Cultural Specificity and Comparison in Psychiatric Epidemiology: Walking the Tightrope in American Indian Research

Increasingly, the mental health needs of populations are measured using large-sample surveys with standardized measures and methods. Such efforts, however, rarely include sufficient number of smaller, culturally defined populations to draw defensible conclusions about their needs. Furthermore, without some adaptation, the standardized methods and measures may yield invalid results in such populations. Using a recently completed psychiatric epidemiology and services study with American Indian populations as a case example, this paper outlines issues facing epidemiologists working in such culturally diverse contexts. The issues discussed include the following: (1) persuading the scientific community and potential sponsors that work with distinct or culturally defined populations is important; (2) framing research questions and activities to meet the needs of communities; (3) defining a population of inference; (4) balancing the needs for comparability and cultural specificity; (5) maximizing scientific validity in light of the challenges in sample acquisition; and (6) developing and implementing data collection methods that uphold scientific standards but are also realistic given the context. The authors draw on their experiences—most recently in the American Indian Service Utilization, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI-SUPERPFP)—to illustrate these issues and suggest ways to address each. A goal of this paper is to challenge those invested in conducting culturally valid epidemiologic work in such populations to better articulate the nature of these efforts.     

Seed bank spatial structure in semi-arid environments: beyond the patch-bare area dichotomy

The prevalence of patchy structures in vegetation is a common feature in semi-arid ecosystems. Although the effect of patches on seed density is widely known, we still lack information on how patch features affect seed bank density and composition. Our aim was to answer two basic questions: (1) How do seed bank density and composition vary within and outside patch aboveground physical limits? and (2) Do patch characteristics affect soil seed bank density and composition? We sampled 50 shrub patches in a semi-arid gypsum system in Central Spain, measuring patch size, composition and structure, and seed bank at three locations per shrub (centre, edge and outside). We calculated the effect of interior patch location, patch composition and structure on seed density and composition. Patches acted both as seed sources, increasing seed density in neighbouring areas and as seed sinks by trapping seeds from bare areas. Patch structure (erect perennial cover) had the greatest effect on seed bank density, whereas patch size and microslope had the greatest influence on bare area density. Patch structure, composition and interior location explained the variation in seed bank composition. Patch effect extends to the surrounding bare matrix creating a seed bank gradient in density and composition. This effect is modulated by patch structure and composition and affects seed bank composition. Our results suggest that the spatial structure of gypsum community seed banks may act as a mechanism for a spatial storage effect contributing to the maintenance of high levels of diversity in semi-arid environments     

Mediterranean fruit fly (Dipt., Tephritidae) suppression in persimmon through bait sprays in adjacent coffee plantings*

Abstract: Oriental persimmon, Diospyros kaki L., in Upper Kula on the island of Maui (Hawaii) is attacked by the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Recent suppression trials using mass trapping with a synthetic food‐based bait, initiated in alternate host crops before the start of persimmon season, had shown promise as a means of reducing C. capitata population levels. However, this did not adequately suppress C. capitata population where there were adjacent plantings of coffee, Coffea arabica L., a favoured alternate host, which bears fruits before and during the persimmon season. To improve C. capitata population suppression, we applied a spinosad‐based bait spray to coffee plants, starting before persimmon fruits became susceptible to oviposition by the Mediterranean fruit fly. The bait spray suppressed the C. capitata population and led to reduced infestation of both coffee cherries and persimmon fruits. Percentage parasitization of C. capitata in coffee cherries by established biological control agents, primarily Fopius arisanus (Sonan), was not significantly different in unsprayed vs. sprayed plots even after 11 weekly sprays. These results suggest that mass trapping, combined with spinosad‐based bait sprays, are control components that are compatible with biological control and can be combined in an integrated pest management system for C. capitata.     

