Invasion status of Florida bass Micropterus floridanus (Lesueur, 1822) in South Africa

Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides are a popular North American angling species that was introduced into South Africa in 1928. To enhance the largemouth bass fisheries, Florida bass Micropterus floridanus were introduced into KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, in 1980. Knowledge on the status of M. floridanus in South Africa is required, because it lives longer and reaches larger sizes than M. salmoides, which may result in heightened impacts on native biota. Because M. floridanus are morphologically similar, but genetically distinct from M. salmoides, the distribution of this species was assessed by genetically screening 185 Micropterus sp. individuals sampled from 20 localities across South Africa using the mitochondrial ND2 gene. Individuals with mitochondrial DNA matching M. salmoides were recovered from 16 localities, whereas M. floridanus mitochondrial DNA was recovered from 13 localities. At nine localities (45%), the mitochondrial DNA of both species was detected. These results demonstrate M. floridanus dispersal to multiple sites across South Africa

Synthesis and evaluation of phosphonated N-heteroarylcarboxamides as DOXP-reductoisomerase (DXR) inhibitors

Malaria continues to be an enormous health-threat in the developing world. Treatment is compounded by the phenomenon of drug resistance, and the development of novel therapeutics has become a research priority. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the parasite responsible for the most dangerous form of human malaria, and the enzyme, 1-deoxy-1-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) has recently been validated as a target for the design of potential antimalarial drugs

Invasion status of Florida bass <i>Micropterus floridanus</i> (Lesueur, 1822) in South Africa

<p>Largemouth bass <i>Micropterus salmoides</i> are a popular North American angling species that was introduced into South Africa in 1928. To enhance the largemouth bass fisheries, Florida bass <i>Micropterus floridanus</i> were introduced into KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, in 1980. Knowledge on the status of <i>M. floridanus</i> in South Africa is required, because it lives longer and reaches larger sizes than <i>M. salmoides</i>, which may result in heightened impacts on native biota. Because <i>M. floridanus</i> are morphologically similar, but genetically distinct from <i>M. salmoides</i>, the distribution of this species was assessed by genetically screening 185 <i>Micropterus</i> sp. individuals sampled from 20 localities across South Africa using the mitochondrial ND2 gene. Individuals with mitochondrial DNA matching <i>M. salmoides</i> were recovered from 16 localities, whereas <i>M. floridanus</i> mitochondrial DNA was recovered from 13 localities. At nine localities (45%), the mitochondrial DNA of both species was detected. These results demonstrate <i>M. floridanus</i> dispersal to multiple sites across South Africa.</p

Validity of the compulsive exercise test in regular exercisers

Measurement of compulsive exercise is important for the study of eating pathology in individuals who regularly participate in sport and exercise. The current study examined the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the compulsive exercise test (CET) in regular exercisers. Participants were recruited via the internet and from sport clubs (n = 313 adults; M = 32 years; 57% female). A three-factor model for the CET was supported which included the weight control exercise, avoidance and rule-driven behaviour, and mood improvement subscales (fit statistics for the three-factor model: χ2SB = 4.39; CFI = .95; NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .100, 95% CI: .093—.110, AIC = 656.92). The subscales lack of exercise enjoyment and exercise rigidity were not retained. All factors demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s α = .77 to .91. The weight control exercise and avoidance and rule-driven behaviour subscales were significantly related to eating disorder symptoms. Given the association between CET subscales and eating disorder symptoms, the CET three-factor model may be informative when assessing eating pathology in individuals who regularly exercise.peerReviewe