Journals
2026 EN
MarcosAlmaraz Maria Teresa · Aparicio Rebeca Llorente · LópezHernández Iris
+6 more
ABSTRACT Loss of function of the Pejvakin (Pjvk) gene has been associated with deafness induced by cellular stress. This has been postulated to occur due to defective peroxisome biogenesis. Here, we have characterized a novel mouse mutation lacking exon 3 of the Pjvk coding region. A mouse mutant carrying this mutation showed loss of hair cells associated with profound deafness and reduced outer hair cell function. A cell line carrying a deletion of Pjvk exon 3 revealed upregulation of the peroxisomal enzyme catalase upon oxidative stress. In order to further clarify the localization of Pjvk, we introduced amino‐ and carboxy‐terminal tags in its cDNA which failed to confirm its presence in peroxisomes but is likely to be due to mis‐targeting of the protein. Our study thus confirms the requirement of Pjvk for maintenance of hair cells and intact hearing and a specific role in peroxisomes upon exposure to cellular stress.
Journals
2026 EN
Dani Cristiano · Rossi Eleonora · Cassioli Emanuele
+11 more
ABSTRACT Objective The impact of the add‐on of New Maudsley Model (NMM) training workshops for carers of individuals with eating disorders (EDs) on clinical outcomes in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) undergoing enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT‐E) remains unexplored. The outcomes of females with AN aged 18 and 35 years, treated with CBT‐E, were compared between those whose parents agreed to attend NMM workshops and those whose parents declined participation. Method Psychopathology was assessed up to 1‐year follow‐up. Baseline differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while longitudinal changes were evaluated with generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs). Results At admission, individuals in the NMM group had higher levels of ED psychopathology, body uneasiness, and alexithymia. At 1‐year follow‐up, both groups improved significantly, and between‐group comparisons revealed significant effect sizes in favor of the NMM group. Discussion Parental participation in NMM workshops was associated with more favorable treatment outcomes in adults with AN undergoing CBT‐E. These findings suggest the potential relevance of integrating family participation into adult AN treatment.
Journals
2026 EN
Holmäng Helena · Brimo Katarzyna · Ås Anna
+5 more
ABSTRACT Objective To assess clinical outcomes and parental experiences following an intensive multidisciplinary intervention (IMI) for children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Method A prospective cohort of 28 children (aged 2–8 years) with severe eating difficulties, all meeting ARFID diagnostic criteria at baseline, participated in a 3‐day assessment and an 8‐day IMI involving guided mealtimes, play‐based exposures, nutritional counseling, and caregiver coaching. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Interview (PARDI) at baseline and at 7–15 months post‐intervention. Parental experience was evaluated using the Experience of Service Questionnaire (ESQ) and the study‐specific Eating Intervention Experience Questionnaire (EIEQ). Results At follow‐up, 27 of 28 children continued to meet ARFID criteria; however, overall symptom severity decreased significantly ( M = 3.55 → 2.57, d = 0.80, p < 0.001), with reductions in both the sensory ( M = 2.77 → 2.21, d = 0.63, p = 0.002) and low‐interest profiles ( M = 3.48 → 2.50, d = 0.93, p < 0.001), alongside improvements in nutritional status and growth‐related criteria. Parents reported high satisfaction with the intervention, valuing the multidisciplinary approach, tailored support, and practical strategies. Discussion Findings suggest that intensive, multidisciplinary, nondirective interventions may yield clinically meaningful benefits for young children with severe ARFID, particularly those with combined sensory sensitivity and low interest in eating profiles. Although full remission was uncommon within the follow‐up period, the intervention supported symptom reduction and caregiver competence. Larger controlled studies are needed to establish efficacy and guide development of sustainable models of care.
Journals
2026 EN
Azevedo Maria Luiza · Amaro George · Gorgens Eric Bastos
+6 more
ABSTRACT Comanthera elegans is a threatened, endemic species of the campos rupestres of the Espinhaço Mountain Range—a region recognized as a biodiversity hotspot—and has great ecological and societal relevance to local traditional communities. Despite the importance of this species in these systems, the effects of climate change on its distribution remain relatively unknown. We employed the MaxEnt algorithm to model the current potential geographic distribution and the habitat suitability of this species under future climate scenarios to address this knowledge gap. We considered the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, based on four global climate models (MRI‐ESM2‐0, MIROC6, EC‐Earth3‐Veg, and CMCC‐ESM2). The model exhibited high performance, indicating a strong affinity of the species for environments with high rainfall seasonality and mild temperatures. Our models predict a substantial loss of suitable habitat for C. elegans under scenarios of future climate change, particularly under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios, where high‐suitability areas could be reduced by as much as 95% by 2060. Our results highlight the need for the implementation of conservation actions, including the expansion or creation of protected areas in climate refugia, alongside efforts to promote the development of cultivation techniques and regulations on harvesting practices, in order to mitigate the species' vulnerability to climate change.
