Levels In January Research Articles

The road to postpandemic recovery in the USA: a repeated cross-sectional survey of multidimensional well-being over two years

ObjectivesExamine differences in multidimensional well-being from before (January 2020) to three timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020, January 2021, January 2022). Study designRepeated cross-sectional design. MethodsNationally representative cross-sectional cohorts of US adults completed the Secure Flourish Index before (January 2020 cohort: N = 1010) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020 cohort: N = 3020; January 2021 cohort: N = 3366; January 2022 cohort: N = 2598). We estimated differences in indicators, domains, and composite well-being between the January 2020 cohort and each of the subsequent cohorts. We also explored whether changes in well-being between January 2020 and January 2022 varied based on age, gender, and race/ethnicity. ResultsInitial declines in well-being observed by June 2020 were largely followed by a return to prepandemic levels in January 2022, with some exceptions. Notably, general declines in mental health have persisted through to January 2022. On the other hand, there was evidence of general improvements in character & virtue that exceeded prepandemic levels in January 2022. Young adults and racial/ethnic minorities reported lower financial & material stability in January 2022 compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionsAlthough there are promising signs that the well-being of US adults has mostly recovered to prepandemic levels, a coordinated response is urgently needed to support population mental health and the financial security of vulnerable groups. As society continues the journey toward postpandemic recovery, continued tracking of multidimensional well-being will be important for making informed decisions about public health priorities.

Impact of Residential Real-World Wood Stove Operation on Air Quality concerning PM2.5 Immission

In Germany, the number of small wood-burning combustion plants was around 11 million in 2020. The PM2.5 immissions caused by the operation of these combustion plants are already about as high as those from traffic exhaust gases. Thus, particulate matter immissions occur not only on busy roads but also in residential areas. Since there are few official measuring stations for PM2.5 in residential areas and suburbs, this study determined PM2.5 concentrations from November 2020 to June 2021 at three stations (urban, suburban, and residential) in the Karlsruhe area. Simultaneous measurements of PM2.5 at the three locations have been implemented to determine short-term (peaks), medium-term, and long-term particulate matter levels and to assign them to sources by observation, considering wind direction. Illustratively, PM2.5 immission levels in January and May 2021 were compared in this paper. The comparison of the particulate matter immissions measured in the urban and residential area in January revealed that PM2.5 concentration peaks of up to 60 µg/m3 occurred for short periods in the residential area, especially on Fridays and in the evenings, which could be assigned to wood stove operation. In the urban and suburban areas, the number of the immission peaks was lower by 70–80%, and the peak concentrations were also lower by an average of 13–18%. However, the high short-term peaks have no significant impact when calculating the PM2.5 annual average according to the current limit value regulation (39. BImSchV).

Paediatric hospital admissions for psychiatric and psychosocial reasons during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Increases in youth psychiatric presentations to out-patient and emergency department settings during COVID-19 have been reported. This study, using data from five hospitals in Ireland, examines changes in the number and type of paediatric admissions during COVID-19 (March 2020 – February 2021) compared to the previous two years. ICD-10 classification was used to establish admissions with mental, behavioural, neuro-developmental disorders and psychosocial reasons (MBN-PS). Overall hospital admissions fell by 25.3%, while MBN-PS fell by only 2.6%, mostly during an initial lockdown. Admissions for MBN-PS increased in July-August (9.2%), increased further in September-December (28.3%), returning to pre-COVID-19 levels in January–February 2021. Significant increases were observed among youths with anorexia nervosa (47.8%), other eating disorders (42.9%), and admissions for anxiety (29.6%), with these effects relating to females only. Although admissions for self-harm increased (3%) and rates of ASD admissions reduced (17%), these were not statistically significant. The disproportionate increase in admissions for MBN-PS compared to medical admissions suggests an adverse effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health, for females in particular, and supports previous reports of a pandemic specific increase in eating psychopathology. Combined community and acute service delivery and capacity planning are urgently needed given the prior underfunding of services pre-pandemic.

