High Species Diversity Research Articles

Mesoclimate scale effects of river intermittency on aquatic insects in Seto Inland Sea watersheds, Western Japan

AbstractThe responses of assemblages and ecosystems to river intermittency are often considered on large spatial scales, such as those associated with the Köppen climate classification. However, river intermittency may naturally occur even in humid regions, and the effects may differ from those where intermittency occurs throughout the area. This study aimed to examine the differences in taxonomic and trait composition of aquatic insects between intermittent rivers in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds and neighboring humid-temperate rivers in Japan using national census data. While the climate in the most part of the Japanese Archipelago is categorized as humid-temperate, and rivers are usually perennial, local climate in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds has low summer precipitation compared with that in neighboring regions, thereby resulting in river intermittency. Consistent with the previous studies in the regions where rivers are intermittent on a large spatial scale, we observed that aquatic insects with multivoltinism and/or aerial respiration notably tolerated river intermittency. In contrast, the aquatic insect fauna in Japanese intermittent rivers represented subsets of those in the humid-temperate rivers, although previous studies such in Mediterranean regions have reported high endemism and species diversity in intermittent rivers. These results highlight the importance of exploring the role of river intermittency on small to medium spatial scales, as well as on large scales, to project effects of ongoing and future climate changes on species diversity.

Quantification of tree growth change under climate change using National Forest Inventory of Korea

To achieve carbon neutrality in the face of climate change, accurately estimating forest carbon uptake is crucial. Environmental changes, such as temperature increases or precipitation fluctuations caused by climate change, can alter the growth responses of each species and act as a driver for changes in forest productivity. In particular, using a single-species growth model increases uncertainty in predicting stand growth, given the high species diversity in temperate forests in East Asia. Therefore, in this study, we identified the growth curve of 17 species-specific distributed in Korean temperate forest as well as the growth trend over the last 30 years (1976–2005). For this purpose, the species distribution and growth characteristics of 17 major Korean species of trees were analyzed using 13,808 tree-ring series from the 5th National Forest Inventory, which was conducted between 2006 and 2010. The growth characteristics of each species were analyzed using the average growth curve specific to each species, and the yearly growth trend was examined through residual analysis of the average growth curve. The distribution range of the 17 major tree species varied by species, as did the growth rate, ranging from 7 cm² · year⁻¹ to 17 cm² · year⁻¹ for the 30-year-old average basal area increment (BAI). Over time, fast-growing tree species exhibited initially high BAI, followed by a sharp decline from the 2000s. In contrast, broadleaf trees showed a continuous increase. Furthermore, a comparison of the total volume of individual trees and the volume of the yield table revealed that accurately estimating the actual forest volume was challenging. This study contributes to improving the accuracy of productivity predictions for temperate forests, underscoring the necessity to investigate the interaction between climate and forest succession in the future.

DNA metabarcoding reveals high diversity of fish and macrofaunal species in diets of little auks and other Arctic seabird species in Svalbard

Climate change is a major concern for the future of marine Arctic food webs. Diet shifts of seabirds can be used as indicators of environmental changes such as species compositions of food webs. However, studies on diets are often laborious and costly, while research in vulnerable Arctic environments benefits from short visits for data collection that minimize disturbance to Arctic wildlife and the environment. DNA-metabarcoding techniques are rapidly developing and could be used as an effective method of monitoring diet choice of seabirds. We tested DNA-metabarcoding on seabird faeces collected during short visits of typically around 30 min at breeding colonies of black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (3 colonies), Brünnich’s guillemot Uria lomvia (2 colonies) and little auk Alle alle (3 colonies). DNA metabarcoding based on COI and 18S of a limited number of faeces samples revealed a wide spectrum of fish species and crustaceans in the diets of these species, comparable with or even exceeding diversity in diet composition found in conventional, more invasive techniques where birds are shot or caught and handled to obtain samples. While previous studies on diet choice of little auk, a crustacean specialist, mainly report small fractions of unidentified fish remains, DNA metabarcoding of faeces revealed a large variety of pelagic and benthic fish species supplementing its diet. We conclude that DNA metabarcoding of seabird faeces can be an effective attribute to diet studies supporting our understanding of changes in numbers and distribution of Arctic seabirds and their marine environment.

