Dose-response effect of pre-exercise carbohydrates under muscle glycogen unavailability:Insights from McArdle disease

Background:This study aimed to determine the effect of different carbohydrate(CHO)doses on exercise capacity in patients with McArdle disease—the paradigm of“exercise intolerance”,characterized by complete muscle glycogen unavailability—and to determine whether higher exogenous glucose levels affect metabolic responses at the McArdle muscle cell(in vitro)level.Methods:Patients with McArdle disease(n=8)and healthy controls(n=9)underwent a 12-min submaximal cycling constant-load bout followed by a maximal ramp test 15 min after ingesting a non-caloric placebo.In a randomized,double-blinded,cross-over design,patients repeated the tests after consuming either 75 g or 150 g of CHO(glucose:fructose=2:1).Cardiorespiratory,biochemical,perceptual,and electromyographic(EMG)variables were assessed.Additionally,glucose uptake and lactate appearance were studied in vitro in wild-type and McArdle mouse myotubes cultured with increasing glucose concentrations(0.35,1.00,4.50,and 10.00 g/L).Results:Compared with controls,patients showed the“classical”second-wind phenomenon(after prior disproportionate tachycardia,myalgia,and excess electromyographic activity during submaximal exercise,all p<0.05)and an impaired endurance exercise capacity(-51%ventilatory threshold and55%peak power output,both p<0.001).Regardless of the CHO dose(p<0.05 for both doses compared with the placebo),CHO intake increased blood glucose and lactate levels,decreased fat oxidation rates,and attenuated the second wind in the patients.However,only the higher dose increased ventilatory threshold(+27%,p=0.010)and peak power output(+18%,p=0.007).In vitro analyses revealed no differences in lactate levels across glucose concentrations in wild-type myotubes,whereas a doseresponse effect was observed in McArdle myotubes.Conclusion:CHO intake exerts beneficial effects on exercise capacity in McArdle disease,a condition associated with total muscle glycogen unavailability.Some of these benefits are dose dependent.

Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week:An analysis with 707,616 adolescents

Background:Guidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA).However,using only this cut-off could hide important information.For instance,from a population-level point of view,increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels.Also,including a more sensitive cut-point of≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice.Thus,the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week among adolescents globally,and to describe any relevant gender inequalities.Methods:We used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019.MVPA was self-reported.Participants were grouped into younger(≤14 years old)and older(>14 years old)adolescents.Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week between boys and girls,and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates.Analyses were stratified by country and region.Results:Approximately 80%of both younger and older adolescents reported≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week.This prevalence was≥94%in Europe and Central Asia and North America,while the estimates for the other regions were<77%.The prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls,with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents(Prevalence ratio_(≤14y)=1.04(95%confidence interval(95%CI)):1.03-1.04)vs.Prevalence ratio_(>14y)=1.09(95%CI:1.08-1.10)).Conclusion:Approximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week,with notable differences between regions.Gender differences were observed in several countries,especially among the oldest adolescents.Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.

The need to develop tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses: Evidence from papers published in Sustainability and Scientometrics

Purpose: The aim of this article is to explore up to seven parameters related to the methodological quality and reproducibility of thematic bibliometric research published in the two most productive journals in bibliometrics, Sustainability(a journal outside the discipline) and Scientometrics, the flagship journal in the field.Design/methodology/approach: The study identifies the need for developing tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses, and presents a framework that can guide the development of such tools. A total of 508 papers are analysed, 77% of Sustainability, and 23% published in Scientometrics, for the 2019-2021 period.Findings: An average of 2.6 shortcomings per paper was found for the whole sample, with an almost identical number of flaws in both journals. Sustainability has more flaws than Scientometrics in four of the seven parameters studied, while Scientometrics has more shortcomings in the remaining three variables.Research limitations: The first limitation of this work is that it is a study of two scientific journals, so the results cannot be directly extrapolated to the set of thematic bibliometric analyses published in journals from all fields.Practical implications: We propose the adoption of protocols, guidelines, and other similar tools, adapted to bibliometric practice, which could increase the thoroughness, transparency, and reproducibility of this type of research.Originality/value: These results show considerable room for improvement in terms of the adequate use and breakdown of methodological procedures in thematic bibliometric research, both in journals in the Information Science area and journals outside the discipline.

