Geographical Distribution Research Articles

Comparative analysis of the human microbiome from four different regions of China and machine learning-based geographical inference.

The human microbiome, the community of microorganisms that reside on and inside the human body, is critically important for health and disease. However, it is influenced by various factors and may vary among individuals residing in distinct geographic regions. In this study, 220 samples, consisting of sterile swabs from palmar skin and oral and nasal cavities were collected from Chinese Han individuals living in Shanghai, Chifeng, Kunming, and Urumqi, representing the geographic regions of east, northeast, southwest, and northwest China. The full-length 16S rRNA gene of the microbiota in each sample was sequenced using the PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing platform, followed by clustering the sequences into operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The analysis revealed significant differences in microbial communities among the four regions. Cutibacterium was the most abundant bacterium in palmar samples from Shanghai and Kunming, Psychrobacter in Chifeng samples, and Psychrobacillus in Urumqi samples. Additionally, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus were the dominant bacteria in the oral and nasal cavities. Individuals from the four regions could be distinguished and predicted based on a model constructed using the random forest algorithm, with the predictive effect of palmar microbiota being better than that of oral and nasal cavities. The prediction accuracy using hypervariable regions (V3-V4 and V4-V5) was comparable with that of using the entire 16S rRNA. Overall, our study highlights the distinctiveness of the human microbiome in individuals living in these four regions. Furthermore, the microbiome can serve as a biomarker for geographic origin inference, which has immense application value in forensic science.IMPORTANCEMicrobial communities in human hosts play a significant role in health and disease, varying in species, quantity, and composition due to factors such as gender, ethnicity, health status, lifestyle, and living environment. The characteristics of microbial composition at various body sites of individuals from different regions remain largely unexplored. This study utilized single-molecule real-time sequencing technology to detect the entire 16S rRNA gene of bacteria residing in the palmar skin, oral, and nasal cavities of Han individuals from four regions in China. The composition and structure of the bacteria at these three body sites were well characterized and found to differ regionally. The results elucidate the differences in bacterial communities colonizing these body sites across different regions and reveal the influence of geographical factors on human bacteria. These findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the diversity and geographical distribution of human bacteria but also enrich the microbiome data of the Asian population for further studies.

New record of Rhynobrissus cuneus Cooke, 1957 (Echinoidea, Spatangoida) from the eastern Florida coast

The Brissidae is a family of heart urchins that includes shallow‑water, infaunal species, some of which are rarely observed. One species, Rhynobrissus cuneus Cooke, 1957, has only been recorded from the western Atlantic off the coast of North Carolina, USA and in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Veracruz, Mexico. This work identifies new records from the coast of Florida, USA, increasing our knowledge of this species’ geographic distribution.

Wind Energy Siting Optimization in Fujian Province, China

The geographical distribution and scientific evaluation of wind energy potential are crucial for regional energy planning. Wind energy is a renewable energy that can mitigate climate change. Several open-access World Bank databases and the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) Global were used to gather and process data through wind energy siting optimization in Fujian Province. This paper uses the fuzzy quantifiers of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach in arc geographic information system (ArcGIS Pro) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to handle the associated wind data uncertainties to obtain wind energy technology siting optimization for nine cities in Fujian Province. The converted database options and characteristics used the weighted overlay tool (WOT) to reflect the importance of wind farm project objectives. The sensitivity analysis tested the robustness and resilience of the integrated MCDM design for feasibility or viability. The results revealed that 21.743% of the area of Longyan City is suitable for siting wind energy. Other cities’ suitable areas comprise 14.117%, 12.800%, 5.250%, 4.621%, 4.020%, 4.020%, 3.430%, and 2.300%, respectively (Sanming, Ningde, Quanzhou, Putian, Zhangzhou, Nanping, Xiamen, and Fuzhou cities). Furthermore, a considerable amount of wind power is needed to supply the current primary energy deficit (60.0–84.0%) and satisfy the carbon emission reduction target. Wind farm installation in Fujian province is an opportunity to provide inexhaustible energy, generally affected by generation volume and operational span. Wind power is highly acceptable to local Chinese. Reasonably high understanding and excitement for wind farm investments exist among local authorities. Future research should consider wind data of the identified onshore optimization sites and design wind farms for the respective output power for pessimistic, average, and optimistic scenarios for possible wind farm development. Similarly, the long shoreline of about 1680.0 miles (or 2700.0 km) is a considerable source of offshore wind power prospecting, future research, and energy exploitation and harvesting opportunities.

