Breeding ecology of a suburban population of Woodpigeons Columba palumbus in northwest England

Capsule Between 1981 and 2008 population size was stable, but there were negative trends in breeding parameters.

Aims To determine the current status and long‐term population trend of an isolated breeding population of Bearded Vultures Gypaetus barbatus (Corsica, Mediterranean).

Methods The total Bearded Vulture population was monitored between 1981 and 2008.

Results The current effective breeding population size of Bearded Vultures in Corsica is ten pairs/trios with a slight increase of one to two pairs since 1983. The population is currently estimated at 25 individuals. Breeding parameters (laying rate, breeding success and productivity) have decreased significantly over the full 28‐year study period, although the decrease was not significant when the data set was restricted to 1988–2008. A mean of 60.3% (n = 204) of pairs have laid, but this proportion is highly variable between years. Productivity has been very low (0.16 young/pair/year, n = 233). Breeding parameters of the Corsican population of Bearded Vultures are very low compared with those of other western European populations in the Pyrenees.

Conclusions This isolated insular population is of small size (eight to ten pairs/trios) but shows a stability of distribution and numbers, but low (and decreasing) breeding rates, making this insular population one the most threatened in Europe.     

广西壮族自治区县级医疗卫生资源配置的公平性研究

目的 对广西县级医疗卫生资源配置的公平性进行分析。方法 采用洛伦茨曲线和基尼系数等方法,从人口和地理分布对广西91个县域医疗卫生资源(床位、卫生技术人员、医生)的配置公平性进行分析。结果 广西县级医疗卫生资源中床位、卫生技术人员、医生按人口分布的基尼系数分别为0.230 3、0.239 6、0.250 4,按地理分布的基尼系数分别为0.346 1、0.353 4、
0.352 3。结论 广西县级医疗卫生资源配置的公平性较好,其中人口分布优于地理分布,床位分布优于卫生人力资源分布。广西县级医疗卫生资源配置的公平性低于广西总体水平,但优于城区医疗卫生资源的配置。应进一步加大县级医疗卫生资源的投入,不断缩小城乡差距,提高县级医疗卫生资源在人口和地理配置的公平性。     

Spatiotemporal effects of Hurricane Ivan on an endemic epiphytic orchid: 10 years of follow-up

ABSTRACT

Background: Hurricanes have a strong influence on the ecological dynamics and structure of tropical forests. Orchid populations are especially vulnerable to these perturbations due to their canopy exposure and lack of underground storage organs and seed banks.

Aims: We evaluated the effects of Hurricane Ivan on the population of the endemic epiphytic orchid Encyclia bocourtii to propose a management strategy.

Methods: Using a pre- and post-hurricane dataset (2003–2013), we assessed the population asymptotic and transient dynamics. We also identified the individual size-stages that maximise population inertia and E. bocourtii’s spatial arrangement relative to phorophytes and other epiphytes.

Results: Hurricane Ivan severely affected the survival and growth of individuals of E. bocourtii, and caused an immediate decline of the population growth rate from λ = 1.05 to λ = 0.32, which was buffered by a population reactivity of ρ₁ = 1.42. Our stochastic model predicted an annual population decrease of 14%. We found an aggregated spatial pattern between E. bocourtii and its host trees, and a random pattern relative to other epiphytes.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that E. bocourtii is not safe from local extinction. We propose the propagation and reintroduction of reproductive specimens, the relocation of surviving individuals, and the establishment of new plantations of phorophytes.     

Population change of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in central southern England between 2011 and 2016

ABSTRACT

Capsule: Distance sampling identified an increase in estimated population size of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in central southern England between 2011 and 2016 of more than 50%. The rate of population growth slowed in later years.

Aims: To assess the utility of a targeted distance sampling protocol to derive seasonal and annual population estimates for Common Buzzards across an area of southern England.

Methods: We used a line transect survey methodology and multiple covariate distance sampling to assess population density and abundance of Common Buzzards in spring and autumn between 2011 and 2016 across a 2600?km² area of central southern England.

Results: Estimated population size increased by more than 50%, from approximately 2900 to 4500 individuals, across the period in a trend similar to that shown by Breeding Bird Survey data.

Discussion: A slowing of the growth in population size of Common Buzzards in central southern England suggests that the species may be approaching carrying capacity in this area. These results also suggest that currently employed broad scale survey methodologies adequately reflect the general population trends for this species. Our data provide the first published estimates of the Common Buzzard population in central southern England derived from direct empirical assessment.     

