Groups Of Adult Females Research Articles

Evaluation of potential reference genes in the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis for real-time quantitative PCR analyses

Studies examining differentially expressed genes and gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) require a set of stably expressed reference genes for accurate normalization. The biting midge Culicoides sonorensis is an important vector of livestock pathogens and is often used as a model species for biting midge research. Here, we examine the stable expression of six candidate reference genes in C. sonorensis: actin, β-tubulin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein subunit (RPS) 18, vacuolar ATPase subunit A (VhaA), and elongation factor 1-beta (EF1b). Gene expression was assessed under seven conditions, including cells treated with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), 3rd and 4th instar larvae treated with dsRNA, six developmental stages, four adult female body parts or tissue groups, and females injected with bluetongue virus or vesicular stomatitis virus. Stable gene expression was assessed using RefFinder, NormFinder, geNorm, and BestKeeper. The ranked results for each analysis tool under each condition and a comprehensive ranking for each condition are presented. The data show that optimal reference genes vary between conditions and that just two reference genes were necessary for each condition. These findings provide reference genes for use under these conditions in future studies using real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate gene expression in C. sonorensis.

Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Farmland Soil and Crops in the Suburbs of Urumqi

In order to understand the occurrence of PAHs in soil and crops, the enrichment capacity of different crops for PAHs, and the distribution characteristics of PAHs in different parts of crops, the crops and soil planted in the farmland around Urumqi were studied as examples. Samples were collected in the farmland gathering area in the suburb of Urumqi in July 2021. A total of 100 crop samples were collected, including 21 crop species and 45 surface soil samples. The results showed that 16 types of PAHs were detected in the soil and crops. The total concentration of PAHs in farmland soil ranged from 19.06 to 1870.86 μg·kg-1, and the average concentration was 127.40 μg·kg-1. Seven carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 42.85%-79.20% of the 16 types of PAHs, among which BaP was the main pollutant in the soil. Through the characteristic ratio method, it was found that the main sources of PAHs in the soil were biomass and coal combustion. Total PAHs in crops ranged from 1.86 μg·kg-1 to 974.05 μg·kg-1, with an average of 303.30 μg·kg-1. Different crops had different enrichment capacities for PAHs. Among the 21 crops sampled, the accumulative content of PAHs in pumpkin was the highest (431.75 μg·kg-1). In leaf vegetable crops, the content of PAHs in leaves was higher than that in roots and fruits. In fruit and vegetable crops, the PAH content in fruit was higher than that in the root or leaf. There was a significant correlation between high cyclic PAHs in soil and PAHs in plant leaves. The health risk assessment of PAHs in crops showed that dietary intake had potential carcinogenic risk and even had high carcinogenic risk in adult male and female groups, which requires further attention.

Repeatability of Body Fat and Fat-Free Mass Measurements by Bioimpedance and Ultrasound Scanning Analysis in the Group of Young Adults

Repeatability of the body fat and fat-free mass measurements obtained by two indirect methods (bioimpedance – BIA and ultrasound scanning analysis – US) was performed in the group of young adults. To evaluate repeatability, the repeated body composition measurements by the bioimpedance analyzer ABC-02 “Medas” and the ultrasound scanner BodyMetrixTM were done in the group of adult males and females. The performed study indicates accuracy of the estimates in the individuals and in the group at all as well as high repeatability of measurements obtained by BIA and US. Positive significant correlation between the body composition measurements obtained by the bioimpedance analyzer ABC-02 “Medas” and the ultrasound scanner BodyMetrixTM as well as between repeated measurements was found. The study indicates high repeatability of body fat and fat-free mass measurements obtained by the bioimpedance analyzer ABC-02 “Medas” and the ultrasound scanner BodyMetrixTM in the group of young adult males and females. Particularly, the highest repeatability was for the fat-free mass measurements.

Weight-based Victimization and its Relation to Depression among a group of Adult Obese Egyptian Females

Weight-based Victimization and its Relation to Depression among a group of Adult Obese Egyptian Females

Measures of Oxidative Status Markers in Relation to Age, Sex, and Season in Sick and Healthy Captive Asian Elephants in Thailand.

