bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allometric scaling of marbofloxacin, moxifloxacin, danofloxacin and difloxacin pharmacokinetics: a retrospective analysis
Authors: COX S. K.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the allometric analyses of marbofloxacin, moxifloxacin, danofloxacin and difloxacin using pharmacokinetic data from the literature. The parameters of interest (half‐life, clearance and volume of distribution) were correlated across species as a function of body weight using an allometric approach (Y = aWb). Results of the allometric analysis indicated similarity between clearance and volume of distribution as they relate to body weight for all drugs. The elimination half‐life was independent of body mass for all fluoroquinolones except moxifloxacin. Results of the analysis suggest that allometric scaling can be used as a tool for predicting pharmacokinetic parameters for fluoroquinolones.
Increased liver mast cell recruitment in patients with chronic C virus‐related hepatitis and histologically documented steatosis
Authors: Franceschini B. , Russo C. , Dioguardi N. , Grizzi F.
Published: July 2007

Summary. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is still one of the major causes of chronic viral infection worldwide, and hepatic steatosis is a frequent pathological finding in patients with chronic HCV‐related diseases. It is unclear whether the steatosis is associated with host factors or the virus itself, although a consistent relationship has been found between steatosis and a necro‐inflammatory reaction with the increased secretion of immuno‐regulators. A primary sources of inflammatory mediators are mast cells (MCs) bone marrow‐derived cells that are detected in both normal and diseased livers. We determined MC density and correlated it with the fibrosis, inflammatory reaction and steatosis observed in the liver biopsies of patients affected by HCV with or without steatosis. All the histological features were assessed using a computer‐aided image analysis system. There was a statistically significant difference in MC density between the HCV‐infected patients with and without steatosis, with the lower mean value being detected in those without (P < 0.02). Furthermore, a nonstatistically significant difference in fibrosis and inflammation between the two patient groups was found. In conclusion, this is the first study showing a significant increase in MC density in the tissues of patients with chronic HCV infection and histologically documented steatosis.
Human influences on rates of phenotypic change in wild animal populations
Authors: HENDRY ANDREW P. , FARRUGIA THOMAS J. , KINNISON MICHAEL T.
Published: July 2007

Human activities can expose populations to dramatic environmental perturbations, which may then precipitate adaptive phenotypic change. We ask whether or not phenotypic changes associated with human‐disturbed (anthropogenic) contexts are greater than those associated with more ‘natural’ contexts. Our meta‐analysis is based on more than 3000 rates of phenotypic change in 68 ‘systems’, each representing a given species in a particular geographical area. We find that rates of phenotypic change are greater in anthropogenic contexts than in natural contexts. This difference may be influenced by phenotypic plasticity — because it was evident for studies of wild‐caught individuals (which integrate both genetic and plastic effects) but not for common‐garden or quantitative genetic studies (which minimize plastic effects). We also find that phenotypic changes in response to disturbance can be remarkably abrupt, perhaps again because of plasticity. In short, humans are an important agent driving phenotypic change in contemporary populations. Although these changes sometimes have a genetic basis, our analyses suggest a particularly important contribution from phenotypic plasticity.
Analysis of the RpoS regulon in Borrelia burgdorferi in response to mammalian host signals provides insight into RpoS function during the enzootic cycle
Authors: Caimano Melissa J. , Iyer Radha , Eggers Christian H. , Gonzalez Cynthia , Morton Elizabeth A. , Gilbert Michael A. , Schwartz Ira , Radolf Justin D.
Published: July 2007

Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) adapts to its arthropod and mammalian hosts by altering its transcriptional and antigenic profiles in response to environmental signals associated with each of these milieus. In studies presented here, we provide evidence to suggest that mammalian host signals are important for modulating and maintaining both the positive and negative aspects of mammalian host adaptation mediated by the alternative sigma factor RpoS in Bb. Although considerable overlap was observed between genes induced by RpoS during growth within the mammalian host and following temperature‐shift, comparative microarray analyses demonstrated unequivocally that RpoS‐mediated repression requires mammalian host‐specific signals. A substantial portion of the in vivo RpoS regulon was uniquely upregulated within dialysis membrane chambers, further underscoring the importance of host‐derived environmental stimuli for differential gene expression in Bb. Expression profiling of genes within the RpoS regulon by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) revealed a level of complexity to RpoS‐dependent gene regulation beyond that observed by microarray, including a broad range of expression levels and the presence of genes whose expression is only partially dependent on RpoS. Analysis of Bb‐infected ticks by qRT‐PCR established that expression of rpoS is induced during the nymphal blood meal but not within unfed nymphs or engorged larvae. Together, these data have led us to postulate that RpoS acts as a gatekeeper for the reciprocal regulation of genes involved in the establishment of infection within the mammalian host and the maintenance of spirochetes within the arthropod vector.
Pareto Optimal Trade in an Uncertain World: GMOs and the Precautionary Principle
Authors: Chambers Robert G. , Melkonyan Tigran A.
Published: July 2007

