Mesh Bags Research Articles

Absence of a home-field advantage within a short-rotation arable cropping system

AimsThe home-field advantage (HFA) hypothesis predicts faster decomposition of plant residues in home soil compared to soils with different plants (away), and has been demonstrated in forest and grassland ecosystems. It remains unclear if this legacy effect applies to crop residue decomposition in arable crop rotations. Such knowledge could improve our understanding of decomposition dynamics in arable soils and may allow optimisation of crop residue amendments in arable systems by cleverly combining crop-residue rotations with crop rotations to increase the amount of residue-derived C persisting in soil.MethodsWe tested the HFA hypothesis in a reciprocal transplant experiment with mesh bags containing wheat and oilseed rape residues in soils at three stages of a short-rotation cropping system. Subsets of mesh bags were retrieved monthly for six months to determine residue decomposition rates, concomitantly measuring soil available N, microbial community structure (phospholipid fatty acid analysis), and microbial activity (Tea Bag Index protocol) to assess how plants may influence litter decomposition rates via alterations to soil biochemical properties and microbial communities.ResultsThe residues decomposed at similar rates at all rotational stages. Thorough data investigation using several statistical approaches revealed no HFA within the crop rotation. Soil microbial community structures were similar at all rotational stages.ConclusionsWe attribute the absence of an HFA to the shortness of the rotation and soil disturbance involved in intensive agricultural practices. It is therefore unlikely that appreciable benefits could be obtained in short conventionally managed arable rotations by introducing a crop-residue rotation.

Assessing the impacts of urbanization on stream ecosystem functioning through investigating litter decomposition and nutrient uptake in a forest and a hyper-eutrophic urban stream

Rapid urbanization significantly affects freshwater systems by interfering with important ecological functions. The responses of different ecosystem functions in urban streams and their potential ecological effects remain largely unknown, impeding their management and restoration in many cases. In this study, we simultaneously assessed two important ecosystem functions, litter decomposition and nutrient uptake, and investigated the associated microbial and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in two subtropical streams (i.e., a forest headwater stream as a reference and an urban stream that was hyper-eutrophic). Litter decomposition was estimated using litter bags with two mesh sizes (i.e., 50 μm and 2 mm) and two leaf species with different qualities (i.e., Alangium chinense and Machilus leptophylla), with a total of 96 litter bags. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake rates were measured in situ based on the spiraling model. We found that the decomposition rate of A.chinense was approximately seven times that of M. leptophylla in both streams. Moreover, in the urban stream, the litter decomposition rate (0.004 day−1) was one-third that of the forest stream (0.013 day−1), regardless of the litter species. Macroinvertebrates strongly contributed to litter decomposition in the forest stream, where decomposition rates were 1.8-fold higher in the coarse mesh compared to the fine mesh bags, while they had a negligible role in the urban stream (no significant difference between the two mesh bags). P uptake was higher (85-fold) and N uptake was lower (0.13-fold) in the urban compared to forest stream. Litter decomposition and nutrient uptake exhibit decoupled response. These findings show that litter decomposition by kcoarse/kfine metrics and the uptake of N and P are complementary and should be considered in the management and restoration of urban stream ecosystems.

Anthropogenic Carrion Subsidy and Herbicide Glyphosate Depressed Leaf-Litter Breakdown: Effects on Environmental Health in Streams

Terrestrial leaf-litter (LL) inputs impose great bottom-up effects on freshwater ecosystems by fueling detritus-based food webs, affecting macroinvertebrate and microbial communities, and influencing ecosystem functioning. However, increasing intensive anthropogenic activities including the inputs of herbicide glyphosate disturb the breakdown of LL in streams. In this study, an anthropogenic carrion subsidy (chicken meat) and glyphosate (a stressor) were used to investigate their individual and combined effects on LL breakdown in urban streams and forest streams in China. We found that: 1) carrion subsidy decreased LL breakdown rate in both urban and forest streams and increased total and predator richness in forest streams, the reduced LL breakdown rates may be attributed to the foraging shift of macroinvertebrates from LL to carrion subsidy; 2) glyphosate depressed LL breakdown rate in forest but not in urban streams, the reduced LL breakdown rate may be caused by the negative effects on microbes; 3) forest streams showed significantly higher LL breakdown rates in both coarse and fine mesh bags than urban streams which were induced by the high dissolved oxygen (DO) and collector-gatherer richness. Our results provide evidence that LL breakdown in streams is sensitive to inputs of anthropogenic carrion subsidy and glyphosate through the impacts on macroinvertebrates and microbes, respectively. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of local macroinvertebrate and microbial communities when assessing the responses of stream ecosystem functioning and macroinvertebrate communities to multiple stressors, as the individual and combined effects of stressors can be site-specific in streams with different physical characteristics and biological communities.

