Impact of different shade coffee management scenarios,on a population of Oncidium poikilostalix (Orchidaceae), in Soconusco,Chiapas, Mexico

Background: Understanding the effect of perturbation, be it natural or anthropogenic, on the demography and dynamics of the plant populations can help conservation management planning.

Aims: We assessed the impacts of management of a shade coffee plantation on a population of Oncidium poikilostalix (Orchidaceae).

Methods: We studied in a coffee (Coffea arabica) agroecosystem the impact of the current traditional management [T] and two hypothetical epiphyte control management scenarios (intense ‘desmusgue’ [ID] and moderate ‘desmusgue’ [MD]), on the only known Mexican population of O. poikilostalix. Based on 3 years of field demographics data, the population dynamics of the orchid were projected using T, ID and MD scenarios for 20 years into the future.

Results: Under the current management T, the population of O. poikilostalix was projected to grow continuously (λ = 1.102). Conversely, under management ID, the loss of individuals would lead to a sustained population decline (λ = 0.843); in the case of MD, the population would decline more slowly with the population growth rate tending towards equilibrium (λ = 0.966).

Conclusions: The changes in the management of coffee plantations that have become common throughout the south-east of Mexico represent a threat to the survival of the only population of O. poikilostalix in Mexico, and likely threaten other epiphytic species.     

Association of Per3 length polymorphism with susceptibility of Alzheimer disease (AD) in Chinese population

Objectives: The association of Per3 length polymorphism with susceptibility of Alzheimer Disease (AD) was examined in the present study. Methods: This study was constructed using the case-control method and investigated the association of Per3 length polymorphism with susceptibility of AD. Genotypes of APOE and Per3 length were determined by a PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism detection method. Results: In this study, we gathered 130 unrelated AD patients and 188 controls in performing an analysis the association of Per3 length polymorphism with susceptibility of AD. In the whole sample or APOE ε4 non-carriers, an increased prevalence of five repeat homozygotes of Per3 length in AD patients had significant higher than that in controls (in the whole sample: χ² = 7.261,= 0.0176; in APOE ε4 non-carriers: χ² = 6.086, p = 0.030). And, among APOE ε4 carriers, an increased prevalence of five repeat homozygotes of Per3 length in AD patients had also significant higher than that in controls (χ² = 3.893, p = 0.0319). Conclusions: Among APOE ε4 non-carriers, five repeat homozygotes of Per3 length was associated with a high susceptibility of AD among APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers.     

Habent Fata Sua: The Rise and Fall of Garden Plants

Background: Rare cactus in the Americas and other species worldwide are threatened species because of their high level of habitat specialisation, narrow distribution range and continuing population decline.

Aims: To identify management units (MUs) based on genetic variability and demographic structure in order to propose assertive conservation actions for Mammillaria crucigera and to provide a model case study for other species that are under similar threats.

Methods: We genotyped through eight microsatellite loci in 171 individuals and described demographic structures in six populations of this cactus based on plots of 1 m².

Results: Across populations with a mean density of 2.6 m^?2 and a total of ~500 individuals counted, 30% of the individuals were reproductive (diameter >2 cm). The total heterozygosity was low (H_O = 0.54), but the inbreeding coefficient (F_IS = 0.29) and the allele diversity (N_A = 20) were high. Four genetic groups were distinguished, although considering the demographic structure, we propose three MUs.

Conclusions: It is critical to maintain the genetic connectivity within and among MUs, which can only be achieved through cooperation between government authorities and local habitants to halt the degradation and further destruction of the remnant populations. Searching MUs allows the identification of critical areas for conservation issues for all species whose extant populations are in a fragmented landscape.     

Spatiotemporal effects of Hurricane Ivan on an endemic epiphytic orchid: 10 years of follow-up

ABSTRACT

Background: Hurricanes have a strong influence on the ecological dynamics and structure of tropical forests. Orchid populations are especially vulnerable to these perturbations due to their canopy exposure and lack of underground storage organs and seed banks.

Aims: We evaluated the effects of Hurricane Ivan on the population of the endemic epiphytic orchid Encyclia bocourtii to propose a management strategy.

Methods: Using a pre- and post-hurricane dataset (2003–2013), we assessed the population asymptotic and transient dynamics. We also identified the individual size-stages that maximise population inertia and E. bocourtii’s spatial arrangement relative to phorophytes and other epiphytes.