Global perspective of psychosocial care of patients with differences of sex development from low-income countries.

Management of Differences of Sex Development (DSD) is complex and in resource limited settings the psychosexual and psychosocial aspects of DSD care have received limited attention. This review aims to explore recent literature on psychosocial care of DSD in low and upper middle-income countries (L/UMIC). Scientific databases were searched and papers on management of DSD were reviewed according to predefined inclusion criteria. Papers published between January 2010 and July 2024 were screened for eligibility. Seventy studies specifically focusing on psychosexual and psychosocial aspects were identified. In these papers, the following aspects were studied in detail: gender identity, sexual behaviour, quality of life, perception of parents and society, communication and family counselling and socio-cultural and religious aspects. The geographical distribution and volume of studies on the psychosexual and psychosocial aspects of DSD in L/UMIC are mostly originating from East-and South-Asia and South & Central America. The findings underscore the need for integrated and culturally sensitive interventions to support the psychosocial well-being of patients and their families affected by DSD within resource-limited contexts. We highly recommend providing specific guidelines recognising the socio-cultural milieu and resource restricted settings. International collaboration providing education and training should be encouraged.

“Human rights” in the protection of rural women’s land rights and interests in China, 2000–2022: judicial perspective

In mainland China, rural women still suffer from unequal treatment in the distribution of land rights and interests. On the conceptual level, the distribution of land rights in China’s rural areas is often characterized by gender-based discrimination. On the institutional level, although Chinese law clearly stipulates that “women and men enjoy equal rights”, it makes no corresponding provision for issues concerning the land rights and interests of women who have changed their place of residence due to marriage. In the case of a conflict between law and custom, justice is the ultimate means to resolve the conflict. According to civil judicial judgment documents (CJJDs) in China Judgment Online, the term “human rights” frequently appears in cases of rural women’s land rights and interests (RWLRIs), which has positive effects on the judicial protection of RWLRIs. “Human rights” shows a relatively concentrated trend in time-based distribution and geographical distribution, respectively. Moreover, “human rights” appears both in the claims of litigants and in the reason of judgment decision-making of judges. The use of “human rights” by judges in their reasons for judgment decision-making reflects the role of “human rights” in interpreting ambiguous rules in judicial activities. Additionally, the use of “human rights” in CJJDs involving RWLRIs reflects at least three human rights concepts. Although using the term “human rights” provides a “program” for protecting RWLRIs in mainland China, it is not enough to rely solely on judges to use “human rights” to protect women’s rights. Only by clarifying the legal norms can we effectively help rural Chinese women get out of their plight.

A multicontinental dataset of butterfly thermal physiological traits

Butterflies serve as key indicators of climate change impacts such as shifts in emergence timing and shifts in geographic range and distribution. However, the development of commonly used ecological forecasts based on butterfly physiological tolerance of temperature change has lagged behind that of other taxonomic groups. Here, we provide a series of related datasets comprising butterfly thermal physiological traits to enable such forecasts. We compiled data from the literature on butterfly heat and cold tolerance (critical thermal maxima and minima) for 117 species as well as heat resistance (knockdown time) for 45 species. We also present a new dataset comprising heat and cold tolerance and thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate of 28 common North American butterfly species. We envision these data to not only provide foundations for contemporary ecological forecasts of vulnerability to recent climate change, but also to aid in our understanding of butterfly ecology and evolution over historical timescales.

