Common Species Research Articles

Commercially traded fish portfolios mask household utilization of biodiversity in wild food systems

The global biodiversity that underpins wild food systems-including fisheries-is rapidly declining. Yet, we often have only a limited understanding of how households use and benefit from biodiversity in the ecosystems surrounding them. Explicating these relationships is critical to forestall and mitigate the effects of biodiversity declines on food and nutrition security. Here, we quantify how biodiversity filters from ecosystems to household harvest, consumption, and sale, and how ecological traits and household characteristics shape these relationships. We used a unique, integrated ecological (40 sites, quarterly data collection) and household survey (n = 414, every 2 mo data collection) dataset collected over 3 y in rice field fisheries surrounding Cambodia's Tonlé Sap, one of Earth's most productive and diverse freshwater systems. While ecosystem biodiversity was positively associated with household catch, consumption, and sold biodiversity, households consumed an average of 43% of the species present in the ecosystem and sold only 9%. Larger, less nutritious, and more common species were disproportionally represented in portfolios of commercially traded species, while consumed species mirrored catches. The relationship between ecosystem and consumed biodiversity was remarkably consistent across variation in household fishing effort, demographics, and distance to nearest markets. Poorer households also consumed more species, underscoring how wild food systems may most benefit the vulnerable. Our findings amplify concerns about the impacts of biodiversity loss on our global food systems and highlight that utilization of biodiversity for consumption may far exceed what is commercially traded.

Evaluation of Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics, Risk Factors and Treatment Regimens of Invasive Candida Infections in Children

Invasive candida infections are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections. In this study, we have aimed both to determine the risk factors for invasive fungal infections and to evaluate clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of the cases. Pediatric cases who were followed up due to invasive fungal infection in Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital Pediatrics Clinic between January 2015 and March 2023 were included in the study. The study included 41 pediatric cases consisting of 23 (56%) males with an overall average age of 38 months. The most common candida species were Candida albicans (54%), Candida parapsilosis (27%), and Candida glabrata. The most common risk factors were prior antibiotherapy (100%), hospitalization (100%), intensive care unit stay (88%), central catheterization (88%), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). C.albicans strains were resistant to fluconazole in 5%, caspofungin, and micafungin in 10% of the cases. C. parapicillosis strains were resistant to fluconazole in 37%, caspofungin in 45% micafungin in 55%, and amphotericin-B in only 9% of the cases. TPN use and mortality rates were higher in the C. albicans-infected group, negative blood culture persisted for a longer period in the non-albicans candida group.Invasive fungal infections are among the most important healthcare-associated infectious agents and the most important risk factors include the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged hospital and intensive care unit stays, central catheterization, mechanical ventilation, TPN use, increased prophylactic antifungal and steroid use. Although C. albicans is still the most common candida species, C parapsilosis is being identified at an increasing rate.

A sero-epidemiological analysis of Coxiella burnetii infection and its risk factors in livestock from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia.

Coxiella burnetii is causing infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. Information on the occurrence of C. burnetii infection is scarce in Ethiopia. This study estimated the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in four common livestock species from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia. Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Out of the 4140 serum samples tested, 777 (18.77%; 95% CI: 17.59, 19.99) were found positive for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate was 27.17% at Addis Ababa abattoir, 19.41% at Adama abattoir, 19.13% at Modjo abattoir and 12.1% in animals tested from pastoral areas. Sera analysis at the animal species level showed that cattle exhibited the lowest sero-prevalence estimate (11.83%; 95% CI, 10.27-13.53%), while the highest was observed in camels (28.39%; 95% CI, 25.16-31.80%). The sero-prevalence estimate was 21.34% (95% CI, 18.86-23.99%) in goats and 20.17% (95% CI, 17.49-23.07%) in sheep. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that species, age, sex of animals and tick infestation were important risk factors for C. burnetii infection. The odds of infection were 3.22 times higher in camels and almost twice as high in goats and sheep compared to cattle. Adult animals were infected more likely (OR = 3.23) than young ones. Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the sero-prevalence of infection between animals that were infested with ticks (OR = 16.32) and those which were tick-free. This study provides valuable insights into the sero-epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in four common livestock species at major abattoirs and pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the need for further studies and implementing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease in both humans and livestock to safeguard the economical and public health aspects.

