scholarly journals Genome-Resolved Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Presence of a Putative Bacterial Endosymbiont in an Avian Nasal Mite (Rhinonyssidae; Mesostigmata)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1734
Author(s):  
Carolina Osuna-Mascaró ◽  
Jorge Doña ◽  
Kevin P. Johnson ◽  
Manuel de Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Wild Bird ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Disease Vectors ◽  
Small Genome ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Endosymbiotic Bacteria

Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata) is a family of nasal mites only found in birds. All species are hematophagous endoparasites, which may damage the nasal cavities of birds, and also could be potential reservoirs or vectors of other infections. However, the role of members of Rhinonyssidae as disease vectors in wild bird populations remains uninvestigated, with studies of the microbiomes of Rhinonyssidae being almost non-existent. In the nasal mite (Tinaminyssus melloi) from rock doves (Columba livia), a previous study found evidence of a highly abundant putatively endosymbiotic bacteria from Class Alphaproteobacteria. Here, we expanded the sample size of this species (two different hosts- ten nasal mites from two independent samples per host), incorporated contamination controls, and increased sequencing depth in shotgun sequencing and genome-resolved metagenomic analyses. Our goal was to increase the information regarding this mite species and its putative endosymbiont. We obtained a metagenome assembled genome (MAG) that was estimated to be 98.1% complete and containing only 0.9% possible contamination. Moreover, the MAG has characteristics typical of endosymbionts (namely, small genome size an AT bias). Overall, our results support the presence of a potential endosymbiont, which is the first described for avian nasal mites to date, and improve the overall understanding of the microbiota inhabiting these mites.

scholarly journals Genome-resolved metagenomic analyses reveal the presence of a bacterial endosymbiont in an avian nasal mite (Rhinonyssidae; Mesostigmata)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Osuna-Mascaro ◽  
Jorge Dona ◽  
Kevin P. Johnson ◽  
Manuel de Rojas Alvarez
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Wild Bird ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Disease Vectors ◽  
Bacterial Taxon ◽  
Bacterial Endosymbiont ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Endosymbiotic Bacteria

Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata) is a family of nasal mites only found in birds. All species are hematophagous endoparasites, which may damage the nasal cavities of birds, and also could be potential reservoirs or vectors of other infections. However, the role of members of Rhinonyssidae as disease vectors in wild bird populations remains uninvestigated, with studies of the microbiomes of Rhinonyssidae being almost non-existent. In the nasal mite (Tinaminyssus melloi) from rock doves (Columba livia), a previous study found evidence of a highly abundant putatively endosymbiotic bacteria from Class Alphaproteobacteria. Here, we expanded the sample size of this species, incorporated contamination controls, and increased sequencing depth in shotgun sequencing and genome-resolved metagenomic analyses. Our goal was to increase the information regarding this mite species with its putative endosymbiont. Our results support the endosymbiotic nature of this bacterial taxon, which is the first described for bird's nasal mites to date, and improve the overall understanding of the microbiota inhabiting these mites.

A ROLE OF WILD BIRD POPULATION IN THE TRANSMISSION OF PARASITIC FLATWORMS (PLATYHELMINTHES: CESTOIDEA AND TREMATODEA) IN VIETNAM’S FOREST

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 99-107
Author(s):  
Boyko Georgiev B. ◽  
Jean Mariaux ◽  
Gergana Vasileva P ◽  
Huy Nguyen Quoc ◽  
Manh Vu Quang
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Wild Bird ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Mountainous Region ◽  
Bird Population ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Avian Populations

The study aimed to evaluate the role of transmitting flatworms (Cestoidea and Trematodea) of wild bird populations in three national parks of Vietnam: Xuan Son in the Northwest mountainous region, Tam Dao in the Northeast mountainous region, and Cat Ba in the Hong River Delta region. Twenty-two wild avian species of 10 families were found to contain parasitic flatworms. According to the number of avian species containing parasitic flatworms, bird families are ranking: Timaliidae recorded with 7 species > Leiothrichidae and Nectariniidae both with 3 species > Pycononotidae and Muscicapidae both with 2 species > Vireonidae, Sylvidae, Picidae, Cisticolidae and Cettiidae with 1 species. According to sex, avian populations containing parasitic flatworms decrease in the order: females accounting for 43.94% of the total individuals > males for 39.40% > juveniles for 16.66%. Three bird species containing flatworms A. pallidus, M. gularis and C. bayumas were found in two of the studied national parks, among them, only the first species was found common to all three studied national parks. They are vectors of high significance from a parasitological point of view.

