Article
Microbiology
Alicia Showering, Julien Martinez, Ernest Diez Benavente, Salvador A. Gezan, Robert T. Jones, Catherine Oke, Scott Tytheridge, Elizabeth Pretorius, Darren Scott, Rachel L. Allen, Umberto D'Alessandro, Steve W. Lindsay, John A. L. Armour, John Pickett, James G. Logan
Summary: This study found that the variation in attractiveness of individuals to mosquitoes is related to the composition of the skin microbiota, particularly specific bacterial groups and metabolic pathways. These findings could improve odour-baited traps and other vector control tools.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruyu Yao, Michael Heinrich, Bengang Zhang, Xueping Wei, Yaodong Qi, Weiwei Gao
Summary: This study conducted a quantitative ethnobotanical analysis on the single botanical drugs included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, providing an overview of Ayurveda's medicinal plants from the perspectives of plant systematics and medical ethnobotany. The therapeutic uses of these drugs were sorted into categories to meet primary health demands, and the study highlighted the importance of quantitative ethnobotanic methods in understanding traditional medical knowledge.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Airy Gras, Oriane Hidalgo, Ugo D'Ambrosio, Montse Parada, Teresa Garnatje, Joan Valles
Summary: This study explores the relationships between botanical families and medicinal vascular plants using a molecular phylogenetic framework. It includes quantitative analyses, identification of hot nodes, and discussion of plant usage and family richness in ethnobotany.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wafa Khaled-Gasmi, Amel Ben Hamouda, Ikbal Chaieb, Rabha Souissi, Roberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Sonia Boukhris-Bouhachem
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus, Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana, as well as evaluate their repellent effects on various aphid species. The study found that the essential oils exhibited different levels of repellency in vitro bioassays, with Origanum majorana essential oil showing very repellent effects on certain aphid species after 120 minutes. Results from both in vitro and in vivo bioassays indicated that the repellent effects of the essential oils did not decrease over time, suggesting their potential as botanical repellents against aphids.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Marco Pezzi, Stjepan Krcmar, Federica Mendicino, Francesco Carlomagno, Domenico Bonelli, Chiara Scapoli, Milvia Chicca, Marilena Leis, Teresa Bonacci
Summary: This is the first reported case of myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata in a domestic goose in Italy, providing important information for monitoring and management in the field.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sam Jones
Summary: Gene-drive technology in mosquitoes is advancing, yet unanswered questions remain before its deployment as a malaria-fighting technique.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Melaku Masresha Woldeamanuel, Mohammed Kasso Geda, Shibani Mohapatra, Tapan Kumar Bastia, Prasanta Rath, Alok Kumar Panda
Summary: The Gullele Botanical Garden in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a joint venture focused on conserving endemic plants and researching their medicinal uses. The study documented the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal practices of 60 traditional healers, identifying 81 medicinal plants from 47 families. The most commonly used plants were from the Asteraceae family, and herbs and leaves were the preferred plant forms. Skin and general diseases were the main ailments treated, with Echinops kebericho being the most frequently cited plant.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mattea Romani, Thomas Warscheid, Lionel Nicole, Lionel Marcon, Patrick Di Martino, Marcelino T. Suzuki, Philippe Lebaron, Raphael Lami
Summary: All types of building materials are susceptible to microbial colonization, leading to biodeterioration. While current cleaning techniques offer good cost-benefit ratios, they have limitations and face challenges in terms of microbial resistance and ecotoxicity. There is an urgent need for innovative and eco-friendly solutions to combat biodeterioration effectively.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mayu Kawaguchi, Kana Matsumoto, Joji Yoshitomi, Hiroko Otake, Kanta Sato, Atsushi Taga, Tatsuji Sasabe, Kenji Nobuhara, Akira Matsubara, Noriaki Nagai
Summary: In this study, a 10% DEET formulation consisting of 40% ethanol and 2% POE-POP was found to attenuate the skin penetration and prolong the repellent action of DEET without causing stickiness and skin damage.
