bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological organization of NADPH‐oxidase in haematopoietic stem cell membrane: preliminary study by fluorescence near‐field optical microscopy
Authors: FRASSANITO M.C. , PICCOLI C. , CAPOZZI V. , BOFFOLI D. , TABILIO A. , CAPITANIO N.
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to characterize the local distribution and organization of the plasma membrane NADPH‐oxidase (NOX) in human haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) by means of the fluorescence scanning near‐field optical microscopy approach. The presence of NOX in haematopoietic stem cells is thought to have a functional role as O2 sensor and/or as low‐level reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer to be used as redox messenger for controlling cell growth and differentiation. Given the harmful potential of ROS, a fine‐tuning of NOX activity is needed. The high resolution imaging of haematopoietic stem cell membrane obtained in this study combined with the immunodetection of NOX indicates for this the occurrence of a cluster‐organized structure. These membrane ‘rafts’‐like micro‐compartments may constitute localized protein aggregates whereby the assembly/activation of the NOX components are functionally integrated with upstream factors constituting signal‐transduction platforms.
Low‐frequency electromagnetic field effects on functional groups in human skin keratinocytes cells revealed by IR‐SNOM
Authors: CRICENTI A. , GENEROSI R. , LUCE M. , PERFETTI P. , SANGHERA J. S. , AGGARWAL I. D. , TOLK N. H. , VOBORNIK D. , MARGARITONDO G. , PISTON D. W. , MANNI V. , GRIMALDI S. , LISI A. , RIETI S.
Published: March 2008

Human HaCaT cells, exposed for 24 h to a 1 mT (rms) 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field in a temperature‐regulated solenoid, suffer detectable changes in their biochemical properties and shapes. By using infrared wavelength‐selective scanning near‐field optical microscopy, we observed changes in the distribution of the inner chemical functional groups and in the cell morphology with a resolution of 80–100 nm.
Narrow plasmon mode in 2D arrays of silver nanoparticles self‐assembled on thin silver films
Authors: MALYNYCH S. , CHUMANOV G.
Published: March 2008

Extinction spectra of 2D arrays of silver nanoparticles self‐assembled on 5–20‐nm‐thick vacuum‐deposited silver films exhibit extremely narrow plasmon mode in the blue spectral region, whereas the same particles self‐assembled on thin films of Au, Cu, Cr and Ti damp the plasmon resonance. The observed narrowing was attributed to the plasmon coupling between the nanoparticles and between the nanoparticles and surface modes in the underlying silver film.
Comparison of hepatic oxidative DNA damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C
Authors: Fujita N. , Sugimoto R. , Ma N. , Tanaka H. , Iwasa M. , Kobayashi Y. , Kawanishi S. , Watanabe S. , Kaito M. , Takei Y.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  8‐Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) is a promutagenic DNA lesion produced by hydroxyl radicals and is recognized as a useful marker in estimating DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of hepatic 8‐OHdG levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatic 8‐OHdG accumulation was investigated in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C) (n = 77) and chronic hepatitis B (CH‐B) (n = 34) by immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsy samples. 8‐OHdG positive hepatocytes were significantly higher in patients with CH‐C compared to CH‐B (median 55.0 vs 18.8 cells/105 μm2, P < 0.0001). The number of positive hepatocytes significantly increased with the elevation of serum aminotransferase levels, especially in CH‐C patients (8‐OHdG vs alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) were r = 0.738/0.720 in CH‐C and 0.506/0.515 in CH‐B). 8‐OHdG reactivity was strongly correlated with body and hepatic iron storage markers in CH‐C (vs serum ferritin, r = 0.615; vs hepatic total iron score, r = 0.520; vs hepatic hepcidin mRNA levels, r = 0.571), although it was related to serum HBV‐DNA titers (r = 0.540) and age of patients (r = –0.559) in CH‐B. These results indicate that hepatic oxidative DNA damage is common in chronic viral hepatitis, in particular chronic HCV‐infected patients, suggesting a possible link between chronic hepatic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis. The strong positive correlation between hepatic DNA damage and iron overload suggests that iron content is one of the most likely mediators of hepatic oxidative stress and iron reduction may be beneficial to reduce the incidence of hepatic cancer in CH‐C patients.
Effect of host behaviour on host preference in Stomoxys calcitrans
Authors: WARNES M. L. , FINLAYSON L. H.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Field observations suggest that, in the U.K., cattle are the preferred host of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), followed by horses. Differences were observed in the numbers of flies feeding on individual animals both in the field and under controlled conditions. Analysis of the behaviour of four Friesian calves under attack from S. calcitrans in controlled conditions revealed that the differences in the levels of attack between individual hosts are dependent on the reactions of the host when under attack. Those hosts which respond vigorously by tail flicks, foot stamps and head‐swings suffer less from attack by S.calcitrans than their more placid contemporaries.
Nectar feeding by mosquitoes in Sweden, with special reference to Culex pipiens and Cx torrentium
Authors: ANDERSSON I. H. , JAENSON T. G. T.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. 1. Nectar feeding by mosquitoes collected from tansy (Tanacetum vulgar‐e) flowers was studied in July and August 1983‐85 at two sites in central and south‐western Sweden. Prior to fructose analysis, gonotrophic state and parity was determined.

