Reviewing research priorities in weed ecology, evolution and management: a horizon scan.

Weedy plants pose a major threat to food security, biodiversity, ecosystem services and consequently to human health and wellbeing. However, many currently used weed management approaches are increasingly unsustainable. To address this knowledge and practice gap, in June 2014, 35 weed and invasion ecologists, weed scientists, evolutionary biologists and social scientists convened a workshop to explore current and future perspectives and approaches in weed ecology and management. A horizon scanning exercise ranked a list of 124 pre-submitted questions to identify a priority list of 30 questions. These questions are discussed under seven themed headings that represent areas for renewed and emerging focus for the disciplines of weed research and practice. The themed areas considered the need for transdisciplinarity, increased adoption of integrated weed management and agroecological approaches, better understanding of weed evolution, climate change, weed invasiveness and finally, disciplinary challenges for weed science. Almost all the challenges identified rested on the need for continued efforts to diversify and integrate agroecological, socio-economic and technological approaches in weed management. These challenges are not newly conceived, though their continued prominence as research priorities highlights an ongoing intransigence that must be addressed through a more system-oriented and transdisciplinary research agenda that seeks an embedded integration of public and private research approaches. This horizon scanning exercise thus set out the building blocks needed for future weed management research and practice; however, the challenge ahead is to identify effective ways in which sufficient research and implementation efforts can be directed towards these needs.

Post-keratoplasty Endophthalmitis by Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Positive Culture of the Contralateral Donor Cornea: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to present the case report of a patient developing endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty caused by a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, detected only in the contralateral donor tissue. CASE REPORT: A 77-year-old man underwent an uneventful penetrating keratoplasty with a preoperative culture-negative donor cornea; however, the fellow cornea grew multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient developed and was treated for endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty, and aqueous and vitreous taps grew P. aeruginosa with antibiotic resistance identical to the isolate from the mate cornea. Sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene from the two isolates and confirmation analyzing the sequence of P. aeruginosa heat shock protein gene (groES) were performed showing the same strain for both organisms. CONCLUSION: This case report documents the presence of the same multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa causing endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty and in the contralateral donor tissue, suggesting that we must be cautious in deciding to transplant tissues with positive culture in the contralateral donor cornea.

Provisioning floral resources to attract aphidophagous hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) useful for pest management in central Spain.

Noncrop plant communities present on the boundaries or within crop fields are essential for the maintenance of functional biodiversity, affecting beneficial insect numbers and ecological fitness. Habitat manipulation is an increasingly studied strategy aimed at enhancing natural enemies of agricultural pests by providing feeding and shelter resources. In this study, six plant species selected from preliminary work were tested for their potential attractiveness to four common aphidophagous hoverflies species. Potential attractiveness was evaluated through observation of hoverfly feeding visits to replicated flower plots distributed in a randomized design. The combination of the selected species covered a 2-mo full-bloom period. Sphaerophoria scripta L. and Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Wiedeman) were the dominant hoverflies present throughout the sampling period, whereas Eupeodes corollae (F.) and Episyrphus balteatus (DeGeer) visits were less abundant and appeared only in the early season. Potential attractiveness varied among plant species. Calendula arvensis L. and Coriandrum sativum L. were the most visited species. C. arvensis received a high number of visits throughout a long period, whereas the visits to Co. sativum were concentrated in a short blooming period. These results suggest that habitat management by using these plant species may increase the abundance of hoverflies and could improve the biological control of aphid pests typical of spring-summer crops in open Mediterranean environments.

Population cycles produced by delayed density dependence in an annual plant.

In contrast to insect and animal populations, little attention has been directed to the study of cycles in plant populations. It has been argued on theoretical grounds that plants present stable dynamics. Nevertheless, there are examples where plant populations appear to exhibit oscillatory dynamics, but the oscillatory signal is variable and comes from very short time series data. Using a combination of time series, models, and empirical results, we present evidence of population cycles for Descurania sophia in a 16-year field experiment. Endogenous and exogenous causal mechanisms were studied to identify processes underlying this temporal dynamic. Our results show a 4-year cycle produced by delayed density dependence. We suggest that high nutrient levels might be responsible for the observed dynamics of D. sophia. Our results suggest that although plant population dynamics may be stabilized by direct density dependence, delayed density dependence could destabilize dynamics.