Results: Hurricane Ivan severely affected the survival and growth of individuals of E. bocourtii, and caused an immediate decline of the population growth rate from λ = 1.05 to λ = 0.32, which was buffered by a population reactivity of ρ₁ = 1.42. Our stochastic model predicted an annual population decrease of 14%. We found an aggregated spatial pattern between E. bocourtii and its host trees, and a random pattern relative to other epiphytes.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that E. bocourtii is not safe from local extinction. We propose the propagation and reintroduction of reproductive specimens, the relocation of surviving individuals, and the establishment of new plantations of phorophytes.     

Energy metabolism in green cells

Background: Although fire is an important factor in determining cerrado vegetation, information about its effect on seed banks is sparse. Cerrado fires are rapidly moving surface fires with low residence time, producing only short-term heating of the uppermost centimetres of the soil. However, the reduction in vegetation cover and deposition of ashes increases the daily amplitude of soil temperature by as much as 35 °C.

Aims: To assess the effect of post-fire daily soil temperatures on the germination of one alien and nine native grasses.

Methods: Seeds were stored at alternating temperatures of 45 ºC/10 ºC (10 h/14 h) for 7 d or 30 d, simulating two different storage times in the soil seed bank before the onset of the rainy season. Germination was monitored over 30 d.

Results: The variation in temperature had a significant effect on the rate of seed germination in some species, either enhancing it (Aristida setifolia) or reducing it (Schizachyrium sanguineum). Increased storage time reduced the viability of S. sanguineum and Echinolaena inflexa. The invasive Melinis minutiflora had the highest germination rate and it also showed the best toleration of post-fire conditions (45 ºC/10 ºC) after 7 d, with significant reduction in the germination time after 30 d.

Conclusions: Fire seems to have a significant effect in the early life of cerrado grasses. Some native species responded positively to temperature oscillation, suggesting that they should be better prepared to compete with alien species after a fire, with more of their seeds germinating and/or at a more rapid rate.     

Nocturnal parasitism of moth eggs by Trichogramma wasps

Parasitoid wasps of the genus Trichogramma are used worldwide as biological control agents against lepidopteran pests. Trichogramma wasps develop inside eggs of a wide range of host species, most of them moths. They are generally considered as diurnal insects. Here, we investigated whether Trichogramma wasps can also successfully parasitise host eggs at night under controlled laboratory conditions. Eggs of the moth Ephestia kuehniella were offered under dark conditions (scotophase) to females of Trichogramma brassicae and Trichogramma evanescens either from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM or from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at four different temperatures (5°C, 10°C, 15°C and 20°C). Both species are known to parasitise E. kuehniella eggs in the photophase during daytime. The results show that T. brassicae did not parasitise eggs in the scotophase at night and only very few in the artificially induced scotophase during daytime from 10°C to 20°C. In contrast, T. evanescens parasitised more eggs in the dark both at night and artificially induced scotophase during daytime. Parasitism in the scotophase already started at 5°C, with more eggs being parasitised and more offspring being produced at higher temperatures. T. evanescens displayed higher parasitism activity in the induced scotophase during daytime than in the scotophase at night. The present study suggests that Trichogramma are capable of successfully parasitising host eggs at night, even at low temperatures, but that nocturnal activity with respect to parasitism varies between wasp species.     

Synthesis and biological activity of pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives: in silico approach

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is responsible for the pathological condition called gout. Inhibition of XO activity by various pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-4-one derivatives was assessed and compared with the standard inhibitor allopurinol. Out of 10 synthesized compounds, two compounds, viz. 3-amino-6-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (3b) and 3-amino-6-(4-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (3g) were found to have promising XO inhibitory activity of the same order as allopurinol. Both compounds and allopurinol inhibited competitively with comparable Ki (3b: 3.56?µg, 3g: 2.337?µg, allopurinol: 1.816?µg) and IC₅₀ (3b: 4.228?µg, 3g: 3.1?µg, allopurinol: 2.9?µg) values. The enzyme–ligand interaction was studied by molecular docking using Autodock in BioMed Cache V. 6.1 software. The results revealed a significant dock score for 3b (?84.976?kcal/mol) and 3g (?90.921?kcal/mol) compared with allopurinol (?55.01?kcal/mol). The physiochemical properties and toxicity of the compounds were determined in silico using online computational tools. Overall, in vitro and in silico study revealed 3-amino-6-(4-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2–a]pyrimidin-4-one (3g) as a potential lead compound for the design and development of XO inhibitors.     

