Seasonal Occurrence Research Articles

Seasonality in the occurrence of Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Port of Malhado, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil

The seasonal occurrence of S. guianensis was analyzed in the port of Malhado, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. The survey was conducted through an electronic theodolite, between December 2008 and November 2009, totaling 358.3 hours of sampling effort and 173.8 hours of effective sightings. The number of individuals, size and composition of the groups, time of arrival and departure of animals and the angles proceeding from theodolite reading were recorded. The stations were divided into summer (October to March) and winter (April to September) and periods of the day were categorized according to the angles of sunlight on the water surface. The angles from 0° to 45° was correspondent to the period between 08:00 and 14:00 and 10:00 h and 16:00 h and the angles from 45° to 90° from 10:00 to 14:00 h. The mean size of the groups (= 4.1 ± 1.98) did not vary seasonally (z = 2.063, p = 0.039), but the number of groups (34 in summer and 65 in winter), number of specimens (162 in summer and 384 in winter), the mean theodolite tracking time (=46.09 in the summer and =122.07 in the winter) and area occupation area (1.60 km² in the summer and 2.45 km²) were higher in winter. There was no significant variation in the number of individuals for periods of sunlight (z = 0.30, p= 0.38). It was observed that there is seasonal variation in the distribution of S. guianensis nearby port and this may be related to seasonal variation in prey abundance.

A 10-Year Statistic Study on the Tornadoes That Occurred in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province: Composite Background Environment and Linear Trends

According to a 10-year (from 2007 to 2016) statistical analysis on the tornadoes in China, Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province, which share many similar geographical characteristics, experienced 159 (ranked first) and 59 (ranked fifth) tornadoes, respectively. Tornadoes within Jiangsu [i.e., the Jiangsu type (JST)] and those within Zhejiang [i.e., the Zhejiang type (ZJT)] featured notable annual, monthly and diurnal variations, which were remarkably different from each other. Both JST and ZJT showed the largest occurrence frequency (~50% on average) in the afternoon of summer, and the background environments before the formation of these tornadoes were composited to focus on their respective universal features. For the JST, it is found that, the upper-tropospheric divergence and positive geopotential-height anomaly, the middle-tropospheric shortwave trough, warm temperature advection and positive temperature anomaly, and the lower-tropospheric strong southwesterly wind, convergence and cyclonic vorticity all acted as favorable conditions for the convective activities within Jiangsu. For the ZJT, their background environment differed from that of the Jiangsu notably, and the conditions for the tornadoes’ formation were overall more favorable for the JST. Linear trend analyses indicated that, both the annual and seasonal (summer) occurrence of the JST tended to decrease significantly, whereas, those of the ZJT were not significant. For the JST, its occurrence frequency showed a low linear correlation to the variation of the surface temperature, instead, its decreasing frequency was more closely related to the significant weakening in the intensity of the vertical shear of the zonal wind and the updraft helicity within Jiangsu.

Validation of equatorial electrojet derived from Swarm observations using ground based magnetometers

This paper presents the analysis of the Equatorial electrojet (EEJS) and Counter equatorial electrojet (CEJS) at quiet times (Kp⩽3) deduced from the absolute scalar magnetometers (ASM) of the Swarm satellites. The EEJS and CEJS were compared with their corresponding values, EEJG and CEJG respectively, from ground magnetometers in the South American, West African, and Asian sectors during the years 2014–2018. The results show that EEJS highly correlated with EEJG, over South American, West African and Asian sectors with correlation coefficients of 0.91, 0.77 and 0.92 respectively. CEJS with CEJG also showed a reasonably good correlation of 0.78, 0.98 and 0.83 over South American, West African and Asian sectors respectively. For the first time, the Swarm observations of CEJ and EEJ are validated against CEJ and EEJ from ground magnetometers, over South America, West Africa and Asia. Both the occurrence rates of CEJS and CEJG show similar diurnal and seasonal trends, with the highest occurrence rates in the morning (7:00–9:00 LT) and evening (15:00–19:00 LT) times and the lowest occurrence rates around noon (11:00 to 12:00 LT) time. The seasonal occurrence rates of CEJS and CEJG were high in the solstice months and the lowest rates were during equinox months for all the sectors. The longitudinal variability of CEJS and CEJG show highest occurrence rates in the West African sector and the lowest occurrence rates in the Asian sector. This longitudinal variability of CEJS and CEJG occurrence rates were attributed to the effect of the non-migrating tides, migrating tides and stationary planetary waves. The annual occurrence rates of CEJS and CEJG seemed anti-correlated with F10.7.

