Hasil untuk "Ecology"

Lianyi Peng, Fuxian Liu, Yue Yang et al.

Integrin β3 (ITGB3) functions as a pivotal transmembrane receptor mediating bidirectional signalling between cells and the extracellular matrix within the tumour microenvironment (TME). Dysregulated ITGB3 expression activates downstream pathways such as FAK/PI3K-Akt/mTOR, orchestrating core malignant processes including invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and autophagy modulation. Beyond its mechanistic roles, ITGB3 serves as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic assessment. Therapeutic strategies targeting ITGB3 encompass small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and emerging Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations, which offer unique multi-component regulatory advantages. This review systematically elucidates the structure-function relationship of ITGB3, its multidimensional regulatory mechanisms in tumour progression, and current targeted intervention strategies. Ultimately, we aim to provide theoretical insights for establishing ITGB3-guided precision medicine and integrated treatment systems.

Mulia Safrida Sari, Rachmad Almi Putra, Yonadiah Dwitya et al.

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - Calcium nitrate is utilized to enhance the growth and chlorophyll quality of Arthrospira platensis Gomont, aiming to maximize its potential as a biotransducer molecule. - Biomass productivity was monitored every three days during a 15-day cultivation period, with specific attention to biomass accumulation and specific growth rates during the stationary phase. - Chlorophyll concentrations (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll) were measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 648 nm and 664 nm. - Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed on chlorophyll extracts to assess molecular binding capacity, reinforcing Arthrospira platensis Gomont’s potential as a biotransducer. - A concentration of 4.5 g/L of calcium nitrate, in combination with 35 ppt salinity, was found to be optimal for enhancing chlorophyll production during cultivation. ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of calcium nitrate as a specific nutrient capable of enhancing the chlorophyll content and optimizating the biotransducer characterization in Arthrospira platensis Gomont. The experimental design employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with Two Factors, consisting of 12 treatments and 3 replications. Each research group was conditioned with varying salinity levels: 15 ppt (S15), 25 ppt (S25), and 35 ppt (S35). In the treatment groups, calcium nitrate was added at different concentrations: 2.5 g/L (P1), 3.5 g/L (P2), and 4.5 g/L (P3). Biomass accumulation and specific growth rate were monitored and data were collected throughout the experiment. At the end of the treatment period, chlorophyll was extracted and its concentration was measured using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and FTIR analysis. The results indicated that the addition of calcium nitrate 4.5 g/L combined with 35 ppt salinity increased the average biomass productivity over 15 days by 5.1 g/L, with a specific growth rate in the stationary phase of 0.12 per day. Supplementation of calcium nitrate 4.5 g/L in 35 ppt salinity was found to increase total chlorophyll concentration to 70.15 μg/mL, further supporting its potential as a supplementary nutrient to enhance the biotransducer properties with five key functional groups for the stability and binding affinity of analyte molecules in SPR application.

Wanxin Lai, Antton Alberdi, Andy Leu et al.

ABSTRACT The rumen microbiome plays a critical role in determining feed conversion and methane emissions in cattle, with significant implications for both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. In this study, we applied a hierarchical joint species distribution model to predict directional associations between biotic factors and abundances of microbial populations determined via metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Our analysis revealed distinct microbial differences, including 191 MAGs significantly more abundant in animals with a higher methane yield (above 24 g/kg dry matter intake [DMI]; high-emission cattle), and 220 MAGs more abundant in low-emission cattle. Interestingly, the microbiome community of the low-methane-emission rumen exhibited higher metabolic capacity but with lower functional redundancy compared to that of high-methane-emission cattle. Our findings also suggest that microbiomes associated with low methane yields are prevalent in specific functionalities such as active fiber hydrolysis and succinate production, which may enhance their contributions to feed conversion in the host animal. This study provides an alternate genome-centric means to investigate the microbial ecology of the rumen and identify microbial and metabolic intervention targets that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production systems.IMPORTANCERuminant livestock are major contributors to global methane emissions, largely through microbial fermentation in the rumen. Understanding how microbial communities vary between high- and low-methane-emitting animals is critical for identifying mitigation strategies. This study leverages a genome-centric approach to link microbial metabolic traits to methane output in cattle. By reconstructing and functionally characterizing hundreds of microbial genomes, we observe that a low-methane-emission rumen harbors well-balanced, “streamlined” microbial communities characterized by high metabolic capacity and minimal metabolic overlap across populations (low functional redundancy). Our results demonstrate the utility of genome-level functional profiling in uncovering microbial community traits tied to climate-relevant phenotypes.

