bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of Liriomyza langei on chrysanthemum by Diglyphus isaea produced with a standard or modified parasitoid rearing technique
Authors: Chow A. , Heinz K. M. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Overproduction of male parasitoids during mass rearing will increase costs for biological control because wasp shipments contain fewer females and only females kill hosts directly. We have developed a rearing technique capable of significantly reducing male‐biased sex ratios in Diglyphus isaea (Walker) (Hym., Eulophidae), a commercially reared parasitoid of agromyzid leafminers. In this study, we examined the effect of rearing technique on the efficacy of D. isaea for biological control of Liriomyza langei Frick (Dip., Agromyzidae) on chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev var. ‘Miramar’. We produced D. isaea on mixtures of small and large hosts (our modified technique) or on only large hosts (simulating commercial mass‐rearing) and compared: (1) control of L. langei with D. isaea produced by the two rearing techniques, and (2) damage and yield of unprotected and protected plants. The two rearing techniques produced similar numbers of waSPS per rearing cohort, but the ‘modified’ technique reduced the proportion of males by approximately 13%. The two techniques also produced females of similar size, but the ‘modified’ technique produced smaller males. In greenhouse trials simulating leafminer infestations of potted chrysanthemums during commercial production, we found no significant differences between the levels of control obtained by releasing identical numbers and sex ratios of adult waSPS produced by either rearing technique. Mine counts on plants protected by waSPS of either rearing history were similar and around 30–70% less than unprotected plants during most of the 11‐week crop cycle. At crop harvest, more than half of the foliage on protected plants was undamaged compared with <10% on unprotected crops. Damage to the flower stems of protected plants was relatively light in the top half of the canopy compared with the bottom half. Protected plants were around 10–15% taller and produced twice as many flower buds compared with unprotected plants. Our ‘modified’ rearing technique can reduce overproduction of males in D. isaea with no compromise in biological control efficacy. Adoption of our rearing technique by commercial insectaries could reduce implementation costs for not only D. isaea but also other parasitoids that show host‐size‐dependent sex allocation.
Could resistance to insecticides in Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae) be overcome by insecticide mixtures?
Authors: Attique M. N. R. , Khaliq A. , Sayyed A. H. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  To investigate if synergism occurs between pyrethroids, organophosphates and new insecticides, we tested representatives of these compounds (bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, spinosad, indoxacarb and emamectin) against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Larvicidal activity of these insecticides was assessed separately and together on a susceptible strain (Lab‐UK) of P. xylostella as well as a field population collected from Multan. The field population showed significant resistance to chlorpyrifos (331 100‐fold), bifenthrin (45 200‐fold), emamectin (1800‐fold), spinosad (11‐fold) and indoxacarb (5600‐fold) when compared with the Lab‐UK population. When insecticides were mixed based on LC50 and tested at serial concentrations against Lab‐UK, significant synergy (CI < 1) occurred between bifenthrin, spinosad and emamectin. In contrast, the interaction between bifenthrin and indoxacarb was additive (CI = 1). The toxicity of bifenthrin against the field population increased significantly (P < 0.01) when combined with spinosad, emamectin and indoxacarb. Synergistic effects could be attributed to the complementary modes of action by these insecticide classes acting on different components of nerve impulse transmission (which are not identical for bifenthrin and indoxacarb either). However, chlorpyrifos/bifenthrin mixture was not significantly different either from bifenthrin or chlorpyrifos alone, indicating an additive affect. In combination with spinosad and emamectin, tested against the resistant field population, the toxicity of chlorpyrifos increased significantly and even more so with indoxacarb. Mixtures could also give rise to multiple resistance that may extend across other chemical classes and thus become difficult to manage. Therefore, alternative strategies such as mosaics or rotations should be considered. That is, though synergistic effects have been found, this should not be followed up as a strategy to manage resistant field populations.
