bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant mortality rates in single, twin and triplet births, and influencing factors in Japan, 1995–98
Authors: Imaizumi Y.
Published: March 2003

The infant mortality rate (IMR) was analysed among single, twin and triplet births during the period from 1995 to 1998 using Japanese Vital Statistics. This study also investigated the effects of order of multiple births and of birthweight on the IMR. Proportions of neonatal deaths among total infant deaths were about 1/2 for singletons and 3/4 for both twins and triplets. Thus, to reduce the IMR, intensive care of multiple births is likely to be very important during the first month of life. The IMR was higher in males than females for both singletons and twins, but not in triplets. Relative risks of the IMR in multiples relative to singletons were 5‐fold in twins and 12‐fold in triplets. The IMR was higher in the second‐born (18 per 1000 live births) than the first‐born (16) twin and higher in the third‐born (51) than the first‐born (31) and the second‐born (34) triplet. The higher risk in the second‐born than the first‐born twin may be related to delivery complications. The IMR decreased rapidly as birthweight increased in singletons, twins, and triplets. IMRs for ≤1500 g were 2.4 per 1000 live births in singletons, 5.9 in twins and 6.1 in triplets. The corresponding proportions of infant deaths were 75%, 33% and 10% respectively. The higher relative risks of multiple births are almost entirely the result of the lower birthweight distribution among twins and triplets. To reduce the IMR, birthweight is an important factor in twins, triplets and singletons. The overall early neonatal death rate decreased as gestational age rose in singletons, twins and triplets. For birthweights <1000 g, higher IMRs were related to gestational ages of <28 weeks.
Delayed maternity and risk at delivery
Authors: Astolfi Paola , Zonta Laura A.
Published: March 2003

We evaluated the effect of the mother’s age on the risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcome. The study considered 1348 190 first‐born and 957 689 second‐born babies born in Italy in 1990–94. The risk of stillbirth, preterm birth in liveborns, and low birthweight in liveborns at term, was first evaluated separately and then globally as a function of maternal age, education and parity. Older (≥ 35 years) mothers were found to run an increased risk, both on single and on global evaluation, with respect to their younger counterparts. Primiparae ≥ 35 years of age, of low education, ran a global risk threefold higher (3.14 [3.02, 3.26]) than the young highly educated secondiparae who were the lowest risk (4.64% of babies at risk). From 26 years the global risk rose with each advancing year of maternal age, but parity and education modified the age effect. Linear fitting of the proportion of mothers ≥ 35 since 1984 indicates that by the year 2025 about 25% of the mothers may face late child bearing.
Changing patterns of low birthweight and preterm birth in the United States, 1981–98
Authors: Branum Amy M. , Schoendorf Kenneth C.
Published: March 2003

Low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth are primary risk factors for infant morbidity and mortality in the US. With increasing multiple births and delayed childbearing, it is important to examine the separate contributions of these characteristics to the increases in LBW and preterm birth rates. US natality records from 1981, 1990 and 1998 were used to calculate LBW (% births <1500, 1500–2499, <2500 g) and preterm (% births <29, 29–32, 33–36, <37 weeks gestation) rates. Data were stratified by maternal race (black or white) and plurality (singleton vs. multiple birth). LBW and preterm rates among singletons were adjusted for maternal age to examine the influence of demographic shifts on LBW trends. From 1981 to 1998, LBW increased 12% among white infants, but remained relatively stable among black infants. During the same time, preterm birth increased 23% among white infants compared with 3% among black infants. For both black and white infants, the increase in LBW and preterm births was greater among multiple births than among singletons. Adjustment for maternal age did not reduce the temporal increase in LBW or preterm birth among singletons. Black infants continue to experience a markedly higher incidence of LBW and preterm birth, but the racial gap in these outcomes has narrowed slightly in recent years as a result of increasing LBW and preterm birth among white births. The differing trends for white and black infants are the consequence of a disparate trend in the incidence and outcome of multiple births coupled with increases in LBW and preterm birth among white singletons. Understanding the differential patterns in birth outcomes among white and black infants is necessary to develop effective interventions designed to decrease racial disparities in pregnancy outcome.
Parental age difference and adverse perinatal outcomes in the United States
Authors: Kinzler Wendy L. , Ananth Cande V. , Smulian John C. , Vintzileos Anthony M.
Published: March 2003

This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between paternal and maternal age differences and adverse perinatal outcomes in the United States. Data were obtained on singleton pregnancies delivering at ≥20 weeks gestation in the United States in 1995–97 from the National Center for Health Statistics data sets. Adverse perinatal outcomes that were evaluated included fetal death rate (≥20 weeks), preterm delivery <37 weeks and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) births (birthweight <10th centile for gestational age and corrected for sex). Age difference was defined as paternal minus maternal age. The analysis included 8 995 274 pregnancies (11.3% blacks, 88.7% whites). An increase in fetal death rate, preterm delivery and SGA births was noted among white women who were older than their male partners. For black mothers older than their partners, there was an increase in fetal death rate when the women were <20 years old, but a decrease in fetal death rate when >35 years old. Neither rates of preterm delivery nor SGA births were increased much for black women with varying parental age differences. This demonstrates that race and maternal age both contribute to the effects of parental age difference on adverse perinatal outcomes.
Measuring the intensity of pregnancy planning effort
Authors: Morin Pascale , Payette Hélène , Moos Merry‐K. , St‐Cyr‐Tribble Denise , Niyonsenga Théophile , De Wals Philippe
Published: March 2003

