Deregulated lncRNA expression profile in the mouse lung adenocarcinomas with KRAS‐G12D mutation and P53 knockout

Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression are suggested to be closely associated with multiple human diseases, lung cancer included. However, the roles of lncRNAs in lung cancer are not well understood. In this study, we used microarrays to investigate the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma with P53 knockout and the Kras^G12D mutation. Results revealed that 6424 lncRNAs were differentially expressed (≥ 2‐fold change, P < .05). Two hundred and ten lncRNAs showed more than 8‐fold change and conserved across human and were further analysed in the primary mouse lung adenocarcinoma KP cells, which were isolated from the p53 knockout and the Kras^G12D mutation mice. Among all the 210 lncRNAs, 11 lncRNAs' expression was regulated by P53, 33 lncRNAs by KRAS and 13 lncRNAs by hypoxia in the primary KP cells, respectively. NONMMUT015812, which was remarkably up‐regulated in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma and negatively regulated by the P53 re‐expression, was detected to analyse its cellular function. Results showed that knockdown of NONMMUT015812 by shRNAs decreased proliferation and migration abilities of KP cells. Among those aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma, NONMMUT015812 was a potential oncogene.     

Expression and regulation of α‐transducin in the pig gastrointestinal tract

Taste signalling molecules are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract suggesting that they participate to chemosensing. We tested whether fasting and refeeding affect the expression of the taste signalling molecule, α‐transducin (G_αtran), throughout the pig GI tract and the peptide content of G_αtran cells. The highest density of G_αtran‐immunoreactive (IR) cells was in the pylorus, followed by the cardiac mucosa, duodenum, rectum, descending colon, jejunum, caecum, ascending colon and ileum. Most G_αtran‐IR cells contained chromogranin A. In the stomach, many G_αtran‐IR cells contained ghrelin, whereas in the upper small intestine many were gastrin/cholecystokinin‐IR and a few somatostatin‐IR. G_αtran‐IR and G_αgust‐IR colocalized in some cells. Fasting (24 h) resulted in a significant decrease in G_αtran‐IR cells in the cardiac mucosa (29.3 ± 0.8 versus 64.8 ± 1.3, P < 0.05), pylorus (98.8 ± 1.7 versus 190.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.0 l), caecum (8 ± 0.01 versus 15.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.01), descending colon (17.8 ± 0.3 versus 23 ± 0.6, P < 0.05) and rectum (15.3 ± 0.3 versus 27.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). Refeeding restored the control level of G_αtran‐IR cells in the cardiac mucosa. In contrast, in the duodenum and jejunum, G_αtran‐IR cells were significantly reduced after refeeding, whereas G_αtran‐IR cells density in the ileum was not changed by fasting/refeeding. These findings provide further support to the concept that taste receptors contribute to luminal chemosensing in the GI tract and suggest they are involved in modulation of food intake and GI function induced by feeding and fasting.     

A panel consisting of three novel circulating lncRNAs,is it a predictive tool for gastric cancer?

Early detection is vital for prolonging 5‐year survival for patients with gastric cancer (GC). Numerous studies indicate that circulating long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used to diagnose malignant tumours. This study aimed to investigate the capacity of novel lncRNAs for diagnosing GC. A lncRNA microarray assay was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs between plasma of patients with GC and healthy controls. Plasma samples from 100 patients with healthy controls were used to construct a multiple‐gene panel. An additional 50 pairs of GC patients with healthy controls were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the panel. Expression levels of lncRNAs were quantified through real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under curve (AUC) were used to estimate the diagnostic capacity. We identified three lncRNAs, CTC‐501O10.1, AC100830.4 and RP11‐210K20.5 that were up‐regulated in the plasma of GC patients with AUCs 0.724, 0.730 and 0.737, respectively (P < .01). Based on the logistic regression model, the combined AUC of the three lncRNAs was 0.764. The AUC of the panel was 0.700 in the validation cohort. These findings indicate that plasma lncRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers for detection of GC.     

