Characteristics of grass pollen seasons in areas of southern Spain and the United Kingdom

Spatial and temporal variations in daily grasspollen counts and weather variables aredescribed for two regions with differentbio-geographical and climatic regimes, southernSpain and the United Kingdom. Daily averagegrass pollen counts are considered from sixpollen-monitoring sites, three in southernSpain (Ciudad Real, Córdoba and Priego) andthree in the United Kingdom (Edinburgh,Worcester and Cambridge). Analysis shows thatrainfall and maximum temperatures are importantfactors controlling the magnitude of the grasspollen season in both southern Spain and theUnited Kingdom, and that the strength anddirection of the influence exerted by thesevariables varies with geographical location andtime.     

Synoptic and meteorological characterisation of olive pollen transport in Córdoba province (south-western Spain)

The main goal of the present study was to provide a detailed analysis of olive pollen transport dynamics in the province of Córdoba (south-western Spain) by applying back-trajectory analysis. Pollen data from 2006 and 2007 were analysed at four monitoring sites: Córdoba city in the centre of the province, Baena and Priego de Córdoba located in the south, and El Cabril reserve (Hornachuelos Natural Park) in the north. Particular attention was paid to nine episodes of high pollen counts. Synoptic surface maps were used, and kinematic back-trajectories (3D) were computed using the hybrid single particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory model (HYSPLIT) at 500 m above ground level, run with a time-step of 6 h over a period of 36 h. Findings were analysed in conjunction with daily and bi-hourly airborne pollen data, field phenological data and hourly surface meteorological data recorded at nearby stations: temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind direction and wind speed. The results identified two pollen source areas over the Córdoba province, the largest one located in the south, affecting Baena, Priego de Córdoba and Córdoba city, and one smaller located in the west, which determines mainly the pollen cycle over the north of the province, El Cabril. In addition, two air mass circulations were found, one coming from the south and crossing the main olive pollen sources very close to the surface and being frequently associated with higher pollen counts, and the other coming from the west and, in the episodes investigated, influencing mainly the north of the province.     

Detection of Orthobunyavirus in mosquitoes collected in Argentina

Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) (Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus, serogroup Bunyamwera) is considered an emerging pathogen for humans and animals in American countries. The CbaAr‐426 strain of BUNV was recovered from mosquitoes Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) collected in Córdoba province (Argentina), where serological studies detected high seroprevalences in humans and animals. Molecular detection of Orthobunyavirus was performed in mosquitoes collected in Córdoba province. Seventeen mosquito pools of Oc. albifasciatus, Ochlerotatus scapularis and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) showed positive results; four of these positive pools, all of Oc. scapularis, were sequenced. All amplicons grouped with BUNV in the Bunyamwera serogroup. The findings highlight the circulation of BUNV in Córdoba province and represent the first report of BUNV‐infected Oc. scapularis mosquitoes in Argentina.     

Visitors' perceptions of zoo‐housed lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) welfare: Observation plays a larger role than a brief informative talk

There is a growing ethical concern in modern society about animals' quality of life. We hypothesize that zoo visitors' perception of zoo animal welfare, particularly in the case of lesser anteaters, changes positively after listening to scientific information. Visitors observing active lesser anteaters in their enclosures at Córdoba Zoo (Argentina) were asked to respond to a questionnaire about animal welfare. The treatment group (T) answered the questionnaire after listening to a brief informative talk based on local scientific studies on lesser anteaters. The control group (C) answered the questionnaire without hearing the informative talk. Visitors (87.2%) considered biological, sanitary, and sociocultural aspects to be necessary conditions for optimum wild zoo‐housed animal welfare. The majority of visitors considered that natural surroundings provide the highest level of welfare for wild animals. Visitors in the T group ranked the zoo as providing a higher level of animal welfare than those in group C. In reference to management measurements, the T group agreed on the positive effect of the application of environmental enrichment (Likert Medians: C = 4 and T = 5; p = .0443). On the basis of their perception, most visitors in both groups stated that the lesser anteaters at Córdoba Zoo appeared to be in a good state of welfare. We interpret this as meaning that, what these Córdoba zoo visitors personally perceived while observing the lesser anteaters carried greater weight than what they learned from the informative talk, though the talk did slightly affect their opinion.     

