scholarly journals Spatial and temporal patterns of human Puumala virus (PUUV) infections in Germany

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Cunze ◽  
Judith Kochmann ◽  
Thomas Kuhn ◽  
Raphael Frank ◽  
Dorian D. Dörge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Puumala Virus ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Background Worldwide, the number of recorded human hantavirus infections as well as the number of affected countries is on the rise. In Europe, most human hantavirus infections are caused by the Puumala virus (PUUV), with bank voles (Myodes glareolus) as reservoir hosts. Generally, infection outbreaks have been related to environmental conditions, particularly climatic conditions, food supply for the reservoir species and land use. However, although attempts have been made, the insufficient availability of environmental data is often hampering accurate temporal and spatially explicit models of human hantavirus infections. Methods In the present study, dynamics of human PUUV infections between 2001 and 2015 were explored using ArcGIS in order to identify spatio-temporal patterns. Results Percentage cover of forest area was identified as an important factor for the spatial pattern, whereas beech mast was found explaining temporal patterns of human PUUV infections in Germany. High numbers of infections were recorded in 2007, 2010 and 2012 and areas with highest records were located in Baden-Wuerttemberg (southwest Germany) and North Rhine-Westphalia (western Germany). Conclusion More reliable data on reservoir host distribution, pathogen verification as well as an increased awareness of physicians are some of the factors that should improve future human infection risk assessments in Germany.

THE NEW RADIOCARBON DATASET FOR TRILITH MONUMENTS OF SOUTHEASTERN ARABIA

Radiocarbon ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
R Garba ◽  
P Demján ◽  
I Svetlik ◽  
D Dreslerová
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Coastal Plains ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Stone Monuments ◽  
South Central ◽  
Geographical Expansion ◽  
Spatio Temporal

ABSTRACT Triliths are megalithic monuments scattered across the coastal plains of southern and southeastern Arabia. They consist of aligned standing stones with a parallel row of large hearths and form a space, the meaning of which is undoubtedly significant but nonetheless still unknown. This paper presents a new radiocarbon (14C) dataset acquired during the two field seasons 2018–2019 of the TSMO (Trilith Stone Monuments of Oman) project which investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of the triliths. The excavation and sampling of trilith hearths across Oman yielded a dataset of 30 new 14C dates, extending the use of trilith monuments to as early as the Iron Age III period (600–300 BC). The earlier dates are linked to two-phase trilith sites in south-central Oman. The three 14C pairs collected from the two-phase trilith sites indicated gaps between the trilith construction phases from 35 to 475 years (2 σ). The preliminary spatio-temporal analysis shows the geographical expansion of populations using trilith monuments during the 5th to 1st century BC and a later pull back in the 1st and 2nd century AD. The new 14C dataset for trilith sites will help towards a better understanding of Iron Age communities in southeastern Arabia.

scholarly journals In Vivo Characterization of a Bank Vole-Derived Cowpox Virus Isolate in Natural Hosts and the Rat Model

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
Saskia Weber ◽  
Kathrin Jeske ◽  
Rainer G. Ulrich ◽  
Christian Imholt ◽  
Jens Jacob ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bank Vole ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Replication Capacity ◽  
Cowpox Virus ◽  
Saguinus Oedipus ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
Common Voles

Cowpox virus (CPXV) belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family and is endemic in western Eurasia. Based on seroprevalence studies in different voles from continental Europe and UK, voles are suspected to be the major reservoir host. Recently, a CPXV was isolated from a bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Germany that showed a high genetic similarity to another isolate originating from a Cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). Here we characterize this first bank vole-derived CPXV isolate in comparison to the related tamarin-derived isolate. Both isolates grouped genetically within the provisionally called CPXV-like 3 clade. Previous phylogenetic analysis indicated that CPXV is polyphyletic and CPXV-like 3 clade represents probably a different species if categorized by the rules used for other orthopoxviruses. Experimental infection studies with bank voles, common voles (Microtus arvalis) and Wistar rats showed very clear differences. The bank vole isolate was avirulent in both common voles and Wistar rats with seroconversion seen only in the rats. In contrast, inoculated bank voles exhibited viral shedding and seroconversion for both tested CPXV isolates. In addition, bank voles infected with the tamarin-derived isolate experienced a marked weight loss. Our findings allow for the conclusion that CPXV isolates might differ in their replication capacity in different vole species and rats depending on their original host. Moreover, the results indicate host-specific differences concerning CPXV-specific virulence. Further experiments are needed to identify individual virulence and host factors involved in the susceptibility and outcome of CPXV-infections in the different reservoir hosts.