Can the reductive dissolution of ferric iron in paddy soils compensate phosphorus limitation of rice plants and microorganisms?

Biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) are tightly interlinked, especially in highly weathered acidic subtropical and tropical soils rich in iron (oxyhydr)oxides (Fe(III)). The quantitative contribution of the reductive dissolution of Fe(III)-bound inorganic P (Pi) (Fe–P) in low-redox paddy soils may cover the demands of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) and microorganisms. We hypothesized that microbially-driven Fe(III) reduction and dissolution can cover the P demand of microorganisms but not of the young rice plants when the plants’ P demand is high but their root systems are not sufficiently developed. We grew pre-germinated rice plants for 33 days in flooded rhizoboxes filled with a paddy soil of low P availability. 32P-labeled ferrihydrite (30.8 mg kg−1) was supplied either (1) in polyamide mesh bags (30 μm mesh size) to prevent roots from directly mobilizing Fe–P (pellets-in-mesh bag treatment), or (2) in the same pellet form but without a mesh bag to enable roots accessing the Fe–P (pellets-no-mesh bag treatment).Without mesh bags, Pi was more available leading to increases in microbial biomass carbon (MBC) by 18–55% and nitrogen (MBN) by 4–108% in rooted soil as compared to Pi pellets not directly available to roots. The maximum enzyme activities (Vmax) of phosphomonoesterase and β-glucosidase followed this pattern. During rice root growth, day 10 to day 33, MBC and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) contents in both rooted and bottom bulk (15–18 cm) soil gradually decreased by 28–56% and 47–49%, respectively. In contrast to our hypothesis, the contribution of Fe–P to MBP remarkably decreased from 4.5% to almost zero from 10 to 33 days after rice transplantation, while Fe–P compensated up to 16% of the plant P uptake at 33 days after rice transplantation, thus outcompeting microorganisms. Although both plants and microorganisms obtained Pi released by Fe(III) reductive dissolution, this mechanism was not sufficient for the demand of either organism groups.

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Macrophyte Litter Decomposition in a Rare Chain-of-ponds, an Intermittent Stream and Wetland System

Ponds and wetlands around the world face anthropogenic pressures that threaten key ecosystem processes such as nutrient and organic matter cycling. Wetlands in arid and semi-arid regions are particularly at risk from uncertainty of water availability and competing pressures for use. Such threats are most acute for non-perennial systems that rely on occasional surface water flows to maintain important ecological functions.This study investigates the decomposition of an endemic macrophyte Cycnogeton procerum (R.Br.) Buchenau as a key ecosystem process in a chain-of-ponds wetland system, located in the intermittently flowing Mulwaree River, New South Wales, Australia. The aims of this study were to identify spatial and temporal patterns and the relative importance of microbial activity in macrophyte decomposition to improve our understanding of ecological processes in these intermittent systems.Exponential decomposition rates (proportional mass loss (g)) were highest during spring and summer (0.07-0.10 kd-1) and slower during autumn and winter (0.03-0.04 kd-1), reflecting seasonal drivers. Decomposition was significantly different in 9 mm and 150 μm mesh bags only during spring, suggesting decomposition was mostly performed by microbes, with invertebrate herbivores possibly only a factor during spring lotic conditions.Mesotrophic conditions, regulated by flow and internal macrophyte and algal dynamics appear to maintain a highly productive, macrophyte-dominated aquatic wetland system. Temperature was a major factor in decomposition rates and expected increases due to climate change will accentuate pressure on the resilience of the macrophyte community. Alterations caused by changing climate and anthropogenic land use place the ponds at high risk.