2. A total of 1010 mosquitoes (70% males) of eighteen species was collected. Fructose was detected in 75% of the males and 78% of the females. Most (86%) mosquitoes collected belonged to Culex pipiens and Cx torrentium.

3. Among 219 Cx pipiens females, for most of which the abdomen appeared gravid (52%) or empty (42%), 81% were fructose‐positive. Females of other species were also proved to have fed on plant sugars in both early and later stages of the gonotrophic cycle.

4. In Cx pipiens and males of Cx torrentium peak nectar feeding occurred between 22.00 and 04.00 hours. Data for males of both species suggested a V‐shaped pattern of nectar feeding activity during the night.

5. At about 16oC nearly all mosquitoes became fructose‐negative in the anthrone test within 20 h after collection from tansy flowers.

6. At least 44% of Cx pipiens females that were attracted to a dove‐baited trap had fed on plant sugars shortly before.
Laboratory evaluation of cyromazine against insecticide‐resistant field strains of Musca domestica
Authors: KELLY JULIE A. , STUBBS MARY R. , M.A.F.F. DAVID B. PINNIGER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A screening programme was undertaken to examine the possibility of cross resistance occurring between cyromazine and conventional insecticides. The responses of nine strains of Musca domestica to treatment with cyromazine, trichlorphon, methomyl and pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide were measured. No tolerance to cyromazine was found, neither was there a direct correlation between larval responses to cyromazine and adult responses to other insecticides. Cyromazine is a potent larvicide against M. domestica and the results of these tests show that it has good potential for the control of houseflies with high levels of resistance to other insecticides.
Location of genes on chromosome arms in the Anopheles gambiae group of species and their correlation to linkage data for other anopheline mosquitoes
Authors: HUNT R. H.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The use of paracentric inversions as genetic markers in the Anopheles gambiae group of mosquitoes is described. The gene for dieldrin resistance is assigned to chromosome 2 which in turn is correlated to the previous assignment of the gene to linkage group II. The locus of the enzyme phosphoglucomutase 2 (Pgm 2) is similarly assigned to chromosome 2 and evidence is presented for possible linkage between Pgm 2 and dieldrin resistance. There was no linkage or correlation of chromosome 2 and loci of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (Sod) and octanol dehydrogenase (Odh). These genes are therefore assumed to be on chromosome 3 (linkage group III). Evidence that such gene linkage group/ chromosome correlations may extend to other species for which chromosome maps and homologies have been worked out is discussed.
The mosquitoes of Sardinia: species records 35 years after the malaria eradication campaign
Authors: MARCHI ANNALISA , MUNSTERMANN LEONARD E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. 1. Thirty‐five years ago malaria was eradicated from Sardinia by massive application of DDT directed against the mosquito vector species, Anopheles labranchiae, but the long‐term effects on the mosquito fauna have not been investigated previously.

2. A 5‐year mosquito survey (1980‐85) involved in the inspection of 348 sites (plus 173 reinspections) and the processing of nearly 60,000 specimens.

3. Twenty‐four species in six genera were identified from larval and adult collections. Species of the genera Culex (41%) and Aedes (22%) were more commonly encountered than Culiseta (18%) and Anopheles (17%) species. Orthopodomyia (1.6%) and Coquillettidia (0.6%) were far less frequent.

4. The species composition was similar to that described for the years of the eradication campaign, except for the genus Anopheles. Of the eight Anopheles species previously recorded, only four species were identified in collections of 1159 larvae from eighty‐five positive sites.

5. Anopheles labranchiae was the most frequently collected species of its genus (49%), but was represented in only 12% of the total collections. Comparison with previous records indicated a progressive increase in sites positive for An.labranchiae over the past 35 years.

6. Anopheles hispaniola was not found, although it had apparently replaced An.labranchiae soon after the eradication campaign. An. labranchiae was common in the sites where the replacement phenomenon had been observed.
Base‐line susceptibility of Phlebotomus papatasi to insecticides
Authors: PENER H. , WILAMOVSKY A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Susceptibility of the leishmaniasis vector sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) to three insecticides was assessed on a colony originating in the Jordan Valley, Israel. Results are considered to show susceptibility to DDT and permethrin. The results for methoxychlor indicated the possibility of heterogeneity in the population and tolerance towards this compound.
Overwintering of Culex mosquitoes in Sweden and their potential as reservoirs of human pathogens
Authors: JAENSON THOMAS G. T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Culexpipiens L. and Cx torrentium Martini are suspected enzootic vectors in Sweden of Sindbis virus causing Ockelbo disease in man. To estimate their potential as virus reservoirs over the winter, mosquitoes were collected from August to May from a cellar in a rural area, central Sweden. The mosquitoes were dissected and examined for blood content, gonotrophic stage, parity and insemination, and tested for fructose.

2. Cx pipiens, Cx torrentium and Cx territans Walker constituted 94% of 887 females caught. A few Culiseta annulata (Schrank), Cs.alaskaensis (Ludlow) and An.maculipennis Meigen s.l. were also collected.

3. Data suggested that all blood‐fed, parous Culex females disappeared during the winter and that only non‐bloodfed, nulliparous females survived.

4. Fructose, detected in some of these females, and other plant sugars may be the main energy sources for winter survival.

