Hull-cleaning wastewater poses serious acute and chronic toxicity to a marine mysid-A multigenerational study.

We conducted a comprehensive assessment involving acute effects on 96-hour survival and biochemical parameters, as well as chronic effects on growth and reproduction spanning three generations of the marine mysid Neomysis awatschensis exposed to filtered wastewater to evaluate the potential impact of ship hull-cleaning wastewater on crustaceans. The analyzed wastewater exhibited elevated concentrations of metals, specifically zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) and metal-based antifoulants, i.e., Cu pyrithoine (CuPT) and Zn pyrithoine (ZnPT). The results revealed dose-dependent reductions in survival rates, accompanied by a notable increase in oxidative stress, in response to the sublethal values of two wastewater samples: 1) mechanically filtered using the cleaning system (MF) and 2) additionally filtered in the laboratory (LF) for 96 h. Mysids exposed to MF displayed higher mortality than those exposed to LF. Furthermore, mysids subjected to continuous exposure of 0.001% LF across three generations exhibited significant inhibition of the feeding rate, more pronounced growth retardation along with an extended intermolt duration, and a diminished rate of reproduction compared to the control. A noteworthy inhibition of the feeding rate and growth was observed in the first generation exposed only to the LF sample. However, although the reproduction rate was not significantly affected. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential harm posed by sublethal concentrations of wastewater to the health of mysid populations under consistent exposure.

Omission of Breast Surgery in Predicted Pathologic Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy: A Multicenter, Single-Arm, Non-inferiority Trial.

PURPOSE: Advances in chemotherapeutic and targeted agents have increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). Vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) has been suggested to accurately evaluate pCR. This study aims to confirm the non-inferiority of the 5-year disease-free survival of patients who omitted breast surgery when predicted to have a pCR based on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and VAB after NST, compared with patients with a pCR who had undergone breast surgery in previous studies. METHODS: The Omission of breast surgery for PredicTed pCR patients wIth MRI and vacuum-assisted bIopsy in breaST cancer after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (OPTIMIST) trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, non-inferiority study enrolling in 17 tertiary care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. Eligible patients must have a clip marker placed in the tumor and meet the MRI criteria suggesting complete clinical response (post-NST MRI size ≤ 1 cm and lesion-to-background signal enhancement ratio ≤ 1.6) after NST. Patients will undergo VAB, and breast surgery will be omitted for those with no residual tumor. Axillary surgery can also be omitted if the patient was clinically node-negative before and after NST and met the stringent criteria of MRI size ≤ 0.5 cm. Survival and efficacy outcomes are evaluated over five years. DISCUSSION: This study seeks to establish evidence for the safe omission of breast surgery in exceptional responders to NST while minimizing patient burden. The trial will address concerns about potential undertreatment due to false-negative results and recurrence as well as improved patient-reported quality of life issues from the omission of surgery. Successful completion of this trial may reshape clinical practice for certain breast cancer subtypes and lead to a safe and less invasive approach for selected patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05505357. Registered on August 17, 2022. Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0007638. Registered on July 25, 2022.

Chronic exposure to environmental concentrations of harmful algal bloom-forming dinoflagellates induces oxidative stress and reduces immune and hepatic functions in red seabream.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by dinoflagellates can be detrimental to aquaculture and fisheries. However, little is known regarding their ichthyotoxic effects on fish, particularly after chronic exposure to sublethal levels. In this study, significant modulations in physiology, immunity, antioxidant components, and hepatic indicators owing to non-toxin-producing dinoflagellate strains (Alexandrium affine and Cochlodinium polykrikoides) were analyzed in juvenile red seabream, Pagrus major, exposed to sublethal concentrations (0, 1, and 100 cells mL-1) for 60 days. At 60 days, higher mortality was induced by A. affine than by C. polykrikoides. Significant increases in respiration rate and plasma cortisol were observed in red seabream exposed to 100 cells mL-1 of the two dinoflagellates. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels were significantly elevated in the gill and liver tissues in response to 100 cells mL-1 of either dinoflagellate. Immunity parameters such as alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity, and total immunoglobulin content were significantly decreased during exposure to 100 cells mL-1 of the two dinoflagellates. Although no significant change was observed in the gonadosomatic index, the hepatosomatic index was significantly decreased by exposure to 100 cells mL-1 of the two dinoflagellates on day 60. The significant decrease in enzymatic activities of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase upon exposure to 100 cells mL-1 of either dinoflagellate suggested impaired hepatic function through prolonged exposure. Our results suggest that consistent exposure to sublethal concentrations of HAB-forming dinoflagellates is detrimental to fish physiology and biochemical defenses.

