Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Kaleem, Mansoor Hameed, Farooq Ahmad, Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Sajid Aqeel Ahmad
Summary: Fimbristylis complanata exhibits biochemical and anatomical modifications to mitigate salinity-induced ionic disturbance. The SH population collected from a hyper-saline habitat is the most salt tolerant due to its capability to maintain root and shoot dry biomass, accompanied by higher sequestration of Na+. Enhanced accumulation of Ca2+ and other key osmolytes in the SH population plays a key role in osmotic adjustments and maintenance of membrane integrity.
ACTA PHYSIOLOGIAE PLANTARUM
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zaher Uddin Babar, Iftikhar Ahmad, Mansoor Hameed, Muhammad Sajid Aqeel Ahmad
Summary: This study investigates the salt tolerance potential of Tamarix dioica populations collected from various saline habitats in Punjab. The results show that these populations are able to maintain high chlorophyll contents and accumulate certain substances such as proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and ascorbic acid to support growth in saline environments. Anatomically, tolerant populations exhibit thicker root epidermis, cortex, endodermis, phloem, vascular bundle, metaxylem, pith, and sclerification. Similarly, stem epidermis, cortex, metaxylem, phloem, and vascular bundle areas increased under salt stress. These features enable Tamarix dioica populations to survive in highly saline environments.
PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kimberly S. Ponce, Longbiao Guo, Yujia Leng, Lijun Meng, Guoyou Ye
Summary: Soil salinity poses a serious threat to rice production and understanding the biological processes and genes involved in rice response to salt stress is crucial for developing highly salt-tolerant cultivars. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in rice and highlights functionally validated salt-responsive genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shichao Gu, Muhammad Abid, Danfeng Bai, Chen Chen, Leiming Sun, Xiujuan Qi, Yunpeng Zhong, Jinbao Fang
Summary: In this study, 42 CIPK genes were identified from Actinidia.valvata, and AvCIPK11 was highly expressed under salt stress. Overexpression of AvCIPK11 in 'Hongyang' kiwifruit enhanced salt tolerance by maintaining K+/Na+ homeostasis in the leaf and improving POD activity. This study suggests that AvCIPK11 plays a positive regulatory role in salt tolerance in kiwifruit.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qi Jia, Man-Wah Li, Chengwen Zheng, Yiyue Xu, Song Sun, Zhong Li, Fuk-Ling Wong, Junliang Song, Wei-Wei Lin, Qinghua Li, Yebao Zhu, Kangjing Liang, Wenxiong Lin, Hon-Ming Lam
Summary: The study reveals that GmCHX20a and GmCHX1 may work complementally in coping with salt stress, by increasing Na+ uptake into the root and excluding Na+ from the root, addressing both osmotic stress and ionic stress.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeff Chieppa, Ilka C. Feller, Kylie Harris, Susannah Dorrance, Matthew A. Sturchio, Eve Gray, Mark G. Tjoelker, Michael J. Aspinwall
Summary: Populations from different climates show unique growth responses to temperature, but it is unclear whether there are differences in physiological temperature acclimation among populations. In this study, we grew tropical and subtropical populations of two mangrove species under different temperature conditions and found that warming increased productivity of tropical populations more than subtropical populations. We also observed a consistent thermal acclimation of leaf respiration across populations, but with differences in the temperature sensitivity of leaf physiology.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akila Cooray, Ji Hyun Kim, Mee Ree Chae, Sungwon Lee, Kyu Pil Lee
Summary: Ion channels in human spermatozoa play a crucial role in sperm motility and can be regulated by fatty acids (FAs). Polyunsaturated FAs, especially omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, have the highest potential to modulate sperm ion channels and increase sperm motility. Saturated and monounsaturated FAs may have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hassan Mehmood, Ghulam Hassan Abbasi, Moazzam Jamil, Zaffar Malik, Muhammad Ali, Rashid Iqbal
Summary: Caffeic acid can improve plants' tolerance to salt stress, with more pronounced effects at a concentration of 100 μM. Wheat genotype FSD-08 shows better response to the application of caffeic acid, leading to increased growth indicators, RWC, MSI, antioxidant enzyme activities, accumulation of mineral ions in grain, and yield attributes.
