Browse Articles

The trophic distribution of biomass in ecosystems with co-occurring wildlife and livestock

Abstract Trophic interactions regulate populations, but anthropogenic processes influence primary productivity and consumption by both herbivore and carnivore species. Trophic ecology studies often focus on natural systems such as protected areas, even though livestock globally comprise the majority of terrestrial vertebrate biomass. Here we explore spatial and temporal patterns in the distribution of biomass between plants, and large herbivores and carnivores (> 10 kg) in Norwegian rangelands, including both wildlife and livestock. We find high spatial variation in the relationship between plant and herbivore biomass, with both positive and negative divergence in observed biomass from expectations based on primary productivity. Meanwhile, despite recent partial recoveries in carnivore densities across Norway, carnivore biomass is still lower than expected based on herbivore biomass, even if livestock are excluded from the estimation. Our study highlights how temporal trends in both herbivores and carnivores reflect policy development. The role of livestock husbandry and wildlife management is thus key in determining realised biomass distributions in anthropogenically influenced ecosystems.

Study on the relationship between microbial composition within obstructive biliary stents and the severity of obstruction and duration of stent placement

Biliary stent occlusion is due, in part, to biofilm formation by bacteria. However, previous culture-based approaches may not have revealed all microorganisms on the surface. Twenty-seven patients underwent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage for the removal or replacement of plastic biliary stents. We analyzed occlusion severity using image-analyses of a longitudinal section of the biliary stent and evaluated the microbial profile of sludge deposition inside the stents using 16S rRNA sequencing with a MiSeq Illumina platform. We then evaluated the association of microbial profiles with the duration of stent placement and stent occlusion severity. Actinobacteria and Synergistetes were much more abundant in occluded stents compared with non-occluded stents. An abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and OTU00006 Bifidobacterium animalis (100%) correlated with stent occlusion severity (rho, 0.62; p<0.001; and 0.42; p = 0.03, respectively), and this relationship remained after adjusting for the duration of stent placement (p = 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). The genus Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium animalis were associated with the degree of occlusion in plastic biliary stents.

Effects of hook size on the catch variation, size selectivity, and bycatch of the bottom set longline fisheries targeting nemipterid fishes in the Philippines

A genomics learning framework for undergraduates

Genomics is an increasingly important part of biology research. However, educating undergraduates in genomics is not yet a standard part of life sciences curricula. We believe this is, in part, due to a lack of standard concepts for the teaching of genomics. To address this deficit, the members of the Genomics Education Alliance created a set of genomics concepts that was then further refined by input from a community of undergraduate educators who engage in genomics instruction. The final genomics concepts list was compared to existing learning frameworks, including the Vision and Change initiative (V&C), as well as ones for genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Our results demonstrate that the new genomics framework fills a niche not addressed by previous inventories. This new framework should be useful to educators seeking to design stand-alone courses in genomics as well as those seeking to incorporate genomics into existing coursework. Future work will involve designing curriculum and assessments to go along with this genomics learning framework.

Silver nanoparticles coated with metabolites of Pseudomonas sp. N5.12 inhibit bacterial pathogens and fungal phytopathogens

AbstractThe synthesis of nanomaterials from PGPB is an exciting approach and it’s often used in agriculture as nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. The present study reports a new approach to biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), using bacterial metabolites as agents to reduce Ag+, which will remain as coating agents able to prevent microbial growth. Silver NP were biosynthesized using the bacterial metabolites produced by the beneficial strain Pseudomonas sp. N5.12. Optimization of physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, and AgNO3 concentration) for the synthesis of AgNP was carried out. In each condition, success on AgNP synthesis was determined by UV–Visible spectra showing peaks between 400 and 450 nm. TEM analysis showed that the AgNP are spherical in shape with an average particle size ranging from 13.75 ± 0.47 nm to 20.71 ± 0.43 nm, covered with a unique organic matter corona of bacterial metabolites. The best parameters for AgNP biosynthesis by Pseudomonas sp. N5.12 occurred with 24 h bacterial metabolites, temperature of 37 °C, pH 9 and a ratio of 2:4 (v: v; bacterial supernatant: 1 mM AgNO3). The biosynthesized AgNP inhibited growth of human pathogenic bacteria better than equivalent AgNO3 concentration. Growth of bacterial and fungal phytopathogens was also inhibited with striking effects on Alternaria sp. (74% inhibition) and Stemphylium sp. (52% inhibition), appearing as promising tools to biocontrol fungal diseases in agriculture.

