Notes to the Taxonomic Affiliation of the Bulbophyllym Sect. Physometra (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) Based on Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses.

To solve the taxonomic affiliation of Bulbophyllum physometrum, the only known species of the Bulbophyllym sect. Physometra (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear markers, i.e., ITS and the low-copy gene Xdh, and the plastid region matK. We used Asian Bulbophyllum taxa, with a special focus on species from the sections Lemniscata and Blepharistes, i.e., the only Asian sections of this genus with bifoliate pseudobulbs, as in B. physometrum. Unexpectedly, the results of molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that B. physometrum is most probably more related to the representatives of the sections Hirtula and Sestochilos than Blepharistes or Lemniscata.

Altered circadian dynamics of Per2 after cystathionine-ß-synthase and/or cystathionine-γ-lyase pharmacological inhibition in serum-shocked NIH-3T3 cells.

Circadian clock genes are found in almost every cell that has a nucleus; they regulate the rhythmic nature of all processes that are cyclical. Among the genes controlled by the circadian clock, there are numerous factors that regulate key processes in the functioning of the cell. Disturbances in the functioning of the circadian clock are associated with numerous disorders. A recent study has shown the key role of H2S in regulating circadian rhythm. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effect of pharmacological inhibition of cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS) and/or cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) on the circadian dynamics of Per2 expression in serum-shocked NIH-3T3 cells. Alternatively, Cbs and Cse were knocked down by transfection with siRNA. The 48-h treatment of serum-shocked NIH-3T3 cells with 1 mM dl-propargylglycine (PAG), a specific CSE inhibitor, significantly decreased the amplitude and baseline expression of Per2. During exposure to an effective CBS and CSE inhibitor (aminooxyacetic acid [AOAA]), the amplitude of oscillation and baseline expression of Per2 significantly increased. Incubation of NIH-3T3 cells with both inhibitors also significantly increased the amplitude and baseline expression of Per2 messenger RNA (mRNA). siCbs or siCse knockdowan significantly reduced the baseline and amplitude of oscillation of Per2. In conclusion, we showed that CBS/CSE/H2S pathway participates in the regulation of the circadian clock system. PAG and AOAA, change the general expression and dynamics of Per2 genes, but the increase of amplitude and overall Per2 mRNA level due to exposure to AOAA is probably caused by factors other than CBS and CSE activity.

Altered dynamics in the circadian oscillation of clock genes in serum-shocked NIH-3T3 cells by the treatment of GYY4137 or AOAA.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several members of the core clock mechanism are equipped with a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain through which they can bind haem [Fe(II)]. Haem is a ligand for the orphan receptors REV-ERBα/ß (NR1D1/2), which regulate circadian rhythm and metabolism. The ability to bind haem sensitises these clock components to the action of small molecule gases, including NO, CO and H2S. Studies conducted with European hamsters revealed that during winter sleep, key clock genes stop oscillating. At the same time, H2S, when administered at subtoxic concentrations, can induce a hypometabolic state in the cell. We suppose that core clock components, including the nuclear receptors REV-ERBs, neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (nPAS2) and PER2, can be H2S targets. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the H2S system on the expression profile of the core clock genes in cells in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We analysed the expression of Per1, Per2, Per3, Bmal1, Cry1, Cry2, Nr1d1, Nfil-3 and Dbp messenger RNA (mRNA) in serum-shocked NIH-3T3 cells treated with a slow-releasing H2S donor (GYY4137) or the cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) inhibitor (AOAA) cultured under constant darkness and collected during 3 days in 3 h interval. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We found that pharmacological CBS inhibition increased the general expression and dynamics of several clock genes. On the other hand, increased H2S decreased Per2 expression. These data suggest that CBS can affect circadian clock and effect on clock-controlled transcription output.

The seasonal changes of the heme oxygenase in the retina pig.

