Article
Ecology
Scott D. Foster
Summary: A well-considered survey design is crucial for generating representative data from the sample population. Spatially balanced randomisation with unequal inclusion probabilities is an efficient method within sampling theory. The R-package MBHdesign provides field researchers with easy access to these designs and implements point-based and transect-based methods.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rafael Molina-Venegas, Gianluigi Ottaviani, Giandiego Campetella, Roberto Canullo, Stefano Chelli
Summary: Evolutionary history and environmental filtering shape the phylogenetic and functional structure of regional assemblages. The biogeographic deconstruction approach can help identify eco-evolutionary signals in extant regional assemblages.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yi Yang, Lei Jiang, En-De Liu, Wei-Li Liu, Li Chen, Yi-Xuan Kou, Deng-Mei Fan, Shan-Mei Cheng, Zhi-Yong Zhang, Hua Peng
Summary: In this study, a new classification system for the Ilex genus was established based on the study of morphological and distributional traits. The newly proposed classification system currently consists of 14 sections, providing a solid framework for studying the evolution and diversification of this ecologically and economically important genus.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daijiang Li
Summary: Despite the availability of phylogenetic hypotheses for many taxonomic groups, most do not include all species. In phylogenetic ecology, there is a demand for phylogenies that encompass all species in a study. Existing software tools for grafting species to megatrees are limited to specific taxonomic groups. The new R package 'rtrees' aims to provide an easy, flexible, and reliable way to assemble phylogenies from megatrees, facilitating progress in phylogenetic ecology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camilo Quiroga-Gonzalez, Luis Alberto Chica Cardenas, Monica Ramirez, Alejandro Reyes, Camila Gonzalez, Pablo R. Stevenson
Summary: The study revealed an increase in gut microbial diversity in reintroduced woolly monkeys after release, associated with changes in diet. There was a clear separation in microbial composition before and after release, with the timing of liberation being the major factor of variation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Yonguk Kim, Dool-Ri Oh, Yu-Jin Kim, Kyo-Nyeo Oh, Donghyuk Bae
Summary: Ilex species are important sources of high-quality raw plant materials for drug and functional food production. DNA barcoding combined with HRM analysis is a powerful method for identification and quality control.
Article
Ecology
Peng Li, John J. Wiens
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive comparison of the types of traits that can drive diversification in lizard and snake families. It shows that the rate of range expansion is the most important variable for explaining diversification rates and richness patterns in squamates.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alon Cna'ani, Efrat Dener, Efrat Ben-Zeev, Jan Guenther, Tobias G. Koellner, Vered Tzin, Merav Seifan
Summary: The study found that floral scent emission is influenced by both environmental factors and phylogenetic relationships, with genetic relatedness and growing conditions affecting the diel fluctuations. Additionally, the biosynthetic origins of the compounds are associated with their production patterns, possibly to maximize emission efficacy.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Takehisa Yamakita, Fumiaki Sodeyama, Akira Iguchi, Yuko F. Kitano, Kosuke M. Teshima, Akifumi Shimura, Aki Nakabayashi, Satoshi Nagai, Takashi Nakamura, Hiroaki Aizawa, Nina Yasuda
Summary: This study reviewed the use of genetic information in Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) and proposed genetic indices for evaluating important marine areas based on criteria. The study found that genetic information was primarily used in the Northern Hemisphere, with limited application in the Southern Hemisphere and Asian regions. The genetic indices were effective in identifying important locations, particularly in temperate zones. Comparison with conventional species-based methods showed some agreement, but there is a need for more systematic surveys and evaluations, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, Asian region, and for small organisms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Chenxue Lin, Wanyi Zhao, Zaixiong Chen, Qiang Fan, Kewang Xu
Summary: A new holly species of Aquifoliaceae was discovered in the Danxia landform of Guangdong, China. Holly species are important for the formation and maintenance of forest ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions.
Article
Forestry
Farah Alia Nordin, Akmal Raffi, Rusea Go, Christina Seok Yien Yong, Kartini Saibeh, Ahmad Sofiman Othman
Summary: Seventy-two morphological characters and three ecological characteristics were measured to assess variation and phylogenetic relationships among twelve species and three infraspecific taxa of the genus Spathoglottis from Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. The morphological analyses divided Spathoglottis into two main groups based on the colours of the flower: Purple-Flowered Spathoglottis and Yellow-Flowered Spathoglottis. Species within the two groupings were further classified based on the size of the plants (Large/Dwarf Purple Spathoglottis and Large/Dwarf Yellow Spathoglottis) and the shapes of the labellum (spathulate, bilobulate or narrow/thread-like). The selected morphological characters appeared to support the taxonomic boundaries between two mostly debated taxa in the genus, S. aurea and S. microchilina.
