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• Allophylus edulis is a native plant of the Brazilian cerrado. • The essential oil was obtained from two locations in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. • The dominant components of essential oils were caryophyllene oxide and α-zingiberene. • Seasonal and spatial variation can influence the chemical composition of A. edulis essential oil. Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), also known as "chal-chal", "vacuum" or "cocu", is a tree widely found in Brazil whose leaves are still used in folk medicine and are rich in essential oil. The focus of this research was to investigate the chemical composition profiles of the essential oil from A. edulis leaves collected seasonally (the four seasons) in two cities. The A. edulis leaves were collected in winter (July) and spring (November) 2018 and summer (January) and autumn (May) 2019, in the cities of Bonito and Dourados, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The essential oil yield in this seasonal variation study consistently ranged between 0.07% and 0.6% (wet wt.) for all samples, increasing considerably with higher temperature and during the inflorescence stage. In the oil samples obtained from Dourados, the major components present were α-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, and viridiflorol with yields of 3.04–29.81% across all four seasons, being caryophyllene oxide the most abundant (20.1–29.81%). The major compound identified in the oil samples obtained from Bonito was α-zingiberene for all four seasons, though its concentrations were highest in summer (46.90%) and spring (45.05%). The chemical composition profiles of both cities' oil samples were similar, in that they shared four sesquiterpene compounds, caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, E-caryophyllene and viridiflorol. The study highlighted that both seasonal and geographical variation can influence the chemical composition of essential oil from A. edulis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important pioneer afforestation and timber species, Pinus massoniana is also the most widely cultivated tree in southern China. The diverse environments in the widely distributed areas create abundant phenotypic variations of P. massoniana. However, whether diverse environments lead to the rich intraspecific variation of P. massoniana CPGs (chloroplast genomes)? And the degree of variation also remains to be explored. This study undertakes a comparative genomics analysis of 9 CPGs in Masson pine geographical germplasms. The findings revealed highly conserved characteristics in genomic structure, gene content, inverted repeat regions and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) across the 9 CPGs. Additionally, high polymorphism of SNPs/Indels distributions was identified as candidate markers for further research. Notably, a remarkably variable fragment was identified in the psaM gene, which was also strongly positively selected with Ka/Ks > 1. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree showed that the geographical germplasms were divided into major three groups (western, middle and Eastern), highlighting a closer genetic relationship between the Western group and the middle group than with the Eastern group. This study provides important genetic resources and lays a preliminary foundation for further research of germplasm evaluation, phylogeography, and molecular marker-assisted selection breeding on P.massoniana. [Display omitted] • Nine geographical germplasms chloroplast genomes of Masson pine were assembled. • High conservation was found in the genomic structure, gene contents and SSRs. • The divergences of SNPs/indels and hotspot regions were identified in 9 germplasms. • The phylogenetic relationship of 9 germplasms was assessed by chloroplast genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We firstly characterized symbiont communities and diversity of the pea aphid in China. • The obligate symbiont, Buchnera , was present in all aphid samples. • Four facultative symbionts (Serratia , Hamiltonella , Regiella , and Rickettsia) showed a significant geographic variation. • Bacterial communities of the Chinese pea aphid populations were mainly influenced by environmental factors. Bacterial symbionts in aphids are known to benefit the insect host and associated with aphid's ecological adaptation. The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), an important legume pest worldwide, carries at least eight endosymbionts, providing a model system to study insect–bacteria interactions. However, species diversity and geographic variations of endosymbionts are unknown in Chinese populations; therefore, we characterized symbiont communities and diversity of 27 pea aphid samples from 13 geographic populations of China. Via amplicon high-throughput sequencing and diagnostic PCR, we found that bacterial communities of Chinese populations were dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Among eight known endosymbionts, five (Buchnera , Serratia , Hamiltonella , Regiella , and Rickettsia) were detected by both methods, with a specific geographical distribution. The obligate symbiont, Buchnera , was present in all aphid samples, while the four facultative symbionts showed a significant geographic variation. Each population was randomly infected with distinct endosymbionts, ranging from three to five species. Serratia and Rickettsia showed relatively higher abundance in central regions of China, Regiella was predominant in eastern and western China, whereas Hamiltonella showed an extremely low abundance and was absent in four populations. Samples grouped by altitudes showed a significant diversity difference, whereas there was no significant difference between red and green body colors. Bacterial community structures of the Chinese pea aphid populations were mainly influenced by environmental factors, other than body colors. These data can guide the development of potential biocontrol techniques against this aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important drivers of global climate change, land use change (LUC) has markedly altered the regional and global carbon (C) cycles. However, the geographic variations and the key drivers in the effects of LUC on temperature sensitivity (Q 10) of soil microbial respiration (R s) are still not fully elucidated, hence impeding the spatially explicit predictions of soil C cycling under climate change. Here, we used a paired-plot approach with data for 19 locations distributed from the tropical to temperate zones in eastern China, and compared the temperature responses of R s between forest and cropland soil. Results showed that the latitudinal patterns of Q 10 in forest soils were better explained by climatic variables; whereas in cropland, soil Q 10 trended higher with increasing latitude, with climatic factors, pH, clay, and soil organic C (SOC) jointly modulating the spatial variations in Q 10. Overall, the values of Q 10 tended to converge with latitude between forests and croplands, with change in Q 10 from forest to cropland, Δ Q 10 , significantly decreasing from the tropical region (9.23 ± 3.58 %) to the subtropical (0.58 ± 1.93 %) and temperate (−0.97 ± 1.11 %) regions. Moreover, the spatial variations of Δ Q 10 were significantly affected by climatic factors, ΔpH, Δmicrobial biomass C (ΔMBC), and their interactions. Our findings highlight the potential impacts of LUC-related biogeographic variations in the temperature response of R s , and emphasize the importance of incorporating the land-use effects on the temperature sensitivity of soil microbial respiration into terrestrial C cycle models to improve predictions of carbon-climate feedbacks in the future. • Differences in soil Q 10 were compared between forest and cropland for 19 paired-plots. • Land use change (LUC) effects on Q 10 vary spatially from tropical to temperature zones. • Change in Q 10 from forest to cropland, Δ Q 10 , generally decreased with latitude. • Geographical variations of Δ Q 10 were mainly driven by climate, ΔpH, and ΔMBC. • Carbon-climate models should incorporate the geographical effects of LUC on Q 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid industrialization and urbanization have accelerated the contamination of paddy soils with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). However, the status and the key factors responsible for the geographical variation in PTE concentrations in rice remain poorly understood. Here, a total of 113 pairs of soil and rice plant samples were collected from 19 provinces in four major rice producing areas of China to assess the geographical variation in total arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in the soil-rice system. Average total concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were 11.8, 0.45 and 25.7 mg kg−1, respectively, in the soils and 0.089, 0.087 and 0.036 mg kg−1 in the polished rice. The national maximum allowable concentrations of total soil As and Cd were exceeded in 6.19 and 33.6% of soils and that of Cd was exceeded in 7.96% of polished rice and no polished rice exceed the Pb limit. The As, Cd and Pb concentrations of rice were significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with their corresponding soil available concentrations rather than with their soil total concentrations. Due to the combined effects of local rice varieties, cultivation of varieties with high Cd translocation factors and high Cd availability in acid soils, the highest rice Cd risk occurred in south China. The Cd concentrations in polished rice exceeded the maximum allowable by 4.0 and 15.8% in uncontaminated and contaminated soils, respectively. Results from 113 fixed samples may represent the actual current As, Cd and Pb status of rice in the main rice production areas