bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage IV marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma – prognostic factors and the role of rituximab: Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL) study
Authors: Oh Sung Yong , Kim Won Seog , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Seok Jin , Lee Suee , Lee Dae Ho , Won Jong‐Ho , Hwang In Gyu , Kim Min Kyoung , Lee Soon Il , Chae Yee Soo , Yang Deok‐Hwan , Kang Hye Jin , Choi Chul Won , Park Jinny , Kim Hyo Jung , Kwon Jung Hye , Lee Ho Sup , Lee Gyeong‐Won , Eom Hyeon Seok , Kwak Jae‐Yong , Suh Cheolwon , Kim Hyo‐Jin
Published: August 2010

Stage IV marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas (MZL) are detected in more than 25% of lymphoma patients. In this study, we conducted retrospective analyses of specific cases of stage IV MZL in order to assess their clinical features, as well as the treatments and prognoses of these cases. A total of 94 patients with histological diagnosis of stage IV‐MZL from 17 different institutions in Korea were included. Multiple‐mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)‐organs‐involved MZL (M‐MZL) was detected in 34 patients (36.2%). Bone‐marrow‐involved stage IV MZL (BM‐MZL) was detected in 33 patients (35.1%). Median time to progression (TTP) was 2.4 years (95% CI, 1.9–2.9). Five‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates were 84.5% and 79.8%, respectively. Patients with lymph node involvement in stage IV MZL appeared to have worse prognoses in TTP (P = 0.015). Thirty‐one patients were treated with a regimen including rituximab (CTx‐R[+]), and 31 with a regimen that did not include rituximab (CTx‐R[−]). The CTx‐R(+) group showed better responses than the CTx‐R(−) group (83.9%versus 54.8%, P = 0.026). However, no differences in TTP duration were detected (P = 0.113). Stage IV MZL tend to follow an indolent disease course. Therefore, lymph node involvement is a more valuable prognostic factor for TTP. Rituximab appears to contribute to better responses, but not in cases of TTP. (Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 2443–2447)
The effect of human placenta cytotrophoblast cells on the maturation and T cell stimulating ability of dendritic cellsin vitro
Authors: Talayev V Yu , Matveichev A V , Lomunova M A , Talayeva M V , Tsaturov M E , Zaichenko I Ye , Babaykina O N
Published: August 2010

The success of pregnancy depends upon regulatory mechanisms that allow the fetus to survive and develop to term in the uterus, despite maternal immune cells' awareness of paternal alloantigens. At least some of these specific mechanisms are mediated by the effect of fetal trophoblast cells. In the present study we examine the effect of human placental cytotrophoblast cells (CTCs) on the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. For that purpose, CTCs were isolated from samples of placentae at 5–11 weeks of gestation and co-cultured with peripheral blood monocytes under conditions inducing DC maturation. CTC were shown to alter the morphology, phenotype and functional properties of DCs. As a result, a significant portion of cells acquire fibroblast-like morphology and some of the cells retain the expression of CD14. DCs matured in the presence of CTCs do not differ from usual DCs in terms of CD80, CD83 and CD86 expression, as well as the ability to induce allogenic lymphocytes proliferation. However, CTCs reduce significantly the ability of DCs to stimulate interferon-γ production and the loss of CD62L by T cells. The results obtained indicate that DCs may be involved in pregnancy-associated changes of cytokine production and T cell migration.
Genetic differentiation, behavioural reproductive isolation and mixis cues in three sibling species of Monogonont rotifers
Authors: SCHRÖDER THOMAS , WALSH ELIZABETH J.
Published: August 2010

1. Many aquatic species usually considered to be ‘cosmopolitan’ have been identified as cryptic species complexes, based on deep genetic differentiation. However, reproductive isolation among sibling cryptic species has rarely been studied, and interspecific hybridisation is common in some taxa.

2. We investigated isolation mechanisms and possible introgression among three cyclical parthenogenetic rotifer species in the Epiphanes senta complex that are found in very different freshwater habitats: temperate floodplains, subtropical desert rock pools and a tropical alpine lake. Whereas Epiphanes ukera is reproductively isolated from E. chihuahuaensis and E. hawaiiensis, the latter hybridise under laboratory conditions.

3. While reproductive isolation is incomplete, RAPD profiles indicated unique genetic signatures and showed no evidence for introgression, indicating that these three species are diverging and have independent evolutionary trajectories.

4. Testing cues for sexual reproduction in these cyclic parthenogens demonstrated that mixis in E. chihuahuaensis and E. ukera is influenced by population density, whereas E. hawaiiensis females rarely produce mictic offspring regardless of density. Different mixis cues are likely to separate sexual periods and effectively cause reproductive isolation between the species. Epiphanes ukera and E. chihuahuaensis males display mate‐guarding behaviour, and E. ukera males distinguish between conspecific and heterospecific females in mate‐choice experiments. Geographic isolation, along with different cues for mixis induction and mate recognition, acts as reproductive barrier among these sibling species.
p16 Immunoreactivity in unusual types of cervical adenocarcinoma does not reflect human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Houghton Oisin , Jamison Jackie , Wilson Robbie , Carson James , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: August 2010

Houghton O, Jamison J, Wilson R, Carson J & McCluggage W G (2010) Histopathology 57, 342–350 p16 Immunoreactivity in unusual types of cervical adenocarcinoma does not reflect human papillomavirus infection

Aims:  The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical carcinoma is well known, with HPV being identifiable in almost all cervical squamous carcinomas and most adenocarcinomas. However, the prevalence of HPV in unusual morphological types of cervical adenocarcinoma has not been investigated extensively. The aim was to determine HPV status in a series of primary cervical adenocarcinomas, enriched for unusual morphological types. The relationship between HPV and p16 immunoreactivity in these neoplasms was also investigated, as it is generally assumed that in cervical neoplasms diffuse p16 expression is predictive of the presence of high‐risk HPV.

