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Detailed analysis of fungal communities in Norway spruce logs reveals stochastic fine-scale patterns of species and detects lichen forming fungi without their photobionts☆
No full textFungal ecologists have long been intrigued by the mechanisms behind the high fungal species richness in dead wood at small and large spatial scales. We identified processes resulting in fine-scale fungal community patterns with a network analysis based on a detailed metabarcode mapping of fungi in and on the surfaces of eight naturally fallen Norway spruce logs in northern Sweden. Our results show that (1) dominant species and communities of fungi vary significantly among the logs, (2) wood inside and on log surfaces has distinct and diverse fungal compositions and (3) consistent co-occurrences of fungi in wood are rare. These patterns suggest priority effects favouring primary colonizing species are important for determining which becomes the dominant species, and that colonization of the rest of the community and fungal co-occurrences are largely shaped by stochastic processes. Furthermore, lichen-forming fungi were detected without their photobionts in wood, indicating possible free-living stages
Sustainability beyond buildings: Assessing environmental impacts of Swedish urban life using LCA and emergy indicators
No full textAs cities continue to grow, understanding the full scope of environmental impacts associated with urban living becomes increasingly critical to ensure sustainable development and the fulfilment of ecological goals. This study integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into the Emergy Synthesis (ES) framework, generating a hybrid EmLCA method to assess environmental footprint of urban life, offering a holistic analysis of both material and servicerelated impacts. Using a Swedish residential complex as case study, results show that lifestyle factors, such as meat consumption, fast fashion, and private car use, are major contributors to climate change, eutrophication, acidification, and resource depletion, while the built environment accounts for only 1–2 % of total impact. These findings challenge the conventional sustainability aspects such as construction materials and energy use, underscoring the need to also address consumption patterns and societal systems that shape urban life. The inclusion of services, despite certain limitations, offers a broader and more realistic perspective on urban sustainability. This study highlights the importance of supporting sustainable lifestyles through policies that promote shared resources, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and encourage shifts toward less resource-intensive diets. By moving beyond the building envelope, the EmLCA approach offers valuable insights for urban planning and policy aimed at reducing emissions and fostering more sustainable cities
The taste of diversity: Sensory characteristics in diverse wheat aimed for food production under climate change
No full textTo ensure production sustainability and food security under climate change, it is essential to improve the resilience and nutritional quality of staple crops by transferring suitable traits from diverse sources, while maintaining sensory attributes preferred by consumers to support acceptance and adoption. Therefore, the present study evaluated sensory characteristics using 13 traits, in a diverse wheat genotype (n = 49) belonging to 17 genetic groups, by Quantitative Descriptive Analysis, a trained panel, and using wholegrain porridge as a model. The results revealed significant genotypic differences (p < 0.001) for all 13 sensory traits. Ryeintrogressed lines (e.g., 1RS.1BL+2BS.2RL, 2R/2B, 1R+6R) and old cultivars exhibited higher intensity for odour descriptors (graham flour, rye flour, corn, cooked rice), firmer texture, and distinct grey/beige colour. Ancient wheat species, such as einkorn, spelt, and Triticum timopheevi showed a milder aroma and flavour profile and higher sweetness than the rest of the evaluated wheat groups. T. carthlicum and landraces were characterised by bitterness, umami, and a gritty mouthfeel. Strong positive correlations were observed among odour traits (r = 0.68-0.91), while texture grittiness correlated with bitterness (r = 0.67). Sweetness showed moderate to strong negative correlations with odour and flavour traits (r = -0.42 to -0.75). Multivariate analysis explained 63.3% of the total variance, and clustering grouped the genotypes into three distinct sensory intensity classes. These findings highlight that sensory attributes may pose opportunities and challenges when genes for resilience and nutrition are transferred from diverse wheat genotypes to adapted wheat and novel food products are developed from these materials
Counterion influence on perfluorooctanoate micelle characteristics: Shape, size, and interactions
No full textCounter-ions have large effects on the self-assembly and dispersion of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous solution. PFAS have been recognized as emerging contaminants of concern due to their ubiquitous distribution in the environment and persistent and potential toxic characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate how different counter-ions affect perfluorooctanoate micelle assembly and interactions. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to determine the influence of ions (Li+, Na+, NH4+, Mg2+) on the micelles and their interactions. The micelles formed by perfluorooctanoate in the presence of monovalent counter-ions (Li+, Na+, NH4+) were characterized as highly charged cylinders that became more elongated as the surfactant concentration increased. In the presence of added sodium chloride, the sodium perfluorooctanoate micelles were more elongated and, with 0.2 M NaCl, electrostatic interactions were screened almost completely. The micelles formed by perfluorooctanoate in the presence of the divalent magnesium ions were cylinders and the length increased markedly at higher concentrations and at lower temperatures. The interactions were screened by the divalent ions without further added electrolyte. As the formation of micelles influences the transport and dispersion of PFAS in the environment, the results will be valuable in understanding processes related to pollution and improving remediation methods