Sl‐lncRNA15492 interacts with Sl‐miR482a and affects Solanum lycopersicum immunity against Phytophthora infestans

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the resistance of plants to infection by pathogens via interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs). Long non‐coding RNAs are cleaved by miRNAs to produce phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), which, as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), function as decoys for mature miRNAs, thus inhibiting their expression, and contain pre‐miRNA sequences to produce mature miRNAs. However, whether lncRNAs and miRNAs mediate other molecular mechanisms during plant resistance to pathogens is unknown. In this study, as a positive regulator, Sl‐lncRNA15492 from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Zaofen No. 2) plants affected tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments and RNA ligase‐mediated 5′‐amplification of cDNA ends (RLM‐5′ RACE) also revealed that Sl‐miR482a was negatively involved in tomato resistance by targeting Sl‐NBS‐LRR genes and that silencing of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 decreased tomato resistance. Sl‐lncRNA15492 inhibited the expression of mature Sl‐miR482a, whose precursor was located within the antisense sequence of Sl‐lncRNA15492. Further degradome analysis and additional RLM‐5′ RACE experiments verified that mature Sl‐miR482a could also cleave Sl‐lncRNA15492. These results provide a mechanism by which lncRNAs might inhibit precursor miRNA expression through antisense strands of lncRNAs, and demonstrate that Sl‐lncRNA15492 and Sl‐miR482a mutually inhibit the maintenance of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 homeostasis during tomato resistance to P. infestans.     

Mitochondrial toxicity and caspase activation in HIV pregnant women

To assess the impact of HIV‐infection and highly active anti‐retroviral treatment in mitochondria and apoptotic activation of caspases during pregnancy and their association with adverse perinatal outcome. Changes of mitochondrial parameters and apoptotic caspase activation in maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared at first trimester of pregnancy and delivery in 27 HIV‐infected and ‐treated pregnant women versus 24 uninfected pregnant controls. We correlated immunovirological, therapeutic and perinatal outcome with experimental findings: mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and apoptotic caspase activation. The HIV pregnancies showed increased adverse perinatal outcome (OR: 4.81 [1.14–20.16]; P < 0.05) and decreased mtDNA content (42.66 ± 5.94%, P < 0.01) compared to controls, even higher in naïve participants. This depletion caused a correlated decrease in mitochondrial protein synthesis (12.82 ± 5.73%, P < 0.01) and function (20.50 ± 10.14%, P < 0.001), not observed in controls. Along pregnancy, apoptotic caspase‐3 activation increased 63.64 ± 45.45% in controls (P < 0.001) and 100.00 ± 47.37% in HIV‐pregnancies (P < 0.001), in correlation with longer exposure to nucleoside analogues. HIV‐infected women showed increased obstetric problems and declined genetic and functional mitochondrial parameters during pregnancy, especially those firstly exposed to anti‐retrovirals. The apoptotic activation of caspases along pregnancy is emphasized in HIV pregnancies promoted by nucleoside analogues. However, we could not demonstrate direct mitochondrial or apoptotic implication in adverse obstetric outcome probably because of the reduced sample size.     

Production and Application of Syringomycin E as an Organic Fungicide Seed Protectant against Pythium Damping‐off

Syringomycin E (SRE) is a cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide with potent antifungal activity and is produced by certain strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. In this study, its potential as an organic‐compatible agrofungicide and vegetable seed treatment against the soilborne pathogen Pythium ultimum var. ultimum was examined. A variant of P. syringae pv. syringae strain B301D with enhanced SRE‐producing capabilities was isolated and grown in a bioreactor with SRE yields averaging 50 mg/l in 40 h. SRE was extracted and purified through a large‐scale chromatography system using organic‐compatible processes and reagents. The minimum concentrations of the purified product required to inhibit 50 and 90% of P. ultimum oospore germination were determined as 31.3 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. Drench treatment of cucumber seeds in P. ultimum‐infested potting medium (500 oospores/g) with 50 μg/ml SRE or water with no SRE resulted in 90.2 ± 4.5% and 65.7 ± 4.6% germination rates, respectively. Seed coating with 0.03% (w/w) SRE allowed 65.7 ± 4.6% seedlings to germinate on naturally infested soil while 100.0 ± 0.0% of non‐coated seeds were unable to germinate due to Pythium infection. Organic‐compatible and scalably produced SRE is potentially a novel organic fungicide seed protectant.     