This study validated a measure of pregnancy planning effort based on Miller's conceptual framework in two clinical settings. The questionnaire's main items deal with general behaviour with regard to pregnancy, timing and proception (proception being the reverse of contraception). Values for these three items are added to yield a continuous score ranging from 0 to 12. The study population comprised 448 women of different cultural backgrounds recruited in prenatal, fertility and family planning clinics in Quebec and North Carolina. The results indicate that the internal consistency between the three items pertaining to pregnancy planning was excellent (Cronbach's alpha of 0.83). Test–retest reliability after a 4‐week interval was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 for the planning score. The planning score median for women attending family planning clinics (1.00) was significantly lower than that for those recruited in fertility clinics (11.00), confirming the discriminant ability of the instrument. Path analysis shows that the conceptual model corroborates the observed data and explains 53% of the pregnancy planning variability. In conclusion, this is the first questionnaire specifically designed to assess the intensity of pregnancy planning effort, a potentially important variable in epidemiological studies and clinical practice.
Survival of infants diagnosed with encephalocele in Atlanta, 1979–98
Authors: Siffel Csaba , Wong Lee‐Yang C. , Olney Richard S. , Correa Adolfo
Published: March 2003

This study aimed to evaluate the survival of a cohort of liveborn infants diagnosed with encephalocele during a 20‐year period and the variation of such survival by selected demographic and clinical characteristics. We reviewed data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) to ascertain all live births diagnosed with encephalocele (n = 83) from 1979 to 1998. Of these, 66 (79%) had isolated defects. Among 70 liveborn infants with site of the defect specified, 50 were classified as having posterior and 20 with anterior defects. To identify their vital status, we used data from MACDP hospital records and vital records from the State of Georgia supplemented by linking registry data with the National Death Index from 1979 to 1999.

Among children with encephalocele, 76.0% of the deaths (19/25) occurred during the first day of life. The survival probability to 1 year of age was 70.8%[95% confidence intervals (CI) 60.9, 80.7] and to 20 years of age was 67.3%[95% CI 55.7, 78.8]. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with increased mortality were low birthweight (<2500 g) [relative risk (RR) 5.18; 95% CI 2.13, 12.63], presence of multiple defects (RR 2.82; 95% CI 1.19, 6.69) and black race (RR 2.36; 95% CI 0.95, 5.85). Overall survival for infants with multiple defects (41.2%) was significantly poorer than survival among those with isolated defects (74.3%). A 70% decrease in risk of mortality was observed among infants born with encephalocele during 1989–98 compared with those born during 1979–88, but this decrease was evident only among cases with low birthweight (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.01, 0.90). This study highlights the prognostic importance of multiple defects and low birthweight for infants with encephalocele and identifies a statistically significant difference in survival by race. This information is useful for clinicians and families who must plan for the long‐term care of affected children.
IgG subclass recognition of Loa loa antigens and their correlation with clinical status in individuals from Gabon
Authors: AKUE  , HOMMEL  , DEVANEY
Published: March 2003

In endemic areas for Loa loa, a significant percentage of actively infected individuals have no circulating microfilariae, an observation which implies the existence of a stage‐specific immune response. In an attempt to define the immunological basis of the amicrofilaraemic state, the reactivity of antigens from adult, microfilariae and infective larvae of L. loa was examined by Western blotting with individual serum samples from four clinically defined groups (high microfilaraemic, low microfilaraemic, amicrofilaraemic and endemic controls) using IgG subclass‐specific reagents and IgE. In the adult parasite, a complex of antigens at 28‐31 kDa was exclusively recognized by IgG1 from amicrofilaraemic individuals and, to a lesser extent, by IgG1 from endemic controls. However, this complex of antigens was recognized by IgG4 antibodies in serum samples from all individuals, including microfilaraemics. A microfilarial antigen of 21 kDa was recognized by IgG1 antibodies present in serum from amicrofilaraemic, endemic control and low microfilaraemic individuals. Persons with high levels of microfilariae did not recognise this antigen. In both the L3 and the microfilariae, a ladder antigen with increments of 15 kDa was the main target of IgG4 antibodies in amicrofilaraemic and microfilaraemic individuals. IgE antibodies recognized more antigens in the microfilarial stage than in the adult of L3. These results suggest that immunological differences between clinically defined groups are associated with the recognition of different antigens or epitopes.
Antibody and Th1/Th2‐type responses in BALB/c mice inoculated with live or dead Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces
Authors: DEMATTEIS SYLVIA , BAZ ADRIANA , ROTTENBERG MARTÍN , FERNÁNDEZ CECILIA , ÖRN ANDERS , NIETO ALBERTO
Published: March 2003

