bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Markers for hepatitis A, B and C in methadone maintained patients: an unexpectedly high co‐infection with silent hepatitis B
Authors: Bart Gavin , Piccolo Paola , Zhang Linqi , Jacobson Ira , Schaefer Robert A. , Kreek Mary Jeanne
Published: March 2008

Aims  To determine the prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses in patients attending a methadone maintenance clinic in New York City.

Design  Cross‐sectional.

Setting  The Adult Services Clinic of Weill Cornell Medical College, an urban hospital‐affiliated methadone program.

Participants  Former heroin addicted adults (n = 103) on methadone maintenance therapy.

Measurements  Markers for hepatitis A virus [HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and imunoglobulin G (IgG)], hepatitis B [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)] and hepatitis C virus (HCVAb). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and quantitative HCV RNA were also obtained. Qualitative detection of HBV DNA and HCV genotype were obtained in a subset of subjects.

Findings  More than 40% of subjects had markers for all three viruses. HCVAb was the most prevalent (83.5%), followed by HBcAb (65.0%), HAV IgG (46.1%) and HBsAb (41.1%). Hepatitis C RNA was detected in 70.6% of HCVAb positive subjects. While no subject had HBsAg, HBV DNA was detected in 26.4% of subjects who underwent this measure; all (n = 20) had HBcAb as their only HBV marker. The presence of HBV DNA did not influence ALT. Subjects with HCV RNA had higher ALTs than those without HCV RNA.

Conclusions  Most methadone‐maintained subjects had at least one marker for viral hepatitis, with 41.8% having markers for HAV, HBV and HCV. A quarter of subjects had silent HBV infection, defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg. These subjects should be considered infectious and pose a public health risk.
Graft rejection: pharmacogenetic analysis or drug anamnesis?
Authors: Pham V. Vi , Stichtenoth Dirk O. , Borlak Jürgen
Published: March 2008

AIMS

A 23‐year‐old Caucasian woman, with cystic fibrosis, bilateral lung‐transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone, tacrolimus and sirolimus, presented with clinical symptoms of a chronic transplant rejection.

METHODS

Since constant sufficient blood level of tacrolimus and sirolimus had never been achieved, a genetic analysis was carried out to clarify drug metabolism.

RESULTS

The genetic analysis for polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4,5,7 revealed no sequence alterations in the CYP 3A4,5,7 gene. Thus, drug intake was scrutinized in detail, disclosing a missing interval between the intake of both immunosuppressive agents. After a correct drug intake the woman's condition ameliorated and the blood levels reached normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the crucial importance of basic medical skills like an accurate and dainty drug anamnesis before high tech approaches were applied.
Eprosartan modulates the reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system in sodium restricted healthy humans
Authors: Vase Henrik , Lauridsen Thomas G. , Bech Jesper N. , Pedersen Erling B.
Published: March 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• A sympatho‐inhibitory effect of ACE‐inhibitors and AT1receptor antagonists has been widely demonstrated in animal models, but in humans this effect tends only to be present during chronic treatment in conditions with pre‐existing high levels of sympathetic activity.

• Sodium restriction increases renal sympathetic nerve activity and the activity of the renin‐angiotensin system and may be a favourable condition to demonstrate sympatho‐inhibition as a short‐term effect of the AT1receptor antagonist eprosartan in healthy humans.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Results from our study indicate that during sodium restriction eprosartan has a small inhibitory effect on nonbaroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

• During arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system this effect is, however, completely overruled by an increased sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex.

AIMS

To test the hypothesis that eprosartan inhibits both nonbaroreflex and arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system, assessed by renal tubular function, systemic haemodynamics and vasoactive hormones, in sodium restricted healthy humans.

METHODS

The effect of eprosartan on urinary sodium, lithium and water excretion, heart rate (HR), blood pressure and vasoactive hormones was measured before, during and after a cold pressor test (CPT) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) infusion in a randomized, placebo controlled, double‐blind, crossover study in 17 healthy subjects. Glomerular filtration rate and renal tubular function were determined by a continuous infusion clearance technique and vasoactive hormones by radioimmunoassays.

RESULTS

Eprosartan attenuated the impact of the CPT on HR (mean difference from placebo (95% confidence interval) (3.9 (0.7, 7.0) min−1) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (4.7 (0.3, 9.2) mmHg), but no effect of eprosartan was observed on the impact of the CPT on renal tubular function. During a SNP induced reduction in MAP of 10 mmHg eprosartan decreased fractional excretions of sodium (0.46 (0.14, 0.76)%) and lithium (5.1 (2.5, 7.6)%) and tended to increase HR (4.1 (−0.26, 8.4) min−1) and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (33.8 (−5.8, 72.1) pg ml−1).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that during mild sodium restriction eprosartan has a small inhibitory effect on nonbaroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system. During arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system this effect is, however, completely overruled by an increased sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex.
Cytogenetic abnormalities and clinical correlations in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Nelson Marilu , Horsman Douglas E. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Dave Bhavana J. , Loberiza Fausto R. , Ludkovski Olga , Savage Kerry J. , Armitage James O. , Sanger Warren G.
Published: March 2008