Polymorphisms in calpastatin and mu‐calpain genes are associated with beef iron content

The objective of this study was to assess the association of markers in the calpastatin and mu‐calpain loci with iron in beef cattle muscle. The population consisted of 259 cross‐bred steers from Beefmaster, Brangus, Bonsmara, Romosinuano, Hereford and Angus sires. Total iron and heme iron concentrations were measured. Markers in the calpastatin (referred to as CAST) and mu‐calpain (referred to as CAPN4751) genes were used to assess their association with iron levels. The mean and standard error for iron and heme iron content in the population was 35.6 ± 1.3 μg and 27.1 ± 1.4 μg respectively. Significant associations (P < 0.01) of markers were observed for both iron and heme iron content. For CAST, animals with the CC genotype had higher levels of iron and heme iron in longissimus dorsi muscle. For CAPN4751, individuals with the TT genotype had higher concentrations of iron and heme iron than did animals with the CC and CT genotypes. Genotypes known to be associated with tougher meat were associated with higher levels of iron concentration.     

Stress‐induced changes in abundance differ among obligate and facultative endosymbionts of the soybean aphid

Bacterial endosymbionts can drive evolutionary novelty by conferring adaptive benefits under adverse environmental conditions. Among aphid species there is growing evidence that symbionts influence tolerance to various forms of stress. However, the extent to which stress inflicted on the aphid host has cascading effects on symbiont community dynamics remains poorly understood. Here we simultaneously quantified the effect of host‐plant induced and xenobiotic stress on soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) fitness and relative abundance of its three bacterial symbionts. Exposure to soybean defensive stress (Rag1 gene) and a neurotoxic insecticide (thiamethoxam) substantially reduced aphid composite fitness (survival × reproduction) by 74 ± 10% and 92 ± 2%, respectively, which in turn induced distinctive changes in the endosymbiont microbiota. When challenged by host‐plant defenses a 1.4‐fold reduction in abundance of the obligate symbiont Buchnera was observed across four aphid clonal lines. Among facultative symbionts of Rag1‐stressed aphids, Wolbachia abundance increased twofold and Arsenophonus decreased 1.5‐fold. A similar pattern was observed under xenobiotic stress, with Buchnera and Arsenophonus titers decreasing (1.3‐fold) and Wolbachia increasing (1.5‐fold). Furthermore, variation in aphid virulence to Rag1 was positively correlated with changes in Arsenophonus titers, but not Wolbachia or Buchnera. A single Arsenophonus multi‐locus genotype was found among aphid clonal lines, indicating strain diversity is not primarily responsible for correlated host‐symbiont stress levels. Overall, our results demonstrate the nature of aphid symbioses can significantly affect the outcome of interactions under stress and suggests general changes in the microbiome can occur across multiple stress types.     

Combined effects of spray‐drying conditions and postdrying storage time and temperature on Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium survival when inoculated in liquid porcine plasma

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the spray‐drying process on the inactivation of Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium spiked in liquid porcine plasma and to test the additive effect of immediate postdrying storage. Commercial spray‐dried porcine plasma was sterilized by irradiation and then reconstituted (1:9) with sterile water. Aliquots of reconstituted plasma were inoculated with either S. choleraesuis or S. typhimurium, subjected to spray‐drying at an inlet temperature of 200°C and an outlet temperature of either 71 or 80°C, and each spray‐drying temperature combinations were subjected to either 0, 30 or 60 s of residence time (RT) as a simulation of residence time typical of commercial dryers. Spray‐dried samples were stored at either 4·0 ± 3·0°C or 23·0 ± 0·3°C for 15 days. Bacterial counts of each Salmonella spp., were completed for all samples. For both Salmonella spp., spray‐drying at both outlet temperatures reduced bacterial counts about 3 logs at RT 0 s, while there was about a 5·5 log reduction at RT 60 s. Storage of all dried samples at either 4·0 ± 3·0°C or 23·0 ± 0·3°C for 15 days eliminate all detectable bacterial counts of both Salmonella spp.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Safety of raw materials from animal origin like spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) may be a concern for the swine industry. Spray‐drying process and postdrying storage are good inactivation steps to reduce the bacterial load of Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium. For both Salmonella spp., spray‐drying at 71°C or 80°C outlet temperatures reduced bacterial counts about 3 log at residence time (RT) 0 s, while there was about a 5.5 log reduction at RT 60 s. Storage of all dried samples at either 4.0 ± 3.0°C or 23.0 ± 0.3°C for 15 days was effective for eliminating detectable bacterial counts of both Salmonella spp.     

