Common Congeners Research Articles

The landscape genetics of a mass-flowering fire-ephemeral plant.

Obligate fire ephemerals are annual plants that have germination and reproduction cued by fire occurrence, persisting between fire events in a long-lived soil seed bank. Within these species, gene flow is restricted not only geographically but also temporally because individuals are limited to reproducing with others affected by the same fire event. The patchwork-like distribution of fires may therefore promote population isolation. In contrast to past fires, the Australian fires of 2019-2020 were of unprecedented extent, providing an opportunity to investigate the landscape genetics of a fire ephemeral, Actinotus forsythii, across multiple populations and to compare it to a common congener, Actinotus helianthi. For both species, we used single nucleotide polymorphisms to infer patterns of population structure and calculate measures of genetic diversity. We also estimated a phylogeny of Actinotus forsythii to understand the differentiation of a geographically isolated population. For A. forsythii, the within-population diversity (allelic richness = 1.56) was greater, and the among-population differentiation (FST = 0.30) was lower than that observed for A. helianthi (allelic richness = 1.33, FST = 0.57). Actinotus forsythii had distinct geographic groupings, and a geographically isolated population of this species was genetically highly differentiated. Despite the fire-dependent, asynchronous gene flow, predicted between site disconnect, and possible within-site homogeneity, our results suggest that burn mosaic could be influencing gene flow patterns and fire-triggered mass flowering may promote genetic diversity within Actinotus forsythii.

Organophosphorus flame retardants in the Qiantang River of China: occurrence, source and ecological risk assessment.

In recent years, the prevalence and danger of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have drawn attention from all around the world. This study examined twenty-five OPFRs observed in water and sediment samples from the Qiantang River in eastern China, as well as their occurrence, spatial distribution, possible origins, and ecological hazards. All the 25 OPFRs were detected in water and sediment samples. The levels of Σ25OPFRs in water and sediment were 35.5-192ng/L and 8.84-48.5ng/g dw, respectively. Chlorinated OPFRs were the main contributions in water, whereas alkyl-OPFRs were the most common congeners found in sediment. Spatial analysis revealed that sample locations in neighboring cities had somewhat higher water concentrations of OPFRs. Slowing down the river current and making the reservoir the main sink of OPFRs, the dam can prevent OPFRs from moving via the Qiantang River. Positive matrix factorization indicated that plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride, polyester resins, and polyurethane foam made the greatest contributions in water, whereas polyurethane foam and textile were the predominant source in sediment. Analysis of sediment-water exchange of OPFRs showed that twelve OPFRs in sediments can re-enter into the water body. The risk quotients showed the ecological risk was low to medium, but trixylyl phosphate exposures posed high ecological risk to aquatic organisms.

What, How, When, and Where: Spatiotemporal Water Quality Hazards of Cyanotoxins in Subtropical Eutrophic Reservoirs.

Though toxins produced during harmful blooms of cyanobacteria present diverse risks to public health and the environment, surface water quality surveillance of cyanobacterial toxins is inconsistent, spatiotemporally limited, and routinely relies on ELISA kits to estimate total microcystins (MCs) in surface waters. Here, we employed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to examine common cyanotoxins, including five microcystins, three anatoxins, nodularin, cylindrospermopsin, and saxitoxin in 20 subtropical reservoirs spatially distributed across a pronounced annual rainfall gradient. Probabilistic environmental hazard analyses identified whether water quality values for cyanotoxins were exceeded and if these exceedances varied spatiotemporally. MC-LR was the most common congener detected, but it was not consistently observed with other toxins, including MC-YR, which was detected at the highest concentrations during spring with many observations above the California human recreation guideline (800 ng/L). Cylindrospermopsin was also quantitated in 40% of eutrophic reservoirs; these detections did not exceed a US Environmental Protection Agency swimming/advisory level (15,000 ng/L). Our observations have implications for routine water quality monitoring practices, which traditionally use ELISA kits to estimate MC levels and often limit collection of surface samples during summer months near reservoir impoundments, and further indicate that spatiotemporal surveillance efforts are necessary to understand cyanotoxins risks when harmful cyanobacteria blooms occur throughout the year.

