Twenty-year evolution of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs in Valdeorras (Galicia, Northwestern Spain): implication of climatic factors and preventive measures.

BACKGROUND: Abiotic factors play a significant role in the evolution of Leishmania infantum infection due to its vectorial nature. This study aims to assess the evolution in the detection of new L. infantum infection cases in Valdeorras (Ourense, Northwestern Spain) over a 20-year period and how different climatic variables and preventive measures may have affected it. METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) were performed on serum samples collected from dogs attending the 'Servicios Veterinarios de Sil' veterinary clinic (Valdeorras, Northwestern Spain) between May 2003 and April 2023 to detect L. infantum exposure. The percentage of new cases of L. infantum infection was calculated from May of one year to April of the following year. Climatic conditions in the region, global sales of ectoparasiticides and the number of vaccines against L. infantum delivered in the veterinary clinic from 2003 to 2022 were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the associations between these factors and the percentage of new cases of L. infantum infection. RESULTS: A total of 2909 dogs were assessed, and 3785 IFAT tests were performed between May 2003 and April 2023. The mean percentage of new seropositive cases over the 20-year period studied was 21.65 ± 10.8%, with a decline from the beginning to the end of the period studied. The percentage was significantly higher between May 2003 and April 2008 compared with the other periods (May 2008 to April 2013, May 2013 to April 2018 and May 2018 to April 2023). There was a positive correlation between the percentage of new cases of L. infantum infection and the maximum relative humidity in winter. Conversely, there was a negative correlation between the percentage of new cases and sales of ectoparasiticides and vaccination against L. infantum. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the longest evaluations of the evolution of L. infantum infection in a fixed location and its association with external factors including climatic conditions and preventive measures. The results confirm that Valdeorras is a high-risk area for L. infantum infection. The use of ectoparasiticides and vaccines against L. infantum has been shown to play a significant role in preventing L. infantum infection, highlighting the crucial role of veterinarians in the fight against this disease.

Population genetic structure of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in different types of climatic zones in China.

BACKGROUND: Culex tritaeniorhynchus is widely distributed in China, from Hainan Island in the south to Heilongjiang in the north, covering tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate zones. Culex tritaeniorhynchus carries 19 types of arboviruses. It is the main vector of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), posing a serious threat to human health. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on Culex tritaeniorhynchus can provide important insights into its population structure or isolation patterns, which is currently unclear. RESULTS: In total, 138 COI haplotypes were detected in the 552 amplified sequences, and the haplotype diversity (Hd) value increased from temperate (0.534) to tropical (0.979) regions. The haplotype phylogeny analysis revealed that the haplotypes were divided into two high-support evolutionary branches. Temperate populations were predominantly distributed in evolutionary branch II, showing some genetic isolation from tropical/subtropical populations and less gene flow between groups. The neutral test results of HNQH (Qionghai) and HNHK(Haikou) populations were negative (P < 0.05), indicating many low-frequency mutations in the populations and that the populations might be in the process of expansion. Moreover, Wolbachia infection was detected only in SDJN (Jining) (2.24%), and all Wolbachia genotypes belonged to supergroup B. To understand the influence of environmental factors on mosquito-borne viruses, we examined the prevalence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus infection in three ecological environments in Shandong Province. We discovered that the incidence of JEV infection was notably greater in Culex tritaeniorhynchus from lotus ponds compared to those from irrigation canal regions. In this study, the overall JEV infection rate was 15.27 per 1000, suggesting the current risk of Japanese encephalitis outbreaks in Shandong Province. CONCLUSIONS: Tropical and subtropical populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus showed higher genetic diversity and those climatic conditions provide great advantages for the establishment and expansion of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. There are differences in JEV infection rates in wild populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus under different ecological conditions. Our results suggest a complex interplay of genetic differentiation, population structure, and environmental factors in shaping the dynamics of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The low prevalence of Wolbachia in wild populations may reflect the recent presence of Wolbachia invasion in Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

Assessing climate niche similarity between persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) areas in Iran.