Functional stability despite structural changes in freshwater biofilm communities exposed to an antibiotic and an herbicide - the role of nutrient conditions
No full textFreshwater autotrophic biofilms play a vital role in primary production and nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems but are increasingly exposed to chemical stressors such as antibiotics or herbicides. Although nutrient availability may modulate biofilm sensitivity, its impact on biofilm responses to these stressors remains poorly understood. In four independent experiments, we investigated the functional (ash-free dry weight and chlorophyll a, b and c) and structural (16S/18S rRNA metabarcoding) responses of stream-derived biofilms under low- and high-nutrient levels to chronic exposure (14 days) to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and the herbicide propyzamide in laboratory stream microcosms. High-nutrient levels strongly increased biofilms functional responses and altered the community composition. Chemical exposure led to pronounced shifts in prokaryotic (ciprofloxacin) and eukaryotic (propyzamide) communities, but without significant effects on functional responses, suggesting functional redundancy and ecological buffering capacity of freshwater biofilms. These results highlight the critical role of nutrient supply in biofilm responses and the need for caution when extrapolating laboratory results to field conditions.This study shows that freshwater biofilms maintain stable function despite structural shifts from chemical stress, highlighting their functional redundancy under varying nutrient conditions
Uncovering the role of chemical pollutants in shaping biological invasions
No full textEcosystems around the globe are under unprecedented pressure from human activities. Chemical pollution and biological invasions are two leading drivers of environmental change, each of which causes substantial harm to wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit. However, despite their individual impacts being well-documented, the combined effects of these pervasive environmental pressures are seldom studied. Here, we address this critical gap by first examining the potential interactions between chemical pollution and biological invasions in animals. We then discuss possible impacts of chemical pollution on animals—both invasive and native—across the distinct stages of the invasion process. Further, we examine gaps in our current understanding of the potential interactions between chemical pollution and biological invasions, including the role of pollutants in mediating interactions between native and non-native species, how pollutants may influence the potential for the invasion process to act as a selective filter, and the relevance of phenotypic plasticity and behavioural syndromes in this context. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key research gaps, this review underscores the importance of considering chemical pollution and biological invasions in combination in ecological research. Understanding the combined impacts of these widespread and frequently co-occurring phenomena is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration measures in an increasingly human-modified world
Rotavirus A genotype diversity and antigenic profile in Central Ethiopia: implications for rotarix® vaccine efficacy
No full textIntroduction: Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children globally, including in Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of vaccines, high mutation and reassortment rates contribute to genetic diversity and potential vaccine escape. This study aimed to assess the distribution and genetic characteristics of rotavirus A (RVA) strains in children under five with diarrhea in central Ethiopia, with comparison to the Rotarix® vaccine strain. Methods: Stool samples were collected from children under 5 years of age presenting with diarrhea at health centers in Debre Berhan and Addis Ababa between April 2022 and December 2023. RVA was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Genotyping was performed by Sanger sequencing of the VP7 and VP4 genes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed in MEGA X software using the maximum likelihood method with 1,000 bootstrap replicates, using reference sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. Amino acid sequences of these proteins were compared with those of the Rotarix® vaccine strain to identify substitutions in key antigenic regions. Results: RVA was detected in 30 of 247 samples (12.14%), with 28 successfully genotyped. G9 was the predominant G genotype (50%), followed by G12 (10.2%), G2 (7.1%), G1 (3.6%), and G3 (3.6%); 25% remained untyped. P[4] was the most common P genotype (28.6%), followed by P[6] (21.4%) and P[8] (17.9%), with 32.1% untyped. The most frequent G/P combinations were G9P[4] (35%), G12P[6] (13%), and G9P[8] (9%). Compared to Rotarix®, the circulating G2, G3, G9, and G12 strains showed 18, 12, 13, and 17 amino acid substitutions, respectively, within the 29-residue VP7 epitopes. The P[8], P[4], and P[6] strains exhibited 4, 9, and 18 substitutions, respectively, within the 28 VP4 neutralizing epitope residues. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the current identified virus mainly clusters with strains previously reported from Ethiopia, indicating a shared evolutionary origin. Conclusion: The dominance of the G9P[4] genotype, together with substantial amino acid substitutions in the current circulating RVA strains that diverge from the G1P[8] Rotarix® strain, may compromise vaccine performance. These findings underscore the need to evaluate vaccine efficacy, maintain molecular surveillance, and incorporate broader genotype coverage in future vaccine design
