Subtropical Locations Research Articles

Validation and application of stable isotope analysis of dugong tusks to determine long‐term shifts in foraging patterns

AbstractUnderstanding the capacity of animals to shift diet in times of food shortage is crucial in assessing their resilience to climate change. Dugongs are specialist herbivores that live in genetically discrete populations and forage locally. This study validated the use of stable isotope analysis of collagen from the permanent, continuously growing tusks of dugongs to assess potential trophic and/or spatial shifts in foraging. Tusks were accessed from museum collections and included five locations spanning the dugong's Australian subtropical to tropical distribution. Collagen from tusk growth layers deposited during three life stages (nursing calf, subadult, and adult) and two seasons (winter, summer) were analyzed for δ15N and δ13C. In tropical Australia, mean δ15N values decreased significantly from calves to adults reflecting the ontogenetic dietary shift from milk to seagrass. In contrast, δ15N was significantly enriched in adult dugongs in subtropical Moreton Bay suggesting omnivory. δ13C values in tusks did not change with geographic location. Season did not appear to have a significant impact on δ15N or δ13C values in either tropical or subtropical locations, but dietary variation was greatest in the subtropics. Stable isotope analysis of tusks appears to be a useful method of investigating dietary/trophic shifts over a dugong's lifetime.

A calibration framework for outdoor thermal comfort index and neutral range: Application in subtropical hot-humid campus

Outdoor thermal comfort affects occupants’ well-being and building energy use. A reliable thermal index tailored to diverse climates is crucial for improving outdoor conditions. Current calibration methods for the neutral thermal range typically set a Thermal Sensation Vote threshold between −0.5 and 0.5. However, this threshold was derived from the indoor-focused Predicted Mean Vote model, which may not be applicable to outdoor conditions. To address this limitation, a revised calibration framework for outdoor scenarios is proposed, taking subtropical hot-humid campus as a case study. The key aspect of this framework is refining the neutral Thermal Sensation Vote interval for outdoor settings. First, an evaluation of the original outdoor thermal comfort index identified the necessity for recalibration. Next, the correlation between Thermal Comfort Vote and Thermal Sensation Vote was established to accurately localize context-specific neutral Thermal Sensation Vote interval. Finally, the proposed framework was applied to UTCI calibration, yielding a modified neutral UTCI range of 4.5–27.2°C through localized regression analysis. This study also highlights the impact of spatial configurations on outdoor thermal comfort, finding higher thermal tolerance within natural landscapes. It provides insights into creating outdoor thermal settings in subtropical hot-humid locations, especially for campus construction or renovation.

Exploring Bioinformatics Solutions for Improved Leishmaniasis Diagnostic Tools: A Review.

Significant populations in tropical and sub-tropical locations all over the world are severely impacted by a group of neglected tropical diseases called leishmaniases. This disease is caused by roughly 20 species of the protozoan parasite from the Leishmania genus. Disease prevention strategies that include early detection, vector control, treatment of affected individuals, and vaccination are all essential. The diagnosis is critical for selecting methods of therapy, preventing transmission of the disease, and minimizing symptoms so that the affected individual can have a better quality of life. Nevertheless, the diagnostic methods do eventually have limitations, and there is no established gold standard. Some disadvantages include the existence of cross-reactions with other species, and limited sensitivity and specificity, which are mostly determined by the type of antigen used to perform the tests. A viable alternative for a more precise diagnosis is the application of recombinant antigens, which have been generated using bioinformatics approaches and have shown increased diagnostic accuracy. This approach proves valuable as it spans from epitope selection to predicting the interactions within the antibody-antigen complex through docking analysis. As a result, identifying potential new antigens using bioinformatics resources becomes an effective technique since it may result in an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Consequently, the primary aim of this review is to conduct a comprehensive overview of the most significant in silico tools developed over time, with a focus on evaluating their efficacy and exploring their potential applications in optimizing the selection of highly specific molecules for a more effective diagnosis of leishmaniasis.