Comparison of airborne herb pollen types in Córdoba (Southwestern Spain) and Poznan (Western Poland)

This study sought to compare airborne pollen counts for a number of common herbaceous species (Plantago, Chenopodiaceae–Amaranthaceae, Rumex, and Urticaceae) in two cities with differing weather conditions, Córdoba (Southwestern Spain) and Poznan (Western Poland). Pollen seasons for these species were studied from 1995 to 2005. Aerobiological sampling was performed using a Hirst type 7-day spore trap, in accordance with the procedure developed by the European Aerobiology Network. A Spearman correlation test was used to test for correlations between meteorological parameters and daily airborne pollen counts. The Spearman correlation test and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test were also used to compare mean daily pollen counts for the two study sites. In Córdoba, the pollen season generally started around two months earlier than in Poznan, and also lasted longer. These findings were attributed to the presence of a larger number of species in Córdoba, with overlapping pollen seasons, and also to more favorable weather conditions. Trends in pollen season start dates were fairly stable over the study period, with a slight tendency to delayed onset in Córdoba and a modest advance in start date in Poznan. The pollen season end date also remained reasonably stable over the study, with only a slight tendency for the season to end earlier in Córdoba and later in Poznan. A clear trend towards declining annual pollen counts was recorded over the study period for all pollen types in both cities.     

A multi-level approach using Gambusia affinis as a bioindicator of environmental pollution in the middle-lower basin of Suquía River

The Suquía River middle-lower basin (Córdoba, Argentina) is subjected to a strong anthropogenic impact because it receives pollutants from different sources. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the introduced fish species Gambusia affinis as a bioindicator of environmental pollution in the middle-lower basin of the Suquía River. The assessment was performed by measuring biomarkers at different levels of biological organization, at two sampling sites (before and after Córdoba city), and at dry and wet seasons. Water quality evaluation was made through a water-quality index (based on physico-chemical parameters), heavy-metals and pesticides concentrations in water. The water quality varied between sampling sites, showing the most degraded conditions downstream Córdoba city. The same pattern of variation was detected in the biomarkers studied, mainly in: gill and liver histopathological indexes, copulatory organ (gonopodium) morphology and vitellogenin expression in males and females. The present study characterized the environmental conditions in the middle-lower basin of the Suquía River and revealed the low freshwater quality at the most polluted site. Although G. affinis is an introduced species, it could be considered a good sentinel of water resource quality of invaded Neotropical basins. Our results demonstrated the importance of addressing the environmental quality monitoring through an integrated analysis of water quality parameters together with histological, morphological and molecular parameters. Thus, our study provides a good model for application in other basins of South America.     

Isonymous structure in the white population of Córdoba, Argentina, in 1813

Surnames analysis is useful for populations in which only written documents remain, as is the case for historical populations. In Córdoba province, Argentina, census records contain nominal data of inhabitants, including information on sex, age, ethnosocial category, civil status, occupation, place of birth, and residence, that can be analyzed using surnames. Relationship indicators within and among ecclesiastic units in Córdoba were estimated by isonymy for the adult white population registered in the 1813 census. The Rii, Rij, and R(ST) coefficients and the surname abundance indicator (a) were calculated. Lasker's distances among categories of population units were used to cluster the 16 provincial population categories. Gradients for kinship within population and for surname diversity were in agreement with the principal areas and waves of original settlement in the province. The main population clusters reflect those areas, whereas minor clusters coincide with the network of roads existing in the territory by 1813. The structure of the white population in Córdoba province was determined by the geographic location of the original waves of settlement, and it followed a pattern of relationships conditioned by the routes connecting population units in the Colonial period.     

