Article
Ecology
Laura Martin-Torrijos, David Buckley, Ignacio Doadrio, Annie Machordom, Javier Dieguez-Uribeondo
Summary: This study assessed the genetic variation levels and patterns of freshwater crayfish populations in the Iberian Peninsula, revealing high genetic diversity significantly structured into three main genetic groups. The findings suggest the importance of considering these three phylogeographic groups as essential management units for the conservation of the species' remaining genetic diversity.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Camille Moreau, Quentin Jossart, Bruno Danis, Marc Eleaume, Henrik Christiansen, Charlene Guillaumot, Rachel Downey, Thomas Saucede
Summary: The diversity and taxonomy of sea stars in the Southern Ocean need to be revised and explored further, as molecular results indicate recent diversification at the genus and species levels. This supports a scenario of invasion and exchange events between the Southern Ocean and adjacent regions, with clade diversification during periods of rapid environmental changes.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyung-Bae Jeon, Ha Youn Song, Ho Young Suk, In-Chul Bang
Summary: This study aimed to reconstruct the speciation process and phylogenetic dispersal of the endemic Korean freshwater fish species Coreoleuciscus. Through analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidate subunit I, the study found that the species originated from independent colonization in ancestral populations during the Late Plio-Pleistocene. Evidence was also provided for the species' origin in the Eastern Eurasian continent and subsequent dispersal into East Asia. The study highlighted the importance of genetic diversity in large drainage populations for the conservation and management of Coreoleuciscus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdulaziz R. Alqahtani, Ahmed Badry, Sayed A. M. Amer, Fahd Mohammed Abd Al Galil, Mervat A. Ahmed, Zuhair S. Amr
Summary: This study investigated the genetic variation in seven populations of A. crassicauda from Saudi Arabia, revealing the presence of three distinct lineages and supporting the existence of two distinct populations, possibly indicating a putative different species. Further morphological studies may uncover undiscovered and cryptic species in the region.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurelie Bonin, Alessia Guerrieri, Gentile Francesco Ficetola
Summary: Clustering approaches are crucial for handling DNA metabarcoding data, but the choice of clustering threshold is often not well justified. This study evaluated clustering threshold values for different metabarcoding markers and proposed a method to select appropriate thresholds based on different criteria.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chiara Manfrin, Massimo Zanetti, David Stankovic, Umberto Fattori, Victoria Bertucci-Maresca, Piero G. Giulianini, Alberto Pallavicini
Summary: This study developed and validated species-specific assays based on hydrolysis probe chemistry to detect the presence of the stone crayfish and the white-clawed crayfish in water samples. The results confirmed the presence of the stone crayfish at several sites, including some where it was detected for the first time. Additionally, the method successfully detected the presence of the white-clawed crayfish.
Article
Ecology
Maha Moussa, Sarra Choulak, Soumaya Rhouma-Chatti, Noureddine Chatti, Khaled Said
Summary: This study investigated the genetic differentiation and phylogeography of the Chondrosia reniformis sponge populations in Tunisia. The results showed that these populations may have experienced a bottleneck and rapid demographic expansion, leading to high genetic differentiation among different localities. The geographic origin played a significant role in the distribution of the sponge populations, with the Siculo-Tunisian Strait acting as a biogeographic barrier. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the population evolution and environmental adaptation of this sponge species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea Basso, Valentina Paolini, Daniela Ghia, Gianluca Fea, Marica Toson, Tobia Pretto
Summary: In endangered crayfish conservation projects, it is important to map the distribution of the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in native populations. This study explored non-invasive sampling techniques, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and cuticular swabbing, to detect A. astaci. The findings suggest that filtering 5 liters of water with filters of 2.7 μm porosity for eDNA analysis and using cuticular swabs are effective methods for sampling. Storage in absolute ethanol is recommended for preserving samples. Integrated sampling methods are suggested for monitoring A. astaci in conservation efforts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Xu, Bernhard Hausdorf
Summary: This study used genome-wide sequencing data to analyze the evolutionary history and phylogeography of the door snail species complex Charpentieria itala, revealing that the separation of populations into western and eastern groups by the Garda glacier during the glacials played a significant role in shaping the population structure. Additionally, new differentiated taxa were found to originate through hybridization events with Charpentieria stenzii, as well as further hybridization events between stenzioid populations that survived glacials in mountain refuges and non-stenzioid populations due to climate warming.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Xander Velkeneers, P. A. K. N. Dissanayake, Filip Huyghe, Alex Nehemia, Hajaniaina Andrianavalonarivo Ratsimbazafy, Marc Kochzius
Summary: This study collected and identified 24 specimens of Tridacna elongatissima in order to investigate its distribution range, providing the first record for Tanzania and expanding the species' range in both northern (Zanzibar, Tanzania) and southern (Ponta de Ouro, Mozambique) areas.