In vivo antischistosomal activity profiling and efficacy of niosomal Spirulina platensis and praziquantel combined remedy against murine Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosomiasis is a serious parasite disease with a high rate of mortality and negative financial impacts in subtropical and tropical locations like Egypt. The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-schistosomal effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Spirulina loaded niosomes (SPN), either in the presence or absence of praziquantel (PZQ) against S. mansoni in experimentally infected mice. Six groups have been involved in the study, five groups were infected with S. mansoni cercariae and subjected independently to different treatments of SP, SPN, and PZQ or the preceding two combinations, in addition to one untreated group which acts as a control. At the 8th week, mice were euthanized, and besides a histopathological assessment of the liver granuloma, the number of worms, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern were estimated. To evaluate the condition of the liver oxidative stress, the levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in liver homogenates were investigated. Additionally, to assess the anti-inflammatory properties, serum cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-13, and IL-10) and CD4+ immunohistochemistry expression were determined. The results demonstrated that each of the investigated parameters was significantly changed by both SPN and/or SPN with PZQ treatments alongside PZQ. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained in SPN combined with a half dose of PZQ which achieved 100 % reduction in both the total worm burden and the highest reduction in the intestinal (93.22 %) and hepatic (94.4 %) egg content, as well, moreover 40.5 % reduction of the granuloma size. Furthermore, serum cytokine levels {(TNF-α (11 ± 0.5 (P ˂ 0.001)), (IFN-γ (19.7 ± 1.2 (P ˂ 0.001)) and (IL-13 (53.65 ± 1.4 (P ˂ 0.001))}, as well as CD4+ cells (6.5 ± 0.65 (P ˂ 0.001)) were reduced. While, IL-10 (61.1 ± 2.1 (P ˂ 0.001)) was increased due to the same treatment additional to its antioxidant properties by reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) (1.1975 ± 0.05(P ˂ 0.001)) but increased reduced glutathione (GSH) (2.31± 0.15 (P˂0.001)). In conclusion, SPN has a schistosomicidal, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective role. SPN has a strong synergistic effect when combined with PZQ which showed anti-inflammatory action. Hence, SPN + PZQ offers promising alternatives for future schistosomiasis therapeutic research.

Online Learning of Entrainment Closures in a Hybrid Machine Learning Parameterization

AbstractThis work integrates machine learning into an atmospheric parameterization to target uncertain mixing processes while maintaining interpretable, predictive, and well‐established physical equations. We adopt an eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux (EDMF) parameterization for the unified modeling of various convective and turbulent regimes. To avoid drift and instability that plague offline‐trained machine learning parameterizations that are subsequently coupled with climate models, we frame learning as an inverse problem: Data‐driven models are embedded within the EDMF parameterization and trained online in a one‐dimensional vertical global climate model (GCM) column. Training is performed against output from large‐eddy simulations (LES) forced with GCM‐simulated large‐scale conditions in the Pacific. Rather than optimizing subgrid‐scale tendencies, our framework directly targets climate variables of interest, such as the vertical profiles of entropy and liquid water path. Specifically, we use ensemble Kalman inversion to simultaneously calibrate both the EDMF parameters and the parameters governing data‐driven lateral mixing rates. The calibrated parameterization outperforms existing EDMF schemes, particularly in tropical and subtropical locations of the present climate, and maintains high fidelity in simulating shallow cumulus and stratocumulus regimes under increased sea surface temperatures from AMIP4K experiments. The results showcase the advantage of physically constraining data‐driven models and directly targeting relevant variables through online learning to build robust and stable machine learning parameterizations.

Time series forecasting of rain-induced attenuation using coupled ARIMA-SARIMA models for radio propagation applications over subtropical locations

This present research aimed to identify the optimum model for predicting the rain-induced attenuation along the terrestrial and satellite communication networks and employed the time series forecasting models of Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Seasonal Autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) to examine and contrast several techniques for predicting rain-induced attenuation across a sub-tropical area of South Africa. In this research, the ARIMA was developed using the Box and Jenkins technique to predict long-term rain-induced attenuation in the following South African provinces: Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Northern Cape. The datasets used for the research were obtained from the South African Weather Station from 1994–2023 were used to build and check the model after generating rain-induced attenuation using synthetic storm techniques (SST). The forecasting performance of the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model and that of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) were compared with four forecast performance measures: - Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R- squared or the coefficient of determination (R2) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). The results of the study showed that due to its lower forecast performance error indicators, SARIMA performed better than ARIMA in forecasting rain-induced attenuation in South Africa. There is no statistically significant difference between the two projected values, according to the results of a Ljung-box test for significant difference. The authors draw the inference that the two approaches can effectively be employed in their proper locations. Rain-attenuation prediction data indicates that this long-term projection can help decision makers to improve the performance of microwave networks in the face of random fluctuations and avoiding unexpected signal loss with efficient installation of communications infrastructure. It also has applications in prediction of floods, urban planning, and crop management.

