November January Research Articles

Intraspecific variation in migration timing of green sturgeon in the Sacramento River system

AbstractUnderstanding movement patterns of anadromous fishes is critical to conservation and management of declining wild populations and preservation of habitats. Yet, the duration of observations for individual animals can constrain accurate descriptions of movements. In this study, we synthesized over a decade (2006–2018) of acoustic telemetry tracking observations of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) in the Sacramento River system to describe major anadromous movement patterns. We observed that green sturgeon exhibited a unimodal in‐migration during the spring months but had a bimodal distribution of out‐migration timing, split between an “early” out‐migration (32%) group during May–June, or, alternatively, holding in the river until a “late” out‐migration (68%), November–January. Focusing on these out‐migration groups, we found that river discharge, but not water temperature, may cue the timing of migration and that fish showed a tendency to maintain out‐migration timing between subsequent spawning migration events. We recommend that life history descriptions of green sturgeon in this region reflect the distinct out‐migration periods described here. Furthermore, we encourage the continued use of biotelemetry to describe migration timing and life history variation, in not only this population but also other green sturgeon populations and other species.

Intraseasonal variation of the northeast Asian anomalous anticyclone and its impacts on PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution in the North China Plain in early winter

Abstract. The canonical view of the northeast Asian anomalous anticyclone (NAAA) is a crucial factor for determining poor air quality (i.e., higher particulate matter, PM2.5 concentrations) in the North China Plain (NCP) on the interannual timescale. However, there is considerable intraseasonal variability in the NAAA in early winter (November–January), and the corresponding mechanism of its impacts on PM2.5 pollution in the NCP is not well understood. Here, we find that the intraseasonal NAAA usually establishes quickly on day 3 prior to its peak day with a duration of 8 d, and its evolution is closely tied to the Rossby wave from upstream (i.e., the North Atlantic). Moreover, we find that the NAAA with a westward tilt might be mainly related to the wavenumbers 3–4. Further results reveal that against this background, the probability of regional PM2.5 pollution for at least 3 d in the NCP is as high as 69 % (80 % at least 2 d) in the Nov–Jan (NDJ) period 2000–2021. In particular, air quality in the NCP tends to deteriorate on day 2 prior to the peak day and reaches a peak on the next day with a life cycle of 4 d. In the course of PM2.5 pollution, a shallower atmospheric boundary layer and stronger surface southerly wind anomaly associated with the NAAA in the NCP appear 1 d earlier than poor air quality, which provides dynamic and thermal conditions for the accumulation of pollutants and finally occurrence of the PM2.5 pollution on the following day. Furthermore, we show that the stagnant air leading to poor air quality is determined by the special structure of temperature in the vertical direction of the NAAA, while weak ventilation conditions might be related to a rapid build-up of the NAAA. The present results quantify the impact of the NAAA on PM2.5 pollution in the NCP on the intraseasonal timescale.

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Asian Horseshoe Crab Eggs Are Highly Intermingled with Anthropogenic Structures in Northern Beibu Gulf, China.

Identification, protection and restoration of spawning habitats are vital for protecting the depleted species. Asian horseshoe crabs are ecologically important macroinvertebrates in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. However, their spawning habitat studies were limited to several reports in tropical regions, possibly due to the lack of modified survey methods, particularly in habitats with a lower density of spawning adults, and/or intermingled with anthropogenic structures. In this study, the year-round egg distribution and spawning habitat baselines of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus were determined in the northern Beibu Gulf, China. Our findings demonstrated that the peak spawning occurred in June–July and ceased in November–January when the average water temperature dropped below 20 °C. Egg aggregations were found < 10 cm beneath the sediment surface with regular tidal inundation, regardless of seasonal changes, in the vicinity of natural and artificial structures with elevated, mildly sloping substratum within the high tide zones. The nests were characterized by medium-sized sediment grains (0.5–0.9 mm), high temperatures (31–34°C), low water contents (0.8%–0.9%), and total organic carbon contents (0.5%–0.7%), which might maximize the hatching success. The identified nesting beaches were close to nursery habitats for juveniles, and tidal creeks were present as the possible corridor connecting these two important habitats through the dominant mangrove forests. The findings provide valuable insights in the scope of spawning behavior and nest-site selection of Asian horseshoe crabs under a mixture of natural and artificial structures, which could benefit future management efforts for the exploited spawning populations.

