Evolution in the Dinarids: Phylogeography, Diversity and Evolutionary History of the Endemic Genus Delminichthys (Actinopteri; Leuciscidae)

The origin of exceptionally rich fish communities harboured within the freshwater systems of southern Europe is usually explained by allopatric speciation due to a long isolation of water basins. On the other hand, hybridization events have been recorded in several fish species, but they role in the speciation of freshwater fishes in the Southern Europe has not received significant attention. Contrary to most species within the Leuciscidae family, the genus Delminichthys inhabits a geographically restricted area (middle and southern Dinarides) and consists of only four endemic species. This study analysed the population genetic structure and demographic history of each Delminichthys species as a contribution to the understanding of the evolutionary peculiarities in Dinaric water systems. The obtained results revealed pronounced mito-nuclear and nuclear-nuclear discordance, likely the result of incomplete lineage sorting, as well as nuclear introgression observed in the Ombla River population in southernmost Croatia. In addition to allopatric speciation, ancient hybridization might have played an important role in the evolutionary history of this genus. The origin of the genus Delminichthys can be dated back to the Oligocene/Miocene boundary, to a period of significant tectonic activity in the Mediterranean region, and its ancestor likely inhabited the region of the central Dinarides. Intrageneric divergences occurred in the lower Miocene and Pliocene. Similarly, as previously proposed for Delminichthys adspersus, traces of underground migrations were found among Delminichthys ghetaldii populations, implying adaptations to underground life to be characteristic for the genus. All Delminichthys species express high levels of genetic diversity, likely as a consequence of their old origin. Size of D. adspersus is currently decreasing, while the remaining three species appear stable.

Icing Models and Mitigation Methods for Offshore Wind in Cold Climate Regions: A Review

Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in cold climate regions have become increasingly significant due to the abundant wind resources with the development of renewable energy. These areas offer considerable potential for the development of OWTs. Generating energy for communities in cold climate regions involves overcoming significant challenges posed by the remote and harsh environmental conditions. This review presents the state-of-the-art research regarding prediction models for ice accretion on wind turbine components. Furthermore, this review summarizes advanced mitigation solutions, such as cold-weather packages and ice protection systems, designed to address icing issues. The present study identifies critical knowledge gaps in OWT deployment in cold climate regions and proposes future research directions.

Sustainable Design and Integrity Control of Onboard Health Tools for Humans and Their Environmental Urban Biodiversity

Recently, onboard sensing and support devices have been used for the well-being of humans, animals, birds, plants and, more generally, biodiversity. The performance of these tools is closely linked to their electromagnetic environment, mainly artificially created by humans. Therefore, the presence of electromagnetic radiation linked to human activities near such tools constitutes a threat. The intelligent and sustainable manufacturing of these tools, which makes it possible to face such a threat, can be achieved through their design and optimization. This commentary aims to highlight the interaction of artificial electromagnetic radiation with onboard health tools involving living tissues in urban biodiversity (One Health concept) and the intelligent and sustainable construction and protection (Responsible Attitude concept) of these tools. The manuscript presents an overview of onboard devices, possible effects of electromagnetic radiation, durable construction and shielding, and analysis of electromagnetic compatibility integrity control. The main outcome of this contribution regarding sustainably designed onboard devices is that numerical analysis tools of electromagnetic fields could efficiently verify their integrity and the behavior of their necessary smart shields. These different themes are associated with examples of literature.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Protein 1 (TRAP1): A Pivotal Regulator of Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Atherosclerosis through Metabolic Reprogramming

Primed Lung−Vagus−Brainstem Circuit by Allergen Triggers Airway Hyperactivity

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary hub for sensing and integrating respiratory information. It integrates input from the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerve. It interacts with other brainstem nuclei, such as the nucleus ambiguus (NA) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), to transmit information and initiate a neuroreflex response to respiratory stimuli. In a recent issue of the journal Nature, Su et al. demonstrated that Dbh⁺ neurons in the NTS can receive signals from vagal Trpv1⁺ sensory neurons that sense allergen−induced IL−4 production in mast cells and pass the signal to Chat⁺ neurons in the NA by releasing norepinephrine. Subsequently, NA Chat⁺ neurons drive allergen−induced airway hyperresponsiveness by projecting onto cholinergic pulmonary ganglia in the lungs. This study not only provides new insights into the regulation of allergen−induced airway hyperresponsiveness by lung−vagus–brainstem interoceptive circuit but also provides us with new strategies to combat asthma.

Direct-Ink-Writing Printing of Shape Memory Cross-Linked Networks from Biomass-Derived Small Molecules

The rapid development of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has opened up new opportunities for applying shape memory polymers (SMPs) in various fields. The use of abundant, inexpensive, and easily accessible biomass materials as printing raw materials not only facilitates the creation of more intricate SMPs but also aligns with the principles of low-carbon, green, and sustainable development. Here, we successfully printed a shape memory cross-linked network (NW-MO-TTMP) in a single step by direct-ink-writing printing and an in-situ thiol-ene click reaction with magnolol and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) as raw materials. The resulting NW-MO-TTMP network exhibited high mechanical properties and a tensile strength (σ) of up to 2.7 MPa when the thiol-ene ratio was 1.0:1, and the photo-initiator content was 1.5%. To improve printability, ethyl cellulose (EC) derived from biomass was incorporated to enhance the viscosity of the printing precursor fluid, resulting in a significant increase in the σ of the NW-MO-TTMP/EC network, reaching 20.6 MPa. Moreover, the successful printing of intricate models, such as the ‘whale’ and ‘octopus,’ demonstrated excellent shape memory effects. This approach highlights the potential of combining biomass-derived materials with advanced 3D printing techniques to develop sustainable and high-performance SMPs.