Optimal trade policy in an uncertain world is examined. Decision‐maker attitudes toward uncertainty are represented in terms of the Gilboa‐Schmeidler (1989) maximin expected‐utility (MMEU) model. The central result is that in a two‐country, general‐equilibrium setting with both trading partners possessing an MMEU preference structure, Pareto optimality can require one trading partner to absorb all uncertainty in the economy if its set of priors is a subset of its trading partners. An immediate corollary is that autarky is Pareto optimal if the trading partner with the more inclusive set of priors either chooses or is endowed with a nonstochastic technology.
Naturally acquired antibodies to polymorphic and conserved epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 3
Authors: OSIER F. H. A. , POLLEY S. D. , MWANGI T. , LOWE B. , CONWAY D. J. , MARSH K.
Published: July 2007

Many studies on the role of merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) in immunity against malaria have focused on a conserved section of MSP3. New evidence suggests that polymorphic sequences within MSP3 are under immune selection. We report a detailed analysis of naturally‐acquired antibodies to allele‐specific and conserved parts of MSP3 in a Kenyan cohort. Indirect and competition ELISA to heterologous recombinant MSP3 proteins were used for antibody assays, and parasites were genotyped for msp3 alleles. Antibody reactivity to allele‐specific and conserved epitopes of MSP3 was heterogenous between individuals. Overall, the prevalence of allele‐specific antibody reactivity was significantly higher (3D7‐specific 54%, K1‐specific 41%) than that to a recombinant protein representing a conserved portion of C‐terminal MSP3 (24%, P < 0·01). The most abundant IgG subclass was IgG3, followed by IgG1. Allele‐specific reactivity to the K1‐type of MSP3 was associated with a lower risk of clinical malaria episodes during a 6‐month follow‐up in individuals who were parasitized at the start of the malaria transmission season (Relative risk 0·41 with 95% confidence interval 0·20–0·81, P = 0·011). The potential importance of allele‐specific immunity to MSP3 should be considered in addition to immunity to conserved epitopes, in the development of an MSP3 malaria vaccine.
Selective detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato using dot blot hybridization and real‐time PCR
Authors: Fanelli V. , Cariddi C. , Finetti‐Sialer M.
Published: July 2007

Two rapid detection methods based on dot blot hybridization with a nonradioactive DNA probe and molecular beacon‐PCR were developed for the specific detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, the causal agent of bacterial speck of tomato. A 1378 bp DNA fragment (Acc. No. AM039892), obtained from the extension of a 255 bp fragment generated by a RAPD protocol, was used to find a suitable combination of primers specific for the tomato pathovar. A 138 bp fragment from the genome of P. syringae pv. tomato DC 3000 was used as DNA probe. In dot blots of DNA extracted from either pure cultures or artificially contaminated seeds washes, the probe recognized specifically the tomato pathovar. A molecular beacon was designed from the same region for the specific detection and quantification of P. syringae pv. tomato by real‐time PCR. A highly significant correlation was observed between the amount of target DNA and the cycle threshold (Ct). Using a fast protocol for DNA extraction, from pure cultures and from washes of artificially contaminated seeds, the limit of detection was about 1 × 102 CFU. The diagnostic tools developed proved highly specific for P. syringae pv. tomato and simple to use. They can therefore be applied to large‐scale testing of tomato seeds and seedlings for the assessment of their phytosanitary condition in nurseries.
Biodiversity and biogeography of the cacao (Theobroma cacao) pathogen Moniliophthora roreri in tropical America
Authors: Phillips‐Mora W. , Aime M. C. , Wilkinson M. J.
Published: July 2007

Moniliophthora roreri, the cause of moniliasis or frosty pod rot, occurs on the neotropical rainforest genera Theobroma and Herrania. While this basidiomycete has had devastating effects on the cacao tree (T. cacao) in tropical America, where it is confined, little is known of its biogeography and intraspecific genetic variability. Here, AFLP and ISSR profiles of 94 isolates of M. roreri from across its geographic range in Central/South America were analyzed. The study provided limited evidence to support the hypothesis that M. roreri is capable of sexual reproduction. The highest levels of genetic diversity occurred in Colombia and not in Ecuador as originally believed. The fungus was broadly divided into five genetic groups. Two of these have a wide geographic range: Bolívar group (north of Santander in Colombia, eastern Venezuela, peripheral Ecuador, Peru), and Co‐West group (western Colombia, central Ecuador, Central America). The other groups are all apparently endemic to Colombia (Co‐East and Co‐Central groups) or north‐western Ecuador (Gileri group). We speculate that central/north‐eastern Colombia may represent the centre of origin for M. roreri. Sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear rDNA repeat were congruent with the AFLP/ISSR results, dividing M. roreri into two broad groups: the Orientalis group, comprising most isolates from the Co‐East, Co‐Central and Bolívar groups, and the Occidentalis group, comprising isolates from the Co‐West and Gileri groups. The spread of M. roreri into new areas and countries mediated by human activity is discussed.
A green fluorescent protein‐based screening method for identification of resistance in anthurium to systemic infection by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae
Authors: Elibox W. , Umaharan P.
Published: July 2007