Genetic insights into the risk of hip osteoarthritis on stroke: A single-variable and multivariable Mendelian randomization

Background Hip osteoarthritis has been identified as a potential risk factor for stroke, with previous studies have demonstrated an association between hip osteoarthritis and stroke. This study aims to further elucidate the causal relationship between the two, employing Two-Sample and Multivariable Mendelian randomization methods. Methods SNPs, derived from two extensive GWAS, served as instruments in exploring the association between genetically predicted hip osteoarthritis and stroke risk, utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization. In Multivariable Mendelian randomization, factors such as cigarettes per day, alcoholic drinks per week, hypertension, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid arthritis were incorporated to further account for the independent causal effects of multiple correlated exposures. Results Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that hip osteoarthritis exerts a potential causal effect on any stroke, any ischemic stroke, and cardioembolic stroke, while it did not influence large artery stroke and small vessel stroke. Multivariable MR analysis indicated that the causal effect of hip osteoarthritis on any ischemic stroke and cardioembolic stroke was no longer evident after adjusting for C-reactive protein, and similarly, the effect on any ischemic stroke was not observed after adjusting for type 2 diabetes. However, the effects on any stroke, any ischemic stroke, and cardioembolic stroke remained significant after adjustments for hypertension, alcoholic drinks per week, cigarettes per day, body mass index, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion The study demonstrated that elevated hip osteoarthritis, as predicted by genetic factors, was potential associated with an increased risk of any stroke, any ischemic stroke, and cardioembolic stroke, but showed no correlation with hypertension, alcoholic drinks per week, cigarettes per day, type 2 diabetes, C-reactive protein, body mass index levels, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A CRISPR-Cas9 system protecting E. coli against acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing problem worldwide, and new treatment options for bacterial infections are direly needed. Engineered probiotics show strong potential in treating or preventing bacterial infections. However, one concern with the use of live bacteria is the risk of the bacteria acquiring genes encoding for AMR or virulence factors through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and the transformation of the probiotic into a superbug. Therefore, we developed an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system that protects bacteria from horizontal gene transfer. We synthesized a CRISPR locus targeting eight AMR genes and cloned this with the Cas9 and transacting tracrRNA on a medium copy plasmid. We next evaluated the efficiency of the system to block HGT through transformation, transduction, and conjugation. Our results show that expression of the CRISPR-Cas9 system successfully protects E. coli MG1655 from acquiring the targeted resistance genes by transformation or transduction with 2–3 logs of protection depending on the system for transfer and the target gene. Furthermore, we show that the system blocks conjugation of a set of clinical plasmids, and that the system is also able to protect the probiotic bacterium E. coli Nissle 1917 from acquiring AMR genes.

Divergent Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite and three different alphasatellite species associated with cotton leaf curl disease outbreak in Northwest India

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is a major constraint for production of cotton (Gossypium sp.) in Northwest India. CLCuD is caused by a monopartite, circular ssDNA virus belonging to the genus Begomovirus in association with betasatellites and alphasatellites, and ttransmitted by a whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci). To explore the genetic variability in betasatellites and alphasatellite associated with the CLCuD-begomovirus complex in Northwest India. A survey was conducted for successive three years of 2014 to 2016 and twig samples from symptomatic and healthy cotton plants randomly were collected. Total plant DNAs were isolated, subjected to rolling circle amplification (RCA), cloning and sequencing. Full-length genome of 12 betasatellites and 13 alphasatellites, those were obtained in the present study, were analyzed. Sequence analysis showed that all the present betasatellites shared 85–99 percent nucleotide identity (PNI) among themselves and 84–95 PNI with other members of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB) and fell into one genogroup along with CLCuMB. But in close observation the present betasatellites clustered into two phylogenetic subgroups under single CLCuMB. The present alphasatellites showed 72–100 PNI among themselves and fell under three alphasatellite species, Gossypium Darwinii symptomless alphasatellite (GDarSLA), Cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMA) and Cotton leaf curl Burewala alphasatellite (CLCuBuA). In the recombination analysis, all the present betasatellites and alphasatellites were found to be recombinants involving intra species recombination in betasatellite, and interspecies recombination in alphasatellite species. The present study indicated that the betasatellite and alphasatellite molecules associated with CLCuD-begomovirus complex in Northwest India are genetically diverse.

