Syndrome Traits Research Articles

Philomatry in plants: why do so many species have limited seed dispersal?

Many have noted limited seed dispersal of plants in diverse environments and attempted evolutionary explanations for it. Although philopatric ("love of fatherland") is used by zoologists to describe organisms that remain near their place of origin, philomatric ("love of motherland") is proposed as more appropriate for plants because seeds develop on the maternal parent, fecundity and dispersal are maternally influenced characteristics, and the term dovetails with the mother-site hypothesis (MSH) for the evolution of restricted dispersal. Proximate reasons for philomatry include intrinsic drivers such as morphological features of diaspores and where on the maternal parent they are produced. Extrinsic drivers include local environmental conditions, surrounding vegetation, and ineffective dispersal agents. The MSH proposes that selection should favor philomatry in a population adapted to a particular habitat because offspring will likewise be adapted to that same habitat. Several studies show philomatry can mitigate distance-dependent costs of dispersing into surrounding inhospitable areas. Undispersed diaspores can eliminate energetic costs of accessory structures or biochemicals needed by dispersible diaspores, but it is unclear whether these costs are significant to the evolution of philomatry. Disadvantages of limited dispersal are inability to escape deteriorating habitat conditions, inability to colonize new habitats, and inbreeding among offspring. Heterocarpic species offset these disadvantages by producing dispersed plus undispersed diaspores. A conceptual framework is presented relating dispersal distance to the probability of seedling establishment. Future research should recognize dispersal as a covarying syndrome of multiple life history traits and focus on ecological selection agents that favor philomatry.

NEW APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF BURNOUT SYNDROME OF CIVIL SERVANTS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES)

The article is devoted to the problem of researching the syndrome of professional burnout among civil servants on the example of representatives of law enforcement officers. The main aspects of positive psychology are considered and a new approach to the study of the above-mentioned phenomenon among this category of employees is substantiated. The latest psychodiagnostic inventory "Values in Action" was used in the study to identify "positive" character traits taking into account universal human virtues and individual psychological features (personal values/virtues that included in the classification of this technique are the following: wisdom, courage , humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence), developed by American scientists M. Seligman and K. Petersen, as well as methods for determining the presence of phases or symptoms of professional burnout syndrome and personality traits of law enforcement officers. It has been found that neuroticism, shyness, depression and emotional lability are characteristic of the subjects at the first stage of burnout syndrome, stress phase. At the stage of resistance, the second phase of professional burnout, law enforcement officers exhibit such properties as neuroticism, spontaneous aggressiveness, depression, irritability, reactive aggressiveness, shyness, openness and emotional lability. At the phase of exhaustion, the last stage of burnout syndrome, there is an aggravation of all personal characteristics of law enforcement officers, which were inherent for the previous two components of professional burnout – stress phase and resistance phase. There are statistically significant negative correlations between value "Humanity" and stress phase, as well as between exhaustion phase and such virtues as "Wisdom", "Courage", "Humanity".

Therapeutic Interventions of Novel SGLT2 Inhibitors Against Metabolic Disorders: Transforming the Association into Perspectives.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an emerging group of therapeutic agents that show their tremendous glucose lowering activity without producing hypoglycemia, which is one of the major drawbacks of existing antidiabetic therapy. Comprehensive literature was searched in English using electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, Scopus and Embase. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce blood glucose levels by producing glucosuria via insulin-independent pathway. The major mechanism by which SGLT2 inhibitors are involved in glucose homeostasis is to prevent the reabsorption of glucose in the proximal convoluted tubule and increase glucose excretion in the urine. Deterioration of β-cells, impairment of functions and development of insulin resistance do not affect the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce HbA1c, ameliorate glycemic control and control body weight. SGLT2 inhibitors can block Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) 1 and play a significant role in treatment of heart failure especially in diabetic patients. They have also positive effects on different metabolic syndromes which cumulatively ameliorate the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. SGLT2 inhibitors can improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and improving renal microvasculature up to its original state. The increase in triglyceride level has a strong relationship with coronary artery disease in diabetic patients when combined with other indicators of metabolic disorders while SGLT2 inhibitors cause a significant reduction in plasma triglyceride level in diabetic patients. We have comprehensively summarized the features, mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors and their impact on various metabolic syndrome traits, including diabetic condition, renal dysfunctioning, arterial stiffness, hypertension, lipid profile and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review to examine the safety, efficacy and therapeutic properties of SGLT2 inhibitors in renal and diabetic patients.

