Nested Species Distribution Models of Chlamydiales in Ixodes ricinus (Tick) Hosts in Switzerland

ABSTRACT The tick Ixodes ricinus is the vector of various pathogens, including Chlamydiales bacteria, which potentially cause respiratory infections. In this study, we modeled the spatial distribution of I. ricinus and associated Chlamydiales over Switzerland from 2009 to 2019. We used a total of 2,293 ticks and 186 Chlamydiales occurrences provided by a Swiss Army field campaign, a collaborative smartphone application, and a prospective campaign. For each tick location, we retrieved from Swiss federal data sets the environmental factors reflecting the topography, climate, and land cover. We then used the Maxent modeling technique to estimate the suitability of particular areas for I. ricinus and to subsequently build the nested niche of Chlamydiales bacteria. Results indicate that I. ricinus habitat suitability is determined by higher temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values, lower temperature during the driest months, and a higher percentage of artificial and forest areas. The performance of the model was improved when extracting the environmental variables for a 100-m radius buffer around the sampling points and when considering the climatic conditions of the 2 years previous to the sampling date. Chlamydiales bacteria were favored by a lower percentage of artificial surfaces, drier conditions, high precipitation during the coldest months, and short distances to wetlands. From 2009 to 2018, we observed an extension of areas suitable to ticks and Chlamydiales, associated with a shift toward higher altitude. The importance of considering spatiotemporal variations in the environmental conditions for obtaining better prediction was also demonstrated. IMPORTANCE Ixodes ricinus is the vector of pathogens including the agent of Lyme disease, the tick-borne encephalitis virus, and the less well-known Chlamydiales bacteria, which are responsible for certain respiratory infections. In this study, we identified the environmental factors influencing the presence of I. ricinus and Chlamydiales in Switzerland and generated maps of their distribution from 2009 to 2018. We found an important expansion of suitable areas for both the tick and the bacteria during the last decade. Results also provided the environmental factors that determine the presence of Chlamydiales within ticks. Distribution maps as generated here are expected to bring valuable information for decision makers in controlling tick-borne diseases in Switzerland and establishing prevention campaigns. The methodological framework presented could be used to predict the distribution and spread of other host-pathogen pairs to identify environmental factors driving their distribution and to develop control or prevention strategies accordingly.

Download Full-text

Nested species distribution models of Chlamydiales in tick host Ixodes ricinus in Switzerland

10.1101/2020.05.26.118216 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Estelle Rochat ◽

Séverine Vuilleumier ◽

Sebastien Aeby ◽

Gilbert Greub ◽

Stéphane Joost

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Ixodes Ricinus ◽

Vegetation Index ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Distribution Models ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Spatio Temporal

AbstractThe tick Ixodes ricinus is the vector of various pathogens, including Chlamydiales bacteria, potentially causing respiratory infections. In this study, we modelled the spatial distribution of I. ricinus and associated Chlamydiales over Switzerland from 2009 to 2019. We used a total of 2293 ticks and 186 Chlamydiales occurrences provided by a Swiss Army field campaign, a collaborative smartphone application and a prospective campaign. For each tick location, we retrieved from Swiss federal datasets the environmental factors reflecting the topography, climate and land cover. We then used the Maxent modelling technique to estimate the suitability for I. ricinus and to subsequently build the nested niche of Chlamydiales bacteria. Results indicate that I. ricinus high habitat suitability is determined by higher temperature and vegetation index (NDVI) values, lower temperature during driest months and a higher percentage of artificial and forests areas. The performance of the model was increased when extracting the environmental variables for a 100 m-radius buffer around the sampling points and when considering the data over the two years previous sampling date. For Chlamydiales bacteria, the suitability was favoured by lower percentage of artificial surfaces, driest conditions, high precipitation during coldest months and short distances to wetlands. From 2009 to 2018, we observed an extension of tick and Chlamydiales suitable areas, associated with a shift towards higher altitude. The importance to consider spatio-temporal variations of the environmental conditions for obtaining better prediction was also demonstrated.ImportanceIxodes ricinus is the vector of pathogens, including the agent of Lyme disease, the tick borne encephalitis virus and the less known Chlamydiales bacteria at the origin of some respiratory infections. In this study, we identified the environmental factors influencing the presence of I. ricinus and Chlamydiales in Switzerland and generated maps of their distribution from 2009 to 2018. We found an important expansion of suitable areas for both the tick and the bacteria during the last decade. Results provided also the environmental factors that determine the presence of Chlamydiales within ticks. Distribution maps as generated here are expected to bring valuable informations for decision-makers to control tick-borne diseases in Switzerland and establish prevention campaigns. The methodological framework presented could be used to predict the distribution and spread of other host-pathogen couples, to identify environmental factors driving their distribution and to develop control or prevention strategies accordingly.