Chemical Composition,Antibacterial, Schistosomicidal,and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Chenopodiaceae)

We have investigated the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Chenopodiaceae) (DA‐EO) against a representative panel of cariogenic bacteria. We have also assessed the in vitro schistosomicidal effects of DA‐EO on Schistosoma mansoni and its cytotoxicity to GM07492‐A cells in vitro. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed that the monoterpenes cis‐piperitone oxide (35.2%), p‐cymene (14.5%), isoascaridole (14.1%), and α‐terpinene (11.6%) were identified by as the major constituents of DA‐EO. DA‐EO displayed weak activity against Streptococcus sobrinus and Enterococcus faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1000 μg/ml). On the other hand, DA‐EO at 25 and 12.5 μg/ml presented remarkable schistosomicidal action in vitro and killed 100% of adult worm pairs within 24 and 72 h, respectively. The LC₅₀ values of DA‐EO were 6.50 ± 0.38, 3.66 ± 1.06, and 3.65 ± 0.76 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. However, DA‐EO at concentrations higher than 312.5 μg/ml significantly reduced the viability of GM07492‐A cells (IC₅₀ = 207.1 ± 4.4 μg/ml). The selectivity index showed that DA‐EO was 31.8 times more toxic to the adult S. mansoni worms than GM07492‐A cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate the promising schistosomicidal potential of the essential oil of Dysphania ambrosioides.     

Uptake kinetics and storage capacity of dissolved inorganic phosphorus and corresponding dissolved inorganic nitrate uptake in Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae)

Uptake rates of dissolved inorganic phosphorus and dissolved inorganic nitrogen under unsaturated and saturated conditions were studied in young sporophytes of the seaweeds Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae) using a “pulse‐and‐chase” assay under fully controlled laboratory conditions. In a subsequent second “pulse‐and‐chase” assay, internal storage capacity (ISC) was calculated based on V_M and the parameter for photosynthetic efficiency F_v/F_m. Sporophytes of S. latissima showed a V_S of 0.80 ± 0.03 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1 and a V_M of 0.30 ± 0.09 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1 for dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP), whereas V_S for DIN was 11.26 ± 0.56 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1 and V_M was 3.94 ± 0.67 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1. In L. digitata, uptake kinetics for DIP and DIN were substantially lower: V_S for DIP did not exceed 0.38 ± 0.03 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1 while V_M for DIP was 0.22 ± 0.01 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1. V_S for DIN was 3.92 ± 0.08 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1 and the V_M for DIN was 1.81 ± 0.38 μmol · cm^?2 · d^?1. Accordingly, S. latissima exhibited a larger ISC for DIP (27 μmol · cm^?2) than L. digitata (10 μmol · cm^?2), and was able to maintain high growth rates for a longer period under limiting DIP conditions. Our standardized data add to the physiological understanding of S. latissima and L. digitata, thus helping to identify potential locations for their cultivation. This could further contribute to the development and modification of applications in a bio‐based economy, for example, in evaluating the potential for bioremediation in integrated multitrophic aquacultures that produce biomass simultaneously for use in the food, feed, and energy industries.     

