16 - Protists - Final
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Title: Chapter 25 - Protists
Relevant source: Textbook, World Health Organization
Reference: Library SCIENCEpho, SCIENCE SOU, 16-PROTISTS, page 101
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Announcements:
Reference to Frago et al. (2017) paper on Blackboard, noted for having 151 citations.
Mention of NPR reporting about USAID-funded research on using parasitic wasps to manage caterpillar populations affecting corn in Africa, now halted.
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Plant Defenses Against Herbivores:
Research by Jack Schultz finds that trees can communicate and assist each other to defend against insects/herbivores, specifically referencing gypsy moth caterpillars.
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Continuation of plant defense topic:
Focus on spongy moth caterpillars.
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Research Findings (1982):
Ian Baldwin and Jack Schultz discovered that poplar and sugar maple seedlings released anti-herbivore compounds (phytoalexins) when near saplings with damaged leaves.
40 out of 48 studies confirm that plants detect airborne signals and increase their defenses in response.
Example airborne signal: methyl jasmonate; cut grass smell indicates danger.
Evolutionary implications for plant assistance to each other, possibly quicker communication through volatiles.
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Funding and Research Background:
DARPA's funding for Schultz's research discussed in a 2004 NBC news article.
Historical context of research initiatives since 1958.
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Further Research Links:
Citing various sources on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and funding sources from the European Union.
Projects include FACING project collaboration between Van't Hoff Institute and TNODefence.
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Duplicate of Page 1.
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Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919):
Coined terms: ecology, phylum, stem cell, protista.
Background on Haeckel's work and influence on scientific racism and social Darwinism during the eugenics era.
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Taxonomic Classification History:
Linnaeus: Two Kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia)
Haeckel: Three Kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia, Protista)
Copeland: Four Kingdoms with prokaryotic and eukaryotic groups.
Whittaker: Five Kingdoms.
Hillis et al. (2023) introduced Three Domains classification.
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Protists:
Definitions and evolution of the term, including abandonment as a taxonomic group.
Protists as catch-all eukaryotic groups not classified as plants, animals, or fungi.
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Trypanosoma brucei:
Causes sleeping sickness; transmitted by tsetse fly.
Symptoms of the first stage include fever and swollen lymph glands; untreated leads to neurological issues.
Ability to evade immune responses crucial for its survival.
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Epidemiology of Sleeping Sickness:
Historical cases in Africa and reporting changes over the years.
WHO's goal to eliminate transmission of sleeping sickness by 2030.
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Transmission Dynamics:
Tsetse fly as vector for human infection.
Life cycle requiring both the tsetse fly and human hosts.
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Postive Developments:
Gambiense HAT eliminated from Togo as of June 2023.
Several countries reporting cases-free for over a decade.
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Funding for WHO:
Detailed contributions to WHO highlighting the U.S. as a major contributor.
Mention of public and political opinion including statements on U.S. withdrawal from WHO.
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Chagas Disease Overview:
Caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by kissing bugs.
Description of acute and chronic symptoms and global infection statistics (focus on Latin America).
Treatment available; urgency highlights with time delay in treatment.
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Risk Expansion of Chagas Disease:
Predictions of increased risk areas in the U.S. due to climate change.
Statistics on infections in 2020.
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Chagas Disease Transmission Challenges:
Low diagnosis rates in the U.S.; increasing awareness and efforts.
Risk factors under discussion.
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International Chagas Day:
Significant dates celebrating awareness for Chagas disease.
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Carlos Chagas (1879-1934):
Contributions to malaria research and establishment of Trypanosoma cruzi as the causative agent for Chagas disease.
Recognition and awards reflecting impact on parasitology.
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Plasmodium Overview:
Malaria-causing organisms detailed, with specifics on transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes.
Statistics on cases and deaths, particularly among children in Africa.
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Malaria Progress and Challenges:
Effectiveness of treatment drugs and evolving resistance.
Malaria case trends with WHO initiatives for eradication.
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Climate Change Impact on Malaria:
Predictions of changing climate suitability for malaria transmission by 2050.
Recent emergence of local malaria cases in the U.S. outlined.
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Malaria Vaccine Developments:
Introduction of RTS,S vaccine and ongoing trials for new vaccines.
Data on efficacy and recommendations by WHO.
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Malaria Vaccine Program Launch in Cameroon:
Public health initiative detailed involving vaccination rollout.
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Global Vaccine Deployment:
Overview of malaria vaccines distribution to Africa, impact anticipated in combating child mortality.
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Scientific Event Mention:
Reference to Mendel Medal awarded to prominent scientists and contributions to science and religion discussions.