Review
Biology
Andrea Fuller, Duncan Mitchell, Shane K. Maloney, Robyn S. Hetem, Vinicius F. C. Fonseca, Leith C. R. Meyer, Tanja M. F. N. van de Ven, Edward P. Snelling
Summary: Mammals in drylands are challenged by increasing heat loads, reduced water and food availability due to climate change, which affects their ability to maintain body core temperature stability and adaptability. Behavioral changes need to be implemented to reduce risks and costs.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tengzhao Song, Yiyuan Shi, Like Shen, Chengjuan Cao, Yue Shen, Wen Jing, Quanxiang Tian, Feng Lin, Wenyu Li, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: The study identified a cytochrome b(5) located in the endoplasmic reticulum that interacted with a high-affinity K+ transporter on the plasma membrane in rice, enhancing K+ uptake and improving salt tolerance. This posttranslational regulatory mechanism highlighted the coordinated action of two proteins in response to salt stress.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jose M. Mulet, Rosa Porcel, Lynne Yenush
Summary: Potassium is essential for the maintenance of cellular functions and viability in plant cells. Plants can regulate potassium fluxes to adapt to environmental changes and respond to stress. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of potassium homeostasis can be used to improve potassium transport efficiency and develop crops with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance through genetic engineering or breeding techniques.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Elena Gianchecchi, Domenico V. Delfino, Alessandra Fierabracci
Summary: Autoimmune diseases have a multifactorial pathogenesis and the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells has been highlighted in shaping immune responses. Aberrant number and functionality of NK cells have been reported in various autoimmune disorders, indicating their potential as markers for disease activity and therapeutic targets.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun Wang, Chenxu Cai, Puze Geng, Feng Tan, Qing Yang, Ren Wang, Wenbiao Shen
Summary: The study provides the first evidence that argon gas can help plants cope with salinity toxicity by reestablishing ion and redox homeostasis.
Article
Plant Sciences
YanLing Yin, TianHui Yang, Shuang Li, Xiaoning Li, Wei Wang, ShuGao Fan
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on salt tolerance in alfalfa plants. The results showed that exogenous MeJA could enhance salt tolerance by regulating seed germination, root growth, and antioxidant capacity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in gene expression related to secondary metabolism, redox regulation, cell cycle, transcription factors, and other signal transductions. Additionally, the researchers identified hub genes that were highly correlated with antioxidant enzymes activity and ion content.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Huan Guo, Yannong Cui, Zhen Li, Chunya Nie, Yuefei Xu, Tianming Hu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of NaCl treatments on buffalograss and found that it can maintain high photosynthetic capacity, water balance, and K+/Na+ homeostasis under salt stress. The plant retained a large amount of Na+ in roots and increased leaf K+ concentration to restrict Na+ overaccumulation in shoots. Key genes related to chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthetic electron transport, and K+ uptake were upregulated under NaCl treatments.
Article
Entomology
Daniel J. Rogers, John S. Terblanche, Candice A. Owen
Summary: The study found that N. eichhorniae from the warm site were able to maintain activity and tolerate colder temperatures better than those from the cold site. This may be explained by the poor nutrient quality of plants at the cold site, driving low-temperature performance variation that overrides macroclimate variation among sites. Additionally, the cold site weevils may have adapted to survive wide-temperature variability, while the warm site insects have likely adapted to consistent conditions in confinement.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Leigh Boardman, Pratibha Srivastava, Ayyamperumal Jeyaprakash, Matthew R. Moore, Leroy Whilby, James D. Ellis
Summary: An assay using real-time qPCR was developed to detect African-derived subspecies of western honey bees, successfully distinguishing A-lineage honey bees from non-A-lineage bees but not specific subspecies within the A-lineage.
Article
Ecology
Davina L. Saccaggi, John R. U. Wilson, Andrew P. Robinson, John S. Terblanche
Summary: This study analyzed a dataset of arthropod contaminants on plant imports in South Africa from 2005 to 2019 to determine factors influencing the likelihood of harmful organisms being present in imports. While some variables were found to have an impact in specific cases, there was little general predictive power in the data. Instead, an individualized approach is needed to understand the details of pest arrivals and movement for effective biosecurity.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alex S. Torson, Alexandra M. A. Hicks, Claire E. Baragar, David R. Smith, Brent J. Sinclair
Summary: In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of the spring field cricket and the variable field cricket were assembled using RNA-seq reads. The genomes of both species contained the expected genes and exhibited arrangements consistent with closely related Orthoptera. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their clustering with other Gryllus species in the Gryllidae clade.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Vernon M. Steyn, Katherine A. Mitchell, Casper Nyamukondiwa, John S. Terblanche
Summary: This study examines the effects of thermal acclimation on thermal performance and tolerance traits of the Mediterranean fruit fly in different operational environments. The results reveal the trait- and context-specific nature of how thermal acclimation influences these traits, highlighting the differences in dispersal-related performance in different environments.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Brent J. Sinclair, Jesper Givskov Sorensen, John S. Terblanche
Summary: This article synthesizes the literature on thermal plasticity in insects and explores the opportunities to enhance the performance of released insects by modifying temperature regimes. The authors discuss how temperature affects insect biology and identify potential mismatches between thermal acclimation and field temperatures. They also address the challenges in implementing optimal thermal regimes and highlight the importance of considering trade-offs with other traits. Overall, the study suggests that thermal physiological plasticity can be effectively utilized in release programs.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Nomalizo C. Ngomane, John S. Terblanche, Des E. Conlong
Summary: The study reveals that adding sterols can accelerate the pupation process of Eldana saccharina, while cryoprotectants can enhance its cold tolerance. However, the addition of cryoprotectants has negative effects on the fertility of female insects. The preferred diet for E. saccharina is the one containing 0.2g cholesterol and stigmasterol, as it shortens the larval growth period without trade-offs in key life cycle parameters.
