Genome variations in sea cucumbers: Insights from genome survey sequencing and comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes.

Sea cucumbers, marine benthic invertebrates, play crucial roles in maintaining the stability of marine ecosystems and hold key evolutionary positions. However, information regarding their genomes remains limited. Here, we conducted genome survey analyses on seven species from four orders. Results indicated that Colochirus anceps, Colochirus quadrangularis, and Pseudocolochirus violaceus within the order Dendrochirotida have significantly larger genomes (2238-3754 Mbp) compared to conventional sea cucumber genomes, accompanied by a very high proportion of repeat sequences (69.39-72.52 %). While Holothuria edulis and Holothuria atra exhibited similar genome sizes comparable to those of other species within the order Holothuriida, heterozygosity and repeat content varied among all the six species in this order. The representative species Apostichopus californicus of the order Synallactida possesses the smallest genome size (573.45Mbp) within its order, but its heterozygosity (2.24 %) is significantly higher than that of other species. The representative species Synapta maculata of the order Apodida exhibited a normal genome size (900.97 Mbp), lower proportion of repeat sequences (42.19 %), and lower heterozygosity (0.84 %), making it the species with the least challenges for genome sequencing and assembly in the future among all surveyed species. Subsequently, we compiled genomic information from a total of 19 sea cucumber genomes, both newly sequenced and previously reported, revealing a significant linear relationship (P = 0.0001) between genome size and the proportion of repeat sequences in sea cucumbers. Additionally, phylogenetic and comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes among them indicated extensive rearrangements within the order Apodida, leading to significant discrepancies between mitochondrial and nuclear genome phylogenies.

Red cabbage extract immobilized in bacterial cellulose film as an eco-friendly sensor to monitor microbial contamination and gamma irradiation of stored cucumbers.

The aim of the present study is to develop a pH-sensing biopolymer film based on the immobilization of red cabbage extract (RCE) within bacterial cellulose (BC) to detect contamination and gamma radiation exposure in cucumbers. The results obtained show a sensitivity to pH changes for RCE in its aqueous form and that incorporated within BC films (RCE-BC), both showed color change correlated to bacterial growth (R2 = 0.91), this was supported with increase in pH values from 2 to 12 (R2 = 0.98). RCE and RCE-BC exposure to gamma radiation (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 kGy) resulted in gradual decrease in color that was more evident in RCE aqueous samples. To sense bacterial contamination of cucumbers, the total count was followed at 0, 5, 10 and 15 days in cold storage conditions and was found to reach 9.13 and 5.47 log cfu/mL for non-irradiated and 2 kGy irradiated samples, respectively. The main isolates detected throughout this storage period were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Erwinia sp. Pantoea agglomerans using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-ms (MALDI-TOF-MS). Bacterial growth in stored irradiated cucumbers was detected by color change within 5 and 10 days of storage, after which there was no evident change. This is very useful since contamination within the early days of storage cannot be sensed with the naked eye. This study is the first to highlight utilizing RCE and RCE-BC as eco-friendly pH-sensing indicator films for intelligent food packaging to detect both food contamination and gamma preservation for refrigerator stored cucumbers.

A new species of holothuroid from the Labrador Sea (eastern Canada): Pseudothyonelabradorensis sp. nov. (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea, Dendrochirotida, Sclerodactylidae).

A new species of holothuroid, Pseudothyonelabradorensis sp. nov. (order Dendrochirotida and family Sclerodactylidae), was discovered off the coast of Labrador (eastern Canada) at a depth of 740-969 m. Two specimens were described based on morphological and genetic parameters. Distinctive characters included pinkish body colour, presence of tube feet on a 'tail', supporting rod-shaped ossicles in the tube feet, and rod-shaped ossicles in the tentacles. To investigate its phylogenetic relationships, partial sequences of COI were obtained for the new species as well as for the type species P.raphanus and another North Atlantic species P.serrifera. According to the phylogenetic analysis, P.labradorensis sp. nov. appeared in a well-supported clade with P.raphanus and P.serrifera. Molecular data also suggest polyphyly of the genus, showing the Northeast Pacific species Pseudothyonebelli recovered outside of the clade containing the type species. Pseudothyonelabradorensis sp. nov. is the first species of the genus from the Northwest Atlantic. A key to the North Atlantic Pseudothyone is provided.