Article
Zoology
Jessica R. Litman, Alexander Fateryga, Terry L. Griswold, Matthieu Aubert, Maxim Yu Proshchalykin, Romain Le Divelec, Skyler Burrows, Christophe J. Praz
Summary: This study investigated the complex of anthidiine bees closely related to Pseudoanthidium scapulare using morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The results revealed the presence of ten species in this complex, including a previously overlooked species. The study provided insights into species delimitation, geographical distributions, and identification methods.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ivan N. Marin, Ilya S. Turbanov, Gregoryi A. Prokopov, Dmitry M. Palatov
Summary: A new species of Niphargus found in the Tarkhankut Upland of Crimea is described. This species is co-occurring with Asellus cf. aquaticus and is related to other undescribed species from coastal habitats of the Black Sea. It belongs to the paraphyletic European stygius-longicaudatus group and its divergence from related European species occurred in the Late Miocene age. Speciation within the species started in the Pliocene, and the division into isolated subpopulations likely occurred during the Pleistocene. Stable isotopes analysis revealed distinct trophic niches for the discovered macrocrustaceans in the Tarkhankut Upland wells.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ajay Kumar, Mauro Cacace, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, Hans-Juergen Goetze, Boris J. P. Kaus
Summary: The dynamics of the Alps and surrounding regions remain not fully understood due to the non-unique interpretation of its upper-mantle architecture. By clustering available shear-wave tomography models, three end-member scenarios of lithospheric thickness and slab geometries were derived and used as input for geodynamic simulations, revealing a potential explanation for observed seismicity.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yingnan Wang, Yu Wang, Yahui Zhao, Alexandra Yu Kravchenko, Juha Merila, Baocheng Guo
Summary: Through whole-genome resequencing data, the phylogeography of Northeast Asian Pungitius sticklebacks was investigated, revealing three new Pungitius species in China and clarifying the colonization sequence and timing of different Pungitius species in Northeast Asia. This study expands our understanding of Pungitius sticklebacks' phylogeography by extending sampling to nearly half of their known distribution area in Northeast Asia.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniya Ualiyeva, Oleg A. Ermakov, Spartak N. Litvinchuk, Xianguang Guo, Alexander Yu Ivanov, Rui Xu, Jun Li, Feng Xu, Irina I. Arifulova, Alyona G. Kaptyonkina, Victor A. Khromov, Vladimir N. Krainyuk, Fakhriddin Sarzhanov, Tatjana N. Dujsebayeva
Summary: This study investigated the diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and distribution of marsh frogs in Kazakhstan and northwest China. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three main lineages and provided insights into the lineage diversification and population dynamics of the Central Asian marsh frogs.
