Examination of the Effect of Dimethyl Trisulfide in Acute Stress Mouse Model with the Potential Involvement of the TRPA1 Ion Channel.

Polysulfides are endogenously produced in mammals and generally associated with protective functions. Our aim was to investigate the effect of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) in a mouse model of acute stress. DMTS activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels and leads to neuropeptide release, potentially that of substance P (SP). We hypothesize that DMTS might inhibit the degrading enzymes of endocannabinoids, so this system was also investigated as another possible pathway for mediating the effects of DMTS. Trpa1 gene wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were used to confirm the role of the TRPA1 ion channel in mediating the effects of DMTS. C57BL/6J, NK1 gene KO, and Tac1 gene KO mice were used to evaluate the effect of DMTS on the release and expression of SP. Some C57BL/6J animals were treated with AM251, an inhibitor of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, to elucidate the role of the endocannabinoid system in these processes. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were performed in each mouse strain. A tail suspension test (TST) was performed in Trpa1 WT and KO animals. C-FOS immunohistochemistry was carried out on Trpa1 WT and KO animals. The DMTS treatment increased the number of highly active periods and decreased immobility time in the FST in WT animals, but had no effect on the Trpa1 KO mice. The DMTS administration induced neuronal activation in the Trpa1 WT mice in the stress-related brain areas, such as the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. DMTS may have a potential role in the regulation of stress-related processes, and the TRPA1 ion channel may also be involved in mediating the effects of DMTS. DMTS can be an ideal candidate for further study as a potential remedy for stress-related disorders.

Dimethyl Trisulfide Diminishes Traumatic Neuropathic Pain Acting on TRPA1 Receptors in Mice.

Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain is still challenging. Our earlier work indicated an analgesic effect of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), which was mediated by somatostatin released from nociceptor nerve endings acting on SST4 receptors. Somatostatin release occurred due to TRPA1 ion channel activation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of DMTS in neuropathic pain evoked by partial ligation of the sciatic nerve in mice. Expression of the mRNA of Trpa1 in murine dorsal-root-ganglion neurons was detected by RNAscope. Involvement of TRPA1 ion channels and SST4 receptors was tested with gene-deleted animals. Macrophage activity at the site of the nerve lesion was determined by lucigenin bioluminescence. Density and activation of microglia in the spinal cord dorsal horn was verified by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Trpa1 mRNA is expressed in peptidergic and non-peptidergic neurons in the dorsal root ganglion. DMTS ameliorated neuropathic pain in Trpa1 and Sstr4 WT mice, but not in KO ones. DMTS had no effect on macrophage activity around the damaged nerve. Microglial density in the dorsal horn was reduced by DMTS independently from TRPA1. No effect on microglial activation was detected. DMTS might offer a novel therapeutic opportunity in the complementary treatment of neuropathic pain.

Phenological changes of the most commonly sampled ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) species in the UK environmental change network.

Despite the important roles ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) play in ecosystems, the highly valued ecosystem services they provide, and ample descriptive documentation of their phenology, the relative impact of various environmental factors on carabid phenology is not well studied. Using the long-term pitfall trap capture data from 12 terrestrial Environmental Change Network (ECN) sites from the UK, we examined how changing climate influenced the phenology of common carabids, and the role particular climate components had on phenological parameters. Of the 28 species included in the analyses, 19 showed earlier start of their activity. This advance was particularly pronounced in the spring, supporting the view that early phenophases have a greater tendency to change and these changes are more directly controlled by temperature than later ones. Autumn activity extended only a few cases, suggesting a photoperiod-driven start of hibernation. No association was found between life-history traits and the ability of species to change their phenology. Air temperatures between April and June were the most important factors determining the start of activity of each species, whilst late season precipitation hastened the cessation of activity. The balance between the advantages and disadvantages of changing phenology on various levels is likely to depend on the species and even on local environmental criteria. The substantially changing phenology of Carabidae may influence their function in ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide.

Analgesic effect of dimethyl trisulfide in mice is mediated by TRPA1 and sst4 receptors.