The Persian fallow deer or Mesopotamian fallow Deer (Dama mesopotamica, Brook 1875), a species of significant ecological importance, had faced the threat of extinction in Iran. One conservation strategy involved the translocation of Persian deer to enclosed areas across Iran, where they were afforded protection from external threats and provided with essential care by human caretakers. While human caretakers diligently attend to their needs and mitigate external threats, climate variables may now become critical factors affecting population dynamics in enclosed areas. This study aims to assess the similarity in climate niches between the original area (Dez and Karkheh) of the Persian deer species and 11 newly enclosed areas. To achieve this, we employed climate data and ecological niche modeling (ENM) techniques to assess the variations in climate among 12 areas. We utilized the environmental equivalency test to determine whether the environmental spaces of area pairs exhibit significant differences and whether these spaces are interchangeable. Extrapolation analyses were also constructed in the next steps to explore climatic conditions in original fallow deer habitats that are non-analogous to those in other parts of Iran. Our results reveal significant disparities in climate conditions between the original and all translocated areas. Based on observations of population growth in specific enclosed areas where translocated deer populations have thrived, we hypothesize that the species may demonstrate a non-equilibrium distribution in Iran. Consequently, these new areas could potentially be regarded as part of the species' potential climate niche. Extrapolation analysis showed that for a significant portion of Iran, extrapolation predictions are highly uncertain and potentially unreliable for the translocation of Persian fallow deer. However, the primary objective of translocation efforts remains the establishment of self-sustaining populations of Persian deer capable of thriving in natural areas beyond enclosed areas, thus ensuring their long-term survival and contributing to preservation efforts. Evaluating the success of newly translocated species requires additional time, with varying levels of success observed. In cases where the growth rate of the species in certain enclosed areas falls below expectations, it is prudent to consider climate variables that may contribute to population declines. Furthermore, for future translocations, we recommend selecting areas with climate similarities to regions where the species has demonstrated growth rates.

Vulnerability assessment of aerosol and climate variability for rice and maize yield using EO datasets for sustainable agriculture over India.

Human-generated aerosol pollution gradually modifies the atmospheric chemical and physical attributes, resulting in significant changes in weather patterns and detrimental effects on agricultural yields. The current study assesses the loss in agricultural productivity due to weather and anthropogenic aerosol variations for rice and maize crops through the analysis of time series data of India spanning from 1998 to 2019. The average values of meteorological variables like maximum temperature (TMAX), minimum temperature (TMIN), rainfall, and relative humidity, as well as aerosol optical depth (AOD), have also shown an increasing tendency, while the average values of soil moisture and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) have followed a decreasing trend over that period. This study's primary finding is that unusual variations in weather variables like maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, soil moisture, and FAPAR resulted in a reduction in rice and maize yield of approximately (2.55%, 2.92%, 2.778%, 4.84%, 2.90%, and 2.82%) and (5.12%, 6.57%, 6.93%, 6.54%, 4.97%, and 5.84%), respectively. However, the increase in aerosol pollution is also responsible for the reduction of rice and maize yield by 7.9% and 8.8%, respectively. In summary, the study presents definitive proof of the detrimental effect of weather, FAPAR, and AOD variability on the yield of rice and maize in India during the study period. Meanwhile, a time series analysis of rice and maize yields revealed an increasing trend, with rates of 0.888 million tons/year and 0.561 million tons/year, respectively, due to the adoption of increasingly advanced agricultural techniques, the best fertilizer and irrigation, climate-resilient varieties, and other factors. Looking ahead, the ongoing challenge is to devise effective long-term strategies to combat air pollution caused by aerosols and to address its adverse effects on agricultural production and food security.

Effect of climate on emergency department admissions for renal colic: a comparative analysis of sedentary and non-sedentary lifestyles.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of climate and seasonal variations on emergency department (ED) admissions for renal colic, while specifically comparing the differences between individuals with sedentary and non-sedentary lifestyles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single center study was conducted. Between the years 2017- 2020, medical records of patients admitted to the ED with renal colic, found to harbor ureteric stones on CT scans, were examined. Data on patients' occupational activities was collected through telephone questionnaires. Patients were categorized into two groups: sedentary and active. Precise weather data was obtained from the Israeli Meteorological Service website. The monthly average daily maximum temperatures were calculated. RESULTS: In the final sample of 560 participants, 285 were in the sedentary group, and 275 were in the active group. The study population consisted of 78.1% males and 21.9% females, with consistent gender ratios in both occupational groups. Prevalence of uric acid stones was higher in the sedentary group (p < 0.05). While there was a slight increase in admissions during the summer, seasonal distribution did not significantly differ among occupational groups. The study found no significant differences in admissions across different temperature ranges. Both groups exhibited a pattern of increased referrals during the summer and reduced referrals in the colder winter months. The baseline data revealed notable differences between the sedentary and active groups, particularly in the prevalence of uric acid stones. CONCLUSIONS: Climate factors, including temperature and seasonal variations, had limited impact on ED admissions for renal colic in patients with kidney stones, irrespective of their sedentary or active lifestyles. Both groups exhibited similar admission patterns, with a higher rate of admissions during the summer and a lower rate of admissions during the winter.

