishermen. Little is known about its migration and rehabilitation in large river systems. The aim of the present study was to obtain data on the movements of pike‐perch in the Dutch large river systems and investigate when and how far individual fish swim up‐ or downstream. Seasonal migration was expected. The second objective was to gain information on how many fish pass the Haringvlietdam when migrating downstream during high discharge, and ending up in the North Sea. The third objective was to gain data on how many fish were caught by the fishermen. NEDAP TRAIL System® transponders were surgically implanted in 286 pike‐perch between June 2007 and October 2008. Marked fish could be detected via several detection stations in the river systems throughout the Netherlands and one in the River Rhine station in Germany. Sport fishermen were asked to inform the organization when a marked fish was caught. Data collected between June 2007 and April 2010 indicate a pike‐perch home range of 30–40 km, with some individuals migrating up to more than 200 km. A regional approach regarding fisheries management is necessary. No seasonal patterns were found. Swimming activity was highest during darkness. Results showed pike‐perch around the Haringvlietdam swimming in the saltwater area on the sea side of the dam, and returning to the freshwater Lake Haringvliet, indicating that the structure of the dam is used for feeding, but also that the fish will die if the dam is closed when fish are still outside.     

The condition, length and age distribution of pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.) in Lake Peipsi

The population of pikeperch in L. Peipsi was studied with respect to average number per haul, length distribution of fishes in experimental catches, condition factor (according to Fulton) and length-weight relationship in autumn 1993–1995.The relatively good growth rate and condition of pikeperch in the lake indicates that the waterbody is suitable for this fish. However, the length and age distribution of pikeperch in different years as well as the decreasing total number of fishes in catches demonstrate that the population of pikeperch is suppressed due to overfishing during the last years.     

Fluorescence in situ hybridization test for detection of endometrial carcinoma cells by non‐invasive vaginal swab

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecological malignancy with increasing incidence in developed countries. As gold standard, hysteroscopy confirms only 30% of suspected ECs. The detection of EC cells in the vagina by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) after a smear test could reduce invasive procedures in the future. Using array‐based comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) on 65 endometrial carcinomas, most frequently imbalanced regions of the tumour genome were identified. Bacterial artificial chromosomes were used to generate FISH‐probes homologue to these human regions. The FISH test was hybridized on swabs specimens collected from the vaginal cavity. Samples from six patients without EC were selected as a negative control and on 13 patients with known EC as a positive control. To distinguish between benign and EC cases, the cut‐off value has been defined. A first validation of this EC‐FISH Test was performed with swabs from 41 patients with suspected EC. The most common genomic imbalances in EC are around the CTNNB1, FBXW7 and APC genes. The cut‐off is defined at 32% of analysed cells without diploid signal pattern. This differs significantly between the positive and negative controls (p < 0.001). In a first validation cohort of 41 patients with suspected EC, the EC‐FISH Test distinguishes patients with and without EC with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 83%. The negative predictive value is 96%. This is the first report of a non‐invasive EC‐FISH Test to predict EC in women with suspected EC.     

C1632 suppresses the migration and proliferation of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells involving LIN28 and FGFR1 pathway

Chemoresistance and migration represent major obstacles in the therapy of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer patients in clinic. In the present study, we report that the compound C1632 is preferentially distributed in the lung after oral administration in vivo with high bioavailability and limited inhibitory effects on CYP450 isoenzymes. We found that C1632 could simultaneously inhibit the expression of LIN28 and block FGFR1 signalling transduction in NSCLC A549 and A549R cells, resulting in significant decreases in the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Consequently, C1632 effectively inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 and A549R cells. Meanwhile, C1632 significantly suppressed the cell viability and the colony formation of A549 and A549R cells by inhibiting DNA replication and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, compared with A549 cells, C1632 possesses the same or even better anti‐migration and anti‐proliferation effects on A549R cells, regardless of drug resistance. In addition, C1632 also displayed the capacity to inhibit the growth of A549R xenograft tumours in mice. Altogether, these findings reveal the potential of C1632 as a promising anti‐NSCLC agent, especially for chemotherapy‐resistant NSCLC treatment.     

