bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative fecundity and associated factors for two sibling species of the Anopheles gambiaecomplex occurring sympatrically in The Gambia
Authors: HOGG J. C. , THOMSON M. C. , HURD H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. For two sibling species of mosquitoes belonging to the Anopheles gambiaecomplex of malaria vectors, the effects of body size (wing length) and bloodmeal size (haematin excretion) on fecundity of wild females were investigated in The Gambia, West Africa. Freshly blood‐fed individuals from sympatric populations of An.arabiensisand An.gambiae sensu strictowere sampled by collection at 07.00–09.00 hours from within bednets during July/August 1993, at the beginning of the rainy season. The possible confounding effect of infection with Plasmodiumparasites was removed by eliminating infected mosquitoes from the study samples. An.arabiensisfemales comprised 75% of the An.gambiae sensu lawpopulation and were significantly larger (greater mean wing length) than those of An.gambiae s.s.mosquitoes. Mean egg production per female (for the subsequent gonotrophic cycle, excluding pre‐gravids) for the two species was not significantly different, though the relationship between wing length and egg production showed An.gambiae s.s.to be more fecund than the An.arabiensisof the same size. Pre‐gravid An.gambiae s.s.had consumed significandy smaller bloodmeals than gravid females but the mean wing length of these two gonotrophic categories was not significantly different. In contrast, An.arabiensispre‐gravids were smaller and had consumed smaller bloodmeals than the gravids.
Comparison of three methods for age‐grading of female Neotropical phlebotomine sandflies
Authors: AÑEZ NESTOR , TANG YINSHAN
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Changes in appearance of the accessory glands (AG), ovaries (OV) and the absence or presence of crease marks at the edges of the genital atrium armature (GA) were compared as methods to age‐grade female laboratory‐bred (Lutzomyia migonei) and wild‐caught (Lu.youngi, Lu.spinicrassa, Lu.ovallesi) Neotropical sandflies.

Dissections at different physiological stages revealed that all parous and high proportions of nulliparous (4/38 unmated, 12/12 mated) females showed similar residual AG secretions. Hence AG appearance (nullipars with AG translucent, versus yellowish opaque granulated AG previously regarded as signs of parousness) is unreliable for age‐grading.

Readily recognizable changes in both GA (98% creased) and the OV (100% yellowish with loose ovarioles) indicated that these organs could be employed to discriminate between nulliparous and parous females. Despite finding one misdiagnosed female (a nullipar having creased GA indicative of parity), the GA method of age‐grading is recommended because females may be examined satisfactorily at any stage of the gonotrophic cycle. Moreover, the GA characteristics of pickled or dry preserved sandflies as well as fresh slide‐mounted specimens can be determined easily.

Among sixty‐five wild‐caught Lutzomyia females dissected (mostly Lu.spinicrassa and Lu.youngi), the proportions of specimens yielding preparations suitable for examination were 97% for GA, 89% for OV, but only 58% for AG, which reinforces GA as the preferred character for age‐grading.
Diptera and Coleoptera of potential forensic importance in southeastern Brazil: relative abundance and seasonality
Authors: SOUZA ARIANA MARIA DE , LINHARES ARÍCIO XAVIER
Published: March 2008

Abstract.To determine the species of Diptera and Coleoptera that visit and breed in carrion, four experiments, one for each season, were conducted from November 1992 to October 1993 in the vicinity of Campinas city, Southeastern Brazil. For each experiment two pigs weighingc.10 kg were killed with a blow to the head with a blunt metallic object and immediately exposed, one in the shade and the other under sunlight. Adult insects and larvae leaving the carcass to pupate were collected daily. In addition, female blowflies were dissected in order to determine the stage of ovarian development. Five species of Calliphoridae:Chrysomya albiceps, C.megacephala, C.putoria, Phaenicia eximiaandHemilucilia segmentaria;three of Sarcophagidae:Pattonella intermutans, Liopygia ruficornisandAdiscochaeta ingens, and three of beetles:Dermestes maculatus, D. peruvianus(Dermestidae) andNecrobia rufipes(Cleridae), were considered of potential forensic importance, for they were able to breed in carrion exposed to natural environmental conditions. In addition, several fly species showed a definite seasonal pattern, with the Calliphoridae breeding more frequently during the warmer months of the year, and the Sarcophagidae preferring the cooler periods.
Anopheles gambiae gonotrophic cycle duration, biting and exiting behaviour unaffected by permethrin‐impregnated bednets in The Gambia
Authors: QUIÑONES M. L. , LINES J. D. , THOMSON M. C. , JAWARA M. , MORRIS J. , GREENWOOD B. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Permethrin‐impregnated bednets protect children against malaria in The Gambia, where Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes are the main vectors of malaria. However, no effect has been found on mosquito density, parous rates or sporozoite rates in An.gambiae sensu lato populations; only a reduction in the numbers of mosquitoes resting indoors in rooms with treated bednets. A possible explanation for this paradox is that exposure to treated bednets leads to changed vector behaviour such as a shift in biting time, a diversion to biting outdoors instead of indoors, to biting animals instead of humans, or to increased duration of the gonotrophic cycle. To investigate these possibilities, we observed the biting and exiting behaviour of An.gambiae in ten pairs of villages, in half of which the residents used permethrin‐treated bednets. The possible influence of treated bednets on the gonotrophic cycle length was evaluated by mark‐release‐recapture experiment.