Chronic effects of environmental concentrations of antifoulant diuron on two marine fish: Assessment of hormone levels, immunity, and antioxidant defense system.

The presence and toxicity of waterborne diuron in aquatic environments pose a severe threat to non-target organisms. However, the chronic impact of diuron in marine fish has been poorly investigated. In this study, we report the chronic effects (30 and 60 days) of environmentally relevant concentrations of diuron (0.1, 1, and 10 µg L-1) on economically important marine fish, red seabream (Pagrus major), and black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) by evaluating several parameters, including hormone levels, immunity, hepatic function, and antioxidant defense. Significant decreases in 17ß-estradiol and 11-ketotestosterone levels and gonadosomatic index were observed on day 60 in fish exposed to 10 µg L-1 diuron. Parameters of immunity, such as alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity, and total immunoglobulin levels, were significantly lowered by 60-day exposure to 10 µg L-1 diuron in both fish. Significant decreases in the hepatic enzyme activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were observed with an induction of cortisol on day 60 in fish exposed to 10 µg L-1 diuron. Intracellular malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were significantly increased by 10 µg L-1 diuron at day 60 with an increase in the enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Overall, black rockfish were more sensitive to diuron than red seabream. These results suggest that consistent exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of diuron is detrimental to the reproduction, immunity, and health of marine fish.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the terebellid polychaete Neoamphitrite affinis (Polychaeta; Terebellidae).

Here, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome for the terebellid polychaete, Neoamphitrite affinis (Malmgren 1866). The complete mitogenome of N. affinis is 15,823 bp, with 33.4% A, 18.2% C, 11.5% G, and 37.0% T. The circular N. affinis mitochondrial genome comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 23 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes including 2 methionine tRNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding region. Phylogenomic analysis based on 26 in-group taxa belonging to the two main clades, Sedentaria and Errantia, is congruent with published phylogenetic relationship for annelids, which N. affinis was grouped with Pista cristata (Terebellida; Terebellidae). This mitogenome resource will be useful for future phylogenetic studies of families belonging to Sedentaria.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the firemouth cichlid, Thorichthys meeki (Perciformes: Cichlidae).

Here, we report information on the complete mitochondrial genome of the firemouth cichlid, Thorichthys meeki (Brind 1918). Illumina HiSeq genome sequencing produced the assembly of a circular mitogenome of 16,527 base pairs (bp) from T. meeki consisting of 46.8% GC nucleotides, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a putative control region as shown in the typical teleost gene composition. The gene order of the T. meeki mitogenome was identical to that of other cichlid species. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial PCGs showed a close relationship of T. meeki with Thorichthys aureus (Gunther 1862) within Heroini tribe.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the rainbow krib, Pelvicachromis pulcher (Perciformes: Cichlidae).

We report the complete mitochondrial genome information of the rainbow krib, Pelvicachromis pulcher (Boulenger 1901). Illumina HiSeq genome sequencing allowed the assembly of a circular mitogenome of 17,196 base pairs (bp) from P. pulcher consisting of 47% GC nucleotides, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a putative control region in the typical teleost gene composition. The gene order of the P. pulcher mitogenome was identical to that of other cichlid species. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial PCGs showed a relationship of P. pulcher with a cichlid Tylochromis polylepis (Boulenger 1900), suggesting that more complete mitogenomes are needed to explore mitogenome evolution in West African tribes and riverine cichlids, as this genomic information is the first complete mitogenome in the tribe Chromidotilapiini.