nationally as they were very consistent with 574 random samples. In view of the high Cd contamination risk in acid soils of south China, countermeasures are needed to minimize Cd accumulation in rice crops in this region. Unlabelled Image • 113 paired paddy soil and rice samples collected from 19 Chinese provinces • High geographical variation in soil and rice PTEs (As, Cd and Pb) concentrations • Rice grown in acid unpolluted soils in south China at risk of Cd contamination • Soil properties, PTEs availabilities and rice genotypes influenced plant PTEs uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis tinctoria Lesch. is an endemic wild plant with significant medicinal value in traditional ethnomedicine. Although its chemical composition has not yet been studied, tribal communities in Nilgiri-Hills (NH) and Palani-Hills (PH) use it as food and to cure various ailments. The present study aims to analyze the influence of ecological factors on the accumulation of active compounds and antioxidants in B. tinctoria fruits. The antiproliferative effect was also evaluated. Thus, two distinct geographic locations within the B. tinctoria cultivation area were selected. The contents of soil pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and primary and secondary active metabolites in the fruits were measured. Bioactive compounds were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that major primary and secondary metabolites were more abundant in fruits from the NH region, especially in terms of total phenols and alkaloids. The data acquired highlight that soil physicochemical properties have a highly positive correlation with secondary metabolites content and bioactivity. In particular, NH ethyl acetate (NH-EAF) extracts showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activiy, as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Furthermore, NH-EAF extract showed cytotoxic effects with IC 50 equal to 102.85 μg/mL and 123.39 μg/mL towards Raw 264.7 and Caco-2 cell lines, respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the fruit variability of phytochemicals and biological activities is due to geographical variation and ecological factors. [Display omitted] • Nilgiri barberry fruit, a local food with ethnomedicinal properties, is of interest. • Region soil factors impact on phytochemicals in Berberis tinctoria Lesch. fruit. • Fruit extracts showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. • Fruit extracts were cytotoxic towards Raw 264.7 and Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Larger intra-individual variation in female than in male cuckoo calls. • Peak frequency of female cuckoo call was significantly negative related to latitude. • Cuckoos were more vocally active in sunny weather than rainy weather. • The peak in vocal activity (both male and female cuckoos) was in the morning. Abstract Investigations on bird vocalizations have largely focused on males. Female vocalizations are widespread in birds but few studies have investigated female vocal characteristics, particularly in non-Passeriformes. In this study, we use new field recordings from China, and calls available from an online sound library to examine temporal patterns, call consistency and geographical variation in vocalizations of female common cuckoos Cuculus canorous. The peak in vocal activity (both male and female) was in the morning, which contrasts to what would be predicted if the sole function of the female call was to distract the attention of hosts after parasitizing a host's nest in the afternoon. Both male and female common cuckoos were more vocally active in sunny weather, than rainy weather. We also found larger intra-individual variation in female rather than in male calls, which may benefit female cuckoos by increasing stimulation to host species. Peak frequency of female calls decreased with increased latitude, while differences in female call features were not associated with geographic distance. In summary, our findings that female calls are used in the morning, rather than at peak egg laying, yet are highly variable and show little geographic patterns suggest that the function of these female calls may be more variable and intricate than previously thought. However, because research on female vocalizations is underrepresented, future studies are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Trees initially respond to climate change via individual-level acclimation. • We investigated geographical variation of intra-individual plasticity in Fagus crenata. • Plasticity was inferred from intra-crown leaf plasticity (ILP). • Low ILP of Pacific and southern populations suggested low acclimation potential. • This may affect population dynamics and result in retreat of the southern range edge. Abstract Because rates of migration and genetic adaptation are slow, individual trees must initially acclimate to climate change via individual-level plasticity. Therefore, when predicting distribution and persistence of tree species under future climate change scenarios, we must take into account geographical variation in intra-individual plasticity. Here, we investigated geographical variation of intra-individual plasticity of Fagus crenata Blume (Japanese beech), a dominant species in late-successional, cool-temperate forests of Japan. We compared within-crown variation of leaf morphology (intra-crown leaf plasticity, ILP) among 13 sites across the full distribution range of F. crenata. Generally, ILP was lower for trees in the Pacific than Japan-Sea genetic lineages, low for trees in southern sites, and high for trees in sites near the northern and altitudinal range edges. Among the 13 sites, ILP was correlated with environmental variables associated with temperature. Positive correlation between ILP and temperature variation suggested that environmental perturbation selects for high intra-individual plasticity near northern and altitudinal range edges where F. crenata is expanding its distribution range. On the other hand, low ILP of trees in Pacific and southern sites, comprising geographically isolated populations, may reflect low acclimation potential to environmental perturbation. This could lead to local extinction if climatic conditions exceed the range of tolerance resulting in retreat of the Pacific and southern range edges of F. crenata in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naja naja is a medically important species that is distributed widely in South Asia. Its venom lethality and neutralization profile have been reported to vary markedly, but the understanding of this phenomenon has been limited without a comprehensive venom profile for the Pakistani N. naja . This study set to investigate the venom proteome of Pakistani N. naja applying reverse-phase HPLC, SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry and data-mining approaches. The venom enzymatics and antigen binding activities were also studied. A total of 55 venom proteins comprising 11 toxin families were identified, with three-finger toxins (75.29%) being the predominant component, followed by phospholipase A 2 (14.24%) and other proteins (< 5%). The enzyme activities of most of the venom components were also detected in this work. The high abundance of long neurotoxins (LNTX, 21.61%) in the Pakistani N. naja venom is varied from that reported for N. naja venoms from other geographical origins. The venom exhibited high immunoreactivity toward Naja kaouthia monovalent antivenom (NKMAV), which was raised against the LNTX-predominated heterologous Thai N. kaouthia venom. Together, the findings show that the Pakistani N. naja venom is predominated by LNTX, and this unique property correlates with its high lethality and effective neutralization by the heterologous NKMAV. Biological significance This study reveals the compositional details of the venom proteome of Pakistani spectacled cobra ( Naja naja ). The protein subtypes, proteoforms, and relative abundances of individual proteins were comprehensively revealed in this study, following a venom decomplexing proteomic approach. The Pakistani cobra venom is unique among the rest of the N. naja venom composition reported thus far, as it contains a high abundance of alpha-neurotoxins (predominated by long neurotoxins); these are highly potent post-synaptic neuromuscular blockers that cause paralysis and are principal toxins that account for the high lethality of the venom (LD 50 = 0.2 μg/g in mice). In contrast, previous reports showed that the N. naja venoms of India and Sri Lanka had a lower content of neurotoxins and a relatively higher value of LD 50 . The Pakistani cobra venom demonstrated sufficient immunoreactivity toward three antivenom products manufactured outside Pakistan (including the Indian product VINS), however the potency of antigen binding was the highest toward Naja kaouthia monovalent antivenom, a heterologous antivenom raised against a long neurotoxin-predominated venom of the Thai monocled cobra. From the practical standpoint, the findings indicate that the treatment of N. naja envenomation in Pakistan may be improved by the production of a locale-specific antivenom, in which the antivenom produced contains more antibodies that can target and react more specifically with the highly abundant lethal neurotoxins in the Pakistani N. naja venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavonoid content of Zostera noltei leaves was investigated over a broad spatial scale using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (HPLC-DAD, LC/MS and NMR). Samples were collected at fifteen localities covering Mediterranean Sea and NE Atlantic coast, and representative of three types of coastal ecosystems: mesotidal bays, coastal lagoons, and open-sea. Three geographically distinct flavonoid chemotypes were identified on the basis of their respective major compound. One is characterized