Article
Anthropology
Xitlali Aguirre-Dugua, Alejandro Casas
Summary: This study analyzes the role of Crescentia vessels in the material culture of Mesoamerican peoples through archaeological, ethnohistorical, and linguistic evidence. It reveals that these vessels were mainly used as drinking cups, especially for cacao. Current ethnographic evidence supports this association. The study also confirms that Crescentia vessels are distinct from Lagenaria and highlights the need for further research on their utilitarian and symbolic aspects.
CURRENT ANTHROPOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Muhammad Farooq, Whitney A. Qualls, Lea Bangonan, Rui-De Xue, Steven T. Peper, Vindhya S. Aryaprema, Kim Benz, Junwei J. Zhu
Summary: Fatty acids derived from natural oils, especially coconut oil, have potential as repellents against Aedes aegypti L. mosquitoes. This study evaluated the spatial repellency of different formulations containing capric acid and lauric acid, and the contact repellency of capric acid formulations in comparison to a DEET product. The results showed that 2.25% capric acid concentration exhibited the best spatial repellency, while none of the lauric acid concentrations showed any level of spatial repellency. The 4.5% capric acid formulation demonstrated the highest contact repellency, surpassing the DEET product.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Immacolata Iovinella, Alessandro Mandoli, Cristina Luceri, Mario D'Ambrosio, Beniamino Caputo, Pietro Cobre, Francesca Romana Dani
Summary: The use of skin repellents is important for personal protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes. In this study, cyclic hydroxyacetals were tested as potential repellents and found to be as effective as DEET and Icaridin, with some compounds performing even better. These compounds also showed lower toxicity compared to DEET, suggesting their potential as safe mosquito repellents.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Guixi Liu, Wurheng, Yanying Zhang, Shirong Guo, Yongmei, Khasbagan
Summary: Through literature research and field investigations, it was found that MAKK contains Mongolian local knowledge on plants, including plant naming and utilization. The traditional knowledge of Mongolian people on plants is diverse and has reached the level of species or varieties.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Jian-Wu He, Hong-Tao Gao, Xuan Liu, Qiang Li, Jin Luo, Jin Yan, Bin-Sheng Luo
Summary: Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in China's Hunan Province is a culturally rich region with a diverse population. The locals have a deep martial arts history and possess a wealth of traditional knowledge for treating bruises. Through ethnobotanical studies, we identified 43 botanical drugs used for treating bruises, categorized into different types of injuries. However, the local traditional medicinal knowledge faces challenges regarding inheritance due to regional modernization. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and further study this knowledge in the future.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Leonor Cervantes-Ceballos, Jorge Sanchez-Hoyos, Fredys Sanchez-Hoyos, Erick Torres-Nino, Jairo Mercado-Camargo, Amparo Echeverry-Gomez, Karick Jotty Arroyo, Esther Del Olmo-Fernandez, Harold Gomez-Estrada
Summary: The genus Malachra, belonging to the family Malvaceae, has been widely used in community folk medicine for treating various health problems. It has been found to contain various bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological properties. However, there have been limited studies on the species within this genus. This review emphasizes the conservation of these species and their pharmacological potential for future research.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincent Manzanilla, Irene Teixidor-Toneu, Gary J. Martin, Peter M. Hollingsworth, Hugo J. de Boer, Anneleen Kool
Summary: The study demonstrates the efficacy of target capture genomic barcoding in identifying the geographic origin of traded plant species and shows its potential role in monitoring and regulating plant species in trade.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marcel Polling, Melati Sin, Letty A. de Weger, Arjen G. C. L. Speksnijder, Mieke J. F. Koenders, Hugo de Boer, Barbara Gravendeel