Sea cucumber significance: Drying techniques and India's comprehensive status.

Sea cucumbers, members of the echinoderm class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates with ecological significance and substantial commercial value. With approximately 1700 species, these organisms contribute to marine ecosystems through nutrient cycling and face various threats, including overfishing and habitat loss. Despite their importance, they are extensively exploited for diverse applications, from seafood to pharmaceuticals. This study investigates sea cucumbers' nutritional profile and bioactive elements, emphasizing their role as sources of essential compounds with potential health benefits. The demand for sea cucumbers, especially in dried form, is significant, prompting exploration into various drying techniques. Examining the global trade in sea cucumbers highlights their economic importance and the conservation challenges they face. Conservation efforts, such as awareness campaigns and international collaboration, are evaluated as essential steps in combating illicit trade and promoting the sustainable stewardship of sea cucumber populations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Around 1700 species of sea cucumbers were identified as vital ecological scavengers in the Holothuroidea class. High commercial value due to their health benefits, particularly their demonstrated inhibitory effect against various types of cancer. "Beche-de-mer" holds a 90% market share and is regarded as a luxury food item in Southeast Asian countries. Due to overexploitation, the species is classified as Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) in India, prompting the implementation of a blanket ban on their harvesting to ensure its conservation.

Frondoside A of Cucumaria frondosa (Gennerus, 1767): Chemistry, biosynthesis, medicinal applications, and mechanism of actions.

Cucumaria frondosa (Gennerus, 1767) or orange-footed sea cucumbers are traditional food and are used as natural sources of anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Currently, the introduction of value-added sea cucumber products to the global market has inspired basic research on frondoside A and other saponins in sea cucumbers. These saponins serve as a means of their chemical defence. However, recent studies revealed that exposure to these saponins can lead to irritating symptoms from aerosolization of various holothurins. Moreover, extraction methods are critical to the bioavailability of various bioactive compounds found in sea cucumbers. Therefore, we have critically reviewed recent studies on the chemistry, biosynthesis, and pharmacological properties of frondoside A. Furthermore, the mechanism of actions of frondoside A was postulated and further studies are required for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Frondoside A was first discovered from Cucumaria frondosa, and it is involved in protein kinase (PI3K/AKT/ERK1/2/p38 MAPK, RAC/CDC42 PAK1, NFκB/MAPK/JNK, and LXR-ß) signalling pathways. It is also involved in the suppression of MYC oncogene transcriptional factors implicated and upregulated in over 70% of cancer types. Future research needs to be aimed at optimized green extraction techniques, efficient delivery methods, safety, and efficacy.

Sea cucumber physiological response to abiotic stress: Emergent contaminants and climate change.

The ocean is facing a multitude of abiotic stresses due to factors such as climate change and pollution. Understanding how organisms in the ocean respond to these global changes is vital to better predicting consequences. Sea cucumbers are popular echinoderms with multiple ecological, nutritional, and pharmaceutical benefits. Here, we reviewed the effects of environmental change on an ecologically important echinoderm of the ocean, aiming to understand their response better, which could facilitate healthy culture programs under environmental changes and draw attention to knowledge gaps. After screening articles from the databases, 142 studies were included on the influence of emergent contaminants and climate variation on the early developmental stages and adults of sea cucumbers. We outlined the potential mechanism underlying the physiological response of sea cucumbers to emerging contaminants and climate change. It can be concluded that the physiological response of sea cucumbers to emergent contaminants differs from their response to climate change. Sea cucumbers could accumulate pollutants in their organs but are aestivated when exposed to extreme climate change. Research showed that the physiological response of sea cucumbers to pollutants indicates that these pollutants impair critical physiological processes, particularly during the more susceptible early phases of development compared to adults, and the accumulation of these pollutants in adults is often observed. For climate change, sea cucumbers showed gradual adaptation to the slight variation. However, sea cucumbers undergo aestivation under extreme conditions. Based on this review, critical suggestions for future research are presented, and we call for more efforts focusing on the co-occurrence of different stressors to extend the knowledge regarding the effects of environmental changes on these economically and ecologically important species.