P-324 Finding on the gut microbiome impact on non-reproductive pathologies of the uterus: an endometriosis perspective

Abstract Study question Is there any link between intestinal microbiome and endometriosis? Summary answer The aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis might be linked to intestinal dysbiosis. Microorganisms could be used as potential microbiota-mediated metabolites therapy to target the estrobolome in endometriosis. What is known already Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic estrogenic-dependent gynaecological condition with a complex and multifactorial aetiology, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, accompanied by a severe inflammatory process. Sampson’s theory of retrograde menstruation is considered one of the most convincing hypotheses for the origin of EMs. Recently, the human microbiome has been linked to its pathogenesis, and exits some evidence that it might modulate the immune system from the gut, therefore the generation of a dysfunctional immune response caused by intestinal dysbiosis might play an important role in the initiation and progression of EMs. Study design, size, duration A case-control study was designed to analyse intestinal microbiome from EMs patients and age-matched healthy women. Herein, we aim to investigate for potential intestinal biomarkers related to the pathology. The recruitment was through health questionnaires such as EHP-5 setting the initial cohort at 243 women. This initial cohort was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants/materials, setting, methods Seventy-seven women met eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Stool samples from the controls group (n = 43) and patients with a positive diagnosis of EMs (n = 34) were collected and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the V3-V4 regions. Various multivariate analysis approaches were used to assess diversity, composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota. Main results and the role of chance The number of significantly different taxa between healthy controls and EMs patients were 18 (p-value<0.05). Among these 18 taxa, we found 3 families: Bacteroidaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae; 3 genera: Blautia, Anaerostipes and Lachnospira; and 12 species: Roseburia intestinalis, Bacteroides uniformis, Anaerobutyricum hallii, among others), with a higher diversity of families and genera in the patient group, while the control group had a higher diversity of species, according to the results of Shannon and Simpsońs indexes. This suggests that EMs is dominated by a few species belonging to a wide variety of families and genera, while in the control group there is a greater variability of intestinal species belonging to a smaller number of families and genera. These taxa were related with molecular routes implied in the management of inflammation and estrogens signalling. Additionally, the data were correlated with clinical parameters through the Endometriosis Health Profile-5 questionnaire (EHP-5). This correlation shows significant differences specifically into the «self-image» variable and the total score with the genus diversity (positive and negative correlations were reported), with a strong positive correlations between the variable “Infertility” and the genus Anaerostipes. Limitations, reasons for caution Pronacera develops molecular tests for several conditions that involve the analysis of genes, proteins, and microbes in human samples. Neither the patients nor the healthcare professionals participating in this study have been paid or influenced whatsoever. Hence, the authors report no other potential conflicts of interest. Wider implications of the findings The aetiopathogenesis of EMs might be linked to intestinal dysbiosis. In this sense, the taxa identified in this study and its estrobolome-related metabolite could play a key role in the initiation of the disease, proposing themselves as potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the future. Trial registration number not applicable

Drawing mitochondrial genomes with circularMT.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences are used extensively in phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies for a wide range of organisms. With the advent of low-cost, high throughput 'next generation' DNA sequencing, and user-friendly bioinformatics pipelines for generating and annotating whole mitochondrial genome assemblies, the analysis of whole mitochondrial genomes has become an important component of phylogenomic studies for taxa with high species diversity but limited coverage for other genomic resources. An important step in characterizing de novo mitochondrial genome assemblies is to evaluate and describe structural rearrangements relative to reference taxa. Accessible tools are needed to help visualize gene and noncoding feature complement, their order and strand orientation. However, there are few dedicated applications that generate high quality genome diagrams. Here we present circularMT and circularMT-console that allow users to create highly customizable, publication quality images, of linear and circular mitochondrial genome maps, either individually, or integrated into an analysis pipeline. Both applications are implemented in C#, with binaries, source code and user guides available on GitHub (https://github.com/msjimc/circularMT). An archive of the published version is available on Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/10912319). This paper has no supplementary data.

