Seasonal distribution and habitat use preference of Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Punjab Pakistan / Distribuição sazonal e preferência de uso de habitat de veados-latidos (Muntiacus vaginalis) no Parque Nacional Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta, Punjab Paquistão

Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (χ2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

Seasonal distribution and habitat use preference of Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Punjab Pakistan

ABSTRACT Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

RESUMO Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

Seasonal distribution and habitat use preference of Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Punjab Pakistan / Distribuição sazonal e preferência de uso de habitat de veados-latidos (Muntiacus vaginalis) no Parque Nacional Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta, Punjab Paquistão

Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (χ2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

Concentrations of SO42-,NO3-,Cl- and NH4+ in atmospheric PM2.5 in Zhoushan / 预防医学

Objective@#To understand the concentrations and source of SO42-,NO3-,Cl- and NH4+ in atmospheric PM2.5 in Zhoushan,and to provide reference for controlling PM2.5 and formulating effective environmental protection measures.@*Methods@#Monitoring sites in new districts of Zhoushan were set up to continuously collect PM2.5 from 10th to 16th of each month and under the hazy weather during 2015-2016（AQI > 200）. The mass concentration of PM2.5 was measured by weighing method,and the concentrations of SO42-,NO3-,Cl- and NH4+ in PM2.5 components was detected by ion chromatography. @*Results@#The average daily concentration of PM2.5 in Zhoushan from 2015 to 2016 was（40.91±27.39）μg/m3. The concentration of the four water-soluble non-metal ions in PM2.5 components was 3.56-103.03 μg/m3,with an average of（23.06±20.00）μg/m3,accounting for about 56.64% of PM2.5 contents. The average monthly concentration of SO42- was the highest[（10.35±6.48）μg/m3],while the average monthly concentration of Cl- was the lowest [（0.49±0.73）μg/m3]. The concentration of the four ions was the highest in winter[（37.56±27.74）μg/m3]and the lowest in summer[（12.32±5.88）μg/m3]. The differences between different seasons was statistically significant（P<0.05）. The highest concentration of NO3- occurred in winter,which was（14.48±13.28）μg/m3. The concentration ratio of NO3- to SO42- ranged from 0 to 2.58,with an average of 0.55. There were 28 days（14.74%）with the ratio greater than one,22 days of which was in winter.@*Conclusion@#The concentration of SO42- was the highest and Cl- was the lowest in atmospheric PM2.5 in Zhoushan. The highest concentration of the four ions occurred in winter. The concentration of NO3- in winter was higher than that of SO42-,suggesting that motor vehicle exhaust might be the main source of PM2.5 in winter.

Viral and Bacterial Etiology of Acute Febrile Respiratory Syndrome among Patients in Qinghai, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study was conducted to investigate the viral and bacterial etiology and epidemiology of patients with acute febrile respiratory syndrome (AFRS) in Qinghai using a commercial routine multiplex-ligation-nucleic acid amplification test (NAT)-based assay.@*METHODS@#A total of 445 nasopharyngeal swabs specimens from patients with AFRS were analyzed using the RespiFinderSmart22kit (PathoFinder BV, Netherlands) and the LightCycler 480 real-time PCR system.@*RESULTS@#Among the 225 (225/445, 51%) positive specimens, 329 positive pathogens were detected, including 298 (90.58%) viruses and 31 (9%) bacteria. The most commonly detected pathogens were influenza virus (IFV; 37.39%; 123/329), adenovirus (AdV; 17.02%; 56/329), human coronaviruses (HCoVs; 10.94%; 36/329), rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV; 10.03%; 33/329), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs; 8.51%; 28/329), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneu; 8.51%; 28/329), respectively. Among the co-infected cases (17.53%; 78/445), IFV/AdV and IFV/M. pneu were the most common co-infections. Most of the respiratory viruses were detected in summer and fall.@*CONCLUSION@#In our study, IFV-A was the most common respiratory pathogen among 22 detected pathogens, followed by AdV, HCoV, RV/EV, PIV, and M. pneu. Bacteria appeared less frequently than viruses, and co-infection was the most common phenomenon among viral pathogens. Pathogens were distributed among different age groups and respiratory viruses were generally active in July, September, and November. Enhanced surveillance and early detection can be useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AFRS, as well as for guiding the development of appropriate public health strategies.