Non-photochemical quenching estimates from in situ spectroradiometer measurements: implications on remote sensing of sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in lakes.

Quantum yield of fluorescence (ϕF) is key to interpret remote measurements of sun-induced fluorescence (SIF), and whether the SIF signal is governed by photochemical quenching (PQ) or non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Disentangling PQ from NPQ allows using SIF estimates in various applications in aquatic optics. However, obtaining ϕF is challenging due to its high temporal and physiological variability, and the combined measurements needed to enclose all relevant optical paths. In inland waters, this type of data is scarce and information on diurnal and seasonal ϕF dynamics are almost unknown. Using an autonomous hyperspectral Thetis profiler in Lake Geneva, we demonstrate how to estimate ϕF using an ensemble of in-situ measurements acquired between 2018 to 2021. We use vertical and temporal changes in retrieved ϕF to determine NPQ and PQ conditions. We observed NPQ in 36% of the total daytime profiles used in the ϕF analysis. While downwelling irradiance is a significant contributor to ϕF, its role cannot be easily interpreted. Other factors such as phytoplankton photoregulation and assemblages also likely play significant roles in quenching mechanisms. We conclude that an adapted approach exploiting in-situ data is suitable to determine diurnal and seasonal NPQ occurrence, and helps develop future remote sensing algorithms.

Effects of water quality changes on the Ostracoda (Crustacea) species diversity and seasonal occurrence patterns in Lake Eğirdir (Isparta, Turkey)

Effects of water quality changes on the Ostracoda (Crustacea) species diversity and seasonal occurrence patterns in Lake Eğirdir (Isparta, Turkey)

A comprehensive study of the source, occurrence, and spatio-seasonal dynamics of 12 target antibiotics and their potential risks in a cold semi-arid catchment

Antibiotics are widely consumed and are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, such as in agricultural and fishery lake catchments, for prophylactic treatment. However, there are very few comprehensive studies reporting all seasonal occurrences, spatiotemporal dynamics, and risk assessments of antibiotics in agricultural lake catchments, especially in cold regions during the winter season. This study measured seasonality in the concentrations of 12 antibiotics belonging to seven different classes in the surface waters (tributary rivers and lakes) of the Chagan lake catchment in northeast China. All antibiotics were detected in most of the water samples across most seasons, with concentrations varying for different compounds, locations, and seasons. These levels were discussed in terms of the main sources at different sampling sites, including agriculture, fish farming, municipal wastewater, and others. In general, the highest concentrations of most compounds were observed during the freeze–thaw periods. The number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) correlated with compound lipophilicity and half-life. Based on the ecological risks of antibiotics and the relative abundance of ARGs, a hierarchical control priority list (HCPL) of antibiotics was determined, considering four levels (critical, high, medium, and low). To further strengthen the control and effectively manage antibiotics, we highly recommend the reduction and selective use of veterinary antibiotics in winter and spring during the freeze–thaw periods in the Chagan lake catchment.

Seasonal occurrence of Liriomyza bryoniae (Kaltenbach) and their parasitoids on cucumber crop

The results of this study revealed a steady increase in population density of leaf miners Liriomyza bryoniae (Kaltenbach) from 1.33 larvae/leaf at the beginning of the season to 3.3, 6, and 7 larvae/leaf with the progression of the agricultural season until 10 November, a slight drop in population occurred at the end of the season. The results revealed that the leaf miner population showed a significant negative correlation (-0.74) with maximum temperature and a non-significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. The maximum percentage of factor role was 55% for maximum temperature and ( 18 %) for the minimum temperature. Two species of insect parasitoids (Diglyphus isaea and Opius sp ) Hymenoptera order were recorded on the leafminer Liriomyza bryoniae larvae and pupae. Diglyphus isaea was the most common species. It was active throughout the growing season and increased in number as the leafminer populations increased. The rate of % parasitism was 4.3 % on 7 Aug. increased to 7.8, 12.8, 20.3, and 38.2% on 1 Sept., 7 Sept., 7 Oct., and 21 Oct respectively, while the rate of % parasitism of Opius sp ranged from 2.6% to 5.9% from 14 Sept to 21 Oct.

