Survival Strategies Research Articles

Family Farmers as Agents in the Struggle for Survival: A Case Study from Turkey☆

AbstractThis paper discusses the survival strategies of small family farms in a western Anatolian village in the context of ongoing debates in the current literature concerning the future of small or peasant family farms under the conditions of the neoliberal era. The main argument of the paper is that even though the neoliberal agrarian policies in Turkey put into effect since the early 1980s have divested farmers of much of the protective policies in force in earlier periods—thereby putting them under much severe market pressures—other pressure mechanisms in this case under investigation have a more central impact on their survival. These pressures are the patterns of social and cultural change that occur due to modernization, alongside regulations concerning access to land which the farmers seem to be able to counter by organizing and mobilizing their internal, material, and social resources, within cultural norms. The arguments presented are based on the analysis of empirical data collected through field work carried out in a village of farmers specializing and engaged in the production of dried figs. The study emphasizes the multi‐causal, multi‐layered, contingent, and hybrid nature of the question of survival for these villagers and argues that it should be evaluated as a process, rather than an outcome, with the villagers themselves as agents in this process.

Global patterns of plant functional traits and their relationships to climate

Plant functional traits (FTs) determine growth, reproduction and survival strategies of plants adapted to their growth environment. Exploring global geographic patterns of FTs, their covariation and their relationships to climate are necessary steps towards better-founded predictions of how global environmental change will affect ecosystem composition. We compile an extensive global dataset for 16 FTs and characterise trait-trait and trait-climate relationships separately within non-woody, woody deciduous and woody evergreen plant groups, using multivariate analysis and generalised additive models (GAMs). Among the six major FTs considered, two dominant trait dimensions—representing plant size and the leaf economics spectrum (LES) respectively—are identified within all three groups. Size traits (plant height, diaspore mass) however are generally higher in warmer climates, while LES traits (leaf mass and nitrogen per area) are higher in drier climates. Larger leaves are associated principally with warmer winters in woody evergreens, but with wetter climates in non-woody plants. GAM-simulated global patterns for all 16 FTs explain up to three-quarters of global trait variation. Global maps obtained by upscaling GAMs are broadly in agreement with iNaturalist citizen-science FT data. This analysis contributes to the foundations for global trait-based ecosystem modelling by demonstrating universal relationships between FTs and climate.

C-type lectins containing an immunoglobulin domain have an anti-WSSV function in Procambarus clarkii

Crayfish, as an invertebrate, cannot produce specific antibodies to defend against viruses. However, they have their own survival strategy to protect themselves from virus infection. In this study, two C-type lectins (CTLs) containing one immunoglobulin (IG) domain (PcIgLec2 and PcIgLec3) were characterized from Procambarus clarkii. PcIgLec2 and PcIgLec3 were widely expressed in various tissues, and their expression levels in the intestine were upregulated by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Knockdown of PcIgLec2 or PcIgLec3 resulted in a significant increase in VP28 expression and WSSV copy number, and injection of recombinant PcIgLec2 (rPcIgLec2) or recombinant PcIgLec3 (rPcIgLec3) protein could reduce VP28 expression and WSSV copy number. Further investigation indicated that the IG domain of PcIgLec2 or PcIgLec3 inhibited WSSV replication, whereas their carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) had no substantial effect on WSSV replication. WSSV binding assays showed that rPcIgLec2, rPcIgLec3, rPcCRD2, and rPcCRD3 had the ability to bind to WSSV. However, their IG domain could not bind to WSSV. In conclusion, the two CTLs with an IG domain participated in antiviral innate immunity. Their CRD was responsible for WSSV binding, and their IG domain played negative roles in WSSV replication.

Temperature and light timing effects on diapause progression in Daphnia magna

Abstract Diapause is a survival strategy for freshwater crustaceans in the genus Daphnia that involves a genetically encoded inhibition of organism growth, development and reproduction. While the environmental triggers for Daphnia to produce diapause‐destined embryos and those that induce hatching are well documented, the influence of environmental challenges during different diapause sub‐phases remains unexplored. In this study, we exposed diapause‐destined embryos of Daphnia magna to different temperatures and light conditions during designated diapause sub‐phases. Our results underscore the importance of the maternal environment for the embryos that are in preparation for diapause. Moreover, we demonstrate a period of obligate developmental arrest during which reinitiation of development cannot be triggered. Additionally, we illustrate the embryos' ability to adjust hatching in response to environmental changes during the hatching process. This study reveals the inherent developmental pattern in Daphnia embryos as they progress through diapause and their adaptability to environmental changes.