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Descripción de la variación estacional en la mortalidad materna de México y el estado de Yucatán 2002-2016 / Description of seasonal variation in maternal mortality in Mexico and the state of Yucatan between 2002 and 2016

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la distribución bimestral y anual de los casos de mortalidad materna en la República Mexicana y en el estado de Yucatán. Materiales y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, observacional, transversal y retrospectivo que incluyó todos los registros de mortalidad materna directa asentados en las bases de datos de la Secretaría de Salud, de 2002 a 2016. La distribución de la razón de muerte materna esperada-observada se graficó por bimestres. Los análisis estadísticos se efectuaron con el programa Stata 14. Resultados: El registro de nacimientos anuales entre 2002 y 2016 en México fue, en promedio, de 2,549,398 con una tasa de natalidad bimestral promedio, en el estado de Yucatán, de 3.02 ± 0.32, con valores máximos en los meses de septiembre y octubre. La media anual de mortalidad materna fue de 1123 casos. El total de casos nacionales de mortalidad materna directa fue de 17,088 y de 269 en el estado de Yucatán (1.57%). En el análisis de distribución bimestral de los casos de mortalidad materna se observó una frecuencia uniforme (0.94-1.06) a nivel nacional y una distribución unimodal en el bimestre septiembre-octubre (0.76-1.42) en Yucatán. El riesgo relativo de mortalidad materna en el estado de Yucatán fue significativamente mayor en septiembre y octubre (RR = 0.57- IC95% 0.73:1.00; p < 0.05) periodo en el que ocurren casi un cuarto de los casos de mortalidad de todo el año. Conclusiones: La distribución estacional de la mortalidad materna nacional muestra mínimas variaciones bimestrales, pero en el estado de Yucatán se registran más casos entre septiembre y octubre, que a su vez coincide con la distribución de nacimientos en la entidad.

Abstract Objective: To describe the annual bimonthly distribution of cases of maternal mortality at the national and Yucatan state levels. Materials and methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study, which included all direct maternal mortality registries with ICD-10 letter "O" registered in the open access databases of the Mexican Ministry of Health, between 2002-2016. The distribution of expected/observed MM ratio was plotted by bimonthly. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14 statistical program. Results: In Mexico, an average of 2,549,398 births were recorded between 2002 and 2016, with an average bimonthly birth rate in the state of Yucatan of 3.02 ± 0.32, with maximum values in September and October. Throughout the country, an average annual maternal mortality rate of 1123 cases was recorded between 2002 and 2016. The total number of cases of direct maternal mortality was 17,088 at the national level and 269 in the state of Yucatan (1.57%). In the analysis of bimonthly distribution of cases of maternal mortality, a uniform bimonthly frequency (0.94-1.06) was observed at the national level, while a unimodal distribution was observed in the September-October bimonthly (0.76-1.42) for the state of Yucatan. The relative risk of maternal mortality in the state of Yucatan is significantly higher in September-October bimonthly (RR =0.57- CI95% 0.73:1.00; p < 0.05), period in which almost a quarter of the mortality cases occurred.

Seasonality of clustering of fever and diarrhea in Beijing, 2009-2015 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and diarrhea.Methods Concentration degree and circular distribution methods were used to analyze the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and diarrhea in Beijing from 2009 to 2015.The information were collected from the Infectious Disease Surveillance Information System of Beijing.Results The M values of the clustering of fever and diarrhea were 0.57 and 0.47.Circular distribution results showed that the clustering of fever and diarrhea angle dispersion index R values were 0.57 and 0.46 respectively,the sample average angle of Rayleigh's test Z values were 414.14,148.09 respectively (all P＜0.01).The clustering of fever and diarrhea had seasonality.The incidence peak of fever was on October 13,and the epidemic period was during August 13-December 14.The incidence peak of diarrhea was on July 31,and the epidemic period was during May 20-October 11.Conclusion The clustering of fever had obvious seasonality in Beijing,which mainly occurred in auttmn and winter.The cluster of diarrhea had certain seasonality,which mainly occurred in summer and autumn.