Methods and results:  Sixty‐three cervical adenocarcinomas, comprising those of usual type (n = 43), minimal deviation type (n = 4), gastric type (n = 3), intestinal type (n = 3), mesonephric type (n = 3), clear cell type (n = 4), serous type (n = 2) and hepatoid type (n = 1) underwent linear array HPV genotyping and immunohistochemistry for p16. Overall, HPV was identified in 32 of 56 cases (57%) in which sufficient DNA was present for analysis. The most common HPV types were 16 and 18, with these being identified in 20 and 18 cases, respectively, either alone or in combination. Seventy‐eight per cent of usual‐type adenocarcinomas were HPV‐positive, as was the single serous carcinoma in which there was sufficient DNA for analysis. In contrast, all minimal deviation adenocarcinomas and those of gastric, intestinal, mesonephric and clear cell types were HPV‐negative, as was the single hepatoid carcinoma. All usual‐type adenocarcinomas exhibited p16 immunoreactivity (diffuse staining in all but one case), as did 11 of 20 of those of unusual morphological type (five focal, six diffuse).

Conclusions:  Most, but not all, cervical adenocarcinomas of usual type contain HPV, but those of unusual morphological type are almost always HPV‐negative. This has implications for the efficacy of HPV vaccination in the prevention of cervical adenocarcinoma. A significant proportion of cervical adenocarcinomas are p16‐positive in the absence of HPV, illustrating that in these neoplasms diffuse p16 immunoreactivity is not a reliable surrogate marker of the presence of high‐risk HPV.
Screen‐detected pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS): risk of concurrent invasive malignancy following a core biopsy diagnosis
Authors: Carder Pauline J , Shaaban Abeer , Alizadeh Yalda , Kumarasuwamy Vidya , Liston Joyce C , Sharma Nisha
Published: August 2010

Carder PJ, Shaaban A, Alizadeh Y, Kumarasuwamy V, Liston JC & Sharma N (2010) Histopathology 57, 472–478 Screen‐detected pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS): risk of concurrent invasive malignancy following a core biopsy diagnosis

Aims:  Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) is an uncommon, recently recognized variant of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Its natural history, biological behaviour and clinical characteristics are uncertain. The aim was to review the radiological and pathological findings in a series of screen‐detected PLCIS diagnosed on needle core biopsy with a view to determining the diagnostic features, immunohistological profile and risk of concurrent invasive malignancy.

Methods and results:  Ten cases of core biopsy‐diagnosed, screen‐detected PLCIS were identified. Core biopsy findings were compared with pathological findings at subsequent surgery. Two cases were associated with possible microinvasion on the core. Two of 10 had invasive lobular carcinoma and one had microinvasive lobular carcinoma on subsequent surgical excision (positive predictive value for malignancy = 30%). There was associated conventional LCIS on either core or excision biopsy in all cases except one. All three cases of oestrogen receptor (ER)‐negative PLCIS arose in the context of ER+ conventional LCIS.

Conclusions:  PLCIS is a potentially more aggressive lesion than conventional LCIS and may present as mammographic calcification through a breast screening programme. Diagnosis may be problematic and immunohistochemical markers including ER may prove a useful diagnostic adjunct. There is a significant risk of concurrent invasive carcinoma following a core biopsy diagnosis.
Specific intraepithelial localization of mast cells in differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and its possible contribution to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma development
Authors: Van De Nieuwenhof Hedwig P , Hebeda Konny M , Bulten Johan , Otte‐Holler Irene , Massuger Leon F A G , De Hullu Joanne A , Van Kempen Leon C L T
Published: August 2010

van de Nieuwenhof H P, Hebeda K M, Bulten J, Otte‐Holler I, Massuger L F A G, de Hullu J A & van Kempen L C L T (2010) Histopathology 57, 351–362 Specific intraepithelial localization of mast cells in differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and its possible contribution to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma development

Aims:  The aetiology of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that are not causally associated with high‐risk human papillomavirus remains largely elusive. The aim of this study was to analyse the inflammatory response in its presumed precursor lesions, lichen sclerosus (LS) and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), and provide evidence that dVIN is a likely precursor of vulvar SCC.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical analyses for CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, CD68+, S100+ and tryptase‐positive immune cells were performed and quantified in LS (n = 7), dVIN (n = 19), SCC (n = 11), and normal vulvar tissue (n = 8). The subepithelial inflammatory response in dVIN and SCC was comparable, but absent in LS. Abundant intraepithelial mast cells were observed in dVIN only, and confirmed by electron microscopy, toluidine blue staining and cKIT expression. Adjacent keratinocytes displayed increased proliferation as determined by MIB‐1 positivity. Electron microscopy revealed intraepithelial mast cell degranulation. Intraepithelial mast cells were not or infrequently observed in vulvar hyperplasia (n = 13), condylomata acuminata (n = 5), keratinocytic intraepidermal neoplasia of sun‐exposed skin (n = 15), epidermal hyperplasia of head and neck (n = 12), and psoriasis (n = 3).

