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Sancassiani F, Cossu G, Cantone E, Romano F, Perra A, Urban A, Pinna S, Del Giacco S, Littera R, Firinu D, Chessa L, Tramontano E, Nardi AE, Carta MG. The Stability of Social and Behavioral Rhythms and Unexpected Low Rate of Relevant Depressive Symptoms in Old Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2005. [PMID: 38610769 PMCID: PMC11012795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The disruption of social rhythms was found to be associated with depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic; lower rates of these disorders were surprisingly found in old adults. The present study aims to verify the stability of social rhythms during lockdown in a sample of elderly people. Methods: Controlled cohort study (secondary analyses) of a previous randomized-controlled trial with the first evaluation in April 2019 (T0) and then 48 weeks later (T1) during the lockdown. The regulation of social and behavioral rhythms was measured through the Brief Social Rhythms Scale (BSRS); the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) was adopted to detect relevant depressive symptoms. Results: 93 elderlies (73.36 ± 4.97 years old, 50.5% females) were evaluated at T0 and T1. Neither the total score of BSRS nor any of the 10 items showed a statistically significant difference comparing the two survey periods. The frequency of relevant depressive symptoms was 5.3% at T0 and 6.4% at T1 (OR = 0.8, CI95% 0.2-24). Conclusions: Among elderlies who did not show an increased risk of depression during the lockdown, social and behavioral rhythms remained exceptionally stable during the same period. Considering previous evidence about rhythms dysregulation preceding depression, their stability may be considered a factor of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sancassiani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Elisa Cantone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Perra
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Antonio Urban
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
- University Hospital of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Samantha Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Roberto Littera
- Medical Genetics, “R. Binaghi” Hospital, 09126 Cagliari, Italy;
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), 09131 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry-IPUB, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22290-140, Brazil;
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
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Helm B, Greives T, Zeman M. Endocrine-circadian interactions in birds: implications when nights are no longer dark. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220514. [PMID: 38310930 PMCID: PMC10838642 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological clocks are evolved time-keeping systems by which organisms rhythmically coordinate physiology within the body, and align it with rhythms in their environment. Clocks are highly sensitive to light and are at the interface of several major endocrine pathways. Worryingly, exposure to artificial-light-at-night (ALAN) is rapidly increasing in ever more extensive parts of the world, with likely impact on wild organisms mediated by endocrine-circadian pathways. In this overview, we first give a broad-brush introduction to biological rhythms. Then, we outline interactions between the avian clock, endocrine pathways, and environmental and internal modifiers. The main focus of this review is on the circadian hormone, melatonin. We summarize information from avian field and laboratory studies on melatonin and its relationships with behaviour and physiology, including often neglected developmental aspects. When exposed to ALAN, birds are highly vulnerable to disruption of behavioural rhythms and of physiological systems under rhythmic control. Several studies suggest that melatonin is likely a key mediator for a broad range of effects. We encourage further observational and experimental studies of ALAN impact on melatonin, across the full functional range of this versatile signalling molecule, as well as on other candidate compounds at the endocrine-circadian interface. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Helm
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Bird Migration Unit, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Timothy Greives
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Michal Zeman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava SK 84215, Slovakia
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Yang H, Lu J, Zhu P, Sun Y, Hu Z, Li D, Huang J. Blue Light Attracts More Spodoptera frugiperda Moths and Promotes Their Flight Speed. Insects 2024; 15:129. [PMID: 38392548 PMCID: PMC10889122 DOI: 10.3390/insects15020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Light traps are a useful method for monitoring and controlling the important migratory pest, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Studies have shown that S. frugiperda is sensitive to blue, green, or ultraviolet (UV) light, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Furthermore, conventional black light traps are less effective for trapping S. frugiperda. To improve the trapping efficiency of this pest, it is crucial to determine the specific wavelength to which S. frugiperda is sensitive and measure its flight capability under that wavelength. This study investigated the effects of light wavelength on the phototaxis and flight performance of S. frugiperda. The results showed that blue light was the most sensitive wavelength among the three different LED lights and was unaffected by gender. The flight capability of S. frugiperda varied significantly in different light conditions, especially for flight speed. The fastest flight speed was observed in blue light, whereas the slowest was observed in UV light compared to dark conditions. During a 12 h flight period, speed declined more rapidly in blue light and more slowly in UV, whereas speed remained stable in dark conditions. Meanwhile, the proportion of fast-flying individuals was highest under blue light, which was significantly higher than under UV light. Therefore, the use of light traps equipped with blue LED lights can improve the trapping efficiency of S. frugiperda. These results also provide insights for further research on the effects of light pollution on migratory insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Yang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Jing Lu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Pinhong Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Yalan Sun
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Zhenjie Hu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Dingxu Li
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Odebrecht Vergne de Abreu AC, Alves Braga de Oliveira M, Alquati T, Tonon AC, de Novaes Reis M, Camargo Rossi A, Sbaraini Bonatto F, Paz Hidalgo M. Use of Light Protection Equipment at Night Reduces Time Until Discharge From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Interventional Study. J Biol Rhythms 2024; 39:68-78. [PMID: 37846856 DOI: 10.1177/07487304231201752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Newborn infants' circadian systems are not completely developed and rely on external temporal cues for synchronizing their biological rhythms to the environment. In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), lighting is usually continuous or irregular and infants are exposed to artificial light at night, which can have negative health consequences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of individual light protection equipment at night on the development and growth of preterm neonates. Infants born at less than 37 gestational weeks who no longer needed constant intensive care were admitted into a newborn nursery and randomized to either use eye masks at night (intervention, n = 21) or not (control, n = 20). Infants who used eye protection at night were discharged earlier than those in the control group (8 [5] vs 12 [3.75] days; p < 0.05). A greater variation within the day in heart rate was observed in the intervention group, with lower values of beats per minute at 1400 and 2000 h. There was no significant difference in weight gain between groups. In view of our results and of previous findings present in the literature, we suggest that combining a darkened environment at night with individual light protection devices creates better conditions for the development of preterm infants in the NICU. In addition, eye masks are an affordable and simple-to-use tool that can reduce hospitalization costs by decreasing the number of days spent in the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Odebrecht Vergne de Abreu
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Melissa Alves Braga de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tamila Alquati
- Neonatology Department, Hospital Nossa Senhora de Pompéia, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - André Comiran Tonon
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Novaes Reis
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto Camargo Rossi
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sbaraini Bonatto
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Paz Hidalgo
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Morrell S, Hatchell J, Wordingham F, Bennie J, Inston MJ, Gaston KJ. Changing streetlighting schemes and the ecological availability of darkness. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230555. [PMID: 38412961 PMCID: PMC10898964 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN), from streetlights and other sources, has a wide variety of impacts on the natural environment. A significant challenge remains, however, to predict at intermediate spatial extents (e.g. across a city) the ALAN that organisms experience under different lighting regimes. Here we use Monte Carlo radiative Transfer to model the three-dimensional lighting environment at, and just above, ground level, on the spatial scales at which animals and humans experience it. We show how this technique can be used to model a suite of both real and hypothetical lighting environments, mimicking the transition of public infrastructure between different lighting technologies. We then demonstrate how the behaviour of animals experiencing these simulated lighting environments can be emulated to probe the availability of darkness, and dark corridors, within them. Our simulations show that no single lighting technology provides an unmitigated alleviation of negative impacts within urban environments, and that holistic treatments of entire lighting environments should be employed when understanding how animals use and traverse them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Morrell
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Jennifer Hatchell
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Freddy Wordingham
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Jonathan Bennie
- Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Maisy J. Inston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
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6
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Yang Y, Liu Q, Pan C, Chen J, Xu B, Liu K, Pan J, Lagisz M, Nakagawa S. Species sensitivities to artificial light at night: A phylogenetically controlled multilevel meta-analysis on melatonin suppression. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14387. [PMID: 38382914 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The rapid urbanization of our world has led to a surge in artificial lighting at night (ALAN), with profound effects on wildlife. Previous research on wildlife's melatonin, a crucial mechanistic indicator and mediator, has yielded inconclusive evidence due to a lack of comparative analysis. We compiled and analysed an evidence base including 127 experiments with 437 observations across 31 wild vertebrates using phylogenetically controlled multilevel meta-analytic models. The evidence comes mainly from the effects of white light on melatonin suppression in birds and mammals. We show a 36% average decrease in melatonin secretion in response to ALAN across a diverse range of species. This effect was observed for central and peripheral melatonin, diurnal and nocturnal species, and captive and free-living populations. We also reveal intensity-, wavelength-, and timing-dependent patterns of ALAN effects. Exposure to ALAN led to a 23% rise in inter-individual variability in melatonin suppression, with important implications for natural selection in wild vertebrates, as some individuals may display higher tolerance to ALAN. The cross-species evidence has strong implications for conservation of wild populations that are subject to natural selection of ALAN. We recommend measures to mitigate harmful impacts of ALAN, such as using 'smart' lighting systems to tune the spectra to less harmful compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefeng Yang
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Pan
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jintian Chen
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binbo Xu
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinming Pan
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