Modeling and Stability Analysis of Within-Host IAV/SARS-CoV-2 Coinfection with Antibody Immunity

Studies have reported several cases with respiratory viruses coinfection in hospitalized patients. Influenza A virus (IAV) mimics the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with respect to seasonal occurrence, transmission routes, clinical manifestations and related immune responses. The present paper aimed to develop and investigate a mathematical model to study the dynamics of IAV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection within the host. The influence of SARS-CoV-2-specific and IAV-specific antibody immunities is incorporated. The model simulates the interaction between seven compartments, uninfected epithelial cells, SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, IAV-infected cells, free SARS-CoV-2 particles, free IAV particles, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and IAV-specific antibodies. The regrowth and death of the uninfected epithelial cells are considered. We study the basic qualitative properties of the model, calculate all equilibria and investigate the global stability of all equilibria. The global stability of equilibria is established using the Lyapunov method. We perform numerical simulations and demonstrate that they are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The importance of including the antibody immunity into the coinfection dynamics model is discussed. We have found that without modeling the antibody immunity, the case of IAV and SARS-CoV-2 coexistence is not observed. Finally, we discuss the influence of IAV infection on the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 single-infection and vice versa.

Seasonal Diversity and Occurrence of Filamentous Fungi in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Feeds and Feedstuffs in South Africa.

This study investigated 65 (35 in summer and 30 in winter) smallholder dairy cattle feeds from Free State and Limpopo provinces in South Africa from 2018 to 2019 for fungal contamination and assessed the impacts of seasonal variation on fungal contamination levels, isolation frequency, and diversity. Samples were examined for fungal contamination using macro- and microscopic approaches, and their identities were confirmed by molecular means. A total of 217 fungal isolates from 14 genera, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, were recovered from feeds from both seasons. The most prevalent fungal species recovered were A. fumigatus and P. crustosum. Mycological analyses showed that 97% of samples were contaminated with one or more fungal isolates, with the summer fungal mean level (6.1 × 103 to 3.0 × 106 CFU/g) higher than that of feeds sampled during winter (mean level: 1.1 × 103 to 4.1 × 105 CFU/g). Independent sample t-test revealed that the isolation frequencies of the genera Aspergillus and Fusarium were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer than winter, while Penicillium prevalence in both seasons was not statistically (p > 0.05) different. Furthermore, the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H') revealed a higher fungal diversity in summer (H' = 2.8) than in winter (H' = 2.1). This study on fungal contamination could be used for future fungal control and mycotoxin risk management in South Africa.

Seasonal and daily occurrence of microplastic pollution in urban road dust

In recent years, microplastic pollution and its potential ecological risks have attracted a lot of attention. The pollution level of microplastics (MPs) in urban road dust has already been demonstrated. However, the occurrence mechanism of MPs in road dust still remains to be understood, especially for the seasonal and daily occurrences. In this study, seasonal and daily pollution characteristics of MPs in the road dust of Ma'anshan city, China were investigated. On average, the abundances of MPs were 7.48 ± 10.56 n·m−2 in spring, 5.17 ± 5.18 n·m−2 in summer, 4.32 ± 5.54 n·m−2 in autumn and 8.58 ± 7.07 n·m−2 in winter. There was no significant difference in the abundances of MPs among various seasons (F = 1.448, p = 0.236). As the main polymers, the proportions of PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) were found to be 71.51%, 22.16% and 1.04% in spring, 48.63%, 16.13% and 24.56% in summer, 59.58%, 23.66% and 7.80% in autumn, and 59.53%, 23.47% and 8.33% in winter, respectively, wherein the abundances of PE and PET varied with seasons (p < 0.05). More specifically, based upon numbers, MPs were dominated by fragments (50.27%) in shape, <1000 μm (65.02%) in size and black (36.22%) in color. Moreover, the abundances of MPs had a significant correlation with the dust load (p < 0.05). The diversity integrated indices of MPs were 0.42 ± 0.14 in spring, 0.51 ± 0.10 in summer, 0.38 ± 0.17 in autumn, and 0.40 ± 0.13 in winter, indicating a seasonal difference (F = 3.46, p = 0.02). This suggests that even though the abundance of MPs did not vary with season, their polymers and apparent morphology did change. Particularly, there was no obvious accumulation of MPs with the increase in the antecedent dry days on urban road due to the frequent road-cleaning practice.