Seroprevalencia de fasciolosis en escolares y en ganado vacuno en la provincia de Huancavelica, Perú / Seroprevalencia of fasciolosis in students and cattle in the province of Huancavelica, Peru

Determinar la seroprevalencia de fasciolosis en escolares y vacunos de la provincia de Huancavelica ydescribir su percepción sobre ésta. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio se realizó en diferentes pisos ecológicos y altitudes de 2000 a 5000 m.s.n.m. Se realizó una entrevista seroepidemiológica a 842 escolares de educación secundaria de colegios estatales escogidos al azar, así como a 532 vacunos aleatorios criados por la familia del escolar. En ambos casos se realizó la prueba serológica de FAS2-ELISA. El análisis de datos se realizó por tipo de zona (urbana o rural) con el programa SPSS v.11, considerando un p<0,05 como estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: La prueba fue positiva en 33 estudiantes (2,6 por ciento en zona urbana y en 4,9 por ciento en zona rural, p>0,05) y en 123 vacunos (23,1 por ciento). Los distritos de Izcuchaca y Palca tuvieron >10 por ciento de escolares positivos. No hubo asociación entre infección escolar y animal. Un 45 por ciento de escolares refirió conocer la enfermedad (28 por ciento en zona urbana y 56,5 por ciento en zona rural, p<0,01); los escolares de zona rural tuvieron más respuestas correctas sobre fasciolosis. El conocimientosobre el daño hepático de la fasciolosis fue más frecuente que sobre su transmisión y prevención. Conclusiones: Los distritos de Izcuchaca y Palca son hiperendémicos para fasciolosis humana en la provincia deHuancavelica. Debido a su importancia clínica, se requiere fuerte intervención educativa en prevención, especialmente en zonas urbanas.

Between years 2000 and 2002 Callao province had the highest rates of Brucella melitensis infection in Peru, and goat breeding is an important economic activity. In order to know Brucellosis seroprevalence in goats, we analyzed a 175 animal sample from nine farms in Callao and Ventanilla districts, using the Bengal Rose test for screening and 2-mercapto-ethanol for confirmation. 53,7% (94) goats were more than six months old; history of vaccination was positive in 38,3% and 81,9% respectively. Using Bengal Rose test, 10/148 goats were positive in Callao, and 0/27 in Ventanilla; and, finally, only seven animals had a confirmed diagnosis of Brucella infection. Risk for human brucellosis is latent in Callao because of the presence of infected goats.

An hydroalcoholic extract of curcuma longa lowers the apo B/apo A ratio. Implications for atherogenesis prevention.

It is generally accepted that free-radical induced blood lipid peroxidation and especially peroxidized LDL play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease. Moreover, recent research highlights the key contribution of apolipoprotein B (apo B) to atherogenesis as the main inductor of one of its earlier steps, i.e. macrophage proliferation. This has led us to investigate the apo B response to a very effective phenolic lipid-antioxidant, namely an hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma longa, which according to our previous work does not show any toxic effects and decreases the levels of blood lipid peroxides, oxidized lipoproteins and fibrinogen. The present study shows that a daily oral administration of the extract decreases significantly the LDL and apo B and increases the HDL and apo A of healthy subjects. This and recent data on the increased anti-atherogenic action of the physiological antioxidant tocopherol in the presence of phenolic co-antioxidants (which eliminate the tocopheroxyl radical), justifies planned clinical research to test the usefulness of the curcuma extract as a co-antioxidant complement to standard treatments to prevent or retard atherosclerosis.

[Delivery after a previous cesarean in the Gyneco-Obsteric Hospital Garza Garcia, N.L]. / Parto después de cesárea en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia de Garza García N.L.

One hundred and four patients who delivered after a previous cesarean section, at Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia de Garza García, N.L., from February 1, 1994 to January 31, 1995, were reviewed. The objective for this study was to know materno-fetal morbi-mortality at our hospital. Age, parity weeks of gestation, cause for previous section, delivery culmination, weight and Apgar of products, as well as, materno-fetal morbi-mortality, were analyzed. Average age group was 21 to 30 years with 68.5%. As to parity nulliparae predominated with 48.1%. As to weeks of gestation, the most frequent was 37 to 40 weeks, 85.5%. Previous section indication was: 1. Pelvic presentation, 2. Fetal stress, 3. Cefalo-pelvic disproportion, 4. Premature rupture of membranes, 5. Toxemia. As to deliveries outcome, there was dystocia in 86.5%, by profilactic low forceps application in 81.7%; and mid low in 4.8%. Eutocic delivery, 13.5%. Product weight was 3,000 to 3,500 g, with 51%. Apgar in 94 products was 8 and 9 at one minute. Maternal morbidity was 15.3% being most frequent vaginal tears. There was one case of uterine atonia, and one case of dura mater adverted puncture. There were no uterine dehiscence nor rupture. Perinatal morbidity was 5.6%. There was no perinatal death.

[Adolescent primipara]. / Primigesta adolescente.

263 cases of adolescent primipara at Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia, at Garza García. N.L. from January to December, 1995, were reviewed. two groups were formed, one of 12 to 15 years with 79 (30.1%); and the other one of 16 to 18 years, with 184 (69.9%), (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in both groups, with a greater proportion in the first group (p < 0.05), as to free union and preterm pregnancy; less prenatal control in the young ones with 31.6% against 23.3% in complications during pregnancy, more frequent the first group 36.7% and 28.8%; being more frequent, in both groups premature rupture of membranes, followed by anemia, toxemia and prolonged pregnancy. In pregnancy resolution, cesarean section showed a significant difference in both groups, being more frequent in the first group with 55.7% against 34.4% (p < 0.01) and the main indication was cephalopelvic disproportion with 32.9% and 16.8%. As to weight of products only 5% and 6.5% were subnormal; in the Apgar at one minute. it was slightly low in the first group with two deaths prepartum in the group two. Maternal morbidity was greater in the youth with 5% against 1%; There were no maternal deaths. Perinatal morbidity/mortality was 8.8% and 11.4%, predominating in both groups. Retardation of intrauterine growth, and in group two, congenital malformations and two deaths, fetal, prepartum. The contraceptive method used was Intrauterine device postpartum with a frequency of 81% against 72.2%. It is concluded that the adolescent primipara should be considered as high risk, as there is an increase in maternofetal morbidity, being more intense in the younger ones, and that a prenatal control, adequate, is of a great benefit.

[Analysis of the use of the Salinas forceps at the Gynecologic-Obstetric Hospital of Garza García, N.L. (Nuevo León)]. / Análisis de aplicación de Fórceps Salinas, en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia de Garza García, N.L.

Six hundred and thirteen cases of Salinas forceps application at Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia de Garza García, N.L. from November 1992 to April, 1993, were reviewed. The largest patients group, 20 to 29 years of age with 54.5%; primiparae were predominant with 55.9%, the largest amount of applications in term products, 80.8%; elective forceps with 72.5%; low application with 83.0%; medium 2.5%; episiotomy, medium, right lateral in all the cases; epidural block anesthesia in all the patients, and only one complication 0.1%; most frequent position variety OIA with 50%; and the smaller OIP with 2.6%; 96.3% of products weighted more than 2,500 g; and 87.1% with Apgar 8-9 at one minute. Maternal morbidity, 30.1%; fetal morbidity, 6.1%, with one case with facial paralysis (0.1%) by medium forceps. There were no maternal deaths; 3 antepartum fetal deaths; none postpartum.

[Perinatal mortality]. / Muerte perinatal.

Eighty six cases of perinatal mortality at Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia, Garza García, N.L. Subsecretaría Estatal, from january, 1992 to December, 1993, were reviewed. Perinatal mortality was 12.0 by one thousand births, less than in other reports. The highest incidence was in young patients, 20 to 29 years old, with 47.7% and with parity of 1 to 3, 80.2%; highest frequency in term pregnancies, 37 to 42 weeks, 39.6%; 35% of the products with weight over 2,500 g; and 65% with lesser weight; fetal death occurred most frequently during pre-partum, 55.8%, and less during intra-partum, 19.8%. Most frequent causes of peri-natal death were placental failure, 27.9% and fetal immaturity, with 24.4%. It is concluded that an adequate pre-natal control and delivery surveillance produce a diminution in fetal mortality.