L. V. Pilip, N. V. Syrchina, T. Ya. Ashikhmina et al.

Aim. To study the intraspecific diversity of coliform bacteria represented in microbial communities in biofilms of manure effluents (ME), as well as to evaluate the effect of chemical reagents on the composition of microbial consortia and some properties of bacteria of the genus Escherichia.Material and Methods. Biofilms of ME were obtained under laboratory conditions and their qualitative and quantitative microbial composition studied. H2SO4 and NaOCl solutions were used for entry into ME. The composition of the microbiota was determined by the method of inoculation on nutrient media.Results. The dominant groups of microorganisms in biofilms of ME were obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria of the genera Clostridium, Bacteroides and Escherichia. The genus Escherichia is represented by E. coli, E. fergusonii, E. hermannii (Atlantibacter hermannii), E. blattae (Shimwellia blattae), E. coli inactive and E. vulneris with varying biochemical activity. Escherichia fergusonii, Escherichia coli inactive and Escherichia vulneris have increased colonization potential, which contributes to the survival of bacterial populations in the bacterial consortium. Bacteria of the genus Escherichia are able to form associations with the facultative anaerobe Proteus vulgaris and the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis. The significant resistance of E. coli to the effects of chemical reagents used to neutralize and eliminate the smell of ME (H2SO4 to pH 5.5±0.1; introduction of 12.5 mg/l of active chlorine in NaOCl) was revealed. ME treatment did not lead to the complete death of E. coli. However, it reduced the concentration by 2 orders of magnitude. The use of these chemicals can reduce the total volume of gases released by 30–40% and reduce the intensity of unpleasant u.Conclusions. The results obtained can find practical application in the development of formulations of biological products to reduce odour and improve the efficiency of rational disposal of animal by-products.

Zimeng Song, Sangzi Ze, Chunxiang Liu et al.

IntroductionThe genetic structure of species is shaped by natural (e.g., terrain, climate) and non-natural (e.g., human activities) factors. Geographical isolation and natural barriers are important causes of genetic structure formation of species. Here, we explored this issue in bamboo grasshopper, Ceracris kiangsu, which is an important pest that feeds on bamboo in East and Southeastern Asia.MethodsBased on 186 newly sequenced and 286 previously sequenced mitochondrial COI fragments, and 8 nuclear microsatellite loci, we examined the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of C. kiangsu.ResultsThe degree of genetic differentiation among populations was also high, and Mantel test showed that it was significantly correlated with geographical distance. Principal coordinate analysis and STRUCTURE results revealed two genetically different groups, a South China (S-China) Group and a Southeast Asia (SE-Asia) Group. Climate variables partly explained the population genetic structure. The demographic history and ABC showed that the S-China Group experienced population expansion, whereas the SE-Asia Group was consistently stable.DiscussionOur study demonstrates an obvious population structure maintained in this migratory insect and reveals the potential effect of past climatic change, geographical isolation, and ecological factors on the evolution of their genetic structure.

Madeleine Héger, Pierre Noiset, Kiatoko Nkoba et al.

Abstract Background Stingless bee honey (SBH) is a natural remedy and therapeutic agent traditionally used by local communities across the (sub-)tropics. Forest SBH represents a prime non-timber forest product (NTFP) with a potential to revitalize indigenous foodways and to generate income in rural areas, yet it is also used in a variety of non-food contexts that are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa and that collectively represent a significant part of the local traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) passed on across generations. Documenting TEK of local communities in African tropical forests facing global change is a pressing issue to recognize the value of their insights, to evaluate their sustainability, to determine how they contribute to enhancing conservation efforts, and how TEK generally contributes to the well-being of both the natural environment and the communities that rely on it. This is particularly important to achieve in Kenya’s only tropical rainforest at Kakamega where SBH production and non-food uses have evolved and diversified to a remarkable extent. Methods We used ethnographic techniques and methods, including semi-structured questionnaires and recorded interviews. We used snowball sampling, a non-probability sampling method where new interviewees were recruited by other respondents, to collectively form a sample consisting of 36 interviewees (including only one woman). Results Our results indicate that local communities in Kakamega were able to discriminate between six different and scientifically recognized stingless bee species, and they provided detailed accounts on the species-specific non-food uses of these SBH. Collectively, we recorded an array of 26 different non-food uses that are all passed on orally across generations in the Kakamega community. Conclusion Our results uncover the vast and hitherto unexpected diversity of TEK associated with SBH and pave the way for a systematic survey of SBH and their non-food uses across a network of communities in different environments and with different cultural backgrounds in the Afrotropics. This, along with parallel and more in-depth investigations into honey chemistry, will help develop a comprehensive understanding of SBH, offering insights into holistic ecosystem management, resilience and adaptation while in the mid- to long-term promoting cross-cultural exchanges and pathways for the revitalization of cultural practices and traditions.