Download Full-text

Factors Driving the Abundance of Ixodes ricinus Ticks and the Prevalence of Zoonotic I. ricinus-Borne Pathogens in Natural Foci

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.06564-11 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 78 (8) ◽

pp. 2669-2676 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Francisco Ruiz-Fons ◽

Isabel G. Fernández-de-Mera ◽

Pelayo Acevedo ◽

Christian Gortázar ◽

José de la Fuente

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Ixodes Ricinus ◽

Spatial Location ◽

Immature Stage ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Content Type ◽

Main Driver ◽

Natural Foci ◽

Ixodes Ricinus Ticks ◽

Study Sites

ABSTRACTEnvironmental factors may drive tick ecology and therefore tick-borne pathogen (TBP) epidemiology, which determines the risk to animals and humans of becoming infected by TBPs. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of environmental factors on the abundance of immature-stageIxodes ricinusticks and on the prevalence of two zoonoticI. ricinus-borne pathogens in natural foci of endemicity.I. ricinusabundance was measured at nine sites in the northern Iberian Peninsula by dragging the vegetation with a cotton flannelette, and ungulate abundance was measured by means of dung counts. In addition to ungulate abundance, data on variables related to spatial location, climate, and soil were gathered from the study sites.I. ricinusadults, nymphs, and larvae were collected from the vegetation, and a representative subsample ofI. ricinusnymphs from each study site was analyzed by PCR for the detection ofBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato andAnaplasma phagocytophilumDNA. Mean prevalences of these pathogens were 4.0% ± 1.8% and 20.5% ± 3.7%, respectively. Statistical analyses confirmed the influence of spatial factors, climate, and ungulate abundance onI. ricinuslarva abundance, while nymph abundance was related only to climate. Interestingly, cattle abundance rather than deer abundance was the main driver ofB. burgdorferisensu lato andA. phagocytophilumprevalence inI. ricinusnymphs in the study sites, where both domestic and wild ungulates coexist. The increasing abundance of cattle seems to increase the risk of other hosts becoming infected byA. phagocytophilum, while reducing the risk of being infected byB. burgdorferisensu lato. Controlling ticks in cattle in areas where they coexist with wild ungulates would be more effective for TBP control than reducing ungulate abundance.

Download Full-text

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 Enhances the Efficacy of Norfloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus Newman Biofilms

Journal of Bacteriology ◽

10.1128/jb.00159-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 202 (18) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giulia Orazi ◽