Journals
2026 EN
Casazza Gabriele · Adamo Martino · Guerrina Maria
+2 more
ABSTRACT Anthropogenic climate change is a major threat to biodiversity in mountain ecosystems, particularly when hosting endemic species with limited ranges of distribution and low dispersal ability. These species may persist in situ if climatic conditions remain within their tolerance limits, or they can shift their range by tracking suitable habitats. We assessed the potential impact of global warming on seven endemic plant species, considering how different refugia types support species survival. Western Alps. We classified persistence areas into three categories: long‐term refugia (stable suitable areas across time), holdouts (temporarily suitable areas) and stepping stones (short‐term habitats facilitating range shifts). We used species distribution models to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on seven species, endemic to the South‐western Alps, examining how different refugia types support their survival and whether these patterns are species‐specific. We modelled habitat suitability under two climate scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) across three future time slices, from 2021 to 2080, using five predictive models. Our results suggest that habitat suitability declines for most populations, but those of high elevation are less affected, often gaining suitability at higher elevations while losing it at lower ones. Long‐term refugia are the most common persistence type under moderate climate change, whereas holdouts dominate under extreme. Stepping stones are rare, suggesting that these species may struggle to track shifting climates. The distribution of refugia types follows an elevational gradient, with long‐term refugia at higher elevations and holdouts at mid‐elevations. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of Alpine endemics to climate change and emphasise the importance of conservation strategies that account for range shifts, also by active translocation, to ensure their long‐term survival.
Journals
2026 EN
Kapun Martin · Steindl Sonja · Ricci Maria
+6 more
ABSTRACT Understanding the impact of ecological factors on biodiversity is central in the context of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban areas, as landscapes under particularly strong anthropogenic influence, are undergoing rapid ecological change, yet the consequences for urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning remain poorly understood. In this study, we focused on fruit flies of the genus Drosophila —a diverse group of dipterans with variable ecological niches and degrees of synanthropy, i.e., the adaptation to human‐modified habitats. We investigated species composition and community ecology in the metropolitan area of Vienna, Austria. With the help of numerous citizen scientists, we have collected approximately 18,000 specimens through dense spatio‐temporal sampling both indoors and outdoors of human dwellings. A total of 13 Drosophila species were identified, with communities dominated by widespread cosmopolitan synanthropic species. Among these, D. mercatorum and D. virilis represent novel records for Austria. Comparisons to a previous study from more than 30 years ago revealed that the species richness in Vienna was more than 50% lower than before and showed that formerly common species were potentially replaced by non‐indigenous drosophilids (neobiota). We further assessed ecological niches by intersecting species abundance data with high‐dimensional, high‐resolution earth observation datasets, which revealed distinct ecological preferences among species. In particular, the neozoan D. mercatorum emerged as a highly synanthropic species, tightly confined to urban areas with high levels of imperviousness. In summary, our study underpins the versatility of the Drosophila system as an indicator of biodiversity loss in a rapidly changing world.
Journals
2026 EN
Brilhante Miguel · Darbyshire Iain · Duarte Maria Cristina
+3 more
ABSTRACT Despite the extensive diversity of African flora, significant gaps remain in taxonomic research and biodiversity conservation, including under‐sampling in highly diverse regions, a shortage of taxonomic expertise, limited financial resources and delays in species descriptions. Type specimens act as effective proxies for tracking the discovery and description of species, providing a historical baseline for assessing taxonomic effort and our understanding of biodiversity. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of Fabaceae species collected in Mozambique, one of the most diverse and ecologically important plant families in the region. It offers new insights into the taxonomic, spatial and temporal patterns shaping current botanical knowledge through an analysis of Fabaceae type specimens collected in Mozambique. We identified 273 type specimens, including 126 recognised taxa, with a notable proportion of endemism (44 strict‐endemic and 18 near‐endemic taxa) and a predominance of woody growth forms. Nearly 40% of these taxa lack IUCN conservation assessments, highlighting significant information gaps. The findings reveal that collection activity peaked during colonial botanical initiatives, driven by a small group of prolific collectors and influenced by spatial biases towards southern and central provinces. Using generalised linear modelling, we demonstrate that collection locations were significantly affected by elevation, slope, land cover and proximity to roads and harbours, reflecting the interaction between biogeographic patterns and accessibility. By identifying these historical and geographic biases, our study deepens understanding of Mozambique's botanical heritage and provides a crucial baseline for future floristic and conservation efforts in underexplored regions. Furthermore, this research underscores the vital role of herbarium type specimens as scientific resources supporting taxonomic research and conservation planning, emphasising the importance of preserving and digitising these collections to enhance their accessibility and utility.