坡向尺度差异对大理苍山捕食线虫真菌分布格局的影响

为了解大理苍山地区不同尺度坡向上捕食线虫真菌的分布格局及其驱动因素,利用系统采样法对大理苍山东、西坡及其次级南、北坡的捕食线虫真菌进行调查。按照五点采样法采集苍山东、西坡及其次级南、北坡土壤样品共300份。采用传统方法对捕食线虫真菌进行分离纯化,结合形态特征和分子生物学方法鉴定所得菌株,按照新分类系统进行分类,鉴定为3属12种57株捕食线虫真菌。结果表明：苍山各尺度坡向捕食线虫真菌检出率和多样性指数均是西坡大于东坡,次级南坡大于次级北坡。次级南、北坡向间捕食线虫真菌群落差异大于东、西坡向间;西坡次级南、北坡向间的群落差异最大;东、西坡向的次级南坡向间群落差异也较大;东坡次级北坡与西坡次级北坡间的群落最为相似。产黏性菌网的Arthrobotrys属、产黏性球和黏性分枝的Dactylellina属在东、西坡及其次级南、北坡间均有分布,而产收缩环的Drechslerella属仅在西坡有分布。因此,坡向是影响苍山捕食线虫真菌空间分布格局的驱动因子之一,不同尺度坡向上捕食线虫真菌分布格局存在差异;次级南、北坡间捕食线虫真菌群落差异性比东、西坡间大,小尺度坡向间地理屏障对捕食线虫真菌分布格局的影响大于大尺度坡向间环境异质性的作用;环境筛选和扩散限制均会影响到捕食线虫真菌的群落构建过程。     

Impacts of feral horses in the Australian Alps and evidence‐based solutions

New evidence of impacts by feral horses in Australia's alpine parks systems confirms they endanger threatened species and extensively damage critically endangered bog communities that could take millennia to recover. These impacts are not confounded by effects of deer and accumulate over time, even when only a small number of feral horses (~100) are present. With protected areas representing only a small proportion of the area of the Australian states of New South Wales (9.3%) and Victoria (17%), allowing feral horses to degrade reserves is not a reasonable management compromise, is contrary to the purpose of the protected area system and conflicts with international obligations. Modelling and decades of management experience indicate that trapping alone does not control feral horse numbers. Trapping and fertility control can work in small populations, but not when there are several thousand horses in remote areas. Aerial culling is needed to cost‐effectively and humanely control feral horse populations. The relatively small amount of suffering feral horses experience during a cull is outweighed by (i) avoiding suffering and death of horses from starvation and thirst, (ii) avoiding the suffering of native animals displaced by horses and (iii) avoiding the ethical concerns of driving threatened species towards extinction. Objections to aerial culling on welfare and cultural grounds are contradicted by evidence. Improving knowledge in the general community about what is at stake is long overdue because without this knowledge, small groups with vested interests and unfounded claims have been able to dominate debate and dictate management actions. As a result of ineffective management, horse populations are now expanding and causing well‐documented damage to Australia's alpine parks, placing at risk almost $10M spent on restoration after livestock grazing ended. The costs of horse control and restoration escalate the longer large horse populations remain in the alpine parks. It is crucial that feral horse numbers are rapidly reduced to levels where ecosystems begin to recover. Aerial culling is needed as part of the toolbox to achieve that reduction.     

Co-production of lactic acid and chitin using a pelletized filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae cultured on cull potatoes and glucose

Aims: This paper developed a novel process for lactic acid and chitin co-production of the pelletized Rhzious oryzae NRRL 395 fermentation using underutilized cull potatoes and glucose as nutrient source. Methods and Results: Whole potato hydrolysate medium was first used to produce the highest pelletized biomass yield accompanying the highest chitin content in biomass. An enhanced lactic acid production then followed up using batch, repeated batch and fed batch culture with glucose as carbon source and mixture of ammonia and sodium hydroxide as neutralizer. The lactic acid productivity peaked at 2·8 and 3 g l⁻¹ h⁻¹ in repeated batch culture and batch culture, respectively. The fed batch culture had the highest lactate concentration of 140 g l⁻¹. Conclusions: Separation of the biomass cultivation and the lactic acid production is able to not only improve lactic acid production, but also enhance the chitin content. Cull potato hydrolysate used as a nutrient source for biomass cultivation can significantly increase both biomass yield and chitin content. Significance and Impact of the Study: The three-step process using pelletized R. oryzae fermentation innovatively integrates utilization of agricultural residues into the process of co-producing lactic acid and chitin, so as to improve the efficiency, revenues and cost of fungal lactic acid production.     

Pheromone-mediated mass trapping and population diversion as strategies for suppressing Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Australian stone fruit orchards