Emerging Technologies in Forensic DNA Analysis

Forensic DNA analysis has fundamentally transformed criminal investigations, providing an unprecedented level of accuracy in identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and solving cold cases. This manuscript reviews the emerging technologies that are reshaping the field of forensic DNA analysis, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), rapid DNA analysis, AI-driven forensic workflows, 3D genomics, and mobile DNA platforms. These innovations enhance the speed, precision, and scope of DNA analysis, allowing forensic scientists to process evidence more efficiently, analyze more complex samples, and conduct real-time field-based investigations. While these advancements hold great promise, they also introduce significant challenges, such as ensuring data security, maintaining the integrity of evidence, and navigating the ethical and legal implications of new forensic technologies. Issues related to privacy, consent, and potential bias in DNA databases are becoming increasingly complex as these systems expand. Furthermore, the legal admissibility of cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven DNA analysis and phenotypic prediction must be carefully evaluated to ensure the rigorous standards of forensic evidence in court are met.This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with these emerging technologies, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical use. By examining advances in DNA extraction, spatial DNA analysis, and the integration of AI in forensic workflows, this manuscript provides forensic professionals with a roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of forensic DNA analysis. The future of forensic DNA analysis lies in balancing technological innovation with the commitment to justice, ensuring that DNA evidence remains a reliable and indispensable tool in pursuing a more equitable legal system.

Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Highlander and Lowlander Chinese Patients with Sleep Apnea

The aim of the study was to compare Hypoxic Ventilatory Response (HVR) of sleep apnea in Uygur patients stemming from higher altitude and Chinese Han patients from sea level. 276 subjects with or without snoring from the Karamay community were recruited. 226 subjects (n = 71 Han OSA patients, n = 75 Uygur OSA patients, n = 52 for Uygur control subjects without OSA, n = 28 Han control subjects without OSA) were matched for age and gender. All patients were assessed via polysomnography (PSG). Lung function was assessed. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean SaO₂ (MSaO₂%), lowest SaO₂ (LSaO₂%), the number of desaturations ≥4% per hour (ODI4), FEV1/FVC ratio, HVR, △VE/△SaO₂ and the pulse responses to hypoxia changes (ΔPulse/ΔSaO₂) were calculated. A multiple logistic regression using a binary outcome for HVR was applied. (1) In control subjects without OSA, those living at high altitude (Uygur) had a lower HVR than control subjects living at sea level (Han) [−0.35L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.49 to−0.20 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂) vs.−0.44 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.55 to −0.21 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂)]. (2) Compared to patients with OSA living at sea level (Han), those OSA patients living at high altitude (Uygur) had a higher neck circumference [43 cm (range 39–45 cm) vs. 42 cm (41–46) cm], higher abdominal circumference [110 cm (102–120 cm) vs. 101 cm (98–111 cm], higher LSaO₂ [81% (72–85%) vs. 76% (68–81%)], lower AHI [26 events/h (16–43 events/h) vs. 36 events/h (24–62 events/h)] and lower ODI4 [15/h (7–29/h) vs. 37/h (20–54/h)]. (3) Considering patients with mild OSA, those who lived at high altitude (Uygur) had a weaker HVR compared to Han patients [−0.31 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.42 to −0.20 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂) vs.−0.47 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.59 to −0.21 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂)]. However, in moderate and severe OSA the difference in HVR between people living at high and low altitudes was not significant. In people living at high altitude (Uygur) compared to sea level (Han), HVR is weaker both in control subjects and those with mild OSA, but this difference between populations living at different altitudes in those with moderate and severe OSA is not obvious.

Maxillary Molar Enamel Dentine-Junction Shape Differences between Krapina Neanderthals and Modern Humans

Archaic and modern humans differ in a range of craniodental features. From a taxonomic and phylogenetic perspective, it is essential to distinguish between species accurately through detailed morphological characterizations. This study analyzes the size and shape variation of the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of upper molars from two hominin species, early Neanderthals from Krapina (N = 13) and mid-Holocene European modern humans (N = 14), to assess the extent of their endostructural morphological differentiation. The EDJ was obtained through microtomographic scans of each molar using segmentation procedures. Three-dimensional landmarks semilandmarks and 3D geometric morphometric methods, were employed to investigate EDJ size and shape variation through univariate (t-test), multivariate exploratory, and classification methods (PCA and LDA). The results indicate that the shape of the EDJ and cervix of M² differentiates Krapina Neanderthals from mid-Holocene European modern humans with a high degree of accuracy (~85%). Furthermore, EDJ size and dental nonmetric traits expressed in this structure provide additional information that is useful for distinguishing between the two species. Compared to modern humans, Krapina Neanderthals exhibit reduced dental diversity. From an endostructural perspective, this study provides additional insights into early Neanderthals’ morphological diversification relative to modern humans, which is valuable for studying middle and late Pleistocene hominin evolution.

Payment or Incentive: Public Perception on Payment for Ecosystem Services at the Time of Climate Change in Nepal

Understanding community preferences and perceptions of ecosystem services is needed to generate local-level financing through Payment for Ecosystem Services. Local-level financing is crucial for both ecosystem management and also helpful in climate change adaptation actions. This research focuses on community perceptions of payment for ecosystem schemes and their preferences to generate local-level financing. The study was carried out in Dhankuta and Dasarath Chand municipalities, representing Koshi and Sudur Paschim provinces of Nepal. We applied social science research methods using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and community surveys. The study indicates that community-perceived payment for ecosystem service schemes can be instrumental in generating local financing, and their preference is more towards in-kind or project-based payment mechanisms. While climate change is largely impacting ecosystems and community livelihoods, project-based payment mechanisms could be more effective than cash payments. However, this needs a strong institutional mechanism within the municipal government where such in-kind or project-based support could be mobilized through a multisectoral approach.