5. Unless transovarially or venereally infected, Culex females are presumably of no or very limited importance in rural, central Sweden as winter reservoirs for blood‐borne pathogens of vertebrates.
Morphological aspects of the third instar larva of Haematobia irritans
Authors: BAKER GERALD T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The main morphological features of the cephalic region of the larva of Haematobia irritans (L.) are the oral grooves, tripartite labium and the antennomaxillary protuberances that have the dorsal, terminal and ventral sensory organs. The total number of sensilla that are found on the terminal organ differs from other cyclorrhaphous‐fly larvae. The fan‐shaped anterior spiracles usually consist of seven bulbous digits that are unequal in length. The creeping welts consist of notched, convex plates that split into two separate plates as they approach the midline of the venter. This characteristic has not been described previously for this species or other, higher, dipterous larvae. There are two posterior spiracles with an ecdysial scar, four fan‐shaped and branching spiracular hairs and irregularly‐shaped spiracular openings. The longitudinal anal opening is situated in the cuticular band that is known as the anal organ.
Honeydew of aphids as a source of sugar for Phlebotomus ariasi
Authors: KILLICK‐KENDRICK R. , KILLICK‐KENDRICK MIREILLE
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Wild‐caught Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, starved until their sugar meals had been digested, were caged for 24 h with plants or plants infested with aphids and then tested for fructose, a constituent of plant sap. No evidence was found that the flies took sap directly from nine types of plants present in their habitat. About two‐thirds of flies caged with oak (Quercus ilex L.) infested with an aphid [Lachnus roboris (L.)] and about a fifth kept with leaves of the french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) infested with an aphid took honeydew. Experiments with three other aphid species gave negative results. Of sandflies caught in an oak tree infested with aphids, half of the females and three‐quarters of the males contained fructose. Tests on females caught in a house and grouped according to state of engorgement showed that, having taken blood, the females stop taking sugar until the bloodmeal is completely digested. It is predicted that honeydews are important in the development of Leishmania infantum Nicolle in the gut of P.ariasi.
Leishmania infantum infection rates in Phlebotomus perniciosus fed on naturally infected dogs under antimonial treatment
Authors: GRADONI L. , MAROLI M. , GRAMICCIA M. , MANCIANTP F.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum Nicolle were treated with three courses of meglumine antimoniate. Changes were observed in the dogs' clinical signs, antibody titres and in infection rates of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead fed on the dogs. A large reduction in the sandfly infection rate was observed for 4–5 months after the first treatment. The use of antimonial drugs is advocated for the control of canine leishmaniasis and to reduce risks of L.infantum transmission.
Geographical distribution of Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G.p.palpalis in Liberia
Authors: GARMS R. , MEHLITZ D. , ZILLMANN U.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The two subspecies of Glossina palpalis (Robineau‐Desvoidy) occurring in Liberia could be reliably separated morpho‐metrically by measuring the width of the terminal dilatations of the male inferior claspers. Subspecies differentiation of female flies was less conclusive. Identification of flies from fifty‐four sites revealed that most of Liberia lies in the belt of Glossina palpalis palpalis. However, pure and substantial populations of G.p.gambiensis Vanderplank occur north of 8o20'N in the north‐west of Liberia.
Leishmaniasis in Brazil. XXV. Sandfly vectors of Leishmania in Pará State, Brazil
Authors: RYAN L. , LAINSON R. , SHAW J. J. , BRAGA R. R. , ISHIKAWA E. A. Y.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Leishmania of the braziliensis complex were isolated from various members of the squamiventris series sandflies, including Psychodopygus chagasi (Costa Lima), P.s.maripaensis (Ready et al.), P.s.squamiventris (Lutz & Neiva), and also P.ayrozai (Barreto & Coutinho) and Lutzomyia umbratilis Ward & Fraiha. Three different serodemes of Le.b.guyanensis Floch were isolated from Lu.anduzei Rozeboom, Lu.umbratilis and Lu.whitmani Antunes & Coutinho, simultaneously captured in the same area. Unidentified Leishmania were isolated from P.daustrei Abonnenc et al, and trypanosomes from Lu.pinottii Damasceno & Arouck and an unidentified species of Lutzomyia. A naturally infected female P.s.maripaensis transmitted a braziliensis complex Leishmania, by bite, to a hamster.
Host immunoglobulin G titre and antibody activity in haemolymph of the tick, Ornithodoros moubata
Authors: CHINZEI YASUO , MINOURA HIROYUKI
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in tick haemolymph was analysed immunochemically and biochemically for its antigenicity, antibody activity and relative concentration in a soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata (Murray) sensu Walton 1962 (Acari: Argasidae). Ouchterlony immunodiffusion tests showed that haemolymph from a tick engorged on rabbit IgG (or human IgG) through an artificial membrane, reacted with anti‐rabbit IgG (anti‐human IgG) but not with anti‐human IgG (anti‐rabbit IgG). This indicates that haemolymph of the fed tick contains IgG with a similar antigen specificity to host blood IgG. IgG from tick haemolymph was demonstrated by enzyme immunoassay to have the same antibody activity as ingested IgG. The IgG concentration in tick haemolymph was measured by a quantitative single immunodiffusion test. Changes of IgG titre after a bloodmeal were correlated with IgG activity, which was low for 5 days after a bloodmeal and then suddenly increased. The IgG titre reached a maximum 7 days post‐engorgement, and remained high for over 4 months during and after oviposition. 125I‐labelled IgG was injected into the tick haemocoel to determine the persistence of IgG in the haemolymph. Recovery of labelled IgG was low at 1 and 3 days, and high at 5, 8 and 16 days after engorgement. The data suggest that IgG in haemolymph disappears quickly soon after engorgement possibly by degradation and/or absorption (adhesion to tissues).
The role of some cyclorrhaphan flies as carriers of human helminths in Malaysia
Authors: SULAIMAN SALLEHUDIN , SOHADI ABDUL RAHIM , YUNUS HASHIM , IBERAHIM RUSLI
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The role of some adult flies (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha) as carriers of helminth parasites of man was studied at four sites in Malaysia: a refuse dump, where no helminth‐positive flies were detected, and in three peri‐domestic situations where four species of flies carried up to three types of nematodes.

