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Speciation is a continuous process driven by barriers to gene flow. Based on genome‐wide SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) of 190 toads from 31 sampling sites of Scutiger boulengeri complex, we found evidence for monophyly which represented a continuous speciation process of at least six lineages in S. boulengeri, which radiated and exhibited varying degrees of divergence and gene flow. The SNP‐based phylogenetic tree was largely discordant with the multilocus mitochondrial tree (i.e., S. mammatus and S. glandulatus nested in the lineages of S. boulengeri) published before. The Min Mountains (MM) and Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) lineages differ fundamentally in habitat (i.e., elevation) and morphology (i.e., SVL), we detected signatures of potential high‐altitude and cold adaptation genes in QTP (vs. MM). We found the evidence of reproductive trait disparity (i.e., SVL and nuptial pads) is key to promoting sympatric rather than allopatric species pairs. In addition, we identified selection signals for genes related to sympatric character displacement, genes linked to obesity‐related traits, nuptial spines morphology and enlarged chest nuptial pads in S. mammatus (vs. QTP group of S. boulengeri). Our study provided new insight and paradigm for a varied speciation pattern from local adaptation of allopatry to sympatric character displacement in the S. boulengeri complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although β-xylosidases have broad applications in fields such as food and medicine, there is limited research on cold-active β-xylosidases. This study cloned a novel cold-active β-xylosidase XYL13 from Parabacteroides distasonis. The purified XYL13 exhibited the highest activity at 40 °C, with 42 % and 25 % of its maximum activity at 4 °C and 0 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, XYL13 predominantly produces X1 while degrading X2-X6. Additionally, XYL13 showed a significant synergistic effect (18.5-fold) with endo -xylanase for degrading beechwood xylan at low temperatures. Moreover, the site-directed mutagenesis assay indicated that Ile269 and Glu621 are essential catalytic sites of XYL13. Finally, molecular docking showed that XYL13 has an excellent binding effect with X2-X6, verifying that XYL13 can effectively cut X2-X6 to produce xylose. These results highlight the potential of cold-adapted XYL13 from P. distasonis for application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the northward shift of planting belts and increased temperature variability under climate change, chilling injury to crops migrating northward may remain dangerous and worsened by the expansion intensity. We examined the similarities between adjustments in maize planting and migration systems to identify cold maladaptation using climate and maize planting data from 1981 to 2020. First, the boundaries of maize planting areas were identified based on the critical accumulated temperature thresholds for different varieties, and the range of planting changes was quantified. Next, using the Theil-Sen median and Center of gravity migration model, the trend of maize expansion northward and eastward in Northeast China was revealed. Finally, the chilling injury risk of maize migration in sensitive and non-sensitive growing areas was evaluated for different periods and situations based on the natural disaster formation theory. Maize distribution reacted positively to the Planting system boundary trend with northward movement and eastward expansion. The migration distance and planting rate in sensitive areas were more obvious than in non-sensitive areas, whereas the positive northward adaptation put maize under unfavorable cold conditions, particularly during slowing warming periods. Following the edge of maize migrating to cooler or higher elevation areas, danger of chilling injury has considerably elevated. Overall, compared to non-sensitive areas, newly added maize in sensitive areas exhibited higher vulnerability and hazard levels, alongside lower yields and limited capacity for mitigation. Local farmers have insufficient technical facilities or knowledge of the necessary management after relocation. Using a Multi-Model Ensemble regional climate scenarios, we calculate that High-latitude locations will continue to provide harsh environments for maize, which is susceptible to freezing, even though cropping system boundaries will continue to shift northward, which may present new planting opportunities for maize. Cold adaptation remains crucial when crops move northward to mitigate heat and heat damage caused by global warming. [Display omitted] • Chilling injury to crop northward migration still be a challenge. • The risk of chilling injury increases when maize migrates to sensitive planting areas. • Local farmers lack the technical facilities after maize migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries' metabolic activities continue post-harvest, and their quality and safety are affected by various external and internal factors, with microbial contamination being one of the major influences. Refrigeration is necessary to preserve freshness and increase shelf life; however, understanding the changes in microbial communities on berries during refrigeration still is in its infancy. This study examines the diversity and dynamics of epidermal microbes on blue