Brown-top millet: an overview of breeding, genetic, and genomic resources development for crop improvement.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Brown-top millet is a lesser-known millet with a high grain nutrient value, early maturation, and drought tolerance that needs basic research to understand and conserve food security. Brown-top millet [Urochloa ramosa (L.)] is currently cultivated in some developing countries (especially in India) for food and fodder, although it is less known among the small millets. Like other millets, it contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber, all of which have rich health benefits. The nutritional importance and health benefits of brown-top millet are still unknown to many people due to a lack of awareness, wide cultivation, and research. Hence, this millet is currently overshadowed by other major cereals. This review article aims to present the nutritional, breeding, genetic, and genomic resources of brown-top millet to inform millet and other plant researchers. It is important to note that genetic and genomic resources have not yet been created for this millet. To date, there are no genomic and transcriptomic resources for brown-top millet to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertion/Deletions (InDels) for breeding studies. Furthermore, studies regarding nutritional significance and health benefits are required to investigate the exact nutritional contents and health benefits of the brown-top millet. The present review delves into the nutritional value and health advantages of brown-top millet, as supported by the available literature. The limitations of producing brown-top millet have been enumerated. We also cover the status of marker-assisted breeding and functional genomics research on closely related species. Lastly, we draw insights for further research such as developing omics resources and applying genome editing to study and improve brown-top millet. This review will help to start breeding and other molecular studies to increase the growth and development of this cereal.

Point prevalence audit surveys of respiratory tract infection consultations and antibiotic prescribing in primary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics in general practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on antibiotic prescribing and delivery of primary care in Ireland. OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of antibiotic prescribing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Ireland. METHODS: Point prevalence audit surveys for RTI consultations were conducted as part of a European study at three time periods: January-February 2020, March-May 2020 and March-May 2021. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed and comparisons made between the three time periods. RESULTS: In total, 765 consultations were recorded, which were mainly face to face before the pandemic, but changed to predominantly remote consultations during the pandemic surveys in 2020 and 2021 (82% and 75%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 54% of RTI consultations before the pandemic. During pandemic surveys, this dropped to 23% in 2020 and 21% in 2021. There was a decrease in prescribing of Red (reserve) agents in 2021. Assessment against indication-specific quality indicators showed a high proportion of consultations for bronchitis and tonsillitis resulting in an antibiotic prescription (67% and 85%). Point-of-care testing (POCT) to aid diagnosis of RTIs were utilized in less than 1% of consultations. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in antibiotic prescribing. Opportunities identified to support AMS in primary care in Ireland are targeted initiatives to reduce antibiotic prescribing for bronchitis and tonsillitis and introducing POCT to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

MANAGING ARTHRITIS PAIN: MEDICATIONS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES.

This study aims to characterize and contrast the triennial rates at which doctors prescribe PT, determine patient, doctor, and practicing characteristics related to every therapy suggestion, and assess pain relievers, lifestyle counseling, and PT as effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA). We analyzed the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), narcotics prescriptions, physical therapy referrals, and primary care physician visits for knee OA have been determined and evaluated. The average yearly rate after three years of therapy was determined. Using multivariable logistic modeling with adjustments for complicated sample design, we analyzed the relationships among patient, physician, and practice characteristics and treatments. Over time the patients were prescribed physical therapy to improve their lifestyle whereas the percentage of patients who were prescribed NSAIDs or drugs. Physical therapy, lifestyle therapy, and drugs were prescribed at similar rates across time for basic care doctor visits. There was an association between nonclinical characteristics and treatment suggestions, such as provider type, practice setting, and geographic proximity. Physical therapy (PT) and lifestyle counseling (LC) seem underused in patients with knee OA, but prescriptions for pain medication rose over the studied period. The treatment decisions varied due to variables outside of medicine. Increased usage of physical therapy and lifestyle changes, as well as decreased treatment variance for knee OA, are important areas for further study.