Hydraulic mechanism of limiting growth and maintaining survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats.

The growth and survival of woody plant species is mainly driven by evolutionary and environmental factors. However, little is known about the hydraulic mechanisms that respond to growth limitation and enable desert shrub survival in arid habitats. To shed light on these hydraulic mechanisms, 9-, 31-, and 56-year-old Caragana korshinskii plants that had been grown under different soil water conditions at the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert, Ningxia, China were used in this study. The growth of C. korshinskii was mainly limited by soil water rather than shrub age in non-watered habitats, which indicated the importance of maintaining shrub survival prior to growth under drought. Meanwhile, higher vessel density, narrower vessels and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated that shrubs enhanced hydraulic safety and reduced their hydraulic efficiency in arid conditions. Importantly, xylem hydraulic conductivity mediated by variation in xylem hydraulic architecture regulated photosynthetic carbon assimilation and growth of C. korshinskii. Our study highlights that the synergistic variation in xylem hydraulic safety and hydraulic efficiency is the hydraulic mechanism limiting growth and maintaining survival of C. korshinskii under drought, providing insights into the strategies for growth and survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats.

Migrant traders, social capital, and the politics of local wisdom: A descriptive study of Warung Madura networks in Jakarta, Indonesia

This article examines the factors driving the survival and self-reliance of Madurese migrant traders in Jakarta, Indonesia. Specifically, it aims to refine the long-standing argument that minority migrant groups are forced to adapt, become marginalized, and shed their identities. By combining perspectives on social capital and the politics of local wisdom, this mixed-method study provides an in-depth analysis of how Madurese migrant traders establish and develop networks of small grocery stalls, known as “Warung Madura,” in Jakarta. Our findings reveal that social capital – through strong Madurese ethnic and religious values, norms, networks, and trust among members – is the main driving force behind the success of these traders in Jakarta. Furthermore, strict adherence to local wisdom, specifically Madurese culture and traditional Islamic teachings, significantly contributes to their survival and self-reliance. The results suggest that the survival strategies employed by Madurese migrant traders, based on certain social capital and local wisdom, could serve as a model for the socioeconomic empowerment of urban ethnic migrant groups.

Lipidomic analyses reveal distinctive variations in homeoviscous adaptation among clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, providing insights from an environmental adaptation perspective.

Acinetobacter baumannii is known for its antibiotic resistance and is increasingly found outside of healthcare settings. To survive colder temperatures, bacteria, including A. baumannii, adapt by modifying glycerophospholipids (GPL) to maintain membrane flexibility. This study examines the lipid composition of six clinical A. baumannii strains, including the virulent AB5075, at two temperatures. At 18°C, five strains consistently show an increase in palmitoleic acid (C16:1), while ABVal2 uniquely shows an increase in oleic acid (C18:1). LC-HRMS2 analysis identifies shifts in GPL and glycerolipid composition between 18°C and 37°C, highlighting variations in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipids. ABVal2 shows increased PE with C18:1 and C16:1 at 18°C, but no change in PG, in contrast to other strains that show increased PE and PG with C16:1. Notably, although A. baumannii typically lacks FabA, a key enzyme for unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, this enzyme was found in both ABVal2 and ABVal3. In addition, ABVal2 contains five candidate desaturases that may contribute to its lipid profile. The study also reveals variations in strain motility and biofilm formation over temperature. These findings enhance our understanding of A. baumannii's physiological adaptations, survival strategies and ecological fitness in different environments.IMPORTANCEAcinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics, is a concern in healthcare settings. This study focused on understanding how this bacterium adapts to different temperatures and how its lipid composition changes. Lipids are the building blocks of cell membranes. By studying these changes, scientists can gain insights into how the bacterium survives and behaves in various environments. This understanding improves our understanding of its global dissemination capabilities. The results of the study contribute to our broader understanding of how Acinetobacter baumannii works, which is important for developing strategies to combat its impact on patient health.