An Improved Antiserum for Sensitive Serologic Detection of Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus
Authors: Kumari S. G. , Makkouk K. M. , Attar N. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA Syrian chickpea isolate of Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV; genus Mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae) was purified and yielded 0.6–0.8 mg of purified virus per kg of infected chickpea tissue. The purified preparations were injected into a rabbit and an antiserum of good quality was obtained and used to evaluate different serological tests for the detection of CpCDV in infected chickpea leaf tissue and extracts. CpCDV was detected in sap dilutions of 1/640 by double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA) and dot‐blot ELISA, and in sap dilutions of 1/1280 by direct antigen‐coating (DAC)‐ELISA using CpCDV immunoglobulin G (IgG) at 0.5 μg/ml. The antiserum was also able to detect the capsid protein of CpCDV by Western blot using raw antiserum at a dilution of 1/2000. The CpCDV raw antiserum (third bleeding) produced had a titre of 1/320 000 when determined by tissue‐blot immunoassay (TBIA); whereas, coating ELISA plates with CpCDV IgG at a concentration of 0.004 μg/ml was enough to detect the virus by DAS‐ELISA in a sap dilution of 1/20 using an enzyme conjugate at a dilution of 1/2000.
Formulation and Delivery of the Bacterial Antagonist Bacillus subtilis for Management of Lentil Vascular Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis
Authors: El‐Hassan S. A. , Gowen S. R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDifferent formulations of Bacillus subtilis were prepared using standard laboratory protocols. Bacillus subtilis survived in glucose and talc powders at 8.6 and 7.8 log10 CFU/g, respectively, for 1 year of storage at room temperature compared with 3.5 log10 CFU/g on a peat formulation. Glasshouse experiments using soil and seed treatments were conducted to test the efficacy of B. subtilis for protecting lentil against the wilt disease caused by Fusariumoxysporum f. sp. lentis. Seed treatments with formulations of B. subtilis on glucose, talc and peat significantly enhanced its biocontrol activity against Fusarium compared with a treatment in which spores were applied directly to seed. The formulations decreased disease severity by reducing colonization of plants by the pathogen, promoting their growth and increased the dry weight of lentil plants. Of these treatments the glucose and talc‐based powder formulations were more effective than the peat formulation and the spore application without a carrier. It was shown that the B. subtilis spores applied with glucose were viable for longer than those applied with other carriers. Seed treatment with these formulated spores is an effective delivery system that can provide a conducive environment for B. subtilis to suppress vascular wilt disease on lentil and has the potential for utilization in commercial field application.
PCR‐based DNA Markers for Identifying Hybrids within Phytophthora alni
Authors: Bakonyi J. , Nagy Z. Á. , ÉRsek T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTwo pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection and differential identification of naturally occurring interspecific hybrid types (subspecies) of Phytophthora alni, all of which cause collar rot of alder trees. Primer pairs were derived from randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments that were unique to various subspecies of this alder pathogen. The primer pair set, SAP1/SAP2 (SAP), was derived from a 0.93‐kb RAPD fragment amplified from P. alni ssp. alni. The primer pair set, SWAP1/SWAP2 (SWAP), was derived from a 1.13‐kb fragment amplified from P. alni ssp. uniformis. Patterns of SAP and SWAP amplification enabled distinction among the three subspecies. No PCR products were amplified from isolates of 31 other Phytophthora spp. examined, including P. cambivora and P. fragariae, the suspected progenitors of P. alni. The SAP and SWAP primer sets were able to detect a minimum of 10 pg of DNA from pure cultures or DNA extracted from as few as 10 zoospores. Pathogen DNA could also be amplified directly from bark lesions of artificially inoculated and naturally infected common alders and from lesions developed on common cherry‐laurel leaves used in baiting the pathogen from infested soil. Direct detection of pathogen DNA from alder tissue using SAP and SWAP primer sets should prove useful in developing measures for effective quarantine and management of P. alni.