TRPA1 receptors are calcium-permeable ligand-gated channels expressed in primary sensory neurons and involved in inflammation and pain. Activation of these neurons might have analgesic effect. Suggested mechanism of analgesic effect mediated by TRPA1 activation is the release of somatostatin (SOM) and its action on sst4 receptors. In the present study analgesic effect of TRPA1 activation on primary sensory neurons by organic trisulfide compound dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) presumably leading to SOM release was investigated. Opening of TRPA1 by DMTS in CHO cells was examined by patch-clamp and fluorescent Ca2+ detection. Ca2+ influx upon DMTS administration in trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons of TRPA1 receptor wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice was detected by ratiometric Ca2+ imaging. SOM release from sensory nerves of murine skin was assessed by radioimmunoassay. Analgesic effect of DMTS in mild heat injury-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was examined by dynamic plantar aesthesiometry. Regulatory role of DMTS on deep body temperature (Tb) was measured by thermocouple thermometry with respirometry and by telemetric thermometry. DMTS produced TRPA1-mediated currents and elevated [Ca2+]i in CHO cells. Similar data were obtained in TRG neurons. DMTS released SOM from murine sensory neurons TRPA1-dependently. DMTS exerted analgesic effect mediated by TRPA1 and sst4 receptors. DMTS-evoked hypothermia and hypokinesis were attenuated in freely-moving TRPA1 KO animals. Our study has presented original evidence regarding analgesic action of DMTS which might be due to TRPA1-mediated SOM release from sensory neurons and activation of sst4 receptors. DMTS could be a novel analgesic drug candidate.

Thermal spring water drinking attenuates dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in mice.

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigates the effect of oral consumption of hydrogen sulfide-containing Harkány thermal spring water, as well as sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) solution on experimental colitis. METHODS: Colitis was induced by 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water of C57BL/6 mice for 7 days. Some animal groups drank Harkány thermal spring water or water supplemented with 21.68 mg/L NaHS. General signs of colitis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity of colon samples, histological features of colitis and function of the enteric nervous system were assessed. RESULTS: Oral administration of Harkány thermal spring water significantly attenuated general signs of colitis, MPO enzyme activity of colon samples and detrimental effect of colitis on the function of the enteric nervous system, but not histological signs of colitis. These findings could be reproduced using NaHS solution with additional significantly diminished histological damage. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that oral treatment with Harkány thermal spring water relieves various aspects of DSS-evoked colitis in mice. This effect is most likely to be mediated by hydrogen sulfide content of the Harkány water. Our data might promote complementary utilization of sulfurous thermal spring water in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Neuropeptide receptors as potential drug targets in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Cross-talk between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems exists via regulator molecules, such as neuropeptides, hormones and cytokines. A number of neuropeptides have been implicated in the genesis of inflammation, such as tachykinins and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Development of their receptor antagonists could be a promising approach to anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy. Anti-inflammatory neuropeptides, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, urocortin, adrenomedullin, somatostatin, cortistatin, ghrelin, galanin and opioid peptides, are also released and act on their own receptors on the neurons as well as on different inflammatory and immune cells. The aim of the present review is to summarize the most prominent data of preclinical animal studies concerning the main pharmacological effects of ligands acting on the neuropeptide receptors. Promising therapeutic impacts of these compounds as potential candidates for the development of novel types of anti-inflammatory drugs are also discussed.

Flower Visitation through the Lens: Exploring the Foraging Behaviour of Bombus terrestris with a Computer Vision-Based Application.

To understand the processes behind pollinator declines and for the conservation of pollination services, we need to understand fundamental drivers influencing pollinator behaviour. Here, we aimed to elucidate how wild bumblebees interact with three plant species and investigated their foraging behaviour with varying flower densities. We video-recorded Bombus terrestris in 60 × 60 cm quadrats of Lotus creticus, Persicaria capitata, and Trifolium pratense in urban areas of Terceira (Azores, Portugal). For the automated bumblebee detection and counting, we created deep learning-based computer vision models with custom datasets. We achieved high model accuracy of 0.88 for Lotus and Persicaria and 0.95 for Trifolium, indicating accurate bumblebee detection. In our study, flower cover was the only factor that influenced the attractiveness of flower patches, and plant species did not have an effect. We detected a significant positive effect of flower cover on the attractiveness of flower patches for flower-visiting bumblebees. The time spent per unit of inflorescence surface area was longer on the Trifolium than those on the Lotus and Persicaria. However, our result did not indicate significant differences in the time bumblebees spent on inflorescences among the three plant species. Here, we also justify computer vision-based analysis as a reliable tool for studying pollinator behavioural ecology.

