bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients by monthly analysis of HCV RNA and antibodies
Authors: Moreira Regina , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Fares Jorge , Oba Isabel Takano , Cardoso Maria Regina , Saraceni Cláudia Patara , Granato Celso
Published: October 2003

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the prevalence and the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients in two different centers in São Paulo (Brazil), (ii) determine the time required to detect HCV infection among these patients by serology or PCR, (iii) establish the importance of alanine aminotransferase determination as a marker of HCV infection, and (iv) identify the HCV genotypes in this population. Serum samples were collected monthly for 1 year from 281 patients admitted to hospital for hemodialysis. Out of 281 patients, 41 patients (14.6%) were HCV positive; six patients seroconverted during this study (incidence = 3.1/1000 person-month). In 1.8% (5/281) of cases, RNA was detected before the appearance of antibodies (up to 5 months), and in 1.1% (3/281) of cases, RNA was the unique marker of HCV infection. The genotypes found were 1a, 1b, 3a, and 4a. The presence of genotype 4a is noteworthy, since it is a rare genotype in Brazil. These data pointed out the high prevalence and incidence of HCV infection at hemodialysis centers in Brazil and showed that routine PCR is fundamental for improving the detection of HCV carriers among patients undergoing hemodialysis.Key words: HCV genotypes, hemodialysis, hepatitis C, PCR, prevalence, incidence.
Typing of anastomosis groups ofRhizoctonia solaniby restriction analysis of ribosomal DNA
Authors: Guillemaut Cécile , Edel-Hermann Véronique , Camporota Pierre , Alabouvette Claude , Richard-Molard Marc , Steinberg Christian
Published: October 2003

A method based on restriction analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified ribosomal DNA was developed for the rapid characterization of large populations of Rhizoctonia solani at the anastomosis group (AG) level. The restriction maps of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences were compared for 219 isolates of R. solani belonging to AG-1 to AG-12 and AG-BI, representing diverse geographic and host range origins. Four discriminant restriction enzymes (MseI, AvaII, HincII, and MunI) resolved 40 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) types among the 219 ITS sequences of R. solani. Each RFLP type could be assigned to a single AG except for two RFLP types, which were common to two AG. A fifth enzyme allowed the discrimination of AG-6 and AG-12. In addition, the combination of four enzymes allowed the discrimination of subsets within AG-1, AG-2, AG-3, and AG-4. The efficiency of the typing method was confirmed by analyzing PCR-amplified ITS sequences of 30 reference strains. Furthermore, the PCRRFLP method was used to characterize at the AG level 307 isolates of R. solani originating from ten sugar beet fields exhibiting patches of diseased plants in France. The PCR-based procedure described in this paper provides a rapid method for AG typing in R. solani.Key words: Rhizoctonia solani, anastomosis group, PCRRFLP, ITS, identification, sugar beet.
Influence of peanut oil on microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Pannu Jasvir K , Singh Ajay , Ward Owen P
Published: October 2003

Peanut oil amendment (0.1%0.2% (v/v)) increased the biodegradation of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 15%80% with a mixed bacterial culture and a pure culture of Comamonas testosteroni in aqueous media and in PAH-contaminated weathered soil slurry systems. The stimulatory effect on biodegradation was more pronounced with the high molecular weight PAHs (e.g., >3 rings). The presence of peanut oil also accelerated the biodegradation of PAHs sorbed onto activated carbon, indicating its potential application in the bioregeneration of activated carbon.Key words: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microorganisms, peanut oil, biodegradation.
Soil microbial populations, community composition, and activity as affected by repeated applications of hog and cattle manure in eastern Saskatchewan
Authors: de Freitas J R , Schoenau J J , Boyetchko S M , Cyrenne S A
Published: October 2003

A field site near Humboldt, Saskatchewan, was annually treated with hog or cattle manure and cropped to canola, spring wheat, barley, and canola from 1997 to 2000. During each growing season, soil was analyzed for microbial populations in terms of activity and community structure, and crops were assessed for root rot and foliar diseases. Microbial activity in soils treated with cattle manure was higher than in soils treated with hog manure or urea. Similarly, nitrous oxide emissions from soil increased with increasing rates of hog and cattle manure. Potential human pathogens, including Rahnella, Serratia, Proteus, Leclercia, and Salmonella species, were identified in soils that received cattle manure, whereas pseudomonads were the dominant species in the hog-manure-treated soil. Fecal coliforms were confirmed in soils that received hog or cattle manure. However, Enterobacteriaceae populations were 10-fold higher in soils receiving cattle manure than in soils receiving the other treatments. Increasing cattle manure rates increased fecal coliform population, but there was no indication that increased hog manure rates increased fecal coliform populations. Addition of urea, hog manure, or cattle manure to the soil did not increase foliar disease in wheat, barley, and canola and had variable effects on root rot incidence in cereals.Key words: soil microbial activity, soil microbial populations, microbial community, plant disease, hog manure, cattle manure, urea.
Antioxidant status in the liver of hypertensive and metallothionein-deficient mice
Authors: Bobillier-Chaumont Sylvie , Nicod Laurence , Richert Lysiane , Berthelot Alain
Published: October 2003