Fabrice Jean-Pierre ◽

George A. O’Toole

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Multiple Infection ◽

Bacterial Biofilms ◽

Interspecies Interactions ◽

Chronic Infections ◽

Content Type

ABSTRACT The thick mucus within the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) promotes frequent respiratory infections that are often polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most prevalent pathogens that cause CF pulmonary infections, and both are among the most common etiologic agents of chronic wound infections. Furthermore, the ability of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus to form biofilms promotes the establishment of chronic infections that are often difficult to eradicate using antimicrobial agents. In this study, we found that multiple LasR-regulated exoproducts of P. aeruginosa, including 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), siderophores, phenazines, and rhamnolipids, likely contribute to the ability of P. aeruginosa PA14 to shift S. aureus Newman norfloxacin susceptibility profiles. Here, we observe that exposure to P. aeruginosa exoproducts leads to an increase in intracellular norfloxacin accumulation by S. aureus. We previously showed that P. aeruginosa supernatant dissipates the S. aureus membrane potential, and furthermore, depletion of the S. aureus proton motive force recapitulates the effect of the P. aeruginosa PA14 supernatant on shifting norfloxacin sensitivity profiles of biofilm-grown S. aureus Newman. From these results, we hypothesize that exposure to P. aeruginosa PA14 exoproducts leads to increased uptake of the drug and/or an impaired ability of S. aureus Newman to efflux norfloxacin. Surprisingly, the effect observed here of P. aeruginosa PA14 exoproducts on S. aureus Newman susceptibility to norfloxacin seemed to be specific to these strains and this antibiotic. Our results illustrate that microbially derived products can alter the ability of antimicrobial agents to kill bacterial biofilms. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently coisolated from multiple infection sites, including the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. Coinfection with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus has been shown to produce worse outcomes compared to infection with either organism alone. Furthermore, the ability of these pathogens to form biofilms enables them to cause persistent infection and withstand antimicrobial therapy. In this study, we found that P. aeruginosa-secreted products dramatically increase the ability of the antibiotic norfloxacin to kill S. aureus biofilms. Understanding how interspecies interactions alter the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial biofilms may inform treatment decisions and inspire the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Download Full-text

Multi-Year NDVI Values as Indicator of the Relationship between Spatiotemporal Vegetation Dynamics and Environmental Factors in the Qaidam Basin, China

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13071240 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 1240

Author(s):

Junpeng Lou ◽

Guoyin Xu ◽

Zhongjing Wang ◽

Zhigang Yang ◽

Sanchuan Ni

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Vegetation Dynamics ◽

Vegetation Index ◽

Qaidam Basin ◽

Elevation Gradient ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Elevation Gradients ◽

Relative Contribution ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Different Altitudes

The Qaidam Basin is a unique and complex ecosystem, wherein elevation gradients lead to high spatial heterogeneity in vegetation dynamics and responses to environmental factors. Based on the remote sensing data of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of vegetation dynamics and responses to precipitation, accumulative temperature (AT) and soil moisture (SM) in the Qaidam Basin from 2001 to 2016. Moreover, the contribution of those factors to vegetation dynamics at different altitudes was analyzed via an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The results indicated that the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values in the growing season showed an overall upward trend, with an increased rate of 0.001/year. The values of NDVI in low-altitude areas were higher than that in high-altitude areas, and the peak values of NDVI appeared along the elevation gradient at 4400–4600 m. Thanks to the use of ANN, we were able to detect the relative contribution of various environmental factors; the relative contribution rate of AT to the NDVI dynamic was the most significant (35.17%) in the low-elevation region (< 2900 m). In the mid-elevation area (2900–3900 m), precipitation contributed 44.76% of the NDVI dynamics. When the altitude was higher than 3900 m, the relative contribution rates of AT (39.50%) and SM (38.53%) had no significant difference but were significantly higher than that of precipitation (21.97%). The results highlight that the different environmental factors have various contributions to vegetation dynamics at different altitudes, which has important theoretical and practical significance for regulating ecological processes.

Download Full-text

Application Natura 2000 Data For The Invasive Plants Spread Prediction

Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica ◽

10.1515/sab-2015-0031 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (4) ◽

pp. 159-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. Pěknicová ◽

D. Petrus ◽

K. Berchová-Bímová

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Invasive Plants ◽

Species Distribution ◽

Natura 2000 ◽

Distribution Model ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Habitat Types ◽

Distribution Models ◽

Occurrence Data ◽

Heracleum Mantegazzianum

AbstractThe distribution of invasive plants depends on several environmental factors, e.g. on the distance from the vector of spreading, invaded community composition, land-use, etc. The species distribution models, a research tool for invasive plants spread prediction, involve the combination of environmental factors, occurrence data, and statistical approach. For the construction of the presented distribution model, the occurrence data on invasive plants (Solidagosp.,Fallopiasp.,Robinia pseudoaccacia,andHeracleum mantegazzianum) and Natura 2000 habitat types from the Protected Landscape Area Kokořínsko have been intersected in ArcGIS and statistically analyzed. The data analysis was focused on (1) verification of the accuracy of the Natura 2000 habitat map layer, and the accordance with the habitats occupied by invasive species and (2) identification of a suitable scale of intersection between the habitat and species distribution. Data suitability was evaluated for the construction of the model on local scale. Based on the data, the invaded habitat types were described and the optimal scale grid was evaluated. The results show the suitability of Natura 2000 habitat types for modelling, however more input data (e.g. on soil types, elevation) are needed.