Bone markers and bone mineral density associates with periodontitis in females with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Studies suggest an association between poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and chronic periodontitis (CP), both being inflammatory conditions. However, insufficient evidence assesses the impact of this inflammation on bone metabolism and bone turnover markers (BTMs). The present study aimed to determine the association between BTMs, bone mineral density (BMD), and clinical periodontal parameters in PCOS women with CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups, each with 40 newly diagnosed (1) PCOS+CP, (2) PCOS alone, (3) CP alone, and fourth group (n = 20) systemically and periodontally healthy females aged 18-30 years were included in the study. Full mouth clinical periodontal parameters, C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), BMD and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (VD) were recorded for all. RESULTS: Low BMD (0.89 ± 0.11 g/cm2), increased CTX levels (2.76 ± 4.64 ng/ml), decreased bone ALP levels (11.09 ± 6.86 ng/ml), higher VD levels (289.02 ± 168.28 nmol/l) and poor clinical periodontal status were observed in PCOS + CP females. BMD-spine showed weak positive correlation with CTX, bone ALP, VD (r = 0.02, r = 0.07, r = 0.15, respectively) in PCOS + CP group. ANCOVA depicted covariates had no confounding effect. Multiple regression model explained 21.0% for BMD-spine and 12.7% for BMD-femur of total variability signifying association with all measured parameters among all groups. CONCLUSION: Enhanced inflammatory thrust by periodontitis increases CTX levels and decreases bone ALP and BMD levels in women with PCOS. Screening PCOS women for periodontal disease and vice versa may have a direct bearing on overall bone health.

Molecular detection of porcine parvovirus 1-associated reproductive failure in southern India.

This study used 56 aborted and stillborn fetuses from organized swine farms in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, southern states of India. All samples were screened by using a PCR assay that targets the NS1 gene for PPV. Furthermore, the PCR positive samples were subjected to amplification of the VP2 gene of PPV1 with designed primers and sequenced for further study. The PCR screening of 56 samples found that 14.3% (n = 8) were positive for PPV genome. According to VP2 gene-based PCR for PPV1, 897 bp specific amplicons were detected in all eight of the samples. Two of the eight positive samples (L17 and T5) were sequenced and annotated randomly. The BLAST analysis of contig sequence INDTNCHN-T5 revealed 100% sequence homology with Chinese PPV1genome, whereas sequence from INDTNCHN-L17 revealed 99.43% sequence homology with Spain, Chinese, and German. PPV1 sequences and both the sequences INDTNCHN-T5 and INDTNCHN-L17 were submitted to the GenBank under the accession numbers MW822566 and MW822567 respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the sequences in this study revealed specific grouping along with PPV1 strains in cluster E. Amino acid analysis of both isolated sequences in addition to the reference sequence from PPV1 showed variations in position 215 (I to T) in both the isolates, variation at position 228 (Q to E) in T5 isolate and variations at position 59 (L to M) and 314 (K to E) in L17 isolate. This study represents the first report of PPV1 cluster E in Tamil Nadu, southern India.

Global transmission and evolutionary dynamics of the Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging pathogen of global importance. We attempted to gain an insight into the organisation, distribution and mutational load of the virus strains reported from different parts of the world. We describe transmission dynamics and genetic characterisation of CHIKV across the globe during the last 65 years from 1952 to 2017. The evolutionary pattern of CHIKV was analysed using the E1 protein gene through phylogenetic, Bayesian and Network methods with a dataset of 265 sequences from various countries. The time to most recent common ancestor of the virus was estimated to be 491 years ago with an evolutionary rate of 2.78 × 10-4 substitutions/site/year. Genetic characterisation of CHIKV strains was carried out in terms of variable sites, selection pressure and epitope mapping. The neutral selection pressure on the E1 gene of the virus suggested a stochastic process of evolution. We identified six potential epitope peptides in the E1 protein showing substantial interaction with human MHC-I and MHC-II alleles. The present study augments global epidemiological and population dynamics of CHIKV warranting undertaking of appropriate control measures. The identification of epitopic peptides can be useful in the development of epitope-based vaccine strategies against this re-emerging viral pathogen.