The aims of this study were to investigate whether a Th1‐or a Th2‐type response is stimulated in the first stages of experimental infection with Echinococcus granulosus, and to determine whether live or dead protoscoleces equally contribute to such Th1/Th2‐type polarization. Live parasites stimulated the production of IL‐10, IL‐4 and IL‐5 as early as week 1 postinoculation. The levels of IL‐10 and IL‐4 decreased towards week 4 p.i. and that of IFNγ increased. The production of specific antibodies was characterized by high levels of systemic IgG1 and local IgM and IgG3 (measured in peritoneal lavages). In contrast, dead parasites induced elevated levels of IL‐4, IFNγ, IL‐10 and IL‐5 on week 1 postinoculation followed by a decrease of IFNγ and an increase of IL‐4. Low levels of specific antibodies were stimulated by dead parasites both systemically and in the peritoneal cavity. These results show that E. granulosus infection induced an early Th2‐type response and that live parasites stimulated stronger antibody responses than dead parasites. In addition, they strongly suggest that both phenomena were modulated by live protoscoleces.
Infection with Schistosoma mansoni prevents insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: COOKE ANNE , TONKS PAUL , JONES FRANCIS M. , O'SHEA HELEN , HUTCHINGS PATRICIA , FULFORD ANTHONY J.C. , DUNNE
Published: March 2003

The spontaneous development of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice has been shown to be mediated by a Th1 response against beta cell antigens. It is known that in murine models of Schistosoma mansoni infection, egg production is associated with a switch from a Th1 to Th2 response. This subsequent dominance of a Th2 response in S.mansoni infected mice has been shown to influence the response to other infectious agents or antigens. We therefore determined whether infection with S.mansoni could influence the spontaneous incidence of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in NOD mice. Infection with this helminth significantly reduced the spontaneous incidence of IDDM. IDDM was also prevented by injecting parasite eggs alone. Because until relatively recently humans might expect to succumb to a variety of infectious agents, the current freedom from infection might permit the expression of a genetic predisposition to autoimmune pathology and be responsible for the increased incidence of IDDM.
Further immunization and biochemical studies with a protective antigen complex from the microvillar membrane of the intestine of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: SMITH  , PETTIT  , NEWLANDS  , REDMOND  , SKUCE  , KNOX  , SMITH
Published: March 2003

Immunization of sheep with a protective antigen complex from the intestinal cells of Haemonchus contortus in Freund's adjuvant stimulated individually variable antibody responses but still conferred significant protection against parasite infection. Correlation between antibody concentration and degree of protection was suggestive of antibody being the effector mechanism. The antigen is known as Haemonchus galactose‐containing glycoprotein complex (H‐gal‐GP) because it binds to lectins with a specificity for N‐acetyl‐galactosamine. Polypeptide composition analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated an apparent molecular weight of about 1000 kDa and SDS gels revealed four major polypeptides, containing between 2 and 5 disulphide linked subunits, nearly all being glycosylated. N‐terminal amino acid sequence was obtained from 12 subunits, ten showing homologies with cDNAs from Haemonchus encoding either pepsin, metalloprotease or cysteine protease‐like enzymes. pH optima, inhibitor and various substrate studies confirmed that the native complex possessed proteolytic activities in agreement with the sequence data. Although the cDNAs predicted water soluble enzymes, little of the complex was solubilized from worm membranes without the use of a detergent, such as Triton X‐100. It is hypothesized that H‐gal‐GP is a gut membrane associated multiprotease complex which is involved in the digestion of the blood meal and which can be neutralized by specific antibodies with drastic consequences for the parasite.
L3 antigen‐specific antibody isotype responses in human strongyloidiasis: correlations with larval output
Authors: Atkins  , Conway  , Lindo  , Bailey  , Bundy
Published: March 2003

Autoinfective strongyloidiasis is potentially fatal, yet the majority of infected individuals harbour asymptomatic and chronic infections. The role of humoral responses in modulating autoinfection was assessed by examining antibody isotype responses to filariform larval antigens amongst chronically infected ex‐Far East Prisoners of War (exFEPOWs) with longstanding (> 30 years) infection. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, IgG4, IgE and IgA responses to whole Strongyloides stercoralis L3 extracts and their constituent antigenic components were characterized by ELISA and quantitative immunoblotting. Comparison of two groups of S. stercoralis infected exFEPOWs with and without detectable larvae in stool demonstrated novel trends. Significantly enhanced recognition of six immunodominant antigenic components by IgA was associated with undetectable larval output, as was enhanced IgE recognition of several components. Additionally, IgE and IgG4 exhibited parallel antigen recognition patterns. These findings are consistent with roles for IgA in modulating larval output, for IgE in regulating autoinfection, and for IgG4 in blocking IgE‐mediated responses in human strongyloidiasis.
Immunomodulatory properties of a phosphorylcholine‐containing secreted filarial glycoprotein
Authors: Harnett William , Deehan Maureen R. , Houston Katrina M. , Harnett Margaret M.
Published: March 2003

ES‐62 is a phosphorylcholine (PC)‐containing glycoprotein which is secreted by the rodent filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae. A homologue exists in the human filarial nematode Brugia malayi and indeed PC is found attached to glycoproteins of many, if not all, filarial species. At concentrations equivalent to those found for PC‐containing molecules in the bloodstream of parasitized humans, ES‐62 is able to polyclonally activate certain protein tyrosine kinase and mitogen‐activating protein kinase signal‐transduction elements in B and T lymphocytes following in‐vitro exposure. Although this interaction is insufficient to cause lymphocyte proliferation per se, it serves to desensitize the cells to subsequent activation of the phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, protein kinase C and Ras mitogen‐activating protein kinase pathways and hence also to proliferation via the antigen receptors. The active component of ES‐62 appears to be PC, as the results obtained with ES‐62 are broadly mimicked by PC conjugated to BSA or PC alone. Although PC can also be shown to desensitize B cells following in‐vivo administration, not all cells are affected, as it is still possible to generate an antibody response. Dissection of this response indicates that it is of the Th2 type.
Host cell‐mediated responses to infection withCryptosporidium
Authors: McDonald V.
Published: March 2003

The coccidianCryptosporidiuminfects epithelial cells of a variety of vertebrate hosts and is the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis. In mammals, including humans and domestic animals,C. parvuminfects the gastrointestinal tract producing an acute watery diarrhoea and weight loss. CD4+T‐cell‐deficient hosts have increased susceptibility to infection with the parasite and may develop severe life‐threatening complications. The host responses which induce protective immunity and contribute to pathogenesis are poorly understood. In the immunological control of infection, recent studies with murine infection models suggest that IFN‐γ plays a key role in a partially protective innate immunity against infection identified in immunocompromised mice and also in the elimination of infection mediated by CD4+T‐cells. At the mucosal level, CD4+intraepithelial lymphocytes are involved in the control of cryptosporidial infection, acting at least in part through production of IFN‐γ which has a direct inhibitory effect on parasite development in enterocytes. Primary infection of ruminants induces an intestinal inflammatory response in which increased numbers of various T‐cell subpopulations appear in the villi. In addition, infection results in increased intestinal expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐12, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. Because these cytokines appear to be important in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease, it is possible that they are involved in the mucosal pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis.
Th2 polarization of the immune response of BALB/c mice to Ixodes ricinus instars, importance of several antigens in activation of specific Th2 subpopulations
Authors: Mejri Naceur , Franscini Nicola , Rutti Bernard , Brossard Michel
Published: March 2003

BALB/c mice were infested with Ixodes ricinus larvae, nymphs or adults. Expression of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ mRNA in axillary and brachial draining lymph node cells were measured by competitive quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction 9 days after the beginning of primary‐infestation. IL‐4 mRNA was always higher than that of IFN‐γ mRNA for all tick instars. Moreover, IL‐4 mRNA expression progressively increased during nymphal primary‐infestation with a high burst of expression 7 days after the beginning of infestation. No evolution of IFN‐γ mRNA expression was detected. Draining lymph node cells of infested BALB/c produced higher level of IL‐4 than IFN‐γ following in vitro restimulation with adult tick saliva, salivary gland extract (SGE) or with five selected different chromatographic fractions of SGE. Anti‐tick IgG1 antibodies but no IgG2a were detected in BALB/c pluri‐infested with I. ricinus nymphs, which confirmed the Th2 polarization of the immune response.
Cross‐protection studies with gut membrane glycoprotein antigens from Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: Smith W.D. , Pettit D. , Smith S.K.
Published: March 2003

Gel profiles of the peanut and ConA lectin binding integral membrane glycoproteins of Teladorsagia circumcincta and Haemonchus contortus were compared and found to be considerably different. However, some of the Teladorsagia polypeptides were recognized by antisera specific for Haemonchus amino‐, metallo‐ or aspartyl peptidases, enzymes which are known to be protective antigens for that parasite. As expected, an experimental vaccine containing these Haemonchus proteases was extremely effective against homologous challenge, reducing egg and worm counts by more than 99% and 92%, respectively, but it did not provide any useful cross‐protection against either T. circumcincta,Trichostrongylus axei or Cooperiaoncophora. A reciprocal experiment, where sheep were immunized with the equivalent glycoproteins from T. circumcincta, showed that, while they were not protected against homologous challenge, there was some cross‐protection against Haemonchus as measured by a significant reduction in worm egg output.
In‐vitro susceptibility of hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus to nitric oxide and the effect of the laminated layer on nitric oxide production
Authors: Steers N.J.R. , Rogan M.T. , Heath S.
Published: March 2003

Murine hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus were incubated in vitro in the presence of nitric oxide produced from S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) or interferon‐γ activated peritoneal macrophages. In both situations, evidence of cyst damage and death was observed by microscopy in over 77% of cysts after 3 days, indicating that intact hydatid cysts could be susceptible to a Th1 driven macrophage attack. A crude extract of the laminated layer from cysts was found to be able to reduce the production of nitric oxide from activated macrophages in vitro and in vivo and this may have been due to phagocytosis of laminated layer fragments by the macrophages. The results indicate that, although cysts may be susceptible to the effects of nitric oxide, the laminated layer may be involved in downregulating nitric oxide production.
Resistance to Encephalitozoon intestinalis is associated with interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2 cytokines in infected mice
Authors: Fakhry Youssef El , Achbarou Abderrahim , Desportes Isabelle , Mazier Dominique
Published: March 2003

The understanding of the immunopathology of infections caused by microsporidia has pinpointed the importance of T cell‐mediated immunity. The immunopathology caused by the interesting protozoan parasite Encephalitozoon intestinalis, a microsporidium pathogenic in man, is not clearly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that a specific cellular immune response is implicated in the control of microsporidiosis infection in mice. Interferon (IFN)‐γ receptor knockout mice (IFN‐γ R°/°) developed a chronic infection with E. intestinalis, whereas a transient infection developed in wild‐type mice. Encephalitozoon intestinalis proteins induced proliferation of murine spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells collected from infected mice. The host response to microsporidia infection was regulated by a specific pattern of cytokine protection. Spleen cells derived from resistant 129 Sv/Ev mice inoculated with E. intestinalis secreted significant levels of γ‐interferon and interleukin‐2 but cells from highly susceptible IFN‐γ R knockout mice secreted high levels of interleukin‐4 (mostly between 2 and 4 weeks post infection). This is the first report in which a specific cellular immune response against E. intestinalis infection is presented.
Experimental schistosomiasis japonica in the pig: immunohistology of the hepatic egg granuloma
Authors: Hurst Maria H. , Willingham A. Lee , Lindberg Ronny
Published: March 2003

Use of the pig as an animal model in schistosomiasis research is increasing, but knowledge of the porcine immune response to schistosome infection is still very limited. We investigated the immunohistology of different maturation stages of theSchistosoma japonicumegg granuloma in pigs. Liver sections from pigs experimentally infected withS.japonicumfor 9, 12 or 21 weeks were examined by immunohistochemistry using a three‐step streptavidin‐biotin‐complex/immunoperoxidase method or a two‐step alkaline phosphatase‐mediated system. All granulomas showed marked expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II in epithelioid macrophages and were dominated by T lymphocytes, comprising both CD4+and CD8+phenotypes, with consistently higher proportions noted for CD8+cells. B lymphocytes, as identified by expression of CD21, were confined to lymphoid nodular structures primarily associated with mature granulomas. Early and mature granulomas contained numerous immunoglobulin (Ig)G+plasma cells. Significant differences in immunohistology related to duration of infection were not observed. The results indicate that all stages of the hepaticS.japonicumegg granuloma in the pig manifests MHC class II‐dependent CD4+T cell activity concomitant with infiltration of CD8+T cells. B cell activity preceding the effector cell stage appears to occur in granuloma‐associated lymphoid nodules, whereas antibody, mainly IgG, is produced within the granuloma.
Protection studies with recombinant excretory/secretory proteins of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Vervelde L. , Van Leeuwen M. A. W. , Kruidenier M. , Kooyman F. N. J. , Huntley J. F. , Van Die I. , Cornelissen A. W. C. A.
Published: March 2003

The efficacy of two recombinant proteins of Haemonchus contortus was studied in both adult sheep and young lambs. These 15 and 24 kDa excretory/secretory proteins were given combined, either supplemented or not with a glycan‐rich insect cell extract. In 9‐month‐old sheep (trial 1), faecal egg output and worm burden were reduced by 49% and 55%, respectively, after vaccination with rec15/24, and by 46% and 65% after vaccination with rec15/24 and glycan extract. No reduction in egg output or number of worms was found in young lambs using the above recombinant proteins plus glycan‐rich extract (trial 2). When trial 1 was repeated (trial 3), the protection could not be reproduced, possibly due to differences in batches of recombinant proteins. In all sheep, independent of their age, rec15/24‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgA titres were present, but 9‐month‐old protected sheep had significantly higher IgA titres than the lambs. Addition of glycans resulted in lower rec15/24‐specific IgG1 and IgA in 9‐month‐old sheep after challenge. This did not affect the level of protection. A significant negative correlation was found between IgA and worm numbers in protected sheep immunized with rec15/24 supplemented with glycans. Total IgE and rec15/24 specific IgE titres were low. The number of eosinophils, mast cells, sheep mast cell protease (SMCP)+ cells and IgA+ cells did not differ between the protected and unprotected sheep, but the lambs had significantly fewer mast cells independent of their immunization.
Variability among Cryptosporidium parvum genotype 1 and 2 immunodominant surface glycoproteins
Authors: Sestak K. , Ward L. A. , Sheoran A. , Feng X. , Akiyoshi D. E. , Ward H. D. , Tzipori S.
Published: March 2003

