Seedling Emergence from Seed Banks in Ludwigia hexapetala-Invaded Wetlands: Implications for Restoration

Soil seed banks play a critical role in the maintenance of wetland plant communities and contribute to revegetation following disturbances. Analysis of the seed bank can therefore inform restoration planning and management. Emergence from seed banks may vary in response to hydrologic conditions and sediment disturbances. To assess the community-level impact of exotic Ludwigia hexapetala on soil seed banks, we compared differences in species composition of standing vegetation among invaded and non-invaded wetlands and the degree of similarity between vegetation and soil seed banks in northern California. To determine potential seed bank recruitment of L. hexapetala and associated plant species, we conducted a seedling emergence assay in response to inundation regime (drawdown vs. flooded) and sediment depth (surface vs. buried). Plant species richness, evenness, and Shannon’s H’ diversity were substantially lower in standing vegetation at L. hexapetala invaded sites as compared to non-invaded sites. Over 12 months, 69 plant taxa germinated from the seed banks, including L. hexapetala and several other exotic taxa. Seedling density varied among sites, being the highest (10,500 seedlings m−2) in surface sediments from non-invaded sites subjected to drawdown treatments. These results signal the need for invasive plant management strategies to deplete undesirable seed banks for restoration success

Transgressivity in Key Functional Traits Rather Than Phenotypic Plasticity Promotes Stress Tolerance in A Hybrid Cordgrass

Hybridization might promote offspring fitness via a greater tolerance to environmental stressors due to heterosis and higher levels of phenotypic plasticity. Thus, analyzing the phenotypic expression of hybrids provides an opportunity to elucidate further plant responses to environmental stress. In the case of coastal salt marshes, sea level rise subjects hybrids, and their parents, to longer tidal submergence and higher salinity. We analyzed the phenotypic expression patterns in the hybrid Spartina densiflora x foliosa relative to its parental species, native S. foliosa, and invasive S. densiflora, from the San Francisco Estuary when exposed to contrasting salinities and inundations in a mesocosm experiment. 37% of the recorded traits displayed no variability among parents and hybrids, 3% showed an additive inheritance, 37% showed mid-parent heterosis, 18% showed best-parent heterosis, and 5% presented worst-parent heterosis. Transgressivity, rather than phenotypic plasticity, in key functional traits of the hybrid, such as tiller height, conveyed greater stress tolerance to the hybrid when compared to the tolerance of its parents. As parental trait variability increased, phenotypic transgressivity of the hybrid increased and it was more important in response to inundation than salinity. Increases in salinity and inundation associated with sea level rise will amplify the superiority of the hybrid over its parental species. These results provide evidence of transgressive traits as an underlying source of adaptive variation that can facilitate plant invasions. The adaptive evolutionary process of hybridization is thought to support an increased invasiveness of plant species and their rapid evolution

Prensa escrita mendocina y construcción identitaria sobre los pueblos originarios de Argentina

In this paper we present a multidimensional study of the conceptualization of indigenous peoples by print media in Mendoza during the first decade of the twentieth century. To carry it out, we investigated at the Newspaper Archive of General San Martin Library of the City of Mendoza, taking as a reference the Diario Los Andes, the main newspaper of the province, created in 1882 and currently in force. This study aims to identify the various forms of conceptual construction on the ethnographic peoples in Argentine territory spread by newspaper articles, and how these played an active role in relation to the process of building cultural otherness and the legitimation of the ethnocide policy implemented by ruling classes.En el siguiente trabajo presentamos un estudio multidimensional sobre la conceptualización de los pueblos originarios que han constituido los medios de prensa escrita en Mendoza durante la primera década del siglo XX. Para llevarlo a cabo acudimos al Archivo de Hemeroteca de la Biblioteca General San Martín de la Ciudad de Mendoza, teniendo como referencia al Diario Los Andes, principal periódico de la provincia, creado en 1882 y vigente en la actualidad. El objetivo del estudio es la identificación de las distintas formas de construcción conceptual sobre los pueblos etnográficos del actual territorio argentino que difundió dicho diario, y del modo en que dichos artículos periodísticos jugaron un rol activo en relación con el proceso de construcción de alteridad sociocultural y la legitimación de las políticas etnocidas implementadas por las clases dominantes

Cuantificación de la erosión en los canales mareales de las maarismas del Odiel (Huelva, SO de España)