Indirect evidence of an early mating advantage in wild cooperatively breeding male banded mongooses

Abstract Promiscuous females reduce male reproductive control. Males can attempt to monopolise access to these females, but distractions and sneaky rivals mean extra copulations cannot always be blocked. By mating first, males can obtain a headstart in sperm competition, but this may be negated by sperm storage and cryptic female choice mechanisms. We carry out an indirect rare test of an early mating advantage in a population of free-living wild animals. Using Bayesian GLMM analysis of a long-term life history database spanning 17 years, we show that banded mongoose males who interacted with females in earlier days of oestrus had a higher chance of siring their offspring compared with later rivals. An early mating advantage would intensify initial male-male competition and hence selection for male choice, as any initial mistake identifying preferred mating partners could see paternity lost to rivals.

Interrogating green social prescribing in South Wales; A multi-stakeholder qualitative exploration

Background As an umbrella term, social prescribing offers varied routes into society which promise to support, enhance, and empower individual citizens to take control of their own health and wellbeing. Globally healthcare systems are struggling to cope with the increasing demands of an ageing population and the NHS (UK) is no exception. Social prescribing is heralded as a means to relieve the burden on primary care and provide support for the 20% of patients whose needs are non-medical. As such an increasing array of schemes are available, spanning five sub-sets: creative or nature-based referrals, welfare services, exercise referrals, education programmes or befriending support. Green social prescription offers significant potential to promote wellbeing and improve health outcomes. However limited research has explored this emergent sub-set. Aim Explore and interrogate the concept of social prescribing to understand how it is conceptualised, perceived, and experienced by different stakeholders involved in its coordination, delivery, and provision; At a time when it is being formalised in Wales, UK. Methods Using qualitative enquiry, from a social constructivist paradigm, stakeholder perspectives pertaining to current social prescribing models, pathways and actions in Wales were explored. Three multi-discipline research workshops and ten semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted either in person or via zoom. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results 39 different stakeholders contributed. These included social prescribers, community connectors, service coordinators, third sector and voluntary organisation representatives, a general practitioner, occupational therapist, social enterprisers, academics and local area coordinators. Five themes were identified which revolved around stakeholders discussions of critical challenges pertaining to the delivery, provision, and evaluation of green social prescribing schemes in south Wales, UK. Tension between varying stakeholders was also evident, often preceded, or complicated by funding discrepancies, competition, and uncertainty. Stakeholders demanded clarity regarding evaluation outcomes and benchmarking across the sector. Conclusions To ensure the continued provision of social prescribing schemes which are highly valued by service users, voluntary and third sector organisations require funding security and stability. The delivery of green, nature-based, schemes require maintenance of trusting, long-term relationships with local service co-ordinators and referrers, secure equitable funding models and agreement over conceptual basis of social prescribing itself, particularly in relation to ‘where’ social prescribing is located within health and social care models. Without resolution and positive progress across these areas the continuation of local green schemes within local communities, which build resilience and support positive change for service users’ health and wellbeing, is questionable.

Repeated sevoflurane exposure causes hypomyelination in the prefrontal cortex of adult male mice

Patient safety indicators for virtual consultations in primary care: A systematic review protocol

Background Virtual consultations are being increasingly incorporated into routine primary care, as they offer better time and geographical flexibility for patients while also being cost-effective for both patients and service providers. At the same time, concerns have been raised about the extent to which virtual care is safe for patients. As of now, there is no validated methodology for evaluating the safety nuances and implications of virtual care. This study aims to identify patient safety indicators that could be used to evaluate the safety of virtual consultations in primary care. Methods A literature search will be performed in Ovid MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant articles published over the last 10 years (2014–2024). The systematic review will include randomized and non-randomized controlled trials and observational studies with adult populations that compare synchronous patient-provider virtual consultations (telephone or video) or multicomponent interventions involving synchronous remote consultations with face-to-face consultations. The outcome of interest will be patient safety indicators extracted from the studies. The quality of randomized controlled trials will be assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale will be used to analyze risk of bias in observational studies. Discussion Considering the growing adoption of virtual medical care worldwide, a robust and comprehensive evaluation of its safety and quality is now a system-wide priority. Therefore, one of the primary strengths of this proposed systematic review is its focus on a topic of great importance and timeliness, specifically addressing the existing knowledge gap in this area. By publishing this protocol, we demonstrate the transparency and reliability of our research strategy and aim to minimize the risk of selection bias. Potential limitations include the heterogeneity of measures and outcomes, as well as a lower-than-expected number of studies in subgroup analyses, which may negatively influence the statistical significance in data synthesis. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023464878.