Animal-assisted interventions in adult hospital rehabilitation settings: A scoping review.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have the potential to enhance people's well-being and function and are increasingly being implemented across a range of settings. This scoping review explored how AAIs have been used in adult hospital rehabilitative care. Using JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of four databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved adults, aged >18 years, who had received AAIs in the hospital rehabilitation setting. Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Results identified two intervention types: visitation activities (n = 8 studies) and structured therapeutic interventions (n = 14 studies). Dogs were the most common animal species. Improvements in social and emotional well-being were reported across both types of interventions, with improvements in ambulation, motor skills, and verbal communication reported by those engaged in structured therapeutic interventions. Implementation challenges included a dependency on volunteer dog-handlers; the need for better recording of interventions in medical records to enable evaluation; and cost, safety, infection control, and animal welfare considerations. Strengthening the planning of AAIs is fundamental for the realization of potential outcomes from human-animal interactions in hospital rehabilitative care.

Wild-Edible Allium Species from Highlands of Eastern Anatolia: Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activities.

This study presents the phytochemical composition, antioxidant (hydrogen atom and single-atom transfer mechanisms), and digestive enzyme inhibitory (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase) activities of ethanol-based extractions and traditional preparations (infusion) of the leaves of wild-edible Allium species (A. kharputense, A. affine, A. shirnakiense, and A. akaka) from the highlands of Eastern Anatolia. Among the eight extracts analyzed, ethanol extractions of the A. kharputense and A. akaka leaves exhibited better biotherapeutic activities and had the highest bioactive content. The dominant bioactive profile was composed of mainly allicin and phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercetin) with small amounts of fatty acids. These data were similar to the biological activities and chemical composition of common Allium species and suggest the utilization of the extracts of wild-edible Allium species in the development of Allium-based biotherapeutics or nutraceuticals.

Contemporary Update on the Microbiology of Paranasal Sinusitis

Background: Sinusitis, whether acute or chronic, is likely due at least in part to disruptions in the microbiota of the paranasal sinuses. Sinus cultures are often employed to guide medical treatment. Objective: To quantify the contemporary microbiology of the paranasal sinuses and better understand the utility of paranasal sinus cultures. Methods: We identified patients from 2018 to 2019 with sinus cultures taken by an otolaryngologist in the outpatient setting in our healthcare system with a concurrent diagnosis of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis. These cultures were analyzed based on their culture type and result. The most commonly isolated bacteria were further analyzed by species; Staphylococcus resistance patterns were analyzed as well. Results: A total of 2302 culture samples were collected: 2012 (87%) bacterial, 287 (13%) fungal, and 3 (0.1%) mycobacterial cultures. The results of more than half (1142, 57%) of these bacterial cultures were positive for a named genus, while those of 592 (29%) were positive for normal sinus flora and 16 (0.8%) for normal oral flora, and those of 183 (9%) showed no growth. The results of another 79 (4%) bacterial cultures were positive for unnamed bacteria, which were not further classified (e.g., Gram-negative rods). Of the positive bacterial cultures with named genera, the most common genera identified was Staphylococcus (383, 34%). Of these, the most common species of Staphylococcus was S. aureus (311, 81%), 42 of which (14%) showed methicillin resistance (MRSA). Of the fungal cultures, 265 (92%) resulted in no growth, and all three mycobacterial cultures showed no growth. Conclusions: In contrast to fungal cultures, the majority (57%) of sinus bacterial cultures showed positive results, with the identification of a named genus, highlighting the potential utility of this assay in guiding medical therapy.

Apple Blossom Agricultural Residues as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides through Microbial Fermentation Bioprocessing.