Macroinvertebrates’ response to different land use in lowland streams from Uruguay: use of artificial substrates for biomonitoring

ABSTRACT The use of macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality is an effective and low-cost tool, which is widely implemented in biomonitoring programmes. Certain taxa are characteristic of impaired watercourses (e.g. Oligochaeta, Chironomidae and Amphipoda), while others are characteristic of good-quality watercourses (e.g. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera; EPT). In this work, we evaluated the response of the macroinvertebrate assemblages to different land uses. For this purpose, artificial substrate colonization experiments were conducted in streams including urban (U, n = 3), intensive agriculture and dairy production (AD, n = 4) and extensive cattle ranching (CR, n = 4) land uses. Because in Uruguay pristine ecosystems are practically non-existent and streams of low order streams associated with extensive cattle production represent the lowest deterioration water quality condition, CR sites were used as control reference streams. Physicochemical water parameters were measured. For macroinvertebrate sampling, 10 artificial substrates were installed in each stream. A total of 110 artificial substrates were analysed. Each sample/site consisted of a plastic mesh bag of 1.2 cm opening, which were filled with 160 cm3 (including 73.3 ± 5.8 cm3 interstitial water) of stones sieved between 1.3 and 1.5 cm. During the summer of 2018 (February), devices were left in streams for 15 days for communities to colonize them. U and AD land use represented the stressors with the highest impact on the attributes and composition of the macroinvertebrate communities. Abundance of EPT was higher in CR, meanwhile Caenogastropoda dominated in AD, and Amphipoda in U sites. Macroinvertebrate groups to order level classification were able to effectively discriminate between different land uses. The use of artificial substrate also demonstrated to be efficient method for monitoring macroinvertebrate community. We did not find a correlation between the physicochemical water parameters and the macroinvertebrate community. In this context, we propose a rapid and cost-effective biomonitoring approach, capable of estimating the degree of impact of different land uses.

First trial of wild juvenile collection of tropical sea cucumbers from settling larvae, using coconut fibre from waste husks in Solomon Islands: A new conservation tool

Abstract Wild juvenile collection (WJC) from settling larvae has been reported for two temperate holothurians (Apostichopus japonicus and Apostichopus californicus), mainly for the objective of restocking, but its applicability to tropical holothurians is unknown. This study, for the first time, tested the applicability of WJC for tropical sea cucumbers. First, hatchery‐produced larvae of peanutfish (Stichopus horrens) before settlement were introduced in a tank in which bundles of coconut fibre, rolled mesh bags, and oyster shells were suspended to identify the most suitable settlement material. The results showed that the coconut fibre and mesh bags collected more settling larvae than the oyster shells. Second, 25 collectors were installed for 3 months in the field in Nggela, Solomon Islands. The newly designed simple collector comprised between two and four net bags filled with coconut fibre, which were tied to a rope vertically moored between a concrete block anchor and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle floats. A total of 14 juvenile holothurians were collected, including Stichopus cf. horrens, stonefish (Actinopyga lecanora), kingfish (Synapta maculata), and five unidentified species. It is characteristic of tropical WJC that diverse species can be collected simultaneously (including rare, non‐culturable species), which is advantageous over hatchery production for restocking purposes. The total yield corresponded to approximately 1% of the total abundance of the ambient holothurian community, demonstrating potential for restocking, considering the ease of the extension and repetition of the trials. Collection in the inner bay areas was successful, whereas rough weather physically damaged the collectors in areas open to the ocean. These results show that WJC is a viable option for tropical holothurians. Thus, the use of the low‐cost, simple collectors using coconut fibre could be a new conservation measure for endangered holothurian resources, and are manageable by local communities.

An integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome provides insights into the responses of maize (Zea mays L.) roots to different straw and fertilizer conditions

Returning straw back to the field with an appropriate amount of fertilizer has been proven to be beneficial in the promotion of soil fertility, crop yield, and the sustainability of an agricultural system. However, little is known regarding the molecular and metabolic understandings of enhanced crop growth in a straw return system. By performing an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomics analysis, we investigated the effects of straw removal and straw return with two chemical fertilizer rates on root morphology in a mesh bag field experiment on maize in northwest China. Our results showed that straw return played a role in root thickening (bigger root diameter), while fertilization enhanced root branching (more root number). Different from straw return alone, straw return with fertilizer significantly decreased the root/shoot ratio ( p < 0.01) and increased the total root number ( p < 0.01), and root total nitrogen concentration ( p < 0.001). Root morphological responses were tightly associated with transcriptional regulation (e.g., root dry weight, Mantel’s r = 0.6468, p < 0.001) and metabolism modulation (e.g., root/shoot ratio, Mantel’s r = 0.7229, p < 0.001), mainly including the activation of genes related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolic pathways (e.g. , BGLU , PAL and POD ), the fine regulation of genes associated with auxin synthesis, homeostasis, flow and signaling (e.g., YUC , AUX1 and SAUR ), and cell wall remodeling (e.g., CESA and EXPA ), and the regulation of transcription factors and genes that function in the development of roots (primary, seminal, and lateral), root hairs, root tips, and root caps (e.g., BBM , LRP1 and RTCS ), and the accumulation of different metabolites (e.g., indole, esculin, and sucrose) under straw return with fertilization. We revealed important insights into the growth-promoting and morphology-modifying effects of straw return, as well as its highly novel effects on the transcriptional regulation and metabolism reprogram of maize root, which may help to elucidate how maize roots respond under straw return conditions to optimize soil resource acquisition and then guide the suitable utilization of crop residue resources in the agricultural system. • Straw played different roles from fertilizer in maize roots morphological modification. • Root growth response to straw was tightly associated with transcriptional regulation. • Genes related to IAA synthesis, homeostasis, flow and signaling were fine-regulated. • R/T ratio showed the strongest Mantel’s correlate with metabolism modulation. • Mechanism governing the enhanced maize growth in a straw-return system was revealed.

Do local-scale context dependencies shape how ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity structures with reduced or sustained experimental N addition?

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) pollution visibly and rapidly changes forest systems, for example impacting the diversity of forest ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. EcM fungi are measurable by components that vary in longevity, hence, reflecting different temporal scales of presence: EcM root-tips are viable for, at most, a couple growing seasons, compared to fungal structures that may persist in soil as DNA for decades or longer. In-growth mesh bags, in contrast, typically capture a single growing season of hyphal growth. The different components might portray different diversity responses by EcM fungi to large-scale N pollution, as well as any subsequent reductions from improved environmental standards. Within an established oak forest study system, we examined the impact of sustained and recently reduced experimental N addition on EcM fungal diversity and composition, measured in three main fungal components (root-free soil, root-tips, and mesh bag hyphae). We hypothesized that elevated soil N would reduce EcM fungal diversity, and that composition would change, but with differences among fungal components related to the temporal longevity of the components. Our expectations were largely met, in that richness primarily declined with increased soil N, and all trends were most pronounced with the soil EcM fungi (the only component potentially reflective of long-term fungal presence). We discovered that abatement of the experimental N treatment did not revert fungal trends to those of the same-site plots with ambient N treatment. Instead, the stochastic nature of local-scale disturbances, related to invasive earthworms and forest stand dynamics, likely impacted N levels and, thus, EcM fungal trends. Due to the context-dependency of localized disturbance(s), assessing the effects of reduced large-scale N deposition on EcM fungi can prove to be challenging.

Worldwide overview of reproduction, juvenile collection, spat production and cultivation of pen shells

