bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foraging behaviour of the social caterpillar Eutachyptera psidii (Sallé) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) during a prolonged period of food and water deprivation
Authors: FITZGERALD TERRENCE D. , PESCADOR‐RUBIO ALFONSO , ISAACS GARY 
Published: August 2008

Abstract 1. Colonies of the social caterpillar Eutachyptera psidii (Sallé) (Hymenoptera: Lasiocampidae) occurring on oak (Quercus) in upland forests of Mexico endure periods as long as 6 weeks, with little or no food or water between the time host trees shed their leaves in April and produce new leaves in June.2. By monitoring the activity of both field and laboratory colonies with infrared activity monitors and data loggers, it was found that although colonies remain active during the period of deprivation, their foraging activity shifts from once nightly when food is available to once every second night when food‐deprived.3. Over a period of absolute food and water deprivation of 18 days, caterpillars lost an average of 36% of their initial mass but none perished. On average, the caterpillars regained their pre‐starvation mass within a few days after food was provided and continued to grow thereafter. During the period of starvation, caterpillars were observed to chew on dead and dried leaves in the field and on sheets of paper in the laboratory.4. To the authors’ knowledge, there is no other documented instance of a species of caterpillar that exhibits the physiological capacity to engage in a similar level of persistent activity when forced to endure a prolonged period with neither food nor water.
Trophic interactions among invertebrates in termitaria in the African savanna: a stable isotope approach
Authors: DeVISSER SARA N. , FREYMANN BERND P. , SCHNYDER HANS 
Published: August 2008

Abstract 1. Termites (Isoptera) in tropical savannas are known as ecosystem engineers, affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of water, carbon, cations, and nutrients through their mound structures. Their mounds, however, also offer habitation to diverse taxa and feeding guilds of other invertebrates; a keystone role that has not been properly quantified.2. The aim of this study was to explore the ecosystem role of termitaria in determining invertebrate diversity and their potential trophic interactions. We used stable isotopes to distinguish termite‐feeding invertebrates from invertebrates merely living in termite mounds under field conditions.3. The results suggest that inquiline spiders (Arachnida) do not feed on termites directly, but on other invertebrates within the termitaria that are termitophagous, elevating the spiders three trophic levels higher than the termites.4. This study is the first to demonstrate food web interactions among inquiline invertebrates with a stable isotope approach. It provides evidence that termites play a keystone role in the system by providing habitat for various, trophically interacting invertebrates. These results illustrate a rather unexplored ecosystem property of savanna termites.
Phenotypic plasticity of Brevicoryne brassicae in responses to nutritional quality of two related host plants
Authors: LEAL‐AGUILAR K. , RUIZ‐MONTOYA L. , PERALES H. , MORALES H. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract 1. The host species used by a herbivorous insect may impose different selective pressures promoting host race formation, yet the presence of plasticity can potentially constrain host race formation.2. The goal of this study is to determine if there is phenotypic plasticity in life history traits of Brevicoryne brassicae in response to host and nutritional quality of two host species, Brassica oleraceae and Brassica campestris, and to what extent there are genetic differences among genotypes in plasticity.3. Plants of B. oleraceae and B. campestris were fertilised with three different nitrogen doses (with nutritive solutions of 50, 200 and 400 ppm of soluble nitrogen) to produce plants with different nutritional qualities. Eight clones of B. brassicae were reared on those plants, and days to reproduction (DTR), number of nymphs, and fitness (rm) were recorded.4. A significant genotype × host interaction was detected in days to reproduction. Genotype × nitrogen interaction (plasticity) was detected in the number of nymphs when aphids were raised on B. campestris. Aphids showed plasticity in DTR and marginal plasticity in rm in reaction to the varying nitrogen content of B. oleraceae.5. The phenotypic plasticity to fine‐scale variation of host (nutritional quality) documented here may be an important source of phenotypic variation and may potentially constrain host race formation.
