Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabian C. Herbert, Sameera S. Abeyrathna, Nisansala S. Abeyrathna, Yalini H. Wijesundara, Olivia R. Brohlin, Francesco Carraro, Heinz Amenitsch, Paolo Falcaro, Michael A. Luzuriaga, Alejandra Durand-Silva, Shashini D. Diwakara, Ronald A. Smaldone, Gabriele Meloni, Jeremiah J. Gassensmith
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful generation and immobilization of metastable lipid, protein-detergent, and protein-lipid supramolecular complexes within a zeolitic-imidazole framework (ZIF) to enhance stability against various stressors. The immobilized complexes exhibit resistance to elevated temperatures, chemical denaturants, aging, and mechanical stresses, maintaining their native morphology, structure, and activity. Immobilizing lipid nanoparticles and lipid-protein assemblies remains challenging due to lipid dynamics and protein instability, but this work shows promise for long-term storage at room temperature.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
F. A. Ansari, S. K. Ratha, N. Renuka, L. Ramanna, S. K. Gupta, I. Rawat, F. Bux
Summary: Microplastics have been detected in various aquatic ecosystems, with their impact on microalgal growth and metabolism being investigated in this study. The results show that while microalgae like Acutodesmus obliquus can adapt to microplastics in the medium, higher concentrations can lead to metabolic changes in the organism. The findings of this study lay the foundation for further exploration of microplastic toxicity and adaptation mechanisms in microalgal species.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Xingcan Li, Bowei Xie, Minghui Wu, Junming Zhao, Zhiming Xu, Linhua Liu
Summary: Accurate knowledge of the optical constants of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates is crucial for analyzing radiative transport between cells. The double optical pathlength transmission method and ellipsometry method were used to obtain the optical constants of various samples in this study. Different types and states of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates exhibited varying optical constants, with observable differences in absorption indices between different solution states of proteins and carbohydrates.
JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE SPECTROSCOPY & RADIATIVE TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jacob T. Reeves, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Craig A. Davis, Shawn M. Wilder
Summary: The study found significant variation in macronutrient and elemental content among different taxonomic orders of arthropod prey, with some orders having higher protein content and lower exoskeleton content, likely serving as higher quality prey for insectivores. Common orders in the diets of insectivores had high exoskeleton content and low protein content. Elements were found to be good predictors of macronutrients, with metabolizable elemental content being a better predictor of macronutrient content.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Petras Venckus, Bernardo Cicchi, Graziella Chini Zittelli
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of different salinities on growth and biochemical composition of the green alga Tetraselmis suecica. Results showed that lower salinity levels promoted growth and carbohydrate content, while higher salinity levels affected protein content.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
J. T. Reeves, Colton Herzog, Cody L. Barnes, Craig A. Davis, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Shawn M. Wilder
Summary: Arthropods provide amino acids to both invertebrates and vertebrates, but not all amino acids in arthropods are digestible due to being bound in the exoskeleton. Taxonomic differences in arthropods may also affect amino acid availability. This study found that there were consistent differences in amino acid content and balance between digestible tissue and exoskeleton, as well as variations among different arthropod Orders.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Saejung, T. Ektasaeng
Summary: This study compared the biomass and nutritional composition of C. vulgaris grown in wastewater from a sugar company with those grown in a synthetic medium. The results showed that C. vulgaris cultivated in wastewater had significantly higher biomass, protein, and lipid contents, while C. vulgaris cultivated in refinery and aerated pond wastewater had the highest carbohydrate and carotenoid contents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yuichi Kato, Tomoki Oyama, Kentaro Inokuma, Christopher J. Vavricka, Mami Matsuda, Ryota Hidese, Katsuya Satoh, Yutaka Oono, Jo-Shu Chang, Tomohisa Hasunuma, Akihiko Kondo
Summary: Kato et al. isolated a mutant Chlamydomonas sp. KOR1 with extensive mutations in the ISA1 gene encoding a starch debranching enzyme, leading to improved biofuel production by accelerating carbohydrate repartitioning into lipid and carotenoid under light/dark conditions. The study identified promising targets for metabolic engineering of enhanced lipid accumulation outdoors, showcasing the impact of disrupting DBE on the reparation process.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Wei, Ali Movahedi, Jie Yang, Yanyan Zhang, Guoyuan Liu, Sheng Zhu, Chunmei Yu, Yanhong Chen, Fei Zhong, Jian Zhang
Summary: This study identified and analyzed the GAPDH family in poplar, and found that PtGAPC1 plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation. The study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics and functions of the GAPDH genes in poplar.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nathan Hubot, Sarah L. C. Giering, Cathy H. Lucas
Summary: This study analyzed the biochemical composition of the body and mucus of five scyphozoan jellyfish species and found that protein was the major component in all samples, followed by lipids and carbohydrates. The study also provided valuable ratios to support the integration of jellyfish into trophic and biogeochemical models.
JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Einar Ringo, Ramasamy Harikrishnan, Mehdi Soltani, Koushik Ghosh
Summary: The gastrointestinal microbiota and probiotics have a significant impact on the health of fish and shellfish, influencing lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. Current research shows that probiotics can improve nutrient absorption, immune response, and stress resistance in fish, but more studies are needed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hemamalini Rawindran, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Baranitharan Ethiraj, Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, Wai Hong Leong, Ratchaprapa Raksasat, Chin Seng Liew, Nurul Tasnim Sahrin, Man Kee Lam, Worapon Kiatkittipong, Jun Wei Lim, Zakariyya Uba Zango, Muhammad Kashif Shahid, Heba Taha M. Abdelghani, Hui-Suan Ng
Summary: Changing the growth environment for microalgae can lead to changes in cellular biochemicals. Attaching microalgae to palm kernel expeller waste can facilitate harvesting. The study optimized the dosage, light intensity, and photoperiod for maximum microalgal productivity. Different pH levels affected the lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents of the microalgae, with pH 11 having the highest lipid content and pH 5 having the highest protein and carbohydrate contents. The findings also revealed the role of polar and non-polar interactions in the attachment process.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Shuaibo Li, Zhigang Yang, Hongyan Tian, Shengjie Ren, Wuxiao Zhang, Aimin Wang
Summary: Understanding the effects of dietary nutrient ratios on crayfish health and growth can help improve aquaculture production. This study found that an optimal carbohydrate-to-lipid ratio promoted growth performance in red swamp crayfish.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Afrouz Mardi, Aziz Kamran, Farhad Pourfarzi, Maryam Zare, Azadeh Hajipour, Saeid Doaei, Negin Abediasl, Daniel Hackett
Summary: SARS-COV-2 can cause inflammation and increased cytokine secretion, and dietary factors may play a crucial role in enhancing immune responses against the virus. This review discusses the potential benefits of macronutrients and probiotics in improving immunity in SARS-COV-2 patients. Dietary proteins have inhibitory effects on ACE and ANG-II, which can boost pulmonary function. Omega-3 fatty acids improve oxygenation, acidosis, and renal function. Dietary fiber reduces inflammation by lowering hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels. Probiotics may significantly improve oxygen saturation and enhance survival rates. Overall, consuming a healthy diet with adequate macronutrients and probiotics can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, strengthening the immune system against SARS-COV-2.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Majid Kianmehr, Fateme Mahdizadeh, Mohammad Reza Khazdair
Summary: This study aimed to summarize the clinical evidence regarding the use of Crocus sativus and its ingredients on cardiovascular risk factors. The results showed that crocins had a significant effect on energy, carbohydrate, and protein intake, while saffron was more effective in controlling total fat. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Magliolo, V. N. Naude, V. C. van der Merwe, S. Prost, P. Orozco-terWengel, P. A. Burger, A. Kotze, J. P. Grobler, D. L. Dalton
Summary: In South Africa, the cheetah population is divided into free-roamers, managed metapopulation, and captive facilities. To preserve overall genetic variation, interventions such as genetic exchanges and supplementation with unrelated individuals are proposed. Simulation results showed that without intervention or with only genetic exchanges, there were significant losses of heterozygosity and an increase in the frequencies of close relatives. However, introducing individuals from captive facilities maintained genetic diversity and relatedness.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jordan P. Cuff, James J. N. Kitson, David Hemprich-Bennett, Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, Samuel S. Browett, Darren M. Evans
Summary: Dietary metabarcoding technology has greatly improved the analysis of animal diets, but technical limitations, such as uneven DNA amplification, hinder its application. This review explores various approaches to overcome the predator problem, from deeper sequencing to excluding predator DNA during PCR, and their potential impact on multipredator-taxon studies. The use of multiprimer strategies that prioritize both depth and breadth of prey detection is suggested as a partial solution, although multitaxon studies still require further consideration. Alternative methods for reducing the prevalence of predator DNA are also discussed, highlighting the need for additional empirical examination.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marian C. Pye, Ian P. Vaughan, Steve J. Ormerod, Isabelle Durance
Summary: Climate change may have an impact on the distribution of organic matter and macronutrients in freshwater ecosystems, which could affect stream organisms. However, the vegetation along the riverbanks can help mitigate the effects of climate change by controlling the dynamics of litter. This study assessed how riparian land cover and climatic variability affected the supply, retention, and transport of particulate organic matter in headwaters.