Braulio A. Assis, Braulio A. Assis, Julian D. Avery et al.

Colorful traits (i.e., ornaments) that signal quality have well-established relationships with individual condition and physiology. Furthermore, ornaments expressed in females may have indirect fitness effects in offspring via the prenatal physiology associated with, and social consequences of, these signaling traits. Here we examine the influence of prenatal maternal physiology and phenotype on condition-dependent signals of their offspring in adulthood. Specifically, we explore how prenatal maternal testosterone, corticosterone, and ornament color and size correlate with female and male offspring survival to adulthood and ornament quality in the lizard Sceloporus undulatus. Offspring of females with more saturated badges and high prenatal corticosterone were less likely to survive to maturity. Badge saturation and area were negatively correlated between mothers and their male offspring, and uncorrelated to those in female offspring. Maternal prenatal corticosterone was correlated negatively with badge saturation of male offspring in adulthood. Our results indicate that maternal ornamentation and prenatal concentrations of a stress-relevant hormone can lead to compounding fitness costs by reducing offspring survival to maturity and impairing expression of a signal of quality in surviving males. This mechanism may occur in concert with social costs of ornamentation in mothers. Intergenerational effects of female ornamentation and prenatal stress may be interdependent drivers of balancing selection and intralocus sexual conflict over signaling traits.

Leah M. Weston, Kali Z. Mattingly, Charles T. C. Day et al.

Abstract Urban stressors represent strong selective gradients that can elicit evolutionary change, especially in non‐native species that may harbor substantial within‐population variability. To test whether urban stressors drive phenotypic differentiation and influence local adaptation, we compared stress responses of populations of a ubiquitous invader, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Specifically, we quantified responses to salt, copper, and zinc additions by reed canary grass collected from four populations spanning an urbanization gradient (natural, rural, moderate urban, and intense urban). We measured ten phenotypic traits and trait plasticities, because reed canary grass is known to be highly plastic and because plasticity may enhance invasion success. We tested the following hypotheses: (a) Source populations vary systematically in their stress response, with the intense urban population least sensitive and the natural population most sensitive, and (b) plastic responses are adaptive under stressful conditions. We found clear trait variation among populations, with the greatest divergence in traits and trait plasticities between the natural and intense urban populations. The intense urban population showed stress tolerator characteristics for resource acquisition traits including leaf dry matter content and specific root length. Trait plasticity varied among populations for over half the traits measured, highlighting that plasticity differences were as common as trait differences. Plasticity in root mass ratio and specific root length were adaptive in some contexts, suggesting that natural selection by anthropogenic stressors may have contributed to root trait differences. Reed canary grass populations in highly urbanized wetlands may therefore be evolving enhanced tolerance to urban stressors, suggesting a mechanism by which invasive species may proliferate across urban wetland systems generally.

Juan José Calixto Muñoz, Dora Luz Pinzón-Martínez, Jesús Castillón Jardón et al.

Las harinas de grano entero de trigo (HGET) son fuente de fibra, antioxidantes, vitaminas, fitoquímicos y nutrientes y podrían suplir la creciente demanda de la industria panadera de trigos con alta calidad. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la calidad panadera de HGET de las variedades Cal Blanco F2011 (HCB); Mattchet F2011 (HM) y RSM-Norman F2008 (HN) cultivadas en México en otoño-inverno 2014 a 2016, mediante pruebas convencionales y una no convencional (consiste en la medición del volumen de fermentación de cada muestra de harina). Se realizaron determinaciones bromatológicas, reológicas, de calidad panadera por triplicado. Se realizó un ANDEVA, prueba por DMS (p<0,05) y un análisis de correlación. La HCB tiene mayor proteína (14,33%) que las testigos. Todas las harinas tienen tiempos de amasado favorables para buen volumen de pan, con buena fermentación y extensibilidad. Por lo anterior, las tres HGET experimentales resultaron ser competitivas a las harinas comerciales, pero HCB fue superior en casi todas las pruebas. La HM y HN, son similares a la HI en VOP, VOE y HAL volviéndolas comparables en calidad panadera. El pHf de HM y HCB es igual, pero en panificación la última es de mejor calidad haciéndola superior a las harinas integrales evaluadas. Se recomienda estudiar más la prueba de fermentación por la correlación con factores importantes en la diversas pruebas de calidad, esto con el fin de identificar si es factible o no su uso al evaluar la calidad de las harinas.