More surgery in December among US patients with commercial insurance is offset by unrelated but lesser surgery among patients with Medicare insurance.

Study ObjectiveEvaluate whether there is more surgery (in the US State of Florida) at the end of the year, specifically among patients with commercial insurance.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingThe 712 facilities in Florida that performed inpatient or outpatient elective surgery from January 2010 through December 2019.ResultsAmong patients with commercial insurance, December had more cases than November (1.108 [1.092–1.125]) or January (1.257 [1.229–1.286]). In contrast, among patients with Medicare insurance (traditional or managed care), December had fewer cases than November (ratio 0.917 [99% confidence interval 0.904–0.930]) or January (0.823 [0.807–0.839]) of the same year. Summing among all cases, December did not have more cases than November (ratio 1.003 [0.992–1.014]) or January (0.998 [0.984–1.013]). Comparing December versus November (January) ratios for cases among patients with commercial insurance to the corresponding ratios for cases among patients with Medicare, years with more commercial insurance cases had more Medicare cases (Spearman rank correlation +0.36 [+0.25], both p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn the US State of Florida, although some surgeons' procedural workloads may have seasonal variation if they care mostly for patients with one category of insurance, surgical facilities with patients undergoing many procedures will have less variability. Importantly, more commercial insurance cases were not causing Medicare cases to be postponed or vice‐versa, providing mechanistic explanation for why forecasts of surgical demand can reasonably be treated as the sum of the independent workloads among many surgeons.

Sensitivity of Four Indices of Meteorological Drought for Rainfed Maize Yield Prediction in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico

In the state of Sinaloa, rainfall presents considerable irregularities, and the climate is mainly semiarid, which highlights the importance of studying the sensitivity of various indices of meteorological drought. The goal is to evaluate the sensitivity of four indices of meteorological drought from five weather stations in Sinaloa for the prediction of rainfed maize yield. Using DrinC software and data from the period 1982–2013, the following were calculated: the standardized precipitation index (SPI), agricultural standardized precipitation index (aSPI), reconnaissance drought index (RDI) and effective reconnaissance drought index (eRDI). The observed rainfed maize yield (RMYob) was obtained online, through free access from the database of the Agrifood and Fisheries Information Service of the government of Mexico. Sensitivities between the drought indices and RMYob were estimated using Pearson and Spearman correlations. Predictive models of rainfed maize yield (RMYpr) were calculated using multiple linear and nonlinear regressions. In the models, aSPI and eRDI with reference periods and time steps of one month (January), two months (December–January) and three months (November–January), were the most sensitive. The correlation coefficients between RMYob and RMYpr ranged from 0.423 to 0.706, all being significantly different from zero. This study provides new models for the early calculation of RMYpr. Through appropriate planning of the planting–harvesting cycle of dryland maize, substantial socioeconomic damage can be avoided in one of the most important agricultural regions of Mexico.

Distribution and habitat-use of Dhole Cuon alpinus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in Parsa National Park, Nepal

