High Population Levels Research Articles

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Chlorinated Paraffins in Rats and Humans: Importance of Biliary Excretion

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are chemicals with high production volumes that can accumulate at high levels in general populations. The pharmacokinetics of CPs as pollutants is unknown, and there is no evidence that the medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and long chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) are safe replacements for short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). In this study, SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs were first in vivo and in vitro exposed to rat and liver microsomes, respectively. Toxicokinetics of these compounds were assessed and used to establish the corresponding physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models in rats. More than 90% of ingested CPs were deposited in the liver and fat, and the compounds were extremely resistant to metabolism and mostly eliminated via biliary excretion. Then, humans' external and internal exposures to CPs were investigated for one year in Shenzhen, South China. The results were used to calibrate the key parameters for the establishment of a PBPK model in humans. In the PBPK models of rats and humans, the rate of biliary excretion had the greatest influence on the accumulated levels and half-lives of CPs. The body half-lives of human were estimated to be 5.1, 1.2, and 0.6 years for SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs, respectively, suggesting the high accumulation of SCCPs in humans compared to other CPs.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum L125 strain with probiotic potential on physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of dry-fermented sausages

The performance of the Lactobacillus plantarum L125 strain with probiotic potential, previously isolated from a traditional Greek fermented sausage, was assessed as an adjunct culture for the production of dry-fermented pork sausages. The probiotic was added in the meat batter with the commercial starter cultures and the microbial populations were estimated during fermentation, ripening and storage at 4 and 12 °C, respectively. Physicochemical analyses (pH and aw), sensory evaluation and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were also performed, while the presence of L125 strain was monitored by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts at the inoculation time were 8.21 and 6. 44 log CFU/g for the probiotic and control samples, respectively, while the L125 strain maintained high population levels (> 6 log CFU/g) during storage. At the end of the ripening, the products exhibited similar pH values of 4.46 and 4.42 and aw values of 0.87 and 0.85 for the control and probiotic case, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy application in combination with data analytics, resulted in the acceptable estimation of LAB population, but further studies are needed to improve the technique's performance. Overall, the Lb. plantarum L125 was found to possess desirable technological characteristics, indicating its effectiveness to be used in fermented sausage manufacturing.

Historical human activities accelerated climate-driven desertification in China’s Mu Us Desert

China’s Mu Us Desert, located in an energy-rich strategic base of the northwestern Loess Plateau, has acted as a crucial agro-pastoral transition zone for thousands of years. However, the area experienced notable climate and environmental change from 221 BCE to CE 907 (1128 years), which may have profoundly affected its landscape evolution up to modern times. To explore this process and associated driving mechanisms, we conducted a comprehensive study based on a dataset of 882 human archaeological sites (HASs), historical documents, and related environmental data of the Mu Us Desert and its surrounding area (MUDISA). We found that the MUDISA experienced large-scale immigration and an agricultural boom (790 HASs) during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BCE–CE 220). This coincided with an ecologically favorable environment and may have potentially disturbed the desert’s eco-environmental equilibrium. Coinciding with the deteriorating natural conditions, the MUDISA’s animal husbandry replaced agriculture as the dominant subsistence economy during the era of disunity (CE 220–581, 33 HASs) and during the Sui and Tang dynasties (CE 581–907, 59 HASs). Although natural and political-economic factors together caused a sharp decline in number and scattering for HASs in the desert, people and livestock were widely distributed and maintained a high population level. This situation, coupled with the dry climate and fragile geographical environment, may have significantly accelerated the climate-driven desertification process from CE 220 to CE 907. This study highlights the long-term human–nature relationship and its impact on historical desertification in the Mu Us Desert, and may shed new light on historical environmental change in arid and/or semi-arid areas in northwest China and globally.