BDE-209-induced genotoxicity, intestinal damage and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

The environmental presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is ubiquitous due to their wide use as brominated flame retardants in industrial products. As a common congener of PBDEs, decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) can pose a health risk to animals as well as humans. However, to date, few studies have explored BDE-209's toxic effects on the intestinal tract, and its relevant mechanism of toxicity has not been elucidated. In this study, adult male zebrafish were exposed to BDE-209 at 6 μg/L, 60 μg/L and 600 μg/L for 28 days, and intestinal tissue and microbial samples were collected for analysis to reveal the underlying toxic mechanisms. Transcriptome sequencing results demonstrated a dose-dependent pattern of substantial gene differential expression in the group exposed to BDE-209, and the differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in pathways related to protein synthesis and processing, redox reaction, and steroid and lipid metabolism. In addition, BDE-209 exposure caused damage to intestinal structure and barrier function, and promoted intestinal oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis and steroid and lipid metabolism disorders. Mechanistically, BDE-209 induced intestinal inflammation by increasing the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β and activating the NFκB signaling pathway, and might induce apoptosis through the p53-Bax/Bcl2-Caspase3 pathway. BDE-209 also significantly inhibited the gene expression of rate-limiting enzymes such as Sqle and 3βhsd (p < 0.05) to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. In addition, BDE-209 induced lipid metabolism disorders through the mTOR/PPARγ/RXRα pathway. 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that BDE-209 stress reduced the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota, and reduced the abundance of probiotics (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium). Overall, the results of this study help to clarify the intestinal response mechanism of BDE-209 exposure, and provide a basis for evaluating the health risks of BDE-209 in animals.

Risk assessment of sediment PAH, BTEX, and emerging contaminants in Chanomi Creek Niger Delta, Nigeria.

This study assessed the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), and emerging contaminants in Chanomi Creek. Sediment samples were collected between March 2019 and July 2020 to evaluate the concentrations of PAH, BTEX, and emerging contaminants using GC-MS and GC-FID with Headspace extraction. Results indicated mean PAH concentrations were 22.691 ± 15.09µg/kg. The highest individual PAH concentrations were fluorene (7.085µg/kg), naphthalene (4.517µg/kg), and phenanthrene (3.081µg/kg). Carbazole (0.828µg/kg) was discovered as a novel environmental toxin with dioxin-like toxicity and widespread prevalence in sediments. The most common congener (25%) was ethylbenzene, followed by toluene and ortho- and meta-xylene (21%) and benzene (13%). The analysis of diagnostic ratios revealed that the main factors responsible for the presence of PAHs in the study area are the residential use of firewood, emissions from industrial activities, bush burning, and petroleum slicks. The risk assessment indicated that most PAHs exceeded the permissible risk quotient values, suggesting a moderate to high ecological risk. However, cutaneous exposure to PAHs and BTEX was found to have minimal impact on human health, with no significant hazards identified in adults and children. Nevertheless, the study revealed low cancer risks associated with PAH and BTEX compounds for both age groups. The continued discharge of PAHs and BTEX compounds into Chanomi Creek could have significant long-term negative effects on human and aquatic health. Thus, contamination risk awareness programs and the development of stringent contextual thresholds for identified contaminants could enhance environmental and public health protection.

Diversity among rare and common congeneric plant species from the Garry oak and Okanagan shrub-steppe ecosystems in British Columbia: implications for conservation

It is often assumed that the northern peripheral populations of species’ ranges are genetically depauperate due in part to founder effects from postglacial colonization. The majority of federally protected plant species are peripheral in Canada, yet we have little information about their patterns of genetic diversity and structure. In British Columbia, the majority of these protected plant species occur in two threatened habitats: the Garry oak and Okanagan shrub-steppe ecosystems. Using universal noncoding chloroplast DNA markers, we investigated genetic diversity and genetic structure in four rare and common plant species pairs inhabiting these two ecosystems. We found that rare species had lower genetic diversity than their common congeners, and detected contrasting patterns of regional diversity and structure based on ecosystem. Species from the Garry oak ecosystem showed lower genetic diversity in the northern deglaciated region and significant differentiation between regions, likely due to limited dispersal between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Species from the Okanagan shrub-steppe, however, tended to have uniform diversity across their range and lack regional structure. This study provides an important first look at the phylogeographic patterns of four rare plant species in British Columbia.