Identification and antifungal activity analysis of two biocontrol antagonists to Colletotrichum musae

Postharvest anthracnose of banana caused by Colletotrichum musae is one of the major diseases resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. To control this disease using biocontrol agents, two antagonistic strains SD7 and NB20 with significant inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. musae were identified and evaluated in this study. The inhibitory effects of cell‐free culture filtrates of SD7 and NB20 on conidial germination of C. musae were both 100%, and those on mycelial growth of C. musae were 97.7 ± 0.9% and 95.0 ± 0.6%, respectively. The antifungal activities of cell‐free culture filtrates of both strains were still stable after they were stored at 4°C for 6 months. The control efficacies of cell‐free culture filtrates of SD7 and NB20 on postharvest anthracnose of banana were 55.9 ± 4.1% and 33.2 ± 3.9%, respectively. The disease severity (mean scale value) in banana fruit fingers was significantly lower after the treatment with a cultural suspension of the bacterial strain SD7 (1.4 ± 0.49) or actinomycete strain NB20 (2.0 ± 0.63), compared to that in the control (4.8 ± 0.40). After subculturing for 10 generations, the antifungal efficiency of NB20 remained stable, whereas that of strain SD7 declined obviously. Lastly, based on the morphological, physio‐biochemical and molecular characteristics, the bacterial strain SD7 was identified as Burkholderia cepacia, while the actinomycete strain NB20 was identified as Streptomyces katrae. The results from this study will provide the basis for developing an effective and novel biofungicide to control banana anthracnose disease.     

Laboratory evaluation of predation rates of two native natural enemies on the exotic pest Bagrada hilaris

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the consumption rates of two native predators found attacking the exotic invasive stink bug Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) in field plots in New Mexico, USA. Individual field‐collected adults of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) and the soft‐winged flower beetle, Collops vittatus (Say) (Coleoptera: Melyridae), were provided daily with fixed numbers of different life stages of B. hilaris under controlled conditions. Consumption rates were recorded daily for ten consecutive days for a total of 20 adult P. maculiventris and 20 adult C. vittatus per prey life stage. For P. maculiventris, predation rates were obtained in relation to adult, third and fifth instar prey, and for C. vittatus for first, second and third instar prey. On average, predation on third and fifth instar B. hilaris nymphs by P. maculiventris was 0.6 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.1 per day respectively. Predation rates on adults were slightly higher (1.3 ± 0.1 per day), with female prey being consumed at a significantly higher rate than male prey when three mating pairs of B. hilaris were provided per day (0.8 ± 0.1 females per day vs. 0.5 ± 0.1 males per day). Collops vittatus adults provisioned daily with 20 first instar B. hilaris nymphs killed a mean total of 4.7 ± 0.4 and 9.3 ± 0.6 prey each day (for male and female beetles respectively), with only approximately half that number of prey being fully consumed. Partial consumption of prey by this species was also observed with second and third instar nymphs, but to a lesser degree. Female beetles consumed significantly more prey than did male beetles when fed first and third instar B. hilaris, but not when given second instar prey.     

Influence of tomato spotted wilt virus on performance and behaviour of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

The general principles in pathogen transmission by insects involve a complex and specific interplay, in this case between thrips, tospovirus and their shared host plant, which has led to outbreaks of crop disease epidemics of economic and social importance. The possible processes and factors driving their co‐evolution were partly studied by rearing Frankliniella occidentalis [western flower thrips (WFT)] on either tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)–infected or uninfected Capsicum annum leaflets throughout their larval stages. Later, pupae were transferred individually on healthy leaf discs for further studies of the influence of TSWV on WFT development and behavioural patterns. The exposure of WFT to TSWV was found to improve performance with regard to longevity and survival, with mean longevity being significantly higher in TSWV‐exposed WFT compared to unexposed ones (F_(3,403) = 22.44, P < 0.0001). The observed improvement in survival was as a result of significant reduction in mortality for the WFT individuals exposed to TSWV (F_(3,383) = 849.94, P < 0.0001) compared to the unexposed. However, the results showed a significant reduction in mean daily fecundity overtime (F_10,10) = 246.66, P < 0.0001) and across the four treatments (F_(3,30) = 6.62, P = 0.001), as well as lifetime fecundity (F_(3,23) = 21.23, P < 0.0001) of the WFT exposed to TSWV compared to the unexposed reared on uninfected leaf discs. For preferential test, C. annum leaf discs infected with TSWV were more attractive to WFT as compared to healthy leaf discs (χ²_{(4, 34)} = 112.35, P < 0.0001). These results are envisaged to contribute to a clear understanding into the plant–vector–virus interaction, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and control of the TSWV epidemic, as well as the control of F. occidentalis as crop pest.     