Conclusions:  These data indicate that dVIN can be recognized by intraepithelial mast cells and that they might promote the progression of dVIN to SCC.
Immunolocalization of Streptococcus mutans sr gene product in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Cuisinier F. J. G. , Klein J. P. , Frank R. M.
Published: August 2010

A direct post‐embedding immunogold method was used to determine the subcellular localization of the expression product of Streptococcus mutans sr gene in Escherichia coli cells. Immunolabelling was principally localized in the cytoplasm and was absent in the periplasmic space and extracellular compartment. We observed no difference in the localization of the labelling between bacteria originated from solid or liquid cultures. No difference in saliva binding could be observed between recombinant E. coli or control E. coli cells. These results showed that the cloned SR protein was not accessible at the surface of the host cell.
Interaction of gram‐negative periodontal pathogens with retinoic acid‐induced and dimethyl sulfoxide‐induced HL‐60 cells
Authors: Armitage Gary C. , Holt Stanley C.
Published: August 2010

As a first step toward elucidating the reasons for differences among periodontal pathogens in their cytotoxic effects on HL‐60 cells, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological aspects of granulocyte‐bacteria interactions. Unopsonized Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strain Y4 and Bacteroides gingivalis ATCC 33277 adhered to, and were phagocytosed by, retinoic acid‐induced and dimethyl sulfoxide‐induced HL‐60 cells. In contrast, there was only minimal interaction between Wolinella recta ATCC 33238 and these induced granulocyte‐like cells. Only isolated examples of adherence of W. recta to HL‐60 cells were seen. In specimens prepared for routine transmission electron microscopy, ingested W. recta were not observed. In immunogold experiments, phagocytosed W. recta were noted, but only rarely. Opsonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans, B. gingivalis and W. recta with specific antisera appeared to increase their level of interaction with the HL‐60 cells. We suggest that the HL‐60 cell line may be useful in elucidating structure‐function relationships between human neutrophil‐like cells and putative periodontopathogens.
Immunoreactivity in humans of Bacteroides gingivalis hemagglutinating adhesin HA‐Ag2
Authors: Deslauriers Manon , Mouton Christian
Published: August 2010

A rabbit antiserum monospecific for HA‐Ag2, a hemagglutinating adhesin of Bacteroides gingivalis, was used as a reference to screen sera from 8 patients with chronic periodontitis and 6 normal subjects for specific antibodies. The monospecific antiserum detected a complex of 2 polypeptides with molecular weights of 43 and 49 kDa in an outer membrane preparation of B. gingivalis. All human sera reacted with one or both polypeptides in at least one of the isotypes (IgG, IgA and IgM) tested, indicating that HA‐Ag2 is an immunodominant antigen. Although the 2 components of HA‐Ag2 are antigenically similar, a trend toward preferential reactivity of IgM with the 49 kDa component was observed. This suggests that an epitope‐specific mechanism of regulation of the immune response to B. gingivalis in humans may exist via the HA‐Ag2 complex.
Effects of oral commensal and pathogenic bacteria on human dendritic cells
Authors: Chino T. , Santer D. M. , Giordano D. , Chen C. , Li C. , Chen C.‐H. , Darveau R. P. , Clark E. A.
Published: August 2010

Background/aims:  The oral cavity harbors a diverse and complex microbial community. Bacteria accumulate on both the hard and soft oral tissues in sessile biofilms and engage the host in an intricate cellular dialog, which normally constrains the bacteria to a state of commensal harmony. Dendritic cells (DCs) are likely to balance tolerance and active immunity to commensal microorganisms as part of chronic inflammatory responses. While the role played by DCs in maintaining intestinal homeostasis has been investigated extensively, relatively little is known about DC responses to oral bacteria.

Methods:  In this study, we pulsed human monocyte‐derived immature DCs (iDCs) with cell wall extracts from pathogenic and commensal gram‐positive or gram‐negative oral bacteria.

Results:  Although all bacterial extracts tested induced iDCs to mature and produce cytokines/chemokines including interleukin‐12p40, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), the most important factor for programming DCs by oral bacteria was whether they were gram‐positive or gram‐negative, not whether they were commensal or pathogenic. In general, gram‐negative oral bacteria, except for periodontopathic Porphyromonas gingivalis, stimulated DC maturation and cytokine production at lower concentrations than gram‐positive oral bacteria. The threshold of bacteria needed to stimulate chemokine production was 100‐fold to 1000‐fold lower than that needed to induce cytokines. In addition, very low doses of oral commensal bacteria triggered monocytes to migrate toward DC‐derived MCP‐1.