Evaluation of a dementia awareness programme in UK schools: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: 'Dementia Friends' is a programme used to raise awareness of dementia, developed by the Alzheimer's Society, which has been delivered across the UK to diverse populations, including adolescents. However, there is little evidence available with regards to adolescents' perceptions of the programme and its impact. This study aims to explore this in a group of adolescents from the south of England. STUDY DESIGN: Focus group discussions. METHODS: Thirty adolescents aged between 11 and 16 years were recruited from two schools in East Sussex, England. All had participated in a Dementia Friends session in the past month. Focus group discussions were transcribed, coded and themes were created using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) perceptions and experiences of dementia, (2) outcomes and learning from Dementia Friends session, (3) reactions to the Dementia Friends session and (4) identified future learning needs. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents had generally positive opinions about Dementia Friends, particularly the interactive nature of the session. Whilst they felt participating in Dementia Friends improved their attitudes and knowledge, they were often left wanting to learn more. Future research needs to empirically evaluate the extent to which Dementia Friends may improve attitudes and knowledge of dementia.

Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgical Treatment Outcomes.

AIM: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) management involves many surgical treatment modalities depending on the experience of the operator. A lot of literature has been published on various treatment modalities. Many systematic reviews (SRs) were published without any published prior protocol. So, the study aimed to evaluate the quality of SRs with meta-analysis of TMJA management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic reviews with meta-analysis were included for the quality assessment using AMSTAR (assessment of multiple SRs) and Glenny et al. checklist by two independent teams. The search was limited to the Medline database archival (from January 1980 to December 2018). RESULTS: The primary search identified 1,507 related articles. After activation of different filters, abstracts screening, and cross-referencing, finally, a total of six studies were assessed to make the overview up-to-date. CONCLUSION: The articles scored 8 to 11 with AMSTAR and 7 to 13 with the Glenny et al. checklist. None of the published reviews received maximum scores. The methodology and heterogeneity are essential factors to assess the quality of the published literature. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: None of the included meta-analysis was registered or published protocol with Prospero or Cochrane before publication for better validity of the studies. The authors are advised to follow reporting criteria so that in the future it is possible to provide the standards of care for TMJA with the highest quality of evidence.

An audit of dementia education and training in UK health and social care: a comparison with national benchmark standards.

BACKGROUND: Despite people living with dementia representing a significant proportion of health and social care users, until recently in the United Kingdom (UK) there were no prescribed standards for dementia education and training. This audit sought to review the extent and nature of dementia education and training offered to health and social care staff in the UK against the standards described in the 2015 Dementia Training Standards Framework, which describes the knowledge and skills required of the UK dementia workforce. METHODS: This audit presents national data concerning the design, delivery, target audience, length, level, content, format of training, number of staff trained and frequency of delivery within existing dementia training programmes offered to health and social care staff. The Dementia Training Standards Framework was used as a reference for respondents to describe the subjects and learning outcomes associated with their training. RESULTS: The findings are presented from 614 respondents offering 386 training packages, which indicated variations in the extent and quality of training. Many training packages addressed the subjects of 'person-centred care', 'communication', 'interaction and behaviour in dementia care', and 'dementia awareness'. Few training packages addressed subjects concerning 'pharmacological interventions in dementia care', 'leadership' and 'end of life care'. Fewer than 40% of The Dementia Training Standards Framework learning outcomes targeted to staff with regular contact with people with dementia or in leadership roles were covered by the reported packages. However, for training targeted at increasing dementia awareness more than 70% of the learning outcomes identified in The Dementia Training Standards Framework were addressed. Many training packages are not of sufficient duration to derive impact; although the majority employed delivery methods likely to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: The development of new and existing training and education should take account of subjects that are currently underrepresented and ensure that training reflects the Training Standard Framework and evidence regarding best practice for delivery. Lessons regarding the limitations of training in the UK serve as a useful illustration of the challenge of implementing national dementia training standards; particularly for countries who are developing or have recently implemented national dementia strategies.

Co-circulation of Chikungunya and Dengue viruses in Dengue endemic region of New Delhi, India during 2016.