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that can have adverse effects on animal health, although little research has been conducted on wildlife species. In this study, blood was collected from captive Asian elephants for the assessment of five serum oxidative status markers (reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations; malondialdehyde, MDA; albumin; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and catalase) in healthy (n = 137) and sick (n = 20) animals. Health problems consisted of weakness, puncture wounds, gastrointestinal distress, eye and musculoskeletal problems, and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD). Fecal samples were also collected to assess glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as a measure of stress. All data were analyzed in relation to age, sex, sampling season, and their interactions using generalized linear models, and a correlation matrix was constructed. ROS and serum albumin concentrations exhibited the highest concentrations in aged elephants (>45 years). No sex differences were found for any biomarker. Interactions were observed for age groups and seasons for ROS and catalase, while GPx displayed a significant interaction between sex and season. In pairwise comparisons, significant increases in ROS and catalase were observed in summer, with higher ROS concentrations observed only in the adult female group. Lower catalase activity was exhibited in juvenile males, subadult males, adult females, and aged females compared to subadult and adult elephants (males and females) in winter and the rainy season. There was a positive association between catalase activity and fGCMs (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), and a number of red blood cell parameters were positively associated with several of these biomarkers, suggesting high oxidative and antioxidative activity covary in red cells (p < 0.05). According to health status, elephants with EEHV-HD showed the most significant changes in oxidative stress markers, with MDA, GPx, and catalase being higher and albumin being lower than in healthy elephants. This study provides an analysis of understudied health biomarkers in Asian elephants, which can be used as additional tools for assessing the health condition of this species and suggests age and season may be important factors in data interpretation.

Health risk assessment of BTEX exposure at roadside and on-road traveling route in Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Exposure to high levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) poses health risks in high-traffic urban areas. BTEX exposure at two microenvironments, the roadside and along the traveling routes, within urban and suburban areas of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region was examined to assess cancer and noncancer risks. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for benzene and noncancer hazard index (HI) for all BTEX compounds were evaluated for adult male and female groups (drivers, passengers, and street vendors) in two scenarios: average case and worst case. With the assumption of negligible exposure outside the two considered microenvironments, the pickup drivers had the highest LCR and HI. Higher exposure risks were found in urban areas than in the suburbs and among men than females. Higher toluene levels were found at all monitoring sites in two microenvironments, but benzene was the most important in causing noncancer risk. The HI for all target groups ranged from 8.5E-03 to 4.0E-01, indicating a low noncancer risk from BTEX exposure (HI &lt; 1). The LCR caused by benzene exposure ranged from 1.7E-06 to 7.2E-05, which is higher than the United States EPA most health-protective limit (1E-06). Further research should include other microenvironments by assessing the 24-hour exposure of all considered groups.

Establishment of morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear, as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear

Objective: To establish the morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear. Methods: From April 2012 to June 2020, 4 221 healthy donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital were selected. The median age was 36 (3-72) years old, including 2 520 males and 1 701 females. They were divided into four groups according to age: children group, with age≤14 years old [n=334, 11 (3-14) years old], youth group, with age >14 years old and <45 years old [n=2 855, 33 (15-44) years old], middle-aged adult group, with age ≥45 years old and < 60 years old [n=929, 49 (45-59) years old], and older adult group, with age ≥60 years old [n=103, 62 (60-72) years old]. Gender subgroups were established in each age group. According to different hematopoietic characteristics, the children group were divided into two subgroups: children group 1 [n=48, 6 (3-7) years old] and children group 2 [n=286, 11 (8-14) years old]. According to the clinical routine, 100 white blood cells in peripheral blood, 200 nucleated cells in bone marrow, and cell numbers/4.5 cm2 for megakaryocytes were classified and counted. The results of cell count in different age and gender groups were compared, and the reference values of morphological classification were established for different groups with statistical or clinical significance. Results: Due to the existence of statistically significant differences between children and adult groups and different gender subgroups in adults (all P<0.05), the reference values were established for children group and adult gender subgroups. The counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were 46.65(43.97-49.32)% and 44.00(10.60-65.10)% in children group 1, 50.73(49.50-51.96)% and 39.55 (38.36-40.74)% in children group 2, and 57.00 (39.00-75.23) % and 33.00 (17.00-52.00) % in adult group, respectively. Bone marrow segmented neutrophils, orthochromatic erythroblasts, and mature lymphocytes were 11.54 (10.68-12.41)%, 14.20 (13.19-15.21)%, and 23.99 (22.06-25.92)% in children group 1, 12.50 (7.00-21.50)%, 15.00(9.50-25.50)%, and 21.02 (20.24-21.81)% in children group 2, 13.50 (7.50-21.00)%, 16.50 (10.50-26.00)%, and 15.50 (7.50-26.00)% in adult male group, and 14.50 (8.00-24.50)%, 14.50 (9.00-23.00)%, and 17.50 (8.50-29.00)% in adult female group, respectively. The myelopoiesis/erythropoiesis ratio in children group, adult male group and adult female group was 1.86∶1 (1.14∶1-3.23∶1), 1.96∶1 (1.12∶1-3.19∶1), 2.22∶1 (1.30∶1-3.69∶1), respectively. The numbers of granular megakaryocytes and thromocytogenic megakaryocytes were 138 (25-567) cells/4.5cm2 and 86 (13-328) cells/4.5 cm2 in children group, and 92 (13-338) cells/4.5 cm2 and 38 (3-162) cells/4.5 cm2 in adult group, respectively. Conclusion: The morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear are successfully established, which is helpful to improve the application of morphological examination in disease screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

Particular qualities of mineral metabolism in sika deer (Cervus nippon) in a limited area of the National Park «Losiny Ostrov»

Preserving animal populations and improving the quality of life of individual animals largely depends on monitoring their health. This task is especially important in isolated area under the harmful influence of man. The goal of the work was to analyze the mineral composition of the sika deer blood to identify the features of mineral metabolism in isolated area, under conditions of high anthropogenic load. During this research the type of soil on which the habitat of animals is located was taken into account. The object of the study was 59 individuals of sika deer (Cervus nippon) of different sex and age groups living in the territory of the Losiny Ostrov National Park in natural and semifree conditions. The level of serum calcium, phosphorus (and their ratio), magnesium, potassium, iron and chlorides was determined in animal subjects. Biochemical studies of blood samples were carried out on a biochemical analyzer HTI Biohaem SA, using reagents manufactured by ZAO Diacon-DS (Russia). The research results showed that almost all macro and microelements in male sika deer of the younger age group have higher average values relative to those in adult animals. Analysis of mineral metabolism indices in female sika deer revealed that with the same average calcium value in young and adult individuals, the spread between the maximum and minimum levels for this element is more pronounced in the group of adult females (1.7–3.4 mmol/l). Abnormalities of Ca/P metabolism were found in a small number of young males; single deviations in calcium and phosphorus were also observed in males of the older age group. A considerably low magnesium level was found in 31% of the older female deer, while the iron level was 21% higher among the young females. In general, the content of mineral elements in the blood serum of young animals was found to be higher due to the accelerated metabolism and intensive growth. In the course of the work, the indicators of mineral metabolism in sika deer of the Losiny Ostrov National Park were determined, which makes it possible to use this information to observe changes or diagnose metabolic disorders.

The phenomenon of the shrinking size of bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in an anthropogenic environment (experience of 50 years of observations)

