scholarly journals Healthy Honey Bees – analysis of the Deformed Wing Virus population to assess rational Varroa control on a Scottish island

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (7A) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Woodford ◽  
David Evans ◽  
Fiona Highet ◽  
Alan Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Population Diversity ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Virus Population ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Virus Diversity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Level ◽  
Varroa Control

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite associated with significant losses of honey bee colonies globally. The mite vectors a range of pathogenic viruses, most important of which is Deformed Wing Virus (DWV, (+)ssRNA). Overwintering colony losses, accounting for the death of ∼25% of all colonies each year, are associated with high levels of Varroa-DWV infestation. Effective miticide treatments are available to control Varroa. However, the absence of coordinated treatment means environmental transmission of mites continued unchecked. We aim to determine whether rational, coordinated treatment is beneficial, using features of the DWV population as an indicator of colony health. This study uses coordinated treatment of Varroa in a geographically isolated environment (Isle of Arran, Scotland). It is reported that a high level of a near-clonal virus population is associated with Varroa infestation and colony losses, whereas Varroa-free healthy colonies carry only low levels of a diverse population of DWV. The study area contains 50-85 colonies and 25 beekeepers. Sampling and virus analysis – strain diversity and viral loads – have been conducted before and after treatment. Changes in virus diversity are quantified by next generation sequencing analysis to determine population diversity. In the first two years we have observed a geographic decrease in Varroa and changes in the composition of the virus population. This study will inform our development of rational Varroa control strategies for beekeepers in temperate regions and could be used to inform policy changes regarding treatment regimes in Scotland and elsewhere for this global pathogen.

scholarly journals Pupal cannibalism by worker honey bees contributes to the spread of deformed wing virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Posada-Florez ◽  
Zachary S. Lamas ◽  
David J. Hawthorne ◽  
Yanping Chen ◽  
Jay D. Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Hygienic Behaviour ◽  
Pathogen Virulence ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge

AbstractTransmission routes impact pathogen virulence and genetics, therefore comprehensive knowledge of these routes and their contribution to pathogen circulation is essential for understanding host–pathogen interactions and designing control strategies. Deformed wing virus (DWV), a principal viral pathogen of honey bees associated with increased honey bee mortality and colony losses, became highly virulent with the spread of its vector, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Reproduction of Varroa mites occurs in capped brood cells and mite-infested pupae from these cells usually have high levels of DWV. The removal of mite-infested pupae by worker bees, Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH), leads to cannibalization of pupae with high DWV loads, thereby offering an alternative route for virus transmission. We used genetically tagged DWV to investigate virus transmission to and between worker bees following pupal cannibalisation under experimental conditions. We demonstrated that cannibalization of DWV-infected pupae resulted in high levels of this virus in worker bees and that the acquired virus was then transmitted between bees via trophallaxis, allowing circulation of Varroa-vectored DWV variants without the mites. Despite the known benefits of hygienic behaviour, it is possible that higher levels of VSH activity may result in increased transmission of DWV via cannibalism and trophallaxis.

scholarly journals RNAseq Analysis Reveals Virus Diversity within Hawaiian Apiary Insect Communities

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brettell ◽  
Schroeder ◽  
Martin
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Insect Communities ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Virus Diversity ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Honey Bee Health

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most abundant viral pathogen of honey bees and has been associated with large-scale colony losses. DWV and other bee-associated RNA viruses are generalists capable of infecting diverse hosts. Here, we used RNAseq analysis to test the hypothesis that due to the frequency of interactions, a range of apiary pest species would become infected with DWV and/or other honey bee-associated viruses. We confirmed that DWV-A was the most prevalent virus in the apiary, with genetically similar sequences circulating in the apiary pests, suggesting frequent inter-species transmission. In addition, different proportions of the three DWV master variants as indicated by BLAST analysis and genome coverage plots revealed interesting DWV-species groupings. We also observed that new genomic recombinants were formed by the DWV master variants, which are likely adapted to replicate in different host species. Species groupings also applied when considering other viruses, many of which were widespread in the apiaries. In social wasps, samples were grouped further by site, which potentially also influenced viral load. Thus, the apiary invertebrate community has the potential to act as reservoirs of honey bee-associated viruses, highlighting the importance of considering the wider community in the apiary when considering honey bee health.

scholarly journals Pupal Cannibalism byWworker Honey Bees Contributes to the Spread of Deformed Wing Virus.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Posada-Florez ◽  
Zachary Lamas ◽  
David Hawthorne ◽  
Yanping Chen ◽  
Jay Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Hygienic Behaviour ◽  
Pathogen Virulence ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge

Abstract Transmission routes impact pathogen virulence and genetics, therefore comprehensive knowledge of these routes and their contribution to pathogen circulation is essential for understanding host-pathogen interactions and designing control strategies. Deformed wing virus (DWV), a principal viral pathogen of honey bees associated with increased honey bee mortality and colony losses, became highly virulent with the spread of its vector, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Reproduction of Varroa mites occurs in capped brood cells and mite-infested pupae from these cells usually have high levels of DWV. The removal of mite-infested pupae by worker bees, Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH), leads to cannibalization of pupae with high DWV loads, thereby offering an alternative route for virus transmission. We used genetically tagged DWV to investigate virus transmission to and between worker bees following pupal cannibalisation under experimental conditions. We demonstrated that cannibalization of DWV-infected pupae resulted in high levels of this virus in worker bees and that the acquired virus was then transmitted between bees via trophallaxis, allowing circulation of Varroa-vectored DWV variants without the mites. Despite the known benefits of hygienic behaviour, it is possible that higher levels of VSH activity may result in increased transmission of DWV via cannibalism and trophallaxis.

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Plasmodium Falciparum in Nigeria: Insights From Microsatellites Loci Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fehintola Victoria Ajogbasile ◽  
Adeyemi T. Kayode ◽  
Kazeem O. Akano ◽  
Paul E. Oluniyi ◽  
Jessica N. Uwanibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Population Diversity ◽  
Parasite Population ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
High Level

Abstract BackgroundMalaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. MethodsIn this study, we characterized parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria, using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellites were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analyzed using GeneMapper and GENALEX 6.5.ResultsEstimates of parasite diversity such as Mean complexity of infection (range: 1.71-2.66) and Expected heterozygosity (range: 0.76-0.82) were high, while parasite population sub-structuring was low (Analysis of molecular variance= 0.039, Fixation index= 0.038 and Linkage disequilibrium= 0.0219). Conclusion We conclude that the high level of genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. This implies that a uniform control strategy will be effective across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Pupal cannibalism by worker honey bees contributes to the spread of Deformed wing virus

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Posada-Florez ◽  
Zachary S. Lamas ◽  
David J. Hawthorne ◽  
Yanping Chen ◽  
Jay D. Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Hygienic Behaviour ◽  
Pathogen Virulence ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge

AbstractTransmission routes impact pathogen virulence and genetics, therefore comprehensive knowledge of these routes and their contribution to pathogen circulation is essential for understanding host-pathogen interactions and designing control strategies. Deformed wing virus (DWV), a principal viral pathogen of honey bees associated with increased honey bee mortality and colony losses, became highly virulent with the spread of its vector, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Reproduction of Varroa mites occurs in capped brood cells and mite-infested pupae from these cells usually have high levels of DWV. The removal of mite-infested pupae by worker bees, Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH), leads to cannibalization of pupae with high DWV loads, thereby offering an alternative route for virus transmission. We used genetically tagged DWV to investigate virus transmission to and between worker bees following pupal cannibalisation under experimental conditions. We demonstrated that cannibalization of DWV-infected pupae resulted in high levels of this virus in worker bees and that the acquired virus was then transmitted between bees via trophallaxis, allowing circulation of Varroa-vectored DWV variants without the mites. Despite the known benefits of hygienic behaviour, it is possible that higher levels of VSH activity may result in increased transmission of DWV via cannibalism and trophallaxis.

scholarly journals Dynamic grid fault analysis in wind power plant with DFIG by using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) viewer

2020 ◽  
Vol 181 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Nduwamungu Aphrodis ◽  
Ntagwirumugara Etienne ◽  
Utetiwabo Wellars ◽  
Mulolani Francis
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Power Flow ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Fault Analysis ◽  
Operational Mode ◽  
Electrical Power Systems ◽  
Fault Ride Through ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clearing Time

Faults in electrical power systems are among the key factors and sources to network disturbances, however control strategies are among key faults clearing techniques for the sake of safe operational mode of the system.Some researchers have shown various limitations of control strategies such as slow dynamic response,inability to switch Off and On network remotely and fault clearing time. For a system with wind energy technologies, if the power flow of a wind turbine is interrupted by a fault, the intermediate-circuit voltage between the machine-side converter and line-side converter will fall in unacceptably high values.To overcome the aforementioned issues, this paper used a Matlab simulations and experiments in order to analyze and validate the results.The results showed that fault ride through (FRT) with SCADA Viewer software are more adaptable to the variations of voltage and wind speed in order to avoid loss of synchronism. Therefore at the speed of 12.5m/s a wind produced a rated power of 750W and remained in synchronization before and after a fault created and cleared but worked as generator meanwhile at speed of 3.4m/s wind disconnected from grid and started working as a motor and consumed active power (P=-25watts) and voltage dip at 100% .For the protection purpose, the DC chopper and crowbar should be integrated towards management of excess energy during faults cases.

scholarly journals Benefit of a pharmacist-led intervention for medication management of renal transplant patients: a controlled before-and-after study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204062232110052
Author(s):  
Jeremy Chambord ◽  
Lionel Couzi ◽  
Pierre Merville ◽  
Karine Moreau ◽  
Fabien Xuereb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Patient Knowledge ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Level