Cytogenetic correlations among most types of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) have not been very informative to date. This study aimed to identify recurrent chromosomal abnormalities in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL), ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK‐ALCL) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL‐US), and to evaluate their prognostic value. We reviewed the cytogenetic findings of 90 previously‐diagnosed cases of PTCL and correlated the cytogenetic findings with the specific histological subtype. The most common abnormalities for AITL were 5q (55%), 21 (41%) and 3q (36%) gains, concurrent trisomies of 5 and 21 (41%), and loss of 6q (23%). In ALK(‐) ALCL, gains of 1q (50%) and 3p (30%), and losses of 16pter (50%), 6q13q21 (30%), 15 (30%), 16qter (30%) and 17p13 (30%) were frequent findings. In PTCL‐US, frequent gains involved 7q22q31 (33%), 1q (24%), 3p (20%), 5p (20%), and 8q24qter (22%), and losses of 6q22q24 (26%) and 10p13pter (26%). We did not observe any association between specific chromosomal abnormalities and overall survival (OS). However, cases with complex karyotypes, most frequently observed in ALK(‐) ALCL and PTCL‐US, had a significantly shorter OS. Although, genetic differences were noted in these subtypes, further studies are needed to determine the key pathogenetic events in PTCL.
β‐Dystroglycan modulates the interplay between actin and microtubules in human‐adhered platelets
Authors: Cerecedo Doris , Cisneros Bulmaro , Suárez‐Sánchez Rocío , Hernández‐González Enrique , Galván Iván
Published: March 2008

To maintain the continuity of an injured blood vessel, platelets change shape, secrete granule contents, adhere, aggregate, and retract in a haemostatic plug. Ordered arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins are responsible for these platelet responses. In full‐spread platelets, microfilament bundles in association with other cytoskeleton proteins are anchored in focal contacts. Recent studies in migrating cells suggest that co‐ordination and direct physical interaction of microtubules and actin network modulate adhesion development. In platelets, we have proposed a feasible association between these two cytoskeletal systems, as well as the participation of the dystrophin‐associated protein complex, as part of the focal adhesion complex. The present study analysed the participation of microtubules and actin during the platelet adhesion process. Confocal microscopy, fluorescence resonance transfer energy and immunoprecipitation assays were used to provide evidence of a cross‐talk between these two cytoskeletal systems. Interestingly, β‐dystroglycan was found to act as an interplay protein between actin and microtubules and an additional communication between these two cytoskeleton networks was maintained through proteins of focal adhesion complex. Altogether our data are indicative of a dynamic co‐participation of actin filaments and microtubules in modulating focal contacts to achieve platelet function.
Redox homeostasis modulates the sensitivity of myeloma cells to bortezomib
Authors: Nerini‐Molteni Silvia , Ferrarini Marina , Cozza Sara , Caligaris‐Cappio Federico , Sitia Roberto
Published: March 2008

The use of proteasome inhibitors have been a major advance in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), but their mechanisms of action remain largely unclear. A better understanding of the cellular events downstream of proteasome inhibition is essential to improve the response and identify new combination therapies for MM and other malignancies. This study analysed the relationships between redox homeostasis and bortezomib treatment in MM cells. Our data showed that decreasing intracellular glutathione through buthionine sulfoximine treatment strongly enhances bortezomib toxicity, whilst antioxidants protect MM cells from bortezomib‐mediated cell death. Bortezomib treatment decreases intracellular glutathione both in MM cell lines and in malignant plasma cells obtained from MM patients. Glutamate‐cysteine ligase (GCLM) and haem‐oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1), two genes involved in the Nrf‐2‐mediated antioxidant response, as well as two eIF2α‐downstream transcription factors, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), are upregulated, indicating that redox‐related adaptive responses are initiated in bortezomib‐treated MM cells. These findings demonstrate tight links between sensitivity to proteasome inhibition and redox homeostasis in MM cells and have potential implications for treatment.
BRAF mutation associated with other genetic events identifies a subset of aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Costa Angela M. , Herrero Agustín , Fresno Manuel F. , Heymann Jonas , Alvarez José Antonio , Cameselle‐Teijeiro Jose , García‐Rostán Ginesa
Published: March 2008

Purpose  BRAF
V600E mutation represents the most common oncogenic event in sporadic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). There are, however, significant discrepancies regarding the overall frequency, its prevalence in PTC‐variants, and its relationship with clinico‐pathological parameters of poor outcome. Moreover, the impact of BRAFV600E mutants on tumour‐related patient's death has not been evaluated.

Design  We analysed, by PCR‐SSCP and/or PCR‐direct sequencing, exons 8, 10, 11 and 15 of BRAF in 113 tumour samples from 49 PTC‐patients. Matched lymph node metastases and/or distant metastases (DMs) were screened in 35 patients. Focal changes in the growth pattern or microscopic grade within the primary tumour (Pt) or the metastases were separately genotyped. Mutations at H‐, K‐, N‐ras and PIK3CA exons 9 and 20 were also investigated. For comparison with PTC cases, the BRAF and Ras mutational status was evaluated in 89 specimens obtained from 24 poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDCs) and 36 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs).