This study explored the impact of starter-assisted fermentation on apple blossoms to enhance their potential as a source of antioxidant and antifungal molecules. Fructobacillus fructosus PL22 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus GY1 were chosen as starters owing to their origin and promising ability to modify plant secondary metabolites. An initial assessment through microbiological and physicochemical analyses showed superior outcomes for starter-assisted fermentation compared to the spontaneous process. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins, primarily controlled by starters, orchestrated the generation of new low-molecular-weight peptides. W. anomalus GY1 also induced modifications in the phenolic profile, generating a diverse array of bioactive metabolites. These metabolic changes, particularly the release of potentially bioactive peptides, were associated with significant antioxidant activity and marked antifungal efficacy against three common mold species. Our results shed light on the potential of microbial starters to valorize agricultural wastes and convert them into a valuable resource for industry.

Prevalence and Species Distribution of Neonatal Candidiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Candida infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) globally. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to investigate the prevalence of candida among causative organisms of neonatal sepsis and identify the distribution of candida species infecting Saudi neonates. We comprehensively searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from their inception till November 2023. After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, we ultimately included 21 eligible studies. The designs of the included studies were randomized clinical trials, cohorts, case-control, and case reports; the methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, NIH tool for observational studies, and Murad tool for assessing case reports. Our systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data reported in 21 studies in the Saudi populations, which provided data on different types of candidal infections in 2346 neonates. The pooled data of ten retrospective studies enrolling 1823 neonates revealed that candida species resembled 4.2% of the causative organisms of neonatal sepsis among Saudi neonates (95%CI [2.5%; 5.9%], p = 0.000). Additionally, out of a total of 402 candida species that were identified among the included studies, C. albicans prevailed mostly among Saudi neonates, followed by C. parapsilosis, NS candida, and C. tropicalis (50.25%, 21.40%, 12.44%, and 9.45%, respectively). We found that candida species prevailed in 4.2% of 1823 cases of neonatal sepsis; the most common candida species was C. albicans. We could not pool data regarding risk factors or susceptibility of candida species to different treatment modalities due to insufficient data, requiring future large-scale, high-quality studies to be conducted.

Hydraulic conditions created by a ‘large’ diameter Cylindrical Bristle Cluster fish pass

Cylindrical Bristle Clusters (CBCs) provide a multi-species fish passage solution at sloped weirs. Configurations trialled to date (min. diagonal spacing between CBCs up to 0.17 m) were designed to facilitate passage of relatively small (e.g. < 30 cm) potamodromous species and may hamper the movements of larger bodied (e.g. > 40 cm) fishes, such as adult anadromous salmonids. Therefore, in this study, the hydraulic conditions created by an array of large diameter (0.13 m) CBCs positioned farther apart than in previous studies (min. diagonal spacing 0.29 m) was assessed to determine whether conditions would be suitable for facilitating the passage of small-bodied fish while also providing sufficient space for larger individuals to manoeuvre. Two experiments were conducted in an open channel flume. Experiment 1 quantified the hydraulic conditions created by a model Crump weir when unmodified and with CBCs installed in supercritical flow (Fr 1.23–3.01) on the 1:5 downstream sloping face under a low (0.08 m3 s−1) and high (0.23 m3 s−1) discharge. Patches of low water velocity were created in the wake of the CBCs, and the median (time and space averaged) velocity was reduced under both low (30.1%) and high (22.3%) discharge. Based on estimated burst swimming speeds of two common European species, the roach (Rutilus rutilus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) (0.16 m long, swimming at 15.1 °C), this reduction in velocity would facilitate upstream passage. Experiment 2 documented the vertical velocity profile and shear stress characteristics (a measure of turbulence) within the CBC array. Unlike in Experiment 1, the CBCs were installed on the flat base of the flume and under subcritical flow (Fr = 0.31) to generate sufficient water depth. The velocity was reduced (up to 22.5%) at depths that did not exceed (> 2 cm above) the height of the bristles. Above these depths, velocity was (up to 14.6%) higher compared to open channel conditions upstream of the CBC array and a vertical shear layer was evident. As the main hydraulic benefits of CBCs occur at depths that do not exceed the bristles, their height should be tailored to site specific conditions (e.g. size of target fish species and/or depth of water at infrastructure). Field-based research is needed to determine velocity reduction at longer weirs and under a wider range of flows than can be tested under flume conditions. How the hydraulic characteristics of submerged CBCs differ from those described here with those that occur in the field when installed on a steep sloping weir under supercritical flow should be further investigated.