Fifty years of continuous monitoring of the bank vole population (Myodes glareolus Schreber, 1780) revealed the phenomenon of shrinking body size of individuals, manifesting in significant reduction in their regular size and mass parameters. Field observations were carried out in the Kaniv Nature Reserve (Cherkasy region, Ukraine) during the first half of summer every year. In the forest biotopes of the reserve, this species is dominant in the group of rodents. The research period covered various stages of the existence of the protected ecosystem. Its small area, location ina densely populated region of Ukraine and interaction with neighboring territories which are involved in economic activities have always caused anthropogenic pressure on the protected area. Its nature and intensity determined the changes in the protection regime and the loss of reserve status in 1951–1968. Later, the territory of the reserve experienced increasing technogenic pressure accompanied by radioactive contamination. In this work, to compare their characteristics, four complete cycles of the density dynamics of the bank vole population (from depression to depression) were selected, the duration of which was 4–5 years. The first three cycles correspond to qualitatively different periods in the existence of the ecosystem and the population of the studied species, and the last one corresponds to the relatively current situation. Over the recent 30 years, the size and mass parameters of individuals of bank voles have deсreased, - this phenomenon was called shrinking. The process was also observed to tend towards consistent increase in scale. Differentiated analysis shows that in different sex and functional groups of animals, the decrease in exterior parameters can reach 30.3%. Shrinking is especially notable in the group of adult females that are actively involved in reproduction (compared to the second cycle, considered as the control, the decrease in parameters among these is 33.2%). Juveniles of this sex lost 31.8% of their fatness. Besides, in the population of voles, the proportion of large-size individuals was significantly reduced. The group of animals that overwintered significantly reduced its representation, and its existing representatives had much smaller exterior parameters. The studies found that the shrinking process is stable over time, which does not allow it to be considered a random phenomenon or an artifact of research. This phenomenon has no correlation with the amount or availability of food. It occurs against the background of numerous changes in various aspects of population dynamics, which gives grounds to associate it with anthropogenic changes in the environment. Shrinking is believed to be realized through various mechanisms. Firstly, as a result of mortality, the largest individuals and reproducing females with the greatest energy needs disappear from the population, and secondly, the growth and weight gain of young animals is slower. As a result, decrease in the size and mass parameters of individuals reduces their specific energy needs and allows the population to bring their requirements in correspondance with the capability of the environment to support a certain number of resource consumers. An analogy was drawn with the Dehnel’s phenomenon, described for shrews of the Sorex genus, whose body size and weight decrease is an element of preparation for experiencing adverse winter conditions. Based on similar concepts, the shrinking of its elements can be considered as a specific population strategy to maintain the ecological balance.

GnRHa implants and temperature modulate Lambari‐do‐rabo‐amarelo, Astyanax altiparanae (Characiformes: Characidae) induced reproduction out of the reproductive season

We evaluated the effect of gonadotropin in controlled-release implant together with temperature manipulation in the reproduction of Astyanax altiparanae (lambari) during the non-breeding season. Three groups of adult females were maintained at 20°C and three at 28°C. For each temperature, one group was treated with 4 μg GnRHa g−1, other with 8 μg GnRHa g−1 and other was sham implanted as a control during 4 weeks. Afterwards, 4 females/experimental group were induced to spawn with human chorionic gonadotropin, while 4 females/group were injected with saline. GnRHa implants increased fshβ and lhβ gene expression in females maintained at 28°C. The vtgA gene expression increased in the high GnRHa dose at 20°C, while this higher GnRHa dose associated with the higher temperature increased Gonadosomatic Index. The hCG injection increased the plasma Mature Induction Steroid levels and trigger ovulation, except in control at 28°C. The control females at 20°C spawned but with low reproductive performance, confirming that this is not a limiting temperature for reproduction. The administration of GnRHa as implant increased gonadotropin gene expression at 28°C, temperature at which GSI also increased. Qualitatively, the implants improved reproduction at 20°C, providing offspring out of the reproductive season, improving lambari production throughout the year.

Socially unstable conditions experienced during development prime female Octodon degus to shape the phenotype of their own offspring

Because residents and immigrants from group living species may experience fitness costs associated with permanent changes in group membership, we examined the hypothesis that females experiencing socially unstable or socially stable conditions during development compensate these costs by shaping the phenotype of their own offspring differently. Groups of adult females experiencing either socially stable or unstable conditions in the early social environment were assigned to either socially stable or unstable conditions in the social environment as adults. We quantified affiliative and agonistic interactions among the females during pregnancy and lactation of the focal female, maternal and allomaternal care, hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) acute stress response, and early offspring growth. Social instability during breeding enhanced agonistic interactions among adult females, and offspring that experienced socially unstable conditions exhibited enhanced offspring care, regardless of adult environments. Neither social behavior, offspring care, acute stress physiology, nor early growth was influenced by early or adult social stability conditions. These findings imply that socially unstable conditions prime developing females to shape the phenotype of their offspring to prevent negative effects of socially unstable environments.