Genetic Similarity among Isolates of Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis, Causal Agent of Tan Spot of Wheat
Authors: Singh P. K. , Hughes G. R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTan spot, a foliar disease of wheat, is caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis. On susceptible wheat cultivars, P. tritici‐repentis induces two distinct symptoms: tan necrosis and extensive chlorosis. Presently isolates of P. tritici‐repentis are classified into 11 races based on their virulence on a set of wheat differential genotypes. In nature, this pathogen reproduces both sexually and asexually, but the extent of genetic variability in the P. tritici‐repentis population of western Canada is unknown. This study was conducted to assess the genetic variability among different isolates of P. tritici‐repentis and to determine if similarities among isolates are correlated with race classification or geographic origin of the isolates. Thirty‐three isolates of P. tritici‐repentis and one isolate each of P. teres f. sp. teres, P. teres f. sp. maculata, P. graminea, Helminthosporium sativum and an uncharacterized isolate were studied with 30 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. Cluster analysis showed that all isolates had unique banding patterns and that clustering of isolates was independent of their race designation or geographic origin. Analysis of molecular variation (amova) showed that 96.8% of variability occurred among isolates and among race variability accounted for only 3.2% of the total variability.
MECHANISMS OF CARDIOTOXIN III‐INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN COLORECTAL CANCER COLO205 CELLS
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Houng , Yang Sheng‐Huei , Chien Ching‐Ming , Lu Mei‐Chin , Lo Chao‐Sheng , Lin Yi‐Hsiung , Hu Xiu‐Wei , Lin Shinne‐Ren 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY

Cardiotoxin III (CTX III) is a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom. This is the first report on the mechanism of the anticancer effect of CTX III in human colorectal cancer Colo205 cells.
Cardiotoxin III‐induced Colo205 cell apoptosis was confirmed by DNA fragmentation (DNA ladder and sub‐G1 formation) with an IC50 of 4 mg/mL at 48 h.
Further mechanistic analysis demonstrate that CTX III induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Dym), cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol and activation of capase‐9, caspase 3, as well as markedly enhancing the expression of Bax, but not Bcl‐2, protein in the cells. Moreover, the CTX III‐induced apoptosis was significantly blocked by the broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethylketone.
However, CTX III did not generate the formation of reactive oxygen species and anti‐oxidants, including N‐acetylcysteine, and catalase could not block CTX III‐induced apoptosis in the Colo205 cells.
Taken together, these results suggest that CTX III may induce apoptosis through a mitochondrial‐ and caspase‐dependent mechanism and alteration of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in human colorectal Colo205 cancer cells.
BALLOON INJURY ALTERS α‐ADRENOCEPTOR EXPRESSION ACROSS RAT CAROTID ARTERY WALL
Authors: Faber James E , Yang Nengyu 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYa1‐Adrenoceptors (AR) mediate growth factor‐like activity of catecholamines on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and adventitial fibroblasts. This trophic activity is strongly augmented by balloon injury, contributes significantly to subsequent proliferation, wall hypertrophy and lumen loss and is mediated by a1A‐ and a1B‐AR. However, it is not known how injury augments adrenergic trophic activity. The aim of the present study was to examine a‐AR expression in rat carotid artery and to test the hypothesis that balloon injury augments a1‐AR expression.Neointima, media and adventitia were isolated at various days after balloon injury of rat carotid artery and subjected to quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and radioligand binding. Cultured SMC were also studied.Transcripts for a1A‐, a1B‐, a1D‐ and a2D‐AR were expressed in different proportions in media and adventitia from uninjured carotid artery. Injury caused a reduction by as much as 85% at day 4 in all a‐AR mRNA (but not cyclophilin) in both the media and adventitia. In both layers, expression returned to control by day 21 for a2D‐AR and by day 42 for a1A‐AR, but remained reduced by 25–50% for a1B‐ and a1D‐AR at 42 days. a1‐Adrenoceptor transcripts in the neointima at 21 and 42 days after injury were expressed at levels more than 80% lower than in the media or adventitia of uninjured carotid; a2D‐AR mRNA was undetectable. The density of total a1‐AR binding sites was similar in the media and adventitia of uninjured carotid. Density was reduced by approximately 60% in the intima–media and adventitia 21 days after injury. To examine possible mechanisms, early passaged cultured SMC were studied that express a1D‐ and a1B‐AR at levels similar toin vivobut that do not express other a‐AR. Basic fibroblast growth factor caused downregulation of a1D‐AR mRNA and a1‐AR density, without affecting mRNA half‐life, whereas transforming growth factor‐b1 had no effect. Neither growth factor altered a1B‐AR message expression.These data demonstrate that: (i) carotid artery expresses the same four a‐AR genes and similar total a1‐AR density in the SMC media and fibroblast‐rich adventitia; and (ii) injury induced enhancement of adrenergic trophic activity is not caused by upregulation of a1‐AR, but, instead, is associated with a generalized reduction in a‐AR expression.