AbstractPen shells hold some potential for cultivation, but information on aquaculture activities is fragmentary, and no sustained or commercial production of any such species is currently in place. We reviewed information available worldwide on reproductive cycles, wild juvenile collection, spat production in hatcheries and cultivation systems for 45 pen shell species. We found information on the topics of interest for 15 species, Atrina maura and Atrina pectinata being the most studied. Reproductive cycles have been described for ten species, but size at first maturity has been reported only for A. maura and Pinna rugosa. Onion mesh bags and mosquito nets are the materials used for wild juvenile collection of most species. Nevertheless, seed collection has decreased for some species because of overexploitation, diseases or trawling that has severely impacted populations, so spat production in hatcheries is a fundamental aspect. Yet, hatcheries face challenges due to the high mortality of umbo larvae and during metamorphosis, and larvae produced by broodstock with overmature gonads. Market size individuals can be produced using culture methods currently available, but hatchery protocols and culture devices must be tailored specifically for pen shells. Reduced availability of wild spat and limited spat production in hatcheries are major constraints for developing and sustaining cultures. Studies on reproduction and spat production are necessary, as well as the implementation of protection measures and development of restoration plans for pen shell populations. Apparently, there is insufficient information available to foster the development of aquaculture, with tensions between preserving species and aquaculture programmes.

Nocturnal distributions of juvenile Pacific salmon along an eco-engineered marine shoreline

Nocturnal distributions and habitat preferences of juvenile fish along urban shorelines are understudied relative to daytime investigations. As a case study, nocturnal distributions of juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) among ecological engineered and conventional seawall and pier habitats were characterized from May through August 2019 along the Seattle, WA, USA, waterfront. A multibeam sonar mounted beneath a kayak enabled day-night fish density comparisons to identify distribution and habitat use differences. Ecological engineering included mattresses (mesh bags filled with rocks) to create intertidal benches, a textured seawall to increase invertebrate colonization, and embedded glass blocks in an overhanging sidewalk to increase ambient light. Overall juvenile salmon night presence was twice that of daytime, and counts were 1.5 times higher during peak salmon densities. Juvenile salmon presence in eco-engineered and reference habitats was more similar at night compared to day. At night, juvenile salmon avoided traditional under-pier habitats and were more likely to navigate around piers that lack nearshore eco-engineered habitats. Increased use of eco-engineered habitats by juvenile salmon at night highlights the need to incorporate diel fish distribution differences in resource abundance estimates, and in the design and construction of coastline modifications.

Suitability of Formulated Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Hibiscus Mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Deployed Within Mesh Covers Intended to Protect Citrus From Huanglongbing

Mesh exclusion bags are increasingly being adopted by Florida citrus growers to protect young citrus trees from Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, and Huanglongbing disease. These mesh bags exclude larger insects such as D. citri but may allow entry of minute insects. Hibiscus mealybugs, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), have been observed thriving in the micro-habitat created by these covers on trees. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and insect growth regulators (IGRs) are effective against several mealybug species under various growing conditions, but their efficacy against N. viridis or within the microclimate within exclusion bags is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated various formulations of entomopathogenic fungi with and without IGR against N. viridis using laboratory bioassays. We then conducted semifield bioassays to determine effectiveness of EPF formulations alone and in combination with an IGR applied to citrus trees enveloped within mesh bags under field conditions. Survival probabilities of N. viridis nymphs exposed to all Beauveria bassiana-based products tested were comparable to malathion under laboratory conditions and reduced survival as compared to controls (water only). Under field conditions, mortality of N. viridis nymphs on leaves sprayed with each fungal formulation tested was significantly greater than on control treatments (Water, Suffoil X, 435 oil) up to four weeks post application. There were no differences in the colony forming units per leaf area amongst all fungal treatments. Formulated B. bassiana-based products applied alone or combined with an IGR should be effective tools for managing N. viridis populations on young citrus trees protected with mesh exclusion bags.

Effect of metal pollution from mining on litter decomposition in streams

Litter decomposition is critical to stream biogeochemical cycles. Metal pollution from past or present mining activities seriously threatens stream ecosystems. However, its effects on litter decomposition in streams remain unclear. A field litterbag experiment was conducted to determine the direct (i.e., via changes in stream water quality: a mine-affected vs. forest stream) and indirect (i.e., via changes in litter traits: polluted vs. non-polluted litter) effects of metal pollution from mining activities on leaf litter decomposition (total vs. microbial-driven) and the associated microbial activity and community composition in streams. Platanus acerifolia leaf litter collected from a polluted and a non-polluted site was enclosed in fine and coarse mesh bags and incubated in a mine-affected stream and a forest stream. The litter from the polluted site had a higher Pb, Zn, Cd, N, soluble sugar concentrations, specific leaf area and pH, and lower leaf toughness and lignin concentration than the litter from the non-polluted site. After incubation in situ, litter mass loss did not significantly differ between streams, but the mine-affected stream had a greater impact on total-driven decomposition rates than microbial-driven decomposition rates. Polluted litter had a significantly higher decomposition rate than non-polluted litter. The decomposition potential of polluted litter produces faster nutrient cycling and supports higher microbial colonization. Litter traits and decomposer community type modulate the influence of metal pollution on litter decomposition. The results suggest that the indirect effects of mining activities on litter decomposition were stronger than the direct effects.