Comparison of genetic variation between rare and common congeners of Dipodomys with estimates of contemporary and historical effective population size.

Species with low effective population sizes are at greater risk of extinction because of reduced genetic diversity. Such species are more vulnerable to chance events that decrease population sizes (e.g. demographic stochasticity). Dipodomys elator, (Texas kangaroo rat) is a kangaroo rat that is classified as threatened in Texas and field surveys from the past 50 years indicate that the distribution of this species has decreased. This suggests geographic range reductions that could have caused population fluctuations, potentially impacting effective population size. Conversely, the more common and widespread D. ordii (Ord’s kangaroo rat) is thought to exhibit relative geographic and demographic stability. We assessed the genetic variation of D. elator and D. ordii samples using 3RAD, a modified restriction site associated sequencing approach. We hypothesized that D. elator would show lower levels of nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and effective population size when compared to D. ordii. We were also interested in identifying population structure within contemporary samples of D. elator and detecting genetic variation between temporal samples to understand demographic dynamics. We analyzed up to 61,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that genetic variability and effective population size in contemporary D. elator populations is lower than that of D. ordii. There is slight, if any, population structure within contemporary D. elator samples, and we found low genetic differentiation between spatial or temporal historical samples. This indicates little change in nuclear genetic diversity over 30 years. Results suggest that genetic diversity of D. elator has remained stable despite reduced population size and/or abundance, which may indicate a metapopulation-like system, whose fluctuations might counteract species extinction.

Extremely low level of genetic diversity in Gentiana yakushimensis, an endangered species in Yakushima Island, Japan

AbstractRare or endangered species largely contributing to global biodiversity are essential components of ecosystems. Because genetic diversity depends not only on apparent population size but also demographic processes, the conservation priority of endangered species based on population genetics needs to be assessed by comparison with common congeners and demographic events. In this study, we performed population genetic analysis for Gentiana yakushimensis Makino, a rare and endangered plant species with an isolated distribution on Yakushima Island, Japan. We performed comparison of genetic diversity with the congener (Gentiana triflora Pall. var. japonica [Kusn.] H.Hara), demographic inference, and bottleneck test based on genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. The result was that G. yakushimensis had an extremely low genetic diversity level and a high inbreeding coefficient level compared with those of the congener. The population of G. yakushimensis was estimated to experience an expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum and a recent bottleneck by the demographic inference and the bottleneck test. Therefore, the low level of genetic diversity of this species might have resulted from the impact of the recent bottleneck and the long‐term maintenance of a small population size. Due to the long lifespan of the genus Gentiana, the current level of genetic diversity probably does not reflect a large part of recent demographic events, which requires long‐term monitoring of changes in genetic diversity to identify the time lag between the reduction in apparent population size and genetic diversity as a future outlook.

Hesperidin partly ameliorates the decabromodiphenyl ether-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal mice.

Many materials use polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants. As one of the most common congeners of PBDEs, decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-209) is reported to harm reproductive health. However, little is known research on attenuating the reproductive toxicity induced by PBDE-209. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of hesperidin against PBDE-209-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Pubertal male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to PBDE-209 groups (20, 100, 500mg/kg·bw) and hesperidin groups (100mg/kg·bw PBDE-209 + 100mg/kg·bw hesperidin) for 8weeks. The results showed that PBDE-209 increased the amount of abnormal morphological sperms and decreased the sex hormone levels. PBDE-209 induced the histopathological lesions of seminiferous tubules and blood-testis barrier in mice testis. Expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins and mRNA (Bax, Bcl-2, etc.) were altered by the PBDE-209 treatment. PBDE-209 prominently increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the biomarker of oxidative stress. Hesperidin treatment partly alleviated PBDE-209-induced histopathological lesions and apoptosis in mice testis. These findings suggested that hesperidin partly protects against PBDE-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal mice. We conclude that more work needs to be done to explore the appropriate dosage of hesperidin or find other drugs to protect against the reproductive toxicity of PBDEs.