1 Five experiments were conducted during 1995–99 in stone fruit orchards on the Central Coast and in inland New South Wales, Australia, on the use of synthetic aggregation pheromones and a coattractant to suppress populations of the ripening fruit pests Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). 2 Perimeter‐based suppression traps baited with pheromone and coattractant placed at 3 m intervals around small fruit blocks, caught large numbers of Carpophilus spp. Very small populations of Carpophilus spp. occurred within blocks, and fruit damage was minimal. 3 Carpophilus spp. populations in stone fruit blocks 15–370 m from suppression traps were also small and non‐damaging, indicating a large zone of pheromone attractivity. 4 Pheromone/coattractant‐baited suppression traps appeared to divert Carpophilus spp. from nearby (130 m) ripening stone fruit. Ten metal drums containing decomposing fruit, baited with pheromone and treated with insecticide, attracted Carpophilus spp. and appeared to reduce populations and damage to ripening fruit at distances of 200–500 m. Populations and damage were significantly greater within 200 m of the drums and may have been caused by ineffective poisoning or poor quality/overcrowding of fruit resources in the drums. 5 Suppression of Carpophilus spp. populations using synthetic aggregation pheromones and a coattractant appears to be a realistic management option in stone fruit orchards. Pheromone‐mediated diversion of beetle populations from ripening fruit may be more practical than perimeter trapping, but more research is needed on the effective range of Carpophilus pheromones and the relative merits of trapping compared to attraction to insecticide‐treated areas.     

Upscaling restoration of native biodiversity: A New Zealand perspective

Efforts are being made to upscale restoration of New Zealand's native ecosystems. Success depends, however, on consideration of several key issues that need to be built into restoration planning, implementation and monitoring. This study makes eight recommendations to improve the prospect of obtaining the hoped‐for biodiversity conservation outcomes.     

条件性定点基因捕获载体的构建

基因捕获是依赖于捕获载体的随机插入产生突变而进行基因功能研究的一类重要技术。由于传统捕获载体在捕获位点上的局限性,各种新型的捕获载体正在不断地被设计并应用于基因捕获技术。以PL-451为基础质粒,结合定点的重组酶识别位点LoxP及Frt序列,突变LoxP的1个碱基的LoxP511A和LoxP511B,SA位点以及不含启动子但有poly(A)的EGFP片断,构建了能够在捕获元件两侧克隆同源臂的条件性基因捕获载体,从而为实现可调控性基因捕获奠定基础。     

Fox‐baiting in agricultural landscapes in south‐eastern Australia: a case‐study appraisal and suggestions for improvement

Summary In south‐eastern Australia, the introduced Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a major predator of native wildlife and livestock. Fox control in agricultural landscapes is heavily reliant on the laying of poisoned baits by private landholders, yet there have been few assessments of the application or success of landholder‐baiting practices. We evaluated a community‐based fox‐baiting campaign, typical of programs employed throughout the agricultural regions of south‐eastern Australia to control foxes. We recorded the spatial coverage of 1080 baits deployed by landholders, assessed baiting procedures, monitored the survival of six radio‐collared foxes during and after baiting, and compared the spatial coverage and likely effectiveness of the baiting program with two alternative (theoretical) baiting strategies. Relative to other baiting programs, coordination among neighbours was reasonably high, with 37.5% of baited properties (n = 40) adjoining ≥3 neighbouring properties that also contained baits. Nevertheless, the maximum distance from the centre of a baited property to the nearest edge of an unbaited property was <750 m (mean = 380 m ± 147 m SD). On average, 33% (±17% SD) of each fox’s home range overlapped with baited properties, but only two foxes died during the baiting program. The remaining four foxes were still alive 10 weeks after baiting ceased. Modelling of simulated fox home ranges showed that 13.5% contained no bait stations based on the community baiting program, whereas alternative roadside‐ and grid‐baiting strategies (theoretically) delivered baits to all simulated home ranges. Some landholders employed practices that could reduce the effectiveness of baiting programs such as not removing decayed baits before deploying new ones or placing bait stations too close together. Our research illustrates the difficulties of managing a coordinated baiting program on private land that effectively controls foxes. Alternative baiting strategies such as roadside baiting need to be considered to improve fox control in agricultural landscapes.     

八哥的代谢产热特征及体温调节

采用封闭式流体压力呼吸计和数字式温度计,在环境温度(Ta)5.0～37.5℃范围内,测定了成体八哥(Acridotheres cristatellus)的代谢率(MR)和体温(Tb),并计算出每个温度点的热传导(C),以及MR和C的体重预期值等指标,探讨其代谢产热特征。在Ta为5.0～37.5℃时,八哥的体温基本维持恒定,平均为(41.4±0.1)℃,热中性区(TNZ)为25.0～32.5℃,基础代谢率(BMR)为(125.33±2.08)ml O2/h,是体重预期值的60%;Ta在5.0～25.0℃范围内,MR[ml O2/h]与Ta(℃)呈负相关,回归方程为:MR=365.30-10.07Ta;Ta在10.0～25.0℃时,C最低且基本恒定,平均为(0.06±0.00)ml O2/(g.h.℃),是体重预期值的100%。八哥具有较低的基础代谢率,相对较高的热传导和体温,符合南方小型鸟类的代谢特征。