MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

26 pages, 2897 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Diversity and Biochemical Content in Two Invasive Alien Species: Looking for Chemical Similarities and Bioactivities

by Julia Vega, Teresa S. Catalá, Jorge García-Márquez, Linn G. Speidel, Salvador Arijo, Niklas Cornelius Kunz, Christoph Geisler and Félix L. Figueroa

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21010005 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6388

Abstract

The biochemical composition, molecular diversity, and two different bioactivities of Asparagopsis armata and Rugulopteryx okamurae (two alien species with different invasive patterns in the southern Iberian Peninsula) were analyzed through spectrophotometric methods and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR-MS). A total of 3042 molecular formulas were identified from the different extracts. The _dH₂O extracts were the most molecularly different. A. armata presented the highest content of nitrogenous compounds (proteins, CHON) and sulphur content, whereas R. okamurae was rich in carbonated compounds (total carbon, lipids, CHO, and CHOP). Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were higher in R. okamurae than in A. armata. Antimicrobial activity was detected from both species. A. armata showed capacity to inhibit human and fish pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus or Vibrio anguillarum), whereas R. okamurae only showed inhibition against human bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes). In R. okamurae, molecules with a great number of pharmaceutical activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory or antitumoral), antibacterial, biomaterial, and other utilities were found. The main molecules of A. armata had also pharmaceutical applications (e.g., antimalarian, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, or antiarthritis). The valorization of these species can help to counteract the environmental effects of the bioinvasions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Invasive Species and Their Bioactive Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 2196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Respiration Is Influenced by Seasonality, Forest Succession and Contrasting Biophysical Controls in a Tropical Dry Forest in Northwestern Mexico

by Martha L. Vargas-Terminel, Dulce Flores-Rentería, Zulia M. Sánchez-Mejía, Nidia E. Rojas-Robles, Maritza Sandoval-Aguilar, Bruno Chávez-Vergara, Agustín Robles-Morua, Jaime Garatuza-Payan and Enrico A. Yépez

Soil Syst. 2022, 6(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems6040075 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5971

Abstract

Soil respiration (R_S) is an important component of the C cycle because it contributes significant CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere that result from metabolism and respiration of its autotrophic and heterotrophic components. However, the relative importance of different biophysical controls that drive the variability of this flux and their influence along forest succession pathways is still unknown. We incorporate multiyear R_S, ecosystem flux and meteorological measurements in old-growth (OG), mid-secondary (MS) and early-secondary (ES) tropical dry forests (TDFs) with the goal of assessing the temporal variation of R_S and identifying the biophysical controls at each site by applying structural equation models (SEM). Along forest succession, R_S followed the pattern of precipitation events; we identified by the end of the wet season that R_S was sustained by a longer period at OG, while in MS and ES, R_S decreased according to the soil moisture availability. According to SEM, soil moisture and soil temperature exert an effect on the variability of R_S in all sites. However, we found that R_S was also controlled by the vapor pressure deficit at MS and gross primary production at OG and ES. Our results suggest that seasonality has a different impact on R_S along forest succession in TDFs found in northwestern Mexico and highlights the relevance of considering additional biophysical controls of R_S for a better understanding this critical process of the C cycle. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3493 KB

Open AccessReview

Magnetotactic Bacteria and Magnetosomes: Basic Properties and Applications

by Kamil G. Gareev, Denis S. Grouzdev, Petr V. Kharitonskii, Andrei Kosterov, Veronika V. Koziaeva, Elena S. Sergienko and Maxim A. Shevtsov

Magnetochemistry 2021, 7(6), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry7060086 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 21435

Abstract

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) belong to several phyla. This class of microorganisms exhibits the ability of magneto-aerotaxis. MTB synthesize biominerals in organelle-like structures called magnetosomes, which contain single-domain crystals of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) characterized by a high degree of structural and compositional perfection. Magnetosomes from dead MTB could be preserved in sediments (called fossil magnetosomes or magnetofossils). Under certain conditions, magnetofossils are capable of retaining their remanence for millions of years. This accounts for the growing interest in MTB and magnetofossils in paleo- and rock magnetism and in a wider field of biogeoscience. At the same time, high biocompatibility of magnetosomes makes possible their potential use in biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, magnetically guided drug delivery, and immunomagnetic analysis. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current state of the art in the field of MTB research and applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthetic, Natural and Natural-Synthetic Hybrid Magnetic Structures: Technology and Application)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1525 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sub-Surface Carbon Stocks in Northern Taiga Landscapes Exposed in the Batagay Megaslump, Yana Upland, Yakutia

by Andrei G. Shepelev, Alexander Kizyakov, Sebastian Wetterich, Alexandra Cherepanova, Alexander Fedorov, Igor Syromyatnikov and Grigoriy Savvinov

Land 2020, 9(9), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/land9090305 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9317

Abstract

The most massive and fast-eroding thaw slump of the Northern Hemisphere located in the Yana Uplands of Northern Yakutia was investigated to assess in detail the cryogenic inventory and carbon pools of two distinctive Ice Complex stratigraphic units and the uppermost cover deposits. Differentiating into modern and Holocene near-surface layers (active layer and shielding layer), highest total carbon contents were found in the active layer (18.72 kg m⁻²), while the shielding layer yielded a much lower carbon content of 1.81 kg m⁻². The late Pleistocene upper Ice Complex contained 10.34 kg m⁻² total carbon, and the mid-Pleistocene lower Ice Complex 17.66 kg m⁻². The proportion of organic carbon from total carbon content is well above 70% in all studied units with 94% in the active layer, 73% in the shielding layer, 83% in the upper Ice Complex and 79% in the lower Ice Complex. Inorganic carbon is low in the overall structure of the deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Permafrost Landscape)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2281 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Response of Black Ash Wetland Gaseous Soil Carbon Fluxes to a Simulated Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

by Matthew Van Grinsven, Joseph Shannon, Nicholas Bolton, Joshua Davis, Nam Jin Noh, Joseph Wagenbrenner, Randall Kolka and Thomas Pypker

Forests 2018, 9(6), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9060324 - 4 Jun 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4719

Abstract

The rapid and extensive expansion of emerald ash borer (EAB) in North America since 2002 may eliminate most existing ash stands, likely affecting critical ecosystem services associated with water and carbon cycling. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the coupled response of black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marsh.) wetland water tables, soil temperatures, and soil gas fluxes to an EAB infestation. Water table position, soil temperature, and soil CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes were monitored in nine depressional headwater black ash wetlands in northern Michigan. An EAB disturbance was simulated by girdling (girdle) or felling (ash-cut) all black ash trees with diameters greater than 2.5 cm within treated wetlands (n = 3 per treatment). Soil gas fluxes were sensitive to water table position, temperature, and disturbance. Soil CO₂ fluxes were significantly higher, and high soil CH₄ fluxes occurred more frequently in disturbed sites. Soil CH₄ fluxes in ash-cut were marginally significantly higher than girdle during post-treatment, yet both were similar to control sites. The strong connection between depressional black ash wetland study sites and groundwater likely buffered the magnitude of disturbance-related impact on water tables and carbon cycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Managing Emerald Ash Borer Impacts on Ash Forests)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Search Results (5)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI

Saved Queries

Search Filter Reset All

Years

Feature Papers

Subjects

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (5)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI