We examine consequences of climate-induced range expansion on community composition and diversity within trees attacked by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann). At the northernmost limit of the southern pine beetle range where populations have persisted for multiple years (currently Long Island, NY), we collected and reared bark samples and placed emergence traps on southern pine beetle-attacked pitch pine, Pinus rigida Mill. (Pinales: Pinaceae). From these samples, we quantified southern pine beetle gallery length and emergence as well as the diversity and abundance of all associated insects including known and suspected competitors, predators, and parasitoids. We compared our results to that of historic sampling data (1975-1997) in the core of southern pine beetle\'s range in the southern United States. Key community members were present in both the northern and southern regions; composition and relative abundances differed markedly. A key predator, the clerid beetle Thanasimus dubius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), was present in similar densities in both regions. Southern pine beetle infested a greater proportion of the length of the tree bole in the North. This increased tree utilization may be a consequence of a lack of resource competition by Ips De Geer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) engraver beetles, which we found only in very low abundance in the northern sites. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of southern pine beetle range expansion. Continued study of the southern pine beetle community and temporal southern pine beetle dynamics in the North will add to our current knowledge base and aid preservation of rare and ecologically valuable pine barrens of New England.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, nursing education has begun to reform to competency-based education worldwide, including in low-and middle-income countries. Case-Based Learning (CBL), an approach to delivering competency-based education, contributes to acquiring critical thinking competency, problem-solving, higher knowledge, professional value and attitude. However, it needs to be taught in a culturally appropriate manner. In Cambodia, CBL was initiated in a classroom and clinical practicum by faculty and preceptors who graduated from the upgrading course. This study examined the factors associated with the competency level of nursing students, explored the practice and perceptions of teaching-learning activities among students, faculty members and preceptors and assessed the coherence of qualitative and quantitative findings.
METHODS: This was a convergent, mixed methods study. Data were collected from eight educational institutions for quantitative and qualitative studies and seven hospitals for qualitative studies. From June to September 2019, a cross-sectional survey of nursing students in the third year of the three-year programme (n = 719), eight focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 55) with 6-8 members and 15 FGDs with faculty (n = 38) and clinical preceptors (n = 37) with 4-7 members were conducted to elicit the teaching-learning experience and perceptions. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate the factors associated with student competency. Moreover, the study conducted thematic content analysis on the qualitative data. The integrated analysis was presented as side-by-side joint displays.
RESULTS: First, the quantitative and qualitative findings confirmed each other \'s CBL learning experiences. Students had higher levels of nursing competencies if they had CBL experiences, both in the classroom and clinical practicum, both in a group manner. Next, the quantitative and qualitative findings complemented students\' academic satisfaction with the teaching by faculty members and preceptors. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative findings were expanded to explain students\' academic satisfaction with the programme.
CONCLUSIONS: The finding of CBL experiences in a group and students\' satisfaction with faculty members\' and preceptors\' teaching improved nursing students\' competency development. Meanwhile, students\' satisfaction with the design and delivery of the educational programme provides implications for policy level to narrow the theory and practice gaps in low- and middle-income countries.

The influence of sodium hexadecyl sulfate on the nature of the fluorescence spectra of rhodamine 6G in an aqueous solution and a solution of nonionic Triton X-100 was investigated. The change in the nature of the emission spectra is explained by the formation of hydrophobic stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric reagent-surfactant associates. Stabilization of the colloid-chemical state and reduction of the total turbidity of rhodamine 6G-anionic surfactant associate solutions with the addition of nonionic surfactant as a modifier were registered. The method of modification of the rhodamine 6G-sodium hexadecyl sulfate system with a nonionic surfactant was used in the development of conditions for the fluorescence determination of protein substances in physiological solutions. The concentration conditions for the use of the modified reagent system rhodamine 6G-anionic surfactant-nonionic surfactant for the fluorescence determination of albumin in urine were optimized.

BACKGROUND: NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1), which is highly expressed in the colon, is thought to play a potential role in host defense as a physical and innate immune barrier against commensal or pathogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal epithelium. Diabetes can be caused by several biological factors, including insulin resistance is one of them. Alloxan is widely used to induce insulin-dependent diabetes in experimental animals. Alloxan increases the generation of reactive oxygen species as a result of metabolic reactions in the body, along with a massive increase in cytosolic calcium concentration.
METHODS: Using a universal method, a superoxide radical (О2-)-thermostable associate between NADPH-containing lipoprotein (NLP) and NADPH oxidase (Nox)- NLP-Nox was isolated and purified from the small intestine (SI) of control (C) and alloxan-induced diabetic (AD) albino rats.
RESULTS: In comparison to the C indices, in AD in the SI, an increase in the specific content of NLP-Nox associate and a decrease in the stationary concentration of produced О2- in liquid phase (in solution) and gas phase (during blowing by oxygen of the NLP-Nox solution) were observed. The NLP-Nox of SI associate in C and AD rats produced О2- by an immediate mechanism, using NLP as a substrate. The phenomenon of the hiding of the optical absorption maxima of the Nox in oxidized states at pH10,5 was observed in the composition of these SI associates of the C and AD rat groups. The characteristic absorption maxima of the «hidden» Nox were observed under these conditions after reduction by potassium dithionite.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, at AD, the decrease in the stationary concentration of produced О2- in the solution and gas phase was compensated for by an increase in the specific amount of associate. In addition,  the decrease in the stationary concentration of produced О2- by NLP-Nox associates at AD can be linked to a decrease in the level of NADPH in NLP-Nox composition. This could be used as a new mechanism of AD pathogenesis.