Spatiotemporal dynamic relationships and simulation of urban spatial form changes and land surface temperature: a case study in Chengdu, China.

Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of local climate zones (LCZ) associated with changes in land surface temperature (LST) can help urban planners deeply understand urban climate. Firstly, we monitored the evolution of 3D urban spatial form in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China from 2010 to 2020, used the ordinary least squares model to fit the dynamic correlation (DR) between the changes in urban spatial patterns and changes in LST, and revealed the changes of urban spatial patterns closely related to the rise in LST. Secondly, the spatiotemporal patterns of LST were examined by the integration of the Space-Time Cube model and emerging hotspot analysis. Finally, a prediction model based on curve fitting and random forest was integrated to simulate the LST of study area in 2025. Results show the following: the evolution of the urban spatial form consists of three stages: initial incremental expansion, midterm incremental expansion and stock renewal, and late stock renewal and ecological transformation. The influence of the built environment on the rise of LST is greater than that of the natural environment, and the building density has a greater effect than the building height. The overall LST shows a warming trend, and the seven identified LST spatiotemporal patterns are dominated by oscillating and new hotspots patterns, accounting for 51.99 and 11.44% of the study area, respectively. The DR between urban spatial form and LST varies across different time periods and built environment types, whereas the natural environment is always positively correlated with LST. The thermal environment of the city will warm up in the future, and the area affected by the heat island will shift to the central of the city.

Detecting Nonadditive Biotic Interactions and Assessing Their Biological Relevance among Temperate Rainforest Trees.

AbstractInteractions between and within abiotic and biotic processes generate nonadditive density-dependent effects on species performance that can vary in strength or direction across environments. If ignored, nonadditivities can lead to inaccurate predictions of species responses to environmental and compositional changes. While there are increasing empirical efforts to test the constancy of pairwise biotic interactions along environmental and compositional gradients, few assess both simultaneously. Using a nationwide forest inventory that spans broad ambient temperature and moisture gradients throughout New Zealand, we address this gap by analyzing the diameter growth of six focal tree species as a function of neighbor densities and climate, as well as neighbor × climate and neighbor × neighbor statistical interactions. The most complex model featuring all interaction terms had the highest predictive accuracy. Compared with climate variables, biotic interactions typically had stronger effects on diameter growth, especially when subjected to nonadditivities from local climatic conditions and the density of intermediary species. Furthermore, statistically strong (or weak) nonadditivities could be biologically irrelevant (or significant) depending on whether a species pair typically interacted under average or more extreme conditions. Our study highlights the importance of considering both the statistical potential and the biological relevance of nonadditive biotic interactions when assessing species performance under global change.

Habitat Suitability in High Andean Butterflies: The Role of Land Cover in the Occurrence and Conservation of Species.

High Andean butterflies in northern South America are subject to landscape change processes. Our study used models to assess the habitat suitability of three Satyrinae species in the Upper Bogotá River Basin, Colombia. These three species include Pedaliodes polla (Thieme), Pedaliodes phaea (Hewitson), and Pedaliodes phaeina (Staudinger), the last two are endemic to Colombia. We used MaxEnt software to assess the habitat quality of these species, analyze the bioclimatic requirements that most influence them, and propose priority conservation areas. Our results indicated that, in most cases, the contribution of cover is more significant than 60%, so this variable determines the habitat capacity to support the species under study. We identified that the areas with suitable habitats are reduced with values less than or equal to 25% and are located in areas with a medium degree of intervention, which allows the species to occur. On the other hand, the climatic variables with the most significant contribution to the models were Temperature Seasonality and Precipitation of Driest Quarter (May-July). Conservation efforts must be focused on the most suitable areas, given the reduction in habitat for these species. Our research emphasizes the need to safeguard well-connected remnants of the high Andean forest and natural cover in agricultural matrices to counter the impact of agricultural expansion.

Control of paleoclimate and paleoweathering on chromium contents in a non-ultramafic aquifer hosting high chromium groundwater.

