Taxonomic Characteristics Research Articles

Species identification and morphological trait diversity assessment in ryegrass (Lolium spp.) populations from the Texas Blackland Prairies

AbstractRyegrass (Lolium spp.) is a troublesome weed in major wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production regions in the United States. High diversity and adaptive potential are known to contribute to its success as a weed species and also create difficulties in correct species identification in fields. The objective of this research was to characterize diversity for 16 different morphological traits among 56 Lolium populations collected from wheat production fields across the Texas Blackland Prairies region and identify Lolium species based on taxonomic characteristics. Populations were highly diverse (both at inter- and intrapopulation levels) for the traits studied, and a taxonomic comparison with USDA-GRIN reference samples revealed that all the populations were variants of Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] with a few offtypes of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or probable hybrids between the two species. Hierarchical clustering grouped the populations into six clusters based on their similarities for the morphological traits investigated. Principal component analysis showed that the variability for yield traits greatly contributed to the total diversity. Pre-flowering plant height (stage 10 on Feekes scale) was positively correlated with tiller count, shoot biomass, and spike count, but not with total seed count per plant, whereas plant height at maturity (stage 11.3 to 11.4 on Feekes scale) was highly correlated with total seeds per plant. Further, basal node color was positively correlated with plant growth habit, regrowth rate, and leaf color. Leaf blade width was positively correlated with survival to pinoxaden and multiple herbicides, whereas, spike count was negatively correlated with survival to mesosulfuron. The high levels of intra- as well as interpopulation variability documented in this study indicate the potential of this species to rapidly adapt to herbicides and emphasize the need for implementing diverse management tactics, including the integration of harvest weed seed control.

Analysis of landscape areas on the territory of secondary school #19 of the city of Yoshkar-Ola

The research object is the territory of the secondary school #19 of the city of Yoshkar-Ola. The topicality of the research is determined by the necessity to reconstruct the existing landscape areas on this territory. For the project “The reconstruction of landscaped areas and improvements on the territory of the secondary school #19”, the authors have reviewed the landscaped areas. The analysis uses complete enumeration based on mensurational description. During the analysis, the authors defined species, taxonomic characteristics, sanitary and hygienic and esthetic values of each taxon. 290 woody plants were examined. Based on the acquired data, the authors analyzed the current landscaped areas on the territory and formulated the following conclusions: the density of plantations is much lower than the recommended values; the authors noticed only the traces of a green fence. However, the average values of the sanitary condition are 2 and 1, which means that the landscaped areas are in a good condition, and the species composition is in line with recommendations. Due to the fact that the school territory radius is 2 km, the condition of landscaped areas requires special attention. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the fact that the landscaped areas on territory in question need to be reconstructed.   

Fungal mycelial mats used as textile by indigenous people of North America

ABSTRACT The indigenous people of the United States and Canada long have used forest fungi for food, tinder, medicine, paint, and many other cultural uses. New information about historical uses of fungi continues to be discovered from museums as accessions of fungi and objects made from fungi collected over the last 150+ years are examined and identified. Two textiles thought to be made from fungal mats are located in the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, and the Oakland Museum of California. Scanning electron microscopy and DNA sequencing were used to attempt to identify the fungus that produced the mats. Although DNA sequencing failed to yield a taxonomic identification, microscopy and characteristics of the mycelial mats suggest that the mats were produced by Laricifomes officinalis. This first report of fungal mats used for textile by indigenous people of North America will help to alert museum curators and conservators as well as mycological researchers to their existence and hopefully lead to more items being discovered that have been made from fungal fabric.

Information databases - the basis for the formation of the adaptive pest control systems in the ampelocenoses of the Crimea

