Berger-Parker Dominance Index Research Articles

The nature of vegetation cover and small mammal community structure (on the example of Nizhny Novgorod)

The spatial distribution of Apodemus species (yellow-necked, field, and small forest mice) was studied on the example of the protected area «Oak forest of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod Botanical Garden». Twelve plant associations with non-moral character and representing derivatives of the indigenous type of vegetation were studied. Environmental conditions assessed by the Ellenberg phytoindication method affect the distribution of small mammals in space indirectly. The nature of vegetation cover is more significant. When projective cover increases, the abundance of both small woodland and field mice increases. The strategy of Apodemus agrarius appears to be similar to that of Apodemus uralensis, a species that shows stenobiontic traits in the studied PA. At the same time, insignificant anthropogenic load, a marker of which is the presence of Urtica dioica ruderal species, leads to an increase in the mosaic of vegetation cover, which has a positive effect on the abundance of these small mammal species. A moderate increase in the Berger-Parker dominance index for vegetation cover is positively associated with the confinement of micromammals. In addition, in the conditions of the recreational zone of the upland part of N. Novgorod, Apodemus agrarius prefers areas of old-growth broadleaved forest, not showing the features of anthropophily.

Antibiotic resistance, bacterial transmission and improved prediction of bacterial infection in patients with antibody deficiency

Abstract Background Antibody-deficient patients are at high risk of respiratory tract infections. Many therefore receive antibiotic prophylaxis and have access to antibiotics for self-administration in the event of breakthrough infections, which may increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Objectives To understand AMR in the respiratory tract of patients with antibody deficiency. Methods Sputum samples were collected from antibody-deficient patients in a cross-sectional and prospective study; bacteriology culture, 16S rRNA profiling and PCR detecting macrolide resistance genes were performed. Bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF, antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and WGS of selected isolates was done using Illumina NextSeq with analysis for resistome and potential cross-transmission. Neutrophil elastase was measured by a ProteaseTag immunoassay. Results Three hundred and forty-three bacterial isolates from sputum of 43 patients were tested. Macrolide and tetracycline resistance were common (82% and 35% of isolates). erm(B) and mef(A) were the most frequent determinants of macrolide resistance. WGS revealed viridans streptococci as the source of AMR genes, of which 23% also carried conjugative plasmids linked with AMR genes and other mobile genetic elements. Phylogenetic analysis of Haemophilus influenzae isolates suggested possible transmission between patients attending clinic. In the prospective study, a negative correlation between sputum neutrophil elastase concentration and Shannon entropy α-diversity (Spearman’s ρ = −0.306, P = 0.005) and a positive relationship with Berger–Parker dominance index (ρ = 0.502, P < 0.001) were found. Similar relationships were noted for the change in elastase concentration between consecutive samples, increases in elastase associating with reduced α-diversity. Conclusions Measures to limit antibiotic usage and spread of AMR should be implemented in immunodeficiency clinics. Sputum neutrophil elastase may be a useful marker to guide use of antibiotics for respiratory infection.

Inventory of leafhoppers in irrigated rice in Tamil Nadu

Leafhoppers diversity was studied in irrigated rice ecosystems of Cauvery Delta Zone, High Rainfall Zone and Western Zone. Leafhopper assemblage comprised 14 species of Cicadellidae and among them Maiestas dorsalis (Motschulsky) was found to be the most abundant species (35.02%), followed by Cofana spectra (Distant) (23.15%). The order of species diversity in the observed districts were Western Zone (13 species) > High Rainfall Zone (8 species) > Cauvery Delta Zone (4 species). Shannon Weiner Index revealed a higher diversity in High Rainfall Zone and Western Zone (H'= 1.77 > 1.76). Margalef's Index of species richness was observed highest in Western Zone (a = 1.93). Pielou's Evenness Index was found to be almost similar for Western Zone (0.30) and Cauvery Delta Zone (0.29) while High Rainfall Zone exhibited highest evenness (0.37). Jaccard index of similarity of 50% (highest) was observed between Western Zone and Kanyakumari, Cauvery Delta Zone and High Rainfall Zone. Berger-Parker Index of dominance (D) revealed M. dorsalis to be the most dominant in Western Zone (0.25) and Cauvery Delta Zone (0.66) while High Rainfall Zone showed a high dominance of Nephotettix nigropictus (Stål) (0.27). Among the leafhoppers studied Balclutha incisa (Matsumura), Cicadulina bipunctata (Melichar), Empoascanara maculifrons (Motschulsky), Exitianus sp., Thomsonia porrecta (Walker) were recorded for the first time in rice ecosystem of Tamil Nadu. The present study will be a baseline information on the diversity of leafhoppers in irrigated rice of Tamil Nadu and will complement the data collected in the future to gain a holistic understanding on the leafhopper diversity of Tamil Nadu.