Results  BRAF
V600E was found in 13/16 classical PTCs (CL‐PTCs), 6/17 follicular variant PTCs (FV‐PTCs) and 8/16 mixed (papillary/follicular) PTCs (Mx‐PTCs), being significantly associated with CL‐PTCs (P = 0·015). BRAFV600E segregated with metastatic PTC‐cells in 43% of the patients, but only one DM disclosed the mutation. PTC‐tumours featuring concurrent less‐differentiated foci were BRAF wild‐type in both components. Noteworthy, the frequency of BRAF mutations among PDCs and ATCs resulted considerably lower (16·6% and 25%, respectively) than in PTCs (55%). The prevalence of Ras mutations among PDCs and ATCs (46% and 36%, respectively) was, however, much higher than in PTCs (14%). Five (71%) of the patients who died of PTC displayed somatic mutations. Four of them had other gene alteration associated with BRAFV600E and the only one that did not, BRAFV600E was restricted to the Pt. The occurrence of BRAFV600E associated with other genetic events was an independent predictor of DMs during follow‐up, recurrence and tumour‐related death. Remarkably, two PDCs (8·3%) and five ATCs (14%) revealed concurrent BRAF and Ras mutations.

Conclusion  BRAF
V600E‘alone’ does not represent a marker for poor outcome, however, when associated with alterations in other genes identifies a subset of PTCs with increased risk of recurrence and decreased survival.
Escape from natural enemies during climate‐driven range expansion: a case study
Authors: MENÉNDEZ ROSA , GONZÁLEZ‐MEGÍAS ADELA , LEWIS OWEN T. , SHAW MARK R. , THOMAS CHRIS D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract1. A major, and largely unexplored, uncertainty in projecting the impact of climate change on biodiversity is the consequence of altered interspecific interactions, for example between parasitoids and their hosts. The present study investigated parasitism in the Brown Argus butterfly,Aricia agestis; a species that has expanded northward in Britain during the last 30  years in association with climate warming.

2. Aricia agestislarvae suffered lower mortality from parasitoids in newly colonised areas compared with long‐established populations. This result was consistent over four consecutive generations (2 years) when comparing one population of each type, and also when several populations within the historical and recently colonised range of the species were compared within a single year. Thus,A. agestisappears to be partially escaping from parasitism as it expands northwards.

3. Reduced parasitism occurred despite the fact that several of the parasitoid species associated withA. agestiswere already present in the newly colonised areas, supported predominantly by an alternative host species, the Common Blue butterfly,Polyommatus icarus.

4. As the species expand their distributions into areas of increased climatic suitability, invasion fronts may escape from natural enemies, enhancing rates of range expansion. The results suggest that the decoupling of interspecific interactions may allow some species to exploit a wider range of environments and to do so more rapidly than previously thought possible.
Different allergenic activity of grass pollen allergens revealed by skin testing
Authors: Westritschnig K. , Horak F. , Swoboda I. , Balic N. , Spitzauer S. , Kundi M. , Fiebig H. , Suck R. , Cromwell O. , Valenta R.
Published: March 2008

Background  Grass pollen is one of the most important allergen sources. The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo allergenic activity of two recently characterized major grass pollen allergens, Phl p 4 and Phl p 13, with three established major grass pollen allergens, Phl p 1, Phl p 2 and Phl p 5 as a basis for the formulation of a grass pollen allergy vaccine based on purified allergens.

Material and methods  Eighty‐two grass pollen allergic patients were skin prick tested with serial dilutions of approximately equimolar concentrations of the purified allergens in a double‐blind study.

Results  Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 were identified as major grass pollen allergens according to IgE binding frequency (Phl p 4: 85%; Phl p 13: 56%), but exhibited a five to nine‐fold lower allergenic skin reactivity compared to Phl p 1, Phl p 2 or Phl p 5.

Conclusion  Our results indicate that Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 are not essential components for a therapeutic grass pollen vaccine and underpin the importance of evaluating the in vivo allergenic activity of individual allergens for the formulation of therapeutic vaccines based on purified allergens.
Effect of acid etching time on bond strength of an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive to primary tooth dentine affected by amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: HIRAISHI NORIKO , YIU CYNTHIA KAR YUNG , KING NIGEL MARTYN
Published: March 2008

Background.  Dentine affected by amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is histologically altered following loss of the hypoplastic enamel and becomes hypermineralized, which would make bonding less predictable.

Aim.  This study examined the effect of etching time on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to AI‐affected primary dentine.

Design.  Flat coronal dentine surface was obtained from extracted AI‐affected and noncarious primary molars. Teeth were etched either for 15 or for 30 s using 34% phosphoric acid. Prime & Bond® NT™ (Dentsply De Trey), an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive, was applied to dentine surfaces, air‐dried and light‐cured, followed by composite build‐ups. The bonded teeth were sectioned into beams of 0.8 mm2 and stressed to failure under tension. Representative fractured beams from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy.

Results.  The extended etching time had an adverse effect on the µTBS for the normal dentine, while no significant difference was found for AI‐affected dentine. When the AI‐affected dentine was etched for 30 s, the fracture occurred in the demineralized dentine at the base of the hybrid layer.