Epidemiology of Candidemia in Mashhad, Northeast Iran: A Prospective Multicenter Study (2019-2021).

Candidemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in health care settings, and its epidemiology is changing. In the last two decades, the proportion of non-albicans Candida (NAC) yeasts in candidemia has increased. These yeasts more often display resistance to common antifungals. In many western countries, candidemia is mainly caused by susceptible C. albicans, while in resource-limited countries, including Iran, the candidemia species distribution is studied less often. Here, we investigated the species distribution, resistance levels, and characteristics of patients with candidemia in five hospitals in Mashhad (northeast Iran) for two years (2019-2021). Yeast isolates from blood were identified with MALDI-TOF MS and subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) using the broth microdilution method, while molecular genotyping was applied to Candida parapsilosis isolates. In total, 160 yeast isolates were recovered from 160 patients, of which the majority were adults (60%). Candidemia was almost equally detected in men (48%) and women (52%). Almost half of patients (n = 67, 49%) were from intensive care units (ICUs). C. parapsilosis (n = 58, 36%) was the most common causative agent, surpassing C. albicans (n = 52, 33%). The all-cause mortality rate was 53%, with C. albicans candidemia displaying the lowest mortality with 39%, in contrast to a mortality rate of 59% for NAC candidemia. With microbroth AFST, nearly all tested isolates were found to be susceptible, except for one C. albicans isolate that was resistant to anidulafungin. By applying short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping to C. parapsilosis, multiple clusters were found. To summarize, candidemia in Mashhad, Iran, from 2019 to 2021, is characterized by common yeast species, in particular C. parapsilosis, for which STR typing indicates potential nosocomial transmission. The overall mortality is high, while resistance rates were found to be low, suggesting that the high mortality is linked to limited diagnostic options and insufficient medical care, including the restricted use of echinocandins as the first treatment option.

Gut Microbiome and colorectal cancer: discovery of bacterial changes with metagenomics application in Turkısh population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in the world and colonic carcinogenesis is a multifactorial disease that involves environmental and genetic factors. Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis. Increasing evidence shows that the gut microbiome plays a role in CRC development and may be a biomarker for early diagnosis. This study aimed to determine the clinical prognostic significance of gut microbiota in CRC patients in the Turkish population by metagenomic analysis and to determine the microbial composition in tumor tissue biopsy samples. Tissue biopsies were taken from the participants with sterile forceps during colonoscopy and stored at -80°C. Then, DNA isolation was performed from the tissue samples and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Quality control of the obtained sequence data was performed. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were classified according to the Greengenes database. Alpha diversity (Shannon index) and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis distance) analyses were performed. The most common bacterial species in CRC patients and healthy controls were determined and whether there were statistically significant differences between the groups was tested. A total of 40 individuals, 13 CRC patients and 20 healthy control individuals were included in our metagenomic study. The mean age of the patients was 64.83 and BMI was 25.85. In CRC patients, the level of Bacteroidetes at the phylum taxonomy was significantly increased (p = 0.04), the level of Clostridia at the class taxonomy was increased (p = 0.23), and the level of Enterococcus at the genus taxonomy was significantly increased (p = 0.01). When CRC patients were compared with the control group, significant increases were detected in the species of Gemmiger formicilis (p = 0.15), Prevotella copri (p = 0.02) and Ruminococcus bromii (p = 0.001) at the species taxonomy. Metagenomic analysis of intestinal microbiota composition in CRC patients provides important data for determining the treatment options for these patients. The results of this study suggest that it may be beneficial in terms of early diagnosis, poor prognosis and survival rates in CRC patients. In addition, this metagenomic study is the first study on the colon microbiome associated with CRC mucosa in the Turkish population.

On-host flea phenology and flea-borne pathogen surveillance among mammalian wildlife of the pineywoods of East Texas.