by apigenin 7-sulfate (Eastern part of Gulf of Cadiz), one by diosmetin 7-sulfate (French Atlantic coast and Mediterranean Sea), and the third contained similar quantities of the above two compounds (Mauritania and South Portugal). Our results show that metabolomic profiling using a combination of analytical techniques is a tool of choice to characterize chemical phenotype accurately. This work emphasizes for the first time the spatial variability in the flavonoid chemistry of Z. noltei throughout Atlantic and Mediterranean range, and constitutes the first report of chemical races in the Zosteraceae family. This infraspecific chemical differentiation should be considered when dealing with the role of Z. noltei in coastal ecosystems or in the selection of the best population donor for Z. noltei beds restoration. Combined with molecular identification, phenolic fingerprinting might be helpful to elucidate the evolutionary history of Z. noltei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal activity of the brown macroalga, Sargassum vulgare (C. Agardh, 1820), collected from different sites along Tunisian costs, was assessed against Pythium aphanidermatum causing Pythium leak disease in potato. Aqueous and organic extracts of this alga, used at different concentrations, were screened in vitro using the poisoned food technique and in vivo on potato tubers cv. Spunta for their ability to inhibit P. aphanidermatum mycelial growth and to suppress potato leak severity. All extracts tested showed antifungal activity toward the targeted pathogen depending on sampling sites, concentrations tested and organic solvent used for extraction. For aqueous extracts, the highest inhibition of pathogen radial growth, by 28%, was achieved using extracts from Tunis and Mahdia1 sites tested respectively at 40 and 50 g L −1 . Pythium leak severity was reduced by 34.33 and 31.67% using S. vulgare extracts from Tunis and Monastir, respectively, with these treatments being the most effective. Among S. vulgare organic extracts tested, the methanolic extract displayed the strongest antifungal potential either by inhibiting pathogen mycelial growth by almost 51%, or by reducing disease severity noted on potato tubers cv. Spunta by more than 82% over untreated controls. A total of 34 compounds were identified and quantified using HPLC-DAD chemical profiling in methanolic crude extracts of S. vulgare samples removed from Tunis and Monastir. Presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids may explain the strong antifungal activity displayed by S. vulgare against P. aphanidermatum . These results suggest that S. vulgare may be explored for the isolation of antifungal compounds for Pythium leak control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations due to geographical location and dioecious nature have shown implications in the chemical and pharmacological properties of medicinal plants and their herbal products. Tinospora cordifolia is one of the most important dioecious plant distributed throughout India and very widely used in many herbal products and formulations. In this study a method combining direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) along with multivariate analysis was developed and applied for metabolic fingerprinting and screening of the major phytochemicals in this plant. Using this approach phytodiversity in plants due to gender and geographical distribution were studied in T. cordifolia stem cuttings without any processing. An aqueous/ethanolic stem extracts of male and female T. cordifolia were also evaluated for immunomodulatory activity in inbred strain of age and sex matched BALB/c mice. A characteristic nine and sixteen marker peaks were respectively, identified as gender and geographical markers for T. cordifolia stem. It also discriminates the herbal and polyherbal formulations of T. cordifolia stem using principal component analysis. Female plant stem extract caused a significant up regulation in the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and activated the peritoneal exudate cells leading to significant release in reactive oxygen species and enhanced the in vitro lymphocyte proliferation than male stem extract. This finding underscore the importance of gender in all dioecious medicinal plants where only vegetative parts are used as a source of drug as the pharmacological activity may vary depending on the sex of the plant used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content in both white and wholemeal flour milled from 110 leading rice cultivars was assessed. The white flour Cd content ranged from <0.0025 to 0.2530 mg/kg (geometric mean (GM) = 0.0150 mg/kg), while its Pb content ranged from <0.0250 to 0.3830 mg/kg (GM = 0.0210 mg/kg). The indica types took up higher amounts of Cd and Pb than did the japonica types. Although the heavy metal content of wholemeal flour tended to higher than that of white flour, nevertheless 84.5% (Cd) and 95.4% (Pb) of the entries were compliant with the national maximum allowable concentration of 0.2000 mg/kg of each contaminant. An analysis of the Cd content in the white flour of three indica type cultivars grown in two consecutive years at two locations indicated that Cd content may be significantly affected by the conditions prevailing in the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, there are few studies that analyse the impact of low temperatures on mortality and fewer still that use cold-wave-definition thresholds based on epidemiological and non-climatological criteria. Such a threshold definition, which took into account population features such as socio-economic and demographic characteristics, made it possible for a specific threshold temperature to be obtained for each of Spain's 52 provincial capitals in this study. Using generalised linear models with the Poisson regression link, and controlling for trend, autocorrelations and seasonalities of the series, and influenza epidemics, we obtained the impact of low temperatures on mortality in each provincial capital by calculating the relative risks (RRs) and attributable risks (ARs) for natural as well as circulatory and respiratory causes. The study showed higher minimum temperature thresholds in coastal areas, and an overall impact of cold on mortality in Spain due to natural causes RR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.11–1.16), circulatory causes RR = 1.18 (95% CI: 1.15–1.22) and respiratory causes RR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.20–1.29) slightly greater than that obtained to date for heat. From a public health standpoint, there is a need for specific cold wave prevention plans at a regional level which would enable mortality attributable to low temperatures to be reduced. These plans have shown themselves to be effective in decreasing heat-related mortality, and we feel that they are essential for reducing cold-related effects on morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naja naja (Indian cobra) from Sri Lanka and India is the WHO Category 1 medically important snakes in both countries. Some antivenom produced against Indian N. naja (NNi) were less effective against Sri Lankan N. naja (NNsl). Proteomes of NNi and NNsl venoms were studied by RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC/MS/MS. Six protein families were identified in both venoms with the most abundant were the 3 finger toxins (3FTs) where cytotoxins (CTX) subtype predominated, followed by phospholipase A 2 , cysteine-rich venom protein, snake venom metalloproteases, venom growth factors, and protease inhibitors. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the venomics profiles were observed. Some proteins were isolated from either NNi or NNsl venom. Postsynaptic neurotoxins (NTX) were identified for the first time in NNsl venom. Thus, there are geographic intra-specific variations of venom composition of the two N. naja . The relative abundance of CTX and NTX explained well the clinical manifestations of these venoms. Antivenomics study of an Indian antivenom (Vins) showed the antibodies effectively bound all venom toxins from both snakes but more avidly to the Indian venom proteins. The lower antibody affinity towards the ‘heterologous’ venom was the likely cause of poor efficacy of the Indian antivenom used to treat NNsl envenoming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have established the presence of secular trends and geographical variations in sex ratio at birth, albeit with mixed and often contradictory results. In addition, a multitude of environmental, social, economic, demographic and other factors has been proposed to influence the sex ratio at birth, thus complicating the interpretation of both secular trends and geographical variations. In this paper, the current state of knowledge on these issues is presented and critically assessed. Analyzing longer time series of sex ratio at birth with possible cycles and random components is given priority over establishing simple linear trends in the data. In analyzing the geographical variation in the sex ratio at birth, two different levels of analysis are distinguished (global and local), and two different sets of factors affecting the sex ratio at birth are proposed accordingly. Some key guidelines and future research directions are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade after the implementation of prevention plans designed to minimise the impact of high temperatures on health, some countries have decided to update these plans in order to improve the weakness detected in these ten years of operation. In the case of Spain, this update has fundamentally consisted of changing the so-called “threshold” or “trigger” temperatures used to activate the plan, by switching from temperature values based on climatological criteria to others obtained by epidemiological studies conducted on a