Conclusion.  Bonding to AI‐affected dentine compromised the bonding of the etch‐and‐rinse adhesive. The bonding could not be improved by increasing etching time.
Lidocaine 20% patch vs lidocaine 5% gel for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa
Authors: BÅGESUND MATS , TABRIZI PARISA
Published: March 2008

Background.  Topical anaesthetics are important to provide pain control at dental injection.

Aim.  The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intraoral topical anaesthetics lidocaine 20% patch (DentiPatch™) and lidocaine 5% gel.

Design.  The randomized unblinded cross‐over study included 31 patients (ten boys, 21 girls) aged 13.5 ± 2.5 years. Application of lidocaine patch or gel was randomly used at first and second visit in the upper premolar region. Heart rate was measured before and at each needle insertion after 2.5, 5, and 15 min and at injection after 15 min. Discomfort and pain were expressed in visual analogue scales (VAS). Paired t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistic analyses.

Results.  Heart rate at buccal injection decreased more when the patch was used (P = 0.0149). Heart rate was lower at the second visit (P = 0.0287). Patients expressed less discomfort when the patch was used on both buccal (P = 0.0150) and palatal (P = 0.0391) site. Boys had lower heart rate and VAS pain scale ratings than girls.

Conclusions.  Good pain control can reduce the patients’ anxiety level – expressed in heart rate – at the second appointment. The patch and gel seem to provide similar pain reduction at needle stick and injection of local anaesthetics.
Carbon sink function of sedge and Sphagnum patches in a restored cut‐away peatland: increased functional diversity leads to higher production
Authors: Kivimäki Sanna K , Yli‐petäys Mika , Tuittila Eeva‐stiina
Published: March 2008

Cut‐away peatlands devoid of vegetation form a persistent source of carbon (C) to the atmosphere. The restoration of the C sink function in such areas can be facilitated by raising the water table. Planting vascular plants and Sphagnum may hasten the restoration process further. However, little is known about the effects of different species on the restoration process.

We studied carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange in stands of different plants in a restored cut‐away site over two growing seasons to quantify their ability to form a C sink. We sampled five different types of stand: monocultures of Eriophorum vaginatum and Carex rostrata (pure plots), mixtures of Eriophorum or Carex and Sphagnum mosses (mixed plots) and control plots without vegetation. We applied the closed chamber technique to gather CO2 exchange data for modelling of gross photosynthesis (PG) and ecosystem respiration (RE). Finally, we used the models to reconstruct the seasonal net CO2 exchange of the stands formed by different plants.

While the control plots without vegetation were sources of 20–71 g CO2–C m−2, all the vegetated plots acted as C sinks during both growing seasons. The monostands of E. vaginatum and C. rostrata created sinks of 23–114 g CO2–C m−2, while the mixtures of sedge and Sphagnum mosses resulted in larger sinks of 75–186 g CO2–C m−2. The larger sinks of the mixed patches were due to the lower respiration/photosynthesis ratio.

To eliminate the effect of differences in water table and the abundance of sedges between the patches, we reconstructed the CO2 exchange for constant water table and vascular leaf area for all plots. The simulation further supported our result: the mixtures of sedge and Sphagnum mosses were clearly more efficient in sequestering CO2 than pure sedge stands.

Synthesis and applications. The increased functional diversity in a cut‐away peatland site resulted in higher net ecosystem exchange. When restoring cut‐away peatlands, reintroduction of Sphagna is recommended after the colonization of vascular plants to hasten the formation of a sink for C.
Circulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in relation to sampling methods, femoral and carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Olson F. J. , Schmidt C. , Gummesson A. , Sigurdardottir V. , Hulthe J. , Wiklund O. , Fagerberg B.
Published: March 2008

Objectives.  To examine whether circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) were associated with ultrasound‐assessed intima‐media thickness (IMT) and echolucent plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries. To examine preanalytical sources of variability in MMP‐9 concentrations related to sampling procedures.

Subjects and design.  Plasma and serum MMP‐9 levels were compared with ultrasound assessed measures of femoral and carotid atherosclerosis, in a cross‐sectional study of 61‐year‐old men (n = 473). Preanalytical sources of variability in MMP‐9 levels were examined in 10 healthy subjects. Main outcome measures were circulating levels of MMP‐9 in serum and plasma, IMT of the carotid and femoral arteries, and plaque status based on size and echolucency.

Setting.  Research unit at university hospital.

Results.  Plasma concentrations of total and active MMP‐9 were associated with femoral artery IMT independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and were higher in subjects with moderate to large femoral plaques. Plasma MMP‐9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques (P = 0.006) compared with subjects without femoral plaques. No similar associations were found for carotid plaques. MMP‐9 concentrations were higher in serum than in plasma, and higher when sampling was performed with Vacutainer than with syringe. MMP‐9 levels in serum were more strongly associated with peripheral neutrophil count compared with MMP‐9 levels in plasma.

