How reproductive allocation and flowering probability of individuals in plant populations are affected by position in stand size hierarchy, plant size and CO2 regime

We investigate the effect of position within a size-structured population on the reproductive allocation (RA) and flowering probability of individual plants of Sinapis arvensis. We also assess the effects of plant size and changing level of CO2 on both responses

Restoration of SMN in Schwann cells reverses myelination defects and improves neuromuscular function in spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by low levels of SMN protein, primarily affecting lower motor neurons. Recent evidence from SMA and related conditions suggests that glial cells can influence disease severity. Here, we investigated the role of glial cells in the peripheral nervous system by creating SMA mice selectively overexpressing SMN in myelinating Schwann cells (Smn(−/−);SMN2(tg/0);SMN1(SC)). Restoration of SMN protein levels restricted solely to Schwann cells reversed myelination defects, significantly improved neuromuscular function and ameliorated neuromuscular junction pathology in SMA mice. However, restoration of SMN in Schwann cells had no impact on motor neuron soma loss from the spinal cord or ongoing systemic and peripheral pathology. This study provides evidence for a defined, intrinsic contribution of glial cells to SMA disease pathogenesis and suggests that therapies designed to include Schwann cells in their target tissues are likely to be required in order to rescue myelination defects and associated disease symptoms

Identification of factors associated with Fasciola hepatica infection risk areas on pastures via an environmental DNA survey of Galba truncatula distribution using droplet digital and quantitative real-time PCR assays

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful tool for identifying the spatial and temporal presence and density of species in a range of aquatic habitats. The analysis of eDNA has a wide range of application, one of which may be to inform of Fasciola hepatica infection risk on pastures based on the detection of its eDNA as well as that of its intermediate snail host, Galba truncatula eDNA. Here, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed to detect the eDNA of F. hepatica, and its intermediate snail host, G. truncatula in water samples collected from pastures grazed by cattle and/or sheep. Environmental factors associated with species presence, as detected via an eDNA survey, were identified using zero‐inflated linear mixed models. Sixty‐four habitats were sampled across six farms in Ceredigion, Wales, UK, with ddPCR and qPCR identifying 42 and 33 habitats to be positive for G. truncatula eDNA, respectively. G. truncatula eDNA was significantly less likely to be detected in habitats fully shaded by trees, those that contained black or dark brown soils and habitats that contained deep water pools (p < 0.05). Significantly higher G. truncatula eDNA concentrations were observed in habitats that tend to dry up during Summer (i.e., temporary habitats) (p < 0.05). ddPCR also identified five habitats to be positive for F. hepatica eDNA; however, questions remain regarding the utility of F. hepatica eDNA detection due to a lack of specificity toward infective F. hepatica larval stages. The results of this study inform of factors which influences G. truncatula distribution and ecology on pastures and also provided practical information for farmers to aid F. hepatica control in their flocks and herds

Smell of Infection:a novel, non-invasive method for detection of fish excretory- secretory proteins

Chemical signals are produced by aquatic organisms following predatory attacks or perturbations such as parasitic infection. Ectoparasites feeding on fish hosts are likely to cause release of similar alarm cues into the environment due to the stress, wounding, and immune response stimulated upon infection. Alarm cues are often released in the form of proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and immunoglobulins that provide important insights into bodily function and infection status. Here we outline a noninvasive method to identify potential chemical cues associated with infection in fish by extracting, purifying, and characterizing proteins from water samples from cultured fish. Gel free proteomic methods were deemed the most suitable for protein detection in saline water samples. It was confirmed that teleost proteins can be characterized from water and that variation in protein profiles could be detected between infected and uninfected individuals and fish and parasite only water samples. Our novel assay provides a noninvasive method for assessing the health condition of both wild and farmed aquatic organisms. Similar to environmental DNA monitoring methods, these proteomic techniques could provide an important tool in applied ecology and aquatic biology