A Risk Screening of Potential Invasiveness of Alien and Neonative Marine Fishes in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for Sustainable Management

Biological invasions have posed a major threat to global and regional biodiversity. The Mediterranean Sea, one of the major biodiversity hotspots in the world, has long suffered multiple and frequent invasion events. This paper represents the screening results of the potential invasiveness of 23 introduced marine fish species, which are classified as neonative and alien. To predict the invasiveness potential of species under current and predicted climate conditions, the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) is applied. Thresholds have been constituted to classify low, medium and high-risk species by receiver operative characteristic curve analysis (ROC). The calibrated basic and climate-change threshold assessment scores used to classify species from low, to medium to high risk were computed between 27.5 and 33.0 respectively. Based on these thresholds, under current climatic conditions, 15 species were high risk, while the remaining species were medium risk, and the Chaetodipterus faber and the Holocentrus adscensionis switched from the medium-risk to the high-risk group under future climatic conditions. The highest score belonged to Fistularia petimba, followed by Siganus fuscescens, Abudefduf spp., Acanthurus monroviae and Lutjanus argentimaculatus. This study focused on the species that have not been assessed for their invasiveness potential, and the results can provide important insights into their sustainable management in the future.

Mapping the Establishment and Invasiveness Potential of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Turkey: With Special Emphasis on the Conservation of Native Salmonids

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has become by far the most frequently farmed freshwater fish species in Turkey, whereas very little is known about its establishment and invasiveness potential. We explored this potential through a combination of Maxent habitat suitability model and the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) on the river basin scale by generating an overall risk score (ORS). The outcome of this approach was also incorporated with the spatial analysis of native salmonid species by generating a relative vulnerability score (RVS) to prioritize susceptibility of native species (or populations) and to propose risk hotspots by identifying their potential geographic overlap and interaction with O. mykiss. Results suggest that the northern basins (Eastern Black Sea, Western Black Sea and Marmara basins) are the most suitable basins for O. mykiss. According to the Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) threshold scores, O. mykiss is classified as “high risk” for 3 (12.0%) of the 25 river basins screened (Western Black Sea, Eastern Black Sea and Maritza-Ergene), and as “medium risk” for the remaining basins. The climate change assessment (CCA) scores negatively contributed the overall invasiveness potential of O. mykiss in 22 (88.0%) of the river basins and resulted in zero contribution for the remaining three, namely Aras-Kura, Çoruh river and Eastern Black Sea. The ORS score of river basins was lowest for Orontes and highest for Western Black Sea, whereas it was lowest for Konya-closed basin and highest for Eastern Black Sea, when CCA was associated. The micro-basins occupied by Salmo rizeensis had the highest mean habitat suitability with O. mykiss. Among the all species, S. abanticus had the highest RVS, followed by S. munzuricus and S. euphrataeus. The overall outcome of the present study also suggests that the establishment and invasiveness potential of O. mykiss may decrease under future (climate warmer) in Turkey, except for the northeast region. This study can provide environmental managers and policy makers an insight into using multiple tools for decision-making. The proposed RVS can also be considered as a complementary tool to improve IUCN red list assessment protocols of species.

Cancer Associated Fibroblast-Derived IL-6 Determines Unfavorable Prognosis in Cholangiocarcinoma By Affecting Autophagy-Associated Chemoresponse

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) massively released by cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) has been shown to associate with the malignant behavior of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of CAFs-derived IL-6 to inhibit autophagy in CCA cells thus promoting their proliferation and invasiveness potential. Here, we aimed to validate with clinical and molecular data the hypothesis that CAFs infiltration and release of IL-6 predict poor prognosis in CCA patients following dysregulation of autophagy in cancer cells.Methods: Stromal IL-6 and cancer cell-associated autophagy proteins LC3 and p62 were assayed by Tissue MicroArray immunohistochemistry and their expression correlated with overall survival (OS) in a cohort of 70 CCA patients. Additionally, copy number and mRNA expression data of BECN1, MAP1-LC3B, p62/SQSTM1 and IL6 were extracted from a CCA database in TCGA and correlated with OS. 5-FU Cytotoxicity in CCA cells was assessed by cell counting, clonogenic assay, cytofluorometry and western blotting and immunofluorescence of apoptotic-related proteins. Results: We show that patients bearing a CCA with low production of stromal IL-6 and active autophagy flux in the cancer cells have the best prognosis and this correlates with a more effective response to post-operative chemotherapy. Similar trend was observed in CCA patients from TCGA database. In vitro experiments with primary CAFs isolated from human CCA and epigenetic manipulations showed that IL-6 plays a pivotal role in determining the autophagy-associated apoptotic response to chemotherapeutic drug in cultured human CCA cells. Conclusions: Our data support a therapeutic strategy that includes autophagy-enhancing drugs along with adjuvants limiting the stromal inflammation (i.e., the secretion of IL-6) to improve the survival of CCA patients.