Eco-evolutionary causes and consequences of rarity in plants: a meta-analysis.

Species differ dramatically in their prevalence in the natural world, with many species characterized as rare due to restricted geographic distribution, low local abundance and/or habitat specialization. We investigated the ecoevolutionary causes and consequences of rarity with phylogenetically controlled metaanalyses of population genetic diversity, fitness and functional traits in rare and common congeneric plant species. Our syntheses included 252 rare species and 267 common congeners reported in 153 peer-reviewed articles published from 1978 to 2020 and one manuscript in press. Rare species have reduced population genetic diversity, depressed fitness and smaller reproductive structures than common congeners. Rare species also could suffer from inbreeding depression and reduced fertilization efficiency. By limiting their capacity to adapt and migrate, these characteristics could influence contemporary patterns of rarity and increase the susceptibility of rare species to rapid environmental change. We recommend that future studies present more nuanced data on the extent of rarity in focal species, expose rare and common species to ecologically relevant treatments, including reciprocal transplants, and conduct quantitative genetic and population genomic analyses across a greater array of systems. This research could elucidate the processes that contribute to rarity and generate robust predictions of extinction risks under global change.

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity elucidate rarity and vulnerability of an endangered riparian plant

AbstractEnvironmental change, accelerated by anthropogenic activities, threatens many species and can be especially challenging for rare species given their potentially limited capacity for migration and adaptation relative to more common species. The ability to acclimate via phenotypic plasticity could provide an important path to species persistence in the face of such change. We investigated the responses of an endangered plant species endemic to a highly dynamic riparian habitat in southeastern Tennessee, USA, and its most widespread congener to environmental change to elucidate their current statuses and future vulnerability. Specifically, we compared the population‐ and species‐level plasticity of rarePityopsis ruthiiand commonP. graminifoliato contrasting light, temperature, and water conditions in a growth chamber experiment to evaluate their potential to acclimate to environmental change. Contrary to our expectations,P. ruthiihad greater phenotypic plasticity than its common congener in response to both altered light and water availability. But this plasticity was not associated with increased fitness, suggesting that it was not adaptive. Concurrently, we genotyped these individuals at nine putatively neutral microsatellite loci to contrast genetic diversity across the range of each species. As expected,P. ruthiiexhibited reduced genetic diversity relative to its more common congener. Overall, our findings accord with the narrow range and current habitat specificity ofP. ruthii, especially its tolerance of highly variable water, and highlight its potential vulnerability to future environmental change.

Toward Revealing Microcystin Distribution in Mouse Liver Tissue Using MALDI-MS Imaging.

Cyanotoxins can be found in water and air during cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) in lakes and rivers. Therefore, it is very important to monitor their potential uptake by animals and humans as well as their health effects and distribution in affected organs. Herein, the distribution of hepatotoxic peptide microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is investigated in liver tissues of mice gavaged with this most common MC congener. Preliminary matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging experiments performed using a non-automated MALDI matrix deposition device and a MALDI-time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer yielded ambiguous results in terms of MC-LR distribution in liver samples obtained from MC-LR-gavaged mice. The tissue preparation for MALDI-MS imaging was improved by using an automated sprayer for matrix deposition, and liver sections were imaged using an Nd:YAG MALDI laser coupled to a 15 Tesla Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR)-mass spectrometer. MALDI-FT-ICR-MS imaging provided unambiguous detection of protonated MC-LR (calculated m/z 995.5560, z = +1) and the sodium adduct of MC-LR (m/z 1017.5380, z = +1) in liver sections from gavaged mice with great mass accuracy and ultra-high mass resolution. Since both covalently bound and free MC-LR can be found in liver of mice exposed to this toxin, the present results indicate that the distribution of free microcystins in tissue sections from affected organs, such as liver, can be monitored with high-resolution MALDI-MS imaging.