Article
Parasitology
Federico Storniolo, Marco A. L. Zuffi, Alan J. Coladonato, Marco Mangiacotti, Stefano Scali, Roberto Sacchi
Summary: Parasites can have significant effects on the ecology, behavior, and physiology of hosts, with specific impacts on survivorship. Despite this, certain parasites, especially those not associated with obvious disease, have been overlooked in comparison to more pathogenic ones. The common wall lizard is a common carrier of blood parasites, but the effects of such infections can vary significantly due to various factors.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stefano Scali, Roberto Sacchi, Elisabetta Gozzo, Stefano Chiesa, Alan J. Coladonato, Marco A. L. Zuffi, Marco Mangiacotti
Summary: Animal communication relies on signals that are perceived and decoded by the receiver. Lacertids use visual and chemical stimuli to modulate their aggressive response, with the rival's size being an important factor. A study on Podarcis muralis lizards shows that males are able to decode information about a rival's size based on its chemical cues alone. They exhibit different behaviors, such as tongue flicks and number of bites, depending on the size difference with the rival.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hammad Ullah, Alessandro Di Minno, Cristina Esposito, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Alessandra Baldi, Agostino Greco, Salvatore Santonastaso, Valeria Cioffi, Raffaele Sperandeo, Roberto Sacchi, Maria Daglia
Summary: This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of a food supplement based on SAMe and probiotics in reducing depression symptoms in patients with subthreshold depression and mild-to-moderate depression. The results indicate that the food supplement significantly decreases depression symptoms.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Thomas Dadda, Federico Storniolo, Marco Mangiacotti, Stefano Scali, Marco A. L. Zuffi, Roberto Sacchi
Summary: This study analyzed the distributional patterns of different dorsal morphs in a lizard species and found that the morphs were not randomly distributed but followed clear geographic patterns, varied with altitude and habitats, showed sex-specific trends, and correlated with the phylogenetic history of the species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adriana Bellati, Andrea Chiocchio, Edoardo Razzetti, Roberta Bisconti, Daniele Canestrelli
Summary: Water frogs of the genus Pelophylax have been traded across Europe and shown to be invasive in most countries, threatening native populations. Hybridization poses a particular concern for native hybridogenetic systems. A molecular survey in northern Italy revealed multiple introduced alien taxa co-occurring at the same site, with native mitochondrial haplotypes mainly found at the edge of the invaded range. The most widespread taxa were P. ridibundus and P. kurtmuelleri, but diverse members of the P. bedriagae complex also occurred. The geographic origin of alien taxa was inferred based on mitochondrial haplotype variation, providing a basis for investigating the impact of introductions on native populations and developing effective conservation strategies for native hybridogenetic systems.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Luca Ilahiane, Roger Colominas-Ciuro, Pierre Bize, Giovanni Boano, Marco Cucco, Mauro Ferri, Giulia Masoero, Christoph M. Meier, Marco Pavia, Gloria Ramello, Gary Voelker, Irene Pellegrino
Summary: This study investigates the relationships between swifts, their louse flies, and blood parasites. PCR screening of blood samples from 34 common swifts, 44 pallid swifts, and 45 alpine swifts, as well as morphological and COI barcode identification of 20 ectoparasitic louse flies, reveals no evidence of blood parasite infection in the tested swifts or identified louse fly species. These findings suggest that highly aerial swift species are unlikely to be infected by blood parasites through louse fly ectoparasites during nesting.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Futsum Hagos, Tecle Yemane, Kamal M. Ibrahim, Marco Mangiacotti, Roberto Sacchi
Summary: In this study, the authors analyzed the status and habitat selection of three species of gazelle in Eritrea and assessed the effect of human disturbance on their occurrence. They collected presence/absence data of the gazelle species in 67 administrative subregions using direct and indirect methods. Environmental variables were collected for each sampling unit, and the occurrence probability of each species was modeled through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). The results showed that human disturbance had the strongest negative effect on gazelle occurrence and establishing protected areas is essential for their future in Eritrea.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Roberto Sacchi, Marco Mangiacotti, Stefano Scali, Federico Storniolo, Marco A. L. Zuffi
Summary: Understanding how sexual dimorphism responds to natural and sexual selection is essential in understanding intraspecific phenotypic diversity. By comparing two species of lizards inhabiting the same archipelago, it was found that sexual dimorphism is a complex phenomenon resulting from the interaction between sexual and natural selection. These two forces act simultaneously and can generate species-specific patterns of morphological diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marco Mangiacotti, Simon Baeckens, Marco Fumagalli, Jose Martin, Stefano Scali, Roberto Sacchi
Summary: Sexual selection contributes to the diversity of chemical signals in animals. Lizards, a chemically oriented group, are a good model species for studying the effects of sexual selection on signal diversity. Previous studies have focused on the lipid blend in lizard glands, but failed to find a relationship with sexual selection. This study investigates the protein fraction and finds a correlation between protein expression and sexual dimorphism, suggesting proteins may be targets of sexual selection.