Recent weathering promotes C storage inside large phyllosilicate particles in forest soil

Mineral weathering in soils is expected to promote chemical and physical interactions between soil organic matter and mineral phases, which are known to enhance the protection of organic matter from decomposition. The investigation of mineral-organic associations (MOAs) formation during weathering is therefore crucial to understanding carbon storage processes in soils. Until now studies have been mainly conducted by building inferences from soil characteristics, through short-term laboratory experiments in simplified conditions, or over very long-term time scales using soil chronosequences. Weathering can significantly alter the mineral matrix at the annual timescale, but knowledge regarding MOA formation processes occurring in situ, over short time scales and during the first stage of mineral weathering is lacking.To fill this gap, we performed a mesh bag incubation containing large Na-saturated and organic carbon-free vermiculite particles (200–400 µm in size) in acidic soil of a Douglas-fir forest, in the Beaujolais area (France). The vermiculite bags were deposited at the interface between the forest floor and the mineral soil, where intense weathering occurs. After 20 years of soil incubation, the weathered vermiculite particles were collected and characterized at the macroscale (X ray diffraction and physicochemical analyses), at the microscale (scanning electron microscopy-SEM imaging and element mapping) and at the nanoscale (transmission electron microscopy-TEM imaging, element mapping and speciation by electron energy loss spectroscopy-EELS) on a focus ion beam (FIB) section exposing the inside section of vermiculite particles.Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations and elemental analysis of the vermiculite particles showed important changes after 20 years of incubation. The initial exchangeable Na pool was completely depleted. The cation exchange capacity strongly decreased from 178.1 cmolc kg−1 to 49.2 cmolc kg−1 due to interlayer hydroxylation of the weathered vermiculite. The weathering budget indicated a 10% vermiculite dissolution and an organic carbon (C) enrichment of 5 mg g−1.Microscope images and elemental mapping of control vermiculite particles (nonincubated) showed a flat, smooth surface morphology with no detected C. In contrast, 20-year weathered vermiculite particles showed irregular outer- and inner-surfaces marked by multiple cracks from chemical dissolution. Some nano- and microscale exfoliation spaces filled with C were observed inside the weathered particles. C in association with Ca occurred in nanoscale exfoliation spaces. C also occurred entrapped in nanocrystalline Mn oxides (hausmannite) or K-rich aluminosilicates, which precipitated in micro-sized exfoliation spaces. These observations indicated that C storage inside the altered vermiculite particles was both mediated by chemical binding and physical entrapment. The functional groups of the organic matter revealed by EELS spectroscopy strongly differed between nano- and microscale exfoliation spaces.This study using the mineral bag incubation method provides evidence of new processes driving C storage inside large phyllosilicate particles during their initial and recent weathering, which could contribute to long-term C stabilization.

Non-ICU-Based Staged Management of Laparotomy-Related Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in a 23-Year-Old Male

Introduction: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a sustained intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 20 mmHg or higher with new organ dysfunction. Decompression is required when IAP exceeds 25 mmHg even without evidence of organ dysfunction. Common abdominal surgical diseases and operations can be complicated by ACS, and clinicians should have the requisite capacity to detect and intervene early enough. Intensive care unit (ICU) care has traditionally been the mainstay of ACS management. Case Presentation: A 23-year-old male was referred with a combined mesh and Bogota bag anterior abdominal construct after a midline laparotomy 24 hours earlier, following which the abdominal wall could not be closed primarily without tension. This was the result of significant edema of the bowel and retroperitoneum. This patient, after adequate resuscitation, underwent a two-staged procedure, 6 days apart, to achieve skin closure. After an unremarkable skin healing, a mesh repair for the consequent incisional hernia was carried out 15 months later. Conclusions: This patient’s ACS was successfully managed in a non-ICU setting and could demonstrate the possibility of successfully managing selected cases of laparotomy-related ACS in low-resource settings without ICU facilities.