Testing automated sensor traps for mammal field studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Notz ◽  
C. Imholt ◽  
D. Reil ◽  
J. Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
The Body ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sensor Signals ◽  
Common Voles ◽  
No Sensor

Context Live traps are regularly used in field and enclosure studies with mammals. In some scenarios, such as, for example, when the focus is on temporal patterns or to minimise the time animals are contained inside the trap for animal-ethics reasons, it can be highly useful to be alerted immediately when an individual is trapped. Aims In the present study, an automated system was trialed that is designed to automatically send a signal to a receiving device (pager, computer, mobile phone) when the body heat or movement of a trapped small mammal is registered by an infrared sensor (ERMINEA permanent monitoring system for rodent detection). Methods Sensors were attached to Ugglan multiple-capture traps and used in laboratory conditions and in semi-natural outdoor enclosures with common voles (Microtus arvalis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus), as well as in the field with bank voles, Apodemus species and common voles. Sensor readings were compared to visual observation and trapping results. Key results In enclosure and field conditions, 100% and 98.7% of traps recorded captured animals correctly. There were no sensor signals when rodents moved along the outside or in the entrance compartment of the traps. Rodents sitting on the trap door triggered the sensor in 50% of cases when there was no bedding in the trap; however, there were no sensor signals if bedding was present. In laboratory trials, 20–70% of traps were falsely triggered by large insects (crickets), depending on ambient temperature and whether bedding was in the trap. Conclusions Generally, the system was a reliable, flexible and easy-to-handle tool to monitor live captures. To minimise false negatives (animals trapped without signal), testing sensor function in the pre-baiting phase and software adjustments are recommended. Implications The sensors are compatible with various trapping and other monitoring devices, providing the potential to be used in a wide range of applications. Their use is likely to optimise study designs, especially when temporal patterns are recorded or animals or samples need to be obtained soon after capture, and to minimise stress of trapped animals because they can be removed shortly after capture.

Environmental and ecological potential for enzootic cycles of Puumala hantavirus in Great Britain

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. BENNETT ◽  
J. CLEMENT ◽  
P. SANSOM ◽  
I. HALL ◽  
S. LEACH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Bank Vole ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Puumala Virus ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Northwest Europe ◽  
Climatic Constraints

SUMMARYPuumala virus (PUUV) is a zoonotic rodent-borne hantavirus in continental Europe. Its reservoir host, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), is ubiquitous in Great Britain (GB); however, there has been no reported incidence of virus in either animals or humans. In northwest Europe, increases in bank vole numbers, stimulated by increases in production of beech/oak crops (mast), are associated with outbreaks of nephropathia epidemica (NE) in humans. These so-called ‘mast years’ are determined by sequential climatic events. This paper investigates the contribution of a number of ecological and environmental factors driving outbreaks of PUUV in northwest Europe and assesses whether such factors might also permit enzootic PUUV circulation in GB. Analysis of GB climate data, using regression models, confirms that mast years in GB are stimulated, and can be predicted, by the same climatic events as mast years in PUUV-endemic regions of northwest Europe. A number of other possible non-climatic constraints on enzootic cycles are discussed.

scholarly journals Validation of the Puumala virus rapid field test for bank voles in Germany

2016 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. REIL ◽  
C. IMHOLT ◽  
U. M. ROSENFELD ◽  
S. DREWES ◽  
S. FISCHER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Test ◽  
Bank Vole ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Puumala Virus ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
Moderate Disease ◽  
Comparison Of The Results ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
Puuv Strain

SUMMARYPuumala virus (PUUV) causes many human infections in large parts of Europe and can lead to mild to moderate disease. The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) is the only reservoir of PUUV in Central Europe. A commercial PUUV rapid field test for rodents was validated for bank-vole blood samples collected in two PUUV-endemic regions in Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg). A comparison of the results of the rapid field test and standard ELISAs indicated a test efficacy of 93–95%, largely independent of the origin of the antigens used in the ELISA. In ELISAs, reactivity for the German PUUV strain was higher compared to the Swedish strain but not compared to the Finnish strain, which was used for the rapid field test. In conclusion, the use of the rapid field test can facilitate short-term estimation of PUUV seroprevalence in bank-vole populations in Germany and can aid in assessing human PUUV infection risk.

scholarly journals Detection of Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Liana Infestation Using Satellite-Derived Imagery

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 2774
Author(s):  
Chris J. Chandler ◽  
Geertje M. F. van der Heijden ◽  
Doreen S. Boyd ◽  
Giles M. Foody
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Hyperspectral Data ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Neural Network Classification ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Over Time

Lianas (woody vines) play a key role in tropical forest dynamics because of their strong influence on tree growth, mortality and regeneration. Assessing liana infestation over large areas is critical to understand the factors that drive their spatial distribution and to monitor change over time. However, it currently remains unclear whether satellite-based imagery can be used to detect liana infestation across closed-canopy forests and therefore if satellite-observed changes in liana infestation can be detected over time and in response to climatic conditions. Here, we aim to determine the efficacy of satellite-based remote sensing for the detection of spatial and temporal patterns of liana infestation across a primary and selectively logged aseasonal forest in Sabah, Borneo. We used predicted liana infestation derived from airborne hyperspectral data to train a neural network classification for prediction across four Sentinel-2 satellite-based images from 2016 to 2019. Our results showed that liana infestation was positively related to an increase in Greenness Index (GI), a simple metric relating to the amount of photosynthetically active green leaves. Furthermore, this relationship was observed in different forest types and during (2016), as well as after (2017–2019), an El Niño-induced drought. Using a neural network classification, we assessed liana infestation over time and showed an increase in the percentage of severely (>75%) liana infested pixels from 12.9% ± 0.63 (95% CI) in 2016 to 17.3% ± 2 in 2019. This implies that reports of increasing liana abundance may be more wide-spread than currently assumed. This is the first study to show that liana infestation can be accurately detected across closed-canopy tropical forests using satellite-based imagery. Furthermore, the detection of liana infestation during both dry and wet years and across forest types suggests this method should be broadly applicable across tropical forests. This work therefore advances our ability to explore the drivers responsible for patterns of liana infestation at multiple spatial and temporal scales and to quantify liana-induced impacts on carbon dynamics in tropical forests globally.

scholarly journals Spatio-Temporal Analysis to Dynamically Map and Audit Urban Growth in Peri-Urban Areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 853-868
Author(s):  
Yasser ElSayed Fouda ◽  
Deena Mohamed ElKhazendar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Growth ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Villages located today in the peri-urban area, are in continuous agglomeration. The lack of proper guidelines and monitoring systems to define, promote, regulate and manage the pattern of development in these areas, causes massive deteriorations to the environment and quality of life. In Egypt, very few states have a dedicated legal framework that addresses the need for planned development in the peri-urban areas. A Spatio-temporal model framework consisting of a set of geospatial indicators is required to regulate and direct the growth and development of these areas and prevent further spill across administrative boundaries. This article responds to the lack of a geo-spatial quantifiable criterion as a key to detect, analyze, and better govern spatial and temporal patterns of urban growth in peri-urban areas, where the results are to be represented dynamically in forms of spatial patterns evolving in time. The research aims to develop a process-wise, contextual mapping of peri-urban dynamics using GIS to detect and analyze spatial and temporal patterns of urban growth. It has been applied to one of the peri-urban areas in Egypt, in Meet Assas Village, chosen as a case study. Miscellaneous primary and secondary data sources together with the methods used for monitoring: UN Criteria (Goal 11) targets, thematic headlines, village’s problems and geo-spatial indicators were the main constitutions of the model frame work. The results show that the village is characterized by a dispersed pattern of development with the absence of basic infrastructure and services. Besides that, the study reveals, through temporal patterns, that the future and unplanned growth will continue to intensify; posing numerous threats on the environment and the quality of life. A harmonized standardized measurement framework for planning, development, and management is crucial rather than demolishing these areas.