Evaluation of the chronic toxicity of bisphenol A and bisphenol AF to sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus after long-term single and combined exposure at environmental relevant concentration.

Bisphenols are emerging endocrine disrupting pollutant, and several studies have reported that they are already ubiquitous in various environmental matrices and intend to deposit in sediment. The primary sources of bisphenols are river and sewage discharge. Sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), a typical deposit feeder, is one of the most important commercial marine species in Aisa. However, the effects of the bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues bisphenol AF (BPAF) on sea cucumber was unclear. In this study, we carried out field survey in major sea cucumber farming areas in northern China, with the aim of determining which bisphenol analogue is the major bisphenol contamination in this aquaculture area. The results showed that the presence of BPAF was detected in four sampling sites (Dalian, Tangshan, Laizhou, and Longpan). The mean level of BPAF in Laizhou sediment samples was the highest which reached to 9.007 ± 4.702 µ g/kg. Among the seawater samples, the BPAF only have been detected in the samples collected at Longpan. (0.011 ± 0.003 µ g/L). Furthermore, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the single and combined toxicity of BPA and BPAF on sea cucumbers. The concentrations were informed by the findings based on the results of field research. (0.1, 1.0, and 10 µ g/L). After exposure, the body weight gain, and specific growth rate showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). We observed the histological alterations in respiratory tree of treated sea cucumbers including the fusion and detachment of lining epithelial tissue, and increase of lumen space. However, the catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) activity was not significantly changed (P > 0.05). We evaluated the effects of BPA and BPAF through calculating the integrated biomarker response index (IBR), and the results indicated that the toxicity of combined treatment was higher than single treatment. Additionally, BPAF exposure to A. japonicus was more toxic than BPA.

Pseudocryptic diversity and species boundaries in the sea cucumber Stichopus cf. horrens (Echinodermata: Stichopodidae) revealed by mitochondrial and microsatellite markers.

Morphologically cryptic and pseudo-cryptic species pose a challenge to taxonomic identification and assessments of species diversity and distributions. Such is the case for the sea cucumber Stichopus horrens, commonly confused with Stichopus monotuberculatus. Here, we used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and microsatellite markers to examine genetic diversity in Stichopus cf. horrens throughout the Philippine archipelago, to aid species identification and clarify species boundaries. Phylogenetic analysis reveals two recently diverged COI lineages (Clade A and Clade B; c. 1.35-2.54 Mya) corresponding to sequence records for specimens identified as S. monotuberculatus and S. horrens, respectively. Microsatellite markers reveal two significantly differentiated genotype clusters broadly concordant with COI lineages (Cluster 1, Cluster 2). A small proportion of individuals were identified as later-generation hybrids indicating limited contemporary gene flow between genotype clusters, thus confirming species boundaries. Morphological differences in papillae distribution and form are observed for the two species, however tack-like spicules from the dorsal papillae are not a reliable diagnostic character. An additional putative cryptic species was detected within Clade B-Cluster 2 specimens warranting further examination. We propose that these lineages revealed by COI and genotype data be referred to as Stichopus cf. horrens species complex.

A review on sea cucumber (Bengali: Somuddro Sosha) as a bioindicator of heavy metal contamination and toxicity.