Article
Agronomy
James R. Bell, Suzanne J. Clark, Mark Stevens, Andrew Mead
Summary: This study analyzed the population dynamics of Myzus persicae, the vector of virus yellows in sugar beet, with and without neonicotinoid seed treatment. The results showed that the spatial synchrony of field populations is rare and best described as stochastic. Field counts lacked the same seasonal trend and did not peak in the same week. Forecasts tended to under-predict mid-season counts. Therefore, the behavior of field populations is unpredictable and stochastic, posing a challenge for decision-support.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jordan P. Cuff, Fredric M. Windsor, Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, James R. Bell, William O. C. Symondson, Ian P. Vaughan
Summary: This study investigates the effect of weather on spider trophic interactions, prey community structure, web characteristics, and prey choice. The results show that spider trophic interactions change over time and with weather conditions, primarily due to changes in prey communities. Spiders appear to mitigate the effects of structural changes in prey communities by altering their prey preferences based on prevailing weather conditions, possibly through adaptive web construction. These findings can be used to refine inter-annual predictions of spider trophic interactions and improve our understanding of the relationship between trophic interactions and weather.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah H. Luke, Helen E. Roy, Chris D. Thomas, Luke A. N. Tilley, Simon Ward, Allan Watt, Manuela Carnaghi, Coline C. Jaworski, Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, Charlie Woodrow, Susmita Aown, Jennifer A. Banfield-Zanin, Sarah L. Barnsley, Iris Berger, Mark J. F. Brown, James C. Bull, Heather Campbell, Ruth A. B. Carter, Magda Charalambous, Lorna J. Cole, Martin J. Ebejer, Rachel A. Farrow, Rajendra S. Fartyal, Miriam Grace, Fiona Highet, Jane K. Hill, Amelia S. C. Hood, Eleanor S. Kent, Frank-Thorsten Krell, Simon R. Leather, Daniel J. Leybourne, Nick A. Littlewood, Ashley Lyons, Graham Matthews, Louise Mc Namara, Rosa Menendez, Peter Merrett, Sajidha Mohammed, Archie K. Murchie, Michael Noble, Maria-Rosa Paiva, Michael J. Pannell, Chooi-Khim Phon, Gordon Port, Charlotte Powell, Stewart Rosell, Francisca Sconce, Chris R. Shortall, Eleanor M. Slade, Jamie P. Sutherland, Jamie C. Weir, Christopher D. Williams, Natalia B. Zielonka, Lynn V. Dicks
Summary: Entomology is crucial for understanding environmental change and has the potential to benefit humanity in various ways. Through a democratic process, the Royal Entomological Society identified 61 priority challenges in four categories: Fundamental Research, Anthropogenic Impacts and Conservation, Uses and Disservices, and Collaboration and Training. These challenges provide opportunities for entomological activities to address global challenges in human health, well-being, and environmental change.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Cody L. Barnes, Nicholas W. Blay, Shawn M. Wilder
Summary: Temperature strongly influences the physiology and distribution of ectotherms, and extreme environmental conditions can limit their survival. In this study, the thermal tolerances of two native widow species and one invasive species were compared, revealing differences in thermal tolerances among sexes and life stages. Additionally, the correlation between minimum temperature and the distribution of the invasive species was found to be the strongest.
JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ewan H. Stenhouse, Paul Bellamy, Will Kirby, Ian P. Vaughan, Lorna E. Drake, Angela Marchbank, Trudy Workman, William O. C. Symondson, Pablo Orozco-terWengel
Summary: The avian diet is influenced by specific site factors and intrinsic factors such as sex, leading to dietary niche separation and impacting adaptation to environmental variation. Limited knowledge of woodland bird diets hampers understanding of their declining populations. A study on UK Hawfinches using fecal metabarcoding revealed varied diet among individuals and sexes, indicating their ability to utilize multiple resources.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewan H. Stenhouse, Paul Bellamy, Will Kirby, Ian P. Vaughan, William O. C. Symondson, Pablo Orozco-terWengel
Summary: Knowledge of diet and dietary selectivity is important for conserving declining species, but obtaining accurate information is challenging. Through high-throughput sequencing and comparison with tree occurrence data, we found that hawfinches selectively feed on certain tree genera disproportionately to availability. This study provides detailed information on hawfinch dietary choice and can be used to predict the effects of changing food resources on other declining bird populations in the future.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nicholas E. Tew, Katherine C. R. Baldock, Joanne M. Morten, Stephanie Bird, Ian P. Vaughan, Jane Memmott
Summary: Nectar and pollen are important food sources for insect pollinators, and quantifying their supplies can help us understand and mitigate declines in pollinators. This study collected floral nectar sugar data from 225 plant taxa in urban green spaces in the UK, with a focus on non-native species. The dataset includes information on daily nectar sugar production and concentration, which can be used to estimate nectar production in habitats and identify high-nectar plants of conservation importance.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, Jordan P. Cuff, William O. C. Symondson, Ian P. Vaughan
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of ant invasion on animal communities. The results showed that non-native ants significantly reduced animal diversity, with a decrease of 42.79% in species abundance and 53.56% in species richness. This highlights the role of non-native ants as drivers of significant reductions in animal community diversity.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ian P. Vaughan
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stefano Larsen, Fiona Joyce, Ian P. Vaughan, Isabelle Durance, Jonathan A. Walter, Steve J. Ormerod
Summary: This study explores the influence of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the synchrony and stability of stream invertebrates in central Wales. The results show that warmer and wetter conditions during positive NAO winters synchronize population and community variations in streams, reducing stability across ecological levels. The findings suggest that large-scale climatic fluctuations can affect inland freshwater ecosystems and highlight the importance of protecting and restoring functional diversity in stream communities to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)