Ancient gene introgression promotes biodiversity of Nymphaea nouchali in Hainan under environmental changes

AbstractHybridization is common in the plant kingdom. Under the influence of global climate change, an increasing number of hybrid species have experienced significant shifts from the geographical distribution of their parents, making it more difficult to detect ancient gene flows. Nymphaea nouchali is a rare aquatic flower native to Hainan Province. Owing to habitat destruction and human interference, the natural range of N. nouchali has gradually reduced to the point of extinction. To explore how hybrid populations form using RAD‐seq with population genetic analysis, it is shown that there are heterozygous deletions and inbreeding in N. nouchali and a number of ancestral components in Nymphaea lotus, low of genetic differentiation, and little gene flow between N. nouchali and N. lotus, and ancient introgression between ancestors may have been more frequent than gene exchange after the origin of the species. Accordingly, the ancient N. nouchali genotypes were gradually infiltrated by N. lotus genes and their forms changed in Hainan. Potential distribution pattern analysis also predicted the possible distribution of N. lotus in Hainan. This lays a foundation for exploring the natural genetic mechanisms of Nymphaea species formation and evolution.

Exploring the significant genetic diversity of Iranian isolates of Leishmania RNA virus 2 using whole genome sequence analysis

BackgroundOur work presents the whole genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of five Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) isolates obtained from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran.MethodsThe whole genome sequencing of LRV2 was performed using a primer walking approach. The resulting sequences were analyzed for genetic and haplotype diversity, highlighting their independent evolution and significant genetic divergence.ResultsThe whole genome sequence of the current LRV2 showed high genetic and haplotype diversity. The study also revealed the existence of three distinct clades of LRV2, with the LRV2 sequences infecting L. major, L. aethiopica, and sauroleishmania belonging to separate lineages. These lineages have seemingly evolved independently, as the geographic distribution of their flagellate hosts does not overlap with the Leishmania species. The divergence between these three clades is attributed to considerable antiquity, leading to genetic modifications within the viruses residing in them and resulting in structural differences in their genome.ConclusionsThese findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of LRVs, providing valuable insights into their role in Leishmania infections. Further investigations are needed to understand the significance of these polymorphic sites and their potential impact on viral characteristics and disease outcomes.

Per la recordacione di Piero Corner

The article is dedicated to one of the oldest Venetian texts, the so-called Recordacione by Piero Corner, with the aim of examining some lexical details: in particular, it focuses on the meaning of the words miliara and miliaro ‘thousand’ (lines 5 and 6); on the geographical distribution of the word caso ‘cheese’ (lines 5 and 7); and especially on the exact meaning of the word stoire ‘mat’ (line 7).

Efficient and Selective Lithium Extraction from Brine Water Via a Photothermal Sandwich Sieve Structure

AbstractLithium is being recognized as a strategic resource on a global scale, mainly because of its growing importance in the production of lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Due to its uneven geographical distribution and limited availability on Earth, extracting lithium from brines and seawater presents a sustainable supply pathway. However, conventional lithium extraction techniques are still challenging, necessitating significant costs and energy consumption. This study primarily employs a solar‐utilizing selective extraction strategy for efficient lithium harvesting by designing a solar‐thermal sandwich sieve structure. Herein, a portable solar‐driven lithium extraction device has been developed based on HKUST‐1 and LIG. Due to the sub‐nano channels provided by HKUST‐1, the hydrated Li+ can selectively pass through the MOF layer. The excellent solar heating of the layer enables the device an accelerate vapor escaping, it then facilitates the delivery of Li+, resulting in lithium accumulation at the interface for convenient collection. The maximum lithium extraction capacity in one cycle is 1467 mg m−2, demonstrating good Li+ selectivity absorption with a high Mg2+/Li+ ratio under 1 solar illumination. Moreover, the device shows excellent cycle stability. This work offers an integrated solar utilization for scalable and sustainable lithium extraction from brine water.

