Antagonistic Behavior Research Articles

Exotic plus native: findings in an unscheduled fish duoculture

The development of native fish aquaculture represents an important alternative to mitigate ecological displacement generated by exotic fish. The introduction of native fish in polyculture systems with high commercial value fishes has provided a useful strategy for sustainable aquaculture development. The present study aims to provide information on tilapia, as an exotic species, and Dormitator latifrons, as a native species, in a duo culture not programmed as such. Using juveniles of Pacific fat sleeper D. latifrons leftovers from another experiment, we decide to analyze and report the biological feasibility of a duoculture system with this species and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two hundred fifty organisms of each species were placed for 90 days in a concrete tank with a capacity of 50 m3 to evaluate the compatibility of these species. The biological variables measured were growth, survival, feed conversion rate, and protein efficiency. The findings suggest a good interaction between species, with adequate growths and a survival rate of 98%. No antagonistic behavior was observed during confinement, suggesting the duoculture of these species may represent a good alternative for tropical sustainable aquaculture.

Subtle Chemical Changes Cross the Boundary between Agonist and Antagonist: New A3 Adenosine Receptor Homology Models and Structural Network Analysis Can Predict This Boundary.

Distinguishing compounds' agonistic or antagonistic behavior would be of great utility for the rational discovery of selective modulators. We synthesized truncated nucleoside derivatives and discovered 6c (Ki = 2.40 nM) as a potent human A3 adenosine receptor (hA3AR) agonist, and subtle chemical modification induced a shift from antagonist to agonist. We elucidated this shift by developing new hA3AR homology models that consider the pharmacological profiles of the ligands. Taken together with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and three-dimensional (3D) structural network analysis of the receptor-ligand complex, the results indicated that the hydrogen bonding with Thr943.36 and His2727.43 could make a stable interaction between the 3'-amino group with TM3 and TM7, and the corresponding induced-fit effects may play important roles in rendering the agonistic effect. Our results provide a more precise understanding of the compounds' actions at the atomic level and a rationale for the design of new drugs with specific pharmacological profiles.

Whole cell microalgal-cyanobacterial array biosensor for monitoring Cd, Cr and Zn in aquatic systems.

Bioavailable content of metals in aquatic systems has become critical in assessing the toxic effect of metals accumulating in the environment. Considering the need for rapid measurements, an optical microalgal-cyanobacterial array biosensor was developed using two strains of microalgae, Mesotaenium sp. and a strain of cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. to detect Cd2+, Cr6+ and Zn2+ in aquatic systems. Microalgal and cyanobacterial cells were immobilized in a 96-well microplate using sol-gel method using silica. Optimum operational conditions for the biosensor array such as exposure time, storage stability, pH, and multiple metal effect were tested. A 10 min exposure time yielded optimum fluorescence values. Metal toxicity increased with decreasing pH, resulting in low relative fluorescence (%) and decreased with increasing pH, resulting in higher relative fluorescence (%). The optimum storage time for biosensor strains were 4 weeks for microalgal cultures and 8 weeks for cyanobacterial culture, at 4 °C storage temperature. The metal mixtures showed less effect on the inhibition of relative fluorescence (%) of microalgal/cyanobacterial cultures, displaying an antagonistic behavior among the metals tested. As a single unit, this photosynthetic array biosensor will be a valuable tool in detecting multi-metals in aquatic systems.

Resource constancy and diurnal population variances drive coexistence among avian scavengers at urban slaughterhouses in Nsukka region, Nigeria

AbstractSpecies that share dietary resources can segregate into different spaces at time scales. It has, however, been proposed that species have to co‐evolve to achieve such segregation; otherwise, competition might result. We explored the strategies that support the coexistence among avian scavengers at urban slaughterhouses in Nsukka. A total of 41 field observations were conducted across five slaughterhouses at two diurnal time scales, and the avian scavengers utilising the butchery wastes therein were estimated using the point‐count method. In addition, interaction among the species was monitored. Hooded vultures [Necrosyrtes monachus (Temminck, 1823)] and pied crows [Corvus albus (Müller, 1776)] were common at the slaughterhouses with the abundance of the latter being significantly higher than the former. The two species relatively exhibit different active feeding times although not exclusively amidst the regular available resources. The two species coexist, and no antagonistic behaviour was recorded. Generalised linear mixed models showed that the number of animals slaughtered on daily basis and percentage vegetation cover positively influenced abundance of hooded vulture and vice versa for pied crow. Our results highlight that intraguild species can coexist if resources are in constant supply and the species involved maintain some sort of inverse diurnal population variance at the foraging sites.