Conclusion:  Oral commensal and pathogenic bacteria do not differ qualitatively in how they program DCs. DC‐derived MCP‐1 induced in response to oral commensal bacteria may play a role, at least in part, in the maintenance of oral tissue integrity by attracting monocytes.
Effects of recombinase A deficiency on biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Inagaki S. , Matsumoto‐Nakano M. , Fujita K. , Nagayama K. , Funao J. , Ooshima T.
Published: August 2010

Background/aim:  Recombinase A (RecA) is essential for the transformation of both plasmid and chromosomal DNA in Streptococcus pneumoniae and is considered to be related to the SOS‐response in Streptococcus mutans.

Methods:  In the present study, a RecA‐deficient mutant strain (RAD) was constructed by insertional inactivation of the recA gene encoding the RecA protein in strain MT8148 of S. mutans, after which the biological functions of acid tolerance and biofilm formation were investigated.

Results:  RAD showed reduced acid tolerance and produced lower density biofilm compared with the wild‐type strain. In addition, confocal microscopic observation indicated that the biofilm produced by RAD was composed of cells with significantly lower viability compared with that produced by strain MT8148.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that RecA has a relationship with biofilm formation.
Role of lysine in interaction between surface protein peptides of Streptococcus gordonii and agglutinin peptide
Authors: Koba H. , Okuda K. , Watanabe H. , Tagami J. , Senpuku H.
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Streptococcus gordonii interacts with the salivary pellicle on the tooth surface and plays an important role in dental biofilm formation. Reports show that the analog Ssp peptide (A11K; alanine to lysine at position 11 in the arranged sequence, 1DYQAKLAAYQAEL13) of SspA and SspB of S. gordonii increased binding to the salivary agglutinin (gp‐340/DMBT1) peptide (scavenger receptor cysteine‐rich domain 2: SRCRP2). To determine the role of lysine in the binding of the Ssp(A11K) peptide to SRCRP2, we investigated whether an additional substitution by lysine influenced the binding of Ssp(A11K) peptide to SRCRP2 using a BIAcore biosensor assay.

Methods:  Six analogs of the Ssp peptide with positive charges in surface positions on the structure were synthesized using substitution at various positions.

Results:  The binding activity of analog Ssp(A4K–A11K) peptide was significantly higher than the other Ssp analogs. The binding activity rose under low ionic strength conditions. The distance between positively charged amino acids in the Ssp(A4K–A11K) peptide between 4K and 11K was 1.24 ± 0.02 nm and was close to the distance (1.19 ± 0.00 nm) between Q and E, presenting a negative charged area, on SRCRP2 using chemical computing graphic analysis. The molecular angle connecting 1D–11K–4K in the Ssp(A4K–A11K) peptide secondary structure was smaller than the other peptide angles (1D–11K–XK). The Ssp(A4K–A11K) peptide showed higher inhibiting activity for Streptococcus mutans binding to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite than the (A11K) peptide.

Conclusion:  The positioning of lysine is important for binding between Ssp peptide and SRCRP2, and the inhibiting effect on S. mutans binding to the tooth surface.
Platelet Concentrates Stored in Synthetic Medium after Filtration
Authors: Bertolini Francesco , Rebuild Paolo , Marangoni Francesco , Sirchia Girolamo
Published: August 2010

Platelet concentrates prepared from pooled buffy coats (BCPC) were stored in Plasma‐Lyte A, a glucose‐free synthetic medium, after leukocyte depletion by filtration through Pall PL 50, and compared to paired unfiltered BCPC stored in the same medium. Each pair of BCPC units was prepared from a pool of 10 buffy coats split into two indentical units. Platelet and leukocyte counts per unit of BCPC were 2.70±0.19 × 1011 and 3.8±2.8×106 (filtered BCPC), 2.59 ±0.27×1011 and 79±56×106 (control BCPC), respectively. Filtration procedures did not affect in vitro parameters of platelet quality and function such as osmotic reversal, ATP release and aggregation in response to collagen and ADP during 15‐day storage. A similar decrease of platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib and a similar rise of activation markers GMP‐140, gp 53 and platelet‐bound fibrinogen were observed during storage of filtered and control BCPC. Our study indicates that storage of BCPC after filtration is feasible and that a reduction in leukocyte content by filtration to mean cell counts of less than five millions per unit has probably no effect on platelet storage lesion.
Interlaboratory variation in the detection of HPA‐specific alloantibodies and in molecular HPA typing
Authors: Allen D. , Ouwehand W. H. , De Haas M. , Kekomaki R. , Kaplan C. , Metcalfe P.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives  Platelet immunology quality assurance exercises have been organized by National Institute for Biological Standards and Control since 1991 and, as of 2006, 35 laboratories participate in the serology section. Molecular human platelet antigen (HPA) typing has been included in the exercises since 1998 and, as of 2006, 29 laboratories participate in this part of the exercise. This report details the performance of laboratories in these two areas.

Materials and Methods  Every 6 months laboratories are sent up to four coded serum/plasma samples for testing in their in‐house assays for HPA antibody detection/identification and four coded whole blood samples to be typed for HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3 ‐5 and (since 2003) ‐15 by their molecular typing assays (‘genotyping’).