Diversity of water bugs (Hemiptera) over different landscapes in some provinces of Northern Vietnam

The studies involving water bugs (Hemiptera) biodiversity and ecology are very few and have mainly focused on taxonomy. We conducted research and evaluation of diversity indexes of water bugs (Hemiptera) in different landscapes including forest habitats, agricultural lands, ponds, streams from 16 sampling sites in Bac Kan, Lao Cai, Ninh Binh and Ha Tinh provinces. As a result, a total of 43 species of 23 genera of 10 families were recorded. The Shannon index (H′), the Simpson index (1-D), the Berger-Parker index of dominance, the Margalef index and the Fisher alpha index did not differ much between study sites. The evenness of water bugs (Hemiptera) was divided into 4 different main groups for 16 sampling sites. The Shannon index (H′), Simpson (1-D) index, species richness and individual rarefaction in forest habitats are higher than in agricultural land. However, the species richness was no different in ponds and streams.

Effect of Chlorantraniliprole on Beneficial Fauna Associated with Soybean Cultivation

Using insecticides on soybean (Glycine max, L.) may induce lethal and sublethal effects on beneficial fauna associated with soybean cultivation. In Argentina, the application of pesticides in extensive and intensive crops for weed and insect control has increased by more than 400 % over the last 20 years. This study aimed to determine the effect of chlorantraniliprole applied under field conditions on predators and parasitoids associated with Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Phytophagous and predatory organisms were recorded in chlorantraniliprole-treated and untreated field plots during the 2014-2015 crop season. R. nu larvae were collected, individually placed in Petri dishes, and reared in a conditioned growth chamber until adult Lepidoptera or parasitoids appeared. Data were analyzed with the generalized linear mixed model. In untreated plots, the parasitoid Copidosoma sp. reduced the R. nu population growth curve below the economic injury level. In chlorantraniliprole-treated fields, differences before and after application were significant (p > 0.05), indicating that the insecticide affected predators (Araneidae, Syrphidae, Hemiptera) and parasitoids (Hymenoptera). Additionally, the Berger-Parker dominance index showed parasitoids were more sensitive to chlorantraniliprole than predators. Future research on selective insecticides with other action modes would be needed to evaluate sublethal effects on natural enemies.

Invasive maize spotted stem borer Chilo partellus Swinhoe 1885 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the dominant pest in maize agro-system in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

• C. partellus was major stem borer in first crop according to the relative abundances. • The relative abundance of maize stem borers was similar in the second crop maize. • Crop season is fundamental driving factor influencing the distribution of stem borers. The maize spotted stem borer Chilo partellus Swinhoe 1885 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was recorded for the first time in Turkey in 2014. This pest is described as invasive, especially in the current climate change dispensation. It is important to investigate the population dynamics of C. partellus for better management practices. We studied the species abundance distribution (SAD) models and some biodiversity indices of three major stem bores, C . partellus , Ostrinia nubilalis and Sesamia nonagrioides as these are the most common and major stem borers of maize in the Mediterranean Region. With the help of light traps, weekly catches of the three major maize stem borers were collected during two maize growing seasons (first cropping and second cropping seasons) in 2018 and 2019. The results showed that C . partellus emerged earlier (April-May) and was very dominant throughout the first cropping season of maize. Ostrinia nubilalis and S . nonagrioides emerged late in June-July, and its population remained low throughout the first cropping season. The population structure of all three stem borers was similar throughout the second cropping season of maize. The relative abundance (RA) of C . partellus was significantly higher than that of O . nubilalis and S . nonagrioides in the first cropping ( p < .0001) when compared to the second cropping season ( p > .05) for both years. In the first cropping season for both years, no SAD model fitted the observed species distribution, although Fisher’s log series was relatively similar. In the second cropping for both years, the geometric series distribution model fitted the observed SAD. The Berger-Parker dominance index was greater for the first cropping season than that of the second, whereas the opposite was true for the Simpson’s evenness and evenness of Pielou. High RA of C . partellus and the geometric series distribution observed in the second cropping are indicative of a possible dominant status of the C . partellus in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Our findings indicated that seasonality is a fundamental driving factor influencing the distribution of the three major stem borers of maize in the Mediterranean Region. In addition, the long and warmer winters could be the reason for the dominance of C . partellus as indicated by the diversity indices.

Study of the helminth fauna in eagle owl (Bubo bubo) in the south of Spain.

In this study we show the results of the eagle owls’ (Bubo bubo) helminthfauna found in Andalusia. A total number of 50 specimens have been analysed in a period of 10 years (from 2011 to 2020). Prevalence (), mean intensity (IM) and mean abundance (AM) of parasitation have been obtained. The percentage of parasitation in the total sample was 80% (40 out of 50 eagle owls): 78% nematodes, 8% trematodes, 6% cestodes and 4% acantocephalans. 7 species of helminths were identified: 6 nematodes, and 1 trematode. In the case of cestodes and acantocephalans it was not possible to determine species and only the genus was identified.The intestinal nematode Capillaria tenuissima ( = 58% (44–71.2); IM = 11,52 (5.83–28.9)) was the core species whereas Synhimantus laticeps (P% = 16 (7.5–28.8); IM = 4 (1.75–7.25)) and Hartertia hispanica (P% = 16 (7.5–28.8); IM = 1,5 (1–2)) were the secondary species. The remainder species were considered satellite species, with low prevalence and average abundance. Likewise, descriptive parameters of the helminth community were determined: species richness, 1.56 (1.29–1.94), total abundance, 12 (7.24–26.40), Brillouin's diversity index, 0.18 (0.10–0.29) and Berger-Parker dominance index, 0.88 (0.81–0.93).The data from this study show a non-diverse helminthic community, without species dominance with C. tenuissima as the central species, followed by S. laticeps and H. hispanica as secondary species. Worth mentioning is the presence of H. hispanica, which is considered an endemic species in Spain and specifically in Andalusia.To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest population sample taken in parasitological studies about helminths of this raptor in Europe and the first one carried out in the south of Spain (Andalusia).

Dominance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is key for Mongolian steppe management under livestock grazing, as indicated by ecosystem multifunctionality

Livestock grazing of drylands supports millions of livelihoods worldwide; however, overgrazing causes severe biodiversity loss and degrades ecosystem functions. Understanding the effects of grazing intensity, aridity, and soil microbes is required for sustainable management. Here, we focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in soils and roots and examined their relationship with ecosystem multifunctionality under livestock grazing of Mongolian grasslands with different aridity levels. Above- and below-ground plant biomass were used to measure ecosystem-service multifunctionality, excluding annual plants that are unfavorable for ecosystem function and rangeland management. In both mountain forest steppe (mean annual precipitation = 207.7 mm) and steppe–desert steppe transition zone (mean annual precipitation = 128.4 mm), ecosystem multifunctionality was decreased by livestock grazing, as indicated by palatable plant shoot biomass. In line with the multifunctionality, the dominant plant species, Stipa krylovii, and AM plant biomass were decreased by livestock grazing. The Berger–Parker dominance index of soil AM fungi and Simpson’s diversity had a positive and negative relationship with multifunctionality, respectively, indicating that dominant AM fungi rather than AM fungal diversity in soil are key for maintaining multifunctionality. Root and soil AM fungal communities were significantly different with dominance of Rhizophagus operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in roots and Claroideoglomus OTUs in soil. However, the similarity between soil and root AM fungal communities increased with livestock grazing. Correlation analysis between palatable plant biomass and relative abundance of dominant AM fungal OTUs identified indicator virtual taxa that decreased (VTX00325 in roots, and VTX00165, VTX00214, and VTX00222 in soil) or increased (VTX00100, VTX00130, and VTX00295 in soil) with grazing intensity. The OTUs that were increased by grazing may be r-selected, grazing-tolerant AM fungi that accept a low C supply and supply few nutrients to plants. Our results suggest that grassland management focusing on ecosystem-service multifunctionality via control of AM plants, including S. krylovii and their co-dominant dominant AM fungi, in ungrazed grasslands are key for sustainable rangeland management in Mongolia.

Intestinal Helminth Communities of Grey Partridge Perdix perdix and Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus in Poland.

Simple SummaryThe presence of intestinal parasites such as nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes is a serious problem for programmes for the conservation of partridges and pheasants, mainly involving the breeding of these birds and their release into the natural environment. These parasites can cause disease in these birds, whether farmed or free-living. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of parasitic worms in the partridge, native to Poland, and the introduced pheasant, and to determine the level of infection of these birds with intestinal parasitic worms. The study showed that partridges are infected with several helminth species that had not previously been recorded in this species in Poland. Pheasants are more often infected by intestinal nematodes than are partridges. These worms can negatively affect the condition of partridges and increase their risk of infection with pathogenic protozoa. The results of parasitological examination should be used to develop programmes for diagnosis and monitoring of parasitic infections in order to keep flocks free of parasites.The aim of this study was to describe the morphology and means of identification of helminths in native partridges (65) and introduced pheasants (32) in Poland and to determine the level of intestinal infection of these birds by helminths using parasitological and ecological indices. The birds were acquired during the hunting season in the years 2015–2017. Nematodes, Capillaria phasianina, cestodes, Railietina friedbergeri, and one trematode, Brachylaima sp. were recorded for the first time in partridges in Poland. Our findings indicate that parasites are more prevalent in pheasants (prevalence 70.4%) than in partridges (prevalence 50.0%). The component community and infracommunity of parasites of partridges are more diverse (Simpson’s diversity index: 0.63 and mean Brillouin diversity index: 0.10 ± 0.17) and less dominated by a single parasite species (Capillaria sp., Berger-Parker dominance index: 0.53) than the pheasant parasite community (Simpson’s diversity index: 0.07, mean Brillouin diversity index: 0.005 ± 0.02, dominant species Heterakis gallinarum, Berger-Parker dominance index: 0.96). There were statistically significant differences between partridges and pheasants in the Brillouin diversity index and in the prevalence of Heterakis gallinarum (55.6% in pheasants vs. 19.0 in partridges). There were significant differences between wild and farmed partridges in the prevalence of infection by Capillaria sp. (4.3% vs. 37.5%) and H. gallinarum (39.1 vs. 6.2%). In conclusion, the pheasant was shown to be a reservoir, carrier, and shedder of nematodes, which may increase the risk of infection in partridges.

Diversity and composition of the spider fauna in a semideciduous Atlantic forest area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

ABSTRACT This spider survey of a semidecidual forest area in the city of Mendes, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, aims to increase the scant knowledge about spider communities in this Brazilian ecosystem. Samples were taken over a year, once every three months, in four different sites with seven sampling methods. An overall of 457 species/morphoespecies were recorded in 47 families, corresponding to 10,541 individuals sampled. Families with highest number of species were Theridiidae (91), Araneidae (72), and Salticidae (55). Families with highest abundance were Theridiidae (2,829 specimens), Pholcidae (2,328), and Araneidae (1,263). Most abundant species were Mesabolivar togatus(534), Carapoia lutea(499 individuals), and Cryptachaea digitus (387). Species accumulation curves indicate a minimum of 513 (Bootstrap) and a maximum of 653 species (Jackknife2) for sampled areas. Total Berger-Parker dominance index was low, 0.051, varying from 0.042 to 0.076, while total Pielou equitability Index was high, 0.805, ranging from 0.744 to 0.800. Total Shannon-Wiener diversity index was relatively high, 4.931, ranging from 4.559 to 4.899. The complex, very diverse and relatively well-structured spider community found in Mendes is remarkable, especially in an area with predominantly secondary forests and high anthropic influence.