Published genomic differences between Cryptosporidium parvum genotype 1 (human‐derived) and genotype 2 (animal and human‐derived) isolates suggest that these may belong to two distinct species. This is of significant interest since genotype 1 isolates are associated with sporadic cases of human cryptosporidiosis in 30–40% of cases in contrast to 60–70% of cases caused by genotype 2. The lower genetic sequence similarity between genotype 1 and 2 surface glycoproteins (gp40/15) suggests that antigenic differences should also occur, a feature that was investigated in this study. Using immune and convalescent serum samples from gnotobiotic piglets previously inoculated with genotype 1 and 2 isolates, we demonstrated that C. parvum gp15 was immunodominant for both genotype 1 and 2 isolates. Lower genetic sequence similarity between genotype 1 and 2 Cpgp40/15 did correspond to gp15 protein differences as detected by Western blot. Moreover, we confirmed that gp15 contains epitopes that are also immunodominant. Deglycosylation of C. parvum proteins resulted in decreased ability of gp15, gp23 and gp900 to react with homologous polyclonal antibodies, suggesting that these proteins also express carbohydrate epitopes. Taken together, our data suggest that there is a high phenotypic variability between C. parvum genotype 1 and 2 isolates at the level of gp15. We contemplate that gp15 surface glycoprotein plays an important role in the biology of C. parvum as a potent inducer of immune response and a possible virulence factor.
Gastro‐allergic anisakiasis as a consequence of simultaneous primary and secondary immune response
Authors: Daschner Alvaro , Cuéllar Carmen , Sánchez‐Pastor Sofia , Pascual Cristina‐Yolanda , Martín‐Esteban Manuel
Published: March 2003

Gastro‐allergic anisakiasis has been reported as an entity in which an acute parasitism by Anisakis simplex is accompanied by an immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated systemic allergic reaction. Serum samples were obtained from 24 patients within 24 h after the onset of symptoms (day 0) and after 1 month (day 30) and in 13 patients after 6 months. Total IgE was assessed by the Imx method. Specific IgE was assessed by CAP‐FEIA. Specific IgM, IgG, IgG4 and IgA antibodies were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay against crude extract (CE) and excretory–secretory products (ESP). IgE immunoblotting (IB) was directed against CE or ESP (day 0 and day 30). We found a rise of total IgE, specific IgE, number of bands in IgE‐IB, IgG and IgG4 between day 0 and day 30 with a fall to near basal levels after 6 months. IgM levels were highest at day 0, falling over the next 6 months and IgA levels remained almost unchanged. Correlation studies revealed a parallel stimulation of nearly all Ig isotypes, except IgM anti‐ESP, whose antibody levels correlated negatively with specific IgG levels. We found an extension of the IgE antibody repertoire in IB. We conclude that the allergic IgE‐mediated reaction in the course of gastro‐allergic anisakiasis involves a parallel secondary Th2 type memory response and a primary immunologic stimulation of both Th2 and Th1 lymphocyte subsets against previously unrecognized antigens.
Effect of salivary gland extracts from the tick, Boophilus microplus, on leucocytes from Brahman and Hereford cattle
Authors: Turni Cornelia , Lee Rogan P. , Jackson Louise A.
Published: March 2003

The effect of salivary gland extract (SGE) from Boophilus microplus on peripheral blood lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes from Brahman (Bos indicus) and Hereford (Bos taurus) cattle was investigated. SGE (8 µg) significantly inhibited the proliferation response of lymphocytes to concanavalin A from both Brahman and Hereford cattle by 89% and 41%, respectively. The difference in inhibition between the two breeds was highly significant (P < 0·01), whilst at 1 µg of SGE, significant inhibition of lymphocytes occurred only in Hereford cattle (34%). Flow cytometric analysis of monocytes and neutrophils showed that SGE (40 µg) significantly reduced both the proportion of cells actively phagocytosing Escherichia coli labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (E. coli–FITC) and the uptake of E. coli–FITC in Brahman cattle. However, in Hereford cattle, a significant depression in uptake was only observed in neutrophils. The proportion of monocytes and neutrophils with oxidative activity was significantly suppressed in the presence of SGE in both breeds of cattle. These results indicate that peripheral blood leucocytes from different breeds of cattle respond differently to SGE.
Schistosomiasis delays lesion resolution during Leishmania major infection by impairing parasite killing by macrophages
Authors: La Flamme Anne Camille , Scott Phillip , Pearce Edward J.
Published: March 2003

Infection of mice with Schistosoma mansoni delays the resolution of cutaneous lesions and parasitaemia during Leishmania major infection. In contrast, L. major infection does not appear to alter the course of schistosomiasis. Analysis of the cytokine responses in the draining lymph nodes (LN) indicates that, while L. major infection had no effect on schistosome‐specific interleukin (IL)‐4 production by mesenteric LN (MLN) cells, coinfection with S. mansoni resulted in decreased leishmania‐induced interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α and nitric oxide production by popliteal LN (PLN) cells 4 weeks after L. major infection. In addition, PLN cells produced higher levels of IL‐4 4 weeks after L. major infection in coinfected mice. Finally, IFN‐γ‐stimulated macrophages isolated from S. mansoni‐infected mice were impaired in their ability to kill L. major after in vitro infection. These results suggest that pre‐existence of a strong Th2 response‐dominated infection can alter the responses to Th1‐inducing pathogens at peripheral sites and impair Th1‐mediated effector functions.
Contact chemoreception related to host selection and oviposition behaviour in the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus
Authors: BAUR ROBERT , HARIBAL MEENA , RENWICK J. ALAN A. , STÄDLER ERICH
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Behavioural events during host selection by ovipositing monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus (L.), Danainae, Nymphalidae) include tapping the leaf surface with fore‐tarsi and touching this surface with mid‐tarsi (‘drumming’) and antennae. Flavonoids identified from host plant extracts are known to stimulate oviposition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of contact‐chemoreceptor sensilla on all appendages that contact the leaf surface. This electrophysiological study was conducted to identify the contact chemoreceptors that are sensitive to the known oviposition stimuli and are therefore probably involved in host recognition.