Article
Environmental Studies
Euan S. Harvey, Dianne L. McLean, Jordan S. Goetze, Benjamin J. Saunders, Tim J. Langlois, Jacquomo Monk, Neville Barrett, Shaun K. Wilson, Thomas H. Holmes, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Alan R. Jordan, Mark G. Meekan, Hamish A. Malcolm, Michelle R. Heupel, David Harasti, Charlie Huveneers, Nathan A. Knott, David Fairclough, Leanne M. Currey-Randall, Michael J. Travers, Ben T. Radford, Matthew J. Rees, Conrad W. Speed, Corey B. Wakefield, Mike Cappo, Stephen J. Newman
Summary: This article discusses the decline of many marine fish populations due to various human-induced impacts and suggests ecosystem-based fisheries and conservation management as potential solutions. It highlights the use of baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) in Australia and the outcomes of a workshop aimed at identifying key research themes. The focus is on compiling and analyzing standardized fish data for conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nash D. Rochman, Yuri I. Wolf, Guilhem Faure, Pascal Mutz, Feng Zhang, Eugene V. Koonin
Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic is primarily characterized by purifying selection, with a small number of sites evolving under positive selection. Variants in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain and the nucleocapsid protein region with NLS are enriched with positively selected amino acid replacements. These replacements form a connected network of apparent epistatic interactions and are indicators of major partitions in the SARS-CoV-2 phylogeny. The global virus diversity has been steadily increasing, with distinct periods based on phylogenetic distances and key mutations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Andrew Furness, Isabella Capellini
Summary: Based on our study on amphibians, we found that terrestrial egg deposition, hidden egg locations, and direct development promote the evolution of female egg attendance, while male egg attendance is associated with hidden eggs and terrestrial egg deposition but not with direct development. This indicates that egg attendance, particularly by females, evolves following changes in reproductive ecology, which may increase egg survival, select for small clutches of large eggs, and/or expose eggs to new environmental challenges.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel J. Madigan, Oliver N. Shipley, Aaron B. Carlisle, Heidi Dewar, Owyn E. Snodgrass, Nigel E. Hussey
Summary: By using stable isotope ratios, the study found low trans-Pacific exchange rates of blue sharks between the East and West North Pacific Ocean, indicating other mechanisms may maintain genetic mixing of the North Pacific blue shark population. Isotopic differences also suggest potential finer scale movement structure.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Gianni Della Rocca, Alessio Papini, Isabella Posarelli, Sara Barberini, Corrado Tani, Roberto Danti, Salvatore Moricca
Summary: This study investigated the functional and ultrastructural aspects of tissue growth in Cupressaceae trees infected with Cypress Canker Disease. Using microscopes and staining techniques, the researchers were able to observe the production of lipid and terpenoid materials in the cells lining the resin ducts. They also found that plastids and endoplasmic reticulum were involved in the synthesis and secretion of these materials.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(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.
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
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Albert Rene, Natalia Timoneda, Diana Sarno, Roberta Piredda, Gianpaolo Zampicinini, Adriana Zingone, Marina Montresor, Esther Garces
Summary: The presence and interactions of phytoplankton parasites, particularly Chytridiomycota, in the water column and sediments of the Gulf of Naples were investigated. Diatoms were found to dominate the upper layers of the water column, and Chytridiomycota were predominantly present in these layers, coinciding with diatom distribution. Laboratory incubations confirmed parasitic interactions between Chytridiomycota and diatoms. A 3-year metabarcoding time-series analysis revealed the recurrent presence of chytrids, but no clear patterns of co-occurrence with diatoms were observed. The chytrid community in sediments showed higher diversity compared to the water column samples. Overall, parasites were found to be a common component of the marine protist communities and understanding their interactions is crucial for understanding phytoplankton dynamics.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(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
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Iole Di Capua, Roberta Piredda, Rosa D'Angiolo, Carmen Minucci, Andrea Montalbano, Ferdinando Boero, Ylenia Carotenuto, Marco Uttieri
Summary: Molecular tools are used to refine identification of zooplankton organisms based on phenotypic features, revealing hidden diversity and facilitating detection of rare and non-indigenous species. The study focuses on key taxa from the Gulf of Naples, providing new molecular references and uncovering genetic diversification of zooplankton species in Mediterranean coastal waters.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Solenn Mordret, Roberta Piredda, Gianpaolo Zampicinini, Wiebe H. C. F. Kooistra, Adriana Zingone, Marina Montresor, Diana Sarno
Summary: This study examined the diversity and seasonal distribution of dinoflagellates in the Gulf of Naples using a 3-year DNA dataset. The results revealed that there is still limited knowledge about many dinoflagellate species. It was found that dinoflagellates have a diverse community in winter, which was previously overlooked. This study provides new insights into the ecology and distribution of this important component of the plankton.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Anna Perrone, Sanaz Yousefi, Boris Basile, Giandomenico Corrado, Antonio Giovino, Seyed Alireza Salami, Alessio Papini, Federico Martinelli
Summary: Sumac, a shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, is an underutilized source of health-promoting dietary ingredients. It possesses remarkable antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, and shows potential as an anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic agent. This review provides comprehensive research results on sumac, highlighting its phytochemical profiles, extract properties, pharmaceutical uses, and genetic diversity. The use of sumac as a climate-resilient tree can diversify the food basket and improve the utilization of marginal lands.
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)