Rural Murle Age-Set Men Tackling Elites in South Sudan

The Murle age system is often presented in a negative light in the South Sudan conflict reporting, which links age-set activities to communal violence, cattle rustling, and the abduction of women and children. Such assessments by outsiders overlook the positive effects of age-sets on interethnic relations in rural areas, where young people follow the Murle tradition and navigate the complex influence networks of Murle society. We focus on pastoral Murle youth in Pibor born in the 1980s and 1990s—that is, the laŋo age-set. By drawing on in-depth life-story interviews, this article studies how Murle laŋo masculinity is constructed, embodied, and negotiated. The analysis of our ethnographic data exemplifies how early childhood emotional bonds with caregivers, conflicts, and marginalisation impact the life trajectory of one Murle man. Our results show the connectedness of political orientation, tradition, and masculinity to intergenerational conflict and competition for political and societal power in Murle society. The study increases our understanding of Murle laŋo men’s survival strategies. Specifically, it shows that these rural marginalised Murle youth build alliances beyond kinship and ethnic ties, defend land, advance the goal of peace with neighbours, volunteer for unpaid community work to fight idleness, and act as a counter force to prevent manipulation by political and military leaders. Zɔɔz Zɔɔz nici ɔp bayiz ci ɔl o maac een murle abaak Murla, ki gɔl ci bayizo, ki gɔl ci ganonto been culanɛ ci kobɛkɛ ɔl kaal. Gi ci titiny bayize ceen murlen nɛɛn, buluwa kibeen kerenɛ ogi o murle gɔɔn anya bayiz o gɛɛr gɔɔn aruwɔn ɔl, ma kɔran tiin moda ma kagaman ŋai ki dɔɔl ci modo. Mazin liŋliŋɔnti nici aŋamnek kaal o abon agɔɔn bulowa o abaak murla loce o ɔl o kolik een junup ŋawo azɔɔzi kaal o bayiz uneŋ murlo. Ma golowa ci kaŋamneka kalyanit o bayiz o een murlen, ayelza rɔŋrɔŋanɔnɛt ci arɔrɔŋanɔn nigi ki, gɔɔl ci adiŋdiŋani Jowanɛ o adilyai, gɔl ci siaso, ki kɛranɛ, ki kaal ci akati ŋayetin ki jorɛnɛɛn zɛɛ been ŋɛrɔn ci aŋɛrɔɔn alata o murlo aŋɛrɛ sias giye ci arɔɔŋi rum o. Bayizi ween aturuwen aroŋnyi, ayelzai bule o kazi lango, agamta nigi bayiz ci aromɛn niŋgi dook kodoye, ma arican ganɔɔn ma buk ɔp calaŋ aŋɛɛr nɔgɔ siasa karabɔŋ een zɔɔz ci takirzetu. Keywords: masculinity, laŋo, life story, tradition, elites, Murle, South Sudan

Rational design of a Nano-Antibiotic chitosan hydrogel for the bacterial infection Therapy: In vitro & ex vivo Assessments

In modern times, many antibiotics have become less effective as microorganisms develop resistance. Besides antibiotic resistance, another bacterial strategy that contributes to the capacity to withstand antimicrobials is biofilm formation. Because of these bacterial survival strategies, the desired response cannot be achieved with conventional treatment. Considering the limited discovery of new compounds, the most logical approach is to reconstruct existing antimicrobial molecules with nano-drug delivery systems. With this scientific approach, the aim of the study is to develop a novel nano-antibiotic hydrogel formulation containing silver nanoparticles, chitosan, and amoxicillin. Endodontic disease was used as a model of biofilm-mediated infection, and the antibacterial activity of nano-antibiotic hydrogel was evaluated with the E. faecalis standard bacterial strain. By adopting the Box-Behnken design for the optimisation of formulation variables, an innovative pharmaceutical formulation with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity was successfully obtained. Further characterisation studies, including nanoparticle characterisation, in vitro cytotoxicity, and ex vivo activity studies, were carried out on dental samples using the optimised formulation. All results were compared with antimicrobial agents routinely used in endodontic treatment. The findings mainly conclude that the optimised nano-antibiotic hydrogel may be an alternative antimicrobial formulation since it is non-cytotoxic and exhibits high antibiofilm activity.