Flea-borne diseases are endemic in Texas, U.S.A., with an increasing incidence of flea-borne typhus and cat scratch disease. Knowledge of flea natural history could provide information to protect public health, yet many knowledge gaps remain outside of plague-endemic regions. Our objective was to characterize seasonal activity patterns of fleas on common mammalian wildlife species and test fleas and wildlife for Rickettsia and Bartonella pathogens. We performed one year of monthly trapping for rodents and medium-sized mammals in a national forest with high recreational use and urban encroachment in East Texas. From 90 mammal captures representing seven species, 101 fleas were collected representing Polygenis spp., Ctenocephalides felis, and Orchopeas species. Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginianus) hosted 99% of the collected fleas (100 fleas) and a single flea was on an eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana). Flea infestation prevalence of opossums was 79% (23/29). Mean flea abundance was 4.39 fleas, with intensity peaking in spring. One cat flea removed from an opossum was positive for Bartonella henselae. Furthermore, we identified tissue or blood of four raccoons (Procyon lotor) and one golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) positive for Rickettsia amblyommatis. These findings provide an ecological basis for the maintenance of vectors and pathogens from sylvatic settings.

The atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole alters the outcome of disseminated Candida albicans infections.

Invasive fungal infections impose an enormous clinical, social, and economic burden on humankind. One of the most common species responsible for invasive fungal infections is Candida albicans. More than 30% of patients with disseminated candidiasis fail therapy with existing antifungal drugs, including the widely used azole class. We previously identified a collection of 13 medications that antagonize the activity of the azoles on C. albicans. Although gain-of-function mutations responsible for antifungal resistance are often associated with reduced fitness and virulence, it is currently unknown how exposure to azole antagonistic drugs impacts C. albicans physiology, fitness, or virulence. In this study, we examined how exposure to seven azole antagonists affects C. albicans phenotype and capacity to cause disease. Most of the azole antagonists appear to have little impact on fungal growth, morphology, stress tolerance, or gene transcription. However, aripiprazole had a modest impact on C. albicans hyphal growth and increased cell wall chitin content. It also aggravated the disseminated C. albicans infections in mice. This effect was abrogated in immunosuppressed mice, indicating that it is at least in part dependent upon host immune responses. Collectively, these data provide proof of principle that unanticipated drug-fungus interactions have the potential to influence the incidence and outcomes of invasive fungal disease.

Use of Biomolecular Tools to Control the Labels of Ethnic Food Coming from Eastern Europe.

In recent years, due to the large Romanian community present in Italy, the retail of foods coming from Eastern Europe has increased. The most common type of violation detected in these foods consists of incorrect labeling and species-replacement frauds. In this paper, the compliance of labels of 43 ethnic processed food coming from Eastern Europe and commercialized in Italy was evaluated by means of PCR and Sanger sequencing. Our data revealed 33% of non-compliant labels in samples containing swine, ruminants, and avian ingredients. These results demonstrate that PCR can be easily used for the identification of species in highly processed products, proving to be a rapid, effective, and economic method. On the other hand, samples reporting fish as ingredients highlighted the ineffectiveness of the applied sequencing protocol, due to the low informative property of targeted fragments or to the lack of consensus sequences in the case of uncommon species.

Common ant species dominate morphospace: unraveling the morphological diversity in the Brazilian Amazon Basin

Rare plant and vertebrate species have been documented to contribute disproportionately to the total morphological structure of species assemblages. These species often possess morphologically extreme traits and occupy the boundaries of morphological space. As rare species are at greater risk of extinction than more widely distributed species, human‐induced disturbances can strongly affect ecosystem functions related to assemblage morphology. Here, we assess to what extent the distributions of ant morphological traits are supported by morphologically extreme species and how they are distributed among habitats in a global biodiversity hotspot, the Brazilian Amazon. We used a morphological database comprising 15 continuous morphological traits and 977 expert‐validated ant species distributed across the Brazilian Amazon. We produced species range estimates using species distribution models or alpha hulls (when few records were available). Next, we conducted a principal components analysis to combine traits into a space with reduced dimensionality (morphospace). Then, we identified morphologically extreme species in this space and quantified their contributions to morphological diversity across different habitat types in the Brazilian Amazon Basin. We identified 114 morphologically extreme ant species across the Amazon ant morphospace. These species also accounted for a large percentage of morphospace filling, exceeding 99% representation in the most disturbed habitats in the Amazon. Our results suggest that a few morphologically extreme species capture most of the variation in ant morphology and, therefore, the spectrum of ecosystem functions performed by ants in the Brazilian Amazon Basin. Further, unlike in many other groups, these extreme morphologies were represented by the set of most common species. These results suggest greater functional redundancy and resilience in Brazilian Amazon ants, but more broadly, they contribute to our understanding of ecological processes that sustain ecosystem functions.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility profile of uncommon yeast species at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Tunisia.