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Lewis SM, Jusoh WFA, Walker AC, Fallon CE, Joyce R, Yiu V. Illuminating Firefly Diversity: Trends, Threats and Conservation Strategies. Insects 2024; 15:71. [PMID: 38276820 PMCID: PMC10815995 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Fireflies are a diverse group of bioluminescent beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae. Recent research on their diversity, evolution, behavior and conservation has greatly advanced our scientific understanding of these charismatic insects. In this review, we first summarize new discoveries about their taxonomic and ecological diversity, then focus on recent endeavors to identify and protect threatened fireflies around the world. We outline the main threats linked to recent population declines (habitat loss and degradation, light pollution, pesticide overuse, climate change and tourism) and describe relevant risk factors that predict which species will be particularly vulnerable to these threats. Although global coordination of firefly conservation efforts has begun only recently, considerable progress has already been made. We describe work by the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group to identify species currently facing elevated extinction risks and to devise conservation strategies to protect them. To date, IUCN Red List assessments have been completed for 150 firefly taxa, about 20% of which face heightened extinction risks. The conservation status for many species has yet to be determined due to insufficient information, although targeted surveys and community science projects have contributed valuable new data. Finally, we highlight some examples of successful firefly habitat protection and restoration efforts, and we use the framework of the IUCN SSC Species Conservation Cycle to point out high-priority actions for future firefly conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Lewis
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Wan F. A. Jusoh
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anna C. Walker
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- New Mexico BioPark Society, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
| | - Candace E. Fallon
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Richard Joyce
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Vor Yiu
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- Hong Kong Entomological Society, Hong Kong, China
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Seymoure B, Dell A, Hölker F, Kalinkat G. A framework for untangling the consequences of artificial light at night on species interactions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220356. [PMID: 37899016 PMCID: PMC10613547 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although much evidence exists showing organismal consequences from artificial light at night (ALAN), large knowledge gaps remain regarding ALAN affecting species interactions. Species interactions occur via shared spatio-temporal niches among species, which may be determined by natural light levels. We review how ALAN is altering these spatio-temporal niches through expanding twilight or full Moon conditions and constricting nocturnal conditions as well as creating patches of bright and dark. We review literature from a database to determine if ALAN is affecting species interactions via spatio-temporal dynamics. The literature indicates a growing interest in ALAN and species interactions: 58% of the studies we analysed have been published since 2020. Seventy-five of 79 studies found ALAN altered species interactions. Enhancements and reductions of species interactions were equally documented. Many studies revealed ALAN affecting species interactions spatially, but few revealed temporal alterations. There are biases regarding species interactions and ALAN-most studies investigated predator-prey interactions with vertebrates as predators and invertebrates as prey. Following this literature review, we suggest avenues, such as remote sensing and animal tracking, that can guide future research on the consequences of ALAN on species interactions across spatial and temporal axes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Seymoure
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Anthony Dell
- National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Alton, IL 62024, USA
- Department of Biology, WashingtonUniversity in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Franz Hölker
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Kalinkat
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Bará S, Falchi F. Artificial light at night: a global disruptor of the night-time environment. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220352. [PMID: 37899010 PMCID: PMC10613534 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Light pollution is the alteration of the natural levels of darkness by an increased concentration of light particles in the night-time environment, resulting from human activity. Light pollution is profoundly changing the night-time environmental conditions across wide areas of the planet, and is a relevant stressor whose effects on life are being unveiled by a compelling body of research. In this paper, we briefly review the basic aspects of artificial light at night as a pollutant, describing its character, magnitude and extent, its worldwide distribution, its temporal and spectral change trends, as well as its dependence on current light production technologies and prevailing social uses of light. It is shown that the overall effects of light pollution are not restricted to local disturbances, but give rise to a global, multiscale disruption of the night-time environment. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Bará
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Galicia Spain
| | - Fabio Falchi
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Galicia Spain
- ISTIL Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dell'Inquinamento Luminoso–Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute, Via Roma, 13 - I 36016 Thiene, Italy
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Bucher SF, Uhde L, Weigelt A, Cesarz S, Eisenhauer N, Gebler A, Kyba C, Römermann C, Shatwell T, Hines J. Artificial light at night decreases plant diversity and performance in experimental grassland communities. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220358. [PMID: 37899022 PMCID: PMC10613542 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects many areas of the world and is increasing globally. To date, there has been limited and inconsistent evidence regarding the consequences of ALAN for plant communities, as well as for the fitness of their constituent species. ALAN could be beneficial for plants as they need light as energy source, but they also need darkness for regeneration and growth. We created model communities composed of 16 plant species sown, exposed to a gradient of ALAN ranging from 'moonlight only' to conditions like situations typically found directly underneath a streetlamp. We measured plant community composition and its production (biomass), as well as functional traits of three plant species from different functional groups (grasses, herbs, legumes) in two separate harvests. We found that biomass was reduced by 33% in the highest ALAN treatment compared to the control, Shannon diversity decreased by 43% and evenness by 34% in the first harvest. Some species failed to establish in the second harvest. Specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content and leaf hairiness responded to ALAN. These responses suggest that plant communities will be sensitive to increasing ALAN, and they flag a need for plant conservation activities that consider impending ALAN scenarios. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Franziska Bucher
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Lia Uhde
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone Cesarz
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nico Eisenhauer
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alban Gebler
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher Kyba
- Interdisciplinary Geographic Information Sciences, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
- Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ, Germany
| | - Christine Römermann
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Tom Shatwell
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jes Hines
- Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Fobert EK, Miller CR, Swearer SE, Mayer-Pinto M. The impacts of artificial light at night on the ecology of temperate and tropical reefs. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220362. [PMID: 37899007 PMCID: PMC10613546 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite 22% of the world's coastal regions experiencing some degree of light pollution, and biologically important artificial light at night (ALAN) reaching large portions of the seafloor (greater than 75%) near coastal developments, the impacts of ALAN on temperate and tropical reefs are still relatively unknown. Because many reef species have evolved in response to low-light nocturnal environments, consistent daily, lunar, and seasonal light cycles, and distinct light spectra, these impacts are likely to be profound. Recent studies have found ALAN can decrease reproductive success of fishes, alter predation rates of invertebrates and fishes, and impact the physiology and biochemistry of reef-building corals. In this paper, we integrate knowledge of the role of natural light in temperate and tropical reefs with a synthesis of the current literature on the impacts of ALAN on reef organisms to explore potential changes at the system level in reef communities exposed to ALAN. Specifically, we identify the direct impacts of ALAN on individual organisms and flow on effects for reef communities, and present potential scenarios where ALAN could significantly alter system-level dynamics, possibly even creating novel ecosystems. Lastly, we highlight large knowledge gaps in our understanding of the overall impact of ALAN on reef systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Fobert
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Colleen R. Miller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Stephen E. Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC), School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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12
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Coetzee BWT, Burke AM, Koekemoer LL, Robertson MP, Smit IPJ. Scaling artificial light at night and disease vector interactions into socio-ecological systems: a conceptual appraisal. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220371. [PMID: 37899011 PMCID: PMC10613543 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There is burgeoning interest in how artificial light at night (ALAN) interacts with disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes. ALAN can alter mosquito behaviour and biting propensity, and so must alter disease transfer rates. However, most studies to date have been laboratory-based, and it remains unclear how ALAN modulates disease vector risk. Here, we identify five priorities to assess how artificial light can influence disease vectors in socio-ecological systems. These are to (i) clarify the mechanistic role of artificial light on mosquitoes, (ii) determine how ALAN interacts with other drivers of global change to influence vector disease dynamics across species, (iii) determine how ALAN interacts with other vector suppression strategies, (iv) measure and quantify the impact of ALAN at scales relevant for vectors, and (v) overcome the political and social barriers in implementing it as a novel vector suppression strategy. These priorities must be addressed to evaluate the costs and benefits of employing appropriate ALAN regimes in complex socio-ecological systems if it is to reduce disease burdens, especially in the developing world. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard W. T. Coetzee
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Ashley M. Burke
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2131, South Africa
| | - Lizette L. Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2131, South Africa
| | - Mark P. Robertson
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Izak P. J. Smit
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, George, South Africa
- Sustainability Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), George Campus, Madiba drive, 6531 George, South Africa
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13
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Spoelstra K, Teurlincx S, Courbois M, Hopkins ZM, Visser ME, Jones TM, Hopkins GR. Long-term exposure to experimental light affects the ground-dwelling invertebrate community, independent of light spectra. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220364. [PMID: 37899017 PMCID: PMC10613541 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Our planet endures a progressive increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), which affects virtually all species, and thereby biodiversity. Mitigation strategies include reducing its intensity and duration, and the adjustment of light spectrum using modern light emitting diode (LED) light sources. Here, we studied ground-dwelling invertebrate (predominantly insects, arachnids, molluscs, millipedes, woodlice and worms) diversity and community composition after 3 or 4 years of continued nightly exposure (every night from sunset to sunrise) to experimental ALAN with three different spectra (white-, and green- and red-dominated light), as well as for a dark control, in natural forest-edge habitat. Diversity of pitfall-trapped ground-dwelling invertebrates, and the local contribution to beta diversity, did not differ between the dark control and illuminated sites, or between the different spectra. The invertebrate community composition, however, was significantly affected by the presence of light. Keeping lights off during single nights did show an immediate effect on the composition of trapped invertebrates compared to illuminated nights. These effects of light on species composition may impact ecosystems by cascading effects across the food web. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamiel Spoelstra
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Teurlincx
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Courbois
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zoë M. Hopkins
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marcel E. Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Therésa M. Jones
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Gareth R. Hopkins
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Biology, Western Oregon University, 345 Monmouth Avenue North, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA
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14