Conclusions.  Plasma MMP‐9 levels were associated with atherosclerosis in the femoral artery, and total MMP‐9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques. The choice of sample material and sampling method affect the measurements of circulating MMP‐9 levels.
The effect of isolation on flight and on the pre‐oviposition period in unmated Dysdercus superstitiosus
Authors: GATEHOUSE A. G. , HALL M. J. R.
Published: March 2008

Unmated Dysdercus superstitiosus (F.) were maintained (a) isolated, (b) in single‐sex pairs or (c) in groups of twenty. Their flight performance (tethered) and pre‐oviposition period were then studied in the laboratory. Females kept in pairs or in groups of twenty did not fly beyond day 5 after emergence, the pattern of flight in these non‐isolated virgins differing little from that reported for mated females. In isolated females, however, flight persisted until day 7. Isolation did not affect the numbers of males flying, but fewer long flights (> 30 min) occurred. Oviposition began a day later in the isolated females than in the crowded or paired ones (day 7–8 v, day 6–7). It is suggested that these effects of isolation on flight and oviposition are the result of the reported depression of feeding following isolation, and serve in the field to improve aggregation and mating.
Lesions in haematophagous flies after feeding on rabbits immunized with fly tissues
Authors: SCHLEIN Y. , LEWIS C. T.
Published: March 2008

Stomoxys calcitrans were fed on rabbits previously immunized with various of the fly's tissues. Mortality after 15 days of daily feeding on rabbits immunized with flight muscle proteins was twice that of the control flies fed on an untreated rabbit. Other effects included paralysis of the legs, unequal deposition of the endocuticle, and reduced post‐emergence growth. The intensity of these lesions varied with the fly tissues used to immunize the rabbits; thoracic muscles caused the most damage. The antibodies produced by the rabbits were nonspecific, since feeding on rabbits immunized only with Stomoxys tissues increased mortality in Glossina movsitans also.
The influence of some chemosterilants and caffeine on the neuroendocrine system of adult male Ephestia kühniella
Authors: HONG TAN KENG
Published: March 2008

Injection of caffeine into adult male Ephestia kühniella induced a reduction in the amount of neurosecretory material in the resorcin fuchsin stainable (A‐) cells of the pars intercerebralis. Both hemel (hexamethyl melamine) and tepa (tris (1‐aziridinyl) phosphine oxide) treatments resulted in an increase in stainable neurosecretory products in the cytoplasm of the A‐cells. The increase after hemel treatment was largely a result of increased synthesis of neurosecretory material as indicated by increased nuclear volume and nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratio. No changes were induced by hemel in the corpora cardiaca and allata of the adult male E.kühniella. This disruption in neuroendocrine function is believed to be involved in the observed mating aberrations (permanent copulation and sterile matings) by adult males after hemel treatment.
Increase in respiratory rate during feeding in larvae of the armyworm, Spodoptera exempta
Authors: AIDLEY D. J.
Published: March 2008

Oxygen consumption was measured in fifth and sixth instar larvae of Spodoptera exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) at 25d̀C using Warburg manometry. The mean rate of oxygen consumption while feeding on maize or sorghum leaves was approximately twice that at rest. The increment in oxygen consumption attributable to feeding was 583±207 μlg‐1 h‐l (mean±95% confidence limits) or, for maize, 6.1±3.5 μl O2 per mg of leaf eaten.
Factors influencing the duration and termination of diapause in the Indian‐meal moth, Plodia interpunctella
Authors: BELL C. H.
Published: March 2008

The influence of environmental factors on the duration of diapause in Plodia interpunctella larvae reared in short photoperiods at 20 or 25° C was examined, Diapause terminated most rapidly in long photoperiods at high temperatures. Pupation was more delayed, and mortality was higher, in darkness than in the presence of light. At 20° C, LD 16: 8 hastened diapause termination only slightly in unchilled samples. Chilling for 10 weeks at 10° C greatly reduced the duration of diapause at 20 or 25° C in constant darkness, and rendered LD 16:8 effective in terminating diapause at 20° C. In addition, the quite short duration of diapause under LD 16:8 at 25° C was further shortened by holding for 6–10 weeks at 10° C or below, or by holding in an outbuilding during winter. Holding diapausing larvae at 15 or 20° C proved less effective. Temperature rises from 20 to 25 or 30° C proved effective in terminating diapause. In one stock, the temperature at which diapause was induced influenced its subsequent duration. Lighting conditions during induction had less influence on duration than had temperature, and no difference occurred between pupation times of larvae reared at different population densities, Under all conditions tested, diapause lasted longer in a recently collected field stock than in a laboratory stock.
Quantitative studies on the release of locust adipokinetic hormone
Authors: CHEESEMAN P. , JUTSUM A. R. , GOLDSWORTHY G. J.
Published: March 2008

Fractionation of methanolic extracts of haemolymph on Sephadex LH‐20 made possible the measurement of the titre of adipokinetic hormone in the haemolymph of locusts. Experimentally produced high concentrations of haemolymph carbohydrate caused a delay in the mobilization of lipid during flight, and very low titres of the hormone were present in the haemolymph of locusts injected with trehalose immediately before a 25 min flight. In these locusts flight speed was higher than saline‐injected controls. Although delayed lipid mobilization during flight was also seen in locusts injected with sucrose, sucrose is not utilized for flight metabolism and flight speed was not increased by the injection. Tentative estimates of the release rate (c. 1000pg/20min flight) and half life (c. 20 min) of adipokinetic hormone during flight are made. The results described suggest that during flight the rate at which trehalose disappears from the haemolymph does not play a major role in the initiation of the release of adipokinetic hormone.
Phase shifting the circadian rhythms of nocturnal insects by temperature changes
Authors: DREISIG HANS
Published: March 2008

The behavioural rhythms of three species of nocturnal insects were studied: locomotion in a cockroach, luminescence in a firefly and luminescence in a glow‐worm. The behaviour was released at the change from light to dark in all cases. In continuous dim light, a circadian rhythm was apparent with a period of from 22.5 to 27 h in the cockroach, and from 19 to 23.5 h in the glow‐worm.