The dominant fly species Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) carried eggs of the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides L., the pinworm Trichuris trichiura (L.) and hookworm on the adult external body surface and in the gut lumen, in association with Bukit Lanjan aborigines.

Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) and Sarcophaga spp. also had Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichurus trichiura eggs in their gut contents. Human helminths were not recovered from Lispe leucospila (Wiedemann), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) or the housefly Musca domestica L.

In an urban slum area of Kuala Lumpur city, filariform larvae identified as the hookworm Necator americanus (Stiles) occurred in the intestines of the face‐fly Musca sorbens Wiedemann (22 larvae per 100 flies) and of Chrysomya megacephala (4.5 larvae per 100 flies). This concentration of apparently infective N. americanus in M. sorbens, a fly which often breeds in faeces and browses on human skin, could have transmission potential.
In vitro haemagglutination and attenuation of microfilarial motility by haemolymph from individual blackflies (Simulium ornatum) infected with Onchocerca lienalis
Authors: HAM P. J. , ZULU M. B. , ZAHED M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Two in vitro tests were used to investigate the effect of Onchocerca lienalis Stiles infection on the haemolymph of Simulium ornatum Meigen. The first of these examined the effect of infected haemolymph on the motility of fresh O. lienalis or Brugia pahangi Buckley & Edeson microfilariae. Incubation of haemolymph from individual flies with fresh microfilariae was performed in the wells of Terasaki micro‐tissue culture plates. Motility of both species of parasite was found to be significantly attenuated when compared to worms incubated in control haemolymph groups.

The second assay was that of agglutination of cat erythrocytes in the presence of haemolymph from individual flies, also performed in Terasaki plates. This test demonstrated significant increases in the rates of haemagglutination in the haemolymph of O. lienalis infected blackflies. The titre appeared to increase during the initial 5 days of infection up to a level of 1/32+, but then fell between day 5 and 7 to a maximum level of 1/2. The proportion of flies exhibiting haemagglutination also rose following infection.

Despite the apparent absence of melanization and encapsulation, simuliids may have at least two humoral haemolymph components available to them for parasite regulation; a fast‐acting factor responsible for rapid parasite death, and more specific agglutinins, possibly lectins. The role of the latter in defence is as yet unclear.
Breeding‐site productivity of the swamp forest mosquitoes Mansonia bonneae and Ma.dives in Sarawak, East Malaysia
Authors: CHANG M. S. , JUTE N. , LAH J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Studies on larval population densities and adult emergence rates of the Brugian filariasis vectors Mansonia bonneae Edwards and Ma.dives Schiner were conducted in freshwater swamp forest bordering the Sadong River, Serian District, Sarawak, East Malaysia, during 1984–85.

Three species of aquatic host‐plants in the Family Araceae were identified as supporting immature stages of the Ma. bonneae/dives complex. Proportions of positive plants were 4.7%, 6.5% and 3.4% with 6.4±2.6, 7.3±2.8 and 10.1±1.1 larvae per positive plant, respectively, for the plant species Homalomena cordata Schott, H.rostrata Griffiths and Hydrostemma motleyi (Hook. f.) Mabberley. These data indicate no significant preferences between the three types of host‐plant.