Cancer incidence and mortality trends in Metropolitan Lima young adults, 1990–2012

AimsThe purpose of this research was to calculate and compare standardised incidence and mortality ratios in young adults, based on the data published by the population-based cancer registry of Metropolitan Lima.MethodA secondary analysis was carried out on the data published by the population-based cancer registry of Metropolitan Lima in its last five volumes. Calculating the standardised incidence ratio, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s standard population, was done using the direct method, and the annual percentage change was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2012, 12,380 new cases of cancer in young adults between the ages of 20 and 49 were reported in Metropolitan Lima. The neoplasms with the highest standardised incidence ratio in the young adult male group were testicular cancer, brain and nervous system cancer, stomach cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bowel cancer. The neoplasms with the highest standardised mortality ratio for this group were stomach cancer, brain and nervous system cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, tracheal cancer, bronchial and lung cancer and liver cancer. The neoplasms with the highest standardised incidence ratio in the young adult female group were breast cancer, cervical cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer and brain and nervous system cancer. The neoplasms with the highest standardised mortality ratio for this group were breast cancer, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, brain and nervous system cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.ConclusionsYoung adults represent a highly unique group, characterised by little diagnostic suspicion, distribution and aggressiveness of the neoplasms that occur in them. Assessing and reporting incidence and mortality ratios in this age group can contribute to decision making.

Reservations on the classical Laffer curve

Throughout the last two decades, some economists have objected to the conventional shape of one peak point on the Laffer curve. This paper examines the reservations presented in the literature and demonstrates the possibility of a Laffer curve with three peak points. Such a shape may be due to the three heterogeneous population groups of younger workers, adult males, and adult females. These groups respond differently to net wage rate changes, thus reducing the applicability of the changing of tax rates by policymakers.

Personal distress as a mediator between self-esteem, self-efficacy, loneliness and problematic video gaming in female and male emerging adult gamers.

The aim of our research was to investigate the predictors of Problematic Video Gaming (PVG) in emerging adulthood. From among the factors which were considered significant in previous studies, we decided to include the following in our research: empathy, self-esteem, self-efficacy and loneliness. Additionally, we wanted to examine which predictors have a direct or indirect effect on PVG in female and male emerging adult gamers group. Including a sample of 370 video game players (201 female gamers) aged 18–30 years (M = 21.66 years, SD = 2.83) participated in this study and were asked to complete self-report measures. The questionnaires included: Problem Videogame Playing Questionnaire, The Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale. Our results indicate that empathy dimension associated with personal distress, the time spent playing computer games per week is directly associated with PVG. Also, there were found full mediation between self-esteem, loneliness, self-efficacy and PVG via personal distress in emerging adult male gamers group. In emerging adult female gamers group personal distress fully mediated relation between self-esteem, self-efficacy and PVG. Our findings indicate that the time spent playing video games, as well as personal distress as a function of self-esteem, loneliness and self-efficacy, are predictors of problematic video gaming. Additionally, our results may lead to a better understanding of PVG among emerging adults. In particular, they may point to the importance of personal distress in relation to PVG during emerging adulthood, which is a developmental stage of many changes in social and professional life.

The time course of responding to aversiveness in females with a history of non-suicidal self-injury

Non-suicidal self-injury is a risk factor for suicidal behavior, particularly in females. Two prominent theories of suicide suggest that habituation to the psychophysiological aversiveness of NSSI is a mechanism by which NSSI exposure may lead to increased risk for suicide. Several laboratory studies examining the relationship between physiological habituation and suicide attempt history have yielded mixed results, potentially due to their use of broad measures of physiological arousal and/or focus on specific psychopathologies. However, no studies have examined the association between the time course (e.g., habituation, initial reactivity) of responding to aversiveness and NSSI, which may help to elucidate psychophysiological mechanisms of NSSI. Therefore, we examined habituation and initial reactivity to aversiveness (indexed by the time course of acoustic startle reflex, a well-validated measure of defensive responding) in three groups of young adult females – those with a history of NSSI, psychiatric controls matched on potential confounds (e.g., psychopathology, trauma history, demographics), and healthy controls. Results indicated that individuals with a history of NSSI exhibited blunted initial reactivity and marginally slower habituation to aversiveness relative to the two control groups. The NSSI group's insensitivity to aversiveness may reflect prior psychophysiological habituation, and may be a mechanism through which prior NSSI exposure leads to increased risk for suicidal behavior.