An integrated systems-level model of the toxicity of brevetoxin based on high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos

Brevetoxins (PbTx) are a well-recognized group of neurotoxins associated with harmful algal blooms, and specifically recurrent “Florida Red Tides,” in marine waters that are linked to impacts on both human and ecosystem health including well-documented “fish kills” and marine mammal mortalities in affected coastal waters. Understanding mechanisms and pathways of PbTx toxicity enables identification of relevant biomarkers to better understand these environmental impacts, and improve monitoring efforts, in relation to this toxin. Toward a systems-level understanding of toxicity, and identification of potential biomarkers, high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) was utilized for metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, as an established toxicological model, exposed to PbTx-2 (the most common congener in marine waters). Metabolomics studies were, furthermore, complemented by an assessment of the toxicity of PbTx-2 in embryonic stages of zebrafish and mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), the latter representing an ecologically and geographically relevant marine species of fish, which identified acute embryotoxicity at environmentally relevant (i.e., parts-per-billion) concentrations in both species. HRMAS NMR analysis of intact zebrafish embryos exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of PbTx-2 afforded well-resolved spectra, and in turn, identification of 38 metabolites of which 28 were found to be significantly altered, relative to controls. Metabolites altered by PbTx-2 exposure specifically included those associated with (1) neuronal excitotoxicity, as well as associated neural homeostasis, and (2) interrelated pathways of carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Metabolomics studies, thereby, enabled a systems-level model of PbTx toxicity which integrated multiple metabolic, molecular and cellular pathways, in relation to environmentally relevant concentrations of the toxin, providing insight to not only targets and mechanisms, but potential biomarkers pertinent to environmental risk assessment and monitoring strategies.

Genomic sequencing confirms absence of introgression despite past hybridisation between a critically endangered bird and its common congener

Genetic swamping resulting from interspecific hybridisation can increase extinction risk for threatened species. The development of high-throughput and reduced-representation genomic sequencing and analyses to generate large numbers of high resolution genomic markers has the potential to reveal introgression previously undetected using small numbers of genetic markers. However, few studies to date have implemented genomic tools to assess the extent of interspecific hybridisation in threatened species. Here we investigate the utility of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to detect introgression resulting from past interspecific hybridisation in one of the world’s rarest birds. Anthropogenic impacts have resulted in hybridisation and subsequent backcrossing of the critically endangered Aotearoa New Zealand endemic kakī (black stilts; Himantopus novaezelandiae) with the non-threatened self-introduced congeneric poaka (Aotearoa New Zealand population of pied stilts, Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus), yet genetic analyses with a limited set of microsatellite markers revealed no evidence of introgression of poaka genetic material in kakī, excluding one individual. We use genomic data for ~63% of the wild adult kakī population to reassess the extent of introgression resulting from hybridisation between kakī and poaka. Consistent with previous genetic analyses, we detected no introgression from poaka into kakī. These collective results indicate that, for kakī, existing microsatellite markers provide a robust, cost-effective approach to detect cryptic hybrids. Further, for well-differentiated species, the use of genomic markers may not be required to detect admixed individuals.

Coflowering invasive plants and a congener have neutral effects on fitness components of a rare endemic plant.