First Results on Characteristics of Nighttime MSTIDs Observed Over South Africa: Influence of Thermospheric Wind and Sporadic E

AbstractThis paper reports the climatology of medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) observed between September 2018 and August 2019 in the nighttime redline airglow intensity measurements from an all‐sky imager located in Sutherland, South Africa (32.4°S, 20.8°E; magnetic latitude: 40.7°S). The nighttime MSTIDs appeared as either single or multiple dark bands, commenced mostly before midnight, and predominantly occurred during the southern winter solstice. They primarily propagated westward with speeds of 31–127 m/s. The periods and wavelengths of the multi‐band MSTIDs were in the ranges of 26–155 min and 134–578 km, respectively, while the temporal and spatial scales of the single band MSTIDs were 11–30 min and 43–143 km, respectively. Analysis of neutral wind measurements from a co‐located Fabry‐Perot interferometer showed that the thermospheric wind was mostly northeastward in the evenings of MSTID occurrence and that the favored westward propagation of the MSTIDs was the least restricted propagation direction by the background wind. Based on data from nearby ionosondes, the MSTIDs were mostly accompanied by sporadic E and spread‐F structures. From the seasonal occurrences of MSTIDs and sporadic E as well as the MSTID propagation and prevalent wind directions, it is concluded that Perkins instability is the most likely source of the majority of the observed nighttime MSTIDs, while the remainder may be seeded by gravity waves.

Distribution and Diversity of Diaptomid Copepods in Freshwater Habitats of Cambodia (Crustacea: Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaptomidae)

Freshwater diaptomid copepods in Cambodia are poorly studied, and only seven taxa were known previously. From February to October 2007, 255 samples were collected from 237 freshwater sites in nine provinces representing four regions (northwest, Cardamom and Elephant Mountains, Mekong Lowlands, and east) of Cambodia. Diversity, seasonal occurrence, geographical distribution of each species, and a checklist of diaptomid copepods are documented. In this case, 24 species were recorded, including two undescribed species belonging to the genera Phyllodiaptomus and Tropodiaptomus. In this case, 14 species are recorded for the first time in Cambodia, and Mongolodiaptomus formosanus has been recorded for the first time in Southeast Asia. One species appears to be endemic to Cambodia and nine to the lower Mekong River Basin. Mongolodiaptomus malaindosinensis was the most common, frequently recorded throughout the four regions (40.5% of the sampled sites), followed by Vietodiaptomus blachei (39.2%), Eodiaptomus phuvongi (38.8%), Mongolodiaptomus formosanus (31.2%), and Eodiaptomus draconisignivomi (27.4%). Very rare species such as Eodiaptomus sanoamuangae, Tropodiaptomus vicinus, Mongolodiaptomus calcarus, and Tropodiaptomus sp. were only recorded at 0.4% to 0.8% of the sampled sites. The species diversity of Cambodia is most similar to that of Thailand, where 22 species (91.6%) occur both in Cambodia and Thailand, and 12 (50%) of the species have been recorded in both Cambodia and Vietnam.

Epidemiological Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dromedary Camels in Administrative Zone Three of Afar Region, Ethiopia.