First complete mitochondrial genome from family Moinidae, Moina macrocopa (Straus, 1820) (Cladocera; Moinidae).

We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome for the freshwater water flea Moina macrocopa (Straus, 1820). This is the first mitogenome for the family Moinidae. The complete mitogenome of M. macrocopa is 16,072 bp, with 35.8% A, 17.6% C, 12.8% G, and 33.8% T. The mitogenome comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding region. Phylogenomic analysis based on 28 in-group taxa belonging to the orders Anostraca, Diplostraca, and Notostraca is congruent with published phylogenetic relationship for cladocerans, with M. macrocopa being grouped with members of the Daphniidae. This mitogenome resource will be useful for future phylogenetic studies of water fleas.

Reductive Transformation of Hexavalent Chromium in Ice Decreases Chromium Toxicity in Aquatic Animals.

In this study, the toxicity of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] reduced by citric acid in ice was measured using representative aquatic model invertebrates (i.e., rotifer, water flea, amphipod, and polychaete) and a vertebrate (zebrafish) by analyzing short- and/or long-term endpoints that are frequently applied to each animal. Cr(VI) reduction in the presence of citric acid was markedly enhanced in the ice phase compared to that in an aqueous solution through the freeze concentration effect. The highly concentrated Cr(VI) and citric acid in ice grain boundaries were also confirmed using in situ cryogenic confocal Raman spectroscopy. Overall, exposure to Cr(VI) resulted in higher acute and/or chronic effects on aquatic animals, such as drastic mortality, growth inhibition, and decrease in offspring number, whereas the animals were increasingly tolerant to Cr(VI) that was reduced in the ice phase. Sublethal concentrations of Cr(VI) significantly decreased the antioxidant capacity in the aquatic animals. However, when the same concentrations of Cr(VI) were reduced in ice, these treatments showed no modulation or increase in the antioxidant defense system. Taken together, our results suggest that Cr(VI) reduction into Cr(III) was successfully achieved in ice and that this methodology can decrease the actual toxicity of Cr(VI) in aquatic animals.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the six-line wrasse Pseudocheilinus hexataenia (Labriformes, Labridae).

Here, we report the complete mitogenome information of the six-line wrasse Pseudocheilinus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857). Genome sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq platform allowed the assembly of a circular mitochondrial genome of 17,111 bp from P. hexataenia, consisting of 54% AT nucleotides, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a putative control region in the typical Labriformes gene composition. The gene order of the P. hexataenia mitochondrion was identical to that of the Labridae mitogenomes. Phylogenetic reconstruction places P. hexataenia with a close relationship with the mitogenome of the goldsinny wrasse, Ctenolabrus rupestris.

Chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of saxitoxin reduces antioxidant activity and immunity in zebrafish but does not affect reproductive parameters.

Saxitoxin produced by dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria can be transferred to humans through intoxicated organisms such as fish, but limited research has addressed the adverse effects of this toxin on aquatic organisms. In this study, we measured the potential effects of a 90-day exposure to saxitoxin (0.1 or 1 µg·L - 1) on body weight and length, antioxidant defense system, immunity, sex hormones, and genes involved in associated key metabolic pathways in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Significant impairments in body weight and length were observed in response to 1 µg·L - 1 saxitoxin in both male and female zebrafish. A significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, together with decreased enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, was observed in fish of both sexes exposed to 1 µg·L - 1 saxitoxin, indicating the occurrence of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Immune parameters such as alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin content were also significantly reduced. However, exposure of male and female zebrafish to saxitoxin for 90 days did not significantly affect reproductive parameters such as the gonadosomatic index and plasma concentrations of vitellogenin, estradiol, and 11-keto testosterone. Transcriptional responses showed similar trends to those of the biochemical parameters, as genes involved in the antioxidant defense system and immunity were downregulated, whereas the transcription of genes related to reproductive metabolism showed no significant change upon treatment with 1 µg·L - 1 saxitoxin. Our findings indicate that long-term exposure to a sublethal concentration of saxitoxin can inhibit growth through induction of oxidative stress and immunosuppression, while the reproductive parameters of zebrafish are not a main target of this toxin at sublethal concentrations.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Lamprologus signatus (Perciformes: Cichlidae).