Biodiversity loss impacts top-down regulation of insect herbivores across ecosystem boundaries.

Biodiversity loss, as driven by anthropogenic global change, imperils biosphere intactness and integrity. Ecosystem services such as top-down regulation (or biological control; BC) are susceptible to loss of extinction-prone taxa at upper trophic levels and secondary 'support' species e.g., herbivores. Here, drawing upon curated open-access interaction data, we structurally analyze trophic networks centered on the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and assess their robustness to species loss. Tri-partite networks link 80 BC organisms (invertebrate or microbial), 512 lepidopteran hosts and 1194 plants (including 147 cultivated crops) in the Neotropics. These comprise threatened herbaceous or woody plants and conservation flagships such as saturniid moths. Treating all interaction partners functionally equivalent, random herbivore loss exerts a respective 26 % or 108 % higher impact on top-down regulation in crop and non-crop settings than that of BC organisms (at 50 % loss). Equally, random loss of BC organisms affects herbivore regulation to a greater extent (13.8 % at 50 % loss) than herbivore loss mediates their preservation (11.4 %). Yet, under moderate biodiversity loss, (non-pest) herbivores prove highly susceptible to loss of BC organisms. Our topological approach spotlights how agriculturally-subsidized BC agents benefit vegetation restoration, while non-pest herbivores uphold biological control in on- and off-farm settings alike. Our work underlines how the on-farm usage of endemic biological control organisms can advance conservation, restoration, and agricultural sustainability imperatives. We discuss how integrative approaches and close interdisciplinary cooperation can spawn desirable outcomes for science, policy and practice.

The BALA project: A pioneering monitoring of Azorean forest invertebrates over two decades (1999-2022).

Globally, there is a concerning decline in many insect populations, and this trend likely extends to all arthropods, potentially impacting unique island biota. Native non-endemic and endemic species on islands are under threat due to habitat destruction, with the introduction of exotic, and potentially invasive, species, further contributing to this decline. While long-term studies of plants and vertebrate fauna are available, long-term arthropod datasets are limited, hindering comparisons with better-studied taxa. The Biodiversity of Arthropods of the Laurisilva of the Azores (BALA) project has allowed gathering comprehensive data since 1997 in the Azorean Islands (Portugal), using standardised sampling methods across islands. The dataset includes arthropod counts from epigean (pitfall traps) and canopy-dwelling (beating samples) communities, enriched with species information, biogeographic origins, and IUCN categories. Metadata associated with the sample protocol and events, like sample identifier, archive number, sampled tree species, and trap type are also recorded. The database is available in multiple formats, including Darwin Core, which facilitates the ecological analysis of pressing environmental concerns, such as arthropod population declines and biological invasions.

Plant growers' environmental consciousness may not be enough to mitigate pollinator declines: a questionnaire-based case study in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are one of the most important anthropogenic-related stressors. In times of global pollinator decline, the role of integrated farming and urban gardens in supporting wild pollinators is becoming increasingly important. We circulated an online questionnaire to survey plant protection practices among Hungarian farmers and garden owners with a particular emphasis on pollinator protection. RESULTS: We found that plant growers rely heavily on pesticide use, and pesticides are used widely in otherwise pollinator-friendly gardens. Whether pesticide use practices were driven by expert opinion and respondent gender were the best predictors of pesticide use. Although most respondents supported pollinators, pesticides are also used widely among home garden owners, which can pose a non-evident ecological trap for pollinator populations in the gardens. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be paid to implementing measures to reduce pesticide use not only in farmland, but also in home gardens. Environmental education and financial support through agroecological schemes could efficiently promote the transition away from pesticide use. However, whereas farmers can be encouraged to reduce pesticide use mostly by expert advice, garden owners are likely to rely on more conventional information channels. The attitudes of Hungarian plant growers can provide an insight into pesticide use practices of Central and Eastern European countries, but similar surveys are needed across Europe for a complete understanding of broad-scale processes. This work lays the foundations for similar studies that can inform and facilitate the transformation to pesticide-free farming and gardening. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of a short-term temperature increase on arthropod communities associated with pastures.