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Heinen R, Sanchez-Mahecha O, Martijn Bezemer T, Dominoni DM, Knappe C, Kollmann J, Kopatsch A, Pfeiffer ZA, Schloter M, Sturm S, Schnitzler JP, Corina Vlot A, Weisser WW. Part-night exposure to artificial light at night has more detrimental effects on aphid colonies than fully lit nights. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220357. [PMID: 37899021 PMCID: PMC10613545 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) threatens natural ecosystems globally. While ALAN research is increasing, little is known about how ALAN affects plants and interactions with other organisms. We explored the effects of ALAN on plant defence and plant-insect interactions using barley (Hordeum vulgare) and the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae). Plants were exposed to 'full' or 'part' nights of 15-20 lux ALAN, or no ALAN 'control' nights, to test the effects of ALAN on plant growth and defence. Although plant growth was only minimally affected by ALAN, aphid colony growth and aphid maturation were reduced significantly by ALAN treatments. Importantly, we found strong differences between full-night and part-night ALAN treatments. Contrary to our expectations, part ALAN had stronger negative effects on aphid colony growth than full ALAN. Defence-associated gene expression was affected in some cases by ALAN, but also positively correlated with aphid colony size, suggesting that the effects of ALAN on plant defences are indirect, and regulated via direct disruption of aphid colonies rather than via ALAN-induced upregulation of defences. Mitigating ecological side effects of ALAN is a complex problem, as reducing exposure to ALAN increased its negative impact on insect herbivores. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Heinen
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Oriana Sanchez-Mahecha
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - T. Martijn Bezemer
- Institute of Biology, Section Plant Ecology and Phytochemistry, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Davide M. Dominoni
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland
| | - Claudia Knappe
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kollmann
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, 8534 Freising, Germany
| | - Anton Kopatsch
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Zoë A. Pfeiffer
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Chair of Soil Science, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Research Unit Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Sturm
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - A. Corina Vlot
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Crop Plant Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, D-95447, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W. Weisser
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
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15
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Sanders D, Hirt MR, Brose U, Evans DM, Gaston KJ, Gauzens B, Ryser R. How artificial light at night may rewire ecological networks: concepts and models. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220368. [PMID: 37899020 PMCID: PMC10613535 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is eroding natural light cycles and thereby changing species distributions and activity patterns. Yet little is known about how ecological interaction networks respond to this global change driver. Here, we assess the scientific basis of the current understanding of community-wide ALAN impacts. Based on current knowledge, we conceptualize and review four major pathways by which ALAN may affect ecological interaction networks by (i) impacting primary production, (ii) acting as an environmental filter affecting species survival, (iii) driving the movement and distribution of species, and (iv) changing functional roles and niches by affecting activity patterns. Using an allometric-trophic network model, we then test how a shift in temporal activity patterns for diurnal, nocturnal and crepuscular species impacts food web stability. The results indicate that diel niche shifts can severely impact community persistence by altering the temporal overlap between species, which leads to changes in interaction strengths and rewiring of networks. ALAN can thereby lead to biodiversity loss through the homogenization of temporal niches. This integrative framework aims to advance a predictive understanding of community-level and ecological-network consequences of ALAN and their cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Sanders
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Myriam R. Hirt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brose
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany
| | - Darren M. Evans
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Benoit Gauzens
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany
| | - Remo Ryser
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany
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16
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Parkinson E, Tiegs SD. Spectral composition of light-emitting diodes impacts aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities with potential implications for cross-ecosystem subsidies. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220361. [PMID: 37899013 PMCID: PMC10613537 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Resource exchanges in the form of invertebrate fluxes are a key component of aquatic-terrestrial habitat coupling, but this interface is susceptible to human activities, including the imposition of artificial light at night. To better understand the effects of spectral composition of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)-a technology that is rapidly supplanting other lighting types-on emergent aquatic insects and terrestrial insects, we experimentally added LED fixtures that emit different light spectra to the littoral zone and adjacent riparian habitat of a pond. We installed four replicate LED treatments of different wavelengths (410, 530 and 630 nm), neutral white (4000 k) and a dark control, and sampled invertebrates in both terrestrial and over-water littoral traps. Invertebrate communities differed among light treatments and between habitats, as did total insect biomass and mean individual insect size. Proportional allochthonous biomass was greater in the riparian habitat and among some light treatments, demonstrating an asymmetrical effect of differently coloured LEDs on aquatic-terrestrial resource exchanges. Overall, our findings demonstrate that variation in wavelength from LEDs may impact the flux of resources between systems, as well as the communities of insects that are attracted to particular spectra of LED lighting, with probable implications for consumers. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Parkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Scott D. Tiegs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
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17
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Cesarz S, Eisenhauer N, Bucher SF, Ciobanu M, Hines J. Artificial light at night (ALAN) causes shifts in soil communities and functions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220366. [PMID: 37899014 PMCID: PMC10613544 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing worldwide, but its effects on the soil system have not yet been investigated. We tested the influence of experimental manipulation of ALAN on two taxa of soil communities (microorganisms and soil nematodes) and three aspects of soil functioning (soil basal respiration, soil microbial biomass and carbon use efficiency) over four and a half months in a highly controlled Ecotron facility. We show that during peak plant biomass, increasing ALAN reduced plant biomass and was also associated with decreased soil water content. This further reduced soil respiration under high ALAN at peak plant biomass, but microbial communities maintained stable biomass across different levels of ALAN and times, demonstrating higher microbial carbon use efficiency under high ALAN. While ALAN did not affect microbial community structure, the abundance of plant-feeding nematodes increased and there was homogenization of nematode communities under higher levels of ALAN, indicating that soil communities may be more vulnerable to additional disturbances at high ALAN. In summary, the effects of ALAN reach into the soil system by altering soil communities and ecosystem functions, and these effects are mediated by changes in plant productivity and soil water content at peak plant biomass. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cesarz
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04109, Germany
| | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04109, Germany
| | - Solveig Franziska Bucher
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Marcel Ciobanu
- Institute of Biological Research, Branch of the National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 48 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jes Hines
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04109, Germany
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18
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Dyer A, Ryser R, Brose U, Amyntas A, Bodnar N, Boy T, Franziska Bucher S, Cesarz S, Eisenhauer N, Gebler A, Hines J, Kyba CCM, Menz MHM, Rackwitz K, Shatwell T, Terlau JF, Hirt MR. Insect communities under skyglow: diffuse night-time illuminance induces spatio-temporal shifts in movement and predation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220359. [PMID: 37899019 PMCID: PMC10613549 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is predicted to have far-reaching consequences for natural ecosystems given its influence on organismal physiology and behaviour, species interactions and community composition. Movement and predation are fundamental ecological processes that are of critical importance to ecosystem functioning. The natural movements and foraging behaviours of nocturnal invertebrates may be particularly sensitive to the presence of ALAN. However, we still lack evidence of how these processes respond to ALAN within a community context. We assembled insect communities to quantify their movement activity and predation rates during simulated Moon cycles across a gradient of diffuse night-time illuminance including the full range of observed skyglow intensities. Using radio frequency identification, we tracked the movements of insects within a fragmented grassland Ecotron experiment. We additionally quantified predation rates using prey dummies. Our results reveal that even low-intensity skyglow causes a temporal shift in movement activity from day to night, and a spatial shift towards open habitats at night. Changes in movement activity are associated with indirect shifts in predation rates. Spatio-temporal shifts in movement and predation have important implications for ecological networks and ecosystem functioning, highlighting the disruptive potential of ALAN for global biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dyer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Remo Ryser
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brose
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Angelos Amyntas
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nora Bodnar
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Boy
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Solveig Franziska Bucher
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution with Herbarium Haussknecht and Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Simone Cesarz
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alban Gebler
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jes Hines
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher C. M. Kyba
- Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Geographisches Institut, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Myles H. M. Menz
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 4811 Townsville, Australia
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Karl Rackwitz
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Tom Shatwell
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jördis F. Terlau
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Myriam R. Hirt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
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19
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Tidau S, Brough FT, Gimenez L, Jenkins SR, Davies TW. Impacts of artificial light at night on the early life history of two ecosystem engineers. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220363. [PMID: 37899009 PMCID: PMC10613533 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sessile marine invertebrates play a vital role as ecosystem engineers and in benthic-pelagic coupling. Most benthic fauna develop through larval stages and the importance of natural light cycles for larval biology and ecology is long-established. Natural light-dark cycles regulate two of the largest ocean-scale processes that are fundamental to larvae's life cycle: the timing of broadcast spawning for successful fertilization and diel vertical migration for foraging and predator avoidance. Given the reliance on light and the ecological role of larvae, surprisingly little is known about the impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the early life history of habitat-forming species. We quantified ALAN impacts on larval performance (survival, growth, development) of two cosmopolitan ecosystem engineers in temperate marine ecosystems, the mussel Mytilus edulis and the barnacle Austrominius modestus. Higher ALAN irradiance reduced survival in both species (57% and 13%, respectively). ALAN effects on development and growth were small overall, and different between species, time-points and parentage. Our results show that ALAN adversely affects larval survival and reiterates the importance of paternal influence on offspring performance. ALAN impacts on the early life stages of ecosystem engineering species have implications not only for population viability but also the ecological communities that these species support. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Tidau
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Fraser T. Brough
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Luis Gimenez
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Stuart R. Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Thomas W. Davies
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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20
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Hufkens K, Meier CM, Evens R, Paredes JA, Karaardiç H, Vercauteren S, Van Gysel A, Fox JW, Pacheco CM, da Silva LP, Fernandes S, Henriques P, Elias G, Costa LT, Poot M, Kearsley L. Evaluating the effects of moonlight on the vertical flight profiles of three western palaearctic swifts. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230957. [PMID: 37909073 PMCID: PMC10618867 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested the presence of moonlight mediated behaviour in avian aerial insectivores, such as swifts. Here, we use the combined analysis of state-of-the-art activity logger data across three swift species, the common, pallid and alpine swifts, to quantify flight height and activity in responses to moonlight-driven crepuscular and nocturnal light conditions. Our results show a significant response in flight heights to moonlight illuminance for common and pallid swifts, i.e. when moon illuminance increased flight height also increased, while a moonlight-driven response is absent in alpine swifts. We show a weak relationship between night-time illuminance-driven responses and twilight ascending behaviour, suggesting a decoupling of both crepuscular and night-time behaviour. We suggest that swifts optimize their flight behaviour to adapt to favourable night-time light conditions, driven by light-responsive and size-dependent vertical insect stratification and weather conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Hufkens
- BlueGreen Labs (bv), Kloetstraat 48, 9120 Melsele, Belgium
| | | | - Ruben Evens
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Josefa Arán Paredes
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallestrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Falkenplatz 16, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hakan Karaardiç
- Education Faculty, Math and Science Education Department, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Miguel Pacheco
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Luis P. da Silva
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Sandra Fernandes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Gonçalo Elias
- 44 Rua de São Pedro, Castelo de Vide 7320-163, Portugal
| | - Luís T. Costa
- Nature Returns, Av D Sebastião 101, 2825-408 Costa da Caparica, Portugal
| | - Martin Poot
- Martin Poot Ecology, Culemborg, The Netherlands
| | - Lyndon Kearsley
- BlueGreen Labs (bv), Kloetstraat 48, 9120 Melsele, Belgium
- Belgian Ornithological Research Association, Steenweg Hulst-Lessen 29, 9140 Temse, Belgium
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21
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McGlade CLO, Capilla-Lasheras P, Womack RJ, Helm B, Dominoni DM. Experimental light at night explains differences in activity onset between urban and forest great tits. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20230194. [PMID: 37670610 PMCID: PMC10480697 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is rapidly increasing and so is scientific interest in its ecological and evolutionary consequences. In wild species, ALAN can modify and disrupt biological rhythms. However, experimental proof of such effects of ALAN in the wild is still scarce. Here, we compared diel rhythms of incubation behaviour, inferred from temperature sensors, of female great tits (Parus major) breeding in urban and forest sites. In parallel, we simulated ALAN by mounting LED lights (1.8 lx) inside forest nest-boxes, to determine the potentially causal role of ALAN affecting diel patterns of incubation. Urban females had an earlier onset of activity compared to forest females. Experimentally ALAN-exposed forest females were similar to urban females in their advanced onset of activity, compared to unexposed forest birds. However, forest females exposed to experimental ALAN, but not urban females, were more restless at night than forest control females. Our findings demonstrate that ALAN can explain the early activity timing in incubating urban great tits, but its effects on sleep disturbance in the forest are not reflected in urban females. Consequently, future research needs to address potential effects of ALAN-induced timing on individual health, fitness and population dynamics, in particular in populations that were not previously affected by light pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Capilla-Lasheras
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Robyn J. Womack
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Barbara Helm
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Davide M. Dominoni
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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22
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Secondi J, Scriba MF, Mondy N, Lengagne T. Artificial light at night decreases the pupillary light response of dark-adapted toads to bright light. Integr Zool 2023; 18:867-875. [PMID: 36300756 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is expanding worldwide. Many physiological effects have been reported in animals, but we still know little about the consequences for the visual system. The pupil contributes to control incoming light onto the retina. Sudden increases in light intensity evokes the pupil light reflex (PLR). Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC) affect PLR and melatonin expression, which largely regulate circadian rhythms and PLR itself. IpRCG receive inputs from various photoreptors with different peak sensitivities implying that PLR could be altered by a broad range of light sources. We predicted ALAN to enhance PLR. Contrary to our prediction, dark-adapted cane toads Rhinella marina, exposed to ALAN (5 lx) for 12 days, exhibited a lower PLR than controls and individuals exposed to 0.04 lx, even after 1 h in bright light. We cannot conclude whether ALAN induced a larger pupil size in dark-adapted toads or a slower initial contraction. Nevertheless, the response was triggered by a light source with an emission peak (590 nm) well above the sensitivity peak of melanopsin, the main photoreceptor involved in PLR. Therefore, ALAN alters the capacity of toads to regulate the incoming light in the eye at night, which may reduce the performance of visually guided behaviors, and increase mortality by predators or road kills at night. This first study emphasizes the need to focus on the effect of ALAN on the vision of nocturnal organisms to better understand how this sensory system is altered and anticipate the consequences for organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
- Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Madeleine F Scriba
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nathalie Mondy
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
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23
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Hui CK, Chen N, Chakraborty A, Alaasam V, Pieraut S, Ouyang JQ. Dim artificial light at night alters immediate early gene expression throughout the avian brain. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1194996. [PMID: 37469841 PMCID: PMC10352805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1194996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive pollutant that alters physiology and behavior. However, the underlying mechanisms triggering these alterations are unknown, as previous work shows that dim levels of ALAN may have a masking effect, bypassing the central clock. Light stimulates neuronal activity in numerous brain regions which could in turn activate downstream effectors regulating physiological response. In the present study, taking advantage of immediate early gene (IEG) expression as a proxy for neuronal activity, we determined the brain regions activated in response to ALAN. We exposed zebra finches to dim ALAN (1.5 lux) and analyzed 24 regions throughout the brain. We found that the overall expression of two different IEGs, cFos and ZENK, in birds exposed to ALAN were significantly different from birds inactive at night. Additionally, we found that ALAN-exposed birds had significantly different IEG expression from birds inactive at night and active during the day in several brain areas associated with vision, movement, learning and memory, pain processing, and hormone regulation. These results give insight into the mechanistic pathways responding to ALAN that underlie downstream, well-documented behavioral and physiological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra K. Hui
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
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24
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Erwinski K, Karpinska D, Kunz M, Paprocki M, Czokow J. An Autonomous City-Wide Light Pollution Measurement Network System Using LoRa Wireless Communication. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:s23115084. [PMID: 37299812 DOI: 10.3390/s23115084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Light pollution is an ongoing problem for city populations. Large numbers of light sources at night negatively affect humans' day-night cycle. It is important to measure the amount of light pollution in order to effectively ascertain the amount of light pollution in the city area and effectively reduce it where possible and necessary. In order to perform this task, a prototype wireless sensor network for automated, long-term measurement of light pollution was developed for the Torun (Poland) city area. The sensors use LoRa wireless technology to collect sensor data from an urban area by way of networked gateways. The article investigates the sensor module architecture and design challenges as well as network architecture. Example results of light pollution measurements are presented, which were obtained from the prototype network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian Erwinski
- Department of Automatics and Measurement Systems, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Physics Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Dominika Karpinska
- Department of Geomatics and Cartography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Mieczyslaw Kunz
- Department of Geomatics and Cartography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | | | - Jaroslaw Czokow
- Department of Automatics and Measurement Systems, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Physics Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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25
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Craig T, Mathieu S, Morden C, Patel M, Matthews L. A prospective multicentre observational study to quantify nocturnal light exposure in intensive care. J Intensive Care Soc 2023; 24:133-138. [PMID: 37260432 PMCID: PMC10227891 DOI: 10.1177/17511437211045325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disrupted circadian rhythms can have a major effect on human physiology and healthcare outcomes, with proven increases in ICU morbidity, mortality and length of stay. Methods We performed a multicentre observational study to study the nocturnal lux exposure of patients in 3 intensive care units. Results The median light intensity recorded was 1 lux over the 6-hour recording period; however, this is deceptive as it hides short periods of high lux. When looked at in shorter time segments of 30 minutes, there were significant periods of lux higher than a crude median, especially in higher acuity patients. There was a positive correlation between acuity (as estimated by SOFA score) and maximum lux (R = 0.479, p = .0001), median lux (R = 0.35, p = .006) and cumulative lux (R = 0.55, p = .000001). There was no relationship between neighbouring patient acuity and lux. Conclusions Clinicians should practice vigilance at night to provide optimal environmental conditions for patients to minimise potential harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Craig
- Anaesthetics Speciality Registrar,
Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Steve Mathieu
- Intensive Care Consultant, Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS
Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Clare Morden
- Emergency Medicine and Intensive
Care Speciality Registrar, Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS
Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Mitul Patel
- Anaesthetics Trainee, Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS
Trust, Portsmouth, UK
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26
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Viljoen A, Oosthuizen MK. Dim light at night affects the locomotor activity of nocturnal African pygmy mice ( Mus minutoides) in an intensity-dependent manner. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230526. [PMID: 37072046 PMCID: PMC10113032 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are integral components of ecosystems as they provide several important ecosystem services. Despite their importance as prey, pollinators and seed distributors, African rodents are largely understudied. The effect of anthropogenic changes such as artificial light at night extends past urban areas to peri-urban and rural habitats, and can have profound effects on entire ecosystems. We investigated the effect of dim light at night (dLAN) on the locomotor activity rhythms of the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides). Pygmy mice showed a dramatic, intensity-dependent reduction in their locomotor activity when subjected to dLAN, which was accompanied by a delay in the activity onset. We also considered masking responses with a dark pulse (DP) during the day and a light pulse at night. All animals became inactive in response to a light pulse during the night, whereas approximately half of the animals showed activity during a DP in the day. Our results suggest that the African pygmy mouse is highly sensitive to light and that their activity is strongly masked by light. In their natural environment, vegetation could shield pygmy mice against high light levels; however, other anthropogenic disturbances can alter the behaviour of these animals and could affect their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Viljoen
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - M. K. Oosthuizen
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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27
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Areshidze DA, Kozlova MA, Mnikhovich MV, Bezuglova TV, Chernikov VP, Gioeva ZV, Borisov AV. Influence of Various Light Regimes on Morphofunctional Condition of Transplantable Melanoma B16. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041135. [PMID: 37189753 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A study of the morphofunctional condition of mice with transplantable melanoma B16 under the influence of a normal daylight regime, constant lighting and constant darkness was conducted. It was shown that exposure to constant lighting leads to intensification of the proliferation of melanoma cells, more significant growth and spread of the tumor, the development of more pronounced secondary changes, the presence of perivascular growth and an increase in perineural invasion. At the same time, keeping of animals in constant darkness significantly reduced the intensity of the proliferative process in the tumor and lead to tumor regression in the absence of signs of lympho-, intravascular and intraneural invasion. Intergroup differences in tumor cell status were confirmed by the results of micromorphometric studies. It was also shown that the expression of clock genes was suppressed by an exposure to constant light, while an influence of constant darkness, on contrary, led to its intensification.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Areshidze
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Kozlova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim V Mnikhovich
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Bezuglova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valery P Chernikov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zarina V Gioeva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey V Borisov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery", 117418 Moscow, Russia
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28
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Burt CS, Kelly JF, Trankina GE, Silva CL, Khalighifar A, Jenkins-Smith HC, Fox AS, Fristrup KM, Horton KG. The effects of light pollution on migratory animal behavior. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:355-68. [PMID: 36610920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Light pollution is a global threat to biodiversity, especially migratory organisms, some of which traverse hemispheric scales. Research on light pollution has grown significantly over the past decades, but our review of migratory organisms demonstrates gaps in our understanding, particularly beyond migratory birds. Research across spatial scales reveals the multifaceted effects of artificial light on migratory species, ranging from local and regional to macroscale impacts. These threats extend beyond species that are active at night - broadening the scope of this threat. Emerging tools for measuring light pollution and its impacts, as well as ecological forecasting techniques, present new pathways for conservation, including transdisciplinary approaches.
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29
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Dimovski AM, Griffiths SR, Fanson KV, Eastick DL, Robert KA. A light-exploiting insectivorous bat shows no melatonin disruption under lights with different spectra. R Soc Open Sci 2023; 10:221436. [PMID: 36998760 PMCID: PMC10049747 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural light-dark cycles synchronize an animal's internal clock with environmental conditions. The introduction of artificial light into the night-time environment masks natural light cues and has the potential to disrupt this well-established biological rhythm. Nocturnal animal species, such as bats, are adapted to low light conditions and are therefore among the most vulnerable to the impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). The behaviour and activity of insectivorous bats is disrupted by short-wavelength artificial light at night, while long-wavelength light is less disruptive. However, the physiological consequences of this lighting have not been investigated. Here, we examine the effect of LEDs with different spectra on urinary melatonin in an insectivorous bat. We collected voluntarily voided urine samples from Gould's wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) and measured melatonin-sulfate under ambient night-time conditions (baseline) and under red (λP 630 nm), amber (λP 601 nm), filtered warm white (λP 586 nm) and cool white (λP 457 nm) LEDs. We found no effect of light treatment on melatonin-sulfate irrespective of spectra. Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to LEDs at night do not disrupt circadian physiology in the light-exploiting Gould's wattled bat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Dimovski
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine & Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Griffiths
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine & Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Kerry V. Fanson
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine & Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Danielle L. Eastick
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine & Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Kylie A. Robert
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine & Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
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30
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Jiang XL, Ren Z, Hai XX, Zhang L, Wang ZG, Lyu F. Exposure to artificial light at night mediates the locomotion activity and oviposition capacity of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1063601. [PMID: 36846342 PMCID: PMC9947650 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1063601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Light entrains the endogenous circadian clocks of organisms to synchronize their behavioral and physiological rhythms with the natural photoperiod. The presence of artificial light at night disrupts these photoperiodic cues and is currently considered to be a major threat to key fitness-related behaviors, including sleep disruption and physiological stress. Research on the ecological influence of forest pest and their natural enemies is lacking. The wood-boring insects significantly damage forest and urban forest ecosystem functions. The parasitic beetles, Dastarcus helophoroides is an important natural enemy of wood-boring insects, especially those in the Cerambycidae family. However, the effect of artificial light at night on the locomotor rhythms and oviposition capacity of D. helophoroides has received little attention. To address this gap, diel changes in the locomotor activity and number of eggs laid by female D. helophoroides was analyzed under different light-dark (LD) cycles and temperatures. The results showed that the 24-h rhythmic of locomotor activity in these beetles was elevated in darkness and reduced under illumination, indicating that they are nocturnal insects. This activity has two major peaks, the evening (1-8 h after lights off) and morning (3.5-12.5 h after lights off) components, reflecting that light mediate regular changes in locomotor activity. Moreover, the circadian rhythms and active percentage were influenced by the illumination duration and temperature, especially constant light and 40°C. Females laid more eggs under the 16 L: 8 D cycles at 30°C than under the other combinations of photoperiod (including constant light and darkness) and temperature. Finally, the potential influence of exposure to four ecologically relevant intensities of artificial light at night (0, 1, 10 or 100 lx) on oviposition capacity was studied. The results showed that lifetime exposure to bright artificial light (1-100 lx) at night decreased the number of eggs laid relative to those laid with no lighting at night. These results demonstrate that chronic exposure to bright artificial light at night may influence the locomotor activity and oviposition capacity of this parasitic beetle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-lan Jiang
- Key Laboratories for Germplasm Resources of Forest Trees and Forest Protection of Hebei Province, College of Forestry, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Zhe Ren
- Key Laboratories for Germplasm Resources of Forest Trees and Forest Protection of Hebei Province, College of Forestry, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao-xia Hai
- Key Laboratories for Germplasm Resources of Forest Trees and Forest Protection of Hebei Province, College of Forestry, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Chengde Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhi-gang Wang
- Key Laboratories for Germplasm Resources of Forest Trees and Forest Protection of Hebei Province, College of Forestry, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Fei Lyu
- Key Laboratories for Germplasm Resources of Forest Trees and Forest Protection of Hebei Province, College of Forestry, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China,*Correspondence: Fei Lyu,
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La Sorte FA, Lepczyk CA, Aronson MFJ. Light pollution enhances ground-level exposure to airborne toxic chemicals for nocturnally migrating passerines. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:57-68. [PMID: 36281768 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities generate different forms of environmental pollution, including artificial light at night (ALAN) and airborne toxic chemicals (ATCs). Nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN during migration and if ALAN occurs in unison with ATC, the chances of ground-level ATC contamination occurring at stopover sites could increase. Here, we document the relationship between ALAN and ATC within the contiguous United States based on 479 toxic chemicals from 15,743 releasing facilities. Using weekly diurnal estimates of relative abundance for 165 nocturnally migrating passerine (NMP) bird species, we assess how the species richness and relative abundance of NMP species are correlated with ALAN and ATC across the annual cycle. The concentration of ATC increased with increasing ALAN levels, except at the highest ALAN levels. The species richness of NMP species was positively correlated with ATC during the non-breeding season and migration, and negatively correlated during the breeding season. The relative abundance of NMP species was negatively correlated with ATC during the breeding and non-breeding seasons and the correlation did not differ from zero during migration. Through the disorienting influence of ALAN, our findings suggest large numbers of NMP species are being exposed to higher ATC concentrations at stopover sites. Outside of migration, large numbers of NMP species that winter along the US Gulf Coast are being exposed for an extended period of time to higher ATC concentrations. Initiatives designed to decrease ALAN during migration have the potential to reduce the acute and chronic effects of ATC contamination, lower the maternal transfer of toxic chemicals to eggs, and decrease the biologically mediated transport of toxic chemicals across regions. However, these initiatives will not benefit species that experience prolonged ATC exposure during the non-breeding season along the US Gulf Coast, a region that could be a significant source of ATC contamination for North American birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A La Sorte
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Christopher A Lepczyk
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Myla F J Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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32
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Areshidze DA, Kozlova MA, Chernikov VP, Borisov AV, Mischenko DV. Characteristic of Ultrastructure of Mice B16 Melanoma Cells under the Influence of Different Lighting Regimes. Clocks Sleep 2022; 4:745-60. [PMID: 36547107 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep4040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms of physiological processes, constantly being in a state of dynamic equilibrium and plastically associated with changes in environmental conditions, are the basis of homeostasis of an organism of human and other mammals. Violation of circadian rhythms due to significant disturbances in parameters of main environmental effectors (desynchronosis) leads to the development of pathological conditions and a more severe course of preexisting pathologies. We conducted the study of the ultrastructure of cells of mice transplantable malignant melanoma B16 under the condition of normal (fixed) lighting regime and under the influence of constant lighting. Results of the study show that melanoma B16 under fixed light regime represents a characteristic picture of this tumor-predominantly intact tissue with safe junctions of large, functionally active cells with highly irregular nuclei, developed organelles and a relatively low content of melanin. The picture of the B16 melanoma tissue structure and the ultrastructure of its cells under the action of constant lighting stand in marked contrast to the group with fixed light: under these conditions the tumor exhibits accelerated growth, a significant number of cells in the state of apoptosis and necrosis, ultrastructural signs of degradation of the structure and functions, and signs of embryonization of cells with the background of adaptation to oxygen deficiency.
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Liu JA, Walton JC, Bumgarner JR, Walker WH, Meléndez-Fernández OH, DeVries AC, Nelson RJ. Chronic exposure to dim light at night disrupts cell-mediated immune response and decreases longevity in aged female mice. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:1674-1683. [PMID: 36268694 PMCID: PMC9904366 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2135442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological cycles that regulate physiology and behavior for optimal adaptive function and survival; they are synchronized to precisely 24 hours by daily light exposure. Disruption of the daily light-dark (LD) cycle by exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) dysregulates core clock genes and biological function. Exposure to ALAN has been associated with increased health risks in humans, and elderly individuals are at elevated risk for poor outcome from disease and often experience elevated exposure to ALAN due to increased care requirements. The role of disrupted circadian rhythms in healthy, aged animals remains unspecified; thus, we hypothesized that disrupted circadian rhythms via chronic exposure to dim ALAN (dLAN) impair immune response and survival in aged mice. Twenty-month-old C57BL/6 male and female mice were exposed to 24 weeks of LD conditions or dLAN (5 lux); then, cell-mediated immune response was assessed using a delayed-type hypersensitivity test. Aged female mice exposed to dLAN displayed dysregulated hypersensitivity and inflammation as a measure of cell-mediated immune response and decreased lifespan compared to females housed in dark nights. Nighttime lighting did not affect cell-mediated immune response or lifespan in males but dysregulated body mass and increased adrenal mass after immune challenge after chronic exposure to dLAN. Together, these data indicate that chronic exposure to dLAN affects lifespan in aged females and suggest that females are more susceptible to the detrimental consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
| | - James C. Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
| | | | | | | | - A. Courtney DeVries
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology/Hematology
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Randy J. Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
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Tałanda J, Maszczyk P, Babkiewicz E, Rutkowska K, Ślusarczyk M. The short-term effects of planktivorous fish foraging in the presence of artificial light at night on lake zooplankton. J Plankton Res 2022; 44:942-946. [PMID: 36447780 PMCID: PMC9692195 DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have revealed that artificial light at night alters the natural patterns of light in space and time and may have various ecological impacts at different ecological levels. However, only a few studies have assessed its effect on interactions between organisms in aquatic environments, including predator-prey interactions in lakes. To fill this gap, we performed a preliminary enclosure experiment in which we compared the foraging effect of juvenile perch (Perca fluviatilis) on a natural lake zooplankton community in the absence and presence of light of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps mimicking artificial light emitted by a boat. The results revealed that even short-lasting exposure to HPS lamps may result in increasing fish predation, which in turn decreased the mean body size in zooplankton populations (e.g. Bosmina thersites) and affected the relative proportion between different taxa in zooplankton communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Tałanda
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw at Biological and Chemical Research Centre, żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Babkiewicz
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw at Biological and Chemical Research Centre, żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Rutkowska
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw at Biological and Chemical Research Centre, żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Ślusarczyk
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw at Biological and Chemical Research Centre, żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is thought to be detrimental for terrestrial insect populations. While there exists evidence for lower abundance under ALAN, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. One mechanism by which ALAN may contribute to insect declines may be through facilitating increased predation. We investigated this by experimentally manipulating insect-substitute abundance under differential levels of light. We used insect-containing birdfeed placed at varying distances from streetlights as a proxy for terrestrial insects, inspecting the rate of predation before and after dusk (when streetlights are, respectively, off and on). We found that there was a significantly greater effect of increasing distance on predation after dusk, suggesting that predation was actually reduced by greater levels of artificial light. This may occur because ALAN also increases the vulnerability of insectivores to their own predators. Implications for foraging behaviour and alternative explanations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graeme D. Ruxton
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
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36
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Abstract
The ability to see colour at night is known only from a handful of animals. First discovered in the elephant hawk moth Deilephila elpenor, nocturnal colour vision is now known from two other species of hawk moths, a single species of carpenter bee, a nocturnal gecko and two species of anurans. The reason for this rarity—particularly in vertebrates—is the immense challenge of achieving a sufficient visual signal-to-noise ratio to support colour discrimination in dim light. Although no less challenging for nocturnal insects, unique optical and neural adaptations permit reliable colour vision and colour constancy even in starlight. Using the well-studied Deilephila elpenor, we describe the visual light environment at night, the visual challenges that this environment imposes and the adaptations that have evolved to overcome them. We also explain the advantages of colour vision for nocturnal insects and its usefulness in discriminating night-opening flowers. Colour vision is probably widespread in nocturnal insects, particularly pollinators, where it is likely crucial for nocturnal pollination. This relatively poorly understood but vital ecosystem service is threatened from increasingly abundant and spectrally abnormal sources of anthropogenic light pollution, which can disrupt colour vision and thus the discrimination and pollination of flowers. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding colour vision: molecular, physiological, neuronal and behavioural studies in arthropods’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Warrant
- Department of Biology, University of Lund, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hema Somanathan
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Maruthamala PO, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India
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Stöckl AL, Foster JJ. Night skies through animals' eyes-Quantifying night-time visual scenes and light pollution as viewed by animals. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:984282. [PMID: 36274987 PMCID: PMC9582234 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.984282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of animal species enjoy the benefits of being active at night, and have evolved the corresponding optical and neural adaptations to cope with the challenges of low light intensities. However, over the past century electric lighting has introduced direct and indirect light pollution into the full range of terrestrial habitats, changing nocturnal animals' visual worlds dramatically. To understand how these changes affect nocturnal behavior, we here propose an animal-centered analysis method based on environmental imaging. This approach incorporates the sensitivity and acuity limits of individual species, arriving at predictions of photon catch relative to noise thresholds, contrast distributions, and the orientation cues nocturnal species can extract from visual scenes. This analysis relies on just a limited number of visual system parameters known for each species. By accounting for light-adaptation in our analysis, we are able to make more realistic predictions of the information animals can extract from nocturnal visual scenes under different levels of light pollution. With this analysis method, we aim to provide context for the interpretation of behavioral findings, and to allow researchers to generate specific hypotheses for the behavior of nocturnal animals in observed light-polluted scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Stöckl
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Zukunftskolleg, Universität Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - James Jonathan Foster
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Jiang B, Li S, Li J, Zhang Y, Zheng Z. Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Sensitive Distance Identification of Light Pollution in Protected Areas Based on Muti-Source Data: A Case Study of Guangdong Province, China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:12662. [PMID: 36231962 PMCID: PMC9564390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems in protected areas (PAs) are facing new challenges from light pollution. Timely assessment of light pollution in protected areas and exploration of its characteristics are positively valuable for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. As the province with the largest number of nature reserves and the richest biodiversity in China, Guangdong's protected areas have faced more severe light pollution threats in recent years along with rapid urbanization. Hence, in this study, the temporal trends and spatial distribution of light pollution changes, the correlation between light pollution and human activities, and the sensitive distance induced by light pollution in PAs of Guangdong Province from 2000 to 2018 were analyzed based on nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing data, land-use data, and POI data. The results show that: (1) Overall, the light pollution within the PAs increased significantly in these years, with the mean value of NTL (MNTL) increasing from 8.04 to 15.21 nanoWatt/cm2/sr. The number of PAs affected by light pollution was 900 in 2018, accounting for 83% of the total. (2) From the perspective of spatial distribution, the PAs in the Pearl River Delta suffered from the highest intensity of light pollution. Specifically, the MNTL of PAs within the Pearl River Delta was 5.8 times and 2.8 times higher than that in northern Guangdong in 2000 and 2018, respectively. (3) There is a significant correlation between human activities and NTL in PAs within 100 km, and the most sensitive distance is within 40 km, especially the sensitivity within 20 km is much higher than that between 30-40 km. The findings of this study will provide a reference for the implementation of external lighting control and guidance measures to mitigate light pollution in protected areas in Guangdong Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benyan Jiang
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shan Li
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuli Zhang
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zihao Zheng
- School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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39
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Katabaro JM, Yan Y, Hu T, Yu Q, Cheng X. A review of the effects of artificial light at night in urban areas on the ecosystem level and the remedial measures. Front Public Health 2022; 10:969945. [PMID: 36299764 PMCID: PMC9589889 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.969945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper attempts to realize the balance between humans and ecology in designing the nighttime light environment of urban parks by clarifying the influence of nighttime artificial light on the ecosystem of urban parks. Firstly, we reviewed the effects of nighttime artificial light on individual predation and reproduction of animals and personal growth and reproduction of plants. Secondly, we discuss the impact of individual changes caused by artificial lighting on ecosystem function at the ecosystem and analyze its advantages and disadvantages. The results showed that nighttime artificial light had a double-sided impact on the ecosystem, which would hurt the ecosystem function, but had a positive effect on the green space, which lacked natural light and had high plant density. This paper focuses on the areas with increased application of artificial lighting and rich species of animals and plants in night cities, such as urban forest parks and urban green spaces. It discusses how to reduce the intrusion of artificial lighting on ecosystems and how to make better use of the positive effect of artificial light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Mushobozi Katabaro
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Mountainous City and Towns Construction and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yonghong Yan
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Mountainous City and Towns Construction and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Mountainous City and Towns Construction and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Yu