Dhole Cuon alpinus is one of the top predators in Asian forests but is one of the least studied species of carnivores. We surveyed an area of 499 km2 of Parsa National Park (PNP) during the winter (November–January) of 2016–17 using camera-traps to determine the spatial distribution and habitat-use patterns of Dhole. We overlaid 2 x 2 km2 grid cells (n= 126) across the study area and set up a pair of motion sensor cameras in each grid cells for 21 days. We modeled the habitat-use by Dholes as a function of sampling covariates and fine-scale habitat covariates using single species single season occupancy models. We estimated the parameters in two steps. First, we defined a global model for probability of habitat-use and modeled detection probability (p) either as an intercept-only model or as a function of covariates. Second, we modeled the habitat-use probability (Ψ) incorporating the top-ranked model for probability of detection (p) in the first step. A total effort of 2,520 camera-trap-nights resulted in 63 independent detections of dholes at 27 locations in PNP. The naïve occupancy estimate of Dholes in PNP was 0.21. The estimated probability of habitat-use (Ψ) and detection (p) were 0.47±0.27 and 0.24±0.05, respectively. Grassland availability (βG= 8.00±3.09), terrain ruggedness index (βTRI= 0.73±0.34), and Sambar (prey) presence (βS= 1.06±0.51) strong positive association, whereas, stream/exposed surfaces (βSES= -0.45±0.43) had negative association with the habitat use by Dholes. Similarly, detection probability was positively associated with presence of Sambar (βS= 2.44±1.02) but negatively associated with streams/exposed surfaces (βSES= -0.99±0.32) and terrain ruggedness (βTRI= -0.09±0.23). Our study provides quantitative information on the ecology of Dholes with potential applications for improving their conservation efforts in Nepal.

Impact of myxomatosis on densities of Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in North-western Spain: implications for management and sustainable hunting

Outbreaks of myxomatosis in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) were detected for the first time in Spain in 2018. The disease spread to a significant proportion of the species range, negatively affecting the hare populations. In this study, we analyzed the impact of myxomatosis at hunting grounds of Castilla y León (Northern Spain), comparing hare density during two consecutive hunting seasons; the first when outbreaks were detected for the first time (season 1, Oct 2019-Jan 20) and the second after the spread of the disease (season 2, Oct 2020-Jan 21). Data was gathered from 1,102 hunts from 178 hunting grounds through “coursing”, a hunting type in which hunters and greyhounds search for hares, allowing the estimation of hare density. Overall, hare density decreased significantly, from 12.7 hare/100 ha in season 1 to 4.7 hare/100 ha in season 2. The percentage of hares suspected to be affected by myxomatosis (sick and dead) per hunt was higher in season 1 (14.4%) compared to season 2 (10.7%). For both seasons, this proportion was higher when hunting season was started (20.7%, October), compared to the remaining months (4.7%, November–January). However, the proportion of hunting grounds affected increased from 44% in season 1 to 66.7% in season 2. Our research confirmed a 62.7% reduction in hare density in Castilla y León after the spread of myxomatosis and identified scenarios of possible depletion when densities were below 4–5 hare/100 ha. As myxomatosis becoming endemic in Iberian hares is likely, hunters and game managers should continue current monitoring and disease surveillance and make management decisions accordingly.

Effect of foliar spray of ammonium nitrate and irrigation time on vegetative growth, fruit set, yield and fruit quality of \u201cEwais\u201d mango trees

BackgroundThe current experiment was done during the 2018 and 2019 seasons on ‘Ewais’ mango trees (Mangifera indica) grown in Research Station, El-Nubaria district, Egypt, to study the impact of spraying ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and irrigation time on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. All experimental plants have been received the same care, i.e. control of pests & weeds, fertilization, and irrigation until the 1st week of October. The irrigation was adapted to apply 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week to control leaves damage due to low temperature after this period and the treatments included: (T1) Water spraying at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (Control). (T2) Spraying with NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan /week. (T3) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of December after eight weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. (T4) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after twelve weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. All treatments received the same quantity of irrigation water, approximately 4000 m3/feddan/year.ResultsAll treatments (T2, T3 & T4) had a significant influence on vegetative growth, fruiting behavior (fruit set % & the yield), and the fruit quality compared with the control (T1). The significant was not only the fruit physical characteristics (weight, dimensions, volume, and specific gravity) but also the fruit chemical characteristics (total soluble solids % (T.S.S.), acidity %, T.S.S / acid ratio and vitamin C (L- ascorbic acid)).ConclusionSpraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of November or December or January after 4 or 8 or 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (T2, T3, and T4) increased the vegetative growth, i.e. length of terminal shoots, No. leaves / terminal shoots & leaf area as well as the fruiting behavior such as fruit set percentage, No. fruits per tree & the tree production (kg/tree) and improved the fruit characteristics not only the fruit physical parameters but also the chemical properties in comparing with the untreated trees. During the two seasons, spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week (T4) is recommended since; it is the only treatment with the superiority effect on studied parameters.