Currently plant protection undergoes a period of active digitalization, which effects the most diverse aspects of its activity and involves the formation of phytosanitary databases, electronic detectors, the use of digital intelligence (creation and training of neural networks), software development, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, automatic agrometeorological stations, etc., and in general, the creation of decision -making support systems. The development of information databases is the first and very important stage in the creation of a decision-making system, which allows tracking long-term and seasonal changes in the structure of biota of agrocenoses with the necessary reliability, predicting phytosanitary risks, developing adaptive systems of protection, as well as promptly and reasonably making adjustments to them. In 2015-2019 on fruit-bearing industrial plantations of primary viticultural zones of the Crimea – the Southern Coast, Mountain-Valley, South-West and Central Steppe zones, the study of structures of entomo-, acaro- and pathocomplexes of grapes was carried out. Vineyards of wine and table cultivars typical for each region were selected for observations. The development of more than 20 fungal and bacterial diseases, affecting the above-ground and underground organs of grape plants was confirmed. We obtained new data on zonal features of formation and changing of pathocomplexes of Crimean ampelocenoses, their structure, different pathogen frequency index values and the intensity of damage to the vegetative and generative organs of grape plants. Thus, we accumulated the material for the formation of information database on the structure of zonal pathocomplexes of Crimean ampelocenoses. Basing on the results of study of the structure of zonal complexes of arthropod pests of grapevine, the information database "The structure of entomoacarocomplexes of ampelocenosis phytophages of primary zones of the Crimean viticulture" (AAAA-G20-620051990003-5) was developed and contained the annotated list of 55 species of phytophages of grapes. The database includes data on the comparative characteristics of zonal complexes of ampelocenosis phytophages of the Crimea in terms of species abundance, taxonomic and ecological characteristics, as well as the frequency of occurrence of the species studied.

Structural development of tourist recreational spaces in Siberia (on the example of Krasnoyarsk Krai)

The goal of this article lies in the analysis of the natural peculiarities of Krasnoyarsk Krai that comprise the tourist recreational potential of Siberia on the example of the Putorana State Natural Reserve, which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. Research methodology employs the theoretical methods of analysis, generalization and synthesis of scientific methods with the use of data from scientific sources. The main results of the conducted research are as follows: 1) classification of tourist recreational zones by typological and taxonomic characteristics; 2) substantiation of the forms and types of tourism and recreation in the conditions of specially protected natural areas. The acquired results can be implemented in planning the efficient utilization of natural resources in Krasnoyarsk Krai and Siberian regions that have natural heritage sites. The scientific novelty and conclusions are associated with determination of natural resources of Krasnoyarsk Krai attractive for the development of tourism and recreational activities; as well as analysis and substantiation of the forms and types of tourism and recreation that are geared towards the vector of activity of natural heritage sites (specially protected natural areas) located in the region. It is noted that the measures carried out for organizing tourist recreational activity, without taking into account the peculiarities of functionality of natural heritage sites, increase the risks of anthropogenic impact and require constant monitoring and control of their implementation.

ДОПОВНЕННЯ ДО СПОНТАННОЇ ФЛОРИ БОТАНІЧНОГО САДУ ІМЕНІ АКАД. О. В. ФОМІНА

The results of the inventory of wild plants in the territory of O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden in 2021 are given. For the needs of the research, an online project "Biota of the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden (Kyiv)" has been launched. Historic milestones and latest achievements in the study of spontaneous flora of the Botanical garden are characterized. The tendency towards the increase in number of vascular plant species is noted. Specifically, in the middle of the 20th century there were reported 220 species of vascular plants for the Botanical garden territory, in the early 21st century there were 245 species (2005) and 314 species from 215 genera and 65 families (2008). In 2015, 347 species from 223 genera, 67 families, 4 classes and 3 divisions were noted. According to the results of the study in 2021, 115 new plants were found by the authors of the article in spontaneous flora of the Botanical garden. The list of new taxa, their habitat and date of discovery, as well as the authorship of the findings are given. For the first time, 4 taxa of alien plants were found for the flora of Ukraine: Arabis procurrens, Lactuca sibirica, Polanisia dodecandra subsp. trachysperma and Talinum paniculatum. Their main morphological, taxonomic and geographical characteristics are briefly described, information on the naturalization of these taxa in other countries is given. For the first time for the flora of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe and the urban flora of Kyiv the following are given: Cymbalaria muralis, Cyperus glomeratus, Phedimus stoloniferus, Ranunculus acris subsp. friesianus, Tradescantia × andersoniana. Additionally, during the research there were identified 29 introduced plants with high naturalization rates that need further monitoring. Their list and features of naturalization are given. According to the results of the study, a complete list of the spontaneous flora of the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden includes 524 taxa from 291 genera and 71 families.

Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses reveal distinct stage-specific phenotypes of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide affects over a quarter of a million people each year. Most sporadic CRCs develop through formation of polypoid adenomas and are preceded by intramucosal carcinoma (Stage 0), which can progress into malignant forms. Detection of early cancers and their endoscopic removal are priorities for cancer control. Human gut microbiome has been associated to CRC development, and its comprehensive characterization is of a great importance to assess its potential as a diagnostic marker. We performed whole shotgun metagenomic sequencing and CE-TOFMS-based metabolomic studies on fecal samples collected from 616 participants undergoing colonoscopy to assess taxonomic and functional characteristics of gut microbiota and metabolites. As a result, microbiome and metabolite shifts were apparent in cases of multiple polypoid adenomas (MP) and Stage 0, in addition to more advanced lesions (Stage I/II and Stage III/IV). Two distinct patterns of microbiome elevations were found (P<0.005). First, CRC-associated species including Fusobacterium nucleatum were elevated continuously from Stage 0 to more advanced stages. Second, Atopobium parvulum and Actinomyces odontolyticus, which co-occurred in Stage 0, were elevated only in MP and/or in Stage 0. Metabolome analyses showed elevation of branched-chain amino acids and phenylalanine in Stage 0 and bile acids including deoxycholate in MP and/or Stage 0. Metagenomic functional analyses showed amino acid metabolism and sulfide producing pathways were associated with CRCs. Our study indicates possible etiological and diagnostic significance of fecal microbiota and metabolite in the very early stages of CRC (Yachida et al., Nature Medicine 2019).

RUDBECKIA FULGIDA(ASTERACEAE), A NEW ERGASIOPHYGOPHYTE OF UKRAINIAN FLORA

The main centers of introductionof RudbeckiafulgidaAit. (Asteraceae) in Ukraine are M.M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine, Botanical Garden of Uzhgorod National University, Yu. Fed’kovych Chernivtsi National Univer-sity, Acad. O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden of the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National Universit, Taras Shevchenko Lugansk Na-tional Pedagogical University, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University and probably others and numerous private gardens. Data aboutfloristic records ofR. fulgida,a new alien species in Ukrainian flora are reported.Asescapedplants theywererecordedinseverallocalitetsin the country: firstly –in 2015 in vicinity of vill. Barashivka of Zhytomyr District of Zhytomyr Region and in 2021 –in Uzhgorod сity (some localitets in the town) and vicinity of vill. Barvinok of Uzhgorod District of Transcarpathian Region.Short taxonomical and morphological characteristics, chorological data(primary and secondary areas),ecologicaland coenoticpeculiarities are given.The species is included in to the section Rudbeckiа оf the genus Rudbeckiа L.Theplants is herbaceous, perennial, withrhizome. The species has North Americanorigin; according ways of entry it is ergasiohyte; according to degree of naturalization it is ergasiophigophyte.Mainly, plants grew in unformed plantcommunities.Theschematic map of distribution of the species in Ukraine, as well as in culture and as escaped plants, is presented

On the new (2021) Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients of various groups of the population of the Russian Federation

The article presents the main provisions of the new "Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation" developed and approved in accordance with the established procedure, accumulating the latest fundamental knowledge and world and domestic experience, that determine the values of physiological requirements in nutrients and energy sources, adequate levels of consumption of micronutrients and biologically active substances with an established physiological effect. In the Norms the conceptual apparatus has been expanded and updated, several terms and definitions to them (nutriome, intestinal microbiome, trans-isomers of fatty acids, critical nutrients, edible salt, glycemic index of food products, etc.) have been introduced. Changes have been made to the age periodization of the child and adult population of the Russian Federation, as well as adjustments in the differentiation of the population by the level of physical activity (4 groups for men and women). Taking into account these data, the recommendations on the proportion of macronutrients in the calorie content of the daily diet have been adjusted. The levels of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients have been clarified, depending on the physical activity of the population, including vitamins and mineral substances for both men and women, including period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children of different ages. For the first time, recommendations are included to reduce the intake of critical nutrients for health (dietary salt, added sugars, trans-isomeric fatty acids), based on data from modern meta-analyzes on the negative health effects of their excessive intake. Recommendations on the consumption of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids by children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, have been significantly expanded; adequate dietary intake of plant sterols have been introduced for the first time; while adequate dietary intake of certain phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, polymeric phenolic compounds and stilbenes) were specified. For the first time, the Norms include recommended levels of water (drinks) consumption to maintain the body's water balance under optimal environmental conditions for adult men and women at different levels of physical activity, for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. For the first time in world practice, a complex of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the reference intestinal microbiome is presented, including modern taxonomic and functional characteristics that give an conception of microbiota phenotype in adults with a normal body mass index.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ВИДОВОЙ ПРИНАДЛЕЖНОСТИ ЛИСТВЕННИЦЫ В ЕВРЕЙСКОЙ АВТОНОМНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ И ОЦЕНКА ЕЕ ФИТОСАНИТАРНОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ

At present, it is especially acute to study valuable forest species at the genetic level in order to ensure their safety, species identification and the origin of wood control. Larch (Larix) is one of the ecologically and economically important conifers in our country. Preservation and study of the forest plant species genetic diversity anywhere, including the Jewish Autonomous Region (EAO), is one of the fundamental challenges of modern botany, ecology, genetics and dendrology. In the article, the author analyzes samples of larch stand needles collected in the Jewish Autonomous Region. Using the necessary loci, selected by means of the genetic method, the author analyzed features of the Larix gmelinii and Larix sibirica species [4] No less urgent is the problem of plant damage by phytopathogens. A phytopathogen is a causative agent of plant disease that releases biologically active substances that have a detrimental effect on metabolism, affecting the root system, disrupting the function of chloroplasts, growth processes, and the supply of nutrients. Violation of metabolism in plant cells and organs, resulted in their productivity decrease or complete death, leads to the disruption of populations’ integrity and causes enormous harm to both agricultural crops and forest-forming species. This work shows the results of analysis of the larch plantations phytosanitary state and the percentage of healthy and affected plantations in the regions. The comprehensive laboratory analysis has shown that the laboratory methods successfully complement each other. It is possible to give a complete and correct description of taxonomic and biological characteristics of a phytopathogen using simultaneously several laboratory techniques for its identification. Ultimately, it should be of help in the development of methods for combating pathogens.

PTERÓPODOS Y HETERÓPODOS DEL GOLFO DE GUAYAQUIL

From the analysis of 17 zooplankton samples, taken in the Gulf of Guayaquil, from 4 cruises corresponding to May 1973, February 1978, March 1982 and November 1983; 5 species of Pteropods and 2 of Heteropods were found, which are: Creseis chierchiae, C. virgula, C. acicula, Limacina trochiformis. L. inflata, Atlanta gaudichaudi and A. lesueuri.A general morphological description of the organism is given, highlighting its most important taxonomic characteristics of the species and are complemented with some ecological preferences of each one of them.a map with the stations of the different cruises and two tables showing the position and presence of the species in the different years are presented.

Cyathus striatus: a new record from Arunachal Pradesh and a checklist of Bird’s nest fungi in India

Twenty four species of Bird's nest fungi belonging to four genera, namely Crucibulum, Cyathus, Nidula and Sphaerobolus have been reported from India with most of the reports were from Northeastern states in the Eastern Himalaya region that is well recognized for its rich biodiversity. Among these genera, Cyathus is the largest genus with 61 species documented so far in the world including 17 species from India. So far, only Cyathus poeppigii has been reported from the Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh. In the present paper, another newly recorded species Cyathus striatus, is reported with its detail taxonomic characteristics. It produces comparatively smaller basidiocarps than the earlier reported collection from Darjeeling (West Bengal). Further, the basidiospores are thin walled but comparatively larger in size. The paper also lists all Bird's nest fungi from India with detailed information.

Isolation and Culture Conditions Optimization of a New Bacterial Cellulose Producing Strain Komagataeibacter intermedius 6-5

A strain producing bacterial cellulose (BC) screened from Shanxi millet fermented vinegar was identified as Komagataeibacter intermedius 6-5 by the examination of taxonomic characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Then, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum showed that pellicles produced by strain K. intermedius 6-5 had the same spectral characteristics as typical BC. Box-Behnken experiments studied used pear residue as a medium, the fermentation conditions of strain K. intermedius 6-5. The results showed that the optimal fermentation conditions were: glucose additive amount 3.62% (w/v), citric acid additive amount 0.45% (w/v), inoculation amount 9.39% (v/v). The BC yield was as high as (11.54 ± 0.42) g/L after seven days of culture at a natural pH and 30°C under static cultivation conditions.

