Actions to halt biodiversity loss generally benefit the climate.

The two most urgent and interlinked environmental challenges humanity faces are climate change and biodiversity loss. We are entering a pivotal decade for both the international biodiversity and climate change agendas with the sharpening of ambitious strategies and targets by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Within their respective Conventions, the biodiversity and climate interlinked challenges have largely been addressed separately. There is evidence that conservation actions that halt, slow or reverse biodiversity loss can simultaneously slow anthropogenic mediated climate change significantly. This review highlights conservation actions which have the largest potential for mitigation of climate change. We note that conservation actions have mainly synergistic benefits and few antagonistic trade-offs with climate change mitigation. Specifically, we identify direct co-benefits in 14 out of the 21 action targets of the draft post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, notwithstanding the many indirect links that can also support both biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. These relationships are context and scale-dependent; therefore, we showcase examples of local biodiversity conservation actions that can be incentivized, guided and prioritized by global objectives and targets. The close interlinkages between biodiversity, climate change mitigation, other nature's contributions to people and good quality of life are seldom as integrated as they should be in management and policy. This review aims to re-emphasize the vital relationships between biodiversity conservation actions and climate change mitigation in a timely manner, in support to major Conferences of Parties that are about to negotiate strategic frameworks and international goals for the decades to come.

A global-scale expert assessment of drivers and risks associated with pollinator decline.

Pollinator decline has attracted global attention and substantial efforts are underway to respond through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline and what risks it generates for society in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated the relative regional and global importance of eight drivers of pollinator decline and ten consequent risks to human well-being. Our results indicate that global policy responses should focus on reducing pressure from changes in land cover and configuration, land management and pesticides, as these were considered very important drivers in most regions. We quantify how the importance of drivers and risks from pollinator decline, differ among regions. For example, losing access to managed pollinators was considered a serious risk only for people in North America, whereas yield instability in pollinator-dependent crops was classed as a serious or high risk in four regions but only a moderate risk in Europe and North America. Overall, perceived risks were substantially higher in the Global South. Despite extensive research on pollinator decline, our analysis reveals considerable scientific uncertainty about what this means for human society.

Efficacy of the TMPRSS2 inhibitor camostat mesilate in patients hospitalized with Covid-19-a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is essential for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cell entry and infection. Efficacy and safety of TMPRSS2 inhibitors in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have not been evaluated in randomized trials. METHODS: We conducted an investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter trial in patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 4, to December 31, 2020. Within 48 h of admission, participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive the TMPRSS2 inhibitor camostat mesilate 200 mg three times daily for 5 days or placebo. The primary outcome was time to discharge or clinical improvement measured as ≥2 points improvement on a 7-point ordinal scale. Other outcomes included 30-day mortality, safety and change in oropharyngeal viral load. FINDINGS: 137 patients were assigned to receive camostat mesilate and 68 to placebo. Median time to clinical improvement was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 7) in the camostat group and 5 days (IQR, 2 to 10) in the placebo group (P = 0·31). The hazard ratio for 30-day mortality in the camostat compared with the placebo group was 0·82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0·24 to 2·79; P = 0·75). The frequency of adverse events was similar in the two groups. Median change in viral load from baseline to day 5 in the camostat group was -0·22 log10 copies/mL (p <0·05) and -0·82 log10 in the placebo group (P <0·05). INTERPRETATION: Under this protocol, camostat mesilate treatment was not associated with increased adverse events during hospitalization for Covid-19 and did not affect time to clinical improvement, progression to ICU admission or mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04321096. EudraCT Number: 2020-001200-42.

Building effective policies to conserve pollinators: translating knowledge into policy.

Pollination management recommendations are becoming increasingly precise, context-specific and knowledge-intensive. Pollination is a service delivered across landscapes, entailing policy constructs across agricultural landscapes. Diversified farming practices effectively promote pollination services. Yet it remains difficult to secure large-scale uptake by farming communities. A strong foundation upon which to base policy formulation stems from respecting the perspective of farmers and local communities on the need to conserve pollinators, alongside scientific understanding. Ecological intensification resonates with both indigenous knowledge, local communities and scientific understanding. It emphasizes that the regulating functions of nature require both landscape-level agroecosystem design and recognition of the complexity of agricultural systems. Facilitating ecological intensification across landscapes requires collective decision-making, with institutional innovation in local structures and food system governance.