Naturally diverse plant communities do not resist invasion by the strong competitor, Microstegium vimineum.

Theory predicts and empirical studies have shown that ecologically manipulated communities with high species diversity are resistant to invasion, but do these predictions and results hold true when applied to highly competitive invaders in natural communities? Few studies of diversity-mediated invasion resistance have measured both invasion resistance and invader impact in the same study. We used a two-year field experiment to test: (1) diversity-mediated competitive resistance to patch expansion by the grass, Microstegium vimineum; and (2) the competitive effect of M. vimineum on resident plant diversity. We examined responses of M. vimineum to two native plant density-reduction treatments that had opposite effects on species diversity: (1) reducing species richness via the removal of rare species; and (2) reducing dominance by reducing the density of the dominant resident species. We examined the effects of M. vimineum reduction by pre-emergent herbicide on resident diversity in the second year of the study. Neither rare species removal nor dominant species reduction significantly increased M. vimineum density (relative growth rate). The pre-emergent herbicide dramatically reduced M. vimineum in year 2 of the study, but not most resident plants, which were perennials and indirectly benefited from the herbicide at a more productive site, presumably due to reduced competition from M. vimineum. Diversity-mediated resistance did not effectively deter invasion by a highly competitive invader. In the case of M. vimineum and at more productive sites, it would appear that nearly complete removal of this invader is necessary to preserve plant species diversity.

New cave species of Cyphoderus Nicolet and Pararrhopalites Bonet & Tellez (Hexapoda, Collembola) from Caatinga biome, Brazil

In recent years, surveys have revealed a high diversity of troglophilic and troglobitic species of Brazilian Collembola, mainly represented by the Entomobryidae and Sminthuridae, which hold some representative genera in Brazilian caves such as Cyphoderus Nicolet and Pararrhopalites Bonet & Tellez. Here we describe in detail two new species of these genera sampled from caves of the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. Cyphoderus caatinguensis sp. nov. is similar to other Neotropical species of the tridenticulati group, but it is unique by the combination of labial chaetotaxy, ungues with a filamentous apical tooth and number of feathered chaetae on the dorsal face of the dens. Pararrhopalites iataganii sp. nov. differs from other Neotropical species of the genus especially by the number of subsegments of the fourth antennomere, number of cephalic spines, manubrium chaetotaxy and ventral dens formula. Recognition of these species enhances our understanding of the subterranean fauna in the Neotropics, and their identification may support future conservation policies for caves of the Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil.

Разнообразие сообществ почвенных диатомовых водорослей Государственного природного заказника «Фролихинский»

The species composition of soil diatoms in Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve was studied. Flora of diatoms algae was represented with 128 taxa of 4 classes, 12 orders, 23 families and 49 genera. The greatest diversity of species was found on the bank of the Bireya River (77 species), and the lowest – on the Barguzinsky ridge pass (3 species). In most species and intraspecific taxa of diatoms (97%) found in the reserve, the occurrence rate varied from 10 to 40%. An occurrence rate above 40% was noted only in four taxa that were identified as leading: Pinnularia borealis (80%), Adlafia bryophila (50%), Gomphonema parvulum (50%) and Planothidium lanceolatum (50%). The complex of dominant species was diverse and included representatives of 15 families. 36 species and intraspecific taxa were classified as dominants, 20 taxa were classified as subdominants. The complex of associated species included 6 taxa, 67 taxa were found singly and occasionally. Pinnularia borealis Ehrenberg had the highest occurrence at all sites. The families Fragilariaceae, Achnanthidiaceae, Naviculaceae, Ahnanthaceae, Gomphonemataceae, Cymbellaceae, Cocconeidaceae, Eunotiaceae, Pinnulariaceae, Bacillariaceae, Sellaphoraceae were characterized by high species diversity. Comparison of diatoms complexes (DC) in different plots of the reserve revealed similarities and differences of floristic diversity and taxonomic structure. The main reasons of taxonomic heterogeneity of DC in different areas are the conditions defined by their location within the natural reserve. The largest number of species was found on the shores of water bodies characterized by a high degree of moisture. The least abundant and diverse diatoms were represented in shaded and insufficiently moist areas of coniferous forests with abundant coniferous litter and acidic soils.