Resistance of cultivars of Anthurium andraeanum to systemic infection by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae, the causal organism of bacterial blight disease of anthurium, was investigated using a bioengineered bacterial strain containing p519ngfp plasmid. Successful infection establishment in anthurium was found to be cultivar and inoculum density dependent, but independent of plant age. Injection of cut petioles (stage‐2 leaf) with 100 µL inoculum (109 CFU mL−1) resulted in 100% infection establishment in susceptible cultivars on a repeatable basis, and differentiated between various levels of observed field resistance. Time to death (weeks) and proportion of dead plants best differentiated between levels of resistance and cultivars were placed in four groups based on these criteria. The susceptible group (32 cultivars) rapidly declined within 6–12 weeks of inoculation (WAI) and resulted in 100% plant death; the moderately resistant group (10 cultivars) declined within 12 WAI, but resulted in less than 100% plant death; the resistant category had less than 100% plant death with a slow decline taking over 20 weeks; and the highly resistant category (15 cultivars) showed 0% infection. The correlation coefficient between green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fluorescence and eventual death of plants was 0·90, indicating that the final death of individual plants can be reasonably well predicted based on GFP‐fluorescence data at 5 WAI. Hence GFP data at 5 WAI can be used for early detection of latently infected plants and may assist screening for resistance in segregating populations of anthurium.
Effect of temperature and duration of wetness during initial infection periods on disease development, fungal biomass and mycotoxin concentrations on wheat inoculated with single, or combinations of, Fusarium species
Authors: Xu X.‐M. , Monger W. , Ritieni A. , Nicholson P.
Published: July 2007

Experiments were conducted under controlled environment conditions to study the relationship between environmental conditions, development of fusarium head blight (FHB) and mycotoxin production. A single isolate from each of four Fusarium species (F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum and F. poae) was used to inoculate wheat ears separately. Combinations of two or three isolates were also used to inoculate ears simultaneously. Inoculated ears were subjected to various combinations of duration of wetness (6–48 h) and temperature (10–30°C). For all inoculations, both incidence of spikelets with FHB symptoms and concentration of mycotoxins generally increased with increasing length of wetness period and temperature. There were significant positive correlations among disease incidence, fungal biomass (quantified as total amount of fungal DNA) and mycotoxins. Mycotoxin production was also greatly enhanced by high temperatures (≥ 20°C) during initial infection periods. In single‐isolate inoculations, F. poae was the least aggressive. There was no evidence to support synergetic interactions between fungal isolates in causing visual symptoms; rather the results suggest, in most cases, the presence of competitive interactions. Furthermore, the competition led to large reductions in fungal biomass compared to single‐isolate inoculations, often > 90% reduction for the weaker isolate(s). In contrast, mycotoxin productivity increased dramatically in the co‐inoculations, by as much as 1000 times, suggesting that competition resulted in greater production of trichothecene mycotoxins. The F. graminearum isolate was most competitive and isolates of the other three species were similar in their competitiveness.
A randomized trial of alemtuzumab vs. anti‐thymocyte globulin induction in renal and pancreas transplantation
Authors: Farney Alan , Sundberg Aimee , Moore Phillip , Hartmann Erica , Rogers Jeff , Doares William , Jarrett Anne , Adams Patricia , Stratta Robert
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The role of alemtuzumab as an immunosuppressive agent is evolving. We conducted a prospective randomized trial comparing alemtuzumab and rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction in adult kidney and pancreas transplantation using similar maintenance immunosuppression. Between February 1, 2005 and June 15, 2006 (median follow‐up six months), 98 patients were randomized either to alemtuzumab (n = 48) or to rATG (n = 50) induction; 77 (79%) underwent kidney alone (KA) transplant, 17 (17%) pancreas–kidney transplant, and four (4%) pancreas after kidney transplant. Of 77 KA transplants, 66 (86%) were from deceased donors and 31 (40%) from expanded criteria donors (ECD). Re‐transplantation, HLA‐match, antibody titer, ECD, race, cytomegalovirus status, steroid use, delayed graft function, preservation time, and immunological risk were similar between the two induction groups. Patient, kidney, and pancreas graft survival rates were 100%, 96%, and 95%, respectively. Survival, initial length of stay, delayed graft function, and overall acute rejection rates were similar between alemtuzumab and rATG groups, but acute rejection occurred in nine (20%) rATG patients compared with zero (0%) alemtuzumab patients who received KA transplants (p = 0.007). Mean induction costs differed in the alemtuzumab ($1474) and rATG ($4996, p < 0.001) groups. In the short term after kidney and pancreas transplantation, alemtuzumab and rATG induction therapies are similarly safe and effective.
A novel HLA‐C allele, Cw*0119, isolated from the Han Chinese
Authors: Ding L. , Lin W. Z. , Wu Y. P. , Chen S. W. , Xu A. L.
Published: July 2007