Este estudio se llevó a cabo en las Marismas del Odiel (Huelva, SO España). En él se cuantifican la acreción y erosión de sedimentos en taludes desarrollados en canales intermareales y en las planicies intermareales subayacentes. Se registró una erosión generalizada de los taludes, la cual se vería potenciada por actuaciones antrópicas como el tráfico naval y la alteración de la hidrodinámica del estuario por la construcción de diques. Las pérdidas de marismas en la Reserva Integral de Isla de Enmedio se estimaron en 3000 m2/ año, lo que supone una movilización de 1850 m3 de sedimentos. Esta fuerte erosión podría tener una gran influencia en la conservación de este espacio natural protegido, además de acelerar la colmatación de los canales del estuario. La vegetación, entre la que destacaron las praderas de Zostera noltii, disminuyó la erosión, potenciando la acreción. La dinámica vertical de sedimentos en las planicies intermareales mostró un patrón estacional con una relación clara entre la erosión y la distribución de las lluvias. Se discuten medidas de control de la erosión y rehabilitación de las zonas afectadas.This study was carried out in Odiel Saltmarshes (Huelva, SWSpain). Erosion and accretion in slopes and intertidal mud flats were measured. Our results point out a general retrogression of slopes. Its intensity would depend on anthropic actions as boats traffic and alteration of estuary circulation by dykes construction. In the Integral Reserve of Enmedio Island, horizontal losses by erosion in slopes reached 3000 m2/year, which would imply the mobilization of 1850 m3 of sediments. This strong erosion could cause important changes in this protected area and to selt-up of the navigable channels of the estuary. Vegetation, as prairie of eelgrass Zostera noltii, decreased erosion and increased acretion rates. Sediment vertical dynamic in intertidal mud flats showed a seasonal pattern with a direct relation between erosion and rainfall distribution. Erosion control and rehabilitation in eroded areas are discussed

Differential Effects of Increasing Salinity on Germination and Seedling Growth of Native and Exotic Invasive Cordgrasses

Soil salinity is a key environmental factor influencing germination and seedling establishment in salt marshes. Global warming and sea level rise are changing estuarine salinity, and may modify the colonization ability of halophytes. We evaluated the effects of increasing salinity on germination and seedling growth of native Spartina maritima and invasive S. densiflora from wetlands of the Odiel-Tinto Estuary. Responses were assessed following salinity exposure from fresh water to hypersaline conditions and germination recovery of non-germinated seeds when transferred to fresh water. The germination of both species was inhibited and delayed at high salinities, while pre-exposure to salinity accelerated the speed of germination in recovery assays compared to non-pre-exposed seeds. S. densiflora was more tolerant of salinity at germination than S. maritima. S. densiflora was able to germinate at hypersalinity and its germination percentage decreased at higher salinities compared to S. maritima. In contrast, S. maritima showed higher salinity tolerance in relation to seedling growth. Contrasting results were observed with differences in the tidal elevation of populations. Our results suggest S. maritima is a specialist species with respect to salinity, while S. densiflora is a generalist capable of germination of growth under suboptimal conditions. Invasive S. densiflora has greater capacity than native S. maritima to establish from seed with continued climate change and sea level rise.Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (FPU14/06556

Medicinal Plants for Rich People vs. Medicinal Plants for Poor People: A Case Study from the Peruvian Andes

Traditional knowledge (TK) of medicinal plants in cities has been poorly studied across different inhabitants’ socioeconomic sectors. We studied the small city of Chachapoyas (~34,000 inhabitants) in the northern Peruvian Andes. We divided the city into three areas according to the socio-economic characteristics of its inhabitants: city center (high), intermediate area (medium), and city periphery (low). We gathered information with 450 participants through semi-structured interviews. Participants of the city periphery showed a higher TK of medicinal plants than participants of the intermediate area, and the latter showed a higher TK than participants of the city center. The acquisition of medicinal plants was mainly through their purchase in markets across the three areas, although it was particularly relevant in the city center (94%). Participants of all socioeconomic levels widely used the same medicinal plants for similar purposes in Chachapoyas, which is likely based on a common Andean culture that unites their TK. However, participants with the lowest socioeconomic level knew and used more plants for different medicinal uses, indicating the necessity of these plants for their livelihoods. City markets with specialized stores that commercialize medicinal plants are key to preserve the good health of poor and rich people living in Andean cities and societies