Development of an Infusion Based on Romaine Lettuce and Banana for Treating Insomnia

An infusion was developed based on green romaine lettuce leaves and banana. Further, its sensorial acceptability was evaluated as a possible alternative treatment for insomnia. The romaine lettuces and bananas used were washed, chopped, dehydrated and ground. Optimal lettuce dehydration time was determined through charting the weight lost and examining the curve. This was found after 180 minutes at 60°C. Two formulas were developed, the first with 1.1 g of dehydrated romaine lettuce and 0.2 g of dehydrated banana, and the second with 1.1 g of dehydrated romaine lettuce and 0.4 g of dehydrated banana. Sensory analysis was conducted using sorting tests for taste, aroma, paired preferences and intention to purchase. Tasters preferred the formula with a lower quantity of dehydrated banana. 85% of tasters indicated that they would buy this infusion due to its potential functional properties for overcoming insomnia.

Kainate receptors in the CA2 region of the hippocampus

The hippocampus is involved in important brain functions such as learning and memory,spatial navigation,fear processing,and social behavior(Dudek et al,2016).The most prominent areas of the hippocampus are typically denoted as the dentate gyrus and the three areas of the cornu ammonis(CA1,CA2,and CA3).Discovered by Lorente de Nó(1934),the CA2 region of the hippocampus is a relatively small area interposed between CA3 and CA1 that forms the nexus linking the input of the entorhinal cortex to the output of CA1(Chevaleyre and Siegelbaum,2010).

The qqsQ(q=u,d;Q=c,b)tetraquark system in a chiral quark model

The S-wave qqsQ(q=u,d;Q=c,b)tetraquarks,with spin-paritiesJ^(P)=0^(+),1^(+),and 2^(+),in both isoscalar and isovector sectors,are systematically studied using a chiral quark model.The meson-meson,diquark-antidiquark,and K-type arrangements of quarks and all possible color wave functions are comprehensively considered.The four-body system is solved using the Gaussian expansion method,a highly efficient computational approach.Additonally,a complex-scaling formulation of the problem is established to disentangle bound,resonance,and scattering states.This theoretical framework has already been successfully applied in various tetra-and penta-quark systems.For the complete coupled channel and within the complex-range formulation,several narrow resonances of qqsC and qqsb systems are obtained,in each allowed I(J^(P))-channel,within the energy regions of 2.4-3.4 GeV and 5.7-6.7GeV,respectively.The predicted exotic states,which indicate a richer color structure when going towards multiquark systems beyond mesons and baryons,are expected to be confirmed in future high-energy particle and nuclear experiments.

Apomorphine effects on the hippocampus

Apomorphine is a non-specific dopamine receptor agonist that has been used in the treatment of some diseases and mental disorders. Its use has particularly well documented in Parkinson＇s disease（PD）. The dopaminergic agonists like apomorphine are related to oxidative processes that could induce cell damage and the functional impairment of some structures in the brain. However, most information about apomorphine in literature is focused on the improvement of the motor problems characteristic of PD, but little is known about the effects on cognitive behaviors and brain structures indirectly related to motor function. The presence of dopaminergic receptors in the hippocampus has recently been discovered, in connection with cognitive behaviors like learning and memory, these receptors are needed in neuronal plasticity. There has been a growing interest to know if this structure could be compromised by the effect of apomorphine and elucidate if part of the cognitive impairment present in the PD is due to the effect of apomorphine. In this mini-review, we summarized how apomorphine has been used since its creation, we discuss the latest information about its effect on the hippocampus and also the future perspectives to fully understand the effects of this compound.

Macrofaunal communities of threatened subtidal maёrl seabeds on Tenerife (Canary Islands, north-east Atlantic Ocean) in summer

This study contributes with the first data on physical and taxonomical structure of macrofaunal assemblages of maerl beds from the Canary Islands. Maerl beds and Cymodocea nodosa meadows of the Canary Islands are considered biodiversity hot-spots in terms of taxonomic and functional biodiversity with a broad geographical and depth ranges. The authors have studied the structure of the macrofaunal assemblages on different habitat types （Cymodocea, Caulerpa, sabellid field, garden eel and maerl beds）. Samples were taken at a range of depths between 14 and 46 m. Correlations were performed among abiotic variables （granulometry, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphates） and the most abundant taxa. Similarity analysis was performed to explore the patchiness of seabeds at a local scale. Significant differences were found in macrofaunal assemblages among seabed types, with highest abundances and lowest biodiversity in sabellid fields, where the sabellid Bispira viola dominated. The polychaetes Aponuphis bilineata and Chone filicauda and the mollusc Turritella brochii were the most abundant taxa on maerl beds. The mosaic of granulometric conditions would explain the associated macroinfaunal community structure and contribute to the creation of diversity on these relatively well preserved seabeds at a local scale.