A novel HLA‐C allele, Cw*0119, which was identified from an individual of the Han Chinese, differs from Cw*010201 at codon 76 (AGC→TGC) and codon 178 (CTG→CCG).
Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1*14 allele, HLA‐DRB1*1458, by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Karvunidis T. , Jindra P. , Fischer G. , Venigova P. , Dorner A. , Koza V.
Published: July 2007

Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1*1458 allele within a Caucasian individual using sequence‐based typing.
HLA‐A*020115 and HLA‐Cw*030203 show new synonymous mutations in exon 4
Authors: Balas A. , Bustamante L. , García‐Sánchez F. , Vicario J. L.
Published: July 2007

Two novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles, A*020115 and Cw*030203, were completely characterized by sequencing‐based typing. Both present synonymous new HLA polymorphisms at exon 4. A*020115 shows a single nucleotide change regarding A*02010101 at codon 245 GCG > GCC). In contrast, Cw*030203 differs from Cw*030202 in a point mutation at codon 271 (ACC > ACT).
Habitat‐dependent geographical variation in ontogenetic allometry of the shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons (Teleostei: Embiotocidae)
Authors: WOODS P. J.
Published: July 2007

Studies of intraspecific morphological variation in fishes have traditionally focused on freshwater rather than marine species. In addition, such studies typically focus on adults, although causes and intensities of selective pressures most likely vary through an individual's lifetime. In this study, body and head shape of a marine species, shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons were compared among localities along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Evidence was found for intraspecific variation in ontogenetic allometry, and for a closer correlation of body shape with environment rather than geographical proximity. This correlation with environment was more evident in younger fish, thereby demonstrating the importance of analysing multiple life stages. A common garden experiment suggests both environmental and genetic bases for the observed differences. Recognizing intraspecific ecomorphological complexity and its specificity to habitat and/or life stage can have important consequences for understanding the role of local adaptation and population dynamics in macroecology.
Evolutionary diversification of clades of squamate reptiles
Authors: RICKLEFS R. E. , LOSOS J. B. , TOWNSEND T. M.
Published: July 2007

We analysed the diversification of squamate reptiles (7488 species) based on a new molecular phylogeny, and compared the results to similar estimates for passerine birds (5712 species). The number of species in each of 36 squamate lineages showed no evidence of phylogenetic conservatism. Compared with a random speciation–extinction process with parameters estimated from the size distribution of clades, the alethinophidian snakes (2600 species) were larger than expected and 13 clades, each having fewer than 20 species, were smaller than expected, indicating rate heterogeneity. From a lineage‐through‐time plot, we estimated that a provisional rate of lineage extinction (0.66 per Myr) was 94% of the rate of lineage splitting (0.70 per Myr). Diversification in squamate lineages was independent of their stem age, but strongly related to the area of the region within which they occur. Tropical vs. temperate latitude exerted a marginally significant influence on species richness. In comparison with passerine birds, squamates share several clade features, including: (1) independence of species richness and age; (2) lack of phylogenetic signal with respect to clade size; (3) general absence of exceptionally large clades; (4) over‐representation of small clades; (5) influence of region size on clade size; and (6) similar rates of speciation and extinction. The evidence for both groups suggests that clade size has achieved long‐term equilibrium, suggesting negative feedback of species richness on the rate of diversification.
Male choice generates stabilizing sexual selection on a female fecundity correlate
Authors: CHENOWETH S. F. , PETFIELD D. , DOUGHTY P. , BLOWS M. W.
Published: July 2007

We know very little about male mating preferences and how they influence the evolution of female traits. Theory predicts that males may benefit from choosing females on the basis of traits that indicate their fecundity. Here, we explore sexual selection generated by male choice on two components of female body size (wing length and body mass) in Drosophila serrata. Using a dietary manipulation to alter female size and 828 male mate choice trials, we analysed linear and nonlinear sexual selection gradients on female mass and wing length. In contrast to theoretical expectations and prevailing empirical data, males exerted stabilizing rather than directional sexual selection on female body mass, a correlate of fecundity. Sexual selection was detected only among females with access to standard resource levels as an adult, with no evidence for sexual selection among resource‐depleted females. Thus the mating success of females with the same body mass differed depending upon their access to resources as an adult. This suggests that males in this species may rely on signal traits to assess body mass rather than assessing it directly. Stabilizing rather than directional sexual selection on body mass together with recent evidence for stabilizing sexual selection on candidate signal traits in this species suggests that females may trade‐off resources allocated to reproduction and sexual signalling.
Phylogenetic analysis of floral integration inSchizanthus(Solanaceae): does pollination truly integrate corolla traits?
Authors: PÉREZ F. , ARROYO M. T. K. , MEDEL R.
Published: July 2007