Linking Vegetation Characteristics of Madagascar’s Spiny Forest to Habitat Occupancy of Lepilemur petteri

AbstractClimatic changes with unpredictable weather conditions have negative effects on many primates. With several lemur species reaching their ecological limits in the dry and hypervariable spiny forest, Madagascar might provide an example for understanding adaptations of primates to unpredictable conditions. Here, we aimed to identify vegetation characteristics that allow Lepilemur petteri to persist in an environment at the limit of its ecological niche. For this, we linked the patchy distribution of the species to vegetation characteristics described on the ground and by remote sensing reflecting primary production (Enhanced Vegetation Index from MODIS) for 17 sites in nine regions, spread over 100 km along Tsimanampetsotse NP. We verified the results on a smaller scale by radio-tracking and vegetation analyses related to home ranges of 13 L. petteri. Remote sensing indicated that L. petteri is more likely to occur in forests where the variation of the annual primary production and the interannual variability of the month with the lowest primary production are low.Lepilemur petteri was more likely to occur with increasing densities of large trees, large food tree species (diameter ≥ 10 cm) and octopus trees (Alluaudia procera). Alluaudia procera provide food year-round and shelter in the spiny forest where large trees with holes are absent. High tree species diversity might buffer food availability against failure of certain tree species to produce food. These findings illustrate limiting constraints of climatic hypervariability for lemurs and indicate benefits of forest restoration with high numbers of tree species for biodiversity conservation.

Weed Biology and Ecology Studies: Diversity, Dominance, Population and Weed Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Intercropping Corn (Zea mays l.) with Leguminous Crops in Dryland

The aim of the research is to examine the effect of intercropping corn with leguminous crops on weeds and land use efficiency. The experimental research method was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. The treatments tested were monocrop planting patterns and intercropping between corn and leguminous crops. The results of the research showed that 16 weed species were found with high species diversity, evenness, dominance, and abundance, so that there were six dominant species that existed during plant growth. Peanuts and cowpeas are suitable for intercropping with corn because they can suppress the population and growth of weeds. Soybeans, green beans, and red beans are not suitable because they are not effective in suppressing the population and growth of weeds and compete with corn, so that corn yield losses due to competition are 38.20%–40.96% and due to weed competition, they reach 62.37%–63.77%. The best ecological and agronomic land use efficiency was obtained by intercropping corn with peanuts and cowpeas, with NKL values based on dry biomass weights of 1.90 and 1.89 (NKL > 1) and dry seed weights of 1.79 and 1.78 (NKL > 1).

Description of 17 new species of Semisulcospiridae (Gastropoda: Cerithioidea) from southern China based on morphological and molecular evidence

The genera Semisulcospira (Boettger, 1886), Koreoleptoxis (Burch & Jung, 1988) and Hua (Chen, 1943) in China exhibit extremely high diversity of species. In mid-2023, we collected a large number of species from the Semisulcospiridae in southern China. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, twelve new species from genus Hua, one from Koreoleptoxis and four from Semisulcospira were identified. The validity of Melania suifuensis (Chen, 1937) is also reinstated and transferred to genus Hua. This discovery contributes to our further understanding of the diversity of Semisulcospiridae species in China. Molecular analysis based on partial mitochondrial COI supports the systematic position of the new taxon.