In constant dim light, the cockroach shifted the phase of its rhythm when subjected to a change of temperature. A temperature step down some time prior to the expected onset of locomotion generated a phase advance, whereas a temperature step up generated a phase delay; the greater the step up, the greater the phase delay.

By advancing the change from light to dark, it was found that glow‐worms could synchronize immediately to advances of up to about 6 h only. At greater advances an increasing phase angle difference between onsets of darkness and activity occurred. However, if a temperature step down was applied at the light change, immediate synchronization occurred up to 9–12 h before the normal onset.

A theory is propounded which assumes that the onset of rhythmic behaviour is determined by the interaction of a circadian process of sensitization and a threshold for release of the behaviour. The threshold is high at high temperatures and light intensities, and low at low values of these. A temperature step up raises the threshold and delays the activity while a step down lowers the threshold and advances the activity.
Electroantennographic and field responses of the pea moth, Cydia nigricana, to sex attractants and related compounds
Authors: WALL C. , GREENWAY A. R. , BURT P. E.
Published: March 2008

Electroantennographic (EAG) responses of the male pea moth, Cydia nigricana, to a range of saturated and unsaturated straight chain alcohols and acetates were examined. Responses to saturated compounds of different chain lengths (C10 to c16) showed that acetates are much more active than alcohols, the shorter chain compounds (particularly C12 acetates) being the most active. With mono‐unsaturated compounds, C12 acetates with the double bond at C‐8, C‐9 or C‐10 elicited the largest responses and (El‐10‐dodecenyl acetate produced a greater response than any other compound tested. By analogy with results obtained with C.pomonella, (E, E)‐8,lO‐dodecadienyl acetate was tested and gave an EAG response larger than that for (E)‐10‐dodecenyl acetate. (E)‐10‐dodecenyl acetate and (E, E)‐8,lO‐dodecadienyl acetate were found to be strong attractants for male C.nigricana in the field.
Regulation of water ingestion by the locust, Chortoicetes terminifera: the effect of injections into the haemolymph
Authors: BROWNE L. BARTON , GERWEN A. C. M. VAN
Published: March 2008

Adults of the locust Chortoicetes terminifera which had been deprived of water for 24 h took larger ‘meals’ of water than insects which had been deprived for 2 h. Water or dilute solutions of NaCl injected into the kaemcoel reduced the amount of water ingested by 24‐h, deprived locusts. Injections of more concentrated solutions of NaCl (0.5 m) or glycerol (1.0m) increased the water intake of 2‐h deprived locusts. Water injections into 24‐h deprived locusts did not reduce their responsiveness to sucrose and it is concluded that haemolymph osmotic pressure plays an important role in determining the specific responsiveness of C. terminifera to water. The time course of the effects of injection indicates that the effects of haemolymph osmotic pressure on water responsiveness are mediated neurally. Injections of water into 24‐h deprived insects caused a marked reduction in the sizes of their meals of seedling wheat. It is suggested that the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of water intake might limit total intake when locusts have access only to fresh vegetation of high water content.
The effect of acclimation on mating frequency and mating competitiveness in the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni, in optimal and cool mating regimes
Authors: MEATS A. , FAY H. A. C.
Published: March 2008

Mating frequency in groups of Dacus tryoni which had been either warm‐acclimated or cold‐acclimated were compared in temperature regimes ranging from just above mating‐threshold to optimal. Cold‐acclimation appeared to suppress initial mating ability of mature insects of both sexes to an extent which depended upon the acclimation regime used. The most favourable cold‐acclimation regime produced flies which in certain circumstances were able to mate at an initial frequency similar to that of warm‐acclimated flies. In no mating regime was initial mating significantly more frequent in any cold‐acclimated group than it was in any warm‐acclimated group. In most cases warm‐acclimated flies in a given regime mated at high frequency for 1–2 days, whereas the cold‐acclimated flies mated at low frequency for a greater number of days. In all cases, cold‐acclimated flies accumulated a similar or significantly lower total number of matings than warm‐acclimated groups. In experiments in which both warm‐acclimated and cold‐acclimated males competed for cold‐acclimated females, the warm‐acclimated males always out‐competed the cold‐acclimated males in two mild (near optimal) regimes. In a relatively harsh (near torpor threshold) regime, there was no significant difference in the competitive abilities of cold‐acclimated and warm‐acclimated males. The relevance of these results to possible acclimation procedures used in control campaigns involving release of sterile males is discussed.
Failure of the aphid, Myzus persicae, to compensate for poor diet during early growth
Authors: EMDEN H. F. VAN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Compensation in mean relative growth rate of M. persicae occurred when aphids normally kept on susceptible brussels sprout plants were starved for only 2 h daily or kept on ‘resistant’ plants (given low nitrogen:high potassium fertilization) for 48 h. More adverse conditions, e.g. 4 or 8 h daily starvation, 48 h on leaf discs or 60 h on 20% sucrose, resulted in a low aphid growth rate being maintained on transfer to susceptible plants. The low overall growth rate could not be explained in terms of a weight loss by the aphid at any stage and is assumed to be a behavioural phenomenon. It is concluded that it is unwise, in the study of aphid—plant relationships, to rely on pre‐conditioning aphids in poor conditions with the hope that this might magnify differences in subsequent aphid response.
Eye movements in the water flea, Daphnia magna: effects of light‐stimulus characteristics
Authors: YOUNG STEPHEN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Average Daphnia eye movement rates decline upon exposure to bright white light from an initial 8 Hz to 4.5 Hz after 20 min. Eye movement rates were maximal for white light of intensity 10W/m2, and for blue light presented through the side of the head, though no difference could be measured between the responses to different light colours if presentation was through the top of the head.