Rattan (Calamoideae) abundance and above-ground biomass at a primary rainforest of Peninsular Malaysia

Background: Rattans are widespread throughout paleo-tropical forests; however, there is no information on their contribution to above-ground biomass (AGB).

Aims: This study established biomass baseline values for 11 different rattan species in a Malaysian primary forest, and calculated the overall rattan AGB contribution and dynamics during two years.

Methods: All rattan stems in five 100 m × 100 m study plots were counted in 2011 and 2013. Biometric non-invasive measurements were carried out on 11 climbing and non-climbing species and total rattan biomass for both years calculated was compared.

Results: Rattans contributed with 3.1 Mg ha^?1 to the forest AGB. There was no significant change in rattan biomass between the years.

Conclusions: These preliminary results are the first published on the AGB contribution of rattans to Malaysian primary forests. Further studies are required to ascertain values across forest types and over time to reliably estimate the contribution of rattan species to ABG and carbon sequestration.     

Sleep habits of Iranian pre-school children in an urban area: Late sleeping and sleep debt in children

Using BEARS (Bedtime problems, Excessive sleepiness, Awakenings during the night, Regularity of sleep, Snoring), and CSHQ (Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaires) screening tools with 224 participants revealed that Iranian children have shorter night sleep duration than expected (9.54 vs 12 h) for their age group. Earlier sleepers had longer night sleep duration (10:36 ± 1:12; 9:12 ± 1:06 h, P > 0.001), and total daily sleep time (11:36 ± 1:42; 10:36 ± 1:30 h, P = 0.005) than late sleepers. A majority (85%) of naptakers had sleep bedtime of 22:00 or later. The poor sleep quality of Iranian preschool children is probably due to cultural characteristics, climate differences, or harmful sleep habits.

     

The impact of red deer on liverwort-rich oceanic heath vegetation

Background: There is concern about increasing numbers of large herbivores including red deer (Cervus elaphus), but little is known about their impact on bryophytes.

Aims: This study set out to determine the effect of different localised densities of red deer on the internationally important Northern Atlantic hepatic mat, characteristic of oceanic heath vegetation, at four locations in the Scottish Highlands where sheep have been absent for decades.

Methods: Thirty 7 m × 7 m plots were randomly located in each study area. The standing crop dung pellet group count method was used to estimate red deer density. Species richness, diversity and cover of hepatic mat liverworts were obtained from 1 m × 1 m quadrats placed at random within the sample plots. Calluna vulgaris cover, ericoid height, rock cover, gradient and altitude were also recorded.

Results: Model simplification in analysis of covariance revealed a consistent pattern of decreasing cover of hepatic mat and Calluna with increasing red deer density at all four study areas. Northern Atlantic hepatic mat cover, diversity and species richness were positively correlated with Calluna cover.

Conclusions: The data suggest that Calluna cover is reduced (through trampling and browsing) at high local densities of red deer which has had cascading effects on the Northern Atlantic hepatic mat. Alternative explanations are discussed.     

Seedling assemblages and the alternative successional pathways experienced by Atlantic forest fragments

Background: Habitat loss and fragmentation have been argued to drastically alter the composition of tree assemblages inhabiting small forest fragments but the successional trajectory experienced by such edge-affected habitats remains controversial.

Aims: Here we examine whether small fragments (3.4–91.2 ha) support seedling assemblages more similar to those in 10–70-year-old secondary forests than to those in mature forests, in order to infer to what extent fragments move toward early successional systems.

Methods: Using 59 0.1-ha plots distributed in a fragmented landscape of Brazilian Atlantic forest, we evaluated species richness and functional and taxonomic composition of seedling assemblages in 20 small forest fragments, 19 stands of secondary forest and 20 stands of mature forests in the interior of an exceptionally large fragment (ca. 3500 ha).

Results: Small fragments presented the least species-rich seedling assemblages (17.2 ± 5.7 species), followed by secondary (22.5 ± 5.3), and mature forest (28.4 ± 5.3). Small fragments had seedling assemblages with functional and taxonomic composition more similar to those in secondary than in mature forest. Small fragments had a greater relative richness and abundance of pioneer trees (ca. 40% more), vertebrate-dispersed (6–25%), and those bearing medium-sized seeds (30–70%), while large-seeded species and individuals were reduced (>50% decrement) in comparison to seedling assemblages in mature forest.

Conclusions: By comparing seedlings across a wide range of successional habitats we offer evidence that small forest fragments are experiencing an alternative successional pathway towards an early-successional system with reduced plant diversity.     