Gastrointestinal parasites are the major threats to camel production and productivity losses in pastoral communities of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted starting from September 2017 to April 2018 in Administrative Zone three of the Afar Region, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal parasites in camels. Fecal samples were collected aseptically from the rectum, and floatation and sedimentation techniques were used to identify the parasite in the laboratory. Out of 450 fecal samples collected from camels, 76% (71.8-79.7) of them were harboring at least one parasite in their gastrointestinal tract. The majority of infections were mixed parasitic infections. Nematodes, trematodes, protozoa, and cestodes were encountered in descending order of their prevalence. Strongyle, Trichostrongylus, and Haemonchus eggs were the most frequently encountered parasite eggs. The occurrence of parasite eggs was statistically significantly associated with the age of the camels and their origin (p value <0.05). Older camels in the Amibara district were the most likely affected groups (OR = 2.34 (1.01-5.44)). However, the sex of the camels was not associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Generally, the present study indicated a high prevalence of parasites which were economically important in the study area. So, awareness about the magnitude and control options should be given to the camel owners in the study area. Infected animals should be treated with effective anthelmintics like albendazole and ivermectin. Routine and scheduled deworming and good husbandry practices should be implemented. Further study on seasonal occurrences and species identification of the parasites should be studied.

The influence of forest management practices on seasonal bat species occurrence and activity at the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, USA

In the southeastern United States, where forests are the primary land cover type, understanding how forest stand characteristics and forest management practices influence bat distributions is critical for bat conservation and management. We deployed passive acoustic monitors to record bat calls at sites representing six forest types at the Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana during two winter (January–February 2020 and December 2020–February 2021) and two summer (June–August 2020 and 2021) periods. We also collected environmental data at the landscape and local scales to help explain patterns in bat species occurrence. We detected big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), eastern red/Seminole bats (Lasiurus borealis/L. seminolus), Myotis species, tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), and hoary bats (Aeorestes cinereus) during both periods, and additionally detected evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) during the summer. We observed seasonal differences in habitat use, and found that three bat species were more active during the summer in pine forests with group selection harvest, pine forests managed for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis), and pine forests that were clearcut within five years of our study when compared to unmanaged pine forests, thinned pine forests, and bottomland hardwood forests. Contrary to other studies, we found that the predicted probability of occupancy decreased with increasing proximity to riparian areas for four bat species, which could reflect the complex understory vegetation conditions that we observed along the riparian corridors in our study area. Our research identified forest characteristics and management practices that promote bat species diversity and activity in central Louisiana and demonstrated that pine forests with open understories and small openings in the canopy provide important foraging habitat for bats that occur in our study area and possibly other regions in the southeast.

Seasonal occurrence, concentrations, and occupational exposure to VMSs in different environments of a WWTP

In the present study, indoor and outdoor environments of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were monitored by passive air samplers to assess the presence and seasonal trends of three linear (L3-L5) and four cyclic (D3-D6) volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs). Furthermore, passive sampling rates (PSRs) were estimated from literature values to calculate VMSs air concentrations and occupational exposure to potentially toxic (D4-D6) congeners. Results showed a seasonal pattern of VMSs in outdoor locations (especially in the aeration tank and preliminary treatment), being the highest levels of total VMSs reached in Summer and the lowest in Spring, caused by the confluence of changing weather conditions and VMSs consumption patterns. This seasonality was not found in indoor sites. The congener profiles of VMSs were consistent throughout the year, showing a prevalence of D5 outdoors, and of D3 and D4 in strictly indoor environments. Different sources of VMSs, together with an air filtering system installed in the sampled buildings explain these differences. Estimated PSRs yielded lower values indoors (0.16–0.21 m3/day) than outdoors (0.32–0.49 m3/day), due to different wind speeds. Overall, outdoor locations showed higher VMSs concentrations in air than indoors. However, the values detected in both environments (∑VMSs between 8.00 and 2000 ng/m3) were within the ranges described in the literature for these locations. The occupational exposure to D4-D6 estimated for three different activities in the WWTP showed the highest values for Maintenance Technicians (8010 ± 722 ng/(kg·year)) and the lowest for Laboratory Technicians (5410 ± 874 ng/(kg·year)), in direct correlation with the higher amount of time spent outdoors by the former. In any case, the exposure was below the inhalation threshold of 150 μg/(kg·day) proposed as safe by other authors.