The Geshiyaro Project: a study protocol for developing a scalable model of interventions for moving towards the interruption of the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosome infections in the Wolaita zone of Ethiopia

BackgroundNational deworming programmes rely almost exclusively on mass drug administration (MDA) to children to control morbidity caused by these parasitic infections. The provision of other interventions, consisting of preventive chemotherapy at high population level coverage together with water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) and changes in risk behaviour, should enable sustainable control of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis and ultimately interrupt transmission.Methods/DesignTwo interventions will be implemented by the project: (i) community-wide biannual albendazole and annual praziquantel treatment with a target of 80–90% treatment coverage (“expanded MDA”); and (ii) provision of WaSH with behaviour change communication (BCC), within the Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. The project has three study arms: (i) expanded community-wide MDA, WaSH and BCC; (ii) expanded community-wide MDA only; and (iii) annual school-based MDA (the current National STH/schistosomiasis Control Programme). The impact of these interventions will be evaluated through prevalence mapping at baseline and endline (after four rounds of MDA), combined with annual longitudinal parasitological surveillance in defined cohorts of people to monitor trends in prevalence and reinfection throughout the project. Treatment coverage and individual compliance to treatment will be monitored by employing fingerprint biometric technology and barcoded identification cards at treatment. WaSH utilisation will be evaluated through school and household level observations and annual WaSH assessment survey. Complementary qualitative surveys will explore practices, cultural and social drivers of risk behaviours, uptake of WaSH and treatment, and assessing the impact of the BCC.DiscussionThe study has the potential to define an ‘End Game’ for STH and schistosomiasis programmes through provision of multiple interventions. Interrupting transmission of these infections would eliminate the need for long-term repeated MDA, lead to sustained health improvements in children and adults, thereby allowing health systems to focus on other disease control priorities.

Role of gamete limitation in the occurrence of ‘abnormal early clutches’ on female American lobster, Homarus americanus, in eastern Canada

A large-scale survey in 2011–2014 found that ovigerous female American lobsters, Homarus americanus, carrying “abnormal” early clutches (< 50% of abdomen covered by eggs) were ubiquitous in eastern Canada. This could be caused by reduced production of oocytes, or insufficient sperm to fertilize all oocytes produced. To address the oocyte limitation hypothesis, ovarian fecundity was assessed in 343 pre-spawn females and clutch fecundity in 169 post-spawn females sampled from ten sites across eastern Canada in May and June 2014. All females produced and spawned enough oocytes to form a full clutch, thus invalidating the oocyte limitation hypothesis. To address the sperm limitation hypothesis, the prevalence of different “types” of sperm plug in the seminal receptacle of 1735 wild-mated, pre-spawn or ovigerous females was surveyed in July–August 2014 and 2015, and the effect of sperm plug type on fecundity/fertility was examined in 60 wild-mated, laboratory-spawning females beginning in July 2014. Among the pre-spawn wild-mated females, 88.3% had a hard plug, 5.9% a soft plug and 5.8% no plug. These sperm plug types corresponded to sharply decreasing amounts of stored semen/sperm in post-spawn females. In the laboratory, 11 of 20 females with no plug produced a full clutch that became “abnormal” through egg loss or was completely dropped within 2 weeks of spawning. Thus, sperm limitation is one likely cause of abnormal early clutches on female American lobster, which may be occasioned by fishery-induced reductions in male reproductive potential and/or density-dependent processes occurring at currently high population levels.

Taxonomic Composition and Population Level of the Prosthetic Bed Mucosa Microbiota in Case of Dentition Defects in Patients Wearing Partial Dentures