The impact of climate change on islands is expected to cause dramatic consequences on native biodiversity. However, limited data are available for arthropod communities in island agroecosystems. In this study, we simulate a small-scale climatic change (average of +1.2°C), using Open Top Chambers (OTCs) in forage crops in the Azores Archipelago (Portugal) and test the responses of arthropod communities associated with intensively-managed pastures. At three sites, twenty 1 x 1 m plots were established: 10 treatment plots with OTCs and 10 control plots. Arthropods were sampled with pitfall traps on two sampling events (winter and summer of 2020). When considering all species collected, arthropods' abundance was lower in OTCs. Specific taxa, namely spiders and beetles, showed a fast response to the OTCs' presence. The assemblage of non-indigenous spiders well adapted to pastures showed a significant difference in diversity with a slightly greater richness, but lower abundance inside the warmer plots. However, the presence of OTCs resulted in a decrease in beetle richness and abundance. This decline may be attributed to the multiple effects of warming. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further investigations to elucidate the ecological processes that underlie the observed patterns.

Gut microbiota assemblages of generalist predators are driven by local- and landscape-scale factors.

The gut microbiomes of arthropods have significant impact on key physiological functions such as nutrition, reproduction, behavior, and health. Spiders are diverse and numerically dominant predators in crop fields where they are potentially important regulators of pests. Harnessing spiders to control agricultural pests is likely to be supported by an understanding of their gut microbiomes, and the environmental drivers shaping microbiome assemblages. This study aimed to deciphering the gut microbiome assembly of these invertebrate predators and elucidating potential implications of key environmental constraints in this process. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing to examine for the first time how the assemblages of bacteria in the gut of spiders are shaped by environmental variables. Local drivers of microbiome composition were globally-relevant input use system (organic production vs. conventional practice), and crop identity (Chinese cabbage vs. cauliflower). Landscape-scale factors, proportion of forest and grassland, compositional diversity, and habitat edge density, also strongly affected gut microbiota. Specific bacterial taxa were enriched in gut of spiders sampled from different settings and seasons. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into composition and plasticity of spider gut microbiota. Understanding the temporal responses of specific microbiota could lead to innovative strategies development for boosting biological control services of predators.

The anti-inflammatory effect of dimethyl trisulfide in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Various organosulfur compounds, such as dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), display anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to examine the effects of DMTS on acute pancreatitis (AP) and its mechanism of action in both in vivo and in vitro studies. AP was induced in FVB/n mice or Wistar rats by caerulein, ethanol-palmitoleic acid, or L-ornithine-HCl. DMTS treatments were administered subcutaneously. AP severity was assessed by pancreatic histological scoring, pancreatic water content, and myeloperoxidase activity measurements. The behaviour of animals was followed. Pancreatic heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression, sulfide, and protein persulfidation were measured. In vitro acinar viability, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and reactive oxygen species production were determined. DMTS dose-dependently decreased the severity of AP. It declined the pancreatic infiltration of leukocytes and cellular damage in mice. DMTS upregulated the HSP72 expression during AP and elevated serum sulfide and low molecular weight persulfide levels. DMTS exhibited cytoprotection against hydrogen peroxide and AP-inducing agents. It has antioxidant properties and modulates physiological but not pathophysiological Ca2+ signalling. Generally, DMTS ameliorated AP severity and protected pancreatic acinar cells. Our findings indicate that DMTS is a sulfur donor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and organosulfur compounds require further investigation into this potentially lethal disease.

Impaired defense mechanism against inflammation, hyperalgesia, and airway hyperreactivity in somatostatin 4 receptor gene-deleted mice.