Cr(VI) is a carcinogen with proven mutagenic and genotoxic effects. The effects of the depositional environment (e.g., paleoweathering, paleoclimate, and paleoredox condition) on Cr enrichment in non-ultramafic aquifer solids are unclear. In this study, we presented the sedimentary characteristics of a borehole from a typical non-ultramafic aquifer with high Cr groundwater in Jingbian, central Ordos Basin, China. Chromium was enriched in the K1h sandstone aquifer, especially at depths of 400-500 m, with the highest value of mass transport coefficient (τAl,Cr) up to 92.13% and τAl,Fe up to 33.5%. The provenance of aquifer Cr was predominantly intermediate and felsic igneous rocks with a mafic rock mixture. This mafic source was inferred from Cr-rich granodiorite and mafic/ultramafic rocks in the Yinshan (Daqingshan-Wulashan) Block, northern Ordos Basin. The Cr-rich aquifer in K1h was developed due to a moderate chemical index of alteration (CIA) (mean, 56.7) under relatively warm and humid paleoclimate, as evidenced by high CIA-temperature (CIA-Temp) (mean, 6.79 °C) and paleoclimatic index values (mean, 0.40). Fe-Mn redox cycling in the oxic to suboxic environments contributed to aquifer Cr accumulation. Using path analysis, we identified that paleoclimate created favorable weathering conditions and enrichment of Fe contributed to the formation of high-Cr aquifers. The study reveals the formation of positive Cr anomalies in non-ultramafic aquifers, which is the potential source of groundwater Cr, and highlights the effects of depositional factors on Cr accumulation during aquifer deposition or early diagenesis. It can provide new insights into the natural processes of high-Cr sediments occurring in non-ultramafic aquifers.

An evaluation of statistical models of microcystin detection in lakes applied forward under varying climate conditions.

Algal blooms can threaten human health if cyanotoxins such as microcystin are produced by cyanobacteria. Regularly monitoring microcystin concentrations in recreational waters to inform management action is a tool for protecting public health; however, monitoring cyanotoxins is resource- and time-intensive. Statistical models that identify waterbodies likely to produce microcystin can help guide monitoring efforts, but variability in bloom severity and cyanotoxin production among lakes and years makes prediction challenging. We evaluated the skill of a statistical classification model developed from water quality surveys in one season with low temporal replication but broad spatial coverage to predict if microcystin is likely to be detected in a lake in subsequent years. We used summertime monitoring data from 128 lakes in Iowa (USA) sampled between 2017 and 2021 to build and evaluate a predictive model of microcystin detection as a function of lake physical and chemical attributes, watershed characteristics, zooplankton abundance, and weather. The model built from 2017 data identified pH, total nutrient concentrations, and ecogeographic variables as the best predictors of microcystin detection in this population of lakes. We then applied the 2017 classification model to data collected in subsequent years and found that model skill declined but remained effective at predicting microcystin detection (area under the curve, AUC ≥ 0.7). We assessed if classification skill could be improved by assimilating the previous years' monitoring data into the model, but model skill was only minimally enhanced. Overall, the classification model remained reliable under varying climatic conditions. Finally, we tested if early season observations could be combined with a trained model to provide early warning for late summer microcystin detection, but model skill was low in all years and below the AUC threshold for two years. The results of these modeling exercises support the application of correlative analyses built on single-season sampling data to monitoring decision-making, but similar investigations are needed in other regions to build further evidence for this approach in management application.

Site-specific apparent optimum air temperature for vegetation photosynthesis across the globe.

The apparent optimum air temperature for vegetation photosynthesis (Topt) is a key temperature parameter in terrestrial ecosystem models estimating daily photosynthesis or gross primary production (GPP, g C/m2/day). To date, most models use biome-specific Topt (Topt-biome) parameter values. Given vegetation acclimation and adaptation to local climate, site-specific Topt (Topt-site) is needed to reduce uncertainties in estimating daily GPP across the scales from site to region and the globe. Previous studies have demonstrated using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images and daytime air temperature data to estimate the Topt-site at the eddy covariance tower sites. This study used MODIS-derived EVI and ERA5 climate data to estimate and generate global Topt-site data products from 2000 to 2019. The Topt-site of individual pixels within a biome has large variation, which clearly cannot be represented accurately by the widely used Topt-biome. Therefore, using this global dataset of Topt-site estimates might significantly affect GPP simulation in current ecosystem models.