Despite the severe impact of uncommon yeast fungal infections and the pressing need for more research on the topic, there are still few studies available on the identification, epidemiology, and susceptibility profile of those pathogens. The aims of the current study were to define the profile of uncommon yeast species at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital using phenotypic, molecular, and proteomic methods and to study their antifungal susceptibility profile. Pre-identified uncommon yeast species were collected from 2018 to 2021. These isolates were further identified using phenotypic methods (ID32C® system and Vitek2® YST), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and sequencing. The antifungal susceptibility profile was studied using the reference CLSI broth microdilution method. In total, 30 strains were collected during the study period. Referring to the sequencing, the most isolated uncommon species were Saprochaete capitata, Candida lusitaniae, Candida kefyr, Candida inconspicua, and Candida guilliermondii. A total of 90% of isolates were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS compared to 76.7% and 63.3% by ID32® C and VITEK® 2 YST, respectively. The isolated species showed variable responses to antifungals. Candida guilliermondii showed increased azole minimum inhibitory concentrations. Misidentification of uncommon yeast species was common using commercial phenotypic methods. The high percentage of concordance of MALDI-TOF results with sequencing highlights its high performance and usefulness as a routine diagnosis tool.

Can lichens be indicators for air pollution monitoring in Kandy City, Sri Lanka?

The quality of the surrounding environment significantly impacts lichen diversity and composition, but crustose lichens, particularly those in disturbed environments, can persist. Although the effects of habitat disturbances on the morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility of lichen species have not been extensively researched, understanding their mechanisms is crucial for understanding their persistence in their environment. The study aimed to identify common lichen species in polluted and semi-polluted environments and compare their morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility. A two-kilometer stretch along the road that passes through the University of Peradeniya was selected as the semi-disturbed site based on previous records, while the area around Kandy Lake was designated as the polluted site. Using conventional keys, lichen species were identified, and using a hand lens, dissecting microscope, and compound microscope, the morphological traits of the thallus, apothecia, soredia, and isidia, as well as the anatomical features of the thallus, apothecia, and ascospores, were compared between the two sites. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate and elucidate the secondary metabolites of lichen. Thirty-nine species were discovered on the university site, 15 in the area around Kandy Lake, and species gathered from both locations shared commonalities, including Physcia sp., Parmotrema sp., Lecanora sp., Graphis sp., and Lepraria sp. The color difference between all species, as measured by mean dE, is visible to the naked eye and changes from a pale to a dark hue from a semi-disturbed site to a polluted one. In comparison to disturbed sites, the majority of species displayed an increased mean area in semi-polluted sites. Layer thickness increases or decreases depending on how well each layer can withstand disruptions. Depsinose has been recognized as a potential class of metabolites generated by lichens present in both locations. Only lake sites exhibit toxic metal compounds, as opposed to semi-disturbed sites. Every pH value was acidic, and most species at the lake site had more acidic pH than those at the university site. There is no specific trend in apothecial number and ascospore numbers in common lichen species in both sites. The current study showed that changes in certain morphological and anatomical biochemical characteristics can be triggered by the environment, suggesting that the quality of the environment significantly affects the growth and reproductive success of lichens, thereby survival or extinction, and proposed that bioindicator and bioaccumulator species concerning the changes occurred.