Population genomics and connectivity of Vazella pourtalesii sponge grounds of the northwest Atlantic with conservation implications of deep sea vulnerable marine ecosystems

AbstractSponges are key ecosystem engineers that shape, structure and enhance the biodiversity of marine benthic communities globally. Sponge aggregations and reefs are recognized as vulnerable marine ecosystems (or VMEs) due to their susceptibility to damage from bottom-contact fishing gears. Ensuring their long-term sustainability, preservation, and ecosystem functions requires the implementation of sound scientific conservation tools. Here, the genetic diversity, structure, and connectivity of the deep-sea glass sponge, Vazella pourtalesii (Schmidt, 1870), was investigated using 1,102 neutral SNPs obtained in RADseq. This species is distributed across the northwest Atlantic from Florida, USA to Nova Scotia, Canada and we sequenced samples covering this full distribution and provided evidence of strong genetic structure with two distinct clusters: Florida together with the Carolina Shelves and the Scotian Shelf. We estimated moderate levels of diversity with low migration across large distances (> 1000 kms) and high connectivity at smaller scales (< 300 kms). Further, fishing pressure on genetic diversity was evaluated, within two Sponge Conservation Areas (SCAs) on the Scotian Shelf. Those areas have different disturbance histories, and cumulative fishing pressure. Slightly lower levels of genetic diversity were found inside the SCAs, and yet they encompassed a high proportion of the diversity observed within the Scotian Shelf. We provide baseline data for future monitoring of the SCAs, discussing our findings in the light of existing area-based management tools.

From union clout to corporate couture: Unveiling the impact of trade unions on corporate social responsibility

Trade unions and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are important institutional mechanisms through which corporations undertake responsibility for their for-profit as well as not-for-profit actions. This study explores the roles of trade unions, management, and shareholders in influencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies and CSR reporting. Drawing on instrumental stakeholder theory, we argue that while management and shareholders typically focus on governance, profitability, and operational efficiency, trade unions act as critical relational stakeholders advocating for employee welfare and social sustainability. Using a sample of 416 firms over a period of 10 years, our findings reveal that trade unions significantly reduce ESG controversies and enhance CSR reporting by advocating for employee welfare and social sustainability. In contrast, management significantly impacts CSR reporting but notably does not influence ESG controversies. Lastly, shareholders, who are important for governance and profitability, exhibit minimal impact on both ESG controversies and CSR reporting.

Properties and corrosion resistance mechanism of a self-healing octadecyl amine loaded ethyl cellulose microcapsule coatings loaded with epoxy resin

Diaper dermatitis and associated factors among children aged 0–24 months in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review protocol

Background Diaper dermatitis (DD, sometimes known as diaper rash or napkin dermatitis is one of the most prevalent skin infections that occur in the area covered by the diaper. Although diaper dermatitis can be seen in any patient wearing diapers, it is reported to be more common in infants aged 9–12 months. Approximately, 70% of infants and young children suffer from diaper dermatitis at some point during their diaper wearing years and up to 25% of children seek healthcare due to this case. Methods and analysis: Methods and analysis A comprehensive literature search will be gathered from electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Hinari, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Protocol (PRISMA-P) guideline. All studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will be included regardless of their study design as long as these studies report the magnitude of the problem under study. Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) appraisal checklist will be used to assess the quality of individual studies. Heterogeneity will be checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics, and a random-effects model will be employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of DD and its associated factors. Ethics and dissemination of research Ethics committee approval or written informed consent will not be required to conduct this review, and meta-analysis for the review will be entirely based on published data. The result of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, and it will also be presented at relevant research conferences. Results The present study will estimate the pooled prevalence of diaper dermatitis and their associated factors in low- and middle-income countries. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024578550.