J. Arnqvist, J. Freier, E. Dellwik

<p>We present a new algorithm for the estimation of the plant area density (PAD) profiles and plant area index (PAI) for forested areas based on data from airborne lidar.</p> <p>The new element in the algorithm is to scale and average returned lidar intensities for each lidar pulse, whereas other methods do not use the intensity information at all, use only average intensity values, or do not scale the intensity information, which can cause problems for heterogeneous vegetation. We compare the performance of the new algorithm to three previously published algorithms over two contrasting types of forest: a boreal coniferous forest with a relatively open structure and a dense beech forest. For the beech forest site, both summer (full-leaf) and winter (bare-tree) scans are analyzed, thereby testing the algorithm over a wide spectrum of PAIs.</p> <p>Whereas all tested algorithms give qualitatively similar results, absolute differences are large (up to 400&thinsp;% for the average PAI at one site). A comparison with ground-based estimates shows that the new algorithm performs well for the tested sites. Specific weak points regarding the estimation of the PAD from airborne lidar data are addressed including the influence of ground reflections and the effect of small-scale heterogeneity, and we show how the effect of these points is reduced in the new algorithm, by combining benefits of earlier algorithms. We further show that low-resolution gridding of the PAD will lead to a negative bias in the resulting estimate according to Jensen's inequality for convex functions and that the severity of this bias is method dependent. As a result, the PAI magnitude as well as heterogeneity scales should be carefully considered when setting the resolution for the PAD gridding of airborne lidar scans.</p>

David G. Angeler, Brian C. Chaffin, Shana M. Sundstrom et al.

Management frequently creates system conditions that poorly mimic the conditions of a desirable self-organizing regime. Such management is ubiquitous across complex systems of people and nature and will likely intensify as these systems face rapid change. However, it is highly uncertain whether the costs (unintended consequences, including negative side effects) of management but also social dynamics can eventually outweigh benefits in the long term. We introduce the term "coerced regime" to conceptualize this management form and tie it into resilience theory. The concept encompasses proactive and reactive management to maintain desirable and mitigate undesirable regime conditions, respectively. A coerced regime can be quantified through a measure of the amount of management required to artificially maintain its desirable conditions. Coerced regimes comprise "ghosts" of self-sustaining desirable system regimes but ultimately become "dead regimes walking" when these regimes collapse as soon as management is discontinued. We demonstrate the broad application of coerced regimes using distinct complex systems of humans and nature (human subjects, aquatic and terrestrial environments, agriculture, and global climate). We discuss commonalities and differences between these examples to identify trade-offs between benefits and harms of management. The concept of coerced regimes can spur thinking and inform management about the duality of what we know and can envision versus what we do not know and therefore cannot envision: a pervasive sustainability conundrum as planet Earth swiftly moves toward a future without historical analogue.

Nathan E. Harms

The ability to invade communities in a variety of habitats (e.g., along a depth gradient) may facilitate establishment and spread of invasive plants, but how multiple lineages of a species perform under varying conditions is understudied. A series of greenhouse common garden experiments were conducted in which six diploid and four triploid populations of the aquatic invasive plant <i>Butomus umbellatus</i> L. (Butomaceae) were grown in submersed or emergent conditions, in monoculture or in a multispecies community, to compare establishment and productivity of cytotypes under competition. Diploid biomass overall was 12 times higher than triploids in the submersed experiment and three times higher in the emergent experiment. Diploid shoot:root ratio was double that of triploid plants in submersed conditions overall, and double in emergent conditions in monoculture. Relative interaction intensities (RII) indicated that triploid plants were sixteen times more negatively impacted by competition under submersed conditions but diploid plants were twice as impacted under emergent conditions. Recipient communities were similarly negatively impacted by <i>B. umbellatus</i> cytotypes. This study supports the idea that diploid and triploid <i>B. umbellatus</i> plants are equally capable of invading emergent communities, but that diploid plants may be better adapted for invading in submersed habitats. However, consistently lower shoot:root ratios in both monoculture and in communities suggests that triploid plants may be better-adapted competitors in the long term due to increased resource allocation to roots. This represents the first examination into the role of cytotype and habitat on competitive interactions of <i>B. umbellatus</i>.