Seasonal Variation of Phyto-Constituents of Tea Leaves Affects Antiproliferative Potential

Objective: Tea (Camellia sinensis Linn.; family: Theaceae) is popular as a stimulant beverage across the globe and is also utilized as a functional antioxidant in alternative medicine. This study has evaluated the impact of seasonal variation on phyto-constituents of tea.Method: The antiproliferative potential of methanolic extracts of tea leaves collected in the rainy season (MECR) was compared with the extract of tea leaves collected in the autumn season (MECA) of the same mother plant. Evaluation of in vivo antitumor activity was carried out in adult female Swiss albino mice groups inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to compare efficacy of MECR with that of MECA in the EAC cell line. Both qualitative and quantitative tests for phytochemical constituents present in MECA and MECR were performed. Antitumor efficacy of both the extracts was determined by evaluating different tumor markers showing dose-dependent cytotoxicity.Results: Statistically significant reduction in EAC-induced tumor was observed in MECR treated mice compared to MECA treated ones. Cell decimation was significantly higher with MECR treatment, where restoration of different parameters including tissue structures returned to normal. Moreover, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) study revealed the presence of cyclobarbital and benzazulene derivative in MECR, which is thought to be a novel source of these chemicals.Conclusions: To our knowledge, there is no report that has attempted to reveal nutritional changes in terms of efficacy and variation in anticancer constituents in tea leaves, plucked in two seasons. This study revealed a novel source of barbital and benzazulene derivative. The unique presence of cyclobarbital and benzazulene, as revealed from GC-MS data, in methanolic extract of tea leaves collected during the rainy season (MECR) may have contributed to its enhanced in vitro (adopting MTT assay) and in vivo (on EAC-infected Swiss albino mice) cytotoxicity vis-à-vis antiproliferative properties compared to methanolic extract of tea leaves collected during the autumn season (MECA). The nature of plucking leaves in the two selected seasons is different.

Shooting Parameters of Biathletes in Various Age Groups in 2011–2012 World Championships

Research background and hypothesis. Physical fitness problems in biathlon are quite extensively discussed, but biathlon shooting in Lithuania is not analyzed enough. The special literature lacks information about the shooting parameters that leaders demonstrate in the world biathlon championships. Moreover, shooting parameters in different age and gender groups have not been analyzed enough. The hypothesis that shooting parameters in adult, youth and junior age group biathletes would differ was tested. Research aim. The aim of our study was to analyze shooting parameters of biathletes in various age groups in 2011–2012 world championships and reveal fundamental differences in the aspects of age and gender. Research methods. Research participants were youths (age: 17–18 years), juniors (age: 19–20 years) and adults (age: 21–41 years), male and female biathletes. The number of subjects was 2175. Descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis.Research results. Data analysis revealed the main differences in shooting parameters between adult, junior and youth groups, male and female biathletes. Also, comparison of shooting parameters between biathletes in various age groups and leaders in the same group was carried out. Discussion and conclusions. Our research revealed that the highest shooting accuracy was observed in adult male and female biathlete groups (p &lt; 0.025). The shooting accuracy of junior and youth female biathletes was higher than that in the junior and youth male groups (p &lt; 0.05). The longest average shooting time was in youth group (p &lt; 0.001). The shooting time of biathletes in adult group was the shortest. We found that male biathletes in various age groups performed shots in less time compared to female biathletes (p &lt; 0.05). Research results revealed that shooting parameters among leaders statistically significantly differed comparing them with the average shooting parameters in the group (p &lt; 0.05).Keywords: biathlon, shooting accuracy, shooting time.