Results  Fifty‐two sera containing HPA‐specific alloantibodies and 13 sera that were inert, contained only human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I or high‐titre anti‐A+B antibodies were distributed; 15 sera were issued in more than one exercise. The percentage of participating laboratories that were able to detect HPA‐specific alloantibodies ranged from 15·0 to 100%; the percentage that were able to correctly determine the specificities also ranged from 15·0 to 100%. Over the 20 serology exercises the percentage of laboratories classified as poor performers ranged from 3·1 to 36·7%. A total of 12 780 individual HPA genotyping results were assessed. The overall error rate was 0·7% but there was considerable variation between HPA alleles. Over 11 exercises the percentage of laboratories classified as poor performers varied from 6·3 to 26·3%.

Conclusions  The ability to detect and to identify platelet‐specific alloantibodies varied widely between laboratories and between various examples of antibodies issued. An increase in the number of laboratories screening for HPA‐15 antibodies was seen, although detection and identification of these antibodies was problematic. The majority of examples of HPA‐3a antibodies and some examples of HPA‐1a and ‐5b were also difficult to detect and identify. In addition, this scheme has shown that despite the apparent reliability of molecular typing techniques, mistakes do occur, particularly with certain systems. Approximately one in five laboratories participating in the serology exercises and one in seven participating in the genotyping exercises were classified as poor performer at one point or more during the series of exercises.
Red cell transfusion for iron‐deficiency anaemia: a retrospective audit at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Grey D. E. , Finlayson J.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives  The role of red cell transfusion in the management of iron‐deficiency anaemia is controversial. This audit was undertaken to monitor the overall transfusion practices of patients admitted to a 600‐bed acute tertiary hospital with confirmed severe iron deficiency.

Materials and Methods  Data from 615 consecutive patients with iron deficiency and no evidence of iron therapy during the period from 1 March 2001 to 30 September 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results  Of the 615 iron‐deficient patients, 39·2% were transfused. Overall transfused patients were significantly older (mean 73 years old vs. 53 years old; P < 0·0001) with more comorbidities than those not transfused. The pretransfusion haemoglobin (Hb) was < 90 g/l in 92·5% compared to 15·4% of patients not transfused. The post‐transfusion Hb was ≥ 100 g/l in 75·0% of patients and ≥ 110 g/l in 44·2%. Although currently rare (2·5% patients) our speculative data suggest that single red cell transfusions may be appropriate in ≤ 29% of patients if restrictive thresholds were adopted.

Conclusion  Red cell transfusions are commonly administered to elderly patients with severe iron‐deficiency anaemia. They may be necessary to alleviate severe morbidity until the time at which iron therapy becomes clinically effective. However, greater emphasis should be given to restrictive transfusion strategies and dosing. Transfusion of single red cell units followed by clinical assessment will determine the need for subsequent units and ensure that this valuable resource is appropriately used.
Insect growth regulatory activity of naturally occurring quinones and their derivatives in Dysdercus koenigii Fabr. (Hem., Pyrrhocoridae)
Authors: Banerjee S. , Magdum S. , Kalena G. P. , Banerji A.
Published: August 2010

Plumbagin, a naphthoquinone occurring in the plants belonging to Plumbago sp. is known to have insect growth disrupting activities. In the present study, a comparative evaluation of bioactivities of related naphthoquinones, juglone and menadione and benzoquinones, 2,6‐dimethylbenzoquinone and 2,3,6‐trimethylbenzoquinone along with 2,6‐dimethylhydroquinone have been undertaken using Dysdercus koenigii. The LD50 values of the compounds showed wide variation. Although all the test compounds disrupted the normal growth at sublethal doses, 2,6‐dimethylbenzoquinone and menadione showed activity at low doses.
Effects of gall damage by the introduced biocontrol agent Epiblema strenuana (Lep., Tortricidae) on the weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Dhileepan K. , McFadyen R. E. C.
Published: August 2010

Effects of gall damage by the introduced moth Epiblema strenuana on different growth stages of the weed Parthenium hysterophorus was evaluated in a field cage using potted plants with no competition and in naturally regenerated populations with intraspecific competition. Gall damage at early stages of plant growth reduced the plant height, main stem height, flower production, leaf production, and shoot and root biomass. All galled, potted plants with no competition produced flowers irrespective of the growth stage at which the plants were affected by galling, but lesser than in ungalled plants. Gall induction during early growth stages in field plants experiencing competition prevented 30% of the plants reaching flowering. However, 6% of the field plants escaped from gall damage, as their main stems were less vigorous to sustain the development of galls. Flower production per unit total plant biomass was lower in galled plants than in ungalled plants, and the reduction was more intense when gall damage was initiated at early stages of plant growth. In potted plants with no competition, the number of galls increased with the plant vigour, as the gall insects preferred more vigorous plants. But in field plants there were no relationship between gall abundance and plant vigour, as intraspecific competition enhanced the negative effects of galling by reducing the vigour of the weed.
Comparative biology of two rosette crown‐feeding flies of the genus Botanophila (Dipt., Anthomyiidae) with potential for biological control of their thistle hosts
Authors: Vitou J. , Briese D. T. , Sheppard A. W. , Thomann T.
Published: August 2010