Pleiotrophin fights Brd2 for neuronal differentiation

Bromodomain containing 2 （Brd2） protein belongs to the Bromodomains and Extra Terminal domain （BET） family of chromatin adaptors characterized by the presence of two N-terminal tandem bromodomains and an exclusive C-terminal extra terminal domain （ET） （Belkina and Denis, 2012; Shi and Vakoc, 2014）. Bromodomains are involved in recognizing acetylated histone tails and other acetylated proteins while the ET domain has been implicated in protein-protein interaction.

The Renascence Party and Union and Socio-Political Organization of Muslims in Spain

This paper presents an overview and analyzes the impact of the Partido Renacimientoy Union de Espana （PRUNE, Renascence Party and Union in Spain） specifying in the socio-political articulation of Muslims in Spain. In particular, it aims to describe and analyze the historical and political context of the emergence of these types of parties in the European Union （EU）; their background in Spain, particularly in the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla and their specific impact on socio-political movements. The main hypotheses of work are the heterogeneity of Islamic communities in Spain, its religious references and social integration are difficult and complex, implying that this will provide a strategic impact from PRUNE, which could be very limited, slow, and uncertain.

Boron in Plants: Deficiency and Toxicity

Boron （B） is an essential nutrient for normal growth of higher plants, and B availability in soil and irrigation water is an important determinant of agricultural production. To date, a primordial function of B is undoubtedly its structural role in the ceil wall; however, there is increasing evidence for a possible role of B in other processes such as the maintenance of plasma membrane function and several metabolic pathways. In recent years, the knowledge of the molecular basis of B deficiency and toxicity responses in plants has advanced greatly. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent findings related to these topics, which can contribute to a better understanding of the role of B in plants.

Non-redundant Contribution of the Plastidial FAD8 ω-3 Desatumse to Glycerolipid Unsatumtion at Different Temperatures in Arabidopsis

Plastidial ω-3 desaturase FAD7 is a major contributor to trienoic fatty acid biosynthesis in the leaves of Arabidopsis plants. However, the precise contribution of the other plastidial ω-3 desaturase, FAD8, is poorly understood. Fatty acid and lipid analysis of several ω-3 desaturase mutants, including two insertion lines of AtFAD7 and AtFAD8, showed that FAD8 partially compensated the disruption of the AtFAD7 gene at 22℃, indicating that FAD8 was active at this growth temperature, contrasting to previous observations that circumscribed the FAD8 activity at low temperatures. Our data revealed that FAD8 had a higher selectivity for 18：2 acyl-lipid substrates and a higher preference for lipids other than galactolipids, particularly phosphatidylglycerol, at any of the temperatures studied. Differences in the mechanism controlling AtFAD7 and AtFAD8 gene expression at different temperatures were also detected. Confocal microscopy and biochemical analysis of FAD8-YFP over-expressing lines confirmed the chloroplast envelope localization of FAD8. Co-localization experiments suggested that FAD8 and FAD7 might be located in close vicinity in the envelope membrane. FAD8-YFP over-expressing lines showed a specific increase in 18：3 fatty acids at 22℃. Together, these results indicate that the function of both plastidial ω-3 desaturases is coordinated in a non-redundant manner.