Evaluation of production parameters, feed sorting behaviour and social interactions in dairy cows: Comparison of two total mixed rations with different particle size and water content

Dairy cow performance is affected by both the nutritional composition and the physical structure of the diet. The structure of total mixed rations (TMR) largely depends on the ingredient composition and structure of forage, dry matter (DM) content, mixing time and type of mixer used. This study investigated feed intake, eating time, milk production, DM digestibility, ruminal pH, time budget, and sorting and antagonistic behaviours in lactating dairy cows fed grass/clover silage and concentrate, either in a TMR or in a compact total mixed ration (CTMR) with decreased particle size and DM content due to addition of water. Two cross-over experiments (3-week periods), each involving 40 lactating dairy cows of the Swedish Red and Holstein breeds, were run simultaneously. Experiment 1 was designed to measure production parameters, feed digestibility and ruminal pH, while Experiment 2 was designed to measure time budget, feed sorting behaviours and antagonistic behaviours at the feed bunk. Diets were fed ad libitum, with the same ingredient composition and a forage:concentrate ratio of 60:40 (DM basis). Decreased particle size in the CTMR diet was achieved by mixing the grass-clover silage in a feed mixer with a vertical auger with knives, before mixing with concentrate in a feed mixer without knives. Decreased DM content in CTMR was achieved by adding water to the mix. Mean DM content of the diet was 51% DM for TMR and 37% DM for CTMR. The results showed lower daily DM intake (26.7 kg DM) and shorter eating time (242 min) in cows fed CTMR than in cows fed TMR (28.5 kg DM and 278 min). Feed digestibility, ruminal pH, daily milk yield (35.1 kg and 35.8 kg for CTMR and TMR, respectively) and milk composition did not differ between the diets. Cows fed CTMR showed less sorting and fewer antagonistic behaviours at feeding than cows fed TMR. The daily time budget of the cows also differed, with cows fed CTMR spending more time resting (+45 min) than cows fed TMR.

Comparison of beta-ligands used in cattle production: structures, safety, and biological effects.

Technologies that increase the efficiency and sustainability of food animal production to provide meat for a growing population are necessary and must be used in a manner consistent with good veterinary practices, approved labeled use, and environmental stewardship. Compounds that bind to beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR), termed beta-adrenergic receptor ligands (β-ligands), are one such technology and have been in use globally for many years. Though all β-ligands share some similarities in structure and function, the significance of their structural and pharmacological differences is sometimes overlooked. Structural variations in these molecules can affect absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as cause substantial differences in biological and metabolic effects. Several β-ligands are available for use specifically in cattle production. Ractopamine and zilpaterol are beta-adrenergic agonists approved to increase weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass leanness in cattle. They both bind to and activate β1- and β2-AR. Lubabegron is a newly developed selective beta-adrenergic modulator with unique structural and functional features. Lubabegron displays antagonistic behavior at the β1- and β2-AR but agonistic behavior at the β3-AR. Lubabegron is approved for use in cattle to reduce ammonia emissions per unit of live or carcass weight. Additionally, lubabegron can withstand prolonged use as the β3-AR lacks structural features needed for desensitization. Due to these unique features of lubabegron, this new β-ligand provides an additional option in cattle production. The individual properties of each β-ligand should be considered when making risk management decisions, as unique properties result in varying human food safety profiles that can determine appropriate safe β-ligand use.

