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Evidence of Toxoplasma gondii in neural and cardiac tissues of wild rodents in Lithuania /
No full textToxoplasma gondii, a widespread parasite, poses significant public health concerns. It infects humans and animals, with rodents serving as important intermediate hosts. The present study investigated the prevalence and genetic ITS1 diversity of T. gondii in wild rodents from Lithuania. A total of 469 rodents from eight species were captured across various regions, and DNA from neural and cardiac tissues was analyzed using nested PCR. Overall prevalence of T. gondii was 26.2% (95% CI = 22.3–30.5). The prevalence of infection varied among rodent species (0–50.0%) and across geographic locations. A mere few rodents exhibited concurrent infections in both tissues examined. Toxoplasma gondii was detected more frequently in the brains of Apodemus flavicollis and hearts of Clethrionomys glareolus, and in the males of Microtus arvalis. A total of 19 distinct ITS1 genotypes were identified, including 17 novel ones; Genotype 1 was the most prevalent and widely distributed. Phylogenetic and network analyses revealed a star-like topology centered on Genotype 1 and confirmed the accurate identification of T. gondii in Lithuanian rodents. This study provides the first evidence of T. gondii in wild rodents in Lithuania, highlighting the need for further research on its prevalence and potential impact on public health and wildlife
Synergistic effects of microbial biostimulants and calcium in alleviating drought stress in oilseed rape /
No full textThe study aimed to examine the changes in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) under simulated prolonged drought and to assess the effects of a microbial biostimulant ProbioHumus and calcium, individually and in combination, in order to improve the plant’s drought resistance and to identify the biochemical processes occurring in the plant tissues. The oilseed rape cv. ‘Visby’ was grown under controlled laboratory conditions. CaCO3 (hereafter, Ca) (3.71 g) was added to the soil of one pot at 70 g m−2. Seedlings at the 3–4 leaf stage were sprayed with ProbioHumus 2 mL 100 mL−1 and exposed to drought for 8 days to achieve a high water deficit. Irrigation was then resumed, and recovery was assessed after 4 days. The data showed that the microbial biostimulant alleviated the physiological and biochemical response of oilseed rape to drought stress. ProbioHumus + Ca reduced plant wilting by increasing leaf relative water content (RWC) by 87% and induced drought tolerance by increasing endogenous proline content 4-fold, increasing photosynthetic pigment content in leaves by 10–28%, reducing H2O2 by 53% and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 45%, and stimulating stomata opening (by 2-fold on the upper and 1.4-fold in the lower leaf surface), vs. drought control. The most effective measure to increase plant survival and/or resume growth after drought was the application of a microbial biostimulant with additional calcium to the soil. The practical implications of this research point to the potential benefits of applying these ecological measures under field conditions
Integrative approaches to enhance reproductive resilience of crops for climate-proof agriculture /
No full textWorldwide agricultural systems are threatened by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting climate zones. Climate change-driven failure in sexual reproduction is a major cause for yield reduction in horticultural and grain crops. Consequently, understanding how climate change affects reproductive processes in crops is crucial for global food security and prosperity. The development of climate-proof crops, including maize, wheat, barley, rice, and tomato, requires new genetic material and novel management practices to ensure high productivity under less favorable conditions. Safeguarding successful plant reproduction is challenging due to the complex nature of this biological process, and therefore, a multifaceted approach is the key to success. In this review, we provide an overview of the processes underlying plant reproduction and how they are affected by different abiotic stresses related to climate change. We discuss how genetics, advanced breeding technologies, biotechnological innovations, and sustainable agronomic practices can collectively contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties. We also highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing breeding strategies, predicting climate impacts, and improving crop management practices to enhance reproductive resilience and ensure food security. Lastly, we discuss the vision of a new era in agriculture where diverse actors and stakeholders cooperate to create climate-proof crops
Predation or omnivory-two different feeding patterns displayed by two intraspecific groups of the invasive Ponto-Caspian amphipod - Dikerogammarus villosus /
No full textDikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) is a Ponto–Caspian amphipod expanding in European freshwaters and posing a threat to biological diversity through several biological and behavioural traits, including high carnivory and voracity. The species spreads in Europe through two major corridors from two geographically and genetically different sources: the Danube Delta (the Western Group) and the Dnieper Delta (the Eastern Group). These two intraspecific groups differ also phenotypically. The goal of our study was to compare the food consumption and food preference of these groups depending on the season and amphipod size using two separate experiments. In the food consumption experiment, amphipods were provided with one of the three food types: willow leaves, dead fish tissue or live chironomid larvae. In the food preference experiment, they were provided with all three food types together. Both experiments were conducted five times (every second month). We analysed the consumption rate and food preference after 24 h of exposure. Amphipods of both groups preferentially consumed chironomid larvae in all months (maximum in May). However, amphipods from the Western Group selected chironomid larvae significantly more often than amphipods from the