Parameter extraction of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on artificial rabbits’ optimization algorithm and conducting laboratory tests

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) parameter extraction is an important issue in modeling and control of renewable energies. The PEMFC problem’s main objective is to estimate the optimal value of unknown parameters of the electrochemical model. The main objective function of the optimization problem is the sum of the square errors between the measured voltages and output voltages of the proposed electrochemical optimized model at various loading conditions. Natural rabbit survival strategies such as detour foraging and random hiding are influenced by Artificial rabbit optimization (ARO). Meanwhile, rabbit energy shrink is mimicked to control the smooth switching from detour foraging to random hiding. In this work, the ARO algorithm is proposed to find the parameters of PEMFC. The ARO performance is verified using experimental results obtained from conducting laboratory tests on the fuel cell test system (SCRIBNER 850e, LLC). The simulation results are assessed with four competitive algorithms: Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimizer, Salp Swarm Algorithm, and Sine Cosine Algorithm. The comparison aims to prove the superior performance of the proposed ARO compared with the other well-known competitive algorithms.

Immunolocalization of Aquaporin 1, 2, and 9 in Anuran Testis of the Neotropical Pointedbelly Frog Leptodactylus podicipinus.

Many anuran survival strategies involve hydric regulation, and reproduction is not different. The aquaporin (AQP) family plays an important role in water transport and regulation in many tissues, including the male gonad. The testes undergo various stages of change during the reproductive cycle, and water balance is an important factor for ensuring reproductive success. Considering the relevance of water control in testicular development in anurans and the lack of research regarding the tissue localization of AQP in the male gonad, the present study investigated the expression of three AQPs (1, 2, and 9) in the testis of the neotropical anuran species Leptodactylus podicipinus during two different periods of the reproductive cycle (reproductive and non-reproductive). AQP1 and 2 immunoreactions were found in early germ cells, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which were more frequently expressed within the reproductive period. AQP1 was also found in the testicular blood vessels. AQP9 was identified predominantly in the epithelium of the intratesticular ducts of reproductive-period individuals. This study presents, for the first time, the localization of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP9 in the testes of an anuran species and the differences in their location during two distinct periods of the reproductive cycle.

Social protection, food security and sustaining households during COVID-19: Experiences of single mothers residing in Umkhanyakude, South Africa

This study examines the relationship between access to state cash transfers, food security and the sustainability of single-mother households in the rural Umkhanyakude Municipal area in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, South Africa. We explored the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 and cash transfers as a primary contributor to the economic well-being of single mothers from low-income rural communities. We also focus on financial transfers from non-state sources such as non-governmental organisations, kin and non-kin support systems. The sustainable livelihoods framework provides an analytical tool to understand how cash transfers from the state enable single mothers to navigate challenges during the pandemic. Drawing on interviews with 16 women from a rural community in Umkhanyakude, we analyse the distribution of family income to meet household expenses and the survival strategies such as livelihood activities initiated by single mothers to sustain households. The challenges and constraints that limit their livelihood outcomes, such as menial state support and financial constraints to sustain their economic activities are highlighted. Three key themes are discussed in this paper: the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on food security, cash transfers as a strategy for reducing food insecurity, and access to sustainable livelihood activities to reduce food insecurities. This paper contributes to understanding single mothers' roles as actors and beneficiaries of the South African social protection system. It highlights opportunities for various state and non-state agents to advocate and support self-initiated economic activities in single-mother households.

Survival strategies of informal sector workers in Bali's tourism industry

The informal tourism sector plays a vital role in the local economies, particularly in destinations such as Bali. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. These workers, who are often ignored, greatly enrich the experience of tourism but encounter distinct obstacles on a daily basis. Gaining insight into their methods for staying alive is crucial. Informal workers face distinct limits compared to formal sector employees, resulting in less defined sustainability and growth strategies. A thorough investigation was carried out in nine regencies in Bali, utilizing observations and interviews, in order to examine these tactics. This method facilitated a comprehensive comprehension of their day-to-day routines and difficulties. The study identified four crucial survival strategies: implementing prudent financial management to sustain businesses and meet daily needs, utilizing communication skills to maintain income and continuity, enhancing social capital through positive relationships with fellow workers, and comprehending government policies. Out of these factors, effectively managing economic capital is crucial for maintaining livelihoods in the fiercely competitive tourism business. The results of this study provide a basis for future policies or interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of informal sector workers in tourist areas such as Bali.

Countering hegemonism in the Indo-Pacific

The global COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and accentuated the irreconcilable differences among Indo-Pacific states concerning ideology, governance, and understandings of the legitimate uses of power. The Communist Party of China is employing great power statecraft that is best described by the Chinese concept of 霸权主义 Bàquán zhŭyì (hegemonism or aggression aimed at weaker states). This ideologically driven behavior threatens the stability of the global system and may hinder the political and economic gains achieved over decades through the collective cooperation and constraint of aggressive great power statecraft. This article describes a transformation in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) approach towards Australia. It suggests that unless there's an internal upheaval in the PRC's statecraft, the global system might need to temporarily rely on mercantilist blocs to maintain human security, primarily within the democratic states of the Indo-Pacific. This survival strategy would involve resisting hegemonism.