No significant difference was found between villages with treated and untreated bednets in the indoor/outdoor ratio of human biting, in mean biting times or in human blood indices of An.gambiae females found resting indoors in the mornings. The proportions of unfed, fed or gravid An.gambiae females collected in exit traps, and the number of females exiting showed no significant differences between rooms with treated and untreated bednets. Indications for a gonotrophic cycle length of 2 days were found. No evidence for any change in duration of the gonotrophic cycle in relation to exposure to treated bednets was found, although the number of recaptures was low in the villages with treated bednets.

Since equal numbers of infective An.gambiae were found in villages with treated or untreated bednets, and no changes in mosquito behaviour were detected, we cannot account for how children are protected against malaria by treated bednets. One possibility is that mosquitoes divert to bite other hosts, including adults.
Effects of community‐wide use of lambdacyhalothrin‐impregnated bednets on malaria vectors in rural Sierra Leone
Authors: MAGBITY E. B. , MARBIAH N. T. , MAUDE G. , CURTIS C. F. , BRADLEY D. J. , GREENWOOD B. M. , PETERSEN E. , LINES J. D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effect of community‐wide use of bednets treated with lambdacyhalothrin 10mg/m2 on the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (forest form) was evaluated in Sierra Leone. Sixteen similar villages near the town of Bo were randomly allocated either to remain without nets or to receive treated bednets for all inhabitants, with effect from June 1992. Mosquitoes were sampled using human biting catches on verandas, light‐trap catch (beside an occupied untreated bednet), window exit‐trap catch and pyrethrum spray collections. During the first year of intervention (June 1992 to July 1993) the treated bednets provided personal protection for people sleeping under them, but had very little impact on densities of An. gambiae collected on human bait. The human blood index (HBI) of An.gambiae was not affected (HBI = 99% in villages with and without nets). An.gambiae parous rates were significantly reduced in all intervention villages, but malaria sporozoite rates fell in only some of the villages. These results are intermediate between those obtained from other projects in Tanzania and Burkina Faso, where treated bednets reduced man‐biting, parity and sporozoite rates, versus The Gambia where treated bednets had no significant impact on any of these factors. Possible reasons for these contrasted findings are discussed.
Larval and adult nutrition effects on blood/nectar choice of Culex nigripalpus mosquitoes
Authors: HANCOCK R. G. , FOSTER W. A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The impact of nutritional variables on the development of host‐seeking and biting behaviours after emergence by female Culex nigripalpus mosquitoes were studied using air‐flow olfactometer and close‐range biting assays, respectively. Unfed females failed to develop resting stage ovarian follicles. When offered a bird host in the absence of competing stimuli, sugar‐fed mosquitoes were significantly more responsive in both host‐seeking and biting than unfed controls. In a choice olfactometer assay using nectar odours (honey scented with artificial apple‐blossom oil) versus host odours (a bird), unfed females preferred honey over bird odours except when honey odour was weak. After sucrose feeding, females switched from honey to bird preference. This change in behaviour was accompanied by significant accumulation of lipid and by follicular growth to the resting stage. Elevation of host responsiveness after sugar feeding was reversible; starvation ultimately resulted in females preferring honey over bird odours. When the larval diet was restricted by crowding, the wing‐length and total lipid of resultant adult females were reduced. Although differences were subtle, unfed bird‐responding females tended to have longer wings and more lipid than their honey‐responding counterparts.
Chorion patterns on eggs of Lutzomyia sandflies from the Peruvian Andes
Authors: PEREZ J. ENRIQUE , OGUSUKU ELENA
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to depict and describe the eggs of five species of phlebotomine sandfly from the Andean region of Peru: Lutzomyia caballeroi, Lu.noguchii, Lu.peruensis, Lu.tejadai and Lu.verrucarum. Two new types of chorionic sculpturing of sandfly eggs are reported: these were named disperse (Lu.tejadai) and verrucose (Lu.noguchii). The aeropylar area of the eggs is also described for the first time for neotropical sandflies. These character states appear to vary for ecological rather than phylogenetic reasons and could be used for species identification.
The effects of the brown ear‐tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, on milk production in dairy cattle
Authors: NORVAL R. A. I. , SUTHERST R. W. , GIBSON J. D. , KERR J. D. , THORNE L. M. , ELLENHAUGE A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effect is reported of artificially controlled levels of infestation with adults of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus on the milk yield of twenty commercial Bos taurus dairy cattle on a high plane of nutrition and eighteen crossbed B.taurus× Sanga cattle on a lower plane of nutrition in the highveld of Zimbabwe. The results showed no significant effect on milk yield of infestations averaging twenty engorging ticks per animal per day, despite severe ear damage in some animals. They indicate that milk production of dairy cattle under commercial management is not sensitive to infestation with R.appendiculatus. The results have important implications for management of ticks in Africa, but need to be interpreted within the context of the control of tick‐borne diseases.
Observations on the mite fauna associated with adult Stomoxys calcitmns in the U.K.
Authors: McGARRY J. W. , BAKER A. S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Adult females of the blood‐sucking muscid Stomoxys calcitrans sampled between June and September 1993 from a cattle farm (n= 839) and from a pig farm (n= 542) in North‐West England were examined for mites. Twelve species of mites from ten families and three orders were identified as follows. In the Prostigmata, Eryenetes sp., Family Ereynetidae and Pediculaster mesembrinae, Family Pygmephoridae. In the Astigmata, Procalvolia zacheri Family Saproglyphidae, Acarusfarris, Family Acaridae, Bonomoia sphaerocerae and Myianoetus sp., Family Anoetidae. In the Mesostigmata, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and Macrocheles subbadius Family Macrochelidae, Digamasellus sp., Family Digamasellidae, Halolaelaps sp., Family Halolaelapidae. Prodinychus sp., Family Uropodoidea and Thinoseius sp., Family Eviphididae. Mean infestation rates at the two sites (all mite species) for the entire sampling period were 31.6 ± 13.9% and 19.8 ± 3.6% respectively. 51 % of synbovine flies sampled in July were infested with mites. Mean numbers of flies infested in August at both farms were significantly lower compared to other months. The presence of tritonymphs of Ereynetes sp. on S.calcitrans demonstrates for the first time that this life cycle stage is naturally associated with insects in the field.