Aquitalea aquatilis sp. nov., isolated from Jungwon waterfall.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, motile, short rods and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain THG-DN7.12T, was isolated from water collected at Jungwon waterfall on Yongmun mountain, Republic of Korea. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DN7.12T was found to be most closely related to Aquitalea denitrificans 5YN1-3T (98.9 % sequence similarity), Aquitalea magnusonii TRO-001DR8T (98.7 %) and Aquitalea pelogenes P1297T (98.0 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-DN7.12T and its phylogenetically closest neighbours was below 70.0 %. The strain's DNA G+C content was 59.7 mol%. The major polar lipid was found to be phosphatidylethanolamine. Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 0 were identified as the major fatty acids. Ubiquinone Q-8 was detected as the only respiratory quinone. These data supported the affiliation of strain THG-DN7.12T to the genus Aquitalea. Strain THG-DN7.12T was distinguished from related Aquitalea species by physiological and biochemical tests. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Aquitalea aquatilis sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-DN7.12T as the type strain (=KACC 18847T=CCTCC AB 2016185T).

Mixture of enzyme-processed Panax ginseng and Gastrodia elata extract prevents UVB-induced decrease of procollagen type 1 and increase of MMP-1 and IL-6 in human dermal fibroblasts.

According to the previously described anti-photoaging effect of the enzyme-processed Panax ginseng extract and Gastrodia elata extract, we hypothesized that the combination of the two extracts would have superior effect to protect human skin from UVB radiation. Besides, the mixture of active components isolated from herbal extracts, ginsenoside F2, and α-gastrodin was investigated on the photo-protective capability. The expression of aging-related markers including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procollagen type 1 was evaluated using ELISA kits. It was reported that the herbal extract at a Panax ginseng extract to Gastrodia elata extract ratio of 1:10 (w/w) and the compound mixture with equal proportion of ginsenoside F2 and α-gastrodin exhibited significant inhibition of MMP-1 and IL-6 production, and marked upregulation of procollagen type 1 formation. Thus, the combination of either the enzyme-processed herbal extracts or their active components would enhance the properties of prevention and treatment of UVB-induced skin damage.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Achillea millefolium on Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice.

Achillea millefolium L. (AM) is an aromatic herb with a variety of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. However, AM's effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been investigated. This study evaluates the anti-AD activity of 50% ethanol-extracted AM in murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells, in tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma (TNF-[Formula: see text]/IFN-[Formula: see text])-stimulated human immortal keratinocyte HaCaT cells in vitro, and in Biostir-AD-treated NC/Nga mice in vivo. The results showed that AM significantly downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as INOS, COX-2, and interleukin (IL)-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw 264.7 cells. The mRNA expressions of INOS, COX-2, and IL-6 decreased by 76.1%, 69.3%, and 31.8%, respectively. Overexpression of chemokines, such as activation-regulated chemokine and macrophage-derived chemokine, regulated on activation of normal T-cell expressed and secreted, and IL-8 was inhibited by 70.01%, 52.91%, 73.53%, and 18.93%, respectively, in TNF-[Formula: see text]/IFN-[Formula: see text]-stimulated HaCaT cells by downregulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase, I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text], and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathways. AD-like symptoms, such as elevated serum immunoglobin E levels, epidermal thickening, high dermatitis severity score, transepidermal water loss, and reduced skin hydration, were relieved by the dietary administration of AM in Biostir-AD-treated NC/Nga mice. In addition, filaggrin expression increased significantly in AM-treated groups. These results suggest that AM could be a useful candidate for AD treatment.

Inhibitory Effects of Urtica thunbergiana Ethanol Extract on Atopic Dermatitis-Induced NC/Nga Mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that persists or repeatedly recurs in both childhood and adulthood. Urtica thunbergiana (UT) is an aroma herb with little-known pharmacological effects and anti-inflammatory activities against AD. This study investigated the immunomodulatory efficacy of 50% ethanol-extracted UT in necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-stimulated HaCaT cells in vitro and AD-Biostir-induced NC/Nga mice in vivo. The results showed that UT exhibits a dose-dependent increase in scavenged free radicals, reaching 76.0% ± 1.4% of scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl at a concentration of 250 µg/mL. In addition, UT significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of the following pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine, and regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted. UT-treated HaCaT cells showed inhibition of the overexpression of chemokine-regulated signaling molecules, such as nuclear factor-kappa B, inhibitor of kappa B (IκBα), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). UT dietary administration in AD-Biostir-induced NC/Nga mice treated and improved AD-like symptoms, such as scales, epidermal thickening, the dermatitis severity score, high trans-epidermal water loss, reduced skin hydration, increased mast cells, elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels, and an enlarged spleen. UT treatment inhibited the expression of phosphorylated forms of MAPKs, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1, and regulator IκBα. It also upregulated filaggrin (FLG) production. Therefore, UT shows high anti-AD activity both in vitro and in vivo, and can be a useful anti-AD agent.