Workforce Analysis of Laryngologists in the United States Between 1993 and 2022.

This study queries the US laryngology workforce geographic distribution and density and models laryngology workforce trends through 2050. A national database of fellowship-trained laryngologists (FTLs) and nonfellowship-trained laryngologists (nFTLs) practicing primarily laryngology was formed by identifying laryngologists via internet search, with validation by regional laryngologists and senior laryngologists on this manuscript. Demographic variables included residency and/or fellowship graduation year, institutional affiliation, and practice zip code. US Census Bureau population data and projections were grouped by hospital referral region (HRR), as defined by the Dartmouth Healthcare Atlas. The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) provided annual fellowship match data from 2012 to 2022. As of May 2023, there were 349 active laryngologists in the United States, including 303 FTLs. The median practice length for all laryngologists was 11 years. HRRs with the largest number of laryngologists were Manhattan, Boston, and Los Angeles, with 23, 16, and 14 respectively. One hundred and ninety-four of 306 (63%) HRRs did not have an active, primary laryngologist. The national median density of people per laryngologist including HRRs with at least one laryngologist was 645,160. Assuming a 35-year practice horizon prior to workforce exit and holding the 2018-2022 NRMP average of 18 fellows constant, the number of forecasted laryngologists by 2040 would be 568-an increase of 66%. To date, no comprehensive database of practicing US laryngologists nor laryngology workforce forecast exists. Based on current benchmarks, the laryngology workforce would increase by 66% by 2040, ideally addressing the current dearth of laryngologists in low-density areas. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Spatial variation in housing construction material in low- and middle-income countries: A Bayesian spatial prediction model of a key infectious diseases risk factor and social determinant of health.

Housing infrastructure and quality is a major determinant of infectious disease risk and other health outcomes in regions where vector borne, waterborne and neglected tropical diseases are endemic. It is important to quantify the geographical distribution of improvements to dwelling components to identify and target resources towards populations at risk. This study aimed to model the sub-national spatial variation in housing materials using covariates with quasi-global coverage and use the resulting estimates to map predicted coverage across the world's low- and middle-income countries. Data on materials used in dwelling construction were sourced from nationally representative household surveys conducted since 2005. Materials used for construction of flooring, walls, and roofs were reclassified as improved or unimproved. Households lacking location information were georeferenced using a novel methodology. Environmental and demographic spatial covariates were extracted at those locations for use as model predictors. Integrated nested Laplace approximation models were fitted to obtain, and map predicted probabilities for each dwelling component. The dataset compiled included information from households in 283,000 clusters from 350 surveys. Low coverage of improved housing was predicted across the Sahel and southern Sahara regions of Africa, much of inland Amazonia, and areas of the Tibetan plateau. Coverage of improved roofs and walls was high in the Central Asia, East Asia and Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean regions. Improvements in all three components, but most notably floors, was low in Sub-Saharan Africa. The strongest determinants of dwelling component quality related to urbanization and economic development, suggesting that programs should focus on supply-side interventions, providing resources for housing improvements directly to the populations that need them. These findings are made available to researchers as files that can be imported into a GIS for integration into relevant analyses to derive improved estimates of preventable health burdens attributed to housing.

A study on Dongba manuscripts from the perspective of cultural geography

Dongba manuscripts are traditional Chinese texts written in pictographic Dongba script. The Dongba script likely originated in the early Tang dynasty, and no later than the Northern Song dynasty in the 11th century. The distribution of the Dongba manuscripts corresponds to the distribution of the eastern and western dialects of the Naxi ethnic group. Dongba manuscripts from different regions exhibit significant differences in character forms and writing styles, displaying regional characteristics. Dongba manuscripts are categorized into four regions based on their distribution: the first region features small characters, simple strokes, and a rustic style; the second region features round and delicate characters with even strokes; the third region mainly features three-line scripts with concise strokes and clear writing and with varying spacing; the fourth region features more annotated characters, denser lines, reduced spacing between characters, and a variety of ways to convey meaning and pronunciation. The geographical distribution of Dongba manuscripts is closely related to surrounding ethnic groups such as the Han, Tibetan, Bai, and Lisu.