Allergenicity of the ornamental urban flora: ecological and aerobiological analyses in C��rdoba (Spain) and Ascoli Piceno (Italy)

Comparative ecological and aerobiological analyses of ornamental urban flora in the cities of Córdoba (Spain) and Ascoli Piceno (Italy) identified a group of plants with allergenic pollen whose behaviour is influenced by a number of factors. The geographical position and the resulting climate of both cities favoured the presence of Mediterranean species. In Córdoba, strongly allergenic evergreens introduced during the Moorish period predominated (Cupressus sempervirens, among others), while in the urban area of Ascoli Piceno, Pinaceae were abundant. In both cities, many species of American origin have been introduced for aesthetic reasons, contributing to an increase in the overall allergenicity of urban greenery. The pollen spectrum differed between the two cities: airborne Oleaceae and Cupressaceae pollen abounded in Córdoba, whilst allergenic pollen from surrounding natural environments (Corylaceae) predominated in Ascoli Piceno. These results pointed to a large number of potentially allergenic species in cities, thus highlighting the importance of greater ecological and aerobiological knowledge of allergenic species of urban ornamental flora. Avoidance of more allergenic species when planning new urban green areas could ensure healthier environments for pollen-allergy sufferers.     

Genetic Diversity of Rhizobia Nodulating Arachis hypogaea L. in Central Argentinean Soils

The diversity of thirty-nine isolates from peanut plants growing at fourteen different sites in the Argentinean province of Córdoba was examined by rep-PCR, RFLP of PCR amplified 16S rRNA gene and complete sequencing of ribosomal genes. The genomic analysis of the peanut isolates indicated that each group encompasses heterogeneity among their members, having distinct rep fingerprints and 16S rRNA alleles. Complete sequencing of 16S rRNA demonstrated that native peanut rhizobia from Córdoba soils representative of the slow and fast growers are phylogenetically related to Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium sp. and Rhizobium giardinii and R. tropici species, respectively. The nodC gene sequence analysis showed phylogenetic similarity between fast grower peanut symbionts and Rhizobium tropici.     

Meteorological factors affecting daily urticaceae pollen counts in southwest Spain

The influence of meteorological factors on daily Urticaceae pollen counts were studied in Córdoba (southwest Spain) in 1996 and 1997. The daily Urticaceae pollen concentrations were obtained by using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler, and meteorological data were obtained from the Córdoba airport, located near the sampling site. The highest correlation between pollen concentration and meteorological parameters was obtained during non-rainy seasons. Temperature was found to be the most important meteorological parameter influencing pollen counts in spring, as temperature is the main reason for the increase of pollen concentration in the atmosphere. In autumn, humidity was another important parameter influencing pollen counts. Rain, however, did not appear to be significant. The influence of the pollen concentration of the 2 previous days and the pollen concentration of the previous day has been studied. During periods with low precipitation, the pollen concentration of the previous day was a useful predictor of Urticaceae pollen concentrations for the following day. Received: 4 January 1999 / Revised: 26 July 1999 / Accepted: 6 September 1999     

Spatial organization of female groups in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.)

The spatial organization of female groups in red deer was studied in the periods before and after the rut, in a study area located in the central Sierra Morena (Córdoba, Spain). The study was carried out in terms of age-sex classes, and was based on direct observation and video recording.Movement order proved to be linear, and highlighted the role of the mature hind as group leader and potential group protector. Two tendencies were found in the calf: to place itself behind the adult female, and to take up a central position in the group. With regard to relationships of spatial proximity, the mature hind and the calf tended to keep separate from the rest of the group both in the period before and after the rut. The yearling male became progressively independent of the matriarchal group, tending in the second period of study to associate with individuals from its own age-sex class.     

Identification of hepatitis C virus subtype 2c by sequencing analysis in patients from Córdoba, Argentina

In Argentina, most information on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution comes from studies carried out in Buenos Aires (east province). In order to identify HCV subtypes in central Argentina, nucleotide sequencing of core region was performed in samples from 36 patients living in Córdoba, the second most populated province of Argentina. The sequence analysis identified subtype 2c as the most prevalent (50%), followed by subtype 1b (33%) and to a lesser extent by subtypes 1a (11%), 3a (3%) and 4a (3%). This is the first report of circulation of HCV subtype 2c in this region of Argentina and also such high prevalence has never been found before in the genotype distribution of South America.     