Geographical patterns of hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) functional groups in Europe: inconsistency in environmental correlates and latitudinal trends
Authors: KEIL PETR , DZIOCK FRANK , STORCH DAVID 
Published: August 2008

Abstract 1. Relationships between species richness in higher taxa and large‐scale environmental variables have been widely studied over the past 15 years. Much less is known about how different functional groups (FGs) of species with similar biological and life‐history traits contribute to the overall trends, or how they differ in species‐richness patterns.2. Multivariate analysis clustered 641 species of Syrphidae into eight FGs on the basis of 10 life‐history features, revealing feeding strategy as the main factor separating the groups.3. Geographical trends in species richness and determinants of species richness within the FGs were compared across Europe.4. Total species richness showed no latitudinal trend. However, the richness of individual FGs revealed variable relationships with latitude, including positive, negative, and hump‐shaped ones. This appeared to be related to how different environmental factors affected species richness within FGs.5. Functional groups differed in their responses to the environmental variables. Annual temperature, evapotranspiration, and elevation span were the most important variables separating the FGs in ordination analysis. The multiple regression models showed further differences between FGs and their responses to the environment.6. The FG approach revealed important inconsistencies in latitudinal diversity gradients and diversity‐climate relationships.
Comparison of frog assemblages between urban and non‐urban habitats in the upper Blue Mountains of Australia
Authors: LANE ALAN , BURGIN SHELLEY 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. World wide, and in Australia, many frog populations have declined over the last two decades. The present study was undertaken to determine whether urbanization has affected frog diversity and abundance.2. Five urban sites were paired with non‐urban sites. Urban sites were in Katoomba and Blackheath, and were subject to physical environmental disturbance and impacted by storm water pollution due to urban runoff. Non‐urban sites were in the Blue Mountains National Park and were effectively subject to no human impact.3. Water quality at urban sites was typical of sites polluted with sewage, while non‐urban sites exhibited water quality typical of ‘pristine’ natural bushland streams.4. Six species were found at urban sites (Litoria peronii, Litoria dentata, Litoria verreauxii, Limnodynastes dumerilii, Limnodynastes peronii, Crinia signifera), with up to four species present at a site. Only one species (C. signifera) was recorded at non‐urban sites, and frogs were absent from most non‐urban sites.5. The situation in non‐urban sites mirrors the trend of decline observed in other montane regions. Surprisingly, frog abundance and diversity were higher in urban habitats, running counter to this trend.6. We hypothesize that the salts, detergents and other chemicals in urban wastewaters provide frogs with a level of protection against disease, particularly chytridiomycosis.
Feedback between zebra mussel selective feeding and algal composition affects mussel condition: did the regime changer pay a price for its success?
Authors: VANDERPLOEG HENRY A. , JOHENGEN THOMAS H. , LIEBIG JAMES R. 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. We investigated the role of algal composition on pumping, clearance, assimilation, pseudofaeces and faeces production, feeding time budgets, and condition of zebra mussels from spring to autumn at two sites in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) and one site in western Lake Erie. Size‐fractioned chlorophyll was used to distinguish between feeding on small (<53 μm) and large (>53 μm) size fractions, and mussel feeding behaviour was quantified by video observations.2. Mussel pumping, clearance and assimilation rates varied among sites, particularly during summer, when phytoplankton composition varied considerably among sites. Lowest values were seen at the inner‐bay site of Saginaw Bay, low to moderate values at the outer‐bay site of Saginaw Bay, and high values at the Lake Erie site. Clearance, pumping and assimilation rates were all highly positively correlated (R2 = 0.76) with per cent contribution of flagellates to total algal biomass and negatively correlated with per cent of Microcystis aeruginosa (R2 = 0.63). The negative effects on pumping rate (as determined by clearance rate on the <53 μm fraction) of Microcystis, which occurred in the >53 μm fraction, could be mitigated by the presence of flagellates in the <53 μm fraction.3. Visual observations of mussel feeding showed evidence for poor seston quality during summer negatively affecting feeding rates. High faeces production during times of low assimilation rate was suggestive of poor assimilation efficiency and/or viable gut passage of grazing resistant algae. Long periods of time not filtering by the mussels during some Microcystis blooms and lack of production of a filtering current during one experiment were suggestive of intoxication from microcystin or other secondary compounds.4. Clearance and feeding rates of the mussels in Saginaw Bay were high during spring and autumn and very low in summer, particularly at the inner‐bay site. Condition of the mussels (mass : length ratio) was highest in spring and lowest during summer. This seasonal variation probably reflected high food assimilation rate during autumn and spring and low assimilation rate and reproduction during summer. The condition of mussels throughout the year was higher at the outer‐bay than the inner‐bay site, reflecting better feeding conditions at the former. Mussel selective feeding may have been responsible for the poor quality of food at the inner bay site; therefore, we postulate that a regime shift in phytoplankton composition promoted by the mussels fed back into lowered condition of the mussels.