The article considers the taxonomic composition and the population level of the oral cavity microbiota and changes in their characteristics after prosthetic rehabilitation with partial removable dentures. In the patients with partial loss of teeth wearing conventional removable dentures, the taxonomic composition of the gingiva microbiota changes due to the biotope contamination with opportunistic S. aureus and yeast-like fungi of the Candida genus, S. haemolyticus, K. pneumoniae, enterobacteria (E.coli, K.pneumoniae, E.cloacae), B.catarralis, M.lacunata and partial elimination of S. sialivarius, S.sanguis, S. mutans, S. mitis from the biota.&#x0D; The objective of the research was to study changes in the gingiva in the examined patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Microbiological (bacteriological and mycotic) examination of gum mucus secretion in the patients with partial loss of teeth was performed. The control group consisted of 50 (23 men and 27 women) patients without any infectious and noncommunicable diseases, who had no problems adapting to removable denture during the last 6 months.&#x0D; Results and Discussion. In 78.72% of the patients, microorganisms isolated and identified from the surface of the prosthetic bed, were in associations that consisted of 2 (31.70%), 3 (8.51%) and 4 (8.51 %) taxons. The most numerous associations consisting of 2 taxons were: S. aureus and M. lacunata; S. aureus and N. flavescens; S. haemolyticus and B.catarrhalis as well as C. albicans and S. epidermidis. In the biotope (the surface of the gum mucosa of the prosthetic bed) of the patients wearing partial removable laminar dentures, the population level reduced in S. salivarius, S. sanguis, S. mutans, S. mitis and significantly increased in opportunistic staphylococci (S. aureus, S. haemolyties, S. epidermidis), S. pyogenes, enterobacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. clocacae), B.catarrhalis. Microorganisms S. aureus and C. albicans reached a high population level; it increased in S. haemoliticus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes, E. coli, E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae as well.&#x0D; Conclusions. In the patients with partial loss of teeth wearing conventional removable dentures, the taxonomic composition of the gingiva microbiota changed due to the contamination of the habitat with opportunistic S. aureus and yeast-like fungi of the Candida genus, S. haemolyticus, K. pneumoniae, enterobacteria (E .coli, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae), B. catarralis, M. lacunata and partial elimination of S. sialivarius, S.sanguis, S. mutans, S. mitis from the biota.

Penerapan Algoritma K-Means Clustering untuk Pengelompokan Harga Eceran Beras di Pasar Tradisional Berdasarkan Wilayah Kota

Rice is the main food commodity of the Indonesian people, almost all residents in this country consume rice every day. This causes rice commodities to have a very strategic value, apart from being in control of the lives of many people, it can also be used as a parameter of the country's economic and social stability. This study discusses the application of K-Means Clustering Algorithm for Grouping Retail Prices of Rice in Traditional Markets. The source of this research data is collected based on documents describing the retail price group of rice produced by the National Statistics Agency. The data used in this study are data from 2011-2016 consisting of 33 cities. Data is processed by clustering in 3 clusters, namely high population level clusters, medium and low population level clusters. Centroid data for high population level clusters 10,776, Centroid data for moderate population level clusters 9,436 and Centroid data for low population clusters 8,590. To obtain an assessment based on the grouping of the average retail price of rice in traditional markets in 33 cities with high clusters (C1) of 11 cities namely Padang, Pekanbaru, Tanjung Pinang, Bandar Lampung, Jakarta, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Banjarmasin, Ternate, Jayapura and Manokwari for medium cluster (C2) as many as 11 cities and for low cluster (C3) as many as 11 cities. From the results of this study can be used as input for the government, especially in cities, so that cities that are included in the high cluster can normalize the retail price of rice in each city area.

Biological and demographic parameters of Tegolophus brunneus (Acari: Eriophyidae) in citrus.

The brown citrus rust mite, Tegolophus brunneus Flechtmann (Acari: Eriophyidae), causes citrus rust, as does Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae). As the citrus rust damage has intensified in recent years and T. brunneus has been reported in high population levels in several regions of Brazil, this mite has caused concern to growers and technicians. Because T. brunneus has been little studied and its bioecological characteristics are unknown, this study investigated the biological and demographic parameters of T. brunneus on citrus fruits under laboratory conditions. Our results showed that the egg incubation period and viability were 3.0 and 94.5%, respectively. The larval and nymphal stage durations were 1.1 and 2.8days, respectively. The development time of the immature stage was 6.9days, with 92.3% survival. When females and males were maintained together, the sex ratio of offspring was 0.7; virgin females produced only males. The pre-oviposition (from adult emergence to the first egg) and total pre-oviposition (egg-to-egg) periods were 1.6 and 8.5days, respectively. Fecundity was 8.5 eggs, and female and male longevities were 13.2 and 11.4days, respectively. The estimate of demographic parameters indicated that the Ro and T of T. brunneus were 6.45 offspring and 13.0days, and r and λ were 0.142 and 1.153day-1, respectively. These results suggest that T. brunneus has high growth potential on citrus trees. Therefore, management strategies may be required to reduce the population levels and damage caused by T. brunneus in citrus groves.