This review paper exhibits the underexplored realm of heavy metal contamination and associated risks in sea cucumbers (SCs), which hold significant importance in traditional Asian marine diets and are globally harvested for the Asian market. The assessment focuses on heavy metals (HMs) presence in various SC species, revealing a global trend in HMs concentrations across anatomical parts: Fe > Zn > As > Cu > Hg > Pb > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cd. Specific species, such as Eupentacta fraudatrix, Holothuria mammata, Holothuria polii, Holothuria tubulosa, and Holothuria atra, exhibit heightened arsenic levels, while Stichopus herrmanni raises concerns with mercury levels, notably reaching 3.75 mg/kg in some instances, posing potential risks, particularly for children. The study sheds light on anthropogenic activities such as cultivation, fishing, and shipping, releasing HMs into marine ecosystems and thereby threatening ocean and coastal environments due to the accumulation and toxicity of these elements. In response to these findings, the paper suggests SCs as promising bioindicator species for assessing metal pollution in marine environments. It underscores the adverse effects of human actions on sediment composition and advocates for ongoing monitoring efforts both at sea and along coastlines.

Culture condition optimization of naturally lacto-fermented cucumbers based on changes in detrimental and functional ingredients.

A two-step trial was used to optimize the culture condition of naturally lacto-fermented cucumbers. In the first trial, changes in pH values and total biogenic amines were measured to optimize the pickling juice formula. A 15% crystal sugar solution with low-salt brine at 4 °C was proved to be the best formula. In the second trial, pH values, organic acids, total phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and free amino acids, as well as biogenic amines and nitrites under the optimal pickling formula were measured. The optimal fermentation day was suggested at around 8 days. During the cucumber's fermentation process, the pH value was quickly lowered to <4.6. Meanwhile, the functional ingredients increased significantly. In contrast, total biogenic amines and nitrites did not exceed the risk limit, evidencing the safety and functional characteristics for the naturally lacto-fermented cucumbers. The two-step trial has evidenced the possibility to develop desirable lacto-fermented cucumbers.

Impacts of ocean warming on echinoderms: A meta-analysis.

Rising ocean temperatures are threatening marine species and populations worldwide, and ectothermic taxa are particularly vulnerable. Echinoderms are an ecologically important phylum of marine ectotherms and shifts in their population dynamics can have profound impacts on the marine environment. The effects of warming on echinoderms are highly variable across controlled laboratory-based studies. Accordingly, synthesis of these studies will facilitate the better understanding of broad patterns in responses of echinoderms to ocean warming. Herein, a meta-analysis incorporating the results of 85 studies (710 individual responses) is presented, exploring the effects of warming on various performance predictors. The mean responses of echinoderms to all magnitudes of warming were compared across multiple biological responses, ontogenetic life stages, taxonomic classes, and regions, facilitated by multivariate linear mixed effects models. Further models were conducted, which only incorporated responses to warming greater than the projected end-of-century mean annual temperatures at the collection sites. This meta-analysis provides evidence that ocean warming will generally accelerate metabolic rate (+32%) and reduce survival (-35%) in echinoderms, and echinoderms from subtropical (-9%) and tropical (-8%) regions will be the most vulnerable. The relatively high vulnerability of echinoderm larvae to warming (-20%) indicates that this life stage may be a significant developmental bottleneck in the near-future, likely reducing successful recruitment into populations. Furthermore, asteroids appear to be the class of echinoderms that are most negatively affected by elevated temperature (-30%). When considering only responses to magnitudes of warming representative of end-of-century climate change projections, the negative impacts on asteroids, tropical species and juveniles were exacerbated (-51%, -34% and -40% respectively). The results of these analyses enable better predictions of how keystone and invasive echinoderm species may perform in a warmer ocean, and the possible consequences for populations, communities and ecosystems.

Record-breaking marine heatwave in northern Yellow Sea during 2018: Characteristics, drivers and ecological impact.