The main taxonomic features of the causative agents of urinary tract infections and a description of their variability

After evaluating the microbial landscape of the cultured microorganisms, they analyzed and evaluated the results of Scientific work on taxonomic traits and their changes, ie the manifestation of atypical traits that are not specific to the species. We found it necessary to differentiate each generation and species separately in order to facilitate the evaluation of the results obtained, to characterize the taxonomic characteristics of the grown pathogens, and to strengthen the identification results.

New species of Hassalstrongylus (Trichostrongyloidea: Heligmonellidae) in the large-headed rice rat Hylaeamys seuanezi, in the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil.

A new species of Trichostrongyloidea (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae), Hassalstrongylus lauroi n. sp., is described from specimens collected from the small intestine of the rodent Hylaeamys seuanezi in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil (Igrapiúna, state of Bahia). The genus Hassalstrongylus includes 17 species, which parasitize rodents occurring in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. It differs from the genus Stilestrongylus through its smaller number of ridges in the synlophe and through the size of the genital cone. The main taxonomic characteristics of this new species are the subsymmetrical caudal bursa of type 2-2-1, ray 8 branching out at the base of the dorsal trunk, right lobe smaller than the left, and rays 4 and 5 of robust nature. In addition, the ornamental ray 5 and the robustness of ray 4 on the male caudal bursa, along with the modification of the ridges of the posterior end of the female, allow us to consider the specimens found to be a new species.

Taxonomic Characteristics of Vegetative Organs for Invasive Species of Reynoutria Hook.

Species of the genus Reynoutria Hook. were originally intentionally introduced from East Asia and in the twentieth century, three of them were successfully naturalized in Europe: R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, R. japonica Houtt. and their cultigenous hybrid R. × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtkova, which arose in the secondary distributional range of the parent species. As the taxa of the genus Reynoutria bloom very late, in late September-October, the characteristics of their leaves – shape, and type of pubescence – are mainly used as diagnostic ones. Identification of the species is often difficult, so this paper aims to identify diagnostic characters of their leaves in the secondary distribution range. Spontaneous invasive populations in Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, and Russia have been investigated. Comparisons have been made with plants growing in the natural range in Japan. Morphological characters were studied using a Keyence VHX-1000E digital microscope and an LEO 1430 VP scanning microscope. R. sachalinensis was found to be well distinguished from other species by its larger leaves with a heart-shaped base and a non-retracted apex. On the underside of the leaf, there are long uniseriate filiform trichomes along the lateral veins or outside the veins and peltate glands with 4-, 6- or 8-cell heads. For R. × bohemica, the presence of unicellular conical trichomes on the midrib was found to be a diagnostic feature in plants growing in Middle Russia (but not always) and is not applicable to plants from Czech populations, from which this species was actually described! In the taxonomic description of R. japonica, it has been suggested that the maximum height of the shoots should be significantly reduced (from 3 m to 1 m), as in the natural range this taxon has prostrate shoots. Plants of the secondary range with tall shoots are likely to be really R. × bohemica hybrids. It has been suggested that in Eastern Europe R. japonica grows generally very rare and predominantly in culture, and the information about most plants from invasive populations described in the literature as R. japonica should in fact be attributed to the hybrid complex R. × bohemica.

Influence of some antibiotics and sulfonamides on the microbiological background of the Baikal seal

The results of microbiological studies of the material taken from the diseased seal are presented. The taxonomic characteristics of microorganisms, their virulence and antibiotic resistance were studied. Treatment measures were developed and performed. It was found that the seal has the following types of microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus; Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus warneri; Proteus vulgaris; Clostridium perfringens, Proteushauseri, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Plesiomonas shigelloides . All pathogens isolated from the seals were sensitive to 60.3% of antibiotics (ampicillin, cefuroxime, cefixime, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, furadonin, Ceftriaxone, vancomycin) and resistant to 39.7% of antibiotics, two representatives of cephalosporins (cefaclor and ceftazidim) and ticarcillin.