We have shown that somatostatin released from activated capsaicin-sensitive nociceptive nerve endings during inflammatory processes elicits systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. With the help of somatostatin receptor subtype 4 gene-deleted mice (sst(4)(-/-)), we provide here several lines of evidence that this receptor has a protective role in a variety of inflammatory disease models; several symptoms are more severe in the sst(4) knockout animals than in their wild-type counterparts. Acute carrageenan-induced paw edema and mechanical hyperalgesia, inflammatory pain in the early phase of adjuvant-evoked chronic arthritis, and oxazolone-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in the skin are much greater in mice lacking the sst(4) receptor. Airway inflammation and consequent bronchial hyperreactivity elicited by intranasal lipopolysaccharide administration are also markedly enhanced in sst(4) knockouts, including increased perivascular/peribronchial edema, neutrophil/macrophage infiltration, mucus-producing goblet cell hyperplasia, myeloperoxidase activity, and IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma expression in the inflamed lung. It is concluded that during these inflammatory conditions the released somatostatin has pronounced counterregulatory effects through sst(4) receptor activation. Thus, this receptor is a promising novel target for developing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-asthmatic drugs.

DNA metabarcoding of gut contents reveals key habitat and seasonal drivers of trophic networks involving generalist predators in agricultural landscapes.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the networks of trophic interactions into which generalist predators are embedded is key to assessing their ecological role of in trophic networks and the biological control services they provide. The advent of affordable DNA metabarcoding approaches greatly facilitates quantitative understanding of trophic networks and their response to environmental drivers. Here, we examine how key environmental gradients interact to shape predation by Lycosidae in highly dynamic vegetable growing systems in China. RESULTS: For the sampled Lycosidae, crop identity, pesticide use and seasons shape the abundance of prey detected in spider guts. For the taxonomic richness of prey, local- and landscape-scale factors gradients were more influential. Multivariate ordinations confirm that these crop-abundant spiders dynamically adjust their diet to reflect environmental constraints and seasonal availability to prey. CONCLUSION: Plasticity in diet composition is likely to account for the persistence of spiders in relatively ephemeral brassica crops. Our findings provide further insights into the optimization of habitat management for predator-based biological control practices. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of the Role of the TRPA1 Ion Channel in Conveying the Effect of Dimethyl Trisulfide on Vascular and Histological Changes in Serum-Transfer Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases. Its therapy is often challenging, even in the era of biologicals. Previously, we observed the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic-derived organic polysulfide dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS). Some of these effects were mediated by activation of the TRPA1 ion channel. TRPA1 was mostly expressed in a subset of nociceptor neurons. We decided to investigate the action of DMTS in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis, which is a relevant model of RA. TRPA1 gene knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used. The interaction of DMTS and TRPA1 was examined using a patch clamp in CHO cells. Arthritis was characterized by mechanical hyperalgesia, paw swelling, movement range of the ankle joint, hanging performance, plasma extravasation rate, myeloperoxidase activity, and histological changes in the tibiotarsal joint. DMTS activated TRPA1 channels dose-dependently. DMTS treatment reduced paw swelling and plasma extravasation in both TRPA1 WT and KO animals. DMTS-treated TRPA1 KO animals developed milder collagen deposition in the inflamed joints than WT ones. TRPA1 WT mice did not exhibit significant cartilage damage compared to ones administered a vehicle. We concluded that DMTS and related substances might evolve into novel complementary therapeutic aids for RA patients.

Development of Capsaicin-Containing Analgesic Silicone-Based Transdermal Patches.

Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTSs) enable convenient dosing in drug therapy. Modified silicone-polymer-based patches are well-controlled and cost-effective matrix diffusion systems. In the present study, we investigated the substance release properties, skin penetration, and analgesic effect of this type of TTS loaded with low-dose capsaicin. Release properties were measured in Franz diffusion cell and continuous flow-through cell approaches. Capsaicin was detected with HPLC-UV and UV spectrophotometry. Raman spectroscopy was conducted on human skin samples exposed to the TTS. A surgical incision or carrageenan injection was performed on one hind paw of male Wistar rats. TTSs were applied to the epilated dorsal skin. Patches were kept on the animals for 6 h. The thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical pain threshold of the hind paws were detected. Patches exhibited controlled, zero-order kinetic capsaicin release. According to the Raman mapping, capsaicin penetrated into the epidermis and dermis of human skin, where the target receptors are expressed. The thermal pain threshold drop of the operated rat paws was reversed by capsaicin treatment compared to that of animals treated with control patches. It was concluded that our modified silicone-polymer-based capsaicin-containing TTS is suitable for the relief of traumatic and inflammatory pain.

Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in a fine-scale agricultural landscape based on geostatistical analysis.

A detailed knowledge on the spatial distribution of pests is crucial for predicting population outbreaks or developing control strategies and sustainable management plans. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous crops worldwide. Despite the abundant research on the species's ecology, little is known about the spatio-temporal pattern of P. xylostella in an agricultural landscape. Therefore, in this study, the spatial distribution of P. xylostella was characterized to assess the effect of landscape elements in a fine-scale agricultural landscape by geostatistical analysis. The P. xylostella adults captured by pheromone-baited traps showed a seasonal pattern of population fluctuation from October 2015 to September 2017, with a marked peak in spring, suggesting that mild temperatures, 15-25 °C, are favorable for P. xylostella. Geostatistics (GS) correlograms fitted with spherical and Gaussian models showed an aggregated distribution in 21 of the 47 cases interpolation contour maps. This result highlighted that spatial distribution of P. xylostella was not limited to the Brassica vegetable field, but presence was the highest there. Nevertheless, population aggregations also showed a seasonal variation associated with the growing stage of host plants. GS model analysis showed higher abundances in cruciferous fields than in any other patches of the landscape, indicating a strong host plant dependency. We demonstrate that Brassica vegetables distribution and growth stage, have dominant impacts on the spatial distribution of P. xylostella in a fine-scale landscape. This work clarified the spatio-temporal dynamic and distribution patterns of P. xylostella in an agricultural landscape, and the distribution model developed by geostatistical analysis can provide a scientific basis for precise targeting and localized control of P. xylostella.

Irreproducibility in searches of scientific literature: A comparative analysis.

Repeatability is the cornerstone of science, and it is particularly important for systematic reviews. However, little is known on how researchers' choice of database, and search platform influence the repeatability of systematic reviews. Here, we aim to unveil how the computer environment and the location where the search was initiated from influence hit results.We present a comparative analysis of time-synchronized searches at different institutional locations in the world and evaluate the consistency of hits obtained within each of the search terms using different search platforms.We revealed a large variation among search platforms and showed that PubMed and Scopus returned consistent results to identical search strings from different locations. Google Scholar and Web of Science's Core Collection varied substantially both in the number of returned hits and in the list of individual articles depending on the search location and computing environment. Inconsistency in Web of Science results has most likely emerged from the different licensing packages at different institutions.To maintain scientific integrity and consistency, especially in systematic reviews, action is needed from both the scientific community and scientific search platforms to increase search consistency. Researchers are encouraged to report the search location and the databases used for systematic reviews, and database providers should make search algorithms transparent and revise access rules to titles behind paywalls. Additional options for increasing the repeatability and transparency of systematic reviews are storing both search metadata and hit results in open repositories and using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to retrieve standardized, machine-readable search metadata.

Associations between carabid beetles and fungi in the light of 200 years of published literature.

Describing and conserving ecological interactions woven into ecosystems is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Here, we present a unique dataset compiling the biotic interactions between two ecologically and economically important taxa: ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and fungi. The resulting dataset contains the carabid-fungus associations collected from 392 scientific publications, 129 countries, mostly from the Palearctic region, published over a period of 200 years. With an updated taxonomy to match the currently accepted nomenclature, 3,378 unique associations among 5,564 records were identified between 1,776 carabid and 676 fungal taxa. Ectoparasitic Laboulbeniales were the most frequent fungal group associated with carabids, especially with Trechinae. The proportion of entomopathogens was low. Three different formats of the data have been provided along with an interactive data digest platform for analytical purposes. Our database summarizes the current knowledge on biotic interactions between insects and fungi, while offering a valuable resource to test large-scale hypotheses on those interactions.