All mites were recovered from the ventral thorax and abdomen, and two or more species commonly infested individual flies. Associations of mites with their dipteran hosts are described and discussed.
Univariate analysis of tsetse habitat in the common fly belt of Southern Africa using climate and remotely sensed vegetation data
Authors: ROBINSON TIMOTHY , ROGERS DAVID , WILLIAMS BRIAN
Published: March 2008

Abstract Tsetse are vectors of trypanosomes that cause diseases both in humans and livestock. Traditional tsetse surveys, using sampling methods such as Epsilon traps and black screen fly rounds, are often logistically difficult, costly and time‐consuming. The distribution of tsetse, as revealed by such survey methods, is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, such as climate and vegetation cover, which may be readily mapped using satellite data. These data may be used to make predictions of the probable distribution of tsetse in unsurveyed areas by determining the environmental characteristics of areas of tsetse presence and absence in surveyed areas. The same methods may also be used to characterize differences between tsetse species and subspecies. In this paper we analyse the distribution of Glossina morsitans centralis, Glossina morsitans morsitans and Glossina pallidipes in southern Africa with respect to single environmental variables. For G.m.centralis the best predictions were made using the average NDVI (75% correct predictions; range > 0.37) and the average of the maximum temperature (70% correct predictions; 27.0–29.2°C). For G.m.morsitans the best prediction was given by the maximum of the minimum temperature (84% correct predictions; range > 18.8°C), and for G.pallidipes, also by the maximum of the minimum temperature (86% correct predictions; range > 19.6 °C). The following paper compares a range of multivariate techniques for making predictions about the distribution of these species in the same region.
Comparison of the susceptibility of different Glossina species to simple and mixed infections with Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense savannah and riverine forest types
Authors: REIFENBERG J. M. , CUISANCE D. , FREZIL J. L. , CUNY G. , DUVALLET G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Teneral Glossina morsitans mositans, G.m.submorsitans, G.palpalis gambiensis and G.tachinoides were allowed to feed on rabbits infected with Trypanosoma congolense savannah type or on mice infected with T.congolense riverine‐forest type. The four tsetse species and subspecies were also infected simultaneously in vitro on the blood of mice infected with the two clones of T.congolense via a silicone membrane. The infected tsetse were maintained on rabbits and from the day 25 after the infective feed, the surviving tsetse were dissected in order to determine the infection rates.

Results showed higher mature infection rates in morsitans‐gwup tsetse flies than in palpalis‐group tsetse flies when infected with the savannah type of T.congolense. In contrast, infection rates with the riverine‐forest type of T.congolense were lower, and fewer flies showed full development cycle. The intrinsec vectorial capacity of G.m.submorsitans for the two T.congolense types was the highest, whereas the intrinsic vectorial capacity of G.p.gambiensis for the Savannah type and G.m.morsitans for the riverine‐forest type were the lowest. Among all tsetse which were infected simultaneously with the two types of T.congolense, the polymerase chain reaction detected only five flies which had both trypanosome taxa in the midgut and the proboscis. All the other infections were attributable to the savannah type.