Root phosphatase activity aligns with the collaboration gradient of the root economics space.

The adoption of diverse resource acquisition strategies is critical for plant growth and species coexistence. Root phosphatase is of particular importance in the acquisition of soil phosphorus (P), yet it is often overlooked in studies of root trait syndromes. Here, we evaluated the role of root phosphatase activity (RPA) within the root economics space and the order-based variation of RPA, as well as the correlations between RPA and a suite of leaf traits and soil properties over a range of evergreen tree species in a subtropical forest. Root phosphatase activity exhibited a high degree of inter-specific variation. We found that there were two leading dimensions of the multidimensional root economics space, the root diameter-specific root length axis (collaboration trait gradient) and the root tissue density-root nitrogen concentration axis (classical trait gradient), and RPA aligned with the former. Root phosphatase activity is used as a 'do it yourself' strategy of soil P acquisition, and was found to be inversely correlated with mycorrhizal colonization, which suggests a trade-off in plant P acquisition strategies. Compared with soil and foliar nutrient status, root traits mattered most for the large inter-specific changes in RPA. Furthermore, RPA generally decreased from first- to third-order roots. Taken together, such diverse P-acquisition strategies are conducive to plant coexistence within local forest communities. The use of easily measurable root traits and their tight correlations with RPA could be a feasible and promising approach to estimating species-specific RPA values, which would be helpful for better understanding plant P acquisition and soil P cycling.

Association between circulating microRNAs and the metabolic syndrome in adult populations: A systematic review

BackgroundCirculating microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the most abundant classes of gene regulatory molecules, and had been associated to the metabolic syndrome, higher BMI, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. In this sense, miRNAs could help to understand the mechanism behind the development of metabolic syndrome. ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between circulating microRNAs and the metabolic syndrome in adult population. MethodsWe performed a systematic review according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and following the PRISMA Statement. The results were grouped for miRNAs levels in MetS and metabolic variables included in MetS and their statistic association with miRNAs levels. ResultsWe finally included sixteen studies with a total of 7195 individuals. We found 47 miRNAs reported to be related to metabolic syndrome (p < 0,05) and 98 associated with the metabolic alterations included in its diagnostic (p < 0,05). Forty-nine miRNAs levels were described as relate to insulin resistance, 29 with high triglycerides, 35 with hypertension, 28 with obesity, and 16 miRNAs with cholesterol HDL(p < 0,05). Changes in levels of miR-505-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-19b-3p, miR-320b, miR-342-3p, miR-197-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-103, miR-130a, miR-155-5p and miR-375, were reported as significant in more than one study. The results only included a descriptive synthesis, clinical heterogeneity did not allow a meta-analysis. ConclusionThe findings on the current systematic review suggests a possible relationship between miRNAs with metabolic syndrome and metabolic traits. This association could help to understand the mechanism behind the develop of the metabolic syndrome. However, more studies are necessary for further validation.

Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species.

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the functional traits of leaves (leaflets) of cycads. The aim of this study was to clarify the functional divergence between the earlier origin Cycadaceae and the later differentiated Zamiaceae, and the differences in trait associations between cycads and angiosperms. We selected 20 Cycadaceae species and 21 Zamiaceae species from the same cycad garden in South China, and measured their leaf structure, economic traits, mechanical resistance (Fp) and leaf water potential at the turgor loss point (πtlp). In addition, we compiled a dataset of geographical distribution along with climatic variables for these cycad species, and some leaf traits of tropical-sub-tropical angiosperm woody species from the literature for comparison. The results showed significantly contrasting leaf trait syndromes between the two families, with Zamiaceae species exhibiting thicker leaves, higher carbon investments and greater Fp than Cycadaceae species. Leaf thickness (LT) and πtlp were correlated with mean climatic variables in their native distribution ranges, indicating their evolutionary adaptation to environmental conditions. Compared with the leaves of angiosperms, the cycad leaves were thicker and tougher, and more tolerant to desiccation. Greater Fp was associated with a higher structural investment in both angiosperms and cycads; however, cycads showed lower Fp at a given leaf mass per area or LT than angiosperms. Enhancement of Fp led to more negative πtlp in angiosperms, but the opposite trend was observed in cycads. Our results reveal that variations in leaf traits of cycads are mainly influenced by taxonomy and the environment of their native range. We also demonstrate similar leaf functional associations in terms of economics, but different relationships with regard to mechanics and drought tolerance between cycads and angiosperms. This study expands our understanding of the ecological strategies and likely responses of cycads to future climate change.