Intra-season variations in distribution and abundance of humpback whales in the West Antarctic Peninsula using cruise vessels as opportunistic platforms.

Fine‐scale knowledge of spatiotemporal dynamics in cetacean distribution and abundance throughout the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is sparse yet essential for effective ecosystem‐based management (EBM). Cruise vessels were used as platforms of opportunity to collect data on the distribution and abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during the austral summer of 2019/2020 in a region that is also important for the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) fishery, to assess potential spatiotemporal interactions for future use in EBM. Data were analyzed using traditional design‐based line transect methodology and spatial density surface hurdle models fitted using a set of physical environmental covariates to estimate the abundance and distribution of whales in the area, and to describe their temporal dynamics. Our results indicate a rapid increase in humpback whale abundance in the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits through December, reaching a stable abundance by mid‐January. The distribution of humpback whales appeared to change from a patchier distribution in the northern Gerlache Strait to a significantly concentrated presence in the central Gerlache and southern Bransfield Straits, followed by a subsequent dispersion throughout the area. Abundance estimates agreed well with previous literature, increasing from approximately 7000 individuals in 2000 to a peak of 19,107 in 2020. Based on these estimates, we project a total krill consumption of between 1.4 and 3.7 million tons based on traditional and contemporary literature on per capita krill consumption of whales, respectively. When taken in the context of krill fishery catch data in the study area, we conclude that there is minimal spatiotemporal overlap between humpback whales and fishery activity during our study period of November–January. However, there is potential for significant interaction between the two later in the feeding season, but cetacean survey efforts need to be extended into late season in order to fully characterize this potential overlap.

Hidden objective test

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease patients frequently complaint that they lose things and be unable to find them again because of deficit in visuospatial memory. In this study we aimed to develop a novel visuospatial memory tests called the Hidden Objective Test (HOT) based on the ideas of patients’ complaint. Virtual reality (VR) is an optimal tool for developing this visuospatial memory tests in that real‐life settings implementation.MethodWe designed a pleasant and cozy living room. The photorealistic virtual environment interface with 360‐degree panoramas was rendered through HMD. The VR system enables the users to turn their head, to walk around, to open and close the furniture doors using controllers, and to track their movement in the VR living room. When the participant starts the test, the VR living room is shown and instructions for the prospective memory test are given. Nine items appeared on the white panel in order, and one by one, the item moved to the each furniture space and were hided. Memory test composed of 1) Item Free‐recall test, 2) Place Free‐recall test, 3) Item Recognition test, 4) Place‐item matching test, and 5) Prospective memory test.Participants were selected from those who visited the Memory Disorder Clinic at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, between November 1st, 2019 and January 30th, 2020. This study group comprised 16 AD, 15 AMCI, and 15 NC participants.ResultThe performance of memory test was NC&gt;AMCI (p&lt;0.001), AMCI&gt;AD (p&lt;0.05), and NC &gt; AD (p&lt;0.001) in the Item Free‐recall test; NC&gt;AMCI (p&lt;0.01) and NC &gt; AD (p&lt;0.001) in the Place Free‐recall test; NC&gt;AMCI (p&lt;0.05), AMCI&gt;AD (p&lt;0.01), and NC &gt; AD (p&lt;0.001) in the Item Recognition test; NC&gt;AMCI (p&lt;0.001) and NC &gt; AD (p&lt;0.001) in the Place‐item matching test; NC &gt; AD (p&lt;0.05) in the Prospective memory test. Interestingly, the average movement path showed that NC participants went straight toward the target point whereas AD patients wandered to the target point when searching for hidden objects.ConclusionThe Hidden Objective Test (HOT) developed in this study, which incorporated virtual reality to experience real‐life events, showed potential to be used as a new memory screening test.

Factors Associated with Safe Infant Sleep Practices in Saudi Arabia.