Introducing PLEMS: the application of a low-cost, portable monitoring system in environmental walks.

The application of innovative systems using low-cost microcontrollers in human biometeorology studies is a promising alternative to conventional monitoring devices, which are usually cost-intensive and provide measurements at specific points, as in stationary meteorological stations. A Portable Low-cost Environmental Monitoring System (PLEMS) aimed at the pedestrian scale is introduced. The backpack-type equipment consists of a microcontroller with attached sensors that assess environmental conditions in a broad sense, integrating measurements of air quality, lighting and noise levels alongside variables typically measured at meteorological stations. The application of the system took place in altogether 12 environmental walks carried out with questionnaire-surveys with concurrent environmental monitoring with the PLEMS in Curitiba, Brazil, a subtropical location characterized by a Cfb climate type. Results allowed us to test the equipment and method of data gathering within a limited period (approximately 50 min) and for a short walking circuit of 800 m. The equipment was successfully able to capture even slightest differences in environmental conditions among points of interest, whereas subjective responses (n= 3843 responses to a total of 11 questions) showed consistency with measured data. From a multi-domain perspective, relevant insights could be obtained for the measured variables.

Mechanisms of terrestrial organic matter accumulation across the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum in the Jianghan Basin, Central China

Marine settings provide major carbon sinks for organic carbon, and act as a key reservoir that can sequester excess carbon during times of high CO2 and global warming. Organic carbon burial in lake sediments also plays an important, but perhaps less appreciated, role in the global carbon cycle. However, the fate of organic carbon burial during times of increasing CO2 and rapid global warming in lacustrine settings is still unclear. This study investigates organic carbon accumulation and its mechanism during the globally significant Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ∼56 Ma) hyperthermal event in the Jianghan Basin, China, based on organic and element geochemistry data. The PETM is identified in our studied rocks based on their broad age constraints and the presence of a 4.3‰ negative excursion in organic carbon isotope. Our study shows that organic carbon accumulation during the PETM in the Jianghan Basin might be mainly controlled by preservation conditions and sediment accumulation rates (SAR), which responded to changing hydrology/climate. A hot and humid climate during the PETM could lead to an increase in terrestrial input and SAR, which might dilute the overall organic matter concentration. Also, enhanced rainfall could contribute to the ventilation of the lake water and expedite the oxidation of organic matter, thus, contributing to relatively low organic matter concentration in the Jianghan Basin. In contrast, an arid and relatively low oxygen environment during the post-PETM interval of our studied section created conditions conducive to the retention of organic matter, resulting in high organic matter content. An examination of other terrestrial PETM records reveals that the poor preservation condition of the organic matter and higher SAR might also have been the primary factors for the low organic matter concentrations in PETM terrestrial sections at other subtropical and mid-latitude locations. Compared to marine settings, terrestrial settings may exhibit lower efficiency in sequestering excess CO2 from the atmosphere through organic carbon burial during the PETM.

OUTBREAK OF DENGUE VIRUS SEROTYPES IN DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER PATIENTS OF PESHAWAR PAKISTAN

Abstract Background: Dengue is the most critical medical problem in tropical and sub-tropical locales of the world transmitted by the bite of the mosquito Aedesaegypti. Dengue virus (DENV) is categorized into 4 serotypes i.e. DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4. The role of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the causation of primary Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) among dengue patients are not well studied in Pakistan. This research aimed to determine the association of DENV serotypes with DHF in dengue hemorrhagic fever patients of district Peshawar Pakistan. Methods: A total of 200 blood samples were collected from DF and DHF patients. All of the samples were considered to be positive by NS1 Elisa. RNA was extracted with an RNA kit (TRIzol, USA) using the manufacturer protocol. The extracted RNA was then converted into cDNA by using Revert AID Reverse transcriptase (Thermofisher scientific) the target region for transcription and Amplification is a c-prM region which was amplified by Regular PCR and by using Nested PCR, the DENV serotypes (1-4) (Thermofisher scientific) was identified by using serotypes specific primers (TS1, TS2, TS3, and TS4) the samples was run through gel electrophoresis and then read the product size. Results: a total of 164 (82%) samples were considered to be positive by both NS1 Elisa and RT-PCR while 36 (18%) were negative by RT-PCR. the study population consists of 60% male and 40% female. Within positive samples, 40 patients have DHF of which 24 (15%) were male and 16 (10%) were females. Most of the affected patients have an age range between 10-30 years followed by 30-40 years. All of the DHF patients were primary patients and had no previous dengue fever history. By using Serotype-specific primers all the DHF samples were positive for Serotype-2 (DENV2). This shows that DENV2 was primarily associated with DHF Conclusion: DENV2 is the dominant serotype in the Dengue outbreak in affected patients of Peshawar.