To assess whether floral integration patterns result from the action of pollinator selection on functionally related traits, we compared corolla integration patterns in eightSchizanthusspecies differing in pollination systems and in their degree of pollinator dependence across a molecular phylogeny. Integration patterns differed among species and these differences were not related to their phylogenetic relatedness. When the putative original function of some corolla traits was lost in pollinator‐dependent species, the integration among nonfunctional characters and the rest of the corolla traits was disrupted. This pattern was not presented in species adapted for late autonomous selfing, which exhibited higher corolla integration than their pollinator‐dependent relatives. These results suggest that corolla integration in pollinator‐dependent species was shaped by pollinator‐mediated selection. Decoupling of nonfunctional traits in these species may result from a relaxation of correlational selection or from selection acting against a default covariation provided by genetic and developmental connections.
Social semantics: toward a genuine pluralism in the study of social behaviour
Authors: WILSON D. S.
Published: July 2007

Pluralism is the coexistence of equivalent theoretical frameworks, either because they are historically entrenched or because they achieve separate insights by viewing the same process in different ways. A recent article by West et al. [Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2007) vol. 20, 415–432] attempts to classify the many equivalent frameworks that have been developed to study the evolution of social behaviour. This article addresses shortcomings in the West et al.’s article, especially with respect to multilevel selection, in a common effort to maximize the benefits of pluralism while minimizing the semantic costs.
Mate Change Reduces the Reproductive Rate of Males in a Monogamous Pipefish Corythoichthys haematopterus: The Benefit of Long‐Term Pair Bonding
Authors: Sogabe Atsushi , Matsumoto Koji , Yanagisawa Yasunobu
Published: July 2007

Monogamy has evolved independently in many taxa, and often involves biparental care of the young and/or low defendability of multiple mates. In many teleost fishes, however, strict monogamy is practised without such limitations. In this study, we examined why males of the pipefish Corythoichthys haematopterus (family: Syngnathidae) reproduce monogamously without changing to another mate. For this we examined the time cost associated with mate change by experimentally removing females from mating pairs and compelling the males to change mates. Mate‐changing males needed longer interspawning intervals, an average of 8.5 d, than their monogamous counterparts, which was primarily because of the time needed for the new female to prepare mature eggs. As a result, we assume that mate change entails considerable reproductive costs associated with a decrease in reproductive rate. Monogamy and long‐term pair bonding in C. haematopterus are likely maintained because of high reproductive rates by repeatedly reproducing with the same mate over a lifetime.
Sexual Differences in the Behavioral Response of Túngara Frogs, Physalaemus pustulosus, to Cues Associated with Increased Predation Risk
Authors: Bernal Ximena E. , Stanley Rand A. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: July 2007

Engaging in mating behaviors usually increases exposure to predators for both males and females. Anti‐predator strategies during reproduction may have important fitness consequences for prey. Previous studies have shown that individuals of several species adjust their reproductive behavior according to their assessment of predation risk, but few studies have explored potential sexual differences in these strategies. In this study, we investigate whether the acoustic cues associated with predatory attacks or those associated with predators themselves affect the mating behavior of female and male túngara frogs, Physalaemus pustulosus. We compared the responses of females approaching a mate and those of calling males when exposed to mating calls associated with sounds representing increased hazard. When presented with mating calls that differed only in whether or not they were followed by a predation‐related sound, females preferentially approached the call without predation‐related sounds. In contrast to females, calling males showed greater vocal response to calls associated with increased risk than to a call by itself. We found significant differences in the responses of females and males to several sounds associated with increased hazard. Females behaved more cautiously than males, suggesting that the sexes balance the risk of predation and the cost of cautious mating strategies differently.
Multimodal Signaling in Male and Female Foot‐Flagging Frogs Staurois guttatus (Ranidae): An Alerting Function of Calling
Authors: Grafe T. Ulmar , Wanger Thomas C.
Published: July 2007

In multimodal communication, individuals use several sensory modalities for information transfer. We report on novel observations of foot‐flagging in the Bornean ranid frog Staurois guttatus that is temporally linked to advertisement calling. In addition, we document the first case of foot‐flagging in a female anuran as well as additional visual displays in both males and females including arm‐waving, vocal‐sac pumping and open‐mouth display. In males, advertisement calls and foot‐flags were given throughout most of the day, suggesting that acoustic and visual signals form a multicomponent and multimodal display. We tested the efficacy‐based alerting signal hypothesis of multimodal communication using acoustic playback experiments with males. This hypothesis predicts that an initial signal draws the receiver's attention to the location of a subsequent more informative signal. Several lines of evidence supported the alerting hypothesis. First, the latency between foot‐flags and advertisement calls was significantly higher than that between advertisement calls and foot‐flags, suggesting a functional linkage with calls drawing attention to foot‐flags. Secondly, advertisement calling had a signaling function with males responding significantly more often with both calls and foot‐flags compared with pre‐ and post‐playback control periods. Finally, and most notably, all males tested turned towards the playback stimulus, suggesting that the advertisement call serves to focus their attention on subsequent signals. We discuss the potential of multimodal signaling for conspecific and heterospecific communication and the circumstances under which such a multimodal communication system could evolve.
Male–Female Communication in the Crayfish Orconectes rusticus: The Use of Urinary Signals in Reproductive and Non‐Reproductive Pairings
Authors: Simon Jodie L. , Moore Paul A.
Published: July 2007