Commonness of not-so-common birds: the need for baseline knowledge of actual population size for the validation of population size predictions

Capsule The hypothesized regional population size of a common species in Spain was found to be unreliable when compared with a complete and simultaneous single-species direct census.

Aims To provide a regional census of Eurasian Jackdaws Corvus monedula as an example to highlight the crucial importance of baseline knowledge of actual population size of common species for validation and calibration of population size predictions derived from extrapolation.

Methods Population size was measured by means of simultaneous counts of winter communal roosts after determining the best census date and other relevant information on flock routines, foraging areas and potential sources of count variability.

Results A large discrepancy between hypothesized (～330?000 individuals) and directly censused population size (～15?000 individuals) was recorded.

Conclusion Programmes aimed at establishing population size of wildlife by statistical inference should attempt to explicitly test their predictions by comparison with directly censused population sizes of particular species in control areas.     

GRM7 polymorphisms are not associated with ischemic stroke in Iranian population

Abstract

Objectives: Ischemic stroke is the main neurological cause of acquired incapability in adults and a prominent cause of mortality. Several association studies have been conducted to explore the role of candidate genes in this neurological condition.

Methods: In the present study, we aimed at identification of association between Glutamate Metabotropic Receptor 7 (GRM7) and risk of ischemic stroke in Iranian population. Two intronic variants within this gene (rs6782011 and rs779867) were genotyped in 318 sporadic ischemic stroke cases and 300 unrelated, healthy controls individuals.

Results: No significant difference was found in allele, genotype or haplotype frequencies of these SNPs between cases and controls after correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion: Consequently, the assessed GRM7 variants are not implicated in risk of ischemic stroke in Iranian population.     

Impact of different shade coffee management scenarios,on a population of Oncidium poikilostalix (Orchidaceae), in Soconusco,Chiapas, Mexico

Background: Understanding the effect of perturbation, be it natural or anthropogenic, on the demography and dynamics of the plant populations can help conservation management planning.

Aims: We assessed the impacts of management of a shade coffee plantation on a population of Oncidium poikilostalix (Orchidaceae).

Methods: We studied in a coffee (Coffea arabica) agroecosystem the impact of the current traditional management [T] and two hypothetical epiphyte control management scenarios (intense ‘desmusgue’ [ID] and moderate ‘desmusgue’ [MD]), on the only known Mexican population of O. poikilostalix. Based on 3 years of field demographics data, the population dynamics of the orchid were projected using T, ID and MD scenarios for 20 years into the future.

Results: Under the current management T, the population of O. poikilostalix was projected to grow continuously (λ = 1.102). Conversely, under management ID, the loss of individuals would lead to a sustained population decline (λ = 0.843); in the case of MD, the population would decline more slowly with the population growth rate tending towards equilibrium (λ = 0.966).

Conclusions: The changes in the management of coffee plantations that have become common throughout the south-east of Mexico represent a threat to the survival of the only population of O. poikilostalix in Mexico, and likely threaten other epiphytic species.     

The response of Grey Herons Ardea cinerea to changes in prey abundance

Capsule Herons responded to the lower abundance of a preferred fish by switching prey.

Aims To investigate how Grey Herons respond to the decline in abundance of a preferred fish, the Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus.

Methods Grey Herons Ardea cinerea breeding in the Gulf of Gdańsk area (Baltic Sea) were the study population. Regurgitated food and pellets were analysed. Biomass and abundance of fish was compared between 2000–02 (when the population of Round Goby was increasing) and 2008–09 (when the Round Goby population stabilized).

Results The abundance and biomass of Round Goby preyed upon by herons decreased from between 95 and 99% in 2000–02 to between 38 and 56% in 2008–09. Energy-rich salmonids, not recorded in 2000–02, were an important diet component in 2008–09 (42% of biomass). Small-sized fish abundance was higher in 2008–09 (37%) than in 2000–02 (9%).

Conclusions Grey Herons in 2008–09 adapted to the lower availability of Round Gobies by prey switching to other available fish – abundant but small-sized Three-spined Sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus and less abundant but more profitable salmonids (easy to catch in the case of hatchery-reared, tagged individuals). Diet composition suggests that Grey Herons in 2008–09 exploited more diverse foraging areas (dry habitats, woods, garden ponds) than in 2000–02.     

Using stable isotopes to link breeding population trends to winter ecology in Willow Warblers,Phylloscopus trochilus

Capsule Stable isotope composition of feathers grown in Africa indicates that Willow Warblers, Phylloscopus trochilus, breeding in areas of Britain experiencing different population trends may vary in their distribution, timing of moult and/or use of prey resources during the non-breeding season.