Regional reef fish assemblage maps provide baseline biogeography for tropicalization monitoring

The Anthropocene rise in global temperatures is facilitating the expansion of tropical species into historically non-native subtropical locales, including coral reef fish. This redistribution of species, known as tropicalization, has serious consequences for economic development, livelihoods, food security, human health, and culture. Measuring the tropicalization of subtropical reef fish assemblages is difficult due to expansive species ranges, temporal distribution shifts with the movement of isotherms, and many dynamic density-dependent factors affecting occurrence and density. Therefore, in locales where tropical and subtropical species co-occur, detecting tropicalization changes relies on regional analyses of the relative densities and occurrence of species. This study provides a baseline for monitoring reef fish tropicalization by utilizing extensive monitoring data from a pivotal location in southeast Florida along a known transition between tropical and subtropical ecotones to define regional reef fish assemblages and use benthic habitat maps to spatially represent their zoogeography. Assemblages varied significantly by ecoregion, habitat depth, habitat type, and topographic relief. Generally, the southern assemblages had higher occurrences and densities of tropical species, whereas the northern assemblages had a higher occurrence and density of subtropical species. A total of 108 species were exclusive to regions south of the Bahamas Fracture Zone (BFZ) (South Palm Beach, Deerfield, Broward-Miami) and 35 were exclusive to the north (North Palm Beach, Martin), supporting the BFZ as a pivotal location that affects the coastal biogeographic extent of tropical marine species in eastern North America. Future tropicalization of reef fish assemblages are expected to be evident in temporal deviance of percent occurrence and/or relative species densities between baseline assemblages, where the poleward expansion of tropical species is expected to show the homogenization of assemblage regions as adjacent regions become more similar or the regional boundaries expand poleward. Ecoregions, habitat depth, habitat type, and relief should be incorporated into the stratification and analyses of reef fish surveys to statistically determine assemblage differences across the seascape, including those from tropicalization.

Risk of Asian hornet invasion in Mexico: a proposal for invasive species risk assessment from a spatial perspective

Biological invasions need to be assessed as spatial processes, incorporating information on introduction sites, environmental suitability, dispersal parameters and negative impacts. The above allows us to develop risk maps, which are an important tool to determine the probability and consequences of an invasion in each area. In this study, we developed species niche-based distribution models for Vespa mandarinia and V. velutina, exotic species recently discovered in North America, being V. velutina a recognized invasive alien species that has caused enormous economic impacts in Europe. Species niche-based distribution models were used as a base map to determine the risk of establishment in conjunction with information related to the introduction, economic and biodiversity risk. The models developed in this study show environmental suitability for the establishment of these species in tropical and subtropical locations of North America. In Mexico, more than 50% of the ports are at high risk especially those located in the Gulf of Mexico. The biodiversity impact risk map for V. mandarinia shows that 57 protected areas are in regions with some risk of invasion and the V. velutina analysis shows 49 protected areas at potential risk. By implementing comprehensive surveillance and monitoring programs, integrating early detection and rapid response strategy and leveraging geographic information systems, Mexico can take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of invasive species. These efforts will be crucial in protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and safeguarding the country’s economy from the negative consequences associated with invasive species.

Exploring the Feasibility of HRMN-99 Apple Variety Cultivation in Sub-Tropical Regions of Nepal: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Traditionally, Nepal's apple production flourished in higher altitudes, but the introduction of HRMN-99 brings the possibility of extending cultivation to subtropical locations. This study investigates the adaptability and performance of the HRMN-99 variety in sub-tropical area of Nepal, investigating into its growth, yield, and responses to local conditions. Through careful field experiments and data collection, this research sheds light on the variety's possibility in diverse climates. Literature reviews and citations from various sources underscore the significance of apple cultivation, highlighting the economic, health, and cultural dimensions. The findings reveal the potential for HRMN-99 to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in Nepal's agricultural landscape. This research not only presents scientific insights but also opens possibilities for sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth of apple in sub-tropical region.