Urban greenspace types and climate factors jointly drive the microbial community structure and co-occurrence network.

The benefits of urban green space are socially widely recognized as a direct link between plant-microbe interactions and the maintenance of biodiversity, community stability, and ecosystem functioning. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge about the factors influencing microbial communities in urban green spaces, especially those related to phyllosphere epiphytes and stem epiphytes. In this study, we analyzed the microbial community assembly in leaf and stem bark samples collected from Square, Road, Campus, and Park. Illumina sequecing of 16S amplicons was performed to characterize microbial diversity and composition. The α-diversity was significantly higher in the bark epiphytic community, compared to the phyllosphere. Moreover, urban greenspaces'type altered the way communities gathered. The main soil and air properties factors of the urban greenhouse (e.g. soil temperature, atmospheric moisture, air temperature) were shaping the characteristics of bacterial communities on the leaf surface and bark epiphytic. In addition, in the co-occurrence network analysis, keystone taxa were not mostly observed in abundant species, which may be necessary to maintain ecosystem functions. Finally, our findings provide a deeper understanding of the ecological dynamics and microbial interactions within plant phyllosphere and stem epiphytes microbiomes.

Enhancing lamb growth and meat quality: analysis of kazakh fat-tailed and crossbred in central Kazakhstan's sharply continental climate.

The article presents the results of scientific research on the production of lamb in the conditions of the Akmola region. The experiment was conducted on purebred Kazakh short-tailed rough-haired and cross-bred sheep obtained from industrial crossing of Kazakh short-tailed rough-haired queens with sheep- producers of the hampshire breed. Further, the article presents the results of feeding and fattening, as well as the morphological composition of the carcass of sheep of the Kazakh coarse-haired sheep breed of different ages. The object of the study for feeding and fattening were three groups of experimental sheep of the above-mentioned breed, where compound feed was included in the diet of the I experimental group in the form of top dressing, in the II experimental group, grain waste was also used for top dressing, and the control group was kept in the feed without top dressing. Based on the study of the feeding of experimental sheep, it was found that the absolute increase during the feeding period in experimental sheep who received fertilization in the form of compound feed is higher than in their peers, respectively, by 0.2 and 1.49 kg. In terms of morphological and varietal composition, in particular, the number of cuts of grade 1, there was also an advantage of experimental sheep that received fertilization in the form of compound feed compared to their peers, respectively, by 2.3-8.3%. In general, the results of a study on the growth, development and slaughter qualities of experimental sheep, i.e. purebred Kazakh short-tailed rough-haired and crossbred, obtained from crossing with sheep producers of the precocious breed "hampshire" showed that from the moment of birth to 2 and 4 months. For example, crossbred sheep were slightly superior to purebred peers in terms of the studied indicators. In particular, the results of feeding sheep of the Kazakh coarse-haired broad-tailed breed from 4 to 6 months, depending on the top dressing.

Multi-criteria GIS-based land suitability analysis for rice cultivation: a case study in Guilan Province, Iran.

Ensuring food security and sustainable resource management has become a paramount global concern, prompting significant attention to land suitability analysis for enhancing agricultural production. In this study, an AHP-weighted overlay method was employed to delineate rice cultivation suitability in Guilan province, Iran, a central hub for rice production. Sixteen climatic, topographic, and soil variables were integrated, and individual maps were reclassified to align with the specific requisites for rice production. The results revealed three suitability classes: including 'very suitable,' 'suitable,' and 'moderately suitable', covering 91%, 6%, and 3% of the land, respectively. Soil attributes, particularly organic matter, significantly influenced suitability (weight value of 0.745), with topographic and soil factors outweighing climate in assessment. While salinity is generally absent, organic matter deficiency affects 44% of the land. Phosphorus imbalances are prevalent, with potassium toxicity observed in 10%. Microelement deficiencies, especially in iron and zinc, are noted. Additionally, the results indicated that topographic and soil attributes played a more significant role than climate-related factors in assessing land suitability for rice cultivation within the study area. This research provides a comprehensive spatial analysis of all variables in the study region, shedding light on the complexities of land suitability for rice cultivation. These findings contribute to the understanding of agricultural sustainability and resource management strategies in the context of food security.

A genome-guided strategy for climate resilience in American chestnut restoration populations.