Animals use sensory communication to locate conspecifics, food, shelter, and avoid predators. Using urine visualization techniques as well as Digital Particle Illumination Velocimetry, we examined the role of urinary signals and current generations during social interactions of male and female crayfish. Both reproductive and non‐reproductive crayfish were paired to gain a better understanding of how reproductive state influences communication. Analyses of agonistic and mating events were paired in time with recorded urine release and current generation, illustrating a correlation of chemical communication with ritualized social behavior. Four treatment groups were run with specific combinations of different reproductive status: (1) both opponents reproductively active, (2) only the male in reproductive, (3) only the female reproductive, or (4) both opponents non‐reproductive. Results showed differences between treatment groups in urine release, current generation, and social behavior. Within reproductive pairings, both the male and female crayfish generated currents and released urine at higher rates than those in other treatment groups. Urine was released most often when opponents were in chelae contact with each other and these releases were often accompanied by anterior current generation. In addition, communication was different in reproductive trials where mating occurred. Overall, the results indicate that the use of hydrodynamic and chemical signals changes as a function of reproductive state and that this change in communication probably indicates readiness to mate.
Impact of predatory ants on two lepidopteran insect pests in Indian cauliflower agroecosystems
Authors: Agarwal V. M. , Rastogi N. , Raju S. V. S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The impact of predatory, agroecosystem‐nesting ant species on the larval stages of the two major lepidopteran pests, the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella and the black cutworm (BC), Agrotis ipsilon, in cauliflower agroecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, India, was investigated in farmers’ fields. Field observations revealed that six ant species, the most important being Pheidole sp., preyed on the crop‐damaging stages of DBM and BC. Bait experiments with larvae of DBM and BC, placed randomly on the ground, demonstrated significant active retrieval by Pheidole sp. Investigations on larval density of both the insect pests on cauliflower crops, located within 1–5 m distances from nests of Pheidole sp., revealed a significant increase in the level of infestation of the crop plants with increasing distance from the ant nests. While a significant negative correlation was found between infested plants with low larval densities, a positive correlation was found between plants with high larval densities with regard to the distance of crop plant location from the ant nest. Ant‐inclusion and ‐exclusion experiments under field conditions further confirmed the role of predatory ants, with Pheidole sp. having the major impact in the direct retrieval of the lepidopteran larvae from the crop plants. A significant difference was found in the leaf area damaged by BC larvae between the ant‐included and ‐excluded potted plants during the 6‐h observation period. Thus, this study provides direct evidence of the role of ants in actively searching and directly preying on the larval stages of DBM and BC, on cauliflower plants. Moreover, we demonstrate that in ephemeral, annual cropping agroecosystems, predatory ants are important natural enemies of lepidopteran pests, playing a significant role in plant protection.
Effects of kaolin on the composition of generalist predator assemblages and parasitism of Choristoneura rosaceana (Lep., Tortricidae) in apple orchards
Authors: Sackett T. E. , Buddle C. M. , Vincent C.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  In three apple orchards, we tested how the hydrophilic kaolin clay particle film Surround WP affected the diversity of generalist arthropod predator assemblages in orchard foliage and the parasitism of the pest species Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (obliquebanded leafroller) (Lep., Tortricidae). In two orchards, kaolin was applied to orchard foliage once a week for 4 weeks, between mid‐June and mid‐July in 2004 and 2005. In the third orchard kaolin was applied to foliage twice over 2 weeks in June 2004. We quantified the proportion of larvae C. rosaceana parasitized, larval populations, and the relative abundance and assemblage composition of generalist predators (spiders and insects) in the orchards. Kaolin altered the species composition of the generalist predator assemblages and reduced the relative abundances of certain generalist predators, most notably jumping and crab spiders (Salticidae and Philodromidae), assassin bugs (Reduviidae), ants (Formicidae) and coccinellids (Coccinellidae). In contrast, the relative abundances of web‐spinning spiders (Araneidae, Dictynidae, Theridiidae) were not affected. Kaolin did not affect the proportion of parasitized C. rosaceana larvae, which ranged from 24% to 47% in control and kaolin treatments, or the relative proportions of parasitoid taxa. The kaolin formulation did not affect the abundance of C. rosaceana larvae, but in one orchard, kaolin did reduce the abundance of the combined numbers of C. rosaceana and another tortricid pest, Argyrotaenia velutiana. Although kaolin does not affect parasitism of C. rosaceana, it significantly changes the composition of generalist predator assemblages in orchard foliage.
Differential Expression of CD45 on Canine Microglial Cells
Authors: Stein V. M. , Baumgärtner W. , Schröder S. , Zurbriggen A. , Vandevelde M. , Tipold A.
Published: July 2007

