Effect of Customized Probiotics on the Physiological and Immunological Responses of Juvenile Western King Prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus Kishinouye, 1896) Challenged with Vibrio harveyi

Juvenile western king prawn P. latisulcatus were fed 105 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of two probiotics Pseudomonas synxantha and P. aeruginosa for 28 days. P. latisulcatus were then challenged with V. harveyi at 0 (control), 103, 105, and 107 CFU/mL. During the seven days of challenge, disease resistance of the probiotic-fed prawns was compared with that of prawns not fed probiotics. The immunological responses of the prawns did not improve during the challenge period in terms of total haemocyte count, hyalinocyte, semi-ganulocyte, granulocyte, clotting time, bacteraemia, and intestinal bacterial load. Overall, when prawns were challenged with V. harveyi, the LT50 values got shorter as V. harveyi concentration increased. LT50 values of prawns fed probiotics were significantly longer (P < 0.05) than those not fed probiotics. At a V. harveyi concentration of 103 CFU/mL, the 100% survival of the prawns fed probiotics was three times more likely than those of the prawns not fed probiotics

Survival and Immunity of Marron Cherax cainii (Austin, 2002) Fed Bacillus mycoides Supplemented Diet under Simulated Transport

-The present study examined the effect of simulated transport on marron, Cherax cainii, (Austin, 2002) after a 10 week feeding trial using basal diet or customised probiotic, Bacillus mycoides supplemented diet by measuring intestinal bacterial population, total haemocyte count (THC), bacteraemia, morbidity, dehydration and mortality. Packing steps followed the established standard packing method for live transportation of marron. Each treatment group consisted of six polystyrene boxes (65 ?? 30 ?? 40 cm3 ), and each box contained 30 marron from each feeding group. The sealed boxes were placed on a trolley at room temperature to give the effect of transportation. Boxes were opened at 24th and 48th hour post simulated transport and marron from each treatment group were returned to the culture tank. After temperature acclimation, the marron were observed for mortality and samples were collected to assess marron health and immunity. The results demonstrated that no mortality was observed at 24 h of transport both in basal diet and probiotic diet fed marron, however at 48h of transport the survival of probiotic fed marron was significantly higher (100 ?? 0.0%) compared to survival (93.3 ?? 2.8%) of basal diet fed marron. The higher survival rate of probiotic fed marron was also sustained by superior health and immune status indicated by higher intestinal bacterial population, higher total haemocyte count and lower haemolymph bacteria (bacteraemia) level. In brief, supplementation with host origin customized probiotic B. mycoides significantly improved marron tolerance to a live transport stress test, which resulted in no mortality up to 48h of transport

Attempt to Cross-Foster Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, Pups into Another Wolf Pack

We attempted to cross-foster four 18-19 week-old Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) pups into another Wolf pack 182 km from their natal pack territory. The pup introduction was the result of depredation control on a farm in northwestern Wisconsin. Three pups died within 14 days of release. A fourth pup survived along the edge of the new pack territory over winter, dispersed in the spring, joined or formed a new pack and was captured on a depredation complaint four years later

Is transactional sex exploitative? A social norms perspective, with implications for interventions with adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania

Although transactional sex is common in many sexual relationships, there has been little research into the degree to which the practice is considered exploitative in the settings in which it is practiced. We describe the social norms that influence transactional sex in two sites in Mwanza, Tanzania, and explore local understandings of whether and under what conditions it is considered exploitative. We then compare these "emic" understandings of exploitation to international definitions and norms around sexual exploitation. This study employed a qualitative research design involving 18 focus group discussions and 43 in-depth interviews with young people aged 14-24 years and parents with children aged 14-24 years in a rural area and an urban center within Mwanza, Tanzania. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 10. The social norms influencing the practice of transactional sex included: reciprocity as a core cultural value that permeates the way exchange in sexual relationships is judged; gendered expectations that men should provide for women's material needs in sexual relationships and that women should reciprocate by means of sex; and peer pressure to be perceived as "fashionable". Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are under strong peer pressure to conform to a "modern lifestyle" as reflected in stylish clothing and other items of modernity such as cellphones. The emic conceptualization of exploitation is defined by circumstances surrounding the relationship or a sexual encounter. Important factors that characterize local notions of when transactional relationships are considered exploitative include: when the encounter or relationship involves an imbalance of power (based on age, male economic power and social status); when a man fails to reciprocate; and when sex is coerced. According to community perspectives, young women's behavior should be considered exploitative of men when they take gifts or money yet refuse sex or when they demand large sums of money. Interventions aimed at reducing AGYW's exploitation through transactional sex need to be cognizant of the variations in the understanding of what constitutes sexual exploitation as well as the social and gender norms influencing the practice of transactional sex. Interventions need to involve communities and families in critical thinking that helps them identify positive alternatives to current gendered social norms that shape the involvement of AGYW and men in transactional sex

Development and evaluation of an enterovirus D68 real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay

We have developed and evaluated a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay for the detection of human enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in clinical specimens. This assay was developed in response to the unprecedented 2014 nationwide EV-D68 outbreak in the United States associated with severe respiratory illness. As part of our evaluation of the outbreak, we sequenced and published the genome sequence of the EV-D68 virus circulating in St. Louis, MO. This sequence, along with other GenBank sequences from past EV-D68 occurrences, was used to computationally select a region of EV-D68 appropriate for targeting in a strain-specific RT-PCR assay. The RT-PCR assay amplifies a segment of the VP1 gene, with an analytic limit of detection of 4 copies per reaction, and it was more sensitive than commercially available assays that detect enteroviruses and rhinoviruses without distinguishing between the two, including three multiplex respiratory panels approved for clinical use by the FDA. The assay did not detect any other enteroviruses or rhinoviruses tested and did detect divergent strains of EV-D68, including the first EV-D68 strain (Fermon) identified in California in 1962. This assay should be useful for identifying and studying current and future outbreaks of EV-D68 viruses

'I trap her with a CD, then tomorrow find her with a big old man who bought her a smart phone'. Constructions of masculinities and transactional sex: a qualitative study from North-Western Tanzania

Men’s role in transactional sex is relatively unexplored, limiting initiatives to prevent exploitative transactional sex and its negative health implications for girls and women. We addressed this literature gap by conducting eight focus group discussions and twenty in-depth-interviews with boys and men aged 14 − 49 years in 2015 in Tanzania. We employed a novel combination of theoretical perspectives – gender and masculinities, and social norms – to understand how transactional sex participation contributes to perpetuating gendered hierarchies, and how reference groups influence men’s behaviour. Findings signal two gender norms that men display within transactional sex: the expectation of men’s provision in sexual relationships, and the expectation that men should exhibit heightened sexuality and sexual prowess. Adherence to these expectations in transactional sex relationships varied between older and younger men and created hierarchies among men and between men and women and girls. We found that approval of transactional sex was contested. Although young men were likely to object to transactional sex, they occupied a structurally weaker position than older men. Findings suggest that interventions should employ gender synchronised and gender transformative approaches and should prioritise the promotion of alternative positive norms over preventing the exchange of gifts or money in relationships

About stability of emulsion explosive compositions

Представлені результати дослідження стабільності емульсійних ВР. Отримано термограми аміачної селітри у вигляді кристалів, водного розчину, водної суспензії і емульсійної ВР. Приведені кінетичні результати втрати води при нагріванні емульсійної ВР україніта різних марок. Запропонований загальний підхід до розрахунку термінів зберігання емульсійних ВР.Results of research of stability of emulsion explosives are presented. Thermograms of ammoniacal saltpeter in the form of crystals, water solution, an aqueous slurry and emulsion explosive are received. Kinetic results of loss of water at heating of emulsion explosive ukrainit various marks are brought. The general approach to calculation of shelf-lifes of emulsion explosives is offered.Представлены результаты исследования стабильности эмульсионных ВВ. Получены термограммы аммиачной селитры в виде кристаллов, водного раствора, водной суспензии и эмульсионного ВВ. Приведены кинетические результаты потери воды при нагревании эмульсионного ВВ украинита различных марок. Предложен общий подход к расчету сроков хранения эмульсионных ВВ

A survey of Edwardsiella ictaluri in wild catfish populations in Australia

This report contains the findings of the first survey of the exotic bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri in wild freshwater fish populations in Australia. Edwardsiella ictaluri causes enteric septicaemia of catfish (ESC), which is a serious disease of farmed channel catfish in the USA. The bacterium has previously been detected in imported ornamental fish and in native catfish held in Australian aquarium facilities, but wild fish populations in Australia are considered free of the disease. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, funded an active surveillance program to provide further evidence for this claim of disease freedom

Community perspectives on the extent to which transactional sex is viewed as sexual exploitation in Central Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Definitions of child sexual exploitation vary. Sexual exploitation violates children's rights and exposes them to mental and physical harm. There exist differences in views of behaviour that is considered exploitative, including transactional sex. This paper explores community perspectives on the extent to which transactional sex is considered exploitative. METHODS: In 2014, we conducted 19 focus group discussions and 44 in-depth interviews with young people and adults in two communities in Uganda. Participants were presented with vignettes describing sexual encounters between adolescent girls and young women and men to explore under what conditions participants considered the scenario to be exploitative and why. Interviews were conducted in Luganda using a semi-structured tool, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was thematic and complemented by constant comparison and deviant case analysis techniques. RESULTS: Definitions by multilateral, bilateral, and non-governmental organisations of the sexual exploitation of children shared similarities with community conceptualisations of wrong or unfair sex. Although in community conceptualisations there was no consensus on what constituted sexual exploitation, transactional sex was condemned to the extent to which it involved sex with a minor or misled a naïve or immature girl; involved lack of consent, particularly in relationships characterised by power differentials; or worsened the pre-existing status of the girl. Also relevant was the extent to which a man's intentions were considered inappropriate; the adolescent girl or young woman was considered vulnerable; and the adolescent girl or young woman was considered responsible for 'her situation'. CONCLUSIONS: Existing social norms that condemn sex with a minor or sex that involves deception, sexual coercion or misleading an immature girl, present opportunities to mobilise communities to protect adolescent girls and young women at risk. Any intervention must, however, be designed with full cognisance of the social and structural drivers that underlie transactional sex and limit adolescent girls' and young women's opportunities to provide for themselves without recourse to sexual relationships with men. Interventions must also be designed to recognise that girls in transactional sex relationships may not consider themselves as exploited, thus requiring engagement with them based on their own concerns, aspirations, and expectations