Download Full-text

Field survey on frost damage to roof tiles under climatic conditions

Structural Survey ◽

10.1108/ss-07-2015-0033 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 135-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Chiemi Iba ◽

Ayumi Ueda ◽

Shuichi Hokoi

Keyword(s):

Field Survey ◽

Winter Season ◽

Frost Damage ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Weather Data ◽

Measured Temperature ◽

Content Type ◽

Roof Tile ◽

Deterioration Process ◽

The Impact

Purpose – Frost damage is well-known as the main cause of roof tile deterioration. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical model for predicting the deterioration process under certain climatic conditions. This paper describes the results of a field survey conducted to acquire fundamental information useful to this aim. Design/methodology/approach – A field survey of roof tile damage by freezing was conducted in an old temple precinct in Kyoto, Japan. Using detailed observations and photographic recordings, the damage progress was clarified. To examine the impact of climatic conditions upon the damage characteristics, weather data and roof tile temperatures were measured and logged in the winter season. Findings – The deterioration process was observed under the climatic conditions associated with the measured temperature of the roof tiles. In particular, it was revealed that the orientation has a significant influence on increasing or decreasing the risk of frost damage. For certain distinctive forms of damage, the deterioration mechanisms were estimated from the viewpoint of the moisture flow and temperature distribution in the tile. Originality/value – This study contributes to the elucidation of the mechanism behind frost damage to roof tiles. The findings will guide the construction of a numerical model for frost damage prediction.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the influence of ambient air temperature and air velocity on mortar cement durability using a forced convection solar dryer

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation ◽

10.1108/ijbpa-08-2020-0069 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Younes Bahammou ◽

Mounir Kouhila ◽

Haytem Moussaoui ◽

Hamza Lamsyehe ◽

Zakaria Tagnamas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Forced Convection ◽

Air Temperature ◽

Building Materials ◽

Ambient Air ◽

Physical Significance ◽

Drying Process ◽

Air Velocity ◽

Content Type ◽

Ambient Air Temperature

PurposeThis work aims to study the hydrothermal behavior of mortar cement toward certain environmental factors (ambient air temperature and air velocity) based on its drying kinetics data. The objective is to provide a better understanding and controlling the stability of mortar structures, which integrate the sorption phenomenon, drying process, air pressure and intrinsic characteristics. This leads to predict the comportment of mortar structures in relation with main environmental factors and minimize the risk of cracking mortar structures at an early age.Design/methodology/approachThermokinetic study was carried out in natural and forced convection solar drying at three temperatures 20, 30 and 40°C and three air velocities (1, 3 and 5 m.s-1). The empirical and semiempirical models tested successfully describe the drying kinetics of mortar. These models simulate the drying process of water absorbed by capillarity, which is the most common humidity transfer mechanism in building materials and contain parameters with physical significance, which integrate the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures.FindingsThe models simulate the drying process of water absorbed by capillarity, which is the most common humidity transfer mechanism in building materials and contain parameters with physical significance, which integrate the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures. The average activation energy obtained expressed the temperature effect on the mortar diffusivity. The drying constant and the diffusion coefficient can be used to predict the influence of these environmental factors on the drying behavior of various building materials and therefore on their durability.Originality/valueEvaluation of the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures on their durability.

Download Full-text

EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF FEEDING BROILER CHICKENS OF THE ARBOR ACRES CROSS IN HOT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHAD

Izvestiâ Timirâzevskoj selʹskohozâjstvennoj akademii ◽

10.26897/0021-342x-2020-5-72-82 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 72-82

Author(s):

M.V. LAZKO ◽

◽

ADAM A. ABDERAKHIM

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Central Africa ◽

Live Weight ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Geochemical Conditions ◽

Blood Biochemical ◽

The Republic ◽

The University

The paper presents the results of evaluating the efficiency of feed rations offered to broilers of the Arbor Acres cross, formed taking into account the climatic, geochemical conditions of Central Africa and its native food flora. The study was conducted on the basis of an experimental farm at the University of N’Djamena, the Republic of Chad. In the experiment, the authors used five formulas of feed rations, which are currently used by farms in the Republic of Chad for growing broiler chickens. They mainly contain locally availble ingredients. To increase the resistance of the poultry organism to unfavorable environmental factors, the chickens of the control and experimental groups were given “TETRACOLIVIT” and “AMIN’TOTAL” vitamins. The efficiency of feed rations was evaluated by determining the age dynamics of live weight, average weekly gains in live weight and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross from 1 to 42 days of life. The formula of feed ration No. 1 proved to be the most effective in terms of the cross productivity.