Detailed monitoring of the host‐plant H.cordata revealed no significant monthly fluctuations in larval density per plant nor the proportion of positive plants. 11.6% of larvae were Ma.dives and 88.4% were Ma.bonneae. Mean daily yields of Ma.bonneae/dives adults per square metre of H.cordata vegetated water surface were 0.45 males plus 0.57 females during the wet season (December‐February) compared with 0.2 males plus 0.31 females during the dry season (June‐August). Thus output of adults per plant was approximately halved, and suitable breeding areas were further reduced, during the dry season. By extrapolation from these rates, a crude mean estimate for productivity of Ma.bonneae/dives females is 1.6 million per hectare per annum in swamp forest habitats vegetated with any of the host‐plants studied.
Juvenile hormone mimics as effective sterilants for the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans
Authors: LANGLEY P. A. , FELTON T. , OOUCHI H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The development of puparia of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood was disrupted by topical applications of the juvenile hormone mimics S‐methoprene (the resolved enantiomer of 11‐methoxy‐3, 7, 11‐trimethyl‐2, 4‐dodecadienoic acid 1‐methyl ester) (Zoecon), S21149 (propionaldoxime‐0–4‐phenoxyphenoxyethylether) (Sumitomo), or S31183 (2‐[1‐methyl‐2‐(4‐phenoxyphenoxy)ethoxy]pyridine) (Sumitomo) dissolved in acetone. Puparia so treated during the first 4 days of life suffered developmental abnormalities, the severity of which were dose‐dependent. Similarly, puparia produced by adult females treated with these compounds were abnormal. Dose–response data showed that effects were greatest with S31183 and least with S‐methoprene. Abnormalities in the form of abdominal lesions and wing crumpling were typical of flies emerging from puparia produced by S‐methoprene‐treated females. However, arrested development at the red eye and pigmented seta stage within the puparium were typical of offspring of females treated with S21149 and S31183. A dose of 2 μg per female of S31183 was sufficient to prevent emergence of offspring produced for the rest of the life of the fly. The same dose resulted in partial recovery of females treated with S21149 some 18 days following treatment. Treatment with 2 μg S‐methoprene did not suppress completely the production of normal offspring and recovery was complete some 27–35 days after treatment. Exposure of males to 20 μg S31183 did not impair their ability to inseminate females; transfer of material during copulation was sufficient to prevent the production of viable offspring by their mates.

Although the doses involved in the present experiments were high, the low mammalian toxicity of S31183 makes it an attractive candidate for further evaluation as a safe chemosterilant for tsetse. Of particular interest is the lack of similarity between the molecular structures of juvenile hormones and this mimic which tends to arrest development at a precisely defined stage within the puparium of the tsetse fly.
Use of a male‐specific DNA probe to distinguish female mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae species complex
Authors: GALE K. R. , CRAMPTON J. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A method has been developed to distinguish between mated female individuals of the sibling species Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto and Anopheles arabiensis Patton. The DNA probe pAnal, reported by Gale & Crampton (1987a) to be useful for the specific identification of An.arabiensis males, is here shown to be sufficiently sensitive to deduce the species identity of inseminated females from the identity of the sperm contained within the spermatheca.
The role of the housefly, Musca domestica, in the spread of Aujeszky's disease (pseudorabies)
Authors: MEDVECZKY I. , KOVÁCS L. , Sz. F. KOVÁCS , PAPP L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Starved houseflies were held over a suspension of Aujeszky's virus (PRV‐1) for 24–48 h. One group was rinsed in 70% ethanol to kill virus attached to the body surface. No virus was isolated from this group. For the other group the titre of virus decreased more rapidly on the body surface of flies than in the environment. Model experiments demonstrated that the Aujeszky's virus cannot survive in the body of the housefly but the body surface may be contaminated for a period of time depending on the initial viral titre. Experiments showed that susceptible pigs fed on flies contaminated with Aujeszky's virus may become infected. The quantity of virus (5 × 105 pfu ml‐1) shed by a single housefly during biting and vomiting on the cornea or abraded skin proved to be sufficient to cause infection in susceptible pigs, rabbits and a lamb. It is possible that houseflies could play a role in transmission of infection within herds. Transmission between herds is much less likely.
Allergens of non‐biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae): a systematic survey of chironomid haemoglobins
Authors: CRANSTON PETER S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Various genera of non‐biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) possess haemoglobins in larvae and adults. For certain species, these haemoglobins have been implicated in human allergic disease in several countries. The present study confirms and extends observations that haemoglobin is present in many species of Chironomidae, establishes that it is retained from the larval to the adult stage and shows that haemoglobin persists both in live and in dead dry flies. Previous suggestions that Chironomidae should be seen as important environmental and occupational allergens are clearly substantiated.
Equine Culicoides hypersensitivity in Florida: biting midges collected in light traps near horses
Authors: GREINER ELLIS C. , FADOK VALERIE A. , RABIN EDWIN B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Twenty‐three species of Culicoides were trapped near pruritic horses during a 2‐year survey in Florida. Nearly 99% of the biting midges collected were represented by Culicoides insignis Lutz, C.edeni Wirth and Blandon, C.stellifer (Coquillett), C.niger Root and Hoffman, C.haematopotus Malloch and C.venustus Hoffman. The relative contribution to the total catch by each of these species varied among collection sites. Seasonally, different species attain their largest population sizes at different times. Association of species collected in light traps with the seasonality of lesion development on the horses suggests that more than one species must be involved in causing Culicoides hypersensitivity in horses from Florida. Nulliparous females were present in most months that females of the same species were active; in some cases, species were trapped in each month of the year, particularly at the more southerly sites. The species of biting midge most likely to be involved in Culicoides hypersensitivity in horses in Florida are C.insignis, C.stellifer and C.venustus based upon their mammalophilic behaviour and seasonality.
Physiological characteristics of Culex pipiens populations in the Middle East
Authors: NUDELMAN SERGIO , GALUN RACHEL , KITRON URIEL , SPIELMAN ANDREW
Published: March 2008

Abstract. We determined whether exposure to a short day‐light regime of 14 h 15 min induces ovarian diapause in Culex pipiens L. mosquitoes from Israel and whether differences occur in certain morphological, physiological and behavioural traits. Samples from nineteen localities in Israel, from 33°05' N to 29°35' N latitude, conformed to the morphological criteria of Cx pipiens, sensu stricto (i.e. wider spread of dorsal than of ventral arms of the aedeagus) as determined by negative DV/D ratios of the male.