Slow moving light stimuli rotating around the animal evoked different stereotyped eye movement patterns for blue and for orange light. Ultrastructural changes in the rectangular cross‐section rhabdom were confined to the central region if the animal was exposed to strong orange light, and to the short edges if exposed to strong blue light.
Reduction in responsiveness of male light‐brown apple moths, Epiphyas postvittana, to sex pheromone following pulsed pre‐exposure to pheromone components
Authors: BARTELL R. J. , LAWRENCE L. A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A combination of two sex pheromone compounds is required to elicit sexual response in males of Epiphyas postvittana. Sequential exposure to the two compounds failed to elicit sexual response in males, but a pre‐exposure sequence of alternated pulses of the two compounds did habituate males to the same extent as did pulsed pre‐exposures to the compounds combined.
Take‐off and the ‘tarsal reflex’ in Aphis fabae
Authors: BINNS E. S.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. In the transition from walking to flight in free and tethered aphids, forward progression was more or less abruptly checked and the walking pattern of leg movements gave way to a stationary, treading phase. This was followed by leg extension and wing‐spreading, kicking of the mesothoracic legs, wing‐beating and final lift‐off. Removal of the wings, but not of the middle legs, inhibited this pre‐take‐off behaviour. Jumping appeared to play no part in takeoff, nor did loss of tarsal contact stimulate flight in tethered aphids but resulted only in wing‐raising. However, restoration of tarsal contact often resulted in immediate take‐off, as well as stimulating post‐flight wing‐folding, Wing‐beating, but not wing‐raising, was apparently inhibited during walking.
The role of the glandular lobes of the corpora cardiaca during flight in Locusta
Authors: JUTSUM A. R. , GOLDSWORTHY G. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Flight performance in Locusta is reduced following severance of the major afferent nerves to the corpora cardiaca or removal of the glandular lobes of the corpora cardiaca. These operations prevent the release of adipokinetic hormone and the consequent mobilization of stored lipid. However, locusts deprived of about 90% of their glandular lobe tissue, while flying poorly, did mobilize lipid. It is suggested that the remaining glandular parenchyma cells are capable of secreting enough hormone to stimulate lipid mobilization, but that the concentration may be inadequate to encourage lipid utilization. After removal of all the glandular lobe parenchyma, the blood carbohydrate concentration was temporarily depressed. Nevertheless flight performance was equally poor, both when haemolymph carbohydrate levels were low and when they had returned to normal. After the injection of trehalose into operated control locusts and locusts deprived of their glandular lobes, flight was still markedly poorer in the operated insects, even though the injection of trehalose prevented adipokinetic hormone release in the intact locust. It seems that the poor flight performance of locusts deprived of their glandular lobes cannot be fully explained by the simple absence of adipokinetic hormone.
Genetic control of feeding preferences in the mosquitoes Aedes (Stegomyia) simpsoni and aegypti
Authors: MUKWAYA L. G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The biting rate of a non‐anthropophilic (Bwayise) population of Aedes simpsoni was found to be approximately 0.3 mosquitoes per catcher per hour, whereas that of an anthropophilic (Bwamba) population was approximately 101 per catcher per hour. Population density indices, as determined by the number of pupae per wet plant axil, were 0.70 in Bwayise and 1.00 in Bwamba. The big difference in anthropophilic behaviour between these populations was therefore unlikely to be derived from this small population difference. Larval density was higher at Bwamba than at Bwayise, but isolation or crowding of the larvae in the laboratory did not affect the biting behaviour of adult Ae. simpsoni. Laboratory studies also failed to confirm field observations that temperature might play a part in determining anthropophily and non‐anthropophily in this species. In choice‐chamber landing tests, using a rat and a human hand, Ae. simpsoni females derived from wild larvae and reared in the laboratory showed that 83% of the Bwamba strain landed on man, whereas only 38% of the Bwayise strain did so. In Aedes aegypti, 71% of a long‐established laboratory strain (Ilobi) landed on man, whereas 47% of a relatively non‐anthropophilic wild (Kampala) strain did so. These preferences persisted in culture. Selective breeding increased the preference for the rodent significantly in the Kampala strain of Ae. aegypti, but had no significant effect on the Ilobi strain. Crossbreeding showed that the F1 and F2 hybrids between the anthropophilic and non‐anthropophilic strains were intermediate in their preference between the parental pure bred strains; the reciprocal crosses were not significantly different from each other. The behaviour of the backcross progenies, at least in Ae. aegypti, appeared to indicate that the genotype of the male parent might be the main determining factor.