Co-circulation of Chikungunya and Dengue viral infections (CHIKV and DENV) have been reported mainly due to transmission by common Aedes vector. The purpose of the study was to identify and characterise the circulating strains of CHIKV and DENV in DENV endemic region of New Delhi during 2016. CHIKV and DENV were identified in the blood samples (n = 130) collected from suspected patients by RT-PCR. CHIKV was identified in 26 of 65 samples (40%). Similarly, DENV was detected in 48 of 120 samples (40%). Co-infection with both the viruses was identified in five (9%) of the samples. Interestingly, concurrent infection with DENV, CHIKV and Plasmodium vivax was detected in two samples. CHIKV strains (n = 11) belonged to the ECSA genotype whereas DENV-3 sequences (n = eight) clustered in Genotype III by phylogenetic analysis. Selection pressure of E1 protein of CHIKV and CprM protein of DENV-3 revealed purifying selection with four and two positive sites, respectively. Four amino acids of the CHIKV were positively selected and had high entropy suggesting probable variations. Co-circulation of both viruses in DENV endemic regions warrants effective monitoring of these emerging pathogens via comprehensive surveillance for implementation of effective control measures.

Seafood pathogens and information on antimicrobial resistance: A review.

Seafood-borne diseases are a major public health hazard in the United States and worldwide. Per capita, seafood consumption has increased globally during recent decades. Seafood importation and domestic aquaculture farming has also increased. Moreover, several recent outbreaks of human gastroenteritis have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood. Investigation of seafood-borne illnesses caused by norovirus, and Vibrio, and other bacteria and viruses require a concrete knowledge about the pathogenicity and virulence properties of the etiologic agents. This review explores pathogens that have been associated with seafood and resulting outbreaks in the U.S. and other countries as well as the presence of antimicrobial resistance in the reviewed pathogens. The spectrum of such resistance is widening due to the overuse, misuse, and sub-therapeutic application of antimicrobials in humans and animals.

A comparative study of hepatitis B virus X protein mutants K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI to investigate their roles in fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations A1762T, G1764A and AG1762/1764TA cause production of HBV X protein (HBx) mutants, namely K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI. These mutations are important biomarkers for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic HBV patients. This study comparatively analyses the impact of intracellular expression of HBx mutants on HCC cell line Huh7. It was found that expression of KV130/131MI induced: cell proliferation, altered expression of cell cycle regulatory genes in favour of cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization. KV130/131MI may be directly involved in host cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis via altering expression of cell cycle regulatory genes. KV130/131MI may also play pivotal roles in fibrosis and cirrhosis via inducing ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, these might be the possible reasons for higher occurrence of AG1762/1764TA as compared to A1762T and G1764A in cirrhosis and HCC patients.

Occurrence of co-infection with dengue viruses during 2014 in New Delhi, India.

Dengue fever is an arthropod-borne viral infection that has become endemic in several parts of India including Delhi. We studied occurrence of co-infection with dengue viruses during an outbreak in New Delhi, India in 2014. For the present study, blood samples collected from symptomatic patients were analysed by RT-PCR. Eighty percent of the samples were positive for dengue virus. The result showed that DENV-1 (77%) was the predominant serotype followed by DENV-2 (60%). Concurrent infection with more than one serotype was identified in 43% of the positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis clustered DENV-1 strains with the American African and DENV-2 strains in Cosmopolitan genotypes. Four common amino-acid mutations were identified in the envelope gene of DENV-1 sequences (F337I, A369T, V380I and L402F) and one common mutation (N390S) in the DENV-2 sequences. Further analysis revealed purifying selection in both the serotypes. A significant number of patients were co-infected with DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes. Although we do not have direct evidence to demonstrate co-evolution of these two stereotypes, nonetheless their simultaneous occurrence does indicate that they are favoured by evolutionary forces. An ongoing surveillance and careful analysis of future outbreaks will strengthen the concept of co-evolution or otherwise. Whether the concurrent dengue viral infection is correlated with disease severity in a given population is another aspect to be pursued. This study is envisaged to be useful for future reference in the context of overall epidemiology.

Evolving epidemiology of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh: evidence from outbreaks during 2010-2011.