Seasonality of clustering of fever and diarrhea in Beijing, 2009-2015 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and diarrhea.Methods Concentration degree and circular distribution methods were used to analyze the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and diarrhea in Beijing from 2009 to 2015.The information were collected from the Infectious Disease Surveillance Information System of Beijing.Results The M values of the clustering of fever and diarrhea were 0.57 and 0.47.Circular distribution results showed that the clustering of fever and diarrhea angle dispersion index R values were 0.57 and 0.46 respectively,the sample average angle of Rayleigh's test Z values were 414.14,148.09 respectively (all P＜0.01).The clustering of fever and diarrhea had seasonality.The incidence peak of fever was on October 13,and the epidemic period was during August 13-December 14.The incidence peak of diarrhea was on July 31,and the epidemic period was during May 20-October 11.Conclusion The clustering of fever had obvious seasonality in Beijing,which mainly occurred in auttmn and winter.The cluster of diarrhea had certain seasonality,which mainly occurred in summer and autumn.

Distribución estacional de miasis mucocutánea. Nuestra experiencia / Seasonal distribution of mucocutaneousmyiasis. Our experience / Distribuição sazonal de miíase mucocutânea. A nossa experiencia

Introducción: la miasis es una lesión producida por larvas de mosca que infestan animales, de cuyos tejidos se alimentan en forma parasitaria. En nuestro servicio de otorrinolaringología tratamos frecuentemente pacientes con miasis mucocutáneas. El comprender la distribución estacional de esta patología podría ser una herramienta útil para la prevención de la misma. Métodos: Se valoraron las historias clínicas informatizadas del servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Federico Abete de Malvinas Argentinas, entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2015, utilizando como filtro la palabra “miasis”; de las cuales se analizaron las variables: mes de infestación, sitio anatómico comprometido, la edad, el género y la temperatura al momento de la consulta. Resultados: Se encontraron 27 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 42 años. Quince pacientes masculinos y 12 femeninos. Sitio anatómico comprometido: conducto auditivo externo: 11; traqueostoma: 8; Sitio operatorio: 5; oído medio: 3. Todos fueron diagnosticados en las estaciones más cálidas. Conclusiones: Se observó la aparición de miasis en las estaciones más cálidas. Sería aconsejable tomar mayor cantidad de medidas preventivas durante estas épocas del año, para evitar los casos de infestación larvaria, cuando es posible.

Introduction: Myiasis refers to the damage caused by fly larvaes, which infest animals, including humans, and who feed in form parasitic of their dead or living tissue, causing tissue destruction. In our department of otolaryngology, we often treat patients with mucocutaneous myiasis. Understand the seasonal distribution of this disease could be a useful tool for preventing it. Method: Computerized medical records of Otolaryngology Service of Hospital Municipal Dr. Federico Abete of Malvinas Argentinas were valued, in the period between 2013 and 2015, it was used as a filter the word “myiasis”. Were found a series of 27 cases with diagnosis of mucocutaneous myiasis; of which were analyzed the variables: month of infestation, involved anatomic site, age and temperature at the time of medical consultation. Results: 27 patients were found. The average age was 42 years. 15 male patients and 12 female patients. Involved anatomic site: external auditory canal: 11; tracheostomy: 8; infestation surgical site: 5; middle ear: 3. All were diagnosed in the warmer seasons. Conclusions: The appearance of myiasis was observed in the warmer seasons. It would be advisable to take as many preventative measures during these times of the year to avoid cases of larval infestation, when possible.

Introdução: Miíase é uma lesão causada por larvas de moscas que infestam animais e dos que se alimentam de forma parasitária de seus tecidos. Em nosso departamento de otorrinolaringología tratamos muitas vezes pacientes com miíase mucocutânea. Compreender a distribuiçãos a zonal destado ença poderia ser uma ferramenta útil para evitar isso. Método: Forama valiados registros médicos computadorizados de Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Municipal Dr. Federico Abete de Malvinas Argentinas, no período entre 2013 e 2015, ele foi usado como filtro a palavra “miasis”. Foram encontradas uma série de 27 casos com diagnóstico de miíase mucocutânea; dos quais foram analisados as variáveis: mês de infestação, local anatómico en volvidos, idade e sexo dos pacientes; que foram comparados com os dados de temperatura do Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Resultados: 27 pacientes foram encontrados. A idade média foi de 42 anos. 15 pacientes do sexo masculino e 12 do sexo feminino. Local anatômico envolvidos: canal auditivo externo: 11; traqueostomia: 8; infestação de sítio cirúrgico: 5; ouvido médio: 3. Todos foram diagnosticados nas estações mais quentes. Conclusões: O aparecimento de miíases foi observada nas estações mais quentes. Seria aconselhável tomar tantas medidas preventivas durante estas épocas do ano para evitar casos de infestação larval, quando possível.

