Article
Environmental Sciences
Anqiang Yang, Richard G. J. Bellerby, Yanna Wang, Xiaoshuang Li
Summary: The study revealed that the growth of Heterosigma akashiwo varied under different phosphate and nitrate concentrations, with phosphate concentration having a greater impact on total growth. The cellular nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio was influenced by the initial N:P ratio and allocation strategy. These findings provide valuable insights for coastal water management and marine ecological management.
Article
Microbiology
Nanjing Ji, Xueyao Yin, Yujiao Chen, Yifan Chen, Mingyang Xu, Jinwang Huang, Yuefeng Cai, Xin Shen
Summary: In this study, a full-length transcriptome of the harmful algal species Heterosigma akashiwo was obtained using single-molecule real-time sequencing. A total of 45.44 Gb of subread bases were generated, resulting in 16,668 unigenes after data processing. Among the annotated unigenes, phosphorus and nitrogen metabolism genes were the most detected. Additionally, putative transcription factors, long non-coding RNAs, and simple sequence repeats were also predicted. This study provides a valuable reference transcriptome for understanding the molecular mechanism of H. akashiwo blooms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuanyue Li, Zehong Lin, Meiyi Yuan, Ling Zhao, Pinghe Yin
Summary: In this study, the effect of extracellular algicidal compounds (EACs) on the harmful algal species Heterosigma akashiwo (H. akashiwo) was investigated using a combination of metabolomics and physiological analyses. The results showed that the EACs caused excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the algal cells, leading to stress responses and eventually cell death. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanism of the algicidal process and the application of metabolomics in algal research.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anupam Sengupta, Jayabrata Dhar, Francesco Danza, Arkajyoti Ghoshal, Sarah Mueller, Narges Kakavand
Summary: In this study, the researchers discovered that bloom-forming raphidophytes use cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) to regulate their vertical migration and restore swimming traits through active reconfiguration of LD size and coordinates. This finding expands our understanding of microbial strategies in nutrient-limited oceans.
Article
Limnology
Yang Yeyin, Huang Bozhu, Tang Yingzhong, Xu Ning
Summary: Research has found that Akashiwo sanguinea can inhibit the growth of other phytoplankton species through allelopathic effects, with higher cell densities leading to higher inhibition rates. Additionally, components and crude extract of A. sanguinea cultures were able to inhibit the growth of Rhodomonas salina, and nutrient enrichment and nitrogen:phosphorus ratio imbalance significantly enhanced its allelopathic activity.
JOURNAL OF OCEANOLOGY AND LIMNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oceanography
Nina Nemcek, Melissa Hennekes, Akash Sastri, R. Ian Perry
Summary: A chemotaxonomic approach using HPLC was used to study the phytoplankton composition in the Salish Sea. This method provided a more comprehensive view of the phytoplankton community compared to microscopy. The study identified nine taxonomic groups and four phytoplankton functional types, and found significant seasonal and interannual variations in phytoplankton composition. The findings contribute to our understanding of the dynamics and spatial distribution of phytoplankton in the Salish Sea.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huanxin Zhang, Yumiao Zhou, Qiang Kong, Wenlong Dong, Zhihao Lin
Summary: Petroleum hydrocarbons can act as a carbon source for marine phytoplankton, leading to algal outbreaks or harmful algal blooms due to high-acid crude oil pollution events. Naphthenic acids are the primary acidic component of crude oil, posing a threat due to their high diffusivity and strong destructive properties. The study found a clear concentration-dose relationship in the toxic effect of NAs on the target organism, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanism for ecological risk prediction and avoidance.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nanjing Ji, Zhenzhen Zhang, Lei Chen, Xueyao Yin, Xin Shen
Summary: Phosphorus is an important macronutrient for phytoplankton growth but can frequently be scarce in certain parts of the ocean. Phytoplankton have evolved various strategies to cope with phosphorus deficiency, including the utilization of different phosphorus sources. This study examined the physiological and molecular responses of the harmful algal bloom species Heterosigma akashiwo to the utilization of polyphosphate (polyP) and coping with phosphorus deficiency. The results showed that H. akashiwo can efficiently utilize certain inorganic polyphosphates to support its growth, and under phosphorus-deficient conditions, genes related to phosphorus transport, dissolved organic phosphorus utilization, sulfolipid synthesis, and energy production were significantly upregulated.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yangjie Sheng, Jingting Cai, Zhenxiong Yang, Hong Du, Ran Bi, Wenhua Liu, Ping Li
Summary: Micro-and nano-plastics have negative impacts on harmful algal species. This study found that 80 nm polystyrene MNPs inhibited algal growth, while 1 μm MNPs increased chlorophyll a content. H. akashiwo can defend against MNPs stress by upregulating gene expression.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Malihe Mehdizadeh Allaf, Charles G. Trick