The differences in the gut of different Glossina species and subspecies allowing these two sub‐groups of T.congolense to survive better and undergo the complete developmental cycle more readily in some species than other are discussed.
Interactions of human malaria parasites, Plasmodium wVaxand P.falciparum, with the midgut of Anopheles mosquitoes
Authors: RAMASAMY MANTHRI S. , KULASEKERA RANJITH , WANNIARACHCHI ISHANI C. , SRIKRISHNARAJ K. ALAGARATNAM , RAMASAMY RANJAN
Published: March 2008

Abstract Present understanding of the development of sexual stages of the human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and P.falciparum in the Anopheles vector is reviewed, with particular reference to the role of the mosquito midgut in establishing an infection. The sexual stages of the parasite, the gametocytes, are formed in human erythrocytes. The changes in temperature and pH encountered by the gametocyte induce gametogenesis in the lumen of the midgut. Macromolecules derived from mosquito tissue and second messenger pathways regulate events leading to fertilization. In An.tessellatus the movement of the ookinete from the lumen to the midgut epithelium is linked to the release of trypsin in the midgut and the peritrophic matrix is not a firm barrier to this movement. The passage of the P. vivax ookinete through the peritrophic matrix may take place before the latter is fully formed. The late ookinete development in P.falciparum requires chitinase to facilitate penetration of the peritrophic matrix. Recognition sites for the ookinetes are present on the midgut epithelial cells. N‐acetyl glucosamine residues in the oligosaccharide side chains of An.tessellatus midgut glycoproteins and peritrophic matrix proteoglycan may function as recognition sites for P.vivax and P.falciparum ookinetes. It is possible that ookinetes penetrating epithelial cells produce stress in the vector. Mosquito molecules may be involved in oocyst development in the basal lamina, and encapsulation of the parasite occurs in vectors that are refractory to the parasite. Detailed knowledge of vector‐parasite interactions, particularly in the midgut and the identification of critical mosquito molecules offers prospects for manipulating the vector for the control of malaria.
Seasonal prevalence of ticks and tick‐transmitted haemoparasites in traditionally managed N'Dama cattle with reference to strategic tick control in the Gambia
Authors: MATTIOLI R. C. , JANNEH L. , CORR N. , FAYE J. A. , PANDEY V. S. , VERHULST A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract A survey of tick spatial and seasonal distribution in traditional managed N' Dama cattle over 1 year old was carried out in The Gambia over 16 months. Presence of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp. in the blood smears and their antibodies in the serum of same animals were also examined. Tick species, in decreasing order of abundance, were: Boophilus geigy, Rhipicephalus senegalensis, B.decoloratus, Hyalomma truncatum, H. marginatum rufipes and Amblyomma variegatum. All tick species peaked during the rainy season. Additional B.geigy peaks occurred towards the end of the dry season. The most infested animal body areas were anogenital, udder and abdomen. A.variegatum, Hyalomma spp. and, to a lesser extent, Boophilus spp. showed strong preferences for these anatomical regions. Overall prevalence of A.marginale, B.bigemina and B.bovis haemoparasites were 3.2%, 0.9% and 0.1 %, respectively. Peaks of A.marginale and B.bigemina occurred at the end of the rainy season‐beginning of the dry season; an additional A.marginale peak was observed at mid‐end dry season. Overall antibody seroprevalence were 29.6% for A.marginale, 44.7% for B.bigemina and 5.2% for B.bovis; monthly fluctuations in percentage of seroreactors were limited. Endemic stability for A.marginale and B.bigemina is postulated. Implications of the outcomes are discussed in relation to tick‐control strategy in The Gambia.
Repellency of synthetic and plant‐derived preparations for Culicoides imicola
Authors: BRAVERMAN Y. , CHIZOV‐GINZBURG A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract The study was conducted to find a safer and longer lasting repellent for C. imicola than di‐ethyl toluamide (DEET), to validate whether the current recommendations in Israel for application of repellents during an outbreak of disease caused by pathogens borne by Culicoides imicola are justified, and to test plant‐derived preparations as potential replacements for the synthetic repellents. Seven repellents were compared by a method using treated netting across the entrance of a suction light trap. Those inferior to DEET were: oregano and Herbipet ® which showed a slight non‐significant repellency for 2 h, Tri‐Tec14 ™ which showed significant (P < 0.05) repellency with respect to controls for 2h and Stomoxin ® which showed significant (P < 0.05) repellency for lh. As the active ingredient of Stomoxin is permethrin, this indicates that recommendations to spray animals with this insecticide to prevent the spread of C.imico/a‐borne pathogens will not be useful. The repellents superior to DEET were: the plant‐derived material AglOOO that repelled significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to controls for up to 4h following a similar pattern to but somewhat more strongly than DEET, and pyrethroid‐T which exerted significant (P < 0.05) repellency for 9h. Pyrethroid‐T proved to be the best repellent tested, and if sprayed nightly it might provide protection from C. imicola‐bome pathogens.
Bacillus subtilis GlnR contains an autoinhibitory C‐terminal domain required for the interaction with glutamine synthetase
Authors: Wray Lewis V. , Fisher Susan H.
Published: March 2008