provincial scale. This study reports the results of these “trigger” temperatures for each of Spain's 52 provincial capitals, as well as the impact of heat on mortality by reference to the relative risks (RRs) and attributable risks (ARs) calculated for natural as well as circulatory and respiratory causes. The results obtained for threshold temperatures and RRs show a more uniform behaviour pattern than those obtained using temperature values based on climatological criteria; plus a clear decrease in RRs of heat-associated mortality due to the three causes considered, at both a provincial and regional level as well as for Spain as a whole. The updating of prevention plans is regarded as crucial for optimising the operation of these plans in terms of reducing the effect of high temperatures on population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies showed that venoms of the monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia from Thailand and Malaysia are substantially different in their median lethal doses. The intraspecific venom variations of N. kaouthia , however, have not been fully elucidated. Here we investigated the venom proteomes of N. kaouthia from Malaysia (NK-M), Thailand (NK-T) and Vietnam (NK-V) through reverse-phase HPLC, SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. The venom proteins comprise 13 toxin families, with three-finger toxins being the most abundant (63–77%) and the most varied (11–18 isoforms) among the three populations. NK-T has the highest content of neurotoxins (50%, predominantly long neurotoxins), followed by NK-V (29%, predominantly weak neurotoxins and some short neurotoxins), while NK-M has the least (18%, some weak neurotoxins but less short and long neurotoxins). On the other hand, cytotoxins constitute the main bulk of toxins in NK-M and NK-V venoms (up to 45% each), but less in NK-T venom (27%). The three venoms show different lethal potencies that generally reflect the proteomic findings. Despite the proteomic variations, the use of Thai monovalent and Neuro polyvalent antivenoms for N. kaouthia envenomation in the three regions is appropriate as the different venoms were neutralized by the antivenoms albeit at different degrees of effectiveness. Biological significance Biogeographical variations were observed in the venom proteome of monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ) from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The Thai N. kaouthia venom is particularly rich in long neurotoxins, while the Malaysian and Vietnamese specimens were predominated with cytotoxins. The differentially expressed toxin profile accounts for the discrepancy in the lethal dose of the venom from different populations. Commercially available Thai antivenoms (monovalent and polyvalent) were able to neutralize the three venoms at different effective doses, hence supporting their uses in the three regions. While dose adjustment according to geographical region seems possible, changes to standard recommended dosage should only be made if further study validates that the monocled cobras within a population do not exhibit remarkable inter-individual venom variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding genetic variation, genotype × environment interactions and associations between nutritional component traits is crucial for the development of improved sugarcane cultivars. Additionally, this information can be useful to identify a wide range of variation in these traits by taking into account different varietal profiles, production environments and years. Here, we report for the first time the evaluation of G × E interactions analyzed for characteristics associated with the "nutritional composition" of sugarcane, as well as the "technological composition". This study involved the analysis of 20 nutritional composition characteristics evaluated in 20 commercial sugarcane varieties in six production environments analyzed across two agricultural years. The present study generated an unpublished database of 14,300 experimental data points on sugarcane nutritional composition that can be used in studies on the substantial equivalence for future genetically modified cultivars. The genetic heritability and genotypic correlation of sugarcane compositional characteristics were also estimated. For the traits reducing sugar of juice, lipids, ash and protein, the heritability value was zero because their genetic variances were also estimated as zero. Thus, all the phenotypic variation associated with these traits is due to non-heritable factors. For all traits, the difference between the minimum and maximum value of the adjusted means exceeded at least 50%. The observed results indicated that there was a strong influence of GxE interactions on the phenotypic variations of the characteristics associated with the nutritional and technological composition of sugarcane. • Sugarcane cultivars presented different responses when submitted to the six production environments across agricultural years. • GxE interactions were observed for the nutritional components influencing the phenotypic variance estimates. • Macroenvironment (location) influences genotypic values, but the correlations between traits remain stable across locations. • Fiber-associated traits showed higher heritability in the sugarcane variety profiles than sugar-associated traits. • GxE interaction provided environmental production area clustering reflecting the climatic and geographical information.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Species presence/absence patterns can estimate wide-scale metacommunity diversity. • Land-sparing urban areas had more rare species than land-sharing areas across Europe. • A land-sharing development type can increase the number of common bird species. • City geographical locations explained core and satellite species number variations. Species richness is a widely used proxy for patterns of biodiversity variation in metacommunities. However, deeper analyses require additional metrics, such as the occupancy-frequency distributions (SOFD) of different local communities. The SOFD patterns indicate the number of shared species between study sites; therefore, they can provide new insights into the current debate on how to create more biodiversity-friendly cities. Breeding birds were counted from 593 point-count stations located in five 500 m × 500 m squares in land-sharing (LSH; low-density built areas interspersed with green spaces) and five similar nearby squares in land-sparing (LSP; densely built-up with set-aside, large-sized, continuous green spaces) landscapes in nine cities across Europe. High beta-diversity (with over 42% of the 103 species detected being restricted to a single city and only 7% found in all studied cities) showed the uniqueness of cities at the continental scale. Urban bird metacommunities followed the unimodal-satellite SOFD pattern at the European continental scale but a bimodal symmetric or asymmetric distribution at the city-level scale, suggesting that many common species occur in cities on a smaller scale. The LSP urban areas followed a unimodal satellite SOFD pattern with numerous rare species. In contrast, the LSH areas fit several types of bimodal SOFD patterns equally well, where communities share several common species. The findings also highlight the need to use multi-scale approaches to analyze the effects of LSH-LSP urban designs on urban bird diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tracheid production initiated later in the north than at more southern sites. [•] There were no differences in temperature sum by the onset of tracheid production. [•] Tracheid production ceased earlier and at a lower temperature sum in the north. [•] Trees adjusted their tracheid production according to the local conditions. [•] Temperature mainly regulates the timing of tracheid production in boreal forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: BCG protection varies and in some places (nearest the equator) is low or absent. Understanding this variation can inform the efforts to develop new vaccines against tuberculosis. Two main hypotheses are used to explain this variation: under masking, new vaccines are unlikely to increase protection; under blocking new vaccines have a greater potential to be effective when BCG is not. We conducted a cluster randomized trial to explored the masking and blocking hypotheses by studying BCG vaccine efficacy of neonatal vaccination and when administered for the first or a second (revaccination) time at school age in two sites (Manaus close and Salvador further south from the equator). Seven hundred and sixty three state schools were matched on socio economic characteristics of the neighborhood and 239,934 children were randomized to vaccine (BCG vaccination at school age) or control group. Protection by first BCG vaccination at school age was high in Salvador (34%, 95% CI 7–53%, p =0.017) but low in Manaus (8%, 95% CI t 0 39–40%, p =0.686). For revaccination at school age, protection was modest in Salvador (19%, 95% CI 3–33%, p =0.022) and absent in Manaus (1%, 95% CI to 27–23%, p =0.932). Vaccine efficacy for neonatal vaccination was similar in Salvador (40%, 95% CI 22–54%, p <0.001) and Manaus (36%, 95% CI 11–53%, p =0.008). Variation in BCG efficacy was marked when vaccine was given at school age but absent at birth, which points towards blocking as the dominant mechanism. New tuberculosis vaccines that overcome or by pass this blocking effect could confer protection in situations where BCG is not protective. The Department of International Development, UK (DFID) and the National Health Foundation, Brazil (FUNASA) funded the trial. It is registered at Controlled Trials (ISRCTN07601391). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soil is an effective barrier to light penetration that limits the direct influence of light on belowground organisms. Variation in aboveground light conditions, however, is important to soil-dwelling animals that are periodically active on the soil surface. A prime example is the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. (the dew-worm), an ecosystem engineer that emerges nocturnally on the soil surface. In the summer, the northernmost populations of L. terrestris are exposed to a time interval with no daily dark period. During a two-week period preceding the summer solstice, we studied the constraints that boreal night illumination imposes on L. terrestris surface activity by comparing their behaviour under ambient light with artificially-induced darkness. Looking for evidence of geographical divergence in light response, we compared the behaviour of native L. terrestris (Jokioinen, S-W Finland; 60°48′N) with two markedly more southern populations, from Preston (Lancashire, UK; 53°47′N) and Coshocton (Ohio, USA; 40°22′N) where the nights have a period of darkness throughout the year (total latitudinal range ca. 2300 km). Under ambient light conditions, L. terrestris emergence on the soil surface was diminished by half compared with the darkened treatment and it peaked at the darkest period of the night. Also mating rate decreased considerably under ambient light. The native dew-worms were generally the most active under ambient light. They emerged earlier in the evening and ceased their activity later in the morning than dew-worms from the two more southerly populations. The differences in behaviour were, however, significant mainly between native and UK dew-worms. In the darkened treatment, the behaviour of the three earthworm origins did not differ. Under the experimental conditions light condition was the dominant environmental factor controlling surface activity, but elevated night-time air temperature and humidity also encouraged dew-worm emergence without discernible differences among geographical origins. Our results show, that in boreal summer, the high level of night illumination strongly limits soil-surface activity of dew-worms. Considering the important regulatory role of L. terrestris in many ecosystem processes, this can have significant corollaries in dew-worm impacts on the environment. Although evidence for geographical differentiation in behaviour was obtained, the results point to phenotypic flexibility in L. terrestris light response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The critical photoperiod for diapause induction was positively related to latitude. [•] Diapause duration was longer in northern populations at high temperatures. [•] Diapause duration was negatively correlated with latitude under natural conditions. [•] Diapause-inducing temperature on diapause duration had a significant effect. [•] Response of southern and northern populations to chilling was different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: Considerable variation in total hip replacement and total knee replacement (THR/TKR) between regions has been described. The aim of this study was to explore geographical variation in THR and TKR in Germany and to analyse potentially explanatory variables. Method: We used data of Germany''s largest statutory health insurer. Between 2005 and 2009 451,108 THR and 335,022 TKR were performed. Age-standardised joint replacement rates were calculated for 16 federal states and 407 counties. We performed cluster (Moran''s I) and spatial error regression analyses including regional deprivation, osteoarthritis rate, urbanity and number of orthopaedic specialists as dependent variables on county level. Results: In 2009 the overall age-standardised and crude rates were 148.9 (95% CI (confidence interval) 147.6–151.1) and 290.2 for THR, and 132.5 (95% CI 131.3–133.6) and 232.7 for TKR. Between counties THR rates differed by factor 2 (106.1–215.8) and showed significant clusters with high utilisation in South and Northwest Germany. TKR rates differed by factor 3.2 (69.1–219.5) and were also high in South Germany whereas almost all areas in East Germany showed low replacement rates. Differences were pronounced when restricting the analysis to cases with an indication of osteoarthritis. All tested predictors could be identified as significant explanatory variables (each P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study proofed considerable and consistent geographic variation of THR and TKR in Germany. Thereby relevant explanatory factors were identified. These results may foster the discussion and future research in health services which should include areas of patients'' and doctors'' expectation, financial aspects and an outcome-based definition of appropriate supply. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies of suicide epidemiology in regions of Australia have been conducted, but the spatial pattern in the whole country has not been fully investigated. This study aimed at visualizing the sex-specific suicide pattern over the country from 2004 to 2008, and studying the metropolitan-rural-remote differentials of suicide across all states/territories. We applied a Poisson hierarchical model to yield smoothed sex specific, age standardized mortality ratios of suicide in all postal areas, and compiled the age-standardized suicide rates across different levels of remoteness and different jurisdictions. We identified the area variation of suicide risk across states/territories, and metropolitan-rural-remote differential with rates higher in rural and remote areas for males. Spatial clusters of some high risk postal areas were also identified. Socio-economic deprivation, compositional factors, high risks for Indigenous people and low access to mental health service are the underlying explanations of the elevation of suicide risk in some areas. These findings suggest that it is important to take geographical variations in suicide risk into account in national policy making. Particular suicide prevention interventions might be targeted at males living in remote areas, and some localized areas in metropolitan zones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics publishes monthly unemployment rate estimates for its 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all counties, under Current Population Survey. However, the unemployment rate estimates for some states are unreliable due to low sample sizes in these states. proposed a hierarchical Bayes (HB) method using a time series generalization of a widely used cross-sectional model in small-area estimation. However, the geographical variation is also likely to be important. To have an efficient model, a comprehensive mixed normal model that accounts for the spatial and temporal effects is considered. A HB approach using Markov chain Monte Carlo is used for the analysis of the U.S. state-level unemployment rate estimates for January 2004–December 2007. The sensitivity of such type of analysis to prior assumptions in the Gaussian context is also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indoor and outdoor air concentrations as well as personal exposure concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been measured during 2003–2008 in public buildings, schools, kindergartens and private homes in eleven cities over Europe covering geographic areas in north, central and south Europe during different seasons within the frame of the AIRMEX (European Indoor Air Monitoring and Exposure assessment) study. A database is presented containing the results for 23 VOCs based upon approximately 1000 samples taken from 182 different working environments (offices, classrooms, waiting halls) in public buildings, schools and kindergartens, from 103 private homeplaces and from adult volunteers (148 samples). The statistical analysis of the data demonstrated that sources in the indoor environment are prevailing for most of the investigated VOCs with indoor/outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios following the order: hexanal ≈ d-limonene ≫ formaldehyde > acetone > 1-butoxy-2-propanol > acetaldehyde > propanal > 1-butanol > n-undecane > methylcyclohexane > n-dodecane. For aromatic hydrocarbons the main impact was shown to be penetration from outdoor air as indicated by I/O ratios near one and is characterised by significantly higher indoor as well as outdoor concentrations in the south of Europe with respect to the north. For the terpenes, the lowest indoor concentrations were measured during the warm season, which may be explained by higher ventilation rates and reactions with ozone penetrated from outdoor air. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Levels of physical activity have declined considerably over recent decades in England, and there is evidence that activity patterns vary across areas. Previous studies of the geography of physical activity have frequently relied on model based synthetic estimates. Using data from a large population survey this study develops a direct measure of recreational physical activity and investigates variations in activity patterns across English Local Authorities. For both sexes the results show a distinct geography of recreational physical activity associated with north/south variations and urban/rural status. The environmental and behavioural factors driving those patterns are still poorly understood. We conclude that the variations observed might reflect recreational opportunities and the socio-cultural context of areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Factors determining species distributions have frequently been shown to vary geographically, yielding spatially variable species–environment relationships when developing species distribution models. Using occurrence data for four bird species, we analysed to what extent position within the distribution range along a gradient of population aggregation determined geographical variation of distributional constraints. We built generalised linear models for the whole dataset (global models) and separately for each region within the species range with decreasing population aggregation (core, middle and peripheral). For both global and regional models, we compared species responses to habitat conditions showing an overall higher model fit in peripheral regions than in middle and core regions. Better model fit in peripheral regions was also found after including a spatial factor (i.e. an autocovariate estimating the proportion between the presences and total observations within a 10 km radius) into the global and regional models. The scattered availability of suitable habitat patches in a predominantly hostile landscape matrix seems to be the limiting factor for species distributions in peripheral regions. Conversely, the larger number of spatially dependent occurrences in core and middle region may favour source and sink population dynamics, yielding poorer relationships between habitat conditions and species occurrence. The role of the spatial factor after removing the co-variation with habitat conditions separately for each region suggests that endogenous processes such as dispersal vary throughout the species range but differently for each species. Geographical variation in distributional constraints can be interpreted as a consequence of the inherent spatial character of ecological processes and their interaction with varying environmental conditions throughout the species range. Overlooking the effects of spatial variation in distributional constraints may lead to erroneous management conclusions and inadequate estimation of the species’ response to environmental changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The seasonal and geographical variations in guggulsterone content in oleo-gum resin have been examined in order to determine the optimum collection time and to identify suitable locations for large-scale cultivation of Commiphora wightii. The results clearly showed that E- and Z-guggulsterones varied significantly on seasonal basis. A higher guggulsterone concentration was observed during summer (May–July) and this was lower during winter (November–March). A wide variation in guggulsterone content was also observed in the different geographical regions in Rajasthan. The southern part of the state produced the lowest guggulsterone (<1.19%) whereas the central, northern and western regions had higher yields (1.87–2.76%). The guggulsterone yield exhibited a positive correlation with annual rainfall between 15 and 55cm and declined in the regions with higher rainfall (>60cm). Plants with high guggulsterone content can be utilized for mass multiplication and genetic improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chironex fleckeri (box jellyfish) are found in the northern tropical waters of Australia. Although C. fleckeri have a wide geographical distribution and are able to swim large distances, adults tend to stay in small restricted areas. Clinical data shows that deaths from envenoming have not been recorded in Western Australia, yet numerous fatalities have occurred in Northern Territory and Queensland waters. One explanation for this discrepancy is a geographical variation in venom composition. This study examined the pharmacological and biochemical profiles of C. fleckeri venom from different geographical locations and seasons. Venoms were screened for cytotoxicity using a rat aortic smooth muscle cell line (A7r5). While all venoms caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, differences were seen in the potency of venoms from Mission Beach and Weipa, when collected in different seasons, as indicated by IC50 values. Similarly venoms collected within the same season, from different locations around Australia, displayed marked differences in venom composition as shown by size exclusion HPLC and SDS-PAGE profiles which indicated the absence or reduced quantity of ‘peaks’ in some venoms. Based on IC50 data obtained from the cell assay, the effects of the most potent (i.e. from Weipa in 2006) and the least potent (i.e. from Broome in 2007) venoms were examined in anesthetised rats. Both venoms at 10μg/kg (i.v.) caused a transient hypertensive phase followed by cardiovascular collapse. However, at 4μg/kg (i.v.) venom from Weipa 2006 caused a transient hypertensive phase followed by a transient decrease in MAP while venom from Broome 2007 only caused a small transient increase in MAP. This study demonstrates that there is considerable geographical variation in the composition of C. fleckeri venoms which is most distinct between specimens from western and eastern Australia and may explain the geographical variation in reported deaths. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The relationship between heart rate (f H) and rate of oxygen consumption (V˙ O2 ) was investigated under changing conditions of ambient temperature, digestive state and exercise state in the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). Both f H and V˙ O2 were recorded simultaneously from 12 little penguins while they each (a) rested and exercised within their reported thermo-neutral zone (TNZ), (b) rested and exercised below their reported TNZ and (c) digested a meal of sardines within their reported TNZ. Contrary to our expectations, we found that minimum V˙ O2 did not vary between the two temperatures used. Comparison with values from the literature suggests that both minimum V˙ O2 and the extent of the TNZ in this species may vary along a latitudinal gradient. Furthermore, while minimum V˙ O2 was unchanged at the lower temperature, minimum f H was significantly higher, suggesting a hitherto undescribed cardiac response to lowered ambient temperature in an avian species. This response was maintained when the penguins exercised within and below their apparent TNZ as f H was significantly greater in cold conditions for a given level of V˙ O2 . Furthermore, both f H and V˙ O2 were slightly but significantly elevated for a given walking speed during exercise at the lower temperature. This suggests that the penguins may have been close to their TNZ and that the measures employed to counteract heat loss while at rest may have been compromised during exercise. There was no significant difference in the relationship between f H and V˙ O2 while the penguins were inactive in a post-digestive state or inactive and digesting a meal within their TNZ, though both of these relationships were significantly different from that during exercise. This suggests that while digestion has no effect on the f H/V˙ O2 relationship, for little penguins at least, it is of little value in deriving a predictive relationship for application to active free-ranging animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: Variations in the resources, stability and priorities of health care systems conceivably affect their capacity to implement health care reform and ensure an evidence based approach to health care. Such variation may partially account for differences in cardiovascular mortality rates between former communist states in Central Europe and Western European countries, but specific data on this subject is sparse. The aim of this study was to compare the presentation of stable angina to cardiology services in Poland vs. the United Kingdom, the management of the condition in relation to existing European guidelines and clinical outcome. Methods and results: Data was collected as part of a prospective observational cohort study of stable angina in Europe. Information was recorded on referral patterns, clinical presentation and the use of pharmacological therapies, investigations, revascularisation and cardiovascular events during 1 year of follow up. A total of 571 patients with stable angina were enrolled in Poland and 319 in the UK. Patients presenting to cardiology services in Poland were less likely to be referred by a primary care physician, younger, and had more adverse clinical risk predictors at presentation. Non-invasive investigation and coronary angiography were performed less frequently in Poland, but waiting times for invasive assessment were shorter. European guidelines with regard to the use of evidence based secondary preventative medical therapy were applied widely by cardiologists in both countries. No differences were observed in rates of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: The use of evidence based pharmacological therapy was equally high in both countries, but guidelines regarding investigation were less completely adhered to in Poland, where invasive assessment and subsequent management was prompt but only performed in a highly selected proportion of the population with stable angina. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heteropyxis natalensis (Heteropyxidaceae) is traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, and as a decongestant and antimicrobial agent. The seasonal variation of the hydrodistilled essential oil was investigated. Three trees in the Johannesburg Botanical Garden (Gauteng) indicated similar chemical profiles with fluctuation in the levels of the two major constituents (1,8-cineole and limonene). Little variation between the antimicrobial activity of seasonally collected samples was documented, with standard deviations of ±0.3 to ±3.3 depending on the pathogen studied. Moderate antimicrobial activity (3.0–16.0 mg/ml) was noted for most pathogens tested with Cryptococcus neoformans exhibiting the highest sensitivity (2.0–3.0 mg/ml). The chemogeographical variation of the oil composition from five of the seven distinct localities studied all contains 1,8-cineole and limonene as major constituents. The antimicrobial study of these samples indicated little variability between localities (standard deviation of ±0.5 to ±3.8). As observed in the seasonal variation study, C. neoformans displayed the highest sensitivity (0.5–2.0 mg/ml). One oil sample (Lagalametse), was distinctly different both chemically and microbiologically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In population viability analysis we are often faced with a lack of knowledge of survival rates in animal populations. In particular, survival of recruits is usually hard to assess. However, data on population structure might be considered as patterns that contain valuable information to estimate missing parameters indirectly. As an example for this pattern-oriented modelling and parameterization, pre-breeding survival rate of the endangered Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Picoides minor) was determined here using data on population structure (e. G. Sex ratio) and reproductive success at the population level (e. G. Nesting success). Therefore, an individual-based model was developed simulating the population dynamics for two different populations that had been empirically studied at Lake Möckeln, Sweden, and Taunus, Germany. For both populations, a small range for pre-breeding survival rates could be identified wherein all simulated patterns corresponded best to the empirical values. Pre-breeding survival rate was found to be higher in the German scenario than in the Swedish and geographical variation in life-history traits is discussed as a possible reason. It is concluded that the pattern-oriented approach is a valuable method for estimating missing demographic parameters, even when using weak patterns from empirical investigations. Furthermore, it was shown that the use of multiple patterns is necessary for this purpose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This first part of this chapter looks at the worldwide burden of gastric cancer at the beginning of the 21st century and summarises available population-based routine data that describes the variation in incidence of the disease in relation to age, sex, geography and time period. Consideration is also given to the differences in the descriptive epidemiology of gastric cancer arising in the proximal cardia region of the stomach. In the second part of the chapter, a brief review of the main identified environmental risk factors is conducted drawing, where available, on published systematic literature overviews and meta-analyses. Evidence relating the aetiology of gastric cancer to Helicobacter pylori infection, dietary factors, smoking, occupation, physical activity and anthropometry is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The concentrations of V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, and Pb were measured in digestive gland (DG), branchial hearts (BH), gill (G), and muscle (M) of Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 caught in three fishing areas of the Portuguese coast, Viana do Castelo, Cascais, and Santa Luzia, for 2 years. The elemental concentrations measured for the different tissues were in accordance with values reported in the literature. The digestive gland presented high concentration levels of Fe, Cu, and Zn, while the branchial hearts showed elevated levels of V, Ni, Mo, as well as Fe and Cu. Significant variations in As, V, Cu, Mo, and Pb tissue concentrations were observed for animals originated from different sampling sites. Pb and As determined in the digestive gland and branchial hearts of animals from Cascais and Santa Luzia, can reflect local environmental characteristics. The variability observed in the elemental concentrations may be useful to further assess the specie susceptibility to environmental conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lippia javanica is widely distributed throughout South Africa where it is used extensively in traditional herbal preparations. An infusion of the leaves is commonly used as a decongestant for colds and coughs. A preliminary study indicated that the essential oil chemistry varies dramatically both within and between natural plant populations. As the antimicrobial activity may be directly related to the specific composition of the oil, the activity may also fluctuate. The aerial parts of Lippia javanica were collected from various localities in southern Africa to study the essential oil composition and the antimicrobial activity thereof. The hydrodistilled essential oils were analysed by GC/MS and a cluster analysis was performed on the essential oil dataset. From 16 samples (representing five natural populations), 5 chemotypes were identified; a myrcenone rich-type (36–62%), a carvone rich-type (61–73%), a piperitenone rich-type (32–48%), an ipsenone rich-type (42–61%) and a linalool rich-type (>65%). The myrcenone and linalool chemotypes have been mentioned in the literature but the carvone, ipsenone and piperitenone chemotypes have not previously been reported for Lippia javanica. Time kill studies were performed on three microbial respiratory isolates to document the scientific rationale of using Lippia to treat respiratory complaints in traditional herbal medicine. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Cryptococcus neoformans and Bacillus cereus showed reduction in microbial populations with the strongest bacteriostatic effect observed for Klebsiella pneumoniae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the 1990s many studies on zooplankton in the Japan Sea have been carried out. In this review, I have synthesized the study of horizontal distribution, seasonal and annual variations of zooplankton biomass, and ecological characteristics of major component species in the southern Japan Sea, which area is influenced by the warm Tsushima Current. The zooplankton biomass (annual mean) in the southern Japan Sea was lower than in the subarctic Pacific, including the northern Japan Sea, and similar to biomass levels in Kuroshio waters. Temporal variations in zooplankton biomass showed both seasonal and year-to-year components. Seasonal biomass increases to a maximum in spring with a weak secondary peak in autumn. As for long-term changes, 3–6 year cycles were identified, with the dynamics of the surface warm Tsushima Current and the subsurface cold water playing important roles in determining the yearly zooplankton community structure and biomass. Cold water species in the southern Japan Sea had extensive diel vertical migrations whose range is restricted in summer by the development of a thermocline. Among these species, the herbivores Euphausia pacifica and Metridia pacifica encounter a lower food supply, resulting in lower growth rates. The vertical dispersal of epipelagic carnivorous zooplankton such as Sagitta elegans and Themisto japonica to the deep-sea is probably facilitated by reduced interspecific competition. Their interaction with Japan Sea Proper Water, characterized by near-zero temperatures in the meso- and bathypelagic zones suppresses growth rates of the mesopelagic zooplankton. The lack of micronektonic predators in the mesopelagic zone may allow the persistence of slow growing populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate methods for calculating the total blubber burden of organochlorine pollutants (OCs) in phocid seals. Harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) were used as the model species. A sample of fat pre-breeding adult females (N=9) and a sample of thin moulting adult females (N=7) were collected. From each animal blubber samples from five different body sites (complete blubber columns and samples from different blubber layers), in addition to a sample from a homogenate derived from the entire blubber mass, were analyzed for selected OCs. Significant differences in the concentrations of major OC contaminants were found between inner and outer blubber layer. Within each seal group, no significant difference in OC concentrations was found between homogenates from whole blubber columns from the five different sites of the animals or when comparing these with the OC concentrations found in the blubber sample deriving from a homogenate of the entire blubber mass. When comparing the two seal groups, the mean OC concentrations were significantly higher in the thin seals. However, blubber burden of OCs measured directly and calculated indirectly were not significantly different, and did not vary between the two groups of seals. Since these seals are of the same age and sex group and from the same population, this is not an unexpected result. The present results suggest that comparison of blubber concentrations of OCs in phocid seals should be avoided, especially when comparing differences between geographical areas or for time–trend analyses. For this type of study, we suggest that the blubber burden of OCs is applied as standard in the future. Furthermore, since blubber depth at a specific sampling site is required when using the estimator for calculation of the percent blubber content in phocid seals (the LMD-index), we suggest that this sampling site (central dorsally) is introduced as a standard when sampling blubber for OC analyses in phocid seals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interpretation of the spatial and temporal patterns of variation in organochlorine concentrations in marine mammal populations is complex because of the lack of wide-scale, long-term surveys. Therefore the results from several surveys must be combined and this causes undesired heterogeneity due to differences in the sampling and analytical techniques used and in the biological characteristics of the individuals sampled. Moreover, information is not homogeneously distributed in either space or in time. Most research is concentrated in western Europe, northern America and certain areas of Asia, while it is extremely limited or non-existent in Africa and most regions of the southern hemisphere. Marine mammals from the temperate fringe of the northern hemisphere, particularly fish-eating species which inhabit