Nodulating Aeschynomene indica without Nod Factor Synthesis Genes: In Silico Analysis of Evolutionary Relationship

Aeschynomene indica rhizobia (AIRs) are special classes of bacteria capable of nodulating without nodulation factors and have photosynthetic capacity. With an aim to characterize the structural variations in Bradyrhizobium genomes during its evolution, the genomes of AIRs and the reference Bradyrhizobium strains were compared utilizing molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry techniques. The presence of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (nif) genes and photosynthetic genes, as well as components of the T3SS (Type III secretion system) and T3CP (Type III chaperone) in the genome of AIRs, was also assessed. Additionally, the origin, evolutionary history, and genes associated with the NF-independent nodulation pattern in AIRs were explored. The results indicate that horizontal gene transfer events have occurred in AIRs, and three distinct origins of AIRs were estimated: early differentiated AIRs, non-symbiotic Bradyrhizobium, and non-AIRs. In contrast to the significant genetic transformations observed in the second and third groups, the first group of AIRs displays a rich evolutionary history, exhibits high species diversity, and primarily relies on vertical transmission of nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic genes. Overall, the findings provide a fundamental theoretical foundation for gaining a deeper understanding of the phylogeny and genealogy of AIRs.

Systematics and distribution of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1997 on the Iranian plateau: a review

Two hundred ninety species of lacertids are presently placed in from 24 to about 30 genera. Most of the genera that have been recognized appear to be clades on the basis of their morphology, with the exception of the paraphyletic central African Adolfus and Lacerta sensu lato of Europe, Asia and northwest Africa. Traditionally, species boundaries are only based on morphological and appearance differences, and this approach is qualitatively or quantitatively investigated. At the same time, several new and modern methods can be used for a more realistic and logical investigation in the determination of species boundaries. Molecular analysis has provided more evidence about lacertids' kinship relationships. These methods work particularly well when dealing with cryptic species or species complexes. Where there is a high general and morphological similarity between the species of a population. The rock lizards, genus Darevskia Arribas, 1999, are such species, as many of its members have few distinctive and diagnostic morphological features. Biodiversity and species diversity assessment allows for more precise determination of the causes of many biological processes. These processes involve complex patterns that are especially observed in areas with high species diversity. Anatolia and Caucasus regions are two important geographical regions where Darevskia species live, which have complex morphology and unique speciation. Darevskia valentini and D. rudis are two widely distributed species of this genus, both of which have controversial taxonomy. In this study, an attempt has been made to summarize the species available in Iran.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals temporal dynamics but functional stability of arthropod communities in cattle dung.

Terrestrial invertebrates are highly important for the decomposition of dung from large mammals. Mammal dung has been present in many of Earth's ecosystems for millions of years, enabling the evolution of a broad diversity of dung-associated invertebrates that process various components of the dung. Today, large herbivorous mammals are increasingly introduced to ecosystems with the aim of restoring the ecological functions formerly provided by their extinct counterparts. However, we still know little about the ecosystem functions and nutrient flows in these rewilded ecosystems, including the dynamics of dung decomposition. In fact, the succession of insect communities in dung is an area of limited research attention also outside a rewilding context. In this study, we use environmental DNA metabarcoding of dung from rewilded Galloway cattle in an experimental set-up to investigate invertebrate communities and functional dynamics over a time span of 53 days, starting from the time of deposition. We find a strong signal of successional change in community composition, including for the species that are directly dependent on dung as a resource. While several of these species were detected consistently across the sampling period, others appeared confined to either early or late successional stages. We believe that this is indicative of evolutionary adaptation to a highly dynamic resource, with species showing niche partitioning on a temporal scale. However, our results show consistently high species diversity within the functional groups that are directly dependent on dung. Our findings of such redundancy suggest functional stability of the dung-associated invertebrate community, with several species ready to fill vacant niches if other species disappear. Importantly, this might also buffer the ecosystem functions related to dung decomposition against environmental change. Interestingly, alpha diversity peaked after approximately 20-25 days in both meadow and pasture habitats, and did not decrease substantially during the experimental period, probably due to preservation of eDNA in the dung after the disappearance of visiting invertebrates, and from detection of tissue remains and cryptic life stages.