Courageous Role Model or Dangerous Threat: A Parallel Mediation of Corporate and Citizen Activism

Through their sociopolitical activism, companies increasingly aim to convince consumers to take directional political action on morally divisive sociopolitical issues. This research proposes that companies can evoke this consumer behavior but run the risk of simultaneously inciting political participation among consumers who work against the company’s envisioned political ends. The authors develop a conceptual model linking corporate sociopolitical activism to political participation via two distinct processes which are triggered contingent on the distance between the consumers’ and the companies’ espoused political identity. Specifically, the framework proposes that whereas politically congruent consumers perceive activist statements of a company to be morally courageous and are inspired to support the company’s stance, consumers from the opposite political camp feel threatened by the company’s activism and protect their own political identity by showing antagonistic behaviors. However, companies may succeed in increasing moral courage attributions without simultaneously affecting consumers’ political identity threat by taking a leadership position in their activism. Two experimental studies, including an analysis of 30 real cases of corporate sociopolitical activism, lend support for the hypothesized framework. The results provide several implications for academic research as well as for corporate decision-makers who are considering taking a stand.

Identification of plant beneficial Bacillus spp. for Resilient agricultural ecosystem.

The use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals to continuously increase agricultural productivity is causing severe damage to our ecosystem. Therefore, there is need to enhance our understanding about the factors which can contribute to soil processes and play key role in developing sustainable agricultural ecosystem. In this context, the bacteria from cauliflower rhizosphere were isolated and characterized for different plants beneficial attributes. The relationship of soil bacteria and its elemental composition was examined using canonical correspondence analysis. The elemental composition analysis of soil samples revealed presence of Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Fe and their oxides. In addition, the isolates were found positive for phosphorus solubilization, siderophore, chitinase and protease activity, and indole acetic acid type of growth regulator. The direct confrontation assay revealed antagonistic behavior of these isolates against Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The promising isolates were identified and affiliated to closely related species of genus Bacillus in phylogenetic relationship. The canonical correspondence analysis revealed distribution of elements and their relationship with the identified species in particular area. The characteristics of these isolates revealed their potential in alleviating the biotic and abiotic stresses and hence enhancing crops yield without the usage of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The present study is first of its kind and will open new avenues to explore microbial community structure across different farmlands soils to develop resilience agricultural ecosystem.

Effects of various doses of lubabegron on calculated ammonia gas emissions, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of beef cattle during the last 56 days of the feeding period.

Lubabegron (LUB; Experior, Elanco, Greenfield, IN, USA) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018 and is indicated for the reduction of ammonia (NH3) gas emissions·kg−1 body weight (BW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) when fed to feedlot cattle during the final 14 to 91 d of the finishing period. LUB demonstrates antagonistic behavior at the β 1 and β 2 receptor subtypes and agonistic behavior at the β 3 receptor subtype in cattle and is classified by the Center for Veterinary Medicine as a “beta-adrenergic agonist/antagonist.” This report describes a randomized complete block study that evaluated LUB dose (0, 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 mg·kg−1 dry matter) during the last 56 d of the feeding period on calculated NH3 gas emissions, live weight, carcass weight, and associated ratios in beef feedlot cattle. Carcass characteristics, mobility, and health were also evaluated. All cattle received monensin and tylosin throughout the study. Ammonia gas emissions were calculated using the equation developed by Brown et al. (Brown, M. S., N. A. Cole, S. Gruber, J. Kube, and J. S. Teeter. 2019. Modeling and prediction accuracy of ammonia gas emissions from feedlot cattle. App. Anim. Sci. 35:347–356). The reduction in calculated cumulative NH3 gas emissions with LUB ranged from 1.3% to 11.0% (85 to 708 g/hd). When NH3 gas emissions were expressed on a live weight (unshrunk) and carcass weight basis, calculated NH3 gas emissions decreased by 3.0% to 12.8% and 3.8% to 14.6%, respectively. Daily dry matter intake was 2.3% greater (Ptrt < 0.05) for steers that received LUB. Average daily gain was 13.7% greater (Ptrt < 0.05; 1.68 vs. 1.91 kg), while gain efficiency was 10.8% greater (Ptrt < 0.05; 0.167 vs. 0.185) for steers fed LUB. Animal mobility was scored in the pen approximately 1 wk prior to harvest, when cattle were loaded on trucks scheduled for harvest, and at antemortem inspection during lairage. No treatment differences (Ptrt ≥ 0.170) were observed at any time for the percent of cattle receiving mobility scores of 1 or 2 (normal or minor stiffness but moving with the normal cattle, respectively). Cattle mobility scored as a 1 or 2 equaled or exceeded 92% at all times. Final BW and HCW increased (Ptrt < 0.05) 11.6 to 15.7 kg and 11.3 to 17.1 kg, respectively, in cattle receiving LUB compared to cattle receiving monensin plus tylosin alone.

ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY OF RHIZOBIUM SPECIES AGAINST PHYTOPATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

ABSTRACT Green gram (Vignaradiata L.) is a popular edible legume of India. The plant is cultivated by the local farmer as cash crops. Rhizobium sp. was isolated from the root nodules of green gram. The pure culture of the isolated bacterium was carried out at the laboratory with Yeast- Extract Mannitol (YEM) Agar medium. The characterization of the bacterium was made by morphological and biochemical tests. Production of siderophores by the Rhizobium bacterium was qualitatively measured by Chrome Azurol S (CAS) agar plate method. Antagonistic behaviour of the Rhizobium isolates against two phytopathogenic microorganisms such as Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizoctonia oryzae were studied by the agar co-cultivation method. The zone of inhibition was recorded for both the pathogens are 46% and 51% respectively. The results indicated that Rhizobium species are capable to resist the growth of both the studied phytopathogens at in vitro condition. Therefore, Rhizobium sp. is a good candidate to control the growth of both the studied phytopathogenic microorganisms and can be used as a biocontrol agent for the same. Keywords: Biocontrol; Rhizobium species; phytopathogens; legume plant

Latitudinal Differentiation among Modern Planktonic Foraminiferal Populations of Central Mediterranean: Species–Specific Distribution Patterns and Size Variability

Studies of the spatial distribution and size of modern planktonic foraminifera are still lacking in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, 17 core-top sediments collected from a north-south transect along the central Mediterranean have been analyzed for planktonic foraminiferal content, in terms of their distributional pattern and intraspecific size variability. Among the analyzed planktonic foraminiferal species, Globigerina bulloides and Globigerinoides ruber (w) were the most abundant, presenting an antagonistic behavior and an overall decreasing trend in their average size values from Adriatic to Ionian sub-basins. Intraspecific differences have been also documented for G. ruber (w), with the dominant sensu stricto morphotype to present generally higher frequencies and more constant shell sizes than sensu lato. The greater size variability of the latter is possibly related to its adaptation in particular hydrographic conditions based on its depth habitat preference and ecological characteristics to reach the (sub)optimum growth conditions. The rest of the species occur in minor percentages and show on average 11% increase with decreasing latitude characterized by distinct species-specific size variations along the transect. Our results show that the relationship between planktonic foraminifera shell size and abundance or sea surface temperature are either absent or weaker than previously reported for other regions and that in central Mediterranean assemblages’ size may be mainly related to nutrient availability. Besides the environmental parameters (sea surface temperature, primary productivity, water depth, stratification), the possible hidden cryptic diversity, still lingers to be consistently determined, could give a better understanding of the geographic and morphological differentiation within the Mediterranean planktonic populations.

Effect of Intensifier Additives on the Performance of Butanolic Extract of Date Palm Leaves against the Corrosion of API 5L X60 Carbon Steel in 15 wt.% HCl Solution