Impact of intensive mariculture activities on microplastic pollution in a typical semi-enclosed bay: Zhanjiang Bay

Microplastic (MP) was investigated in Zhanjiang Bay, a semi-enclosed bay in south China and famous for considerable mariculture industry, to evaluate whether mariculture activities accelerated MP pollution. The MP abundances ranged from 0 to 2.65 n/m3 (number/m3), showing seasonal variances with higher levels in May and September and lower levels in January. In the inner part of the bay, a significantly high MP abundance and predominance of foam were found during the oyster breeding period, and pollution sources were prone to be single and extensive. This suggested that MPs were strongly influenced by the intensive plastic products for oyster culturing, especially during breeding. Moreover, plastic cages used for culturing were the main source of MPs in the central part of the bay. By conducting statistical analysis for eight representative bays, the economic growth, social development, agriculture structure, and aquaculture development were supposed to influence the local MP pollution level.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology services in the second year at a South Asian cardiac centre

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.BackgroundLittle has been reported on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new delta variant, on cardiology services and catheterization volumes in South Asia, during the second year of the pandemic.PurposeWe aimed to assess this impact during the second year of the pandemic on cardiology services, procedures and catheterization volumes at a tertiary cardiac centre in Bangladesh.MethodsData on patient visits (outpatient and emergency), admissions, procedures and catheterization volumes were collected for January to June 2020 and 2021 via hospital electronic records. Comparisons for each corresponding month were made between 2021 and 2020. The differences were expressed as a percentage (%Δ).ResultsTrends showed that admissions in cardiology and cardiac surgery units, outpatient visits, procedures and cardiac catheterization volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 2020. However, ER visits showed >50% reductions in February (Δ-58.7%) and March (Δ -51.9%) 2021, compared to 2020. Admissions and procedures showed a steep decline from March to April 2021, coinciding with the COVID19 surge owing to the Delta variant. A gradual increase in numbers of admissions, patient visits, and procedures were seen in May and June 2021, as compared with corresponding months in 2020. In terms of catheterization volumes, a sharp decline was seen in angiographies and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from March to April 2021, similar to 2020. Cath lab procedures showed an increasing trend in May-June 2021, and were greater in numbers, compared to corresponding volumes in 2020 [May: Δ+36.9%; June: Δ+33.2% in 2021]. A greater increase was seen for PCI (May Δ+ 46.8%; June Δ+367%) than angiographies (May Δ+32.5%; June Δ+32.5%).ConclusionCardiology services and cath lab volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in January and February 2021. The surge caused by the delta variant resulted in reduced admissions, outpatient and cath lab volumes beginning from April 2021, however numbers remained greater in 2021 than corresponding months in March-June 2020, possibly indicating an adaptation of the healthcare system to the prevailing pandemic.

Jet fuel demand hit by Omicron; recovery delayed until 2023/2024

Jet fuel demand hit by Omicron; recovery delayed until 2023/2024

The influence of sharply continental climate on immunophysiological parameters of cattle blood

The aim of the study was to research the influence of Central Yakutia's climate (Russia) on immunophysiological status of Kholmogor cattle (n=25). Cold winters, high summer temperatures and small amount of precipitation of the sharply continental climate require breeding of animals with high resistance and productivity. The objects of the study were blood samples. Complete blood count of samples determined that in the stall period leukocyte activity reaches the upper limit of the norm, or exceeds it. The highest values were observed in autumn. According to this, phagocytic activity was 84,11±2,56% and exceeded the norm by 7,3% (P<0,001). The neutrophil index was 8,5±0,2. The white cell count is appear to be increased by 16,8% in spring, as compared with other seasons. Meanwhile, phagocytic activity and phagocytic index in leukocytes are decreased by 24,1% and 16,6%, respectively. There was a significant increase in hematological parameters by 5.7%, 6.6% and 10.4% in January in comparison with autumn (P<0,05; P<,01). Significant decrease of erythrocyte number and hemoglobin level by 14,3% and 8,1%, respectively, were found in autumn compared with such levels in January (P<0,05; P<0,001). A decrease in these indicators occurs with an increase of the leukocytes number to 7,79±0,12х109 /L, which is 14,5% and 26,5% higher than those in the autumn and winter periods. The distinction is significant only for the winter period (P<0,01). Thus, it can be concluded that continuous stall period in conditions of Yakutia's sharply continental climate has a considerable influence on functioning of body systems and leukocyte activity in cattle blood.

Comparing Anti-Factor Xa and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Levels for Monitoring Unfractionated Heparin.