The grouping system and local distribution pattern analysis of Javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus muticus, Linnaeus 1758) population in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks, East Java, Indonesia

Hernowo JB, Alikodra HS. 2018. The grouping system and local distribution pattern analysis of Javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus muticus, Linnaeus 1758) population in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1690-1695. The Javan green peafowl population lives in a group system. The population applies a small size group system. The distribution of the birds in Java Island is randomly fragmented and isolated in several types of habitat and each has a small number of individuals in every group. Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks, East Java, Indonesia as part of Javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus muticus, Linnaeus 1758) distributions have been selected for the study on the grouping system and the analysis of local distribution. The research was aimed at obtaining data and information on the grouping system and local distribution of Javan green peafowl population in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Park. The number of individuals and groups was counted by applying a transect method and a concentration method on every type of habitat where peafowls are present. The distribution pattern data were analyzed by using a formula (Ludwig and Reynolds 1988). The results indicate that Javan green peafowl population is living in small groups (2-4 birds). There are 5 types of Javan green peafowl groups in Baluran National Park (BNP) and Alas Purwo National Park (APNP). The dominant group is adult female group consisting 3 individual members. The leader of the group is a female bird. Adult males live in solitary. The group system among Javan green peafowl populations is a strategy of the birds. Local distribution of Javan green peafowl populations in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks is mostly in the form of clumped dispersion.

A 3D Morphometrical Evaluation of Brow Position After Standardized Botulinum Toxin A Treatment of the Forehead and Glabella.

Botulinum toxin treatment for forehead wrinkles has been extensively studied and found to be a safe and reproducible procedure. However, the effect on the position of the eyebrows, which relies on the dynamic positioning of the treated muscles, has received less attention and has not been studied with 3-dimensional (3D) technology. The authors sought to evaluate the changes of eyebrow position after standardized botulinum toxin treatment of glabella or glabella and frontalis muscles with 3D imaging. In a prospective study, 2 groups of adult females were treated with botulinum toxin A at the glabella only (G) or at the glabella and the frontalis muscle (F/G). The brow position was measured at 5 positions with 3D photography before injection and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after injection. Results were statistically analyzed and related to patient age. In the F/G group, the brow descended significantly almost across the whole brow length after 2 weeks. The descent lessened after 3 months and moved medially. No clear trend was evident in the G group. There was no significant change attributed to patient age in both groups. Botulinum toxin treatment of the glabella and frontalis muscle impacts the position and configuration of the eyebrow. The degree of change is affected by the amount of frontalis weakening rather than by treatment of the glabella. While age in general is not a reliable predictor, individual factors play the major role in how pronounced a change of the brow can be expected.

Women and girls in resource poor countries experience much greater exposure to household air pollutants than men: Results from Uganda and Ethiopia

Household Air Pollution (HAP) from burning biomass fuels is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low-income settings worldwide. Little is known about the differences in objective personal HAP exposure by age and gender.We measured personal exposure to HAP across six groups defined by age and gender (young children, young males, young females, adult males, adult females, and elderly) in rural households in two sub-Saharan African countries.Data on 24-hour personal exposure to HAP were collected from 215 participants from 85 households in Uganda and Ethiopia. HAP exposure was assessed by measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and/or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations using five types of devices.24 h PM2.5 personal exposure was highest among adult females with Geometric Mean (GM) and Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD) concentrations of 205 μg/m3 (1.67) in Ethiopia; 177 μg/m3 (1.61 GSD) in Uganda. The lowest PM2.5 exposures were recorded among young males GM (GSD) 30.2 μg/m3 (1.89) in Ethiopia; 26.3 μg/m3 (1.48) in Uganda. Young females had exposures about two-thirds of the adult female group. Adult males, young children and the elderly experienced lower exposures reflecting their limited involvement in cooking. There was a similar pattern of exposure by age and gender in both countries and when assessed by CO measurement.There are substantial differences in exposure to HAP depending on age and gender in sub-Saharan Africa rural households reflecting differences in household cooking activity and time spent indoors. Future work should consider these differences when implementing exposure reduction interventions. There was a strong agreement between optical and gravimetric devices measurements although optical devices tended to overestimate exposure. There is need to calibrate optical devices against a gravimetric standard prior to quantifying exposure.