Effect of temperature on immature development and longevity of two introduced opiine parasitoids on Bactrocera invadens

Temperature‐dependent development, parasitism and longevity of the braconid parasitoids, Fopius arisanus Sonan and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmed on Bactorcera invadens Drew Tsuruta & White, was evaluated across five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C). Developmental rate decreased linearly with increasing temperature for both the parasitoid species. Linear and Brière‐2 nonlinear models were used to determine the lower temperature threshold at which the developmental rate (1/D) approached zero. For F. arisanus, lower thresholds to complete development estimated with the linear and nonlinear models were 10.1 and 6.9°C, respectively. The total degree‐days (DD) required to complete the development estimated by the linear model for F. arisanus was 360. In D. longicaudata, the linear and nonlinear models estimated lower thresholds of 10.4 and 7.3°C, respectively, and the total DD estimated was 282. In F. arisanus, percentage parasitism differed significantly across all temperatures tested and was highest at 25°C (71.1 ± 2.5) and lowest at 15°C (46.4 ± 1.4). Parasitoid progeny sex ratio was female biased at all temperatures except at 20°C. In D. longicaudata, percentage parasitism was highest at 20°C (52.2 ± 4.0) and lowest at 15°C (27.7 ± 2.5). Parasitoid progeny sex ratio was female biased and similar for all temperatures. Adult longevity of both parasitoids was shortest at 35°C and longest at 15°C, and females lived significantly longer than males at all temperatures tested. Our findings provide some guidance for future mass rearing and field releases of the two parasitoids for the management of B. invadens in Africa.     

How far bowalization affects phytodiversity,life forms and plant morphology in Sub‐humid tropic in West Africa

Bowal or ferricrete, the final of land degradation, occurred only in tropical region. This study aimed at assessing the effects of bowalization on phytodiversity, life forms and morphological response of plant species using Combretum nigricans Leprieur ex Guill. & Perr. as a case study. Morphological parameters (height, number of stems, number of branches, diameter at breast height and crown diameter) of C. nigricans were determined in the sub‐humid zone of Benin. Plant communities were determined according to Multi‐Response Permutation Procedures analysis. Plant communities were more diversified on sand‐clay and concretion soils (control) compared with those described on bowal. C. nigricans developed more stems (3.6 ± 1.4 stems vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 stems), more branches (5.9 ± 2.4 branches vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 branches) and large crown diameter (5 ± 1.48 m vs. 3.4 ± 1.2 m) on bowal than on sand‐clay soil. The best adapted life forms on bowal were therophytes. Bowalization induced loss of phytodiversity, changes in species life forms and provoked local adaptation of tree species.     

Morphological Abnormalities in True Bugs (Heteroptera) near Swiss Nuclear Power Stations

After the nuclear accidents of Chernobyl and Fukushima, several studies reported adverse health effects on wildlife animals. Epidemiological studies in humans found significant increases of leukemia rates in young children residing within 5 km from nuclear power plants. This study investigates morphological abnormalities in true bugs (Heteroptera), collected in the environs of three Swiss nuclear power stations (NPS). The objective of the study is to test whether there is an increased frequency of abnormalities in the vicinity of NPS. We found a frequency of abnormalities of 14.1% at distances r < 5 km and a frequency of 6.8% for distances r > 5 km, a rate ratio of 2.1 (P < 0.0001). The corresponding odds ratio was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.59, 3.18). We also conducted logistic regression of abnormality rates on reciprocal distance for each NPS site. The trend was significant for NPS Beznau (regression coefficient β = 1.5 ± 0.3, P < 0.0001) but not significant for NPS Gösgen und NPS Leibstadt with little samples within 5 km. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to find adverse health effects on insects near operating nuclear power plants. Due to its ecological design, however, it cannot answer the question whether the effect is caused by radiation from nuclear power plants.