Nectar and pollen production of Helianthus tuberosus L. – an exotic plant with invasiveness potential

In Central Europe, Helianthus tuberosus L. is a late summer/autumn bloomer (August/November). The disc florets produce both nectar and pollen. Floral reward is available in male-phase flowers (pollen and nectar) and in female-phase flowers (nectar). The floral reward is attractive to a variety of insect visitors (honey bees, wasps, flies and butterflies). The season of blooming as well as the total sugar yield (25.4 – 47.4 kg ha−1) and pollen yield (57.8 – 212.7 kg ha−1) indicate that H. tuberosus is important in the enhancement of food resources for pollinators. The generative reproduction in H. tuberosus is impaired (the species does not set seeds/fruits). However, due to its attractiveness for a variety of pollinators in both rural and urban areas, the spread of H. tuberosus should be monitored. Moreover, its propagation needs to be attended with restrictions.

Global Distribution of Invasive Serotype 35D Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates following Introduction of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

ABSTRACT A newly recognized pneumococcal serotype, 35D, which differs from the 35B polysaccharide in structure and serology by not binding to factor serum 35a, was recently reported. The genetic basis for this distinctive serology is due to the presence of an inactivating mutation in wciG , which encodes an O-acetyltransferase responsible for O-acetylation of a galactofuranose. Here, we assessed the genomic data of a worldwide pneumococcal collection to identify serotype 35D isolates and understand their geographical distribution, genetic background, and invasiveness potential. Of 21,980 pneumococcal isolates, 444 were originally typed as serotype 35B by PneumoCaT. Analysis of the wciG gene revealed 23 isolates from carriage ( n = 4) and disease ( n = 19) with partial or complete loss-of-function mutations, including mutations resulting in premature stop codons ( n = 22) and an in-frame mutation ( n = 1). These were selected for further analysis. The putative 35D isolates were geographically widespread, and 65.2% (15/23) of them was recovered after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 (PCV13). Compared with serotype 35B isolates, putative serotype 35D isolates have higher invasive disease potentials based on odds ratios (OR) (11.58; 95% confidence interval[CI], 1.42 to 94.19 versus 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.92) and a higher prevalence of macrolide resistance mediated by mefA (26.1% versus 7.6%; P = 0.009). Using the Quellung reaction, 50% (10/20) of viable isolates were identified as serotype 35D, 25% (5/20) as serotype 35B, and 25% (5/20) as a mixture of 35B/35D. The discrepancy between phenotype and genotype requires further investigation. These findings illustrated a global distribution of an invasive serotype, 35D, among young children post-PCV13 introduction and underlined the invasive potential conferred by the loss of O-acetylation in the pneumococcal capsule.

Difficulties in the diagnosis of fungal rhinosinusitis – Literature review

Fungal rhinosinusitis is an important pathological entity, a highly controversial topic in the medical world today, by the various research directions it offers. In order to be able to predict a patient’s prognosis and his response to treatment, first we must have a classification of fungal rhinosinusitis. The authors considered it is important to make a distinction between invasive and noninvasive forms of fungal rhinosinusitis. The most important step in the management of fungal rhinosinusitis is to have a correct diagnosis, based on strong criteria, which will lead to a better prognosis of this disease. Because of its invasiveness potential, especially in patients at risk, it is essential to have a correct and fast diagnosis in case of fungal rhinosinusitis, in order to begin the treatment as fast as possible, for a favourable prognosis. The only way to establish diagnosis in a reliable way is to make a detailed clinical examination and to take biopsy samples.

Current state, habitat and potential invasiveness of Montia linearis (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene in Poland

<p><em>Montia linearis</em> is a vascular plant originating from western North America. The expansion of this species has been observed for several decades. For the first time <em>M. linearis</em> was found in Europe in 1989. Further six populations were documented by 2004 within the continent: three in Poland, two in Denmark and one in Hungary.</p><p>Apart from discovering a new population of <em>M. linearis</em>, we confirmed two out of the three previously known localities of the species in Poland. All the currently known populations of <em>M. linearis</em> occupied predominantly meadow habitats, especially intensively managed sites. Some individuals were also found in disturbed sites with bare soil. The studied species inhabited soils of various types with broad range of fertility as well as humidity. <em>Montia linearis</em> populations reached densities up to 87 individuals per 0.04 m². The number of seeds produced by an individual was between 10 and 55 in 90% of the studied specimens, however much more fertile specimens were also observed.</p><p>As the previously presented hypothesis of <em>M. linearis</em> dispersal with rail transport seemed not to be well supported, the connection between the <em>M. linearis</em> presence and cattle husbandry is considered. It is possible that the species can be transferred with living animals or manure.</p><p>The species was able to survive for at least 26 years within once inhabited site. Further spread of <em>M. linearis</em> within Europe is highly probable. The aim of the study is to: (i) describe the current state of populations of <em>M. linearis</em> in Poland, (ii) provide information on habitat preferences and biology of the species, (iii) assess the invasiveness potential of <em>M. linearis</em> in Poland.</p>