First-and second-order phase transitions in RE_(6)Co_(2)Ga(RE=Ho,Dy or Gd)cryogenic magnetocaloric materials

Rare-earth(RE)rich intermetallics crystallizing in orthorhombic Ho_(6)Co_(2)Ga-type crystal structure exhibit peculiar magnetic properties that are not widely reported for their magnetic ordering,order of magnetic phase transition,and related magnetocaloric behavior.By tuning the type of RE element in RE_(6)Co_(2)Ga(RE=Ho,Dy or Gd)compounds,metamagnetic anti-to-paramagnetic(AF to PM)phase transitions could be tuned to ferro-to-paramagnetic(FM to PM)phase transitions.Furthermore,the FM ground state for Gd_(6)Co_(2)Ga is confirmed by density functional theory calculations in addition to experimental observations.The field dependence magnetocaloric and Banerjee’s criteria demonstrate that Ho_(6)Co_(2)Ga and Dy_(6)Co_(2)Ga undergo a first-order phase transition in addition to a second-order phase transition,whereas only the latter is observed for Gd_(6)Co_(2)Ga.The two extreme alloys of the series,Ho_(6)Co_(2)Ga and Gd_(6)Co_(2)Ga,show maximum isothermal entropy change(|ΔS_(iso)^(max)(5T)|)of 10.1 and 9.1 J kg^(-1)K^(-1)at 26 and 75 K,close to H_(2)and N_(2)liquefaction,respectively.This outstanding magnetocaloric effect performance makes the RE6 Co_(2)Ga series of potential for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration applications.

Targeting galectin-3 to counteract spike-phase uncoupling of fast-spiking interneurons to gamma oscillations in Alzheimer’s disease

Background Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a progressive multifaceted neurodegenerative disorder for which no disease-modifying treatment exists.Neuroinflammation is central to the pathology progression,with evidence suggesting that microglia-released galectin-3(gal3)plays a pivotal role by amplifying neuroinflammation in AD.However,the possible involvement of gal3 in the disruption of neuronal network oscillations typical of AD remains unknown.Methods Here,we investigated the functional implications of gal3 signaling on experimentally induced gamma oscillations ex vivo(20-80 Hz)by performing electrophysiological recordings in the hippocampal CA3 area of wild-type(WT)mice and of the 5×FAD mouse model of AD.In addition,the recorded slices from WT mice under acute gal3 application were analyzed with RT-qPCR to detect expression of some neuroinflammation-related genes,and amyloid-β(Aβ)plaque load was quantified by immunostaining in the CA3 area of 6-month-old 5×FAD mice with or without Gal3 knockout(KO).Results Gal3 application decreased gamma oscillation power and rhythmicity in an activity-dependent manner,which was accompanied by impairment of cellular dynamics in fast-spiking interneurons(FSNs)and pyramidal cells.We found that the gal3-induced disruption was mediated by the gal3 carbohydrate-recognition domain and prevented by the gal3 inhibitor TD139,which also prevented Aβ42-induced degradation of gamma oscillations.Further-more,the 5×FAD mice lacking gal3(5×FAD-Gal3KO)exhibited WT-like gamma network dynamics and decreased Aβplaque load.Conclusions We report for the first time that gal3 impairs neuronal network dynamics by spike-phase uncoupling of FSNs,inducing a network performance collapse.Moreover,our findings suggest gal3 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the neuronal network instability typical of AD and other neurological disorders encompassing neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.

Interspecific differences in plasma carotenoid profiles in nestlings of three sympatric vulture species

Carotenoids are diet-based micronutrients important in health and coloration signaling.Related species with similar diets can differ in the kinds and levels of circulating carotenoids,which suggests specific physiological mechanisms to efficiently utilize these micronutrients,regardless of their availability.We explored whether diet and parental provisioning of unusual sources of carotenoids(fresh vegetal matter and vertebrate feces)can explain the occurrence and concentrations of carotenoids in the cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus,griffon vulture Gyps fulvus,and Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus nestlings,even when these pigments appear to not be deposited in their integumentary system.A greater diversity of wild prey in diet could be behind the profile of higher concentrations of carotenoids in the Egyptian vulture,the species with carotenoid-dependent coloration during adulthood,while differences in diet composition between cinereous and griffon vultures do not translate to different carotenoid profiles.The carotenoid profile appears to not be related to the ingestion of unusual matter rich in these compounds,although the infrequent occurrence of lycopene and unidentified y-carotene-like compounds suggest that these vultures may be exploiting vegetal matter that left no identifiable unconsumed remains in the nest of Egyptian vultures.The consumption of green plant material by griffon vultures does not result in especially high levels of carotenoids when compared to the carotenoids found in cinereous vultures,which do not consume green plant material.Ungulate feces were not provisioned to Egyptian vulture nestlings,despite the fact they contain carotenoids that adults need for appropriate coloration.Overall,this study indicates that diet differences alone appear insufficient to explain contrasting inter.specific carotenoid profiles,especially since all types of food consumed are considered to be poor in carotenoids,except vegetable matter.We suggest that nestling Egyptian vultures are comparatively efficient in uptaking carotenoids present in low concentrations in food when these compounds are not deposited in their integument,which suggests allocation to other functions.