Genomic characterization and histologic analysis of uterine leiomyosarcoma arising from leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei.

Leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei (LM-BN) is a rare variant of leiomyoma with a benign clinical course. In contrast, leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a high-grade, malignant neoplasm characterized by high recurrence rates and poor survival. While LM-BN and LMS show distinct morphologies, they share similar immunoprofiles and molecular alterations, with both considered 'genomically unstable'. Rare cases of LM-BN associated with LMS have been reported; however, the histogenesis and molecular relationship between these two tumors remains unclear. In this study, we assessed 11 cases of LMS arising in conjunction with LM-BN confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), further analyzed by clinical, histologic, and molecular characteristics of these distinct components. LM-BN and LMS had similar p16 and p53 IHC patterns, but LMS had a higher Ki-67 index and lower estrogen and progesterone eceptor expression. Digital image analysis based on cytologic features revealed spatial relationships between LMS and LM-BN. Genomic copy number alterations (CNAs) demonstrated the same clonal origin of LMS arising from existing LM-BN through conserved CNAs. LMS harbored highly complex CNAs and more frequent losses of the TP53, RB1, and PTEN genomic regions than LM-BN (p = 0.0031), with CDKN2A/B deletion identified in LMS only. Mutational profiling revealed many shared oncogenic alterations in both LM-BN and LMS; however, additional mutations were present within LMS, indicative of tumor progression through progressive genomic instability. Analysis of spatial transcriptomes defined uniquely expressed gene signatures that matched the geographic distribution of LM-BN, LMS, and other cell types. Our findings indicate for the first time that a subset of LMS arises from an existing LM-BN, and highly complex genomic alterations could be potential high risks associated with disease progression in LM-BN. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Long-term alpine summit vegetation cover change: Divergent trajectories driven by climate warming and fire

ABSTRACT Alpine summit vegetation, the highest point of species geographical distributions, is vulnerable to climate change (thermal niche contraction), and there is evidence of change in Northern Hemisphere summits. However, summits are experiencing multifaceted change due to warming and increasing fire frequency. Little is known about how these factors are affecting alpine summit vegetation. We used a revisitation approach to capture the long-term (eighteen years) dynamic changes in Australian alpine plant summit community patterns and to understand the mechanisms of change. We found that vegetation change was influenced by climate and moderated by site-specific factors. There was increased shrub cover over time; however, summit vegetation was largely stable unless disturbed. Fire-disturbed summits experienced higher instability in their vegetation cover over time. Linear mixed-effect models indicated that as time since fire increased and the growing degrees accumulated, there was a strong positive effect on forb and graminoid cover and a negative effect on shrub cover. Forb cover was higher at cooler, wetter, higher-elevation summits. These findings indicate the multifaceted nature of change that must be accounted for in alpine vegetation studies. We show that alpine summit vegetation will respond multidirectionally to a warming climate and changing fire regimes, with outcomes likely contingent on life history characteristics.

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Quality of the Surface Water of the Nostoc Commune of the Andean Communities of Huancavelica, Peru

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of surface water from the Nostoc commune of Andean communities in Huancavelica-Peru, and to compare its variation in relation to its distribution and environmental conditions. Theoretical Framework: Surface water quality depends on anthropogenic factors. The physico-chemical and microbiological surface water quality indicators of the Nostoc commune are important for environmental monitoring, biomass production and social economic livelihoods. Method: Samples of surface water from streams and ponds were considered as biological material. The physicochemical and microbiological analyses were determined according to the protocol and recommendations established in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Wastewater of APHA (2012) and ECA (2017). Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of surface waters of streams and ponds inhabited by Nostoc commune meet the guidelines established by ECA and APHA, with variations to their geographical distribution and environmental conditions. Meteorologically, Nostoc commune is common at altitudes between 4240 and 5877 masl, with temperatures of 4-14°C and relative humidity of 20-60% varying between January and April. Research Implications: The study shows the surface waters of the Nostoc commune to be unsuitable for agricultural and human use. It is crucial for public and environmental health as a balancer of surface water quality. Originality: It offers unprecedented contributions to the literature on the quality of the surface water of the Nostoc commune habitat. The relevance and value of this algae as a viable source of water utilization for agricultural and public health purposes is evident.