honeysuckle during refrigeration. Blue honeysuckle was refrigerated at 4 °C for 0, 4, 8, and 12 d, with microbial communities analyzed via Illumina Novaseq sequencing. Species distribution revealed dominant Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in fungi, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes in bacteria, with fluctuating abundance over time. Through tissue isolation, Alternaria alternata and Irpex lacteus were successfully separated and validated as predominant decay-causing fungi. Additionally, lactobacilli were isolated and screened for inhibiting decay-causing fungi, with Enterococcus faecium showing significant efficacy. Factors influencing its activity were evaluated, with temperature and pH impacting efficacy. Enzyme treatments indicated the role of peptides in inhibition. In vivo tests demonstrated preservation efficacy, highlighting bio-preservation potential for quality maintenance during storage. The study's workflow emphasizes exploring microbial ecological interventions that can be implemented in bio-preservation strategies, thereby enhancing understanding and management of post-harvest quality in berries, particularly blue honeysuckle. • Explored microbial diversity on blue honeysuckle during cold storage. • Observed microbial community adaptations to cold environments. • Identified Enterococcus faecium H132 inhibiting essential spoilage fungi. • Detailed analysis of inhibitory factors. • Practical implications for fruit quality maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cold-tolerant pathogenic fungi, typically represented by the grey mold fungus Botrytis cinerea , can pose a serious threat to the quality and safety of postharvest fruits in the cold chain period. However, the mechanism of cold tolerance in fungal pathogens is rarely known and control measures are lacking. In this study, gene expression, genetic mutation, biochemistry, and cellular studies were carried out, revealing that low temperature could rapidly and continuously induce expression levels of the genes related to glycerolipid metabolism and HOG-MAPK pathway in B. cinerea. Western blot analysis showed that low temperature treatment could enhance the phosphorylation level of BcSAK1, the core component of the HOG-MAPK pathway of B. cinerea , and increase the proportion of BcSAK1 localization in nuclei. Deletion of BcSAK1 significantly inhibited fungal growth at low temperature. Addition of HOG-MAPK inhibitor could also inhibit nuclear localization of BcSAK1, and suppress the spore germination and mycelial growth of grey mold at low temperature. These results indicate that low temperature treatment can regulate the cold tolerance of B. cinerea by activating the HOG-MAPK signaling pathway. Analysis of Hog1 homologous gene deletion mutants in Fusarium asiaticum and Alternaria alternata showed that Hog1 is also essential for the cold tolerance of these two pathogenic fungi. In conclusion, this study suggests that the HOG-MAPK pathway plays a highly conserved role in regulating the cold tolerance of postharvest pathogens. Future study that aims to reveal the downstream key targets and regulatory networks of HOG-MAPK in response to cold temperature will lay foundations for the control of cold tolerant diseases of postharvest fruits. • Cold induced HOG-MAPK pathway genes in Botrytis cinerea. • The HOG-MAPK gene Bcsak1 is involved in cold tolerance. • Phosphorylation and nuclear localization of BcSAK1 is enhanced by cold. • The HOG-MAPK is conserved for cold adaptation in postharvest pathogens. • Inactivating HOG-MAPK suppresses cold tolerant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite encroachment by agricultural systems and globalization, pastoral nomads maintain a robust presence in terms of numbers and subsistence activity. At the same time, increasing concern about climate change has promoted awareness that increased climatic fluctuation may push pastoral population past their capacity for resilience. The response of pastoralists to climate change has important implications for our evolutionary past and our increasingly problematic future. Yet, pastoralists have received less explicit attention than foragers as populations under consistent selective constraints including limited caloric intake, high levels of habitual activity, and high disease burdens. Additional factors include exposure to cold and high temperatures, as well as high altitude. Over the last 20 or so years, the use of new techniques for measuring energetics, including actigraphs and doubly labeled water have built on existing noninvasive sample collection for hormones, immune markers and genes to provide a more detailed picture of the human biology of pastoral populations. Here I consider recent work on pastoralists from Siberia and northern Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. I survey what is known about maternal milk composition and infant health, childhood growth, lactase persistence, and adult energy expenditure and lactase persistence to build a picture of the pastoralist biological response to environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and high altitude. Where available I include information about population history because of its importance for selection. I end by outlining the impact of milk consumption and climate over the human life cycle and make suggestions for further research., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)