The impact of air pollution control measures and the COVID-19 pandemic on photosynthesis in urban trees

A META analysis and systematic review of the effects of exercise interventions on middle-aged and elderly patients with depression

Objective This study sought to conduct a meticulous systematic review, delving into the efficacy of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, we aimed to scrutinize the nuanced influence of various intervention factors on the intricate relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms within this demographic. Methods Our investigation involved an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from the inception of these repositories to December 2023. Following a rigorous screening process, we identified and included 12 papers, encompassing a total of 994 subjects. Results The meta-analysis unveiled a compelling overall effect size of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older individuals, represented by SMD = -0.41, with a 95% confidence interval of [-0.60, -0.22], and P < 0.0001. This statistical evidence underscores the significant and positive impact of exercise interventions on ameliorating depressive symptoms in this demographic. However, a degree of heterogeneity among studies was observed, with I2 = 48% and P = 0.03. Conclusion The comprehensive synthesis of outcomes elucidates the pronounced positive effect of exercise interventions in enhancing depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Specifically, the gentle and balanced exercise series emerges as particularly efficacious in mitigating depression. Furthermore, individual exercises stand out as more effective, with optimal results noted for moderate exercise sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Our findings also highlight the superiority of short-term interventions, followed by medium- and long-term exercise interventions, in terms of efficacy. Nevertheless, recognizing the inherent heterogeneity and potential limitations of our study, we advocate for future large-scale, comprehensive investigations to validate these findings. Additionally, optimizing exercise intervention protocols necessitates a more nuanced understanding, urging further research endeavors to refine strategies aimed at improving depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults.

Trees shape the soil microbiome of a temperate agrosilvopastoral and syntropic agroforestry system

Abstract Agroforestry systems are multifunctional land-use systems that promote soil life. Despite their large potential spatio-temporal complexity, the majority of studies that investigated soil organisms in temperate cropland agroforestry systems focused on rather non-complex systems. Here, we investigated the topsoil and subsoil microbiome of two complex and innovative alley cropping systems: an agrosilvopastoral system combining poplar trees, crops, and livestock and a syntropic agroforestry system combining 35 tree and shrub species with forage crops. Increasing soil depth resulted in a decline of bacterial and fungal richness and a community shift towards oligotrophic taxa in both agroforestry systems, which we attribute to resource-deprived conditions in subsoil. At each soil depth, the microbiome of the tree rows was compositionally distinct from the crop rows. We detected a shift towards beneficial microorganisms as well as a decline in putative phytopathogens under the trees as compared to the crop rows. Finally, based on our results on community dissimilarity, we found that compared to an open cropland without trees, spatial heterogeneity introduced by the tree rows in the agrosilvopastoral system translated into a compositionally less homogeneous soil microbiome, highlighting the potential of agroforestry to counteract the homogenization of the soil microbiome through agriculture.

Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score for predicting early and late mortality in elderly patients with proximal femur fractures

Background Predicting mortality and morbidity poses a significant challenge to physicians, leading to the development of various scoring systems. Among these, the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score evaluates a patient’s nutritional and immune status. The primary aim of this study was to determine the predictive effect of the HALP score on 30-day and 1-year mortality in elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures (PFFs). Materials and methods Patient demographic, clinical, laboratory, and prognostic data were obtained. The patients were categorized into two groups: survival and nonsurvival at mortality endpoints. The HALP score was calculated and compared among the groups and with other mortality biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR). The ability of the HALP score to predict mortality was compared between the groups. The mortality risk was also calculated at the optimal threshold. Results The HALP score had a statistically significant predictive effect on mortality endpoints and was lower in the non-surviving group. The ability of the HALP score to predict 1-year mortality at the optimal cut-off value (17.975) was superb, with a sensitivity of 0.66 and specificity of 0.86 (AUC: 0.826, 95% CI: 0.784–0.868). In addition, the power of the HALP score to differentiate survivors and non-survivors was more significant than that of other indices (p < 0.001). Patients with a HALP score ≤ 17.975 had a 1-year mortality risk 11.794 times that of patients with a HALP score ≥ 17.975 (Odds ratio: 11.794, 95% CI [7.194–19.338], p < 0.001). Conclusion The results indicate that the HALP score demonstrates efficacy and utility in predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality risk among elderly patients with PFFs.