Birds diversity and faunogenetic structure of avifauna in forests parks of two megalopolises (Ukraine)

Background. In the 21st century, landscape transformation processes are underway in large cities, which affects the stability of wildlife habitats. Habitat transformations often reduce species richness due to a decrease in the population sizes of some species, and therefore, small in number and rare species are eliminated from bird communities. Rare species can have unique consortive relationships, which makes them particularly important for the long-term ecosystem functioning. A study of the avifauna of forest parks makes it possible to develop an algorithm for the coexistence of human and birds. Methods. The number and distribution of birds were determined by route counting. The total length of the fixed route was 5.7 km in Kyiv and 3.5 km in Kharkiv. On each route, observations were carried out annually with three repetitions during the nesting period when the birds are most attached to their habitats (end of April–May–June). The average data for the total study period (2013–2017) were calculated for each city. For the average number, the standard deviation was calculated. An analysis of the faunogenetic structure of avifauna was carried out according to the method developed by V.P. Belik. A faunogenetic complex is a group of animal species associated by a common origin with ecosystems of a certain landscape-geographical zone. We also classified bird species into ecological groups according to the patterns of microhabitat choice. To compare the α-diversity of bird in the forest-park zones of cities, a number of commonly accepted indices that express the correlation between the number and density of species were calculated: 1) Berger–Parker dominance index: DBP = Nimax / N; 2) Shannon diversity index: H´ = -∑(Pi × LnPi); 3) Pielou evenness index: E = H´ / LnS; where: Nі– the number of each species; Nimax – the maximum value of Nі; N = ∑Ni – the total number of all species (pairs/km); Pi = Ni / N – the ratio of each species; S – total number of the species. Results. The study presents a comparative analysis of diversity and faunogenetic structure of avifauna in the forest park zones of Kyiv and Kharkiv, inhabited by 71 breeding species of birds that belong to 10 orders. In the eastern region, the proportion of birds of the boreal and the European forest-steppe complex decreases, but the share of the desert-mountain complex increases. The fauna of the European nemoral complex dominates (32.8 % in Kyiv and 40.4 % in Kharkiv). The basis of the communities are dendrophils: 83.6 % (n = 67) in Kyiv and 82.7 % (n = 52) in Kharkiv. The dominant species in all forest parks are the great tit (Parus major) and chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). Conclusions. The differences in the faunogenetic structure of bird communities are due to the proximity of model forest parks on the territory of Kyiv to the forest natural geographical zone, and on the territory of Kharkiv to the steppe, which leads in the eastern region to a decrease in the proportion of birds of the boreal and the European forest-steppe complex while the proportion of desert-mountain complex increases. Dendrophils predominate significantly, and the share of sclerophils and limnophils in total is less than 20 % of the bird community in the forest parks of each city. As a consequence of the fragmentation of the Kiev forest park zone, the diversity of nesting birds communities in the forest-park zone of Kyiv is slightly lower than of Kharkiv, and the pressure of the dominant species is more significant.

Стан мікробіоти порожнини товстого кишечника у хворих на цукровий діабет 1-го типу залежно від тяжкості клінічного перебігу

Вступ. Цукровий діабет (ЦД) 1-го типу призводить до розвитку та несприятливого клінічного перебігу хронічних запальних захворювань, у тому числі і лор-органів. Мета дослідження: вивчити видовий склад і популяційний рівень мікрофлори вмісту порожнини товстої кишки хворих на ЦД 1-го типу залежно від тяжкості його клінічного перебігу. Матеріали і методи. Бактеріологічним і мікологічним методами проведено обстеження вмісту порожнини товстої кишки у 50 хворих на ЦД 1-го типу віком від 15 до 60 років, середнього і тяжкого ступенів клінічного перебігу, а також у 30 практично здорових людей такого ж віку, які вважали себе здоровими і не хворіли на будь-яку патологію протягом останніх 6 місяців. З 50 хворих у 39 діагностований ЦД тяжкої форми, а в 11 — клінічний перебіг середнього ступеня тяжкості. Результати. При середньому і тяжкому перебігу ЦД 1-го типу у вмісті порожнини товстої кишки формується дефіцит автохтонних, найважливіших за представництвом у товстокишковому мікробіоценозі анаеробних бактерій роду Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Peptostreptococcus, Enterococcus. На такому тлі настає контамінація порожнини товстої кишки патогенними (E.coli Hly+, ентеропатогенні кишкові палички) та умовно-патогенними (Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Serratia, Proteus) ентеробактеріями, а також умовно-патогенними бактеріями роду Bacteroides, Clostridium, P.niger, Staphylococcus і дріжджоподібними грибами роду Candida, шо досягають високого популяційного рівня. Висновки. У мікробіоценозі порожнини товстої кишки хворих на ЦД 1-го типу суттєво зростає рівень ентеротоксигенних і ентеротоксичних (61,38 %) та умовно-патогенних бактерій (71,24 %). Зміна видового складу, індексу домінування Бергера — Паркера, індексу постійності призводить до зміни ролі кожного компонента мікробіоценозу порожнини товстої кишки хворих на ЦД 1-го типу як із середнім, так і більшою мірою з тяжким ступенем перебігу. У хворих на ЦД 1-го типу середнього та тяжкого перебігу в порожнині товстої кишки відзначається виражений (р &lt; 0,05–0,001) дефіцит облігатних бактерій роду Bifidobacterium — на 50,04 %, Lactobacillus — на 34,82 %, Peptostreptococcus — на 16,0 %, Enterococcus — на 11,68 %. З поглибленням тяжкості клінічного перебігу посилюється дефіцит та прогнозується чітка картина зниження ролі біфідо- та лактобактерій у товстокишковому мікробіоценозі. Отримані дані є підставою для вивчення ефективності пробіотиків у комплексному лікуванні хворих на ЦД 1-го типу до, після та через 3 місяці після лікування на основі аналізу видового складу і популяційного рівня мікрофлори вмісту порожнини товстої кишки, а також для розробки лікувальної тактики гнійних синуїтів у пацієнтів з ЦД 1-го типу із включенням у схеми комплексного лікування пробіотиків.