Because oxidative stress is involved in arterial hypertension, impairment of hepatic antioxidant defences could develop in the course of this disease. Metallothionein (MT), an antioxidant protein, is present in high rates in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a mineralocorticoid-salt treatment on blood pressure, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, and cardiac MT levels in transgenic MT null mice compared with control mice to further clarify the role of MT during the experimental development of arterial hypertension. Control and transgenic MT / mice were submitted to an 8-week mineralocorticoid-salt treatment. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities and cardiac MT and mineral levels were measured. Mineralocorticoid-salt treatment induced an increase in blood pressure in both transgenic MT / and control mice that was associated with an impairment of liver antioxidant status. MT deficiency was associated with modifications of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and with a decrease in cardiac iron levels. Adaptive processes of antioxidant systems may explain the absence of an effect of metallothionein deficiency on the development of mineralocorticoid-salt hypertension. The interactions that occur between the in vivo antioxidant systems probably produce a complex regulation of the oxidative balance and consequently prevent antioxidant deficiency.Key words: hepatic antioxidant enzymes, metallothionein, transgenic mice, DOCA-salt hypertension.
Cardiac autonomic control during balloon carotid angioplasty and stenting
Authors: Mangin Laurence , Medigue Claire , Merle Jean-Claude , Macquin-Mavier Isabelle , Duvaldestin Philippe , Monti Alessandro , Becquemin Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2003

Hemodynamic alterations during balloon carotid angioplasty (BCA) and stenting have been ascribed to the consequences of direct carotid baroreceptor stimulation during balloon inflation. BCA with stenting in patients with carotid atheromatous stenoses offers a unique opportunity for elucidating the cardiovascular autonomic response to direct transient intravascular stimulation of the baroreceptors. We analysed the consequences of BCA on the autonomic control of heart rate and on breathing components in nine patients with atheromatous stenoses involving the bifurcation and the internal carotid. A timefrequency domain method, the smoothed pseudo-WignerVille transform (SPWVT), was used to evaluate the spectral parameters (i.e., the instantaneous amplitude and centre frequency (ICF) of the cardiovascular and respiratory oscillations). Those parameters and their dynamics (8 and 24 h later) were evaluated during and after the procedure. BCA stimulates baroreceptors in all patients, which markedly reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Vagal baroreflex activation altered the respiratory sinus arrhythmia in terms of amplitude and frequency (ICF HF RR shifted from 0.27 ± 0.03 to 0.23 ± 0.04 Hz pre-BCA vs. BCA, respectively; p < 0.01). Both the high- and low-frequency amplitudes of heart rate oscillations were altered during carotid baroreceptor stimulation, strongly supporting a contribution of the baroreflex to the generation of both oscillations of heart rate. Carotid baroreceptors stimulation increased the inspiratory time (Ti) (1.5 ± 0.5 to 2.3 ± 0.6 s pre-BCA vs. BCA, respectively; p < 0.01). In awake patients, BCA with stenting of atheromatous stenosis involving the bifurcation and internal carotid causes marked changes in the cardiac autonomic and respiratory control systems.Key words: carotid angioplasty, heart rate variability, autonomic nervous system, respiration, spectral analysis.
Lymphocyte distribution in mouse submandibular lymph nodes in response to acute treadmill exercise
Authors: Quadrilatero J , Boudreau J , Hoffman-Goetz L
Published: October 2003

The submandibular lymph nodes (LN), part of the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), are involved in local immune responses in the eye, upper respiratory tract (URT), and oral mucosa. Although athletes have been reported to be at increased risk for URT and ocular infections, little is known about the impact of exercise on LN included in the NALT. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of intense acute exercise on submandibular lymphocyte distribution. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to a nonexercised control condition or a single session of treadmill exercise (32 m·min1, 8° grade for 90 min) and sacrificed immediately, 2, and 24 h after exercise. Running resulted in a significant increase in plasma corticosterone immediately following exercise compared with other times (p < 0.001). Percentages and total numbers of CD3+and CD4+CD8T lymphocytes in submandibular LN were significantly lower 24 h after exercise compared with controls. The percentage of pan-NK and CD19+B cells increased immediately and 24 h after exercise, respectively, but the total numbers were not affected. The results suggest that decreased percentages and absolute numbers of T cells in submandibular LN following a single session of intense exercise may be partially mediated by increased corticosterone concentrations and may have consequences for ocular health among athletes.Key words: physical activity, lymphocytes, submandibular lymph nodes, glucocorticoids, mice.
Changes in adipokine expression during food deprivation in the mouse and the relationship to fasting-induced insulin resistance
Authors: Gui Yaoting , Silha Josef V , Mishra Suresh , Murphy Liam J
Published: October 2003

We investigated the changes in insulin resistance and adipose tissue expression of the adipokines resistin, adiponectin, and leptin and the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and retinoid X receptor-α (RXR-α) during 48 h of food deprivation. Insulin sensitivity (SI) declined, whereas glucose effectiveness (SG) increased. Plasma adiponectin levels declined in the first 8 h and remained constant thereafter. There was no correlation between either SIor SGand adiponectin protein or mRNA levels. PPAR-γ mRNA abundance remained constant, whereas leptin and resistin mRNAs and plasma leptin declined and RXR-α mRNA abundance increased in both white and brown fat. Leptin mRNA abundance was closely correlated with SI(R2= 0.91 and 0.87 for white and brown fat, respectively). Resistin mRNA abundance correlated inversely with SG(R2= 0.99 and 0.84 for white and brown fat, respectively). These data indicate that changes in the expression of leptin are more closely correlated with the insulin resistance of fasting than with changes in other adipokines or RXR-α and PPAR-γ expression.Key words: insulin resistance, fasting, adipokines, resistin, leptin, adiponectin.
Increased cAMP as a positive inotropic factor for mammalian skeletal muscle in vitro
Authors: Reading S A , Murrant C L , Barclay J K
Published: October 2003

To test the hypothesis that an increased cAMP concentration improves skeletal muscle force development, we stimulated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in the presence of isoproterenol (1 × 105 mol·L1), a β-adrenergic agonist, or N6,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (dcAMP) (1 × 103 mol·L1), a membrane-permeable cAMP analogue. Drugs used in the challenges were dissolved in KrebsHenseleit bicarbonate buffer (Krebs) at 27 °C and gassed with 95% O2  5% CO2. Stimulation at 50 impulses·s1 for 0.5 s produced an isometric tetanic contraction. Over 25 min of contractions at 0.6 contractions·min1, developed force increased significantly with the addition of isoproterenol (soleus, 2.5% ± 1.1%; EDL, 13.8% ± 2.0%) or dcAMP (soleus, 2.3% ± 0.5%; EDL, 10.9% ± 1.9%) as compared with vehicle controls (cont) with Krebs added (soleus, 0.0% ± 0.2%; EDL, 2.5% ± 0.7%). To investigate the role of Ca2+ availability, we amplified or attenuated sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ channels with Bay K 8644 (Bay K) (5.6 × 106 mol·L1) or diltiazem hydrochloride (dilt) (104 mol·L1), respectively. Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum was increased with caffeine (2 × 103 mol·L1) or decreased with dantrolene sodium (dant) (4.2 × 107 mol·L1). With Ca2+availability modified, dcAMP addition in soleus significantly increased force development above control (cont, 2.3% ± 0.4%; Bay K, 4.0% ± 1.0%; dilt, 52.3% ± 3.6%; caffeine, 2.3% ± 0.7%; dant, 6.0% ± 2.0%; dilt + dant, 55.0% ± 23.0%). In EDL, the addition of dcAMP also increased force development above control (cont, 13.7% ± 1.9%; Bay K, 17.0% ± 4.0%; dilt, 170.0% ± 40.0%; caffeine, 23.0% ± 4.0%; dant, 72.0% ± 10.0%; dilt + dant, 54.0% ± 14.0%). Thus, a positive inotropic effect of cAMP existed in both fast- and slow-twitch mammalian skeletal muscle with both normal and altered Ca2+ flux into the sarcoplasm.Key words: skeletal muscle contractility, L-type Ca2+ channels, Ca2+ flux from sarcoplasmic reticulum, fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle, isometric tetanic contractions.
Parental care in the captive mandarin vole, Lasiopodomys mandarinus
Authors: Smorkatcheva A V
Published: October 2003

Based on the social structure of free-living mandarin voles (Lasiopodomys mandarinus), high paternal investment might be expected for this species. This prediction was tested under laboratory conditions. We observed 10 pairs rearing their first litter. All pairs exhibited permanent nest cohabitation. Females never prevented males from entering the natal nest. Males exhibited all the patterns of direct care of young except nursing: huddling over, brooding with kyphosis, grooming, manipulating, and retrieving young. There were no sex differences in total time spent in the nest or in time spent alone. Females spent more time grooming pups than did males. There was no sex difference in nest-building activity. The frequency of bringing food or nest material into the nest, as well as in digging time, was significantly greater for males than for females. In L. mandarinus the biparental rearing system with a high level of direct paternal care and some division of labour between the parents seems to be associated with the subterranean mode of life. This pattern of parental care can be predicted for other specialized fossorial voles.
Adult survival and reproduction in an arctic mite,Ameronothrus lineatus(Acari, Oribatida): effects of temperature and winter cold
Authors: Søvik Guldborg , Leinaas Hans Petter
Published: October 2003

Survival and reproduction of an arctic population of Ameronothrus lineatus were studied at four constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 21 °C). By simulating winters in the laboratory, an adult population was followed through 3 "years". Increasing temperatures reduced adult longevity. Females survived longer than males. A temperature of 15 °C was the most favourable for reproduction, with highest larviposition rate and reproductive output. Lifetime reproductive output was also high at 10 °C, while lower numbers of larvae at 21 °C indicated the beginning of heat stress. Comparison with field data showed that the reproductive performance at 15 °C corresponded to reproduction in a natural population experiencing a mean temperature of 89 °C, suggesting a positive effect of daily temperature fluctuations. A simulated winter with freezing temperatures increased male survival and positively affected all aspects of reproduction the following laboratory summer.
Differentiation and gene flow among island and mainland populations of the true armyworm,Pseudaletia unipuncta(Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Vieira V , Pintureau B , Tavares J , McNeil J N
Published: October 2003