Eastern Group. Also, amphipods in the Western Group consumed a higher weight of chironomid larvae per mg body weight, but this relationship was not observed in the Eastern Group. In both groups, the consumption rate and selection of chironomid larvae were higher in warmer months (May–September). Our results show that Dikerogammarus villosus from the Western Group is a voracious predator of animal tissue. Although amphipods from the Eastern Group also prefer chironomid larvae, their consumption of all kinds of food is more uniform, making them more omnivorous. As a consequence, Western populations of D. villosus may pose a greater threat to macroinvertebrate communities, but their Eastern counterparts may be more successful invaders due to their higher diet flexibility. Our study shows differing behaviours underpinning the invasion dynamics of different groups of Dikerogammarus villosus . Our results highlight the importance of examining traits that underpin species' invasiveness at the population level
Comparative evaluation of Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens as alternative protein sources for the growth, health, and meat quality of the broiler /
No full textIntroduction: Insects are receiving increasing attention due to their potential to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability, mitigate vast quantities of bio-waste, and improve animal performance. It is hypothesized that replacing soybean meal with Acheta domesticus will improve broiler productive performance, health, and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of the gradual replacement of soybean meal (4%, 8%, and 12%) with house cricket (A. domesticus) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) on productive performances, hematology, intestinal morphology, and meat quality attributes of male broiler (Ross 308). Methods: A total of 350 1-day-old chicks (39.23 ± 0.19 g) were divided into seven groups (five pens per group and 10 chicks per pen) following a completely randomized design. The seven groups included 4%, 8%, and 12% SBM replacements with A. domesticus and H. illucens. Soybean meal was the basal diet considered the control. Results: The broilers fed 12% A. domesticus, or 12% H. illucens had significantly higher ((p 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio than the broilers fed basal (SBM) diet throughout starter, grower, and finisher phases. Hematology (complete blood count and serum biochemistry traits) and intestinal morphology (villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio) of the broilers improved when fed on 12% A. domesticus and 12% H. illucens meals as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Feeding 12% A. domesticus and 12% H. illucens also had a significant positive impact on the meat quality traits of broilers, such as maximum redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) with minimal cooking loss and lightness (L*) (p < 0.05) than the broilers fed the control diet. Discussion: Using insect meal as an alternative to traditional feed sources could contribute significantly to the sustainable expansion of the poultry industry
Profiles of killer systems and volatile organic compounds of rowanberry and rosehip-inhabiting yeasts substantiate implications for biocontrol /
No full textYeasts produce numerous antimicrobial agents such as killer toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other secondary metabolites, establishing themselves in developing natural and sustainable biocontrol strategies for agriculture and food preservation. This study addressed the biocontrol potential of yeasts, isolated from spontaneous fermentations of rosehips (Rosa canina L.) and rowanberries (Sorbus aucuparia L.), focusing on their killer phenotypes and VOCs production. Yeasts were isolated using spontaneous fermentations with Hanseniaspora uvarum and Metschnikowia pulcherrima identified as the dominant species, comprising approximately 70% of the yeast population. Among 163 isolated strains, 20% demonstrated killing activity, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibiting the strongest killing efficiency, as well as Pichia anomala and M. pulcherrima showing broad-spectrum antagonistic activity. This study identified dsRNA-encoded killer phenotypes in S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, and Torulaspora delbrueckii, revealing multiple distinct killer toxin types. The biocontrol potential of wild berry-inhabiting yeasts was demonstrated in a real food system, grape juice, where the S. cerevisiae K2-type killer strain significantly reduced fungal contaminants. The selected H. uvarum, M. pulcherrima, S. cerevisiae, and S. paradoxus yeast strains representing both berries were applied for VOC analysis and identification by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry. It was revealed that the patterns of emitted volatiles are yeast species-specific. Statistically significant differences between the individual VOCs were observed among killing phenotype-possessing vs. non-killer S. paradoxus yeasts, thus revealing the involvement of killer systems in multi-level biocontrol enablement. The performed studies deepen our understanding of potential yeast biocontrol mechanisms, highlight the importance of produced antimicrobials and volatiles in ensuring antagonistic efficacy, and prove the relevance of isolated biocontrol yeasts for improving food safety
Hemogregarines in bufonid anurans from the Brazilian Amazon, with description a new species of Lankesterella (Apicomplexa: Lankesterellidae) /
