The Aichi Biodiversity Targets: achievements for marine conservation and priorities beyond 2020
In 2010 the Conference of the Parties (COP) for the Convention on Biological Diversity revised and updated a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020, which included the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Here a group of early career researchers mentored by senior scientists, convened as part of the 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, reflects on the accomplishments and shortfalls under four of the Aichi Targets considered highly relevant to marine conservation: target 6 (sustainable fisheries), 11 (protection measures), 15 (ecosystem restoration and resilience) and 19 (knowledge, science and technology). We conclude that although progress has been made towards the targets, these have not been fully achieved for the marine environment by the 2020 deadline. The progress made, however, lays the foundations for further work beyond 2020 to work towards the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity. We identify key priorities that must be addressed to better enable marine biodiversity conservation efforts moving forward.
Carr et al. (2020) The Aichi Biodiversity Targets: achievements for marine conservation and priorities beyond 2020. PeerJ 8:e9743 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9743
The effects of the recombinant YeaZ of Vibrio harveyi on the resuscitation and growth of soil bacteria in extreme soil environment
Numerous bacteria entered the viable but non-culturable state due to the stresses of dry and salt in soils. YeaZ of Gram-negative bacteria is a resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf) homologous protein could resuscitate bacteria of natural environment in VBNC state. To investigate the promoting effect of YeaZ on the isolation of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria from soil samples in extreme environments, the recombinant YeaZ of Vibrio harveyi was prepared and added to the soil samples from volcanic soil and saline soil in Northwest China. The study has shown that YeaZ can promote the recovery and growth of soil microorganisms, and the number of cultivable bacteria in volcanic and saline soil has increased from 0.17 × 103 and 2.03 × 103 cfu⋅ml−1 to 1.00 × 103 and 5.55 × 103 cfu⋅ml−1, respectively. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that YeaZ played an essential role in the increase of composition and diversity of bacteria. A total of 13 bacterial strains were isolated from the volcanic soil samples, which belong to phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Gamma-proteobacteria. Four species, including Ornithinimicrobium kibberense, Agrococcus citreus, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila and Pseudomonas zhaodongensis were found in the control group, while Micrococcus antarcticus, Kocuria rose, Salinibacterium xinjiangense, Planococcus antarcticus, Ornithinimicrobium kibberense and Pseudomonas zhaodongensis were isolated from the treatment groups (addition of YeaZ). Twenty-one strains were isolated from the saline soil samples, including eight species from the control group and thirteen species from the treatment groups, among which nine species were only found, including Bacillus oceanisediminis, Brevibacillus brevis, Paenibacillus xylanilyticus, Microbacterium maritypicum, B. subtilis, B. alcalophilus, B. niabensis, Oceanimonas doudoroffii and Zobellella taiwanensis. The results suggest that addition of YeaZ to soil samples can promote the recovery of VBNC. This method has the implications for the discovery of VBNC bacteria that have potential environmental functions.
Li et al. (2020) The effects of the recombinant YeaZ of Vibrio harveyi on the resuscitation and growth of soil bacteria in extreme soil environment. PeerJ 8:e10342 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10342
Complexities of assessing palaeocave stratigraphy: reconstructing site formation of the ∼2.61 Ma Drimolen Makondo fossil site
Palaeocave sites in South Africa are world renowned repositories for palaeontological and archaeological material, dating from the terminal Pliocene to the Early Pleistocene. Due to their antiquity, complex karstification history and multifaceted infilling phases, palaeocave sites are notoriously difficult to contextualise. Further to this, 19th century lime-mining and diverse excavation and sampling techniques, have complicated stratigraphic interpretations of fossil-bearing deposits within the region. Locating and assessing newly discovered, minimally disturbed palaeocave sites allow for contextual information to be gathered with greater confidence and can aid in constructing a more robust understanding of the South African fossil record. Here, we use Drimolen Makondo; a minimally lime-mined ∼2.61 Ma palaeontological site, to apply a series of in-depth stratigraphic and micromorphological studies. Contextual data presented within this study, testifies to a relatively rapid infill with greater fluvial activity when compared to adjacent deposits at the younger ∼2.04–1.95 Ma Drimolen Main Quarry. The quantity of articulated macromammalian remains, high density of micromammalian remains and pollen identified, also highlights Drimolen Makondo as a key site for ongoing palaeoenvironmental studies at the Pliocene to Pleistocene transition in South Africa.