CD45, also called leucocyte common antigen is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase on the surface of nearly all white blood cells and has a functional role in signal transduction. In the brain, the expression of CD45 can be used to distinguish microglial cells with a characteristic phenotype of CD11b/c+ and CD45low from other central nervous system (CNS) macrophages which show an expression of CD11b/c+ and CD45high. In the course of pathological changes in the CNS, microglia in rodents is known to readily upregulate expression of various surface molecules, such as CD45. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate expression of surface molecules is essential to study the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. In the present study, the expression of CD45 on microglia of 42 dogs was examined ex vivo by means of flow cytometry. The dogs were classified in two groups according to the histopathological diagnosis in the CNS. All dogs without changes in the CNS (group I; n = 22) only showed low percentages of CD45+ microglial cells. In group II consisting of 20 dogs with different intracranial diseases varying results were obtained. Thirteen dogs showed a low percentage of CD45+ microglial cells whereas seven dogs exhibited high percentages of microglial cells expressing CD45. Evaluation of expression intensity in these seven dogs revealed two subpopulations of CD45+ microglial cells: a large subpopulation with CD45low and a small subpopulation with CD45high. The expression intensity of CD45high was comparable with that of canine monocytes. It was attempted to correlate these findings to age of the animals, underlying disease, duration of clinical signs, medical treatment, occurrence of seizure activity and the expression of other surface molecules. It appeared that dogs with high percentages of CD45+ suffered from long‐lasting CNS disease with seizures. In future studies, the reason and consequences for upregulated CD45 in long‐lasting CNS diseases has to be further evaluated.
Separate Origin of the Main Components of the Left Coronary Artery in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Durán A. C. , Arqué J. M. , Fernández B. , Fernández M. C. , Fernández‐Gallego T. , Sans‐Coma V.
Published: July 2007

This study describes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly in the Syrian hamster; namely, the separate origin of the obtuse marginal and left circumflex arteries which are the main components of the left coronary artery. The hearts of nine affected animals were examined by means of a corrosion‐cast technique and histology. The hamsters belonged to a laboratory inbred family with a high incidence of coronary artery anomalies and bicuspid aortic valve. The aortic valve was tricuspid in three hamsters and bicuspid in the other six hamsters. In all cases, the right coronary artery was normal, whereas the left coronary artery main trunk was absent. The present anomalous coronary artery patterns could be classified into two main entities: (i) ectopic origin of the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery, with the left circumflex artery arising from the left side of the aortic valve; and (ii) ectopic origin of both the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery and left circumflex artery from the dorsal aortic sinus. In all cases, the obtuse marginal artery coursed to the right side of the heart through the ventral wall of the right ventricular outflow tract. When the left circumflex artery arose from the dorsal aortic sinus, it formed an acute angle with the aortic wall. This report seems to be the first to describe the separate origin of the main components of the left coronary artery in a non‐human mammalian species. In man, the congenital coronary artery and aortic valve defects reported herein may entail the risk of clinical complications. However, none of the affected hamsters showed signs of disease.
Nickel Seminal Concentrations in Various Animals and Correlation to Spermatozoa Quality
Authors: Zemanová J. , Lukáč N. , Massányi P. , TrandžÍk J. , Burócziová M. , Naď P. , Capcarová M. , Stawarz R. , Skalická M. , Toman R. , Koréneková B. , Jakabová D.
Published: July 2007

In this study, the concentration of nickel in stallion, bull, ram, boar and fox semen, and its relation with spermatozoa quality was analyzed. The concentration of nickel in semen was 0.20 mg kg−1 in stallion, 0.12 mg kg−1 in bull, 0.31 mg kg−1 in ram, 0.06 mg kg−1 in boar and 0.36 mg kg−1 in fox. Seminal nickel concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in foxes than that in bulls and significantly higher (P < 0.01) in rams and foxes in comparison with boars. Evaluation of total pathological spermatozoa revealed the highest number in stallions followed by rams, bulls, boars and foxes. In bull, ram and boar semen, separated flagellum, flagellum torso and knob‐twisted flagellum were predominant. Knob‐twisted flagellum, separated flagellum and flagellum torso were found in increased number in stallion semen and broken flagellum in fox semen. Correlation analysis in bulls indicated a high positive correlation between seminal nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.76) and medium positive correlation between nickel and flagellum torso (r = 0.62), and in rams a high positive correlation between nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.77). Medium positive correlation was found between nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.43) and between nickel and other pathological spermatozoa (r = 0.45) in boars.
Imaging Features and Decision Making in Retrobulbar Neuroendocrine Tumours in Horses – Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Matiasek K. , Cronau M. , Schmahl W. , Gerhards H.
Published: July 2007