Spatial patterns of within-treeEnaphalodes rufulus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) attacks during outbreak conditions in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, United States of America

AbstractEnaphalodes rufulus(Haldeman) (red oak borer; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a native wood borer that colonises and develops in oaks (QuercusLinnaeus; Fagaceae) across southeastern Canada and the eastern United States of America. It is rarely considered a pest because it normally occurs at low population density levels in stressed or dying oak trees. In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a large, historically unique outbreak ofE.rufulusin the Ozark mountains of Arkansas and Missouri, United States of America. This outbreak provided an opportunity to investigate within-tree spatial distribution of attacks during unusually high insect population levels. Fifty trees from northern Arkansas were felled and destructively sampled. The locations of attack sites by femaleE.rufuluswere standardised across varying heights and diameters for comparison across trees. Attack sites showed a significant clustered pattern within trees. Attack sites were aggregated towards the lower and middle bole, and on the south-facing side of trees. This pattern has been seen in other insects, including wood borers, and is potentially related to differences in temperature. These patterns of ovipositional behaviour in outbreak situations have implications forE.rufulusresource partitioning and facultative intraguild predation among larvae.

The Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 PSPTO_0820 multidrug transporter is involved in resistance to plant antimicrobials and bacterial survival during tomato plant infection.

Multidrug resistance efflux pumps protect bacterial cells against a wide spectrum of antimicrobial compounds. PSPTO_0820 is a predicted multidrug transporter from the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Orthologs of this protein are conserved within many Pseudomonas species that interact with plants. To study the potential role of PSPTO_0820 in plant-bacteria interaction, a mutant in this gene was isolated and characterized. In addition, with the aim to find the outer membrane channel for this efflux system, a mutant in PSPTO_4977, a TolC-like gene, was also analyzed. Both mutants were more susceptible to trans-cinnamic and chlorogenic acids and to the flavonoid (+)-catechin, when added to the culture medium. The expression level of both genes increased in the presence of (+)-catechin and, in the case of PSPTO_0820, also in response to trans-cinnamic acid. PSPTO_0820 and PSPTO_4977 mutants were unable to colonize tomato at high population levels. This work evidences the involvement of these two proteins in the resistance to plant antimicrobials, supporting also the importance of chlorogenic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and (+)-catechin in the tomato plant defense response against P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection.

The Triple Amino Acid Substitution TAP-IVS in the EPSPS Gene Confers High Glyphosate Resistance to the Superweed Amaranthus hybridus.

The introduction of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops revolutionized weed management; however, the improper use of this technology has selected for a wide range of weeds resistant to glyphosate, referred to as superweeds. We characterized the high glyphosate resistance level of an Amaranthus hybridus population (GRH)—a superweed collected in a GR-soybean field from Cordoba, Argentina—as well as the resistance mechanisms that govern it in comparison to a susceptible population (GSH). The GRH population was 100.6 times more resistant than the GSH population. Reduced absorption and metabolism of glyphosate, as well as gene duplication of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) or its overexpression did not contribute to this resistance. However, GSH plants translocated at least 10% more 14C-glyphosate to the rest of the plant and roots than GRH plants at 9 h after treatment. In addition, a novel triple amino acid substitution from TAP (wild type, GSH) to IVS (triple mutant, GRH) was identified in the EPSPS gene of the GRH. The nucleotide substitutions consisted of ATA102, GTC103 and TCA106 instead of ACA102, GCG103, and CCA106, respectively. The hydrogen bond distances between Gly-101 and Arg-105 positions increased from 2.89 Å (wild type) to 2.93 Å (triple-mutant) according to the EPSPS structural modeling. These results support that the high level of glyphosate resistance of the GRH A. hybridus population was mainly governed by the triple mutation TAP-IVS found of the EPSPS target site, but the impaired translocation of herbicide also contributed in this resistance.

Intra-Plant Distribution and Population Fluctuation of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Coconuts in the State of Falcón, Venezuela

Knowledge of the ecology of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is still fragmentary in South America since it was only recently introduced from East Asia. Gathering intra-plant distribution and population fluctuation data could contribute to developing more efficient sampling methods for R. indica. Taking this into consideration, studies were carried out to determine spatial temporal distribution of R. indica in three commercial plantations in the state of Falcon, in Venezuela. Higher mite numbers were registered on middle and lower leaf portions collected from middle or lower plant strata, suggesting that sampling should be allocated to these canopy areas on coconut trees. The R. indica population showed to be negatively associated with rainfall. In 2010, population levels of R. indica were higher than in 2011 (maximum 7 mites/cm2); this was probably a function of lower rainfall values for that year. In 2011, the highest population levels were reached between April and July, coinciding with the lowest rainfall values over that year. Relating to this population spike, the Amblyseius largoensis population showed a numerical response in relation to R. indica density; this predator species does not appear to be exerting bio-control on the mite pest population.

Outbreak of Orthotomicus erosus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) on Aleppo Pine in the Mediterranean Region in Croatia

Background and Purpose: Orthotomicus erosus, Mediterranean pine engraver, is widely distributed across the Mediterranean and southern Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is considered as secondary pest found on recently dead or felled trees, but can also attack weakened living trees. In high population levels this species can attack healthy trees and cause their dieback. Severe outbreaks occur after dry periods, or after fire in adjoining stands in warmer parts of the Mediterranean region, while this scenario has never happened in Croatia up to now. Bark beetles are important forest pests which have already been researched and discussed in relation to climate change, indicating that the predicted increase in temperature would lead to higher survival rates and faster development, thus directly influencing their population dynamics. Increase in temperature may stimulate changes in insects’ rate of development, voltinism, population density, size, genetic composition, extent of host plant exploitation, longitudinal and latitudinal distribution. Since climate conditions might have changed in the last few years as predicted in the Mediterranean region, the aim of our research is to document the first outbreak with high population levels of O. erosus in Croatia. Materials and Methods: The extent of dieback was evaluated by counting trees with dieback symptoms on diagonal transects plotted through each of 33 forest management sections of Marjan Forest Park (Split). Trunk sections from several trees with early stage symptoms were collected for further laboratory analysis, which consisted of incubation phase and subsequent morphological identification. During regular yearly surveys in forests of Croatia, the pest was observed on several sites and damages were recorded for both years 2017 and 2018. The records were entered into a map using QGIS version 3.2.1-Bonn. Spatial data was downloaded from DIVA-GIS server. Monitoring efforts were initiated in affected areas where 13 flight barrier pheromone traps (Theyson®) equipped with pheromone lure Erosowit® (Witasek, Austria) were set-up in late March in state-owned and privately owned forests across Dalmatia. Catches in the traps were collected and O. erosus adults were counted on a weekly basis in order to identify the abundance of the pest in monitored sites, as well as to obtain the first information about population dynamics and to assess voltinism. Results: On-site survey and the evaluation of dieback extent included sampling of 5% of all trees in Marjan Forest Park ,and the results showed that 23% of all trees in the forest park were affected by dieback symptoms. Visual examination of trunks, branches and bark showed symptoms of bark beetle infestation, while preliminary on-site examination of the observed adults pointed out to O. erosus. After two weeks in controlled conditions, bark beetle adults started to emerge from trunk sections which were placed in several mesh cages for incubation. Morphological identification by using stereomicroscope and the key for European bark beetles resulted in identification of O. erosus species. Over the course of the year 2017 one more site was reported to be infested with O. erosus, and eight additional sites were reported over the course of year 2018. In total, 446 ha were reported as infested, varying in intensity, in several different management units of state-owned and privately owned forests. The total number of trapped beetles in pheromone traps varied largely among sites. Our data indicate that several generations (at least 5 generations per year) were present in the year 2018. Conclusions: Sudden surge in observed damages, as well as the number of beetles trapped during monitoring, in years 2017 and 2018 throughout Aleppo pine forests in Dalmatia are the first record of O. erosus outbreak in Croatia. O. erosus is native to Croatia and so far it has been considered only as a minor pest whose outbreaks have never been recorded. Drought intensity and frequency and aridification trends in the research area (Dalmatia, Croatia) cause cumulative stress to trees and have increased O. erosus occurrence. O. erosus is expected to exhibit increased voltinism, better overwintering performance and earlier spring flights. Our first results confirm this epidemic stage of O. erosus with high abundances in Dalmatia in 2018 and at least 5 generations per year, which alter the population level of this pest. Finally, with high dispersal abilities of O. erosus through active flight and easy transportation with infested material (logs and branches with bark), O. erosus has the potential to become an important forest pest in Croatia. Thus, extensive studies on its biology, ecology, natural enemies and interaction with ophiostomatoid fungal species are needed in order to predict further spread and suggest viable and effective management measures.

