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Nematode parasites of the family Anisakidae infect definitive hosts, such as fish‐eating birds and mammals, through primary intermediate hosts like copepods and secondary intermediate hosts like fishes. However, consumption of raw or undercooked fish can lead to nematode infection called anisakidosis in humans. We observed the presence of nematode infection in hillstream loaches of families Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae available for human consumption in the local markets in the northern parts of Western Ghats, India. Scanning electron micrograph and genetic identification employing mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II, identified the nematode to the genus Contracaecum. Histology of infected host revealed the presence of the parasite in muscles. Antioxidant enzyme analysis of host liver suggested that infection leads to oxidative stress in the fish. We suspect that a gradual increase in parasite infection of the loaches in the last decade could be attributed to various anthropogenic stressors that are altering riverine habitats. Since loaches are consumed by tribal people who often prepare the fish without degutting and possibly undercooked, there is a potential threat of human infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species pose a serious threat to biodiversity. They frequently compete with native species for resources, resulting in the decline or extinction of the latter.Native crucian carp (Carassius carassius) faces a severe decline in European waters and has become critically endangered in many European countries. Possible ecological mechanisms of the rapid decline of the crucian carp attributable to resource competition with the invasive Carassius gibelio were identified. A field study was combined with a controlled experiment to compare (i) standard length–weight relationships and growth patterns in 12 Czech and Swedish ponds in which the species occur alone or in syntopy, and (ii) individual growth and food utilization under the same conditions.The growth increment of C. gibelio was greater than that of C. carassius under the same experimental conditions (mean increase in weight: C. gibelio, 21.7%; C. carassius, 5.2%; increase in standard length: C. gibelio, 6.3%; C. carassius, 2.0%), suggesting that C. gibelio uses food resources more efficiently than C. carassius does. Moreover, larger C. carassius individuals did not grow, whereas growth of C. gibelio individuals was largely independent of standard length.Field data suggested that C. gibelio grew faster and were heavier than C. carassius of the same standard length in four Czech ponds where they occurred together. Individual weight‐at‐length declined in C. carassius in the presence of C. gibelio, especially in more dense populations, whereas the weight‐at‐length of C. gibelio remained similar.Taken together, these results imply that C. gibelio has better competitive abilities for food than C. carassius and provide novel support for the long‐standing hypothesis that the introduction and spread of C. gibelio causes the decline of C. carassius in European waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional risks arise from potential species misidentification generated by data producers, experts assessing digital data, or by automated species identification software (Jari'c et al. 2020). Digital data can also provide information on distributions, spread dynamic, life history, and impacts of invasive non-native species within the framework of iEcology (Jari'c et al. 2020). This could greatly increase the volume of available information on invasive non-native species, especially once web crawlers are used more commonly to automatically scrape the web, identify and validate species' mentions, and flag range expansions. Invasion culturomics and iEcology represent promising options to track and study invasions as well as societal attitudes and interactions with invasive non-native species. [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives: Hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (HRSW) is used for bread baking while durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) is used for pasta production. This study investigated the impact of alleles from durum wheat for yield component traits on HRSW end‐use quality traits. Near‐isogenic lines for four quantitative trait loci, QGw.mst‐3B, QGw.mst‐7A, QTn.mst‐5B, and QYld.mst‐2B, were evaluated in rainfed and irrigated environments. Findings: Durum alleles were found to significantly impact end‐use quality at all four loci. The durum allele QGw.mst‐3B for increased kernel weight (KWT) positively impacted end‐use quality traits with increases in kernel protein and loaf volume. The durum allele at QTn.mst‐5B delayed heading date, impacting productive tiller number and KWT and additional end‐use quality traits. The durum allele at QYld.mst‐2B for GY showed both positive and negative effects on end‐use quality. The durum allele for reduced spikelet number per spike at QGw.mst‐7A had little to no impact on end‐use quality. Conclusions: Results from the present study indicate that the alleles from durum wheat are potential sources of cultivar improvement; however, interactions between yield component and end‐use quality traits may influence utilization. Significance and novelty: This study demonstrates the potential utility of introgressed durum yield component alleles for genetic improvement in HRSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern ornamental fishkeeping is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with various known positive and also negative aspects including the introduction of non‐native species. Despite this fact, the history of the first imports of freshwater tropical fish species for ornamental purposes has never been deeply studied and is usually simplified. Here, we present the first comprehensive review of reported imports in the period of the early history of this sector of aquaculture, ending with the end of the First World War. Moreover, the total number of kept species has been updated, with a forecast for the future. We present the summarised information in a wide context of both historical and current connections and viewpoints, highlighting the crucial role of German importers at this time. In this regard, the term 'German aquarium phenomenon' is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and tetraploid durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) have been cultivated in similar geographic areas for ∼10,000 yr. The crossing barrier caused by ploidy difference suggests that different favorable alleles for yield‐related traits may have accumulated in the two crops. Previous work allowed identification of favorable alleles at six quantitative trait loci (QTL) from durum wheat in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross of 'Mountrail' durum and 'Choteau' spring wheat. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of six durum alleles at yield component QTL in several spring wheat backgrounds. Three spring wheat cultivars were crossed with six hexaploid lines derived from the original Choteau/Mountrail cross to generate RILs. Heterozygous RILs, containing both the durum and the bread wheat alleles, were identified for each of the QTL. The heterozygous RILs were used to develop near‐isogenic lines (NILs) for the six introgressed QTL. The NILs were grown in five environments under irrigated and rainfed conditions in Montana in 2017 and 2018. A durum allele QTL on chromosome 3B resulted in increased kernel weight in all five environments. The introgressed durum QTL alleles caused pleiotropic interactions among yield component traits. Environment and genetic background significantly affected the stability of introgressed QTL on yield components for four of the six QTL. Results suggest that alleles from durum may be useful for yield improvement of hexaploid spring wheat. However, interrelationships of yield components, pleiotropic interactions, and environment will affect the value of durum wheat alleles in hexaploid wheat backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with preparation, properties and usage of ethylene‐octene copolymers/clay films. Different properties of two types of ethylene‐octene copolymers (Engage 8540 and Engage 8842) with 17 and 45 wt% of octene (EOC‐17 and EOC‐45) were compared in nanocomposites with two types of clays—Cloisite 93A and Dellite 67. The aim was to evaluate the influence of (nano)filler type on ethylene‐octene nanocomposites properties. Mechanical and thermal properties, morphology, and UV radiation degradation were observed. Furthermore, permeability of three different gasses was determined. EOC nanocomposites perform a higher elongation at break, especially EOC‐45. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed an increase of E′ modulus of all nanocomposites in a wide range of temperatures compared to pure EOC. Intercalation of nanofillers was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It has been proved that EOC‐45 has a better dispersion EOC‐17. DSC analysis showed a shift in a crystallization temperature for EOC‐17, where the nanofiller acted as a nucleation agent due to the worse dispersion. Barrier properties were improved by almost 100% by addition of organoclay for all measured gasses; they were best for EOC‐17 nanocomposites due to a higher crystallinity. XRD together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed much better dispersion for EOC‐45 nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and accelerated UV aging showed CO peaks for EOC nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4581–4593, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous freshwater crayfish species are known to become successful invaders when introduced to new territories. One of the most invasive species in this group is the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). In addition to other characteristics facilitating its invasiveness, it is also a vector of crayfish plague, a disease mostly lethal to crayfish of non‐North American origin.Procambarus clarkii, at present the most widespread crayfish species globally, is popular in many countries both for human consumption and as an ornamental animal. An established population of this species was documented for the first time within Indonesia, representing the first record for maritime Southeast Asia. The species is also common in the local ornamental pet trade.Infection by the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci Schikora was confirmed both in the outdoor population of P. clarkii and in one of the surveyed pet shops. Furthermore, A. astaci was detected in specimens of freshwater crab and shrimp species coexisting with P. clarkii.Local climatic conditions and the species temperature requirements suggest a high probability of the establishment of P. clarkii in Indonesia. Its further spread could irreversibly damage populations of many native endemic crustaceans in the country (as well as elsewhere in the region), and the thriving local aquacultures of the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) may also be threatened.The total ban of P. clarkii and other crayfish species of North American origin in Indonesia is strongly recommended, especially considering that aquaculture and trade with Australasian species is a viable alternative option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Needleless alternating current (AC)-electrospinning is capable of achieving high nanofiber generation rates while adding more flexibility to the process development when compared to common direct current (DC)-electrospinning. However, AC-electrospinning process may produce very different results than DC-electrospinning when using the same precursors. This study demonstrated that stable AC-electrospinning of uniform and mechanically strong polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous meshes can be achieved at 30 ± 5 kV rms voltage when 0.75-6.0 wt % of nanocrystalline cellulose-II with respect to PAN is added to a typical PAN precursor solution. Efficient generation (up to 2 g/h rate or 0.7 g h−1 cm−2 mass flux) of nanofibers with 250-500 nm fiber diameters has been observed when using flat fiber-generating electrodes with diameters up to 25 mm. Depending on the amount of nanocellulose, nanofibrous nanocellulose/PAN meshes revealed large variations in tensile modulus (90-273 MPa) and yield strength (1.0-2.5 MPa), whereas the fiber diameter, air permeability, air resistance, mesh porosity, and water absorption were less affected. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45772. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional mitochondria in skeletal muscle of patients with protracted critical illness and intensive care unit-acquired weakness are depleted, but remaining mitochondria have increased functional capacities of respiratory complexes II and III. This can be an adaptation to relative abundancy of fatty acid over glucose caused by insulin resistance. We hypothesized that the capacity of muscle mitochondria to oxidize fatty acid is increased in protracted critical illness.Methods: We assessed fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and mitochondrial functional indices in vitro by using extracellular flux analysis in cultured myotubes obtained by isolating and culturing satellite cells from vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples from patients with ICU-acquired weakness (n = 6) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 7). Bioenergetic measurements were performed at baseline and after 6 days of exposure to free fatty acids (FFAs).Results: Mitochondrial density in myotubes from ICU patients was 69% of healthy controls ( P = .051). After adjustment to mitochondrial content, there were no differences in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis or the capacity and coupling of the respiratory chain. FAO capacity in ICU patients was 157% of FAO capacity in controls ( P = .015). In myotubes of ICU patients, unlike healthy controls, the exposure to FFA significantly ( P = .009) increased maximum respiratory chain capacity.Conclusion: In an in vitro model of skeletal muscle of patients with protracted critical illness, we have shown signs of adaptation to increased FAO. Even in the presence of glucose and insulin, elevation of FFAs in the extracellular environment increased maximal capacity of the respiratory chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pet trade has been responsible for many introductions of non-native species. Freshwater ornamental plants and animals originating from the pet trade are stocked to garden ponds. The present survey focused on awareness and responsible behaviour related to biological invasion risks of companies that designed, built, and stocked garden ponds., A representative number ( n = 124) of companies (commercial garden pond architects and builders) in the Czech Republic were surveyed regarding the offer of non-native, invasive and threatened native species. The survey was conducted over the entire warm period (from 1 May 2015 to 31 September 2015) while using personal visits, correspondence and interviews to list the species on offer., 'Traditional' ornamental species were offered by 39.1% of surveyed vendors, non-traditional 'marginal' species by 5.6%, common native species by 6.5% and threatened native species by 2.4%., The findings of this study support the hypothesis that 'garden pond' vendors offer non-native species with a risk of biological invasion; moreover, threatened native animals were also on sale. It is probable that a similar situation exists in other countries. It is important for the conservation of native aquatic biota to raise awareness of the need to reduce risk through responsible behaviour of those involved in the pet trade. It is also essential to prohibit stocking of potential invaders and to enforce the illegal capture and sale of native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding geographical range of wheat stem sawfly (WSS) damage, coupled with the limited number of effective control measures, calls for a need to better characterize and explore the genetic variability for resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm from North America. An association-mapping analysis for stem solidness and wheat stem sawfly resistance was conducted using a set of 244 elite spring wheat lines from 10 North American breeding programs. Three previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance were confirmed, including QTL for stem solidness, heading date, and stem cutting. Three new QTL on chromosomes 2A, 3A, and 5B were identified to be associated with larval mortality and a QTL associated with early stem solidness was identified on chromosome 5D. Genetic variation for late stem solidness is mainly determined by the solid-stem QTL on chromosome 3B, while variation for early solidness is affected by chromosomal regions on 1B, 3B, and 5D. Potential sources of a novel resistance mechanism causing larval mortality were identified among the panel lines. Favorable alleles for stem solidness and other resistance traits are available within North American wheat germplasm, but only Montana and South Dakota breeding programs appear to have favorable alleles for all QTLs detected in this study. Improvements in wheat stem sawfly management, for both historically impacted areas and for regions first experiencing damage, may be obtained using alleles that already exist in elite germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of eight stereoisomeric N-(tetrahydroxy bicyclo-[5.1.0]oct-2 S*-yl)phthalimides were prepared in one to four steps from N-(bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-3,5-dien-2-yl)phthalimide (±)- 7, which is readily available from cyclooctatetraene (62 % yield). The structural assignments of the stereoisomers were established by 1H NMR spectral data as well as X-ray crystal structures for certain members. The outcomes of several epoxydiol hydrolyses, particularly ring contraction and enlargement, are of note. The isomeric phthalimides as well as the free amines did not exhibit β-glucosidase inhibitory activity at a concentration of less than 100 μ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied growth characteristics of three different spatial groups (epipelagic, bathypelagic, and littoral) of European perch ( Perca fluviatilis) fry occurring simultaneously in Římov Reservoir, Czech Republic. We used the body size analysis as long-term growth indicator and RNA/DNA ratio as short-term growth indicators. The minimum body size as well as minimum RNA/DNA ratio, was found in bathypelagic perch fry (15.7 ± 1.8 and 1.89 ± 0.63 mm, respectively). The littoral perch fry was the biggest with the highest RNA/DNA ratio (19.3 ± 1.5 and 2.53 ± 0.59 mm, respectively). The intermediate values and high variation in both body size and RNA/DNA ratio was found in the epipelagic group (16.9 ± 2.3 and 2.36 ± 0.78 mm, respectively). These results refer to the presence of uniformity in the bathypelagic and littoral groups, and a possible mixing of individuals from different groups in epipelagic zone. Our findings suggest that the spatial distribution of perch fry is most likely dynamic system of continuous shifting of individuals among different groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, records on the occurrence of the Japanese ginbuna Carassius langsdorfii from northern Germany, north-western Italy and southern Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented. The new findings, in addition to former studies reported in the Czech Republic and Greece, show that C. langsdorfii is much more widespread in Europe than was previously believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 523-536. Abstract The nerve growth factor (NGF) precursor, proNGF, is implicated in various neuropathological states. ProNGF signals apoptosis by forming a complex with the receptors p75 and sortilin, however, it can also induce neurite growth, proposed to be mediated by the receptor of mature NGF, tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA). The way in which these dual effects occur in adult neurons is unclear. We investigated the neurotrophic effects of proNGF on peptidergic sensory neurons isolated from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia and found that proNGF stimulated neurite extension and branching, requiring p75, sortilin and TrkA. Neurite growth rarely occurred in sortilin-expressing neurons but was commonly observed in TrkA-positive, sortilin-negative neurons that associated closely with sortilin-positive glia. ProNGF was unable to induce local trophic effects at growth cones where sortilin-positive glia was absent. We propose that in adult sensory neurons the neurotrophic response to proNGF is mediated by NGF and TrkA, and that peri-somatic glia may participate in sortilin- and p-75 dependent cleavage of proNGF. The potential ability of local glial cells to provide a targeted supply of NGF may provide an important way to promote trophic (rather than apoptotic) outcomes under conditions where regeneration or sprouting is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of genes from outside a primary germplasm base has the potential to impact phenotypic diversity, genetic structure, and patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD). Our goals were to monitor the introduction of key genes in a hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm set using historical cultivars, to determine the impact of the introduced genes on phenotypic diversity in elite germplasm, and to assess the impact of selection history on LD. A superior allele for bread making was introduced early in the 20th century and quickly became fixed. An allele for solid stems introduced in the mid 20th century is the major source of variation in current germplasm. An introduced allele for photoperiod insensitivity is an important source of variation for heading date in current germplasm. The allelic introductions impacted patterns of LD. The unlinked loci for reduced height, RHT-B1 and RHT-D1, were in LD. Linkage disequilibrium for physically linked markers near introduced genes did not exceed previous estimates of genome-wide LD. Our results showed a pattern of gene introductions into the spring wheat germplasm base that continues to have an impact on phenotypic diversity and patterns of LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological, cytogenetic and molecular genetic identification of two specimens of Carassius langsdorfii from the upper Elbe basin is given. Probably, the species was introduced by accident with commercial fish imports. Potentially, this introduced species may be of harm to native fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental dead space (iDS) is a major part of total dead space in newborns, and thus significantly determines effective alveolar ventilation. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation (CTGI) is a method for reducing the role of iDS, allowing a reduction in respiratory support and secondary lung injury. The literature and authors' experience with the method are reviewed. Major attention is paid to the risks in providing CTGI, optimal equipment and optimal management of CTGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental dead space (iDS) is a major part of total dead space in newborns, and thus significantly determines effective alveolar ventilation. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation (CTGI) is a method for reducing the role of iDS, allowing a reduction in respiratory support and secondary lung injury. The literature and authors' experience with the method are reviewed. Major attention is paid to the risks in providing CTGI, optimal equipment and optimal management of CTGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a survey of policy initiatives in vocational education and training in the Czech Republic. Description of the characteristics and developments of vocational education before and after 1989; Insufficient attention given to system-level changes; Need for greater coordination and strategic policy-making at regional and national levels.

This study investigated civilian war trauma in Central American refugees, focusing on the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as related to war experience and demographic characteristics. Sixty eight percent of the refugees met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Diagnosis was best predicted by number of war experiences, severity of war trauma and level of anxiety/depression. Higher numbers of war experiences predicted PTSD severity, as did involvement in the legalization process, parenthood, and being a citizen of El Salvador. In examining the PTSD symptom cluster scores, it was found that number of war experiences was a significant predictor in all clusters. These results are helpful in increasing our knowledge about the role of war experiences in civilian PTSD and the unique situation of the Central American refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]