PIP: A prospective study was conducted of the 86 perinatal deaths occurring at a woman's hospital in Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, between January 1992 and December 1993. The objective was to determine the frequency, causes, and patient groups at greatest risk of perinatal death. The perinatal mortality rate was 12.0/1000 live births. 47.7% of the mothers were aged 20-29; 24.4% each were 15-19 and 30-39 years old, and 3.5% were 40-42. 80.2% had 1-3 live births. The gestational age was 20-28 weeks and 29-36 weeks in 30.2% of cases each, and 37-42 weeks in 39.6%. 40.7% of the infants weighed 1000-2499 g, 27.9% weighed 2500-3999, and 24.4% weighed 500-999 g. 7.0% weighed over 4000 g. Birth weights ranged from 525 to 5000 g. 34 deliveries were eutocic, 31 were dystocic, and 21 were cesarean. 48 deaths were prepartum, 17 were intrapartum, and 21 were postpartum. 52 of the mothers had fewer than five prenatal visits and 34 had more than five. The cause of death was placental insufficiency in 24 cases, fetal immaturity in 21, umbilical problems in 15, and congenital malformations in 11. It was concluded that adequate prenatal care and monitoring of labor and delivery would result in a decreased perinatal mortality rate.

[Tubal sterilization by postpartum minilaparotomy]. / Salpingoclasia por minilaparatomía post parto.

This is a review of 209 cases of salpingochlasia by minilaparotomy, post-partum. Frequency was 13.2%. The larger group was 20 to 29 years of age, 52%; 14.3% were unmarried. Multiparae were most frequent, 52.2%. One previous section 3.5%; with four to six live children, 54%. No previous anticonceptive method, 91%; pre-natal control, 69%. With anemia, Hb less than 10 g, 11%, and only 3.5% required blood transfusion. Eutocic delivery, 89%. Ruptured membranes, before delivery, less than six hours, 97%. Anesthesia during delivery, 59.1%; it was epidural anesthesia, as well as for the salpingochlasia in 100%, without complications. The indication was completed parity in 100%, the technique mostly used was Pomeroy's in 77.3%. There were no pre, trans or post-operative complications. The interval between delivery and salpingochlasia in first 12 hours, 98% and from surgery to hospital discharge, 12 to 24 hours, 89.2%. Hospital stay was two days, 90%. Pomeroy's technique failure, 0.6% and for Kroener's, 2.1%. Two pregnancies occurred out of 1,238 months-woman observation.

PIP: This is a review of 209 cases of salpingochlasia by postpartum mini laparotomy. 52% of the group were between 20-29 years of age and 14.3% were unmarried. 52.2% of the group were multipara. 3.5% had had a previous cesarean section and 54% had 4-6 live children. No previous contraceptive had been used by 91% of the population and 69% had used prenatal control. 11% had anemia with an Hb 10 g and only 3.5% required blood transfusions. A eutocic delivery was seen in 89% and 97% experienced ruptures membranes less than 6 hours before delivery. 59.1% of the women received epidural anesthesia during delivery without complications. The indication was that there was completed parity in 100% and the technique used most widely was the Pomeroy technique in 77.3%. There were no pre-, trans-, or postoperative complications. The interval between delivery and salpingochlasia was 12 hours for 98% of the group, and from surgery to hospital discharge 12-24 hours for 89.2%. 90% experienced a hospital stay of 2 days, 0.6% experienced Pomeroy techniques failure, and 2.1% experienced similar problems with the Kroener method. 2 pregnancies occurred out of 1238 woman-months of observation. (author's modified)

[Tubal ligation with post-partum minilaparotomy]. / Salpingoclasia por minilaparatomía post parto.

This is a review of 209 cases of salpingochlasia by minilaparotomy, post-partum. Frequency was 13.2%. The larger group was 20 to 29 years of age, 52%; 14.3% were unmarried. Multiparae were most frequent, 52.2%. One previous section 3.5%; with four to six live children, 54%. No previous anticonceptive method, 91%; pre-natal control, 69%. With anemia, Hb less than 10 g, 11%, and only 3.5% required blood transfusion. Eutocic delivery, 89%. Ruptured membranes, before delivery, less than six hours, 97%. Anesthesia during delivery, 59.1%; it was epidural anesthesia, as well as for the salpingochlasia in 100%, without complications. The indication was completed parity in 100%, the technique mostly used was Pomeroy's in 77.3%. There were no pre, trans or post-operative complications. The interval between delivery and salpingochlasia in first 12 hours, 98% and from surgery to hospital discharge, 12 to 24 hours, 89.2%. Hospital stay was two days, 90%. Pomeroy's technique failure, 0.6% and for Kroener's, 2.1%. Two pregnancies occurred out of 1,238 months-woman observation.