Microsporidia infections in the amphipod, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinogammarus marinus</Emphasis> (Leach): suggestions of varying causal mechanisms to intersexuality

A notable body of research has established a clear link between intersexuality and the feminising influence of microsporidia infection in amphipods. In this study, we investigated the relationship between microsporidia infection and intersexuality in the amphipod Echinogammarus marinus (Leach) from Portsmouth, southern England. The analysis revealed a male-biased population (~2:1) harbouring both Dictyocoela berillonum and Dictyocoela duebenum microsporidia, with ~38 and 6% of animals displaying ‘high’ levels of infection, respectively. We also reveal the presence of several intersex phenotypes: intersex females (1%) that possess genital papillae. Two male intersex phenotypes—internal intersex (8.2%), possessing an oviduct structure on their testes, and external intersex males (4.4%), which possess external brood plates. We found a statistically significant relationship between D. berillonum infection and the external intersex male phenotype; however, the male-biased population and low levels of female infection suggest that the correlation may not be the result of incomplete feminisation. In addition, we found that the internal and external intersex characteristics are rarely seen on the same specimen, suggesting that the male intersex phenotypes are caused by distinct mechanisms. In combination, these findings are suggestive of a more complex relationship between amphipod intersexuality and their microsporidia than had previously been recognised.     

Reducing fall risk by improving balance control: development, evaluation and knowledge-translation of new approaches

Problem

Falling is a leading cause of serious injury, loss of independence, and nursing-home admission in older adults. Impaired balance control is a major contributing factor.

Methods

Results from our balance-control studies have been applied in the development of new and improved interventions and assessment tools. Initiatives to facilitate knowledge-translation of this work include setting up a new network of balance clinics, a research-user network and a research-user advisory board.

Results

Our findings support the efficacy of the developed balance-training methods, balance-enhancing footwear, neuro-prosthesis, walker design, handrail-cueing system, and handrail-design recommendations in improving specific aspects of balance control.

Impact on Knowledge Users

A new balance-assessment tool has been implemented in the first new balance clinic, a new balance-enhancing insole is available through pharmacies and other commercial outlets, and handrail design recommendations have been incorporated into 10 Canadian and American building codes. Work in progress is expected to have further impact.     

Does insurance sector development improve environmental quality? Evidence from BRICS

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The effect of financial development measured by banks, bonds, and stocks on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2E) has been widely studied while not much is...     

Titanium dioxide and graphitic carbon nitride–based nanocomposites and nanofibres for the degradation of organic pollutants in water: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The paper reviews graphitic carbon nitride–based nanostructured photocatalytic materials and nanofibres for applications in water purification....     

Retardation of organo-bromides in a fractured chalk aquitard

This study investigates the mechanisms controlling the distribution of 3-bromo-2,2-bis(bromomethyl)propanol (TBNPA) and 2,2-bis(bromomethyl)propan-1,3-diol (DBNPG) in a fractured chalk aquitard. An extensive monitoring program showed a systematic decrease in the TBNPA/DBNPG ratio with distance from the contamination source. Sorption of TBNPA on the white and/or gray chalks comprising the aquitard is approximately one order of magnitude greater than that of DBNPG. This results in more efficient removal of TBNPA from the fracture into the porous matrix and thus decreases the TBNPA/DBNPG ratio in the fracture water. Mathematical modeling of solute transport in the fracture domain illustrates the probable importance of sorption in controlling the spatial variation in TBNPA and DBNPG ratio.     

Waste battery disposal and recycling behavior: a study on the Australian perspective

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Consumer behavior is a critical consideration for the development of sustainable waste management systems, including waste batteries, which pose a...     

Modelling the globalization-CO2 emission nexus in Australia: evidence from quantile-on-quantile approach

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Sustainable development policies for achieving net-zero emissions require understanding the factors that influence carbon emissions. Capitalizing on...