Conditioned Medium from Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Aging in Human Keratinocytes and Dermal Fibroblasts.

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) contains cytokines and growth factors that can facilitate the regeneration and repair of various tissues and organs. In the present study, the protective activity of ADSC-CM treatment was investigated in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte cell line HaCaTs and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). It was found that ADSC-CM can modulate the expression of the signaling molecules in the early UVB responsive signaling pathways, including mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). In addition, ADSC-CM treatment could upregulate antioxidant response element (ARE) such as phase II gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and increase the expression of collagen synthesis enhancer gene transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and procollagen type I synthesis inhibitors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also found to be suppressed upon ADSC-CM treatment. Taken together, our study illustrates the anti-photoaging activities of ADSC-CM in cell-based models.

Pervasive human-driven decline of life on Earth points to the need for transformative change.

The human impact on life on Earth has increased sharply since the 1970s, driven by the demands of a growing population with rising average per capita income. Nature is currently supplying more materials than ever before, but this has come at the high cost of unprecedented global declines in the extent and integrity of ecosystems, distinctness of local ecological communities, abundance and number of wild species, and the number of local domesticated varieties. Such changes reduce vital benefits that people receive from nature and threaten the quality of life of future generations. Both the benefits of an expanding economy and the costs of reducing nature's benefits are unequally distributed. The fabric of life on which we all depend-nature and its contributions to people-is unravelling rapidly. Despite the severity of the threats and lack of enough progress in tackling them to date, opportunities exist to change future trajectories through transformative action. Such action must begin immediately, however, and address the root economic, social, and technological causes of nature's deterioration.

Sambucus nigra L. ameliorates UVB-induced photoaging and inflammatory response in human skin keratinocytes.

Sambucus nigra L. (Elderberry) is widely used as a dietary supplement in functional food and possesses many pharmacological activities to prevent ailments, such as the colds and fever, diabetes and cancer. However, research on its skin anti-aging effect is still limited. Here, we evaluated the recovery effects of elderberry extract (EB) in UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and investigated whether EB represents a potential therapeutic agent against skin photoaging and inflammation. In this study, EB showed good efficiency on scavenging free radicals and dose-dependently reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. EB notably decreased UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion through the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, blocking extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammation in UVB-irradiated HaCaTs. In addition, EB improved nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling to increase oxidative defense capacity, and enhanced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling activation to promote procollagen type I synthesis, relieving UVB-induced skin cell damage. These results indicated that EB has the potential to ameliorate UVB-induced skin photoaging and inflammation.

Helianthus annuus L. flower prevents UVB-induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblasts by regulating the MAPK/AP-1, NFAT, and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Excessive ultraviolet radiation usually causes skin photoaging, inflammation, and even photocarcinogenesis. UV radiation-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributing factor to photodamage. The flowers of Helianthus annuus L. have been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, there are few reports on the use of H. annuus L. to relieve UVB-induced photoaging. PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of a 50% ethanol extract of H. annuus L. flower (HAF) against UVB-induced photodamage using normal human dermal fibroblasts. METHODS: The secretion of ROS, interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) was measured with kits. The messenger RNA levels of COX-2, iNOS, and TGF-α were measured by RT-PCR. The AP-1, MAPK, NFAT, and Nrf2 pathways were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: HAF extract significantly blocked UVB-induced ROS and MMP (MMP-1 and MMP-3) production and procollagen type I reduction. Further study demonstrated that the photoaging inhibitory actions were related to promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulation of TGF-ß1 level, and downregulation of AP-1 and MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, HAF effectively inhibited UVB-induced VEGF and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α secretion, which might be involved in the regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HAF is a useful botanical source protecting against UVB-mediated skin photodamage.

Correction: Icariin and icaritin recover UVB-induced photoaging by stimulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways: a comparative study on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes.

Correction for 'Icariin and icaritin recover UVB-induced photoaging by stimulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways: a comparative study on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes' by Eunson Hwang et al., Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2018, 17, 1396-1408.

Dietary enzyme-treated Hibiscus syriacus L. protects skin against chronic UVB-induced photoaging via enhancement of skin hydration and collagen synthesis.