Occurrences of Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Aim: To investigate the occurrences and seasonal distribution of idiopathic clubfoot at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Study Design: A five – year – retrospective cross – sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi – Ghana, between November 2015 and March 2016. Methodology: Clinical folders of all congenital clubfoot cases over the stipulated period were reviewed, out of which 420 fell under idiopathic category of the deformity. Data on the demographic characteristics, coupled with the occurrences, in time series, of idiopathic clubfoot, were retrieved, entered into SPSS version 20, and analyzed with inferential and descriptive statistical tools. Results: Four hundred and twenty (420) cases of idiopathic clubfoot were reviewed. Males recorded higher prevalence 217 (51.7%) than females, with majority of the cases (57.0%) being bilateral. Chi square testing revealed that there was no significant association between gender and number of feet affected (P = .95), and no significant associations between the climatic season and the following; dominant gender category affected (P = .43) and number of feet affected (P = .31). Analysis of the trend line produced (r = - 0.04), confirming a negative trend of the deformity since 2010, but the slope parameter is not significant at 5% significance level (P = 0.09). Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, external climatic conditions may have very little or no influence on the occurrences and distribution of idiopathic clubfoot. Thus, the aetiology may be skewed largely to inherent pathophysiologic and or genetic events during foetal development.

Exploration of Actinobacteria from Mangrove Ecosystems of Nizampatnam and Coringa for Antimicrobial Compounds and Industrial Enzymes.

Aim: A study was made to examine the kinship between the seasonal distribution of actinobacteria and the physico-chemical properties of the mangrove sediments of Nizampatnam and Coringa located along the South East coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany and Microbiology, between April 2010 to February 2011. Methodology: Seasonal enumeration of actinobacteria from two different stations 1 (Nizampatnam) and 2 (Coringa) accorded by four different pre-treatments of soil sediments followed by plating onto three different media showed high incidence of actinobacteria in the month of February and least in December. Pretreatment with calcium carbonate and plating on starch casein agar yielded maximum number of actinobacteria. The strains were identified based on the morphological characteristics such as aerial mycelium, substrate mycelium, diffusible pigments and micro morphological features. Results: The present investigation revealed that majority of the mangrove actinobacteria 69%) belongs to Streptomyces spp. Among the 55 isolates screened for antimicrobial compounds, 28 were found to be potential producers. The isolates could also produce commercially important enzymes such as L-asparaginase, cellulase and amylase. In addition the statistical study also revealed that positive correlation between the distribution of the actinomycetes and influence of physico-chemical parameters and the organic matter of the soil. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the unexplored regions like Nizampatnam and Coringa mangrove ecosystems are proved as potential sites for antimicrobial and industrial enzyme producing actinobacteria.

Seasonal Distribution of Ticks in Four Habitats near the Demilitarized Zone, Gyeonggi-do (Province), Republic of Korea

This study describes the seasonal distribution of larvae, nymph, and adult life stages for 3 species of ixodid ticks collected by tick drag and sweep methods from various habitats in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Grasses less than 0.5 m in height, including herbaceous and crawling vegetation, and deciduous, conifer, and mixed forests with abundant leaf/needle litter were surveyed at United States (US) and ROK operated military training sites and privately owned lands near the demilitarized zone from April-October, 2004 and 2005. Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann adults and nymphs were more frequently collected from April-August, while those of Haemaphysalis flava Neumann and Ixodes nipponensis Kitaoka and Saito were collected more frequently from April-July and again during October. H. longicornis was the most frequently collected tick in grass habitats (98.9%), while H. flava was more frequently collected in deciduous (60.2%) and conifer (57.4%) forest habitats. While more H. flava (54.1%) were collected in mixed forest habitats than H. longicornis (35.2%), the differences were not significant. I. nipponensis was more frequently collected from conifer (mean 8.8) compared to deciduous (3.2) and mixed (2.4) forests.