Functional responses of fisheries to hydropower dams in the Amazonian Floodplain of the Madeira River

Abstract Tropical river fisheries support food security for millions of people but are increasingly threatened by hydropower development. How dams affect these fisheries remains poorly known in most regions. Here, we used a functional traits approach to evaluate the extent to which compositions of fishery yields in the Madeira River Basin, the largest sub‐basin in the Amazon, respond to dam construction. We also explored how dams affected the monetary value of yields and fishing‐based income of the communities. We collected fishing data in 17 locations distributed over 300 km across upstream, reservoir and downstream zones during pre‐and post‐dam construction periods. We interviewed 711 fishers from 13 communities to assess fishing income during pre‐ and post‐dam periods. Catch‐per‐unit effort (CPUE) declined significantly, that is, by 37%, after dam construction. Multivariate analysis yielded six species clusters according to trait syndromes related to life history, migration, swimming performance/habitat‐use and economic value that were associated with the environmental data characteristic of pre‐ and post‐dam periods. Comparison of CPUE of each cluster indicated that large species with periodic life‐history strategy and regional or long‐distance migratory behaviour were most affected by dam construction, with CPUE declining by, on average, 31%. Declines in yields and shifts in functional composition of the fishery yields resulted in average decline of 21% in the monetary value of functional clusters and 30% in fishing income. Synthesis and applications. Our study indicates that the implementation of the dams affected the functional composition of yields and reduced catches, negatively affecting the fishing‐based income of communities in the Madeira River. These results imply that hydropower expansion will cause detrimental effects for fisheries and the livelihoods they sustain. Our results underscore the urgent need for considering alternative sources of renewable energy (e.g. solar power and in‐stream turbines) to avoid irreversible socio‐environmental damages of large dam projects. In river reaches where dams are already in operation or under construction, minimizing impacts will require improving operational protocols to reduce hydrological alterations and developing research and technology to improve the functionality of fish passages. In these locations, addressing losses in fishery value and fishing‐based income will also require the implementation of fair compensation measures. Maintaining fish production requires conserving flow pulses and free‐flowing rivers and tributaries critical for completing life cycles of fish species with vulnerable traits.

Propagule pressure and an invasion syndrome determine invasion success in a plant community model.

The success of species invasions depends on multiple factors, including propagule pressure, disturbance, productivity, and the traits of native and non‐native species. While the importance of many of these determinants has already been investigated in relative isolation, they are rarely studied in combination. Here, we address this shortcoming by exploring the effect of the above‐listed factors on the success of invasions using an individual‐based mechanistic model. This approach enables us to explicitly control environmental factors (temperature as surrogate for productivity, disturbance, and propagule pressure) as well as to monitor whole‐community trait distributions of environmental adaptation, mass, and dispersal abilities. We simulated introductions of plant individuals to an oceanic island to assess which factors and species traits contribute to invasion success. We found that the most influential factors were higher propagule pressure and a particular set of traits. This invasion trait syndrome was characterized by a relative similarity in functional traits of invasive to native species, while invasive species had on average higher environmental adaptation, higher body mass, and increased dispersal distances, that is, had greater competitive and dispersive abilities. Our results highlight the importance in management practice of reducing the import of alien species, especially those that display this trait syndrome and come from similar habitats as those being managed.