Exposure of skin to UVB radiation is associated with skin thickening, erythema, deep wrinkles, and marked losses of elasticity, resilience, and hydration. To find effective anti-aging materials, scientists have studied not only natural nutritional sources, but also biotransformed metabolites. Although Hibiscus syriacus L., the national flower of Korea has been used extensively throughout history, it has not yet been examined for possible anti-aging effects. In this study, skin anti-aging effects of H. syriacus L. water extract (HSL) and enzyme-treated H. syriacus L. extract (ETH) were investigated in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) in vitro and in hairless mice in vivo. In UVB-irradiated NHDFs, higher level of type I procollagen and lower levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and activator protein-1 (AP-1) expression were identified after treatment with HSL and ETH. In photoaged hairless mice, skin thickening and the density of collagen fibers and filaggrin improved after oral administration of HSL and ETH. ETH 1% significantly inhibited melanin content, erythema index (EI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, and wrinkle formation. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid were more abundant in ETH than in HSL. Taken together, both HSL and ETH protect skin from UVB-induced premature photoaging, and enzymatic biotransformed products like ETH have potential for use as valuable functional foods.

Protective Effects of Euphrasia officinalis Extract against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which is associated with the elevation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the impairment of collagen. The Euphrasia species play a well-known role in the treatment of certain eye disorders through their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. However, their protective activity toward UVB-induced damage remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Euphrasia officinalis (95% ethanol extract) on UVB-irradiated photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Our results show that Euphrasia officinalis extract exhibited obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, enhanced NHDF cell migration, and reduced UVB-induced apoptosis. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 and decrease in type I procollagen were ameliorated by Euphrasia officinalis treatment, which worked by suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathways. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that Euphrasia officinalis ethanol extract could reduce UVB-induced photoaging by alleviating oxidative stress, proinflammatory activity, and cell apoptosis.

Icariin and icaritin recover UVB-induced photoaging by stimulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways: a comparative study on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes.

Icariin (ICA) and icaritin (ICT) exhibit many pharmacological functions including anti-osteoporosis, anti-cardiovascular, and anti-cancer activities; however, there are few comprehensive studies that track the detailed effects on UVB-induced photoaging. The recovery effects of ICA and ICT were investigated in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). The results indicated that ICT and ICA showed strong radical scavenging activity, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of ICT was superior. UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression was blocked by ICA via the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1), which directly reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. ICT activated nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) to improve the anti-oxidative stress capacity and suppress nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein, and inflammatory cytokines induced ECM degrading enzyme secretion. Moreover, ICT was more advantageous to improve transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and procollagen type I expression than ICA, promoting the synthesis of collagen. Therefore, ICA and ICT have potential to treat UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and photoaging, and will be posited as a novel strategy to alleviate photodamage.

Clove attenuates UVB-induced photodamage and repairs skin barrier function in hairless mice.

Syzygium aromaticum L., commonly named clove, is widely used in the food industry due to its antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities. However, little information is available regarding its role in resisting skin photoaging. This study investigated 50% ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum L. (SA) and eugenol (EO) for anti-aging effects in UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and hairless mice. In vitro, SA and EO suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-1, 3 (MMP-1 and MMP-3) secretion as well as the activator protein 1 (AP-1) phosphorylation. SA and EO also activated nuclear erythroid 2-related factor/antioxidant-response element (Nrf2/ARE) signaling which improves the antioxidant activity and inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, pro-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, SA and EO suppressed the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) which is a known activator of MMPs, cooperator transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and NF-κB in Ca2+/calcineurin-regulated transcription. In vivo, SA significantly improved the levels of procollagen type I and elastin through TGF/Smad signaling. The histopathological studies found that SA reduced wrinkles. SA also increased filament aggregating protein (filaggrin), which repairs the skin barrier function and improved the skin's hydration. Altogether, SA effectively ameliorated UVB-induced photoaging. It is expected to become a promising natural product.

Ribes nigrum L. Prevents UVB-mediated Photoaging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Potential Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activity.

Black currants (Ribes nigrum L, RN) are known as a "super fruit" to possess for their many potential health benefits such as the alleviation of oxidative stress-related disorders. However, little skin photoaging-related research has been done on the use of this agent. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of RN in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). RN treatment in UVB-irradiated skin models alleviated UVB-mediated photoaging through several mechanisms: Treatment with RN downregulated MAPK-related signaling models, such as those of activation protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). In addition, phase II gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was modulated by the increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the nuclear, and finally, transforming growth factor TGF-ß was upregulated in vitro. Further study indicated that UVB-induced production of MMP-1 and IL-6 could be inhibited by PD 98059 (an inhibitor of ERK) and SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK). Thus, RN improved the expression of type I procollagen and inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and IL-6 secretion through inactivating MAPK cascades. Therefore, RN is a suitable target for further investigation as an antiphotoaging agent and may have applications in the skincare industry.