Background: Lab tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) levels are typically used to monitor intravenous unfractionated heparin (IV heparin), with recent evidence suggesting that anti-Xa levels may provide a more accurate measure of anticoagulation. Objective: The Lexington Veterans Affairs Health Care System transitioned from using aPTT to anti-Xa levels in January 2017. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this change. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study comparing all patients receiving IV heparin per protocol for at least 24 hours from August 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017 (aPTT group), and February 1, 2017, to July 31, 2017 (anti-Xa group). The primary objective was a comparison of IV heparin doses required to achieve goal range between the 2 cohorts. Secondary objectives included a comparison of time to therapeutic goal, percentage of time within goal range, number of rate changes until therapeutic goal, and adverse outcomes, such as number of bleeds. Results: A total of 155 patients were included in this study. Significantly higher IV heparin doses were required to achieve therapeutic goal in the anti-Xa group, despite significantly fewer IV heparin rate changes required. Anti-Xa monitoring was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Conclusion and Relevance: Significantly higher IV heparin doses were required to achieve therapeutic anti-Xa levels after transitioning from an aPTT-based protocol in the largely unstudied veteran population. However, the transition from aPTT to anti-Xa monitoring appears safe and efficacious in these patients.

Spatiotemporal variation of PM1 pollution in China

Understanding spatiotemporal variation of PM1 (mass concentrations of particles with aerodynamic diameter < 1 μm) is important due to its adverse effects on health, which is potentially more severe for its deeper penetrating capability into human bodies compared with larger particles. This study aimed to quantify the spatial and temporal distribution of PM1 across China as well as its ratio with PM2.5 (<2.5 μm) and relationships with meteorological parameters in order to deepen our knowledge of the drivers of air pollution in China. Ground-based monitoring PM1 and PM2.5 measurements, along with collocated meteorological data, were obtained from 96 stations in China for the period from November 2013 to December 2014. Generalized additive models were employed to examine the relationships between PM1 and meteorological parameters. We showed that PM1 concentrations were the lowest in summer and the highest in winter. Across China, the PM1/PM2.5 ratios ranged from 0.75–0.88, reaching higher levels in January and lower in August. For spatial distribution, higher PM1/PM2.5 ratios (>0.9) were observed in North-Eastern China, North China Plain, coastal areas of Eastern China and Sichuan Basin while lower ratios (<0.7) were present in remote areas in North-Western and Northern China (e.g., Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia). Higher PM1/PM2.5 ratios were observed on heavily polluted days and lower ratios on clean days. The high PM1/PM2.5 ratios observed in China suggest that smaller particles, PM1 fraction, are key drivers of air pollution, and that they effectively account for the majority of PM2.5 concentrations. This emphasised the role of combustion process and secondary particle formation, the sources of PM1, and the significance of controlling them.

Seasonal changes in supercooling capacity and major cryoprotectants of overwinteringAsian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) larvae

AbstractTheAsian longhorned beetle is a destructive trunk borer in forests and urban landscape trees.Dynamic changes in the supercooling capacity ofAnoplophora glabripennislarvae in a natural population and the mechanism of cold hardiness during different overwintering periods at physiological and biochemical levels were explored.The results showed that the supercooling point of overwintering larvae decreased initially before increasing subsequently with seasonal changes in ambient temperature. Fresh mass and glycogen tended to decrease initially and then reached their minimum levels inJanuary. Total amounts of low molecular weight substances and free amino acids in the haemolymph increased gradually as the ambient temperature decreased. Glycerol (779.80 ± 29.10 µm/mL) and trehalose (104.35 ± 12.38 µm/mL) concentrations were always higher than those of glucose and mannitol. All low molecular weight substances (besides trehalose) were almost metabolized by early spring. The concentrations of serine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, proline, glutamic acid and alanine all reached their highest level in the colder winter months.The results of the present study suggest thatA. glabripennislarvae accumulate cryoprotectants to improve their supercooling capacity, and enhance cold hardiness by reducing the supercooling point with respect to a decrease in ambient temperature until freezing temperatures appear.Anoplophora glabripennislarvae are a freeze‐tolerant insect.

Seasonal Variation of Triterpenes and Phenolic Compounds in Australian Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

Specific triterpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids in Centella asiatica have been found to be bioactive. Harvesting the plant when these putative bioactive compounds are at their highest concentrations would provide consistency in their chemical profile, thus ensuring the quality and efficacy of derived medicinal products. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of harvesting time on the contents of major triterpenoid and phenolic compounds in C. asiatica. Australian C. asiatica was collected from a designated area in different months. The principal triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), flavonoid compounds (rutin, quercetin and kaempferol) and chlorogenic acid were quantitatively determined by HPLC-DAD analysis. Triterpenoid, kaempferol and chlorogenic acid content showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in different collecting months. The total content of the four triterpenes reached its highest levels in January and February (83.15 ± 0.16 mg/g and 78.41 ± 0.16 mg/g, respectively), the summer season of the southern hemisphere, and their lowest values in winter (June) and spring (October) seasons (35.65 ± 0.20 and 35.50 ± 0.55 mg/g, respectively). Similarly, the contents of chlorogenic acid and kaempferol were the highest in December and January (1.62 ± 0.01 and 0.33 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively), and the lowest in June (0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.09 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively). The results indicate that harvesting C. asiatica in summer returns the highest yield of the target triterpenoids, kaempferol and chlorogenic acid.