The quest to replace toxic chemicals in the nearest future is revolutionizing the corrosion inhibitor research world by turning its attention to plant biomaterials. Herein, we report the corrosion inhibiting potential of butanolic extract of date palm leaves (BUT) on the corrosion of API 5L X60 carbon steel in 15 wt.% HCl solution. The mass loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), linear polarization (LPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were employed in the investigation. We also report the effect of intensifier additives, namely formic acid (FA), potassium iodide (KI), and zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) as well as temperature on the corrosion inhibiting performance of BUT. BUT exhibits inhibiting ability but the extent of inhibition is dependent on concentration, temperature, and intensifiers’ concentration. At 25 °C, 200 mg/L BUT and 700 mg/L BUT protected the carbon steel surface by 50% and 88%, respectively. The addition of 3 mM FA and 5 mM KI to 200 mg/L upgraded the extract performance to 97% and 95%, respectively. Zn(NO3)2 performs poorly as an intensifier for BUT under acidizing conditions. The adsorption of BUT + FA and BUT + KI is synergistic in nature whereas that of BUT + Zn(NO3)2 drifts towards antagonistic behavior according to the calculated synergism parameter. Increase in the system temperature resulted in a slight decline in the inhibition efficiency of BUT + FA and BUT + KI but with efficiency of above 85% achieved at 60 °C. The SEM and AFM results corroborate results from the electrochemical techniques.

Interactions between Phenols and Alkylamides of Sichuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum Genus) in α-Glucosidase Inhibition: A Structural Mechanism Analysis.

The phenols and alkylamides in 26 varieties of Zanthoxylum pericarps (ZP) were comparatively identified, and the contribution of these key components to the inhibition of in vitro α-glucosidase (α-Glu) was confirmed using principal component analysis (PCA) and ingredient recombination models. Additionally, spectrophotometric assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular docking (MD) were employed to characterize the interactions among key components in ZP when exposed to α-Glu. Four phenols and hydroxy-α-sanshool (α-SOH), which were recognized as main ingredients, presented an antagonistic effect in the inhibition of α-Glu. 1H NMR demonstrated chemical shifts of certain hydrogens in the B phenolic ring and tetraenyl group, indicating a possible p-π conjugation between phenols and α-SOH. In addition, using MD analysis, the phenol-binding sites were observed to be negatively affected when α-SOH initially interacted with α-Glu. The combined results of the NMR and MD clarified the structural mechanism behind phenol/α-SOH antagonistic behavior in α-Glu inhibition.

A detailed insight on fabricated porous chitosan in eliminating synthetic anionic dyes from single and multi-adsorptive systems with related studies

Chitosan was fabricated via gelation method using CaBr2.xH2O/methanol solution and was studied as a potential adsorbent (MCh) in adsorbing anionic synthetic dyes like Bromophenol blue (BB), Direct blue 6 (DB) and Congo red (CR) from single (one dye species at a time) and multi (having two dyes; binary and all three dyes; tertiary) adsorptive systems. Physico-chemical modifications of MCh surface prior and post modification and dye adsorption were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, surface area analysis and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Influential parameters influencing the adsorption process viz. initial pH of dye solution, MCh dosage, adsorption temperature and initial concentration of dye species were optimised. Adsorptive studies involving single adsorptive setups verified formation of sorbate's (dye species) monolayer over the sorbent's (MCh) surface via chemisorption; as established by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics model analysis. Theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of MCh for BB, DB and CR was found to be 81.301 mg/g, 163.934 mg/g and 75.758 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, for all multi-adsorptive systems, competitive Langmuir isotherm model verified antagonistic behaviour of an individual dye over other dye adsorption over MCh surface in their respective adsorptive systems. Thermodynamics of the sorbate-sorbent interaction was exothermic, spontaneous, with elevated degree of disorderedness; concluding the interaction as thermodynamically favourable. Co-existing metal cations and anionic salts had minimal effect on MCh's adsorption efficiency. Phytotoxicity assay via germination of Vigna mungo seeds verified the efficacy of the adsorbent in eliminating the dye species from single and multi-adsorptive systems.