Is the variation of floral elaiophore size in two species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae) dependent on interaction with pollinators?

Background: Intraspecific variations in floral traits of species over its geographic range can be associated with differences in pollinator assemblages and/or with environmental conditions.

Aims: We evaluated the area of elaiophores in different populations of Stigmaphyllon bonariense (n = 9) and S. jatrophifolium (n = 6), and we hypothesised a marked reduction in their size towards their southern limits of distribution, associated with different oil-collecting bee assemblages.

Methods: Area of elaiophores was calculated and we carried out linear correlations with floral size, pollinators, visitation rate and pollinator size along the latitudinal gradient of the plants’ distributions. Moreover, we examined the relative size relationships using allometric analyses, to verify this reduction.

Results: Floral elaiophore area decreased with latitude. However, for S. bonariense we observed an allometric reduction in elaiophore area with respect to floral size, while for S. jatrophifolium an isometric reduction was found. In both species, pollinator richness and visitation rate did not diminish with latitude, but pollinator size for S. bonariense varied.

Conclusions: Our results show a reduction in the size of elaiophores in both species along their distribution range, with dissimilar tendencies, suggesting that these species may have different selection pressures that cause variation of their phenotypic traits.     

Total Synthesis of ( + )-Methyl Phaseates

( ± )-Methyl phaseates were synthesized from ( ± )-4-(6′-acetoxymethyl-2 ′,6′-dimethyl-1′-cyclohexen-1′-y1)-but-3-en-2-one (20), which was prepared from a useful terpenoid building block, ( ± )-2-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethyl-1-cyclohexanone (11a and 11b). Photooxidation of the cyclohexadiene intermediate (22), followed by alkaline hydrolysis and methylation, gave four stereoisomers of ( ± )-methyl phaseates: (2Z,4E)-cis form (2), (2E,4E)-cis form (24), (2Z,4E)-trans form (25) and (2E,4E)-trans form (26).     

Exploring the nature of the H-bonds between the human class II MHC protein,HLA-DR1 (DRB*0101) and the influenza virus hemagglutinin peptide,HA306-318, using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules

The nature of the H-bonds between the human protein HLA-DR1 (DRB*0101) and the hemagglutinin peptide HA306-318 has been studied using the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules for the first time. We have found four H-bond groups: one conventional CO··HN bond group and three nonconventional CO··HC, π··HC involving aromatic rings and HN··HC_aliphatic groups. The calculated electron density at the determined H-bond critical points suggests the follow protein pocket binding trend: P1 (2,311) >> P9 (1.109) > P4 (0.950) > P6 (0.553) > P7 (0.213) which agrees and reveal the nature of experimental findings, showing that P1 produces by a long way the strongest binding of the HLA-DR1 human protein molecule with the peptide backbone as consequence of the vast number of H-bonds in the P1 area and at the same time the largest specific binding of the peptide Tyr308 residue with aromatic residues located at the binding groove floor. The present results suggest the topological analysis of the electronic density as a valuable tool that allows a non-arbitrary partition of the pockets binding energy via the calculated electron density at the determined critical points.     

Urinary cell cycle arrest biomarker [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] in patients with hepatorenal syndrome

Abstract

Background: Patients with hepatorenal syndrome carry a high short-term mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for patients’ outcome. Nevertheless diagnosis of HRS remains difficult. First-line therapy terlipressin is often associated with severe complications. Biomarkers become more on focus for an early diagnosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] for HRS patients and prognostic value for therapy responding patients.

Material and methods: NephroCheck^® measures urinary concentrations of TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7, both indicating stress of renal cells and associated with induction of cell cycle arrest. 22 HRS patients and 30 patients with normal kidney function were included. [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] was measured using NephroCheck^®. HRS patients receiving terlipressin were also examined.

Results: [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] values did not differ significantly (1.3?±?2.09 vs. 1.03?±?1.03; p?=?0.55). Furthermore, there was no significant difference of [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] regarding response of terlipressin (1.32?±?2.39 vs. 0.81?±?1.05; p?=?0.56). Low [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] values were significantly associated with higher mortality (p?=?0.01).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] is not suitable for diagnostic of HRS and prediction of therapy response, but there might be evidence for prognostic value of [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] in regard to mortality of liver cirrhosis patients.     