The genetic structure of populations of the true armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the Azores archipelago was studied using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Four enzyme systems (aldehyde oxidase, esterase, phosphoglucomutase, and phosphoglucose isomerase) were examined in six populations from islands in the Azores (Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial, Flores) and compared with those from populations from mainland Portugal and Canada. The North American and European populations are not clearly separated from the Azorean ones. Similarly, studies of different enzyme systems (aldehyde oxidase, esterase, malic enzyme, sorbitol dehydrogenase, manose-6-phosphate isomerase, and phosphoglucomutase) over 2 years (1997 and 1998) at different times of the year (spring, summer, and autumn) and at three different altitudes (0, 250, and 500 m above sea level) on three different islands (Santa Maria, São Miguel, and Faial) uncovered no distinct differences. These results, obtained from classically used loci, suggest that there is still some gene flow between sites or that island populations have not been isolated for sufficient time to have diverged from founder populations.
Endothermy and chorusing behaviour in the African platypleurine cicadaPycna semiclara(Germar, 1834) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: Villet Martin H , Sanborn Allen F , Phillips Polly K
Published: October 2003

Cicadas use acoustic signals to find mates and therefore offer a phylogenetically independent opportunity to test the generality of ideas about acoustic communication that were developed from studies of other animals. Pycna semiclara (Germar, 1834) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) is a forest-dwelling platypleurine cicada that uses its calling song to form choruses and attract mates. Additionally, P. semiclara produces an encounter call that is involved in courtship and also in spacing males within choruses. Males generally call from exposed trunks and branches within the understory but clear of the undergrowth and fight with other males that call within about 50 cm of them. Choruses sing sporadically throughout the day but focus most of their calling activity into half-hour bouts at dawn and dusk. Body size and ambient temperature had no significant effect on spectral or temporal characteristics of the calling song. Body temperature measurements indicate that P. semiclara thermoregulates endothermically, with a body temperature of more than 22 °C above ambient temperature being measured during calling activity at dusk. Such endothermy provides an advantage to the cicadas by allowing them to call during crepuscular hours when atmospheric conditions are most optimal for acoustic communication and predation risks are minimal. Coincidentally, endogenously regulating body temperature allows the temporal characteristics of the call to be unaffected by ambient temperature changes.
Relationships among grizzly bears, highways, and habitat in the Banff-Bow Valley, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Chruszcz Bryan , Clevenger Anthony P , Gunson Kari E , Gibeau Michael L
Published: October 2003

Banff National Park and surrounding lands constitute one of the most developed landscapes in the world where grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) still survive. We examine the relationships among roads, grizzly bears, and their habitat in a protected area with low road density but dominated by a major transportation corridor and highway system. We examined grizzly bears' spatial response to roads, road-crossing behaviour, crossing-location attributes, and habitat and temporal patterns of cross-road movements. Grizzly bears used areas close to roads more than expected, particularly roads with low traffic volume (low volume). Habituated bears were closer to roads than wary bears. Males were closer to low-volume roads than females but crossed roads less than females during the berry season. Bears were more likely to cross low-volume roads than high-volume roads and were more likely to cross at points with higher habitat rankings. In addition, bears were more likely to cross high-volume roads when moving from areas with low habitat values to areas with high habitat values. Efforts to prevent loss of habitat connectivity across highways should involve maintenance of high-quality grizzly bear habitat adjacent to roads and should address the effects of traffic volume on the road-crossing decisions of grizzly bears.
Cannibalism and density-dependent mortality in the wolf spiderPardosa milvina(Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: Buddle Christopher M , Walker Sean E , Rypstra Ann L
Published: October 2003

Cannibalism is an important regulating mechanism in many terrestrial and aquatic arthropod communities. Spider ecologists have suggested that cannibalism with wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) in the genera Schizocosa and Pardosa is common and can act in population regulation. This hypothesis was tested with the species Pardosa milvina (Hentz), a small wolf spider that shows high densities in disturbance-driven ecosystems, including agricultural fields, throughout eastern North America. Under laboratory conditions, cannibalism was more common between pairs of P. milvina with the greatest differences in both mass and size. Field studies, in which we stocked natural densities, 2× natural densities, and 4× natural densities of P. milvina in enclosures placed in soybean fields, revealed that survival was lowest when conspecific density was highest, and larger individuals prevailed under high-density conditions. Thus, cannibalism likely plays an important role in governing populations of P. milvina, and the generality about the prevalence and importance of cannibalism with wolf spiders is supported.
Genome size variation in lepidopteran insects
Authors: Gregory T Ryan , Hebert Paul D.N
Published: October 2003

Little information is available on genome size diversity among insects, even in otherwise well-studied groups such as the Lepidoptera. In fact, only six lepidopteran species have been studied to date. The present study therefore represents the first attempt to survey genome size variation in this group, giving estimates for more than 50 species and increasing the coverage of the order to 15 families. Based on this expanded data set, some interesting patterns of variation can be observed, albeit only in a preliminary way. By providing the first large survey of lepidopteran genome sizes, as well as some methodological guidelines and highlights of interesting future work, it is hoped that this study will stimulate further analysis of this diverse group of insects.
Possible heterotic effects of B chromosomes on body mass in a population of Apodemus flavicollis
Authors: Zima J , Piálek J , Macholán M
Published: October 2003

The adaptive significance of supernumerary (B) chromosomes was studied in yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis. No significant change in the average frequencies of B chromosomes could be confirmed in a population from northern Bohemia during a period spanning 17 years. However, we found a significant regression between the frequency of B chromosomes and body mass. The best fit to a logistic function was obtained by a model that included the effects of both sex and body mass and their interaction. A significant relationship between the mean number of B chromosomes and body mass was found in males but not in females. It is suggested that a selective advantage for males possessing B chromosomes, possibly in relation to survival during winter, explains the data obtained.
Effects of selective logging on terrestrial small mammals and arthropods
Authors: Simard Jennifer R , Fryxell John M
Published: October 2003

Seed productivity is maximized as trees mature, potentially increasing seed availability to consumers. Forestry practices based on the removal of single or small groups of mature trees may decrease seed productivity within harvested forest stands. We investigated the effects of selective logging by contrasting seed production and the diversity and abundance of small mammals and arthropods between hardwood forests with different logging histories in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. Eight "disturbed" stands (~30 years since logged) were contrasted against eight "protected" stands (~90 years since logged). Protected stands produced significantly higher densities of seeds and supported a more diverse group of small mammals. Increased family richness of terrestrial arthropods was also detected within the protected stands. Small-mammal food addition experiments had no detectable effect on the diversity and abundance of small mammals or arthropods. These results indicate that disturbed stands have lower levels of seed production with consequent effects on the diversity and abundance of small mammals and arthropods.
Temporal responses in energy expenditure and respiratory quotient following feeding in the muskox: influence of season on energy costs of eating and standing and an endogenous heat increment
Authors: Lawler James P , White Robert G
Published: October 2003

Seasonal energy metabolism was investigated in young (2- to 3-year-old) muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) during the winters of 1994 (JanuaryApril) and 1996 (January) and summer of 1995 (July and August). Energy expenditure (EE) increased 35%42% following a meal of chopped brome hay (Bromus inermis) and declined as a double-exponential process over 8 h. The mean energy cost of eating (321 and 361 J·g dry matter1) was lower in winter than in summer, and declined with body mass (BM) (r2 = 0.58). The mean energy cost of standing was 21% (SE = 2.7%) higher than that of bedding. Prefeeding energy expenditure (EEp) was 26% higher in summer than in winter. An endo genous heat increment, measured as EEp  EE, at 7-8 h post feeding was lower (P < 0.001) in winter than in summer (39 and 58 kJ·kg BM0.75·d1, respectively). Mean cumulative EE (minus activity costs) for 8 h post feeding was 124 (SE = 4) and 148 (SE = 4) kJ·kg BM0.75 (P < 0.001) in winter and summer, respectively. Respiratory quotients (RQs) >1 were recorded during feeding in winter and a mean RQ of 0.9 was recorded in summer. Seasonal EEp, postfeeding EE, and RQ are consistent with a low cost of maintenance metabolism in winter and an increased requirement for productivity in summer.
Size and habitat composition of female mallard home ranges in the prairie-parkland region of Canada
Authors: Mack Glenn G , Clark Robert G , Howerter David W
Published: October 2003

Wetland density is believed to be an important determinant of variation in size of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) home ranges, but hypothesized effects of upland habitat and female size and age have not been adequately evaluated. Thus, we investigated correlates of home-range size using unique radio-tracking data for 131 female mallards studied on 12 Canadian prairie-parkland sites in 19951998. Home-range size and habitat composition varied within and among study areas; overall, variation in home-range size was best modeled to include effects of seasonal and semipermanent wetlands (β = 0.06 ± 0.01; mean ± SE) and woodlandshrubland habitat (β = 0.03 ± 0.01). Contrary to predictions, we obtained no support for a positive association between home-range size and female body size or a negative relationship between home-range size and female age. After controlling for confounding effects of wetland density, home ranges were larger, on average, on study areas with lower densities of mallard breeding pairs; therefore, we suspect that individual home ranges were smaller in areas of high pair density because of increased intraspecific competition for breeding space. A higher proportion of woodlandshrubland habitat likely contributed to the smaller size of individual home ranges because of a greater relative availability of preferred nesting habitat.
Diving behavior of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Punta Tombo, Argentina
Authors: Walker Brian G , Boersma P Dee
Published: October 2003

Geographic and temporal variability in the marine environment affects seabirds' ability to find food. Similarly, an individual's body size or condition may influence their ability to capture prey. We examined the diving behavior of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Punta Tombo, Argentina, as an indicator of variation in foraging ability. We studied how body size affected diving capability and how diving varies among years and within breeding seasons. We also compared diving patterns of Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo with those of birds in two colonies at the opposite end of the species' breeding range. Larger penguins tended to dive deeper and for longer than smaller birds. Trips were longer during incubation and in the years and colonies with lower reproductive success, which suggests that in those instances birds were working hard to recover body condition and feed chicks. Average dive depths, average dive durations, and percentages of time spent diving were always similar. We found that the only parameter these penguins consistently modified while foraging was the length of their foraging trip, which suggests that penguins at Punta Tombo were diving at maximum rates to find their preferred prey. Increasing trip length, we suggest, is a physiologically conservative solution for increasing the likelihood of encountering prey.
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) chick diet and reproductive performance at colonies with high and low capelin (Mallotus villosus) abundance
Authors: Baillie Shauna M , Jones Ian L
Published: October 2003