Murszewski et al. (2020) Complexities of assessing palaeocave stratigraphy: reconstructing site formation of the ∼2.61 Ma Drimolen Makondo fossil site. PeerJ 8:e10360 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10360
Synoptic revision of the fern genus Elaphoglossum Schott ex J.Sm. (Dryopteridaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 23 new taxa, all but one endemic
After 15 years of field studies in Madagascar, especially focused on the overlooked fern genus Elaphoglossum (Dryopteridaceae), a synoptic revision of the genus is here presented. Based on more than 2,600 herbarium specimens including collections over 200 years, Elaphoglossum is the second most diversified fern genus in Madagascar, with 52 species and three subspecies (with 76% of endemism). It is to be compared to the 34 species treated by Tardieu-Blot in 1960 for the “Flore de Madagascar et des Comores” or the 38 species listed by Roux in 2009 in the seminal “Synopsis of the Lycopodiophyta and Pteridophyta of Africa, Madagascar and neighboring islands”. The 55 taxa represent five out of seven existing generic sections (sect. Amygdalifolia and sect. Wrightiana being monotypic and Neotropical): sect. Lepidoglossa (29 spp. and three subspp.), sect. Elaphoglossum (17 spp.), sect. Setosa (3 spp.), sect. Squamipedia (2 spp.), and sect. Polytrichia (1 sp.). Distribution is given for each species and subspecies, and detailed for each island or archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean (La Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros). Twenty species and three subspecies are newly described, all but one endemic to Madagascar: Elaphoglossum ambrense Rouhan, Elaphoglossum andohahelense Rouhan, Elaphoglossum anjanaharibense Rouhan, Elaphoglossum approximatum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum brachymischum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum cerussatum Tardieu subsp. brunneum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum coracinolepis Rouhan, Elaphoglossum desireanum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum glabricaule Rouhan, Elaphoglossum gladiifolium Rouhan, Elaphoglossum leucolepis (Baker) Krajina ex Tardieu subsp. nanolepis Rouhan, Elaphoglossum leucolepis (Baker) Krajina ex Tardieu subsp. nigricans Rouhan, Elaphoglossum longiacuminatum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum patriceanum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum perangustum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum prominentinervulum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum rakotondrainibeae Rouhan, Elaphoglossum repandum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum sabineanum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum sinensiumbrarum Rouhan, Elaphoglossum subglabricaule Rouhan, Elaphoglossum tsaratananense Rouhan, and Elaphoglossum viridicaule Rouhan. Morphological description, distribution map, and original illustrations are provided for each new taxon. Novel identification keys to the sections and all species from Madagascar are also presented.
Rouhan (2020) Synoptic revision of the fern genus Elaphoglossum Schott ex J.Sm. (Dryopteridaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 23 new taxa, all but one endemic. PeerJ 8:e10484 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10484
Plasma BCAA concentrations during exercise of varied intensities in young healthy men—the impact of endurance training
Background Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) i.e., leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and valine (Val) are important amino acids, which metabolism play a role in maintaining system energy homeostasis at rest and during exercise. As recently shown lowering of circulating BCAA level improves insulin sensitivity and cardiac metabolic health. However, little is known concerning the impact of a single bout of incremental exercise and physical training on the changes in blood BCAA. The present study aimed to determine the impact of a gradually increasing exercise intensity—up to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) on the changes of the plasma BCAA [∑BCAA]pl, before and after 5-weeks of moderate-intensity endurance training (ET). Methods Ten healthy young, untrained men performed an incremental cycling exercise test up to exhaustion to reach VO2max, before and after ET. Results We have found that exercise of low-to-moderate intensity (up to ∼50% of VO2max lasting about 12 min) had no significant effect on the [∑BCAA]pl, however the exercise of higher intensity (above 70% of VO2max lasting about 10 min) resulted in a pronounced decrease (p < 0.05) in [∑BCAA]pl. The lowering of plasma BCAA when performing exercise of higher intensity was preceded by a significant increase in plasma lactate concentration, showing that a significant attenuation of BCAA during incremental exercise coincides with exercise-induced acceleration of glycogen utilization. In addition, endurance training, which significantly increased power generating capabilities at VO2max (p = 0.004) had no significant impact on the changes of [∑BCAA]pl during this incremental exercise. Conclusion We have concluded that an exercise of moderate intensity of relatively short duration generally has no effect on the [∑BCAA]pl in young, healthy men, whereas significant decrease in [∑BCAA]pl occurs when performing exercise in heavy-intensity domain. The impact of exercise intensity on the plasma BCAA concentration seems to be especially important for patients with cardiometabolic risk undertaken cardiac rehabilitation or recreational activity.