The Potential Role of Endogenous Viral Elements in the Evolution of Bats as Reservoirs for Zoonotic Viruses

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia C. Skirmuntt ◽  
Marina Escalera-Zamudio ◽  
Emma C. Teeling ◽  
Adrian Smith ◽  
Aris Katzourakis
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Endogenous Retroviruses ◽  
Small Genome ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
Endogenous Viruses ◽  
Foamy Viruses ◽  
Endogenous Viral Elements

Despite a small genome size, bats have comparable diversity of retroviral and non-retroviral endogenous sequences to other mammals. These include Class I and Class II retroviral sequences, foamy viruses, and deltaretroviruses, as well as filovirus, bornavirus, and parvovirus endogenous viral elements. Some of these endogenous viruses are sufficiently preserved in bat genomes to be expressed, with potential effects for host biology. It is clear that the bat immune system differs when compared with other mammals, yet the role that virus-derived endogenous elements may have played in the evolution of bat immunity is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss some of the bat-specific immune mechanisms that may have resulted in a virus-tolerant phenotype and link these to the long-standing virus-host coevolution that may have allowed a large diversity of endogenous retroviruses and other endogenous viral elements to colonize bat genomes. We also consider the possible effects of endogenization in the evolution of the bat immune system.

The role of demographic variables as the moderator between organizational variables and job stress among teachers in Sabah

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Najihah Hanisah Marmaya ◽  
Syed Azizi Wafa
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Occupational Groups ◽  
Organizational Variables ◽  
Population Norms ◽  
The United Kingdom

A nationwide investigation into stress among teachers in the United Kingdom, found teachers to be reporting stress-related problems which were far higher than those of the population norms and other comparable occupational groups. Job stress can be influenced by personal factors (Matteson & Ivancevich, 1999). The present study examined the role of demographic variables as the moderator between organizational variables and job stress. A sample size of 177 teachers participated in this study revealed that teachers in Tawau and Lahad Datu experienced low stress levels. This study found that demographic variables do not serve as the moderator between organizational variables and job stress.

scholarly journals Sialic Acids as Receptors for Pathogens

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 831
Author(s):  
Patrycja Burzyńska ◽  
Łukasz F. Sobala ◽  
Krzysztof Mikołajczyk ◽  
Marlena Jodłowska ◽  
Ewa Jaśkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Sialic Acids ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Disease Vectors ◽  
Animal Disease ◽  
Parasite Plasmodium ◽  
Parasite Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Infection Biology ◽  
Species Specific

Carbohydrates have long been known to mediate intracellular interactions, whether within one organism or between different organisms. Sialic acids (Sias) are carbohydrates that usually occupy the terminal positions in longer carbohydrate chains, which makes them common recognition targets mediating these interactions. In this review, we summarize the knowledge about animal disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa (including the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum) in which Sias play a role in infection biology. While Sias may promote binding of, e.g., influenza viruses and SV40, they act as decoys for betacoronaviruses. The presence of two common forms of Sias, Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc, is species-specific, and in humans, the enzyme converting Neu5Ac to Neu5Gc (CMAH, CMP-Neu5Ac hydroxylase) is lost, most likely due to adaptation to pathogen regimes; we discuss the research about the influence of malaria on this trait. In addition, we present data suggesting the CMAH gene was probably present in the ancestor of animals, shedding light on its glycobiology. We predict that a better understanding of the role of Sias in disease vectors would lead to more effective clinical interventions.