Globally, marine heatwaves (MHWs) are becoming more common, more intense, and longer-lasting. They could have a large ecological and societal impact when compounded by low oxygen concentrations or high acidity. Here, using a high-resolution satellite product and reanalysis datasets, we investigated the characteristics of the MHW at northern Yellow Sea (NYS) during mid-summer 2018 and the driving mechanisms of large-scale atmospheric circulations. Results showed that the MHW in mid-summer 2018 (lasting from 26 July to 18 August 2018) had been the most intense since 1982, reaching an anomaly peak of 5.15 °C. For the 2018 MHW, the onset rate was 0.49 °C/day, indicating that the reaction window was relatively short and hard to take mitigation measures, while the decline rate was 0.19 °C/day, meaning the coping window was long and easy to push an already stressed system. The synergy of the two large-scale dynamic systems, i.e., the northward-shifted western north Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) and the northeastward-expanded South Asia high (SAH), was likely responsible for establishment and maintenance of the hot-weather conditions. These high-pressure systems could result in stronger descending motion, less cloud cover, more solar radiation, and smaller wind speeds which in combination aggravated the MHW. We further found that the unprecedented MHW was actually also impacted by terrestrial heatwave. From 14 July to 15 August 2018, Northeast China was affected by an exceptionally long and intense atmospheric heat wave (AHW). The AHW had impacted on the MHW through warm advection transportation and may significantly contribute to the record-breaking intensity of the MHW, in addition to the impact of abnormal atmospheric circulations. Finally, we showed that a mass mortality of sea cucumbers in the study region during mid-summer 2018 was highly likely caused by the MHW through severe heat stress.

Echinoderm larvae as bioindicators for the assessment of marine pollution: Sea urchin and sea cucumber responsiveness and future perspectives.

Echinoderms play a crucial role in the functioning of marine ecosystems and due to their extensive distribution, rapid response, and the high sensitivity of their planktonic larvae to a large range of stressors, some species are widely used as biological indicators. In addition to sea urchins, sea cucumbers have recently been implemented in embryotoxicity bioassays showing high potential in ecotoxicological studies. However, the use of this species is still hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding their comparative responsiveness. The present study aimed to investigate the responsiveness of different echinoderm species to environmental pollution in order to develop their integration in batteries of ecotoxicological bioassays. To this end, the embryos of two sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula) and two sea cucumbers (Holothuria polii and Holothuria tubulosa) were incubated with inorganic and organic toxicants (cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, sodium dodecyl sulphate and 4-n-Nonhyphenol) and elutriates from contaminated marine sediments, chosen as a case study model. The results obtained, expressed through the percentage of abnormal embryos and Integrative Toxicity Indices (ITI), indicated species-specific sensitivities to pollutants, with comparable and correlated responsiveness between sea urchins and sea cucumbers. More specifically, sea cucumber larvae exposed to elutriates appear to be more sensitive than sea urchins, especially when incubated with samples containing trace metals, PCB and TBT. These results indicate that toxic responses in embryos exposed to environmental matrices are probably modulated by interactions between different variables, including additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects. These findings suggest that performing a larval test using different echinoderm classes can integrate the interactive effects of bioavailable fraction of contaminants on various levels, providing sensitive, representative and all year-round batteries of bioassays to apply in ecotoxicological studies.

Confusion will be my epitaph: genome-scale discordance stifles phylogenetic resolution of Holothuroidea.

Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) are a diverse clade of echinoderms found from intertidal waters to the bottom of the deepest oceanic trenches. Their reduced skeletons and limited number of phylogenetically informative traits have long obfuscated morphological classifications. Sanger-sequenced molecular datasets have also failed to constrain the position of major lineages. Noteworthy, topological uncertainty has hindered a resolution for Neoholothuriida, a highly diverse clade of Permo-Triassic age. We perform the first phylogenomic analysis of Holothuroidea, combining existing datasets with 13 novel transcriptomes. Using a highly curated dataset of 1100 orthologues, our efforts recapitulate previous results, struggling to resolve interrelationships among neoholothuriid clades. Three approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction (concatenation under both site-homogeneous and site-heterogeneous models, and coalescent-aware inference) result in alternative resolutions, all of which are recovered with strong support and across a range of datasets filtered for phylogenetic usefulness. We explore this intriguing result using gene-wise log-likelihood scores and attempt to correlate these with a large set of gene properties. While presenting novel ways of exploring and visualizing support for alternative trees, we are unable to discover significant predictors of topological preference, and our efforts fail to favour one topology. Neoholothuriid genomes seem to retain an amalgam of signals derived from multiple phylogenetic histories.