Summary: Airborne pollen monitoring is important for providing information on allergenic pollen in the air. DNA metabarcoding, especially using nrITS2, can greatly improve taxonomic resolution and provide better quantification of pollen abundance. This study in the Netherlands shows that nrITS2 is a preferred marker for molecular airborne pollen monitoring.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Andrew J. Helmstetter, Sylvain Glemin, Jos Kafer, Rosana Zenil-Ferguson, Herv Sauquet, Hugo de Boer, Leo-Paul M. J. Dagallier, Nathan Mazet, Eliette L. Reboud, Thomas L. P. Couvreur, Fabien L. Condamine
Summary: Estimating time-dependent rates of speciation and extinction from phylogenetic trees is crucial for understanding biodiversity. However, recent findings have raised questions about the reliability of these estimations. Despite this, studying macroevolution using phylogenetic trees is still exciting and promising. By acknowledging limitations and advancing modeling techniques, we can make progress as a scientific community.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Maria Ariza, Bertrand Fouks, Quentin Mauvisseau, Rune Halvorsen, Inger Greve Alsos, Hugo J. de Boer
Summary: Several studies have shown that eDNA-based proxies have the potential for plant identification, but their spatial and temporal resolution is not well understood. This study calibrates the plant signals detected by soil eDNA surveys by comparing them with above-ground vegetation surveys. The results show the potential of soil eDNA assessments for monitoring vegetation responses over broad spatial and temporal scales.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bastien Anthoons, Georgios Lagiotis, Andreas D. Drouzas, Hugo de Boer, Panagiotis Madesis
Summary: This study developed a high-resolution melting DNA-based protocol for discriminating between phenotypically similar toxic and edible plant species in mixtures, even in simulated gastric acid, which has important implications for application in medicine, forensics, and the agricultural industry.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maonian Xu, Ernest Oppong-Danquah, Xiaoyu Wang, Sebastian Oddsson, Asmaa Abdelrahman, Simon Vilms Pedersen, Maria Szomek, Aron Elvar Gylfason, Bergthora Sigridur Snorradottir, Eva Arnspang Christensen, Deniz Tasdemir, Cynthia J. Jameson, Sohail Murad, Olafur Sigmar Andresson, Kristinn Petur Magnusson, Hugo J. de Boer, Margret Thorsteinsdottir, Sesselja Omarsdottir, Starri Heidmarsson, Elin Soffia Olafsdottir
Summary: This study characterized the spatial distribution of the predominant usnic acid enantiomer in lichens in Iceland using spatial imaging and chiral chromatography techniques. The results revealed the distribution of usnic acid in lichens and provided an analytical foundation for future environmental and functional studies of usnic acid enantiomers in lichens.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hien Thi Thu Le, Linh Nhat Nguyen, Hang Le Bich Pham, Hao Thi My Le, Toan Duc Luong, Hue Thi Thu Huynh, Van Tuong Nguyen, Hai Van Nong, Irene Teixidor-Toneu, Hugo J. De Boer, Vincent Manzanilla
Summary: The global medicinal plant market for ginseng is worth billions of dollars. Many ginseng species, including the endemic Panax vietnamensis, are threatened in the wild. To preserve biodiversity and meet medicinal demand, sustainable development initiatives are needed. The study found high genetic diversity and gene flow between wild and cultivated populations of P. vietnamensis, attributed to ancient and ongoing cultivation practices and trade activities. It highlights the importance of partnering with indigenous peoples and local communities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tsedal Asres Wendmu, Aida Cuni-Sanchez, Haftom Temesgen Abebe, Hugo J. de Boer, Fetien Abay Abera, Ola Tveitereid Westengen
Summary: This study examines the cultural effects on sorghum varieties grown, traits preferred, and seed management practices among the Kunama and Tigrayan ethnolinguistic groups in northern Ethiopia. The results show that there are significant differences in variety preferences and seed management practices influenced by ethnicity and geographic proximity. Understanding these cultural and social preferences is crucial for crop breeding programs, climate change adaptation policies, and development interventions.