Multivesicular bodies in intestinal epithelial cells: responsible for MHC class II‐restricted antigen processing and origin of exosomes
Authors: Büning Jürgen , Von Smolinski Dorthe , Tafazzoli Kianush , Zimmer Klaus‐Peter , Strobel Stephan , Apostolaki Maria , Kollias George , Heath Joan K. , Ludwig Diether , Gebert Andreas 
Published: August 2008

SummaryIn normal conditions intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) constitutively stimulate regulatory CD4+T cells. However, in Crohn's disease (CD), this major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐restricted antigen presentation results in stimulation of proinflammatory CD4+T cells. We hypothesized that these alternative functions might be mediated by differential sorting and processing of antigens into distinct MHC II‐enriched compartments (MIICs). Accordingly, we analysed the endocytic pathways of lumenally applied ovalbumin (OVA) in IECs of the jejunum and ileum of wild‐type (WT) and TNFΔARE/WT mice that develop a CD‐resembling ileitis. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found that messenger RNA levels of interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐17 and interleukin‐10 were significantly up‐regulated in the inflamed ileum of TNFΔARE/WT mice, confirming CD‐like inflammation. Fluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed the presence of MHC II and invariant chain throughout the late endocytic compartments, with most molecules concentrated in the multivesicular bodies (MVB). OVA was targeted into MVB and, in contrast to other MIICs, accumulated in these structures within 120 min of exposure. The IEC‐specific A33 antigen localized to internal vesicles of MVB and A33/class II‐bearing exosomes were identified in intercellular spaces. Remarkably, the expression pattern of MHC II/invariant chain molecules and the trafficking of OVA were independent of mucosal inflammation and the specific region in the small intestine. MVB seem to be principally responsible for class II‐associated antigen processing in IECs and to constitute the origin of MHC II‐loaded exosomes. The distinctive functions of IECs in antigen presentation to CD4+T cells might arise as a result of differential processing within the MVB identified here.
Co‐ordinated expression of lymphoid and myeloid specific transcription factors during B‐1b cell differentiation into mononuclear phagocytes in vitro
Authors: Popi Ana F. , Motta Fabiana L. T. , Mortara Renato A. , Schenkman Sergio , Lopes José D. , Mariano Mario 
Published: August 2008

SummaryWe previously demonstrated that B‐1b cells can undergo differentiation to acquire a mononuclear phagocyte phenotype upon attachment to substrate in vitro. Here we followed the expression of surface markers and transcription factors during this differentiation. B‐1b cells spontaneously express both myeloid and lymphoid restricted transcription factors. When induced to differentiate into a phagocyte, the lymphoid genes E box protein (E2A), early B‐cell factor (EBF), paired box 5 (Pax5) are down‐modulated, while expression of genes related to myeloid commitment is sustained. Furthermore, B‐1b cell‐derived phagocytes (B‐1CDPs) decrease immunoglobulin M (IgM) expression but retain the expression of the heavy chain variable gene VH11 or VH12, an immunoglobulin gene rearrangement predominantly expressed by B‐1 cells. The maintenance of lymphoid characteristics in B‐1CDPs characterizes a unique type of phagocyte, not related to monocyte‐derived macrophages.
Does nasal decongestion improve obstructive sleep apnea?