SPR Sensor-Based Analysis of the Inhibition of Marine Sulfated Glycans on Interactions between Monkeypox Virus Proteins and Glycosaminoglycans.

Sulfated glycans from marine organisms are excellent sources of naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (GAG) mimetics that demonstrate therapeutic activities, such as antiviral/microbial infection, anticoagulant, anticancer, and anti-inflammation activities. Many viruses use the heparan sulfate (HS) GAG on the surface of host cells as co-receptors for attachment and initiating cell entry. Therefore, virion-HS interactions have been targeted to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. Here we report the potential anti-monkeypox virus (MPXV) activities of eight defined marine sulfated glycans, three fucosylated chondroitin sulfates, and three sulfated fucans extracted from the sea cucumber species Isostichopus badionotus, Holothuria floridana, and Pentacta pygmaea, and the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus, as well as two chemically desulfated derivatives. The inhibitions of these marine sulfated glycans on MPXV A29 and A35 protein-heparin interactions were evaluated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). These results demonstrated that the viral surface proteins of MPXV A29 and A35 bound to heparin, which is a highly sulfated HS, and sulfated glycans from sea cucumbers showed strong inhibition of MPXV A29 and A35 interactions. The study of molecular interactions between viral proteins and host cell GAGs is important in developing therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of MPXV.

Proliferative Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sea Cucumber (Holothuria parva) Body Wall on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells.

Sea cucumber extracts and their bioactive compounds have the potential for stem cell proliferation induction and for their beneficial therapeutic properties. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were exposed to an aqueous extract of Holothuria parva body walls. Proliferative molecules were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in an aqueous extract of H. parva. The aqueous extract concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µg/mL and 10 and 20 ng/mL of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as positive controls were treated on hUC-MSCs. MTT, cell count, viability, and cell cycle assays were performed. Using Western blot analysis, the effects of extracts of H. parva and EGF on cell proliferation markers were detected. Computational modeling was done to detect effective proliferative compounds in the aqueous extract of H. parva. A MTT assay showed that the 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL aqueous extract of H. parva had a proliferative effect on hUC-MSCs. The cell count, which was treated with a 20 µg/mL concentration, increased faster and higher than the control group (p < 0.05). This concentration of the extract did not have a significant effect on hUC-MSCs' viability. The cell cycle assay of hUC-MSCs showed that the percentage of cells in the G2 stage of the extract was biologically higher than the control group. Expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, HIF-1α, and TERT was increased compared with the control group. Moreover, expression of p21 and PCNA decreased after treating hUC-MSCs with the extract. However, CDC-2/cdk-1 and ERK1/2 had almost the same expression as the control group. The expression of CDK-4 and CDK-6 decreased after treatment. Between the detected compounds, 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl phenyl)-benzene showed better affinity to CDK-4 and p21 than tetradecanoic acid. The H. parva aqueous extract showed proliferative potential on hUC-MSCs.

A Bibliometric and In Silico-Based Analysis of Anti-Lung Cancer Compounds from Sea Cucumber.

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. However, current curative approaches for treating this type of cancer have some weaknesses. Therefore, scientists are attempting to discover new anti-lung cancer agents. Sea cucumber is a marine-derived source for discovering biologically active compounds with anti-lung cancer properties. To explore the anti-lung cancer properties of sea cucumber, we analyzed surveys using VOSviewer software and identified the most frequently used keywords. We then searched the Google Scholar database for compounds with anti-lung cancer properties within that keyword family. Finally, we used AutoDock 4 to identify the compounds with the highest affinity for apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells. The results showed that triterpene glucosides were the most frequently identified compounds in studies examining the anti-cancer properties of sea cucumbers. Intercedenside C, Scabraside A, and Scabraside B were the three triterpene glycosides with the highest affinity for apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that anti-lung cancer properties of sea cucumber-derived compounds have been examined in in silico conditions. Ultimately, these three components displayed anti-lung cancer properties in in silico conditions and may be used for the manufacture of anti-lung cancer agents in the near future.