We compared nestling diet and growth, breeding phenology, breeding success, and adult mass of Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) between two seabird colonies adjacent to ocean habitat with presumed high and low capelin (Mallotus villosus) abundance in 19961998. We hypothesized that puffins at their colony at Gannet Islands, Labrador, where capelin were scarce, would exhibit lower reproductive performance than at Gull Island, Witless Bay, where capelin were abundant. Historically, capelin comprised approximately 60%95% of the chick diet biomass at both colonies. In the late 1990s, puffin chicks at the Gannet Islands received 3%24% capelin (by mass), which was 39%97% less than was received at Gull Island. Postlarval sandlance (Ammodytes sp.) comprised up to 49% (by mass) of the chick diet at the Gannet Islands. Hatching success and fledge success estimates at the Gannet Islands in 19971998 were statistically similar to those at Gull Island in 1998. Fledge mass (expressed as percentage of adult mass) was similar between Gannet Islands (69%) and Gull Island (68%). The high interyear variability in chick diet at both colonies and the low variation in breeding performance during our study suggest that Atlantic Puffins in Labrador are resilient to large-scale prey-base changes.
Exploiting vulnerable prey: moths and red bats (Lasiurus borealis; Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Reddy E , Fenton M B
Published: October 2003

We observed 18 individually banded red bats, Lasiurus borealis, foraging around streetlights to test our hypotheses that they were either foraging cooperatively or practising kleptoparasitism (theft of prey). In 80 of 238 attacks, bats reattacked the same moth (29% of these attacks involved >1 bat and 71% just 1 bat). Logistic regression showed that a bat's foraging-success rate was significantly positively affected by the number of attacks made on a moth (p < 0.05) and the type of attack (by a single bat versus >1 bat) (p < 0.05) but negatively affected by the length of time over which the moth was attacked (i.e., from the first to the second attack) (p < 0.05). Using a model we tested whether or not an eavesdropping L. borealis could be in a position to reattack a vulnerable (previously attacked) moth before the initial attacker and found that if an eavesdropper was within 30 m during the first attack it could always beat the first attacking bat to the vulnerable moth. The data and analysis support neither the cooperative-foraging nor the kleptoparasitism hypotheses, but rather show that a combination of timing of moth defensive behaviour and bat flight performance strongly influences the outcome of an attack.
Low host recognition tendency revealed by experimentally induced parasitic egg laying in the common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Authors: Pöysä Hannu
Published: October 2003

Host-parasite relatedness has been suggested to promote the evolution of conspecific brood parasitism, an alternative reproductive tactic pursued by females in several animal taxa. An essential prerequisite for relatedness to promote brood parasitism is accurate kin recognition, including the recognition of related hosts by parasites. I performed a field experiment to address the accuracy of host recognition by parasites in the common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), a cavity-nesting duck. I studied whether parasites discriminate between experimental nests that did not have a host (i.e., new nest boxes that contained chicken eggs dyed to mimic the colour of common goldeneye eggs) and real nests that did have a host (i.e., active nests that progressed to incubation). Parasitic egg laying in the experimental nests was not constrained by the lack of contemporarily available nests that had a host; it was also not constrained by the lack of suitable and empty nest sites. There was no difference in the start of parasitic laying between the experimental and real nests. The experimental nests and real nests were equally parasitized. The findings suggest that host recognition by parasites is not sophisticated in the common goldeneye, questioning the possible function of accurate kin recognition in brood parasitism in this species.
Evidence of Qi-gong Energy and its Biological Effect on the Enhancement of the Phagocytic Activity of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Fukushima Masanori , Kataoka Takuji , Hamada Chikuma , Matsumoto Mippo
Published: October 2003

In order to test for an effect of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) treated externally with Qi energy ("Qi-treated" PBS) on the phagocytic activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), rigorously controlled experiments employing masking and randomized procedures were carried out under independent monitoring. In all experiments, Qi treatment was externally applied under monitoring to newly purchased unopened 100 ml bottles of PBS, and the PMN phagocytic activity was sayed by one experimenter in masked, randomized and monitored conditions using a highly sensitive chemiluminescence method. Phagocytic activity data were obtained in triplicate for each sample and then statistically analyzed. The PBS samples Qi-treated by the Qi-gong master and by one of the Qi-gong trainees showed clear stimulation of PMN phagocytic activity which was significant statistically, and this phenomenon was highly reproducible. Out of 10 experiments by the Qi-gong master, only twice did Qi-treatment fail to influence the PBS. The activity of Qi-treated PBS decayed over days or weeks. Furthermore, it was found the Qi-treated PBS had decreased phagocytic stimulatory activity after microware treatment, but not after autoclave treatment. We also demonstrated that microwae irradiation and infrared laser pulse irradiation have similar effects on PBS as Qi- treatment. The results obtained in this experiment provide evidence of the existence of Qi energy, its ability to influence an electrolyte solution and its biological effect. Furthermore, microwave or infrared laser pulse treatment was found to partly mimic the Qi-treatment of PBS.
Spatio-temporal Pattern of EEG in YoungBrain Respiration-training Children
Authors: Kim Hyung Rae , Kim Soo Yong , Kim Dai Jin , Kim Young Youn , Park Sang Kyu , Chae Jeong Ho , Kim Kwang Soo , Lee Kun Ho , Lee Seung Heun
Published: October 2003