The comparative biology of two anthomyiid flies with potential for biological control of their host thistles, Botanophila turcica on Carthamus lanatus and Botanophila spinosa on Onopordum acanthium, was studied using field surveys and collections, and by rearing collected eggs and larvae in the laboratory in southern France. The thistle hosts are significant weeds outside their native range, particularly in Australia. Both flies attack the rosette meristems of their hosts prior to flowering. Larval stages are described together with natural attack rates (21–33% of field plants) and the mortality of field‐collected larvae reared in the laboratory. A successful rearing protocol for these flies is also described. The results of preliminary host‐specificity tests showed that both species are highly specific, being restricted to their host genus in the tests conducted. Furthermore, Botanophila turcica could not complete development on safflower (a congener of its natural host) under natural conditions. Botanophila turcica had an adult activity period that lasted 6 months from late autumn and laid fewer eggs per host plant than B. spinosa, which was active for 2 to 3 months in spring. Only one parasitoid was observed, an endoparasitic eucoilid, Trybliographa sp., which attacked both fly species, causing 18–23% mortality.
Host‐size‐dependent feeding behaviour and progeny sex ratio of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hym., Pteromalidae)
Authors: Choi W. I. , Yoon T. J. , Ryoo M. I.
Published: August 2010

Host‐size related feeding and oviposition behaviour, and allocation of progeny sex by Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) were tested on Sitophilus oryzae L. The parasitoid showed a host‐size‐dependent partition of feeding and oviposition behaviour, preferring small hosts for feeding, but large hosts for oviposition. Neither the mutual interference nor the host density showed any effect on the behaviour of the parasitoid. Allocation of progeny sex by the female parasitoid appeared to be based more likely on absolute than on relative host size encountered. A model for the progeny sex ratio was constructed based on: (1) ovipositional preference of the parasitoid on large hosts; (2) feeding preferentially on small hosts; and (3) host‐size‐related regulation of progeny sex ratio. The progeny sex ratio of the parasitoid predicted by the model was in close agreement with the observed value.
Grooming behaviour of Apis mellifera syriaca towards Varroa jacobsoni in Jordan
Authors: Zaitoun S. T. , Al‐Ghzawi A.‐M. A. , Shannag H. K.
Published: August 2010

Eight Apis mellifera syriaca colonies at the Jordan University of Science and Technology campus in Jordan were used in the experiments to detect defence behaviour of worker bees against Varroa jacobsoni. This defence mechanism was determined by the degree of damaged mites that dropped from naturally infested colonies on inserts placed under the brood nest from June to October 1998. The average percentage of all dropping mites that were injured was 22.8%. A total of 86.5% of amputated mites were pigmented and 13.5% were less pigmented. Amputation to the first pair of legs was more often seen. Most of the phoretic mites were concealed between sclerites laterally on the abdomen, with distinct preference between second and third tergites. The grooming activity of A. mellifera syriaca provides evidence of active mechanisms of resistance toward the parasitic Varroa‐mite.
Selectivity of insecticides to the egg parasitoid Trichogramma galloi Zucchi, 1988, (Hym., Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Cônsoli F. L. , Botelho P. S. M. , Parra J. R. P.
Published: August 2010