Download Full-text

First language effects on the identification and evaluation of second language speech

Nederlandse taalkunde ◽

10.5117/nedtaa2021.2.002.ping ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 171-194

Author(s):

Anne-France Pinget

Keyword(s):

Second Language ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Language Proficiency ◽

Native Speakers ◽

First Language ◽

Language Aptitude ◽

Content Type ◽

It Impacts ◽

Language Effects

Abstract In Belgium, Dutch as spoken by Francophone learners is relatively frequent in political, commercial or educational contexts. While the characteristics of this second language (L2) variety have been studied extensively, there is to date no systematic report of how it is evaluated by either native speakers of Dutch or non-natives. Previous studies conducted in other language contexts have found that non-natives tend to be very critical towards L2 accents similar to their own. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the extent to which the listener’s first language (L1) impacts ratings of the fluency, accentedness and comprehensibility of L2 Dutch as spoken by Francophone learners and how it impacts the identification of the speakers’ L1. Specifically, we compared ratings by three groups of listeners: Francophone learners of Dutch, native speakers of Belgian Dutch and native speakers of Netherlandic Dutch. Moreover, the extent to which three additional cognitive and environmental factors influence L2 ratings is examined: listeners’ familiarity with the L2 variety, their language aptitude and language proficiency. The results show that the majority of native and non-native listeners recognized the speakers’ L1 (French). Non-native listeners perceived L2 speech as less fluent, less comprehensible and more accented than natives did, which corroborates the previously reported critical attitudes towards a shared L2 accent. Moreover, subtle differences in accent and fluency ratings were found between the Netherlandic Dutch and the Belgian Dutch listeners. No clear effects of other cognitive and environmental factors appeared in the ratings.

Download Full-text

Investigating the level and determinants of hibah knowledge: a study among Muslims in Kedah, Malaysia

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research ◽

10.1108/jiabr-05-2020-0167 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Nur Syaedah Kamis ◽

Norazlina Abd. Wahab

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Social Influence ◽

Islamic Education ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Estate Planning ◽

Content Type ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Planning And Management ◽

The Government

Purpose This paper aims to explore the level of hibah knowledge among Muslims in Kedah and investigate its determinants, consisting of education level, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media. Design/methodology/approach This study is quantitative in nature. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data from Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah. In total, 195 questionnaires were collected and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings The study finds that Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah have good knowledge of hibah. Further, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media were identified as significant factors that influence their knowledge of hibah. Research limitations/implications The first limitation is its narrow focus in surveying Muslims only in Alor Setar, Kedah. The second limitation is the limited number of determinants used in investigating hibah knowledge among Muslims and the techniques used in analyzing the data. Despite these limitations, the study’s findings provide invaluable insights into the factors influencing hibah knowledge among Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah. Practical implications This study provides insights regarding the significant personal factors and environmental factors to increase Muslims’ knowledge of hibah. The link between the Islamic education stream and hibah knowledge provides a clear indication that Islamic education can curb the economic problems caused by the substantial amounts of frozen and unclaimed assets in Malaysia. A significant relationship between the environmental factors (social influence and social media) and hibah knowledge also implies that the government and private agencies related to Islamic estate planning and management may use these significant determinants as part of the marketing strategy to increase the usage of hibah as an alternative tool for estate planning. Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of Muslims’ knowledge about hibah. The government and related agencies in Islamic estate planning and management can now gain better insights into Muslims’ level of knowledge about hibah and the factors influencing their knowledge of hibah as an effective tool for Islamic estate planning and management. Hence, more effective strategies can be recommended to enhance the knowledge of Muslims on hibah. The findings of this study should be of value to the government in its effort to address the increasing number of frozen estates in Malaysia.

Download Full-text