The Bacillus subtilis GlnR transcription factor regulates gene expression in response to changes in nitrogen availability. Glutamine synthetase transmits the nitrogen regulatory signal to GlnR. The DNA‐binding activity of GlnR is activated by a transient protein–protein interaction with feedback‐inhibited glutamine synthetase that stabilizes GlnR–DNA complexes. This signal transduction mechanism was analysed by creating mutant GlnR proteins with partial or complete truncations of their C‐terminal domains. The truncated GlnR proteins were found to constitutively repress gene expression in vivo. This constitutive repression did not require glutamine synthetase. Purified mutant GlnR proteins bound DNA in vitro more tightly than wild‐type GlnR protein and this binding was not activated by feedback‐inhibited glutamine synthetase. While full‐length GlnR is monomeric, the truncated GlnR proteins contained significant levels of dimers. These results indicate that the C‐terminal region of GlnR acts as an autoinhibitory domain that prevents GlnR dimerization and thus impedes DNA binding. The GlnR C‐terminal domain is also required for the interaction between GlnR and feedback‐inhibited glutamine synthetase. Compared with the full‐length GlnR protein, the truncated GlnR proteins were defective in their interaction with feedback‐inhibited glutamine synthetase in cross‐linking experiments.
CLINICAL STUDY: Cocaine craving is associated with electrophysiological brain responses to cocaine‐related stimuli
Authors: Franken Ingmar H. A. , Dietvorst Roeland C. , Hesselmans Mirjam , Franzek Ernst J. , Van De Wetering Ben J. M. , Van Strien Jan W.
Published: March 2008

Several studies show that substance dependence disorders are characterized by an enhanced processing of substance‐related stimuli. The present study was designed to examine the association between craving levels and selective processing of drug cues in cocaine‐dependent patients using event‐related brain potentials (ERPs). In abstinent cocaine‐dependent patients and a healthy control group, we studied the late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes elicited by neutral and cocaine‐related stimuli. The results show that cocaine‐dependent patients have an enhanced electrophysiological response in the late LPP time window to cocaine‐related stimuli as compared to controls, suggesting an enhanced processing of these stimuli. Most importantly, a robust association was observed between cocaine craving and LPP amplitude. High craving levels were associated with larger LPP amplitudes at central electrode sites in the right hemisphere. These findings are in line with theories linking motivational aspects and appetitive stimulus processing. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that ERPs are a useful index to assess motivational properties of stimuli in cocaine‐dependent patients. These findings suggest that electrophysiological measures may have clinical relevance in substance use disorders.
Jasmonic acid influences mycorrhizal colonization in tomato plants by modifying the expression of genes involved in carbohydrate partitioning
Authors: Tejeda‐Sartorius Miriam , Martínez de la Vega Octavio , Délano‐Frier John Paul
Published: March 2008

The role of jasmonic acid (JA) on mycorrhizal colonization by Glomus fasciculatum in tomato plants was examined using mutant plants overexpressing prosystemin (PS) or affected in the synthesis of JA (suppressor of prosystemin‐mediated responses 2, spr2). The degree of mycorrhizal colonization was determined by measuring frequency (F%) and intensity (M%) of colonization and arbuscule abundance (A%). Gene expression and biochemical analyses were also performed in roots to detect changes in carbon (C) partitioning. Colonization was similar in mycorrhizal PS and wild‐type roots, except for a higher A% in the former. Conversely, colonization was severely reduced in roots of spr2 mutants. No association was found between levels of expression of genes coding for systemic wound responsive proteins (or SWRPs) and other defense‐related proteins in roots and mycorrhization levels in these plants. On the other hand, the degree of mycorrhizal colonization correlated with changes in the transcriptional regulation of a number of genes involved in sucrose hydrolysis and transport, cell wall invertase activity and mycorrhizal‐specific fatty acid content in roots. The results obtained suggest that one of the mechanisms by which JA might operate to modulate the mycorrhization process could be through its influence on the regulation of C partitioning in the plant. The significant colonization increase observed in mycorrhizal spr2 plants supplied with exogenous methyl jasmonate supports its role as a positive regulator of the symbiosis.
Chilling Tolerance in Hybrid Maize Induced by Seed Priming with Salicylic Acid
Authors: Farooq M. , Aziz T. , Basra S. M. A. , Cheema M. A. , Rehman H.
Published: March 2008

The optimum temperature for maize germination is between 25 and 28 °C. Poor and erratic germination at suboptimal temperature is the most important hindrance in its early sowing. This study was conducted to induce chilling tolerance in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) by seed priming with salicylic acid (SA) and to unravel the background biochemical basis. For seed priming, maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 ppm (mg l−1) aerated solutions of SA for 24 h and were dried back. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and at 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Performance of maize seedlings was hampered under chilling stress. But seed priming with SA improved the seedling emergence, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, and leaf and root score considerably compared with control both at optimal and chilling temperatures. However, priming in 50 mg l−1 SA solution was more effective, followed by priming in 100 mg l−1 SA solution. Seed priming with SA improved the chilling tolerance in hybrid maize mainly by the activation of antioxidants (including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase). Moreover, maintenance of high tissue water contents and reduced membrane permeability also contributed towards chilling tolerance.
In vitro effect of cyclosporine‐A on angiotensins secretion by glomerular cells
Authors: BERGAMASCO LUCA , SAINAGHI PIER PAOLO , CASTELLO LUIGI , LETIZIA CLAUDIO , BARTOLI ETTORE
Published: March 2008

Aim:  Cyclosporine‐A (CyA) is used to control transplant rejections and to treat autoimmune diseases. We investigated the possibility that changes induced by CyA on endothelin 1 (ET), angiotensin I (AI) and angiotensin II (AII) concentrations recognize a common pathway through which different mechanisms operate.