CHECKLIST OF ORIBATID MITES (ACARI: ORIBATIDA) FROM MEXICO

The Checklist of Oribatida from Mexico includes all known records to date, resulting in 768 species included in 378 genera from 117 families and 43 superfamilies. Records of nine fossil species from Lower Miocene amber (23 Ma) from Chiapas are included. Records are given for 12 of the biogeographic provinces proposed for the country, covering most of the Mexican states (except Sonora, Sinaloa and Tlaxcala), and therefore Mexico ranges among regions with a high species diversity, like Japan (833), India (789), Italy (721), Russian Far East (599), Canada (580) and Brazil (576). Many national and foreign people have contributed to the knowledge about the Mexican Oribatid mite fauna since the early twentieth century.

Diversity, habitat and activity patterns of mesocarnivore assemblages in an Afrotropical protected forest savannah mosaic of Central Cameroon

AbstractLittle is known about the diversity and ecology of mesocarnivores in the Mpem and Djim National Parks in central Cameroon. Therefore, we undertook a rapid assessment using camera traps from September 2021 to December 2021. The main objective of our study was to collect data on the diversity, abundance and relative frequency of mesocarnivores per habitat type and their activity period using camera traps with a distance sampling method. In 1700 trap nights, we recorded 53 events of seven mesocarnivores, all belonging to the family of Viveridae, Herpesdidae and Felidae which yield 3.12 mesocarnivores per 100 days. The black‐legged mongoose (Bdeogale nigripes, Pucheran, 1855) exhibited the highest capture rate (CR, 0.88). The long‐nosed mongoose (Xenogale naso, Winton, 1901) was found in all habitats class and was the more active mesocarnivore. The Shannon‐Weaver diversity index (H) showed a high diversity of species in the community with high diversity in the near primary forest. We obtained a lower dominance of one species over the other, a lower richness and a more even distribution of species between habitats. Our results suggest a possible spatio‐temporal niche partitioning between the species recorded, with blotched genet (Genetta maculata, Gray, 1830), showing no clear peak of activity. However, the rarefaction curve indicates that the effort expended was insufficient, suggesting that additional sampling is required to obtain a reasonable estimate of species richness within our community. The activity patterns of the recorded mesocarnivores were generally similar to those reported elsewhere but suggest some behavioural flexibility. Although all these species are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the low number of recorded events may indicate that mesocarnivores may be threatened in this area if effective conservation strategies are not implemented.

Beyond tree planting: Mobilizing a global production network for savanna restoration in Brazil

Emerging global production networks innovate the supply of restoration products and services to reverse degraded ecosystems globally. Yet, savanna restoration interventions often neglect diverse plant life forms and planting techniques in implementing large-scale pledges. Drawing on global production network analysis, we examine how the configuration of savanna restoration practices in Brazil influences decision-making processes and outcomes. Our assessment of a case study in Central Brazil reveals a myriad of forces affecting the interconnections between institutional drivers, markets, and supply systems for restoration actions across multiple scales. Prevailing policies and regulations often disregard diverse expertise, economic strategies, and socio-cultural perspectives when setting savanna restoration priorities and incentives. While we identify different buyers influencing market demands to meet mandatory or voluntary environmental compliance, a wide range of suppliers remakes savanna restoration actions according to regional contexts. The experiences of community-led plant material supply systems in Central Brazil showcase collective organization that enables situated socio-technical innovations to link a high diversity of non-tree species with livelihood outcomes. This study contributes to revealing how institutional drivers and restoration markets assert political authority and commercial objectives in multifaceted decisions, while community partnerships catalyze place-based savanna restoration innovations.

The Shape of Water: Physiological Adaptations to Habitat Aridity in the Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus).