We have evaluated the effect of 'Brain Respiration training on brain activity' using Karhunen-Loeve (KL) decomposition as a method for spatio-temporal analysis of the electroencepha logram (EEG). BR training is a form of breath-work to optimize the function of the brain by concentrating Qi energy in the brain. Recently, BR-training has been reported to improve emotional maturity (i.e., EQ), short-term memory and intuition (Yoo et al., 1998). EEG data were taken during BR-training from 12 young BR-trainees (average age: 9.4 years) who had trained fro 4 to 14 months, and during relaxation from age matched non-trained children. Spatio-temporal analysis showed a significant difference of EEG dynamics in right prefrontal, right inferior frontal, posterior temporal, parietal and occipital areas between BR-trainees and the control group. Amplitude of eigenvector components of BR-trainees in the areas of frontal, temporal and occipital cortex was larger than that of non-trained children (values were smaller in parietal cortex), with remarkably high amplitude alpha coherence all over the scalp. These results suggest that BR-taining possibly activates brain function through changes in the activity of the frontal association area where higher mental integration and creative activities are mediated.
Moxibustion Treatment of Breech Presentation
Authors: Kanajura Yoichi , Kometani Kunio , Nagata Tetsurou , Niwa Kuniaki , Kamatsuki Hiroshi , Shinzato Yasutaka , Tokunaga Yasumoto
Published: October 2003

Breech presentation was successfully corrected by stimulating acupuncture points with moxibustion or low-frequency electrical current. Only patients with breech pregnancies at the 28th week or later were entered into the study. With moxibustion treatment, the control group had a spontaneous correction rate of 165/224 (73.66%), and the treatment group had a correction rate of 123/133 (92.48%) (P < 0.0001, x2 test). With low-frequency percutaneous electrical stimulation, the correction rate was 20/941 (83.87%) in the control group and 171/191 (89.52%) in the treatment group (P = 0.094, x2 test). The control is the moxibustion study did no exercises and received no external manipulation to correct breech presentation whereas those in the electrical stimulation study experienced both. Acupuncture stimulation, especially with moxibustion, is expected to serve as a safe and effective modality in the management of breech presentation in a clinical setting.
Anti-HIV Activity of Medicinal Herbs: Usage and Potential Development
Authors: Wu Ji An , Attele Anoja S. , Zhang Liu , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: October 2003

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a result of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which subsequently leads to significant suppression of immune functions. AIDS is a significant threat to the health of mankind, and the search for effective therapies to treat AIDS is of paramount importance. Several chemical anti-HIV agents have been developed. However, besides the high cost, there are adverse effects and limitations associated with using chemotherapy for the treatment of HIV infection Thus, herbal medicines have frequently been used as an alternative medical therapy by HIV positive individuals and AIDS patients. The aim of this review is to summarize research findings for herbal medicines, which are endowed with the ability to inhibit HIV. In this article, we will emphasize a Chinese herbal medicine. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its identified components (i.e. baicalein and baicalin) which have been shown to inhibit infectivity and replication of HIV. Potential development of anti-AIDS compounds using molecular modeling methods will also be discussed.
Effects of Coffee Cherry, the Residue Left after Removal of the Beans from the Coffeee Fruit, on Mammary Glands, Automatic Behavior and Related Parameters in Mice
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroshi , Yada Erika , Udagawa Yoko , Inatomi Hideo
Published: October 2003

To clarify the mechanisms of the anti-mammary tumor activity of coffee cherry (CC), the residue left after the removal of beans from the fruit, the effects in SHN mice of CC on plasma and urine component levels, mammary gland growth, spontaneous motor activity and several related parameters were examined. Hot water extract of CC was given to 2-month-old mice in drinking water (0.5%) for 60 days. The treatment prevented the elevation of plasma and urine levels of alanin aminotransferase and asparate aminotransferase, indicating that CC can protect against metabolic abnormality, which is a cause of the high mammary tumor susceptibility of SHN mice. It also resulted in an inhibition of the formation of precancerous mammary hyperplastic alveolar nodules. Neither food and water intake nor spontaneous motor activity was affected by CC. The findings provide novel information on the mechanism of the protective effect of CC on mammary tumorigenesis and confirm the usefulness of CC as a safe chemopreventive agent of mammary and other types of tumors.
Anti-allergic Activity of the Sophorae Radix Water Extract in Experimental Animals
Authors: Lee Ho-Sub , Park Kwan-Ha , Kwon Kang-Beom , Mun Byeong-Sun , Song Cheol-Min , Song Yong-Seon , Seo Eun-A , Kim Young-suk , Kim Kang-Jeon , Ryu Do-Gon
Published: October 2003