No full textHere we describe, in an unprecedented way for the Brazilian Amazon, one Apicomplexa species infecting an anuran in Pará, Brazil, using an integrative approach that includes taxonomy, providing morphology, morphometrics, and molecular data. Samples were collected between February 2021 and February 2022 in the community of Curupira, municipality of Santarém, and in the industrial area of Marabá, both in Pará state. Specimens of Rhinella marina and Rhinella diptycha were captured by hand during the active search, and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. One blood aliquot was used to prepare blood smears for microscopical analysis and another aliquot for further molecular analyses. Of the five R. marina caught, one (20%) presented parasites morphologically compatible with the parasites belonging to the genus Hepatozoon, while of the three R. diptycha caught, one (33.3%) presented parasites morphologically compatible with the parasites belong to the genera Lankesterella and Hemolivia. Based on molecular data of 18S rDNA sequences, the Hepatozoon sequence obtained clustered with other parasite species recovered from Brazilian amphibians. The Lankesterella sp. sequence was placed in a sister clade of Lankesterella species described in birds and close to L. minima, described in amphibians. All attempts to amplify Hemolivia parasite DNA were unsuccessful. We described Lankesterella oliviacatarinae n. sp. and reported infection by Hepatozoon sp. and Hemolivia sp. in bufonids anurans from the Brazilian Amazon. This study increases knowledge of Brazilian anuran hemoparasites and confirms the importance of using an integrative approach for the taxonomy of these parasite groups
Tritium transport in the transboundary Neris River during the routine operation of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant: A monitoring and modeling approach /
No full textThis study presents long-term observations of tritium (3H) concentrations in the Neris River at monitoring sites located near the Belarus–Lithuania border and in the city of Vilnius. Since the commissioning of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP), 3H levels in the river have consistently exceeded natural background values, with pronounced temporal variations. These fluctuations are attributed to routine 3H releases from the BelNPP, with increased concentrations observed during scheduled maintenance periods. A 3H transport model was developed to estimate the downstream propagation of releases and to assess the time lag between upstream discharge events and their detection at downstream locations. The model reliably simulates 3H behavior in flowing water and can be adapted to future scenarios and other water-soluble radionuclides, provided that isotope-specific and hydrological data are available. These findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and further research on the fate and transport of radioactive substances in transboundary river systems
Essential oils expose diverse targets on non-enveloped ScV-L-A totivirus /
No full textContext: The spread of novel viruses substantiates the need for alternative antiviral agents. Plant-based extracts, such as essential oils (EOs), are highly relevant due to their generally human-friendly nature and broad spectrum of bioactive properties. Most EO antiviral activity is targeting enveloped viruses. Orthototiviridae family yeast virus ScV-L-A offers a novel, safe, non-enveloped virus model system for antiviral substance evaluation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antiviral efficacy of EOs and their constituents against non-enveloped ScV-L-A totivirus. Materials and methods: The composition of EOs was determined using GC-MS. Native ScV-L-A viral particles were prepared from yeast cells via cesium chloride gradient ultracentrifugation. The antiviral effect of EOs and their principal components was evaluated by following the synthesis of radio-labeled viral transcripts. TEM was employed to investigate the impact of target substances on ScV-L-A capsid integrity. Results: Tested EOs inhibited viral RNA polymerase activity in both liquid and vapor phases. Citral-rich EOs exhibited the strongest antiviral action, with lemon myrtle EO possessing the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration and highest timewise efficacy. Coriander and mandarin EOs showed the lowest polymerase-inhibiting capacity. EOs were more efficient compared to the action of single compounds. All EOs except for that of mandarin, dominated by limonene, were more effective in the liquid rather than the vapor phase. Tea tree and mandarin EOs were found to damage ScV-L-A capsid structure. Discussion and conclusion: This study highlighted the efficacy of EOs in targeting non-enveloped viruses and revealed their potential for sustainable control of viral infection
Mitochondrial D-loop sequencing reveals lower genetic variability in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) than in Woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) and European Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur) /
No full textFeral Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana), descendants of domesticated pigeons, are highly adapted to urban environments. However, comprehensive genetic studies using the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of them have been scarce. This study evaluated the genetic variability and structure of Feral Pigeons from six urban locations in Spain and Lithuania, comparing them to a population of Feral Pigeons from Taiwan. Additionally, comparisons were made with domestic pigeon breeds and two Columbidae species associated with forest habitats: the Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) and the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). Genetic diversity was assessed using mtDNA D-loop sequences. Among the Feral Pigeons, a low level of genetic diversity was observed (Hd = 0.732; π = 0.00330), with 12 haplotypes forming a star-like network. A single haplotype was shared by nearly half of the individuals, and all haplotypes identified in Taiwan were also present in European populations. No genetic differentiation was found among pigeons within the same country, but significant divergence was observed between the European and Taiwanese populations. Compared to domestic pigeon breeds, Feral Pigeons exhibited higher variability, although both groups were considerably less diverse than the Woodpigeon and European Turtle Dove. The Turtle Dove showed the highest genetic variability, likely due to its complex phylogeography and migratory patterns. Neutrality tests indicated a recent population expansion in the Woodpigeon, following a bottleneck event. Overall, the results revealed limited genetic variability in Feral Pigeons, contrasting with the greater diversity and broader genetic structure observed in wild Columbidae species analysed