Summary: Harmful algal blooms present a significant environmental issue, with cells releasing toxins and beneficial compounds. Researchers have developed a yeast cell assay to evaluate the toxicity of bloom-forming species on water environments. The results showed metabolic damage in yeast cells after exposure to toxin-producing algal cells or extracts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eugin Bornman, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams, Nadine A. Strydom
Summary: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have a negative impact on the abundance of the estuarine-dependent fish species Mugil cephalus in Sundays Estuary. The presence of HAB species Heterosigma akashiwo alters the dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary, resulting in unfavorable conditions for the fish. The study suggests that unsustainable agricultural fertilization could lead to more severe and frequent HABs, causing a decline in fish nursery quality.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Honglin Quan, Yuan Zhang, Pinghe Yin, Ling Zhao
Summary: The study suggests that ortho-tyrosine and urocanic acid identified from Bacillus sp. B1 have significant algicidal effects on H. akashiwo, effectively controlling its growth. Ortho-tyrosine affects the photosynthesis system and membrane permeability of H. akashiwo, while urocanic acid mainly inhibits algal cell growth and reproduction by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Taryn Smit, Daniel A. Lemley, Janine B. Adams, Nadine A. Strydom
Summary: This study conducted in a warm-temperate South African estuary reveals that harmful algal blooms can alter the population dynamics of dominant larval fish and zooplankton species, particularly during bloom phases where there is a mismatch between prey and predator densities. The impacts of recurrent harmful algal blooms on estuarine ecosystem function are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fine-scale consequences of these events in a future of intensifying eutrophication.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malihe Mehdizadeh Allaf, Charles G. Trick
Summary: The study used a central composite design to investigate the effect of salinity, light intensity, and temperature on the toxicity, lipid, and protein production of H. akashiwo. The optimum conditions for toxicity, lipid production, and protein production were found to be 25°C temperature, 17.5 salinity, and 250 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) light intensity. The combination of warm water and lower salinity can potentially enhance the toxicity of H. akashiwo, which is of great concern for aquaculture facilities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Nanjing Ji, Mingyang Xu, Junyue Wang, Junjia Li, Shishi Liu, Xueyao Yin, Xin Shen, Yuefeng Cai
Summary: The physiological and transcriptomic responses of the Asiatic hard clam to Heterosigma akashiwo were investigated, revealing that the clam can effectively feed on the toxic alga. Intensification of shellfish farming may be helpful in controlling and mitigating H. akashiwo blooms.
Article
Plant Sciences
S. Falsini, C. Tani, G. Sambuco, A. Papini, P. Faraoni, S. Campigli, L. Ghelardini, G. Bleve, D. Rizzo, M. Ricciolini, I Scarpelli, L. Drosera, A. Gnerucci, F. Peduto Hand, G. Marchi, S. Schiff
Summary: This study presents the first anatomical description of S. junceum plants naturally infected by Xf subsp. multiplex ST87 in a new outbreak area in Europe. The bacteria were found exclusively in xylem conductive elements, moving horizontally through pits. An interesting pink/violet matrix was observed with Toluidine blue staining, possibly produced by the host plant as a defense response against bacterial spread.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Brian Stewart
IEEE ELECTRICAL INSULATION MAGAZINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Computer Science, Information Systems
Ilse Cervantes
Summary: This article discusses the adjustments made to the journal in 2021, focusing on meeting the sustainable goals of the United Nations for Latin America in the areas of electrical energy, computing, and electronics, along with enhancing the dissemination and quality of authors' work.
IEEE LATIN AMERICA TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eugenia Mazzara, Jacopo Torresi, Gelsomina Fico, Alessio Papini, Nicola Kulbaka, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Stefania Sut, Stefania Garzoli, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Loredana Cappellacci, Dennis Fiorini, Filippo Maggi, Claudia Giuliani, Riccardo Petrelli
Summary: New hemp strains developed through crossbreeding selected varieties have been studied for their phytochemical characterization. The study analyzed the essential oils, residual water, and deterpenated biomass of nine commercial hemp cultivars. Different chemotypes were identified through analysis of volatile fractions, and the polyphenolic profile was studied in residual water and deterpenated biomass. The study also investigated the morphology of glandular and non-glandular indumentum and its possible correlation with phytochemical traits. The research highlights the potential industrial and health applications of different products obtained from the hydrodistillation of hemp varieties.
Editorial Material
Art
Elisa Foster
Article
Geography
Santosuosso Ugo, Papini Alessio
Summary: Geographic Profiling attempts to reconstruct the spreading centre of a series of events due to the same cause. The analysis provides an approximate localization of the spreading centre within an area with higher probability of finding it. The validity of the method has been further confirmed and it has been shown that an approximate choice of a parameter can be sufficient for an accurate location of the spreading centre.
JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Correction
Geography
Ugo Santosuosso, Alessio Papini
JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Falsini, Tommaso Nieri, Aurora Paolini, Silvia Schiff, Alessio Papini, Laura Mugnai, Cristina Gonnelli, Sandra Ristori
Summary: In this study, nanocapsules loaded with neem oil were fabricated using Kraft lignin and grapeseed tannins as natural materials. The nanocapsules showed suitable sizes for delivery purposes and exhibited stability. The neem oil demonstrated improved efficacy against Phaeoacremonium minimum compared to a commercial pesticide, while no additional activity was observed against Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Botrytis cinerea.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Roberta Ascrizzi, Fabrizia Milani, Alberto Spada, Alessio Papini, Guido Flamini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study combined micromorphological and phytochemical approaches to investigate Lavandula angustifolia Mill. cultivated at Ghirardi Botanic Garden in Italy. The study identified three morphotypes of trichomes on the leaves and flowers: peltate, short-stalked capitate, and medium-stalked capitate. Histochemical dyes revealed that peltate and medium-stalked capitate trichomes produced abundant terpenes, while short-stalked capitate trichomes secreted hydrophilic substances. The phytochemical analysis focused on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by leaves and flowers, as well as the composition of the essential oil (EO) from the flowering aerial parts. The findings provide valuable information for the ecology, biological activity, and sensory qualities of VOCs and EO in Lavandula angustifolia.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Shabir Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad, Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan, Shazia Sultana, Alessio Papini, Fazal Ullah, Saddam Saqib, Asma Ayaz, Mansoor Ahmed Bazai, Wajid Zaman, Muhammad Zafar
Summary: This study investigated the pollen of fossil plants from the Miocene period in Pakistan, revealing its high biodiversity. The analysis of 31 samples using microscopic techniques identified 48 pollen types from 12 families. However, the preservation of floral records was found to be suboptimal.
Article
Plant Sciences
Emilio Corti, Sara Falsini, Silvia Schiff, Corrado Tani, Cristina Gonnelli, Alessio Papini
Summary: Soil salinization has worsened in recent decades, resulting in decreased crop yields, particularly in the Mediterranean basin. Eruca sativa is an economically important species cultivated in this region. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salinity on the germination and growth of seedlings, as well as the anatomical and ultrastructural changes in cotyledon morphology. Seeds were treated with varying levels of NaCl, ranging from 137 to 548 mM. Seed germination was delayed at all tested concentrations, but impaired seedling growth occurred only above 137 mM. Results showed a high presence of lipid bodies in the cotyledon mesophyll cells of seedlings exposed to salt concentrations above 137 mM, indicating a disruption in lipid mobilization during plant development caused by salinity. Treated seedlings exhibited reduced intercellular spaces, ultrastructural changes in chloroplasts and peroxisomes, and salt-induced autophagic processes at the highest NaCl levels. Interestingly, seedlings at 137 mM NaCl displayed the highest mesophyll thickness and fresh weight, suggesting a potential mechanism of salt adaptation during germination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Laura Santagostini, Alberto Spada, Alessio Papini, Fabrizia Milani, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study represents the first comprehensive investigation on Teucrium fruticans L. cultivated in Lombardy, Northern Italy. The study combined micromorphological and phytochemical surveys to analyze the plant's aerial parts. Micromorphological investigations revealed the presence of five distinct trichome morphotypes, while phytochemical characterization focused on the essential oils obtained from the plant. The essential oils were found to consist mainly of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with beta-caryophyllene and germacrene D identified as the main compounds.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
D. Attolini, L. Pattelli, S. Nocentini, D. S. Wiersma, C. Tani, A. Papini, M. Mariotti Lippi
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the features, development, and possible function of cell lumen phytoliths in Festuca exaltata leaves. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine these phytoliths. The results showed that silica deposition begins within a medium electron density matrix, and proteins may play a role in the deposition process. The positioning of the short cell phytoliths at maturity was found to have negligible influence on the distribution of light within the leaf.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emilio Corti, Sara Falsini, Cristina Gonnelli, Giuseppe Pieraccini, Besiana Nako, Alessio Papini
Summary: Soil salinity negatively impacts agricultural products, affecting their quality, yield, and aesthetic traits. This study investigates the potential use of salt-affected vegetables as a source of nutraceuticals. The experiment reveals that salt levels higher than 68 mM render rocket plants non-compliant with EU regulations, making them waste products. However, the study also finds a significant increase in glucosinolates levels in these salt-affected plants, which presents an opportunity for recycling them as a source of this bioactive compound. Additionally, at 34 mM NaCl, rocket plants not only maintain their aesthetic traits but also show a significant enrichment in glucosinolates, making them appealing to the market and offering improved nutraceutical aspects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Luca Di Nuzzo, Giulia Canali, Paolo Giordani, Juri Nascimbene, Renato Benesperi, Alessio Papini, Elisabetta Bianchi, Philipp Porada
Summary: Lichens are organisms that can reactivate their metabolic activity through water vapor uptake or liquid water input after drying. The water-related functional traits of lichens play an important role in the duration of their hydrated period. This study measured the water holding capacity and specific thallus mass of adult and juvenile thalli of a model lichen species along a climatic gradient to improve a process-based model for lichen productivity. The model predicts that adult thalli have a higher survival probability and higher activity, growth rate, and thallus mass compared to juvenile thalli.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