Honey bee retinue workers respond similarly to queens despite seasonal differences in Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP) signaling.

Honey bee colonies maintain viable queens in part through communication with Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP), a mixture that signals the queen's presence and reproductive quality to workers. In turn, workers are thought to provide retinue queen care or replace queens partially based on QMP profiles. We examined the effects of seasonal dearth (overwintering in a warm subtropical location) on queen-worker interactions. Retinue worker responses to continuously ovipositing queens were considered in view of QMP signaling and queen reproductive quality. QMP signaling was estimated from QMP residues recovered from nest worker bodies, which is the primary mode of QMP transfer from the queen to the colony at large. QMP residues varied seasonally but not at all with queen reproductive quality (spermatheca sperm storage, ovary protein and lipid contents). 9-HDA and 9-ODA were lower in January than other months. HOB decreased from July to January, while HVA, a component associated with mated queens, increased sharply in January. Despite these seasonal signaling differences, retinue workers attended queens at similar levels through the months. In terms of reproductive quality, queens did not differ over the months in matedness (spermatheca sperm storage) or physiological age (protein carbonyl content), but varied in nutrient allocation to reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. Queen ovaries contained more protein in September than in November, and more lipid in July and September than in November and January. Queen fat bodies had more protein in July than September or November, but less lipid in July and September than November or January. Retinue worker responses did not vary with seasonal QMP changes, but reflected overall continuous brood rearing efforts and queen matedness throughout the year. The absence of seasonal differences in worker responses to QMP should be considered in the broader context of continuous reproductive efforts in warm subtropical colonies.

Transport pathways of carbon monoxide from Indonesian fire pollution to a subtropical high-altitude mountain site in the western North Pacific

Abstract. Dry conditions associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are known to have caused major fire pollution events and intense carbon emissions over a vast spatial expanse of Indonesia in October 2006 and 2015. During these two events, a substantial increase in the carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratio was detected by in situ measurements at Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS; 23.47∘ N 120.87∘ E; 2862 ma.s.l.) in Taiwan, which is the only background station in the subtropical western North Pacific region. Compared to the long-term October mean (2006–2021), CO was elevated by ∼ 47.2 ppb (parts per billion; 37.2 %) and ∼ 36.7 ppb (28.9 %) in October 2006 and 2015, respectively. This study delineates plausible pathways for the CO transport from Indonesia to LABS using Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) CO observations and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis products (winds and geopotential height – GpH). Two simultaneously occurring transport pathways were identified, namely (i) horizontal transport in the free troposphere and (ii) vertical transport through the Hadley circulation (HC). The GpH analysis of both events revealed the presence of a high-pressure anticyclone over the northern part of the South China Sea (SCS), which played an important role in the free-tropospheric horizontal transport of CO. In this scenario, CO in the free troposphere is transported on the western edge of the high-pressure system and then driven by subtropical westerlies to LABS. Simultaneously, uplifted CO over Indonesia can enter the HC and be transferred to subtropical locations such as LABS. The vertical cross section of the MOPITT CO and MERRA-2 vertical pressure velocity supported the transport of CO through the HC. Furthermore, the results revealed a distinct HC strength in two events (higher in 2006 compared to 2015) due to the different ENSO conditions. Overall, the present findings can provide some insights into understanding the regional transport of pollution over Southeast Asia and the role of climate conditions on transport pathways.