Seasonal Imbalances in Natural Gas Imports in Major Northeast Asian Countries: Variations, Reasons, Outlooks and Countermeasures

The seasonal imbalances and price premiums of natural gas imports (NGIs) seriously affect the sustainability of these imports in major Northeast Asian countries, namely, China, Japan, and South Korea. Research on NGI seasonality might provide new insights that may help solve these issues. Unfortunately, little research has been conducted on this topic. Therefore, this paper examined the seasonalities of Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean NGIs using the X-12-ARIMA model to analyze monthly and quarterly data. The results suggest that Chinese NGIs lacks identifiable monthly or quarterly seasonality, while South Korea and Japan exhibit clearly identifiable seasonality. In Japan, NGIs exceed their average levels in January, February, July, August, September, and December; that is, Japan imports more natural gas during the winter and summer. In South Korea, NGIs exceed their average levels in January, February, March and December. In other words, South Korea typically imports more natural gas during the winter. The seasonal differences in NGIs among these countries might be explained by differences in natural gas consumption characteristics, domestic natural gas production capacity, NGI capacity, price sensitivity, and means of transportation. Based on seasonal differences and their probable causes, some suggestions are provided to promote the sustainable development of NGI.

Particulate Matter Distributions in China during a Winter Period with Frequent Pollution Episodes (January 2013)

Particulate matter distributions in China during January 2013 were analyzed using hourly PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from 74 cities. Five haze episodes occurred in this month. Both PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations increased rapidly at the beginning of January 2013 and remained at high levels throughout the month with monthly average values of 128.7 and 184.4 µg/m3, respectively. On January 12th, the most polluted day in this month, 13 cites were severely polluted with daily average PM2.5 concentrations greater than 300 µg/m3, and 18 cities were heavily polluted with daily average PM2.5 concentrations between 200 and 300 µg/m3. These episodes often occurred in a large spatial domain with the North China Plain as the most polluted area, including Jing-Jin-Ji area (Beijing, Tianjin, and Heibei provinces). Both PM2.5 and PM10 had good correlations with ambient CO, NO2, and SO2 concentrations. High PM concentrations often occurred at low wind speeds and high relative humidity. In addition, PM levels in January 2013 were compared with those from other international cities.

Biomass Energy Characteristics of Switchgrass Cultivars Grown in New Jersey

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a native perennial warm season grass currently being used as a bioenergy feedstock. However, little information is available on switchgrass production in the northeastern US. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of three switchgrass cultivars (Alamo, Carthage, and Timber) grown for bioenergy at two locations in New Jersey. Cultivars were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at two locations, Upper Deerfield and Pittstown, NJ in spring of 2007 and 2008, respectively. A single fall harvest was made at each location in 2009 and 2010. Ash, dry matter content, and high heating value were determined from subsamples of plots collected monthly after harvest. Switchgrass biomass yields ranged from 8.94 to 13.21 Mg ha -1 . Biomass yields were similar among cultivars and locations tested. Dry matter content increased after fall harvest at both locations and reached acceptable levels in January. Mean ash content ranged from 14.0 to 25.7 g kg-1 and did not differ among cultivars or subsample harvests. High heating values ranged from 19.39 to 20.08 J kg -1 , with no differences observed among cultivars or harvests. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy predicted ash well but not high heating value. Results indicate that Alamo, Carthage, and Timber are high yielding, low ash switchgrass cultivars that could be promising choices for biomass production in the northeastern and MidAtlantic US, and that dry, low-ash biomass can be harvested throughout the winter if weather conditions permit.

