The dominant Anopheles vectors of human malaria in the Asia-Pacific region: occurrence data, distribution maps and bionomic précis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The final article in a series of three publications examining the global distribution of 41 dominant vector species (DVS) of malaria is presented here. The first publication examined the DVS from the Americas, with the second covering those species present in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Here we discuss the 19 DVS of the Asian-Pacific region. This region experiences a high diversity of vector species, many occurring sympatrically, which, combined with the occurrence of a high number of species complexes and suspected species complexes, and behavioural plasticity of many of these major vectors, adds a level of entomological complexity not comparable elsewhere globally. To try and untangle the intricacy of the vectors of this region and to increase the effectiveness of vector control interventions, an understanding of the contemporary distribution of each species, combined with a synthesis of the current knowledge of their behaviour and ecology is needed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expert opinion (EO) range maps, created with the most up-to-date expert knowledge of each DVS distribution, were combined with a contemporary database of occurrence data and a suite of open access, environmental and climatic variables. Using the Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) modelling method, distribution maps of each DVS were produced. The occurrence data were abstracted from the formal, published literature, plus other relevant sources, resulting in the collation of DVS occurrence at 10116 locations across 31 countries, of which 8853 were successfully geo-referenced and 7430 were resolved to spatial areas that could be included in the BRT model. A detailed summary of the information on the bionomics of each species and species complex is also presented.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This article concludes a project aimed to establish the contemporary global distribution of the DVS of malaria. The three articles produced are intended as a detailed reference for scientists continuing research into the aspects of taxonomy, biology and ecology relevant to species-specific vector control. This research is particularly relevant to help unravel the complicated taxonomic status, ecology and epidemiology of the vectors of the Asia-Pacific region. All the occurrence data, predictive maps and EO-shape files generated during the production of these publications will be made available in the public domain. We hope that this will encourage data sharing to improve future iterations of the distribution maps.</p

Purinergic signalling and immune cells

This review article provides a historical perspective on the role of purinergic signalling in the regulation of various subsets of immune cells from early discoveries to current understanding. It is now recognised that adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides are released from cells following stress or injury. They can act on virtually all subsets of immune cells through a spectrum of P2X ligand-gated ion channels and G protein-coupled P2Y receptors. Furthermore, ATP is rapidly degraded into adenosine by ectonucleotidases such as CD39 and CD73, and adenosine exerts additional regulatory effects through its own receptors. The resulting effect ranges from stimulation to tolerance depending on the amount and time courses of nucleotides released, and the balance between ATP and adenosine. This review identifies the various receptors involved in the different subsets of immune cells and their effects on the function of these cells

Structural diversity through intramolecular cycloaddition and modulation of chemical reactivity in excited state. Synthesis and photoreactions of 3-oxa-tricyclo[5.2.2.01,5]undecenones: novel stereoselective route to oxa-triquinanes and oxa-sterpuranes

Synthesis of 11-methyl-3-oxa-tricyclo[5.2.2.01,5]undecenones by intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction of highly labile spiroepoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienones and its photochemical reactions upon triplet (3T) and singlet (1S) excitation leading to a stereoselective route to oxa-triquinane and oxa-sterpurane, respectively, is described.© Elsevie

Synthesis and photoreactions of 3-oxa-tricyclo[5.2.2.01,5]undecenones: a novel, stereoselective route to oxa-triquinanes and oxa-sterpuranes

The synthesis of 11-methyl-3-oxa-tricyclo[5.2.2.01,5]undecenones and their photochemical reactions upon triplet (3T) and singlet (1S) excitation is described. Oxidation of hydroxymethylphenol gave a ketoepoxide by intramolecular cycloaddition. Manipulation of the oxirane ring furnished the chromophoric systems. Triplet excitation of these gave tetracyclic compounds containing an oxatriquinane framework. Singlet excitation furnished the tricyclic compound having an oxasterpurane ring system in a stereoselective fashion.© Elsevie

INTRAMOLECULAR DIELS-ALDER REACTION OF CYCLOHEXA-2,4-DIENONES - SYNTHESIS AND PHOTOCHEMICAL-REACTIONS OF OXA-HOMOBRENDANES

Synthesis of Oxa-homobrendanes having beta,gamma-unsaturated carbonyl chromophore and their photoreactions in singlet (S-1) and triplet (T-3) excited states leading to novel bowl shaped molecules have been reported

The influence of relative humidity on disease caused by Botrytis cinerea in non-harvested versus harvested waxflower flowers

Waxflower (Chamelaucium) is an Australian native plant cultivated for cut flowers. The major problem during postharvest handling and transport of cut waxflower stems is floral abscission caused by Botrytis cinerea. To investigate infection of waxflower flowers by this fungal pathogen, experiments were conducted encompassing various environmental conditions in the laboratory, greenhouse and field with two waxflower cvs. Mullering Brook and My Sweet Sixteen. Under laboratory conditions at 20A degrees C and > 95% RH in moistened bags, flowers of both cultivars either harvested or non-harvested showed similar susceptibility to B. cinerea. For inoculated and non-inoculated sprigs at 11 days after treatment, disease incidence on cvs. Mullering Brook and My Sweet Sixteen flowers ranged between 99.0-99.2% and 88.4-88.9%, respectively. Corresponding floral abscission ranges were 98.5-100% and 88.4-92.9%, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions and > 95% RH, floral abscission ranges for inoculated flowers of both cultivars were 69.1-71.1% and 46.0-73.0%, respectively. Corresponding disease incidence ranges were 54.9-55.8% and 28.8-43.4%, respectively. Under field conditions and > 95% RH, cv. My Sweet Sixteen flowers were more resistant to B. cinerea infection (3.0-3.1% in year 1; 0.9-2.0% in year 2) than were cv. Mullering Brook flowers (33.1-51.9% in year 1; 44.0-57.1% in year 2). Under all experimental conditions, inoculated flowers that were not covered with moistened bags showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of disease incidence (0-11.9%) and floral abscission (2.4-37.8%). This observation is consistent with quiescence of the fungus in the field, and activation of infection by favourable temperature and humidity conditions after harvest leading to floral abscission