Receptor cells of conspicuous sensilla grouped in clusters on fore‐tarsi of females were sensitive to the behaviourally active butanol fraction of host plant (Asclepias curassavica) extract. However, these receptors generally had low sensitivity to three oviposition‐stimulating flavonoids identified from this fraction, but they were also sensitive to the butanol fraction of a non‐host (Brassica oleracea).

Chemoreceptors in sensilla of the tarsomers 2–4 of the mid‐legs also responded to the behaviourally active fraction of host plant extract and showed some sensitivity to two of the flavonoids that stimulate oviposition. Similar results were obtained from receptor cells in sensilla on the tip of the antennae. Most of these sensilla had cells responding to the butanol fraction of A. curassavica extract but only 25% of them were also sensitive to one of the behaviourally active flavonoids.

These electrophysiological results, in combination with behavioural observations, suggest that host selection in monarch butterflies relies on a complex pattern of peripheral sensory information from several types of tarsal and antennal contact chemoreceptors.
Electroantennogram responses of tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes) to host odours in an open field and riverine woodland
Authors: VOSKAMP KAREN , DEN OTTER C. J. , NOORMAN N.
Published: March 2003

The present study was initiated to gain insight into the way in which tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) sense odours at different locations in odour plumes in both an open field and a wooded area.

We recorded the antennal responses (EAGs) from stationary living female G. pallidipes 15 m upwind and at various (60, 40, 20, 10, 5 and 1 m) distances downwind from a synthetic host odour source (containing 1‐octen‐3‐ol, acetone and two phenols), in the natural habitat of the fly (Zimbabwe) using a portable electrophysiological device. Experiments were performed in a flat open area (an airstrip) and in riverine woodland. Differences between responses in different environments were determined by comparing various parameters of the EAGs (intermittency, frequency, amplitude, duration and rate of depolarization).

We found that a fly senses odours as puffs that, further downwind, contain less odour and pass less frequently. In an open field downwind from the source, tsetse perceive more olfactory information than upwind for only 10–20 m, whereas in woodland, olfactory responses remain higher and more frequent than upwind up to at least 60 m. In an open field, olfactory information rapidly increases when approaching the odour source from 20 m and in woodland from 5 m onwards.

It is proposed that averaging odour information over time may be of minor importance in long‐range location of odour sources. The results suggest that tsetse may smell odour‐baited targets from at least 60 m downwind and that the number of flies responding to and being caught by these baits may be higher in woodland than in an open field.
Nutritional ecology of the interaction between larvae of the gregarious ectoparasitoid, Muscidifurax raptorellus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), and their pupal host, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: HARVEY JEFFREY , VET LOUISE , JIANG NANQING , GOLS RIETA
Published: March 2003

In this study we examined the relationship between clutch size and parasitoid development of Muscidifurax raptorellus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a gregarious idiobiont attacking pupae of the housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae). Host quality was controlled in the experiments by presenting female parasitoids with hosts of similar size and age. This is the first study to monitor the development of a gregarious idiobiont parasitoid throughout the course of parasitism. Most female wasps laid clutches of one to four eggs per host, although some hosts contained eight or more parasitoid larvae. In both sexes, parasitoids completed development more rapidly, but emerging adult wasp size decreased as parasitoid load increased. Furthermore, the size variability of eclosing parasitoid siblings of the same sex increased with clutch size. Irrespective of clutch size, parasitoids began feeding and growing rapidly soon after eclosion from the egg and this continued until pupation. However, parasitoids in hosts containing five or more parasitoid larvae pupated one day earlier than hosts containing one to four larvae. The results are discussed in relation to adaptive patterns of host utilization by gregarious idiobiont and koinobiont parasitoids.
Oviposition in Yponomeuta cagnagellus: the importance of contact cues for host plant acceptance
Authors: Hora K. H. , Roessingh P.
Published: March 2003

Small ermine moths (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera) are specialist herbivores. Species within the genus Yponomeuta are each specialized on a limited number of plant species, mainly within genera belonging to the Celastraceae. European Yponomeuta species have developed new specialized host affiliations, mainly on rosaceous hosts. Since these host shifts are reputed to be of consequence for speciation, the role of the ovipositing female is of particular interest. Study of the pre‐oviposition behaviour of gravid Y. cagnagellus (Hb.) moths on host (Euonymus europaeus), non‐host (Crateagus monogyna) and artificial oviposition substrates, provided information on the nature of the cues used for host plant acceptance and the insect’s perception of these cues. Host selection by adult females occurs with contact chemoreceptors probably located on the antennae or tarsi. MeOH‐soluble, non‐volatile phytochemical compounds washed from the host plant’s surface and applied on an artificial twig are sufficient to stimulate a complete sequence of behavioural elements leading to oviposition. Volatiles do not have a large effect on the pre‐oviposition behaviour.
Presence of an adipokinetic peptide in the corpus cardiacum of Dermaptera but not in the neurohaemal aorta, and chemical and functional identification of the peptide
Authors: Gäde GerD.
Published: March 2003