Increased Feeding and Nutrient Excretion of Adult Antarctic Krill, Euphausia superba, Exposed to Enhanced Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Ocean acidification has a wide-ranging potential for impacting the physiology and metabolism of zooplankton. Sufficiently elevated CO2 concentrations can alter internal acid-base balance, compromising homeostatic regulation and disrupting internal systems ranging from oxygen transport to ion balance. We assessed feeding and nutrient excretion rates in natural populations of the keystone species Euphausia superba (Antarctic krill) by conducting a CO2 perturbation experiment at ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels in January 2011 along the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Under elevated CO2 conditions (∼672 ppm), ingestion rates of krill averaged 78 µg C individual−1 d−1 and were 3.5 times higher than krill ingestion rates at ambient, present day CO2 concentrations. Additionally, rates of ammonium, phosphate, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) excretion by krill were 1.5, 1.5, and 3.0 times higher, respectively, in the high CO2 treatment than at ambient CO2 concentrations. Excretion of urea, however, was ∼17% lower in the high CO2 treatment, suggesting differences in catabolic processes of krill between treatments. Activities of key metabolic enzymes, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were consistently higher in the high CO2 treatment. The observed shifts in metabolism are consistent with increased physiological costs associated with regulating internal acid-base equilibria. This represents an additional stress that may hamper growth and reproduction, which would negatively impact an already declining krill population along the WAP.

Mite (Acari) population dynamics in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in two regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

In spite of the great importance of viticulture in Rio Grande do Sul, little is known about the state's mite fauna and its population fluctuations. Mites from Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae and Tetranychidae families are considered as pests; their main natural enemies belong to Iolinidae, Phytoseiidae and Stigmaeidae. The aim of this work is to discover the population dynamics of mite fauna associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varietals and associated plants in two vine-producing regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Evaluations were carried out monthly, between October 2006 and September 2007. Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa, 1905) was the main phytophagous species collected and it reached a population peak in January. Panonychus ulmi (Koch, 1836) was observed in October and April, in Bento Gonçalves, reaching a population peak in January; Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks, 1905 was observed at high population levels in January; Pronematus anconai Baker, (1943) 1944 was present in all areas covered by this study; Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor, 1954) was shown to be associated with C. vitis, P. ulmi and P. latus; and Agistemus floridanus Gonzalez, 1965 was found only in Bento Gonçalves.

Surface layer variability in the Ross Sea, Antarctica as assessed by in situ fluorescence measurements

Phytoplankton fluorescence, temperature and salinity were measured from December through February using in situ instruments deployed at two locations in the southern Ross Sea, Antarctica during the austral summers of three consecutive years (2003–2004, 2004–2005, and 2005–2006) to assess the short-term, seasonal and interannual variations in phytoplankton biomass and oceanographic conditions. The seasonal climatologies of physical forcing variables were also determined from satellite measurements, and the data from the two sites compared to the 2000–2009 mean. In situ fluorometers were deployed at three depths at 77°S, 172.7°E and 77.5°S, 180°. Significant differences between the two sites were consistently observed, confirming the anticipated high level of spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Chlorophyll fluorescence was maximal in late December, and generally decreased rapidly to modest levels in January and February. However, during 1 year (2003–2004) a secondary bloom was found, with summer maxima being similar to those observed during spring. Fluorescence displayed a strong diel cycle, with strong quenching during periods of maximum irradiance. The magnitude of this reduction was large (the minimum average fluorescence was 25% of the daily mean) and decreased with depth. Fluorescence varied interannually, with the absolute levels and temporal patterns being different among years. The two sites had different temperature/salinity properties as measured at 24 m, and both variables changed with time. During 2004–2005 we were able to continuously measure the photosynthetic quantum efficiency of PSII ( F v / F m ) at 11 m, which revealed a minimum in December, and an increase in January, whereas the absolute fluorescence ( F o ) decreased simultaneously. We suggest that this reflected a mixing event, whereby available irradiance increased, allowing a short period of growth in a more favorable optical environment. While substantial variations from the mean physical forcing were observed, the linkage of these physical variations with fluorescence was not always clear. Short-term (over 24-h) changes in fluorescence occurred, and were likely related to advective events. Wind events altered fluorescence in the surface layer, and these redistributed phytoplankton in the surface. The variability in chlorophyll fluorescence and physical forcing over a variety of scales in the Ross Sea provides insights into temporal–spatial coupling of phytoplankton.