In this study, the complete 16,583 bp mitochondrial genome of Lamprologus signatus (Poll, 1952) was determined from a specimen sourced from Lake Tanganyika. The mitogenome contains 37 genes [13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes] and a putative control region, which consists of 27.1% A, 27.0% T, 29.9% C, and 16.0% G, with a total G + C content of 45.9%. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial PCGs suggested that L. signatus is clustered with members of the tribes Haplochromini and Tropheini. As this is the first report of the entire mitogenome in the tribe Lamprologini, the complete mitochondrial sequence information of L. sigantus will be useful in determining phylogenetic relationships of Pseudocrenilabrinae tribes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the terebellid polychaete Thelepus plagiostoma (Terebellida; Terebellidae).

Here, we report the complete mitogenome information of the terebellid polychaete, Thelepus plagiostoma (Schmarda, 1861). Genome sequencing by Illumina HiSeq platform permitted assembly of a circular mitochondrial genome of 15,628 bp from T. plagiostoma consisting of 67% AT nucleotides, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding region in the typical annelid gene composition. Gene order of the T. plagiostoma mitochondrion is identical to those of the Terebelliformia mitogenomes. Phylogenetic reconstruction places T. plagiostoma within the monophyletic subclass Sedentaria, a sister to Pista cristata in the suborder Terebelliformia.

The dinoflagellate Alexandrium affine acutely induces significant modulations on innate immunity, hepatic function, and antioxidant defense system in the gill and liver tissues of red seabream.

Alexandrium affine is a global harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming dinoflagellate. In this study, the effect of non-toxin-producing A. affine on the gill and liver tissues of red seabream, Pagrus major, was analyzed over 24 h exposure and 2 h depuration phases. After exposure to three concentrations of A. affine (4,000, 6,000, and 7,000 cells mL-1), survival rates, respiration rates, immunities (lysozyme, total Ig), hepatic biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST; and alkaline phosphatase, ALP), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), and antioxidant defense systems (glutathione, GSH; catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidases, GPx; and glutathione reductase, GR) were analyzed in gill and liver tissues. Dose-dependent decreases in survival and respiration rates were detected in red seabream. A. affine levels of to 6,000 and 7,000 cells mL-1 induced immunosuppression and hepatic impairment in both tissues, as measured by significant decreases in lysozyme activity, total Ig level, ALT, AST, and ALP content. The levels of GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx, and GR were significantly decreased in the gills and liver in response to 7,000 cells mL-1 of A. affine at 24 h, and MDA was elevated. However, different response patterns were observed between tissues in response to 4,000 cells mL-1. Activity of antioxidant defense enzymes was significantly elevated in the liver but decreased in the gills. This suggests that the gills were more vulnerable than the liver. In the case of 6,000 and 7,000 cells mL-1 treatments, higher susceptibility was also detected at 3 h in the gill compared to the overall responses of each parameter measured in liver. Taken together, direct attachment of A. affine to the gill tissue strongly affects immunity and antioxidant capacity of red seabream even after a short exposure period. These results could be helpful for understanding HAB-mediated effects in marine fish.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the polychaete, Melinna cristata.

In this study, we report the complete mitogenome sequence of the polychaete, Melinna cristata (Sars, 1851). The circular M. cristata mitochondrial genome is 15,696 bp in length and has an AT content of 66%. As in other polychaetes, the genome has 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding region. Gene composition and their order in the M. cristata mitochondrion are identical to the Terebelliformia mitogenomes. A maximum-likelihood gene tree based on the M. cristata mitogenome combined with previously published Sedentaria and Errantia mitogenomes revealed that M. cristata forms a clade with two Terebelliformia species.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the scale worm, Eunoe nodosa (Phyllodocida; Polynoidae) from the Beaufort Sea.