Every beach an island—deep population divergence and possible loss of genetic diversity in Tylos granulatus, a sandy shore isopod

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 614:111-123 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12882 Every beach an island—deep population divergence and possible loss of genetic diversity in Tylos granulatus, a sandy shore isopod Nozibusiso A. Mbongwa1, Cang Hui2, Andrea Pulfrich3, Sophie von der Heyden1,* 1Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa 2Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, and African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Matieland 7602, South Africa 3Pisces Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 302, McGregor 6708, South Africa *Corresponding author: svdh@sun.ac.za ABSTRACT: Biogeographic and phylogeographic patterns of sandy beach species are poorly understood, although these ecosystems are heavily impacted by anthropogenic pressures and are of elevated conservation concern. To contribute towards filling the knowledge gap on sandy beaches, we made use of phylogeographic approaches to determine levels of genetic structuring and diversity for Tylos granulatus, a large isopod with direct development distributed in South Africa and Namibia. Individuals (n = 214) were sampled from 9 locations encompassing the entire distribution range, and sequence data were generated for mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S. Results revealed high levels of population structuring between populations (ΦST = 0.11-0.96, p < 0.05), 2 deeply divergent lineages of T. granulatus and a new phylogeographic break in southern Africa. Northern populations are genetically more diverse, suggesting more stable evolutionary history compared to those in the south. Importantly, the patterns of divergence suggest unique evolutionary signals over short spatial scales (<80 km), with nearly all T. granulatus populations effectively isolated from each other. This, in combination with increasing anthropogenic disturbance throughout their range, leaves this species extremely vulnerable to local, and potentially regional, loss and extinction of genetic diversity. We suggest that T. granulatus serves as a valuable bioindicator, which, if recognised for protection, will broadly capture biological and evolutionary patterns of other sandy beach macrofauna in the region. Our work adds to a growing field of sandy beach science, and contributes towards a better understanding of the significance, vulnerability and complexity of sandy beach ecosystems for conservation and management aims. KEY WORDS: Anthropogenic pressures · Marine isopod · Sandy beach ecosystems · Population differentiation · Evolutionary lineages · Conservation genetics · Population decline Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Mbongwa NA, Hui C, Pulfrich A, von der Heyden S (2019) Every beach an island—deep population divergence and possible loss of genetic diversity in Tylos granulatus, a sandy shore isopod. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 614:111-123. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12882 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 614. Online publication date: April 04, 2019 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.

Genetic connectivity dynamics of the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta, across the Florida Reef Tract and Gulf of Mexico

Resolving the genetic connectivity of coral reef taxa is necessary to understand the community dynamics of these increasingly threatened ecosystems. Herein, we assess the fine scale genetic connectivity of six populations of the Atlantic giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta (Schmidt, 1870), using microsatellite markers. This survey included populations from across the Florida Reef Tract and the Gulf of Mexico, including sponges from the Pulley Ridge Habitat Area of Particular Concern, a mesophotic coral reef located approximately 250 km from Florida's (USA) southwestern coast, and the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, the northernmost western Atlantic coral reef ecosystem. Overall, significant population structure was found (F ST = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.011–0.031), with X. muta individuals from the Flower Garden Banks showing the highest levels of genetic differentiation relative to all other surveyed populations (F ST > 0.048). Despite the high levels of population structuring observed, some horizontal and/ or vertical connectivity was found between neighboring reef systems, including evidence of gene flow between mesophotic (Pulley Ridge Habitat of Particular Concern) and photic (Dry Tortugas) reef tracts. Furthermore, largely negligible levels of first-generation migration among discrete genetic populations was observed, suggesting that the persistence of most populations of X. muta is highly dependent on self-recruitment. Thus, while the Pulley Ridge mesophotic reef may provide sponge recruits to shallow photic reefs, its role as a potential refuge and propagule source appears limited to only small geographic scales.