Methods:  We measured ET, AI and AII concentrations, before and after either ET or CyA addition to the incubation medium of glomeruli of pig kidneys, isolated in vitro. The measurements were carried out with or without selective (ETA and ETB) or unselective ETA‐ETB receptor inhibitors.

Results:  In the presence of CyA, AI and ET are positively correlated either when ETB receptors are blocked, or when both receptors are free, while this correlation becomes negative when ETA receptors alone are blocked. Adding ET to the medium, the correlations between AI and ET are negative when either ETA, or ETB or both are blocked. The effects of CyA and ET are significant only during the first 2 h of incubation.

Conclusion:  Cyclosporine‐A recruits angiotensins and ET through ETA receptors, a mechanism possibly responsible of glomerular damage. This stimulation is time‐dependent. Prevention of the renal damage from CyA should require selective ETA receptor blockade.
Human renal cells from the thick ascending limb and early distal tubule: Characterization of primary isolated and cultured cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
Authors: BAER PATRICK C , GEIGER HELMUT
Published: March 2008

Aim:  Human renal tubular cells of well‐defined nephron origin are an important basis in the research of various physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms in the kidney. Whereas an exceeding amount of data has been obtained on proximal tubular cells, only limited data of cells of the human thick ascending limb and the early distal tubule (TALDC) are available.

Methods:  TALDC have been isolated immunomagnetically according to their specific antigen expression of Tamm–Horsfall glycoprotein (THG). Cells were either directly processed for analysis or cultured under normal cell culture conditions. Differentiation of primary isolates and cultured cells was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using characteristic markers. As controls, we used RNA from whole human kidney and cultured HK‐2 cells. Additional characterizations were made by morphological analysis and western blotting.

Results:  Primary isolated TALDC express the characteristic markers epidermal growth factor receptor, Na‐K‐2Cl transporter 2, epithelial calcium canal, and THG but were negative for Pax‐2, aquaporin‐2 and ‐3. Cultured TALDC were positive for epidermal growth factor receptor and Na‐K‐2Cl transporter 2 but have lost their epithelial calcium canal and THG expression and started to express Pax‐2. All probes were positive for the specific markers kidney‐specific cadherin and cytokeratin‐8. Furthermore, differentiation of cultured TALDC was shown by cell morphology and their characteristic protein expression pattern.

Conclusion:  Our results highlight the purity of primary isolates and the differentiation of cultured TALDC, and show that they can be used as an in vitro system studies of the human thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and early distal tubule.
Pretreatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor attenuated renal ischaemia and reperfusion injury via activation of PI3/Akt signal pathway
Authors: LI YIWEN , WU JIANYONG , SHOU ZHANGFEI , HE QIANG , ZHANG PING , HAN FEI , LI HEN , CHEN JIANGHUA
Published: March 2008

Aim:  Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has been shown to exert protective effects in various tissues and experimental models of ischaemia‐induced injury. However, the mechanism of renoprotective action in ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) renal injury of G‐CSF was unknown.

Methods:  Male C57BL/6J mice, subjected to renal ischaemia for 45 min, 48 h and 7 days reperfusion, were administered either saline, wortmannin, G‐CSF, and G‐CSF plus wortmannin 3 days prior to I/R. Saline‐treated group served as the control. At 48 h and 7 days of reperfusion, the mice were killed.

Results:  Significantly, renal dysfunction and morphological injury were identified at 48 h and 7 days after I/R. Wortmannin pretreatment worsened the renal injury significantly. However, G‐CSF pretreatment significantly attenuated renal injury, reduced the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling‐positive ratio of renal tubular epithelial cells and inflammation cytokine expression in the kidney. Moreover, G‐CSF pretreatment inhibited the expression of Bax and increased the expression of bcl‐2 and p‐Akt in the kidney. Wortmannin blunted the beneficial effects of G‐CSF.

Conclusion:  The cytoprotective action of G‐CSF against I/R injury seems to be associated with its anti‐apoptotic action mediated by upregulation of p‐Akt signal pathway.
Chronic hepatitis ameliorates anaemia in haemodialysis patients
Authors: LIN YI‐LUNG , LIN CHI‐WEI , LEE CHIEH‐HUA , LAI I‐CHUN , CHEN HIS‐HSIEN , CHEN TZEN‐WEN
Published: March 2008

Background:  Study for influence of chronic hepatitis (CH) on anaemia in haemodialysis (HD) patients remains inconclusive. We aim to characterize the red cell status between CH and hepatitis‐free groups among the HD population.

Methods:  We retrospectively analysed 80 chronic HD patients from Taipei Medical University Hospital with monthly sampled biochemical study between December 2004 and December 2005. Data classified according to the hepatitis‐free, chronic hepatitis B and C groups were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Student's t‐test and anova were used to determine the mean difference for continuous variables.

Results:  Age, Kt/V, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol and triglyceride were not different between CH and hepatitis‐free groups. HD duration (P = 0.0002), aspartate (P < 0.0001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.0001), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.04), haemoglobin (P = 0.0066) and haematocrit (P = 0.002) were significantly more elevated in the CH group demanding less erythropoietin dose than in the hepatitis‐free group.