Study on the seasonal distribution of human rabies in different regions of China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective Using simple quantitative methods to describe the seasonal distribution of rabies in different provinces of China and to analyze how it was influenced by geographical settings,to provide evidence for risk assessment and prediction of potential epidemics of rabies.Methods A total number of 17 800 clinical and laboratory confirmed rabies cases,reported by 29 provinces,from 2005 to 2011 and related data were collected from National Disease Reporting Information System.Data on related latitudes and longitudes of different provinces were obtained from the National Geographic Information Center.Excel 2003 was used to draw the national and provincial seasonal distribution curves while SPSS 18.0 was used to calculate parameters as P25,P50,P75,inter-quartile range Q and kurtosis so as analyze the linear correlation between P25,kurtosis and the latitude of different provinces respectively.Results The nation-wide incidence of rabies was low in February.The peaks fell in summer and autumn,especially in August.Seasonal distribution curves of P25,P50,P75,inter-quartile range (Q) and kurtosis were different among provinces.Compared to the low latitude areas,high latitude areas had higher P25,smaller Q and higher kurtosis.In 9 provinces where the annual reported number of cases more than 100,the related coefficients (r) between latitude and both P25,kurtosis were 0.9342 and 0.8528 respectively (P＜0.05).Conclusion There was a distinct seasonality of rabies occurrence in China which was correlated to the geographical settings which was more obvious in the higher latitude areas.

Clinical and Epidemiological Comparison of Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Seoul, Korea, 2003-2008

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) shares clinical and epidemiological characteristics with well-known respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological differences between HMPV- and RSV-induced wheezing illnesses. A total of 1,008 nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens was collected from 1,008 pediatric patients hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infection at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from December 2003 to April 2008, and tested for seven common respiratory viruses. Conditions classified as wheezing illness were bronchiolitis, reactive airways disease, and bronchial asthma. HMPV caused a significantly lower proportion of wheezing illness when compared to RSV (48.1% vs. 82.2%, P<0.05). HMPV-induced wheezing illness occurred predominantly in older patients when compared to RSV patients (P<0.001). RSV infections peaked in the fall and winter followed by peaks of HMPV infection in winter and spring. Eosinophil counts were significantly higher (P<0.01) in RSV patients when compared to HMPV patients. These results show that human metapneumovirus patients exhibit several different clinical and epidemiological characteristics, such as higher proportion of wheezing illness, age and seasonal incidence, and eosinophil counts, when compared to RSV patients.

Biomass distribution of heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms of the photic layer in Cuban southern oceanic waters

We measured the vertical and seasonal distribution of picoplankton (0.2-2 µm) and nanoplankton (2-20 µm) in the photic layer of Cuban southern oceanic and coastal waters. The concentration of the different fractions was estimated by epifluorescence microscopy. Heterotrophic components from the different fractions showed higher vertical stratification in the oceanic station in comparison to the coastal one. The autotrophic components showed an irregular vertical distribution pattern, both in coastal and oceanic stations. In all the analyzed stations, the heterotrophic bacteria showed an inverse correlation with the autotrophic (r= -0.98), and the heterotrophic nanoplankton (r= -0.96). Auto and heterotrophic nanoplankton probably regulate bacteria abundance by predation, although autotrophic nanoplankton may represent a source of organic matter for microorganisms. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 449-457. Epub 2007 June, 29.

Determinamos la distribución vertical y estacional del picoplancton (0.2-2 µm) y el nanoplancton (2-20 µm) en la capa fótica de las aguas oceánicas y costeras al sur de Cuba. La concentración de las diferentes fracciones fue estimada mediante microscopía de epifluorescencia. Los componentes heterotróficos de las diferentes fracciones mostraron una elevada estratificación vertical en la estación oceánica en comparación con la estación costera. Por otro lado, los componentes autotróficos presentaron un patrón de distribución vertical irregular tanto en la estación costera como en la oceánica. En los análisis realizados las bacterias heterótrofas mostraron una correlación inversa con el nanoplancton autótrofo (r= -0.98), y con el nanoplancton heterótrofo (r= -0.96). Estos resultados sugieren que el nanoplancton (autótrofo y heterótrofo) probablemente regula la abundancia de bacterias mediante la depredación, además que el nanoplancton autótrofo pudiera representar una fuente de materia orgánica para los microorganismos.