Observation on embryonic development of Gymnodiptychus dybowskii (Kessler, 1874) in Manas River, Xinjiang, China

To protect the germplasm resources of Gymnodiptychus dybowskii (Kessler, 1874), a species endemic to Xinjiang, the key stages of embryonic development of G. dybowskii were studied. From May to July 2021, the artificial breeding of G. dybowskii was carried out at the fish breeding station of the Kenswart Water Conservancy Project. The embryos and early larvae were obtained using temperature promotion, water stimulation, hormone induction, and dry insemination techniques. their development process was observed, and morphological characteristics of each developmental stage were recorded. The results showed that the mature oocyte was round, heavy, and light yellow, with an egg diameter of (2.32 ± 0.21) mm. The fertilized egg was slightly viscous, and the viscosity disappeared after water absorption. Under the temperature of 15.6-17.7 ℃ (16.23 ± 0.52) ℃, the embryonic development of G. dybowskii lasted for 142 h and 33 min and went through 7 stages of fertilization, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, neurula embryo, organ formation, and membrane hatching, with a total of 26 periods. The membrane broke after 2376.724 ℃·h. The embryonic development of G. dybowskii follows the rule of freshwater bony fish, but it differs from other Schizothorax species in the muscular effect period and membrane emergence mode. In addition, differences in hatching water temperature among different geographic populations lead to differences in embryo development duration and accumulated temperature, which further proves that G. dybowskii is highly adaptive to the ecological environment of its habitat water, and these characteristics together constitute its survival and reproduction strategy in the natural environment. In this study, through the artificial breeding experiment of G. dybowskii, the characteristics of its embryonic development were explored, which laid the foundation for the cultivation of unique fish seedlings, enriched the early life history data of G. dybowskii, and further provided basic data for its resource protection.

Peaceful Revolution in a Captured State. The Political Crisis in Bulgaria 2021–2023

The political crisis in Bulgaria in the period 2021–2023 constitutes a very interesting political phenomenon, due to the fact that the main protesters demand was the introduction of reforms aiming to regain the captured state. The resistence of the status quo parties led to a political clinch, carousel of five parliamentary elections within two years, four interim governments and a temporary reinforcement of president’s power. This paper aims to provide a chronological account of the political developments during the crisis through the prism of the interaction between the reformers camp and the political elites associated with the state capture. An analysis of the chronology of events and the elections data provide food for thought on the limited ability to introduce changes through elections in a captured state, as well as to identify some of the features of the “status quo” political survival strategy.

Contrasting survival strategies for seedlings of two northern conifer species to extreme droughts and floods.

Lowland northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) forests are increasingly exposed to extreme droughts and floods that cause tree mortality. However, it is not clear the extent to which these events may differentially affect regeneration of cedar and its increasingly common associate, balsam fir (Abies balsamea). To test this, we measured how seedlings of cedar and fir were able to avoid, resist, and recover from experimental drought and flood treatments of different lengths (8-66days). Overall, we found that cedar exhibited a strategy of stress resistance and growth recovery (resilience) from moderate drought and flood stress. Fir, on the other hand, appears to be adapted to avoid drought and flood stress and exhibited overall lower growth resilience. In drought treatments, we found evidence of different stomatal behaviors. Cedar used available water quickly and therefore experienced more drought stress than fir but cedar was able to survive at water potentials > 3MPa below key hydraulic thresholds. On the other hand, fir employed a more conservative water use strategy and therefore avoided extremely low water potential. In response to flood treatments, cedar survival was higher and only reached 50% if exposed to 23.1days of flooding in contrast to only 7.4days to reach 50% mortality for fir. In both droughts and floods, many stressed cedar were able to maintain partially brown canopies and often survived the stress, albeit with reduced growth, suggesting a strategy of resistance and resilience. In contrast, fir that experienced drought or flood stress had a threshold-type responses and they either had full live canopies with little effect on growth or they died suggesting reliance on a strategy of drought avoidance. Combined with increasingly variable precipitation regimes, seasonal flooding, and complex microtopography that can provide safe sites in these forests, these results inform conservation and management of lowland cedar stands.