The Expression of amh and amhr2 Is Associated with the Development of Gonadal Tissue and Sex Change in the Protandrous Black Porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegeli1

The protandrous black porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegeli, has a striking life cycle, with sex differentiation at the juvenile stage, mono-male development, a bisexual gonad during the first 2 yr of life, and a male-to-female sex change (with vitellogenic oocytes) at 3 yr of age. In the present study, we investigated the possible roles of amh and amhr2 in gonadal development in a nonmammalian model organism (protandrous black porgy), especially in relation to sex differentiation, testicular and ovarian growth, and sex change. Fish of various ages were treated with estradiol or an aromatase inhibitor to induce the fish to become female. Furthermore, a natural sex change (2(+)-yr-old [>2 yr and <3 yr] fish) and a nonchemical method to surgically remove one of the pair of gonads to examine the possible roles of amh in the natural sex change were conducted. We present integrative in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical, cellular, and molecular data describing these phenomena. During gonadal sex differentiation, an increase in amh and amhr2 expression was detected. Higher levels of amh and amhr2 transcripts were observed in the testicular tissue when compared to the ovarian tissue in the bisexual gonad of 1(+)-yr-old (>1 yr and <2 yr) fish. Transcripts of amh reached peak levels in November (prespermatogenesis period) and then declined to the lowest levels in January (spawning period). Chemical-induced ovarian tissue had very low amh transcript levels but high levels of amhr2. Active testes had significantly higher amh and amhr2 expression levels as compared to inactive testes. In contrast, no difference in the expression of amh and amhr2 between active and inactive ovarian tissues was found. Transcripts of amh were expressed in the somatic cells of the spermatogonia and vitellogenic oocytes, and amhr2 was expressed in the somatic cells of the spermatogonia. Transcripts of amh decreased in the testicular tissue 5 mo before occurrence of the sex change into a female. In contrast, testicular amh expression remained high if the fish remained male. Human chorionic gonadotropin regulated amh and amhr2 expression in the testicular tissue but not in the ovarian tissue. The present results suggest that amh plays important roles in early testicular and ovarian development, late ovarian growth (e.g., vitellogenic oocytes), and natural sex change in the protandrous black porgy.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CAUSING PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN PAPAYA PLANTS

Brazil is the world largest grower and exporter of papayas. The climate of the regions where the fruit is cultivated makes it possible to produce, harvest and provide the market with papayas on a year-round basis. The light and environmental conditions, together with modern planting techniques that utilize low levels of agricultural chemicals furnish the market a high quality fruit. Knowledge of how papaya responds to environmental factors provides a scientific basis to develop management strategies to optimize fruit yield and quality. A better understanding of genotypic responses to specific environmental factors will contribute to efficient agricultural zoning and papaya breeding programs. Main physiological disorders affecting papaya are pulp gelification and skin freckles. Magnesium and calcium deficiencies in the pulp of the gelled tissue may be related to the disruption of proton pump functioning. Identifying the mechanisms of the disorder is an active research area in Brazil. Skin freckles (SF) in papaya is a visual disorder that reduces the commercial value. In Brazil, SF incidence was observed in the common cultivars and has been observed in almost all countries with commercial papaya production. Since SF was not associated with low calcium tissue levels in January, we proposed a re-assessment of the concept that the low tissue calcium contents in the January sampling may reduce cell wall stability and membrane integrity facilitating latex leaking. It is proposed that the high calcium contents associated with high temperature and large diurnal temperature fluctuations in September contributed to greater cell wall rigidity facilitating increased turgor pressure resulting in the rupture of the latex vessels and latex leaking. Environmental factors profoundly affect the physiological disorders in papaya and an understanding of their interaction with physiological processes is extremely important for economically sustainable production in the nursery or field plantation. With improved, science-based management, growers will increase papaya fruit productivity and quality.

Aplysina red band syndrome: a new threat to Caribbean sponges

A substantial and increasing number of reports have documented dramatic changes and continuing declines in Caribbean coral reef communities over the past 2 decades. To date, the majority of disease reports have focused on scleractinian corals, whereas sponge diseases have been less frequently documented. In this study, we describe Aplysina red band syndrome (ARBS) affecting Caribbean rope sponges of the genus Aplysina observed on shallow reefs in the Bahamas. Visible signs of disease presence included 1 or more rust-colored leading edges, with or without a trailing area of necrotic tissue, such that the lesion forms a contiguous band around part or all of the sponge branch. Microscopic examination of the leading edge of the disease margin indicated that a cyanobacterium was consistently responsible for the coloration. Although the presence of this distinctive coloration was used to characterize the diseased state, it is not yet known whether this cyanobacterium is directly responsible for disease causation. The prevalence of ARBS declined significantly from July to October 2004 before increasing above July levels in January 2005. Transmission studies in the laboratory demonstrated that contact with the leading edge of an active lesion was sufficient to spread ARBS to a previously healthy sponge, suggesting that the etiologic agent, currently undescribed, is contagious. Studies to elucidate the etiologic agent of ARBS are ongoing. Sponges are an essential component of coral reef communities and emerging sponge diseases clearly have the potential to impact benthic community structure on coral reefs.