Aims To compare stable isotope ratios of feathers of Willow Warblers breeding in parts of Britain with differing rates of population change.

Methods Feathers were collected from three regions with differing recent population trends; northern Scotland (population increased), western Wales (declined slightly) and eastern England (declined rapidly). Collection occurred at ringing sites run by British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) volunteers as part of the Constant Effort Sites (CES) scheme between April and July in 2008 and 2009.

Results Willow Warblers from northern Scotland had significantly higher δ ¹⁵N and δ ¹³C values than those from eastern England, although the regional mean values did not differ greatly. There was no significant difference in δ ¹⁵N and δ ¹³C values between the sexes, but δ ¹⁵N values were significantly greater in individuals caught later in the breeding season.

Conclusions During the premigratory moult period in Africa, Willow Warblers from different parts of Britain may vary in their distribution, timing of moult and/or use of prey resources.     

Report of the Alpine Section, 1958

Background: Over 10,000 island endemic angiosperms are highly threatened by extinction. Yet, few of these species have the temporal change in their range documented and quantified, particularly within a potentially informative context of a long period of botanical study.

Aim: Here, we used Roussea simplex a mono-specific genus endemic to Mauritius, itself an island with long botanical history and advanced habitat destruction extent, to investigate how the distribution and population of this model oceanic island plant changed through time.

Methods: All known localities and population size estimates were compiled from published literature, herbarium specimens, surveys and personal communications to estimate changes in population size, extent of occurrence and area of occupancy and investigate main distribution patterns.

Results: Roussea simplex survives in nine high elevation sites. Since the 1930s, its range halved relative to its maximum known distribution and its population size decreased much faster than direct habitat loss would predict. It now qualifies as Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories.

Conclusions: Even in an extremely deforested island, endemic plant population decline may be driven more by diminishing habitat quality than diminishing habitat extent. This renders habitat protection alone insufficient, therefore addressing ecological interactions is vital to stem population decline.     

Botanical Soceity of Edinburgh

Background: Economic activities are substantial factors in alien plant establishment and invasions. Climate also plays an important role in the distribution of alien species.

Aims: We evaluate the relationship between alien species density and both climatic and socio-economic factors at the scale of provinces located in a latitudinal-bioclimatic gradient in Chile.

Methods: We used generalised linear models with backward selection to evaluate the relative importance of each parameter (human population, gross domestic product, length of traffic routes, crop cover, abandoned crop cover, artificial plantations, protected areas, annual rainfall and temperature) on species density. We compared the average species density among climate types.

Results: Alien density was higher for provinces located in the most populated areas with Mediterranean and temperate oceanic climates (south-central Chile) and decreased for less populated provinces in the north and the southernmost parts (desert and sub-Antarctic wetlands). Human population, length of traffic routes and annual rainfall significantly explained the variation in alien species density in Chile.

Conclusions: Although human population still increases, the results can be used especially in high priority conservation areas where traffic routes and human settlements can be objectively reduced or managed, to reduce the potential increase in the number of alien species.     

江苏常熟地区汉族人群47个微单倍型的遗传多态性及遗传结构分析

目的 探索江苏常熟地区汉族人群在47个常染色体微单倍型基因座的遗传多态性,评估应用效能及法庭科学参数。方法 采用MHSeqTyper47混合DNA鉴定试剂盒进行基因座复合扩增及文库构建,使用MiSeq FGx测序平台进行测序,测得的数据应用MHTyper数据分析软件进行分析,对获得的样本遗传信息进行评估,结合千人基因组数据（1000 Genomes Project phase 3,1KG）评估群体间遗传分化指数及遗传距离,并计算法庭科学参数。结果 江苏常熟地区汉族人群与1KG中的中国北京群体的遗传分化和遗传距离最小,并得到最接近的有效等位基因数（A_e）,累积随机匹配概率（combined matching probability,CMP）与1KG中东亚参考人群的5个群体均接近,为1.25×10^-36,累积非父排除概率达0.999 999 999 964 1。结论 本研究报告了47个微单倍型基因座在江苏常熟地区汉族人群中的等位基因频率及遗传多态性信息,为47个微单倍型在法医学应用中提供了数据基础。另外,比较了1KG参考人群与江苏常熟地区汉族人群的多态性差异,并揭示了47个微单倍型在江苏常熟地区汉族人群中的遗传结构。总的来说,1KG中的东亚人群参考数据更符合江苏常熟地区汉族人群的遗传特征。     

Recent changes in the abundance of British upland breeding birds

Capsule Breeding wader populations have more often shown declines than passerine populations during the last 10–20 years.