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrated that lessoned anaemia was observed in CH, which demanded less erythropoietin dose.
Perinatal protein restriction reduces the inhibitory action of serotonin on food intake
Authors: Lopes de Souza Sandra , Orozco‐Solis Ricardo , Grit Isabelle , Manhães de Castro Raul , Bolaños‐Jiménez Francisco
Published: March 2008

Early malnutrition has been associated with a high risk of developing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. In animals, poor perinatal nutrition produces hyperphagia and persistent increased levels of serotonin (5‐HT) in the brain. Inasmuch as 5‐HT is directly related to the negative regulation of food intake, here we have investigated whether the anorexic effects of 5‐HT are altered by protein malnutrition. Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were fedad libitumeither a control (20% protein) or a low‐protein (8% protein) diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, pups received a standard diet and at 35 days their feeding behaviour was evaluated after the administration ofdl‐fenfluramine (dl‐FEN), an anorexic compound that blocks the reuptake of 5‐HT and stimulates its release. Male offspring born to protein‐restricted dams exhibited significantly decreased body weight and hyperphagia compared with controls.dl‐FEN dose‐dependently reduced the 1 h chow intake at the onset of the dark cycle in both control and undernourished rats. However, the hypophagic effects ofdl‐FEN were significantly attenuated in animals submitted perinatally to protein restriction. The stimulatory action ofdl‐FEN on c‐fos immunoreactivity within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus was also decreased in low‐protein‐fed rats. Further pharmacological analysis with selective 5‐HT1Band 5‐HT2Creceptor agonist showed that the reduced anorexic effects of 5‐HT in malnourished animals were coupled to a desensitization of 5‐HT1Breceptors. These observations indicate that the hyperphagia associated with metabolic programming is at least partially related to a reduced regulatory function of 5‐HT on food intake.
Is there a second fragrance gene in rice?
Authors: Fitzgerald Melissa A. , Sackville Hamilton N. Ruaraidh , Calingacion Mariafe N. , Verhoeven Harrie A. , Butardo Vito M.
Published: March 2008

Aromatic rice is highly prized by most rice consumers, and many countries cultivate traditional and improved aromatic varieties. 2‐Acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) is the major aromatic compound in rice, and is believed to accumulate because of an eight‐base‐pair (8‐bp) deletion in an allele at the fragrance locus. In this study, 2AP was quantified and the presence or absence of the fragrance allele (fgr) was determined in 464 samples of traditional varieties of rice from the T.T. Chang Genetic Resources Centre at the International Rice Research Institute. It was shown that a number of aromatic varieties, primarily from South and South‐East Asia, do not carry the 8‐bp deletion, but 2AP was identified in both raw and cooked rice of these varieties. We suggest that the 8‐bp deletion in fgr is not the only cause of aroma, and at least one other mutation drives the accumulation of 2AP. The amount of 2AP in most uniform fgr genotypes was not significantly different from that in aromatic nfgr genotypes, but several fgr genotypes, primarily from South Asia, reproducibly accumulated exceptionally large amounts of 2AP. We suggest that the mutation leading to 2AP in aromatic nfgr varieties possibly originated several times and, through either domestication or evolution, the fgr gene and other alleles leading to 2AP have combined in South Asia, leading to several highly aromatic traditional varieties. The identification of multiple mutations for 2AP will enable rice breeding programmes to select actively for multiple genetic sources of 2AP, leading to the development of highly aromatic and, consequently, high‐quality varieties of rice.
Look Who's Talking: Sources of Variation in Information Disclosure in the UK
Authors: Peccei Riccardo , Bewley Helen , Gospel Howard , Willman Paul
Published: March 2008

The article examines the correlates of variable levels of information disclosure by management to employees in the UK. It develops several hypotheses that are tested using 1998 and 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey data. The results show that managerial perceptions of goal alignment by employees and the existence of direct participation mechanisms are positively associated with disclosure at both dates. The size of the workplace has a generally negative relationship at both dates, but less so in 2004 than in 1998. Other variables such as financial distress and the presence of trade unions and joint consultation have more complicated relationships over the two time periods. The article discusses theoretical and policy implications of the findings.
Putting grammatical complexity in context
Authors: Rimmer Wayne
Published: March 2008

Effective writing is to some degree characterised by the ability to use complex grammatical structures. However, grammatical complexity is poorly defined in linguistics and related disciplines such as literacy. This empirical study examined the notion of grammatical complexity and its relevance to literacy. Complexity is multifaceted, so for reasons of scope the study was confined to nominal structures, i.e. the noun phrase (e.g. I finished the book on Marx) and the nominal clause (e.g. I heard what you were doing). Such nominal structures were analysed by frequency and category in a bank of essays from Year 10/11 pupils in a UK comprehensive school. The results suggest that complexity is a product of the interaction of grammar with the context of production, and that in literacy it is helpful to view grammar as a system of options that can be manipulated to maximise the meaning potential of a text.
A comparison of normative data for the Trail Making Test from several countries: Equivalence of norms and considerations for interpretation
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ ALBERTO L. , MARCOPULOS BERNICE A.
Published: March 2008