Oral disease is linked to low nestling condition and brood size in a raptor species living in a highly modified environment

Anthropogenic stressors can favor the occurrence of noninfectious disease that can be worsened by the impact of opportunistic pathogens,making the epizootiology of environmental diseases difficult to unravel.The incidence and impact of oral lesions in nestlings of a facultative scavenger species,the black kite Milvus migrans,were examined over seven breeding seasons in the highly degraded environment close to Madrid,Spain.We found an overall prevalence of 31%of nestlings with oral lesions,with no clear spatial pattern in nests with affected and unaffected individuals.The occurrence and number of oral lesions were negatively associated with nestling body condition and brood size.Broods,where all siblings had oral lesions,were smaller than those where some or all siblings were apparently healthy,suggesting that oral disease could be causing nestling mortality and,consequently,brood size reduction.In turn,nestling body condition was negatively affected by lesion occurrence,brood size,and laying date.Although these relationships were bidirectional,piecewise structural equation modeling analyses showed a greater negative effect of body condition on lesion occurrence than vice versa,indicating that nestlings in poorer body condition were more likely to develop oral lesions(which could contribute to aggravate their state of deterioration)than those in better condition.Nestlings from small broods were also more likely to have oral disease(directly or indirectly through their lower body condition)than nestlings from large broods.Nestlings that hatched last in the broods showed greater development stress than those that hatched first.Anthropogenic stressors could trigger poor body condition,and contribute to microbiota dysbiosis-related diseases.Although further research is needed to determine the consequences for the long-term fitness of individuals,actions should be taken to mitigate adverse conditions that may favor the appearance of environmental diseases associatedwithperi-urbanareas,giventheirrapidexpansion overnatural areas.

Abiotic and biotic drivers of struvite solubilization in contrasting soils

Phosphorus(P) limitation in the coming decades calls for the utilization of alternative fertilizers in agriculture. Struvite is a promising P source, but its potential role as a fertilizer is dependent on different physical, chemical, and biological properties, which are very heterogeneous in soil, complicating the prediction of the best soil conditions for its application. Here, we evaluated the solubility of struvite in soil, its redistribution into P fractions, and its potential abiotic and biotic drivers in 62 globally distributed soils with contrasting properties through an incubation assay. We found that after 40 d, about 35% of struvite P was redistributed into soil fractions more accessible to plants and microbes. Phosphorus redistribution from struvite was driven by a complex suite of soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties as well as environmental factors that varied across soils. Soil texture played a critical role in determining the redistribution of P in struvite-amended soils in soluble(H2O extraction), labile(NaHCO3 extraction), and moderately labile(NaOH extraction) fractions.In addition, the soil solution cation concentration was one of the most important drivers of available struvite-derived P fractions. The great importance of texture and cations in determining struvite-derived P fractions in soil was contrasted with the relatively minor role of pH. At the microbial level, the number of bacterial operational taxonomic units(OTUs) from the unfertilized soils that correlated with struvite-derived P fractions was higher than that of fungi. The number of OTUs that correlated with the struvite-derived soluble P fraction was dominated by fungi, whereas the number of OTUs that correlated with the struvite-derived labile P fraction was dominated by bacteria. Overall, this study provided a predictive framework for the potential use of struvite as a P fertilizer in contrasting soils.