QTLs for Orobanche spp. resistance in faba bean: identification and validation across different environments

Broomrapes are holoparasitic plants which infect faba bean (Vicia faba L.), among other legumes. Here, we aimed to identify and validate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for broomrape resistance in the cross 29H × Vf136 and to investigate the existence of common and specific genomic regions against Orobanche crenata and O. foetida. A genetic map including 171 markers was constructed for QTL analyses. Field trials for O. crenata were conducted during three consecutive seasons at Córdoba (Spain) and in a single season at Kafr El-Sheikh (Egypt). QTL analysis for O. foetida was performed using data from a single season at Beja (Tunisia). Seven QTLs for O. crenata were identified. Oc7 on chromosome VI was detected over 3 years at Córdoba, explaining between 22 and 33 % of the phenotypic variation, which make it the most promising candidate for future marker-assisted breeding for broomrape resistance in faba bean. O. crenata QTLs identified at Kafr El-Sheikh did not co-localize with those identified in Córdoba. Environmental differences together with the diversity of parasitic populations between locations may account for the discrepancy. Three QTLs for O. foetida were detected. Co-localization of Oc8 and Of3 in chromosome V confirms a common resistance against both O. crenata and O. foetida, as previously reported.     

Effect of Environmental Perchlorate on Thyroid Function in Pregnant Women from Córdoba,Argentina, and Los Angeles,California

ObjectiveTo determine whether environmental perchlorate exposure adversely affects thyroid function in women in the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodsFirst-trimester pregnant women were recruited from prenatal clinics in the Los Angeles County Hospital, Los Angeles, California, and in the Hospital Universitario de Maternidad dependent Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina, between 2004 and 2007. Spot urine and blood specimens were obtained during the clinic visit. Urinary perchlorate, iodine, and creatinine were measured, and thyroid function tests were performed.ResultsThe study included 134 pregnant women from Los Angeles, California (mean gestational age ± SD = 9.1 ± 2.2 weeks), and 107 pregnant women from Córdoba, Argentina (mean gestational age = 10.0 ± 2.0 weeks). Median urinary iodine values were 144 mg/L in California and 130 mg/L in Argentina. Urinary perchlorate levels were detectable in all women (California: median, 7.8 mg/L [range, 0.4-284 mg/L] and Argentina: median, 13.5 mg/L [range, 1.1-676 mg/L]). Serum thyroperoxidase antibodies were detectable in 21 women from California (16%) and in 17 women from Argentina (16%). Using Spearman rank correlation analyses, there was no association between urinary perchlorate concentrations and serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine index, or total triiodothyronine values, including within the subset of women with urinary iodine values less than 100 mg/L. In multivariate analyses using the combined Argentina and California data sets and adjusting for urinary iodine concentrations, urinary creatinine, gestational age, and thyroperoxidase antibody status, urinary perchlorate was not a significant predictor of thyroid function.ConclusionsLow-level perchlorate exposure is ubiquitous, but is not associated with altered thyroid function among women in the first trimester of pregnancy. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:412-417)     