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Mountainous City and Towns Construction and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Mountainous City and Towns Construction and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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40
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Bruera MG, Benedetto MM, Guido ME, Degano AL, Contin MA. Glial cell response to constant low light exposure in rat retina. Vis Neurosci 2022; 39:E005. [PMID: 36164752 DOI: 10.1017/S0952523822000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To study the macroglia and microglia and the immune role in long-time light exposure in rat eyes, we performed glial cell characterization along the time-course of retinal degeneration induced by chronic exposure to low-intensity light. Animals were exposed to light for periods of 2, 4, 6, or 8 days, and the retinal glial response was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Retinal cells presented an increased expression of the macroglia marker GFAP, as well as increased mRNA levels of microglia markers Iba1 and CD68 after 6 days. Also, at this time-point, we found a higher number of Iba1-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer area; moreover, these cells showed the characteristic activated-microglia morphology. The expression levels of immune mediators TNF, IL-6, and chemokines CX3CR1 and CCL2 were also significantly increased after 6 days. All the events of glial activation occurred after 5-6 days of constant light exposure, when the number of photoreceptor cells has already decreased significantly. Herein, we demonstrated that glial and immune activation are secondary to neurodegeneration; in this scenario, our results suggest that photoreceptor death is an early event that occurs independently of glial-derived immune responses.
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41
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Owens ACS, Lewis SM. Artificial light impacts the mate success of female fireflies. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:220468. [PMID: 35958085 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6125244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic light pollution is a novel environmental disruption that affects the movement, foraging and mating behaviour of nocturnal animals. Most of these effects are sublethal, and their net impact on reproductive fitness and population persistence is often extrapolated from behavioural data. Without dedicated tracking of wild individuals, however, it is impossible to predict whether populations in light-polluted habitats will decline or, instead, move to shaded refuges. To disentangle these conflicting possibilities, we investigated how artificial light affects mating and movement in North American Photinus, a genus of bioluminescent fireflies known to experience courtship failure under artificial light. The degree to which artificial light reduced mate success depended on the intensity of the light treatment, its environmental context, and the temporal niche of the species in question. In the laboratory, direct exposure to artificial light completely prevented mating in semi-nocturnal Photinus obscurellus. In the field, artificial light had little impact on the movement or mate success of local Photinus pyralis and Photinus marginellus but strongly influenced mate location in Photinus greeni; all three species are relatively crepuscular. Our nuanced results suggest greater appreciation of behavioural diversity will help insect conservationists and dark sky advocates better target efforts to protect at-risk species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avalon C S Owens
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155-5801, USA
| | - Sara M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155-5801, USA
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42
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Owens ACS, Lewis SM. Artificial light impacts the mate success of female fireflies. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:220468. [PMID: 35958085 PMCID: PMC9364009 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic light pollution is a novel environmental disruption that affects the movement, foraging and mating behaviour of nocturnal animals. Most of these effects are sublethal, and their net impact on reproductive fitness and population persistence is often extrapolated from behavioural data. Without dedicated tracking of wild individuals, however, it is impossible to predict whether populations in light-polluted habitats will decline or, instead, move to shaded refuges. To disentangle these conflicting possibilities, we investigated how artificial light affects mating and movement in North American Photinus, a genus of bioluminescent fireflies known to experience courtship failure under artificial light. The degree to which artificial light reduced mate success depended on the intensity of the light treatment, its environmental context, and the temporal niche of the species in question. In the laboratory, direct exposure to artificial light completely prevented mating in semi-nocturnal Photinus obscurellus. In the field, artificial light had little impact on the movement or mate success of local Photinus pyralis and Photinus marginellus but strongly influenced mate location in Photinus greeni; all three species are relatively crepuscular. Our nuanced results suggest greater appreciation of behavioural diversity will help insect conservationists and dark sky advocates better target efforts to protect at-risk species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara M. Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155-5801, USA
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43
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Mayer-Pinto M, Jones TM, Swearer SE, Robert KA, Bolton D, Aulsebrook AE, Dafforn KA, Dickerson AL, Dimovski AM, Hubbard N, McLay LK, Pendoley K, Poore AG, Thums M, Willmott NJ, Yokochi K, Fobert EK. Light pollution: a landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration. UCL Open Environ 2022; 4:e036. [PMID: 37228454 PMCID: PMC10171420 DOI: 10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial, marine and freshwater realms are inherently linked through ecological, biogeochemical and/or physical processes. An understanding of these connections is critical to optimise management strategies and ensure the ongoing resilience of ecosystems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global stressor that can profoundly affect a wide range of organisms and habitats and impact multiple realms. Despite this, current management practices for light pollution rarely consider connectivity between realms. Here we discuss the ways in which ALAN can have cross-realm impacts and provide case studies for each example discussed. We identified three main ways in which ALAN can affect two or more realms: 1) impacts on species that have life cycles and/or stages in two or more realms, such as diadromous fish that cross realms during ontogenetic migrations and many terrestrial insects that have juvenile phases of the life cycle in aquatic realms; 2) impacts on species interactions that occur across realm boundaries, and 3) impacts on transition zones or ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. We then propose a framework for cross-realm management of light pollution and discuss current challenges and potential solutions to increase the uptake of a cross-realm approach for ALAN management. We argue that the strengthening and formalisation of professional networks that involve academics, lighting practitioners, environmental managers and regulators that work in multiple realms is essential to provide an integrated approach to light pollution. Networks that have a strong multi-realm and multi-disciplinary focus are important as they enable a holistic understanding of issues related to ALAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Theresa M. Jones
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen E. Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC), School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kylie A. Robert
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Damon Bolton
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anne E. Aulsebrook
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen 82319, Germany
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ashton L. Dickerson
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Alicia M. Dimovski
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Niki Hubbard
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lucy K. McLay
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Kellie Pendoley
- Pendoley Environmental Pty Ltd, 12A Pitt Way, Booragoon, WA 6154, Australia
| | - Alistair G.B. Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michele Thums
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nikolas J. Willmott
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kaori Yokochi
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Emily K. Fobert
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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44
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Liu Y, Speißer B, Knop E, van Kleunen M. The Matthew effect: Common species become more common and rare ones become more rare in response to artificial light at night. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:3674-3682. [PMID: 35152520 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been and still is rapidly spreading and has become an important component of global change. Although numerous studies have tested its potential biological and ecological impacts on animals, very few studies have tested whether it affects alien and native plants differently. Furthermore, common plant species, and particularly common alien species, are often found to benefit more from additional resources than rare native and rare alien species. Whether this is also the case with regard to increasing light due to ALAN is still unknown. Here, we tested how ALAN affected the performance of common and rare alien and native plant species in Germany directly, and indirectly via flying insects. We grew five common alien, six rare alien, five common native, and four rare native plant species under four combinations of two ALAN (no ALAN vs. ALAN) and two insect-exclusion (no exclusion vs. exclusion) treatments, and compared their biomass production. We found that common plant species, irrespective of their origin, produced significantly more biomass than rare species and that this was particularly true under ALAN. Furthermore, alien species tended to show a slightly stronger positive response to ALAN than native species did (p = .079). Our study shows that common plant species benefited more from ALAN than rare ones. This might lead to competitive exclusion of rare species, which could have cascading impacts on other trophic levels and thus have important community-wide consequences when ALAN becomes more widespread. In addition, the slightly more positive response of alien species indicates that ALAN might increase the risk of alien plant invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Benedikt Speißer
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Eva Knop
- Agroscope, Agroecology and Environment, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark van Kleunen
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
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45
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Meng L, Zhou Y, Román MO, Stokes EC, Wang Z, Asrar GR, Mao J, Richardson AD, Gu L, Wang Y. Artificial light at night: an underappreciated effect on phenology of deciduous woody plants. PNAS Nexus 2022; 1:pgac046. [PMID: 36713313 PMCID: PMC9802268 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN), an increasing anthropogenic driver, is widespread and shows rapid expansion with potential adverse impact on the terrestrial ecosystem. However, whether and to what extent does ALAN affect plant phenology, a critical factor influencing the timing of terrestrial ecosystem processes, remains unexplored due to limited ALAN observation. Here, we used the Black Marble ALAN product and phenology observations from USA National Phenology Network to investigate the impact of ALAN on deciduous woody plants phenology in the conterminous United States. We found that (1) ALAN significantly advanced the date of breaking leaf buds by 8.9 ± 6.9 days (mean ± SD) and delayed the coloring of leaves by 6.0 ± 11.9 days on average; (2) the magnitude of phenological changes was significantly correlated with the intensity of ALAN (P < 0.001); and (3) there was an interaction between ALAN and temperature on the coloring of leaves, but not on breaking leaf buds. We further showed that under future climate warming scenarios, ALAN will accelerate the advance in breaking leaf buds but exert a more complex effect on the coloring of leaves. This study suggests intensified ALAN may have far-reaching but underappreciated consequences in disrupting key ecosystem functions and services, which requires an interdisciplinary approach to investigate. Developing lighting strategies that minimize the impact of ALAN on ecosystems, especially those embedded and surrounding major cities, is challenging but must be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Meng
- Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Yuyu Zhou
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: 3019 Agronomy Hall, 716 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011.