Possible cues driving context-specific adaptation of optocollic reflex in pigeons (Columba livia)

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 704-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri Gioanni ◽  
Pierre-Paul Vidal
Keyword(s):  
Columba Livia ◽  
Motor Command ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Gaze Stabilization ◽  
Specific Adaptation ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Fast Phase ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Context Cues

Context-specific adaptation (Shelhamer M, Clendaniel R. Neurosci Lett 332: 200–204, 2002) explains that reflexive responses can be maintained with different “calibrations” for different situations (contexts). Which context cues are crucial and how they combine to evoke context-specific adaptation is not fully understood. Gaze stabilization in birds is a nice model with which to tackle that question. Previous data showed that when pigeons ( Columba livia) were hung in a harness and subjected to a frontal airstream provoking a flying posture (“flying condition”), the working range of the optokinetic head response [optocollic reflex (OCR)] extended toward higher velocities compared with the “resting condition.” The present study was aimed at identifying which context cues are instrumental in recalibrating the OCR. We investigated that question by using vibrating stimuli delivered during the OCR provoked by rotating the visual surroundings at different velocities. The OCR gain increase and the boost of the fast phase velocity observed during the “flying condition” were mimicked by body vibration. On the other hand, the newly emerged relationship between the fast-phase and slow-phase velocities in the “flying condition” was mimicked by head vibration. Spinal cord lesion at the lumbosacral level decreased the effects of body vibration, whereas lesions of the lumbosacral apparatus had no effect. Our data suggest a major role of muscular proprioception in the context-specific adaptation of the stabilizing behavior, while the vestibular system could contribute to the context-specific adaptation of the orienting behavior. Participation of an efferent copy of the motor command driving the flight cannot be excluded.

scholarly journals Statistical Primer for Athletic Trainers: Understanding the Role of Statistical Power in Comparative Athletic Training Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 716-719
Author(s):  
Monica R. Lininger ◽  
Bryan L. Riemann
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Training Research ◽  
Α Level

Objective: To describe the concept of statistical power as related to comparative interventions and how various factors, including sample size, affect statistical power.Background: Having a sufficiently sized sample for a study is necessary for an investigation to demonstrate that an effective treatment is statistically superior. Many researchers fail to conduct and report a priori sample-size estimates, which then makes it difficult to interpret nonsignificant results and causes the clinician to question the planning of the research design.Description: Statistical power is the probability of statistically detecting a treatment effect when one truly exists. The α level, a measure of differences between groups, the variability of the data, and the sample size all affect statistical power.Recommendations: Authors should conduct and provide the results of a priori sample-size estimations in the literature. This will assist clinicians in determining whether the lack of a statistically significant treatment effect is due to an underpowered study or to a treatment's actually having no effect.

The role of libraries in the dissemination of health information in Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 320-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuelo Ntlotlang ◽  
Balulwami Grand
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Health Information Sources

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of public libraries in the dissemination of health information in the southern part of Botswana, namely, Kgatleng and Kweneng districts. It also explored how these libraries market health information services to the community they serve. The study also used health information acquisition model to get an understanding on how public library users seek health information. Design/methodology/approach The survey research design was chosen for the study and purposive sampling procedure was used to obtain the sample size of the population. The sample size consisted of 120 respondents and six interviewees. Data were collected from both library staff and users using questionnaires and interviews. Findings The results of the study showed that public libraries are striving to provide accurate and useful health information to members of the community by collecting and availing both print and electronic health information sources. The findings further indicated that public libraries have marketing programmes that they use on raising awareness of health information to their clientele. The marketing programmes include outreach, library brochures/leaflets, newsletters and library exhibitions. The results of the study also showed that there were some challenges that hindered the library users to access and use health information (e.g. lack of appropriateness of information resources and limited number of health information sources). Originality/value For a better dissemination of health information, public libraries should establish working relationships with health agencies and communication organisations or media houses with the objective of cooperative developments of collections, referrals and shared training.

scholarly journals TAX INCENTIVES AND ENTERPRISE GROWTH OF AGRO-BUSINESS FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE

2018 ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Okwurume, Clarance Nkasirim ◽  
B. Chima Onuoha
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Tax Incentives ◽  
First Year ◽  
Enterprise Growth ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Tax Holiday

This study sought to ascertain the role of tax incentives on the growth of agro-businesses in Rivers state. Six agro-businesses make up the target population. 202 staffs from the six agro firms formed the accessible population. Sample size is 136 using taro Yamane. 124 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved. Data was collected with copies of questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that tax incentives such as tax holiday and capital allowances promote the growth of agro-businesses. It recommended that agro-business firms should use the opportunity provided by governments to apply for tax incentives in their first year of operations in order to enhance their growth.

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