The water extract of Sophorae radix was tested for its preventive effects against cardiovascular anaphylaxis elicited in experimental animals. In actively sensitized pithed rats, the extract partially protected the animals from death resulting from antigen challenge. Of the cardiovascular changes observed during the anaphylaxis in the pithed animals, the initial pressor response was significantly attenuated by the extract. The extract also improved anaphylactic cardiac dysfunction in passively sensitized isolated guinea hearts: improvement was noted in the contractility, arrhythmic duration and lactate dehydrogenase elevation. The perfusion pressure change to antigen challenge was not altered by the extract in passively sensitized isolated mesenteric artery preparations. The extract however significantly inhibited homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis responses in rats. When examined in isolated guinea pig tracheal muscle, the extract did not influence at reasonable concentrations on the contractions elicited by three major anaphylactic mediators, histamine, leukotriene D4 and serotonin. These results suggest that the water extract of Sophorae radix possesses anti-anaphylactic effect in cardiovascular system, primarily acting on the heart not the peripheral resistance vessels.
Effect of Norcantharidin on N-acetyltransferase Activity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Wu Lii-Tzu , Chung Jing-Gung , Chen Jung-Chou , Tsauer Wei
Published: October 2003

The inhibition of arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity by norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was investigated. By using high performance liquid chromatography, NAT activity on acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (AF) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) were examined. Two assay system were performed, one with cellular cytosols, the other with intact HepG2 cell suspensions. The NAT activity in HepG2 cell line was inhibited by norcantharidin in a dose-dependent manner in both types of examined systems: i.e. the greater the concentration of norcantharidin in the reaction, the greater the inhibition of NAT activities. This report is the first to show that norcantharidin has an inhibitory effect on NAT activity in HepG2 cell.
Letter to the Editor: Epilepsy in Chinese Culture
Authors: Lee Tatia M. C. , Yang Serena H. C. , Ng Philip K.K.
Published: October 2003

This article reviewed the meaning and development of epilepsy in Chinese culture. The theories of Yin and Yang and the five elements, fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine, were introduced, which form the context of understanding of the etiology, classification, and treatment of epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine.
Antileukemic Activity of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff and Houttuynia cordata Thunb.
Authors: Chang Jung-San , Chiang Lien-Chai , Chen Chi-Chain , Liu Li-Teh , Wang Kuo-Chih , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: October 2003

To evaluate the anti-leukemic activity of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff and Houttuynia cordata Thunb., cytotoxicity tests with an XTT-based colorimetric assay were used. Five leukemic ceil lines, namely L1210, U937, K562, Raji and P3HR1, were cultured with hot water extracts of B. pilosa var. minor or H. cordata. Hot water extracts of B. pilosa var. minor inhibited these five leukemic cells with IC50s between 145 μg/ml and 586 μg/ml. The effect was greatest on four cell line, namely L1210, P3HR1, Raji and K562, with IC50s below 200 μg/ml and a selective index of more than 5. Hot water extract of H. cordata inhibited these five leukemic cells with IC50s between 478 μg/ml and 662 μg/ml. The selective index was between 1.5 and 2.1. B. pilosa var. minor was more effective than H. cordata in inhibiting most of the leukemic cells in our study. We suggest that B. pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff may prove to be a useful medicinal plant for treating leukemia.
Ethyl Acetate Extract of the Stem Bark of Cudrania Tricuspidata Induces Apoptosis in Human Leukemia HL-60 Cells
Authors: Seo Won-Gil , Pae Hyun-Ock , Oh Gi-Su , Chai Kyu-Yun , Yun Young-Gab , Chung Hun-Taeg , Jang Kyu Kwan , Kwon Tae-Oh
Published: October 2003

Apoptosis is now widely accepted as playing a role in tumorigenesis. An effective compound which can kill tumors via apoptonic pathway appears to be a relevant strategy to suppress various human tumors. The ethyl acetate extract from the stem bark of Cudrania tricupidata (EACT) showed dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects on human leukemia HL-60 cells. DNA fragmentation and morphological changes, accompanied by condensed and fragmented nuclei, were observed in the cells cultured for 6 hr with EACT. These results suggest that the cytotoxicity of the crude extract from Cudrania tricuspidata against HL-60 cells is due to apoptosis.
Effects of (-)-Menthol on Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Activity in Human Liver Tumor Cells
Authors: Lin Jing-Pin , Li Yuh-Ching , Lin Weng-Chuan , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: October 2003

To evaluate whether or not (-)-menthol affects arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity, we selected human liver tumor cell line (J 5) for examination. By using high performance liquid chromatography, NAT activity for acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (AF) was determined. (-)-Menthol displayed a dose-dependent inhibition to cytosolic NAT activity. Time-course experiments showed that NAT activity measured from intact human liver tumor cells was inhibited by (-)-menthol for up to 24 hrs. But in human liver tumor intact cells, the low doses (0.0032 and 0.032 mM) of (-)-menthol inhibited NAT activity andthe 0.32 mM (-)-menthol did not show any significant differences between control and (-)-menthol treated groups. Using standard steady-state kinetic analysis, it was demonstrated that (-)-menthol was a possible uncompetitive inhibitor (decrease Km and Vmax) to NAT activity in cytosols. This report is the first demonstration which showed (-)-menthol affect on human liver tumor cells NAT activity.