Biomass yield in a genetically diverse Miscanthus sacchariflorus germplasm panel phenotyped at five locations in Asia, North America, and Europe

AbstractMiscanthus is a high‐yielding bioenergy crop that is broadly adapted to temperate and tropical environments. Commercial cultivation of Miscanthus is predominantly limited to a single sterile triploid clone of Miscanthus × giganteus, a hybrid between Miscanthus sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. To expand the genetic base of M. × giganteus, the substantial diversity within its progenitor species should be used for cultivar improvement and diversification. Here, we phenotyped a diversity panel of 605 M. sacchariflorus from six previously described genetic groups and 27 M. × giganteus genotypes for dry biomass yield and 16 yield‐component traits, in field trials grown over 3 years at one subtropical location (Zhuji, China) and four temperate locations (Foulum, Denmark; Sapporo, Japan; Urbana, Illinois; and Chuncheon, South Korea). There was considerable diversity in yield and yield‐component traits among and within genetic groups of M. sacchariflorus, and across the five locations. Biomass yield of M. sacchariflorus ranged from 0.003 to 34.0 Mg ha−1 in year 3. Variation among the genetic groups was typically greater than within, so selection of genetic group should be an important first step for breeding with M. sacchariflorus. The Yangtze 2x genetic group (=ssp. lutarioriparius) of M. sacchariflorus had the tallest and thickest culms at all locations tested. Notably, the Yangtze 2x genetic group's exceptional culm length and yield potential were driven primarily by a large number of nodes (>29 nodes culm−1 average over all locations), which was consistent with the especially late flowering of this group. The S Japan 4x, the N China/Korea/Russia 4x, and the N China 2x genetic groups were also promising genetic resources for biomass yield, culm length, and culm thickness, especially for temperate environments. Culm length was the best indicator of yield potential in M. sacchariflorus. These results will inform breeders' selection of M. sacchariflorus genotypes for population improvement and adaptation to target production environments.

Strongyloides stercoralis in the US Military Health System.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode most commonly found in subtropical and tropical locations. Military service members are believed to be at increased risk of exposure due to their unique occupational exposures in endemic regions. Burden, clinical course, and risk factors associated with all Strongyloides infections within the US Military Health System from fiscal years 2012 to 2019 were assessed by manual chart review of records with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision codes for Strongyloides infection. Infection risk in demographic subgroups based on region of birth, military occupation, and age was quantified with univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. We reviewed 243 charts based on diagnosis coding, yielding 210 confirmed diagnoses (86.4%). Immigrant patients born in Latin America/Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia/Pacific regions had statistically significant increased risk ratios of infection at 34.4, 32.0, and 22.4, respectively, when compared to patients born in Europe and North America. In univariate analysis, active duty members in the healthcare occupational category had a statistically significant increased risk ratio of infection at 2.31 compared to those outside this occupation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that occupational categories of healthcare, admininstrative/support, warfighter/combat specialist, and engineering/repair/maintenance occupations, being an immigrant patient, and age ≥65 were all associated with statistically significant increased odds ratios for infection. In the Military Health System, occupational exposures, region of birth, and age serve as risk factors for Strongyloides infection. Because infections may be chronic, the impact of targeted screening programs to complement routine medical care should be considered.

Defining marine bacterioplankton community assembly rules by contrasting the importance of environmental determinants and biotic interactions.

Bacterioplankton communities govern marine productivity and biogeochemical cycling, yet drivers of bacterioplankton assembly remain unclear. Here, we contrast the relative contribution of deterministic processes (environmental factors and biotic interactions) in driving temporal dynamics of bacterioplankton diversity at three different oceanographic time series locations, spanning 15° of latitude, which are each characterized by different environmental conditions and varying degrees of seasonality. Monthly surface samples (5.5 years) were analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The high- and mid-latitude sites of Maria Island and Port Hacking were characterized by high and intermediate levels of environmental heterogeneity, respectively, with both alpha diversity (72%; 24% of total variation) and beta diversity (32%; 30%) patterns within bacterioplankton assemblages explained by day length, ammonium, and mixed layer depth. In contrast, North Stradbroke Island, a sub-tropical location where environmental conditions are less variable, interspecific interactions were of increased importance in structuring bacterioplankton diversity (alpha: 33%; beta: 26%) with environment only contributing 11% and 13% to predicting diversity, respectively. Our results demonstrate that bacterioplankton diversity is the result of both deterministic environmental and biotic processes and that the importance of these different deterministic processes varies, potential in response to environmental heterogeneity.