Gawedzka et al. (2020) Plasma BCAA concentrations during exercise of varied intensities in young healthy men—the impact of endurance training. PeerJ 8:e10491 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10491
Effect of a HIIT protocol on the lower limb muscle power, ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic balance in a sedentary type 1 diabetes mellitus population: a pilot study
Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is commonly associated with premature loss of muscle function, ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic balance. Those impairments, usually, lead to physical functionality deterioration. High-intensity interval training is an efficient and safety methodology since it prevents hypoglycemia and not requires much time, which are the main barriers for this population to practice exercise and increase physical conditioning. We hypothesized that a 6-week HIIT program performed on a cycle ergometer would increase lower limb muscle power, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance without hypoglycemic situations. Methods A total of 19 diagnosed T1DM subjects were randomly assigned to HIIT group (n = 11; 6-week HIIT protocol) or Control group (n = 8; no treatment). Lower limb strength was evaluated through velocity execution in squat with three different overloads. Weight bearing lunge test (WBLT) was performed to test ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and Y-Balance test (YBT) was the test conducted to analyze dynamic balance performance. Results Velocity in squat improved a 11.3%, 9.4% and 10.1% (p < 0.05) with the 50%, 60% and 70% of their own body mass overload respectively, WBLT performance increased a 10.43% in the right limb and 15.45% in the left limb. YBT showed improvements in all directions (right limb-left limb): Anterior (4.3–6.1%), Posteromedial (1.8–5.2%) and Posterolateral (3.4–4.5%) in HIIT group (p < 0.05), unlike control group that did not experience any significant change in any of the variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion A 6-week HIIT program is safe and effective to improve execution velocity in squat movement, a fundamental skill in daily living activities, as well as ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance to reduce foot ulcers, risk falls and functional impairments. HIIT seems an efficient and safety training methodology not only for overcome T1DM barriers for exercising but also for improving functional capacities in T1DM people.
Alarcón-Gómez et al. (2020) Effect of a HIIT protocol on the lower limb muscle power, ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic balance in a sedentary type 1 diabetes mellitus population: a pilot study. PeerJ 8:e10510 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10510
A methodology for examining the association between plasma volume and micronutrient biomarker mass and concentration in healthy eumenorrheic women
Background Accurate estimation and interpretation of nutritional biomarker concentrations are important in nutritional research, clinical care, and public health surveillance. Plasma volume (PV) may affect the interpretation of plasma biomarkers but is rarely measured. We aimed to examine the association between plasma volume (PV) and micronutrient biomarker concentrations and mass as part of pilot work to develop methods. Methods Nine healthy women with regular menstrual cycles provided fasting blood samples to measure micronutrient biomarkers. Indocyanine green was injected, and five timed blood draws were taken from 2 to 5 min to measure PV. Visits were scheduled around menstrual cycle day 2. Retinol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, riboflavin, alpha-tocopherol, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, cobalt, iron, and ferritin concentrations were measured in serum. Total circulating micronutrient biomarker mass was calculated from PV and concentration. Results The mean PV was 2067 ± 470 mL. PV correlated positively with concentration of iron (r = 0.87, P = 0.005); other correlations were weaker with p > 0.05. PV and total mass of retinol (r = 0.90), 25(OH)D (r = 0.75), zinc (r = 0.88), copper (r = 0.83), magnesium (r = 0.93), manganese (r = 0.72), and iron (r = 0.92) were strongly correlated (all p < 0.05). PV was positively correlated with circulating micronutrient mass for most biomarkers, implying that concentrations are maintained at different volumes of plasma. Larger studies are needed to further examine these relationships. Conclusion Though there appear to be some association between micronutrient biomarker mass and plasma volume, we are unable to draw a firm conclusion about any relationship from these results because of the small sample size. We consider these findings as a preliminary analysis to establish methods for future studies.