Nestling sex ratio is unaffected by individual and population traits in the griffon vulture

Variation in offspring sex ratios is a central topic in animal demography and population dynamics.Most studies have focused on bird species with marked sexual dimorphism and multiple-nestling broods,where the offspring sex ratio is often biased due to different individual or environmental variables.However,biases in offspring sex ratios have been far less investigated in monomorphic and single-egg laying species,and few studies have evaluated long-term and large-scale variations in the sex ratio of nestling vultures.Here,we explore individual and environmental factors potentially affecting the secondary sex ratio of the monomorphic griffon vulture Gyps fulvus.We used information collected at three breeding nuclei from central Spain over a 30-year period(1990–2020)to analyse the effects of nestling age,parental age,breeding phenology,conspecific density,population reproductive parameters,and spatial and temporal variability on nestling sex.Sex ratio did not differ from parity either at the population or the nuclei level.No significant between-year differences were detected,even under highly changing conditions of food availability associated with the mad-cow crisis.We found that tree nesting breeders tend to have more sons than daughters,but as this nesting behavior is rare and we consequently have a small sample size,this issue would require additional examination.Whereas further research is needed to assess the potential effect of breeder identity on nestling sex ratio,this study contributes to understanding the basic ecology and population dynamics of Griffon Vultures,a long-lived species with deferred maturity and low fecundity,whose minor deviations in the offspring sex ratio might imply major changes at the population level.

Does climate change alter the nutrient trends of Cedrela fissilis Vell.trees in the southern Brazilian Amazon?

Background The increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts is pointed out as one of the main factors altering biogeochemical cycles in the Amazon basin.An eco-nutritional approach using X-ray fluorescence micro-analysis(μXRF)is proposed to verify the long-and short-term effects of droughts on the growth and xylem nutrient concentrations of Cedrela fissilis Vell.Methods Fourteen radii were selected from a tree-ring width chronology and X-rayed by Itrax Multiscanner.Profiles of ring width,wood density,and concentrations of aluminum(Al),phosphorus(P),sulfur(S),calcium(Ca),potassium(K),manganese(Mn),iron(Fe)and strontium(Sr)together with Al/Ca,Ca/Mn,K/Ca,Sr/Ca and Mn/S ratios were constructed and correlated with precipitation,temperature,the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration(P-PET)and standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index(SPEI).Results During dry years,C.fissilis showed narrower,less dense rings,lower Al,P,S and Ca,and higher K and Fe concentrations(the opposite was found in wet years).Ring width decreased(together with Al,P,S,K,Ca,Mn,Fe,Sr,Al/Ca,K/Ca and Sr/Ca)and wood density increased(together with Ca/Mn and Mn/S),which was associated with an increase in evapotranspiration and temperature over time,mainly since 1990.Cedrela fissilis showed a tendency to increase its capacity for resistance,and a recovery and resilience in growth over time associated with responses in Al,Ca,P and S.However,it showed a risk in the capacity for recovery of the pre-drought density values,associated with unsatisfactory responses in Al,Ca,K,Fe and P.Conclusions This study is the first attempt to analyze tree-ring nutritional evidences of C.fissilis trees to climate sensitivity and resilience to drought,based on long-term data from seasonal moist tropical forests of the Amazon.Our data suggested that C.fissilis is undergoing alterations in the concentration,use and redistribution of nutrients associated with increasing wood density and decreasing growth over time,due to the increase of drought frequency in the southern Amazon.

Nesting innovations allow population growth in an invasive population of rose-ringed parakeets

Certain traits of recipient environments,such as the availability of limiting resources,strongly determine the establishment success and spread of non-native species.These limitations may be overcome through behavioral plasticity,allowing them to exploit alternative resources.Here,we show how a secondary cavity nester bird,the rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri,innovates its nesting behavior as a response to the shortage of tree cavities for nesting in its invasive range in Tenerife(Canary Islands).We observed that some breeding pairs excavated their own nest cavities in palms,thus becoming primary cavity nester,whereas others occupied nests built with wood sticks by another invasive species,the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus.The use of these novel nesting strategies increased the number of breeding pairs by up to 52%over 6 years,contributing to a 128.8%increase of the whole population.Innovative nests were located at greater heights above ground and were more aggregated around conspecifics but did not result in greater breeding success than natural cavities.Occupation of monk parakeet colonies by rose-ringed parakeets also benefited the former species through a protective-nesting association against nest predators.Our results show how an invasive species innovate nesting behaviors and increase nest-site availability in the recipient environment,thus facilitating its population growth and invasion process.Potential behavioral innovations in other invasive rose-ringed parakeet populations may be overlooked,and should be considered for effective management plans.