Особливості визначення естетичної цінності соснових насаджень в лісах зеленої зони міста Києва

Recreational properties of forests largely depend on their aesthetic appeal. The aesthetic value of pine forests changes throughout the life cycle of plantations and is determined by their taxonomic and phytocenotic features, sanitary condition, as well as the ornamentality of each individual tree. The sanitary condition of forests and forest parks is due to a number of factors, including the adaptation of plant organisms and phytocenoses to environmental conditions, in example individual and group resilience, as well as timely care. The need for forecasting is related to this is, as well as planning, timely economic activities to maintain and increase the aesthetic and recreational value of the plantations. The article reveals some methodological and practical aspects of determining the aesthetic value of pine plantations based on the results of research conducted in Darnytsia state forestry enterprise. This company is located in the northeastern and eastern parts of Kyiv. The relationship between indicators of aesthetic value of plantations and their taxonomical and phytocoenotical characteristics, which are determined during forest management, in particular, age, sanitary condition and stage of recreational digression, is analyzed. The necessity of realization of the complex approach concerning carrying out of an aesthetic estimation of wood and forest park plantings within the territories of green zones with application of a number of well tested methods is shown. The taxonomical and phytocoenotical scale of aesthetic assessment of phytocenoses is used, as well as the scale of sociological aesthetic assessment developed for the study of natural areas for the purpose of protection. It is proposed to pay special attention to the formation and preservation of natural regeneration under the canopy of the mother trees, because the implementation of continuous sanitary felling with the subsequent creation of plantations reduces the aesthetic value by 40-50 %. At the same time, the preservation of old-growth forest (even with a reducing of stand density) does not significantly affect the reduction of this indicator (not more than 10-20 %). In order to achieve and maintain a high level of aesthetic and recreational value of plantations, economic activities in the forests of green areas of cities must be evaluated and planned not only by economic but also by a set of environmental, aesthetic and recreational indicators.

Effects of anthropogenic pollution and hydrological variation on macroinvertebrates in Mediterranean rivers: A case-study in the upper Tagus river basin (Spain)

Seasonal hydrological variation and chemical pollution represent two main drivers of freshwater biodiversity change in Mediterranean rivers. We investigated to what extent low flow conditions can modify the effects of chemical pollution on macroinvertebrate communities. To that purpose, we selected twelve sampling sites in the upper Tagus river basin (central Spain) having different sources of chemical pollution and levels of seasonal hydrological variation. The sites were classified as natural (high flow variation, low chemical impact), agricultural (high flow variation, high agricultural chemical inputs) and urban (limited flow variation, high urban chemical inputs). In these sites, we measured daily water discharge, nutrients, and contaminant concentrations, and we sampled benthic macroinvertebrates, in spring, summer and autumn. Significant differences related to toxic pressure and nutrient concentrations were observed between the three groups of sites. Seasonal patterns were found for some water quality parameters (e.g. nitrites, ammonia, suspended solids, metal toxicity), particularly in agricultural sites. Taxonomic and functional richness were slightly lower in the polluted sites (agricultural and urban), particularly during low flow periods (summer and early autumn). Functional diversity was significantly lower in sites with seasonal flow variation (agricultural sites) as compared to the more constant ones (urban sites). The frequency of traits such as large size, asexual reproduction, aquatic passive dispersion and the production of cocoons increased in response to pollution during low flow periods. This study shows that the impacts of anthropogenic chemical pollution on taxonomic and functional characteristics of macroinvertebrate communities seem to be larger during low flow periods. Therefore, further studies and monitoring campaigns assessing the effects of chemical pollution within these periods are recommended.

A Recent Insight Regarding the Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil.

Origanum vulgare L. is a widely used aromatic plant, especially due to its content in essential oil, mainly rich in carvacrol and thymol. The ethnopharmacological uses of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) comprise digestive, respiratory, or dermatological disorders. The review focuses on the increasing number of recent studies investigating several biological activities of OEO. The bioactivities are in tight relation to the phytochemical profile of the essential oil, and also depend on taxonomic, climatic, and geographical characteristics of the plant material. The antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, skin disorders beneficial effects, next to antihyperglycemic and anti-Alzheimer activities were reported and confirmed in multiple studies. Moreover, recent studies indicate a positive impact on skin disorders of OEO formulated as nanocarrier systems in order to improve its bioavailability and, thus, enhancing its therapeutic benefits. The review brings an up to date regarding the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, underlining also the most successful pharmaceutical formulation used for skin disorders.