PurposeTo assess mothers’ approaches to infant sleep practices.Patients and MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted on mothers with babies aged below five months who were attending paediatric clinics between November 1st, 2020, and January 5th, 2021, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.ResultsA total of 522 mothers participated in this study. A total of 38.9% practised exclusive formula feeding. A total of 61.9% of the participants practised the supine position. The majority (93.3%) of the mothers shared a room with their babies, while 34.7% shared a bed. Only 6.9% did not use any soft bedding. Age was a significant predictor associated with participant practices regarding sleeping and feeding positions (p < 0.05). Having two or more children was associated with improper sleeping practices (p < 0.05). Being non-Saudi and having a university degree or higher were associated with having a higher risk of unsafe practices regarding bed-sharing (p < 0.05). On the other hand, being contacted by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker about safe sleep practices were an important factor that influenced safe practices regarding feeding (p < 0.05). Receiving care at a private hospital was associated with safer practices regarding sleeping position and bed-sharing (p < 0.05).ConclusionWe observed high-risk sleeping practices among Saudi mothers. This includes using soft bedding and unsafe sleeping positions. The importance of this study lies in the future implementation of this result through public health measures aimed at at-risk populations.

Spatio-Temporal Variability of Hydroclimatology in the Upper Cauca River Basin in Southwestern Colombia: Pre- and Post-Salvajina Dam Perspective

The Cauca River rises in the Colombian Andes and is the main tributary of the Magdalena River, which drains to the Caribbean Sea. The La Balsa station monitors the Upper Cauca basin and is located just downstream of La Salvajina hydroelectric facility. At this station, the discharge time series for November–January during 1950–2019 shows a statistically significant downward break, and change of distribution after 1986 has been documented after La Salvajina started operation. We assessed the spatio-temporal variability of hydroclimatology in the upper Cauca River basin during the pre- and post-Salvajina dam periods to better understand this break. Post-Salvajina, low (high) discharge events are linked to negative (positive) precipitation and soil moisture anomalies that are greater in magnitude and extension than those recorded in the pre-Salvajina period in response to the more intense El Niño events (more intense and frequent central La Niña events) after 1986. Therefore, it is necessary to consider possible future rainfall scenarios and non-infrastructure measures (i.e., reforestation, territorial planning, integrated watershed management, etc.) to mitigate floods and droughts impacts. The contribution of this study is to provide evidence for the need for foresight in the design of any structural or non-structural flood measures.

Cambial Activity of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori in Arid Environments.

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori, one of 13 species of the Moringaceae family widely distributed throughout the dry tropics, has the potential to become one of the most economically important medicinal plants in Egypt. However, despite its tolerance for drought and heat, it is also threatened by increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. Although the phenophase of this species is well documented, almost nothing is known about its period of cambial activity in desert regions. Ring formation and the general environmental adaptability of trees are affected by the timing of cambial activation. In our study site, we observe a distinct coupling of the development of new green leaves at the onset of vegetative growth in October and the phase of cambial activity (November–January). The onset of cambial activity seems to be related to a drop in temperature in October and the onset of torrential rains in the region. There might even be a short phase between the end of cambial activity and the onset of bud formation without xylem formation, but with photosynthetic activity. If so, we assume that all assimilates are stored as non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the parenchyma of the new ring. This potential gap opens new questions regarding the correlation between NSC storage capacity and the timing of remobilization for subsequent ring formation.

Use and Distribution of Bangia cf. fuscopurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) in the Northern Philippines

Edible seaweeds in the northern Philippines have been reported earlier, but detailed information on the utilization and distribution for most of these recorded species remains limited. A case in point is that of Bangia cf. fuscopurpurea, locally known as “bubuok,” which appeared in a listing of edible seaweeds of the province of Ilocos Norte. A survey across 12 areas in the northern Philippines revealed that knowledge about the use of bubuok is limited only to locals from two sites in Ilocos Norte (Burgos and Laoag) and one site in Cagayan (Claveria). Like most edible seaweeds in the northern Philippines, B. cf. fuscopurpurea is consumed mainly as a salad. It is not widely sold in the market and is mostly used for personal subsistence. It is confirmed to be thriving in the rocky intertidal areas of Burgos in Ilocos Norte and growing abundantly only during the wet season (November–January). Additional studies on the taxonomy, phylogeography, and possible use of Bangia cf. fuscopurpurea as a seaweed crop for the northern Philippines are highlighted.