Article
Ornithology
Francesca Visalli, Federico De Pascalis, Jennifer Morinay, Letizia Campioni, Simona Imperio, Carlo Catoni, Ivan Maggini, Andrea Benvenuti, Giorgia Gaibani, Irene Pellegrino, Luca Ilahiane, Dan Chamberlain, Diego Rubolini, Jacopo G. Cecere
Summary: Mate choice is a crucial process in optimizing reproductive fitness in animals, mainly guided by phenotypic features that mirror reproductive abilities. Positive assortative mating occurs when mates are more similar, while negative assortative mating occurs when mates are more dissimilar than expected by chance. Scopoli's Shearwater, a sexually dimorphic species with long-term monogamous bonds, exhibits positive assortative mating based on tarsus length, but not bill size. Tarsus length is also correlated with the duration of incubation shifts, suggesting potential benefits for fasting tolerance. However, the underlying processes influencing mate choice are complex and require further investigation.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Noah Meier, Kay Lucek, Marco A. L. Zuffi, Federico Storniolo, Marcello Mezzasalma, Philippe Geniez, Sylvain Dubey, Roberto Sacchi, Stefano Scali, Sylvain Ursenbacher
Summary: Speciation, the process of species diversification, can occur through different steps that evolve in different orders and time scales. The green whip snake subspecies, Hierophis viridiflavus viridiflavus and Hierophis viridiflavus carbonarius, are separated geographically and provide an ideal study system for speciation. The reproductive isolation and genetic basis of melanism in the subspecies are still poorly understood. However, a study on gene flow using DNA analysis suggests that these subspecies may represent evolutionarily significant units and should be treated taxonomically as subspecies.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Manuela Bordiga, Claudia Lupi, Roberto Sacchi, Patrizia Ferretti, Simon J. Crowhurst, Miriam Cobianchi
Summary: The study applies various time series analytical techniques to the nannofossil dataset from mid-latitudinal Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1209, identifying the response of nannofossils to orbital drivers during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hammad Ullah, Eduardo Sommella, Alessandro Di Minno, Roberto Piccinocchi, Daniele Giuseppe Buccato, Lorenza Francesca De Lellis, Costanza Riccioni, Alessandra Baldi, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Gaetano Piccinocchi, Pietro Campiglia, Roberto Sacchi, Maria Daglia
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new food supplement based on a chemically characterized pomegranate extract and hydro-soluble vitamins (B complex and C) in reducing prolonged fatigue in healthy subjects. The food supplement showed significant reductions in fatigue severity scores but had no considerable effect on psychological well-being.
Article
Biology
M. Mangiacotti, S. Baeckens, M. Fumagalli, J. Martin, S. Scali, R. Sacchi
Summary: Chemical communication in lizards involves complex blends of lipids and proteins, which play a role in semiochemical and structural functions. This study found a strong correlation between the composition and complexity of the protein and lipid fractions in lizard gland secretions. The protein fraction composition was influenced by specific compounds, while the complexity of the protein pattern increased with lipid complexity. Enzymes found in the association between proteins and lipids may confer dynamic properties to the blend, suggesting a new perspective on protein role in communication.
INTEGRATIVE ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. U. C. A. Ilahiane, F. E. D. E. R. I. C. O. DE Pascalis, D. A. N. I. L. O. Pisu, D. A. V. I. D. Pala, F. E. D. E. R. I. C. A. Ferrario, M. A. R. C. O. Cucco, D. I. E. G. O. Rubolini, Jacopo G. Cecere, I. R. E. N. E. Pellegrino
Summary: Pathogens and diseases can have severe effects on fitness in birds. Screening can help understand disease distribution and parasite-host interactions. Using molecular techniques, no evidence of blood parasites was found in two Mediterranean seabird species, indicating a possible lack of vector for transmission.
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2022)