Decomposition dynamics and driving factors of manure in reclaimed soils in coal mining area

Understanding the decomposition dynamics and driving factors of manure in the soil subjected to different reclaimed years could provide theoretical basis to rational utilization of manure and soil fertility improvement in coal mining area. Cattle manure and pig manure were mixed with soils subjected to different reclaimed years (one year, R1; 10 years, R10; and 30 years, R30) at the ratio of manure carbon to soil mass of 4 to 100, so as to examine manure decomposition characteristics using the nylon mesh bag (15 cm deep of soil buried) in the Shanxi coal mine reclamation area, with no manure addition as control (CK). Soil samples were collected at day 12, 23, 55, 218, 281, and 365 to measure the contents of soil manure residual, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The contributions of soil properties, manure properties, and hydrothermal condition to manure decomposition were quantified. The results showed that the decomposition rates of pig manure were significantly higher than cattle manure. The humification coefficient of pig manure (average 46.3%) was lower than that of cattle manure (average 71.7%). The humification coefficient of pig manure was significantly lower in the 30-year reclaimed soil (44.5%) compared to the 1-year and 10-year reclaimed soil (average 47.2%). There was no significant difference in the humification coefficient of cattle manure among the three reclaimed soils. The proportion and decomposition rate constant of labile carbon pool of pig manure and cattle manure were significantly different, with values of 52% and 26%, and 0.00085 and 0.00074 ℃-1, respectively. The positive effect of pig manure on MBC and DOC in reclaimed soil was significantly higher than that of cattle manure over 0-218 days, but no difference over 281-365 days. The magnitude of the enhancement of MBC and DOC in those three reclaimed soils after manure amendments showed a similar trend of R1 >R10 ≈ R30. Results of variance partitioning analysis showed that manure decomposition was mainly controlled by manure properties (17.9%) when considering soil properties, manure properties, and hydrothermal condition. In conclusion, the decomposition of pig manure but not cattle manure was regulated by reclamation year. Cattle manure, with higher humification coefficient than pig manure, was recommended for reclaimed mining area to improve soil fertility.

Storage fungi and ochratoxin A associated with arabica coffee bean in postharvest processes in Northern Thailand

Arabica coffee is one of the most popular varieties globally; however, during postharvest and storage, it can be contaminated by fungi which produce mycotoxins such as ochratoxin A (OTA). The goal of this study was to determine fungal contamination and OTA levels of arabica coffee produced from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces in Northern Thailand. Aspergillus and Penicillium were mainly isolated and evaluated from coffee samples in the postharvest process. Coffee cherries, parchment coffee, and green coffee beans were commonly found contaminated with fungi. Coffee beans were contaminated with Penicillium, Aspergillus section Flavi, Aspergillus section Nigri, and Aspergillus section Circumdati at 1.2–10%. Fungal contamination in parchment coffee was studied using three drying methods. The results showed that coffee dried in a greenhouse had higher fungal contamination than samples dried on concrete ground or on a bamboo table. Whether basic storage packaging of green coffee beans affects fungal contamination was also investigated. Green coffee beans in three packaging types showed similar levels of Penicillium, while of the three packaging types, coffee in a polypropylene woven bag showed significantly less Aspergillus than those in a ramie sack or a plastic mesh bag. Fourteen strains of Aspergillus section Circumdati were isolated from coffee samples and 5 isolates showed green-blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light suggesting a potential of OTA production. The morphology of Aspergillus section Circumdati isolates were studied and five isolates with similar morphological characters were further identified to the species level based on ITS and the β-tubulin gene regions. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis suggested that four isolates were grouped with A. westerdijkiae and one isolate with A. melleus. Analysis of OTA in parchment coffee, green coffee beans, and roasted coffee was performed using HPLC. The results showed that OTA was detected in only one sample of roasted coffee at 0.39 μg kg−1.

