Article
Ecology
Alexander J. Douglas, Laura A. Hug, Barbara A. Katzenback
Summary: Different bacterial skin microbiome compositions were found in North American wood frogs based on seasons and locations, with no significant effect of sex on microbiota diversity observed. The study indicates significant seasonal variation in wood frog skin microbiome structure, while the average diversity per frog remained consistent.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Wesley Flynn, Michael Iacchetta, Chloe de Perre, Linda Lee, Maria S. Sepulveda, Jason T. Hoverman
Summary: PFAS are pervasive in aquatic systems globally and can have detrimental effects on human and wildlife health. Studies have shown that even at low concentrations, PFAS exposure in a realistic environment can impact the development of amphibians.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kurt A. Gust, Karl J. Indest, Guilherme Lotufo, Steven J. Everman, Carina M. Jung, Mark L. Ballentine, Allison V. Hoke, Bintu Sowe, Aarti Gautam, Rasha Hammamieh, Qing Ji, Natalie D. Barker
Summary: The study suggests that munition exposure can alter tadpole skin microbiome composition and affect the transcriptional profiles in the amphibian host, potentially impacting the host's health and immune status. The findings indicate direct effects of munitions exposure on the skin microbiome, as well as possible indirect effects on microbial flora. The research highlights the importance of understanding the potential impacts of munition exposure on amphibian health and disease resistance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anchal Varma, Kenneth B. Storey
Summary: The regulation of citrate synthase (CS) in the liver of wood frogs during freezing was investigated. Results showed a significant decrease in the activity and catalytic efficiency of CS in the frozen frogs' liver, along with a decrease in phosphorylation levels. These results suggest that CS activity is suppressed and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux is inhibited during freezing to support the frogs' survival in harsh winter conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Svetlana A. Kaurova, Victor K. Uteshev, Andrew B. Gapeyev, Natalia V. Shishova, Edith N. Gakhova, Robert K. Browne, Ludmila I. Kramarova
Summary: The successful cryopreservation of testicular spermatozoa of the common frog Rana temporaria was described, with results showing a significant decrease in quality after 4 days of storage when treated with DMF. DMSO had a toxic effect on the spermatozoa. Low levels of DNA fragmentation were observed.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bailey R. Tasker, Karli N. Honebein, Allie M. Erickson, Julia E. Misslin, Paul Hurst, Sarah Cooney, Skylar Riley, Scott A. Griffith, Betsy A. Bancroft
Summary: Climate change and invasive species have significant negative effects on Pacific chorus frogs, with the presence of invasive bullfrogs having a larger impact than climate conditions. Future climate conditions may lead to faster development and increased weight in Pacific chorus frogs, but in the presence of invasive bullfrogs, tadpoles may exhibit slower growth. The ability of Pacific chorus frogs to compensate for the negative effects of bullfrogs through increased allocation of energy towards mass suggests strong plasticity in response to changing environments.
Article
Forestry
Ying Lu, Liudong Zhang, Kun Li, Ruiqiang Ni, Rongchu Han, Chuanrong Li, Caihong Zhang, Weixing Shen, Zhongjun Zhang
Summary: Microorganisms play a crucial role in litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. The diversity and composition of bacterial communities are influenced by litter species and tissues, which are correlated with the initial chemical properties of the litter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jishuai Su, Yujin Zhao, Yongfei Bai
Summary: Climate change-induced alterations in precipitation regimes can significantly affect litter decomposition and carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. This global meta-analysis found that litter decomposition showed double-asymmetric responses to precipitation changes, with litter decomposition in forests being more sensitive. The initial lignin concentration in litter primarily determined the responses of litter decomposition to precipitation changes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Pastorino, Silvia Colussi, Katia Varello, Arianna Meletiadis, Silvia Alberti, Alessia Di Blasio, Giovanni Tedde, Mattia Begovoeva, Andrea Peano, Luca Rossi, Monia Renzi, Pier Luigi Acutis, Damia Barcelo, Marino Prearo
Summary: Unusual mortality events of frogs occurred in two high-mountain ponds in Italy. Analysis of water and frog samples revealed a correlation between the isolation of bacteria and frog mortalities, which was likely caused by high water temperatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Paul D. Thompson, Chante L. Lundskog, Drew E. Dittmer
Summary: The Columbia Spotted Frog, widely distributed in northwestern North America, is a species that has experienced declines in the southernmost populations. A conservation agreement and strategy were developed for the Utah populations, which included range expansion. Repatriation of CSF larvae from one population to another was successful, with observed breeding and increase in numbers. Genetic testing indicated the absence of amphibian chytrid fungus in the repatriated population.
ICHTHYOLOGY AND HERPETOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashley D. Keiser, Robert Warren, Timothy Filley, Mark A. Bradford
Summary: Photodegradation contributes to similar leaf litter mass loss rates in mesic environments and drylands, despite water limitations in the latter. Our study in the Southern Appalachian Mountains showed that during the non-growing season, exposure to maximum solar radiation led to decreased proportions of oxidized lignin relative to other carbon compounds in leaf litter. This phenomenon was particularly strong on south-facing slopes with higher solar radiation levels.
Article
Biology
Coen Hird, Craig E. Franklin, Rebecca L. Cramp
Summary: Aquatically respiring animals exposed to low pH waters suffer inhibition of ion uptake and loss of branchial integrity. Environmental calcium levels are pivotal in maintaining branchial junction integrity, with supplemental calcium reversing the negative effects of low pH in some animals. The mechanism by which animals overcome the damaging actions of low pH and low environmental calcium levels remains unknown. This study examined the effects of environmental calcium levels on the response to low pH in acid-tolerant frog larvae. It was found that additional calcium improved resistance to sodium efflux at low pH, and the expression of a calcium transport protein played a role in the acid tolerance of the larvae.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Songze Wan, Shenglei Fu, Chenlu Zhang, Juan Liu, Yun Zhang, Rong Mao
Summary: The study found that subtropical plantations undergoing understory removal and litter addition have impacts on litter decomposition dynamics. Understory removal inhibited litter decomposition rates, while litter addition also slowed down decomposition rates, but they did not interact with each other when present simultaneously. Mixed leaf and twig litter had additive effects on litter decomposition rates.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuhai Yang, Honghua Zhou, Zhaoxia Ye, Chenggang Zhu
Summary: In this study, an equation was attempted to be established between leaf litter amount and relevant tree characteristics on an individual scale for Populus euphratica trees. Results showed no proper equation between leaf litter amount and tree height or diameter at breast height, with a great difference in leaf litter amount on an individual scale. The leaf litter mass changed over time, exhibiting three main phases in the incubation experiment.
Article
Ecology
Hongyong Xiang, Kun Li, Lina Cao, Zhenxing Zhang, Haijun Yang
Summary: This study investigates the decomposition rates of coniferous leaf litter (CLL) in streams and rivers and analyzes the factors influencing CLL decomposition. The results show that CLL decomposition rates are slower compared to other global studies, and decomposition is faster in coarse mesh bags for evergreen and invasive conifers. Factors such as CLL traits, stream physicochemical characteristics, and experimental factors have a greater impact on decomposition rates than climatic and geographic factors. Nutritional quality, water temperature, and experimental duration are better predictors of CLL decomposition. Latitude, altitude, temperature, and precipitation also affect CLL breakdown rates. The findings suggest that the replacement of native forests with conifer plantations can significantly affect adjacent freshwater ecosystems, and climate warming may accelerate leaf litter decomposition, leading to potential food depletion for detritivores during hot summers.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)