Deserts have always amazed researchers due to their high diversity of habitats, where plant and animal species have been able to adapt and diversify, even when these areas impose several constraints on an organism's activity patterns. In particular, deserts support several lizard species adapted to the thermal and water restrictions found in such biomes. Although several studies have attempted to understand how lizard species might respond to water deficits or droughts in deserts, few have addressed how these responses might vary along a latitudinal gradient. This raises the question of whether physiological buffering of the organism or the climatic environment affects water loss in lizards. Here, we used six populations of Urosaurus ornatus to test whether water loss is influenced more by the intrinsic physiology of the lizard or by the climatic niche. We found that water loss is primarily influenced by the climatic niche of the lizard. However, future studies should focus on how microclimatic variables can influence water loss in organisms found across large latitudinal gradients.

A Survey on the Diversity of Field Insect Pests of Okro (Abelmoschus Esculentus) within the Six Adp Zones in Akwaibom State

A survey was conducted to determine the diversity and abundance of insect pests associated with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) across the six Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) zones in Akwa Ibom state namely; Uyo, Abak, Eket, Ikot ekpene, Etinan and Oron using multi – stage random sampling technique, swoop nets for flying insects, aspirators for collecting tiny insects, pair of forceps and hand picking for larvae and slow moving insects. A total of 634 insects were collected across the six zones and identified into 4 orders, 13 families and 15 species. The dominant order by specie was Hemiptera having (6/40%) followed by Lepidoptera (4/26.67%), Coleoptera (3/20%) and the least was Orthoptera having (2/13.33%) while dominant order by individuals was Coleoptera having 279/44.01%), followed by Hemiptera (244 /38.49%), Lepidoptera (68/10.73%) and the least was Orthoptera (43/6.78%). Dominant insect specie across the six zones was Flea beetle (Podagrica sp.) with total population of 185 followed by Aphids (Aphis gossypii - 98) and the least was Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni – 7). Diversity index result showed that Eket zone had the highest no. of individuals (122) with the least no. of species (12) and least Shannon index value (H_ 2.11) followed by Oron zone with 112 individuals, no. species (13) and shannon index ( H_2.31). Uyo zone had the least no. of individuals (93), no. species (13) and Shannon index (H_2.21) while Ikot ekpene zone had the highest Shannon index value (H_2.34) and highest no. of species (14) with no. of individual (101). This study reveals that there is high diversity and abundance of insect species attacking okra in Akwa Ibom State hence drastic control measures is imperative for successful and profitable production of Okra.

Emergence of rare and low abundant anaerobic gut Firmicutes is associated with a significant downfall of Klebsiella in human colon cancer

Gut bacterial dysbiosis has been linked to several gastrointestinal diseases, including deadly colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. However, perturbation in gut bacteriome during colon cancer (CC, devoid of colorectal malignancy) remains poorly explored. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was carried out for fecal DNA samples targeted to hypervariable V3–V4 region by employing MiSeq platform to explore the gut bacterial community shift in CC patients. While alpha diversity indices predicted high species richness and diversity, beta diversity showed marked gut bacterial compositional dissimilarity in CC versus healthy controls (HC, n = 10 each). We observed a significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test) emergence of low-abundant anaerobic taxa, including Parvimonas and Peptostreptococcus, in addition to Subdoligranulum, Coprococcus, Holdemanella, Solobacterium, Bilophila, Blautia, Dorea, Moryella and several unidentified taxa, mainly affiliated to Firmicutes, in CC patients. In addition, we also traced the emergence of putative probiotic taxon Slackia, belonging to Actinomycetota, in CC patients. The emergence of anaerobic Firmicutes in CC is accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the Klebsiella, as determined through linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and heat tree analyses. Shifts in core microbiome and variation in network correlation were also witnessed. Taken together, this study highlighted a significant and consistent emergence of rare anaerobic Firmicutes suggesting possible anaerobiosis driving gut microbial community shift, which could be exploited in designing diagnostic and therapeutic tools targeted to CC.