Microplastics in canned, salt-dried, and instant sea cucumbers sold for human consumption.

Determining the amount of microplastics (MPs) in food is key to clarifying their potential toxicity to humans. Here, we collected canned, instant, and salt-dried sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus, the most valued sea cucumbers, from Chinese markets to determine their content of MPs. Sea cucumbers contained MPs in the range of 0-4 MP individual-1, an average of 1.44 MP individual-1, and 0.081 MP g-1. Accordingly, consuming 3 g of sea cucumbers could result in an exposure risk of an average of 0.51 MPs, 0.135 MPs, and 0.078 MPs day-1 for canned, instant, and salt-dried sea cucumbers, respectively. MPs were in size range of 12-575 µm, and fibrous shape was dominant. Furthermore, among the five polymers identified, polypropylene showed the highest energy binding with two catalysts engaged in organic chemical oxidation. This study extends the knowledge regarding MPs occurrence in food and provides a theoretical basis for MPs toxicity in humans.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for imazalil in courgettes, cucumbers and gherkins.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Certis Europe B.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance imazalil in cucumbers, courgettes and gherkins. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 0.08 mg/kg for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. It is noted that the derived MRL is proposed to replace the existing tentative MRL of 0.1 mg/kg for courgettes, thus also addressing the data gap identified in the context of the MRL review. As regards to cucumbers and gherkins, it is noted that the MRL proposal derived in the current application is covered by the MRL of 0.5 mg/kg currently in place for these commodities. Nevertheless, it is also noted that the aforementioned MRLs are based on Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) which were revoked in 2019 following the JMPR proposal. Should this proposal be implemented in the EU regulation in the future, the proposed MRL of 0.08 mg/kg as derived in the current application would be considered an appropriate fall-back option for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. Further risk management considerations are therefore required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of imazalil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg (QuEChERS method based on LC-MS/MS) and 0.01 mg/kg (HPLC-MS/MS method). Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of imazalil according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. However, it should be noted that a high degree of uncertainty on the overall long-term exposure calculation remains due to the data gaps identified in the context of the MRL review on full toxicological assessment of the metabolite R014821, which is expected to occur following post-harvest uses of imazalil, and animal metabolites FK-772 and FK-284.

Abundance modulates the ecosystem functional contributions of two sympatric Caribbean sea cucumbers.

In highly diverse systems such as coral reefs, many species appear to fulfil similar ecological roles, suggesting that they might be ecologically equivalent. However, even if species provide similar functions, the magnitude of those roles could modulate their impact within ecosystems. Here, we compare the functional contributions of two common, co-occurring Caribbean sea cucumber species, Holothuria mexicana and Actynopyga agassizii, in terms of ammonium provisioning and sediment processing on Bahamian patch reefs. We quantified these functions through empirical measures of ammonium excretion, and in situ observations of sediment processing coupled with fecal pellet collections. On a per-individual level, H. mexicana excreted approximately 23% more ammonium and processed approximately 53% more sediment per hour than A. agassizii. However, when we combined these species-specific functional rates to species abundances to produce reef-wide estimates, we found that A. agassizii contributed more than H. mexicana to sediment processing at 57% of reefs (1.9 times more per unit area across all surveyed reefs), and more to ammonium excretion at 83% of reefs (5.6 times more ammonium per unit area across all surveyed reefs), owing to its higher abundance. We conclude that sea cucumber species can differ in the rates at which they deliver per capita ecosystem functions but their ecological impacts at the population level depend on their abundance at a given location.