the mid-latitudes of Europe and North America, show the greatest organochlorine loads; noteworthy are the extremely high levels found in the Mediterranean Sea and certain locations on the western coasts of the United States. Concentrations in the tropical and equatorial fringe of the northern hemisphere and throughout the southern hemisphere are low or extremely low. The polar regions of both hemispheres showed the lowest concentrations of DDTs and PCBs, although levels of HCHs, chlordanes and HCB were moderate to high in the cold waters of the North Pacific. During recent decades, concentrations have tended to decrease in the regions where pollution was initially high but they have increased in regions located far from the pollution source as a consequence of atmospheric transport and redistribution. It is expected that the Arctic and, to a lesser extent, the Antarctic, will become major sinks for organochlorines in the future; this process may already be significant for some compounds such as HCB and HCHs. Effort should be devoted to both assessment of organochlorine trends in the now highly polluted populations of the temperate fringe of the northern hemisphere and to the implementation of long-term monitoring of marine mammal populations inhabiting polar regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mass load of pharmaceuticals in the municipal wastewater based on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a good indication of population consumption in the catchment. After successful application of illicit drugs' estimation, this method holds the potential to measure the geographical and temporal consumption of prescription medicines. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (ACM), diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBU) and naproxen (NPX), in two wastewater treatment plants in Guangzhou City, China and compared the spatial and temporal consumption variation of them. Over a period of 28 days' sampling, the detection frequency of ACM, DCF, IBU, and NPX in the influent of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Guangzhou City were 91%, 66%, 100%, and 95%, and their concentrations were up to 128, 131, 372, and 324 ng/L, respectively. No significant inter-catchment difference was observed regarding the per capita mass load in the two WWTPs investigated. A literature review which covered 160 WWTPs in 18 countries was conducted to compare the population normalized mass load of four commonly used NSAIDs. ACM had the highest population normalized mass loads (29–17,430 mg/d/1000 inhabitants) and DCF had the lowest population normalized mass load (6.5–628 mg/d/1000 inhabitants) in the catchments located in 18 countries. The mass loads of selected NSAIDs in China were lower than those in European and North American. ACM and IBU consumptions were at least 2 times higher in winter than that in summer, in contrast, DCF and NPX consumptions had no significant seasonal variation. [Display omitted] • First comprehensive comparison of four NSAIDs occurrence in influent globally. • The per capita mass loads of selected NSAIDs in China were lower than that in other countries. • Diclofenac and naproxen consumptions had no significant seasonal variation. • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen consumptions were higher in winter than summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venom geographical variation is common among venomous animals. This phenomenon presents problems in the development of clinical treatments and medicines against envenomation. The venomous giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai , Scyphozoan, is a blooming jellyfish species in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea that causes numerous jellyfish sting cases every year. Metalloprotease and phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) are the main components in Nemopilema nomurai venom and may activate many toxicities, such as hemolysis, inflammation and lethality. Geographical variation in the content and activity of these enzymes may cause different symptoms and therapeutic problems. For the first time, we verified metalloprotease and PLA 2 geographical variation in Nemopilema nomurai venom by performing a comparative analysis of 31 venom samples by SDS-PAGE, analyzing protease zymography, enzymatic activity, and drawing contour maps. Band locations and intensities of SDS-PAGE and protease zymograms showed geographical differences. The enzymatic activities of both metalloprotease and PLA 2 showed a trend of geographic regularity. The distribution patterns of these activities are directly shown in contour maps. Metalloproteinase activity was lower near the coast. PLA 2 -like activity was lower in the Southern Yellow Sea. We surmised that metalloproteinase and PLA 2 -like activities might be related to venom ontogeny and species abundance respectively, and influenced by similar environmental factors. This study provides a theoretical basis for further ecological and medical studies of Nemopilema nomurai jellyfish venom. Image 1 • Nemopilema nomurai nematocyst venom (NnNV) geographical variation were verified. • NnNV metalloproteinase (MP) activity was lower near the coast. • NnNV PLA 2 activity was lower in Southern Yellow Sea. • MP and PLA 2 activities might be related to ontogeny and abundance respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plateau zokors are subterranean rodents destroying the grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. • Morphology of the plateau zokors' skull changes among different populations. • Variations in the skull shape were associated with ecological factors. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is employed as an ideal model for examining the relationships between phenotypic and ecological adaptations to the underground conditions in which the skull morphology evolves to adapt to tunnel environment. We evaluated the influence of environmental factors (altitude, temperature, and precipitation) and geographical distance on the variations in skull morphology of a native subterranean rodent plateau zokor population. Thin-plate spline showed that the trend of morphological changes along the CV1 axis was as follows: the two zygomatic arch and the two postorbital processes moved down, the two mastoid processes and the tooth row moved upward, and the tympanic bulla grew longer. The changes along the CV2 axis were as follows: the nasal bone and the tooth row became longer, the distance between the two anterior tips of zygomatic arch lengthened, the infraorbital foramen became smaller, the whole posterior part of the skull became shorter, the zygomatic bone and the two posterior tips of zygomatic arch moved down, and the foramen magnum became bigger. Thus we found significant differences in the skull shape among the seven populations studied. Along with the reduction in the altitude and increase in the mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation, the nasal bone became shorter, the distance between the two anterior tips of the zygomatic arch became shorter, the whole posterior part of the skull lengthened, the infraorbital foramen became smaller, the two mastoid processes moved upward, and the occipital bone moved down on the dorsal surface of the skull. On the ventral surface of the skull, with an increase in the altitude, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation, the tympanic bulla became shorter, the tooth row moved down, and the foramen magnum became smaller. The morphological changes in the skull were significantly positively correlated with environmental factors. Finally, there was a significant positive correlation between the Procrustes distance matrix of the skull and the geographic distance matrix, which indicates that the evolution of the plateau zokor follows the distance isolation model, but it needs to be further explored from genetic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Piophilidae (Diptera) are a family comprising about 80 species, several of them of high economic and forensic relevance. An unequivocal species identification is crucial for designing effective control measures or to provide reliable estimations of the minimum post mortem interval. However, the identification may sometimes not be possible, either because the diagnostic morphological characters are not easily observable or very fragile, or because of a poor DNA quality and/or unavailability of reference molecular signatures. In the recent years, the use of wing morphometric techniques has emerged as a powerful tool for the identification of different families of forensically important Diptera. The present study applies, for the first time, this technique to the identification of 11 Piophilidae species of forensic relevance in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions, as well as to the discrimination of sexes, distinct geographical populations and, in the case of the dimorphic species Prochyliza nigrimana (Meigen), seasonal morphs. Wing shape variation was analysed using 14 landmarks located at wing vein junctions and a cross-variation analysis was used to test the reliability of identifications. The present results demonstrate that wing shape can be used to identify most species with relatively high success, whereas cross-validation analyses indicated that discrimination between sexes, populations or morphs was less effective, even if significant differences were observed in every comparison. We conclude that wing morphometrics can be a powerful identification tool that might be used in combination with other methods in order to achieve accurate and reliable species identifications-independently of the sex, geographic origin or colour variation of the samples-even with those piophilid species that have been object of frequent misidentifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]