The Trail Making Test may not be equivalent across cultures, i.e., differences in the scores across different cultures may not reveal real differences in the ability of the subjects on the construct being measured. In order to assess this hypothesis, normative samples from ten different countries were compared. Age decade subgroups across samples were ranked based on mean time taken to complete each part of the task. Large Z scores differences were found between these samples when comparing the first with the second, and the last in the rank. These differences were significant even when age and education were comparable across samples. Following Van de Vijver & Tanzer (1997), several possible sources of bias were identified. Incomparability of samples and administration differences were the most likely factors accounting for differences. Because of the lack of validity studies in the countries considered, no firm conclusions could be obtained regarding construct bias. Although the TMT may be measuring visual scanning, psychomotor speed and mental flexibility, normative data from different countries and cultures are not equivalent which might lead to serious diagnostic errors.
ON CLAIMED “ORTHODOXY”, QUIBBLING WITH WORDS, AND SOME SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS: A COMMENT ON THE TILLEY‐D'COSTA DEBATE ABOUT RELIGIOUS PLURALISM
Authors: SCHMIDT‐LEUKEL PERRY
Published: March 2008

The article provides critical comments on three features of the recent debate between Terrence W. Tilley and Gavin D'Costa in Modern Theology. The use of the Vatican document Dominus Iesus as a parameter of “Christian” or even “Roman Catholic orthodoxy” is criticized as being presumptuous and highly questionable. Further it is argued that Tilley's and D'Costa's disagreement is less substantial than they claim and is largely rooted in contradictory statements within Dominus Iesus itself. Finally, it is held that their consensus in relation to the status of other religions displays an inability to overcome triumphalism and supersessionism, and entails, in line with Dominus Iesus, that other religions are “gravely deficient”.
Modesty and Excellence: Gender and Sports Culture in Dutch Catholic Schooling, 1900–40
Authors: Derks Marjet
Published: March 2008

This article focuses on the construction of gendered identities in Dutch schools run by religious orders during the process of Catholic emancipation. It discusses the fragility of identity, the simultaneity of tradition and modernity, and the role that gender plays in all these interactions. Two schools in the city of Nijmegen, the Netherlands, are compared during the first half of the twentieth century: the Jesuit institution for boys, Canisius College, and the Ursuline college for girls next door, Mater Dei. At both, sport played an important role in the transmission of notions of Catholicism and gender.
The growing divide: the marginalisation of young Roma children in Bulgaria
Authors: Gatenio Gabel Shirley
Published: March 2008

This article evaluates how evolving social policies for very young children and their families affect the marginalisation of Roma children from mainstream Bulgarian society. The Roma (or ‘gypsies’) have long been ostracised by various societies and since the fall of communism in 1989 have become increasingly vulnerable to income poverty and social exclusion. The exclusion of Roma threatens Bulgaria's economic and political growth because the Roma constitute an increasing proportion of the population. The article compares the effects of current child and family policies on modifying the social and economic differences between very young Roma children under the age of three and those of majority Bulgarian children. It demonstrates how both universal social policies directed at helping all children and policies targeted on helping the most deprived children in a population, can, because of previous employment and other factors, further marginalise the most disadvantaged children in a population.
Street children in Russia: steps to prevention
Authors: Balachova Tatiana N. , Bonner Barbara L. , Levy Sheldon
Published: March 2008

This article examines the historical evolution of the development of social policy toward street children in Russia and makes recommendations for prevention. The historical examination begins with the Soviet period, when statistics on social problems were not publicly known. It continues through the post‐Soviet period when there was an emerging awareness about the increasing number of abused, abandoned children and children living on the streets. Etiological factors, such as child maltreatment and parental substance abuse, are then discussed. Based on these etiological factors, the article then proposes a model in which existing institutions and professionals are supported in facilitating an integrated system of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This includes improving child protection services and interventions to prevent children leaving their homes, early identification of children who are becoming involved in street life and a continuum of care for children who cannot return home.
Psoriasis and diabetes: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cohen AD , Dreiher J , Shapiro Y , Vidavsky L , Vardy DA , Davidovici B , Meyerovitch J
Published: March 2008

Background  Previous reports have shown an association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome, but there are only a few studies on the association between psoriasis and diabetes.

Objectives  To study the association between psoriasis and diabetes.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study was performed utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services (CHS). Patients who were diagnosed with psoriasis were compared with CHS enrolees without psoriasis regarding the prevalence of diabetes. Patients with diabetes were identified using the CHS chronic diseases registry. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare categorical parameters. Logistic regression models were used for multivariate analyses.

Results  The study included 16 851 patients with psoriasis and 74 987 subjects without psoriasis (control patients). The proportion of diabetes was significantly higher in patients above 35 years (P < 0.05). The age‐adjusted proportion of diabetes was significantly higher in psoriasis patients as compared to the control group [odds ratio (OR), 1.38, P < 0.05] and was similar in men and women (OR, 1.32, 1.45, respectively). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that psoriasis was significantly associated with diabetes, independently of age and gender (OR, 1.58, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Our study supports previous reports of an association between psoriasis and diabetes. Dermatologists taking care of patients with psoriasis should be aware of this association and advise the patients to reduce additional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension or dyslipidemia.