Deciphering anhydrobiosis and plant parasitism of the wheat seed gall nematode, Anguina tritici through transcriptomic analysis

The wheat seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici L.) poses a significant threat to wheat and barley production. Central to its survival is the ability to endure desiccation through anhydrobiosis, setting it apart from other nematodes. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing anhydrobiosis and plant parasitism in A. tritici is crucial for devising effective management strategies. A comprehensive transcriptomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the genetic pathways involved in these processes. Employing next-generation sequencing technologies, gene expression profiling was performed across three developmental stages, namely anhydrobiotic J2, revived J2 and the adult. Transcriptomic profiling yielded 139,002 transcripts in anhydrobiotic J2s, 156,731 in revived J2s, and 80,282 in adult stages, with a cumulative assembly size of 133.2 Mb. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that 1223 genes were significantly upregulated whereas 1934 genes were downregulated in anhydrobiotic J2s in comparison to revived J2s. Comparative transcriptomic analysis across nematode species highlighted conserved and species-specific genes. Functional annotation identified key genes associated with anhydrobiosis, plant parasitism, glycosylation, and longevity mechanisms. Real-time PCR validation corroborated differential expression patterns. The present study provides gene homologs and longevity pathways, which indicate similarity of the mechanism of dauer larva formation and survival strategies to that of Caenorhabditis elegans. Comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis for survival and parasitic strategies of A. tritici, shall provide potential targets for novel control interventions to mitigate nematode's impact on wheat crops.

Temperature-dependent akinete formation strategies of the harmful cyanobacterium Dolichospermum circinale

Cyanobacteria from the orders Nostocales and certain Stigonematales form akinetes, spore-like dormant cells that allow them to survive adverse environmental conditions. Temperature is known to be one of the key factors affecting akinete formation, but there is currently little known about akinete formation during cell growth over a wide range of temperature conditions and its relation to the overall survival strategy of cyanobacteria. Therefore, in the current study, we conducted a temperature-controlled experiment to analyze the akinete formation of a harmful cyanobacterium Dolichospurmum circinale using a growth chamber. We measured the concentration and size of both vegetative cells and different types of akinetes (free, attached, and empty type) under varying temperatures (5–25 °C). We also analyzed the buoyant ability and vertical migration velocity of trichomes along with changes in the volume of vegetative cells and akinetes. The total akinete concentration and ratio (number of akinetes to total number of cells) were both found to be higher at high temperatures (20–25°C) than they were at low temperatures (5–10°C) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the rate of formation of akinetes (both free and attached akinetes) was highest at low temperature (10 °C) and decreased with increasing temperature. The rate of empty akinete formation increased with increasing temperature and was highest at 25°C, indicating that most of the akinetes produced under high temperature conditions germinated. The change in vegetative cell size was proportional to the increase in the growth rate in response to increasing temperature (p<0.05). At high temperature, vegetative cells exhibited positive buoyancy and higher vertical migration velocity, while at low temperature, they exhibited negative buoyancy and relatively low migration velocity. Akinete size was larger at low temperature than it was at high temperature. These findings suggest that akinetes play an important role in maintaining populations in the water column, with a link between akinete formation and germination during summer cyanobacteria blooms. This information is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the D. circinale life cycle.

Whole-genome sequence analysis of morphological changes in Haemophilus influenzae after beta-lactam exposure

This report describes mutations in genes responsible for cell deformities in haemophili under beta-lactam pressure in vitro. Light and transmission electron microscopy confirmed a hypothesis regarding changes in the shape of haemophili that had become more filamentous in the presence of ampicillin (2 mg/L) and cefuroxime (8 mg/L) after 30 days of serial passage. Short-axis size increased by 28% (from 0.767 to 1.06 µm) and long-axis length increased by 54% (from 1 to 2.175 µm). Additionally, whole-genome sequencing analysis (Illumina platform, software PROKKA) revealed a variety of mutations in genes responsible for cell morphology in isolates examined in this study: ftsI (A1576 → C; G1154 → C; T986 → C; G1684 → C), mreB (C476 → T), mreC (A5 → G), mrdA (A1148 → G; C179 → T; G1613 → T), mrdB (T668 → G), mltC (C1016 → T) and rodA (T668 → G). The results of this study indicate that shifts in bacterial shape could play a role in the adaptation of haemophili to a new niche created by beta-lactams as a strategy of antibiotic therapy survival.