BINA SUASANA SEBAGAI UPAYA PENCEGAHAN PENYALAHGUNAAN NARKOBA DI SMA SEDERAJAT KOTA SURABAYA

The high rate of drug abuse in Indonesia has spread to high school adolescents. 183 million people consume marijuana, 35 million opioids, 37 million amphetamines and drug stimuli, 22 million ecstasy, 18 million opiates, 17 million kokai (BNN, 2017). East Java is one of the provinces where the population is at risk of experiencing drug abuse. Surabaya occupies a position as a metrapolitan city which has a high level of modernity both from technology and infrastructure. The high level of population and technological advances have made this region vulnerable to drug abuse. The role of the School is to develop capabilities and shape dignified national character and civilization in order to educate the life of the nation and the state aimed at developing potential students to become human beings who believe and fear God Almighty, noble, healthy, knowledgeable, capable, creative , be independent, and become a democratic and responsible citizen. For this reason, schools have an important role related to the prevention of drug abuse. Based on the data and policies obtained, the researchers aimed to identify the atmosphere development strategy in schools in an effort to prevent drug abuse in schools. This research was conducted using in-depth interviews with 14 informants who held positions as teachers. The research conducted will later use the WHO 1984 Health Promotion Strategy approach by using atmosphere development variables. The results of the study stated that the community development activities carried out in North Surabaya's high schools were in the form of peer counselors, teaching and learning activities, inspection, urine tests and counseling facilities.

DTEXT \u2013 text messaging intervention to improve outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes: protocol for randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis

BackgroundDiabetes prevalence is rapidly increasing, with type 2 diabetes predicted to be the leading contributor of non-communicable disease in Australia by 2020. It is anticipated that rates of type 2 diabetes will continue to increase if factors such as overweight and obesity, low physical activity and poor nutrition are not addressed. The majority of Australians with type 2 diabetes do not meet the guidelines for optimal diabetes management, and access to diabetes education is limited. This highlights the need for new interventions that can reduce existing barriers to diabetes education, attain greater population reach and support self-management strategies for people with type 2 diabetes.Mobile phone text messages have shown promising results as an intervention for people with chronic disease. They have the ability to achieve high levels of engagement and broad population reach, whilst requiring minimal resources. There is however, no evidence on the effect of text messaging to improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes in Australia.Methods/DesignThis randomised controlled trial aims to investigate if a 6 month text message intervention (DTEXT) can lead to improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes self-management among Australian residents in New South Wales (NSW) with type 2 diabetes. Community dwelling adults (n = 340) will be recruited with the primary outcome being change in HbA1c at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include behaviour change for diabetes self-management, self-efficacy, quality of life and intervention acceptability. An economic evaluation will be conducted using a funder plus patient perspective.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a text message intervention to reduce HbA1c and enhance self-management of type 2 diabetes in the Australian population. If successful, this intervention could be used as a model to complement and extend existing diabetes care in the Australian health care system.Trial RegistrationThe study has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID: ACTRN12617000416392. Registered: 23 March 2017.

European corn borer and its parasites overwintering abundance and damages on different corn FAO maturity groups

European corn borer (ECB) is one of the most significant maize pests in the world and also in Croatia. ECB causes yield reduction from 2 to 25%, even more in years favorable for its development. According to estimations, these losses are around 7%. About 90% of the hybrids had some resistance to whorl-leaf feeding (first-generation ECB) and 75% had some resistance to sheath and sheath-collar feeding (second-generation ECB). Along with resistance, modern maize hybrids possess certain level of tolerance. The main aim of this paper was to determine moth eclosion of the overwintering generation and presence of the parasites of ECB larvae during the overwintering as well as to estimate population density of ECB on maize growing area in Croatia. Also, we aimed to establish the differences among different maize FAO maturity groups in damage caused by ECB larvae. Estimated overwintering population was over 8,000 moths/ha i.e. more than 4 million larvae of first generation. During the overwintering four different parasites attacked the larvae. Two species belong to the order Hymenoptera (Cotesia marginiventris Cresson and Eriborus terebrans Gravenhorst) and two species belong to the order Diptera (Ramonda spathulata Fallen and Lydella thompsoni Herting). One caterpillar predator species Paragymnomerus spiricornis Spinola (Hymenopetra) overwinters in maize stalks as well. The highest attack of the first ECB generation was recorded on FAO maturity group 500. The damage from second ECB generation was the highest on FAO groups 400 and 500. The maize of the higher FAO groups has high and robust stems with large number of big leaves. That intensive vegetative growth is a biological characteristic that attracts first generation of ECB to intensifying egg lying. High population level of the first generation also leads to high level of second ECB generation which ultimately caused yield reduced on the hybrids of longer vegetation period (medium-late FAO maturity groups).