Corpora cardiaca of the earwigs Labidura riparia and Forficula auricularia contain a substance that causes hyperlipaemia in migratory locusts and hypertrehalosaemia in the American cockroaches. A conspecific bioassay in L. riparia revealed that this factor is lipid‐mobilizing. Isolation of the neuropeptide was achieved by single‐step RP‐HPLC. The primary structure of the earwig adipokinetic peptide was elucidated by automated Edman degradation in combination with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. It is a blocked octapeptide, pGlu‐Val‐Asn‐Phe‐Ser‐Thr‐Gly‐Trp‐NH2, previously denoted as Grb‐AKH and first identified in Gryllus bimaculatus (
Gäde & Rinehart 1987). The synthetic peptide co‐chromatographed under various conditions with the native peptide and, in biological assays, resulted in lipid‐mobilization in L. riparia when injected in low concentration.
Physiological and genetic factors as sources of variation in locomotion and activity rhythm in a parasitoid wasp (Trichogramma brassicae)
Authors: Pompanon François , Fouillet Pierre , Bouletreau Michel
Published: March 2003

The circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the parasitoid Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) varies according to genetic and non‐genetic factors. The physiological state of the adult influences the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. Mating is responsible for a long‐term decrease in the activity of males, while an increase in female activity is observed. In females, a previous oviposition reduces the spontaneous activity for 2 days. Food deprivation causes a 2‐day increase in daily activity, followed by a strong decrease for both sexes. The daily amount of activity is much more affected by physiological variations of the parasitoid than the temporal distribution of the activity (i.e. phase and pattern of activity). In all experiments, variation in locomotor activity was related to path variations. Furthermore, comparison of inbred lines proved the genetic variability of these behavioural traits and of infestation capacity within a strain. Correlations between successive generations demonstrated their transmissibility.

The genetic variability constitutes an evolutionary potential allowing the population to display an adaptive response to predictable (i.e. periodic) environmental variations. The behavioural plasticity resulting from physiological changes allows an individual response to unpredictable variations of the environment. Both mechanisms optimize resource exploitation by insect parasitoids.
Effects of light levels and plume structure on the orientation manoeuvres of male gypsy moths flying along pheromone plumes
Authors: Cardé R. T. , Knols B. G. J.
Published: March 2003

The upwind zigzag flights of male gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar L.; Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) along narrow, ribbon‐like and wide, turbulent plumes of pheromone were examined in a wind tunnel at light levels of 450 and 4 lux. Under all conditions tested males flew upwind zigzag paths. In 450 lux, males flying along turbulent plumes had the highest ground speeds and the widest crosswind excursions between counterturns, compared to slow flight and a narrow zigzag of males along a ribbon plume. In a turbulent plume, males flew more slowly and had narrower zigzags in 4 than in 450 lux. Across most treatments of plume structure and light level, the rate of transverse image flow and the frequency of counterturning remained relatively constant. The effects of light levels on orientation are not readily reconcilable with a model in which moths in low light levels would head more towards crosswind, thereby enhancing the rate of transverse image flow and the perception of wind‐induced drift.
Feeding responses by female Pieris brassicae butterflies to carbohydrates and amino acids
Authors: Romeis J. , Wäckers F. L.
Published: March 2003

Most Lepidoptera feed during the adult stage on carbohydrate‐rich food sources, primarily floral nectar. However, little is known about the factors leading to the acceptance of a possible food source. It is reported that butterflies select for nectar rich in sucrose and amino acids. This suggests that the insects have developed a sensitivity to these nectar compounds. We tested females of the large cabbage white, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) for their responses to 10 different nectar‐ or honeydew‐sugars after either tarsal or proboscis stimulation. In no‐choice experiments, food‐deprived P. brassicae showed the strongest response to sucrose, followed by fructose. Other sugars, including galactose, glucose, maltose, mannose, melezitose, melibiose, raffinose and trehalose, did not elicit a feeding response. Mixtures of essential or common non‐essential amino acids did not stimulate feeding. In a choice situation, P. brassicae preferred sucrose over fructose, whereas they accepted a sucrose and amino acid solution equally to a plain sucrose solution. The results indicate that for P. brassicae, feeding is mainly elicited by sucrose and fructose.
Effect of physiological status on olfactory and visual responses of female Hypothenemus hampei during host plant colonization
Authors: Mathieu Frederic , Gaudichon Veronique , Brun Luc Olivier , Frérot Brigitte
Published: March 2003

The response of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferr.) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) (coffee berry borer, CBB) females to olfactory stimuli was demonstrated to be related with the physiological status; especially with age, whether they were mated or not, and whether they have already oviposited. A special behaviour, the abandonment of the native berry, was also found to play a major role. In contrast, response to visual stimuli (false coffee berries) was found to be independent of the physiological status of CBB females. Variations in behavioural responses to visual and olfactory stimuli are discussed in relation to colonization strategy.