Aims To determine abundance changes in British upland breeding birds during the last 10–20 years.

Methods We re-surveyed 1348 km², in nine study areas, of the British uplands in 2000 and 2002, which had been previously surveyed between 1980 and 1991. In addition, we included data from recent repeat surveys in four other upland areas, covering approximately 365 km², to broaden the scope of our study.

Results We found evidence of widespread population declines in three species of breeding waders, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Dunlin Calidris alpina and Curlew Numenius arquata. Among the passerines, some species declined, including Twite Carduelis flavirostris and Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus, while others showed strong gains, including Stonechat Saxicola torquata and Raven Corvus corax.

Conclusion Overall, abundance changes were characterized by a high degree of variability across study areas, even when close together. This variability may have been partly due to the different time intervals between the original and repeat surveys. Improved upland breeding bird population monitoring is needed to allow better detection of trends. Action is needed to restore upland breeding bird populations in areas where they have declined.     

我国护理人力资源配置现状分析

?????? 目的 分析目前我国护理人力资源总体配置的现状,探讨在护理人力资源配置中目前存在的主要问题。方法 采用文献技术性分析方法。结果 我国护理人力资源配置量有所改善,但仍存在城乡差异大,队伍年轻化,结构欠合理;与国外主要国家比较医护比倒置,每千人口护士密度低。结论 应建立健全科学的护理人力资源配置标准,弹性排班,动态调整,合理使用护理人力资源。     

Hybridisation in Jacobaea – characterisation of hybrids between Jacobaea aquatica and J. vulgaris in Austria

Background: Hybridisation in Senecio/Jacobaea is frequent and of significance in speciation and evolution. Moreover, these genera are model systems for studying the evolution of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Hybrids between Jacobaea aquatica and J. vulgaris have been reported from north-western Europe.

Aims: Our aim was to determine whether hybrids between Jacobaea aquatica and J. vulgaris also occurred in Austria, and if these hybrids could be responsible for the presumed increase of J. aquatica-like plants in this part of Europe. Furthermore, we tested if such hybrids showed an altered PA spectrum compared with parental species.

Methods: We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to analyse genetic diversity and structure, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify PAs.

Results: We were able to identify genetically one hybrid population adjacent to a large J. aquatica population. The AFLP phenotypes of hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to J. aquatica, suggesting frequent backcrossing. All hybrid individuals contained the same set of PAs as the parental species, but in differing amounts, plus four additional PAs, one of which may be novel.

Conclusions: Although hybridisation in Jacobaea is common, we were able to confirm only one hybrid population in Austria. Therefore, it seems unlikely that hybridisation plays a role in the presumed increase of J. aquatica in this area.     

Investigation of the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia patients

Abstract

Purpose/aim: The aims of this study are to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia (FM) patients and obtain new information about kinesiophobia in light of these results.

Materials and methods: This study has been conducted with 82 literate subjects aged 18–65?years and diagnosed with FM based on ACR 2010 diagnostic criteria. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used for measuring functional status in FM patients, The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was used for determine the levels of kinesiophobia and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile was used for determine the characteristics of sensory process patterns of the individuals.

Results: Among the participants, sensory sensitivity scores of 65.85% and sensation avoiding scores of 40.24% were higher than that in the general population. Sensation seeking scores of 48.78% the subjects were lower compared to the general population. A significant and weak positive correlation was found between the kinesiophobia scores and responses of sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding (r?=?0.23, p?=?0.04; z?=?0.29, p?=?0.01)

Conclusion: This is the first study conducted to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia patients. However, different studies investigating this subject are warranted in order to be able to generalize the findings and increase the value of evidence.     

Low proportions of folic acid deficiency after introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification in remote areas of northern Queensland,Australia: a secondary health data analysis

Abstract

Background: Australia implemented mandatory folic acid fortification of bread-making flour in 2009.

Objective: To assess the impact of folic acid fortification in remote vs. regional urban areas and Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous populations in northern Queensland.

Methods: Routinely collected data on folic acid measurements in remote areas and two regional urban centres in northern Queensland between 2004 and 2015 were analysed (n?=?13,929) dichotomously (folic deficient vs. non-deficient).