The eye is a very important organ in the human body which is affected by various external factors. One of these factors is the sunlight which can cause the visual impairment and as well as the increase in the oxidative stress. The heme oxygenase I (HO-1) plays a very important role in the fight against the oxidative stress. The HO enzyme catalyses the degradation of the heme to the ferrous iron, the biliverdin and the carbon monoxide (CO). The HO-2 is the isoform HO-1 and is mainly constitutively expressed. We have studied the changes in the HO-1 and the HO-2 in the retina on the level of the RNA and the protein in the summer and in the winter season (the biggest difference is in the length of the day light). The retina of the eye was obtained from the breeding pigs in concern (Sus scrofa f. domestica) posthumously. The expression of the HO-1 genes in the retina cells is higher in the winter and the amount of protein decreases. However, the HO enzyme concentration definitely increases in the summer, when the production of the free radicals (the oxidative stress) related to the exposition to the sunlight is greater. The obtained results suggest that various factors have the influence on the protein synthesis. One of the factors, can be the miRNA which blocks the synthesis of the HO. Another factors, influencing the HO are the biological clock, the sunlight and the UV radiation associated with it.

Autopolicy: Automated Traffic Policing for Improved IoT Network Security.

A 2.3Tbps DDoS attack was recently mitigated by Amazon, which is a new record after the 2018 GitHub attack, or the famous 2016 Dyn DNS attack launched from hundreds of thousands of hijacked Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These attacks may disrupt the lives of billions of people worldwide, as we increasingly rely on the Internet. In this paper, we tackle the problem that hijacked IoT devices are often the origin of these attacks. With the goal of protecting the Internet and local networks, we propose Autopolicy: a system that automatically limits the IP traffic bandwidth-and other network resources-available to IoT devices in a particular network. We make use of the fact that devices, such as sensors, cameras, and smart home appliances, rarely need their high-speed network interfaces for normal operation. We present a simple yet flexible architecture for Autopolicy, specifying its functional blocks, message sequences, and general operation in a Software Defined Network. We present the experimental validation results, and release a prototype open source implementation.

Can global warming be beneficial for Arctic-alpine orchid species? Outcomes from ecological niche modeling for Chamorchis alpina (L.) Rich. (Orchidaceae).

The disjunct Arctic-alpine plants that persist on isolated mountain sites at the limits of their geographical range are particularly sensitive indicators of climate change effects. Here, we investigated a remarkably fragile plant, the smallest orchid in Europe, Chamorchis alpina. The ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach was employed not only to verify the shift in the range of the studied orchid but also to evaluate the future overlap between this plant population and its pollen vectors, Dasytes alpigradus, Formica lemani and Leptothorax acervorum. Our analyses showed that the bioclimatic preferences of the northern (Scandinavian) populations differed from those of the southern populations located in the Alps and Carpathians. Surprisingly, both C. alpina groups will expand their potential ranges under the SSP2-4.5 climate change scenario, and additional suitable niches will become available for the northern group under the SSP3-7.0 scenario. The Scandinavian populations will face significant habitat loss (36 %) in the SSP5-8.5 projection. The southern group will lose suitable niches under both the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios (33 % and 58 %, respectively). For all pollinators of C. alpina, global warming will be favorable, and all three species will expand their potential ranges under all analyzed climate change scenarios. Our research suggests that a "middle of the road" scenario of climate change (SSP2-4.5), which assumes that socioeconomic factors follow historical trends, will not be harmful to the studied orchid or possibly other elements of Arctic-alpine flora, but all other scenarios that predict increases in CO2 emissions will result in a decreases in the coverage of suitable C. alpina niches, especially in the alpine region. At the same time, an overall expansion of alpine dwarf orchid pollen vectors is predicted, so even within a reduced geographical range, the orchid population will be able to reproduce sexually.

Erratum: Corrigendum: Kolanowska M, Baranow P, Nowak S, Fuentes A (2021) Materials to the revision of the genus Cranichis (Orchidaceae) in Bolivia. PhytoKeys 186: 11-41. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.186.71499.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.186.71499.].

Cost-effective filtering of unreliable proximity detection results based on BLE RSSI and IMU readings using smartphones.