Autogenous females occurred at frequencies of 4–55% in all areas of Israel throughout the breeding season. No mating barriers were detected between individuals of autogenous and anautogenous genotypes. Autogenous females were no more prevalent from polluted or enclosed breeding sites than from others with various degrees of openness. In general, Cx pipiens females fed equally well on human (35% engorgement) and avian (22% engorgement) hosts (P<0.01). Although females from the southern part of the study region appeared to be incapable of ovarian diapause, at least some of those from the north experienced diel‐mediated diapause. We conclude that, in the Middle East, the 33rd parallel provides a southern limit to the range of Cx pipiens with capability for diel‐mediated ovarian diapause, but that non‐diapausing Cx pipiens s.l. are present at least as far south as Elat (20°25'N) on the coast of the Gulf of Aquaba.
Tsetse: the limits to population growth
Authors: HARGROVE J. W.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Growth rates of tsetse populations were estimated by calculating the dominant eigenvalues of appropriate Leslie matrices. The individual effects of four variables (pre‐adult and adult survival probability, interlarval period and pupal duration), have been investigated by varying each one over a wide range of values, while the other three are held constant. R, the log of the growth rate, was found to vary approximately linearly with adult and pre‐adult death rate; a 1% change in the adult death rate causes approximately a 10‐fold change in R. R varies linearly with the log of fecundity and of the pupal duration. An increase in the pupal duration results in a decrease in the growth rate for populations which have a positive growth rate, but an increase for populations which have a negative growth rate. For a population at equilibrium, a change in the pupal duration has no effect. Small changes in fecundity have less effect on the growth rate than small changes in the death rate; this fact is advanced as an important contributor to the generally very cautious nature of female tsetse, and their aversion to man, particularly as a potential host.

A simple linear model is described which relates R to all four variables and their first order interactions. The model is used to produce a set of graphs which encapsulate the relationship between the growth rate and the vital parameters over a wide range of values. It is also used to draw the loci on one side of which tsetse populations grow, and on the other of which they decline.

Population resilience is discussed in relation to the problem of tsetse eradication; it is concluded that if one can impose and sustain an added mortality of 4% per day on any female tsetse population then it must go extinct, regardless of the strength of the density dependent processes; and it seems likely that in most field conditions only an added 2–3% is required. It is pointed out that ground and aerial spraying techniques produce much higher daily mortalities than this, but they may often not be sustained for sufficiently long to achieve eradication. When odour‐baited targets are used the increased death rate is much smaller, but it can be sustained as required; recent work in Zimbabwe shows that there is a good correspondence between the calculated imposed death rate and the observed rate of decline of tsetse populations.
Responses of Anopheles culicifacies sibling species A and B to DDT and HCH in India: implications in malaria control
Authors: SUBBARAO SARALA K. , VASANTHA K. , SHARMA V. P.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Differential responses of Anopheles culicifacies Giles sibling species A and B to DDT were evident from higher survival rate of species B in laboratory bioassays and greater proportions of species B in DDT‐sprayed villages of northern India, compared with those under HCH pressure. Both species A and B have become almost completely resistant to HCH in this area due to regular house‐spraying with HCH for about the last 10 years. Because species A predominates in northern India, where it has been incriminated as an important vector of malaria, and species A is more susceptible than species B to DDT, it is suggested that DDT would control malaria transmission more effectively than HCH in this situation. Monitoring of insecticide resistance in species A is therefore recommended as the basis for future choice of insecticides to be used by the National Malaria Eradication Programme.
Evaluation of permethrin‐impregnated mosquito‐nets against mosquitoes in China
Authors: JINJIANG XU , MEILUAN ZAO , XINFU LUO , RONGEN GENG , SHIXIAN PAN , SHUYOU LIU
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. In Yishan County, Guangxi Province, China, where malaria and Brugian filariasis are transmitted by vectors belonging to the Anopheles hyrcanus Pallas group, a study was conducted from June to November 1986 to evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin‐impregnated mosquito bednets to reduce man/vector contact. In three experimental villages a total of 246 mosquito nets were treated with permethrin EC at a dosage of 0.5 g/m2.

Control bioassays (1 h exposure) of treated nets gave up to 100% mortality of Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett), Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles for up to 19 weeks. During 5 months evaluation in the villages, permethrin‐impregnated mosquito‐nets reduced the number of mosquitoes found inside nets by 99.3% for Culex quinquefasciatus Say, by 94.4% for Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann and by 75% for Anopheles lesteri anthropophagus Xu & Feng. This measure could thus be considered an appropriate means of controlling vectors in villages.
Feeding strategies of the horseflies Hybomitra expollicata and Tabanus bromius in southern France
Authors: BALLARD J. W. O. , WAAGE J. K.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT.Blood‐feeding success of female horseflies,Hybomitra expollicataPandellé andTabanus bromiusL. (Diptera: Tabanidae), was studied. Bloodmeal weights of flies permitted different periods of residence on a horse's belly were estimated, and related to subsequent ovarian development and the number of mature eggs produced.