Article
Anthropology
Anneke T. M. ter Schure, Angela A. Bruch, Andrew W. Kandel, Boris Gasparyan, Rainer W. Bussmann, Anne K. Brysting, Hugo J. de Boer, Sanne Boessenkool
Summary: Current knowledge about Paleolithic human plant use is limited by the availability of identifiable plant remains. By analyzing DNA preserved in cave sediments, researchers are able to study past human behavior, including plant use, in new ways. This study applied sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) analysis to cave sediments, providing insights into potential plant use by prehistoric humans.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Baudry, Quentin Mauvisseau, Alexandre Arque, Jean-Pierre Gout, Carine Delaunay, Hugo J. de Boer, Frederic Grandjean
Summary: In this study, an eDNA detection protocol was developed to investigate the presence of Anablepsoides cryptocallus, the only endemic freshwater fish of Martinique. The presence of the species was confirmed in 27 sites using eDNA detection. eDNA-based detection was found to be more effective and less time-consuming than conventional fishing, making it a relevant tool for future studies.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andrew J. Helmstetter, Rosana Zenil-Ferguson, Herve Sauquet, Sarah P. Otto, Marcos Mendez, Mario Vallejo-Marin, Juerg Schoenenberger, Concetta Burgarella, Bruce Anderson, Hugo de Boer, Sylvain Glemin, Jos Kafer
Summary: This study synthesized data from 152 studies on angiosperm clades using state-dependent speciation and extinction models, and found that intrinsic traits related to reproduction and morphology are often linked to species diversification. However, a set of universal drivers did not emerge as these traits had inconsistent effects across clades. Additionally, the study found that data set properties such as tree size, age, and sampling quality were correlated to SSE model results, and provided best practices for study design and reporting.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Lutz Bachmann, Jan Beermann, Thomas Brey, Hugo J. de Boer, Jennifer Dannheim, Bente Edvardsen, Per G. P. Ericson, Kevin C. Holston, Veronika A. Johansson, Paul Kloss, Rebecca Konijnenberg, Karen J. Osborn, Paula Pappalardo, Hendrik Pehlke, Dieter Piepenburg, Torsten H. Struck, Per Sundberg, Stine Svalheim Markussen, Katharina Teschke, Maarten P. M. Vanhove
Summary: On August 25th, 2022, the Zoologica Scripta - An International Journal of Systematic Zoology and the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters held a symposium titled 'The role of systematics for understanding ecosystem functions' in Oslo, Norway. The symposium aimed to provide a platform for exploring and discussing trends and future developments in the field of systematics. Eleven international experts contributed their expertise on various global challenges, including biodiversity assessments, databases, cutting-edge analysis tools, and the consequences of the taxonomic impediment. In this paper, we compiled a proceedings paper that includes the contributions of the symposium, organized into chapters, presenting the content and key conclusions of the majority of the presentations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfred Burian, Kat Bruce, Erica Tovela, Judith Bakker, Laura Balcells, Rhett Bennett, Sarah Chordekar, Hugo M. Costa, Alex Crampton-Platt, Hugo de Boer, Vere Ross-Gillespie, Antonio de Sacramento, Naseeba Sidat, Luisa Simbine, Jonathan Ready, Cuong Tang, Quentin Mauvisseau
Summary: The coastline of Sub-Saharan Africa has diverse fish communities of great conservation value, but they are threatened by overexploitation and their conservation state is often unknown. This study used citizen science-based eDNA surveys to assess fish communities in Mozambique and found a high average fish species richness. Different sections of the coastline showed variations in threatened and commercially important species, highlighting the need for region-specific management strategies. The study also revealed a trade-off between primer sets for eDNA analysis, with one set detecting more species and the other set performing better in detecting threatened fish species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Tsedal Asres Wendmu, Tesfakiros Semere Gebrelibanos, Mallikarjuna Rao Kovi, Kristoffer Hofaker Ring, Hugo J. de Boer, Fetien Abay Abera, Ola Tveitereid Westengen
Summary: This study investigates the factors that have influenced the genetic diversity of sorghum varieties cultivated by Kunama and Tigrayan farmers in Northern Ethiopia. By combining methods from crop science and cultural anthropology, the researchers examine the historical and contemporary relationships between crop genetic diversity and cultural and social factors. The spatial genetic structure reveals both deep affinities between cultures and crops and the openness of the seed systems to exchange and gene-flow. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural factors for genetic resource conservation, as well as for plant breeding and seed system development efforts.
Meeting Abstract
Plant Sciences
A. C. Raclariu-Manolica, Q. Mauvisseau, R. Paranaiba, H. J. De Boer, C. Socaciu