Putting vascular epiphytes on the traits map

Abstract Plant functional traits impact the fitness and environmental niche of plants. Major plant functional types have been characterized by their trait spectrum, and the environmental and phylogenetic imprints on traits have advanced several ecological fields. Yet, very few trait data on epiphytes, which represent almost 10% of vascular plants, are available. We collated 76,561 trait observations for 2,882 species of vascular epiphytes and compared these to non‐epiphytic herbs and trees to test hypotheses related to how the epiphytic habit affects traits, and if epiphytes occupy a distinct region in the global trait space. We also compared variation in traits among major groups of epiphytes, and investigated the coordination of traits in epiphytes, ground‐rooted herbs and trees. Epiphytes differ from ground‐rooted plants mainly in traits related to water relations. Unexpectedly, we did not find lower leaf nutrient concentrations, except for nitrogen. Mean photosynthetic rates are much lower than in ground‐rooted plants and lower than expected from the nitrogen concentrations. Trait syndromes clearly distinguish epiphytes from trees and from most non‐epiphytic herbs. Among the three largest epiphytic taxa, orchids differ from bromeliads and ferns mainly by having smaller and more numerous stomata, while ferns differ from bromeliads by having thinner leaves, higher nutrient concentrations, and lower water content and water use efficiency. Trait networks differ among epiphytes, herbs and trees. While all have central nodes represented by SLA and mass‐based photosynthesis, in epiphytes, traits related to plant water relations have stronger connections, and nutrients other than potassium have weaker connections to the remainder of the trait network. Whereas stem‐specific density reflects mechanical support related to plant size in herbs and trees, in epiphytes it mostly reflects water storage and scales with leaf water content. Synthesis. Our findings advance our understanding of epiphyte ecology, but we note that currently mainly leaf traits are available. Important gaps are root, shoot and whole plant, demographic and gas exchange traits. We suggest how future research might use available data and fill data gaps.

The hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype as a valuable and integrative mirror of metabolic syndrome traits

Rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular events and cancer, continue to rise worldwide, which require objective instruments for preventive and management actions. Diverse anthropometric and biochemical markers have been used to qualitatively evaluate degrees of disease, metabolic traits and evolution of nutritional status. The aim of this study was to integrate and assess the interactions between an anthropometric measurement, such as waist circumference (WC), and biochemical data, such as the triglyceride glucose index (TyG), in order to individually characterize metabolic syndrome (MetS) features considering the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype as a marker. An ancillary cross-sectional study was conducted using anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, as well as fasting biochemical data of 314 participants. Different indices based on WC (WC, WC*TG and WC*TyG) were estimated to compute MetS components and accompanying comorbidities. ROC curves were fitted to define the strength of the analyses and the validity of the relationships. Associations were confirmed between anthropometric, biochemical and combined indices with some chronic disease manifestations, including hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Both WC*TG and WC*TyG indices showed similar performance in diagnosing MetS (area under the ROC curve = 0.81). Interestingly, when participants were categorized according to a reference value of the WC*TyG index (842.7 cm*mg/dl), our results evidenced that subjects classified over this limit presented statistically higher prevalence of MetS and accompanying individual components with clinical relevance for interventions. These results revealed that WC*TyG mirrors the hypertriglyceridemic phenotype, which suggests may serve as a good indicator to define the metabolic syndrome phenotype and a suitable, sensitive, and simple proxy to complement others. A reference point was proposed with a good clinical performance and maximized sensitivity and specificity values.

APOE ɛ4 Is Associated with Postprandial Inflammation in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome Traits.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism impacts blood lipids and biomarkers of oxidation and inflammation, contributing to an isoform-dependent disease risk. We investigated the effect of the APOE genotype on postprandial metabolism after consumption of three different isoenergetic (4200 kJ) meals in older adults with a CVD risk phenotype. In a randomized crossover study, participants with metabolic syndrome traits (APOE E3, n = 39; E4, n = 10; mean age, 70 ± 5 years; BMI 31.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) consumed a Western-like diet high-fat (WDHF), Western-like diet high-carbohydrate (WDHC), or Mediterranean-like diet (MED) meal. Parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters were analyzed in blood samples collected at fasting and 1–5 h postprandially. Data were analyzed by linear mixed models. The magnitude of the IL-6 increase after the WDHF meal was significantly higher in E4 than in E3 carriers (iAUC: E4 = 7.76 vs. E3 = 2.81 pg/mL × h). The time to detect the IL-6 increase was shorter in the E4 group. All meals produced postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and lipidemia, without differences between the E3 and the E4 groups. IL-1β and oxidized LDL levels did not change postprandially. In conclusion, APOE E4 carriers display increased postprandial inflammation, indicated by higher postprandial IL-6 increase, when compared to non-carriers.

Metabolic syndrome and stone disease.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several pathological medical conditions including hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes, abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia. In the last two decades, MetS has reached an epidemic stage, with an estimated prevalence in the range of 30% among the American adult population and a constant increase for all age categories. The incidence of nephrolithiasis between different geographical areas, ranging 1% to 13%; however, a worldwide increase has been recently reported. There is consistent evidence in the literature both about the association between metabolic syndrome/metabolic syndrome traits and kidney stones. Conversely, less is known about the underlying mechanisms and the complex interplay between metabolic syndrome traits. In this work, we sought to review the literature and to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis, the biological mechanisms linking metabolic syndrome and its trait to stone formation, and stone composition in individuals affected by metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, we would like to stress the concept of "appropriate" dietary habits and lifestyle as a key concept in the prevention of both metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis.

Rapid adaptive responses of rosette-type macrophyte Vallisneria natans juveniles to varying water depths: The role of leaf trait plasticity.

Rosette‐type submerged macrophytes are widely distributed across a range of water depths in shallow lakes and play a key role in maintaining ecosystem structures and functions. However, little is known about the rapid adaptive responses of such macrophytes to variations in water depth, especially at the juvenile stage. Here, we conducted a short‐term in situ mesocosm experiment, in which the juveniles of Vallisneria natans were exposed to a water depth gradient ranging from 20 to 360 cm. Twenty‐two leaf‐related traits were examined after 4 weeks of growth in a shallow lake. Most (18) traits of V. natans generally showed high plasticity in relation to water depth. Specifically, juveniles allocated more biomass to leaves and had higher specific leaf area, leaf length‐to‐width ratio, chlorophyll content, and carotenoids content in deep waters, displaying trait syndrome associated with high resource acquisition. In contrast, V. natans juveniles in shallow waters had higher leaf dry matter content, leaf soluble carbohydrate content, carotenoids per unit chlorophyll, and peroxidase activity, pertaining to resource conservation. Notably, underwater light intensity was found to be the key factor explaining the trait plasticity along the water depth gradient, and 1.30 mol photons m−2 d−1 (at 270 cm) could be the optimal irradiance level based on the total biomass of V. natans juveniles. The present study highlights the significance of leaf trait plasticity for rosette‐type macrophytes in response to variations in water depth and sheds new light on the differences between trade‐offs in deep‐ and shallow‐water areas.

Reconciling trait based perspectives along a trait-integration continuum.

Trait based ecology has developed fast in the last decades, aiming to both explain mechanisms of community assembly, and predict patterns in nature, such as the effects of biodiversity shifts on key ecosystem processes. This body of work has stimulated the development of several conceptual frameworks and analytical methods, as well as the production of trait databases covering a growing number of taxa and organizational levels (from individuals to guilds). However, this breeding ground of novel concepts and tools currently lacks a general and coherent framework, under which functional traits can help ecologists organize their research aims, and serve as the common currency to unify several scientific disciplines. Specifically, we see a need to bridge the gaps between community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and evolutionary biology, in order to address the most pressing environmental issues of our time. To achieve this integration goal, we define a trait-integration continuum, which reconciles alternative trait definitions and approaches in ecology. This continuum outlines a coherent progression of biological scales, along which traits interact and hierarchically integrate from genetic information, to whole organism fitness-related traits, to trait syndromes and functional groups. Our conceptual scheme proposes that lower-level trait integration is closer to the inference of ecoevolutionary mechanisms determining population and community properties, whereas higher-level trait integration is most suited to the prediction of ecosystem processes. Within these two extremes, trait integration varies on a continuous scale, which relates directly to the inductive-deductive loop that should characterize the scientific method. With our proposed framework, we aim to facilitate scientists in contextualising their research based on the trait-integration levels that matter most to their specific goals. Explicitly acknowledging the existence of a trait-integration continuum is a promising way for framing the appropriate questions, thus obtaining reliable answers and results that are comparable across studies and disciplines.