Projected degradation of Quercus habitats in Southern China under future global warming scenarios

Quercus species play a significant role in the ecosystems of southern China, possessing diverse ecological, economic, and cultural values. Predicting the suitable habitat of these species in southern China and assessing the impact of climate change on it is crucial for species conservation, ecological construction, and achieving China's carbon neutrality goals. This study selected seven common oak species in southern China and used a comprehensive habitat suitability model to simulate their Stand Potential Distribution Areas (SPDAs) under baseline conditions and different climate change scenarios over various periods. The results indicate that among the seven oak species, the SPDAs of six oak species linearly decreased with increasing temperatures, with the three species, Q. acutissima, Q. aliena, and Q. variabilis, having the largest SPDAs under baseline conditions exhibiting the most rapid declines with rising temperatures. Only Q. chenii showed a slow increase in SPDA with temperature rise. Additionally, regions with at least one species' SPDAs covering the all habitat area and regions with at least four species' SPDAs covering the core habitat area also significantly decreased with increasing temperatures. Therefore, climate change is expected to degrade the habitat of main deciduous oaks significantly in southern China, warranting attention and proactive management measures.

Spatial patterns of coastal dune plant diversity reveal conservation priority hotspots in and out a network of protected areas

Effective conservation planning requires identifying priority hotspots to allocate resources. To preserve biodiversity, it is crucial to consider α, β and γ-diversity and protect the irreplaceable sites with high ecological uniqueness, which can host uncommon species assemblages that would be lost if only species-rich sites were protected. Coastal dunes, hosting highly specialized plant communities, are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we identified conservation priority hotspots to assess the effectiveness of the network of protected areas in coastal dunes of Tuscany (central Italy), using data on plant communities collected in 506 plots. We additively partitioned γ-diversity in its α and β components, observing a significant variation at all spatial levels only for dune species. In terms of α-diversity, we found that Northern protected sites were richer in dune species, while synanthropic and alien species were equally present inside and outside protected areas of the region. By partitioning the total β-diversity into its components (replacement and richness difference), we found a prevalence of replacement for dune species, indicating the most unique sites as the ones to favor for conservation. Unique sites were identified through Local Contributions to Beta Diversity and their conservation value was determined by their species composition and the relationship with landscape variables. Unique sites with high conservation value were only partly protected, while some protected sites were altered and required restoration. Our approach proved effective for identifying the most unique sites, indicating some issues in the existing protected network, while providing valuable information on sites to prioritize for future conservation actions.

Urban forest species selection for improvement of ecological benefits in Polish cities - The actual and forecast potential

Trees in cities perform important environmental functions: they produce oxygen, filter pollutants, provide habitat for wildlife, mitigate stormwater runoff, and reduce the effects of climate change, especially in terms of lowering temperatures and converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into stored carbon. Generally, to increase the environmental benefits of urban forests, the number of trees is increased, directly influencing the canopy coverage. However, little is known about potential of modifying the species composition of urban tree communities in order to increase ecological benefits. Planting and managing trees to increase canopy is particularly challenging in city centres, where the dense, often historic infrastructure of buildings and roads do not allow for a significant increase in greenspace. Estimations of canopy cover obtained through i-Tree Canopy analysis unveiled significant potential to increase canopy cover in historical urban areas in Polish cities from 15-34% to 31–51%. This study models the ecological benefits of urban forests in Polish cities, focusing on how different species compositions can enhance environmental functions such as carbon sequestration and pollution filtration. Two main scenarios were analyzed: one involving the addition of trees based on the most common species currently planted (“standard option” SO), and another incorporating changes to the species composition to enhance ecological benefits (“city specific option” SCO). Acer platanoides (14.5%) and Tilia cordata (11.45%) were the most frequently species of Polish cities. Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum and Acer campestre were also common species in urban forest communities (up to 5%). The diverse range of tree species in Polish cities contributes significantly to the overall carbon sequestration potential. The results suggest that modifying species composition could significantly increase carbon sequestration rates by 47.8%–114% annually, with the city specific option (SCO) being the most effective in enhancing carbon sequestration potential. This highlights the importance of strategic species selection in urban forestry practices to maximize environmental benefits and mitigate climate change effects.