Indoor environments are a major challenge in the domain of location-based services due to the inability to use GPS. Currently, Bluetooth Low Energy has been the most commonly used technology for such services due to its low cost, low power consumption, ubiquitous availability in smartphones and the dependence of the signal strength on the distance between devices. The article proposes a system that detects the proximity between static (anchors) and moving objects, evaluates the quality of this prediction and filters out the unreliable results based on custom metrics. We define three metrics: two matrics based on RSSI and Intertial Measurement Unit (IMU) readings and one joint metric. This way the filtering is based on both, the external information (RSSI) and the internal information (IMU). To process the IMU data, we use machine learning activity recognition models (we apply feature selection and compare three models and choose the best one-Gradient Boosted Decision Trees). The proposed system is flexible and can be easily customized. The great majority of operations can be conducted directly on smartphones. The solution is easy to implement, cost-efficient and can be deployed in real-life applications (MICE industry, museums, industry).

Carbon Monoxide (CO) as a Retinal Regulator of Heme Oxygenases -1, and -2 (HO's) Expression.

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been proposed as a chemical light signal and neural system modulator via heme oxygenases -1 and -2 (HO-1 and HO-2). Many papers have proven the CO-HO circuit to be important for such physiological pathways as the molecular biological clock and the GnRH axis, but also in such pathological occurrences as ischemic injuries, or inflammation as a regenerative and neuroprotective factor. In this in vivo experiment, we used three groups of pigs: control-housed in natural conditions without any procedures; without CO-adapted and kept in constant darkness, infused with blank plasma; and with CO-adapted and kept in constant darkness infused with CO-enriched plasma. After the experiments, each animal was slaughtered and its eyes were collected for further analysis. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to show statistical differences in the expressions between the experimental groups. Our data revealed that exogenous CO is regulator of mRNA transcription for HO-1 and HO-2 and PCNA. Moreover, the mRNA abundance of analyzed factors in the experimental group after CO elevation revealed a restored gene-expression level similar to the control group, which we had observed in the group's restored protein level after CO elevation. In conclusion, exogenous CO regulates HO's and PCNA gene expression on transcriptional and translational levels in a similar way as a light cue.

Materials to the revision of the genus Cranichis (Orchidaceae) in Bolivia.

The diversity of Cranichis in Bolivia is evaluated. An updated key for identifying species is provided. Morphological characteristics of 15 species of Bolivian Cranichis are presented together with illustrations of their floral segments. The occurrence of C.diphylla, C.lehmannii, and C.muscosa in this country was not confirmed. In our opinion the previously published Bolivian record for C.polyantha is doubtful. For the first time, C.badia and C.longipetiolata are reported in this country. Two new species of Cranichis are described.

Data on the present and future distribution of suitable niches of the black vanilla orchid (Nigritella nigra s.l., Orchidaceae) and its pollinators.

The black vanilla orchid (Nigritella nigra s.l.) is a perennial plant found in the main European mountain ranges. It occurs in large numbers in the Alps, but it has become a rare and endangered species in Scandinavia due to the loss of suitable habitats. Here we present occurrence data on the occurrence of N. nigra s.l. and pollinators of this species which were used to evaluate the impact of climate change on the future distribution of the black vanilla orchid and its pollen vectors. Moreover, the values of bioclimatic variables for each locality are provided. The binary distribution models of both, orchids and insects, created using ecological niche modeling (ENM) technique are presented together with the information about changes in the coverage of suitable niches of studied organisms. Our data were used to evaluate the impact of climate change on orchid and its pollinator (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01560) and datasets can be reused in other research on past and future distribution of suitable niches of the black vanilla orchid and its pollinators as well as in other biogeographical studies. Moreover, presented outcomes of research can be useful in establishing conservation plans for montane orchids and their pollinators.

Synopsis of Ecuadorian Pterichis (Orchidaceae).

A taxonomic synopsis of the orchid genus Pterichis in Ecuador is presented. All national representatives of this genus are characterized and their floral segments are illustrated. Four new species and two new varieties are described. An updated key to Ecuadorian Pterichis is provided. Plants of the genus are growing mostly as terrestrial herbs at the altitude of 2,300-4,110 m. Often two or more species co-occur in the area of 25 × 25 km. Their occurrence was reported from three ecoregions-the Eastern Cordillera real montane forests, the Northern Andean páramo and the Northwestern Andean montane forests. Seven Ecuadorian Pterichis are endemic.

Synopsis of Habenaria s.l. (Orchidaceae) in New Guinea and adjacent islands.