A 25‐year‐old Haflinger gelding was evaluated for chronic‐progressive unilateral exophthalmos. Ultrasonographic investigation and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a retrobulbar space‐occupying mass to be the cause of eyeball displacement. Ultrasonographic features were not sufficient to specify the type and extension of the lesion. Magnetic resonance scans, however, clearly displayed an infiltrative intracranial growth pattern but sparing of orbital soft tissues. Based on MR appearance, tentative diagnosis of an orbital soft tissue neoplasia was made and subsequently confirmed by histopathological investigation. The latter revealed a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumour. Retrospectively, MR changes resembled those seen with neuroendocrine neoplasms of the human skull. Even if histopathology remains to be elucidated by cytological or histological inspection, MR imaging of equine orbital tumours should provide the criteria necessary for evaluating the therapeutic options and associated prognosis.
Lymphocyte Proliferation to Collagen Type I in Dogs
Authors: De Bruin T. , De Rooster H. , Van Bree H. , Waelbers T. , Cox E.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate if cellular reactivity to collagen type I exists in dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and if it relates to disease progression. The patient group consisted of 10 dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture. The control dogs consisted of three healthy control dogs, and two healthy dogs with unilateral sham operations of the stifle joint. All dogs were assayed repeatedly every 6 months for 12–24 months. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from whole blood and were cultured with human collagen type I at concentrations of 5, 20 and 40 μg/ml for 6 and 7 days. Lymphocyte reactivity to collagen type I occurred not only in dogs with CrCL rupture, but also in sham‐operated dogs and healthy dogs. Five of the eight assays (63%) performed at the time of operation or at the time of diagnosis of CrCL rupture had a stimulation index (SI) ≥3.0. This was not significantly different compared to healthy control dogs, not to the sham‐operated control dogs. The CrCL rupture was assessed intraoperatively in six cases. Three cases had partial rupture and three had complete rupture. Only one dog with partial rupture, and two dogs with complete rupture had a positive SI. An increase in proliferation to collagen type I was seen in dogs with CrCL rupture, whereas it either remained stable or decreased in the control dogs. No distinct pattern in lymphocyte reactivity to collagen type I could be established from the dogs that sustained a CrCL rupture in the contralateral stifle joint, although most dogs that did not sustain a CrCL rupture in the contralateral stifle joint remained negative during this study with exception of one dog. Further research is required to determine whether cellular reactivity to collagen type I may play an initiating role in cruciate degradation.
ERYTHROPOIETIN ENHANCES ANGIOGENESIS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL CYCLOSPORINE A‐INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY MODEL IN THE RAT
Authors: Efthimiadou Anna , Pagonopoulou Olga , Lambropoulou Maria , Papadopoulos Nikos , Nikolettos Nikos K
Published: July 2007

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone regulating the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursor cells. The hypothesis that haematopoietic and endothelial cells share a common haemanglioblast progenitor among others is based on the finding that both cell lineages express cell surface antigens, such as CD31 and CD34.

In the present study, we investigated the angiogenic potential of recombinant human erythropoietin on cyclosporine A (CsA)‐induced nephrotoxicity in the rat kidney and compared it with the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a well‐known angiogenic factor.

Rats were divided into five groups: A (control), B (EPO treated), C (CsA treated), D (CsA + EPO treated) and E (CsA + bFGF treated). Mouse anti‐human CD31 and CD34 antibodies were used to evaluate the kidney vessels present in histological preparations.

Glomerular and peritubular capillaries in Group B (EPO) were increased compared with the control (Group A; P < 0.05). Reduction of the same kidney vessels (glomerular and peritubular capillaries) in Group C (CsA; P < 0.05) compared with controls was observed, whereas in Groups D (CsA + EPO treated) and E (CsA + bFGF treated), capillaries were increased compared with Group C (CsA; P < 0.05).

Erythropoietin has a significant angiogenic effect in rat kidney with CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity, similar to the effect of the other angiogenic factor bFGF.
FLOW CYTOMETRIC EVALUATION OF SYNERGISTIC PRO‐APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF STATINS AND CLOFIBRATES IN IM‐9 HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTS
Authors: Tomiyama Naoki , Yasuda Noriko , Iwano Chihiro , Matzno Sumio , Matsuyama Kenji
Published: July 2007

In the present study, we evaluated fibrate‐mediated potentiation of statin‐induced apoptosis in IM‐9 human lymphoblasts.

The pro‐apoptotic effects of statin and fibrate were measured by flow cytometry with biotin–annexin V, followed by addition of avidin–fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide. Apoptosis was confirmed using karyopyknotic staining, as well as detection of DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activation.

Incubation of IM‐9 cells with both 0.1 µmol/L cerivastatin and 200 µmol/L clofibrate had a synergistic effect compared with 0.1 µmol/L cerivastatin alone or 200 µmol/L clofibrate alone. The magnitude of apoptosis induced by various combinations of statins and clofibrate were as follows: cerivastatin (0.1 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L) > atorvastatin (0.1 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L) > pravastatin (100 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L). Other fibrates (bezafibrate and clinofibrate) did not show any synergistic effect. Furthermore, karyopyknotic staining, caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation demonstrated synergistic pro‐apoptotic effects of statin and fibrate.

The results of the present study suggest that simultaneous treatment with statins and clofibrate could provide improved therapeutic efficacy in leukaemia patients.