Habitat and seasonal occurrence differ among closely related species of the Drosophila auraria species complex (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Habitat and seasonal occurrence differ among closely related species of the Drosophila auraria species complex (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Influence of ocean dynamics on the route of argonauts in the Southeastern Brazil Bight

Argonauts (Cephalopoda: Argonautidae), also known as ‘paper nautilus’, are epipelagic octopuses that are believed inhabit the open ocean despite being rarely encountered alive. Previous studies on the early-life stages of cephalopods have reported unexpectedly high abundances of argonauts in continental shelf areas of the Southeastern Brazilian Bight (SBB). Based on this finding, we explored the potential ocean dynamics driving both seasonal and interannual argonaut paralarvae occurrence in the SBB shelf. A historical archive ofplankton samples (n = 884) collected during 22 survey cruises between 1974 and 2010 covering the northern portion of the SBB was used. Spatiotemporal analysis combining environmental variables and horizontal and vertical abundance maps indicated that high frequency of argonaut paralarvae mostly occurred during summer with a high interannual variability. Horizontal and vertical maps revealed that they were mainly transported from the open ocean into the shelf by the onshore intrusion of water masses promoted by meanders and eddies of the offshore Brazil Current. Furthermore, argonaut occurrence in the southern shelf areas was remarkably influenced by the coastal jet originating from upwelling in the northern SBB. These results suggest that argonauts may be used as indicators of mesoscale processes. The present study provides a novel hypothesis for the route of argonauts from the pelagic realm to the continental shelf.

SEASONAL OCCURRENCE OF NEOECHINORHYNCHUS EMYDIS (PHYLUM: ACANTHOCEPHALA) IN THE FRESHWATER SNAIL, PLANORBELLA CF. P. TRIVOLVIS, FROM OKLAHOMA.

The acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus emydis has a complex life cycle and infects turtle, ostracod, and snail hosts. However, little information is available on the seasonal distribution or the effects of N. emydis on freshwater snail hosts. To address this, we examined the seasonal distribution and melanization of acanthocephalans in Planorbella cf. Planorbella trivolvis snails from a single location in north-central Oklahoma. Seasonally, prevalence of N. emydis was 0% during the winter, increased to 50% during the summer, and declined to 17% in the fall. Mean abundance exhibited more variation but generally followed a similar pattern as prevalence. More important, all acanthocephalans located within the head/foot region of snail hosts contained melaninlike pigment surrounding each worm, suggesting that snails were mounting an immunological reaction to infections with N. emydis. Snail shell diameter was greatest during the fall and decreased during the winter, indicating that larger or older snails were dying during the winter. However, because field-collected snails were commonly infected with trematodes, and snail size varied significantly with season, it was unclear whether the observed seasonal dynamics of acanthocephalan infections were a result of snail mortality resulting from snail age, parasitic infections, or a combination of factors. To control for these factors, we exposed laboratory-reared Planorbella cf. P. trivolvis snails to naturally infected ostracods in field cages for 5-wk intervals during the winter, spring, and summer. Data from snail-cage infections were consistent with the seasonal field survey such that N. emydis infections were highest in the summer (20%) and lowest (0%) in the winter, suggesting that snails were not ingesting infected ostracods during the winter. However, fewer of our laboratory-reared snails survived in field cages during winter than during spring and summer, suggesting that snails may die more often during harsh winter conditions. Finally, we conducted a laboratory survival experiment by testing the life span and egg production of field-collected snails of various sizes that were naturally infected with acanthocephalans or trematodes or both. Our snail-survival experiment indicated that snail size but not infection status with acanthocephalans or trematodes affected snail survival, with larger snails surviving a shorter amount of time than smaller snails. In addition, snails infected with trematodes laid significantly fewer eggs compared with uninfected snails or snails infected with acanthocephalans. However, we found no significant difference in the number of eggs laid by acanthocephalan-infected and uninfected snails. Although other abiotic factors still need evaluation, we suggest that the occurrence of acanthocephalans in snails throughout the year may be partially influenced by the abundance of infected ostracods that snails may be ingesting and snail population fluctuations during the year.