Authors: CLARENBACH CHRISTIAN F. , KOHLER MALCOLM , SENN OLIVER , THURNHEER ROBERT , BLOCH KONRAD E. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryWhether nasal congestion promotes obstructive sleep apnea is controversial. Therefore, we performed a randomized placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial on the effects of topical nasal decongestion in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and nasal congestion. Twelve OSA patients with chronic nasal congestion (mean ± SD age 49.1 ± 11.1 years, apnea/hypopnea index 32.6 ± 24.5/h) were treated with nasal xylometazoline or placebo for 1 week each. At the end of treatment periods, polysomnography including monitoring of nasal conductance by an unobtrusive technique, vigilance by the OSLER test, and symptom scores were assessed. Data from xylometazoline and placebo treatments were compared. Mean nocturnal nasal conductance on xylometazoline was significantly higher than on placebo (8.6 ± 5.3 versus 6.3 ± 5.8 mL s−1Pa−1, P < 0.05) but the apnea/hypopnea index was similar (29.3 ± 32.5/h versus 33.2 ± 32.8/h, P = NS). However, 30–210 min after application of xylometazoline, at the time of the maximal pharmacologic effect, the apnea/hypopnea index was slightly reduced (27.3 ± 30.5/h versus 33.2 ± 33.9/h, P < 0.05). Xylometazoline did not alter sleep quality, sleep resistance time (33.6 ± 8.8 versus 33.4 ± 10.1 min, P = NS) and subjective sleepiness (Epworth score 10.5 ± 3.8 versus 11.8 ± 4.4, P = NS). The reduced apnea/hypopnea index during maximal nasal decongestion by xylometazoline suggests a pathophysiologic link but the efficacy of nasal decongestion was not sufficient to provide a clinically substantial improvement of OSA. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NTC006030474.
Repression of small toxic protein synthesis by the Sib and OhsC small RNAs
Authors: Fozo Elizabeth M. , Kawano Mitsuoki , Fontaine Fanette , Kaya Yusuf , Mendieta Kathy S. , Jones Kristi L. , Ocampo Alejandro , Rudd Kenneth E. , Storz Gisela 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe sequences encoding the QUAD1 RNAs were initially identified as four repeats in Escherichia coli. These repeats, herein renamed SIB, are conserved in closely related bacteria, although the number of repeats varies. All five Sib RNAs in E. coli MG1655 are expressed, and no phenotype was observed for a five‐sib deletion strain. However, a phenotype reminiscent of plasmid addiction was observed for overexpression of the Sib RNAs, and further examination of the SIB repeat sequences revealed conserved open reading frames encoding highly hydrophobic 18‐ to 19‐amino‐acid proteins (Ibs) opposite each sib gene. The Ibs proteins were found to be toxic when overexpressed and this toxicity could be prevented by coexpression of the corresponding Sib RNA. Two other RNAs encoded divergently in the yfhL‐acpS intergenic region were similarly found to encode a small hydrophobic protein (ShoB) and an antisense RNA regulator (OhsC). Overexpression of both IbsC and ShoB led to immediate changes in membrane potential suggesting both proteins affect the cell envelope. Whole genome expression analysis showed that overexpression of IbsC and ShoB, as well as the small hydrophobic LdrD and TisB proteins, has both overlapping and unique consequences for the cell.
The effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5% or gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% treatment on corneal wound healing in pigmented rabbits following anterior keratectomy
Authors: Williams K. Keven , McCartney Mitchell D. , Rice Rebecca L. , Wax Martin B. , Hiddemen Joseph W. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose  These studies examined corneal healing rates, Type‐IV collagen and zonula occludens membrane‐associated protein (ZO‐1) expression, as well as aqueous PGE2 and IL‐1β concentrations in pigmented rabbits treated with either moxifloxacin 0.5%, gatifloxacin 0.3% or BSS® following anterior keratectomy.Methods  Anterior keratectomy surgery was followed by topical administration with commercial ophthalmic formulations of either moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin or BSS® (TID for 96 h). Images of the fluorescein‐stained healing corneas were analyzed for wound area. At 48 or 96 h following surgery, aqueous humor samples were collected and analyzed for the inflammatory mediators PGE2 and IL‐1β using an ELISA. The corneas were subsequently evaluated using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In a second parallel study, corneas were evaluated at both 48 and 96 h for Type‐IV collagen and ZO‐1 expression using immunohistochemistry.Results  Fluorescein‐stained corneal images at 96 h postsurgery demonstrated that 90% ± 8% re‐epithelialization for moxifloxacin, 81% ± 14% for gatifloxacin, and 88 ± 6% for BSS® (P > 0.05). PGE2 levels in the aqueous humor of fluoroquinolone treated eyes were reduced at 48 h compared to BSS® treated eyes. IL‐1β was undetectable in all samples. No differences in Type‐IV collagen or ZO‐1 expression were observed between any treatment groups. There were no differences between groups in histological appearance or in ultrastructural healing processes.Conclusions  These studies demonstrated that the commercial ophthalmic formulations of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin were similar to each other in their effects on the levels of aqueous humor PGE2 and rates of corneal wound re‐epithelialization.