Aims: To assess the effect of a pharmacist-led intervention, using Barrows cards method, during the first year after renal transplantation, on patient knowledge about their treatment, medication adherence and exposure to treatment in a French cohort. Methods: We conducted a before-and-after comparative study between two groups of patients: those who benefited from a complementary pharmacist-led intervention [intervention group (IG), n = 44] versus those who did not [control group (CG), n = 48]. The pharmacist-led intervention consisted of a behavioral and educational interview at the first visit (visit 1). The intervention was assessed 4 months later at the second visit (visit 2), using the following endpoints: treatment knowledge, medication adherence [proportion of days covered (PDC) by immunosuppressive therapy] and tacrolimus exposure. Results: At visit 2, IG patients achieved a significantly higher knowledge score than CG patients (83.3% versus 72.2%, p = 0.001). We did not find any differences in treatment exposure or medication adherence; however, the intervention tended to reduce the proportion of non-adherent patients with low knowledge scores. Using the PDC by immunosuppressive therapy, we identified 10 non-adherent patients (10.9%) at visit 1 and six at visit 2. Conclusions: Our intervention showed a positive effect on patient knowledge about their treatment. However, our results did not show any improvement in overall medication adherence, which was likely to be because of the initially high level of adherence in our study population. Nevertheless, the intervention appears to have improved adherence in non-adherent patients with low knowledge scores.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria: insights from microsatellite loci analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fehintola V. Ajogbasile ◽  
Adeyemi T. Kayode ◽  
Paul E. Oluniyi ◽  
Kazeem O. Akano ◽  
Jessica N. Uwanibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Population Diversity ◽  
Parasite Population ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Genetic Diversity And Structure

Abstract Background Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. Methods In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools. Results Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of different alleles (13.52), effective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak (0.006, P < 0.001). Parasite population structure was low (Fst: 0.008–0.105, AMOVA: 0.039). Conclusion The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specific parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Neuromuscular, Haematological and Urinary Responses during Padel Matches

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5864
Author(s):  
Francisco Pradas ◽  
Alejandro García-Giménez ◽  
Víctor Toro-Román ◽  
Nicolae Ochiana ◽  
Carlos Castellar
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Temporal Structure ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Level

Research on the acute physiological response to a padel match is limited. The present study aimed to: (a) evaluate neuromuscular, urinary, and hematological responses after simulated padel competition (SC) and (b) analyze possible gender differences. In this study, 28 high-level padel players participated (men = 13, age = 26.83 ± 6.57 years; women = 15, age = 30.07 ± 4.36 years). The following parameters were analyzed before and after SC: neuromuscular (hand grip strength, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and Abalakov jump (ABK)), hematological (red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit), and urinary (pH, specific gravity, microalbuminuria, and red blood cells). Significant gender differences were found in neuromuscular and hematological responses, with men obtaining higher values (p < 0.05). For the SC influence, changes were noted in ABK and microalbuminuria (p < 0.05). The percentages of change in hand grip strength, SJ (height and watts), CMJ (height), and ABK (height) were higher for men than women (p < 0.05). SC negatively influenced the neuromuscular parameters to a greater extent in women. Our results could be related to gender differences in game actions, the temporal structure, and anthropometric and physiological characteristics. Game dynamics and a different organic response between male and female padel playing were confirmed.

scholarly journals Real-Time High-Level Acute Pain Detection Using a Smartphone and a Wrist-Worn Electrodermal Activity Sensor

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 3956
Author(s):  
Youngsun Kong ◽  
Hugo F. Posada-Quintero ◽  
Ki H. Chon
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Electrodermal Activity ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Real Time Processing ◽  
Pain Stimulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Electrical Pulses ◽  
Pain Detection ◽  
High Level

The subjectiveness of pain can lead to inaccurate prescribing of pain medication, which can exacerbate drug addiction and overdose. Given that pain is often experienced in patients’ homes, there is an urgent need for ambulatory devices that can quantify pain in real-time. We implemented three time- and frequency-domain electrodermal activity (EDA) indices in our smartphone application that collects EDA signals using a wrist-worn device. We then evaluated our computational algorithms using thermal grill data from ten subjects. The thermal grill delivered a level of pain that was calibrated for each subject to be 8 out of 10 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Furthermore, we simulated the real-time processing of the smartphone application using a dataset pre-collected from another group of fifteen subjects who underwent pain stimulation using electrical pulses, which elicited a VAS pain score level 7 out of 10. All EDA features showed significant difference between painless and pain segments, termed for the 5-s segments before and after each pain stimulus. Random forest showed the highest accuracy in detecting pain, 81.5%, with 78.9% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity with leave-one-subject-out cross-validation approach. Our results show the potential of a smartphone application to provide near real-time objective pain detection.

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