Spesifikasi dan Identifikasi Hasil Tangkapan Garok Rajungan di Pelabuhan Perikanan Pantai (PPP) Bondet Kabupaten Cirebon, Jawa Barat

Crayfish (Portunus pelagicus) is the leading export commodity of Indonesian fishermen. The increasing demand for exports and high selling prices have made fishermen at the Bondet Beach Fishing Port, Cirebon Regency, use garok crabs to maximize their catch. The purpose of this study was to identify tool specifications, catch yields, selectivity and productivity of garok crab fishing gear operated at the Bondet Coastal Fishery Port, Cirebon Regency, West Java. The research was carried out in April – June 2021. The method used was a case study method with quantitative descriptive analysis to determine the specifications of the tools and catches taken by interviewing fishermen. The results showed that the crab claws were included in the dredge gear category. Its components consist of body mouth, garok, frame, nets, and ropes of various sizes. The main catch of garok crab in Cirebon Regency consists of small crab (Portunus pelagicus), and by-catch in the form of shellfish, shrimp, cuttlefish, and demersal fish, with a total of 14 species. This tool is classified as non-selective because of the small size of the bag mesh construction (30 mm) so that this tool catches many species with large and small size fish caught. The average catch obtained from 5 trips was 23.8 kg, with the lowest catch on the 2nd trip, which was 19.7 kg and the highest on the 5th trip, which was 31.3 kg, while the average sweep area was 0.0040 km2 with an average productivity of 3.97 kg/hour and the highest catch rate value was obtained on the 5th trip, which was 5.21 kg/hour, while the lowest catch rate was found on the second trip, which was 3.28 kg/hour.

Functional Feeding Groups of Macrofauna and Detritus Decomposition along a Gradient of Glacial Meltwater Influence in Tropical High-Andean Streams

Tropical Andean glaciers are retreating rapidly, with possible consequences for trophic structure and ecosystem processes in high Andean meltwater streams. Here, we measured the environmental characteristics, quantified pools of particulate organic matter (POM) and periphyton (Chl. a), sampled benthic macroinvertebrates, determined functional feeding groups (FFG), and performed mesh bag decomposition experiments with Calamagrostis grass detritus at 17 stream sites along a gradient of glacial influence (GI) with 0–23% glacier cover in the catchment at 4050–4200 m a.s.l. in the Andes of Ecuador. POM was unrelated to GI while Chl. a. showed a weak (non-significant) negative relationship to GI. The macrofauna abundance decreased while taxon richness and the number of FFGs per site showed a hump-shaped relationship with increasing GI. Taxa with an opportunistic and generalist feeding mode generally dominated benthic assemblages and were related to high GI levels and low Chl. a. Only shredders were negatively related to GI, but unrelated to POM. Decomposition rates were comparable to those found in temperate alpine streams, and for both fine (0.0010–0.0065; median 0.0028 d−1) and coarse (0.0019–0.0088; median 0.0048 d−1) mesh bags, peaked at intermediate GI values, while the difference between bag types was small and almost constant along the GI gradient. This indicates an overall minor effect of macroinvertebrate shredders compared to that of microbes, in particular at high GI. It also suggests that the relatively high average temperature of these high-altitude equatorial streams (7–10 °C) does not produce higher decomposition rates than those in comparable but colder streams at temperate latitudes. The results suggest that, at the lower end of glacier cover, tropical glacier loss will not change the dominant microbial role in detritus decomposition, but that part of the physical abrasion could be partially replaced by biological shredding.

Individual Protective Covers (IPCs) for Young Tree Protection from the HLB Vector, the Asian Citrus Psyllid

Psyllid exclusion is the most effective strategy to keep citrus trees free from HLB. Individual protective covers (IPCs) are a novel strategy based on psyllid exclusion of individual trees using a protective mesh bag. This new 3-page publication summarizes the knowledge we have accrued from our 3-year-long field studies using the IPC system and provides recommendations that can help with effective use of this technology. By F. Alferez, U. Albrecht, S. Gaire, O. Batuman, J. Qureshi, and M. Zekri.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1425