Results: Overall prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 3.2% (235/7282) in urban centres compared with 7.2% (480/6647) in remote areas (p?<?0.001), and 9.3% (393/4240) in the Indigenous population compared with 3.2% (273/8451) in the non-Indigenous population (p?<?0.001). Prevalence of folic acid deficiency dropped from 12.2% (n?=?481) in 2004–2008 to 1.5% (n?=?126) in 2010–2015 (p?<?0.001). This translates into a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 88%. RRR was 79% (7.2% vs. 1.5%) in urban centres, 91% (17.3% vs. 1.5%) in remote areas, 92% (20.5% vs. 1.6%) in the Indigenous population and 80% (7.4% vs. 1.5%) in the non-Indigenous population (p?<?0.001 for all).

Conclusions: Substantial declines of folic acid deficiency to low and comparable proportions in former high-risk populations indicate that mandatory folic acid fortification of flour has had a population-wide benefit in northern Queensland.     

Spatial relations and population structure of a dominant tree along a treeline ecotone in the Tropical Andes: interactions at gradient and plant-neighbourhood scales

Background: Studies in temperate mountains suggest that plant–plant interactions modulate tree establishment above the forest line. In tropical mountains worldwide this issue remains largely unexplored.

Aims: To analyse the population structure and local spatial relationships of a dominant tree at a species-rich tropical Andean forest line.

Methods: We determined changes in the population structure of Diplostephium venezuelense along an elevation gradient between continuous forest and open páramo and analysed plant community structure and superficial rock cover in the neighbourhood of saplings and adults at the upper forest line.

Results: Sapling and adult densities were highest in low-altitude páramos adjacent to the forest line and at the borders of small forest islands. Saplings showed local spatial aggregation, were positively associated with small boulders and low shrubs, and negatively associated with mosses and lichens. However, no spatial association was found between scattered adults in the páramo and saplings of other forest trees.

Conclusions: Complex species-specific local spatial interactions, suggesting both facilitative and antagonistic effects, seem to modulate the establishment of the dominant tree D. venezuelense at and above the upper forest line. Nevertheless, the establishment of other tree species above continuous forests does not appear to be facilitated by the canopy cover offered by the isolated D. venezuelense individuals established in open páramo environments.     

基于老年人口卫生服务分析的医保效果评价

目的 通过对某省老年人口卫生服务需求、利用、就医流向及费用负担等卫生服务指标进行测算,了解现行医保制度的实施效果。方法 通过抽取某省第五次卫生服务调查的老年人群数据,对社会人口学特征、卫生服务需求与利用、医疗卫生费用负担及住院流向等指标进行测算与分析。结果 不同医保制度下,老年人口卫生服务需求与利用存在差异性,且在住院就医服务的选择上尚未形成合理格局,卫生费用负担较重。结论 某省现行医保制度对老年人口的经济保护力度仍有待提高,应调整医保制度卫生福利包的覆盖范围并提高补偿水平,通过政策倾斜构建合理就医格局,进而减轻老年人口的疾病经济负担。     

基于多位点序列分型对新疆伊宁学龄儿童肠道两歧双歧杆菌(Bifidobacterium bifidum)群体遗传差异解析

【背景】两歧双歧杆菌(Bifidobacterium bifidum)是专性代谢人体母乳寡糖(human milk oligosaccharides, HMOs)和宿主肠道黏膜上皮黏蛋白聚糖的肠道共栖益生菌,对生命早期健康和发育至关重要,目前对其不同人群来源的群体遗传报道较少。【目的】探究在有限地域内遗传、饮食相近人群来源的B. bifidum菌株集的遗传结构是否具有族群特异的规律性,为开发个性化的益生菌株提供理论基础。【方法】对来自新疆伊宁两个族群(维吾尔族和哈萨克族)学龄儿童队列的肠道两歧双歧杆菌进行分离和鉴定,共获得115个菌株,对基于细菌基因组重复序列PCR (repetitive sequence-PCR, rep-PCR)方法筛选的53株代表菌株采用多位点序列分型(multilocus sequence typing, MLST)进行群体遗传差异分析。【结果】53株代表菌株共分为37个序列型(sequence type, ST),具有很高的遗传多样性;其中26株源自维吾尔族儿童的菌株有17个ST,而20个ST来自27株哈萨克族儿童的菌株,两个族群来源的菌株之间检测到较少的同源基因重组事件。goeBURST分析显示,来自同一族群的B. bifidum分离株比来自另一族群的菌株更有可能被归入特定的系统发育分支或克隆复合体(clonal complexes, CC)。【结论】不同族群来源的B. bifidum分离株显示出较高的遗传多样性,群体遗传结构一定程度上呈现出民族族群来源的特异性,需要更大规模的取样证实。这为进一步开展体内外实验并筛选针对区域族群的特色优良益生菌株提供了理论基础。