American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is a deciduous tree species of eastern North America that was decimated by the introduction of the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) in the early 20th century. Although millions of American chestnuts survive as root collar sprouts, these trees rarely reproduce. Thus, the species is considered functionally extinct. American chestnuts with improved blight resistance have been developed through interspecific hybridization followed by conspecific backcrossing, and by genetic engineering. Incorporating adaptive genomic diversity into these backcross families and transgenic lines is important for restoring the species across broad climatic gradients. To develop sampling recommendations for ex situ conservation of wild adaptive genetic variation, we coupled whole-genome resequencing of 384 stump sprouts with genotype-environment association analyses and found that the species range can be subdivided into three seed zones characterized by relatively homogeneous adaptive allele frequencies. We estimated that 21 to 29 trees per seed zone will need to be conserved to capture most extant adaptive diversity. We also resequenced the genomes of 269 backcross trees to understand the extent to which the breeding program has already captured wild adaptive diversity, and to estimate optimal reintroduction sites for specific families on the basis of their adaptive portfolio and future climate projections. Taken together, these results inform the development of an ex situ germplasm conservation and breeding plan to target blight-resistant breeding populations to specific environments and provides a blueprint for developing restoration plans for other imperiled tree species.

Genetic admixture drives climate adaptation in the bank vole.

Genetic admixture introduces new variants at relatively high frequencies, potentially aiding rapid responses to environmental changes. Here, we evaluate its role in adaptive variation related to climatic conditions in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in Britain, using whole-genome data. Our results reveal loci showing excess ancestry from one of the two postglacial colonist populations inconsistent with overall admixture patterns. Notably, loci associated with climate adaptation exhibit disproportionate amounts of excess ancestry, highlighting the impact of admixture between colonist populations on local adaptation. The results suggest strong and localized selection on climate-adaptive loci, as indicated by steep clines and/or shifted cline centres, during population replacement. A subset, including a haemoglobin gene, is associated with oxidative stress responses, underscoring a role of oxidative stress in local adaptation. Our study highlights the important contribution of admixture during secondary contact between populations from distinct climatic refugia enriching adaptive diversity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting future adaptive capacity to anthropogenic climate change.

Decoupled evolution of ventral and dorsal scales in agamid lizards: ventral keels are associated with arboreality.

Arboreality has evolved in all major vertebrate lineages and is often associated with morphological adaptations and increased diversification concomitant with accessing novel niche space. In squamate reptiles, foot, claw, and tail morphology are well-studied adaptations shown to be associated with transitions to arboreality. Here, we examined a less well understood trait-the keeled scale-in relation to microhabitat, climate, and diversification dynamics across a diverse lizard radiation, Agamidae. We found that the ancestral agamid had keeled dorsal but not ventral scales; further, dorsal and ventral keels are evolutionarily decoupled. Ventral keeled scales evolved repeatedly in association with arboreality and may be advantageous in reducing wear or by promoting interlocking when climbing. We did not find an association between keeled scales and diversification, suggesting keels do not allow finer-scale microhabitat partitioning observed in other arboreal-associated traits. We additionally found a relationship between keeled ventral scales and precipitation in terrestrial species where we posit that the keels may function to reduce scale degradation. Our results suggest that keeled ventral scales facilitated transitions to arboreality across agamid lizards, and highlight a need for future studies that explore their biomechanical function in relation to microhabitat and climate.

Phytochemical-mediated regulation of aflatoxigenic fungi contamination in a shifting climate and environment.

Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant problem in developing countries, particularly in northern Pakistan's fluctuating climate. This study aimed to assess aflatoxin contamination in medicinal and condiment plants in Upper Dir (dry-temperate) and Upper Swat (moist-temperate) districts. Plant samples were collected and screened for mycotoxins (Aflatoxin-B1 and Aflatoxin-B-2). Results showed high levels of AFB-1 (11,505.42 ± 188.82) as compared to AFB-2 (846 ± 241.56). The maximum contamination of AFB-1 in Coriandrum sativum (1154.5 ± 13.43 ng to 3328 ± 9.9 ng) followed by F. vulgare (883 ± 9.89 ng to 2483 ± 8.4 ng), T. ammi (815 ± 11.31 ng to 2316 ± 7.1 ng), and C. longa (935.5 ± 2.12 ng to 2009 ± 4.2 ng) while the minimum was reported in C. cyminum (671 ± 9.91 ng to 1995 ± 5.7 ng). Antifungal tests indicated potential resistance in certain plant species (C. cyminum) while A. flavus as the most toxins contributing species due to high resistance below 80% (54.2 ± 0.55 to 79.5 ± 2.02). HPLC analysis revealed hydroxyl benzoic acid (5136 amu) as the dominant average phytochemical followed by phloroglucinol (4144.31 amu) with individual contribution of 8542.08 amu and 12,181.5 amu from C. cyaminum. The comparison of average phytochemicals revealed the maximum concentration in C. cyminum (2885.95) followed by C. longa (1892.73). The findings revealed a statistically significant and robust negative correlation (y = - 2.7239 × + 5141.9; r = - 0.8136; p < 0.05) between average mycotoxins and phytochemical concentrations. Temperature positively correlated with aflatoxin levels (p < 0.01), while humidity had a weaker correlation. Elevation showed a negative correlation (p < 0.05), while geographical factors (latitude and longitude) had mixed correlations (p < 0.05). Specific regions exhibited increasing aflatoxin trends due to climatic and geographic factors.