The essential oil chemical composition of the aerial parts of Asparagus pastorianus Webb & Berthel growing wild in Sicily (Italy)

The genus Asparagus L. (Asparagaceae) has a wide geographical distribution being present in Europe, Africa, and Asia to N. Australia. The use of Asparagus ssp. dates since Ancient Grecians and Romans and several ethnopharmacological properties have been reported for many species. Asparagus pastorianus Webb & Berthel is a taxon described for the flora of the Canary Islands. The species is also reported in northern Morocco. Recently it has also been included in the Italian flora as present in southern Sicily. In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts (Ap) of a Sicilian accession of this plant, never previously investigated, was evaluated by GC-MS. The essential was characterised by large amounts of aldehydes (65.5%) and alkanes (19.3%) whereas terpenes were very poorly represented. An update of all the essential oils of Asparagus species, studied so far, was carried out.

The genus Alurnus Fabricius, 1775 (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Alurnini) in Colombia with four new species records and an updated checklist in the country

In Colombia, the taxonomy of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) shows information gaps in the composition, biology, richness, distribution, among others, although most of them are of agricultural importance. The genus Alurnus is distributed in the Neotropical Region and it is the most specious genus of the tribe Alurnini (Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). Species of this genus have been reported in association with palms of the family Arecaceae. Previous studies of Alurnus recorded 12 species for Colombia. In this study, 64 specimens were analyzed from 14 Colombian entomological collections, confirming previous records of seven species and reporting four new records for Colombia. This study provides the names of associations and host plants for some species, and the geographic distribution for each one.

Compatibility of released and adventive populations of Ganaspis kimorum Buffington, 2024, (Cynipoidea, Figitidae), parasitoid of the spotted-wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931)

Taxonomic and host associations have been closely studied within the Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering, 1905) (Hymenoptera, Figitidae) complex as parasitoids of the spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera, Drosophilidae). Initially, five genetic groups (G1–G5) were identified that suggested the existence of cryptic species that vary in their host ranges and geographic distributions. What was referred to as the “G1” strain was recently described as G. kimorum Buffington, 2024, and approved for release as a classical biological control agent in the United States and parts of Europe. Concurrently, an adventive population of G. kimorum was found in British Columbia, Canada and is likely spreading through parts of the Pacific Northwest such as Washington State, USA. Here, we compare the reproductive compatibility and molecular similarity of laboratory-bred G. kimorum (collected in Tokyo, Japan) used for release in the USA and Europe with the adventive population found in Washington State, USA. Cross-breeding experiments between the Tokyo and the adventive population showed successful mating and the production of female offspring, indicating that they are reproductively compatible. For both populations, the mitochondrial COI barcode region was sequenced and further confirmed the conspecificity of the Tokyo and adventive Washington populations with published G. kimorum. These findings will help to better understand and document the effects of releases of G. kimorum and the reproductive success of adventive and released populations.

Pyrularia: A newly recorded genus of Cervantesiaceae from Vietnam

Pyrularia (Cervantesiaceae), a small genus previously known from eastern Asia (Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sikkim) and eastern United States, is newly recorded from Vietnam. The specimen was discovered in the rainforest of Lao Cai province, northern Vietnam, and was identified as P. edulis (Wall.) A. DC. based on both morphological and molecular data. This study updates our knowledge on the geographic distribution of the genus Pyrularia. The taxonomic key is provided to distinguish Pyrularia and its related genus Scleropyrum.