PROGRESSION OF SEVERE ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND INCREASED ARTERIAL PULSE PRESSURE IN THE NEWLY DEVELOPED HERITABLE MIXED HYPERLIPIDAEMIC RABBITS
Authors: Shimoda Tomoko , Ishihata Akira , Aita Tomomi , Kaga Mikako , Ito Tsunekata , Ohwada Kazuo , Tomoike Hitonobu , Katano Yumi 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY

We have recently segregated a new line of rabbit, named TGH, with severely high levels of plasma triglyceride and cholesterol. The aim of the present study was to investigate the progression of atherosclerosis and haemodynamic parameters in TGH rabbits.
Japanese white (JW) and TGH rabbits (24–27 months old) were anaesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. Plasma concentrations of triglyceride were 63.1 8.0 and 446.0 35.2 mg/dL in JW and TGH rabbits, respectively. Blood pressure was measured by a catheter implanted in the femoral artery. Histological examinations were performed using haematoxylin–eosin and elastica–Masson trichrome staining to detect atherosclerotic lesions.
The JW rabbits had no atherosclerotic lesions. In TGH rabbits, severe atherosclerotic lesions were observed throughout the aorta, especially in the aortic arch. Basal femoral arterial pressure was not significantly different between JW and TGH rabbits. However, the basal pulse pressure in TGH rabbits (48.3 4.5 mmHg) was significantly greater than that of JW rabbits (28.0 5.6 mmHg). Intravenous infusion of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 26.9 mg/kg) increased the blood pressure of TGH and JW rabbits. There was no significant difference in the response to l‐NAME between the two rabbit strains.
The present study shows that severe atherosclerotic changes develop in TGH rabbits and suggests that the hyperlipidaemia combined with hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia is an important factor for promoting atherosclerosis in TGH rabbits. The greater pulse pressure in TGH rabbits may be due to the increased vascular stiffness with atherosclerosis.
This newly developed TGH rabbit line of heritable hypertriglyceridaemia with hypercholesterolaemia will become a useful animal model for studies on the role of hyperlipidaemia in the progression of atherosclerosis and in many atherosclerosis‐related diseases.
ROLE OF CAPSAICIN‐SENSITIVE SENSORY NERVES IN MEDIATION OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OFCROTON ZEHNTNERILEAVES IN ANAESTHETIZED RATS
Authors: de Siqueira RJB , Leal‐Cardoso JH , Couture R , Lahlou S 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYThe essential oil ofCroton zehntneriPax et Hoffm. (EOCZ) contains anethole (42%) and estragole (46%), two isomers that share some chemical structural similarities with capsaicin. The present study investigated the cardiovascular effects of EOCZ and the role of capsaicin‐sensitive sensory nerve fibres in the mediation of these effects in anaesthetized rats.Intravenous bolus injection of EOCZ (1–20 mg/kg) elicited dose‐dependent hypotension and bradycardia that were immediate and transient. Similar responses were also observed with anethole and estragole (both at 10 mg/kg). After cervical bivagotomy or perineural treatment of both cervical vagus nerves with capsaicin (250 mg/mL) to selectively block the conduction of sensory C‐fibres, both cardiovascular responses to EOCZ (10 mg/kg) were abolished.Like capsaicin, an epigastric retrograde intra‐arterial injection of EOCZ (10 mg/kg, i.a.) into the femoral artery elicited a monophasic hypotensive response. This reflex response was blocked by either neonatal pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg/kg, s.c.) or intrathecal injection of the substance P receptor antagonist RP 67580 (7.8 nmol, at the spinal level L5–L6), suggesting that it is mediated exclusively by substance P‐containing primary afferent fibres.The cardiovascular responses to EOCZ (10 mg/kg, i.v.) were also significantly reduced by the selective vallinoid TPRV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine (1 mg/kg, i.v.).It is concluded that i.v. administration of EOCZ in anaesthetized rats elicits a capsaicin‐like bradycardic and depressor reflex, which appears to be mediated by the activation of vallinoid TPRV1 receptors located on vagal sensory nerves. Like capsaicin, i.a. injection of EOCZ induces a spinally mediated sensory reflex.