Sensory feedback in the control of mouthpart movements in the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: SEATH IAN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. When imposed movements were applied to one or both mandibles of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, the other mouthparts moved in synchrony with the mandibles. This occurred in the presence or absence of food, and when the mandibles were driven at a higher or lower frequency than that seen during normal feeding. Electromyogram recordings from the mandibular closer muscles revealed bursts of activity at the same frequency as the imposed movement. This activity occurred during mandibular closing. Burst length was a function of driving wavelength. At low driving frequencies (less than 0.5 Hz), smaller bursts were seen prior to the longer closing burst; a series of similar small bursts was seen when the mandibles were held in the open position. When one mandible was driven, closer muscle activity was largely confined to that side. In the presence of food, however, activity was seen in both closer muscles. A possible mechanism for this is described. After destruction of the campaniform sensilla on the ventral surface of the mandibles, the bursts of activity in the mandibular closers, seen when the mandibles were held open, were replaced by continuous activity. This suggests that the function of these sensilla is to inhibit motor output to the closer muscles when the tension becomes high. When feeding on relatively incompressible food the closer muscle burst length increased, although chewing frequency did not alter. This effect was also produced by loading the mandibles artificially. A model for the feedback control of this behaviour is proposed.
Oviposition behaviour of Bracon mellitor, a parasitoid of the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis)
Authors: VINSON S. BRADLEIGH , BARFIELD CARL S. , HENSON RODGER D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The parasitoid, Bracon mellitor, will probe with its ovipositor plant structures containing its host. The identification of methyl parahydroxy‐benzoate (methyl parasept), an antimicrobial additive to the semi‐synthetic diet used for rearing the host, as a releaser of this behaviour prompted an investigation of the parasitoid's response to this chemical. Its absence from field hosts suggested the response was learned. Female parasitoids reared in host‐infested cotton plant buds from the fields or in methyl parasept‐free hosts did not respond to methyl parasept alone until exposed to hosts contaminated with it. This is taken to imply associative learning by the females reared from the methyl parasept‐free hosts. A few responses to methyl parasept were elicited from inexperienced females reared from methyl parasept‐contaminated hosts, but their responsiveness increased after they had been exposed to methyl parasept‐contaminated hosts as oviposition stimuli. These results point to the caution that must be exercised in the isolation and identification of kairomones.
Contact chemoreceptive sex recognition in the male cricket, Teleogryllus commodus
Authors: RENCE BRADFORD , LOHER WERNER
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A behavioural continuum ranging from extreme aggression to overt sexual behaviour was used to measure male crickets' reactions to being touched in a standardized manner on their antennae with freshly severed antennae of male and female conspecifics. Sexually receptive males responded primarily with the aggressive song to male antennae and with the courtship song to female antennae. The ontogeny of the antennal effectiveness and the males' reaction was also determined. Because the ability of the antennae to elicit a reaction could be eliminated by treating them with chloroform, and since there were no morphological differences between male and female antennae, separate male and female sex recognition pheromones must be implicated. The chemo‐tactile nature of these substances is indicated by the inability to obtain either behavioural or EAG responses to air carrying the odour of males or females.
The physiological control of drinking behaviour in nymphs of Locusta migratoria
Authors: BERNAYS E. A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The changes in behaviour of nymphs of Locusta migratoria in relation to free water, during the course of two different deprivation regimes are described. With no access to food or water for 24 h at 30°C, the insects responded positively to free water when it was provided. If dry food was provided during water deprivation, positive responses occurred in 8 h. The physiological changes associated with the behavioural change indicate that positive responses were correlated with a reduction in abdominal volume; experimentally induced changes confirmed this. Increased osmotic pressure did not influence the onset of drinking, but the amount of water ingested was directly correlated with the size of osmotic pressure increases.
Song modification in the Orthoptera.
Authors: SAMWAYS M. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The decticine bush cricket, Platycleis intermedia (Serville), can duet with, or be inhibited from singing by the song of P. affinis Fieber. Duets and inhibitions are sometimes alternated with perfect regularity. The normally homogeneous series of short echemes of P. intermedia can be thrown by the long emissions of P. affinis into an inhibition/excitation cycle involving post‐inhibitory rebound. The temporal characteristics of these interactions were accurately quantified. Time ‘lost’ singing was c. 85% of that ‘gained’. The coefficient of variation for syllables was far less than that for echemes, so that they appear to be controlled independently. Echeme duration, which is species‐specific, was the most behaviourally mutable song component. Such interspecific acoustic interactions illustrate the extent to which variation of song components takes place without involving long‐term changes in physiological and environmental conditions.