Article
Entomology
Elizabeth J. Huisamen, Minette Karsten, John S. Terblanche
Summary: In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate how developmental temperature and transport conditions affect the low-temperature performance and flight ability of false codling moth (FCM) adults. The results showed that fluctuating thermal regime (FTR) improved cold tolerance, flight performance, and egg-laying capacity with minimal costs. Additionally, transport conditions did not negatively impact the flight and low-temperature performance of FCM. These findings are important for optimizing conditions in an SIT program for FCM.
Article
Ecology
Matthew L. Meehan, Kurtis F. Turnbull, Brent J. Sinclair, Zoe Lindo
Summary: Climate warming can affect predator-prey interactions and predator feeding behavior by increasing metabolic demands. This study found that predators changed their prey selection under warming conditions, favoring small-bodied prey over larger-bodied prey, despite the potential for greater energetic gains from larger prey. These findings suggest that predators balance their increased metabolic demands by minimizing energy lost during feeding. The changes in predator feeding behavior with climate warming may have implications for food web dynamics and ecosystem-level processes.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacqueline E. Lebenzon, Peter W. Denezis, Lamees Mohammad, Katherine E. Mathers, Kurtis F. Turnbull, James F. Staples, Brent J. Sinclair
Summary: A study has found that dormant Colorado potato beetles achieve metabolic suppression through mitophagy, which leads to the breakdown of flight muscle mitochondria. The beetles reverse mitophagy and increase mitochondrial biogenesis at the end of diapause to replenish their flight muscle mitochondrial pools.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biology
Leigh Boardman, Julie L. Lockwood, Michael J. Angilletta, Jesse S. Krause, Jennifer A. Lau, Michael E. Loik, Daniel Simberloff, Christopher J. Thawley, Laura A. Meyerson
Summary: Incorporating physiology into models of population dynamics can enhance our understanding of invasion success and ecological impacts, as well as failures or innocuousness. This study focuses on the physiological processes that affect every stage of invasions for plants and animals. It provides guidance on quantifying the physiological functions related to demography of nonnative species and suggests steps for better utilizing physiological data in studying the spatial dynamics and ecological effects of invasions. The study also highlights the importance of integrating research between physiologists and invasion scientists.
Article
Agronomy
Chao Chen, Robert L. Aldridge, Seth Gibson, Jedidiah Kline, Vindhya Aryaprema, Whitney Qualls, Rui-de Xue, Leigh Boardman, Kenneth J. Linthicum, Daniel A. Hahn
Summary: This study investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on the survival, longevity, mating behavior, and sterility of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The results showed that a radiation dose of 50 Gy rendered males 99% sterile while maintaining mating competitiveness against unirradiated males. Females were completely sterilized at 30 Gy.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kurtis F. Turnbull, Jeremy N. Mcneil, Brent J. Sinclair
Summary: This study investigated the overwintering energetics of the western bean cutworm through a combination of laboratory, field and simulation approaches. The results showed that selecting thermally buffered microhabitats and changes in the metabolic rate-temperature relationship contribute to reducing energy use during winter. Dormant prepupae that burrowed deeper into the soil benefited from a cool microclimate, while those near the soil surface relied on deeper metabolic suppression to maintain energy reserves. These strategies were found to be effective in limiting energy drain under natural conditions.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Adam Smith, Kurtis F. Turnbull, Julian H. Moulton, Brent J. Sinclair
Summary: Freeze-tolerant insects can survive the conversion of body water to ice, with recovery requiring energy expenditure to repair tissues and re-establish homeostasis. Freezing does not induce active responses, but the metabolic costs associated with recovery from freeze-thaw are high and persist for several days.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)