Helminths of the Antarctic dragonfish, Parachaenichthys charcoti (Perciformes, Notothenioidei, Bathydraconidae) Studied near Galindez Island (Argentine Islands, West Antarctica).

The Antarctic dragonfish, Parachaenichthys charcoti is a notothenioid teleost fish endemic to the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. It is a relatively rare fish species; therefore, published data on the parasite communities of P. charcoti are limited. The present study was performed on the Ukrainian Antarctic Station "Akademik Vernadsky", Argentine Islands, West Antarctica and the purpose was to examine the species diversity of the parasites of P. charcoti and to identify the parameters of helminth infection and helminth component community. Fifteen specimens of P. charcoti were caught at a depth of 10-30 m and examined using standard parasitological techniques. All helminths (6251 specimens) were collected manually, fixed in 70% ethanol and identified based on their morphology. All examined specimens of P. charcoti were found to be infected with helminths; each fish harboured 10-20 helminth species (mean 13.2; median 13) and 237-804 helminth specimens (mean 417; median 401). Twenty-seven helminth species were found, including nine species of trematodes, 4 of cestodes, 4 of nematodes and 10 of acanthocephalans. P. charcoti is the definitive host for 11 out of 27 helminth species recorded. In the helminth component community, the diversity indices were 2.03 (Shannon's index) and 0.79 (Simpson's index); Pielou evenness index was 0.61, and Berger-Parker dominance index was 0.38. Our results indicate a high species diversity and complex structure of the helminth community in Antarctic dragonfish P. charcoti in the Argentine Islands.

Endophytic fungal diversity associated with roots of Angelica glauca: An endangered medicinal plant of Northwest Himalaya

Angelica glauca Edgew. is an endangered medicinal plant species that is known for its roots containing valuable essential oil. It is overexploited for its roots and has become endangered and nearing its threshold. This study is aimed at exploring the endophytic fungal diversity associated with its roots to further study the conservation aspects with the help of the interaction of host plant species and endophytes. About 24 different root fungal endophyte species were isolated among which Geotrichum candidum (32.03 ± 7.95 %) was found to be the most dominant followed by Fusarium oxysporum (11.49 ± 21.69 %). The average root colonization of all the endophytes in all four collection fields was 61.195 ± 9.67 % wherein the maximum colonization was observed in wild root samples (74%) and the least root colonization by fungal endophytes was observed in two years old cultivated plants root system (52.36%). Positive Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.801) was observed between the samples/fields and root colonization by fungal endophytes, indicating the colonization increases in roots as the age of plant species advances. Both the Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) and Shannon Wiener diversity index (H) indicate relatively lower diversity in Field 3 (D = 0.43 &amp; H = 1.07) and Field 4 (D = 0.57 &amp; H = 0.97) i.e. in two years old plantations and wild plants. Menhinick Index (Dmn) and Margalef Richness Index (Mf) are based on species richness, and both of them indicate Field 3 (Dmn = 0.95 &amp; Mf = 2.04) to be the richest. Both Buzas and Gibson’s Index (E) and Equitability Index (EH) are a measure of evenness and yield similar results viz. Field 1 (one year old plantations) (E = 0.65 &amp; EH = 0.76) and Field 4 (E = 0.66 &amp; EH = 0.70) being the most even in terms of species distribution. Berger-Parker Dominance Index (B) shows field 3 (B = 0.75) having the highest values.