| | | | - Eleanor C Stokes
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA,NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
| | - Zhuosen Wang
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA,Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ghassem R Asrar
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA
| | - Jiafu Mao
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Andrew D Richardson
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA,Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Lianhong Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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46
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Aulsebrook AE, Jechow A, Krop-Benesch A, Kyba CCM, Longcore T, Perkin EK, van Grunsven RHA. Nocturnal lighting in animal research should be replicable and reflect relevant ecological conditions. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220035. [PMID: 35291885 PMCID: PMC8923816 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, light is a key driver of animal behaviour and physiology. When studying captive or laboratory animals, researchers usually expose animals to a period of darkness, to mimic night. However, ‘darkness’ is often poorly quantified and its importance is generally underappreciated in animal research. Even small differences in nocturnal light conditions can influence biology. When light levels during the dark phase are not reported accurately, experiments can be impossible to replicate and compare. Furthermore, when nocturnal light levels are unrealistically dark or bright, the research is less ecologically relevant. Such issues are exacerbated by huge differences in the sensitivity of different light meters, which are not always described in study methods. We argue that nocturnal light levels need to be reported clearly and precisely, particularly in studies of animals housed indoors (e.g. ‘<0.03 lux’ rather than ‘0 lux’ or ‘dark’), and that these light levels should reflect conditions that the animal would experience in a natural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Aulsebrook
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Andreas Jechow
- Community and Ecosystem Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, GFZ German Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Christopher C M Kyba
- Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, GFZ German Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Travis Longcore
- UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Roy H A van Grunsven
- Dutch Butterfly Conservation, Mennonietenweg 10, 6702 AD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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47
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Menéndez-Velázquez A, Morales D, García-Delgado AB. Light Pollution and Circadian Misalignment: A Healthy, Blue-Free, White Light-Emitting Diode to Avoid Chronodisruption. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031849. [PMID: 35162871 PMCID: PMC8835293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight has participated in the development of all life forms on Earth. The micro-world and the daily rhythms of plants and animals are strongly regulated by the light-dark rhythm. Human beings have followed this pattern for thousands of years. The discovery and development of artificial light sources eliminated the workings of this physiological clock. The world's current external environment is full of light pollution. In many electrical light bulbs used today and considered "environmentally friendly," such as LED devices, electrical energy is converted into short-wavelength illumination that we have not experienced in the past. Such illumination effectively becomes "biological light pollution" and disrupts our pineal melatonin production. The suppression of melatonin at night alters our circadian rhythms (biological rhythms with a periodicity of 24 h). This alteration is known as chronodisruption and is associated with numerous diseases. In this article, we present a blue-free WLED (white light-emitting diode) that can avoid chronodisruption and preserve circadian rhythms. This WLED also maintains the spectral quality of light measured through parameters such as CRI (color reproduction index).
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48
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Sarmiento J, Pulgar R, Mandakovic D, Porras O, Flores CA, Luco D, Trujillo CA, Díaz-Esquivel B, Alvarez C, Acevedo A, Catalán MA. Nocturnal Light Pollution Induces Weight Gain in Mice and Reshapes the Structure, Functions, and Interactions of Their Colonic Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1673. [PMID: 35163595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the daily variation in the ecology of the intestinal microbiota is tightly coupled to the circadian rhythm of the host. On the other hand, a close correlation between increased body weight and light pollution at night has been reported in humans and animal models. However, the mechanisms underlying such weight gain in response to light contamination at night remain elusive. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that dim light pollution at night alters the colonic microbiota of mice, which could correlate with weight gain in the animals. By developing an experimental protocol using a mouse model that mimics light contamination at night in urban residences (dLAN, dim light at night), we found that mice exposed to dLAN showed a significant weight gain compared with mice exposed to control standard light/dark (LD) photoperiod. To identify possible changes in the microbiota, we sampled two stages from the resting period of the circadian cycle of mice (ZT0 and ZT10) and evaluated them by high-throughput sequencing technology. Our results indicated that microbial diversity significantly differed between ZT0 and ZT10 in both LD and dLAN samples and that dLAN treatment impacted the taxonomic composition, functions, and interactions of mouse colonic microbiota. Together, these results show that bacterial taxa and microbial metabolic pathways might be involved with the mechanisms underlying weight gain in mice subjected to light contamination at night.
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49
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Willems JS, Phillips JN, Francis CD. Artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise alter the foraging activity and structure of vertebrate communities. Sci Total Environ 2022; 805:150223. [PMID: 34537710 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Light and noise pollution from human activity are increasing at a dramatic rate. These sensory stimuli can have a wide range of effects on animal behavior, reproductive success, and physiology. However, less is known about the functional and community-level consequences of these sensory pollutants, especially when they co-occur. Using camera traps in a manipulative field experiment, we studied the effects of anthropogenic light and noise, singularly and in tandem, on richness and community turnover at both the taxa and functional group level as well as foraging activity. We showed that both light and noise pollution did alter taxonomic richness and that these effects can differ depending on the scale of observation. Increases in light levels had a negative effect on richness at the camera-level scale, but light-treated sites had the highest pooled (i.e., cumulative) richness of all treatment types. In contrast, noise was found to have a negative effect on cumulative richness; however, when both stimuli were present, the addition of night-lighting mitigated the effects of noise. Artificial light and moonlight had the strongest influence on community turnover, and results remained consistent at both the taxa and functional group level. Additionally, increases in ambient noise and moonlight, but not artificial light, reduced foraging activity. Our study provides evidence that alterations to the sensory environment can alter the richness and composition of communities and that effects can be scale-dependent and also alter foraging behavior. Unexpectedly, the addition of artificial light may have mitigated the negative effects of noise on cumulative taxonomic richness. This highlights the importance of researching the consequences of co-exposure to these globally common pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Willems
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.
| | - Jennifer N Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA; Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78224, USA
| | - Clinton D Francis
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA; Communication and Social Behavior Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
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50
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Xing L, Wu S, Shi Y, Yue F, Wei L, Russell R, Zhang D. Chronic constant light exposure aggravates high fat diet-induced renal injury in rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:900392. [PMID: 35966094 PMCID: PMC9372432 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.900392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity-related kidney disease is now recognized as a global health issue, with a substantial number of patients developing progressive renal failure and end-stage renal disease. Interestingly, recent studies indicate light pollution is a novel environmental risk factor for chronic kidney disease. However, the impact of light pollution on obesity-related kidney disease remains largely unknown, with its underlying mechanism insufficiently explained. Renal hypoxia induced factor 1α (HIF1α) is critical in the development of glomerulosclerosis and renal fibrosis. The present study explored effects of constant light exposure on high fat diet (HFD) -induced renal injury and its association with HIF1α signal pathway. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to diet (HFD or normal chow diet) and light cycles (light/dark or constant light). After 16 weeks treatment, rats were sacrificed and pathophysiological assessments were performed. In normal chow fed rats, constant light exposure led to glucose abnormalities and dyslipidemia. In HFD fed rats, constant light exposure exacerbated obesity, glucose abnormalities, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, renal functional decline, proteinuria, glomerulomegaly, renal inflammation and fibrosis. And, constant light exposure caused an increase in HIF1α and a decrease in prolyl hydroxylase domain 1 (PHD1) and PHD2 expression in kidneys of HFD-fed rats. Then, we demonstrated that BMAL1 bound directly to the promoters of PHD1 in mouse podocyte clone 5 cell line (MPC5) by ChIP assays. In conclusion, chronic constant light exposure aggravates HFD-induced renal injuries in rats, and it is associated with activation of HIF1α signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xing
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanyu Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fangzhi Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ryan Russell
- Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Health Professions, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Dongmei Zhang,
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