Drinking raw date palm sap is the primary route of Nipah virus (NiV) transmission from bats to people in Bangladesh; subsequent person-to-person transmission is common. During December 2010 to March 2011, we investigated NiV epidemiology by interviewing cases using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and group discussions to collect clinical and exposure histories. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for transmission. We identified 43 cases; 23 were laboratory-confirmed and 20 probable. Thirty-eight (88%) cases died. Drinking raw date palm sap and contact with an infected person were major risk factors; one healthcare worker was infected and for another case transmission apparently occurred through contact with a corpse. In absence of these risk factors, apparent routes of transmission included drinking fermented date palm sap. For the first time, a case was detected in eastern Bangladesh. Identification of new epidemiological characteristics emphasizes the importance of continued NiV surveillance and case investigation.

Potential of carboxymethyl cellulose coating and low dose gamma irradiation to maintain storage quality, inhibit fungal growth and extend shelf-life of cherry fruit.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coatings alone and in combination with gamma irradiation was tested for maintaining the storage quality, inhibiting fungal incidence and extending shelf-life of cherry fruit. Two commercial cherry varieties viz. Misri and Double after harvest at commercial maturity were coated with CMC at levels 0.5-1.0 % w/v and gamma irradiated at 1.2 kGy. The treated fruit including control was stored under ambient (temperature 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 %) and refrigerated (temperature 3 ± 1 °C, RH 80 %) conditions for evaluation of various physico-chemical parameters. Fruits were evaluated after every 3 and 7 days under ambient and refrigerated conditions. CMC coating alone at levels 0.5 and 0.75 % w/v was not found effective with respect to mold growth inhibition under either of the two conditions. Individual treatment of CMC coating at 1.0 % w/v and 1.2 kGy irradiation proved helpful in delaying the onset of mold growth up to 5 and 8 days of ambient storage. During post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 %, irradiation alone at 1.2 kGy gave further 4 days extension in shelf-life of cherry varieties following 28 days of refrigeration. All combinatory treatments of CMC coating and irradiation proved beneficial in maintaining the storage quality as well as delaying the decaying of cherry fruit during post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 % but, combination of CMC at 1.0 % w/v and 1.2 kGy irradiation was found significantly (p ≤ 0.05) superior to all other treatments in maintaining the storage quality and delaying the decaying of cherry fruit. The above combinatory treatment besides maintaining storage quality resulted in extension of 6 days in shelf life of cherry varieties during post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 80 % following 28 days of refrigeration. Above Combination treatment gave a maximum of 2.3 and 1.5 log reduction in yeast and mold count of cherry fruits after 9 and 28 days of ambient and refrigerated storage, thereby ensuring consumer safety.

Red cell alloimmunisation in regularly transfused beta thalassemia patients in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan routine blood group typing of thalassemia patients identifies ABO and Rh(D) antigens only. Therefore, other antigen incompatibilities between blood donor and blood recipient may cause alloimmunisation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alloimmunisation and to evaluate the risk factors associated with its development in beta (ß)-thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 162 ß thalassemia patients were included in this study. An extended red cell antigen panel was performed to detect antibodies. Patients received red cell concentrates, which were matched for ABO and Rh(D) antigens. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed to estimate the frequency of alloantibodies and the factors influencing immunisation in patients on regular blood transfusion. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 6·7 (range: 0·5-25) years. A total of 14 (8·6%) patients developed alloantibodies against red cell antigens. The most frequently occurring alloantibodies was anti-E (2·5%), anti-K (1·8%), anti-e (1·2%) and anti-D (0·6%). Five (3·1%) patients developed more than one red blood cell (RBC) alloantibody. Age at first transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 1·22 ± 0·87 years. The frequency of blood transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 23 ± 8·81 days and in those without alloimmunisation was 31·8 ± 16 days (p = 0·02). Logistic regression analysis showed no independent risk factor associated with alloimmunisation. CONCLUSION: The frequency of transfusion was increased in patients who developed alloantibodies. Typing patients and donors to match for Rh and Kell antigens would prevent more than 90% of RBC alloantibodies and reduce the frequency of transfusion in thalassemia patients.