Acridomorpha (Orthoptera) species associated with the protected wetlands of Santa Luc&amp;iacute;a, Montevideo, Uruguay

The diversity of Acridomorpha in protected areas of Uruguay has been little studied to date. In the protected wetlands of Humedales de Santa Luc&amp;iacute;a in the Montevideo Department, we made monthly surveys from December 2012 to March 2013. Sampling was conducted with entomological nets and by hand. We collected 1216 individuals of 26 different species belonging to seven subfamilies. Gomphocerinae and Melanoplinae were the most abundant, accounting for 71% and 16% of the individuals respectively. The Shannon index showed a medium diversity, but the Berger-Parker dominance index and Pielou equitativity index indicate a slight dominance of the acridomorph community studied. This is probably because five species accounted for 87% of the individuals collected. Although our results are similar to previous studies of acridomorph communities in grasslands of the region, our study, the first of this kind for this ecosystem in Uruguay, will be important for the conservation of this protected area.

Temporal variation and ecological parameters of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) in savannahs in the Alter do Chão protection area, Santarém, Pará, Brazil

This study evaluated the seasonality of Sphingidae spp. in two areas of savannah, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, sampled for one year (June, 2014 through May, 2015) with the aid of Pennsylvania light traps placed at four sampling points. Data on fauna were obtained through the following parameters: abundance (N), richness (S), composition, Shannon diversity and uniformity indices (H’ and U’), and the Berger-Parker (BP) dominance index. Richness estimates were calculated using Bootstrap, Chao1, ACE, Jackknife 1, and Jackknife2 estimators. The Pearson correlation was also used to analyze the effect of climatic variables such as rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity on richness and abundance. The result for the parameters analyzed during the entire sampling period was N= 374, S= 34, H’= 2.59, U= 0.733 and BP= 0.235. The estimation of richness showed that between 63% and 87% of expected species were collected (Bootstrap estimated 39 species and Chao1 estimated 54). The most representative species were: Isognathus caricae (Linnaeus, 1758) (N= 88), Enyo lugubris lugubris (Linnaeus, 1771) (N= 58), Isognathus menechus (Boisduval, [1875]) (N= 46) and Cocytius duponchel (Poey, 1832) (N= 44), with 54% of the sample containing species considered rare divided into 298 male and 76 female specimens. For climatic variables, there was a moderate positive correlation only between abundance and temperature. The less-rainy period presented greater richness (S= 26) and abundance (N= 222), and the rainy period had better indices for H’ (2.55), U (8.01), and BP (0.230). The richness estimator Jackknife 2 was the best estimator in both sampling periods with 34 in the less-rainy period and 45 in the rainy period. The richness and abundance obtained in this study contribute significantly to the knowledge of Sphingidae fauna in an area of Amazonian savannahs.

Comparative phytosociological assessment of three terrestrial ecosystems of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Phytosociological studies were conducted in three vegetation types in the WS II area of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. In each vegetation type, 85 quadrats (10 x 10 m) were laid to quantify the vegetation. Natural forest showed comparatively higher species richness than plantation and vayal (swamps/low lying grassland). In natural forest 96 plant species were present while it was 70 and 66 respectively in plantation and vayal. Fabaceae was the dominant family in all the three vegetation types. The natural forest was dominated by Chromolaena odorata, followed by Lantana camara, Mimosa pudica, Terminalia elliptica, Glycosmis pentaphylla. In the plantations, Chromolaena odorata, Tectona grandis, Mimosa pudica and Glycosmis pentaphylla showed dominance. The vayal was dominated by Arundinella leptochloa. The second most dominant species in the vayal was Chromolaena odorata. Other dominant species were Kyllinga nemoralis and Sporobolus tenuissimus. Among the three, vayal recorded the highest Simpson Diversity Index. The highest Berger-Parker Dominance Index value in plantation indicates the presence of dominant species. Natural forests recorded highest Margalef Richness Index and the least was in vayal. The highest Pielou’s Wiener Equitability Index in vayal indicated all species are evenly distributed.&#x0D;