A taxonomic synopsis of the orchid genus Habenaria in New Guinea and adjacent islands is presented. We confirmed the occurrence of 27 Habenaria species in study area. Sixteen of these are endemic and were not so far found outside New Guinea. Morphological characteristics and illustrations of floral segments of taxa are presented. One new species of Habenaria is described. Four neotypes are selected. An updated key to species groups and species occurring in the study area is provided. The importance of diagnostic floral characters in Habenaria is discussed.

In vitro study of effects of ELF-EMF on testicular tissues of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) - FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopic investigation.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are classified as an environmental factor affecting living organisms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of EMF at different frequencies (50 and 120 Hz), durations of treatment (2 and 4 h) and with the magnetic induction of 8 m T on testicular tissues of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in vitro by comparison with the control samples. Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized in this study to identify the chemical changes in the testicular tissues. The FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy methods were used to evaluate differences in spectra of the treated tissues compared to the control group. The results from the analysis of the spectra indicated there were characteristic differences in the testicular tissue compared with the control samples. There was identification of peaks attributed to different biochemical components. Comparing the spectra for different frequencies and treatment times, there was a greater intensity of peaks originating from most of the functional groups in the tissues evaluated. With the FTIR spectra, there were five of 15 peaks, while with the FT-Raman spectra, there were six of ten peaks that were shifted. For FTIR and FT-Raman analyzed spectral ranges, results from the PCA analysis indicate there was no similarity between control groups (2 and 4 h) and samples treated with EMF at a frequency of 120 Hz for 2 and 4 h. In conclusion, therefore, EMF is an environmental factor affecting the testis of roe deer.

Melatonin concentration in peripheral blood and melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the testis and epididymis of male roe deer during active spermatogenesis.

Melatonin regulates male reproductive function in seasonal and non-seasonal breeder mammals. The presence of melatonin membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the testis and epididymis has been demonstrated in several species. Wild roe deer are a short-day breeding species characterised by a short rutting season lasting from mid-July to mid-August. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of melatonin in the peripheral blood and the presence of MT1 and MT2 receptors in the testis and epididymis in male roe deer during the pre-rut (May), rut (July/August) and post-rut (September) periods. The melatonin concentration was higher in May (522.50 ± 54.20 pg/mL) compared to July/August (258.50 ± 36.82 pg/mL; P < 0.05). During September, the melatonin concentration was higher (393.50 ± 36.77 pg/mL) than in July/August (P < 0.05) but lower than in May (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of MT1 and MT2 receptors in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testis, in addition to the epithelial cells of the epididymis caput, corpus and cauda. MT1 and MT2 receptor expression in the testis and epididymis, assessed by Western blot, was higher in May and July/August (when spermatogenic and steroidogenic activity restarts and reaches its peak, respectively) compared to September (when spermatogenic and steroidogenic activity decreases). This could indicate a stimulatory effect of melatonin on testicular (i.e., steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis) and epididymal (i.e., spermatozoa maturation) function in male roe deer through the MT1 and MT2 receptors. Our results form the basis for further studies into the detailed mechanism of action of melatonin through MT1 and MT2 receptors for optimal reproductive activity in male roe deer and other mammals.

Retinal venous blood carbon monoxide response to bright light in male pigs: A preliminary study.

The physical mechanism by which light is absorbed in the eye and has antidepressant and energizing effects in Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of psychiatric major depression is of scientific interest. This study was designed to explore one specific aspect of a proposed humoral phototransduction mechanism, namely that carbon monoxide (CO) levels increase in retinal venous blood in response to bright light. Eleven mature male pigs approximately six months of age were kept for 7days in darkness and fasted for 12h prior to surgery. Following mild sedation, anesthesia was induced. Silastic catheters were inserted into the dorsal nasal vein through the angular vein of the eye to reach the ophthalmic sinus, from which venous blood outflowing from the eye area was collected. The animals were exposed to 5000lx of fluorescent-generated white light. CO levels in the blood were analyzed by gas chromatography before and after 80min of light exposure. At baseline, mean CO levels in the retinal venous blood were 0.43±0.05(SE)nmol/ml. After bright light, mean CO levels increased to 0.54±0.06nmol/ml (two-tailed t-test p<0.05). This study provides preliminary mammalian evidence that acute bright light exposure raises carbon monoxide levels in ophthalmic venous blood.