JAUNDICE OF NEONATAL PERIOD (REVIEW) CHAPTER I: CONCEPT’S DEFINTON. EPIDEMIOLOGY. ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND PATHOMORPHOLOGY. CLASSIFICATION

Researches results shows that countries with low and average incomes level have the highest frequency of complex type of jaundice in newborns, characteristic features of which are unproportionally high indicators of morbidity, mortality and disorders of neurological development on the following years of life compared to countries with high incomes level of population. Chapter I of this article disclose main conception and definitions, epidemiological data and risk factors of neonatal jaundice, also here enlightens the issues of etiology, pathogenesis and pathomorphology of hyperbilirubinemia. Jaundice it’s a syndrome of color changes of skin layers and mucous membrane which develops as a result of accumulation of excessive bilirubin quantity in blood, i.e. it is visual express of hyperbilirubinemia. Jaundice is one of the most common conditions, which demand a medical help in newborn. Neonatal jaundice is a highly common – almost each newborn has the increasing of unconjugated bilirubin in blood serum for more than 30 mmol/l during first week of life. Clinical signs of hyperbilirubinemia develop approximately in 60% of mature and 80% of prematurely newborns. The peculiarities of neonatal jaundice clinic are the fact that it can be physiological and can appear in healthy babies and be at the same time the sign of the whole series of diseases. That’s why, neonatal jaundice should be considered as a symptom of a potential danger. Getting of unconjugated bilirubin into the brain of newborn can cause both short terms and long terms neurological disorders, which is the cause of bilirubin encephalopathy. For indication of clinical signs of acute or chronic bilirubin encephalopathy of babies with very high bilirubin level and also jaundice tinge of brain related to suffered jaundice used the term “core jaundice”. The core jaundice can appear at lower bilirubin level in newborns with the presence of risk factors, in particular in prematurely newborns. According to the pathophysiological mechanisms of development of newborns hyperbilirubinemia can be hemolytic, conjugative, mechanical and parenchymal. Pathomorphological during the neonatal jaundice exist deposition of unconjugated bilirubin into a different organs and tissues – the condition which called bilirubin intoxication. The most dangerous is binding of unconjugated bilirubin by a brain lipids, which is confirmed by existence of yellow pigment in basal core of the central nervous system during the pathologoanatomical and histological research. Subcutaneous fatty tissue binds some part of bilirubin. It explains the lower level of expressiveness of physiological jaundice in mature newborns and even its absence in overmatured newborns, when its develops more frequenter in mature newborns with the consistence of bilirubin in their blood is much higher. Pathological changes, which exist during the pathoanatomical research of newborn’s brain can resemble in more cases the nonspecific damage than real core jaundice.

Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Cydia pomonella (L.) in Southern Uruguay Using Geostatistical Tools

Geostatistics can support pest management by analyzing the spatial distribution of a pest at a local or regional level. Therefore, specific site pest control can be performed based on accurate spatio-temporal information. Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the most serious apple and pear pest, requires several insecticide applications to reduce injury to acceptable levels. The aim of this research was to study the temporal and spatial variation in distribution and abundance of C. pomonella in the main fruit-growing area of Uruguay. From 2007 to 2009, approximately 120 pheromone traps per year were installed in apple and pear orchards distributed over 50,000 ha, and georeferenced. Male adult captures were registered weekly from October to March. Spatial analysis of the captures was done, obtaining semivariograms for the accumulated captures analyzed by generation and by growing season. Maps were constructed based on significant models obtained, where the population level of the pest was estimated using ordinary kriging. The correlation range estimated was from 1720 to 2690 m. Hot spots of high population level and some areas with comparatively low populations were constant over the 2-year period.