Pulmonary Microbiome Changes in Lung Transplant Recipients with Gastroesophageal Reflux

The pulmonary microbiome modulates the immune milieu in the lung allograft and is in turn influenced by external factors such as microaspiration of oropharyngeal contents. A potential driver of microaspiration is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which has been associated with poor outcomes after lung transplantation. We aimed to compare the pulmonary microbiome in lung transplant recipients with and without GERD, and correlate microbial composition with concurrent lung inflammation. We selected 22 GERD patients and 49 no-GERD controls from adult lung transplant recipients with 24-hour pH-impedance testing and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) collection at 3 months post-transplant. BAL microbial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ten inflammatory protein markers in BAL were measured by multiplex assay. Baseline patient characteristics including age, sex, primary disease, and transplant type were comparable between GERD and no-GERD groups. Shannon diversity index was lower (MD=-0.33, p=0.04), while Berger-Parker dominance index was higher (MD=0.10, p=0.03), in GERD patients compared to no-GERD controls. Hierarchical clustering of all samples by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity identified three distinct pneumotypes (Figure 1). GERD was significantly associated with one of these pneumotypes, PT1, which was enriched in multiple anaerobic oropharyngeal taxa including Prevotella and Veillonella. In GERD patients, the presence of PT1 compared to all others was associated with higher levels of IL-8 (p=0.03). At time of GERD diagnosis, lung transplant recipients are more likely to have a pulmonary microbiome lower in diversity and enriched in oropharyngeal taxa. These perturbations are consistent with microaspiration and may contribute to allograft inflammation. Future studies are warranted to assess how the pulmonary microbiome changes over time in the context of GERD and its correlation with rejection and long-term outcomes.

GEOGRAPHIC AND ECOLOGIC ASPECTS OF THE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF TREMATODES OF MALLARDS (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS) IN NORTHERN POLAND AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

Trematode infestation of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) varies between northern Poland and the Czech Republic. We determined the trematode fauna of juvenile and adult Mallards from Poland in 2010-16 (n=79 Mallards) and from the Czech Republic in 1964-2001 (n=296). Infracommunity diversity of trematodes from juvenile Mallards, defined by the Brillouin index and mean number of species, was significantly greater in Poland than it was in the Czech Republic. There were more species and greater biodiversity in the trematode communities of Mallards from Poland, where the environment is more natural and less altered by human activity than it is in the Czech Republic. In the trematode community of juvenile Mallards, the Simpson's index of biodiversity was higher in the Czech Republic than it was in Poland. The Berger-Parker dominance index was comparable in both countries. In terms of prevalence, the structure of the trematode fauna was hierarchic, and trematode species had different positions in this hierarchy in the two countries. Statistically significant differences in the epidemiologic indices between infection of juvenile Mallards from Poland and the Czech Republic were noted for Bilharziella polonica, Echinostoma miyagawai, Echinostoma revolutum, Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Notocotylus attenuatus, Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Australapatemon minor, Apatemon gracilis, Cyathocotyle prussica, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Metorchis xanthosomus, Psilochasmus oxyurus, and Cotylurus cornutus.

Aquatic entomofauna of river Kangsabati near Midnapore town

Entomofauna of river Kangsabati is poorly studied, and this study explores it at three sites- Gandhighat region (site-A), Kangsabati rail bridge region (site-B), Vidyasagar park region (site-C) of district Paschim Medinipur, near Midnapore. The sampling process was done monthly from June 2018 to 2019. This study revealed presence of three orders with eight families, and eleven genera. Laccotrephes sp. was the dominant species. The maximum of Berger-Parker Dominance index (0.53), BMWP score (39.00), ASPT score (6.56), and SIGNAL 2 (3.22) were observed. Hemiptera, Odonata and Coleoptera constituted 54, 26.3, and 19.76%, and the BMWP score indicated that both biological and water quality were moderate.