Approved Ambiguities: An Analysis of Applications for the Ethical Review of Animal Research in Sweden-Focusing on Harm, Benefit, and the 3Rs
No full textThis study examines regulatory requirements concerning the ethical review of animal research in Sweden, in particular legal obligations placed on applicants, and to some extent on Animal Ethics Committees (AECs). It focuses on what information applying researchers are required to provide, to what extent submitted applications reflect the fulfilment of these requirements, and how the AECs handle the information they receive. The study emphasizes areas of concern critical for an ethical evaluation. By examining a selection of submitted applications, the study has found information about harm, benefit, and the 3Rs is often insufficient or occasionally altogether missing, thus hindering the AECs' performance of a harm-benefit analysis (HBA) and an assessment of how the applying researcher has considered the 3Rs in their project. The authors underscore the necessity for applying researchers to include detailed, relevant, complete, and accurate information to facilitate a thorough ethical review. To facilitate a shift towards a more thorough project evaluation, the authors suggest nine action points to improve the ethical review process for the sake of applicants, evaluators (AECs), and the animals used in research. This approach will also help enhance research quality, promote transparency, and build public trust in the ethical review process
Effective Amphibian Conservation Monitoring and Habitat Assessment Using eDNA
No full textThe European green toad (Bufotes viridis) is currently in decline and considered endangered across the northern extent of its native range, with large investments in ongoing conservation and translocation efforts. To assist conservation efforts, survey methods must be established that are cost-effective, non-invasive, and rapidly deployable. Here we evaluated the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding for amphibian conservation across three objectives: (1) Test B. viridis probability of detection before and after translocation efforts in 3 ponds in & Ouml;land, Sweden. (2) Assess pond biodiversity and biotic interactions across & Ouml;land and Kalmar using eDNA metabarcoding. (3) Determine which surveyed sites are suitable for future translocation efforts. We found that the detection probability of B. viridis increased 100% 24 h after the translocation was initiated, whereby they were undetected prior to release. Additionally, we detected 11 fish species, 14 bird species, 9 mammal species, and 4 amphibian species across the translocated sites. The results from the 37 pond eDNA surveys resulted in the detection of 15 fish species, 38 bird species, 8 amphibian species, and 17 mammal species. Species richness of the surveyed ponds ranged from 1 to 24, with an average richness of 8. Co-occurrence analysis found significant associations between several species, including a significant negative association between amphibian occurrence and cattle and gray heron and positive associations with duck and common crane. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) suggests 6 sites had consistent lower site rankings, indicating them as more favorable locations for future amphibian translocation efforts. Overall, these findings showcase eDNA high-throughput sequencing as a viable means to non-invasively assess European green toads and simultaneously assess wider community dynamics that may help evaluate the sustainability of reintroduced and endemic populations
Convergent antisense transcription primes hosting genes for stress responsiveness in plants
No full textPlants need to constantly surveil their surroundings to adapt to environmental fluctuations, which they achieve primarily through transcriptional reprogramming. Thus, plants are excellent models for identifying novel transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we characterize the regulation mediated by long non-coding transcription that initiates on the complementary strand in the 5ʹ end of coding genes (convergent antisense transcription, CASt). In Arabidopsis, CASt is associated with stress-responsive genes that are highly expressed. Our analysis shows that CASt depends on a specific gene architecture that is evolutionarily conserved in higher plants. CASt is present in genes with an extended first intron and overrepresented in genes encoding functional transporters in Arabidopsis, such as the AMINO ACID PERMEASE (AAP) transporter family. Experimental evidence points to a role for CASt in priming their host genes for stress responsiveness in evolutionary divergent plant species. Furthermore, we were able to predict stress responsiveness in rice AAP genes based on the presence of a long first intron and CASt. Collectively, we show an evolutionary strategy and regulatory mechanism specific to plants for enhancing stress responsiveness through modification of gene architecture and antisense transcription