Fitness gain per visit to a host (as estimated by the number of mature eggs produced) increased more rapidly with residence time on the host forH. expollicatathan forT. bromius. H. expollicataimbibed blood more rapidly and, above a threshold bloodmeal size, produced a consistently higher number of eggs per unit weight of blood ingested. The feeding strategies of the two species are compared.
Laboratory experiments on factors affecting oviposition site selection in Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae), with a report on the occurrence of egg cannibalism*
Authors: LINLEY JOHN R.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Laboratory experiments tested the effects of water quality and the presence of conspecific and heterospecific immatures on oviposition by Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Doleschall). The females showed a highly significant preference for oak leaf infusion water over distilled water. When twenty starved third and fourth instar Tx. amboinensis larvae were present in the water, substantially fewer eggs were counted from pots containing these conspecifics, than from controls in which no larvae were present. Numbers of eggs from pots containing starved second instar larvae did not differ significantly from controls. Observations of larval behaviour while oviposition was occurring suggested that egg numbers were reduced in containers because of egg cannibalism with third and fourth instar larvae, and not because the larvae caused a deterrent effect. Subsequent experiments confirming the occurrence of substantial egg cannibalism by third and especially fourth instar larvae are described. As with larvae, the presence of Tx. amboinensis pupae in the water had little effect on oviposition. If placed in the water 24 h prior to test, pupae very slightly enhanced its attractiveness, but if introduced immediately before test there appeared to be a slight deterrent effect. With heterospecific larvae, twenty fourth instar Ae. aegypti larvae introduced into infusion water 24 h before test rendered the water slightly attractive, while water in which Ae. aegypti larvae had been reared for 48 h proved highly repellent.
Morphogenetic diapause in Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: PEGRAM R. G. , MWASE E. T. , ZIVKOVIC D. , JONGEJAN F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. In southern Africa, Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius is characterized by a strict seasonal activity. Experiments were carried out to determine whether a diapause mechanism regulates this seasonality. Engorged A. variegatum females were exposed to controlled laboratory conditions or natural field conditions at different times of the year. Females exposed in a natural environment in September‐October (short day) had significantly longer pre‐oviposition periods than females exposed from November to March. The season in which the previous instar fed had no apparent effect on the engorgement or pre‐oviposition periods of the females. Furthermore, artificial changes in photoperiod during and after female engorgement had no significant effects on pre‐oviposition periods.

It is tentatively concluded that the unfed female is the responsive stage to photoperiodic changes which induce diapause. Diapause could be terminated and oviposition induced by exposing females to a short period of chilling (18OC for 48 h). It is concluded that a morphogenetic diapause mechanism exists in A. variegatum, which is probably induced by short day responses and terminated following rainfall and a concomitant decrease in soil temperature. The diapause, which occurs in females which fed early in the season, causes a delay in oviposition and therefore effectively synchronizes the life‐cycle to ensure that eggs and larvae occur at a climatically favourable period.
Anti‐mosquito antibodies and their effects on feeding, fecundity and mortality of Aedes aegypti
Authors: HATFIELD P. R.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. .Anti‐mosquito antibodies, produced in mice inoculated with mosquito homogenates or exposed to mosquito bites, reacted with a variety of mosquito antigens including muscle, gut, fat body and nervous tissue; those in anti‐mosquito bite sera reacted solely with salivary glands. Mosquitoes fed on restrained immunized mice showed a significant increase in mortality correlated to both the titre and specificity of the anti‐mosquito antibodies ingested. No changes in their fecundity or feeding success were noted. Mosquitoes exposed to unrestrained immunized mice or mosquito‐bitten mice, however, showed a significant reduction in feeding success, possibly reflecting enhanced host grooming.
Survival and reproductive performance of female Glossina morsitans morsitans when maintained on the blood of different species of wild mammals
Authors: MOLOO S. K. , GROOTENHUIS J. G. , KAR S. K. , KARSTAD L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A study was carried out to determine the effect on the reproductive performance of female Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood when allowed to feed, in vitro, for 63 days on fresh defibrinated blood of buffalo, bushbuck, cattle, eland, oryx, warthog, waterbuck or wildebeest. There were marginal differences in the survival and reproductive performance between eight different groups of tsetse, 200 per group, when fed on the blood of these mammalian species. When allowed to feed for 14 consecutive days on the blood of buffalo, wildebeest or warthog, the mean number of feeds were 6.2 ± 0.3, 6.5 ± 0.3 and 6.3 ± 0.3, respectively. The mean weight of the bloodmeal taken also did not differ significantly between these three groups. Whereas the protein patterns of the blood plasma of the above eight host animals were different, the protein patterns of the haemolymph from tsetse fed on the blood of these hosts were identical. It is thus concluded that the preference shown by tsetse for some mammalian species investigated here may not be based on any aspect of the nutritional value of their blood.
Ectoparasites of the Irish stoat
Authors: SLEEMAN D. P.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A sample of 196 Irish stoats Mustela ermineae hibernica Thomas & Barrett‐Hamilton (Carnivora: Mustelidae) were examined and yielded 2580 arthropod ectoparasites, including 1819 larval mites Neo‐trombicula autumnalis (Shaw) from a single host. Other ectoparasites recovered included lice (99%Trichodectes ermineae (Hopkins)), ticks (mostly Ixodes hexagonus Leach) and four species of fleas. The ticks and fleas were considered to have come mainly from nests of other hosts. The flea species did not reflect the status of their usual hosts in the diet of stoats, but did reflect the stoats' use of their usual hosts' habitat.
Oviposition habitat preferences of Toxorhynchites moctezuma mosquitoes in four types of tropical forest in Trinidad
Authors: O'MALLEY SEAN L. C. , HUBBARD STEPHEN F. , CHADEE DAVE D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. 1. Oviposition of the mosquito Toxorhynchites moctezuma Dyar & Knab was investigated in four types of tropical forest in Trinidad, West Indies, using surrogate and natural ovitraps. Larvae of Tx. moctezuma are obligate predators that might be useful for the biological control of Aedes aegypti (L).

