40 research outputs found
Effects of rapid prey evolution on predator-prey cycles
We study the qualitative properties of population cycles in a predator-prey
system where genetic variability allows contemporary rapid evolution of the
prey. Previous numerical studies have found that prey evolution in response to
changing predation risk can have major quantitative and qualitative effects on
predator-prey cycles, including: (i) large increases in cycle period, (ii)
changes in phase relations (so that predator and prey are cycling exactly out
of phase, rather than the classical quarter-period phase lag), and (iii)
"cryptic" cycles in which total prey density remains nearly constant while
predator density and prey traits cycle. Here we focus on a chemostat model
motivated by our experimental system [Fussmann et al. 2000,Yoshida et al. 2003]
with algae (prey) and rotifers (predators), in which the prey exhibit rapid
evolution in their level of defense against predation. We show that the effects
of rapid prey evolution are robust and general, and furthermore that they occur
in a specific but biologically relevant region of parameter space: when traits
that greatly reduce predation risk are relatively cheap (in terms of reductions
in other fitness components), when there is coexistence between the two prey
types and the predator, and when the interaction between predators and
undefended prey alone would produce cycles. Because defense has been shown to
be inexpensive, even cost-free, in a number of systems [Andersson and Levin
1999, Gagneux et al. 2006,Yoshida et al. 2004], our discoveries may well be
reproduced in other model systems, and in nature. Finally, some of our key
results are extended to a general model in which functional forms for the
predation rate and prey birth rate are not specified.Comment: 35 pages, 8 figure
Genetic, abiotic and social influences on sex differentiation in cichlid fishes and the evolution of sequential hermaphroditism
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73799/1/j.1467-2979.2005.00184.x.pd
Womenâs beliefs about medicines and adherence to pharmacotherapy in pregnancy: Opportunities for community pharmacists?
Background During pregnancy women might weigh benefits of treatment against potential risks to the unborn child. However, non-adherence to necessary treatment can adversely affect both mother and child. To optimize pregnant womenâs beliefs and medication adherence, community pharmacists are ideally positioned to play an important role in primary care. Objective This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on 1) pregnant womenâs beliefs, 2) medication adherence in pregnancy, and 3) community pharmacistsâ counselling during pregnancy. Method Three search strategies were used in Medline and Embase to find original studies evaluating womenâs beliefs, medication adherence and community pharmacistsâ counselling during pregnancy. All original descriptive and analytic epidemiological studies performed in Europe, North America and Australia, written in English and published from 2000 onwards were included. Results We included 14 studies reporting on womenâs beliefs, 11 studies on medication adherence and 9 on community pharmacistsâ counselling during pregnancy. Women are more reluctant to use medicines during pregnancy and tend to overestimate the teratogenic risk of medicines. Risk perception varies with type of medicine, level of health literacy, education level and occupation. Furthermore, low medication adherence during pregnancy is common. Finally, limited evidence showed current community pharmacistsâ counselling is insufficient. Barriers hindering pharmacists are insufficient knowledge and limited access to reliable information. Conclusion Concerns about medication use and non-adherence are widespread among pregnant women. Community pharmacistsâ counselling during pregnancy is insufficient. Further education, training and research are required to support community pharmacists in fulfilling all the opportunities they have when counselling pregnant women