Forecasting olive (Olea europaea) crop production by monitoring airborne pollen

Forecasting harvests of olives destined for the production of olive oil can be based on counts of airborne olive pollen, and meteorological and agronomic observations. This study was carried out during six consecutive years (1990–1995) in the Campiña Alta (an olive-producing region in the province of Córdoba, south-west Spain). Olive pollen totals are the annual sum of the concentrations recorded for the periods that the filters of a Cour trap were exposed. The meteorological data are the values of accumulated rainfall between 1 September and the following 15 April (a date prior to the beginning of olive flowering). The agronomic data are the forecast and actual productions for the province of Córdoba, supplied by the Board of Agriculture of the Andalusian government, and the actual production of the Campiña Alta, supplied at the end of harvest by private olive-growing co-operatives. The data were combined, and four mathematical equations were obtained to forecast the crop 6 months in advance, with varying degrees of reliability. The reliability was very high for an appropriate agricultural area. The most accurate equation isY=?1.90×10⁴+2.35X+53.94 (which forecasts the production of the Campiña Alta), whereY is the olive production (MT),X the olive pollen count,Z the rainfall prior to flowering, anda, b andc are constants. The least accurate equation is that relating olive pollen concentrations with olive production in the province of Córdoba.     

Bionomics of Aedes aegypti subpopulations (Diptera: Culicidae) from Argentina

Differences in biological features of immature and adult Aedes aegypti, as well as variability in vector competence, seem consistent with the existence of genetic variation among subpopulations and adaptation to local conditions. This work aims to compare the bionomics of four Ae. aegypti subpopulations derived from different geographical regions reared under temperate conditions. Life statistics of three Ae. aegypti subpopulations from the provinces of Córdoba, Salta, and Misiones were studied based on horizontal life tables. The Rockefeller strain was used as a control. The development time required to complete the larva and pupa stages varied from 6.91 to 7.95 and 1.87 to 2.41 days, respectively. Significant differences were found in mean larval development time between the Córdoba and Orán subpopulations. The larva‐pupa development time was similar in all the subpopulations. However, survival values varied significantly between the Orán and San Javier subpopulations. The proportion of emergent males did not differ from females within each subpopulation nor among them. Adult longevity was similar among the subpopulations. The average number of eggs laid by each female was significantly different. The Rockefeller strain laid a significantly greater number of eggs (463.99 eggs/female) than the rest of the subpopulations. Moreover, differences in the demographic growth parameter R_o were detected among the four subpopulations. The differences obtained in larval development time, larva‐pupa survival values, and net reproductive rates among the subpopulations might reflect underlying genetic differences as a result of colonization from different regions that probably involve adaptations to local conditions.     

Determination of potential sources of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus</Emphasis> airborne pollen in Córdoba city (southern Spain) using back-trajectory analysis

The northern area of Córdoba province (southern Spain) is characterised by a high spatial distribution of Quercus species. In Córdoba city, high airborne Quercus pollen counts are detected during spring despite the low presence of Quercus populations in the Guadalquivir Valley, where this city is located. This study sought to clarify and identify the potential origin of the different Quercus peaks detected in this city and chart the possible relationship between Quercus pollen curves and air-mass movements. For this purpose, an integrated study of daily and intra-diurnal Quercus pollen counts and back-trajectory analysis was performed over the March–June period of the years 2006–2008. The application of cluster techniques to back trajectory enabled the identification of six different types of air-mass movement. As a function of frequency, two different air-mass groups were identified: the main group comprised Local, Slower Northwest and Mediterranean movements, characterised by higher frequencies; a second group consisting of North, Faster Northwest and Southwest trajectories occurred less frequently over the study period. Although a significant correlation was observed between Quercus airborne pollen counts recorded in Córdoba city and the influence of the Mediterranean air-mass movements, the strongest positive correlation was found between North and Northwest air-mass movements and daily Quercus pollen counts. These results would confirm both that the major Quercus pollen sources are located at different distances north of the city and a new pollen source is also located south of the province, beyond the Guadalquivir valley, related to the arrival of Mediterranean air masses. The northern source appears to be linked to regional transport and the southern source to long-range transport.     

Redescription of the teleost Trichomycterus barbouri (Eigenmann, 1911), occurrence in Argentina and comparison with related species (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

Trichomycterus barbouri (Eigenmann, 1911) is redescribed based on adult and juvenile specimens, and is distinguished from all congeners by external and osteological characters. The species previously known only from the type locality Beni river in Bolivia, is recorded here the first time for Argentina, from localities in the provinces of Tucumán, Catamarca, Córdoba and Salta. T. barbouri is compared with some Argentinian congeners.