2. Significantly more oviposition occurred in seasonal‐deciduous forest than in either montane or evergreen‐seasonal forest.

3. Oviposition in surrogate containers (black‐painted polystyrene cups, 90 mm diameter) was compared with that occurring in typical natural containers (nutpots of Lecythis zapucajo Aublet). Surrogate ovipots were relatively insensitive indicators of oviposition activity, and would be an inefficient means of harvesting Tx. moctezuma eggs.

4. Implications for the collection, culture and mass release of Tx. moctezuma are discussed.
Responses of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes to the use of untreated bednets in The Gambia
Authors: LINDSAY S. W. , SHENTON F. C. , SNOW R. W. , GREENWOOD B. M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Population dynamics of the Anopheles gambiae complex of malaria vector mosquitoes were studied in four small hamlets in The Gambia. Bednets were used to reduce man/vector contact in two of the hamlets. High densities of An. gambiae, sensu lato, were present for only 3–8 weeks during the rainy season, depending on the position of the hamlet within the study area. The proportions of blood‐fed mosquitoes caught indoors (83.0%) and exiting from houses (11.6%) were lower in hamlets where bednets were used than in hamlets without (96.5% and 33.1% respectively). Fewer of the blood‐fed mosquitoes had fed on man in houses where people slept under bednets (68.2%) than in those without (81.5%). However, the average number of infective bites received by children was still greater than one a year in hamlets where bednets were used. Consequently bednets are considered unlikely to be an effective malaria control measure so long as they are untreated with insecticide.
The potential geographical distribution of the Old World screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana
Authors: SUTHERST R. W. , SPRADBERY J. P. , MAYWALD G. F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The potential geographical distribution and relative abundance of the Old World screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as determined by climate, was assessed using CLIMEX, a computer program for matching climates. CLIMEX describes the relative growth and persistence of animal populations in relation to climate.

The observed global distribution of C. bezziana was compared with the potential distribution predicted by CLIMEX. The differences in the two distributions indicate the areas at risk of colonization, with particular reference to Australia and the Americas. According to the model, the potential area of permanent colonization in Australia extends south to the mid‐coast of New South Wales. Comparison of areas suitable for permanent establishment with the potential summer distribution indicates that large additional areas, carrying most of the continent's livestock, could be colonized in the summer months. Seasonal population growth indices are presented for three ports in Australia at which screw‐worm fly specimens have been collected by quarantine authorities. They indicate the relative risk associated with introductions at different places in different seasons and so provide valuable planning information for quarantine authorities.

The CLIMEX predictions for C. bezziana in North America are shown to be similar to the recorded distribution limits of the New World screw‐worm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel). The fly could also colonize South America, as far south as southern Brazil and midway through Argentina.
Monitoring and selection of resistance to pyrethroids in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina
Authors: SALES N. , LEVOT G. W. , HUGHES P. B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Field and laboratory populations of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Calliphoridae), were surveyed by bioassay for possible resistance to the synthetic pyrethroids, a group of insecticides under development for blowfly control. A normal distribution of LC5() values was found using deltamethrin, the test pyrethroid, with no indication of specific resistance despite widespread use of deltamethrin on sheep to control the sheep body louse, Damalinia ovis (Schrank) (Trichodectidae). There was no cross‐resistance to deltamethrin from existing organophosphate (OP) resistance nor from previous use of DDT. Selection with deltamethrin on a combined field strain, CSF85, increased the LC5o gradually over the first twenty generations until it stabilized at approximately 25 x that of the unselected CSF85. This laboratory‐induced resistance extended to other pyrethroids, cypermethrin (16x), cyhalothrin (25x) and cycloprothrin (lOx), and increased the existing resistance of CFS85 to the OP diazinon (11 x) and the carbamate, butacarb (83x).
Effect of host odours on trap catch composition of Glossina pallidipes in Kenya
Authors: RANDOLPH SARAH E. , DRANSFIELD R. D. , ROGERS D. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The effect of odour attractants on the composition of samples of Glossina pallidipes Austen was investigated by comparing the age and nutritional status of flies caught in unbaited biconical traps with those caught in traps baited with cow urine and acetone. For both male and female flies, baited traps caught more flies with significantly higher fat content than did unbaited traps. Thus the samples from baited traps were more representative of the population as a whole: males showed a fuller range of the fat/haematin conditions known to occur in the field and proportionately more females were in later stages of the pregnancy cycle, than from unbaited traps.