Network analyses rarely include fitness components, such as germination, to tie invasive plants to population‐level effects on the natives. We address this limitation in a previously studied network of flower visitors around a suite of native and invasive plants that includes an endemic plant at Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA. Eriogonum visheri coflowers with two abundant invasive plants, Salsola tragus and Melilotus officinalis, as well as a common congener, E. pauciflorum. Network analyses had suggested strong linkages between E. visheri and S. tragus and E. pauciflorum, with a weaker link to M. officinalis. We measured visitation, pollen deposited on stigmas, achene weight and germination over three field seasons (two for germination) in four populations (two in the final season) of E. visheri and applied in situ pollen treatments to E. visheri, adding pollen from other flowers on the same plant; flowers on other E. visheri plants; S. tragus, M. officinalis, or E. pauciflorum; open pollination; or excluding pollinators. Insect visitation to E. visheri was not affected by floral abundance of any of the focal species. Most visitors were halictid bees; one of these (Lasioglossum packeri) was the only identified species to visit E. visheri all three years. Ninety‐seven percent of pollen on collected E. visheri stigmas was conspecific, but 22% of flowers had >1 grain of E. pauciflorum pollen on stigmas and 7% had >1 grain of S. tragus pollen; <1% of flowers had M. officinalis pollen on stigmas. None of the pollen treatments produced significant differences in weight or germination of E. visheri achenes. We conclude that, in contrast to the results of the network analysis, neither of the invasive species poses a threat, via heterospecific pollen deposition, to pollination of the endemic E. visheri, and that its congener provides alternative pollen resources to its pollinators.

Diffusimetry Renounces Graham’s Law, Achieves Diffusive Convection, Concentration Gradient Induced Diffusion, Heat and Mass Transfer

Absolute diffusion rates of KMnO4 in vertical and flattened diffusimeters show the concentration gradient force as being stronger than the gravitational force. Hot water molecules move downward on self-diffusion against buoyancy. Diffusive convection (DC) in warm water and double-diffusive convection (DDC) in warm, saline water take place inside the diffusimeter with DDC transferring more heat than DC. In the diffusing medium the original reagents change or retain their compositions to give the diffusate molecules to diffuse. In water, the change is mostly hydration. The syngener BaCl2.2H2O separately with congeners 3CdSO4.8H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O, and ZnSO4.H2O presents two distinct pairs of overlapping concentration versus rate curves, first for having very close MWs of BaCl2 and CdSO4 and second for having ZnSO4.H2O as the common congener for both the zinc sulfates. Chlorides of Li, Na, and K diffusing at hindered rates in glucose solution show the least rate for LiCl inevitably on grounds of low mass and high Li+ hydration radius. Diffusion blocking occurs at higher glucose concentration. Diffusion of 0.6M AgNO3-0.6M NH4Cl standardizes this diffusimeter. Mass transfer of HCl, H2SO4, and H2C2O4 show oxalic acid diffusing as hydrate and 88 percentage transfer of sulfuric acid in 5 minutes. The Superdiffusive Anti Graham’s Law, Vd ∝√M , is further consolidated by Ca (NO3)2-M2CO3(M = Na, K, NH4+) and Ca (NO3)2-Na2HPO4 diffusions. Odd and even diffusions are illustrated by AgNO3-NH4Cl and AgNO3-BaCl2 diffusions.

Microcystin ELISA in water and animal serum for an integrated environmental monitoring strategy

ABSTRACT Free-range livestock can be exposed to toxic cyanobacteria by drinking water from eutrophic natural sources. This study reports on the analysis of livestock drinking water sources from ranches in an eutrophic subtropical basin of South America (33ºS, 57°W), where frequent Microcystis spp. blooms and occasionally dense scums were found. To minimise monitoring costs, microcystins (MCs) were determined in serum and water with an in-house developed enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The water results were compared with those of liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the most common congeners (MC-LR, MC-RR; MC-YR, MC-LA). Both methods were strongly correlated along a broad range of concentrations. The concentrations of MCs in the livestock drinking water were up to 3,700 µg/L. This is about 1,000 times higher than the Australian and New Zealand livestock MCs guidance values (cattle = 4.2; sheep = 3.9 µg/L) as well as the California-EPA sub-chronic action level (3 µg/L) and implies a high risk of poisoning. The animals exposed to MCs concentrations 70–100 times higher than these guidelines showed no significant alterations in liver enzymes. Nevertheless, serum concentrations of up to 0.11 µg/L MCs were recorded by ELISA. These results reveal the potential of MCs-ELISA in serum as a sensitive, minimally invasive method for risk assessment in integrated environmental monitoring strategies.