Impact of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) vs. classic myocardial infarction on hospital resources

Abstract Background Due to the high volume and broad availability of troponin testing and invasive coronary diagnostic in Germany, the entity of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is gaining increasing clinical and economic significance. As a main feature, no detectable obstructive coronary artery can be found upon angiography despite clinical symptoms related to acute coronary syndrome. Our investigation focuses on the procedural and economic impact of MINOCA and related clinical outcomes in a single-center patient collective of a university heart center. Methods All patients who were admitted to our hospital under the suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome within a 12-month period (2017–2018) for further diagnostics and treatment were screened. Included patients showed a pathological troponin elevation and received invasive coronary angiography. Associated costs, procedural and various clinical parameters as well as timelines and parameters of work-flow were obtained. Results 3021 patients were initially screened and 660 were included. Of those, 103 patients were attributed to the MINOCA group. 542 patients presented with a “classical” myocardial infarction, and thus formed the MIOCA (myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary arteries) group. Baseline characteristics were summarized in Table 1. MINOCA patients were less frail, less diabetic, more likely female and showed no relevant difference in age or other selected comorbidities. The emergency department was the primary point of hospital admission for &amp;gt;70% of the patients from both groups. 50% of the patients arrived in the afternoon on a weekday. MINOCA patients were less present during the weekend as MIOCA patients (8.5% vs. 19.7%; p=0.002). With regard to a potential seasonal occurrence, both MINOCA and MIOCA cases show a pattern with two peaks (Figure 1). In-hospital mortality (MIOCA vs. MINOCA: 59 (11.1%) vs. 0 (0%) patients; p&amp;lt;0.001), and 30-day mortality (MIOCA vs. MINOCA: 94 (17.3%) vs. 5 (4.2%) patients; p&amp;lt;0.001) after the clinical index event were significantly higher in the MIOCA group. MINOCA patients were more likely to receive coronary angiography later after admission (44.6±78.6 h vs. 25.4±69.5h; p=0.014). Conversely, overall length of hospital stay (9.5±8.7 days vs. 12.5±12.7 days; p=0.005) as well as mean duration of high care monitoring (ICU, IMC, CCU) (2.4±4.6 days vs. 4.7±7.7 days; p=0.006) were shorter in the MINOCA group compared to MIOCAs. With an average of 6871.5±5670.8 EUR per index, MINOCA treatment costs were lower compared to the real myocardial infarction group (14277.5±7896.9 EUR; p&amp;lt;0.001) with a mean difference of approximately 7406 EUR. Conclusion Despite MINOCA being mostly a benign syndrome with favorable clinical outcome, it still utilizes relevant financial and capacity resources including high care monitoring and an in-hospital treatment of relevant length. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Biodiversity in Gorai Creek, Sub-Urban Mumbai, India

This study was conducted to assess the faunal diversity in Gorai Creek of Mumbai, India from August 2019 to July 2020. The data collected month wise were pooled together and transformed into three seasons [Monsoon (June to September), Winter (October to February), and Summer (March to May)] and this seasonal data were used for the study of biodiversity pattern. Using the average seasonal species occurrence data as input the following biodiversity indices, S, N, d, J', H'(loge), 1-Lambda, Delta, Delta*, Delta+, sDelta+, Lambda+, Phi+ &amp;amp; sPhi+ were calculated by using PRIMER (v7.0). It revealed that 90 species of fauna under 70 genera, 50 families, 29 orders, 6 classes and 3 phyla were found to occur in the creek. The order-wise representation of identified fauna was found to be 7 ichthyofaunas, 4 pelecypods, 6 gastropods, 2 cephalopods, 1 shrimp and 1 stomatopod along with 8 avifauna. The present study results indicated that the Gorai Creek ecosystem is endowed with moderate biodiversity that needs to be conserved.