Dehydrins and Soluble Sugars Involved in Cold Acclimation of Rosa wichurana and Rose Cultivar ‘Yesterday’

Rose is the most economically important ornamental plant. However, cold stress seriously affects the survival and regrowth of garden roses in northern regions. Cold acclimation was studied using two genotypes (Rosa wichurana and R. hybrida ‘Yesterday’) selected from a rose breeding program. During the winter season (November to April), the cold hardiness of stems, soluble sugar content, and expression of dehydrins and the related key genes in the soluble sugar metabolism were analyzed. ‘Yesterday’ is more cold-hardy and acclimated faster, reaching its maximum cold hardiness in December. R. wichurana is relatively less cold-hardy, only reaching its maximum cold hardiness in January after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Dehydrin transcripts accumulated significantly during November–January in both genotypes. Soluble sugars are highly involved in cold acclimation, with sucrose and oligosaccharides significantly correlated with cold hardiness. Sucrose occupied the highest proportion of total soluble sugars in both genotypes. During November–January, downregulation of RhSUS was found in both genotypes, while upregulation of RhSPS was observed in ‘Yesterday’ and upregulation of RhINV2 was found in R. wichurana. Oligosaccharides accumulated from November to February and decreased to a significantly low level in April. RhRS6 had a significant upregulation in December in R. wichurana. This study provides insight into the cold acclimation mechanism of roses by combining transcription patterns with metabolite quantification.

PSXI-18 Nitrogen fertilization management of winter pastures for stocker cattle production

Abstract Bermudagrass is often over-seeded with a cool-season annual grass for grazing purposes. In the Gulf Coast region, summer perennials will not become dormant until there are low soil and ambient temperatures. Nitrogen fertilizer is an expensive input and its split application for winter pastures is recommended. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the time of application of N fertilizer or its substitution with red clover as a source of N. Three treatments were evaluated in 3 consecutive years (2 replicates per year) on annual ryegrass (cv. Marshall) no-tilled planted (45 kg/ha) on Tifton-85 bermudagrass: 1) Urea in late November and mid-late January; 2) Red clover planted with annual ryegrass; 3) Urea in January only. Thirty crossbred steers (203±24 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups. Each group were continuously stocked on 1.34 ha pastures for 90 d. Forage mass, botanical composition, and nutritive value of the pastures were determined from the time of the first N application and every 15 d thereafter. There was treatment x year interaction (P = 0.03) in botanical composition. Greater proportions (P = 0.03) of bermudagrass were present on the 2-application treatment on every sampling date until d 15 of the grazing period in Year 1 and 3. This was a result of N absorbed by bermudagrass which impacted its nutritive value (P = 0.01) although not forage production (P = 0.07). In Year 2, annual ryegrass dominated the swards due to a cold artic front in early November. Steers grazing fertilized treatments had greater gains (P = 0.04), while production per ha was greater (P = 0.03) when N was applied in January than when no N was applied. Hay production (kg DM/ha) was similar (P = 0.06) among treatments. Opportunities for improved economics of production and enhanced sustainability appear to be realistic objectives with changes in fertilization strategy.

Influence of sowing dates and temperature variability on bread wheat productivity for some exotic and Egyptian genotypes under upper Egypt conditions