Trichogramma galloi Zucchi is an efficient biological control agent against the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) in sugarcane fields in Brazil. This parasitoid is also a candidate to be used in pest management programmes in corn, as D. saccharalis has become a serious pest of this crop in some areas in Brazil. However, there is no data on the side‐effects of chemicals on this species. The side‐effects of promising chemicals to control the sugarcane borer in corn were tested by dipping eggs of the factitious host into the insecticidal solutions. Two different treatments were tested. First, dipping parasitized host eggs at different stages of immature development (egg‐larva, prepupa and pupa); and second, by offering treated eggs to newly emerged females. The toxicity of the chemicals tested were dependent on the age of the parasitoid, affecting the immature survival, developmental time from egg to adult, parasitization capacity, adult longevity and the development of the filial generation. Spinosad, tebufenozide, triflumuron and lufenuron delayed adult eclosion of T. galloi when used to treat the host egg during the pupal stage. Spinosad was harmful when tested against any immature stage and adults of T. galloi. Lufenuron and triflumuron were harmful only when applied during the egg‐larval development of the parasitoid. Although they did not affect the parasitization capacity, they caused almost 100% mortality of the immatures when used to treat eggs prior to parasitization. Tebufenozide was harmless to T. galloi causing a very slight immature mortality if used during the prepupal development.
Revisiting within‐tree trap positioning for apple maggot fly (Dipt., Tephritidae) behavioural control
Authors: Rull J. , Prokopy R. J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Aiming to minimize visual competition between large red apples and red sphere traps from influencing effectiveness of traps for apple maggot fly (AMF) control, we compared AMF captures by red spheres in standard recommended position (no fruit within 15 cm), red spheres in similar position but with all fruit removed within a 30‐cm radius (fruitless), red spheres with additional visual competition provided by three plastic red spheres hung 15 cm from sphere traps, and yellow panels. Traps were coated with adhesive, baited with synthetic fruit odour, and hung on trees of an apple cultivar bearing red fruit (Akeene) and trees of an apple cultivar bearing pale yellow fruit (Golden Delicious). On Akeene trees, red spheres in recommended position and fruitless red spheres caught more AMF than red spheres surrounded by plastic spheres and than yellow panels. Towards harvest, effectiveness of red spheres in recommended position decreased as reflectance of the surface of Akeene apples approached that of red spheres. By contrast, effectiveness of fruitless spheres increased over time. On Golden Delicious trees, fruitless spheres were the most effective, followed by spheres surrounded by uncoated plastic spheres and red spheres in recommended position. We conclude that removing all fruit within a 30‐cm radius around red sphere traps results in similar or increased trap effectiveness relative to red spheres in recommended position.
External and internal structure of Atta bisphaerica Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests
Authors: Moreira A. A. , Forti L. C. , Boaretto M. A. C. , Andrade A. P. P. , Lopes J. F. S. , Ramos V. M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  This work was carried out to determine the internal and external structures of Atta bisphaerica (Forel) nests. Six nests were excavated and during excavation, all data referring to chambers and tunnels were recorded. Three nests had been internally cement‐moulded, which enabled a better view of the chamber and tunnel structures. Atta bisphaerica nests presented a similar structural pattern, varying only in the number of chambers as a function of external mound area. Chambers were spherical with two communication tunnels. Internal tunnels had an elliptical section, sometimes circular, indirectly linked to chambers through ramifications and directly through short tunnels. Entrance holes were linked to the area of highest chamber concentration by tunnels from the elliptical section, which led to the nest in a radial manner. Knowledge of the colony's three‐dimensional architecture permits successful application of chemical control processes, reduces the quantity of product applied, and consequently diminishes costs and environmental damage.
Mass‐rearing biology of Fopius vandenboschi (Hym., Braconidae)
Authors: Ramadan M. M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:   Basic biological information concerning the reproductive activities of Fopius (Biosteres) vandenboschi (Fullaway) (Hym., Braconidae, Opiinae) were determined to facilitate insectary mass production. Mean (±SE) progeny production per generation (yield) of 200 ♀♀F. vandenboschi was 6835.8 ± 433.2 and 3755.8 ± 112.4 parasitoids, with 24‐h exposure to second instar Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), respectively. Ceratitis capitata as a factitious host was more sensitive to parasitism, producing a significantly higher percentage of uneclosed host puparia frequently containing parasitoid cadavers (22.5 ± 0.8%), than B. dorsalis (3.4 ± 0.2%). The overall mean production of female offspring was ≥50%♀♀ in both host species. Unlike several other opiine parasitoids, young (5‐day‐old) females of F. vandenboschi produced low proportion of daughters (26–37%♀♀) and significantly shifted production to female‐biased offspring (53–71%♀♀) at older age intervals (16–30 days). Based on the parasitoid yield data with a 24‐h exposure period to second instar host larvae of B. dorsalis, about 150 cage replicates (of 200 ♀♀ each) may be sufficient to mass produce about 1 million parasitoids of F. vandenboschi during the reproductive period of 5–30 days, with an average of 56% female offspring. A short oviposition exposure period of 6 h was not optimal for mass production of F. vandenboschi. Total yield at 6 h exposure was one‐fifth the production at 24‐h exposure, using B. dorsalis hosts.
The impact of logging on the abundance, species richness and community composition of butterfly guilds in Borneo
Authors: Cleary D. F. R. , Boyle T. J. B. , Setyawati T. , Menken S. B. J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The impact of logging on the relative abundance, species richness and community composition of four butterfly guilds (generalists, herb specialists, liana specialists and tree specialists) was assessed in differentially disturbed logging treatments located within the province of Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Logging affected the overall butterfly composition by increasing the dominance of liana specialists at the expense of tree specialists and increasing the species richness of herb specialists and, to a lesser extent, generalists. There was no significant difference, however, in the species richness of liana specialists or tree specialists across logging treatments. The species composition of all guilds differed significantly among logging treatments with the greatest difference between unlogged forest and road sites with older and recently logged forest intermediate between these extremes. Our results indicate that logging has a disparate effect on abundance and species richness within each butterfly guild. We suggest that shifts in the dominance of butterfly guilds are due to large‐scale logging‐induced changes in vegetation, particularly in relation to liana abundance. The higher butterfly species richness in logged areas on the other hand is probably because of butterfly species associated with open areas entering the logged forest from roads or other large open areas.