Identification of Etiological Agent of Telya Disease of Pomegranate, its Pathogenesis and Control using Integrated Management Approach

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a financially important plant of the tropical and subtropical locales of the world because of its eatable organic products, drugs and decorative use. The telya infection of pomegranate is turning into a concerning issue in major pomegranate developing regions in India. As the causal organism is airborne, the regular available resources for controlling this illness are not enough. The investigations were directed on overview, morphological and social characteristics of the microorganism, in vitro and in vivo assessment of fungicides and bioagents. The study was conducted in significant pomegranate developing districts of northern Nasik, Maharashtra. Pure culture of the pathogen was obtained by isolation and further pathogenicity was demonstrated. The conidia were hyaline, single-celled, elongated and sickle-shaped. The identification of the parasite was affirmed under the genus Colletotrichum. The various fungicides (Benomyl, Carbendazim, Mancozeb, Matalaxy, Carbendazim+Mancozeb, Matalaxy+ Mancozeb and Sulfur) were tried against microbe as a single application, in mix and in mix with sodium bicarbonate. The atomic spray of bio-control agents recognized under the Bacillus class restrained 55-65% of mycelial development in dual plate culture strategy. The bioefficacy of fungicides and bioagents which performed well in vitro conditions was tried in vivo conditions too. Planned treatment of fungicides, synchronized cultivating, sterilization measures and use of micronutrients altogether diminished the percent infection of telya illness by 50%. Under high infection pressure, utilization of fungicides in a 12-15 days span can lessen the impact of illness and lead to the increment of the absolute yield.

Novel Combination of the Biophysical, Nutritional, and Nutraceutical Properties in Subtropical Pigmented Maize Hybrids.

Maize (Zea mays L.) represents the main caloric source for much of the world's population. Pigmented maize varieties are an excellent source of nutraceutical compounds: blue and yellow maize are rich in anthocyanins as well as carotenoids and phenolic acids, respectively. However, blue maize is usually grown in small quantities as a specialty crop because it lacks the qualities and adaptations of commercial white and yellow varieties. Here, a new high-yield variety of blue maize called Vitamaiz was developed from inbred lines of subtropical blue, white, and yellow maize. The aim of this study was to characterize the nutraceutical and physical properties of 30 Vitamaiz hybrids in two subtropical locations. Kernel physical traits, nutrient composition, and nutraceutical components (free phenolic acids, FPA; cell wall-bound phenolic acids, BPA; total monomeric anthocyanin content, TAC; antioxidant capacity, AOX by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, and total carotenoid content, TCC) were evaluated. The biophysical traits of the hybrids were suitable for nixtamalized and flour maize industries. High levels of FPA (228 mg GAE/100 g), BPA (635 mg GAE/100 g), and AOX (2.0 and 8.1 mM Trolox equivalent/100 g for FPA and BPA, respectively) were also detected with elevated TAC levels (274 mg C3G/kg dw) and AOX activity (3.1 mM Trolox equivalent/100 g). This is the first study to characterize Blue × Yellow maize hybrids that adapt to subtropical environments.

Distribution Pattern of Mangrove Fish Communities in China.

Mangroves are among the most productive marine and coastal ecosystems and play an important role in maintaining the stability and diversity of fish communities. To explore the structure of mangrove fish communities in China, we compiled previous studies, monographs, and two databases on 54 mangrove areas published in the past 30 years. Mangrove fish communities in China comprised Osteichthys (597 species) and Chondrichthyes (14 species), representing 611 species in 344 genera, 117 families, and 28 orders. Perciformes were the predominant taxon, with 350 species in 52 families, accounting for 57% of the total species richness. Reef fish accounted for 29.62%. With regard to feeding groups, there were 328 carnivorous species (53.68%), 214 omnivorous species (35.02%), 41 herbivorous species (6.71%), and 28 detritivores species (4.58%). Classified by body size, 57.61% were small-sized, 24.22% medium-sized, and 18.17% were large-sized fishes. A total of 5.23% (32 species) of these mangrove fish are currently on IUCN red lists, i.e., 2 species are critically endangered, 4 are endangered, 12 are vulnerable, and 14 are near threatened. Cluster analyses shows that Chinese mangroves fish were divided into two categories, i.e., coastal mangrove and island mangrove type. This is closely related to the distribution of reef fish. Moreover, the number of fish species showed a strong positive correlation with mangrove area, but not with latitude. The main reasons may be the subtropical and tropical geographic locations, as well as the characteristics of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Warm Current. The size and integrity of mangrove area are crucial to the local ecosystems; thus, protecting and restoring mangroves is of great significance to large-scale ecosystem-stability and local biodiversity.