Spatiotemporal variability identification and analysis for non-stationary climatic trends for a tropical river basin of India.

The non-stationary behavior of climatic variables has been increasingly recognized as a challenge that disrupts the equilibrium of human-defined climate-based stationary processes, including hydrological and agricultural practices, and irrigation systems. This study aims to investigate long-term trends and non-stationarity in climatic variables across 23 stations of the Krishna River basin, India. Prominent trends in rainfall, temperature, and their extreme indices were identified using the Modified Mann-Kendall (MMK), Bootstrapped Mann-Kendall (BMK), and Sen's Slope Estimator tests, while the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) test uncovered hidden trends and potential shifts in climatic patterns. This study addresses a critical research gap by exploring both significant and hidden trends in climatic variables, providing a better understanding of future dynamics. Traditional methods like MMK and Sen's Slope were insufficient to reveal these hidden trends, but ITA offered a more comprehensive analysis. The findings revealed an increase in total annual rainfall for almost 50% of the basin, which aligns with rising maximum temperatures, suggesting enhanced evaporation rates and subsequent fluctuations in rainfall patterns. Seasonal analysis indicated a shift towards decreased rainfall during winter and pre-monsoon seasons, contrasted by increased precipitation during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods, highlighting a clear alteration in rainfall distribution. The Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII) and other indices suggest intensified rainfall events despite a decrease in the number of rainy days, indicating fewer but more intense events. Temperature analysis showed an overall increase in maximum temperatures, with the Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) significantly increasing across all stations, implying greater daily temperature variations and potential for intensified water cycles and extreme climatic events. Furthermore, the study simplifies these trends by classifying them into two attributes: intensity and frequency, aiding policymakers in site-specific management of water resources and planning for future climatic scenarios. The presence of non-stationarity in extreme rainfall was confirmed by the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP), and Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) tests. These findings are significant as they conclude how climate change is altering hydrological patterns at each station. The study emphasizes the necessity for adaptive management strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and human safety.

Temporal trends in respiratory pathogens following the COVID-19 pandemic and climate variables: A unicentric retrospective evaluation of 24 pathogens in a temperate subtropical region.

Temperature and humidity are studied in the context of seasonal infections in temperate and tropical zones, but the relationship between viral trends and climate variables in temperate subtropical zones remains underexplored. Our retrospective study analyzes respiratory pathogen incidence and its correlation with climate data in a subtropical zone. Retrospective observational study at Moinhos de Vento Hospital, South Brazil, aiming to assess seasonal trends in respiratory pathogens, correlating them with climate data. The study included patients of all ages from various healthcare settings, with data collected between April 2022 and July 2023. Biological samples were analyzed for 24 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction and hybridization techniques; demographic variables were also collected. The data was analyzed descriptively and graphically. Spearman tests and Poisson regression were used as correlation tests. Tests were clustered according to all pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Between April 2022 and July 2023, 3329 tests showed a 71.6% positivity rate. Rhinovirus and RSV predominated, exhibiting seasonal patterns. Temperature was inversely correlated with the viruses, notably rhinovirus, but SARS-CoV-2 was positively correlated. Air humidity was positively correlated with all pathogens, RSV, rhinovirus, and atmospheric pressure with all pathogens and rhinovirus. Our results showed statistically significant correlations, with modest effect sizes. Our study did not evaluate causation effects. Despite the correlation between climate and respiratory pathogens, our work suggests additional factors influencing transmission dynamics. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between climate and respiratory infections in subtropical climates.