On the potential of Bacillus aryabhattai KMT-4 against Meloidogyne javanica

BackgroundNematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a major reason behind the global crop yield reduction. The bacterial strain KMT-4 was isolated from nematode-affected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) rhizosphere at research farms, Hisar, India, and screened for its biocontrol potential against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica as well as checked for its effect on plant growth and yield.ResultsThe bacterium KMT-4 was identified as Bacillus aryabhattai based on phenotypic characters and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. During in vitro studies, hatching and mortality of M. javanica were significantly affected due to the antagonistic behavior exhibited by the bacterium. In addition to this, KMT-4 also displayed various direct as well as indirect plant growth-promoting attributes like siderophore production, growth hormone (IAA) production, ammonia excretion, hydrogen cyanide production, and chitinase activity. A pot house experiment conducted on brinjal resulted in nearly 73% reduction in eggs, while 80% reduction in galls in the plant root compared to the untreated and chemically treated plants. The final nematode population also reduced significantly in KMT-4 treatment. It was 1141.6 J2/200cc soil in control and reduced to 108 J2/200 cc soil inoculated with KMT-4. Similar results were obtained in field experiments on brinjal and cucumber conducted in years 2018 and 2019, respectively. Also, a notable enhancement in the plant growth was observed in both pot house experiment and field trials.ConclusionThe possession of nematicidal activity along with plant growth-promoting properties in B. aryabhattai KMT-4 warrants its employment as a potent biological control agent against M. javanica and a promising substitute of chemical nematicides.

Sliding speed influence on the tribo-corrosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy in simulated body fluid

Ti6Al4V is used in a wide variety of engineering applications and extensively in orthopaedics implants because of the excellent combination of the high specific strength and superior corrosion resistance. However, Ti6Al4V possesses poor tribological properties. The present work investigated the effect of reciprocating sliding speed on tribocorrosion properties of Ti6Al4V alloy under cathodic and open circuit potentials in simulated body fluid. The results showed a strong influence of the sliding speed on the microstructure of the worn surfaces and consequently on the wear rate under tested conditions. The wear rate at low sliding speeds was an order of magnitude lower compared to that at the faster sliding speed. Synergistic and antagonistic behaviour was strongly associated with the sliding speed.

The strategic use of incivility in contemporary politics. The case of the 2018 Italian general election on Facebook

ABSTRACT The study addresses central issues in contemporary politics in response to growing concern about the impoverishment of political discourse that has become increasingly uncivil. In particular it analhyzes citizens’ reactions to leaders’ uncivil posts on Facebook during the 2018 Italian General Election, by adopting a theoretical-operational model based on a dual approach (top down – bottom up) that examines the forms of adverse communication used by politicians online, and the consequences of these forms on users’ discussion (analyzing both ranking behaviors and users’ comments). Political incivility is operationalized as a multidimensional concept and specific types are proposed, starting from violations of norms of politeness (interpersonal-level) and proceeding to violation of public norms of civility (public-level). Results show that leaders’ use of uncivil messages trigger greater online participation, thus increasing the visibility of their posts. However, the emotional excitement elicited by these triggering forms of elite communication encourage antagonistic and rude behaviors among users, leading to an increase in uncivil comments and thus jeopardizing the quality of online discussion. Overall, it emerges that incivility combined with divisive issues can be thought of as a tool of communication used strategically by politicians to mobilize voters and to strengthen their political affiliation.

Multi-Omics Correlations Reveal Lipid Species Involved in Lung Allograft Adaptation

Purpose Allograft adaptation after lung transplantation is a multi-factor process. We hypothesized that early adaptation can influence the risk of matrix remodeling and CLAD development by shaping the inflammatory state of the lung environment. In a longitudinal study, we followed a defined patient cohort in year 1 p.t. and detected ordered cell composition changes with repercussions in the microbiome, small molecular composition and lipidome in BAL samples. We delimited clusters of pro-inflammatory factors and identified long-chain lipid species from the lung environment that modulated inflammatory response in vitro. Methods We used FACS to identify cell populations and 16S sequencing, metabolomics, lipidomics to characterize the lung environment. With correlations and hierarchical clustering we extracted pro- and anti-inflammatory clusters around well-characterized cell populations. For detection of inflammation drivers, we quantified feature differential abundances in samples with more or less neutrophilia. Predicted candidates were tested to modify inflammatory responses in vitro by screening IL-6 production of LPS-triggered macrophages. Results Early after surgery, the allograft experienced neutrophilia, a lack of resident macrophages and a gradual influx of host-derived macrophage-precursors directly resonating with changes in the pulmonary microenvironment. The computational analysis revealed features that clustered either with neutrophils or alveolar macrophages. From these, 30% showed significant abundance differences in high and low neutrophilia conditions. Consistently, certain ceramide species displayed antagonistic behavior to several phosphatidylcholines. We tested their capability of modifying macrophage response and found the ceramide to enhance, and PCs to reduce IL-6 production. Conclusion Our study suggests that the lung microenvironment plays a key role in allograft adaptation and specific lipid species are capable of modulating cellular inflammatory response in a differentiated manner early after transplantation. Our results provide first fundamental concepts for developing concrete precision therapies based on reprogramming tissue homoeostasis and inflammation management.