Effects of toxins from two strains of Verticillium lecanii (Hyphomycetes) on bioattributes of a predatory ladybeetle, Delphastus catalinae (Col., Coccinellidae)
Authors: Wang L. , Huang J. , You M. , Guan X. , Liu B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci; Hom., Aleyrodidae) predator ladybird beetles, Delphastus catalinae (Col., Coccinellidae), are not adversely affected in the field by the crude insecticidal toxins extracted from two strains of the fungus Verticillium lecanii, V3450 and Vp28. We developed a method to evaluate sublethal toxicity and its effects on consumption and functional response of D. catalinae. The crude toxins have low toxicity against beetle larva with LC50 values of 1942 (1393–2710) and 2471 (1291–4731) p.p.m., respectively (approximately 10‐ and 12‐fold of field rate of application 200 p.p.m.). The adult beetles had less sensitivity to crude toxins with LC50 values of 4260 (3376–5375) and 4426 (1734–11298) p.p.m., respectively (approximately 20‐ and 22‐fold of field rate 200 p.p.m.). The consumption and foraging capacity were significantly impaired especially in the second‐instar larval beetles which took longer time (more than twice of the control beetles) to consume whitefly eggs after exposure to toxins, although D. catalinae suffered no significant effect on fecundity and longevity, when exposed to a toxin dilution of field rate. The data suggest that spraying of V. lecanii or its toxins should be avoided in the field having immature stages of D. catalinae.
Effect of male and female multiple mating on the fecundity, fertility, and longevity of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: Wang X.‐P. , Fang Y.‐L. , Zhang Z.‐N.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The effect of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae) male and female multiple mating on fecundity, fertility, and longevity was studied. Males could mate for five times with virgin females during scotophase. The successful copulation rates, fecundity of female, and longevity of both females and males decreased when male mating times increased, whereas copulation duration increased. Correlation coefficient between copulation duration and male mating times was significant (r = 0.7358, P = 0.0001, spearman rank‐order correlation). There were linear relationships between mating history of males and longevities of males and females, and regression relationships between them were significant. Mated females had similar daily reproductive pattern, which laid the most eggs on the first day after mating in spite of their mates’ mating history. Virgin females laid some infertile eggs before they died. Most of the females mated once during their lifespan but 19.9% of females mated twice when one female kept with one male during scotophase. There were no significant differences in the fecundity, fertility and longevity between the single‐ and twice‐mated females. Correlation coefficient between copulation duration and female mating times was not significant (r = 0.0860, P = 0.8575). Results suggested that DBM females may be monandrous. Multiple mating did not increase male or female mating fitness.
Thermal effects on the egg stage of four sciomyzids with reference to phenology and biocontrol potential
Authors: Mc Donnell R. J. , Gormally M. J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  With the global economic cost of liver fluke estimated at US$2000 million annually, alternative sustainable control methods need to be considered. One such option is biological control using malacophagous sciomyzids (Dipt.,). The effect of a range of temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23 and 26°C) on the duration of the egg stage of Sepedon spinipes spinipes (Scopoli), Pherbina coryleti (Scopoli), Tetanocera ferruginea Fallén and Psacadina verbekei Rozkošný was assessed using thermostatically controlled waterbaths (16 h light : 8 h dark). In general, for all species, the mean and median egg incubation periods decreased as the temperature increased. Optimum growth temperatures for mass rearing purposes are highlighted for each species. The cryopreservation (−20°C) of newly oviposited eggs for the purpose of long‐term storage was also assessed and possible reasons for the variability in the duration of the egg stage between the species in relation to their phenologies are discussed.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of saproxylic beetles (Col., Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scolytinae) across sections of forest edges
Authors: Wermelinger B. , Flückiger P. F. , Obrist M. K. , Duelli P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  We evaluated the preferred home ranges of three saproxylic beetle taxa along transects from the open field into the forest interior, and from the forest floor up to the canopy. By means of trap sets on metal scaffolds, vertical and horizontal strata were sampled across two types of forest edges: soft‐edge ecotones with a gradual transition from the field into the forest and hard edges with an abrupt transition. The forest edges consisted of different strata such as herbaceous fringe, shrub belt, unmanaged forest and managed forest. The thermophilic buprestids were mainly caught in the open land (herbaceous fringe and agricultural land) and in the upper forest mantle. In general, the cerambycids were most abundant in the open land and the lower forest mantle, but a few species favoured the forest interior. The bark beetles (Scolytinae) were equally distributed in all habitats. These distribution patterns of the taxa were observed in terms of both species numbers and abundances. Each species with at least five collected specimens was assigned to one of the three habitat types: open land, forest mantle and forest interior. Of 74 ranked species, only 16% were prevalent in the forest interior and are thus considered to be true forest species. The other 84% of the species were attributed to open land or the forest mantle and are, therefore, forest edge species. Soft forest edges generally supported a higher species richness than hard edges, particularly as regards Cerambycidae and Scolytinae. In terms of Shannon diversity, soft edges tended to be more diverse in buprestids and cerambycids. Overall, the forest interior showed the least species richness and diversity. Therefore, for the conservation of saproxylic beetles, not only the amount and quality of dead wood is important, but also the presence and design of forest boundary structures.
Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Col., Curculionidae) to Agave tequilana volatiles
Authors: Altuzar A. , Malo E. A. , Gonzalez‐Hernandez H. , Rojas J. C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Col., Curculionidae) is the most important insect pest of cultivated agaves in Mexico. The objective of this study was to search for potential attractants for this weevil species from the freshly cut fleshy leaves of healthy Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue plants. Combined gas chromatography‐electroantennography (GC‐EAD) analysis of A. tequilana volatile extracts showed that seven peaks elicited antennal responses from males and females. Five of these peaks were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) as o‐xylene, α‐pinene, 3‐carene, γ‐terpinene and linalool. Electroantennogram (EAG) records of both sexes to 1‐, 10‐ and 100‐μg‐stimulus load of these five compounds showed that there was a dose effect on the EAG responses for linalool, 3‐carene and α‐pinene, but not for γ‐terpinene and o‐xylene. There were no sexual differences between male and female EAG responses to any of the compounds tested. Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays of the compounds showed that males and females were attracted to α‐pinene, 3‐carene, γ‐terpinene and/or linalool at doses of 1 and 10 μg, while weevils were repelled by linalool at a dose of 100 μg.