Field Emission Characteristics of Polyaniline/Se Nanocomposites.

Polyaniline (PAni)/Se nanocomposites have been synthesized in different compositions employing chemical route and shown excellent field emission behaviour. Detailed studies on the field emission for all composites with different concentrations of dopant are performed in an indigenously fabricated set up in a vacuum chamber with a base pressure of 10(-6) Torr at room temperature and analysed with current density versus Electric field (J-E) and Fowler-Nordheim (FN) plots. Comparative field emission results showed that 10% (w/w) doped PAni/Se nanocomposite depicts highest emission characteristics, current density and field enhancement factor with turn-on field as low as 1.2 V/µm in comparison with other composites, while pure PAni shows no field emission characteristics. These composites have also been characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR results supply the evidence for the occurrence of the polymer in its conducting state. The ease of synthesis route and interesting field emission properties recommend these composites as a promising material for field emission based applications in vacuum micro-nanoelectronic devices and also for plastic display industry.

Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium against Hyalomma anatolicum ticks.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Four concentrations of the extract (2.5, 5, 10 and 20%) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. In AIT, the mortality rates at 2.5, 5 and 10% were significantly different (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group; however, at 20%, it was similar to the positive control group. Maximum mortality of 86.7% was recorded at 20%. The LC50 and LC95 values were calculated as 6.51 and 55.43%, respectively. The oviposition was reduced significantly by 36.8 and 59.1% at concentrations of 10 and 20%, respectively. Egg hatchability was reduced significantly at all concentrations (2.5-20%) in comparison to the control. In LPT, the extract caused 100% mortality of larvae at all the concentrations after 24 h. The results show that ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling H. anatolicum.

Prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), seawater and sediments of the Maryland Coastal Bays.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) and V. vulnificus (Vv) in blue crabs, water and sediment from the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), USA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Crab, haemolymph, sediment and seawater samples were collected monthly from four sites in MCBs from February 2012 through October 2012 with environmental parameters recorded. The most-probable-number (MPN) methodology was used to enumerate Vp and Vv with presumptive colonies and the presence of virulence markers confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results indicate that blue crabs contained both Vp and Vv at densities (7·28 and 5·43 log MPN g(-1) , respectively) higher than those reported for bivalves. In addition, markers for clinically relevant strains of both species were detected in over 30% of samples. Haemolymph, sediment and seawater samples were also routinely positive for both species and clinically relevant strains, but generally at lower densities than found in crabs (4·27, 3·28, and 2·39 log MPN g(-1) per ml(-1) Vp, and 4·28, 2·49 and 2·38 log MPN g(-1) per ml(-1) Vv). CONCLUSIONS: Blue crabs concentrate Vp and Vv at levels greater than found in water or sediment. While changes in abundance associated with temperature are apparent, there is little evidence to support differences among sampling locations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results highlight the potential for blue crab related vibriosis and the importance of proper handling, cooking and care of this popular seafood before consumption.

Acaricidal activity of extract of Artemisia absinthium against Rhipicephalus sanguineus of dogs.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of chloroform extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test (EHT) and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Five concentrations of the extract (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. A control group was established (water + dimethylsulphoxide) together with a positive control group (amitraz), with three repetitions each. In AIT, the mortality rates were 0.0, 13.3, 16.7, 33.3 and 93.3 % in concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and the variation was significant (p=0.0151). The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were calculated as 8.793 % (8.217-9.408) and 34.59 % (29.71-40.26), respectively. The egg production was reduced by 6.6, 6.6, 18.3, 42.5 and 85.1 % in the concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and it was statistically significant (p=0.0274). In EHT, hatching was completely inhibited at 5, 10 and 20 % displaying 100 % ovicidal action while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the inhibition rates were 20 and 60 %, respectively. In LPT, the extract caused 100 % mortality of larvae in the concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 % after 24 h while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the mortality rates were 54.3 and 96.7 %, respectively. The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were determined to be 1.11 % (1.099-1.121) and 2.37 % (2.328-2.423), respectively. The results show that the extract of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling R. sanguineus which is an efficient vector of pathogens both in dogs and humans.