Beauty or beast? Farmers' dualistic views and the influence of aesthetic appreciation on tolerance towards black-backed jackal and caracal.

Various species of wild, adaptable, medium-sized carnivores occur outside of protected areas, often coming into contact with people and their domestic animals. Negative human-carnivore interactions can lead to antagonistic attitudes and behavior directed at such species. In the South African Karoo, a semi-arid rangeland, the predation of small-livestock by mesopredators is common and farmers typically use a combination of non-lethal and lethal methods to try and prevent livestock losses. We used ethnographic field observations and semi-structured interviews as part of a mixed methods approach, including the quantitative and qualitative analysis of farmers’ narratives to illustrate the nuanced ways in which sheep farmers relate to the two mesopredators that consume the most livestock on their farms; black-backed jackal and caracal. Overall, farmers attributed negative characteristics to jackal and caracal but farmers’ narratives provided evidence of complex perceptions in that the animals were admired as well as disliked. Both species were seen as charismatic due to traits such as their physical appearance, their “cunning” nature and their remarkable adaptability to human activities, including lethal control. Aesthetic appreciation was an important predictor of tolerance towards both species whereas negative attitudes were associated with the perception that mesopredators should only occur within protected areas. Attitudes towards jackals also appeared to have been affected by cultural representations of them as “thieves”. We showed that perceiving mesopredators as beautiful increased the average marginal probability of a farmer tolerating them, and that this strong relationship held when controlling for other covariates such as livestock predation. We advocate the importance of understanding the cultural and aesthetic aspects of predators and considering existing positive dimensions of human-wildlife relationships that may encourage increased farmers’ tolerance, which might promote coexistence.

Divide and conquer: Multicolonial structure, nestmate recognition, and antagonistic behaviors in dense populations of the invasive ant Brachymyrmex patagonicus.

The ecological success of ants has made them abundant in most environments, yet inter‐ and intraspecific competition usually limit nest density for a given population. Most invasive ant populations circumvent this limitation through a supercolonial structure, eliminating intraspecific competition through a loss of nestmate recognition and lack of aggression toward non‐nestmates. Native to South America, Brachymyrmex patagonicus has recently invaded many locations worldwide, with invasive populations described as extremely large and dense. Yet, in contrast with most invasive ants, this species exhibits a multicolonial structure, whereby each colony occupies a single nest. Here, we investigated the interplay between genetic diversity, chemical recognition, and aggressive behaviors in an invasive population of B. patagonicus. We found that, in its invasive range, this species reaches a high nest density with individual colonies located every 2.5 m and that colony boundaries are maintained through aggression toward non‐nestmates. This recognition and antagonism toward non‐nestmates is mediated by chemical differentiation between colonies, as different colonies exhibit distinct chemical profiles. We highlighted that the level of aggression between colonies is correlated with their degree of genetic difference, but not their overall chemical differentiation. This may suggest that only a few chemical compounds influence nestmate recognition in this species or that weak chemical differences are sufficient to elicit aggression. Overall, this study demonstrates that invasive ant populations can reach high densities despite a multicolonial structure with strong aggression between colonies, raising questions about the factors underlying their ecological success and mitigating negative consequences of competitive interactions.