Comparative study between composition of factory-made and illicit whisky preparations

Amongst the major public health issues leading to crime, adulteration is one of the most spread across the nations. Adulteration implies the action of making something poorer in quality by the addition of another substance. The present study is an attempt to compare different parameters of factory made and illegally prepared liquor. The aim of the study is a comparison of the whisky composition of commercial and illicit prepared whisky through different physical parameters and Gas Chromatography. The objective of this study is to compare the whisky composition of commercial and illicit whisky by using GC-FID. Also to identify differences in congeners levels of factory made and illicit prepared whisky and to identify common congeners encountered in whisky. For conducting this experimental study 50 samples from five brands of whisky were selected, commercial samples (standard sample) and market samples (Question samples) were collected. Among the presumptive test physical parameters such as color, pH, strength, sensory, and conductivity of each sample were analyzed. The composition was analyzed using the GC-FID (Agilent 9820)instrument at KHEMANI DISTILLERIES PVT. LTD. DAMAN and illicit samples were collected from local sellers. The presence of common adulterants like water, spirit, desi daru, cheap liquors (low brand whisky), the physical parameters such as conductivity, color, and strength showed variation in their values. When the results were compared with the standards mentioned in IS 3752.2005 and IS 4449.2005, it was observed that the GC profiling also showed an increase in the congener levels. It was observed that in illicit liquor different levels of concentration of methanol, n-Propanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and acetaldehyde indicated the adulteration in the samples analyzed. The common congeners encountered in illicit whisky were n-propanol and ethyl acetate.

First identification of Parnassius apollo and P. nomion (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) larval host plants in Mongolia

We initiated a project to study the ecology of P. apollo and the more common congener P. nomion, which is sympatric in Mongolia. One of our primary goals was to gather data on P. apollo and P. nomion butterfly habitat associations, including especially larval host plant species. We conducted our work in the boreal taiga forests of the Khentey Mountain Range in the southern Siberian ecological region of Mongolia. We systematically searched for suitable habitat for larvae and once we located caterpillars, we identified the host plants and gathered data on habitat associations. We found both P. apollo and P. nomion caterpillars on host plants at several sites and evidence of eclosed pupae at a couple of sites, enabling us to identify the host plants, a crucial piece of information needed to develop conservation programming and habitat modeling. The host plant species were the stonecrops Sedum aizoon, Sedum telephium (syn. Sedum purpureum), and Rhodiola rosea (syn. Sedum rosea). We further describe the habitat associations in which we found the caterpillars. For these butterfly species, the exact host plants in Mongolia remained unknown until we conducted this work.

Simulated Photovoltaic Solar Panels Alter the Seed Bank Survival of Two Desert Annual Plant Species.

Seed bank survival underpins plant population persistence but studies on seed bank trait-environment interactions are few. Changes in environmental conditions relevant to seed banks occur in desert ecosystems owing to solar energy development. We developed a conceptual model of seed bank survival to complement methodologies using in-situ seed bank packets. Using this framework, we quantified the seed bank survival of two closely related annual desert plant species, one rare (Eriophyllum mohavense) and one common (Eriophyllum wallacei), and the seed bank–environment interactions of these two species in the Mojave Desert within a system that emulates microhabitat variation associated with solar energy development. We tracked 4860 seeds buried across 540 seed packets and found, averaged across both species, that seed bank survival was 21% and 6% for the first and second growing seasons, respectively. After two growing seasons, the rare annual had a significantly greater seed bank survival (10%) than the common annual (2%). Seed bank survival across both species was significantly greater in shade (10%) microhabitats compared to runoff (5%) and control microhabitats (3%). Our study proffers insight into this early life-stage across rare and common congeners and their environmental interactions using a novel conceptual framework for seed bank survival.