Dietary Inflammatory Index and S-Klotho Plasma Levels in Middle-Aged Adults

Background: Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) is an aging suppressor with a close link with inflammation. However, it is still unknown whether the dietary inflammatory potential is associated with S-Klotho plasma level. We aimed to investigate the association of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) with S-Klotho plasma levels in middle-aged sedentary adults. Methods: 73 middle-aged sedentary adults (40–65 years old) participated in the present study. DII was determined from 28 dietary items obtained by 24 h recalls and food frequency questionnaires. The S-Klotho plasma levels were measured using a solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: a weak positive association was observed between DII and S-Klotho plasma levels ( B = 52.223, R2 = 0.057, p = 0.043), which disappeared after controlling for body mass index (p = 0.057). Conclusions: A pro-inflammatory dietary pattern measured with the DII was slightly and positively associated with S-Klotho plasma levels in middle-aged sedentary adults.The study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU14/04172 and FPU15/03960), by the University of Granada UGR Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT) 2016 (Excellence Actions Programme. Units of Scientific Excellence: Scientific Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health [UCEES]), by the Regional Government of Andalusia, Regional Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Enterprises and University, by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR and by Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa RETIC grant Red SAMID RD16/0022

Distribución de metales pesados en sedimentos de las marismas del Odiel (Huelva, España)

Se ha analizado la distribución y contenido total de metales pesados (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni y Pb) en sedimentos de las Marismas del Odiel (SO España). Las concentraciones de estos elementos, obtenidas por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, fueron muy elevadas para la mayoría de los elementos analizados. Su distribución no es homogénea, ni presenta un patrón geográfico marcadamente definido, pudiéndose encontrar altos niveles repartidos por toda la marisma. Existe cierto gradiente topográfico, con mayores concentraciones en puntos de menor cota. Los puntos de muestreo más aislados de la incidencia mareal y los más expuestos a mar abierto registraron los niveles más bajos.Atomic absorption spectroscopy has permitted the determination of the content of heavy metals and their distribution in sediments of the Odiel Saltmarhes (SWSpain). Avery high metal concentration has been found in most of the samples investigated but their distribution is non-homogeneous and this prevents establishing a geographical pattern. Nevertheless, a certain topographic gradient can be observed: lower levels present the highest concentrations whereas areas unaccessible by tide fluctuations or those exposed to the sea present the lowest index of contamination

Autoimmune neurological conditions associated with Zika virus infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus rapidly spreading throughout the tropical Americas. mosquitoes is the principal way of transmission of the virus to humans. ZIKV can be spread by transplacental, perinatal, and body fluids. ZIKV infection is often asymptomatic and those with symptoms present minor illness after 3 to 12 days of incubation, characterized by a mild and self-limiting disease with low-grade fever, conjunctivitis, widespread pruritic maculopapular rash, arthralgia and myalgia. ZIKV has been linked to a number of central and peripheral nervous system injuries such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), transverse myelitis (TM), meningoencephalitis, ophthalmological manifestations, and other neurological complications. Nevertheless, mechanisms of host-pathogen neuro-immune interactions remain incompletely elucidated. This review provides a critical discussion about the possible mechanisms underlying the development of autoimmune neurological conditions associated with Zika virus infection

Low genetic diversity contrasts with high phenotypic variability in heptaploid Spartina densiflora populations invading the Pacific coast of North America

Species can respond to environmental pressures through genetic and epigenetic changes and through phenotypic plasticity, but few studies have evaluated the relationships between genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity of plant species along changing environmental conditions throughout wide latitudinal ranges. We studied inter‐ and intrapopulation genetic diversity (using simple sequence repeats and chloroplast DNA sequencing) and inter‐ and intrapopulation phenotypic variability of 33 plant traits (using field and common‐garden measurements) for five populations of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. along the Pacific coast of North America from San Francisco Bay to Vancouver Island. Studied populations showed very low genetic diversity, high levels of phenotypic variability when growing in contrasted environments and high intrapopulation phenotypic variability for many plant traits. This intrapopulation phenotypic variability was especially high, irrespective of environmental conditions, for those traits showing also high phenotypic plasticity. Within‐population variation represented 84% of the total genetic variation coinciding with certain individual plants keeping consistent responses for three plant traits (chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents, and dead shoot biomass) in the field and in common‐garden conditions. These populations have most likely undergone genetic bottleneck since their introduction from South America; multiple introductions are unknown but possible as the population from Vancouver Island was the most recent and one of the most genetically diverse. S. densiflora appears as a species that would not be very affected itself by climate change and sea‐level rise as it can disperse, establish, and acclimate to contrasted environments along wide latitudinal ranges