Maria L. Pappas, George D. Broufas, Alberto Pozzebon et al.

Christopher T. Ivey

Stefanie Rößler

Urban vegetation and green spaces play a crucial role in dealing with the impacts of climate change: urban green spaces regulate the micro-climate in densely built-up and overheated settlement areas, and support the percolation of rain water and the retention of flood events. According to these findings, manifold measures of green space development are discussed, supporting an urban development which is appropriate to the challenges of climate change. Thus, retaining and enhancing the provision of settlement areas with green spaces in terms of green infrastructure is a central element of urban and regional climate adaptation strategies. In this paper the question is raised, how green infrastructure and its different potentials to adapt to climate change can be considered in the urban fabric and measures to enhance the green infrastructure can be implemented. As a part of the “Integrated Regional Climate Adaptation Programme for the Region of Dresden” a number of measures for the development and planning of green infrastructure have been developed. Based on these experiences, basic planning approaches to implement and realise green infrastructure, addressing climate adaptation both on city and site scale, are presented.

Richard T. Corlett

C. Schurr

GENG Xin-xia, JIANG Li-ping, CHAI Feng-mei et al.

The Liangkeshu iron deposit in Xinjiang is located in the Kelang basin at the southern margin of Altay. The iron deposit occurs in pegmatite dikes at the contact zone of monzonitic granite and schist of the Middle-Upper Devonian Aletai Formation. Fluid inclusions in quartz from the ore body, which are mainly liquid inclusions were studied by micro temperature measurement and are described in this paper. The results indicate that the homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions varied from 156℃ to 367℃, mostly distributed from 210℃ to 250℃. The salinity (NaCleq) of fluids ranged from 0.18% to 18.72% and the densities ranged from 0.80 g/cm3 to 0.95 g/cm3. Ore fluids in the Liangkeshu iron deposit were characterized by medium temperature, low salinity and low density, and belonged to the H2O-NaCl system. δDSMOW values of quartz were from -110‰ to -76‰, δ18OSMOW values changed from 5.3‰ to 7.9‰ and δ18OH2O values varied from 1.03‰ to 1.07‰, implying that the ore-forming fluid was magmatic water mixed with meteoric water. Fe mineralization in the Liangkeshu deposit occurred in the Middle Devonian period (about 377 Ma), and is closely related to the monzonitic granite. The decrease of temperature and pressure, the fluids mixing and water-rock reaction played important roles in ore-forming processes of the Fe ore bodies.

G. Bala, N. Devaraju, R. K. Chaturvedi et al.

Global carbon budget studies indicate that the terrestrial ecosystems have remained a large sink for carbon despite widespread deforestation activities. CO₂ fertilization, N deposition and re-growth of mid-latitude forests are believed to be key drivers for land carbon uptake. In this study, we assess the importance of N deposition by performing idealized near-equilibrium simulations using the Community Land Model 4.0 (CLM4). In our equilibrium simulations, only 12–17% of the deposited nitrogen is assimilated into the ecosystem and the corresponding carbon uptake can be inferred from a C : N ratio of 20 : 1. We calculate the sensitivity of the terrestrial biosphere for CO₂ fertilization, climate warming and N deposition as changes in total ecosystem carbon for unit changes in global mean atmospheric CO₂ concentration, global mean temperature and Tera grams of nitrogen deposition per year, respectively. Based on these sensitivities, it is estimated that about 242 PgC could have been taken up by land due to the CO₂ fertilization effect and an additional 175 PgC taken up as a result of the increased N deposition since the pre-industrial period. Because of climate warming, the terrestrial ecosystem could have lost about 152 PgC during the same period. Therefore, since pre-industrial times terrestrial carbon losses due to warming may have been more or less compensated by effects of increased N deposition, whereas the effect of CO₂ fertilization is approximately indicative of the current increase in terrestrial carbon stock. Our simulations also suggest that the sensitivity of carbon storage to increased N deposition decreases beyond current levels, indicating that climate warming effects on carbon storage may overwhelm N deposition effects in the future.