Journals
2026 EN
Peer Maria · Kratschmer Sophie · Hussain Raja Imran
+5 more
ABSTRACT Newly established grasslands and flower strips on arable land aim to counteract ongoing biodiversity loss, often specifically designed to promote pollinators. However, their effectiveness in supporting diverse and stable plant–pollinator networks remains not fully understood. We compared plant–pollinator interactions in newly established grasslands, 5–6 years after sowing on arable land, and old, permanent grasslands in a Central European agricultural region. Across 1095 recorded interactions, we found significantly higher pollinator visitation frequency and diversity per plant species in newly established grasslands than in old grasslands, particularly for solitary bees and syrphids. Network analyses revealed comparable nestedness and specialization in newly established grasslands and old grasslands. Distinct plant family and color preferences emerged among pollinator groups, with bumble bees favoring Fabaceae, syrphids visiting especially Apiaceae and Rubiaceae, and butterflies preferring Fabaceae and Caryophyllaceae. Several generalist pollinators and key plant species played central roles in both grassland types, highlighting their importance for network connectivity. Our findings suggest that carefully designed new grasslands can support diverse plant–pollinator networks and contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.
Journals
2026 EN
Ahmad Hamza · Aool Winnifred · Anyango Victor
+12 more
ABSTRACT Hyalomma rufipes is a widely distributed tick species and a competent vector of Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), a serious zoonotic pathogen endemic to over 30 countries. Despite the epidemiological importance of CCHFV and H. rufipes in East Africa, little is known about the genetic structure and movement of H. rufipes populations, limiting the understanding of CCHFV transmission dynamics in this region. This study developed and characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers to support population genetic studies of H. rufipes . H. rufipes ticks were collected from livestock in Garissa and Isiolo counties in northern Kenya. Morphological identification was confirmed using 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Low‐pass whole genome sequencing was performed on representative samples, and the Quality and Diversity of DNA (QDD) pipeline was used to identify and design microsatellite primers. Of 59,201 candidate loci, 30 were selected for initial screening; 14 loci consistently amplified and were polymorphic. These included mostly tetranucleotide repeats and showed high allelic richness and gene diversity. Several loci showed signs of null alleles, but no evidence of stuttering or allelic dropout was found. These newly developed microsatellite markers provide a valuable tool for investigating H. rufipes population dynamics and dispersal, with the ultimate goal of understanding CCHFV transmission dynamics in East Africa.
Journals
2026 EN
Doni Lucia · Briozzo Ian · Cerabolini Bruno E. L.
+5 more
ABSTRACT Grazing and land abandonment trigger ecological succession and can affect plant communities by determining the relative importance of ecological assembly rules. A thorough understanding of these processes requires the implementation of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, along with knowledge of how they relate to each other in response to disturbance. We carried out survey on 120 plots and calculated taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, the diversity's dimensionality, as well as the community weighted means to detect species functional response to changes in land‐use. Extensive grazing supported highest taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. Whereas intense grazing had lowest diversity values. Abandoned grasslands resulted in differences between time periods, with past abandonment decreasing in diversity as succession advances. Functional diversity weakly varied among land‐use categories, yet the CWM analysis highlighted an increase in conservative resource‐use strategies through succession, and avoidance mechanisms with an increase in acquisitive traits in grazed communities. The importance of metrics in explaining the variation of the biodiversity space varied according to land‐use categories, where to the diversity of intensive grazing and past abandonment contributed most phylogenetic diversity, for intermediate grazing and recent abandonment the variation was explained mostly by functional diversity, and we found equal contribution between phylogenetic and functional diversity in extensive grazing. Our study suggests that reality is more complex than the simple paradigm that mechanisms of habitat filtering and limiting similarity lead to less and more diverse communities, highlighting the importance to treat the three diversity components as complementary. This knowledge supports management practices in grasslands experiencing grazing intensification or abandonment, especially in protected areas where legislation imposes responsibility for conservation action.