Species trait syndrome drives the leaves’ functional variations of dominant grasses to modifications in summer water supply

Species trait syndrome drives the leaves’ functional variations of dominant grasses to modifications in summer water supply

Telomere length and metabolic syndrome traits: A Mendelian randomisation study.

Observational studies have revealed associations between short leucocyte telomere length (LTL), a TL marker in somatic tissues and multiple Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) traits. Animal studies have supported these findings by showing that increased telomere attrition leads to adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. We investigated the associations between genetically instrumented LTL and MetS traits using Mendelian Randomisation (MR). Fifty‐two independent variants identified at FDR<0.05 from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) including 78,592 Europeans and collectively accounting for 2.93% of LTL variance were selected as genetic instruments for LTL. Summary‐level data for MetS traits and for the MetS as a binary phenotype were obtained from the largest publicly available GWAS and two‐sample MR analyses were used to estimate the associations of LTL with these traits. The combined effect of the genetic instruments was modelled using inverse variance weighted regression and sensitivity analyses with MR‐Egger, weighted‐median and MR‐PRESSO were performed to test for and correct horizonal pleiotropy. Genetically instrumented longer LTL was associated with higher waist‐to‐hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (β = 0.045 SD, SE = 0.018, p = 0.01), raised systolic (β = 1.529 mmHg, SE = 0.332, p = 4x10−6) and diastolic (β = 0.633 mmHg, SE = 0.222, p = 0.004) blood pressure, and increased MetS risk (OR = 1.133, 95% CI 1.057–1.215). Consistent results were obtained in sensitivity analyses, which provided no evidence of unbalanced horizontal pleiotropy. Telomere shortening might not be a major driver of cellular senescence and dysfunction in human adipose tissue. Future experimental studies should examine the mechanistic bases for the links between longer LTL and increased upper‐body fat distribution and raised blood pressure.

Linking insect herbivory with plant traits: Phylogenetically structured trait syndromes matter

AbstractQuestionsHerbivory is a fundamental ecological interaction underlying energy and mass flow between primary producers and consumers. Ecological theory describes plant biomass quality in terms of food for herbivores as a functional effect trait. We asked how leaf functional traits affect insect herbivory in a species‐rich meadow community.LocationČertoryje National Nature Reserve, Bílé Karpaty (White Carpathians) Protected Landscape Area, Czech Republic.MethodsWe assessed herbivory of 24 plant species co‐occurring in a species‐rich semi‐natural grassland by measuring herbivore damage caused by leaf‐chewing insects. Identification of trait–herbivory links was conducted by a comparative analysis based on a phylogenetically informed regression.ResultsPlant species strongly differed in leaf‐chewer herbivory. Interspecific differences in herbivory and most traits displayed a strong phylogenetic signal associated with the deep evolutionary split between monocot graminoids and dicot forbs. There were also pronounced correlations among individual traits. Herbivory was tightly related to an intercorrelated trait set describing fibre composition and Ca content. There was also a less pronounced negative effect of leaf biomass C:N ratio on herbivory. However, the observed association between traits and herbivory was phylogenetically structured in agreement with the univariate tests of phylogenetic signal.ConclusionHerbivory was associated with a whole syndrome of intercorrelated traits, among which it is not possible to choose a single best trait predictor. Moreover, the principal pattern in this trait syndrome was related to a macro‐evolutionary singularity. Such linkage among an ecosystem process, traits, and phylogeny complicates linking ecosystem processes with particular functional traits and may also occur elsewhere in natural ecosystems.