What can we learn from untapped wildlife rescue databases? The masked lapwing as a case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham H. Pyke ◽  
Judit K. Szabo
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Information Research ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Management And Conservation

Much untapped potential exists for research based on wildlife rescues and surveys by citizen scientists. Many vertebrate animals are injured or threatened with injury through human activities and warrant ‘rescue’, generally by volunteers. Faunal surveys, involving citizen scientists, yield complementary biologically relevant information. Research using these databases can indicate spatial and temporal patterns in abundance and risk of mishap, potentially informing management and conservation for threatened species. However, little research has utilised such databases, with few implications for conservation, leaving a wealth of available information. We used the masked lapwing (Vanellus miles), an Australian shorebird, to illustrate the research potential of a rescue database combined with bird survey data. This species nests and feeds on the ground, has flightless young dependent on parents for protection, and is commonly observed in urban and agricultural areas. Consequently, it is often recorded during bird surveys and is frequently rescued. Combining rescue information with abundance estimates from bird surveys should confirm or refine knowledge about abundance and reproductive biology, and indicate spatio-temporal patterns in the risks encountered. To evaluate these expectations, we obtained date, location and age for lapwings rescued by NSW Wildlife Information Research and Education Service during 2005–2013, and monthly reporting rates from New Atlas of Australian Birds during 1999–2010. Numbers of rescued lapwing chicks, juveniles and adults per month were consistent with the life cycle of this species, and risks from vehicles, pets and other human activities. Our results illustrate how research utilising rescue and fauna survey databases could inform management and conservation of threatened species.

Spatio-temporal variation of metals and organic contaminants in bank voles (Myodes glareolus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 713 ◽  
pp. 136353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frauke Ecke ◽  
Jonathan P. Benskin ◽  
Åsa M.M. Berglund ◽  
Cynthia A. de Wit ◽  
Emma Engström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
Spatio Temporal

scholarly journals DNA Metabarcoding of Deep-Sea Sediment Communities Using COI: Community Assessment, Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Comparison with 18S rDNA

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Atienza ◽  
Magdalena Guardiola ◽  
Kim Præbel ◽  
Adrià Antich ◽  
Xavier Turon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Deep Sea Sediment ◽  
Dna Metabarcoding ◽  
Nw Mediterranean ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Among the complex ecosystems and habitats that form the deep sea, submarine canyons and open slope systems are regarded as potential hotspots of biodiversity. We assessed the spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity in sediment communities of a NW Mediterranean Canyon and its adjacent open slope (Blanes Canyon) with DNA metabarcoding. We sampled three layers of sediment and four different depths (900–1750 m) at two seasons, and used a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) as a metabarcoding marker. The final dataset contained a total of 15,318 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Metazoa, Stramenopiles and Archaeplastida were the dominant taxa and, within metazoans, Arthropoda, Nematoda and Cnidaria were the most diverse. There was a trend towards decreasing MOTU richness and diversity in the first few cm (1 to 5) of the sediment, with only 26.3% of the MOTUs shared across sediment layers. Our results show the presence of heterogeneous communities in the studied area, which was significantly different between zones, depths and seasons. We compared our results with the ones presented in a previous study, obtained using the v7 region of the 18S rRNA gene in the same samples. There were remarkable differences in the total number of MOTUs and in the most diverse taxa. COI recovered a higher number of MOTUs, but more remained unassigned taxonomically. However, the broad spatio-temporal patterns elucidated from both datasets coincided, with both markers retrieving the same ecological information. Our results showed that COI can be used to accurately characterize the studied communities and constitute a high-resolution method to detect ecological shifts. We also highlight that COI reference databases for deep-sea organisms have important gaps, and their completeness is essential in order to successfully apply metabarcoding techniques.

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