Aguree et al. (2020) A methodology for examining the association between plasma volume and micronutrient biomarker mass and concentration in healthy eumenorrheic women. PeerJ 8:e10535 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10535
The positive effect of coexisting ecosystem engineers: a unique seaweed-mussel association provides refuge for native mud crabs against a non-indigenous predator
In marine sedimentary bottoms, mussels and macroalgae have long been recognized as important autogenic engineers that create habitat and modify abiotic conditions. The structural complexity added by bivalves and macroalgae may also mediate intraguild predation amongst marine decapod crustaceans. While spatial distributions of these ecosystem engineers frequently overlap, there is limited understanding of compounded effects when more than one engineer is present. Here we demonstrate that the coexistence of two ecosystem engineers may create habitat valuable for the survival of a small native species, the Atlantic mud crab (Panopeus herbstii), in the presence of the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas). Using laboratory and field habitat mimics, we measured mud crab survival rates as a proxy for refuge quality. We compared the refuge provided by a unique association between shells of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and the giant strain of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) to that provided by bare substrate, and by each engineer alone. These experiments revealed that the association of giant Irish moss with blue mussel shells positively and non-additively increased mud crab survival compared to the other less complex habitat mimics. In contrast, parallel experiments revealed that high habitat complexity was less important for young green crabs to survive predation from large conspecifics. These results suggest that the impact of ecosystem engineers on trophic dynamics should be considered in a broader, whole-community context encompassing multiple habitat-forming species present.
Tummon Flynn et al. (2020) The positive effect of coexisting ecosystem engineers: a unique seaweed-mussel association provides refuge for native mud crabs against a non-indigenous predator. PeerJ 8:e10540 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10540
Cinnamtannin B1 attenuates rosacea-like signs via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and down-regulation of the MAPK pathway
Background Rosacea is a common inflammatory disease of facial skin. Dysregulation of innate immunity with enhanced inflammation and increased abundance of LL-37 at the epidermal site is a characteristic feature of rosacea. Cinnamtannin B1 (CB1) is a condensed tannin with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. The aims of the study were to evaluate the potential of CB1 as a therapy for rosacea and to characterize the potential mechanisms of action. Methods We intraperitoneally administered 20 mg/kg CB1 once daily for 2 days into the LL-37-induced mouse model of rosacea. The effects of CB1 in vivo were evaluated by the observations of lesions, histology, immunohistochemistry, and the transcription and translation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Human keratinocyte HaCaT and monocyte THP-1 were used to characterize the effects of CB1 on LL-37-induced inflammation in vitro. The changes in pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expressions of genes involved were determined by Western blotting. Results CB1 attenuated local redness, inflammation, and neutrophil recruitment in the mouse model of rosacea in vivo. CB1 suppressed myeloperoxidase (MPO) and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) production, a functional homolog of interleukin-8 (IL-8), at the lesions. In vitro experiments confirmed that CB1 reversed the LL-37-induced IL-8 production in human keratinocytes HaCaT and monocyte THP-1 cells. CB1 inhibited IL-8 production through downregulating the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Conclusion CB1 attenuated LL-37-induced inflammation, specifically IL-8 production, through inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK. CB1 has potential as a treatment for rosacea.
Kan et al. (2020) Cinnamtannin B1 attenuates rosacea-like signs via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and down-regulation of the MAPK pathway. PeerJ 8:e10548 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10548
Responses of branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata to elevated temperature and pCO2
Anthropogenic emission of CO2 into the atmosphere has been increasing exponentially, causing ocean acidification (OA) and ocean warming (OW). The “business-as-usual” scenario predicts that the atmospheric concentration of CO2 may exceed 1,000 µatm and seawater temperature may increase by up to 3 °C by the end of the 21st century. Increases in OA and OW may negatively affect the growth and survival of reef corals. In the present study, we separately examined the effects of OW and OA on the corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata, which are dominant coral species occurring along the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, at three temperatures (28 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C) and following four pCO2 treatments (400, 600, 800, and 1,000 µatm) in aquarium experiments. In the OW experiment, the calcification rate (p = 0.02), endosymbiont density, and maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) (both p < 0.0001) decreased significantly at the highest temperature (32 °C) compared to those at the lower temperatures (28 °C and 30 °C) in both species. In the OA experiment, the calcification rate decreased significantly as pCO2 increased (p < 0.0001), whereas endosymbiont density, chlorophyll content, and Fv/Fm were not affected. The calcification rate of A. digitifera showed greater decreases from 30 °C to 32 °C than that of M. digitata. The calcification of the two species responded differently to OW and OA. These results suggest that A. digitifera is more sensitive to OW than M. digitata, whereas M. digitata is more sensitive to OA. Thus, differences in the sensitivity of the two coral species to OW and OA might be attributed to differences in the endosymbiont species and high calcification rates, respectively.
Manullang et al. (2020) Responses of branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata to elevated temperature and pCO2. PeerJ 8:e10562 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10562