Time courses of changes of para-, meta-, and ortho-tyrosine in septic patients: A pilot study

Objectives: Sepsis is associated with oxidative stress. Due to oxidative stress, three tyrosine isoforms, para-, meta-, and ortho-tyrosine (p-, m-, and o-Tyr), can be formed non-enzymatically in smaller amounts. p-Tyr is mainly formed physiologically in the kidneys through the activity of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme. The three tyrosine isoforms may undergo different renal handling.

Methods: Twenty septic patients were involved in the study and 25 healthy individuals served as controls. Blood and urine levels of p-, m-, and o-Tyr were measured on admission and four consecutive days.

Results: Serum m-Tyr levels were higher in septic patients than in controls on days 2 (P = 0.031) and 3 (P = 0.035). Serum p-Tyr levels were lower in the cases than in controls on days 1 (P = 0.005) and 2 (P = 0.040), and subsequently normalized due to a day-by-day elevation (P = 0.002). The tendency of urinary m-Tyr concentration was decreasing (P = 0.041), while that of urinary p-Tyr concentration was increasing (P = 0.001). Fractional excretion of m-Tyr (FE_m-Tyr) showed a decreasing tendency (P = 0.009), and was, on all days, higher than FE_p-Tyr, which remained near-normal, less than 4%. Procalcitonin showed significant correlation with FE_m-Tyr (r = 0.454; P < 0.001).

Discussion: Our data suggest that the oxidative stress marker m-Tyr and physiologic p-Tyr may be handled differently in septic patients. The excretion of m-Tyr correlates with inflammation. m-Tyr may be actively secreted or produced in the kidney in some patients, whereas the decreased serum level of p-Tyr is a consequence of diminished renal production and not of renal loss.     

Thalassomyxa australis rhythmicity II. No entrainment by light‐dark‐cycles and temperature cycles?

Abstract

The rhythmic change between an active phase and a resting phase of the plasmodial rhizopod Thalassomyxa australis sustained on the diatome Amphiprora, is not synchronized by a 12: 12 h light‐dark‐cycle. Likewise, 12: 12 h temperature cycles of 8°C difference such as 23°/15°C, 25°/17°C, 27°/19°C are not entraining this rhythm.     

Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh

Background: Due to the dry continental climate, the mountains of eastern Ladakh are unglaciated up to 6200–6400 m, with relatively large areas of developed soils between 5600 and 6000 m covered by sparse subnival vegetation. However, there are no studies on the composition of plant assemblages from such extreme elevations, their microclimates, vertical distributions and adaptive strategies.

Aims: The subnival vegetation was described and the relationship between microclimate, species distribution and species functional traits was analysed.

Methods: In total, 481 vegetation samples from 91 permanent plots, a floristic database of Ladakh and extensive microclimate measurements were used. Measurements of 15 functional traits were made and their relationship with species distribution between 4600 and 6150 m was tested.

Results: The subnival zone was characterised by extreme diurnal temperature fluctuations, a short growing season (between 88 and 153 days) and low soil temperature during the growing season (between 2.9 °C and 5.9 °C). It hosted 67 species, mainly hemicryptophytes, and ranged from ca. 5600 m to the highest known occurrence of vascular plants in the region (6150 m). The most common plant families were Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Cyperaceae. Subnival specialists with narrow elevational ranges represented 42% of the flora; these species were shorter, had relatively higher water content and water-use efficiency and contained more nutrients and soluble carbohydrates than species with a wider elevational range.

Conclusions: The subnival vegetation of eastern Ladakh is dominated by generalist species with wide vertical ranges and not by high-elevation specialists. These findings, in view of the vast unglaciated areas available for range extension, suggest a relatively high resilience of the subnival flora to climate change in this region.     

Design,synthesis and in vivo/in vitro screening of novel chlorokojic acid derivatives

A series of novel Mannich bases of chlorokojic acid (2-chloromethyl-5-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one) were synthesized and their biological activities were investigated. Anticonvulsant activity results according to phase-I tests of Antiepileptic Drug Development (ADD) Program revealed that compound 13 was the most effective one at 4?h against subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ)-induced seizure test. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated in vitro against bacteria and fungi by using broth microdilution method. The antitubercular activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. avium were discussed with Resazurin microplate assay (REMA). The antimicrobial activity results indicated that compounds 1 and 12 (MIC: 8–16 µg/mL) showed higher activity against Gram negative bacteria while compound 12 had MIC: 4–16 µg/mL against Gram positive bacteria. Compound 1 was the most active one with MIC values of 8–32 µg/mL against fungi. Mannich bases also exhibit significant antitubercular activity in a MIC range of 4 to 32 µg/mL, especially compound 18 against M. avium.