Catheter‐less robotic radical prostatectomy using a custom‐made synchronous anastomotic splint and vesical urinary diversion device: report of the initial series and perioperative outcomes
Authors: Tewari Ashutosh , Rao Sandhya , Mandhani Anil 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of avoiding a urethral catheter after robotic radical prostatectomy by using suprapubic diversion with a urethral splint, as urethral catheterization is often a source of major discomfort and pain to the patient, and can cause more concern to the patient than the procedure; we present the outcomes of a pilot study.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis pilot study involved 30 patients; in group 1 (the study group of 10 patients) we used a custom‐made suprapubic catheter which provided a small anastomotic splint, multiple holes for drainage and the ability to retract the splint to give a voiding trial before removing the drainage device. Group 2 was a control group of 20 patients who had standard urethral catheterization with an 18 F Silastic Foley catheter. Demographic, intraoperative and outcome data were measured and analysed. Urethral symptoms were recorded using a specially developed questionnaire.RESULTSThe two groups were comparable in terms of age, serum prostate specific antigen level, body mass index, Gleason scores, tumour stage, operative duration, amount of bleeding, console times, anastomotic leakage and postoperative retention rates. The study group had significantly less penile shaft or tip pain and discomfort during walking or sleeping. No patient in either group had haematuria or clot retention requiring irrigation.CONCLUSIONUrethral catheter‐less robotic radical prostatectomy is feasible. The advantages are decreased penile shaft and tip pain, and decreased patient discomfort and an earlier return of continence.
The accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography supplemented with computer‐aided ultrasonography for detecting small prostate cancers
Authors: Braeckman Johan , Autier Philippe , Soviany Cristina , Nir Rina , Nir Dror , Michielsen Dirk , Treurnicht Karien , Jarmulowicz Michael , Bleiberg Harry , Govindaraju Senthil , Emberton Mark 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine the extent to which computer‐aided ultrasonography of the prostate (HistoScanningTM, Advanced Medical Diagnostics, Waterloo, Belgium) can identify tumour foci that correspond to a volume of ≥0.50 mL.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween September 2004 and February 2006, 29 men were HistoScanned before scheduled radical prostatectomy. The three‐dimensional raw (grey‐scaled) data required for HistoScanning analysis were acquired by transrectal ultrasonography, and analysed using organ‐specific tissue‐characterization algorithms which form the core of the HistoScanning technology. The HistoScanning analysis results were compared with the histology of the whole‐mounted prostate, step‐sectioned sagittally at 5‐mm intervals, and each slide analysed by 5 × 5 mm grid analysis.RESULTSOf 29 patients, 13 had histology unknown to those evaluating the HistoScanning data. With 0.50 mL as the lower threshold for delineating and visualizing cancer volume, HistoScanning correctly predicted the presence of all 12 lesions that were subsequently confirmed to occupy ≥0.50 mL. In addition three lesions were predicted as being present and of ≥0.50 mL. These three lesions were subsequently confirmed to be present but were ≤0.50 mL on histopathological review. Thus, using the clinically accepted volume threshold of 0.50 mL, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of HistoScanning were 12/12, 13/16 (82%), 12/15 (80%) and 12/12, respectively, for the cancer foci analysed.CONCLUSIONSIn this preliminary study, HistoScanning accurately detected cancer foci of ≥0.50 mL; these encouraging results will need to be verified in a larger group of patients.