Seasonal Distribution and Breeding Conditions of Acaroid Mites / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To investigate the breeding densities and the seasonal distribution of Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Dermatophagoides farinae in Bengbu City, 4 common storage acaroid mites during Feb.2006-Jan.2007. Methods The samples were collected and isolated by Waterflotation and Tullgren, then counted and identified the four acaroid mites from 20 different habitats. Results 4 species of acaroid mites had high breeding density in ham, wheat, seed and house dust. The number of the mite increased from Apr. or May, and to the peak during July and Aug. and declined from Sep. or Oct.. Seasonal distribution of the individual acaroid mites might be different. Conclusion 4 species of acaroid mites are widely distributed in Bengbu city with distinctive seasonal distribution.

Complications of Brucellosis in Different Age Groups: A Study of 283 Cases in Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 283 patients diagnosed with brucellosis in our hospital, which serves almost 5.5 million inhabitants in Southeastern Anatolia in Turkey. Our study focuses on the frequency of complications in cases with brucellosis across different age groups. Patients were classified into three groups according to age: less than 15 years old (group A), 15-45 years old (group B) and over 45 years old (group C). Of 283 patients, 138 (49%) were female and 145 (51%) male. Fifty-three (19%) were younger than 15 years old (group A), 178 (63%) were 15-45 (group B), and 52 (18%) were over 45 (group C). When the distribution of all cases was examined according to months of the year, an increase was seen in June. Osteoarticular complications were the most frequent, found in 195 (69%) cases, followed by cutaneous (17%), genitourinary (8%), nervous (7%), respiratory (5%) and hematological (4%) complications. Treatment failed in 15 patients (5%), owing to true relapse in ten and to non-compliance and drug side effects in the other five. Two hundred seventy-two patients received medical treatment alone and 11 required medical and surgical treatment as well (9 spondylitis and 2 carditis). Complications in brucellosis were frequent because 25% of all patients with brucellosis had more than one complication, more so in group C (38%) than in group A (28%) or B (20%). Cutaneous, hematological and respiratory complications in childhood; osteoarticular and cardiac complications in adults; and genitourinary, neurological and gastrointestinal complications in middle aged were more prominent. In conclusion, the frequency of brucella complications was variable in different age groups in Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey. Since brucellosis is a preventable disease, knowledge and early diagnosis of the complications are especially important. Therefore, population education and medical precautions are necessary to prevent the harmful effects of brucella and its complications. In addition, primary health care physicians should be alerted regarding the clinical and laboratory findings of brucella complications.

Seasonal distribution of cockroaches, a major source of indoor allergens, in seoul metropolitan area / 천식및알레르기

PURPOSE: Home exposure to aeroallergens are an important environmental factor in allergic sensitization and in the development and exacerbation of asthma. Most studies of aeroallergens were dust mite in Korea, but cockroach distribution was little been known in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate species of cockroaches and seasonal distribution of cockroaches in Seoul area. METHODS: The study was performed during April 2000 through January 2001, from 63 houses in Korea. The total of 63 residential homes from different districts in Seoul were selected for the home environment survey. Bait traps (10 x 20 x 4 cm2, Zoro Zoro, Taisho Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan) were placed on four different places of kitchen floor and one in the side of balcony in the house and left for 5 days to capture cockroaches. RESULTS: The cockroaches were captured in 23 houses(36.5%) out of 63 houses. And the inhabitant density of cockroaches was highest in the autumn(43.3%) followed by summer (29.2%), spring(18.3%) and winter(9.2%). In only 3 species were collected in Seoul area. The most common species were Blattella germanica showing 72.5% of the collected cockroaches, followed by Periplaneta japonica(25.2%) Periplaneta americana(2.3%). The total number of captured cockroaches was 504 and the number of nymph was 314(62.2%). Isolated house type showed higher trapping rates than the apartment. Positive skin test rates were 46.2% in the healthy control group and 43.8% in the allergy patients. CONCLUSION: Periplaneta americana was captured in Seoul area, which had not been found previously. The inhabitant density of cockroaches was the lowest in the winter.