Considering the rapid climatic changes in the past few years, the effect of high temperature on wheat productivity is global concern. Heat stress is one of the major abiotic stresses reducing wheat production. Heat stress reduces grain weight and number, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis activity. This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at Almatana agricultural Research Station, Luxor, Upper Egypt, to investigate the effect of two sowing dates 20th November (favorable sowing date) and 10th January (late sowing date, after sugarcane harvest) on yield characters, of twenty bread wheat genotypes. The objective was to understand heat stress effects on grain yield and its components to estimate some selection indices for heat tolerance in wheat. The studied characters were number of spikes/m2, number of kernels/spike, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield (ton/ha). Results indicated that sowing dates and genotypes had significant effects for all studied characters. Delaying sowing date after sugarcane harvest reduced no. of spikes/m2, no. of kernels/spike, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield by an average of 31.62, 32.85, 32.76 and 37.74%, respectively, compared to the favorable sowing date. Highest grain yield (8.81) t/ha under favorable sowing date was for gemmeiza11, while shandaweel1 gave (5.92) t/ha the highest grain yield under late sowing date. Heat susceptibility index (HSI) over all two seasons ranged from 0.78 for Shandaweel1, to 1.23 for genotype Line8.

The Exposure of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants to COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study in Libya

Introduction: As per the WHO reports dated July 7, 2021, 184,324,026 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were found in the world and 196,894 cases were found in Libya. Healthcare workers (HCWs), pharmacists, in particular, have been affected a lot because of COVID-19. Community pharmacies are considered workplaces with elevated exposure risk to COVID-19. Method: This study aims to roughly estimate the risk of COVID-19 exposure among pharmacists and pharmacy assistants working in pharmacies in Libya. An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted among pharmacists and pharmacy assistants working in hospital pharmacies and community pharmacies. Between November 11th, 2020 and January 7th, 2021, a Google Form questionnaire was delivered through social media and instant messaging platforms, to certified community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants residing in Libya. Results: Out of 207 respondents, the majority (72.4%) reported having at least one or more flu-like symptoms. In addition, 52.17% of them reported that one of their relatives had at least one or more flu-like symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by respondents were headache (46.9%), tiredness (42.5%), fever (31.9%), and loss of smell and taste sensation (29.0%). The period with the highest number of all the symptomatic respondents as well as those with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 was between August to October 2020. Correspondingly, 108 (52.17%) symptomatic respondents had a relative with symptoms. Conclusion: The majority of respondents reported having flu-like symptoms in the period from August to October. Moreover, the highest cumulative number of people with suggestive COVID-19 symptoms reported their symptoms in the same period.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in clinical species of Enterobacter, Serratia, and Hafnia in Northeast Iran

PurposeExtended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase enzymes are the most common and significant mechanisms for bacterial resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems, respectively. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of ESBL coding genes and carbapenem-resistant genes among clinical isolates of Enterobacter, Serratia, and Hafnia species in Northeast Iran. MethodsA total of 143 clinical samples suspected as Enterobacter species were collected from three hospitals in Mashhad (northeast of Iran) during November–January 2018–2020. Bacterial identification was done using VITEK 2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. Molecular epidemiology of ESBLs and carbapenemase coding genes were assessed by PCR. ResultsResults of VITEK 2 system showed that Serratia marcescens was the predominant isolate (n = 37, 25.87%) followed by Enterobacter cloacae (n = 30, 20.97%), Cronobacter sakazakii (n = 26, 18.18%), and Hafnia alvei (n = 16, 11.19%). The evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility showed high resistance rates to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin-sulbactam, and ceftriaxone (59.44%, 55.24%, and 48.25%, respectively). Phenotypic ESBLs were positively detected in 52 isolates [36.4%]. Moreover, eight isolates (5.59%) were resistant to carbapenems. The frequency of the genes blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M15, was 71.15%, 23.08%, and 80.77%, respectively, in the 52 ESBL-producing isolates, while the frequency of the blaNDM gene was 25% (2/8) in carbapenem resistant-isolates. ConclusionsA Highly frequency distribution of ESBL producer clinical bacterial species such as Serratia, and Enterobacter may be has been acquired by horizontal gene transfer phenomenon from other bacteria and this issue become an important public health issue.

Seasonality of adverse birth outcomes in women with and without HIV in a representative birth outcomes surveillance study in Botswana

IntroductionSub-Saharan Africa has the largest number of people with HIV, one of the most severe burdens of adverse birth outcomes globally and particular vulnerability to climate change. We examined associations...