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0008003 facilitates tumorigenesis and development of non‐small cell lung carcinoma via modulating miR‐488/ZNF281 axis

As one of the most aggressive malignancies, non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has high risks of death. It has been demonstrated that circRNAs accelerate NSCLC progression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in NSCLC were still obscure. In the first place, the circRNA microarray of NSCLC was investigated in this study, and hsa_circ_0008003 (circ‐0008003) was chosen as the research object. Then, it was unveiled that the expression of circ‐0008003 examined via qRT‐PCR was elevated in tumour tissues relative to the non‐tumour tissues, which was associated with TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC. Additionally, the prognosis of NSCLC patients with high circ‐0008003 level was poor. Besides, circ‐0008003 silencing dampened the invasion and proliferation of NSCLC cells. Next, according to the mechanistic studies, circ‐0008003 functioned as a ceRNA of ZNF281 in NSCLC by acting as the endogenous sponge for miR‐488, which was proved to be a tumour suppressor in NSCLC. Additionally, ZNF281 overexpression and miR‐488 suppression recovered the influences of repressed circ‐0008003 on NSCLC cellular processes. It was validated in this research that circ‐0008003 triggered tumour formation in NSCLC, which was adjusted via miR‐488/ZNF281 axis, casting a novel light on the resultful target for treating NSCLC and predicting the prognosis.     

Pregnancy outcomes of rare autosomal trisomies results in non‐invasive prenatal screening: clinical follow‐up data from a single tertiary centre

This study was performed to assess the association between detection of rare autosomal trisomies (RATs) by non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed women with high‐risk RATs results from January 2014 to December 2020. The women''s clinical information was collected, and their pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of women with low‐risk results. In total, 151 (0.24%) RATs results were reported among 62,752 NIPS examinations. Sixty‐five women chose to undergo amniocentesis for confirmation, which revealed 3 cases of true fetal mosaicism for RATs and a positive predictive value of 4.6% (3/65). Among the 139 women with available outcomes, 26 (18.7%) had a preterm birth, 10 (7.2%) underwent pregnancy termination because of fetal defects and 5 (3.6%) had miscarriages. Interestingly, compared with the control group, pregnancies in which NIPS revealed trisomy 16 (T16), T22, T9 and T2 were at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, miscarriage and ultrasound abnormalities. However, the risk of adverse outcomes was comparable between the control group and pregnancies with positive results of T7, T3, T8 and T20. In summary, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher in women with specific RATs‐positive NIPS results. Pregnancies with T16, T22, T9 and T2 results, even if false‐positive, should be considered high‐risk pregnancies.     

Alterations of nitric oxide homeostasis as trigger of intestinal barrier dysfunction in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Changes in intestinal nitric oxide metabolism are discussed to contribute for the development of intestinal barrier dysfunction in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To induce steatosis, female C57BL/6J mice were pair‐fed with a liquid control diet (C) or a fat‐, fructose‐ and cholesterol‐rich diet (FFC) for 8 weeks. Mice received the diets ± 2.49 g L‐arginine/kg bw/day for additional 5 weeks. Furthermore, mice fed C or FFC ± L‐arginine/kg bw/day for 8 weeks were concomitantly treated with the arginase inhibitor N^ω‐hydroxy‐nor‐L‐arginine (nor‐NOHA, 0.01 g/kg bw). Liver damage, intestinal barrier function, nitric oxide levels and arginase activity in small intestine were assessed. Also, arginase activity was measured in serum from 13 patients with steatosis (NAFL) and 14 controls. The development of steatosis with beginning inflammation was associated with impaired intestinal barrier function, increased nitric oxide levels and a loss of arginase activity in small intestine in mice. L‐arginine supplementation abolished the latter along with an improvement of intestinal barrier dysfunction; nor‐NOHA attenuated these effects. In patients with NAFL, arginase activity in serum was significantly lower than in healthy controls. Our data suggest that increased formation of nitric oxide and a loss of intestinal arginase activity is critical in NAFLD‐associated intestinal barrier dysfunction.