RESPIRATORY CONSEQUENCES OF PRETERM BIRTH
Authors: Moss Timothy JM 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY

Approximately 8% of Australia's 250 000 annual births occur preterm (before 37 weeks completed gestation). Preterm infants represent 75% of all neonatal deaths in Australia, with the vast majority of these deaths caused by pulmonary disease.
The respiratory consequences for survivors of preterm birth include the immediate challenges of breathing with underdeveloped lungs, usually manifest as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and, in the long term, with persisting pulmonary abnormalities. Therapies to prevent neonatal lung disease now permit survival of preterm infants born as early as 22 weeks gestational age, but not without consequences.
Preterm infants are at risk of developing chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The lungs of infants dying from BPD are inflamed and have fewer, larger alveoli than normal and exhibit abnormal pulmonary vascular development. There is now a growing appreciation of the contribution of intrauterine inflammation to the aetiology of BPD.
Impaired airway function is commonly reported in follow‐up studies of children born preterm. Decreased expiratory flow rates have been associated with preterm birth per se, but airway function appears more affected in survivors of RDS and BPD. Observations in survivors of BPD suggest persisting abnormalities in the structure of the lung parenchyma and airways.
Follow‐up studies of preterm infants into adulthood are lacking, as are experimental examinations of the long‐term physiological and anatomical effects of preterm birth. Both are necessary to understand the causes of the long‐term respiratory consequences of preterm birth.
How have we been managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australia?
Authors: Matheson M. C. , Abeysena C. , Raven J. M. , Skoric B. , Johns D. P. , Abramson M. J. , Walters E. H. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a main cause of disability, hospital admissions and premature deaths in Australia, little is known about the community management of COPD in relation to recently published guidelines. The aim of the article was to report on COPD management in a community based cohort.Methods: A random sample of adults aged between 45 and 70 years drawn from the electoral roll participated in the study. They completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and measurement of transfer factor. COPD was defined according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Current asthma was defined as wheeze during the last 12 months together with bronchial hyperreactivity. Subjects were classified as either COPD‐only, asthma‐only or both asthma and COPD.Results: Of 1224 subjects completing spirometry, 39 (3.5%) met the GOLD criteria for stage 2 or 3 COPD, asthma‐only was found in 99 (8.9%) subjects and 40 (3.6%) subjects had both asthma and COPD. The COPD‐only group was significantly older than the other two groups. More than 40% of subjects with COPD did not have a diagnosis of COPD from their doctors. Only 48.7% of subjects with COPD had ever been prescribed medication for their breathing. More than two‐thirds of all subjects had seen a doctor for breathing problems, but very few had seen a general practitioner in the last 12 months and even fewer had respiratory function tests.Conclusions: Most subjects with COPD are being undertreated. Diagnosis, monitoring and referral systems should be improved. Preventive activities such as influenza vaccination and smoking cessation should be intensified.
Medication accuracy and general practitioner referral letters
Authors: Carney S. L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPrescriber medication communication is a Quality Use of Medicines barrier. Medication information in General Practice (GP) referral letters to a physician was evaluated. Accuracy of medications taken and drug dose was respectively 63% and 84%, an overall accuracy rate of 58%. Complementary/over‐the‐counter medication documentation occurred in 26% of the letters. To avoid medical mismanagement, physicians must validate all GP medication lists regardless of their apparent comprehensiveness.