To increase the mitogenome data available for robust phylogeny, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA of the scale worm Eunoe nodosa (Sars, 1861) in the family Polynoidae of the order Phyllodocida. The complete mitogenome has 15,366 bp and has 28.9% A, 13.2% C, 19.0% G, and 38.8% T. Using MITOS and tRNAscan-SE, we identified the 13 typical protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding region. Phylogenomic analysis based on 27 in-group taxa belonging to five families of the subclass Errantia show congruence with the published phylogenetic relationship within the Polynoidae, in which E. nodosa lies in the clade of shallow water species.

LEP as a potential biomarker in prognosis of breast cancer: Systemic review and meta analyses (PRISMA).

PURPOSE: Obesity strongly affects the prognosis of various malignancies, including breast cancer. Leptin (LEP) may be associated with obesity and breast cancer prognosis. The purpose of our study was to determine the prognostic value of LEP in breast cancer. METHOD: We conducted a multi-omic analysis to determine the prognostic role of LEP. Different public bioinformatics platforms (Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, University of California Santa Cruz Xena, bc-GenExMiner, PrognoScan database, R2-Kaplan-Meier Scanner, UALCAN, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database , and The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) were used to evaluate the roles of LEP. Clinicopathological variables were evaluated. RESULTS: LEP was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to levels in normal tissues. By co-expressed gene analysis, a positive correlation between LEP and SLC19A3 was observed. Based on the clinicopathological analysis, low LEP expression was associated with older age, higher stage, lymph node status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, estrogen receptor (ER+) positivity, and progesterone receptor (PR+) positivity. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low LEP expression indicated a poorer prognosis. LEP is hypermethylated in breast cancer tissues in PrognoScan and R2-Kaplan Meier Scanner, and low LEP expression was correlated with poor prognosis. LEP protein-protein interactions were analyzed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database. Gene ontology analysis results showed that cellular component is mainly associated with the endosome lumen, cytosol, and secretory granules and is upregulated. For the biological process energy reserve, metabolic processes exhibited the greatest regulation compared to the others. In molecular function, it was mainly enriched in a variety of combinations, but hormone activity showed the highest regulation. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence for the prognostic role of LEP in breast cancer and as a novel potential therapeutic target in such malignancies. Nevertheless, further validation is required.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the marine polychaete, Nereis zonata (Phyllodocida, Nereididae) isolated from the Beaufort Sea.

Here, we present the first whole mitogenome sequence of the marine polychaete, Nereis zonata, isolated from the Beaufort Sea. The mitochondrial genome of N. zonata is 15,757 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding region that is typical of polychaetes. GC content of the N. zonata mitogenome is 37.2%. A maximum-likelihood gene tree based on the N. zonata mitogenome combined with previously published annelid mitogenome data revealed that N. zonata is clustered with Cheilonereis cyclurus, which form a sister group to Nereis sp.

The first complete mitochondrial genome from the family Solasteridae, Crossaster papposus (Echinodermata, Asteroidea).

The common sunstar, Crossaster papposus, belongs to the family Solasteridae whose ordinal classification has been unstable. Here, for the first time, we assembled and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of the common sunstar, C. papposus Linnaeus, 1767. The circular genome of C. papposus is 16,335 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, a control region, and large and small ribosomal subunits. The overall genomic structure and gene arrangement were identical to the reported mitochondrial genomes of sea star species, and a phylogenetic analysis of 13 PCGs recovers a closest relationship with the derived cluster of the paraphyletic order Valvatida.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the marine polychaete Hediste japonica (Phyllodocida, Nereididae).

To date, only five species are registered in the genus Hediste, and complete mitochondrial genome is reported in one species, Hediste diadroma. In this study, a complete 15,783 bp genome for the marine polychaete H. japonica mitochondrion was assembled through Illumina HiSeq platform. The complete mitochondrial genome of H. japonica contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and one control region. Overall genomic structure and gene orientation of H. japonica mitogenome are identical to those of H. diadroma. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method validated the sister relationship between Hediste sp. and other polychaetes. This information will be useful to understand geographical distribution, phylogenetic relationship, and evolutionary history of marine polychates.