Zoochory on and off: A field experiment for trait‐based analysis of establishment success of grassland species

AbstractAimsWe tested the establishment success of grassland species in the presence or absence of zoochory by livestock and identified the traits associated with successful establishment.LocationHortobágy National Park, Hungary.MethodsIn six restored species‐poor grasslands we established two species‐rich 4 m × 4 m source plots per site in 2013. One source plot was managed by extensive cattle grazing (“zoochory on”), the other one was fenced and protected from grazers (“zoochory off”). We monitored the vegetation development in the source plots (2014–2018), and the establishment success of sown species (2016–2018) in adjacent dispersal plots in four, 20‐m‐long strips per source plot in a total of 960 dispersal plots. We calculated community‐weighted means of thirteen plant traits related to regeneration and competitive ability. The effect of grazing, year, distance from source plots, grazing–year and grazing–distance interactions on population and trait dynamics in the source and dispersal plots were analysed with generalized linear mixed‐effect models.ResultsAlthough grazing reduced the cover and flowering success of sown species in the source plots, the number of successful establishment events was higher in dispersal plots next to grazed source plots. The sown species were the most abundant in plots adjacent to source plots, but occurred at all monitored distances. Zoochory favoured perennial plants with high specific leaf area (SLA), low leaf dry matter content (LDMC), short stature, light seeds, early flowering period, high clonal index and anemochory index.ConclusionsWe showed that species that can colonize the matrix with and without zoochory have contrasting trait syndromes. In grazing‐adapted ecosystems, fencing source populations of target species does not always seem to be a good option. It was a good tool for increasing the cover and flowering success of the sown species in the short run, but it significantly decreased their chance to colonize the surrounding area in the long run.

The new patterns of nephrolithiasis: What has been changing in the last millennium?

Nephrolithiasis has been increasing over the last millennium. Although early epidemiologic studies have shown that kidney stones were two to three times more frequent in males than in females, recent reports have suggested that this rate is decreasing. In parallel a dramatic increase of nephrolithiasis has also been observed among children and adolescents. Furthermore, epidemiologic studies have shown a strong association between metabolic syndrome (Mets) traits and kidney stone disease. Patients with hypertension have a higher risk of stone formation and stone formers are predisposed to develop hypertension compared to the general population. An incidence of nephrolithiasis greater than 75% has been shown in overweight and obese patients compared to those of normal weight. It has also been reported that a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus increases the risk of future nephrolithiasis. Additionally, an association between metabolic syndrome and uric acid stone formation has been clearly recognized. Furthermore, 24-h urinary metabolic abnormalities have been decreasing among patients with nephrolithiasis over the last decades. Finally, nephrolithiasis could cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially in women and overweight patients. According to these observations, a better understanding of these new features among stone former patients may be required. Hence, the recognition and the correction of metabolic disorders could help not only to reduce the primary disease, but also stone recurrence.

Bird pollination syndrome is the plant's adaptation to ornithophily, but nectarivorous birds are not so selective

Many tropical plants are pollinated by birds and several bird phylogenetical lineages have specialised to a nectar diet. The long‐assumed, intimate ecological and evolutionary relationship between ornithophilous plants and phenotypically specialised nectarivorous birds has nevertheless been questioned in recent decades, where such plant–pollinator interactions have been shown to be highly generalised.In our study, we analysed two extensive interaction datasets: bird–flower and insect–flower interactions, both collected on Mt Cameroon, west‐central Africa. We tested if: 1) insects and birds interact with distinct groups of plants; 2) plants with a typical set of ornithophilous floral traits (i.e. bird pollination syndrome) interact mainly with birds; 3) birds favour plants with bird pollination syndrome and; 4) if and how the individual floral traits and plant level nectar production predict bird visitation.Bird‐visited plants were typically also visited by insects, while approximately half of the plants were visited by insects only. We confirmed the validity of the bird pollination syndrome hypothesis, as plants with bird‐pollination syndrome traits were visited by birds at a higher rate and mostly hosted a lower frequency of visiting insects. However, these ornithophilous plants were not more attractive than the other plants for nectar‐feeding birds. Nectar production per plant individual was a better predictor of bird visitation than any other floral trait traditionally related to the bird pollination syndrome. Our study thus demonstrated the highly asymmetrical relationship between ornithophilous plants and nectarivorous birds.